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).
Our obedience to the LORD should come out of our love for Him. Obedience to God is an expression of our love for Him.
“Obedience to God, is the deepest level of love, and the greatest form of worship.” unknown
Jesus says: “IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Notice “IF.” God isn’t interested in us obeying Him if we don’t first love Him. The first 2 commandments are about LOVE and not works or working to earn God’s favor, which is futility (Matthew 22:37-40). Jesus says the whole law and prophets, all the Scripture writings to that point, and in the kingdom rested upon loving God and others.
Praying God will help you love Him more (Matthew 22:37-40). It really all boils down to WHO we love most. THAT is exactly who we are serving (Romans 6:16).
The indescribable myriad of blessings that await “them that love 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
God first loved Us. He initiated the relationship!
“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
The Big Question Jesus Asks
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17
Three times here our LORD asked Peter if he loved the LORD. And, Jesus is asking each of us today “lovest thou me more than these?” – which is to say “Am I your very first love, or is someone, something before Me?” Did Jesus not warn the church at Ephesus that they must “repent” to be restored back to Him due to the fact that they had “left thy first love”? (Revelation 2:4-5)
Of this passage One writer points out the following:
“It’s interesting that when Jesus speaks to Peter he uses ‘agape’ (unconditional love) as the word for love. But when Peter answers he uses the word ‘phileo’, an inferior and different kind of word for love that is a conditional love like the love between friends. Peter, for some reason, does not feel it appropriate to use the word for the highest form of love.”
It seems fitting from this passage, from this dialogue between Christ and Peter that feeding His sheep would include at times posing this all-important question as to whether or not we truly love Him. Or, do we have a mere “form of godliness”? (2 Timothy 3:5)
In light of His soon return and due to His great love for us and desire that we be with Him now and forever, as He did with beloved Peter, the LORD is asking us if we truly love Him.
“They that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14
God initiates, draws, calls us, and yet He also requires that we reciprocate His love to us. He calls, He chooses, and we are required to be “faithful” to Him just as the married man requires his wife to be faithful to Him – to love him supremely among all men.
Would you like to do business with the LORD today beloved? Quiet your heart and indulge in His love for you:
ARE WE willing today, to announce to God, that we love Him? Are we ready to say “Jesus, thank You for coming and dying for me, for my sins – to take them all away. And You were buried and raised again from the dead. LORD, please take over my life right this moment. I have sinned against You dear LORD. Please forgive me and wash away all my sins at this moment with Your precious blood. Right this instant, if never before, I ask You to save me now LORD. From this moment forward, I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. I love You my dear LORD Jesus. Have Your way in me Jesus! From this moment forward and till I am with You, I will serve You as You allow it by Thy enabling grace. In Jesus’ name sobeit!”
A Settled Issue
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32
When Jesus went to that cross of me, for you, He told us He was doing it for, the Father, to redeem us and that He would “draw” us to Himself. Will we respond in love, in loving Him in return?
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
God is unchanging and perfect and He not only told us He loves us – He proved it by giving His only begotten Son to bring us back to Himself from a life of sin. So this is a settled issue. Yet, will we, will I return His love? Will I reciprocate the great love He has to me, or not?
“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. … for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:3, 34
Acid Test
The LORD WANTS US TO KNOW AND LOVE HIM (John 17:3; Matthew 22:37-40) … YES God loves us but do we truly love Him? Does it seem that We only hear about God’s love for us and yet, seldom about our love for Him?
The unchanging LORD Jesus is asking me today, “lovest thou me more than these?”
In other words, He is asking, “Do you truly love me more than all others and all things? Am I truly first in your life?”
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27
The word “hate” here means to “love much less” and not to despise ourselves or others. Also, in verse 27 we see once again that the only way to serve Jesus is on His stated terms – the cross, the daily crucified life.
This is a severe message friend. It may do good for us to stop here and pray, asking the LORD to convict, to expose any idolatrous, spiritually adulterous motive of our hearts, to open our heart to what may be lacking in our personal walk with Him. This is the appropriate moment to simply ask Him to grant you a teachable heart that desires the cleanliness and the change He desires. He is the Potter and we are the clay (Jeremiah 18:6).
Sharon Cornella Scutti writes: “Just because Jesus loves everyone doesn’t mean they are in a saving relationship with Him. Jesus is the Creator of everyone but not everyone’s Father until they are spiritually born into the family of God.
