Answered Prayer? WHY?

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WHY Does God Answer Prayer?
On What Basis Does Our Access
to Him Come?

Salvation is in Christ alone. And so is answered prayer (John 14:6).

We don’t cross our fingers or knock on wood. That’s nothing but a bunch of false hope, luck, witchcraft. God’s people pray to the Father in the name of Jesus and God answers!

24 hour prayer? No. Where do we see the church doing 24 hours in the New Testament other than when Peter was locked up Acts 12? God answers prayers due to the name of Jesus, not because people pray around the clock…. sounds like works instead of faith which God requires, which pleases God (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24; Hebrews 11:6).

There’s no end to the phony gimmicks that Satan is using his human agents to use in replacing Jesus Christ from the center of salvation! There is no salvation without Jesus Christ! Read Colossians 2.

Man’s access to God is Jesus Christ, period (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5, etc.). Anything added to this divine prescription makes it “another gospel”, a heretical false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Jesus Christ plus nothing equals salvation, access to God. There is none beside Him.

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22

God sent just One to die in our place, to forgive our sins and bring us to Himself!

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” 1 Peter 3:18

Today we see SO much pride-filled witchcraft going on in the name of “prayer warriors” and special “intercessors”. Personally I am learning to stay clear of the “prayer warrior” terminology and those who claim they are such, etc. Seems to lift up us, the mere pray-ers, and not Him and leads to pride in people as they boast of themselves, that they get prayers answered or that their prayers and calling is more important than others. Nonsense! Prayers are answered on one basis – the blood, the cross, the name of Jesus Christ. Any and every child of God can pray in the name of Jesus and God will answer it based on the righteousness of His only begotten Son, not some “powerful prayer warrior” or self-appointed “intercessor” witch (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24).

Beware that in any “prayer group” all it takes is for just one of those members to introduce a sugar-coated stealth request or attitude and the whole group is influenced. The course and direction of that group will be off target from that time forward. This is why many a disciple has and is learning to keep things down to a simple minimum void of the “need” or false obligation to join in with any and every “prayer group” that comes along.

The key is joining with one or two or so believers who are truly Christ-centered, biblical, crucified with Christ, teachable, humble, broken, and sincerely seeking the face of the LORD.

TODAY: Someone was circulating a request for Christians to come together at a certain time tonight to “visualize” something that pertained to our nation.

ANY time you see someone using the word “visualize”, or “visualization” it’s the devil! New Age, occultism that is in open denial of Jesus Christ, it’s antichrist. Satan’s whole job description is to STEAL, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10). This is just another way he seeks to steal the glory from the only nail scarred risen LORD and Savior who alone paid the perfect price to bring men back to God! (Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19)

God answers HIS people’s prayer by His own blood that gave access to HIM, not us visualizing it, or quoting it enough times…. this robs the glory from Jesus Christ and gives it to men, sinners. ANTICHRIST!

Praying in Christ’s Kingdom is Definitive and Absolute

In Christ’s kingdom, praying is not a guessing game or a roll of the dice. Believers don’t need to “make a wish” because they have a God who answers all their prayers! The Almighty Himself beckons His children to simply “ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE WITCHCRAFT!

I heard a “ministry” commercial beckoning people to send in their prayer requests so the false ministry could pray for those people in the “holy land.” As if that was going to be the reason God answered their prayers! Pure gimmick! Totally phony. WHY? WHY are prayers answered? Is it due to the geographic location on the earth from which prayer is made? Pure antichrist witchcraft! The NAME OF JESUS CHRIST is the only reason God saves and answers prayer! And you must know Him first of all!

If you are not born again, you are not yet a child of God. If you were saved in the past and yet are not praying in the name of Jesus, “the spirit of antichrist” has you (1 John 4:3). You are backslidden and in denial of Christ (Matthew 12:30; John 14:13-14; 16:23-24).

Anti-Christ means “in place of Christ.” Now repent and return to Jesus.

SOME are under the delusional myth that if 1,000 pray that God will answer prayer. Some erroneously believe that the more quantity of people who pray, the more God will answer. Not! Stop it now! Rid your mind of this…. here’s why…

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20

Two or more Jesus says…. makes no difference if it’s 2 or 2 million BECAUSE PRAYER IS ANSWERED BY FAITH IN AND DUE TO THE NAME OF JESUS, not the amount of people praying (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24).

“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16

Answered prayer is just like salvation – it only comes in the name, the divine authority of Jesus Christ.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

YOU have NO clue how much power is at your disposal …. if you simply abide and ASK …. in the ALMIGHTY name of Jesus….. WHATTTT DID HE SAY???? CAN YOU READ??????

SATAN is always trying to remove the worship of CHRIST (Colossians 2:8, 18-19). That’s his job, right? (John 10:10) We do not earn our place with God. Answered prayers from God are not by continuous intercession, fasting, and repentance! NO! While those things, namely repenting are essential, we must realize that all these things are gifts from God which came only by the perfect sacrifice of Christ. Over emphasizing anything else, even good things, is not holding up and exalting the HEAD, Christ but rather robbing the glory due His holy name alone (Colossians 2:18-19). Let’s read what Jesus said about our access to God, praying and the simplicity of it…. John 14:13-14; 16:23-24…. EVERY blessing of salvation comes exclusively through JESUS CHRIST.

When we pray in the name above all names, let us rest in the NAME of Jesus, the only reason why any prayer can be answered! Matthew 11:28-30 amen?

Repentance is a necessity. God requires it (Luke 13:3, etc.). And yet Christ alone paid the way with His own blood for us to be saved and receive all the blessings of God. Book of Hebrews!

PRAYER is ONLY answered by GOD through JESUS CHRIST – not “prayer bracelets,” a pagan rosary used by bead-counting pagans, mary, the phony pope of rome, or any other gimmick…. Repent of the witchcraft now or you will perish. PRAYER CHAIN? 24 Hour prayer (except for in extreme danger situations (Acts 12)? No. ALL FLESH! WHY is prayer answered? Because many are involved? No. Because we pray long? NO! Prayer is answered through CHRIST not a chain or the amount of people or time! This type stuff sounds holy on the surface yet is a ploy of the enemy to rob the glory from Christ.

NEVER formularize God or praying to Him. Many heresies are circulating which sound holy and yet are poisonous! Beware saints. We have access to God by faith and only and exclusively in the LORD JESUS CHRIST who perfectly won salvation for us on that cross in which He bled to redeem us!

The blessings of the kingdom of God are appropriated by faith via the perfect, finished work of Christ! Romans 4-5

Beware of the good luck charm shotgun praying methods men and devils seek to utilize. God set forth a simple, clear plan for His children to have their prayers answered by Him.

The biblical key we should behold is that whether there is one person or many praying, it’s only effective in the eyes of God if the emphasis is placed on JESUS CHRIST’s heavenly priesthood and not anything else. The erroneous idea perpetrated today is that because many people are praying in a “chain” the prayer will be answered. This is evil – seeking to rob the glory from Christ alone!

Justification and all the blessings of God are individually appropriated BY FAITH in the finished work of Christ which alone gives us access to the throne and blessings of God.

Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation and the only way for answered prayer for those who are authentically born again. The unsaved can pray till they faint and those prayers are not promised to be answered, except a sincere prayer of repentance and faith to be saved. How be be Saved

God the Father answers prayer and does miracles in the name of Jesus and on His perfect merit alone! (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24) Anything added is of Satan in order to draw attention from and steal the glory from Christ! (Colossians 2:18-19)

The biblical key to know is that all prayer is answered by the Father through Christ – and not by any fleshly endeavor such as seeing how many people we can get to pray for some situation – as if the name of JESUS CHRIST were not enough for God to answer our prayer! Read John 14:13-14; 16:23-24 afresh.

Jesus for Salvation

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

No one can approach the Father for salvation or answered prayer but through the name above all names – the name of Jesus Christ.

“He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” John 5:23

Ask the Father in Jesus’ Name for Answered Prayer

IS OUR FAITH in our own ability to accomplish a certain thing? OR is our faith in God through Christ? Simply ask Him saints…. here’s how ….

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

DID GOD say He answers prayers if a lot of people are praying (un-biblical “prayer chain”) OR because an individual or 2 born again Christians pray in the name of Jesus????? (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24) Same principle: Did Jesus or His New Testament disciples have a rosary? No. Counting beads while praying pagan prayers is never going to get a prayer answered from God.

Of many of the prayers we see in Scripture, brother Charles Pray notes:

“Many of the prayers from the mighty men of God and Jesus Himself were prayers they made alone either on the mountain top or in the wilderness by themselves to God directly Amen. As we see in God’s Word, I also believe that worship to God includes corporate prayer and in all cases God is receiving all the Glory and honor only due to Jesus’ ultimate, perfect sacrifice.”

Launching a campaign to get “as many people as possible praying” in a so called “prayer chain” on a certain matter is never seen in the New Testament. The idea of this all by itself is saying that JESUS’ divine Person and perfect sacrifice was not enough to get God to answer our prayers. Read Hebrews. Prayer is a simple, humble request to God through Christ – the only reason we have access to God. Putting the emphasis on numbers of people we can get praying is stealing the glory from the nail scarred risen Savior who bled, was buried, and raised again to give each individual saint access to Him and the Father. Praying together is biblical but not seeing how many people we can ramp up.

“Prayer chains” or things like 24 hour prayer are no where in God’s Word – and take the emphasis off of Jesus, which is Satan’s design – to rob the Son of God of the glory due only to Him (Romans 11:36). Jesus’ blood is the only reason we have access to God – CHRIST’s perfect sacrifice. Take a close look at Colossians 2:18-19.

There doesn’t need to be a whole lot of people praying. No, there needs to be one or more praying with pure, sincere heart full of faith. Jesus promises He will answer when we pray to the Father in His holy name.

Did the LORD ever say anything like “Without working hard it is impossible to please Me.” No.

“But WITHOUT FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Are you living by faith or do you have “an EVIL heart of unbelief”?

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:12-14 Fresh Start with God

SATAN’S job is to steal glory from Christ. Let’s not help him! Elevate Jesus, the only Head of HIS body (Colossians 2:18-19)

PRAYERS are answered by God only after one is truly born again and prays to the Father in Jesus’ name.

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. ²⁴Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name (on the basis of My authority): ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

Learn this truth and “your joy” will “be full.” If you for a moment believe that your prayers can be answered by God based upon any goodness or performance of your own, you have been deceived.

Praying in Christ’s Kingdom is Definitive and Absolute

Pray harder? No! Pray in faith out of a pure heart to the Father in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!

It’s time to cease complicating these simple truths the LORD gives us!

Jesus alone purchased you and your place with God. Prayerfully pour over this truth in Romans 4:4-5 and Titus 3:5-6.

In contrast to the good luck, shot in the dark, bead counting, prayer genie, new age occultic visualization, Christ-denying concoctions of the world’s cults, the Father promises and answers the prayers of His saints, ALL who trust Jesus Christ, His holy name alone, as the exclusive reason for all access to the one true and only God.

BEWARE OF THE GLORY-ROBBERS! Colossians 2:18-19

FIND one “prayer chain” in the Bible. Nowhere. The number of people doesn’t get a prayer answered, the NAME OF JESUS DOES!!!! (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24)

Isn’t the idea of a “prayer chain” paramount to the pagan, catholic rosary? Same devil behind it! It shuns Christ’s perfect sacrifice which exclusively gives us access to God! (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:34-35; 10:19-21, etc.)

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5

JESUS CHRIST alone bought our access to the Father with His own precious blood! (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26; 10:19-22) Trying to confess your sins to another sinner – a priest dressed up in a black costume, “Practicing His presence,” or saying a rosary, novena or any other type witchcraft is an occult, works-based, Christ-denying, glory-robbing, works-based, Christ-defying lying philosophy that contradicts Scripture. Repent sinner. Prayers are only answered by the Father in THE NAME OF JESUS!

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

All of our own good works or righteousness is as putrid in the eyes of the Almighty as can be stated. The Bible puts it this way:

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

Man’s Sin and God’s Solution

Attention: YOU are a sinner and nothing you could do could change that. Christ alone can justify you – by mercifully granting you HIS righteousness.

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” Romans 3:21-25

Here’s the only way to be saved, forgiven, and have God answer your prayers:

“For by grace (unmerited favor) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Are you willing to admit the obvious – that you are a sinner in need of the Savior? If you are ready to make peace with your Maker, go here.

GOD is not a genie or slot machine. We don’t obey Him to get something from Him but because we are choosing to love and worship Him for who He is, the Almighty, supreme LORD our Redeemer!

Bead Counting Counterfeit

Here’s an obvious example of how Satan seeks to rob the glory from Christ by getting his prey focused on something, anything else but the nail-scarred, risen LORD and Savior:

SCAM ALERT: The catholic rosary is an antichrist scam – making people believe that praying and counting beads is going to get them to God or get their prayers answered. Being forgiven, being right with God, and answered prayer, comes exclusively – ONLY – by the LORD Jesus Christ! All else is a scam! The LORD continually warns us to “Beware of false prophets”! Any person who does not come to God in repentance and faith THROUGH CHRIST, will have their eternal soul scammed/cast into hell forever.

Long before the roman catholic cult arose, bead counting to earn favor from God has been around. It’s an ancient pagan practice.

Christ alone gets the glory for access to the Father and answered prayer – not you for all your 24 hour praying, bead-counting rosary praying, supposedly practicing His presence, or any other human effort.

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Matthew 6:7

Many today vainly believe that they shall be heard of God for something other than the blood and mercy of Jesus Christ. They believe they are earning their way to God and answered prayer by their own self effort of much praying, and other forms of asceticism (suffering to earn divine merit). This is paganism and shows they are not trusting the LORD but self.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.” Genesis 32:10

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” Titus 3:5-6

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5

Prayer is the divinely granted privilege of all who have truly been born again into Christ and His body. The precious precious blood of Jesus Christ alone purchased them to the Father in salvation and this includes every good blessing that accompanies salvation including answered prayer. Jesus says to His own to simply “Ask and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7) and “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)

We have access to God through Christ alone – for salvation and prayer.

