Rule Book? Who Needs It?
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all (track and field), but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain . 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things . Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown (ex. Olympic Gold Medal); but we an incorruptible (eternal glory and reward). 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I (boxing), not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Here Jesus’ apostle Paul speaks of two sports, running (track and field) and boxing. He uses them due to the widespread knowledge of them by the people. Paul uses these sports to illustrate divine truths we must grasp to successfully follow the LORD Jesus. In another place Paul uses the sport of wrestling when illustrating spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).
Paul illustrates a spiritual truth by speaking of running in a race as an athlete according to the rules of the marathon, hurdle, or relay race. Then he says that in his walk with Christ, he makes sure he is not wasting his time only to be “castway” from the LORD in the end as Jesus promised that “many” who think they are serving Him will be (Matthew 7:21-23). If a boxer doesn’t land his punches on the chin or body of his opponent and just throws those punches into mid air, at the end he will lose.
Are your punches landing on the chin of your enemy? Or, are you spinning your wheels?
Would it be better to find out the answers to these questions before it’s too late?
Sports are not a new thing and as is the case for their predecessors, all modern sports have rules that must be followed or disqualification follows. How many times have we seen players fail to follow the rules and their play or whole body of work becomes nullified? We are all aware of recent Heisman trophies that have been taken back and various achievement awards due to violations of the rules including the use of steroids. Can you remember seeing where a track runner steps off the track or a basketball player commits a foul or a good football play is brought back and negated due to a penalty, like offensive holding? Though it grieves us at the moment, we know that the game must be played according to the rules, right?
What’s your favorite sport? Does that sport have rules? Of course, right. And where are those rules contained? In a rule book, right?
The rule book for any sport is the script as to exactly how that game works, what qualifies and what disqualifies a team, a player, or a play. Each play is either qualified or disqualified based on whether or not the player(s) conforms to the established rules of that game.
The same is true concerning the Savior and His salvation. His rules are contained in His Rule Book. Think about it. God’s script is revealed in His Holy Scriptures and His agenda is to save you for His eternal glory. His Rule Book keeps safe and sound those who live by it (Psalms 17:4; Proverbs 30:5-6). They are assured eternal blessings while violators will be penalized and punished eternally (Revelation 1:3; 21:7-8; 22:14-15).
To those who had just believed upon Him, Jesus said “IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) In other words, “Now that you are saved, you must continue in My Word and as you do you will be made free, otherwise you will fall away and not make it. Now that I have found and apprehended you for My glory and kingdom, you must follow My ways and hear My voice and no other.”
“Ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
It’s interesting to notice that rule books are universally accepted in every arena of life except with the Almighty. We are all glad and agree that our favorite sports have to have an established set of rules. That is, rules established which govern how the game is played. In the games we like there is always a written standard to play by so that fairness is executed. Breaking the rules of the game brings disqualification. In fact, my favorite football team played in a big game recently and a running back from the team ran in for a score/touchdown, apparently. Yet, upon reviewing the play, it was discovered that the athlete had stepped out of bounds on his way to the end zone. So, operating according to the rules of the game of football, the officials nullified that touchdown and the ball was placed back where the player stepped out of bounds. Why? –Because the rules say so. No one from either team or fan base disagreed because we all agree with and find safety and fairness in the rules establishing that game.
The Rule Book for the Game of Life
No, life’s not a game, but this is an illustration in accordance to how Paul’s used sports.
It’s interesting that when it comes to the Almighty, our very Maker, Judge, and the One whose air we now breath to keep us alive, we want to scrap, trash, change, ignore, twist, and attack His Sacred Rule Book, the Holy Bible. Many insist upon making up their own rules and playing their own way, never realizing they may be disqualifying themselves by their denial of the Rule Maker. This will end is eternal separation from the LORD in hell.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Just why do people not want to humble themselves and walk simply according to the Word of the One they claim to have be saved by? – It’s simple – they have not surrendered to Him or are presently serving self and not the Savior. They have chosen to reign over the affairs of their own lives and oust Christ as LORD and Master. Jesus calls them His very “enemies.”
