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12 Not 11

It is undeniable that Jesus chose Judas and that Judas was in right relationship with the Son of God, was sent out by Jesus to do His ministry work, and was promised an eternal throne in Heaven. Let’s talk about it.

“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you TWELVE, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” John 6:70-71

“Have not I chosen you TWELVE” – Did Jesus choose a devil and send him to do His ministry OR did Judas choose after he was chosen by Christ to turn against Christ? The answer is obvious.

Judas was 1 of the 12. Judas was chosen by Jesus to the highest office in the church. Though he later turn against and betrayed Jesus, Judas holds the distinction as being one of the twelve original apostles of Christ!

It is undeniably on record that Jesus Christ promised Judas an eternal throne in Heaven.

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon TWELVE (not 11) thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28

Was Judas one of the twelve original apostles of Jesus Christ? It is irrefutable that the Son of God promised his “twelve,” not eleven, eternal thrones in His heavenly kingdom. Judas, who was one of the “twelve,” was promised an eternal throne, yet “by transgression” fell and went to hell. Judas kissed the very Gate of Heaven, and turned and went to hell, given over to and driven by demons he ended his own life.

Judas was chosen by Christ Himself as one of His very twelve, yet Judas wasn’t hell-proof. Judas wasn’t “once saved always saved.”  Judas was not given a spiritual asbestos suit. It is undeniably on record that Jesus Christ promised Judas an eternal throne in Heaven and so, the OSAS-er and calvinist are dead wrong to believe Judas was never a true child of God. Jesus chose him to the highest office in the church and told him he’d be in Heaven (Matthew 19:28). God’s promises are conditional. Judas chose to rebel and the promise was revoked as it was for Israel and many others throughout biblical history, beginning with Lucifer.

Judas is now in hell and yet was once a disciple of Christ – promised by the Son of God an ETERNAL throne in Heaven (Matt. 19:28). Judas was once in grace but not always in grace.

In Matthew 19:28 Jesus was at that moment speaking to Judas, not his replacement, and the Son of God clearly promised Judas an eternal throne. Christ promised him an eternal throne and Jesus also required that His original 12 and also all who follow Him, endure to the end or be lost (Matt. 10:22; 24:13). “Then said Jesus unto his disciples … Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon TWELVE thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matt. 19:23, 28)

Judas was one of Jesus’ hand-selected “twelve” and so Judas was included in this promise. So, to say Judas was not saved and promised eternal security – a very throne in Heaven with Jesus – is to say that Jesus lied. It is also to say that God can’t break His promise if someone rebels.

Judas kissed the gate of Heaven Himself then turned and denied and betrayed Him. He made choice as God has given all men choice. That ability to choose does not end after He finds and saves us (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Isa. 1:19-20; Rom. 6:16, Gal. 6:6-8; James 1:13-15; Rev. 22:17, etc.).

In Matthew 10 the very Son of God sends Judas and the other eleven forth to preach His Gospel, to heal the sick, open blinded eyes, and to cast out devils and do His ministry work, then He tells them that only those who endure to the end (remain faithful to Him to the end of their lives) will be saved (Matt. 10:1-22). Jesus sent Judas to cast out devils which can only be done by the Holy Spirit of God indwelling a person, further proving Judas Iscariot was right with God till he turned away (Matt. 10:1-8; 12:22-29).

As we see in the life of Judas, there is a qualification to the promise of God, initial and continual faith – “to the end.”

Did Christ pray all night and knowingly bring an evil man (Judas) into His ministry? Or, did Judas become evil by choosing not to love and obey Christ and to rebel and live in sin? The answer is obvious to the honest and noble student of Holy Scripture. As is the obvious case with all human beings, Judas retained the choice to go on serving or not serving God with his whole heart (Deut. 30:19-20; Joshua 24:15; Isa. 1:18-20).

Jesus sent Judas to preach His Word and to cast out devils and Judas was a heathen? (Matthew 10:1-8) Lame excuse. Nothing could be clearer than the historically documented fact that Judas had free will, was chosen by the Son of God, set apart and sent to do ministry for Jesus and then fell away by his own sin which he had free will to commit (Acts 1:25; James 1:13-15).

