Chrestotes: God’s Goodness

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Is God Good, Or, Does He Have Evil Intent?

Whether we realize it yet or not, many of us who are authentic believers, have the erroneous idea that God is somehow against us. Could this be so?

TO PONDER:

Question #1: If in fact you do not think God is for you (in your favor), but rather against you, how do you think you’ve been able to protect yourself from Him for all these years?

Question #2: If God didn’t have goodwill toward us, then why would He have created us in His very image and for His very pleasure? (Read Genesis 1:24-31; Rev. 4:11.) We are His only creatures who have this superior and yet fearful distinction in relation to the rest of His creation (Psalms 139:14).

Question #3: Why would God have gone to such great lengths to redeem you out of your sin into His glorious kingdom if He didn’t love you? Consider Romans 8:31-32: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be FOR US, who can be against us? 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?”

THE GOD OF GOODNESS

Do you desire to know God and His nature deeper?

It could certainly be stated that the very first attribute of God, if there were an order, would have to be His goodness. The initial attribute that the sinner encounters is God’s goodness. Have you ever pondered deeply the fact that He chose to create you, and if He hadn’t of, you wouldn’t even exist (be a consciously and eternally existent soul)?

“Thou art GOOD, and DOEST GOOD; teach me thy statutes.” Psalms 119:68

“The earth is full of the GOODNESS of the LORD.” Psalms 33:5

“The GOODNESS of God endureth continually.” Psalms 52:1

“Behold therefore the GOODNESS and severity of God…” (Romans 11:22). One of the two divine attributes we are instructed to “behold” here, is His “goodness.” The English word “goodness” comes from the Greek word CHRESTOTES which means gentleness, goodness, kindness. The word “Good” in the NT denotes virtue or righteousness in the sense of what is upright; goodwill as expressed in the kindness of heart or act; easy. CHRESTOTES signifies not merely goodness as a quality, rather it is goodness in action, goodness expressing itself in deeds.

REDEMPTION GOODNESS: The life of Jesus was the price that the Father paid to manifest to us His forgiveness: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” 2 Corinthians 5:19

Obviously the cross of Christ was the ultimate expression of divine goodness expressed to mankind. It was the great exchange, where God took man’s place in paying the ultimate price to judge sin once and for all…“It is finished” (John 19:30). At the cross, mercy and goodness triumphed over judgment (James 2:13; Rom. 2:4; Heb. 2:9; 4:16; 10:17; Jn 3:16…Tit. 3:3).

In fact, the apostles John and Paul wrote to inform us that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us is how we understand how much He loves us:

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us…” 1 John 3:16

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

“But God commendeth (displayed, exhibited) his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

When we deserved His wrath, it was God’s goodness which led us to repentance. Check this out:

“Or despiseth thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” Romans 2:4

We Are Called to Experience His Love

“O taste (experience) and see that the LORD is good…” Psalms 34:8

Our heavenly Father looks on us with joy and designs pleasure for us now and forever. “Taste” means experience. As the objects of His love, we are to experience His goodness. Whenever we are fearful, hurting, downhearted, or just empty in our hearts, we should remember that in the presence of the Savior is fullness, wholeness, goodness and joy: “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:11).

Remember, one of the words used to describe God’s goodness is easy. God is not uptight as some humans are. To this, someone might reply; “But wait a minute! The Bible says that God’s wrath and anger are kindled against sin!” Yes they are kindled against the rebellious (Romans 1:18-20), but not against those whom He has redeemed from sin and forgiven and has made His very own. This goodness is reserved for and abounds toward those who are presently living in the Spirit, not after the flesh (Romans 8:1). For the born-again Christian, the power, penalty, and punishment of sin is completely canceled. We are safe from His wrath through Christ’s sinless blood (Romans 5:9). God is good.

CHOSEN, PREDESTINATED TO HIS GOOD PLEASURE: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world… in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will…Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself.” Ephesians 1:4-5,9

GOD’S THOUGHTS TOWARD YOU – LET THIS BE SETTLED FOREVER: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, THOUGHTS OF PEACE, and NOT of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 (A good verse to memorize.)

