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
Let’s grow in His grace together. Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
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…”
Support | STORE | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet
Busting Hell Wide Open while Believing You are “Blessed” [podcast]
Antichrist
THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is?
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth.
“Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13
“But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15
Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that I am – who do you know Me to be?”
If you were asked right now to give a 5 minute talk about the uniqueness and exclusivity of Jesus Christ from the Bible, could you do it?
“The doctrine of Christ” is revealed in “the RECORD that God gave of his Son” (2 John 9; 1 John 5:10).
If we don’t believe that Jesus is who the Bible says He is then we cannot be saved. Who does the Bible tell us that Jesus Christ is?
“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he (“the mighty God” prophesied Messiah Isaiah 9:6-7), ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:24
“The record that God gave of his Son” includes that Jesus Christ is divine. | Jesus Christ is God
“The doctrine of Christ” informs us of who He is (2 John 9).
Among other things, Jesus Christ is ….
- The Word made flesh (John 1:1-18)
- Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
- Creator of all that is (John 1:1-4; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16-17)
- “The Head” of His one church – remnant elect (Colossians 1:18; 2:19)
- “The Son of God” (Matthew 4:3, etc.)
- “The true God, and Eternal life” (1 John 5:20)
- The living water (John 4)
- “The bread of life” (John 6)
- “The light of the world” (John 8:12)
- “The door” (John 10:9)
- “The Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14; Hebrews 13:20)
- “The resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)
- “The way the truth and the life” (John 14:6)
- “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16)
- “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending … the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8)
The very first Messianic prophecy: Of necessity, from the very first declaration of God to fallen mankind, His promise to save us from our now fallen state, the virgin birth was asserted as a necessity….
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15
As we know, “her seed,” the “seed” in Mary’s womb was God the Father’s miracle of virgin birth, the eternal Word Jesus Christ made flesh to dwell among us and die to save us, fallen mankind (John 1:10, 14; Galatians 4:4, etc.).
The Messiah that was yet to appear, to come to the earth to die for the sins of the world, had to be divine – Isaiah the prophet foretold that the Messiah would be “the mighty GOD” (Isaiah 9:6).
“Her seed” – Women do not have seed. The man, the father, has the seed. The seed of the woman was going to be by God the Father in Mary…. A divine miracle that never had nor will happen again. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (GOD with us) (Isaiah 7:14).
The fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:21-23).
Jesus Christ is the God man. – “The Son of man” means God’s man to redeem man.
“…his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20
“Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” John 5:18
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
“I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.” John 10:30-31″
“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” John 20:28
The Sacred Substance, the Central Theme of all of Holy Scripture
Jesus Christ came to the earth exactly how and when the “more sure word of prophecy”, the Scriptures, foretold that He would come and to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of Himself to the exact detail (2 Peter 1:19-21).
“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:7-8
“From cover to cover of the OT it was foretold not only that Christ would come into the world but that He would come with an eager, ready spirit to do the will of God. The will of God was not just in His head—it was inscribed in His very heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
If we truly love Christ, will we not search, read, and study the LORD Jesus Christ…. ?
“The heart of Christianity is Christ. It is to know Christ. It is to follow Christ. It is to love Christ. It is to adore Christ. The sum and the substance of the Christian life is Jesus Christ.” Steve L.
IF we miss Christ in studying His Word, we have missed all. As is clear from our LORD’s interaction and rebuke of the false religionists of His day, this is quite possible. In fact, it’s clear by what Jesus said that we can know the Scriptures and not the Savior. We can know the words of God without knowing the God of that Word.
John 5:39-47
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”
IF doctrine weren’t important, explain this….
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not (does not remain) in the DOCTRINE of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9
The only way we can be assured we are following the Jesus of the Bible and not “another Jesus” is to ascertain that we are established in “the doctrine of Christ” which is simply what the Bible teaches us about Jesus Christ the Messiah.