“Ye Are Clean, But Not All”

In John 13, we are given insight into the differences between Peter and Judas. Such is a fascinating study and lesson. The differentiation between what both of these men chose to do holds eternal consequences. We must not miss this eternal distinction! Though both were equally divinely chosen as part of the original twelve, Peter chose to be humble, teachable and obedient while Judas chose to be prideful, unteachable and disobedient. Peter wisely elected to answer the call of Christ to be initially and perpetually washed of his sins which sustained His relationship with Jesus – “Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” Peter possessed genuine saving faith which manifested in obedience to Christ. Unlike Judas, the one Christ refers to here when He asserts “but not all (are washed),” Peter answered the LORD’s call to be washed initially and continually. Could this not be said to be the difference between Peter and Judas? Is this not the reason that only one of these two men is in Heaven and the other is in eternal damnation?

“Not all (are washed)” – as it was among the original twelve, so it is today in the church. Some have been initially washed and remain washed to this hour, yet some who were initially washed are not submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and are not receiving His ongoing washings from their sins. Do you wash your clothes only one time? No, you buy that article of clothing and then you wash it. You then wash it repeatedly after wearing it – to keep it clean and ready for use. Right?

“…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself 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

Why did Jesus give His very life for His Bride? “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot (stains of sin)…but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

God wants His children “without blemish” and such is only possible by humbly submitting our lives to the LORD to be cleansed.

Through the preponderance of data available to us in Holy Writ, it must be concluded that this villainous character named Judas, was chosen and chose to be initially elected and initially washed by Christ, yet did not (like Peter) choose to be perpetually washed and cleansed by Jesus.

“He (Christ) riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash (clean) my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.” John 13:4-10

“If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” – Did you hear the definitive nature of Jesus’ words here? Christ speaks of initial and perpetual washings. Peter is no different than each and every child of God – we need to be initially and continually cleansed of our sins. This cleansing must be willingly submitted to and is not an automatic process as we see here with the reference to Judas – “ye are clean, but not all.” Eleven of the twelve original apostles of Christ elected to be initially and perpetually washed by the Master sin cleanser. One didn’t.

By nature a bride prepares herself for her bridegroom. As we behold in this very important passage in John 13, Jesus Christ is the initial and perpetual cleanser of our hearts, hands and feet. In Scripture, clean hands and feet speak of asking and receiving washings from the sins we commit with the members of our bodies (transgressions). See Psalms 24 and Romans 6. First and foremost, we must be apprehended by Him, receiving “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:4-7) As Peter learned and we are taught here, in John 13, every child who is initially washed, must then submit to the Lordship of the Washer in order to “abide” in relationship with Him (Jn. 15). As Peter learned, so the Bride of Christ must learn to rejoice in and be perpetually washed by Christ’s precious and holy blood and “the washing of water by the word.” (Eph. 5:26)

According to 1 John 1:7, we can know when we are walking in His light as we are being honest towards Him who sees all, and humbly acknowledging (not hiding in darkness) our sins and experiencing the ongoing cleansing of His precious blood. By this unspeakable gift we have clear conscience and are enabled by His grace to serve Him with no consciousness of sin! See Hebrews 9:14 and rejoice! What a gift the divine blood has procured for all New Covenant saints! Dare we not appropriate such blessed benefits? – “forget not all his benefits.” (Ps. 103:2)

“Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now (do not yet understand); but thou shalt know hereafter.” (Jn. 13:7) “Hereafter” or here forward and after you have walked in (been obedient to) what I am showing you here, you will understand. Those who choose to live in obedience to Christ are the ones He chooses to give understanding. In the divine economy, we must first obey in order to be granted understanding. “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine…” (Jn. 7:16-17)

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MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Was Judas saved or not in your opinion? I don’t know of anyone who has ever claimed that he was saved. So did Jesus lie? Did He fail? Was His claim to not lose any of His sheep false? Or is it possible that Judas failed, not Jesus? What Jesus promises always remain, just as eternal life is always eternal – but those who had it at one time lost it? The life He gives never becomes anything less than eternal. But some do lose it, as Judas did.”

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

Read the rest of this passage. He is clearly speaking of believers. And 12 is the number of completion. It’s a symbolic number. This doesn’t mean 12 literal thrones. Also, Jesus is obviously not going to make such a promise and not deliver.

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Matthew 19:28-29 KJV”

REPLY:

What you fail to realize is free will – before and after God saves someone. Read Ezek 33:12-13; Heb 10:26-39.

Matt 19:28

In your “interpretation” of this passage, your colors are showing even more, your utter bias. Pitiful attempt ot continue to promulgate Satan’s OSAS lie…… Totally dishonest explanation.

WHO WAS JESUS SPEAKING TO?

