Argue with the APOSTLE PAUL?
Me argue with the apostle Paul? Yes, you bet! And I can tell you right now that I am right and he is wrong!!! (Okay, read on before you conclude that I am a heretic.)
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
According to God, man’s heart is what???:
1. “deceitful above ALL things”
2. “desperately wicked”
Man’s heart is “deceitful ABOVE all things, and desperately wicked” before the holy God of all creation.
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
Jehovah is perfect and holy:
“Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:16
Sinful man has no hope of being accepted outside of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ. May God be thanked that through Jesus Christ, man can be redeemed and accepted in the beloved ( Eph. 1:6, 7; Rom. 3:23-26).
“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.” Romans 7:18
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24
Never forget that this is the state of YOUR heart without God – “wretched”! If in this moment we didn’t have the grace of God, our souls would be left to their own fallen state and devices, which is total depravity (Rom. 5:1-2; Jer. 17:9, etc.). Let us learn to appreciate and thank Him (verbally & from the heart) for His “abundant grace” (Romans 5:17).
“But by the grace of God I am what I am…” 1 Corinthians 15:10
OKAY PAUL, WE NEED TO TALK! Paul, “I am chief”, not you!
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16
What! Paul states that he is the “chief” of all sinners! He is wrong! I am going to argue with the Apostle Paul when I pass on to be with our Lord! I have one bone to pick with the great apostle – I am the chief of sinners, not him!!!
Because he didn’t realize I was coming after him, Paul even had the audacity to say this:
“Unto me (Paul), who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;” Ephesians 3:8
The bottom line is that no one is righteous in and of themselves and it’s only – exclusively – by divine mercy that any sinner can be saved into God’s family.
You may think this is strange for a man to say, but in reality, this is a very biblical and therefore a healthy perspective to hold as we walk with the Lord. I’m not talking about that old sorry attitude that says we cannot overcome sin and will sin every day no matter what. That’s a bunch of unfounded foolishness and the lie of Satan himself (Rom. 6:14; 8:2; 2 Cor. 2:14, etc.). We’re talking about the eternal truth that God is holy and I am wretched. Without His present grace, I am without hope. I am not talking about just giving up and living in sin, I’m talking about the state of the human heart without God – fallen and totally depraved! His grace is magnified in my life as I realize my own wicked state without His life in me – presently. Check this out:
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in (your) weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Notice the term “he said unto me.” Jesus, your Savior, is saying something to you beloved and that is this: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in (your) weakness.”
Am I “weak”? In other words, have I been brought to the place where I realize that He is my all sufficiency and that I can do nothing of eternal value without Him?
Without His presence in my life, I am left to my evil desires which guarantee my entanglements, falls, and demise because the wages of sin is still death (Rom. 6:23; Is. 59:2). Without His blessed redemption and its present work in me, I am yet without hope!
Thank the LORD that He is the “the Father of mercies.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Where are the thankful hearts of those who have been redeemed from sin’s leprosy? As in the case where Jesus healed the 10 lepers, why does only 1 of 10 come back to give Him glory? Where are those lips that should be giving Him praise!? Have we left our first love? If we haven’t, it is obvious in that we give Him open and heartfelt thanks for the redemption of Christ which has saved our souls. In those whose hearts burn with passion for Him, the present reality of God’s redemptive grace is ever fresh. Their hearts are filled with gratitude to Him. They don’t talk about a grace that once was, but one that is a present reality – working in them to bring God glory.
Without His love that drove Him to the cross and compels me to His cross, I am utterly without hope or help! Without Him I can do NOTHING (John 15:5). We can go nowhere in our life with God if we are not brought to the place of this realization – brokenness:
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24
Apparently, Paul is speaking here of the sinful nature, the iniquity (tendency, inclination, bent) that dwells within us all and wars against the presence and will of God in us. It’s a seething and venomous fire which burns within us, seeking to express itself in sinfulness. It certainly will, if not quenched daily by our submission to God and His will. Iniquities war within us daily to express their sinful desires and if not cast down and crucified, will bring us to spiritual ruin.