“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 11:4
HOW do we know that the coming of Jesus is at hand? Jesus warns. When asked He tells us that he first sign of His soon return will be the proliferation, the invasion of “MANY false prophets”:
“The disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 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. … 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. … 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:3-5, 11, 24
“The Doctrine of Christ”
51 times the Bible uses the word “doctrine,” and the central truth of biblical “doctrine” is what Scripture tells us about Jesus, the sacred substance of the Scriptures Himself, the eternal Word of God – Jesus Christ.
Christology chapters of note to pour over regularly: John 1; Colossians 1; Hebrews 1.
Beloved saints, make sure you are drilling down on “the doctrine of Christ” – laying the foundation that will stand against the evil winds of false doctrine that is being peddled by the vilest and most popular wolves on this planet (Ephesians 4:14-15; Hebrews 13:9, etc.).
The Bible phrase “the doctrine of Christ” refers by divine priority, plainly to Himself as the divine Person, the divine Word, the Son of God. Jesus Christ is revealed as God’s eternal Word, as the Messiah, LORD, Creator, Sustainer, and Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. It seems only after these biblical facts about Christ that “the doctrine of Christ” would then apply to our repenting and putting our whole faith in Christ for salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).
Say it aloud: “the doctrine of Christ.” What saith the Holy Scriptures of Christ?
- the Messiah in prophecy
- virgin birth
- divinity
- exclusivity
- death and burial
- resurrection
- return
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not (does not remain) in THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9
So what does this verse (above) mean? It means that you are going to hell irrevocably if you don’t remain grounded, holding to, embracing what the Bible says about Christ, the Messiah.

In the context of the above cited verse, 2 John 9, the apostle John is warning us about the “MANY deceivers” and to be careful not to “lose …. those things” we know of Christ – lest we “abideth not in the doctrine of Christ” which will result in us having not God at all, being an apostate lost soul. Also he warns of bidding Godspeed to the antichrist’s who peddle “another Jesus” – lest you go to Hell (be also judged) with that antichrist who preaches “another Jesus,” one that is not according to the biblical “doctrine of Christ.” See also 2 Corinthians 11:4.
2 John 7-11
“7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
Of “the doctrine of Christ” one writer notes:
“In the Gospel of John, the apostle had already written that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). He also proclaimed that Jesus Himself (who is Deity – John 1:1) was the truth (John 14:6). It is clear from his gospel that if we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15; 15:14). We must also receive the truth that Jesus is deity who came in the flesh (John 1:14; 1 John 4:2-3). In his letter to the elect lady, John reiterates what he already stated in his gospel, namely, that the doctrine of Christ is composed of (1) Jesus’ commandments/doctrine which we are to obey and (2) Jesus’ deity.”
Example: John MacArthur is teaching that there is nothing special about the blood of Jesus. How anyone can still listen to that diabolical wolf is beyond belief. Yes he says a lot of good stuff which alone makes him even more insidious a tool of Satan. Say this Word from God aloud here and now beloved of God: Just “A LITTLE leaven leaveneth (ruins) the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). This biblical phrase, statement refers to false doctrine and sin (1 Corinthians 5:6). And false doctrine IS sin.
New message under construction which will expose more about this blasphemous heresy including the statement by John MacArthur.
Follow Jesus saints. THAT’s why God gave us His written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Drill down on your knowledge of God – “the doctrine of Christ” – via personal Bible study in the King James Bible.
***THERE ARE OVER 2,000 POSTS ON SAFEGUARDYOURSOUL AND THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME AND GO THROUGH EACH BIBLE TRUTH/VERSE.
More examples of the glory-robbing antichrist denigration of Christ by the religious world today:
“Exactly what Satan is doing, taking the deity of Christ, humanizing Him. In ‘The Chosen’ (movie) when Jesus was 12 and preaching in the temple, Joseph told Him ‘You need to go and confess your transgressions to your mother’ because they did not know where He was. But Luke 2:49. Jesus says ‘wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business’?
