Crumbing Christ [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

“All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

THERE are children of God who are behind on bills. There are called-out men of God preaching Christ’s whole Gospel fearlessly, and you STILL support a multi-millionaire wolf who is making merchandise of the people to make himself even richer in this fleeting world? (2 Peter 2:1-3) God is calling you to repent. You are in darkness.

Someone has wisely stated that:

“On judgment day many will wonder why they got so excited about money and not Jesus.” Unknown

—– WANT to see what matters to you? Want to see how real you are? How authentic your love is or isn’t for Christ? Do you truly want to know what matters to you? … are you willing to face the truth? …if so, then go look at what you spend your (His) money on and you will see what matters to you (Matthew 6:19-25; Luke 12:15-21, etc.). If His work means nothing to you it’s because He means nothing to you.

— BE HONEST: Which biblical subjects, doctrines, do you dodge? Which get the least attention? Those that deal with financial responsibility/stewardship, right? Does this not clearly reveal how much it’s needed and how much true repentance is needed before it’s too late. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). Read Matthew 6:19-24.

— IT WAS when Jesus began to tell His audience that they had to partake of Him, to die to self, to give up their lives in this fleeting world, that they left Him (John 6). Before that He fed their stomachs. They were willing to stay as long as they had their creature comforts. Yes, they were okay as long as their stomachs were being fed by the fish and loaves He multiplied and gave to His disciples to give to them. They did not want to die – to lose their lives in this world – and nothing has changed today among the many who claim to know Christ. That mass of people left Jesus. Only twelve remained. Read John 6.

People today claiming to know the One who came and gave all to save them are okay with “serving” Him as long as it costs them nothing. He’s not worth giving anything up for. He’s not worth sacrificing the junk food they consume in order to rightly steward the resources He gives them. He’s not worth it to them to begin learning how to reach others with His Word in this late hour. He’s not worth losing the friendship with their children so they refuse to tell that child “no” to watching the myriad of corruptions polluting his/her own child’s young mind. He’s not worth feeding a poor soul that is homeless. He’s not worth their reputation so they refuse to live for Him publicly.

This person described above does not fear or know the LORD.

John 6:66 tells us that “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

These are those who are willing to “serve” Christ on their own terms, deceiving themselves all the way to the irrevocable place of eternal suffering.

“Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” Psalms 50:22

Love is Giving

All that comes to us is from the hand of God who “so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16).

The LORD is a Giver and desires that His children willingly choose to freely give as has been given to them (Matthew 10:8; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).

The opposite of being generous is to withhold. The word or term “crumbing” in part refers to being stingy, tightfisted, or miserly.

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 25 The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” Proverbs 11:24-26

Stingy Rich Man Now Eternally Remorseful

—- Question: WHO in the Bible went to hell for not simply chipping off a smidgen of supply to a beggar? Who?

Does this ring a bell? It should. You should become very familiar with the passage this refers to (Luke 16:19-31).

Think about it: What would that once “rich” man not do now to have one more breath on earth to repent and change his wicked ways? He’s already been in hell for some 2,000 years with not even one second having expired from eternity’s time clock. Want to follow his example and go there too? Keep reading friend.

Jesus told us that unfaithful stewards go to eternal damnation (Matthew 25:30, 41, etc.). … Okay, before we go on, let’s get rid of the counterfeits. I can hear it now from the unrepentant who are serving the god of self and are highly offended at someone preaching on the biblical topic of stewardship: “But brother, are you saying I’m going to hell if I don’t give?!”

Yes.

Unapologetically, I am preaching and repeating what Holy Scripture clearly tells us.

Don’t like it?

Bye.

Now, for those willing to render honesty toward God, let’s continue …

Now that the counterfeits are vanquished, disqualifying themselves by their own sin of unbelief and rebellion, let’s talk saints.

So, why would any true believer get upset with another disciple of Jesus because that disciple seeks to make sure those other believers are really going to eternal glory with Jesus?

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” Galatians 4:16

You see, when our lives are truly given over to the LORD, so will be all our resources. If they aren’t, it’s because we’re still serving the god of self and mammon.