Mat 19:23  Then said Jesus unto his DISCIPLES (how many were there? 12) …

Mat 19:25  When HIS DISCIPLES (the 12) heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

Mat 19:26  But Jesus beheld THEM, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Mat 19:27  Then answered Peter (as usual, spokesman for the 12) and said unto him, Behold, WE (the 12) have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall WE (the 12) have therefore?

Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That YE WHICH HAVE FOLLOWED ME (the 12), in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, YE (the 12) also shall sit upon TWELVE thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Clearly the 12 thrones Jesus promises here refers specifically to whom Jesus is speaking, His 12 disciples.

Many OSAS counterfeits simply will not let go of this demonic lie. They despise the thought of any personal responsibility and so cannot afford to allow themselves to truly repent and bring forth the fruit of a holy life! This will be to their own eternal demise (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Cor 7:1; Eph 5:25-27, etc.).

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Do you think Jesus did not know Judas was going to betray Him, when Judas was selected? Was the Apostle Paul chosen to take the place of Judas, therefore keeping the number at 12?”

REPLY:

Did or did not Jesus choose Judas? Yes (Luke 6:12-16). In Matthew 19:28, did Jesus promise JUDAS an eternal throne? Was the Son of God speaking to Judas or Paul at that moment? – “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto YOU (the 12 original apostles), That YE (included Judas) which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)

In Matthew 10 the very Son of God sends Judas and the other eleven forth to preach His Gospel, to heal the sick, open blinded eyes, and to cast out devils and do His ministry work, then He tells them that only those who endure to the end (remain faithful to Him to the end of their lives) will be saved (Matt. 10:1-22). Jesus sent Judas to cast out devils which can only be done by the Holy Spirit of God indwelling a person, further proving Judas Iscariot was right with God till he turned away (Matt. 10:1-8; 12:22-29).

As we see in the life of Judas, there is a qualification to the promise of God, initial and continual faith – “to the end.” The fact that Jesus, GOD, foreknew who would betray Him in no way negates His love and His choosing of that person. Foreknowledge in no way means God desires anyone to betray Him. Such is a foolish and erroneous conclusion. Jude speaks of many who were once right with God and then betrayed Him – because God gave men free will and never retracts such. He is love and love never forces but rather leaves the choice to the individual both initially and ongoing (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15). The following passage proves you are indicting the Almighty, blaming He who is “Holy, holy, holy” for the sin of Judas (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)

Yes Jesus knew who would betray Him. It’s what Scripture calls divine “foreknowledge.” Yet how does that make OSAS/eternal security a Bible teaching other than it’s Satan’s first teaching? Foreknowing who would betray Him after being His, only proves Judas was of Christ and then departed from the Savior – due to his own willful choice to disobey the LORD.

“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 (to sin): 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

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Christ is not capable of lying. Christ knew that Judas was going to betray Him before the foundation of the world. Do you deny this fact?”

REPLY:

That only tells us that God knows all – past, present, and future. The fact that the LORD knows who will betray Him in no way tells us that God desired or ordained Judas to betray Him nor that Judas was forced to betray Him. Man has free will before and after salvation (Joshua 24:15). The LORD never tempted Him to sin (James 1:13-15). Knowing that Judas is in hell, to “prove” your “eternal security” heresy, you have to force this issue. You have to make sure you “prove” that Judas was never Christ’s. Yet you haven’t proven that and can’t. Jesus chose Judas as 1 of His 12, promised him an eternal throne, and sent him to do His ministry work. You refuse to believe anyone could “fall away” after being saved but Jesus invented that term so it must be possible, and it sure is (Luke 8:13). You going to call the Son of God a liar?

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“You have flawed logic if you think God promised Judas something He knew he’d never have.”

REPLY:

“You are not a man of truth. You fail to believe what Scripture teaches concerning conditional, not un-conditional salvation and that some who get saved will choose not to “abide” (remain, continue) in Christ and will “fall away” and go to hell (Luke 8:13; John 15:6). God so loved the whole WORLD and gave His Son on the cross for everyone. Jesus said that He was going to “draw ALL men unto me” when He went to the cross (John 12:32). So here we realize that Jesus desires to save ALL men, otherwise he would not have said He was going to draw “ALL men.” He said He was going to “draw ALL men” which clearly means He desires to save “ALL men” which included Judas. This clearly reveals that He desires to save “ALL men.” (1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 2:2; 2 Peter 3:9) This doesn’t change the fact that God gives all men free will (Joshua 24:15). You are contradicting the Word of God to say that just because God foreknew that Judas would turn against Christ that he was never of God and that God ordained, desired him to be damned. You indict God as having the characteristic of satan himself – to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). “

“Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD.” 1 John 2:2

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Articles

Mission Mexico Part 47

We’ve been on the ground in beautiful Mexico now for 2 years and 3 months. It’s amazing what our LORD can and will do if we let Him take and use our lives – and He’s using each of us!!!

