DID Jesus’ Apostles Teach “Eternal Security”? [podcast]
OSAS: 2 Acid Test Questions
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.
More from Paul:
“For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.” 2 Corinthians 5:2-3
This language is far different than that heard coming from those who corrupt the message of God’s grace in our day. The implication here is that even after being saved, one can be “found naked.” Being “found naked” means that the person in question is no longer clothed with the garment of Christ’s righteousness. Was this not the case with those believers in the church at Laodicea? See Revelation 3:14-20.
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” 2 Corinthians 5:8-11
Under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, here Paul says that “to be absent from the body” is “to be present with the LORD” and therefore in light of this “we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.” As is plainly witnessed here by every honest student of Scripture, Paul upheld “labour” as a prerequisite of continuing in the grace of God and being ready to meet Him. “Labour” here refers to fighting the good fight of faith and laying hold on eternal life, continuing in the faith and not sinking or drawing back to sin and destruction (Col. 3:6, 14; 1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 3:12-15, 10:34-39).
In the face of so much divine truth, why, why, why do some insist upon defending and promoting the unfounded “once saved always saved” myth which is not only NOT taught in Scripture by Christ and His apostles, but is actually refuted repeatedly and identified as the first and resounding lie of the enemy of God.
So far we have witnessed that Jesus never taught an abiding grace without holiness. Paul didn’t believe that he nor any believer was “once saved always saved.”
After leading people to Christ in Antioch, the apostle Paul returned to that city and notice here what his divinely inspired message to them was:
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
This was the perfect opportunity for Christ’s apostle to tell these new Christians that they were now “once saved always saved” or “eternally secure.” This is Satan’s first and ongoing lie to damn the souls of all who get save. He loses them at initial salvation and so the way he entices, seduces them away from Christ is with the same “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie he gave Adam and Eve in the Garden. They took the bait and died – death meaning they were now separated from God who is holy (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). Paul feared this exact enticement scenario for the believers he oversaw:
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4
Today, in stark contrast to the original apostles of Christ, we have people who have dedicated themselves to making those around them to feel “eternally secure” or assured of Heaven no matter how they are living and without the need to truly and to serve the One who bled to deliver them from all sin. What are these people going to “feel” eternally in hell if they die in sin and stand before a holy God and Judge? (Mark 9:43-49)
The message of the apostles was not one of automatic security, assurance and ease, but rather that “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
Those who know the LORD and will be preserved in Him in this treacherous last hour, must be willing to endure trials and suffering (Matt. 24:10-13). Whatever the loneliness, anguish, and pain we may suffer here in this brief life, it is minuscule in comparison to the eternal terror to be experienced by all who deny Christ.
Mark This: Only a deceiver would neglect to preach the full-counsel of the original Gospel and name sin by name as the Bible does. Only a false teacher would promise eternal assurance to any person living in rebellion against the LORD (Ezek. 33:12-13; Lam. 2:14; Amos 9:10).
As we just witnessed firsthand in the Holy Scriptures, the LORD and His apostles admonished new converts to “endureth to the end” and to “continue in the faith,” and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
This view of an unconditionally guaranteed surety of salvation that requires no diligence of active and ongoing faith, is foreign to the authentic Christianity found throughout Holy Scripture, and is therefore “another gospel,” a false form of Christianity, facilitating a mere form of godliness, denying the need for the power or reign of Christ in the individual life (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 3:5, etc.). Such supposes that Christ will remain in the life of all who have been born again, no matter what vile sins they may now be living in. Nonsense. Unbiblical. Not true.
Wow! This is telling! OSAS/eternal security was never preached by Christ and His apostles. Repent.
Jesus Christ had the perfect opportunity to tell the Jews that had just believed on Him that they were now “eternally secure.” Is that what He said? No. Take a look:
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
Beloved, the truth is, if we are not diligently seeking the LORD this day, we are backslidden and in danger of becoming like one of the foolish virgins to whom the door of entrance into the kingdom of Heaven was shut (Matt. 25:1-13).
- “Continue in the faith”
- “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”
We are wise to ask: If there were no possibility of not continuing in the faith, why O why would Paul have bothered to exhort these believers to do such?
Where O where do we ever read that God’s people lose their free will, their ability to choose? No where.
