The Book of Colossians
Summation Statement: Jesus Christ is the supreme God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer of all things and worthy of your life’s worship. Serve Him – being rooted and built up in Him (1:16-18; 2:6-7).
Do you yet have a favorite life verse in this glorious 4 chapter jewel epistle?
Introduction (Paul, Appr 60-65 AD)
“The Church was suffering from the teaching of a false philosophy which combined Oriental mysticism with Jewish ritualism, and turned the disciples from simple faith in Christ. The object of this Epistle, therefore, is to set forth the majesty and glory of our Lord’s person and character. … Colosse was an important city in Asia Minor, not far from Laodicea and Hierapolis. The church there had been planted by Epaphras.” E-Sword
“To go into (Colossians) itself, to rethink its inspired thought that is clothed in inspired language, to let the light and the power of this thought fill the soul and mold the life, this is enrichment for time and for eternity.” Lenski
“Although the place was insignificant, the Letter that the apostle sent there is very important. Along with John 1 and Hebrews 1, Colossians 1 presents the most marvelous exposition of the absolute deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Since this doctrine is fundamental to all Christian truth, its value cannot be over stressed. The letter also has rich instruction on relationships, cultic religion, and the Christian life.” William MacDonald, Believers Bible Commentary
The apostle Paul wrote Colossians to combat the dangerous false teaching at Colosse that was unseating, displacing, and usurping the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ in creation, revelation, redemption, and in His church. Colossians explicitly details the doctrines of devils which seek to dethrone Christ, stripping the divine, nail-scarred risen Savior of His Headship in His body. In fact, all false leaders have this one thing in common and can be known by such: They rob the glory from Christ alone to whom it is due by not elevating Christ to His rightful place by reason of His uniqueness and perfect redemptive sacrifice. As was the case in Colosse, distractions abound in today’s modern church world. Today there is no end to the programs, paganism, pop psychology, and people that have been lifted up above the “Head” of the body of Christ, Jesus Christ. In Colossians Paul establishes the divinely-ordained, non-negotiable centrality of Christ in creation, redemption, and Headship among His beloved people.
Defending the faith is a standard, a mandate, and a vital part of the Christian life. The faith of the original Gospel must be defended by its adherents. We must die to self and obey the One we claim to serve. To prepare Jesus’ people for His soon return, the apostle Paul did 3 things: PWT = Preach, Warn, Teach (Colossians 1:28).
Chapter Breakdown
Chapter 1: The redemption, deity, supremacy, centrality, and uniqueness of Jesus Christ, who is Creator and Sustainer of all He made.
Chapter 2: The defense of the Gospel against various attacks – which seek to remove centrality and worship from Christ alone.
Chapter 3: The Christian life. The believer’s duty to the supreme LORD and Savior. Eternal living perspective, now. Living in light of eternity with Christ.
Chapter 4: Prayer nuggets, Paul’s fellow labourers in the Gospel, salutations, greetings.
Some of the heresies in Colosse and today’s church world:
- Ceremonialism. It held to strict rules about the kinds of permissible food and drink, religious festivals (2:16–17) and circumcision (2:11; 3:11).
- Asceticism. “Touch not; taste not; handle not” (2:21; cf. 2:23).
- Angel worship. See 2:18.
- Depreciation, demotion of Christ who is God Almighty (1:15-18; 2:18-19). This is most insistently implied in Paul’s emphasis on the supremacy of Christ (1:15–20; 2:2–3:9).
- Secret knowledge. The Gnostics boasted of this (see 2:18 and Paul’s emphasis in 2:2–3 on Christ, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”).
- Reliance on human wisdom and tradition. See 2:4,8.
More from FB Meyer: Colossians 2:1-12 – ESTABLISHED IN THEIR FAITH: If you know Christ, you can lay your hand on the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. They are matters of daily experience. The Apostle’s aim in this chapter is to put his converts on their guard against those who might divert them from their simple faith in Jesus, and their sufficiency in Him. The keynotes are Take heed and Let no one. The first act of the Christian life is to receive Christ, and every moment afterward we must continue receiving Him. The act must become an attitude. Breathe in the love and power of Jesus. Take deep breaths. Then we shall be rooted in Him in secret, and built up in Him in our outward walk and behavior. If we have Christ, we have all God’s fullness, and this is easily accessible. Like Jacob’s ladder, He links us with God. What need have we for celestial beings, like those invented by the Gnostics, or for the rite of circumcision, as insisted on by the Jews? We have everything in Jesus. He has fulfilled the Law in all respects on our behalf. Let us put the waters of entire surrender and consecration between our past, our sins, and the world, and rise into His life, the life of resurrection glory and power.
Colossians 2:13-23 – AVOIDING ERRORS: The reiteration of the prepositions in and with emphasizes our close identification with our Savior. Such we are in the purpose of God, and so we should be in daily experience. In union with Him we have once and forever put away the sins of the flesh, have lain in His grave, have passed to the heavenside of death, and are living under the blue sky of acceptance with God. Our Master’s victory is potentially ours. He won it, but we may share its fruits. Yet faith must apprehend and affirm these blessings. The land of Canaan is ours by right, but every inch has to be claimed by faith. “Faith is an affirmation and act that bids eternal truth be fact. We must not allow our religious life to become a piece of outward ritual, Col_2:16-17; nor permit the supposed mediation of angels to obscure the supreme majesty of our Lord, Col_2:18-19. We who have died with Christ must not be always regulating ourselves by the dont’s of the Law. Let us enter Christ’s more intimate fellowship and live on the positive side. Ours should be the freedom of a full life, and the ampler vision of the mountains. Nothing else really avails against the indulgence of the flesh.”
One website noted:
“Gnosticism was perhaps the most dangerous heresy that threatened the early church during the first three centuries. Influenced by such philosophers as Plato, Gnosticism is based on two false premises. First, it espouses a dualism regarding spirit and matter. Gnostics assert that matter is inherently evil and spirit is good. As a result of this presupposition, Gnostics believe anything done in the body, even the grossest sin, has no meaning because real life exists in the spirit realm only.
Second, Gnostics claim to possess an elevated, secret knowledge, a “higher truth” known only to a certain few. Gnosticism comes from the Greek word gnosis which means “to know.” Gnostics claim to possess a higher knowledge, not from the Bible, but acquired on some mystical higher plane of existence. Gnostics see themselves as a privileged class elevated above everybody else by their higher, deeper knowledge of God. Christ is Creator and “the Almighty.” (Colossians 1:16; Revelation 1:8) There is nothing or no one on His divine level, much less superior to Heaven’s KING.