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;).” Hebrews 10:19-23

Debbie Lord writes:

“We should always be reminded of what a precious gift prayer really is. Communing directly with the Father–Who was and is and always shall be, and the Great Lover of our souls, This communion made possible by and in the Name of His humble, obedient and beautiful only begotten Son, who overcame all temptation and sin and willingly shed His blood in tortuous sacrifice. The veil was torn at the moment of His death so we could be one in Him, our Lord and King, together with the Father.”

Yes, God requires our faith and obedience and such is vital to our relationship with Christ and answered prayer. Yet, first and foremost, we are brought into relationship with the Father through he merit of Christ Jesus alone and it’s through His holy, wonderful, Almighty name that our prayers are answered. Making Peace with God

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

Beloved, YOUR PRAYERS are not answered because you or your group is so special. Prayers are not answered by God due to any mere flesh or because someone stages themself to be this big “prayer warrior” or “intercessor.” Oh no! No, God has no respect of persons and you and your group are depraved, wretched, and “filthy rags” outside of the present mercy of Jesus Christ (Psalms 139:4-5; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 7:18). God does not answer prayer because any of us are so “wonderful” but rather because of the one and only “Wonderful Counselor”! (Isaiah 9:6-7) Prayers are not answered because someone pretends to have a more direct line to God! – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) If you are hidden with Christ presently, you can have your prayers answered on Christ’s authority/Name alone! “ALL power (authority) in heaven and in earth” is given to Him, not you (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus is the only direct line or access to the Father, period! Christ alone is the only reason you have access and salvation. When we get impressed with Jesus Christ, all mere men will pale and we shall then repent and put away the idols of our hearts (Ezekiel 14:3). God will share His glory with no mere man (Isaiah 42:8). Answered prayer is due to the perfection of Jesus Christ and let’s make sure that HE ALONE is receiving the glory for buying us back to the Father and making us one with Him. The blood of His cross bought us back to the Father (Colossians 1:20). It’s time to cease robbing the glory from the only One it’s due to – Jesus Christ! His blood alone accomplished such an otherwise impossible task! – “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14) When you pray in Jesus’ name, you are praying in His authority and upon HIS MERIT which is perfection! Now, JUST ASK HIM – ASK< ASK< ASK! What are you waiting for?

The title or calling for any mere man of a “prayer warrior” or special “intercessor” appears nowhere in the Bible and in my estimation seems to steal the glory from the One who bled to purchase our redemption and answered prayers. This title seems to place undue importance upon the pray-er (person praying) than upon the nail-scarred risen LORD and Savior, who alone made our salvation and access to God possible.

Those who are God’s are brought into relationship with Him through Christ alone. He hears their prayers. They have such privilege on the basis of the mighty, divine, glorious Name of Jesus Christ!

We are saved by Christ alone and the sheer mercy of the Father given to us due only to the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. We are redeemed and called to glorify His holy name alone!

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalms 34:3

“Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.” Psalms 99:3

“Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.” Jeremiah 10:6

“O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” Daniel 9:18

Jesus came and died, was buried, and rose again to share His Father’s love with all who will. Yet, Jesus will not, under and circumstance share his divine glory with any mere man.

“I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8

There’s only One to glory in – The only One in whom we have been granted “righteousness”:

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. ³⁰But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: ³¹That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31

Jesus Christ’s sinless, holy, divine blood won your access to God:

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. ¹⁵For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

The Great Intercessor

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, ⁵To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4-5

When God could find no other to stand in the gap bridging the chasm that separated Him from fallen mankind, in the fullness of times, He sent His only begotten Son.

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30

No one else was worthy or qualified to pay that ultimate ransom price. Jesus Christ alone came – with the help of no other mere man – and paid in full price for his redemption. Christ satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to buy man back to Himself.

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, ²Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; ³Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:” Hebrews 1:1-3

Christ now sits at His Father’s right hand, making intercession and mediation for all who will repent and receive Him.

“But this man (Jesus), because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. ²⁵Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. ²⁶For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26

Your justification and salvation are because of Jesus Christ alone and not due to your own merit. In fact, you and I deserve only judgment for our sins yet through Christ we get justification! Fallen, Depraved Mankind

It is clear that our LORD wanted to be most remembered for the price He single-handedly paid for our sins:

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: ²⁴And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. ²⁵After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. ²⁶For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Our access to God came at a very high price – the highest price that has ever or ever will be paid. When Jesus was dying on that cross to redeem us, He said “It is finished” which means that the price of our redemption had been “paid in full!” (John 19:30) Jesus was intent upon us remembering this price that He paid. He wants to be “crucified among you (us).” (Galatians 3:1)

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on the Moments for My Master e-mail devotional list. In supplementation to your personal daily study of God’s Word, we would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2). Sign up here.

Feedback:

“This is powerful message. Thank you Christ. You are our Provider. He already knows what we have need of even before we pray. He answers us according to his Word. He has answered many of my prayers in the past and He will in the future when we seek Him and empty our selves of our selves. Then the answer comes . Flesh is as grass and it will wither away but the Spirit is eternal and so is His Word.” Carol B.

“This is just wonderful! I love reading these every day! I love where you said, “It’s time to cease robbing the glory from the only One it’s due to – Jesus Christ!” AMEN! He is to get ALL the glory! Going to share this one. 🙂 God bless!” Karen R.

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Powerful Examples of God Answering the Prayers of the Desperate [podcast]

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. … 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles … The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of […]

The Book of Romans Narrated [podcast]

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4 Chapter 1-16 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to […]

Apostasy

SINLESS PERFECTIONISM: WHOSE Righteousness are You Trusting? [podcast]

Don’t strive. Surrender.

Beware of the sinless perfectionism mob.

Beloved, God found us, in our sins, and saved us into His eternal kingdom! (Romans 5:6-9; 1 John 4:19). We didn’t find Him. He found us!

Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen mankind (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Psalms 39:4-5).

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. … 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:18, 24

“It’s actually freedom when we embrace the Bible truth of how wretched we are! We don’t have to hide it or try to be better than we are! Jesus can now reign on the throne of our hearts and not self!” Karen Cochran

Realizing our own utter helplessness, hopelessness, and depravity and taking up the cross is the only the safe place with God right, the cross, the bowing to Him to take full control…. See Matthew 5:3; John 3:30.

All self-righteous religious hypocrites are going to hell (Matthew 21:31). May God save, forgive, and cause us, to bless us to be His authentic disciples. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the cross, burial, and resurrection grace of Jesus (Romans 6:3-10; 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). Read Romans chapters 6-7 each morning this week.

The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent!

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

Touting our own supposed righteousness is a dangerous undertaking. Lifting ourselves up will result in being brought down low, with no exception.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

All I have to do to find the man most in need of God’s saving grace and mercy, is to look in the mirror (Romans 7:18, 24; James 1:23-24). As long as we neglect to look in the mirror, honestly, we will continue to be self-righteous as were Jesus’ most evil enemies, the religious frauds, the pharisees of His day (Matthew 23). Are we pharisees or humble, broken, honest disciples of Christ? (Matthew 18:3-4)

“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20

“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9

There is NO righteousness outside of Christ (Romans 7:18, 24).