Beloved, the Holy Spirit of God had all the opportunity in the world here to tell these new converts to enjoy their salvation, be nice little Christians, attend church services on Sundays, build a denomination, give to the building funds, and live upstanding lives in their community. He didn’t! He could have told them that they are unconditionally eternally secure, but He didn’t. No, instead, Paul gave the same message Christ gave His twelve in Matthew 10:22 – continue and endure to the end and expect to be hated of all men for my name’s sake and much tribulation between now and Heaven. Every leader should be disclosing these things to those they oversee. Every saint should acknowledge these truths.
Paul was inspired by the Holy Ghost to write much of the New Testament canon, correct? Why didn’t he guarantee Heaven to everyone who was at one time born again? Why didn’t the Son of God do so?
In the message of the modern church, we are told that believers will be rewarded for their good works, but are not in danger of losing their souls if they don’t obey God. Some misuse 1 Corinthians 3 to come to this conclusion. Such a conclusion does not align with the whole of Scripture and therefore should not be embraced.
The early Church apostles obeyed the Master and taught new converts to continue in God’s grace, just as Jesus taught them what they must do to ultimately inherit His eternal kingdom (Matt. 10:22; 25:1-13; Acts 14:22; Rev. 2-3). Do we espouse and teach what Christ and His apostles taught?
For more on what Paul was inspired to teach, see 1 Corinthians 9:27-10:12 and Romans 11:19-23. Any thought that this Holy Spirit inspired, true grace teacher taught an unconditional eternal security will be soundly silenced upon the honest reading of these texts.
If OSAS was an doctrine of the original Gospel to the New Testament Church, wouldn’t the apostle Paul have included it in the books he contributed to the canon of the New Testament Scriptures?
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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Abiding
Supplying Saints and Sinners with Heavenly Sustenance
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON – THROUGH HIS PEOPLE
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalms 68:11
THERE is no time to waste – Jesus is coming. We must get the Word of God into the hearts of people, in every way, via any and all communication mediums available to us today. And this is the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Let’s roll saints!
“We are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
The graphic below is for the order I just placed with the publisher for a fresh supply of the ministry books.
This ministry outreach, ministering God’s Word to thousands daily, is a vehicle for our LORD’s Word. What’s needed is more disciples who will monthly support it, who will put fuel in the tank in order to propel it forward to reach more and more people with the Gospel of our LORD Jesus. Will you answer that call?
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Does it make sense to put a percentage of our earnings into a 401K (or other earthly investment) and not force feed a portion off the top, with a cheerful heart to Christ’s eternal kingdom work? (Read Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
“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
It has been wisely concluded from what Jesus taught, that:
“The way we spend our money is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts.”
Is God truly first in your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33, etc.).
There are no rich men, there is no religious or otherwise organization supporting this Gospel ministry outreach. Just regular people who know and love Jesus and the whole counsel of His truth and are growing in His grace daily with the other members of His remnant body (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18). There are monthly bills that only get paid by having the actual, the literal money in the account. In turn God turns that giving of earthly money to HIS work into heavenly treasure for all who give (Luke 16:9-11; Acts 20:35). These expenses are incurred by pushing the Word of God to the hearts and minds of the people and available to be paid and that’s God’s opportunity placed in YOUR lap to supply. In response, what is the LORD going to do? (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 4:17, etc.)
“And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16:9-11
When Jesus says here to “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness …,” what does He mean? This writer would like to encourage the reader to delve into this passage, to pray that the LORD will open the eyes of your understanding concerning what He seeks to communicate to your heart.
Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes:
“16:9 We should make friends for ourselves by means of unrighteous mammon. That is, we should use money and other material things in such a way as to win souls for Christ and thus form friendships that will endure throughout eternity. Pierson stated it clearly:
‘Money can be used to buy Bibles, books, tracts and thus, indirectly, the souls of men. Thus what was material and temporal becomes immortal, becomes non-material, spiritual and eternal. Here is a man who has 100. He may spend it all on a banquet or an evening party, in which case the next day there is nothing to show for it. On the other hand, he invests in Bibles … It buys … copies of the Word of God. These he judiciously sows as seed of the kingdom, and that seed springs up into a harvest, not of Bibles but of souls. Out of the unrighteous, he has made immortal friends, who when he fails, receive him into everlasting habitations.’
