Abiding

DID Jesus’ Apostles Teach “Eternal Security”? [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]

OSAS: 2 Acid Test Questions

1. Is Satan’s first lie OSAS/eternal security? Yes (God said: Genesis 2:17, Satan said: Genesis 3:4).

They cannot and will not argue this one because it’s cold hard truth they hate and cannot refute.

2. Did Christ’s apostles teach OSAS? No.

Jesus invented the term “FALL AWAY” and so it must be possible and it is (Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 4:1, etc.).

DID Jesus’ Apostles Teach “Eternal Security”? [podcast]

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

“Great podcast, 🔥❤️ – EVERYONE should and needs to listen to this. I found that too many believe that sharing these harsh truths that come from the Bible is putting out negativity……. Why anyone would think that God’s words are negative is beyond me. With this way of thinking, says a lot to me, of what their true beliefs are…. sad. – Thank You for putting up another great podcast, and I pray that everyone will take the time out to give it a listen to. God Bless! 🙏✝️”

GOD is going to judge and damn into hell all who console or in any way condone people in their sins – instead of calling them to the absolute necessity of repentance and turning from all sin. ALL who teach OSAS/eternal security are clearly false teachers. Did Jesus and His apostles teach this lie? No.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship …” Acts 2:41-42

The soul who is subject to Christ should clearly desire to continue “stedfastly in the apostle’s doctrine” and in so doing experience “fellowship” with His remnant – the true body of Christ.

The Message of Jesus Christ

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

Here Jesus Christ, the Almighty God, tells His own twelve disciples that those among them who persevere to the end of their lives, remaining and continuing in obedience to Him – “shall be saved.”

Notice here in Matthew 10, the utter difference between what Jesus told His disciples and what so many leaders today lead people to believe. First, realize that Christ hand picked these twelve men and one of them didn’t continue with him and went to hell (Acts 1:25). There is the complete absence here and throughout the New Testament Scriptures of words like:

“You are eternally secure.”
“No matter what you do, you are sure for Heaven.”
“You are guaranteed Heaven because God is not an Indian giver.”
“It’s eternal life not temporary life.”
“Jesus is the Good Shepherd, how could Jesus ever lose a sheep?”
“You can’t obtain salvation by works, so you can’t loose it by bad works (sinning), it doesn’t matter what you do, you still have it.”
“Once in grace, always in grace.”

These are a mere sampling of the many clichés we here today used by those who seek to promulgate the eternal security heresy. Yet none of these are Scripture and those clichés are contrary, in blatant opposition to what the Bible actually states.

Those who teach the fairytale heresy of eternal security/OSAS teach something Jesus and His holy apostles never taught and refuse to teach what they did teach – the necessity after being initially saved to “endure to the end,” to “abide” which means to remain, to continue in Him or lose all, whom He shall “cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:6; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21)

SO, you aren’t personally responsible to “endure to the end” abiding in Christ? If this is your idea, you’ve openly called the Son of God a liar (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:6, etc.).

Falling away and being lost again is a biblical reality and that won’t change. Jesus invented the term “fall away” and so that means it’s possible, and yet those who believe eternal security, in classic satanic style, have to try to redefine terms and twist their plain meaning (Luke 8:13).

Keeping the framework of Jesus’ teaching on the types of heart soil His Word falls upon is essential. Luke 8:11-15 – The second of the 4 types believes and then “fall(s) away”, which means it’s possible and that eternal security is a lie (v13). Also, the 4th of the 4 types of heart soil, is the person who chooses to have a “honest and good heart” and brings forth fruit to the end because such a person is rooted in Christ and endures to the end which Jesus says is necessary for final salvation (Luke 8:15; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Revelation 2:26, etc.). Jesus invented the term “fall away” and there’s no possibility someone could “fall away” from something they didn’t previous possess (Luke 8:13).