Choosing to begin giving a portion of your resources to the LORD is not going to save you from spending eternity in hell. No, and yet, if you aren’t a giver of your resources, it’s because your heart and life are not given over to the LORD.

If you wish to see where your heart truly is, simply look at where your money is going.

If your resources are all being spent on the god of self, it indicates that there is idolatry of self. This would point to self worship instead of Savior worship (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5-9; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.). A few particular verses come to mind:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:14

Jesus taught: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24

—– SATAN is strategically working to stop you from doing YOUR part in the army of the LORD … THIS message from the LORD is for you beloved. He wants to speak to YOUR heart directly from His Word here which is alive now – “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). If this has ever been relevant, it is a message for this hour as much if not more than it ever has been. Will YOU be able to say with Paul “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)? Will you be able to say with the apostle Paul that you “fought … finished” and “kept” the will of God in your personal life by doing your part?

There’s a “certain man” who was once rich (temporarily in his life on earth). This “certain (specific, literal) man” has now been burning in conscious torment in the flames of hell for some 2,000 years. Go read Luke 16:19-31 (King James Bible) and find out exactly why that man is irrevocably in hell and in a million years will still be in hell “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7). And what about Esau who traded his soul for a bowl of soup? For what fleeting trinket in this brief life will you lose your soul in eternal damnation in hell?

Can you begin to imagine the horror of remorse this man has been anguishing in for 2,000 years? Wow!

Will you follow his wicked example or will you choose to follow Christ by giving all?

Didn’t Jesus present us with the open ended question we alone can answer? – “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37).

Remember, when you truly repent before the LORD, the resources you have will then become His … otherwise you never really repented and are still subject to serving the god of self and therefore mammon (Matthew 6:19-24). Those who know Jesus do not serve mammon, they serve Christ and give as He came and gave.

If you’re truly saved, so is your wallet!

The coffers that fuel God’s work of getting His Word out deserve:

A. To be empty,

B. To be moderately supported and tipped, or

C. To be abundant in order to have no hindrance to the advancement of Jesus Christ’s Gospel message in this late hour.

Your personal answer isn’t seen in which one of the above multiple choice answers you chose but rather in whether or not you’ve been giving to His work.

Keep in mind that if you give, it’s in worship to the LORD from whom all good things come (1 Chronicles 29:14; James 1:17). When you give, you are not doing God a favor or the person or ministry you are giving to. No, you are getting yourself off the hook. You are doing yourself a favor! Of course, giving should be done as a deliberate, “need-no-chill-bump” obedient gesture of worship first and foremost. When you obediently give, you are doing now (giving) what the once rich man in Luke 16 refused to do and is now incarcerated in the flames of hell from which there is no release date and never will be (Mark 9:43-49). God requires that His people rightly steward the resources He allows to come into their temporary possession. Greed, stinginess, withholding, and covetousness have already damned the souls of countless eternal souls who are presently and will burn consciously for all eternity.

“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:23-25

Christ says it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a man rich in this fleeting world to go to Heaven. In light of this, the Son of God warns 1) “they that have riches” (v. 23), and 2) “them that trust in riches” (v. 24).

Those who possess this world’s riches are prone to trust them instead of God. Beware. Jesus was warning us of this and that’s more the reason to empty our resources on the poor and good work of the LORD.

Apparently, the “certain rich man” Jesus described in Luke 16 was just like many today. He lifted no finger to help a godly man that sat right under his long, evil nose. Many of you reading this know of the needs of individual, godly people around you, and Great Commission New Testament ministry works. You have refused to help. Never mind the supposed “good intentions” you claim to have.

Are you real or are you a fraud?

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:16-19

The saying is true that: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Like so many today who claim to be serving the One who came and gave all, the once “certain rich man” who’s now in hell, perhaps had the lame intention to help others, yet didn’t. Like many today, it’s obvious that the once rich man tended to dozens and dozens of other self-serving pursuits and yet took no time to help others, even those right under his nose (Luke 16:19-31).

It’s time to truly come to Jesus in repentance and when you do, everything you have in your temporary care will be directed by Jesus.

