WHAT does the Bible say concerning how the early church functioned financially?
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44-45
When God’s people were in a perfect state of fellowship, pleasing Him fully, “as every man had need” the collective resources were distributed. Not one of them lacked. In fact, with no need for a sermon in the matter, naturally, as saved people, they sold their excess, emptied their bank accounts, and gave to those in need.
“Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:34-35
WOULD there be EVEN ONE among us who lacked anything if we were serving the LORD the way He prescribed in HIS WORD?
Quote from early church elder of the state of the body of Christ then:
“See,” [the Romans] say, “how they love one another!” . . . “How they are ready even to die for one another!” . . . The family possessions, which generally destroy brotherhood among you, create fraternal bonds among us. One in mind and soul, we do not hesitate to share our earthly goods with one another. All things are common among us but our wives. (Tertullian, Apology 39, c. A.D. 200)
What if someone has money in the bank or things he doesn’t need and could sell, and knows of a need a brother or sister has?
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16Hereby 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. 17But 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? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:14-18
How do we know that we truly know Him and are ready to meet Him if we die today (and we might)? We obviously do not “love the brethren” or know the One who “is love” if we have the means to help a brother or sister in need and don’t. God is watching (Proverbs 24:10-12; Matthew 25:40-46)
What does saving faith truly looks like:
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:14-17
Catch this attitude James is pointing out here. The LORD is trying to get at something in us here. Where is our trust, truly? This is key.
“Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled“ here means “Be warmed and filled. Be blessed but please don’t bother ME. ALL that matters is ME, so please don’t bother ME in MY comfort! I am doing well so please don’t mess with MY personal comfort. I will pray for YOU. But YOU go away and trust God for YOURSELF. I have in my possession what YOU need but run along. Go your way in YOUR lack, I have worked hard and have money for ME and MY security but YOU go on and trust God YOURSELF. I have the means to help YOU but YOU are not as important to ME as I am! Forget ME having to give up the money that is MY security and trust God, YOU trust God. I’M going to keep, to hoard what is MINE because I I I matter more than YOU. I will not give up MY security! No, YOU trust God YOURSELF. For ME, I will preserve MY life in this world by holding onto something that YOU have need of! YOU are not important to ME, I AM, so scat, go on, be warmed and filled while I enjoy the fruit of MY labors and YOU lack!”
This attitude clearly identifies a person who is not truly trusting God but rather self and is preserving his life in this fleeting, sinful world. Is the same God who put those resources in our hands now NOT ABLE to provide for us? Has He who created and owns ALL now bankrupt? Where is our faith?
When we know of a child of God who has a need and hoard instead of give to that member of Jesus’ body, are we not saying “Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled”?
“All things come of thee (LORD), and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14
Because we have resources in our possession does not negate our God-given personal responsibility to trust God for all things by faith.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is (Provider), and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Want someone to lie you right into hell? That will not be this disciple. Don’t like this type direct preaching straight from GOD’s Word? Well, don’t hold your breath – I won’t cease declaring it.
WHO do we truly love most? If we do love God, His body, His very people are not separate from us but rather our very members. In fact, we then give more abundant honor upon those who lack in His body, right? (1 Corinthians 12:23-25)
What are we truly trusting in?
A Rich Man Who Refused to Give
Not long ago, a brother in Christ who labors ceaselessly for Jesus, feeding His sheep daily and winning lost souls, led a lady to Christ. This lady happened to be the wife of a very rich man. The minister/servant of Jesus first met her husband, who said he was saved and talked a good talk. Yet, this husband (rich man) said his wife was not born again and that he greatly desired his wife to get saved. So, the brother, the minister of Christ, was later able to dialogue with and clearly communicate the Gospel with that rich man’s wife and successfully lead her to Christ. The minister led her to Jesus, snatching her soul from eternal damnation! She repented and put her faith in Jesus Christ. That minister of Jesus labored to see her come into God’s kingdom and not spend eternity in hell. This rich man, the husband,was an extremely wealthy man in this world’s goods. Yet, even after seeing the minister of Christ lead his very wife’s soul into God’s kingdom and then being notified more than once of the great need for financial support for the ministry work this minister with others were doing, the rich man refused to give a penny. With no dent in his mountain of wealth, this rich man whose wife was now saved as a result of that ministry work, could have given an amount to that ministry work that would have propelled it to new depths of fruitfulness for the King’s glory but yet refused when notified of the need. The bottom line is that the rich man should have jumped at the opportunity to give but he refused and that proves he is not truly of God. In order to in part illustrate how much money this rich man had, let’s say that he has a $150,000 “weekend car.” In other words, he own several toy vehicles, a mansion, etc. Apparently this is how important HE is to HIMSELF and yet, the work of the LORD Jesus through that ministry and servant of Jesus who led that man’s wife to Christ and ministered to that man, means nothing to this man. Sad but true!