To discredit the idea of any compatibility between Christianity and Gnosticism, one has only to compare their teachings on the main doctrines of the faith. On the matter of salvation, Gnosticism teaches that salvation is gained through the acquisition of divine knowledge which frees one from the illusions of darkness. Although they claim to follow Jesus Christ and His original teachings, Gnostics contradict Him at every turn. Jesus said nothing about salvation through knowledge, but by faith in Him as Savior from sin. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Furthermore, the salvation Christ offers is free and available to everyone (John 3:16), not just a select few who have acquired a special revelation.
Ever seen how today’s gnostics advertise that they have “the secret teachings of Jesus”?Some claim to have “the hidden teachings of Jesus.” But Jesus’ teachings are fully available in HIS Word, in the Bible, so they aren’t hidden or secret. This is a deception from the very wolves the Son of God so often warned us about. Jesus doesn’t do things in the darkness – because He is the light of the world and has nothing to hide (John 8:12). Jesus came and taught extensively then died, was buried, and rose again from the dead high on a hill for everyone to see. “For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.” (Acts 26:26) You must repent and receive Jesus or you are not His (Lk 13:3; Jn 1:12, etc.).
These same vile frauds who claim to have secret knowledge are the very people who refuse to obey Christ’s plain, openly given knowledge – beginning with His command to repent or perish (Luke 13:3). That’s why they are looking for an alternative way as they attempt to sidestep or go around Jesus. But Jesus nails them when He says “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:23-24)
Christianity asserts that there is one source of Truth and that is the Bible, the inspired, inerrant Word of the living God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12). It is God’s written revelation to mankind and is never superseded by man’s thoughts, ideas, writings, or visions. The Gnostics, on the other hand, use a variety of early heretical writings known as the Gnostic gospels, a collection of forgeries claiming to be “lost books of the Bible.” Thankfully, the early church fathers were nearly unanimous in recognizing these Gnostic scrolls as fraudulent forgeries that espouse false doctrines about Jesus Christ, salvation, God, and every other crucial Christian truth. There are countless contradictions between the Gnostic “gospels” and the Bible. Even when the so-called Christian Gnostics quote from the Bible, they rewrite verses and parts of verses to harmonize with their philosophy, a practice that is strictly forbidden and warned against by Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19).”
Colossians 1-2
- NOTHING replaces Bible reading – prayerfully reading through a book 10-20 times to gain a grasp of the divine message and transmission
- John 12:21; Heb 12:1-2
- What is God saying to us, His body, through the book of Colossians?
- Every individual chooses the type, the quality of heart soil they will have
- Not an exhaustive study but definitely to launch the student of Christ into a deeper study of this ultra important New Testament book to find out what God is saying to us through it.
- The kingdom of Christ is all about KING Jesus! He alone came, died, was buried, and raised from dead to purchase a people unto Himself and the Father.
Content of the Letter
Colossae is in the region of the seven churches of Revelation. In Colossians there is mention of local brethren in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Colossae was approximately 12 miles (19 km) from Laodicea and 14 miles (23 km) from Hierapolis. Members of the congregation at Colossae had incorporated pagan elements into their practice, including worship of elemental spirits. The Epistle to the Colossians declares Christ’s supremacy over the entire created universe and exhorts Christians to lead godly lives. The letter consists of two parts: first a doctrinal section, then a second regarding conduct. In both sections, false teachers who have been spreading error in the congregation are opposed.[5]
Outline
- Introduction (1:1–14)
- Greetings (1:1–2)
- Thanksgiving (1:3–8)
- Prayer (1:9–14)
- The Supremacy of Christ (1:15–23)
Paul’s Labor for the Church (1:24–2:7)
- A Ministry for the Sake of the Church (1:24–2:7)
- A Concern for the Spiritual Welfare of His Readers (2:1–7)
- Freedom from Human Regulations through Life with Christ (2:8–23)
- Warning to Guard against the False Teachers (2:8–15)
- Pleas to Reject the False Teachers (2:16–19)
- An Analysis of the Heresy (2:20–23)
- Rules for Holy Living (3:1–4:6)
- The Old Self and the New Self (3:1–17)
- Rules for Christian Households (3:18–4:1)
- Further Instructions (4:2–6)
- Final Greetings (4:7–18) [20]
Chapter 1
FB Meyer: Colossians 1:1-8
THE GOSPEL BEARING FRUIT
The saints are men of faith, for their holiness is derived from Christ, but they are also faithful men, and will not betray their trust. Grace is the Greek and peace the Hebrew greeting. We can do a great deal with those whom we desire to correct or instruct, if we begin by commending all that is worthy of being praised. Thus the Apostle rejoices in the evidences of the trinity of Christian graces-Faith, Hope, and Love. His prayer-book was filled with intercession. One marvels at the accomplishment of this extraordinary man, who, in addition to his travels, labors, writings, and toil for his daily bread, had time for such abundant prayerfulness. There is a note of triumph in his reference to the reception given to the gospel in all the world. The handful of corn on the top of the mountains was already beginning to shake like Lebanon. It seemed as though victory was assured; and if only the Church had possessed more men like him, the world would have been saved some sad experiences. Note the unaffected humility of the Apostle in classing Epaphras with himself as his beloved fellow-servant in the household of God.” F. B. Meyer
“In making us qualified to be partakers of the saints in light, God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (cf. 1 Jn 2:11). This can be illustrated by the experience of the children of Israel, as recorded in Exodus. They had been living in Egypt, groaning under the lashes of the taskmasters there. By a marvelous act of divine intervention, God delivered them out of that fearful bondage and led them through the wilderness to the promised land. Similarly, as sinners we were in bondage to Satan, but through Christ we have been delivered from his clutches and now we are subjects of Christ’s kingdom. Satan’s kingdom is one of darkness – an absence of light, warmth, and joy; while the kingdom of Christ is one of love, which implies the presence of all three.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, 1992
v15-23
“The Glories of Christ the Church’s Head: In the next four verses, we have the Lord Jesus described: (1) in His relationship to God (v15); (2) in His relationship to creation (v16-17); (3) in His relationship to the church (v18). The Lord is here described as the image of the invisible God. Image carries with it at least two ideas: First, it conveys the thought that the Lord Jesus has enabled us to see what God is like. God is Spirit and is therefore invisible. But in the Person of Christ, God made Himself visible to mortal eyes. In that sense the Lord Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Whoever has seen Him has seen the Father (John 14:9). But the word image also conveys the idea of “representative.” God had originally placed Adam on the earth to represent His interests, but Adam failed. Therefore, God sent His only begotten Son into the world as His Representative to care for His interests and to reveal His heart of love to man. In that sense, He is the image of God. The same word image is used in 3:10, where believers are said to be in the image of Christ.
