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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Abiding

The Danger of Joining a Modern Church [podcast]

Fruit. Fruit. Fruit.

“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” Matthew 12:33

Speaking of the pattern of one’s life, Jesus taught that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit. A bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know (discern) them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20

Jesus commanded His people to “know” which is to discern all “by their fruits”—to be fruit inspectors—first in their own lives and then in all others (1 Corinthians 11:31-32; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

Personally, I fail to find anywhere that Jesus or His apostles instructed any saints to “go find a local church and plug in.” Hebrews 10:25 is peddled by pastors today who seek a loyal following instead of seeking to fulfill their God-given duties to establish their hearers in the faith, to ground them in God’s Word, to equip them for the work of the ministry, etc.

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

Read that again please. Does it say to find a church? No. Those who are born again ARE already God’s “church” which simply means His called out people. More biblically, should we not simply be His church—His people, daily? This seems to be the pattern we see among the earliest followers of Jesus (Acts 2:42-47; 5:42; Colossians 3:16, etc.).

The authentic remnant elect of Christ do not patronize or bid Godspeed to false leaders (2 John 9-11; Revelation 2:2).

Refusing to sit under, condone, bid Godspeed to the false gospel, false doctrines, false teachers and wolves of the modern church … is not forsaking the assembly! Instead, it’s obedience to God who mandates that we “mark them,” that we “earnestly contend” against them, and warns us that anyone who bids Godspeed to them will be punished with them (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3; 2 John 10-11).

If you are prone to cite Hebrews 10:25 to advocate for going to church weekly, consider where you learned that. In churches, right? Funny you probably don’t even have 10 Bible verses memorized and yet, to the benefit of the pastor, you know that one. What does this tell us? What does this reveal? What’s wrong with this picture?

What happens when people get loyal to a local church especially in this late hour where great apostasy was foretold? Here are a few obvious things that happen when someone “joins a church.”

Most people who join churches today are not even born again, are not told they must repent and believe on Jesus to be born again. They become proud of their pastor and friends at that gathering (Zechariah 11:17).
Church members are not learning the Word of God itself because they are simply being led by a wolf who is fostering their allegiance toward himself, not Christ (Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19; 3:1-4).
They are not becoming soul winners (Proverbs 11:30; Luke 19:10).
Attenders of modern churches are seldom if ever taught, established with personal knowledge of the Scriptures, the paramount truth that God’s Word itself is the final divine authority on all matters of the Christian faith and the practice of it (Deuteronomy 4:10; Psalms 119; 138:2; Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31; John 10:35; Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
The Bible message, warning to “love not the world” is seldom or never heard. Those who live worldly are separated from God (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17).
Fake pastor do not teach people to get into God’s Word for themselves and so church attenders today are not in the Word daily for themselves which is by satanic design and therefore have no biblical foundation (Psalms 11:3; Matthew 7:19-29; 2 Timothy 2:15).
When do we hear in modern churches that Jesus Christ is the Grand Subject of all of Holy Scripture? We don’t (Psalms 40:7-8; Luke 24:25-27, 44-46; John 5:39-40; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
They are never taught the value God places upon good works in those He saves by His grace (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 1:16; 3:8; 1 John 2:4).
The Great Commission Jesus gave to His people is never mentioned and when it is, they’ve turned it into just another way of promoting themselves, their own brand, ministry (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47; Book of Acts).
They are not being equipped “for the work of the ministry” which is the duty being carried out by every authentic overseer of Christ’s church (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:1-6).
Never taught in the modern churches is the fact that God holds each person He saves personally responsible, personally accountable for following Jesus daily (Deuteronomy 24:16; Joshua 24:14-15; Luke 21:34-36; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 12:14; Revelation 2-3, etc.).
Modern day church members are not in the Word for themselves and the pastors have led them to this biblical illiteracy because they are building a church busine$$ and dumb people are easy prey/targets to rob (Isaiah 9:16; 56:8-12; Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 23; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4, etc.).
Church goers are barely or never heard the essential cross message which Jesus requires to follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; 5:24; Colossians 3:3, etc.).
They are never warned of going to hell if they die in sin (Ezekiel 33:12-13; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Hebrews 3:6; 10:26-39; Revelation 21:8, 27).
They are never taught that God is “Holy, holy, holy” and that He requires that those who are His be holy as He is holy (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8).
Those who attend a church are never informed that only those who overcome sin and Satan will be with Jesus eternally which is exactly what Christ told each and every one of the seven churches of Asia minor (Revelation 2-3).
They are never taught that saving grace without exception results in the saved living according to the Scripture: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:11-12).
Members are taught the demonic lie of eternal security/once saved always saved , which is Satan’s first teaching and irrefutably led to the fall of mankind in the Garden (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
The mountains of warnings in Scripture are intentionally hidden from the congregational dupes who are willingly biblically ignorant, having rejected the knowledge/Word of God (Ezekiel 3:7; Hosea 4:6; 2 Corinthians 5:11; Colossians 1:28; Jude 3-4, etc.).
Most church members are not taught that only those who remain in Christ after being saved will be with Him eternally (Matthew 25:1-13; John 15:6; Romans 11:20-22, etc.).
Modern church attenders are seldom if ever warned to come out from this sinful world in the way they live (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
They are lukewarm which means hell bound if they don’t repent (Luke 3:15-16).
The original Gospel essential, the command to “repent” is never heard, even though it was the very first word spoken by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostle Peter in their ministries (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30).
Modern church members are merely a participant of a “Christian” social club seen nowhere in Scripture (Cp. Acts 2:42-47).
Their loyalty and allegiance is toward the pastor, singing group, and fellow congregants (Proverbs 21:16).
They are never taken through the volumes of Holy Scripture where God judged His very own people who backslid (Numbers 16; 25; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Corinthians 10:1-12; Hebrews 3-4; Jude 1).
Church members are taught to become dependent on their church affiliation, connection, and attendance and not the LORD (Matthew 15:8).
They are not daily seeking the face of the LORD (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; 57:7; 63:8; Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:23-24).
Seminarian led church members are seldom if ever taught that for eternal glory with Him Jesus requires the decisive cutting off of the hand and plucking out of the eye of any sin that defiles them in the eyes of a holy God (Mark 9:43-49).
When the Bible is literally read, 99% of the time it’s from a vatican corrupted fake “bible.”
Most are barely if at all different from any lost soul around them in their daily life (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Due to their own refusal to truly repent and walk with Jesus daily, they were sent strong delusion, are in darkness and deception, and therefore “remain in the congregation of the dead” (Proverbs 21:16).