Is it possible that one could think upon the unfathomable vastness of divine goodness without the Fatherly heart of God being revealed? I think not. He is our Savior, Caretaker, Comforter, LORD, Friend and Redeemer. Our heavenly Father is not postured/bent upon hurting His own “special people,” rather His desire is the total reconciliation, restoration and healing of each of those created in His image (Deut. 7:6; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9, etc.). God’s disposition toward His creation, namely those redeemed and made in His image, is one of warmth and benevolence, not harm (Jer. 29:11; Rev. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:7; Matt. 7:7-11). He is our “Abba Father” which is equivalent to “Daddy” (Romans 8:15).

“For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you…” Deuteronomy 7:6-8

HIS GOODNESS ACTUALLY PURSUES THOSE WHO ALLOW HIM TO BE THEIR SHEPHERD: “Surely GOODNESS and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Psalms 23:6

HIS GREAT AFFECTION FOR HIS PEOPLE: “…as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Isaiah 62:5

GOD CELEBRATES OVER HIS PEOPLE: “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

A PITFALL TO AVOID: When a person neglects seeking to know the full counsel of God revealed in His inspired words, the Holy Bible, he will forfeit knowing the wholeness of God’s nature. The person who neglects the study of the Saviour will inevitably concoct in his mind the image of a false god. He will thereby break God’s commandments by erecting in his mind the “graven image” of a god who does not exist (Exodus 20:2-3).

Tip: Jesus said; “Search the scriptures…for they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39.) A fresh reading of Ephesians Chapter 1 will rejuvenate and establish within your heart the “good pleasure” and the “goodness” God has occasioned and predestined His children to enjoy both now and forever. It would be profitable to get this in your heart by reading it every morning for at least one week (two weeks recommended).

THE REASON WE WERE CREATED: “Thou art worthy, O Lord…for thou hast created all things, and FOR THY PLEASURE they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11

“…trust…in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17

UNCHANGING GOODNESS TOWARD HIS OWN: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

WHO IS GOD GOOD TO?

1. All men, even sinners – Matt. 5:44-48; Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9; Ez. 33:11; God looks/waits for sinners to repent; when they do He welcomes them home – Luke 15. When the people of Nineveh turned to God, Jonah was mad, but God was glad (Jonah 3:10).

2. The Almighty is especially good to His own. The LORD has not dealt with us according to our sins. Consider Ezra 9:13: “God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this.” Also see Psalms 103:10.

“If thou, Lord , shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalms 130:3

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, who he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” Psalms 107:2

We should exude goodness toward sinners as God does – even when and as we declare His judgment to come upon every unrepentant soul. “He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good”(Matthew 5:45). This same goodness that we have received from God we are to display to our neighbors, both saved and unsaved. Galatians 6:10 says: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

BECAUSE HE IS GOOD, HE DESIRES TO FORGIVE: “For thou, Lord, art GOOD, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5

Might this be a good moment to bow our hearts and give Him thanks for the enormity of His goodness?

It continues to occur to me by the quickening of the Holy Spirit to be alwayssss giving God thanks for who He is and for how He loves us, and for His innumerable blessings to us in Christ (James 1:17). Our hearts droop when we don’t celebrate His goodness. God is so good!

The Goodness of God Reserved for the Chosen – Those who Choose Him, His Plan

God has set up an eternal plan.

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Ephesians 1:10

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3

“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;) 6 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.” Ephesians 2:4-7

God’s Goodness in Evangelism

“The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.”

WHERE will people find goodness in this fallen world…. other than by way of the witnesses of how good our God is?! WHERE else shall they turn except to Him who “is love” (1 John 4:8,16).