Christ is also “the firstborn of every creature”, or of every created being. What does this mean? Some false teachers suggest that the Lord Jesus is Himself a created being, that He was the first Person whom God ever made. Some of them are even willing to go to far as to admit that He is the greatest creature ever to come from the hand of God. The expression “firstborn” has at least three different meanings in Scripture. In Luke 2:7, it is used in a literal sense, where Mary brought forth her first born Son. There it means that the Lord Jesus was the first child to whom she gave birth. … Is not that exactly the thought of Colossians 1:15 – “the firstborn of every creature”? The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s unique Son. In once sense all believers are sons of God, but he Lord Jesus is God’s Son in a way that is not true of any other. He existed before all creation and occupies a position of supremacy over it. His is the rank of eminence and dominion. The expression “the firstborn of every creature” has nothing to do with birth here. It simply means that He is God’s Son by an eternal relationship. It is a title of priority of position, and not simply one of time.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p 1993-1994
“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” Ephesians 3:9
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high … And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hand.” Hebrews 1:1-3, 10
Chapter 2
Any person claiming wisdom outside of Christ, is a deceived soul.
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3
“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:24
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” 1 Corinthians 3:19
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalms 111:10
Today the esoterics and gnostics pretend to have elevated knowledge above others – and more insidious are the seminarians among us who pretend to have superior knowledge, wielding their deception over the common people as they catapult and raise themselves over the people. Jesus says He hates this Nicolaitan witchcraft (Revelation 2:6, 15). Nico = Conquer and Laitan = the people. Nicolaitan simply means to conquer the people. Jesus is the only “head of the body, the church.” (Colossians 1:18; 2:18-19). No one else has that distinction but the One who came into His created earth to bleed and purchase His people unto Himself.
Satan’s wolves position themselves over the people, their prey:
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome (via deception), of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”1 Corinthians 7:23
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” 2 Corinthians 8:5
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Antichrist frauds like Confucius, the priests and popes of Rome, Mohammed, and Buddha are all mere sinful men who all died and are in hell, irrevocably (2 Peter 2:1-3). The modern perpetrators of their teachings emphasize submission to them and mere head knowledge, meditation, mind-emptying, asceticism, contemplation, centering/contemplative prayer/ spirituality and prayer practices outside of the Person and name of Jesus. Yet, one and only God reserves the dispensing of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom for those who obey Him, beginning with true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. In these heretical economies, there is no sin or repentance nor faith in someone infinitely greater than man (Jer 17:9; Lk 13:3, 5; Proverbs 3:5-7; Heb. 11:6).
God grants access to Himself and the treasures of His divinely granted salvation, wholeness, healing, and wisdom exclusively through Jesus Christ. We have in relationship with the Father bold prayer access as we approach Him through our LORD Jesus for all things (John 14:!3-14; 16:23-24; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26). In this relationship He’s brought us in through Christ.
The biblical word “antichrist” means both in place of Christ or against Him, the former being the most insidious. All who are not rooted and grounded in Christ will absolutely be led astray from Him. The root problem of these antichrist heresies is that they do not honor to Jesus Christ for access to God (John 5:23-24; 14:6). They present some other way which makes the perpetrators thieves and robbers according to Christ (John 10:1-10). Instead these philosophies and practices focus on things YOU do to conjure up or earn, merit to gain access to God to get what you want (Ephesians 2:8-9; Rom 4:4-5; 2 Cor 5:19, 21). These doctrines of devils are self-centered and not Christ-centered. Yet, we know that God will not have a relationship with any person or answer prayer outside of Christ (John 5:23; 14:6, 13-14; 16:23-24, etc.). Devils/demons will answer those emptyings, meditations, prayers and seekers and ultimately wreak havoc on the willingly deceived who partake. These occult practices were devised by devils for the exact purpose of enabling demon possession and destruction (John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:11-12).
All of these same heresies seek to entice and move the believer away from Christ, the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2-5). Wolves who teach these things have invaded the church world through what is called contemplative spirituality/prayer, spiritual formation, soaking, etc. The NAR (New Apostolic Reformation), Word of Faith, and emergent church movements are basically humanism, New Age, yoga, eastern mysticism, and transcendental meditation with repackaged lingo/nomenclature.
Spiritual Formation – Spiritual formation may refer either to the process and practices by which a person may progress in one’s spiritual or religious life or to a movement in Protestant Christianity that emphasizes these processes and practices. Again, spiriutal formation is just another trick of Satan to remove believers from “the simplicity that is
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-5
The underlying common denominator of these ancient heathen, pagan practices is that they do not uphold Christ according to the record of Scripture – that He is Creator, God, and Redeemer (Is. 45:22; Colossians 1-2; Rev. 1:8). All these false religious techniques perpetrate the assertion of US in place of Christ – which reveals that “the spirit of antichrist” is behind all these methods to reach God or futily attempt to procure things like peace of mind for self (Titus 3:5-7). Jesus upends this self-effort, self-will rebellion which is witchcraft (1 Sam. 15:22-23). “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. … Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matt. 6:7-8; 7:7-8) All men are sinners in need of the mercy of God which He pours out exclusively through Christ (Titus 3:5-7, etc.).
Seminaries today across America are now requiring courses in spiritual formation and contemplative spirituality. The seminaries were infiltrated by the Jesuits and led astray beginning in the 1950-60’s.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) – Transcendental Meditation technique: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
“The Transcendental Meditation technique or TM is a form of silent mantra meditation,[1] developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The meditation practice involves the use of a mantra and is practiced for 15–20 minutes twice per day while sitting with one’s eyes closed.[2][3] It is one of the most-widely practiced,[4][5][6] and among the most widely researched meditation techniques,[7] with over 340 peer-reviewed studies published.[8]:p 14[9] Beginning in 1965, the Transcendental Meditation technique has been incorporated into schools, universities, corporations, and prison programs in the USA, Latin America, Europe, and India.
The technique has been described as both religious and non-religious, as an aspect of a new religious movement, as rooted in Hinduism,[12]:p 188[13] and as a non-religious practice for self-development.[8]:p 4[14][15] The public presentation of the technique over its 50-year history has been praised for its high visibility in the mass media and effective global propagation, and criticized for using celebrity and scientific endorsements as a marketing tool.”
“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:” 1 Timothy 6:20
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10
What they have in common: These counterfeits all promise inner peace and wellness that Christ alone who made us can provide (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
God rewards those who obey Him, elevating Christ in worship and not self – which is the way of Lucifer/Satan and those who are his (Is. 14:12-15; Lk 10:18).
“Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:14-18
Never be impressed with mere knowledge that is not shared in humility with a heart of love to help you learn of the LORD – to know, worship, and obey Him. The Bible tells us that “God is love” and those who are His have a relationship with Him and therefore no need to run around parading themselves as something they are not – and not mere human is (John 17:3; 1 John 3:1; 4:16-18).
In summation: In Colossians, the great apostle of Christ is warning us to be rooted in our relationship with Jesus and to beware of cheap counterfeits.
On that note of knowing and loving our LORD, recently a dear sister sent this prayer:
“Lord, may this be our daily prayer, that Christ alone be magnified.
Wow, bless us Lord to be captivated by Your love and Your will.
Change us, purify us, sanctify us according to Your Word and Your ways.
We delight to be a joy to You and bring glory to Your Name.
Please take us from where we are and grant that we would grow in grace and truth,
always abounding in Your work — FILLED with Your Spirit, Life and Love.
You must increase and we must decrease.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.” Debbie Lord
————-
notes
2:6-7 – 2 Discussion Questions
- What were you told by other Christians when you first got saved that helped or hurt you in the ensuing years of being saved?
- Looking back, what could other born again saints have told you that would have greatly helped you as you grew in the grace of Christ?
GOING to church once per week isn’t what the LORD has in mind for knowing, seeking, and growing in Him. Jesus says knowing and following Him is “daily.” (Lk 9:23-24; Acts 5:42)
NOTHING replaces Bible reading
What is God saying to us, His body through the book of Colossians?
every individual chooses the type, the quality of heart soil they will have
Heb. 1:10; 1 John 5:10-13;
“And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:” Hebrews 1:10
Ephesians 3:9
reading through a book 10-20 times
John 12:21; Heb 12:1-2
Eve added to what God said, right? “Neither shall ye touch it lest ye die”…..
Is this the first mention of “touch not, taste not” ? Col 2
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Articles
Off The Chain! Mood Drugs Exposed [podcast]
“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.” John 16:33
In his prayer of repentance, the sweet psalmist of Israel, the beloved David, cried “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalms 51:12).
“I took these drugs for 20+ years and they are dangerous, highly addictive and can do lasting damage. They cure nothing and in many cases cause more long term problems. Depression is absolutely demonic in my experience. GOD is the only answer. Thank you for speaking the truth on this. I’ve found SO many are deceived and blinded by the world system and claim there’s nothing wrong with psych drugs and that God gave man the wisdom to create these. Total nonsense. Anti anxiety meds slow brain activity and are definitely linked to dementia.” Jen G
“I am really enjoying your podcasts and I really hate pills (drugs) as they create more health problems. I am learning every day how I have been deceived. It’s really quite shocking. Its the side effects to these awful medicine that concern me. That is why there so many people with Alzheimer’s and dementia might be the cause and then e additives and chemicals that the farmers spray. Devils cocktail seem like. I am going organic. I am so glad that I am getting washed by the Word. Amen.” Penny
Carol Burke writes:
“Romans 8:15 says ‘For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.’ Fear is a spirit that torments man to terrorize him internally, to not permit the fruit of the Holy Spirit to manifest internally to set men free. Thank You Lord! We need not fear as one that is in bondage to his master! I am no longer a slave but a son! Drugs is bondage!”
Mood Drug Madness is the Prophesied Antichrist Sorcery, Witchcraft Wielded Over all Who aren’t Truly In Christ (Revelation 18:23).
“…for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” Revelation 18:23
Getting Honest is the First Step Toward Total Victory
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
Jesus taught us that man’s sin comes out of his “desperately wicked” heart (Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:20-23).
The devil and his agents have created a million ways to divert us from stopping our lives, getting honest, taking personal responsibility, humbling ourselves, admitting our sins against God, and repenting.
“When David took his sin to God in Psalm 51 he took 100 percent responsibility! He did not blame Bathsheba and did not seek therapy or medications. He took his heart to God. Repented and pleaded with the Lord to forgive and cleanse him. And the Lord restored to him the joy of his salvation. David was truly broken before God. And the only answer he sought was the Lord.” Karen Cochran
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“There are legitimate diseases and drugs. This is rather broad. You break your leg you go to the doctor don’t you? Same for mental, mood problems, right? I wouldn’t argue against scripture… but I also couldn’t believe you are the judge of every person who is medically assisted. Not every illness is miraculously healed. We live in a fallen world.”
REPLY:
You are using human reasoning so I will not answer this question. Drugging demons and depression is a cheap counterfeit and a mere band aid. It has never nor ever will result in curing the root. Jesus alone can make the heart right, not doctors. Where did Jesus or any of His apostles prescribe a drug, especially for someone’s mental state? Memorize Colossians 2:8-10.
We are complete in Christ who is our Salvation and He did a perfect work and lives to provide what He died to purchase (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26). | Christ Lives to Provide What He Died to Purchase
Drugs dull and numb the mind and put a person in an altered state, not to mention that they are also proven to damage the internal organ. This numbing of the mind is of diabolical design in order to lead rebels into eternal damnation.
What does 2 Timothy 1:7 say? Devils have legal right to the minds of every person who has not truly repented and is not currently abiding in Christ. Sin gives an open door, legal right to Satan. Memorize James 4:7. Notice when the demon possessed maniac at Gadara had those demons cast out by Jesus…. what happened? What was his mental state, his mood?
‘And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and IN HIS RIGHT MIND: and they were afraid.’ Mark 5:15
Jesus didn’t prescribe a drug and we are to do what He did and not to do what He didn’t do. In fact He specifically commanded us to do such:
‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;’ Mark 16:17
Are those who take mood drugs, drugging demons?
This message in no way declares that every human malady is healed miraculously. This post does absolutely challenge with the Bible the idea of drugging our minds to effect our mood, our spiritual or psychological state. I am judging you as being biblical illiterate (John 7:24; 8:47) and certainly put no trust in your mere human reasoning or mind. Show us all one place in the Bible where Jesus, His apostles, or prophets ever prescribed a drug for a person’s mental, spiritual, psychological state? Waiting…. you gave no Scripture so apparently your trust is in something else other than God’s Word. You would do well to get into the Word.
Are you blessed or cursed?
‘Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.’ Jeremiah 17:5
Luke was a physician. God provides them. Yet the LORD is a Jealous God who is the only Soul-ution for our spirit, soul, and body (2 Chronicles 16:12). Drugging ourselves for our mental, spiritual, psychological state is something the LORD supplies through the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).
The battle that rages is a spiritual battle. We shall suffer such attacks in the flesh as long as we are on earth and so submitting ourselves afresh in prayer to the LORD as you did is essential in the victory. Memorizing James 4:7 is amazing!!!