Concerning the last days, Jesus gives His disciples a vastly different message than what we hear today. Notice what Jesus says here and compare it to the messages of modern wolves who are doing everything they can to accommodate sin in the lives of their listeners:

“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience (perseverance) possess ye your souls.” Luke 21:12-19

The message the Son of God gives here to His very own includes:

Persecutions from the religious (v12)
Prison (v12)
Giving answer to rulers (v13)
Divine inspiration in words (v15)
Betrayal by family and friends (v16)
Death for some (v16)
Hated for Jesus’ sake (v17)
Protection (v18)
The necessity of patience (endurance) to the end (v19)

Then, in this discourse concerning the last days, Jesus warns His very own:

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36

As one can see from these passages, Christ’s message to His own was anything but a promise of ease and comfort in this life or automatic unconditional eternal security or some kind of fixed guarantee of immunity from judgment. There is no such language in the Word. All assurance is conditional upon the present state of the individual.

“If you don’t believe that you can live in victory over sin, you’d better cross omnipotence off your calendar.” – Leonard Ravenhill

Rather, Christ’s words were those of promise of great trials and tribulations and even martyrdom for some, and yet eternal bliss for those who endure.

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

Jesus’ message was certainly no promise of tiptoeing through the tulips with automatic and irrevocable eternal security.

Based upon the whole testimony of Scripture we must conclude that only false teachers would tell believers, something the Word never promises – that they are guaranteed a place in Heaven no matter what, no matter how they live after being saved.

Neither Jesus nor His holy apostles taught an un-conditional eternal security. There is no such teaching as eternal security by the apostles and Christ. Jesus simply gave a promise of being kept in the hand of the Father and yet only to those who “abide” (remain, continue) in Him – those who get saved and who hear his voice, who keep his Word and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Those who do not “abide” in Christ “to the end” after being saved will be cast into the fire (John 15:6; Matthew 10:22; 24:13). That’s what Jesus taught.

The Message of Paul, the Apostle of Christ

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (reprobate).” 1 Corinthians 9:27

Notice the word “keep” here which denotes the necessity of staying in the will of God – to remain “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20) Paul tells us here of the essential nature of keeping the deeds of the flesh under subjection to the Holy Spirit and Word of God. He reveals that even though he himself was saved and “preached to others,” it was still a possibility that he could become “a castaway.” This apostle did not count himself exempt from becoming cast away from Christ. His words here reveal the distinct possibility of becoming reprobate. The apostle Paul would never have stated these words if he believed the myth of “once saved always saved.” This apostle did not consider himself unconditionally eternally secure (immune from holy and divine judgment if he resorted back to sin). The very phrase “I myself should be a castaway” introduces the clear and present danger that after all the LORD did to find and work in him, the apostle Paul could lose out if he did not “keep under” his “body, and bring it into subjection” to the Lordship of Christ.

It is clear from these words that the apostle Paul never believed he was UN-conditionally eternally secure. He divulges here that there was still the potential of becoming one who is cast away from God ultimately if he didn’t “keep under” his body which speaks of abiding in Christ, and when we are, the sinful man and its deeds will be subdued by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:13-14).

Now if he were here with us today, this world-changing, historic apostle of Christ would agree and resolutely affirm the danger of becoming a “castaway” after knowing and serving Christ. If such is not the case, then God has changed and we know that can’t happen. The Holy Spirit gave this truth to His Church and God has not changed (Mal. 3:6). Yet as Jude foretold, today the landscape of the church world is littered with “ungodly men” who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” and would argue against the truth in the face of volumes of Holy Scripture. They would argue with Paul that once a person is saved they are always saved no matter what (Jude 3-4). Such was never the message of Christ and His holy apostles. When we look at the lie in the Garden and throughout Scripture, we can clearly conclude that this falsehood is the message of Satan and his emissaries and is unthinkably being peddled today as a component of the Gospel or a Christian doctrine.

The Message of Peter the Apostle

Okay so Paul clearly taught against OSAS/eternal security. So, since some just use the Bible to justify their own sin and aren’t truly interested in being honest with God, with “ALL scripture”, let’s see if we can get a better answer from the apostle Peter to justify living in sin…..

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22

After Simon believed upon Christ, Peter told him:

“Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done…But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.” Acts 8:13, 20-23

Did you notice that there is anything but eternal assurance in this divinely inspired communication of the apostle Peter? Peter told Simon that he was going to “perish” after he was saved (“believed”) and “was baptized.”

