“Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession…. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer (The Cost of Discipleship)
“The great masquerade of evil has played havoc with all our ethical concepts. For evil to appear disguised as light, charity, historical necessity or social justice is quite bewildering to anyone brought up on our traditional ethical concepts, while for the Christian who bases his life on the Bible, it merely confirms the fundamental wickedness of evil.”
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Letters and Papers from Prison — 1967; 1997)
“There remains an experience of incomparable value. We have for once learned to see the great events of world history from below, from the perspective of the outcasts, the suspects, the maltreated — in short, from the perspective of those who suffer. Mere waiting and looking on is not Christian behavior. Christians are called to compassion and to action.”
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Letters from Prison, p.16)
“We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison
“By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“I discovered later, and I’m still discovering right up to this moment, that is it only by living completely in this world that one learns to have faith. By this-worldliness I mean living unreservedly in life’s duties, problems, successes and failures. In so doing we throw ourselves completely into the arms of God, taking seriously, not our own sufferings, but those of God in the world. That, I think, is faith.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
“The Church is the Church only when it exists for others…not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison
“If my sinfulness appears to me to be in any way smaller or less detestable in comparison with the sins of others, I am still not recognizing my sinfulness at all. … How can I possibly serve another person in unfeigned humility if I seriously regard his sinfulness as worse than my own?”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
“While we exert ourselves to grow beyond our humanity, to leave the human behind us, God becomes human; and we must recognize that God wills that we be human, real human beings. While we distinguish between pious and godless, good and evil, noble and base, God loves real people without distinction. ”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”
― Deitrich Bonhoeffer
“It is only because he became like us that we can become like him.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
“Music (praise)… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
― Deitrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
Laodicea: How Jesus Instructs the Backslidden to be Restored
Jesus’ Letter to the Church at Laodicea
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The cross, the crucified life is the cure to the curse of sin—sin dominating our lives.
Romans 6
Inflation is part of the judgment of God upon a wicked people, nation. We see such in Sodom and in Laodicea (Ezekiel 16:49-59; Romans 1; Revelaton 3:14-22).
“It appears that in this scarcity each might be able to obtain a bare subsistence by his daily labor; but a man could not, in such cases, provide for a family.” Adam Clarke
Your money doesn’t go far….. inflation
“Revelation 6 describes the opening of the first six seals, which represent God’s judgment, often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The third seal, broken by a “black horse,” is interpreted to show hyper-inflation and famine, where a day’s wage (a denarius) buys only a quart of wheat. The judgment includes a command to preserve the oil and wine, which some interpret as luxury goods, while essential food becomes scarce and expensive.”
“6:5, 6 In obedience to the third living creature, a rider holding a set of scales came forth on a black horse. This represents famine, which often follows war. A voice in the middle of the four living creatures announced that wheat and barley were being sold at prohibitive prices. The scales were used to weigh the rationed grain and were thus a symbol of famine. The expression do not harm the oil and the wine is difficult. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life. It seems more likely, however, that the luxury items of the rich are contemplated here: historically, even in famine the rich can get some luxuries.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
The only thing needed to go to hell is to not be on fire for Jesus—to be “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Jesus instructed the Laodicean church… to obtain, to “buy of me….
“3:18 The people were counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa_55:1) but received as a gift through faith in the Lord Jesus. Or it may mean genuine faith, which when tested in the fire, results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1Pe_1:7).
Also the people were counseled to buy white garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking, textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee – O fallen and deceived soul, hear Jesus! Thy case is not hopeless. Buy of me. Gold tried in the fire – Come and receive from me, without money and without price, faith that shall stand in every trial: so gold tried in the fire is here understood. But it may mean pure and undefiled religion, or that grace or Divine influence which produces it, which is more valuable to the soul than the purest gold to the body. They had before imaginary riches; this alone can make them truly rich. White raiment – Holiness of heart and life. Anoint thine eyes – Pray for, that ye may receive, the enlightening influences of my Spirit, that ye may be convinced of your true state, and see where your help lies.” Adam Clarke
Warning
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15
Coming forth as Purified Gold
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
To “come forth as gold” refers to the finished product, where gold has been purified of all its impurities.
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” Proverbs 17:3
Idolatry is Sin
Putting, having anything or anyone before Christ in our lives is the soul damning sin of idolatry. Such a person has rejected Christ for something, anything else.
One such idol, one such cause today is patriotism for one’s earthly country. See Hebrews 11:14-16.
SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? See Luke 2:49. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5).