Every single day is the opportunity to overcome – yet this will only happen as we choose to do things God’s way – the cross. Romans 6-8; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc. Sinless Perfectionism Exposed

The no sin nature people are missing the cross. The Mike Desario’s, the Charles Finney’s, and the Jesse Morrell’s of the world peddle the no-sin-nature heresy and also do not preach the cross, the crucified life. They rag on endlessly about “stopping all sin” but never mention the crucified life which is the only divine prescription for overcoming sin (Romans 6, etc.). That alone makes them false, peddlers of “another gospel.” (Galatians 1:6-9) This is why they can’t understand this. They do not realize that God gave us the solution to this sin bent (iniquity), this inherent in fallen man sin – and that answer is the crucified life which is at the heart of the original Gospel.

“True holiness” comes exclusively from the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet this is not just our position in Christ, it must also be the practical reality of our lives lived (Ephesians 4:24). The holiness of God, “true holiness,” requires the “daily” cross Jesus commanded which separates us from self and sin (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 9:27, etc.). Sin is overcome exclusively via oneness with Christ in an abiding relationship (John 15, 17) and not by mere self-effort alone – which is antichrist. The point established in the whole of Holy Scripture is that we are beholden to the Savior, the LORD Jesus, and must be honest about our wretchedness outside of a present abiding relationship with Him (Romans 7:18, 24) whereby the fruit of holiness is produced. There’s a slew of self-righteousness being promoted as “holiness” today through wolves who’ve digested the false teaching of devils like Mike Desario and Charles Finney and those who peddle these doctrines.

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (not self): 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

After being attacked and accused of being a Roman catholic, Baptist heretic…. the response to the accuser was as follows:

Thanks for the attack, the persecution. I do rejoice (Matthew 5:10-12). I am certainly anything but Catholic or Baptist. Now, to examine what you wrote ….No one is a more staunch exposer of Rome, nor a more critical exposer of the eternal security Baptist, protestant lie (the ministry has 3 landmark books exposing OSAS – over 1,000 pages total) ….. So what you are saying here is a lie, bearing false witness, instead of dealing with the Scripture truth of these things. There is no cross in this sinless perfectionism movement, and the cross is the only way to overcome all sin – by the resurrection power of Christ (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 4:10-12). Also, there is no grace (divine enablement) or faith in your message, but rather only rote mechanical obedience as if people are earning their own way. This alone makes your message errant, not according to the whole counsel of Scripture. | Eternal Security Exposed | Catholic Church Exposed

You offer some truth here and yet this sounds like Mike Desario, Charles Finney falsehoods, the no-sin-nature, sinless perfectionism heresy.

Sinlessly Perfect? You Sure? [podcast]

Beware of the sinful self-righteousness masquerading behind feigned perfect obedience. This Sinless perfectionism they are pushing is pure self-righteousness.

I am not your enemy ….. attack if you see fit. Yes, the LORD does say that obedience is essential, it proves that one knows the LORD or is known of Him (Matt 7:21). Good works do not save us – Christ alone saves us. This is a real subtle deception. There is the need to synthesize “ALL scripture” which teaches, that faith, obedience and good fruit do not save us, God does, by HIS sheer mercy.

Sinful self-righteousness has no place in the life of a disciple of Jesus. Matthew 21:31

Self-righteousness was one of the sins of the pharisees and is soul damning (Matthew 23, etc.). Even the publicans and harlots will be in Heaven before the self-righteous religionists (Matthew 21:31).

Obedience is the fruit of saving faith and yet our obedience doesn’t save us. According to this passage, you are under a spirit of witchcraft – to think your own works-righteousness, law-keeping saves you:

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:1-3

Think about this that Jesus says from perhaps a new perspective … “IF you love me, keep my commandments” …. perhaps He is saying “If you don’t love me, don’t bother obeying Me, because that is futility.” Good works/obedience, fruit are borne out of an abiding relationship. It’s about relationship, not earning our own way I know this well as I was out of balance for many years. I am not seeing this as an argument … just discussing, okay?

There is no cross, no crucified life in the message of the sinless perfectionist heretics and therefore they are preaching “another gospel.” (Gal 1:6-9) The cross is the divine solution to sin and is at the center of the original Gospel and that’s the only way to be raised up out of the flesh and victorious over sin, not be mere self-effort. You are kidding no one but yourself if you believe your own good works are at the ground level of your justification before a holy God who sent His only begotten Son to do what we cannot do. – If righteousness comes out of just sheer obedience, law-keeping, then Christ is dead in vain.

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:21

God is holy and holiness is essential for eternal glory (Hebrews 12:14, etc.). Yet such comes about by the crucified life Jesus prescribed, the cross and the resurrection (raising up) grace of God – not by seeking to be perfect on our own, not after beginning in the Spirit and then vainly attempting to be made perfect in the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3).

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under GRACE.” Romans 6:14

There’s no cross and no grace (divine enablement) in the message of the sinless perfectionists and therefore their message is false. Heretical.

It’s like they seek and are boasting about their own obedience and their own self-willed sinless perfection. Nonsense. Laughable.

Overcoming must be done in and through Christ – in a real, abiding relationship with Him which sinless perfectionist frauds never mention.

Recognizing our own need to be humble, contrite, broken, and fully dependent on the LORD is what we learn in Scripture, not hiding behind sinless perfectionism but rather being authentic, honest, and realizing that without JESUS and being one with Him in an abiding relationship, we can do nothing to please God (John 15:5).

“For without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

It’s better to cease pretending in my opinion, in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. I am not a good person, neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently – that there is “NOOOO good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a new, deeper work in us! (See Romans 7:18, 24.) The Cross!

We are all very imperfect and in present and perpetual need of the LORD’s saving grace which requires a born again and abiding relationship with Christ.

Those who truly follow Christ are to be fully dependent upon Him, not self, or self’s supposed perfect obedience – which is a farce. See Posture of Dependency

Lest someone should erroneously believe there is any justification for any sin, let me say this: Jesus is coming back for “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27), And “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged.”

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6

This is how we can observe the ministry of Jesus and His apostles. The only people they were harsh with were the rich and the religious. They were not harsh with people who sinned and were convicted and contrite, humbled before God, seeking His mercy, repentant. The woman taken in adultery is one such example…..

Stone Casting Qualifications

Jesus never called the woman taken in adultery (John 8) or the woman who had had five husbands and was now living with another man, a whore (John 4). Jesus was not harsh with either of them. What does this say for some of these self-righteous, hate-mongering, arrogant, pharisaical, enraged, embattled, need-to-get-saved street preachers so prevalent today who openly call scantily clad women whores instead of winning them as Jesus did? Perhaps it’s the lust in their own hearts driving them? (See Romans 2:1-3.) We never see Christ needlessly provoking, condemning, screaming at, or yelling at lost sinners. WHERE did Jesus or any of His apostles possess such a hate-filled attitude other than when Jesus rebuked them in their younger years for seeking to call down fire from Heaven? Christ rebuked them with “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” (Luke 9:54-55).