To say one needs a drug for his mood is to say Jesus didn’t do a complete work (2 Timothy 1:7). WHAT are the 9 dimensions of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ which are born and alive in every truly abiding saint of Christ? (See Galatians 5:22-23.) There is no such thing as a disciple of Jesus, blessed with the fruit of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace – that takes a drug for their mood. They don’t need such a cheap demonic counterfeit.
Psalm 51 – after we seek the LORD in true repentance, He cleanses us, and restores unto us ‘the joy of thy salvation’ which is a whole, complete salvation – spirit, soul, mind, body (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
So if a Christian is taking a mood drug, are they trusting Christ or the drug?
‘And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.’ 2 Chronicles 16:12
So, will we trust the Great Physician or the worlds physicians?
The sin of unbelief (Hebrews 3-4).
‘How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and LIMITED THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. 42 They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.’ Psalms 78:40-42
There are so very many people who claim to be Christ’s yet they don’t listen to Christ – His written Word. No, they have no time to revel in ‘ALL things that pertain to life and godliness’ found in the ‘exceeding great and precious promises’ of the Word of God (2 Peter 1:3-4). Yet, these same people do spend endless energy and time listening to and obeying this fallen world’s mere human ‘experts.’ Sad. Telling. Bad fruit. Spiritual adultery. Hell awaits.
‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ Exodus 20:3
Limiting God is a sin. Unbelief. ‘Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and LIMITED THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL’ (Psalms 78:41).
Are we forgetting the benefits the LORD provided in His perfect salvation?
‘Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:’ Psalms 103:2
We live in a drug-crazed, drug-dependent world. Isn’t using a drug for our mental, psychological, and spiritual state not an indictment upon our glorious LORD God who gave His only begotten Son for our redemption, our wholeness, our salvation? When He saves us we are born again and the divine Holy Spirit dwells in us, His temples (1 Corinthians 3:16). We are new creatures in Christ and yet by gullibly allowing a mere man to prescribe a drug, we forfeit the blessing of God (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Repentance needed for ‘an evil heart of unbelief’ (Hebrews 3:12-15). God doesn’t band aid things, He heals and makes whole to the root. Dare we accuse the Almighty of shorting us, of the sacrifice of His Son not being enough, not providing a complete salvation?
“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14
A mood drug is a band aid for the unrepentant – not the divine solution.
Got depression? Are you seeking the LORD in true repentance whereby He will grant you great joy? (Psalms 51; 2 Timothy 1:7)
Sin is the Root of all of Man’s Problems: Drugs are Never the Solution
Depression is merely the result of sin, of living in sin. Period. No stupid medicine has or ever will solve such. Only Jesus can and did solve man’s sin dilemma. Surrendering in repentant to the Savior is sin’s solution and all the evil it brings such as depression (Romans 6:23).
“Die to self! My depression left once I fully surrendered to the Lord my wicked self! Depression is all the result of you trying to do it in your own strength! And being stuck in self! Humbly surrender to God and He will lift you up out of the horrible pit (which is what depression is), the miry clay (despair) and set your feet upon the rock of Jesus! Then He will put a new song in your heart! A song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord! (Psalm 40:2-3). The joy of the Lord will be your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10). Alleluia!” Karen Cochran
David had sinned grossly. He cried out to the LORD in sincere repentance. What happened that restored ‘the JOY of thy salvation’ to this man after God’s own heart? Can anyone find a mood drug in this divine prescription or anywhere in God’s Word?
‘Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.’ Psalms 51:8-12
Upon authentic repentance, David was restored to the joy of the LORD and upheld, uplifted by the Holy Spirit of God.
Those who refuse to truly repent and lay down their lives in this fleeting world are subjected and relegated to dependence on the world’s cheap substitutes which never get to the root of the issue but rather only mask it with a band aid. Until they see this for the sin it is, the sin of unbelief – out of ‘an evil heart of unbelief’ -they shall remain unstable, unsound, and in bondage to a drug (Hebrews 3:12-15).
THOSE WHO FOLLOW JESUS DON’T NEED AN ANTIDEPRESSANT BECAUSE THEY ARE FULL OF THE JOY OF THE LORD.
‘For the joy of the LORD is your strength.’ Nehemiah 8:10
The true born again disciple of Jesus, abiding daily in Him, is full of His divine ‘Love, JOY, peace…’ (Galatians 5:22-23) Such an authentic follower of Jesus doesn’t walk in ‘the counsel of the ungodly’ but rather in the counsel, the Word of God ‘and in his law doth he meditate day and night’ (Psalms 1). The joy of the LORD is our strength and abides and remains in His abiding disciples – so they have need of nothing, no counterfeit, no cheap substitute for what God provides!
‘These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.’ John 15:11
Never Underestimate the Power of Jesus!
As you read this fascinating story of maniacal demon possession, to solve this problem, ask what solution Jesus provided. Did the Son of God prescribe a drug, send someone to the doctor, or cast out the devils?
“And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.” Mark 5:1-20
Here was a demon possessed maniac who was so overcome by the devil that he terrorized the whole town of Gadara, cried aloud, stripped himself, cut himself, and broke the chains that held him bound – until Jesus broke his chain! He was then off the chain – completely set free and “sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind” (Mk. 5:15).
The power of God changed this man’s life as it is changing lives today around the world. Jesus set this bound soul free from all those devils that had taken residence inside him and gave this man a sound mind! God be praised! God will take off the chain that binds every soul that hears and obeys His Gospel.
This once demon possessed maniacal man was now restored by Heaven’s King who came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10).
“The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
WHEN we see humanity being stolen from, robbed, killed, destroyed, through sin and Satan, we must see through the eyes of Jesus, His Word.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
EVERY person we deal with, is a precious soul Jesus created and died for. Their outer shell might be very ugly, destroyed, nasty…. yet they are an eternal soul Jesus died and was raised again to save.
Father, please help us see Your truth, reality via Your kingdom eyes. Open our eyes that we might see as You see. In Jesus’ name LORD.
How did our LORD deal with the maniac at Gadara? He did not condemn, He cured!
Jesus came to save, to set men free from sin and Satan! We are His hands and feet in the earth!