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (have life).” Romans 8:13
Note the phrase “if ye through the Spirit.” We must, through close communion with God “the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us”, mortify (put to death) the desires of the sinful nature which relentlessly seek to express themselves through our mortal bodies. (2 Tim. 1:14) To further emphasize the unceasing war waged by the sinful nature against all that is good (of God), let us consider what Paul the apostle stated in another place:
“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31
Friend in Christ, have you noticed that the fleshly nature cannot be cast out, but must be overcome – “daily”? Its unappeasable, sinful bent is relentless and cannot be left unchecked for a moment. Here is the prescribed way we are to appropriate the Holy Spirit’s power in overcoming:
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
As we “Watch and pray” the Holy Ghost will fill our hearts and lives and grant the power to live a life of holy consecration.
“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 9:27
According to the holy Scriptures, personal responsibility is ongoing. It doesn’t end at the moment one is brought by the Holy Ghost into the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 12:13). The sinful nature must be subdued – continually brought “into subjection.” Did you notice that the great apostle himself stated that it was possible for himself to become a “castaway (reject)” after he had “preached to others.”? (See also Ezekiel 33:12-13.)
Okay, so you haven’t been perfect in overcoming the sinful nature. Well, I certainly haven’t either, but today is fresh – it is new and so are the Lord’s compassions precious one (Lamentations 3:19-22) . He loves you and is in no way mad at you. His will and plan for your life is one of “peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
In seeking for the whole counsel of the Lord, we should also recognize that allowing the wicked state of our sinful nature to rule our lives is not permissible in God’s kingdom (Heb. 12:14, Luke 19:27, etc.) If He does not cover us we have no hope, and He NEVER promised to cleanse and cover that one which continues in open rebellion – living after the sinful nature.
“But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.” Psalms 68:21
Who is God going to “wound”?:
- 1. His enemies
- 2. such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses
Sin must be confessed and forsaken for divine mercy to be extended (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 7,9, etc.). I must be washed from my sin daily, I must die daily so He can live (1 John 1:7; Gal. 2:20). The cross of Christ must continue to have deeper and deeper meaning and application as I see more clearly my wicked state against His perfect holiness revealed to me as I cling to His cross. I can only see such as I stand face to face with His unspeakable holiness revealed in His holy law (Rom. 7:12).
“I Will Have Mercy, And Not Sacrifice”
We must never allow spiritual pride to darken our hearts as it abode in the condemned hypocrites of Christ’s earthly day:
“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:9-13
If in our spiritual activities we become self-righteous and look down upon sinners and those who associate with “sinners,” then all our spiritual sacrifices are in vain (to no effect before God). We are ALL in constant need of His forgiveness, so how can we dare look down upon another!?!?! Who are we not to forgive others as we are commanded, knowing that we have been forgiven of more than can be summed up?
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
A wise soul has stated:
- “A man is humble when he stands in the truth with a knowledge and appreciation for himself as he really is.” author unknown
SEEING AND LIVING FROM GOD’S EYES (Word):
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:2-7
Though I disagree with the apostle Paul that he is the “chief” of all sinners (haha), I am in full agreement with all else that God the Holy Ghost has spoken through this beloved apostle. As I hope you can see, I am being a little facetious here. Here is the only hope of this wicked soul (me), and all wretched souls:
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities (weaknesses), that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
In my “weakness” Christ will be magnified when I depend completely upon His perfect grace and strength.
“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
His grace is at work in us!
“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth (stiff arms) the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:5-10
Romans 5:17 “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
Let us seek to apprehend and live in the biblical perspective of who God is and who we are in Him. May Jesus Christ receive all blessing, glory and honor for His great redemption that He has provided the world through His perfect and holy blood which He shed on the cross of His crucifixion! What great grace and salvation is this!
Oh before I forget, if you happen to get to Heaven before I do, please tell the apostle Paul that I need to speak with him and that I have a bone to pick with him. Thanks.
Saved By His Grace,
todd tomasella
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Articles
Mission Mexico Part 52-Pictures, Videos, Testimonies, etc.

RECENTLY brother Mark gave a JESUS tract to many while he was on an evangelistic walk, including a man named Angel. Angel then called brother Juan asking for help. Juan’s email address and phone number are on the back of the JESUS tracts now.
TODAY: Because you cared and prayed and gave, brother Angel received the love of our God in the form of a box of food and some cash ($27 USD). Oh and he gladly received a stack of JESUS tracts he is excited to pass out.