Did not our LORD tell a similar story of a “certain rich man” and a pauper? Luke 16:19-31. Did not the rich man go to hell and the pauper to eternal comfort? This is a serious matter.
Do you have money you could be helping God’s people with? The Bible instructs Christians to “Charge them that are rich in this world … That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate..”
1 Timothy 6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Make no mistake: God is watching each of us and will reward accordingly. Specifically, He sees that we know of those of His own people who have needs and have thus far refused to help them. Watch this:
“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. 11If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:10-12
Did Jesus, the One who holds our eternity in His hands, warn us about having and trusting this fleeting world’s goods? Watch this:
“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that HAVE RICHES enter into the kingdom of God! 24And 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!25It 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.
What is the very Judge of your eternal soul going to say to you die having riches stored up that could and should have helped His people who were in need and HIS work?
We had better get this right. We, you, may have no other chance to do so if you do not repent and obey Him now (Isaiah 1:18-20).
“This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Mark 7:6
The Most Shocking Betrayal Will Come from Within
Just as Jesus’ betrayal came from one of His very own, so will yours.
The true follower of Jesus, who is called into full-time service of His people, will not be surprised when attacked and lied about by calvinists and catholics. However, that disciple will surely be shocked when attacked by those who claim to know the LORD. False Christians will slight, shun, and denigrate them while they are obeying the LORD by tending to their post and duties faithfully. This phenomenon is nothing less than mind-boggling and so I am warning you ahead of time. Count the cost as our LORD warned you (Luke 14:27-28).
It is an unspeakable atrocity and crime that those who have resources don’t help God’s children who are in need. Christ’s ministry work suffers grossly for lack of support!
There are many who are watchmen and serve the LORD on this list. Now, if you are called to serve the LORD and His people full-time in the days ahead, feeding His sheep and winning lost souls, be warned that many will sit back and refuse to help you. In fact, many around you will say “Atta boy” and “be warmed and filled.” However, God forbid that they might be inconvenienced for the most important work in the earth – the care of souls! Some of these same people who claim to be saved and give you their verbal lip service, will lift not one finger to help. In reality, they could care less. Why? They are apostate. They have backslid but still think they are saved. These are utterly deluded. These same people have $150.00 per month to support their cable TV addiction and nothing to give to help sustain and further CHRIST’s work on earth in this late hour. Laodicea! Just as Jesus warned, the love of “many” has already waxed cold due to iniquity abounding, much of which has come through their hellevision they pay so dearly to maintain! (Matthew 24:10-13) The five foolish virgins have fallen away! (Matthew 25:1-13) They are quick to use lip service with their “atta boys” to God’s servants, yet refuse to lay down their lives to worship Jesus in Spirit and in truth as the earliest saints did joyfully. Read Acts 2:44-45 and 4:34-35 and weigh the huge difference in fruit between the known true disciples of the early church and those (including ourselves) who claim to know the One who gave all in this last hour. If they are right with God – if we ourselves are right with God – we delight to worship Him and to bless HIS body and HIS work!
Jesus and HIS body cannot be separated. The way we treat HIS work and HIS body clearly reveals exactly what we thing of HIM (Matthew 25:40-46).
Do we realize how many souls are being damned to hell due to the refusal of those who claim to be serving Christ not helping?
Who really cares? Do you?
Some do, praise God! But it’s only a few – the “few” who are on “the narrow road that leads to life” everlasting (Matthew 7:13-14).