This then is the teaching of our Lord. By the wise investment of material possessions, we can have part in the eternal blessing of men and women. We can make sure that when we arrive at the gates of heaven, there will be a welcoming committee of those who were saved through our sacrificial giving and prayers. These people will thank us saying, ‘It was you who invited me here.’”
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed (God’s Word), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (eternal harvest, reward) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
Christ’s Kingdom and His Gift to us to Participate, is Practical
Will you choose to part with temporal money to reap eternal, unending, irrevocable benefits?
An order has been placed for 20 more of the ministry books from the publisher ($125). The plan is to order this supply monthly for the next 3 months – and hand them out, person-to-person. Face-to-face, person-to-person gifting people on a daily basis, usually after they’ve received ministry, is a super-charged transfer of heavenly blessing (Philippians 1:19). As you know if you’ve read any of the ministry’s books, they are Christ-centered, Scripture-rich original Gospel volumes. Holy Scripture is on each page and put in bold print. In the rear of each book is the way to make peace with God. It leads them right to Jesus via and beginning with the biblical truth that we have “all sinned” against our God (Romans 3).
If you wish, feel free to help fund this part of the ministry exploits currently transpiring to get God’s Word in the hearts of more and more people.
“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
The glorious Gospel of our LORD Jesus is communicated, disseminated, and received via His Word.
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his GRACE, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might PREACH him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” Galatians 1:15-16
As we can all witness, there are so many hungry souls wandering about in this fallen world who desire to receive the Word of God. The personal touch, contact is powerful – as it was when our LORD directed beloved Philip to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch whom our LORD consequently saves (Acts 8:26-40). And some, many and actually most of the people being reached are our beloved brethren who are looking for sustenance. I meet them each and every week. They are hungering and thirsting after His righteousness. Let’s be there for them saints.
Perhaps this can spread to where we are able to drop ship a supply books to some of the ministries this outreach supplies and has for years. If each of us does our simple part, great blessings will result.
Lately I’ve been handing out lots of the Moments with Our Master devotional books. People love them……. This week I had a lengthy breakfast meeting with a rich young ruler type young man. He articulated that all of his earthly success has left him empty in this world. It was a Scripture-rich time. Garrett gladly received a copy of the Moments devotional book and said “Let’s do this again.” His heart was filled with joy during and after that fellowship. He told me that in the past, as he walked with the LORD daily, his life was so much better. With a large smile he said “Man, I’d just walk down the street like I was floating 2 feet off the ground, filled with the joy and love of Jesus, sharing it with others.” Garrett texted me back the next morning with this:
“Appreciate you giving me that book. It’s convenient to use in the mornings.” Garrett
So, as we can witness, this Scripture-rich devotional book is the launching place for this man to seek and walk with the LORD. As usual, all of the ministry’s materials constantly exhort the readers/listeners to get into God’s Word daily for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15).
I know you’ll agree that the Garrett’s of our world matter to our LORD and we are the very “ambassadors” Christ has sent to bless them (2 Corinthians 5:20)! We are the delivery personnel of Heaven – handing out to people the treasure of Christ!
Just a few days ago, I gave 1 copy each to a young couple who I’ve become friends with at the gym (18 years old each). They were happy to receive this gift. First, as I like to do, I asked them if they like to read. One of them said they were currently “searching for something to read.” As usual when giving them the books, I opened one copy of the books and showed them that “there’s one devotional for each day of the year, all on one page. It begins with a Scripture, a few words, and a prayer at the end.” This way they see just how simple it is – and gives them a track to run on, a foundation to build their day upon. EVERY searching person is looking for this very thing. Their lives are meaningless, empty, and lacking the presence of the LORD. This is where we come in saints. As usual, I like to share with them that “This is a great way to begin the day.”
After qualifying the situation by asking people “Do you like to read?” I then ask them if I can give them a book and the answer is always a “Yes.” I then go fetch a book and gift them with it.
The season must now end where the Great Commission work of our LORD is shorted. Let’s fuel up and fill the Gospel war chest saints. It’s right under out noses – as God has placed it there! Let us each do our part (John 4:36; 1 Samuel 30:24).
Anyone who wishes to jump in and begin underwriting the kingdom opportunity cost for this is welcome.