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Psalms 89:7

The words “leader” and “leaders” appear 6 times (total) in God’s Word. It is always to be in context of servant leading (Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12; 1 Peter 5:1-6). In the following and most popular times “leaders” is used, it’s in the negative, as in false “leaders.”

“For the LEADERS of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

“Let them alone: they be blind LEADERS of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15:14

They love their darkness rather than the light of His truth and therefore craft, they erect the image of a false god in their wicked unrepentant hearts.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

“Jeremiah 7. The people were wicked and evil, placing their trust in the temple, instead of God, and believing their religious activities would be pleasing to the Lord. But they were committing all kinds of sins, deluding themselves into thinking that they were secure. God said, I will cast you out of my sight! And instructed Jeremiah not to pray for them. They refused to obey the Lord God nor receive correction, and the truth had perished, so God said, I will cut them off from my mouth! Wow! Isn’t this exactly what we are seeing in this late hour? There comes a time when the Lord has had enough and cuts them off! And judgment falls upon those who don’t want the truth.” Karen Cochran

Is Church Membership Biblical? [podcast]

Churchianity vs Christianity Many use the term “very involved in church” instead of deeply rooted and in love with Jesus Christ. See the difference? Beware. Christ Jesus is your identity. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14 What is your identity? Why have you chosen such to be that which you identity with? Most pastors make a big deal out of belonging to some organization, church, or group—because this puts them in charge—instead of Jesus. Beware. […]

Giving Heed to Seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Devils - Apostasy [podcast]

IF you believe false doctrine, you have demons. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 So you are listening to some slick talker preach and yet he’s not using the essential BIBLE doctrinal words like hell, repentance, holiness, the cross, the blood of Jesus, the return of Christ, etc? Repent and RUN! DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOUR “CHURCH” OR FAVORITE PREACHER? It’s real simple… if they […]

What’s Wrong with the Modern Church World? [podcast]

Is Church Membership Biblical? State of the Earliest Disciples of Jesus It’s more than obvious that local churches today are about EVERYTHING EXCEPT JESUS. If you don’t see this, that only proves how Satan has used this system of rebellion called “the church” to blind you to the true Gospel, plan, and will of God. Anyone who doesn’t see that most pastors are preaching a false Gospel, do not know the true Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9). It’s amazing how we learn to truly begin to trust and walk with the LORD when we leave the modern church system. […]

The Truth about Tradition and Church Membership [podcast]

Is Church Membership Biblical? Godly and Ungodly Tradition and True and False Church Membership YOU KNOW you are in a fake church when they have “membership classes” to get you to join yet spend little or no time preaching the Word on the necessity of repentance, forsaking your life in this world, denying self, taking up the cross, and following Jesus daily! Run! Membership means money to them! They have a busine$$ plan. “Prove (test) all things; hold fast (keep and do) that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Of the 13 times we find the word “tradition(s)” in Scripture, only twice […]

Biblical Case Against Seminary [podcast]

SATAN’S SEMINARIANS [podcast] Satanic Seminarian System People have to be first indoctrinated in order to go forth and indoctrinate others, their prey. This is the purpose of seminarians. What could possibly sound more innocent than a man wanting to serve God going to seminary, right? BEWARE OF THE SEMINARIANS WHO ARE THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES OF OUR DAY! Satan loves to use that which sounds noble and spiritual and yet is not biblical. There are no seminaries in the New Testament! And it’s not biblical for a good reason. God’s Divine wisdom. To protect His body. Let’s stay with the […]

Abiding

Jesus Conquered Sin, Satan, and Death by Dying [podcast]

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15

Through death Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan and made His people free, washing away their sins in His precious blood and putting His Holy Spirit in them, empowering them to live fruit-filled victorious lives to His eternal glory!