Of course we all hope Simon repented before it was too late, yet all we know from this text is that he asked the apostle Peter to pray that none of the judgments pronounced would come upon him (v24). It is frightening to think of the millions of souls who when living in sin like Simon was, after being saved, do not have the voice of true, godly authority (like Peter) who follow Christ authentically, warning them to repent or they will “perish.” Simon got saved then turned to sin again and Peter called him to repent or “perish.” Simon was blessed because he had a man like Peter to rebuke the error of his way. Today, it is regrettably all too rare to find those authentic New Testament Christians, who endeavor to live and declare the apostolic faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3-4). Beloved, are you willing to answer the call of God to learn and live real New Testament Christianity as we witness on the pages of New Testament Scripture? This would include helping “Christian” people living in sin by calling them to “repent” or they will “perish.” Living like Jesus and His apostles means giving no hope of assurance or “eternal security” to anyone living outside of obedience to Christ’s Word/will, but rather calling people who are living in rebellion and sin to “repent” or they will “perish.” This means that they would ultimately go to eternal hell if they don’t repent – and this is all regardless of any past relationship experience they had with the LORD as is clear in this instance with Simon (Ezek. 33:12-13; Acts 8:13, 20-23).

Those under-shepherds who truly fear the LORD, endeavor to speak the truth in love to safeguard the precious souls of those they oversee with divine truth (Eph. 4:15; Heb. 13:17).

The apostle Peter had all the opportunity in the world to overlook this new convert’s sin. Peter had full and open occasion here to assure Simon that he was “eternally secure” no matter how he chose to live because he was now “saved.” But Peter didn’t. Why not? Because such would have been treason and utterly in opposition to the truth of God.

Even a cursory look at the New Testament Scriptures reveal that the LORD Jesus and His apostles had a completely different approach and instructions than do most ministries today. Unlike original and authentic Christianity found on the pages of New Testament Scripture, most ministers today give no admonition or warning to new converts.

The Message of Jude, the Half Brother of Jesus

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire…These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” Jude 4-7, 12-13

By direct inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Jude says that “ungodly men” who have “crept in unawares (secretly)” are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” and by doing such are “denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Then he begins to innumerate how the Almighty has destroyed those who were once in His kingdom and then departed. He brings New Testament believers into remembrance of the fact that “the LORD, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.” Then he reminds us of how Lucifer and one-third of the angels who once occupied Heaven are now fallen into the eternally irrevocable state of condemnation: “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”

Not once do we see the Son of God, any of the apostles, or any other believer, telling the newly saved that they are “once saved always saved” or intimating that they are unconditionally “eternally secure.” Such a message is completely foreign to genuine and original New Testament Christianity. In the canon of Holy Scripture there is no hint of any God fearing man teaching or insinuating the diabolical lie that the believer has no need to trust God by faith, and to obey God in their daily life. Instead, there is abundance of warning that if after being saved, one goes back into sin, judgment awaits that transgressor. The teaching of “eternal security” is nothing new and is entirely alien to the teachings of Christ and His apostles and is therefore “another gospel.” (2 Cor. 11:1-4; Gal. 1:6-9)

Please allow me to exhort true Bible believers to offer a challenge to any teacher or proponent of an unconditionally eternally secure salvation. The challenge is this: To produce any biblical record of such a teaching which would include a preponderance of Scripture in context with the passage it has been placed in. If such evidence cannot be clearly demonstrated through the preponderance of Scripture, I hope and pray that God will grant repentance to any who still believe such, that they might turn to the truth and away from this deadly fable (2 Tim. 2:2-5).

What one will find, in studying the New Testament Scriptures, is that no such hint of the notion nor teaching of an unconditional eternal security is found among the early disciples of Christ. The apostles of Jesus continued in His doctrines as He instructed them to do and no such doctrine of an unconditional ‘eternal security’ is taught.

The Million Dollar Question: If God wanted His people to believe that once they believed unto salvation, there was no further need to obey Him in faith, why didn’t He simply come out and tell us so in His Word?

Why in 66 books is there the deafening silence of such a teaching and yet, so many today in the evangelical church world teach and believe such?

Before leaving the earth and when sending forth His apostles, the Son of God commanded:

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

Notice in particular the command: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Jesus Christ never taught that a person is without responsibility after he is born again, but rather just the opposite. He commanded that all those in Him must abide or remain in obedience to Him or they will be thrown into the fire (Jn. 15:6). His many warnings alone make the reality of the jeopardy of the soul clear to the honest-hearted student of His Word (Matt. 24-25).