DID Cain murder his brother Abel because of Abel’s sins or his own?

“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” 1 John 3:12

Those who slander others do so because of the wickedness that exists in their own hearts.

No Sin to Deal with?

1 John 1:8-10 should be kept in mind…. synthesized, right? Yes…… 1 Corinthians 2:13

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10

If we are saved by our supposed obedience, we all fall short, right? Should we not rather trust in the perfect obedience of CHRIST? Memorize Romans 4:4-5. This is in no way to excuse any sin, period (Romans 6:1-2).

WHO earned our salvation? Jesus.

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20

FROM A SINLESS PERFECTIONIST:

“IF NONE IS RIGHTEOUS, TRY AND EXPLAIN THESE VERSES: (PSALMS 37:30) (PROV 18:10) (PSALMS 37:25) (PSALMS 55:22) (JOHN 9:31) (PROV 11:30) (PROVERBS 15:29) (PSALMS 34:19) (PROVERBS 3:32)”

REPLY:

May God find us with Christ’s righteousness, not our own …. The righteousness Jesus Christ accomplished at the cross is the only righteousness God honors, all else is “as filthy rags.”

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

What righteousness does God see us in right now? Is it our own, or Christ’s?

“And be found IN HIM, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Philippians 3:9

Without Christ’s present saving mercy, this disciple is absolutely hopeless, sinful, and doomed. I will trust Christ’s righteousness and not my own!

“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9

None is righteous by himself, on his own merit and that what sinless perfectionism teaches….. you are being fed by wolves like Finney and Desario…. you didn’t get this in the Bible, by organic personal study… that’s why there’s an imbalance…..

Grounded in Grace [podcast]

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) : And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, […]

Grace Abounding

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 The divine tapestry, the assimilation of grace, works, assurance, and faith. WHEREVER you see sin in the world, or in your own life, remember that there is a way out – God made that way through His only begotten Son. All sin can be overcome and so repent and be refreshed and REJOICE because where sin is, God’s grace can abound much more: “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where […]

Godly Integrity [podcast]

INTEGRITY in·teg·ri·ty inˈteɡrədē/Submit noun 1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. “he is known to be a man of integrity” synonyms: honesty, probity, rectitude, honor, good character, principle(s), ethics, morals, righteousness, morality, virtue, decency, fairness, scrupulousness, sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness “I never doubted his integrity” the state of being whole and undivided. “upholding territorial integrity and national sovereignty” synonyms: unity, unification, coherence, cohesion, togetherness, solidarity “the integrity of the federation” Being circumspect, having a heart and life of godly integrity, should be the prayer and goal of every person who names the name of […]

Apostasy

Jesus Answered Questions with Questions [podcast]

“AVOID FOOLISH QUESTIONS”

Could it be that one way to “avoid foolish questions” is to ask questions when questioned?

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition REJECT; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11

One of the best ways to “avoid foolish questions” is to answer them with questions. Read that again.

All questions that come to us are not evil and yet, as we see with Jesus’ religious enemies, some questions do come from evil hearts with ungodly motives.

“For we are not as many, which corrupt (twist, adulterate) the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

Jesus used the art of asking questions and so should you. This will revolutionize the way you interact with others, if done correctly. And, this should never be used from a heart that is not pure in the eyes of God. The disciple must beware of the evil that lurks within his own heart (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18, 24, etc.).

“Asking questions was central to Jesus’ life and teachings.”

Jesus used this method of answering questions with questions in order to shift the burden of proof, expose the motives of his critics, and force his listeners to think deeply.

One commentator notes:

“How many times did Jesus ask questions?

In the Gospels Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers three. Asking questions was central to Jesus‘ life and teachings.”

The Big Question is … What’s behind the question?

WHERE is the questioner seeking to lead this conversation?

We should pray for discernment to know whether there is evil intent or the noble desire for answers behind the questions asked of us.

Questioners with evil hearts ask questions in order to get themselves off the hook or deny what the Bible plainly states. This some do to distance themselves from the conviction of conscience the truth is causing them. And if you buy the package, if you take the bait, they will suck you in and devour you.

Beware of the enemy’s tactics.

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (schemes, tactics).” 2 Corinthians 2:11

“Jesus frequently asked the Pharisees questions. He challenged them. Most of the time He answered questions with questions! He called them out! Which angered them greatly. Jesus was skilled in the art of asking questions! I could learn much from a study of questions Jesus asked.” Karen Cochran

ALWAYS GIVE GOD’S ANSWER AND NO OTHER (1 Peter 3:15): Beware that when God’s Word is spoken, those who love darkness rather than light, those who are unrepentant will divert from the Word by asking you questions off of the WORD itself in order to divert the conviction from their unrepentant hearts (John 3:19-21). STAY with the Word – whether they like it or not (Isaiah 55:11). You owe no man an answer other than to give them what God says – what the LORD stated in His unchanging Word (Mark 13:31). Jesus tells us that such men as will not hear His Word, are “NOT of God.” And, that if they were “OF GOD” they’d be humbly, astutely looking for and hearing HIS Word (John 8:47). Memorizing the words of Jesus recorded in John 8:47 will put your discernment miles ahead. I underlined the key words:

“He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are NOT OF GOD.” John 8:47

When you give rebels the answer of GOD from HIS WORD, they will attack you – the mere messenger. They are not there to learn. They’ve made up their minds and are sticking with their rebellion. Always remember, their issue is with the LORD and not with you.

You see, unrepentant men do not like the answer God gives to their questions. They are looking only to justify sin, not repent and confess it as the LORD requires. So their questions are aimed at finding a way to justify their sin – to justify their refusal to truly repent, lay down their lives in this fleeting world, and follow Jesus for real. That’s the crux of the matter.

Isn’t that exactly what the pharisees (false teachers/religionists) did to Jesus?

“Let GOD be true and EVERY man a liar.” Romans 3:4

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105

Give God’s answer and no other. You owe no one an answer to anything else, except what God says about it. Refuse to allow rebels to lead you around by the nose with their deflections and questions.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

JESUS ANSWERS QUESTIONS WITH QUESTIONS

Getting a taste of how Jesus dealt with evil hearted religious folks is going to greatly develop your ability to navigate the hate-filled attacks against Christ and you by truth-haters. This will help you as you earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints in the original Gospel recorded on the pages of Holy Scripture (Jude 3-4).

Jesus questioned His questioners and so should you! You serve the LORD Jesus and are not obligated to answer every question that comes your way. Sometimes, you have to stay in control in these situations. I say this specifically referring to conversations you will have with rebels. They have nothing good in their hearts and in many cases, have no heart for the truth, just like the religious frauds of Christ’s day.