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slaythem before me.” Luke 19:27
In the sport games we like, we all trust and generally agree with the rules that establish the parameters of that game and yet, when it comes to the LORD, so many who claimed to know Him, could care less to even learn His Rule Book, much less walking accordingly.
You see, rules are a blessing. Keeping them is certain to keep us safe, sound, and secure in the end.
Soon, you and I shall stand before Him to give account of every thought, motive, and action done in this life. We will each give account to the ultimate Law Giver as to whether or not we obeyed what He said in His Word. Those who ignore and do not do things His way – by His Rule Book – have this to look forward to:
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away ; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened : and another book was opened , which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15
You see, God’s Rule Book is the only eternal Book of Rules for life and blessing (2 Peter 1:3-4). His Rule Book reveals the One Savior whereby the individual can play by the rules He has established and not be disqualified in the end. His blessings and promises are all there to be received by His children. All that we need and desire is found therein.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divinenature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
Saved or Sorry?
At the end of a whole game, no one wants to find out that they have been disqualified due to not following the standards set forth in the rule book, right? This is why it makes no sense and is deadly to assume one is following God’s Rule Book if that person does not even study and know the Word. Many think they are following the LORD and believe they will be accepted into Heaven in the end and miss the eternal, conscious misery and suffering of hell. But Jesus foretold of them. He said that “many,” not a few, will be shocked in the end to be told that they are rebels who refused to get to truly know Him in their earthly lives. “Many” will be misled by “false prophets” who preach a “broad way” or wide acceptance instead of what the only Savior taught – “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” Then He tells us who and who is not building their eternal futures upon the rules of the game. This determines who is safe and who will be eternally sorry. Whatever you do, listen closely to these words from the Son of God:
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits . Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down , and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them , I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended , and the floods came , and the winds blew , and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended , and the floods came, and the winds blew , and beat upon that house; and it fell : and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:13-29
Whose rule book are you following? God’s, or your own?
Warning:
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men,after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
The prayers of the rebellious are not answered. Rebels don’t like rules because they are lawless, full of pride, deliberate unbelief, and self-righteousness. The lake of fire awaits.
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (Word), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9
One thing’s for certain – with no exception – ALL who know and follow Jesus Christ, count His Word as highest authority and refuse to put their worship and honor toward mere men or ministries (Ezekiel 14:3; Zechariah 11:17; John 5:41-44; 8:47; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5; 8:5). Any person who thinks they are saved and isn’t following Christ according to the written Word of God, is deluded and the LORD is calling them to repent and be saved.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
Whether we like it or not, when we get pulled over by a policeman and we say to the officer “But I didn’t know the speed limit,” he says “that’s no excuse and it’s your responsibility to know the speed limit.” We then get a ticket. Right? The Bible says “And if a man also strive for masteries (to win), yet is he notcrowned (qualified), except he strivelawfully (according to the rules).” (2 Timothy 2:5) God has guidelines and those who ignore or refuse to learn them are doomed (Jonah 2:8).
“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:8
God forbid that we get to the end of our lives, which could be today, and discover the horrific truth that we did not truly follow Christ according to His Word but rather other notions, philosophies of mere men, and wolves who misled us!
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalms 127:
Want to do things the right way and be ready to meet your Maker and eternal Judge? Go here.
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Adultery
“Flee Fornication” [podcast]
One of the greatest fears any parent in our day should have, would be for their child to grow up and NOT have a genuinely God fearing mate. Pray saints. Pray parents. Sanctify yourselves. “Come out of her” (Revelation 18:4).
“Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” Leviticus 19:29
Example of prostitution: Whoring out one’s daughter would be to send them to college to learn the ways of the world, of Satan who is “the god of this world,” where they are taught how to fulfill the role of the man—and not a woman (1 Timothy 5:14). No godly parent does such.
Having seen you buy his lies, Satan is laughing you all the way into hell, the bank of unrepentant sinners.
Whoredom has and does today destroy nations. We are seeing a once strong America brought to its knees for the whoredom, namely of those who vainly claim Christ as Savior.