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

Any question?

Perhaps it’s been wisely stated that:

“Whatever you compromise to keep, you will lose.”

This is a life and death gauntlet. God’s Word has shown you this in fact. This is a Heaven and hell issue. What we do with what God puts in our hands is a direct reflection of where our hearts truly are.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

—– WHEN Israel (the LORD’s people) left off to (ceased to) honor Him with their increase (money), He allowed a difficult reaping to come on them, read Haggai 1 today. Also Malachi and watch for this as you read through Scripture. Jesus repeatedly taught that each of us will give account for how we stewarded that which came into our temporary care in this life. Many of Jesus’ teachings come to us via His parables (earthly stories with a heavenly meaning).

Does the LORD receive the first portion of what you earn? Or, does His honor and work get a mere tip when you ‘get around to it’ – that is, when things more important to you aren’t consuming you at the moment? “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10). I’m not a bit concerned that you or anyone else is going to get upset with me for toppling your idolatry (idol of you). No, my fear is going to be toward the One who after He has killed me, is able to cast my soul and body into eternal hell (Luke 12:4-5).

It’s better to simply repent and change your ways and factor God into the money you receive in this life. In other words, schedule His %/portion in beforehand in your mind and heart so that it’s already spoken for. If we don’t deliberately slate this into the first priority when we receive pay, it doesn’t happen, right?

Now I wonder what God will do if we render simple, practical, literal, faith-filled obedience to Him in this important subject of stewardship. Well, does this divine promise sound familiar? “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Remember we just read in Proverbs 3:9-10 that those who honor the LORD, the Giver of all good gifts, by putting the very first portion (“firstfruits”) of our increase into His kingdom, that he will fill us with plenty? Is this a promise? Yes. What did the apostle Paul say about all of the promises of God? – “For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

What limiting dilemmas is your disobedience causing?

Who’s ministering to Christ’s ministers? Who? Where’s the supply line? We are Christ’s army (2 Timothy 2:1-4). We are His body, each member called to worship Him and do their part. See Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4. What part are you playing? Are you doing that part or sitting back waiting? Are you sending prayers and supplies to those in the fox holes, the front lines? Are those in the fox holes starving? Have they run out of ammo? Are they now vulnerable to be killed – to be taken out – taken off post – because you aren’t doing your part by sending up prayers and sending supplies out of your increase?

Note how unoffended His saints were who suffered great lack as we see on record in Hebrews 11:37-39. <<< read this in the KJB. They loved Him above all else and were just grateful to know Him. Today many of those the LORD has called out to do His work and are obediently doing it, are not being uplifted sufficiently by the body of Christ they serve as unto Christ and have to continue to be thankful to our LORD, the One they serve. His watchmen are despised by the religious and neglected by those who agree with the truth they communicate and work they do .… “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

You are not only as sure for hell as if you were already there, you are a “miserable” individual if you are living for your own self-serving pleasures. You are exactly like the hell bound Laodiceans whom Jesus said were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17

These backsliders had much in the way of earthly riches and yet, like the specific, “certain rich man” Jesus spoke of in Luke 16, they were bound for eternal damnation along with being in this fleeting world “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

The fall-out, the effects of the disobedience of so many is untold. There are many men today whom God called out and who are prepared by Him but they can’t do what He sent them to do due to the disobedience of so many. They’ve left their post and are now working a secular job.

Father please grant us grateful hearts no matter what we face in this temporal world. We will be home with You soon! Revelation 21!

Build the House! (audio)

FEEDBACK:

“Mar 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Mar 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
Mar 6:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Mar 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
Mar 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Mar 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

“For those who are sent will be taken care of by HIS people, and those who will not take care of those whom HE sent will be left, as the one who came to preach leaves them, taking with them the peace of the LORD.” Yvonne S.

Build the House [podcast]

No Pentecost, No Power!

John Wesley on Calvinism, Once Saved Always Saved, and Conditional Security

Apostasy

Racism: Nation Rising Against Nation [radio]

Nation Shall Rise Against Nation

Laboring in the Spirit, not the Flesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acts 2:1-13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Articles

LESS than the Least! Filthy Rags Fellowship! [podcast]

The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent!