God is Greater than all Falsehood
“Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” Romans 3:3-4
While in a retail location (car dealership) I was quickened by the Spirit to minister to a certain man in his 20’s. As I moved toward him, I saw what looked like an open Bible on his work station desk so I asked about it and he said “No, this is a Quran.” I said “Oh okay” and never slowed down or broke stride (by God’s grace) to worry about what diversionary tactic the enemy was using against this precious soul. So, immediately, with a hand of compassion on his shoulder, looked him in the eye and began to lovingly tell Him how much Jesus loved Him and died for his sins and that Christ was the only Person in history who foretold His own death, burial, and resurrection, and then accomplished it all, rising from the dead after dying on that cross on Calvary’s hill. I told him how that He is alive right now and forevermore to save to the uttermost! I shared with this man that only Jesus Christ bares nailed-scarred hands and feet to prove He is the very Son of God and paid the only price that propitiates (atones) for our sins, satisfying the claims of the Father’s justice. By this point this man’s eyes were filled with tears. The Holy Spirit was touching his searching heart which can never be filled or satisfied by anything but Christ, the Prince of peace, whose love and truth is communicated in and through His Word.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
The tears in this man’s eyes, emanating from his broken soul, can be a reminder to our understanding that God made all souls and that He can and will find and touch anyone He chooses through His Word, Spirit, and servants! (See Ezek. 18:4.) Never believe a lie or system of lies to be greater than the power of your God! The Jehovah Witness, Mormon, Islamic, Catholic religions are merely man-made religions and unlike the Gospel, have no power to redeem! The divine Person of the Holy Ghost is only behind and confirming the true Gospel with signs following, the greatest sign being the new birth in the hearts of men! (See Mk. 16:15-20; Jn. 3:3, 7; Tit. 3:5-6.) Only the Person and Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms lives completely – from the inside out! Only God can grant the new birth!
Could there possibly be any message in the world greater or more powerful than the one given by the One who made all things?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29
Only God can truly change a life from the inside out! Only Jesus can turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh! (See Ezek. 36:25-27.) The Gospel is superior to any other system of religion. Nothing compares to the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ that has saved and sanctified millions of precious souls the world over and is still marching on across the nations, one heart at a time. Fear not – “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4). Saints, let us simply and obediently communicate God’s truth in love and watch Jesus work to save! – “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6). He has promised to bless as you obey!
Jesus Never Fails!
Didn’t Jesus reach into your own hardened and wretched soul, interrupting your life of sin and save you?! If so, is He not able to do the same in others? Didn’t He tell us that His infinitely mighty arm is not shorted or hindered and that His ear is not closed and that He is able to save to the uttermost? (See Isa. 59:1-2; Heb. 7:24-26.) Let’s look at these words in Hebrews 7 – makes me want to shout with joy at the depth of divine revelation of His love and grace evident in this passage:
“But this man (Jesus), because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26
Christ came in the volume of the book of which it is written to break the chains of sin and Satan and lies!
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18
Why Did Jesus Come?
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
There is only ONE Glorious Gospel Revealing One Unique Savior!
“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-7
The glorious Gospel of Jesus can go into the depths of the soul, convict, draw and save! Heavenly Father please forgive our unbelief and increase our faith, in Jesus’ name!
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at the way Jesus touched the heart of this searching soul who was looking at someone else other than to the LORD for answers. His understanding had been diverted. My surprised response perhaps underscores the unbelief in my heart. God forgive me for counting the lies of Satan greater than the stone-crushing, devil-exterminating power of God’s eternal truth (Jer. 23:29). Never prejudge – just obey because “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22). Always know that God’s Word never returns to Him void but always accomplishes that which He desires (Isa. 55:11).
In this late hour Christ is opening eyes and shattering the chains of darkness that bind so many – no matter what flavor of deception the enemy has used to blind them. The Holy Spirit and Word of God will break through to those who choose to have ears to hear. O LORD let the Gospel be heard from those whom He has found and redeemed – “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Ps. 107:2). Father please open doors for the ministry of Your Word. Open hearts and redeem souls Jesus! Our LORD Jesus came “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).
JESUS came to make captives free. SATAN’s agents seek to put you in bondage! (Luke 4:18; John 10:10; Galatians 2:4-5; 5:1)
As the demon-possessed maniac at Gadara experienced, to those who hear, repent, and believe, Christ, the power of God, is the chain–breaking, shackle-shattering Savior and LORD!
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
As we are blessed to communicate God’s love and Word, He is going to deliver souls and take people off the chain the enemy has bound them with!
“It is a spiritual issue. Was in my room reading then started getting all these thoughts to kill myself. It started getting louder I knew this was a demonic attack and I was being tested! I thought I was losing my mind but Jesus came through and protected me! Showed me what he was trying to show me through a fiery trial. It’s all spiritual! I’ve never had thoughts like that in my entire life. No explanation. Praise Jesus!!” Nicole
Do you think that if some believer had gotten to this searching man first and gave him a Bible and communicated the Gospel, that it would have prevented the deception of a foreign religion from encroaching upon his precious soul?
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“So what are you saying people shouldn’t take antidepressants when they have a lack of serotonin in their brain which is why you take antidepressants?”
REPLY:
Is that the real answer? WHO gave that diagnosis? WHERE is our trust? Is GOD not enough to heal that supposed ailment if it’s true in the first place? Remember, doctors have to come up with a “diagnosis” in order to prescribe a drug. That’s how they make their money.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“Have you ever suffered with a mental illness?”
REPLY:
Is it real? Is the issue material or spiritual? That’s where so many have bought the lie from the world’s doctors instead of going to the Word of God. It’s time to cease making excuse, repent, get into the Word and obey God. HE alone is our Salvation and will bring perfect wholeness just as we see Him doing in the Gospels (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This is a spiritual issue and James 4:7 gives the divine solution to shutting Satan out:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
PRAYER: Glorious LORD Jesus, please forgive my evil heart of unbelief and grant my heart a fresh start this moment! I repent now of all the idolatry, and spiritual adultery, evil unbelief, and how I’ve not trusted You but rather mere men. Thank You for Your infinite power and desire to redeem men and thank You for finding and saving me dear LORD. I love You LORD Jesus and thank You so much that You had no beginning and have no end and have always been and ever live to make intercession for the souls of men who will come to You for Your salvation which includes their spirit, soul, and body. Your salvation is complete and provides for the whole person of those You redeem. Please make me whole – spirit, soul, and body. Grant a sound heart and sound mind and body. As Your people fervently await Your soon return, please open up doors to joyfully communicate Your eternal Gospel to others! In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Abiding
Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]
How Do We Know, Right Now, Who will be Seated at the at the Table, at the Great Supper of the Lamb? (Matthew 22; Revelation 19)
The remnant, those who will be present at the Great Supper of the Lamb in Heaven, are ALREADY feasting at the banqueting table of His Word. All others whom Jesus has saved in the past, are not fueled or flourishing but are rather famishing, fainting, and falling away.