Juan has been in touch with Angel and here’s what he reported:
“On Saturday, Brother Ángel laid his wife and daughter to rest. They were riding a motorcycle when they were struck by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. Although he has managed to provide them with a proper burial, he is now left without food. I am wondering if Brother Mark might be able to offer some support—he has shared his contact details with me, and he is currently unemployed. Perhaps some of the other brothers could reach out to help him; I will share this in the group, and I truly hope he can receive some assistance, as he is going through a very difficult situation. He has heard the Word of God—I shared the message of the Good News of Salvation with him—and he needs to see the love of God manifested through us, brothers.” Juan
Angel texted me this after being blessed by the body of Christ:
“Brother, Thanks so much, brother; this money will help me keep saving up for my rent. I really appreciate it—thank you so, so much. And please know that I’m more than happy to help you out with anything you might need. I’m letting Brother Juan know that I’m going to take the $500 (500 pesos = $27 USD) to the landlord, because he told me that if I didn’t give him something today, he would throw my things out and kick me out today. Thanks, brother. Honestly, if you ever need anything—washing your truck, clearing a piece of land, painting some things, whatever—just let me know, because I need to come up with the full amount for my rent.” Angel
Prayer: Feel free to lift up in prayer brother Angel – for his walk with Christ, his work life, and being able to pay the remainder of his rent. Angel is a typical Mexican man – super hard working. He’s obviously needing new clients.
As you can see, this blessing came right on time. God heard our brother’s cry and used you and I to delivered HIS blessing. As you can see, sounds like Angel would have been homeless tomorrow had God not intervened.
As God would have it, just before finding Angel to deliver the blessings, I met and old man who owns a store. Upon hearing the preaching of our LORD Jesus’ Gospel, the man rejoiced. We fellowshipped briefly, and he gladly received a stack of JESUS tracts to distribute.
GTR in Mexico!!!
GTR = Gospel Train Rollin
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
The weekly fellowship with brother Juan and brother Eduardo has been a blessing. Eduardo is the man who recently began emailing and texting. He said some “America guy” gave him a JESUS tract and it was like a gift from Heaven.
Eduardo is a born again brother in Christ who was much in need of fellowship (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25). This morning, brother Juan, who is super caring in God’s love and pastoral and evangelistic, ministered our LORD’s Word and love to brother Eduardo at length. Even though I can’t understand most of what they are saying in Spanish, there’s no doubt our LORD was edifying His son Eduardo.
Both these men are Spanish speaking. Here’s what Juan said at the end of our fellowship today with our brother Eduardo:
“Brother Eduardo says that he has faced discrimination from his family for becoming a Christian and following Jesus Christ. They have distanced themselves from him, as they prefer to practice a more traditional form of Catholicism—attending Mass and going to confession with a priest. But you know very well that it is God who chooses us, and we shall not be put to shame, because we have chosen the better part by believing in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Brother Eduardo says he’s unemployed and asks if you can help him in the group (to find work). He works in agriculture. He needs help with gardening, painting houses, or any other service because he’s unemployed. We need to see if you can support him here in this town.”
After a rich time of fellowship, both men were given coffee and breakfast and a small bit of cash as a way to bless them. Mexicans are very hard workers as you know and yet the economy in Mexico is not what it is in the US.
Thank you for caring for these beloved Mexican people, namely our brothers and sister in Christ.
Your prayers for the super receptive people of Mexico are a blessing. God is answering.
Lifelong Jewish lady now born again just got water baptized today.
Dear Mr. Augustine readily received the love God via His body (you!), the spoken Word of God, and the original Gospel on the JESUS tract. Your prayers and support make these things possible. Jesus is coming saints – and our hand is on the plow of our LORD Jesus’ bless-ed Gospel, the Great Commission He gave us (Luke 9:62). Everyone’s participation matters, greatly and will be rewarded accordingly (1 Samuel 30:24).
A man named Eduardo was given a JESUS tract today and is emailing me saying that he’s very excited to meet brother Juan, brother Mark, and myself this thursday for breakfast fellowship. God is good.
“If you have any, please let me know—thank you so much! An American man gave this to me on the street; it feels like it fell from the sky! Thank you very much…hugs”
There’s simply no way for us to report on every person who is being touched daily. It’s literally getting out of control. The LORD is marching into the hearts of the Mexican people.
“Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! The receptiveness in Mexico is beyond my comprehension! Even to the point of this man saying this gospel feels like it fell from the sky. Well I guess it did. Jesus came from heaven to earth to show us the way and seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). Praise God for the many souls who are being reached daily with the gospel of Christ. God is well pleased!” Karen Cochran
PRAYER REQUESTS:
For Juanita and her sons Jesus and Victor. Beloved Juanita pictured below. She brought me into the gate of her house and said “Mi casa es tu casa” = my house is your house. A completely bless-ed lady who readily received the ministry of the Word, the glorious Gospel of Jesus. She may already be saved, I don’t know but she now knows who to repent and receive Jesus if not.