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide (remain) in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me…for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:4-6

We must ask ourselves: Why would the very Son of God ever so much as mention abiding (continuing; persevering) in Him if such were automatic or some kind of a fixed state of grace? Was Jesus just filling pages with His words, or is this a divinely-given mandate – the personal responsibility of each and every born again believer?

“Salvation is of the LORD” said Jonah – after he had repented from his rebellion and returned to the LORD (read Jonah 2). Salvation surely is of the LORD and yet the LORD has made it clear that He never forces any person to love and serve Him or continue to remain in relationship with Him (Deut. 28; 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Isa. 1:18-20; Jn. 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24; 15:1-6; Rev. 3:20). Remaining with Christ is volitional. The one who is “willing and obedient,” and “planted in the house of the LORD” will “flourish in the courts” of the LORD and be embellished with the blessings of the LORD (Deut. 28:1-14; Ps. 92:13-14; Isa. 1:19-20).

Jonah had rebelled against God. He then cried out in distress when the LORD blessed him to be swallowed up by a large fish (Rom. 2:4). As we learn in the parable of the prodigal son, the LORD will lead the wayward to repentance yet He will never force Him to repent even though He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) The perfect will of God and the individual appropriation of such are two different issues. From the belly of that fish the prophet cried out to God in repentance and his prayer came into the ears of the LORD in whom is all salvation. The LORD heard, forgave, and restored Jonah. In his restored state Jonah said that those who “observe lying vanities forsake their own mercies.” As a direct result of his returning to the LORD, the LORD then told that fish to spit His man out upon the beach and it did. Read Jonah 2. It wasn’t till he repented that the LORD restored Jonah. When Jonah came to himself in the presence of God, he realized that he had embraced “lying vanities” in thinking he could forsake the LORD and not be forsaken by the LORD (2 Chron. 15:2).

If abiding in Him is a divine command, what is the consequence for not staying with Jesus? What did Jesus say is going to happen to all who do not remain in Him? Christ stated that any person who is in Him and doesn’t continue faithful in His Word, will be “cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (Jn. 15:6)

So, to teach that after a believer is saved, he is going to automatically go to Heaven, no matter what he does or does not do, is clearly not a New Testament teaching. Only those who get saved and continue to make the decision to “abide” in faith and obedience to Christ, will be eternally with Him – all others will be cast into eternal fire.

“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:25-26

If unconditional eternal security was an original doctrine of Christ and the New Testament apostles, we would find it in the canon of New Testament Scripture.

Saint of the LORD, be exhorted to keep your soul diligently by removing yourself from any leader who espouses such a dangerous falsehood. Such a lie is a cancer to the soul, eating away at fervency and crippling the necessity of diligent faith in and obedience to Jesus.

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 1:10-11; 3:11-14

PRAYER: LORD Jesus, please bless me to continue in the apostles doctrine once delivered to Your saints in Your Word. Quicken my heart to a deeper relationship with You and fervency of spirit, born out of the fear of the LORD. Please cause my conscience to be extremely sensitive to Your conviction and grant repentance to my heart for every depraved motive or action. Father, thank You so much for the sacrifice and resurrection of Your only begotten Son. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

IF God’s saving grace is un-conditional, WHY then did He warn the first man and woman? WHY did He promised they’d “die” (be separated from Him) if they sinned against Him? (Genesis 2:17; 3:4) Remember, Adam and Eve were in perfect relationship with God when He warned them – because no sin had entered into the world as of that point.

God is “Holy, holy, holy” and “the wages of sin is death” – “death” in Scripture means separation from Him (Isaiah 6:3; Romans 6:23; Revelation 4:8).

YOU can plainly see when someone is refusing to be honest about their sin when they migrate to the grace, grace, grace, “sovereign grace” delusionment. Simultaneously they evade truth, holiness, judgment to come, hell, the daily cross, etc. BEWARE of devils like this (Jude 3-4).