FACT: NO ONE, not one person on this earth needs Jesus more than this fool, this pauper who is nothing without Christ! (Romans 7:18; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15)

Jesus died, was buried, and raised again from the dead to forgive, regenerate, redeem, and grant complete victory in this life to every one of His people. Yet, we must do things God’s way and no other way.

JESUS JUDGED SIN ON THE CROSS SO WE DON’T HAVE TO BE JUDGED FOR OUR SIN AND SO WE CAN EXPERIENCE “THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE” BOTH NOW AND FOREVER (JOHN 12:31-32; EPHESIANS 1:7; 2:7).

What do we truly deserve in and of ourselves, being that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags”? (Isaiah 64:6) The term “filthy rags” expresses the image, the reality of utter impurity, putridity.

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

No. No. No. Born again believers into Christ are no longer walking in their own righteousness which is as “filthy rags” and yet, they are ever aware of the fact that outside of Christ, if they dare tread, means they are again as “filthy rags” in the sight of a Holy God (Isaiah 64:6; Ezekiel 33:12-13; 2 Peter 2:20-22)..

“And be found in him, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS (“filthy rags”), which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Philippians 3:9

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

“It is then, we say, in the successive stages of his experience, that the believer sees more distinctly, and adores more profoundly, and grasps more firmly, the finished righteousness of Christ. And what is the school in which he learns his nothingness, his poverty, his utter destitution? The school of deep and sanctified affliction. In no other school is it learned, and under no other teacher but God. Here his high thoughts are brought low, and the Lord alone is exalted.” Octavius Winslow

The true disciple sees himself as absolutely undeserving of and infinitely blessed to have been found, forgiven, and saved by the LORD Jesus Christ! He sees himself like Paul – “LESS than the least of all saints.” (Ephesians 3:8)

“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

Like Paul, we should always see ourselves as the one most in need of the great mercy of God given us through Christ our LORD! Pour over Titus 3:5-7 daily this week beloved of God.

We cannot die for our own sins. Jesus alone did that – perfectly paying for them (John 19:30). He lived a sinless life under the law – to keep it perfectly as no sinful man had or could ever do (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3; James 2:10, etc.). Christ then nailed the law to the cross and “took it out of the way,” removing us from under it – from under its impossible weight (Colossians 2:14-19, etc.). Memorize Romans 10:4 and James 2:10 and Galatians 2:16 brother.

Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the grace of Jesus – which works in us via the cross life. Romans chapters 6-7.

All I have to do to find the man most in need of God’s saving grace and mercy, is to look in the mirror (Romans 7:18, 24; James 1:23-24). As long as we neglect to look in the mirror, honestly, we will continue to be self-righteous as were Jesus’ most evil enemies, the religious frauds, the pharisees of His day (Matthew 23). Are we pharisees or humble, broken, honest disciples of Christ? (Matthew 18:3-4)

“Hell is full of people who think they deserve heaven. Heaven is full of people who know they deserve Hell.” Unknown

All self-righteous religious hypocrites are going to hell (Matthew 21:31). May God save, forgive, and cause us, to bless us to be His authentic disciples. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If we vainly imagine that someone else’s sin is more vile than our own in the eyes of a holy God, this is a tell tale indicator that we still don’t have a Gospel clue – as to our own utter unworthiness, wretchedness, and depravity outside of Christ! (Genesis 32:10; Jeremiah 17:9; James 2:10, 13; Titus 3:3-7, etc.)

How can we possibly begin to understand and appreciate why Jesus came to the earth to die if we still see ourselves as anything except “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” before a holy God? (Isaiah 6:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Revelation 4:8)

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.

The apostle Paul had his personal testimony of being saved by the grace of Christ and considered himself to be, not the least, but rather “LESS than the least” of all saints in Christ. In my opinion, this should be the only thing you and I should disagree with Paul concerning. Paul didn’t know us when he said that, right? 😉 Get the point? -you and I, as we see the truth about our own utter iniquitous depravity (Romans 7), we should view ourselves as “LESS than the least of all saints.” (Ephesians 3:8) We should also agree with the divine truth, uttered from the great apostle of Christ and recorded below:

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

Do you realize that outside of Christ, “NO GOOD THING” dwells in you?