Also Fatima, a young mother with a little girl who receive ministry today.
They just moved here to this town today from CDMX (Mexico City).
Thank you.
God knows.
What to pray?
Colossians 4:12 boom.
In Jesus’ name.
“… The living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” 1 Timothy 6:17
Some of the things one must suffer by going to “third world” Mexico to preach Christ’s original Gospel. Don’t worry, the cost of living here is much lower cost than the US.
Immediately upon handing a man the JESUS tract today, he lit up and hugged me. He was so excited because he’s born again and his father and grandfather are pastors. His name is Israel.
We connected and Israel and brother Juan are now connected and communicating. Juan gladly took some JESUS tracts to distribute. Would you like to pause and lift our brother Israel to the LORD in a prayer? (Philippians 1:19)
How do you find the saints in an area you go into? Just evangelize and watch God work.
*Below is a picture of one of the many men who received a JESUS tract this morning.
Mission Mexico
Jesus is coming saints.
Breakfast fellowship with the brethren of our LORD …
in “third world” Mexico.
Oh boy if people only knew.
It’s a blessing that with your prayers, love, and financial support, you are declaring that “The People of Mexico Matter for Christ—He died to save them!”
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
IF YOU WANT TO PLEASE SATAN …..
MAKE SURE you do NOT support authentic evangelistic ministries that are literally, actually getting Christ’s Gospel to the lost souls of this world.
The apostle Paul did “the work of an evangelist” and instructed us to do the same.
“Preach the word … But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2, 5
Our KING is coming saints, King JESUS!
Let’s roll beloved of God!
in Christ
todd
More Mexico Mission Action here.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Articles
What did the First Missionaries Do/Preach?

Concerning false leaders, Jeremiah pens these words: “they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.” (Jeremiah 23:14)
God counts our sin of spiritual “adultery” as that of “Sodom” and “Gomorrah.” Do we not betray the Most High whom we claim to know and love when we “strengthen also the hands of evildoers?” Aligning with someone or organization that is in error will strengthen their evil cause and the LORD will turn His hand of blessing away from us (2 Chron. 18-19).
Recently I listened to a missionary to Mexico tell about his work down there. Unfortunately, he spoke more than once of Rick Warren (who is in deep deception and was trained under deceiver Robert Schuller) and yet not once did he declare or mention the name of Jesus Christ nor did he speak of the Gospel – the death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God (1 Cor. 15:1-4). So, what is this man doing in Mexico? What are his supporters supporting/furthering? Didn’t Paul say “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our LORD Jesus Christ”? (Gal. 6:14) And, that he “determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2) There is “none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
This counterfeit has the wherewithal to proclaim known deceivers and yet not Jesus Christ?!
Not one Scripture was quoted or even referred to by this “missionary” during his hour talk about his family’s work in Mexico. What does this tell us about his work among those people? What is this man importing to Mexico if it’s not the true Gospel?
Important Biblical Discernment Truth: Jesus said that “ye shall know (discern) them by their fruits” and “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 7:16; 12:34). So, by what men say and don’t say, we know (discern) who they really are. Real simple isn’t it?
I hope you know that I am speaking from a place of zeal for the LORD and earnestly contending for the Gospel faith once delivered to His saints (Jude 3-4).
What are we supporting here by sending a man who doesn’t even speak the words of the LORD? Whose cause is he promoting? How could and why would the living God empower a man who doesn’t honor Him and His Word? Where are we putting God’s resources (money)? Will there be any rebuke to this man? Will anyone seek to disciple him? If not, then are we not enabling such dissimulation and promoting “another gospel”? I wonder today how much “missionary” work has to do with the biblical model of making disciples, but is rather establishing the thoughts, philosophies, and curriculums of mere men and teaching people to go through these psycho-babblish programs and learn everything but the pure divine Word (1 Pet. 2:2). When people/victims come out of these programmed classes, one thing is certain – they don’t know the Word of God, so it’s ALL in vain. After all, it seems like the writings of mere men have taken precedence over God’s holy and precious Word in the apostate organized modern church world.
What did the first missionaries do/preach?