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please grant to my heart Your gift of repentance and the deep desire to have Your righteousness, to not be deceived by sin, Satan, or counterfeits and false teachers. Please forgive all my sins afresh, here and now by Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Christian Soldier persevere. It’s about time for Jesus to come.” RN WHY did the LORD give us physical eyes? Protection. And this is why He wishes to grant us spiritual eyes. We cannot ever fake God out. We cannot deceive the Almighty or short His system – which begins with repenting. It’s only then that He opens our eyes to see which brings protection. We can’t be protected from the devouring wolves He often warns us to beware of unless we can SEE or discern them! We need the “eyesalve” that God alone can give us! When Jesus spoke to […]
The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold [podcast]
YOU know when you are listening to a wolf when He only speaks of God’s love for us but never about God’s command that we love Him – and if we don’t, we are going to hell. Beware. The LORD’s been 100% faithful to us and yet He requires our faithfulness to Him or hell awaits (Matthew 22:37-40). If someone’s love toward God’s people has waxed cold, it’s only because their love for the LORD first waxed cold (Matthew 24:10-14). Today is the best day to repent and return to the LORD. “And then shall many be offended, and shall […]
Am I About My Father’s Business? [podcast]
The Father’s Business [podcast] “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4 SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) Repentance needed. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5). “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is […]
Luxury and Lukewarm Lies [podcast]
Are we trying to save America, the American way of life, so we can continue to live lukewarm Laodicean lives – so we can extend our luxurious living and continue on our way to hell (Revelation 3:14-22). What matters to us – the temporal or the eternal, the kingdom of this world or the eternal kingdom of Christ? What matters is clearly revealed in where we put our treasure (Luke 6:19-24). So many jump to support temporal political causes while few sow into the kingdom of the LORD they profess to love. “For where your treasure is, there will your […]
The FORGOTTEN Sins of Sodom [podcast]
What were the Real and Root Sins of Sodom? Explosive! DO YOU KNOW WHAT SINS THE BIBLE CITES OF THE PEOPLE OF SODOM WHICH CAUSED DIVINE JUDGMENT TO FALL ON THEM? THIS LIST OF SINS MIGHT SHOCK YOU. EXPOSING THE GATEWAY SINS TO SODOM’S DESTRUCTION Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. According to Romans 1 it seems that sexual deviance, namely homosexuality, is the sin, the final manifestation of evil before destruction transpires. The LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this sin and others and will or is destroying America […]
The Father's Business [podcast]
See the BECAUSE YOU CARE page for live action evangelism pics etc. “The church is not a business. It’s a body. But when that body becomes a business, it’s prostitution.” unknown The only reason I’d not be about the “Father’s business” would be due to being about my own business – a self-serving rebel (Luke 2:49; 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; 19:27). You can know if you are ready for the return of Christ by whether or not you’re calling others to come to Him in light of His soon return. Revelation chapter 22 verse 17. The Great Commission May our LORD […]
Many instill fear in Christ’s saints concerning these last days. Paul says: “You Who are Troubled Rest with Us”
“Rest with us” because Justice is Coming
2 Thessalonians 1:3-10
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
The Judgment at Christ’s Coming
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
Divine “vengeance” is coming “vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (v8)
Remember, while He instructed us not “avenge,” He also promised that “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
We shall rejoice to see the LORD retribution come upon the wicked.
“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 that a man shall say, 11 1 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.” Psalms 58:10-11
The Happenings just before Christ’s Soon Return
Luke 21:25-28
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28
Being Prepared for His Return
Luke 21:34-36
“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 21:34-36
Walking unwavering with and suffering with Christ and His body now – as we look forward to being with Him!
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
The LORD knows all before it happens and He’s not surprised of anything. God is going to use all these things to conform His people to Christ. Remember, all things are not good but God takes them and uses them to conform us to Christ, to be “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20).
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29
This truth has never been so relevant saints of Christ and the signs of the season of His return are at hand. He’s coming for you precious one!!!! Rescue mission!!! The Return of Heaven’s KING
May God allow us to preach in such a way as to cause His people to begin to be homesick for Heaven to be with Him.
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
I wonder how full our hearts will be as we become nourished up in His Word concerning Heaven. Will our hearts not burst forth and be filled with excitement, overflowing with joy like before we go on a vacation, the anticipation filling our hearts as we eagerly await being with our glorious Savior and Father? Read John 14:1-6 and Revelation 21.
Calling on the name above all names today. He’s the Maker and Controller of His whole universe and He’s coming back soon to retake control of it all – to decisively, violently put down all of His enemies both demonic and human (Colossians 1:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16).