“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

Brother Juan ministers all day long as he travels between towns and interacts with numerous people…. every day. He also ministers to hundreds at a local jail/prison. Thank you for lifting our brother in prayer and for considering supporting. Jesus is coming saints. Let’s roll. Here is brother Mark delivering another box of 2,000 JESUS tracts to our brother, Juan the evangelist.

We are boots on the ground supporting our LORD’s saints, Gospel laborers, here in Mexico (Matthew 9:35-38). Your prayers and support are the fuel of Heaven (Philippians 1:19).

See more Gospel action here at Mission Mexico



May God perpetually imbue our hearts with His simple truth – that our lives in this world are all about loving, knowing, worshipping, and obeying Him – including helping others know Him. Matthew 22:37-39


Thank you for kindly lifting a prayer for the beloved people of Mexico – to be saved in Christ.

Mission Mexico



God tests our faith constantly in this “walk” right? “We WALK by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7)…. Walking takes “steps” right? (Psalms 37:23)

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms 37:23

Seems as if that’s what this is. And if it’s God leading us, then He will reward as we obey, we traverse His planet with Him, right?

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in Jesus’ name please ordain my every step, all for Your eternal glory. I love You LORD Jesus!



“Good afternoon, Brother Todd. Our God is a God of purpose; may God continue to bless your ministry here in Mexico—it is a great blessing. Please accept greetings and blessings from my brothers at the Actopan, Hidalgo, correctional facility.” Juan

Thursday morning is eat breakfast out and fellowship with other saints, brother Mark, Juan, etc.


Mission Mexico rolling. Thank you for your prayers. Scores of precious souls heard the Gospel preached to them in Spanish today and received a JESUS tract in Spanish. Isaiah 55:11 anybody!? Boom. Jesus is coming.


We solicit your prayers for the people of Mexico – to be saved and established in Christ.


JESUS CHRIST IS KING.

As was our LORD Jesus, let us be about our “Father’s business” beloved of God (Luke 2:49). The hour is late. Jesus is coming – and He foretold that His Gospel would be preached to every nation before He returns (Matthew 24:14).

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Mission Mexico


Thank you for lifting the beautiful people of Mexico in prayer.

ARE YOU investing in eternity or wasting all your seed on this temporal world? See Jesus’ words of instruction, of His wisdom to us in Matthew 6:19-21.

Evangelism!

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37  And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38  I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” John 4:34-38 

Mission Mexico


The perspective of people is completely different in Mexico.

People actually care for one another. They don’t take advantage of others.

They don’t have greed and so they don’t jack up prices, etc., at the expense of their fellow man.

Because they know such will affect their fellow man, fellow Mexicans

As the Golden rule teaches, the do things with others in mind. | The Golden Rule Life: What’s that Really Mean? [podcast]


This man above is LITERALLY harvesting the produce to cook our meal.

Brother Mark and I ate breakfast here yesterday. Mark was a 0311 Scout in the Marine Corp, otherwise we probably could not have found this place which is nestled in the mountains. Yet another treasure in Mexico. They are inexhaustible. A family who lives in a remote location, a small mountain settlement and cooks breakfast on their deck each morning. One of those things that is only know by word of mouth. Gotta love it!!!!

Mission Mexico


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

Continue Reading

Abiding

“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]


In Eternity “THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.”
(Isaiah 65:17)

Our LORD Jesus will soon return to “make all things new.”

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.” Isaiah 65:17

“I create – I am about wholly to change the state not only of my people, but to bring a new face upon the world, which shall abide until a new heavens and earth appear, in which shall dwell nothing but righteousness. Not be remembered – That state of things shall be so glorious, that the former state of my people shall not be remembered.” John Wesley

“Behold a new creation, Isa_65:17-25! The present dispensation is ended. Jerusalem, restored to her former glory, sings for very joy; and her rejoicing sends a thrill of joy through the nature of God. Long years of life and security of tenure are granted again to man. The red rapine of the forest is ended, for creation is emancipated from its bondage and participates in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Peace shall reign in the forest glades, never again to abdicate her throne, Isa_65:25. But, best of all, there shall be such unity between man and God that prayer will be anticipated, and the pleading soul shall be conscious of the listening ear of God. Hasten, O day of days, for which creation groans, and the saints groan with inexpressible desire!” FB Meyer