“And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.” (Acts 8:25; 13:5; 14:25; 15:36; Mk. 2:2)
Those who know Christ and are prepared for ministry preach His Word. If they preach ANY ANY “ANY other gospel”, they are “accursed” and to be treated as such by God’s people (Gal. 1:6-9). If a man claims in any capacity to represent Christ and yet doesn’t preach Jesus Christ and His original Gospel, “there is NO light in” that beguiler (Is. 8:20). He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).
According to the law of Genesis 1, we can only produce after what we ARE, not what we say or convince others into believing we are. Genesis 1:11 says “the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seedis in itself.” So, whoever I am here, I am in China or Russia or Mexico.
Beloved, what is important is the quality of the seed and the richness of the soil. The Gospel is the riches of God’s love in Jesus Christ, of which Paul was not ashamed because it is “the power of God unto salvation” unto those who were given it and believed (Rom. 1:16). Where the Gospel is honored fully, the soil is rich. If a person has not been faithful in his own nation in the true Gospel of Jesus, he is not fit to win the lost in another country and should never be sent or supported. If this missionary was not soundly grounded in God’s Word before he left to go to Mexico, then why did God’s people ever send him? Does a person become a missionary when his feet hit foreign soil? Of course not. And, remember, Jesus loves and seeks to save the people on American soil as much as He loves people on Indian, Africa, Mexican, and Chinese soil. In light of this, I don’t think we should entertain the idea that when we give to foreign missions, there is any difference than giving to Gospel workers here in America.
Isaiah was Prepared, Commissioned, and Sent by God. See Isaiah 6.
So, when we fund missionaries who do not possess the Word, or the Word doesn’t possess them, we are funding the spread of a false gospel (2 Cor. 11:1-4; Gal. 1:6-9). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly).” (Col. 3:16)
In the midst of citing the evil of the false shepherds of Israel, Jeremiah the prophet introduces a rhetorical question which is actually an identifier of true and false servants:
“For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?” Jeremiah 23:18
Those who stand in the counsel of the LORD (not men) and perceive and hear His Word, marking it and hearing it again and again, are true. All others are false and will inevitably peddle a false message.
When speaking of leadership in the body of Christ, the Scriptures instruct us to “know them which labour among you.” (1 Thess. 5:21) Concerning the ordaining of men into ministry, the LORD tells us“Lay hands (ordain into ministry) suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” (1 Tim. 5:22) When we ordain or set forth and condone any man before we really know his life and doctrine, we will inevitably “be partaker of other men’s sin.” In other words, we will be equally to blame for the sin and error that man promotes and for all the people he misleads. We are mandated to “keep thyself pure” of this wickedness. This is a very serious issue. The support, promotion, condoning, or aligning with any person in ministry that is preaching “another gospel” brings a curse upon ourselves as we enjoin him in sin against God and the spreading of a false gospel (Is. 5:20-24; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Chron. 19:2). We are commanded to withhold blessing from him lest we become “partaker of his evil deeds.”
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11
Bidding “God speed” is pronouncing an approval blessing upon a person or ministry. If such is done to any person who is not communicating the original gospel, it is “another gospel” and it is a deadly sin to condone –“bid him God speed.” Any person who does such “is partaker of his evil deeds.” This means that those who support in any way any person or ministry organization that does not definitively and forthrightly declare the original Gospel, are counted just as guilty as the peddler himself. Anyone who does not bring the biblical doctrine of Jesus Christ who is divine and came in the flesh, is “a deceiver and an antichrist.” (2 Jn. 7) All such counterfeit ministers are false and to be shunned and not blessed or promoted or esteemed among God’s people – “Keep thyself pure.” (1 Tim. 5:22) Anyone among God’s people who helps the person not bringing the true Gospel – bids them God speed – and is “partaker of his evil deeds.” In other words, he will reap the same punishment as the man peddling another gospel other than that which Christ and His apostles gave us in the New Testament record.