“O WRETCHed man that I am! (presently) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24

It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.

“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. … And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.” Genesis 6:5, 12

Now, do we begin to see why we must be “crucified with Christ”? (Galatians 2:20)

Every believer grapples with the downward gravitational pull of the flesh (Galatians 5:17; Hebrews 12:4). Obeying God is the only way victory will erupt, manifest in our personal lives (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Death and burial will be followed by resurrection! And, when Christ is truly reigning is us, victory will be sure! Time to get down low and watch the devil and sin go! (James 4:6-10)

“GOD is able” saith the LORD! (Ephesians 3:20)

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20

Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen mankind (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Psalms 39:4-5).

We should see ourselves as the most undeserving of the saving grace of Christ. We should say before our God, with the man who hung his head low as he prayed and said “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)

God calls those whom He saves to relish the great love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy He has shown upon us – “WHILE we were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8) This is the disposition of the true disciple. In fact, He calls us to lift up and prefer others actually ABOVE ourselves.

“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

The above passage is a great way to begin our day, every morning.

Those who truly seek and love the LORD, love also all men. Having freely received it, they desire to pour out the message of Christ’s saving mercy on others. Memorize the words of our LORD recorded in Matthew 22:37-40.

Saved by Divine Mercy

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7

Do we still think we were worthy to be forgiven, saved? …. Not! God did it out of His sheer love! Can we examine that idea?

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” Isaiah 64:6

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10

“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.” Genesis 32:10

Foundations: JESUS came to save man from his SIN, first and foremost and not just to comfort, remove stress, and solve all the other problems that emanate from sin. Seldom is this foundational Bible truth ever heard in the apostate modern church world where it’s all about “what’s in it for me”? Total self-serving, un-repentant counterfeits! Memorize Matthew 1:29; John 1:29; and 1 Timothy 1:15. The essential doctrine of fallen mankind is ignored by modern wolves. | The Sinful Depravity of Fallen Mankind – Man Outside of the Present Saving Mercy of God

How do you see yourself?

Some among us recklessly pretend to be sinless. This seems apparent in the way they harshly, mercilessly judge others. Yet, God’s Word warns each of us:

“be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23

Instead of covering our sins, denying we’ve committed them, we must admit them honestly and forsake them:

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10

If we don’t see things from God’s perspective, through the eyes of Holy Scripture, we are completely deceived and in need of repentance and true obedience to the only LORD and Savior.

ALL sin is public to God. He knows every sin we’ve ever committed. Just because you didn’t get caught by mere men, doesn’t negate the fact.

“Some men’s sins are open beforehand (public, known to men), going before to judgment; and some men they follow after (unknown to men).” 1 Timothy 5:24

Some men’s sins are public while others are hidden for now and yet God sees and will bring them all to the light after death. Nothing is hidden from His eyes (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).

All we have to see the person most in need of divine mercy is to look in the mirror.

The sin that should concern us the most is our own.

Mercy! Back up the dump truck and unload it on others AS YOU DESPERATELY need it from God! He requires this! Hell is full of self-righteous, merciless hypocrites. Jesus says the harlots will be in Heaven before they will !

“Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31

One commentary on this passage states:

“Christ forces from the unwilling hearers an answer which, at the moment, they do not see will condemn themselves. Unaccustomed to be criticized and put to the question, wrapped in a self-complacent righteousness, which was generally undisturbed, they missed the bearing of the parable on their own case, and answered without hesitation, as any unprejudiced person would have decided. The first; i.e. the son who first refused, but afterwards repented and went. Verily I say unto you. Jesus drives the moral home to the hearts of these hypocrites. The publicans and the harlots. He specifies these excommunicated sinners as examples of those represented by the first son. Go into the kingdom of God before you; προαìγουσιν ὑμας: are preceding you. This was the fact which Jesus saw and declared, he does not cut off all hope that the Pharisees might follow, if they willed to do so; he only shows that they have lost the position which they ought to have occupied, and that those whom they despised and spurned have accepted the offered salvation, and shall have their reward. We must remark that the Lord has no censure for those who sometime were disobedient, but afterwards repented; his rebuke falls on the professors and self-righteous, who ought to have been leaders and guides, and were in truth impious and irreligious.” Pulpit Commentary