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The Myth of Eternal Security [podcast]

“For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.” Psalms 73:27 BAD NEWS FOR CROSS-LESS COUNTERFEITS WHO HIDE BEHIND THE “ETERNAL SECURITY” SHAM: YOU WILL BE ETERNALLY SECURE WHEN AND IF YOU ARE WITH JESUS IN ETERNITY, NOT BEFORE! Can’t leave Christ after He saves you? Think again… dear one who continues to search for a way to justify your sin, for not truly repenting and laying down your life in this fleeting sinful world and overcoming (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27, 33; 17:33; 19:27; Titus 2:11-14; , etc.). All […]

What the Early Church Fathers Said about Eternal Security [podcast]

WHAT EARLY DISCIPLES SAID CONCERNING ETERNAL SECURITY (excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages) These are some seriously sobering quotes….. Was OSAS (once saved always saved; eternal security) a doctrine of Christ and His apostles and those who truly followed Christ thereafter? Please see below and share this to warn others. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…” Acts 2:42 The “apostles’ doctrine” is the compilation of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles who wrote the Holy Spirit-inspired books which make up the canon of the New Testament. Nothing could be nor ever will be more authoritatively divine […]

Satan's First Lie that He is Still Telling Today! [podcast]

WHAT WAS SATAN’S VERY FIRST LIE? Who’s ready for a huge, life-changing revelation? Satan’s First Teaching (below) “Individuals have believed the worst lie unleashed by Satan on humanity when they believe redemption cannot be lost in the temporal realm. It is as the lie the serpent told Eve. The fact is, that the eternal security lie has been largely perpetrated by Calvinism. There are no verses that support it. It is the major reason for the apostasy, and currently the great and final apostasy.” A disciples “That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” […]

Satan's First Lie that He is Still Telling Today! [podcast]

WHAT WAS SATAN’S VERY FIRST LIE? Who’s ready for a huge, life-changing revelation? Satan’s First Teaching (below) HOW can a man teach Satan’s first lie and NOT be a false teacher? Impossible. Eternal security/once saved always saved is Satan’s first teaching. It was a lie and caused the fall of mankind into sin. See Genesis 2:17 and 3:4 for yourself. Open God’s Word and read these 2 verses together, side-by-side. God said what? Satan then said what? This is essential to your biblical foundation saints. “Individuals have believed the worst lie unleashed by Satan on humanity when they believe […]

Abiding

Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]

The Cost of Discipleship

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11

Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.

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

EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES

By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:

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

And the fifth:

“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

Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.

If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26

We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.

Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:

“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”

“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”

In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.

“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37

Of this Adam Clarke wrote:

“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”

Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:

“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES

In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.

As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”

To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.

You are no longer your own. You are bought with the price of Christ’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You now and forever are a part, a member of the eternal family of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:14-15).

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named,” Ephesians 3:14-15

Jesus Addressed the Excuses

Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).

“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62

Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.

“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28

The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).

Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.

So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).

Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.).

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7

Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms

Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).

“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

May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.

“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5

“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68

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Discipleship | Enduring to the End | Abiding | The Blessing of Suffering

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Special Ops Spiritual Warfare [podcast]

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The Laid Down Life [podcast]

Chapter 5 from the book Raised Up (narration)

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

You know the counterfeits far outnumber the authentic followers of Jesus when you put out a message on youtube or social media titled something like “How to know your gifts” and the response is overwhelming due to the many self-centered, self-absorbed cross-less professors (2 Timothy 3:1-7). In contrast, when you put out a message titled something like “Learning to live the crucified life Jesus calls all His followers to” and but a “few” listen – you are reminded of how Jesus says His remnant, is a “little flock” and how Jesus says “FEW there be which enter therein.” (Luke 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14).

Living in the Spirit

Those who descend into death and burial will be blessed to be raised up by the LORD.

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14

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

IT BOILS DOWN TO LOVE!

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

WHEN Jesus died for our sins, He submitted to the cross without reserve to the Father in order to redeem us! When you obey Jesus by laying down your life, you are saying: “Whew I love You LORD Jesus! You alone are my supreme LORD, love, and the Head of my life. I love You more than sinful self, and I have made a complete mess of my life, spinning my wheels for far too long. Please forgive my rebellion against You! I want You to reign supreme in my life Jesus, from this moment forward. Have Your way in me my LORD, I love You Jesus. I’m all Yours Jesus!”

Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue with the remnant. They “have crucified the flesh” and the evil the sinful nature would do. It’s a done deal – They “HAVE crucified the flesh” that Christ the LORD might reign in their mortal body.

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18

We cannot be a servant of righteousness unless we are crucified with Christ and sin is out of our way.

“Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you (because you have accounted yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 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? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18

The “form of doctrine” delivered by Christ and His holy apostles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of one’s life now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).

“What does this mean for us? Remember that there are two aspects of Christ’s death. He died for our sins. He died for us – substitution. But then Paul tells us that we are also to die with Him. “I have been crucified WITH CHRIST” (Gal. 2:20): “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Rom. 6:11). The Israelites in bondage were delivered by the blood shed and sprinkled. But they are pursued by certain of their foes. These foes are slain at the Red Sea, but they themselves escape and are free. Egypt stands for the world of sin. Christ found us in “Egypt,” and by His death in our stead delivered us from the penalty of sin. But even after our conversion some of these sins followed us and harassed us – temper, pride, jealousy, lust, worry, avarice – causing discomfiture and misery, and occasionally temporary defeat. Where is there any escape, any real victory? Only through the Red Sea – baptism, or what baptism implies; i.e., a death to sin and a rising again to righteousness. That is a crucifixion with Christ, so as to be able to “reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin.” How to Live the Victorious Life, by an Unknown Christian

God’s desire, plan, and command is that His people reign victorious in this life over sin and the enemy and become abundantly fruitful as we await the soon return of our LORD Jesus Christ (John 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17

The Cross of Christ and the One He Commands us to take up are Essential

Let’s peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:23-26

Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed (“corn”) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing in this life – “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31)

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

As we are blessed to be “planted together in the likeness of his death”, so “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5

This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water baptism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is. At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.

“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:10-11

There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The disciple who is buried with Christ is “dead to sin.” (Rom. 6:2) When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call those who point them out “legalistic”, it is symptomatic of a life that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bible says “Lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) when we are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The “corn of wheat” (dead seed) must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.

Aren’t we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? (2 Cor. 7:1)

If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness.

Overcoming sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-13)

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24

The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk. 23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).

Let’s check our deadness. Let’s see how dead we are to this world system and all of it’s arrogant rebellion against the God of the universe and all that is: Do we defend our “right” to fill our minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and other forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.

Oswald Chambers wrote:

“The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bondslave to Jesus Christ. Any fool can insist on personal rights, and any devil will see that he or she gets them, but the Sermon on the Mount means that the only right the saint will insist on is the right to give up personal rights.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 329

Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? – “Charity…Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6)

Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolishness and deeds.

“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Proverbs 26:4

Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision to fear and obey the LORD and not men. Believers are called to be circumspect (fully set apart in holiness) and not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).

Yet we should ask: Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such as the false church would have us believe? When a new believer is told that he is “eternally secure” or OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life, be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to do ministry, and prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?

The following brief and yet convicting commentary is taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First let’s view the Biblical text, then the commentary.

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32

“‘HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM’. Paul’s last word on general human sinfulness is God’s condemnation of a condition even more damning than the practice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This disposition is the ultimate in depravity – vicarious enjoyment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1) The word ‘have pleasure’ (Gk. suneudokeo) means ‘are pleased with,’ ‘delight in,’ or ‘give approval to,’ and points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same condemnation of God as those engaging in such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence, those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ) who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be exposed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess. 2:12).” p. 1729

Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:

“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalms 101:3

Do we seek to protect our “right” to continue over-relishing or over-indulging in the things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John 2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world system and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies – regardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:24-26

When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and instructed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12). Have you ever been persecuted by other “believers” and called legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, other than inducing a concern for where they really are in their hearts. Seeking to be upright in one’s ways in not legalistic – it is biblical. The Word instructs us to “walk circumspectly” which means fully obedient – exactly, diligently, perfectly.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:15-20

“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13

What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly – we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.

What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are. If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in us, we do not have a laid down life.

“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9

“Folly (foolishness)is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” Proverbs 15:21

Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a “time to laugh” and to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more – for the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly – they walk biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the world.

“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14

Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ did – that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holiness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justifying your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relinquish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dying for us – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.