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Romans 2:4

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, You have been so very good to us, to me. While You foreknew of me living in sin, as your enemy, You exhibited Your love by sending Your only begotten Son to die for me. I love You LORD Jesus. Please pour Your holy love into and through my life. I surrender all, right this moment. I want to be full of You and not me. Please do it Jesus. Have Your way in me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Memory Verses: Ps. 86:5, 15; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 2:4; 11:22

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Apostasy

Jacked Up Jezebel Rebuked [podcast]

“Jezebel is a widely rampant spirit of rebellion that is hard to get rid of, rooted in pride, self-will, and self-sufficiency. Only the LORD can deliver but only if the individual truly repents and submits to Him, to His Word.” Anita Villarreal

Any person defending this jezebel heresy that women can be pastors, elders over men, is under the control of Satan, period. And in need of true repentance (James 4:7).

—-There are NO female apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers under the New Testament (Ephesians 4:8, 11-12). Jesus gave these “gifts unto MEN.” (Ephesians 4:8) There is not even one woman mentioned in 27 books as an elder over Christ’s flock. Such is clearly forbidden (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In Acts 21:9 we read of Phillip’s daughters which “did prophesy” which is a gift of the Spirit (one of the nine-1 Corinthians 12:7-10). The office gifts are eldership functions for men called to be overseers over Christ’s flock, which is completely different than the gifts of the Spirit which every believer can function in and certainly women are seen doing such as Phillip’s daughters and how women are mentioned concerning operating in the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14.

Classic case of a jezebel lashing out when the Word of GOD corrects her (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Her rebellion is against God. Jezebel is utterly rebellious. She hates what God’s Word says and so the demons that control jezebels will lash out in personal attacks against the men who stand on the truth unwaveringly (such as did Elijah whom Jezebel sought to kill).

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” 1 Timothy 2:11-14

“As I look around America I ask myself who can find a virtuous woman? Whose whole life is surrendered to God. And centered in the fear of the Lord. No woman will submit to their husbands unless they first submit to God. Ephesians 5:22 says women are to submit to their husbands, “as unto the Lord.” That must come first. And what is a great price in the sight of God? A woman who has a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4). This is true beauty to God. But Jezebels are the complete opposite. Full of rebellion, pride and hatred! God says throw her down!” Karen Cochran

From the divine perspective, this is not about oppression but rather about protect. See Revelation 2:20-24 to see what Jesus warns when a woman is allowed to lead as an elder in the body of Christ. He uses the words “The depths of Satan” and speaks of the death and destruction that will result when the men allow a woman to lead in a manner that is outside of the stated role God ordained for the woman.

Yes the LORD said He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, sons and daughter, but not to anoint a woman to do something HE forbids. Women are to teach women yes but not the general body of believers (Titus 2:1-5). There are NO female elders in the New Testament. God forbids it. Eldership is reserved for men – to humbly teach, lead and protect and cherish women and children.

“There’s a crazy role reversal across the land and men should always lead. Even our women’s prayer group was led by the pastor because that’s what he believed. Women are more emotional and men more logical. Both have their designated roles . God meant them to compliment each other rather than to compete.” John Umlauf

When people don’t like what God’s Word states, they will attack the mere messenger as if that changes the truth. Not. And, they heap judgment on themselves by doing so (Matthew 7:1-5; James 2:13). Persecution

“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

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

“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13

Jesus Addresses the Ahabs and Self-Appointed Jezebel at the Church at Thyatira

Revelation 2:20-24

Revelation 2:20-24 is about a certain self-appointed woman who was allowed by the spineless men in Thyatira to operate out of the biblically-stated order for women in the church setting.

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Jezebel Category

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Family | Godly Manhood | Women

Proverbs 31 Woman

The Importance, the Blessing of the Family Dinner Table [podcast]

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Preacher Vicioiusly Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]

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Proverbs 31 Woman [video]

“Every woman on this planet should listen to the series ‘The Proverbs 31 Woman’. I just listened and it has changed my life. When I began to listen, I told God I am so far from this kind of Godly woman. I wanted to turn it off. But the Lord kept pushing me on! I now understand it is about the hidden man of the heart (1 Peter 3:4). The inner man. A meek and quiet spirit. One who isn’t easily provoked to anger. They will put up with injuries done to them and not retaliate. Quietly submitting all to […]

Articles

Gospel Action in Mexico Part 36 [video]

Your prayers and giving are bolstering Christ’s work as we look for His soon return (Luke 12:40; 21:28).