The “little flock” of Christ desires to be with Him both now and forever, not just forever (Luke 12:32). They’ve been born again and present “abide” in/with the Savior (John 15:1-6).
No good man wants an arrangement but rather a marriage with a virtuous, faithful wife. He rightly desires a beloved wife in holy matrimony, not a whore to shack up with! Those who espouse OSAS are spiritual adulterers, whore mongers. They want a quick fix, an illicit affair that requires no commitment, carries no requirements.
The God fearing wife has set aside all else to serve her husband (1 Peter 3:1-7). She is not sidetracked nor does she waiver in her love and duty to her man. And this is what the true bride of Christ is doing today – setting aside the distractions and pursuits of this fleeting world and are seated at the feet of Jesus, waiting upon Him (1 John 2:14-17).
Her life is all about Him, not herself.
The heart of a true under shepherd is heard in these words from Christ’s apostle Paul: “I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4
It’s the adulterous heart, the heart where Jesus is not truly the “first love,” the highest priority, that migrates to this sin-justifying system of theology called “eternal security” (Revelation 2:4-5). Jesus’ teaching concerning the five foolish virgins who were espoused to the Bridegroom (Jesus), and were later shut out of His bridal chamber, is clear proof that all who begin with Christ will not be with Him eternally (Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus invented the term “fall away” and told us that some who initially believe will later “fall away”—they will not “endure to the end” with Him (Luke 8:12-13; Matthew 10:22; 24:13). So, someone’s lying and it’s not the Son of God. Why would He use such words as “fall away” if these things weren’t possible, if it weren’t essential to “endure to the end” to be “saved”?
Paul says we, the saints of Christ on earth, are “espoused” to Christ the Bridegroom – engaged, not married (2 Corinthians 11:2-4).
With no exception, ALL wise virgin believers are in the Word daily. They commune with the Bridegroom and He fills them daily with His heavenly virtue, oil (Matthew 25:1-13).
Just because one is “espoused” to Jesus, that is, engaged to the Bridegroom of Heaven, doesn’t mean they will ultimately be married to Him as is proven in Christ’s parable of the 10 virgins where only 5 made it into the eternal bridal chamber with the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). They other 5 were shut out for treating the engagement/espousal as a mere arrangement.
The most elaborate, the most grandiose dinner awaits the saints of Christ! Words cannot possibly express the grandeur of Christ’s welcoming dinner…. a celebration to end all others – the beginning, the inaugural celebration of eternity with Christ and His saints of all ages.
The foolish virgins are making excuse for sins (Proverbs 28:13a. The wise virgins are hastening to repentance (Matthew 25:1-13; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 3:3; Revelation 19:7-10).
“Revelation 19:7-9: We are to ‘bear the image of the heavenly.’ (1 Cor 15:49).Our sinful nature crucified, sanctified, dead and buried, and then we take on the heavenly glorified nature of Christ! Our whole spirit, soul and body is being transformed more and more into the image of Jesus! (1 Thesolonians 5:23). We must be fully clothed in righteousness and holiness to enter the marriage supper of the Lamb! This is the only way to be accounted worthy! And not have our names blotted out of the book of life.” Karen Cochran
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9
Mocking at sin relates to any lax or crass attitude toward what He that is Holy declares to be sin – which separates men from God. There’s is divine grace and favor on all who are honest, repent, and forsake sin.
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and HIS WIFE HATH MADE HERSELF READY. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
WHAT’s the use of talking about end times and the events of these final days if we aren’t even going to be “READY” when Jesus does return?
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40
Read the passage below as to exactly, specifically what Bride Jesus will return for and please explain how a person who genuinely got saved and now is living in sin is going to be Christ’s Bride eternally:
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 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
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:12-13
As the husband and wife require their intimate personal time together for relations, so the bride of Christ must have her individual, set apart time of intimacy with the Bridegroom, Jesus. This is biblical imagery (Matthew 25:1-13; Ephesians 5:25-30; Revelation 19:7-9).
Christ’s bride that He will soon return for is holy and holy means set apart. Christ’s Heaven-bound disciples are known by their fervent loyalty to their Master, Jesus. Sweet fellowship with Christ is at the cornerstone of their schedule. The LORD is their undisputed priority. Having a daily, set apart time with Christ is essential of the infusion of Heaven’s nutrient-rich substance, to remaining in an abiding relationship with the Bridegroom (Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 5:6, etc.).
Drinking from the well of Heaven daily is the mainstay duty and practice of every true wise virgin believer (Matthew 25:1-13). Their relationship with their Bridegroom is their most important occupation. He’s absolutely first. Jesus is not a second class citizen in their life (Revelation 2:4-5).
Do we remember how Paul spoke of a man and wife coming together and how if they don’t, if they neglect intimacy, they will be tempted to migrate to someone else other than their mate? (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” 1 Corinthians 7:1-5
Are we, are you rendering “due benevolence” to your LORD and Savior, the Bridegroom of Heaven? If not, you are being drawn away to another lover, a false god, an altar of idol worship.
You are Cordially Invited to this Great Supper of and with the Lamb of God
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
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Articles
Mexico needs Missionaries [podcast]
GOD is our Maker and Redeemer and He knows where He has and wants each of His children to be—where you already are or otherwise. The LORD is in control (Psalms 24:1).
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23
Last week Jesus saved this beloved woman, Katherine! See more on that salvation story here.
Recently I commented under a Mexico video…. which received nearly 100 likes to date….
After leaving the USA and now living in Mexico, I began to see just how un-free and vulturous it was there (the greed-driven gov’t mainly. America is a corporation). This is simply my personal opinion: You will never know you are not free, till you leave.
Thank you for pausing to pray for the people of Mexico.
TODAY: Was invited to a luncheon with a group of amazing expats from all over the world. Beautiful ranch and land outside of town.
View looking out from the ranch. (below)
Here’s beloved Martha who recently received ministry—as a direct result of your prayer and support.
The perks of Mexico begin with our wonderful Creator and the people, places, and plates of food He has on this part of HIS earth (Psalms 24:1).
WE the body of Christ, are a separate entity from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We are here on earth for but a bit more time—saved and sent to do Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; John 4:34-38). Jesus foretold that these final days before His return would be tumultuous (Matthew 24; Luke 21), and to “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).
TODAY: Another 1,500 JESUS tracts in Spanish were picked up from the printers. | The JESUS tract.
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9
EACH WEEK a strong, loving message from the Word of God is sent out to to dozens of beloved souls here in Mexico via text. I have connected in person with each one of them, ministering God’s Word to each soul. Some are saved, some not. Just sent a message out tonight and am receiving responses as usual, including this one below from a beloved man name Julio who is not yet saved. Please lift him in prayer.