No matter what’s going on – good or bad – WE KNOW that the song is true …. that our “God is so good, God is soooo gooood, God is so good, He’s so good to me…..” … There’s NO way to sing this simple song of praise and not get happy in Jesus! Impossible.
Our LORD Jesus is coming to establish His perfect Government on His earth. Stand by. Occupy. Rejoice. Look up. “Your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28).
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
We can be sure that mankind is fallen and cannot solve his own problem – which is sin against His Maker. Only the Prince of Peace, our LORD Jesus, can do so…. and He will (Isaiah 9:6-7).
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
He is going to crush His enemies under His feet (Romans 16:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16; 1 Corinthians 15:25, 27).
PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, please break me, cause me to be truly poor in spirit with a humble, contrite heart of flesh. Please grant a deep compassion in me dear LORD Jesus as You conform me to Your holy image in the crucified life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
"Seven Women shall take hold of One Man" [podcast]
Two Types of Believers – the mere professor and the possessor. God created us and sent His only begotten Son that we might know Him. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 THE POSSESSORS “In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.” Isaiah 4:2 The LORD Jesus is “the branch … beautiful and glorious” shall He be and shall be His […]
"To Wait for His Son from Heaven" [podcast]
Waiting for His Son from Heaven “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 I […]
2 Thessalonians Narrated [podcast]
Chapter 1 Greeting 1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that […]
Maria the Evangelist – Mission Mexico is now supporting Maria the Evangelist [VIDEO]
Picked up a portion of the 10,000 JESUS tracts in Spanish. Thank God and you who gave! YOU made this happen.
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
“God is the Lord of the harvest! And there is a great harvest in Mexico because the fields are white ready to be harvested! And now He is bringing forth Laborers!” Karen Cochran
“That is a powerful ministry. May the Lord bless her and your ministry efforts. Praying for this outreach.” Stacy Strother
The fervor, the fire that burned in me a few days ago is perhaps due to this opportunity, now that sister Maria and others have been added to us to support….. we are in a war for the souls of men saints. Thank you for praying saints. The LORD is doing His work in the hearts of men in Mexico.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
The members of the body of Christ came through and we have the money needed to print the first round of 10,000 JESUS tracts.
Keep in mind that the ministry is also supporting brother Allan Abayon in the Philippines as he ministers God’s Word to the Philippino people.
God is able saints.
Please excuse the zeal. Sometimes I err when wanting to make sure we, as Christ’s body, properly, to well support the ministers of Christ He is giving us to support. When you see the video of Maria in action, you will see the blessing and opportunity God is giving us. And this is all because you prayed as Jesus instructed, for “the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
Have been visiting sister Maria nearly every early evening to give her a big hug, to bless her, to feed her food with cold water, and replenish her supply of the JESUS tracts. In distributing our LORD’s Gospel, Maria misses nearly no one. There’s a constant flow of foot traffic where she ministers and she has a stack of JESUS tracts she keeps replenishing on the store counter that is right there when people check out. Even while we were there last night, the stack diminished visibly.
Today, I picked up a few thousand of the JESUS tracts in Spanish. Next week they will have to have the balance ready to pick up. You made this happen saints! See 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. 10,000 JESUS tracts…..
It lasts longer, and
because printing is more cost effective.
When visiting Maria, she is smiling and moving about so swiftly that it’s actually difficult to get good pics of her in action. She is in her zone, in her JESUS zone! Thank you for lifting up in prayer our dear sister in Christ who is one of His “labourers”! (Matthew 9:35-38) YOU prayed and God is answering!
Juan the evangelist!
Maria the evangelist!
And several more!
WHEN we hand out Gospel tracts today, let the recipients see Christ’s love, joy, and peace beaming in and through your life.
We also have Spanish Bibles on the way here which some of your have graciously mailed to us. There’s going to be shipping costs when they arrive. Another great kingdom opportunity!
“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.” Matthew 24:14
Recently, and on several occasions, because you care, we were able to feed several people, including sister Maria. There’s no telling how long it’s been since she had eaten. She didn’t ask, we asked her and went to get food and water for her (and a few homeless men who also were ministered to) with the Gospel and with food, and cold water to refresh her soul.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
“Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession…. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.”
“If my sinfulness appears to me to be in any way smaller or less detestable in comparison with the sins of others, I am still not recognizing my sinfulness at all. … How can I possibly serve another person in unfeigned humility if I seriously regard his sinfulness as worse than my own?”