Matthew 7:21-23. . . 21 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. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.'”
The disciple of Christ is personally responsible for keeping Himself in vital union with the Savior- just as it was the personal responsibility of the 10 virgins in Jesus’ illustration in Matthew 25:1-13. Yet only 5 of those 10 remained with the Great Bridegroom into the bridal chamber. The other 5 were shut out.
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
Jesus foretold that “the love of manyshall wax cold.”
“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13
Neglecting our fellowship daily with the LORD will always produce the dismal result of waxing cold, backsliding.
Comparing those who love Him and those who don’t…
“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3
vs
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” 1 Corinthians 16:22
Does God know you love Him?
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
TALK is cheap. Obey Him. Now (1 John 3:18; James 1:22).
HELL is full of people who claimed to be saved yet didn’t simply OBEY. Matt 7:21
PRAY yes, yet if we don’t OBEY it’s all futility! (John 14:15; 15:14)
We have no idea just how much God loves us. The question is, am I reciprocating that love? Am I loving God with my whole heart, mind, and strength as Jesus commanded?
Picture a woman who is engaged to a man and yet she doesn’t truly know if that man loves her exclusively. Will she not ask him if he loves her? Will she sense it if he has wondering eyes? Can she possibly feel secure in their relationship if he isn’t loving her wholly, with undivided motives of heart? Is she, will she be safe with Him? Will he be faithful to her?
Remember that Jesus told us that those who will be with Him eternally, are “faithful” to Him – they reciprocate His great love to them (Revelation 17:14). Jesus proved, demonstrated His great love for His people by coming to die for our sins – to bring us back from sin and Satan unto Himself and the Father.
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. … 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:1-3, 16
Do we not realize that God knows the very intents, the motivations of our hearts?
The big question is not whether or not God loves you, but rather: Does God know YOU love Him? Do you truly want the answer to this all-important question Jesus is asking you today? Do you think the Bible may provide this answer? If your answer is “Yes”, you are correct – because God made it clear in His Word exactly who loves Him and who doesn’t. This is the difference between the sheep and the goats, the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13; 25).
As we reciprocate our love back to the LORD who first loved us, who initiated the relationship, He and the Father and Holy Spirit will manifest Themselves to us.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. … 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:15-21
Job made the quality decision to love and to trust God no matter what he suffered.
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15
Haggai, the LORD’s servant prophet said he was going to joy in the God of his salvation, even if every single blessing, income stream, and all his food failed, ceased coming in.
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Haggai 3:17-19
Life offers each and every one of us many temptations, trials, and hardships and so it’s vital to resolve to love God with all of our hearts, no matter what happens (Job 14:1).
Our LORD has a plan to settle us, to mature, to establish, to bring His strength into our lives.
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
If you are not obeying (in the reality of your thoughts and deeds) the words of Jesus, you DO NOT love Him.
WHEN God commands you to do something, just do it. Self-serving tares are rebellious and want no part of personal responsibility and so get convicted when a mere messenger preaches what God says. Then the counterfeit cries “That’s works-based religion” or “That’s legalism.” ! Nonsense. They don’t know the Savior. Since when is obeying the Son of God legalism or a works-based perspective? These are those whom the Holy Spirit foretold who do not “endure sound doctrine” which means to hold ourselves personally accountable to the Word of God obey Him (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
Those truly in Christ take delight in Him, in pleasing, in worshipping, in obeying Him.
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
Perhaps we are discovering today that our root problem is our own sin of self-idolatry, of loving the god of self instead of loving God with a whole, an undivided heart. He calls us to return to Him and promises to receive us gracious in the precious blood of His only begotten Son (Hosea 14:1-2; Hebrews 4:14-16).
“Sadly.. Failing to keep the words and commandments of Jesus Christ and the Word of God is the greatest proof that you really don’t love Him.” Jennifer Leza
Loving God is everything as far as what’s in our control – because it’s a choice, daily, and will determine if one remains in Christ to the end.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Obedience is an expression of our love for God.
“He that saith, I know (love) him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth (obeys) his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” 1 John 2:4-5
God does not know you love Him if…
you don’t seek His face in holy prayer communion? (Matt. 6:6; Ps 5:3, etc.)
you don’t love His Word and study, pour and meditate over it? (Jos. 1:8; Ps 119; 1Pet. 2:2; Jn 5:39)
you do not love your neighbor as you already by nature love yourself? (Jn 13:35; 1 Jn. 4:7-8, etc.)
you do not tell others about Him? (Mark 16:15, etc.)
you do not give of your resources to His work and in particular, where you are receiving His Word? (Mal. 3:10; Gal. 6:6, etc.)