The Path of Our LORD Jesus

Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life for all men (Jn. 15:13).

“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…” Luke 22:42

He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He has for each of us.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him? Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glorified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called us to be. When Jesus is reigning in a person’s life, it is obvious. His holy and impelling presence is the life that exudes from that person instead of the stench of the self-centered and selfish nature (Jn. 3:30). At this place of resurrection life, the LORD who made and redeemed us is greatly glorified and pleased and His fruit is being yielded.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Finding that place with God in prayer is where the laid down life begins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.

“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7

PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternally. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and praying in light of Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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The Myth of Elevation without the Cross [podcast]

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

Raised Up [Audio Book]

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Lay Down Your Life - Now!

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 God’s way is the cross. No one will be in Heaven who didn’t walk His way – which is the way of the cross, the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). Trying to become a better husband or wife, a kinder friend, a more loving person? These are good desires and yet, we must remember that the first order of priority is being a better disciple of Jesus, our “first love” and THEN everything else will come into God’s order, by His enabling grace (Revelation 2:4-5; Matthew 6:33, […]

Abiding

Chosen, Ordained, Joyfully Fruitful [podcast]

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

“Ye have not chosen me”
“I have chosen you”
“and ordained you”
“that ye should go and bring forth fruit”
“and that your fruit should remain”

Of this truth, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:

“15:16 Lest there be any tendency for them to become discouraged and give up, Jesus reminded them that He was the One who chose them. This may mean that He chose them to eternal salvation, to discipleship, or to fruitfulness. He had appointed the disciples to the work which lay before them. We should go and bear fruit. Fruit may mean the graces of the Christian life, such as love, joy, peace, etc. Or it may mean souls won for the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a close link between the two. It is only as we are manifesting the first kind of fruit that we will ever be able to bring forth the second.

The expression “that your fruit should remain” leads us to think that fruit here means the salvation of souls. The Lord chose the disciples to go and bring forth lasting fruit. He was not interested in mere professions of faith in Himself, but in genuine cases of salvation. L. S. Chafer notes that in this chapter we have prayer effectual (v. 7), joy celestial (v. 11), and fruit perpetual (v. 16). “That whatever you ask … .” The secret of effective service is prayer. The disciples were sent forth with the guarantee that the Father would grant them whatever they asked in Christ’s name.”

Adam Clarke writes;

“The first ministers of the Gospel were the choice of Jesus Christ; no wonder, then, that they were so successful. Those whom men have since sent, without the appointment of God, have done no good. The choice should still continue with God, who, knowing the heart, knows best who is most proper for the Gospel ministry.

To be a genuine preacher of the Gospel, a man must –

1. Be chosen of God to the work.
2. He must be placed in the true vine – united to Christ by faith.
3. He must not think to lead an idle life, but labor.
4. He must not wait till work be brought to him, but he must go and seek it.
5. He must labor so as to bring forth fruit, i.e. to get souls converted to the Lord.
6. He must refer all his fruit to God, who gave him the power to labor, and blessed him in his work.
7. He must take care to water what he has planted, that his fruit may remain – that the souls whom he has gathered in be not scattered from the flock.
8. He must continue instant in prayer, that his labors may be accompanied with the presence and blessing of God – Whatsoever ye shall Ask.
9. He must consider Jesus Christ as the great Mediator between God and man, proclaim his salvation, and pray in his name. – Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, etc. See Quesnel.”

God alone ordains His people to His work and brings them through many purging seasons to cause His fruitfulness in them, preparing them to bear more of His fruit. God chose us and blessed us with the ability to repent and receive Christ. As His people, He’s also ordained us to “go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”

As we read this discourse from our LORD (John 15 and 17), we discover that He is speaking of that abiding fellowship we have with Him, and how out of it is borne the good fruit of His ministry in and through our life.

Being rooted in that oneness, the abiding relationship with Christ, is all-important to our relationship with Him and the Father. As his student, His disciple, may the reader be encouraged to pour prayerfully over these truths captured, and given to us in John, chapters 15 and 17.

Isaiah 43

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee … “

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, please make me one with You. Please deeply root and establish my life in an abiding fellowship with You dear LORD.

Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at STORE and amazon. English and Spanish.

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