In this statement and much more of what we see in Holy Scripture, God expresses to us that the filthiest of sinners He detests are the self-righteous religionists.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12

THINK of the worst sin you have ever committed: Now, if you want all your sins removed “as far as the east is from the west,” God requires that you repent, cease your self-righteous attitudes and words condemnations on others, and relish His mercy that you never deserved but that God proved through the blood of the cross of His only begotten Son. Get your hands from around the neck of others or hell will be your forever abode – not matter what security you vainly believe you have with the LORD (Matthew 18:21-35).

THE WICKED AND THE WONDERFUL: Does the Bible say that You are Wonderful? [podcast]

Attention: Jesus didn’t come to die because you are wonderful. No He came because you are wicked (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3, etc.). The testimony of Holy Scripture is that JESUS is “Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6-7)…. and we are “desperately wicked” without Him (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18, 24). Each of His children, bought by His blood, merely stand as unworthy beggars, shoulder to shoulder in honor of our KING, Jesus! The only righteousness we have is that which our LORD Jesus mercifully, graciously provided for us by the one-time shedding of HIS precious blood for our sin – to […]

The Exceeding Riches of His Grace

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages Ephesians 2:7 “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:4-8 Here are […]

Abiding

God Blesses those who Read His Word [book]

God blesses those who Read His Word

“Blessed is he that readeth” Revelation 1:3

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and READ.” Isaiah 34:16

“Rightly dividing the word of truth”

“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

YES God’s people are to “study” His Word and how else to do such than to begin by “READING” His words? 2 Timothy 2:15

“Till I come, give attendance to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13

“Blessed is he that READETH ….” Revelation 1:3

Years ago I found that if I don’t get up early to read God’s Word and spend quality moments in prayer first and foremost, it will never happen. God must be put first and this requires ruthless discipline.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Reading all of God’s Word is the priority of every astute follower of Jesus.

There’s no way to learn God’s Word other than reading it yourself (2 Timothy 2:15). God gave you His Word in tangible format in order for you to learn of Him, from Him, and by Him. Those who leave it to others to teach them God’s Word are self-deceived and will be misled by those they depend on to teach them the Bible.

“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

O the beauty of doing things God’s way. When things are done our LORD’s way, His blessings ensue! Blessings will chase you down! Are you putting GOD first in your life, truly, literally?

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

“The joy and rejoicing of mine heart”

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

GOD’S WORD

Saints, in order that some may be encouraged, below, let’s talk about our current personal Bible reading…..

“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include OT, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” Todd

“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason

“I am reading Mark.” Michele

“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe

“I Been Reading James And 1st And 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie

“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan

“Reading 1 and 2 Corinthians. That’s the Scripture portion that my current CD covers at night. Listening to the whole KJB on CD and set it to repeat while I’m sleeping. This morning specifically studied 2 Cor. 4:10.” Debbie

The Blessings of Bible Reading [podcast]

podcast coming soon “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3 The quickest and surest way to get blessed is to simply read God’s Word. This is so simple that most miss it. Bible reading is the key to learning the things of God (Prov. 22:17-22). Bible Study is paramount to spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2). Reading God’s Word etches the image of Christ upon the canvass of the heart (Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39, 46). Bible reading instills the […]

The Real R.E.D. Alert

THE REAL R.E.D. Alert ….Saint of Christ, are you in God’s Word richly and daily, being reminded of His blessed truths? (Colossians 3:16; Acts 2:42) If so, then you are to be putting His children in remembrance of these truths as we look together for His soon return. When we do this, we are considered “a good minister of Jesus Christ.” “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6 Where to Look Jesus […]

IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING? [podcast]

Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each and every one of us. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 Notice “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not […]