Perhaps the Savior is looking closely for some trace of His fruit of love in your life and is being blinded by your choices to serve self-interests instead of the business of loving Him and doing His will – advancing His kingdom.
EXAMPLE AND RESULT OF THE INCONSISTENCY
Simply put, one simply does not love God if he is not obeying Him in these basic and practical ways that He instructed us to obey Him. For example, many are asking the LORD for more money or better jobs, etc., yet have not given Him even the tithe of what He has allowed them to earn up to this point. It should be noted that the tithe should always be directed to where the individual is being fed “meat” (receiving spiritual substance) – (Gal. 6:6; Mal. 3:10).
Questions to ask ourselves:
How many people have been negatively affected by my refusal to love them with God’s love?
How many times has the LORD prompted me to come apart and commune with Him in prayer and in His Word and yet I refused?
How many times has the LORD quickened me to reach out to others with His love and truth and even given many different methods (your own testimony, the Word, Gospel tracts, emails, letters), and yet I refused?
How many times has the LORD told me to give of the money He has given me to real ministries of brothers or sisters in Christ, and I didn’t do it because those people didn’t work out of a church building or weren’t “official” enough to my carnal thinking?
How many true ministers have been affected in their personal lives and ability to minister to others, due to my personal disobedience of withholding and greed?
It is time for us to repent and get real? Do we think that God is fooled by our mere outward “form of godliness”?
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power (rule) thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
Christ said that those who refuse His reign in their personal lives (render real obedience to Him) are His “enemies” and that they would be sent to hell in the end.
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27
Should we cease calling ourselves Christian (Christ-like) until we arrive at a place of full and complete repentance and begin obeying the basic truths Christ gave us? Friend, the LORD loves you enough to send you this message before it is too late (Gal. 4:16). He told us that only those who “doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven” will be with Him in Heaven (Matt. 7:21).
ACTION ITEMS FOR THE REPENTANT:
– Read, study, memorize, and meditate upon God’s Word
– Tell someone about Christ right away and how He is at work in your life
– Get your checkbook out and write a generous check to the ministry or ministries that are feeding you God’s pure Word
– Get into prayer right away with the LORD and cry out to Him to break you
YOUR PRAYER: Precious heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I ask You to please grant my heart to be truly willing to learn to love You – to be broken and contrite, truly an heart of flesh. Now Father, I know that You alone can do this work in me and to teach me to truly worship, trust, love, and obey You. Dear LORD, I here and now ask You to please do Your essential, Your deeper work in my heart and life today, in Jesus’ name, amen.
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay: Born Again: What is It?
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15 Job had just lost all of his children and yet held fast his integrity toward the LORD. He would not allow his wife, his friends, or any other circumstance or entity sway his thoughts. This was a man with a real relationship with the living God – one not based on circumstance. First, foremost, and separate from all else, Job loved and worshipped the LORD with his whole heart. We must come to the place where our LORD alone is […]
“Work of Faith, and Labour of Love” [podcast]
Don’t Bother Obeying If You Don’t Love! “Sadly… Failing to keep the words and commandments of Jesus Christ and the Word of God is the greatest proof that you really don’t love Him.” Jennifer Leza If you are in love with someone, you want them to love you back. You want them to want you. That’s what makes chemistry and a good marriage – a man and a woman who spontaneously reciprocate love to each other – because they truly love one another. Think about that. No human would deny such a simple, self-evident truth. Well, the One who made […]
10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]
The wise virgin saints are keeping their lamps full of divine oil, they are taking personal responsibility for their own spiritual state with Christ the great and soon coming Bridegroom. Read Matthew 25:1-13. “The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold” “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the […]
THIS MORNING: Brother Mark brought brother Juan to meet our new brother Jose Patron!
Jose was given a stack of JESUS tracts after he said he wanted to evangelize.
Brother Juan passes by where Jose works for work daily and so that connection and fellowship is being put in place.