We will be held responsible for supporting any person who is spreading lies and weakening the people through falsehoods and promoting false prophets. When we financially or otherwise support a ministry which is not according the New Testament record, we become “partaker of other men’s sins.” (1 Tim. 5:22)
When we set forth any person who is not called, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and prepared in the Word and the crucified life, we launch evil upon everyone that “novice” influences. We also harm the unprepared man greatly and most importantly, we bring disdain to the name of Jesus Christ. God grant us wisdom from His Word and forgive our sins! Concerning the launching of people into ministry, the Holy Spirit directs: “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Tim. 3:6)
Don’t you know that the enemy laughs all the way to the bank when God’s true people cast their revenues into the coffers of those who are not preaching the true Gospel? Do we want to fund wolves in sheep’s clothing? Who shall we fear? See Galatians 1:6-10
CREDENTIALS FOR MINISTRY
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions…” 2 Timothy 3:10-11
God’s Fruit according to 2 Timothy 3:10: Here are 9 earmarks of an authentic servant of Christ who would be prepared to serve in ministry:
- doctrine
- manner of life
- purpose
- faith
- longsuffering
- charity
- patience
- persecutions
- afflictions
The fruit identifies the root (Jn. 15; Rom. 11:16). When a man is relationally and biblically rooted in and abiding in Jesus Christ, his fruit will among other things be that of truth, love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), evangelism, charitable deeds, the care of souls, and the love of children. If a man’s life is not pure and he is not seeking the LORD diligently and daily in repentance and brokenness, he simply does not yet have the fruit of one who is to be set forth into ministry. Let’s walk in God’s written wisdom (His Word) and cease to enable any ministry that is not soundly rooted and grounded in God’s Word and love and purposes as revealed clearly in the Holy Scriptures.
“Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2
Have we magnified His Word above all else? Or something else above His Word? Have we magnified HIS Word above the names of all sinful men and their inferior writings? Or, are we despising the Almighty LORD Jesus Christ by elevating the words of mere men?
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2
Do we search out and find His Words and eat/devour them like a hungry man who hasn’t eaten in days?
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Do we rejoice at men’s words or at God’s Word?
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalms 119:62
Are we daily eating and allowing His Word to be our life?
“It is written, That man shall not live (have God’s life) by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4
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Articles
What about Suicide – Self Murder?

Does Someone Who Commits Suicide (murders self), Go to Heaven or Hell?
IT’S REAL SIMPLE:
1. WHO is the Judge? God! (James 4:12)
2. Has the Judge spoken? Do we have a Bible which is His tangible written Word? Is the Bible God’s very Word? YES! – and so we have His very Word which He has lifted even above His own Holy name! (Psalms 138:2)
Some crassly set aside God’s very Word, as if He is silent on this matter. That’s ridiculous at best.
Playing dumb seems to be the mode of many, but the LORD is “not the author of confusion.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
At the funerals of those who kill/murder themselves, false preachers intimate and blatantly say that the dead person who committed suicide is now “in a better place.” By doing this, these wolves embolden members of the listening audience to kill themselves also, all the while not realizing they are in for the most excruciating pain unknown to man on earth. “Ending it all” is a foolish lie. The worst thing any person in history has ever suffered is a dream of comfort compared to what lies ahead for those who die without a personal, born again relationship with Jesus Christ. Oh, and the lake of fire will never end, nor will consciousness (Mark 9:42-49). See Hell’s Menu here.
Some will say “But God knows the heart, we don’t.” God sure does know the heart and Jesus told us that all sin – sin separates us from Him and will damn us – comes from the HEART. “And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, MURDERS, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:20-23
When the LORD looks on a heart of murder, what will He do? Rev. 21:8; 1 John 3:15
“NO MURDERER hath eternal life abiding (remaining) in him.” 1 John 3:15
How impugning to the LORD it must be when those claiming to be saved ignore, and brazenly disregard Him by denying His Word and what He plainly stated. What did Jesus say about these are ashamed of Him and His Word? See Mark 8:38 and John 8:47.
There’s a deeper root in the lives of those who can’t simply read God’s very words and take Him at His Word. Damnable unbelief is the root (Revelation 21:8). Repentance is necessary.
According to Revelation 21:7-8, one of the things that must be overcome is murder and that doesn’t matter if it’s killing self or someone else.
Not wanting to live is the symptom of separation from God. Those who turn to the LORD are saved and blessed to have in their hearts His blessed victory and “Love, joy, peace …”(Galatians 5:22-23) Suicide is never the answer and will result in the beginning of an eternity in more pain than any of us could ever imagine. Getting saved is the answer, not killing yourself. Keep reading friend. You are not reading this by accident and your answer is at hand!
THE JUDGE HAS SPOKEN AND HERE’S WHAT HE SAID:
“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.” Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
“NO MURDERER HATH ETERNAL LIFE ABIDING (REMAINING) IN HIM.” 1 John 3:14-15
What could possibly be plainer?