Real people receiving real help, the Gospel, real love from God through the body of Christ (John 13:34-35; Romans 5:5).

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, please break me! Please crush me dear LORD. YOU are my Potter. Pour the water of Your Holy Spirit and Word upon this life You made and saved for Your glory, not mine. I love You Jesus! Let this heart be broken, contrite, and let tears flow from a poor and pure heart that hungers and thirsts after Your righteousness. In the name of my LORD Jesus, amen.

Would you like to pause and lift Moises up in prayer to our LORD?

After seeing and hearing me preaching our LORD’s Word to others and give the JESUS tracts (in Spanish), this man called me over, asking about the Gospel!

Moises was excited to hear you would be praying for him.

Mission Mexico

Ajijic Mexico – Lake Chapala. Largest lake in Mexico

Declaring Christ’s Gospel to 5 young men who as usual were super receptive. “How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

“He nailed it. Community has been lost in America. Just today I was at the store and thought we don’t look each other in the eyes anymore. Then I thought the very next person I see I will make it a point to smile and look them in the eyes. But sadly the next person was on his phone. The connection with each other has been lost. And do people even realize it? No it doesn’t seem like it! Their phones now consume their lives.” Karen Cochran

Mr. Sammy is 81 years old and looks fabulous for his age.

Support Mission Mexico here. Takes seconds.

Josefina is a born again Christian and was very appreciative to know you will be pausing to lift her in prayer.

Taselo is this beloved man’s name. He received the Gospel, spoken and in print formats.

Here is Alfredo with his family. Thank you for pausing to lift this family in prayer.

Your prayers and support are making this happen. God is working in the lives of many who are being reached daily here in beautiful Mexico. Our LORD is moving on the hearts of the beautiful people of Mexico. John 12:32; Luke 19:10, etc.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here.

Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Support Mission Mexico here. Takes seconds.

Apostasy

Racism: Nation Rising Against Nation [radio]

Nation Shall Rise Against Nation

Laboring in the Spirit, not the Flesh

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

It’s not about the color or your skin, it’s about what kingdom you’re in!

What Should be the Response of the Body of Christ? – LOVE!

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning this week is a life changer. Nothing in our lives is going to work out right if we don’t prayerfully endeavor to walk in God’s love – loving God and our neighbor, above ourselves. I love pouring prayerfully over 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 2:3-5. Life changing is an understatement!

Racism is hatred and is not a skin color. It is a heart condition – coming from a sinful heart. Memorize Romans 2:11.

In the time of tribulation for the believers at Thessalonica, the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul and said this:

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5

By this we know of a certainty that the Holy Spirit is leading, directing our “hearts into the LOVE of God” and not the flesh, not a fleshly response. We now face tribulation and can be assured by this truth that our unchanging God is directing our hearts into His love and not hatred.

This is a divine truth for every era, every hour…. and we sure know that sin is exponentially abounding in this late hour…. which means divine grace is even greater – to save, heal, bless, deliver, and make whole!!!!

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20

Here’s more evidence of God’s leading His people into the love walk in trying times:

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8

Any person who does not walk in God’s love is not saved and we know that from many Scriptures. No hate, no hater shall enter Christ’s kingdom, no matter what justification that sinner thinks he has to warrant hating anyone. “He that loveth not knoweth not God.” (1 John 4:8) “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)

When His disciples ask Him “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”, Jesus gave them this answer:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation (ethnic group) shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:4-13

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5

The Church began, will end as containing precious souls from every nation, kindred, and tongue (Acts 2; Revelation 5:9; 14:6).

The New Testament church began with men from every nation under Heaven and will be the same throughout eternity in glory.

Acts 2:1-13

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9

Nation/ethnos, ethnic yes…groups at odds was foretold by Jesus – Matthew 24:7

Yes we can be at peace, Jesus told us to fear not and to be at peace …..

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Compassion in Light of Christ's Soon Return [video]

PRAYER: Holy Father, please change us to the very core of our being…. that we might see the lost souls around us as precious to You! In Jesus’ name, amen. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James […]