Personally, I’ve seldom seen so much evil as when I refuse to answer questions from those who seek to misdirect the conversation away from the Word of God. Often detractors use mere human reasoning, or anything to manipulate and twist and get the emphasis off of what the Word itself clearly states (Mark 7:6-9). This is a tactic they use in order to promulgate their false belief, justifies their sin, and that contradicts Holy Scripture. Such was the case in this recent attack and conversation – Preacher Viciously Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]

Jesus is THE BOSS and He’s Your Boss! Follow Your Boss. Follow the Example of Your Boss! We learn from our Boss by beholding what He did. And, our Boss, the KING of all kings, asked questions to questioners.

Our Lord was skilled at asking precise questions that drove to the heart of a situation, centering everything on HIS kingdom and never acquiescing to the sinful whims and manipulations of unrepentant men.

Some of Christ’s most profound questions came as a response to those who were questioning Jesus. The following is a list of some of the questions Jesus used in questioning His questioners. This is not an exhaustive list of every question Jesus ever asked and is on record in the Bible. In order to help the reader, I’ve underlined and hi-lighted the words which indicate questions for the reader to capture the essence of how our LORD answered questions with questions. I’ve included also the questions Jesus asked His own disciples. Some of these questions are noble and most (from His enemies) are hostile. As you will see, those questions from Christ’s enemies are obviously inherently evil. I’ve highlighted with yellow where the LORD specifically cites them for such, calling to the reader’s attention the heart motives of those asking the questions. Jesus interrupted their attempted deflections, cover-ups. He called them out on it. Here’s the interaction:

Matthew 9:14-15 – 14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them (a question), Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Matthew 15:1-3 – 1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Matthew 15:33-34 33 – 33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? 34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
Matthew 17:24-26 – 24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Matthew 21:16 – And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
Matthew 26:6-10 – 6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. 8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? 9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. 10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
Mark 2:5-11 – 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
Mark 4:10,13 – 10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. .. 13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
Mark 4:38,40 – And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? … 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mark 7:17-18 – 17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. 18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also?Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
Mark 10:2-3 – And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
Notice in this exchange below how Jesus is, as always, in charge, in control and therefore answers the questions of these hypocrites with questions and puts them to work – because He knew the hypocrisy of their hearts and what was behind their foolish questions.
Mark 12:14-17 – And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny (Jesus puts them to work), that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
By Jesus telling these men that they did err, were in error, because they didn’t know the “scriptures, neither the power of God” which comes from proper relationship with Him, He was in part directing them to get into the Word where the answers are found. Mark 12:18, 20-24 – Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, … 20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. 21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. 22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. 23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
Luke 2:48-49 – And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
Luke 6:1-3 – And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; 4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
Luke 10:25-26 – And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Luke 10:29,36 – But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? … 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Luke 12:41-43 – Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Luke 18:18-19 – And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
As Jesus “taught the people … and preached the gospel”…. wicked religionists hurled questions with evil intent, questioning Christ’s authority. As His custom was, Jesus answered them with a question.
Luke 20:1-4 – And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? 3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
John 8:3-10 – And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. (notice Jesus’ response to their question here – He didn’t answer it verbally but with this action) But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?“

"Avoid Foolish Questions" [podcast]

God’s Word does not instruct us to “avoid questions” but rather “avoid foolish questions.” “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15 What Does Christ’s Great Commission Call Us to do? “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 The dire need of the salvation of eternal souls necessitates that we walk in God’s wisdom in these final of days before our […]

Preacher Viciously Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]

There’s no doubt that every Christian sins and yet, does that mean we have the approval of God to continue in that sin? Does the LORD require that we confess all sin to Him in repentance? IMAGINE people who claim to be following Jesus attacking you for exhorting them USING Scripture to rid their lives of all sin (2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Titus 2:14; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Revelation 19:7-8; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4; Ephesians 5:25-27; Ezekiel 18:30; Isaiah 30:9-10, etc.). “Looking unto Jesus”, “striving against sin”, seeking to “Be ye holy” is not works salvation, it’s the […]

Hypocrisy, Persecutions, and Afflictions [podcast]

Ministry work always comes with “much contention.” There is a devil and he has human agents. Jesus will settle every score, will balance every scale. He’s coming soon. “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God WITH MUCH CONTENTION.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2 ATTN REBEL: Attacking the mere human messenger of God’s Word does nothing to remove your personal responsibility to your Maker! All you’re doing is bringing eternal rewards and rejoicing to that blessed messenger you […]

The Persecution Podcast [podcast]

“Think it not strange” in 1 Peter 4 simply means to not be surprised. If you love the LORD you will want to hear all He says in His Word, including the reality of persecutions for Christ’s sake (John 8:47). Any man posing as a leader among God’s people and isn’t preaching regularly on the reality of Christian persecution, is absolutely an ear-tickling wolf! Run! Part 1 Below Part 2 Below Part 3 Below Part 4 Below Sounds like our LORD is saying that WHATEVER, WHOEVER we lose in this life due to following Jesus, God […]

Angry Street Preacher Warning

Should we Preach “Stop Sinning” or “Repent”?

The Question of Stopping Sin

WHAT COMES FIRST: A) Stopping all sinning, OR B.) Being regenerated (born again) by coming to Jesus in true repentance (laying down your life-the cross)?
What is the Bible’s Prescription for total victory over all sin?
What is the biblical approach to lost sinners?

There is a whole generation of street preachers who are going to the streets to tell lost sinners to “stop sinning”! Is this the biblical approach? While it is a blessing that men go to the streets to reach the lost, it’s also of the utmost importance that we are walking in divine truth in our approach and in our disposition. Approaching Sinners with Compassion

——-HOW COULD A LOST SINNER POSSIBLY “STOP SINNING” before being born again? He simply can’t. Was “stop sinning” the message of Christ and His apostles? Was that the totality of why God sent His only begotten Son to die for us?

Biblical truth tells us that we are born in sin, we have a fallen nature and it’s only the cross that causes overcoming – not denying we have a fallen nature or telling ourselves or others to stop sinning. First and foremost, a human being “must be born again” and then and only then would the topic of overcoming sin even matter. Paul speaks of the fallen nature in Romans 7 and then tells us how we overcome and dominate that old nature in Galatians 2:20 and 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 9:27, etc. The Holy Spirit tells us how to overcome and grants that victory through the daily cross Jesus told us to take up to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). Denial is a smokescreen – the cross is the divine truth and solution to total victory.

EVEN the saved saints of Christ can’t overcome sin without coming to the cross afresh “daily,” as Jesus taught. So where does that leave the lost?

The LORD’s stated priority for His people is that they “abide” in Christ and when they do, all sin will be put away from their lives. As is obvious from the lack of biblical references, His foremost will is not that we stop sinning, which is impossible outside of a true, repentant abiding fellowship and daily communion with Him in His cross. See John 15:1-16. Listen closely to this:

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:5-6

Please pour prayerfully over this above passage beloved saint. Jesus came to put away sin and He does this exclusively through the abiding relationship He ordained us to live with Him. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.”

So, don’t seek to wrestle with your temptation and sins, just repent and seek the face of the LORD – this is the biblical prescription. The only reason a child of God sins in the first place is that he has distanced himself from the LORD – his fellowship with Christ is not as it should be and he is in need of repentance and to have Jesus back as his “first love” (Revelation 2:4-5). Memorize Psalms 27:4, 8; 63:8; 1 Chronicles 16:11b.