Earthly expenses to do ministry, the most important and only eternal work in the earth, is the kingdom opportunity lying right in front of each of us (Matthew 6:19-21).
“May God empower us through the Holy Ghost to bring not a few guests to the wedding banquet; as we walk in the Spirit with the love of Christ flowing in and through our daily lives, and as we sow in tears; knowing that we shall reap with joy: because He that promised is faithful. To God be the glory in Jesus Name, Amen.” Jon Crane
Let’s review:
“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 with him.” Psalms 125:5-6
YOU cannot do it. I certainly can’t do anything without Christ.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
Surrender, right? Yes.
Jesus Christ is LORD. He’s our coming King.
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Abiding
LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
The First Lie and the Fall of Man
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” ~ Genesis 3:1-5
Have you ever wondered what the first lie ever told was? Who told it? Why was it told? What was the result of it? Can the fruit be seen and felt today? Can its effects be traced throughout history and even into the future?
According to the Genesis account, the Garden of Eden was the sanctuary of the Most High, where He communed with the first man and woman He had made in His very own image. The Garden was a sinless, guiltless sanctuary of unimaginable relational bliss between the LORD Almighty and the man and woman. The Garden of Eden was the place of pure truth and love—a place where lies were not even suspected.
Enter Satan.
Enter the lie.
Enter the seduction.
Enter no fear of God.
Enter stolen restraint.
Enter sin.
Enter the fall of man.
Enter alienation from the Creator.
Garden Scene—The First Lie
Do you think this first lie may hold some insight into the work of Satan and his war against God and His treasured people today?
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…(Now here’s what the woman said:) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (Now here’s what Satan said:) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” ~ Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3-4
In the book of origins (Genesis) where every major biblical doctrine is rooted (has its beginning), there can be found the keys and answers to life. Mankind’s Maker, his beginning, his ultimate enemy, temptation, sin, the resulting fall, and the redemption of man are revealed in the first chapters of this all-important first book of the Holy Bible.
Perhaps there could be no greater occupation than for the student of Scripture to undertake, pour over, pray over, and dismantle the first three chapters of the book of Genesis. In this endeavor, he will gain insight into the origins and purpose of creation, pitfalls facing mankind, divine restoration, and the keys to living a victorious life in harmony with his Creator.
Sin entered the human experience through the temptation and fall of the first man (Rom. 5). By this the enemy gained a foothold and has warred with that sole creation made in the image of the Maker Himself. But it is sin that is man’s problem, not circumstance or self-esteem nor any other diagnosis. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (See Jer. 17:9.)
Someone has wisely stated: “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.”
From the very beginning, Satan has tempted man to believe that breaking the commandment of His Maker was not to be feared or avoided and could not harm him. The temptation for man is if he is going to determine truth on his own terms and how it fits his own lifestyle, or repent and humbly accept and obey what God says.
Cain was a religionist. He refused relationship with the LORD because he chose to do things his own way instead of God’s (Gen. 4:1-7). In his pride, Cain wanted to make up his own rules – he was lawless. Religion is where men have created a god in their own image and follow those teachings which render obedience to that false god. The most deceptive and evil form of religion is that which is close to the truth and uses Bible Scriptures out of context to make up that doctrine which circumvents obedience to the plain truth of God. (See Jesus rebuke the Pharisees in Matt. 23.)
Who are we going to believe and trust? Whose report will you believe? Since the LORD and the devil stated something in direct opposition to each other, we know that one of them is a liar. As He gave the first man and woman the option, so the LORD gives us the choice to trust and obey Him or not to obey Him. Each of us will decide who it is that is going to be a liar in our hearts—the Almighty, or Satan.
God said (Gen. 2:17): “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.”
Satan said (Gen. 3:4): “And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.”
The lie of the ages began in the very cradle of creation. The aim of the enemy of all souls was the first man and woman who were uniquely created in the image of the One who made all things. Adam and Eve were the subjects of Satan’s deadly lie—the first lie ever told. Apparently, this cunning enemy understood that if he could cause the man and woman to take things into their own hands and violate the instruction of their Maker, they would be ushered out of His Garden (presence) and forfeit their place with Him.
Mankind’s enemy led him to believe that he could violate the instruction of his holy Maker and still remain within His approval. Like Adam and Eve, it is readily observed that men naturally internalize this philosophy as “I can sin with no fear of consequences.” Is it possible that this lie is still leading men and women to believe that they “shall not surely die” if they live in direct opposition to the LORD?