“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have COMMITTED FORNICATION with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Revelation 18:3
“And the kings of the earth, who have COMMITTED FORNICATION and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning.” Revelation 18:9
“But he answered and said unto them, An evil and ADULTEROUS generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” Matthew 12:39
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Flee Fornication
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
“The Pure in Heart”
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Only those who are born again and die with a pure heart will be with the LORD.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7
“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:” 1 Timothy 1:19
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
On the topic of fornication brother Allen Campbell writes:
“Someone asked me if it’s okay to have relations with a person you love. No, having relations with your boyfriend or girlfriend is called fornication and is a serious sin, because it’s a sin against your own body. Your body is a temple for the Holy Ghost that is in you. Since your body belongs to God, for it has been bought with a price, we must glorify God with our bodies. If you’re committing fornication or adultery and do not repent, then you will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 KJV – Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV – Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:7-8 KJV – He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Let’s LEARN Scripture, BELIEVE and OBEY our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
Fornication of Many Forms—all life-destroying and condemned by God
The word “immoral” appears exactly ZERO times in God’s Word, the King James Bible.
“Fornication” appears 36 times.
“Adultery” appears 40 times.
“Lust(s) appears 43 times.
“sodomite(s)” appears 5 times.
Let’s never use the words “sexually immoral” again. Let’s use God’s words for such sin. After all, the use of the phrase “sexually immoral” is subject to sinful man’s definition while the Bible words listed above are clear and convicting.
It’s not “promiscuous”—a word found no where in God’s Word (KJB). The Bible calls all sin outside of the marriage between one man and one woman “fornication.”
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should ABSTAIN FROM FORNICATION:” 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Say it with me out loud: “call it what it IS!”
WE often hear of counterfeits, pretending to be Christians, say things like “Well, I don’t care what you do behind closed doors.” To one such lost soul, the following reply was given:
GOD cares about the souls of men for whom He sent His only begotten Son to die (John 3:16). He cares about all “sexuality,” that is, as it pertains to “fornication” which is any and all sex outside of the marriage bed between one man and one woman. ALL, every fornicator is going to burn in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:14, etc.).
Sex is Only Safe in Marriage – between one man and one woman.
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4
All fornication is sin.
ALL sex outside of that which is between one man and one woman in marriage, is sin. “Fornication” includes every form of sexual perversion.
All forms of fornication is sin. Fornication is any sexual activity with self or anyone outside of ones opposite sex marriage partner.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“What about people who are in a relationship and live together and supposedly are not having sex?”
REPLY:
Good morning sister. I didn’t quite understand the first part of your question but as far as living together, cohabiting, such should be for married people only. “FLEE fornication” right? It seems that our LORD’s Word hems us in…. either marry or flee. Seems we have to determine if we truly desire to marry that person and if so, move into doing so, or flee.
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18
As we see exemplified by the beloved Joseph, when tempted by Potipher’s wife, he dashed! Why? Fornication cannot be overcome otherwise or by staying in the fire and expecting not to be burned (Genesis 39).
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
“3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
God has a beautiful plan. – If we will simply do things HIS way and no other. HE is able. HE is greater than anything you face today. Memorize Ephesians 3:20 and Mark 10:27, now.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
A Life Pleasing to God
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
God has a beautiful plan. Perhaps, at least in part, God’s “Thou shalt” nots mean “Don’t hurt yourself”!
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Articles
The Victory of the Cross [podcast]
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the
Lord Jesus, THAT the life also of Jesus might be made
manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway
delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life
also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal
flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.”
2 Corinthians 4:10-12
Many feel hopeless, like they can never overcome the flesh.
Yet, we know that God is able to bring the victory He
ordained in our lives through the crucified life He
commanded that we walk in. “For ye are dead, and your life
is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).
Powerful ministry that bears fruit for the glory of God only
comes out of the cross life with Christ whereby you are dead
and buried and Christ is raising you up by His grace, and His
power is filling, propelling and flowing through your life to
minister His truth and love to others (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
As we consent to our own death and burial, Jesus raises us
upward in HIS divine strength. Divine empowerment in the
life of the disciple of Jesus comes from His resurrection grace
working in our lives as we consent to our own dying—death
and burial. Death and burial precede God raising us up. God
cannot raise us up if we aren’t dead and buried. This cross
concept is at the center of our walk with Jesus, whose death,
burial and resurrection are enacted in our own lives daily
(Romans 6).