God gave His Son in order to give us a relationship with Him first and foremost (John 17:3). Only AFTER He finds and saves us, He grants us the blessed privilege of an abiding relationship with Him through which the fruit of holiness and much more is born (John 15:1-16).

Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery (salvation) THEN He told her to “go and sin no more.” In 2 Corinthians 5:11 Paul said he persuaded men but not by telling them to stop sinning. He never used those words, nor did the other apostles, especially not when addressing lost souls. Jesus told the woman He FIRST forgave to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:10-11). That’s as close as it gets to the message of “stop sinning” and notice what came first and foremost – forgiveness which represents redemption, regeneration, being born again. When Jesus said (commanded) “go, and sin no more,” inherent in that command existed the power to do as He said. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

Go read John 8 and notice how Jesus does and does not treat this sinning woman. He never condemns her which is unlike the self-righteous street preachers today who yell at lost souls and tell them to stop doing something they can’t possibly stop doing until after Christ saves them which comes with a changed nature whereby we “might be partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). It was never the LORD’s design for His people to tell unregenerate lost sinners to stop sinning. Such a privilege which includes living out of a clear, blood-washed conscience is exclusively the gift of God to His own children (Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:9). Anyone who has a basic knowledge of the fallen nature of sinful mankind, and has truly experienced regeneration themselves, should understand this. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 comes to mind as being central in this discussion.

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE: go, and sin no more.” John 8:10-11

For you and I, unworthy to be redeemed and forgiven ourselves, should never take up the self-righteous standpoint of condemning sinners – in attitude or in action. See Titus 3:5-7.

We should ask: What is the underlying motive of going to the streets and telling other men to stop sinning? Is there self-righteousness and pride under-girding this? Is self-righteousness and pride being fostered due to this activity?

The only begotten and sinless Savior, the only man to ever walk the earth sinless, was “moved with compassion”, not hatred, when He beheld lost souls (Matthew 9:35-38).

Also, are we placing a stumbling block in the way of sinners when we bring our own mean-spirited disposition of condemnation to them? What does James 1:20 tell us?

It was only AFTER He forgave this woman caught in adultery that He instructed her to “go, and sin no more” which is a picture of our need to be born again, forgiven, first and foremost. Then the divine ability is present in us by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin. Never before. 1 John 3:6 says: “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” Only those who know and are able to abide in Him are blessed to please God and overcome. Those who live in sin “hath not seen him, neither known him.”

If it were even possible, God could care less if lost souls in futility attempted to stop sinning (an impossibility) when they don’t even know Him. Jesus came that men could repent and know Him and then and only after that fact will He give them His grace to overcome sin. Note whom our LORD tells us are those whom He blessed to overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil:

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5

Never lose site of the fact that it’s only “whatsoever is born of God” that “overcometh the world.”

It would be wise to cease the ridiculous “stop sinning” protest and just preach from a heart of true concern, letting God’s holy Law convict the sinner and bring them to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Win them (Proverbs 11:30). Why don’t we get them saved the Bible way – by Christ alone – and HE (not you!) will give them the divine grace and power to overcome sin! I mean WHY did Jesus even come to die if sinners could stop sinning BEFORE He saved them? Isn’t it time for us to learn the true Gospel? It is unwise to think that Jesus yelled at and condemned the rank sinners. No, He didn’t condemn them but rather was “moved with COMPASSION upon them” (Matthew 9:35-38). God will scale the fish (get them to stop sinning) once you and I allow Him to bring them in the boat! In Matthew 4:19 Jesus says to His own disciples: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” Matthew 4:17-20

When men repent, they are born again and become Christ’s fishermen for souls. They follow Him and He teaches them to win souls. Listen to this:

“And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Luke 5:10

Notice “thou shalt catch men” – that is, get them in the boat. Yet not only is the LORD Jesus the sole Savior (the One who saves) but also the One who sanctifies or scales the fish after He catches (saves) them into His kingdom.

Read the Gospels and please tell me where Jesus ever blasted a regular sinner? Was He not “moved with COMPASSION upon them”? Read Matthew 9:35-38. Was our sinless LORD and Savior not the only One who had the right to condemn sinners and yet He didn’t? Jesus DID condemn the rich and the religious, but never the rank, everyday unsaved heathen. We need a fresh, thorough reading of Scripture. One of the many benefits will be that we see more clearly and cease following the grudge-filled dispositions of other mere men who are possessed by an unwarranted anger at sinners. Memorize James 1:20. Do we not have the need to come away with Christ and to be settled at His feet, listening, following His example? Do we need to reconsider ceasing to follow the willingly misled street preacher posse who are following the evil ways of false teacher Charles Finney?

God bless us to live out of the same unmerited mercy and compassion He showed by coming to die for us “while WE were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8).

—– IT’S a blessing to preach the Word of God on the streets or anywhere people are for that matter …. yet it’s not a blessing to have hatred in our hearts toward those for whom Jesus died and was raised again. Is that what won you to Jesus? Is hatred from condemning “Christians” what wins lost sinners into Christ’s kingdom? Never. Yes, preach the Word and only the Word and yet God is the Judge, not me or you! See 2 Timothy 4:1-4. We must never confuse our place in the LORD’s kingdom economy and realize that we are but servants and are called by Him to be humble in disposition (Colossians 3:12-14, etc.). We have NO righteousness of our own (Romans 7:12). Christ is our ONLY righteousness, period and end of story (2 Corinthians 5:21). He has and still today shows His “great mercy” upon us, unmerited by anything of our own. Check this out: “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” (Ephesians 2:3-5).

PREACHING DIVINE JUDGMENT, HELL, AND THE LAKE OF FIRE ARE BIBLICAL AND YET DOING IT WITH HATE IN OUR HEARTS FOR THOSE SINNERS WE ARE HARSHLY CONDEMNING, IS SIN (JAMES 1:20; 4:8-9, ETC.).

WHY WOULD WE VIEW AND TREAT LOST SINNERS JESUS WANTS TO SAVE AS OUR ENEMIES? DID THEY SIN AGAINST US?!??!??!!! ARE WE “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY,” OR IS THE LORD ALONE “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY”? see ISAIAH 6:3; REVELATION 4:8. ARROGANCE. SOUL DAMNING SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS.

The fact that the LORD is “angry with the wicked” does not mean that He gave mere sinful men (us) the permission or instruction to go angrily yell at and possess hatred toward the lost. Beware of those who run around with hatred in their hearts toward the lost and misuse Psalms 7:11 as a license to do so.

There are those who misuse Psalms 7:11 to justify their own self-righteous hatred for sinners.

“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.” Psalms 7:11-12

This passage must be taken in conjunction with the whole of Holy Scripture. There is no hint of an instruction for us to be angry with the wicked in Psalms 7:11. It merely says God is angry with them and wants sinners to turn to Him before it’s too late (v. 12).