“65:17 The closing verses of chapter 65 describe millennial conditions. The new heavens and the new earth here refer to Christ’s kingdom on earth; in Revelation 21 they refer to the eternal state. In Isaiah’s new heavens and new earth there is still sin and death; in Revelation 21, these have passed away.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Of Isaiah 65:17, another commentator writes the following:

a    [I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind] Here God declares that He will create or bring into existence renewed heavens and a renewed earth which will be so wonderful that the present ones will be forgotten in the glory and blessing that will then be enjoyed on the earth by the eternal society.
b    [new heavens and a new earth] This term, “new heavens and a new earth,” is found only four times in Scripture, being used twice by Isaiah (Isa_65:17; Isa_66:22-24), once by Peter (2Pe_3:10-13), and once by John (in Rev. 21:1-22:5). Making the heavens and earth new will be accomplished at the close of the Millennium after all rebellion is put down on earth, all enemies are destroyed, and God has become all in all again, as before rebellion was started—first by Lucifer and later by Adam (Rom_8:18-25; 1Co_15:24-28; Eph_1:10; 2Pe_3:10-13; Rev. 21-22).
c    [former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind]

Great Millennial and Eternal Changes

This could not mean that the former heavens and earth will never be recalled in any way whatsoever. The idea is that comparatively speaking, the new ones will be so wonderful that people will not meditate on, long for, or regret the passing of the old ones. Mentioning the new heavens and the new earth here as an introduction to a passage about the Millennium (Isa_65:18-25) can be best understood in this light—that God’s program concerning the new heavens and the new earth is His ultimate purpose in the work which he begins in the Millennium.

Fifteen Millennial and Eternal Changes:

1.    A new earthly and eternal Jerusalem will be created as the earthly and eternal capital of the whole earth (Isa_65:18; Isa_2:2-4; Eze_48:30-35; Joe_3:16-20)
2.    Eternal Israel (Isa_65:18)
3.    Eternal rejoicing of Israel for their eternal city
4.    God rejoicing eternally in Jerusalem (Isa_65:19)
5.    God rejoicing eternally in Israel
6.    Eternal removal of all weeping and crying in Israel and Jerusalem
7.    Eternal change in length of life—no more an infant of days nor an old man who will not fill his days (Isa_65:20). Men will live as long as trees (Isa_65:22) and eternally in natural bodies (Mat_25:46)
8.    Change in the appointment of death for the righteous, who will not sin (Isa_65:20; Mat_25:46)
9.    Change in the economy—everyone building and possessing his own home, and planting and enjoying his own crops without fear of losing any through debts (Isa_65:21-22)
10.    Removal of the curse of hard labor (Isa_65:23)
11.    Eternal change in purpose and production of material goods—nothing will be produced for war and trouble (Isa_65:23; Isa_2:2-4; Mic_4:1-13)
12.    God’s eternal blessing upon all labor and business (Isa_65:23)
13.    Eternal change of results in prayer (Isa_65:24)
14.    Eternal change of animal natures (Isa_65:25; Isa_11:6-9)
15.    Eternal change in society—none to hurt or destroy in all God’s kingdom (Isa_65:25)

Jesus is Returning to Make Peace by Violence, by Force

“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12

No one can and will fulfill these words above more perfectly than the One who spoke these words.

“Blessed are the peaceMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9

In this fallen world, peace cannot be kept, it must be made – that is, it must be forcefully accomplished by destroying the wicked doers.

“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Matthew 12:20 

Jesus will bring forth His judgment unto victory when He returns.

Jesus came to divide between the righteous and the unrighteous.

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34

Our LORD’s Gospel message which presents the occasion for some to believe and some to reject. This is the “sword” of division that divides between the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The Gospel brings division and strife in families and nations, because some love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21).

The unrepentant wicked will not repent and change. The LORD will return to crush and to force them into His bowels of damnation, a place of incarceration called hell.

Jesus came as a lamb the first time and will return as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to dispossess His earth of His enemies.

“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” Proverbs 20:26

All tears shall be wiped away from off the faces of those who choose to be Christ’s!

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:45

In a certain sense it doesn’t matter what has come against you, what you have gone through, what you have suffered and endured. The end is near and this life is not even going to “come into mind” for the righteous when Jesus returns! When the unrepentant wicked are vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation, the righteous shall reign …..