“The cross is the answer to loving Jesus more. Your flesh is enmity (hatred) against God. It is the enemy of God and lives in rebellion against Him. It will not submit (Romans 8:7-8). Unless the carnal mind is crucified this rebellion and hatred towards God lives inside you and will be in a constant war with your flesh and the Spirit of God. They are polar opposites! One is light and the other is darkness. The darkness (flesh) must go to the cross to be dead and buried so Jesus can breath into you His newness of life (Romans 6). Then we can begin to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. And with the love of the Lord we can love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).” Karen Cochran
Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, I am here and now crucified
with Christ. I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God.
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Abiding
Supplying Saints and Sinners with Heavenly Sustenance
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON – THROUGH HIS PEOPLE
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalms 68:11
THERE is no time to waste – Jesus is coming. We must get the Word of God into the hearts of people, in every way, via any and all communication mediums available to us today. And this is the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Let’s roll saints!
“We are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
The graphic below is for the order I just placed with the publisher for a fresh supply of the ministry books.
This ministry outreach, ministering God’s Word to thousands daily, is a vehicle for our LORD’s Word. What’s needed is more disciples who will monthly support it, who will put fuel in the tank in order to propel it forward to reach more and more people with the Gospel of our LORD Jesus. Will you answer that call?
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Does it make sense to put a percentage of our earnings into a 401K (or other earthly investment) and not force feed a portion off the top, with a cheerful heart to Christ’s eternal kingdom work? (Read Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
It has been wisely concluded from what Jesus taught, that:
“The way we spend our money is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts.”
Is God truly first in your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33, etc.).
There are no rich men, there is no religious or otherwise organization supporting this Gospel ministry outreach. Just regular people who know and love Jesus and the whole counsel of His truth and are growing in His grace daily with the other members of His remnant body (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18). There are monthly bills that only get paid by having the actual, the literal money in the account. In turn God turns that giving of earthly money to HIS work into heavenly treasure for all who give (Luke 16:9-11; Acts 20:35). These expenses are incurred by pushing the Word of God to the hearts and minds of the people and available to be paid and that’s God’s opportunity placed in YOUR lap to supply. In response, what is the LORD going to do? (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 4:17, etc.)
“And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16:9-11
When Jesus says here to “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness …,” what does He mean? This writer would like to encourage the reader to delve into this passage, to pray that the LORD will open the eyes of your understanding concerning what He seeks to communicate to your heart.
Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes:
“16:9 We should make friends for ourselves by means of unrighteous mammon. That is, we should use money and other material things in such a way as to win souls for Christ and thus form friendships that will endure throughout eternity. Pierson stated it clearly:
‘Money can be used to buy Bibles, books, tracts and thus, indirectly, the souls of men. Thus what was material and temporal becomes immortal, becomes non-material, spiritual and eternal. Here is a man who has 100. He may spend it all on a banquet or an evening party, in which case the next day there is nothing to show for it. On the other hand, he invests in Bibles … It buys … copies of the Word of God. These he judiciously sows as seed of the kingdom, and that seed springs up into a harvest, not of Bibles but of souls. Out of the unrighteous, he has made immortal friends, who when he fails, receive him into everlasting habitations.’
This then is the teaching of our Lord. By the wise investment of material possessions, we can have part in the eternal blessing of men and women. We can make sure that when we arrive at the gates of heaven, there will be a welcoming committee of those who were saved through our sacrificial giving and prayers. These people will thank us saying, ‘It was you who invited me here.’”
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed (God’s Word), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (eternal harvest, reward) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
Christ’s Kingdom and His Gift to us to Participate, is Practical
Will you choose to part with temporal money to reap eternal, unending, irrevocable benefits?