Christ’s resurrection guarantees our resurrection – both now and for eternnity. Those raised up with Christ now are those who are crucified with Him. This is His holy “remnant.” (Isaiah 37:31; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15, etc.).

Jesus conquered sin and death (separation) by dying on His cross. Because of this, we need never live outside of an abiding relationship with Christ. His grace is sufficient to provide everything He died to purchase for us – and all these blessings are appropriated via our faith, our abiding in Him (John 15; Romans 6:14; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26, etc.).

In order to be raised up, to walk in His resurrection power and grace, we must first be dead and buried with Christ.

“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7

***ALL Heaven’s going to break out when this hits you in the heart, when your heart perceives this cross economy divine revelation.

Finishing Strong mean Finishing Crucified and Resurrected

HOW will you finish? It’s really how you finish that matters most! (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Finish strong beloved – lay down your life, death and burial, so that the strength of your life is Christ’s resurrection grace! (See 2 Corinthians 12:9-10) Go down deep.

“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:” Isaiah 37:31

Read the verse above again, looking for the death, the burial, and raising up!

The context Isaiah 37:31 concerns Assyria seeking to seize Judah and yet out of that evil attempt to conquer God’s people came a “remnant.” Yet it’s those who submitted to the LORD in death, those who took root downward (death and burial) who were reciprocally raised up out of that snare and destruction. Resurrection grace wins every time, with no exception! The cross is the divine prescription for absolute victory in every situation.

God counteracts death by the promise of resurrection – now and in eternity! (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

The depth you allow God to bury you determines the height of His resurrection, His raising up in your life! (See 2 Corinthians 4:10-12)

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2

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

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Learning the Cross, the Crucified Life Where Jesus Reigns

The Myth of Elevation without the Cross [podcast]

THE CROSS: Know it. Live it. Preach it. God will never lift up those who stand in their pride but only those who bow before Him in humility (Psalms 145:14; James 4:6-10, etc.). Running to a “revival” is not the answer. The reason people run to a “revival” is due to their refusal to deny self, take up the cross daily, and thereby be re-vived (filled with life!) daily – experiencing the resurrection of Christ each day in their personal lives as God has ordained (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). A cross-less life is a life of defeat. A life in […]

H.O.T. BIBLE STUDY [podcast]

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 So very many today are deceived due to not studying God’s Word for themselves. They live for years with erroneous notions men told them. Instead of repenting and getting into the Word for themselves, many of them go to their graves having embraced soul-damning lies. HOW do you know if someone is imposing something upon the Scripture text they are reading from IF you haven’t personally, organically, thoroughly studied the whole of God’s Word for […]

The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study [podcast]

To study the Bible organically means simply to study God’s Word without the undue influence, the taintings of mere men! God’s Word is your life (Proverbs 4:20-23). The Word is your “daily bread” and your life depends on knowing and obeying it (Matthew 6:11). Knowing and adhering to Holy Scripture is your protection (Proverbs 30:5-6). “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield (protection) unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6 RECENTLY: In a very engaging fellowship […]

Articles

JT with Todd Tomasella of SAFEGUARD YOURSOUL – Evangelism Encouragement [video]

Joe Telford and Todd Tomasella – Evangelism Encouragement

Evangelism [study guide]

Evangelism (PDF) (Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.) “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:38 God so loved […]

Ten Commandments Evangelism [podcast]

Use the 10 Commandments to bring conviction to the consciences of the lost and backslidden. THAT’s exactly how New Testament saints are instucted to use the Law. Do you have them memorized? Do it now. GOSPEL/KINGDOM TRUTH: People must become convicted of their sin before they are broken and shown the need to repent. This truth is essential to successful ministering. Gal 3:24; 1 Tim 1:7-10; Ps 19:7 … You cannot and will never talk anyone into being saved. You don’t have that power. God does. And He instructs us to give them the divine sword which cuts straight […]

Kingdom Breaking! 5 Souls Saved! Live Action of Jesus! [podcast]

KINGDOM BREAKING: The work of God through His born again “ambassadors” who are about the “Father’s business”, is the infinitely most important and only eternal work transpiring on the earth. Nothing even remotely compares (Matthew 9:35-38; Luke 2:49; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20). After hearing the extensive preaching of the Word of our God (see podcast above), 5 souls repented before God and received Christ as the LORD of their lives! Also, all the believers present asked our LORD to fill, to baptize them with His Holy Spirit and to use them mightily (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 37-39; 8:14-17; 19:1-6, etc.). (keep in […]