Concerning this most insidious and destructive lie of the serpent, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible states:
“‘YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE’…The first lie proposed by Satan was a form of antinomianism (lawlessness), denying the judgment of death for sin and apostasy. One of the basic sins of humankind is unbelief in God’s word. It is believing that somehow God does not really mean what He says about salvation, righteousness, sin, judgment, and death. Satan’s most persistent lie is that unrepentant, deliberate sin and rebellion against God will not necessarily bring separation from God and eternal condemnation.”
As he did with the first man and woman, the adversary tells us “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4).
Escaping the judgment of a holy God has long been the vain imagination of depraved men, fueled by the enemy of all righteousness who has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10).
“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” ~ Ecclesiastes 8:11
“Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.” ~ Psalms 10:13
Question: “Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?
Answer: “He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.”
The hearts of those who are not in fellowship with the LORD say “The LORD will not ‘require it’ of me. He will not bring me into accountability for my life in this world. After all, He has not done anything to me for my wrongdoing thus far. I am okay in my sins; God will just overlook them.”
Lucifer’s lure capitalizes on the sinful nature of men, preying upon his desire to be his own god, controlling his own destiny. Somehow, according to this revelation and others, it is within man’s makeup to believe that because his Creator is not presently executing tangible judgment for his sin, he believes that God is not going to judge him at all. So, unregenerate man goes on sinning with reckless abandon, not realizing that that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment lies just ahead.
The first man and woman bought into the first lie that claims there is no consequence for violating the command of the one true God. Such self-deception is no new thing. Since the first man and woman, people have sought to define right and wrong on their own terms instead of simply acknowledging what the LORD says. As the first couple found out, it is a losing endeavor to determine truth by how it fits one’s lifestyle instead of by God’s non-negotiable counsel given us in His Word (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16). Defining truth on one’s own terms is buying into the lie of the ages presented to every man by the evil one who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
When men seek to redefine truth on their own terms, they unwittingly create a god in their own image—one who accepts them in their sins with no judgment. They then migrate to pastors and teachers who will tickle their itching ears with smooth messages void of the full-counsel revelation of Holy Scripture (Jer. 5:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
After Adam and Eve, it was their son Cain who sought to make up his own way to God on his own terms. He failed. To Cain and to all who seek through religion, whether self-styled or organized, the Almighty would ask: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door” (Gen. 4:7).
The LORD says to Cain “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” This simply means “If you will do things the way I prescribed, will I not fully accept you as I did your brother Abel?” Cain hardened his heart and refused to do things God’s way by offering the type of sacrifice God requires. Due to his own choice to rebel against the Most High he became so filled with the enemy that he killed his own brother (Gen. 4).
This is a classic example of how the enemy led this man Cain to believe that he could make up his own rules, violating the holy Creator and still escape His just judgment. Like Cain, millions of faithful religionists today have a mere formula of godliness while denying the power of a truly surrendered life to the one true God who sent His only begotten Son as the only sacrifice for the sins of men (2 Timothy 3:5).
When he was able to successfully persuade the first man to violate the command of the LORD, Satan gained access to authority over the man by the sin of the man (Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7). Jesus re-gained that authority for His highest and prized creation and all those who come into relationship with Him experience the abundant blessings that come along with being saved by His precious blood (Jn. 10:10; Rom. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).
“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
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” ~ John 3:16-17
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please unite my heart to fear Thy name and keep it from falling prey to this same lie that led to Adam and Eve’s fall. Quicken my heart in the fear of the LORD. Please teach me that there are many harsh consequences for disobeying You, by not doing what You say, by sinning against You. Convict my heart of sin, and I beg You to make my conscience extremely sensitive to Your conviction and leading. Change my heart, O LORD. Grant me a heart of flesh that delights to live in Your presence and do Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Abiding
“They that were Scattered Abroad went every where Preaching the Word” [podcast]
When persecution hit Jerusalem where the body of Christ was dwelling….
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4
“Persecution hit Jerusalem in a few significant periods: first, in the years following Jesus’s death, when the early Christian church was persecuted by Jewish authorities led by Saul (Acts 8:1-3).”