An order has been placed for 20 more of the ministry books from the publisher ($125). The plan is to order this supply monthly for the next 3 months – and hand them out, person-to-person. Face-to-face, person-to-person gifting people on a daily basis, usually after they’ve received ministry, is a super-charged transfer of heavenly blessing (Philippians 1:19). As you know if you’ve read any of the ministry’s books, they are Christ-centered, Scripture-rich original Gospel volumes. Holy Scripture is on each page and put in bold print. In the rear of each book is the way to make peace with God. It leads them right to Jesus via and beginning with the biblical truth that we have “all sinned” against our God (Romans 3).
If you wish, feel free to help fund this part of the ministry exploits currently transpiring to get God’s Word in the hearts of more and more people.
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
The glorious Gospel of our LORD Jesus is communicated, disseminated, and received via His Word.
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his GRACE, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might PREACH him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” Galatians 1:15-16
As we can all witness, there are so many hungry souls wandering about in this fallen world who desire to receive the Word of God. The personal touch, contact is powerful – as it was when our LORD directed beloved Philip to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch whom our LORD consequently saves (Acts 8:26-40). And some, many and actually most of the people being reached are our beloved brethren who are looking for sustenance. I meet them each and every week. They are hungering and thirsting after His righteousness. Let’s be there for them saints.
Perhaps this can spread to where we are able to drop ship a supply books to some of the ministries this outreach supplies and has for years. If each of us does our simple part, great blessings will result.
Lately I’ve been handing out lots of the Moments with Our Master devotional books. People love them……. This week I had a lengthy breakfast meeting with a rich young ruler type young man. He articulated that all of his earthly success has left him empty in this world. It was a Scripture-rich time. Garrett gladly received a copy of the Moments devotional book and said “Let’s do this again.” His heart was filled with joy during and after that fellowship. He told me that in the past, as he walked with the LORD daily, his life was so much better. With a large smile he said “Man, I’d just walk down the street like I was floating 2 feet off the ground, filled with the joy and love of Jesus, sharing it with others.” Garrett texted me back the next morning with this:
“Appreciate you giving me that book. It’s convenient to use in the mornings.” Garrett
So, as we can witness, this Scripture-rich devotional book is the launching place for this man to seek and walk with the LORD. As usual, all of the ministry’s materials constantly exhort the readers/listeners to get into God’s Word daily for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15).
I know you’ll agree that the Garrett’s of our world matter to our LORD and we are the very “ambassadors” Christ has sent to bless them (2 Corinthians 5:20)! We are the delivery personnel of Heaven – handing out to people the treasure of Christ!
Just a few days ago, I gave 1 copy each to a young couple who I’ve become friends with at the gym (18 years old each). They were happy to receive this gift. First, as I like to do, I asked them if they like to read. One of them said they were currently “searching for something to read.” As usual when giving them the books, I opened one copy of the books and showed them that “there’s one devotional for each day of the year, all on one page. It begins with a Scripture, a few words, and a prayer at the end.” This way they see just how simple it is – and gives them a track to run on, a foundation to build their day upon. EVERY searching person is looking for this very thing. Their lives are meaningless, empty, and lacking the presence of the LORD. This is where we come in saints. As usual, I like to share with them that “This is a great way to begin the day.”
After qualifying the situation by asking people “Do you like to read?” I then ask them if I can give them a book and the answer is always a “Yes.” I then go fetch a book and gift them with it.
The season must now end where the Great Commission work of our LORD is shorted. Let’s fuel up and fill the Gospel war chest saints. It’s right under out noses – as God has placed it there! Let us each do our part (John 4:36; 1 Samuel 30:24).
Anyone who wishes to jump in and begin underwriting the kingdom opportunity cost for this is welcome.
Earthly expenses to do ministry, the most important and only eternal work in the earth, is the kingdom opportunity lying right in front of each of us (Matthew 6:19-21).
“May God empower us through the Holy Ghost to bring not a few guests to the wedding banquet; as we walk in the Spirit with the love of Christ flowing in and through our daily lives, and as we sow in tears; knowing that we shall reap with joy: because He that promised is faithful. To God be the glory in Jesus Name, Amen.” Jon Crane
Let’s review:
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalms 125:5-6
YOU cannot do it. I certainly can’t do anything without Christ.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
Surrender, right? Yes.
Jesus Christ is LORD. He’s our coming King.
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Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
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