Mad at me now?
So sorry.
Please don’t hold your breath in hopes that I will change.
By His grace and mercy, I will remain on post.
If you want your ears tickled, move along!
I refuse to coddle anyone in their soul-damning sin.
The blood must be removed from my hands by delivering to you this message of mercy, where the LORD is calling you to truly repent and lay down your life, ceasing to lean to your own understanding and abandoning yourself to Him unreservedly.
If you want to know and truly serve the LORD Jesus Christ, learning daily with His true remnant body to die to self and live to bless Him and His people, let’s grow in His grace together!
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16
Without exception, to each of the 7 CHURCHES the Son of God addressed in Revelation 2 and 3, Jesus said to them “I know thy works!” The unchanging, Almighty King says to you right now, “I know thy works.”
Jesus Christ knows “YOUR WORKS.” Do “YOUR WORKS” clearly demonstrate that you know, love, and obey Him? Or, are you serving yourself in this life and therefore, the works of your life prove that you do not know Him and will soon be spued from His mouth as “lukewarm”? (Revelation 3:15-16)
Here’s the LORD’s prescription and answer to this back slidden, apostate dilemma:
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
When you truly repent and lay down your life, the works of your life will drastically change. You will cease serving self and begin serving the only Savior. You cut off the hand that offends and pluck out the eye that does not lead you closer to Him and to performing His good pleasure and doing His work.
“And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bring forth therefore fruits meet (consistent with) for repentance: 9And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father (don’t dare boast of your ridiculous, self-righteous religious pedigree/accomplishments): for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:7-10
We are either real or we are fake. 1 John 3:18…. I have to start at home …. my own heart and life…. does it truly reflect the early Christians who were His true disciples? Or, am I a fake, kindling awaiting the fires of eternal damnation?
Final Word
***COULD JESUS CHRIST HAVE BEEN ANY MORE CLEAR? “And I say unto you MY FRIENDS (His own disciples), Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn YOU (My friends) whom YE (My friends) shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:4-5
“And he (Christ) spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21
Stewardship | See the “Filthy Rich” Podcast
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Comment from Rachel C.:
“Ouch! ~Amen… (This is not pointed at anyone, just in addition to what has already been said) hence divorce within the church (I am divorced). We are deceived if we say we love God but hate our spouse. We are deceived to think we can ask God for forgiveness, but not forgive those who sin against us. Jesus was clearing out the Yeast in preparation for Passover when he cleared the money changers from the temple. Sadly, one of the reasons people won’t bring the tithe alms and charity into the “church” is because they see the leaders stuffing their own pockets and stomachs while many in the church have no food, or home. The body has become disillusioned by selfish leaders who don’t care for the sheep, on the other hand they should look for a church that feeds the hungry, poor, and needy. If a church is not working among the poor, they are not doing the “fast” required by God… I am blessed to know of many churches where I live that are feeding the poor, helping the homeless, and the jobless. I know that my money supports real people who work to care and minister to hurting people… And though financially struggling at times myself, I love to give where the Lord is moving and ministering to the broken hearted. King David saidn “I will not give to God that which has cost me nothing.” If it doesn’t take a bit of faith and trust to give… The giving and trusting hasn’t pushed into the reality that we cannot out give God. As we measure it to those around us, be it mercy, forgiveness, or financial assistance, so the Lord measures it to us ~ unless we repent. Repentance and turning from our own naval gazing, and selfishness opens the flood gates of heaven… “Give and it shall be given, pressed down and shaken together… And overflowing… I believe that if we don’t learn to give when we think we don’t/won’t have enough for ourselves… We will not learn the all sufficiency and beauty of the multiplication of the Lord’s mercy back to us in our weaknesses.” May we see like God sees…”
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Busting Hell Wide Open while Believing You are “Blessed” [podcast]
Abiding
THE DEVIL IS A LIAR [podcast]
Eternal Security is not taught in God’s Word – Other than by Satan and his false prophets.
After being saved, one cannot live in sin and remain in relationship with Christ.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2
Reading Romans 6 each morning this week prayerfully will greatly benefit the disciple of Christ.
God said (Gen. 2:17):
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.”