When John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostle Peter preached “Repent,” it was just that – “Repent.” They didn’t say “Repent and stop all sinning.” Why? Because stopping sinning is not possible until one repents. It’s only then that the new creature in Christ can “bring forth fruit” meet for (consistent with) their repenting (Matthew 3:7-10). It was only AFTER Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery that He commanded her to “go, and sin no more,” right? Yes. First, He forgave her which repents salvation (John 8). Of necessity, in the divine economy, repentance is a gift from God and comes before a holy life. Such divine order must be kept intact, or the original Gospel will be perverted (Revelation 22:18-19).

Today, we have a whole cult of street preachers who somehow justify hating sinners. When they say “Repent and stop all sinning,” it’s with no concern in their hearts that those sinners repent. In the inflection, the attitude of their voice, it seems apparent that they desire those sinners they’re yelling at to go to hell and feel self-righteous by harshly reminding them of such a horrible, irreversible fate. When Jesus called men to “Repent” it was in utter concern of heart that He did so, weeping, longing, and desiring for those precious eternal souls to be saved because He is “not willing that ANY should perish” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) … “The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Today some among us want to call down fire from Heaven to destroy lost souls who are currently in rebellion. This is what Christ’s own disciples did in their early days of immaturity. Listen to Jesus please:

“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Luke 9:49-56

Jesus rebuked His 12 when they possessed this unwarranted, hateful disposition toward others.

“I think of the sweet lady and my sister and one of my best friends telling me about Jesus! They knew this wonderful person who knew everything they had ever done! Could this be the Messiah? They told me about Him in concern for my soul, in concert with the one they trusted! How this must break God’s heart! It breaks mine! See how Satan operates? The counsel of hell goes something like this: ‘If compassion is working for true preachers let’s send out false preachers to confuse and anger the masses!’ Thank you for sharing this brother!” CK

Stop Sinning? How?

Where’s the compassion with these sign-waving, yelling preachers who never actually WIN souls… but rather just condemn them by telling them to do something they cannot possibly do – stop sinning?

Knowing Christ is what pleases God, not just trying to stop doing the mechanics (transgression, actual act) of sin.

The main point of this post is to confront the “stop sinning” protesting. Even if a rank sinner or backslider possibly could stop sinning …. that would not please God. “The LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). It’s about relationship says Christ (John 17:3, etc.).

So, they walk away thinking God just wants them to perform?

That’s not the biblical approach brother. We must study closer Christ’s and His apostle’s interaction and instructions in this matter.

Yes, and the Word tells us to WIN souls … what is being addressed in this post is how many of the street preachers are not even intending to WIN those souls… but rather simply yelling at them, hurling condemnations.

The law is to be used to convict the sinner, not signs telling them to stop sinning. Sinners are sinners “by nature” (Ephesians 2:3) and it’s the Law that convicts them, not us.

MODERN STREET PREACHERS BUSTED! In light of the biblical prescription for holiness – the cross – those who go on the streets and tout their ridiculous “STOP SINNING!” signs are seen to be completely in the flesh. And that’s what they are – of the flesh. And, that’s exactly why these unholy men are standing on the streets demanding that sinners do the impossible – STOP SINNING! Jesus says, “Come unto me” and His apostles and church say “Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Here’s the whole verse: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

The LORD told us that as we follow Him He’ll make us to become fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). When God saves a soul, He makes them a saint and it’s only then that they can overcome sin through an abiding relationship with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; John 15).

QUESTION ASKED:

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). You think it’s wrong to tell a man you must turn from sin, if you to turn to God?

REPLY:

Hi brother. No, that is not wrong. That is correct … yet it’s not correct or seen in Scripture where Jesus or the apostles or early church told lost souls to stop sinning. That is no different than telling a bear to stop going to the bathroom in the woods … sinners are that way “by nature” (Ephesians 2:3), and until their nature is changed, which only God can do, they cannot possibly stop sinning. Even if they could it’s not enough because “ye must be born again” or receive “the washing of regeneration” which is where God makes His new child a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). It’s only then that “all things are made new” and that person is now in Christ’s kingdom, granted His grace and Spirit and enabled to live pleasing to Him…not before. There is no salvation without regeneration which is synonymous with being “born again” (John 3:3, 7; Titus 3:5-6).

COMMENTS FROM STREET PREACHER CONFRONTED FOR TELLING SINNERS TO “STOP SINNING” BEFORE THEY GET SAVED OR IN ORDER TO BE SAVED:

“Then why does Jesus condemn people in the Bible? Why would God command them to cleanse themselves? Is repenting a work? Is ‘cleanse your hands you sinners’ a work? Is surrendering a work? See James for details…His sacrifice requires our obedience. Who are you to say I or Finney are not in Christ? How do you judge that righteously?”

REPLY:

See what you think …. food for thought if nothing else ….

The Gospel command begins with one word – “repent” and God changes the hearts of men AFTER that fact. Standing up and preaching, “Stop sinning” is not the way the LORD and His apostles and early church approached sinners. They have to have a regenerated spirit before they can stop sinning. we must allow God to clean the fish He uses us to catch.

The Gospel doesn’t begin with “stop sinning” but “repent.” There are no verses that say sinners are to stop sinning before or in order to get saved. There are none, friend.

One must be in Christ to stop sinning or else He came in vain. I pray God opens your eyes to this truth …. Finney was a false teacher.

Charles Finney: False Teacher

I didn’t say you aren’t in Christ. Finney taught falsely and yes, I said it … standing on two feet – on the Rock of divine authority – the Holy Scriptures. The fact that you are reacting to Finney being called out is concerning.

“Finney told sinners to present THEIR righteousness to God. But in the gospel God does some presenting too. He has presented Christ as a propitiation, Romans 3: 25. Finney insisted that Christ ‘could not … obey as our substitute,’ yet he repeatedly said that Christ’s death was vicarious.” Charles Finney, Lecture 8, “Obedience to the Moral Law” p. 364

Eternal life was earned by Christ, not on our merit.

Many of those in street preacher circles today are largely influenced by his false teachings. The initial obedience is repenting, according to the record of Scripture, not the futile attempt to stop sinning. One’s nature must first be changed by the LORD.

Stop sinning by your own will? No one can stop sinning until God saves them. And no sinner can cease being a sinner in their spiritual state until the LORD makes them a new creature in Christ, regenerating them (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Titus 3:3-7).

Yes, repentance is an essential and it precedes the fruit of good works after they are saved, not before.

“He that WINNETH souls is wise” (Prov 11:30), not he that condemningly yelleth at them.

You say, “BUT, BUT, BUT Jesus said, ‘Go and Sin No More’!”

“Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11 KJV).

NOTE THE ORDER lest you put forth an imbalance as some are doing. Jesus FIRST forgave the woman and THEN and only THEN did He tell her to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). God first has to do a work – the work of regeneration – in men, before they can fulfill His will and please Him.

You are not winning souls for Christ when you first demand that sinners stop sinning. When Jesus saw the lost multitudes, was He moved with condemnation and contempt or with compassion? See Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus harshly rebuked the rich and the religious, but never the rank heathen. If we are going to be biblical, we must approach sinners with compassion and allow the law to convict them … “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).

Angry Street Preachers

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