Remember, God allowed great persecution in Jerusalem in order to get His people to scatter to the ends of the earth.
“Jesus promised his disciples three things: that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” – GK Chesterton
“And he said unto them, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
This was right after the beloved deacon, servant of the LORD Stephen was murdered. See Acts 7:51-8:4.
Believer’s Bible Commentary
Acts 8:1
“A new era begins with the words, “At that time.” Stephen’s death seemed to trigger a widespread assault against the church. Believers were scattered throughout … Judea and Samaria.
The Lord had instructed His followers to begin their witness in Jerusalem, but then to branch out to Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth. Up to this time their witness had been confined entirely to Jerusalem. Perhaps they had been timid about branching out. Now they are forced to do it by persecution.
From the human standpoint, it was a dark day for the believers. The life of a member of their fellowship had been laid down. They themselves were being chased like rabbits. But from the divine standpoint, it was not dark at all. A grain of wheat had been planted in the ground, and much fruit would inevitably result. The winds of affliction were scattering the seeds of the gospel to distant places, and who could estimate the extent of the harvest?”
In light of this biblical revelation, do we really think the LORD wouldn’t be allowing persecution to hit America in order to scatter His people across His earth in order to reach the billions who are unreached? The answer is obvious.
“Acts 8:4
They that were scattered – went every where preaching – Thus the very means devised by Satan to destroy the Church became the very instruments of its diffusion and establishment. What are counsel, or might, or cunning, or rage, or malice, against the Lord, whether they are excited by men or devils!” Adam Clarke
Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:
“8:4-8 The dispersal of the Christians did not silence their testimony. Everywhere they went they carried the good news of salvation. Philip, the “deacon” of chapter six, headed north to the city of Samaria. He not only proclaimed Christ but performed many miracles. Unclean spirits were driven out and the paralyzed and lame were healed. The people gave heed to the gospel, and, as might be expected, great joy resulted.
The primitive church obeyed the explicit commands of Jesus Christ:
It went out as Christ had gone (Jhn_20:21; cf. Act_8:1-4).
It sold its goods and gave to the poor (Luk_12:33; Luk_18:22; cf. Act_2:45; Act_4:34).
It left father, mother, houses, and lands to go everywhere preaching the Word (Mat_10:37; cf. Act_8:1-4).
It made disciples and taught them to work and obey (Mat_28:18-19; cf. 1Th_1:6).
It took up its cross and followed Christ (Acts 4; 1 Thess. 2).
It rejoiced in tribulation and persecution (Mat_5:11-12; cf. Acts 16; 1Th_1:6-8).
It left the dead to bury their dead and went and preached the gospel (Luk_9:59-60).
It shook the dust from off its feet and moved on when men refused to hear (Luk_9:5; cf. Act_13:51).
It healed, exorcised, raised the dead, and bore lasting fruit (Mrk_16:18; Acts 3-16).”
“The Communication of thy faith”
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon 6-7
We are merely passing through saints. This is not our home.
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” 1 Peter 2:11
“New Creatures” …. given by God the “ministry of reconciliation” …. Christ’s “Ambassadors”
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
The body of Christ, each member, does our part in Christ’s Great Commission.
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:13-15
“Romans 10:14-15: ‘How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!’ The LORD saved me because someone preached the gospel to me! And I instantly knew that was what was missing in my life! How would I have known if I had not heard?” Karen Cochran
The body of Christ alone bears the Good News…. that in light of each of us being lost souls, sinners…. God sent His only begotten to die, be buried, and raised again from the dead for our justification! See Romans 4:25; 5:6-8, etc.
You are a bearer of this Good News beloved of God. No one else can be—except those who are HIS. With the love, joy, and peace of Jesus emanating from your heart, take off that lampshade and unleash that beautiful smile and let the world around you know of Christ’s love for them! He proved this love by dying on that cross for them! (John 15:13)
“The love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14
The 3 Ways God’s People can Participate in Christ’s Great Commission
1. Praying (Matthew 9:35-38).
2. Witnessing, sowing and communicating the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).
3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).
The writing is on the wall for the wicked false professors.
IF you aren’t participating in the Great Commission, you are a lost soul/counterfeit.
In light of the fact that Jesus gave us His Great Commission command, what did Jesus tell us in Matthew 7:21? What was His warning to us in light of judgment to come?
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
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