He is also shown pacing and nervous when he is going to preach before the masses. He was the Son of God. Would He have been nervous and pacing? It’s mocking Jesus. Why Christians do not see this is beyond me! Nothing biblical about any of it. This show has gone out into other countries now. Bringing a false gospel. Mark 13:22.” Karen Cochran
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Articles
Money, Material Wealth, and Riches [podcast]

“Hath nothing” vs “Hath great riches”
The reason so many give nothing to God’s work is because He is not first in their lives, He means nothing important to them (Luke 12, 16).
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7
Who is the man who has “nothing” though he appears to have much in this world?
Who is the man who has nothing in this world yet “great riches” awaiting him in glory?
The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world and gaining an eternal perspective (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 4:18). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
When we are content in Christ we will not covet because we will be complete.
Are you making yourself rich in this fleeting world or trusting in the infinite riches of God?
Adam Clarke on Proverbs 13:7:
“There is that maketh himself rich – That labors hard to acquire money, yet hath nothing; his excessive covetousness not being satisfied with what he possesses, nor permitting him to enjoy with comfort what he has acquired. There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches – ‘As poor,’ said St. Paul, ‘yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.’ The former is the rich poor man; the latter is the poor rich man.”
John Wesley on Proverbs 13:7:
“Maketh rich – Some men who have little or nothing, pretend to have great riches. Maketh rich – Some rich men profess to be poor.”
Pulpit commentary on Proverbs 13:7:
“The first clause reminds one of the rich fool who laid up treasure for himself, and was not rich toward God (Luke 12:21; comp. Revelation 3:17, Revelation 3:18). The second clause teaches that wealth expended in God’s service makes a man rich in the treasury of heaven (Luke 12:21, Luke 12:33). One who thus uses the means entrusted to him could be spoken of like St. Paul, ‘as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things’ (2 Corinthians 6:10).”
The sum total of our riches are Christ and Christ alone. There are no riches with eternal import outside of Him (Colossians 1-2). And, any person not partaking in a relationship with Him on earth, will be void of the riches of His presence eternally.
There are many who make themselves rich in this fleeting world, yet have nothing but Hell awaiting them forever. They pour their God-given talents and time into making it in this temporary world, giving up Christ for their own momentary money. They sell their eternal souls for temporal trinkets.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But 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. 10 For 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.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Money brings power in this world. Faith and prayer bring power with God. Which one do you desire, covet? Which are you seeking?
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Do you have a heart after God or after the things of this temporal world?
“And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22
Man is significant based solely on being made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). A man’s looks or temporal possessions, trinkets, money, etc., have zero to do with his real worth. The money, the vehicle, the house, does NOT make the man. In fact, Jesus warns: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” See Mark 8:36. God made man and as such, as the creation of God, He desires a relationship with all men.
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life (significance in God’s eyes) consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15
Getting ready to die and go to Hell is not success – no matter how much “success” you foolishly think you’ve obtained in this brief life.
“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
“Charge Them”
“Charge 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; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Covetousness, Greed are Soul Damning Sins
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
Corporatization creates robots who follow the fools. Example: the covid cons and the cowards who comply.
WHEN I was working in the Space Program for a company that was contracted to NASA, they were shooting for 100% opt-in, total cooperation for a % taken out of our checks to give to the United Way, a demonic murderous organization that supports and gives money to planned MURDER-hood. Gladly, boldly, I spoiled that party, drawing a line in the sand. They were coercively conning every single employee into giving to the planned MURDER-hood United Way and their standing was in jeopardy with NASA if they didn’t get everyone in. Not me. Nope. I plainly told them I will lay no finger on or give a single penny to assisting in the cold blooded murder of innocent babies. Didn’t care what the consequences were.
“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 6:24
Far too many people are serving money and therefore have a myriad of excuses as to why they compromise. All who serve mammon are as sure for eternal damnation as if they were already there.
“Rich Toward God” vs. “Not Rich Toward God”
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 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. 19 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. 20 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? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:15-21
Many claiming to be saved by the One who gave all for them, are rich toward self and “not rich toward God” in this temporal life.