“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.)” Romans 5:17

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:3-11 

Future Glory

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:17-39

God’s Everlasting Love for His People…..

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3

In and through Christ – as you are dead with Him and raised up by Him – He makes you to be, He declares us to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

Historically the righteous have disrupted the plans of Satan and have therefore been persecuted… a type of what’s called “political prisoners” who are imprisoned and persecuted for disagreeing with the ruling evil doers.

Let us be reminded saints, that it’s how we finish that matters most, not how we began, and not how we may have stumbled along the way. We are “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

No saint of Christ has ever gone unscathed, unscarred in this life! It’s actually proof you are HIS! You have no earthly idea how much Jesus loves you! In fact, are we not warned by our LORD that if we are not receiving persecution, that we are not His?

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:22-26

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him”

“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” 2 Timothy 2:11-12

Jesus promised us, His people, that we’d suffer for being His (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:22; Luke 6:22-24; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14, etc.).

“They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

In this life, you don’t even have the ability to imagine the blessings that await you!

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

“Joy and Peace in Believing”

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13

PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You afresh, right now, in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Father for filling Your beloved saints in the earth with all joy and peace in believing. Please bless your saints with hope dear LORD as our lives are blessed to be laid down, crucified with Christ our LORD! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Return of Christ | Are you Born Again? -Make Peace with God now, before it’s too late

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Abiding

How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]


“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

“The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa_55:11; Deu_32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mat_13:3-8, Mat_13:20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa_11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.” Dake

“God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain and snow. All the armies in the world cannot stop them, and they accomplish their intended purpose. God’s Word never fails to achieve its aims.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

ANY person who doesn’t understand the power of God’s Word, when sown into the hearts of men, has no business pretending to be a pastor or elder in Christ’s body.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The power of God’s Word when it enters the human heart:

“He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.  29  Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:28-29

The Harvest is Plentiful – So many lost souls hungry to hear the Gospel – the Laborers Few

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36  But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Sin separates men from God.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

People are born again by the WORD of God which means the Word must be sown in their hearts and germinate.

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God in the hearts of men assures that God will be glorified in saving each of those souls who receive and believe His truth in repentance and faith.

Here’s how evangelism and our LORD’s kingdom work works—layers of Gospel workers. Usually we are the second, third, etc., Gospel labourer, following up on the seed planted in the hearts of the people we minister to. Let’s gain this vision, this illustration from Christ concerning our work for Him, in His kingdom.

Anyone putting off, pushing into the future, evangelizing the lost, is disobeying Jesus Christ. Anyone not evangelizing the lost around them cannot rightly claim to love Jesus. They are full of self and in need of crying out to God in repentance.

John 4:34 – 38

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 

35  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 

36  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together

37  And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 

38  I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” 

“In the elderly home we minister in, we met a new resident, that had been there only a few months. When she came to our meeting, she seemed down, so I began to talk with her. She said, “well I don’t leave my room much anymore as my very good friend just passed away.” She stated her name and said, “before she passed I gave her the gospel and she received Jesus.” God is so good, as we had ministered to her friend as well, and seeds were planted, and this new Lady watered! The more I continued to talk with her, I learned she has been preaching the gospel and some residents are getting saved. Alleluia! Next week, we will give her some Jesus tracts.” Karen Cochran

Picture planting a seed in a garden, then standing back and watching the ground you planted that seed in and expecting to see it sprout up visibly from the soil it was planted in. Not wise, right? Right.

The picture our LORD gives here is planting that seed and then moving on, just like anyone who plants seeds to grow some plant, crop.

The Parable of the Seed Growing

Mark 4

26  And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 

27  And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how

28  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 

29  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29

“And should sleep and rise night and day – That is, he should sleep by night, and rise by day; for so the words are obviously to be understood. He knoweth not how – How a plant grows is a mystery in nature, which the wisest philosopher in the universe cannot fully explain.” Adam Clarke

In ministry, it’s always seeding, planting. It’s GOD, not us, who brings the increase. This pertains to the invisible work of God in the hearts of men.

“The parable may be intended to encourage the disciples. Their responsibility is to sow the seed. They may sleep by night and rise by day, knowing that God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He has intended it to do. By a mysterious and miraculous process, quite apart from man’s strength and skill, the Word works in human hearts, producing fruit for God. Man plants and waters but God gives the increase.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Thank You for choosing and ordaining me to Your kingdom work. Please bear Your fruit in and through this life, this vessel for Your eternal glory. Let that fruit remain dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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