Satan said (Gen. 3:4):
“And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.”
Eternal Security Proof Text Plundered
1 John 2:19-29
Warning Concerning Antichrists
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Children of God
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
John makes it clear that the antichrists in their midst which departed, did so because they were departing from the faith (1 timothy 4:1-2). Verse 19 does NOT say they were never of us but rather “they were not of us.”
Teddy Caldwell writes:
“OSAS insists that those are professing believers, but 1 John 2:18 says such people are antichrists. 1 John 2:22 says an antichrist is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Anyone who does that isn’t a believer and isn’t even trying to look like one.”
Concerning 1 John 2:19, Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:
“‘THEY WENT OUT FROM US.’ When the antichrists departed from their fellowship with true believers, they were not in a saving relationship with Christ. This allows for two possibilities: (1) They were never true believers to begin with, or (2) they had once been in a saving relationship with Christ but afterward abandoned their faith in Christ.”
Right here in verse 24 of this passage we see the doctrine of personal responsibility to “remain” in faithful obedience to the LORD or lose one’s place with God (1 Cor. 15:2; Gal. 6:9; Col. 1:23). This is a teaching found throughout Holy Writ – the divine requirement to stay saved or lose all in eternity, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)
“Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. IF (denotes condition) that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:24-25
Verse 24 alone tells us that we cannot think that verse 19 means that someone who is at some point in right standing with God can never depart from Him and lose out. Also, verse 25 tells us that “eternal life” (not just rewards) is at stake and the promise contingent upon the believer abiding or remaining in that “which ye have heard from the beginning” which is the Gospel. “Eternal life” is assured as long as one is remaining rooted in Jesus Christ. This is the overwhelmingly consistent message of God’s Word.
In verse 26 John says “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” Verse 19 is written about the deceivers who sought to “seduce” these disciples John was addressing and not of true believers.
With all of Scripture in consideration, we can conclude that 1 John 2:19 is a specific example and not a rule of doctrine.
If you truly wish to search out this matter, let me encourage you to closely examine, break down and study this entire text (1 Jn. 2:18-29). In order to ascertain truth, one must compare the verse in question with all other related Scriptures, beginning with the context in which the verse is set (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13).
Adam Clarke note on 1 John 2:19
“1 John 2:19
They went out from us – These heretics had belonged to our Christian assemblies, they professed Christianity, and do so still; but we apostles did not commission them to preach to you, for they have disgraced the Divine doctrine with the most pernicious opinions; they have given up or explained away its most essential principles; they have mingled the rest with heathenish rites and Jewish glosses. While, therefore, we acknowledge that they once belonged to us, we assert that they are not of us. They are not Christians; we abhor their conduct and their creed. We never sent them to teach.
They were not of us – For a considerable time before they left our assemblies they gave proofs that they had departed from the faith; for if they had been of us – if they had been apostles, and continued in the firm belief of the Christian doctrines, they would not have departed from us to form a sect of themselves.
That they were not all of us – They were not expelled from the Christian Church; they were not sent out by us; but they separated from it and us. None of them had been inspired as we apostles were, though they pretended to a very high teaching; but their separating from us manifested that they were not taught, as we were, by the Spirit of God. These false teachers probably drew many sincere souls away with them.”
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Articles
The First Commandment with Promise [podcast]
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12
Any person who mistreats their father or mother has brought a curse on themselves. Unbelievable.
“Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” Proverbs 20:20
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and m
other; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4
To honor simply means to highly esteem.
Does the Bible say “Honor your parents but only if they’re perfect and only if you agree with them”? No! And thank God because none of us are perfect parents, right?
God has a plan and it’s the only perfect plan! If you follow it, your life will be blessed.
Does it seem like it’s easier for some children to honor their parents? Does their relationship with their parents seem more fluent? At least in some cases, could it be due to the graciousness that the parents fostered in their children? Genuine love governing and fostering a sincere relationship.
David Taylor writes writes this exhortation on honoring our parents:
“Hope you are enjoying mom today brother with blessings. Please do so. Mine is gone. I took her for granted during her life. Not honoring her, not loving her as I should have. What’s that old saying ‘You never know what you have till it’s gone.”