Jesus tells us exactly how not to waste our earthly riches and talents and how to be eternally rich!
“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.” Matthew 6:19-21
Gospel ministries that feed you and others are there by the ordination of God – to help you grown in Christ’s grace and to have a place to give to further Jesus’ Gospel and lay up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 4:11-12). God’s Word calls us to support those feeding us (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). That’s all a gift of God – in your lap. Yet the “labourers are few” and so are the suppliers (Matthew 9:35-38).
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
Would the few Gospel “labourers” be near dead broke if the LORD’s people were properly supporting HIS Work? Matthew 6:19-21; 9:35-38; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11; etc.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
Are you supporting the WORK of Christ or some mere man’s “church” enterprise?
Do you spend more time in “church” than in the Bible itself? Wow! Red flags flying!
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Articles
The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22
Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped.
BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow.
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:18
Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward me, included the tangible, the printed page. These things all culminated into His saving me into His glorious kingdom (Isaiah 55:11).
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
How about you? What was the process of our LORD saving you? Who did He use? How did they sow His seed into your life.
Think about how when we plant a seed in the ground. Do we plant that seed and stand back and expect to see the plant begin to rise up out of the ground? No. Jesus spoke of this very thing.
“As I was reading this article I was reminded of a time when I was at my Dad’s retirement home. And I went and spread Jesus tracts all throughout the home. They had a sanctuary which looked to be mostly Catholic. With rosary beads and a Catholic Bible. So I especially targeted this place. The next time I went back, I looked in the sanctuary, and saw, on one of the chairs, a lady’s sweater and a Jesus tract. But what really stuck out was how tattered this Jesus tract was! Apparently, she had been carrying it around with her for some time. All I did was plant not knowing what God would do! It was getting into the heart of this lady and was she then being used to spread more seeds? I was not blessed to meet this women but from the way this tract looked it was something she carried with her and treasured!” Karen Cochran
Mark 4:26-29
“26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”
We don’t know how a seed turns into a plant and a crop. We just plant them and go to bed knowing they will produce the desired outcome (crop), right? Isn’t that the same faith we should have when we plant God’s Word in the hearts and minds of people?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;” Romans 1:16
May God bless each of us to prayerfully and faithfully plant that seed of God’s Word beloved. God’s Word is the seed of salvation (Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23). Just like the ground when a seed is planted into it. GOD will do the rest as we simply, lovingly, wisely, plant His precious truth into the hearts of those around us.
Speaking of such…. Yesterday, I gave a copy of the Moments with Our Master book to a dear young couple (they are about 18). This daily devotional comes in a dark or light cover. I asked if they like to read. As most people, they answered in the affirmative. Then I asked if I could gift them with a book. Most people won’t turn down a free gift, right? Right. She was given the lighter cover version and he the darker. As usual I opened the book (anywhere) and told them that “there is a Scripture at the top, a few words and then a prayer. One devotional for each day of the year.” Show and tell. I encouraged them by saying “this is a great way to start your day.” God was working.
Everyone on earth is being influenced by others on earth and it’s our calling from God to influence people toward Him.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Personally, I love stopping by the thrift stores and finding every King James Bible they have. Great investment and it equips you to be armed and dangerous. Also, I like carrying, always, Scripture-rich resources. God will quicken. By doing these things (equipping) you are showing in earnest to the LORD that you want Him to use you.
“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
Keep in mind that sowing the seed of God’s Word IS 100% a Great Commission operation and anyone participating in any fashion is obeying God and laying up treasure in glory – as He instructed you to do (1 Samuel 30:24; Matthew 6:19-21; John 4:36; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, etc.). Perhaps you’d consider to not only buy yourself a supply of printed page materials for ministry but also supply another saint with the same. King James Bible.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12
YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your every blessing and for finding me in my sin and saving me into Your family by the blood of Christ my LORD. Please sanctify and use us for Your eternal glory. I love You Jesus. Please now fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom and open doors for me to sow the seed of Your Word in this late hour as we eagerly expect Your soon return. In Jesus’ Name.
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