The truth is self-evident. The Bible is self-interpreting. The problem is with the corruption of calvinism in the minds of many who make their evil traditions more important the God Himself (Mark 7:6-9).
It should deeply anger us to see ourselves or others who deny the LORD by denying His very Word. Instead, they philosophy, reason, and justify. This is what God calls “an EVIL heart of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:12)
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, MURDERS, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:22-23
The world acts like depression justifies murdering self. Not. Depression can be a reality for good and bad reasons and yet murdering God’s creation is never the answer and is always a soul damning sin (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 John 3:15; Revelation 21:8; 22:15). Suicide is sin. Suicide will damn the soul irrevocably in hell.
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MURDER is a soul damning sin and it doesn’t matter if you are murdering someone else or yourself – because GOD made you. You didn’t make yourself. HE is to decide when you are to leave this His earth. Hell awaits all who commit suicide.
What about capitol punishment – the death penalty?
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” Genesis 9:6
“The institution of capital punishment presupposes the establishment of governmental authority. It would be chaos if anyone and everyone avenged a murder. Only duly appointed governments may do so. The NT perpetuates capital punishment when it says concerning the government, “. . . he does not bear the sword in vain” (Rom_13:4).” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Intriguing Suicide Dialogue/Feedback:
“I was gonna commit suicide almost 3 yrs ago. However, GOD stopped me from doing it. I knew that I was going to spend forever in eternal darkness. It was the Holy Spirit who stopped me.” Harry S.
Email Rec’d:
Hi Todd,
I have a question for you in regard to what the Word say about suicide. What about the person who is trusting in Jesus as their Savior, but continues to struggle and be tormented by demons who play on their deep depression … resulting in suicide? I had a friend who committed suicide. It was her 2nd attempt that did her in. She was digging deep into God’s word and really growing in the word, yet she struggled with a debilitating depression that only her husband and family knew the depth of. I witnessed her desire to push through and LIVE…but in small moment of weakness she succumbed to other voices and shot herself through the head. It was a difficult thing to grasp, as she was an incredible grandmother and friend to the down and out. She had the gift of easing others burdens by being a joyous giver. She was purposely dragging herself out of her bed and attending bible studies, Sundays and Wed. to get God’s word into her. She considered God’s word her medicine. I watched her make a valiant effort over the years to live and to honor God…so naturally I wonder about this. Isn’t it possible that for whatever reasons that demons can just overcome a mind in a moment of weakness and push them over that line? The thing I wonder about is God’s mercy and grace in such a case. I can just imagine her crying out to Jesus before she pulled the trigger. She was mentally ill and her Godly family did everything possible to help her. I see what God’s word says and I wholly agree that suicide is wrong and so much easier for the unsaved to get to that point. But what about this sister in Christ? I see some gray areas in this scenario.
Naturally I hope she’s with the Lord….but I really do not know
Janet
Response:
Hi Janet.
One of my good friends, once a vibrant and fruitful believer, also committed the sin of murdering himself (suicide). Think about and mediate upon this:
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15
I believe that if a person is that deeply depressed and defeated it seems that that’s evidence that they were not trusting Christ who is the life and holds all victory in His hands and grants it to all who truly are trusting and walking with Him (1 John 5:4-5; 1 Cor. 15:57). From Scripture we see many examples of small moments of weaknesses resulting in eternal ruin because that small moment of weakness was the culmination of a life that was seemingly seeking the LORD but full of the mixture of rebellion. Judas had obviously been departing from Christ long before he made that final, fatal decision to betray the very Son of God. – “Judas by transgression (act of sin) fell, that he might go to his own place (eternal hell).” (Acts 1:25) Judas was a “familiar friend” of Jesus, clearly a child of God – chosen to occupy an eternal place with Christ (Ps. 41:8; Matthew 19:28).
I know this sounds very harsh and yet, I must answer according to the Word of God best I see it to date. Christ grants total victory and as we are seeking His holy face and abiding in Him. As we do, we are delivered from sin and devils (John 15:1-6; James 4:7; 1 John 3:5-6, 8; Rev. 12:11). Christ is synonymous with victory. Yes, we have all failed and sinned in our weaknesses and yet there are absolutes in God’s economy and one of them is “no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)
“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
Now, if a person is in the process of committing suicide and it’s not a sudden death and they are able to call upon the LORD in repentance on their way out of here, then I fully believe Jesus will save them as He did the thief on the cross who called upon Him.
God’s blessings be with your family sister.
Todd
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