The greatest heritage we give our children is God’s Word.
“Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” Psalms 119:111
Sharing how God is working in her life concerning her relationship with her beloved mother, Karen Cochran writes:
“I had to die to being right. Pride! How could I love her (my mother) with the love of Jesus? How would she see Jesus in me? She would not see Him in me in all my pride and arrogance! By being full of pride, all I did was stir up strife. Proverbs 10:12 ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.’ Because she would retaliate and would be angry. I had to learn to keep my mouth shut. And it has completely changed our relationship. But first the Lord had to change me and cleanse me from my ‘know it all’ attitude and my pride. I went to the Lord and said ‘why is she (my mother) so mean to me?’ The Lord straightened me out quick. It was me not her! I couldn’t control her! All I could do was allow God to root out what was sin in me.”
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10
PRAYER: Father, bless this life to be crucified with Christ, to be truly humbled before You – that You might raise me up to glorify You. Thank You for my beloved parents that You chose to bring me into this life through. Help me walk in Your wisdom which is Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Abiding
Jesus’ Counsel to the Lukewarm [podcast]
Laodicea: How Jesus Instructs the Backslidden to be Restored
Jesus’ Letter to the Church at Laodicea
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 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:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The cross, the crucified life is the cure to the curse of sin—sin dominating our lives.
Romans 6
Inflation is part of the judgment of God upon a wicked people, nation. We see such in Sodom and in Laodicea (Ezekiel 16:49-59; Romans 1; Revelaton 3:14-22).
“It appears that in this scarcity each might be able to obtain a bare subsistence by his daily labor; but a man could not, in such cases, provide for a family.” Adam Clarke
Your money doesn’t go far….. inflation
“Revelation 6 describes the opening of the first six seals, which represent God’s judgment, often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The third seal, broken by a “black horse,” is interpreted to show hyper-inflation and famine, where a day’s wage (a denarius) buys only a quart of wheat. The judgment includes a command to preserve the oil and wine, which some interpret as luxury goods, while essential food becomes scarce and expensive.”
“6:5, 6 In obedience to the third living creature, a rider holding a set of scales came forth on a black horse. This represents famine, which often follows war. A voice in the middle of the four living creatures announced that wheat and barley were being sold at prohibitive prices. The scales were used to weigh the rationed grain and were thus a symbol of famine. The expression do not harm the oil and the wine is difficult. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life. It seems more likely, however, that the luxury items of the rich are contemplated here: historically, even in famine the rich can get some luxuries.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
The only thing needed to go to hell is to not be on fire for Jesus—to be “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Jesus instructed the Laodicean church… to obtain, to “buy of me….
“3:18 The people were counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa_55:1) but received as a gift through faith in the Lord Jesus. Or it may mean genuine faith, which when tested in the fire, results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1Pe_1:7).
Also the people were counseled to buy white garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking, textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee – O fallen and deceived soul, hear Jesus! Thy case is not hopeless. Buy of me.
Gold tried in the fire – Come and receive from me, without money and without price, faith that shall stand in every trial: so gold tried in the fire is here understood. But it may mean pure and undefiled religion, or that grace or Divine influence which produces it, which is more valuable to the soul than the purest gold to the body. They had before imaginary riches; this alone can make them truly rich.
White raiment – Holiness of heart and life.
Anoint thine eyes – Pray for, that ye may receive, the enlightening influences of my Spirit, that ye may be convinced of your true state, and see where your help lies.” Adam Clarke
Warning
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15
Coming forth as Purified Gold
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
To “come forth as gold” refers to the finished product, where gold has been purified of all its impurities.
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” Proverbs 17:3
Idolatry is Sin
Putting, having anything or anyone before Christ in our lives is the soul damning sin of idolatry. Such a person has rejected Christ for something, anything else.
One such idol, one such cause today is patriotism for one’s earthly country. See Hebrews 11:14-16.
SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? See Luke 2:49. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5).
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please grant to my heart Your gift of repentance and the deep desire to have Your righteousness, to not be deceived by sin, Satan, or counterfeits and false teachers. Please forgive all my sins afresh, here and now by Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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