Below are messages from two men here in Mexico who have been ministered to and are continuing to receive God’s Word weekly:
“I am interested in knowing God and reading the Bible.” Julio
“Hi Todd. Greetings. Thanks for the Bible messages.” Carlos
This response from Julio is VERY common here in Mexico. I just texted Julio the Born Again book PDF. Boom.
If you want your life to count for the LORD, to the highest degree of glory and fruitfulness to Jesus, you may wish to stop your life today and ask the LORD to prepare and place you where it best eternally glorifies Him (John 15).
Take a look at the exciting Mission Mexico posts here
Thank you for praying for the precious people of beautiful Mexico.
“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Psalms 2:8
DO we really think it’s God’s will to have millions of His people in the USA, further drowning in the misery, embellishing, intoxicating themselves with more trinkets, being unfruitful, while the beloved people of Mexico go un-reached? I don’t. Stop. Ask God to break and strip and prepare you and place you exactly where HE wants you ministering on HIS planet.
“But I don’t know Spanish.” Reply: Can you smile with the joy and love and peace of God handing out JESUS tracts in Spanish and simply say “Cristo reina para siempre”? Or “Cristo te ama”? Anyone who desires to, can. See link below.
Are you ready to pray that God put you on HIS Great Commission adventure?
On another point of motivation….. some are saying “The new American dream is to leave America.” Since moving to Mexico, a truly free country, I have never been happier personally.
I wonder what it’s going to take for some. Will they want to leave once the nukes begin landing in America? How many more assassinated by the government people will it take? How many more cities must burn? How many more criminals in government….
People here and in so many parts of the world are so kind and content. They walk around whistling, singing etc.
“And around here in the USA many don’t want to receive the Good News. Very closed up and some too religious.” Anita
Move to a country that has family values such as any Latin American country. Nearly EVERY child, kid, boy, girl, is meek, humble, obedient to their parents, respectful, etc. Amazing. America is over.
I there a time to move on?
“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew 10:14-15
How did our families get to America? They got there by leaving their homelands due to apostasy from what is right, wicked governments which resulted in dire times financially, etc.
Communicating The Gospel in Spanish
IF He is calling you, only if. IF you answer the call of God and go to a foreign land to minister, and have the adventure of your life! ….. this ministry outreach will supply at least your first round of JESUS tracts in the language needed.
*** Are you asking God to prepare and place you on HIS planet where HE wants you, to do HIS will, work, powerfully? Time is short!
IF you don’t desire to see others saved, you are in need of salvation.
Matthew 12:30 – When you are truly with Jesus, you exist to serve Him and others, not self.
WHEN our lives are crucified with Christ we are preoccupied no longer with self but rather the Savior and others! This is “the mind (disposition) of Christ” as seen in Philippians 2:3-5.
AS you get out of your own world and into the world of others—to serve them as unto the LORD….. you will not continue to stagnate and be miserable. Chasing trinkets has and never will result in anything good. Seeking Christ and living as He did—to serve the Father and people—is the guarantee of His resurrection blessings exploding and abiding in your personal life. As you die daily, Christ raises you upward and into His harvest fields which are “white already to harvest.”
“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
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5
Is today the day we SHUT UP AND DIE?
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7
Would you like to say the above verse 3 times prayerfully right now?
One will never be “freed” till he chooses to die.
The Crucified Life always produces the fruit of serving God and others, not the god of self. Dethrone yourself now.
Anyone not crucified with Christ, is not serving Him.
“I have just begun to realize that we must love Him but we also must know and believe He loves us! According to 1 John 4:16, ‘And we have known and believed the love that God hath towards us. ‘His love towards us should permeate our whole being. Once it does we not only know He loves us but we believe it. And this is how we love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). …. You will never have more of Jesus until you lay your own life at the cross and die! The cross life will completely transform you and then you will know and embrace who you truly are in Jesus!” Karen Cochran
After leaving the USA and now living in Mexico, I began to see just how un-free and vulturous it was there. You will never know you are not free, till you leave.
One man responded to this above comment of mine.
“I’ve lived outside the US as well, and traveled extensively. Interesting you make a blanket statement about the freedoms you have versus living in America. Give us some specifics. List five ways you are specifically more free where you are than when you lived in the US.” Rob
REPLY:
Well first off, this was a personal comment and do we not all have liberty to view things as we see fit? Yes. Traveling to a country and living there, are two completely different things. Unless you live somewhere, you don’t know. Nearly no one here in Mexico is road raging, no one is uptight, no one or nearly no one is getting a traffic ticket, no one’s door is being kicked down by a swat team at 4AM for the crime of praying at an abortion clinic that babies would not be mu.rdered…….. The house, the casa in Mexico is sacred. In general the government will not mess with the sovereign dwelling place of the family….. no one here is being over taxed, no one here is being charged 80% child support when the law says 20%, the real estate tax is so low it’s laughable compared to the USA, oh and how about the hospital visits and meds? Dirt cheap. One American who lives here told me recently that he got sick and so his doctor, whose phone number he has, came to his home and treated him and it was $70. He said he also has his dentist’s phone number, etc. Taxes, especially gross over taxing as is the case in the USA, is debt slavery and it’s not decreasing. How does any of this (a mere sampling) equal freedom? I wonder how it’s true freedom when 80% of Americans cannot or can barely cover their basic costs per month. Have you seen all the videos where Americans are living in their vehicles and storage units due to not being able to afford rent? Those videos are abundandant on youtube. This is not even to mention the increase in homelessness, or people living on the streets. PATRIAL LIST OF TAXES IN THE USA: Property tax, Sales tax, State income tax, Local school tax, Marriage license fees, Vehicle registration tax, Business permit tax, Estate tax,Waste management tax, Cigarette tax, Court fees, Dog license tax, Drivers license fees, Garbage tax, Gas tax, Gun ownership fees, Gift tax, Social security taxes on money already taxed when you earned it, Unemployment taxes, Fishing license fees, Highway toll fees on highways already paid for by your taxes, Hotel tax, Hunting license fees, Health insurance tax, Inheritance tax, Insect control tax, Insurance fees, IRS interest and penalty, Library card fees, License plate fee,s Liquor tax, Luxury tax, Medicare tax, Parking meter fees for streets WE THE PEOPLE own and paid for, Passport fees, Biodiesel fuel tax, Air transportation tax, Professional license fees, Recreational vehicle tax, Self employment tax, Sewer and water tax, Service charge taxes, State park entrance fees on land WE own and paid for, Sports stadium tax, FEDERAL INCOME TAX, etc.
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