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9) – and what God has us doing is supporting His beloved “labourers” who are “few”! (Matthew 9:35-38)
A FEW DAYS AGO: Sister Maria called for more JESUS tracts. She ran out as she is distributing hundreds per day. So our dear sister, thanks to you who are praying and supply…. was given a new jacket to keep her warm (pictured), food and drink to bring home for her living quarters, a fresh supply of JESUS tracts, some cash (Mexican pesos), and some Scripture that she as usual read out loud and devoured as I brought them up on my cell phone from the Spanish Bible (Reina Valera). God is good saints. May He be glorified in all you are doing to see the beloved people of Mexico reached with His bless-ed Gospel! You are refreshing His beloved saints.
LORD willing, I will be meeting again with our dear brother Juan this week to refresh him in fellowship etc.
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27
Mexico: The Land where the Gospel of Jesus is Freely Received
“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8
As we truly follow Jesus He makes us fishers of men.
“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17
This was the sweetest couple ever as you can tell by the picture. They were overjoyed to receive the preaching of our LORD’s Gospel and were told how to be saved – repentance and faith in Christ, and showed the prayer on the back, etc. They were directed to the prayer on the back and exhorted to pray in repentance and faith and receive eternal life. When asked they said they’d welcome your prayers for them.
On the streets today in Mexico ministering our LORD Jesus’ Gospel to many. As usual the name of Jesus was preached in Christ’s love and it was readily, eagerly received by most who thanked us for giving them the Gospel. SMH. It’s no even fair!
A man name Jose was ministered to, received the Word, and prayed in repentance and faith to be saved! Would you like to lift our new brother in Christ in prayer? Jose Patron is his name and we are connected and he’s already been given more Scripture and added to the Spanish WA group.
Jose just sent me a voice recording saying Thank you to Mark and I for ministering Jesus’ Gospel to him and that he wants to do the same thing we are doing, minister to others our LORD’s Gospel.
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
“The food looks healthy. Just this morning I was thinking that it is unfathomable, in my mind, to comprehend what the Lord is doing in Mexico. I watched the video of Mark passing out Jesus tracts and everyone was so receptive. That stuck in my mind, because I recently watched a video of a man preaching the gospel on a train. Zero response! Everyone kept looking at their phones and never once looked up. This is the true state of America. We have need of nothing and especially not Jesus. Rev 3:17. As opposed to the precious people of Mexico who know they are poor in spirit and are in need of the Lord to save them. They know something is missing in their lives. When Mark was passing out those Jesus tracts people were very happy and joyful to receive them, here they are rejecting the Savior.” Karen Cochran
We went to a colonia, to a street where no one was outside at the moment, Brother Mark said “God sent us this way for a reason, for someone.” 30 seconds later we came upon Jose! Boom.
Then came the Gospel explosion!
Upon ministering Christ’s Gospel to him, Jose Patron excitedly shared with brother Mark and I about how God had saved him from dying. He simply needed the opportunity to repent and be saved – and that’s exactly what JESUS did. Thank you for lifting our beloved brother Jose in prayer.
Jose just sent me a voice recording saying Thank you to Mark and I for ministering Jesus’ Gospel to him and that he wants to do the same thing we are doing, minister to others our LORD’s Gospel.
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
Gospel blessings abounded on the streets in Mexico ministering our LORD Jesus’ Gospel to many. As always the name of Jesus was preached in Christ’s love and it was readily, eagerly received by most who thanked us for giving them the Gospel.
It’s no even fair to have the privilege to minister to the beloved Mexicans! SMH.
A man name Jose was ministered to. He received the Word, and prayed in repentance and faith to be saved! Would you like to lift our new brother in Christ in prayer? Jose Patron is his name and we are connected and he’s already been given more Scripture and added to the Spanish WA group.
Jose just sent me a voice recording saying Thank you to Mark and I for ministering Jesus’ Gospel to him and that he wants to do the same thing we are doing, minister to others our LORD’s Gospel.
Thank you for lifting the salvation of the people of Mexico in your prayers. | Mexico Mission
“I love this brother! May God continue to provide and increase his fruit in the lives of the disciples in Mexico, in the Philippines, in Pakistan, in Kenya, in all his earth for his glory! Amen.
I was reading Psalm 8 and John 10. Beautiful beyond understanding is God’s love poured out in Christ Jesus toward us who hear his voice!
Much love to the body of Christ in Mexico and throughout the whole world. Jesus is coming!
“EVERY person you meet, or stand next to in line, is an opportunity to share the Good News. Do not miss the opportunity to bring another into the Kingdom.
I thank God everyday that this happened to me 5 years ago.” Targeted Christian Girl, RN
Let us be blessed to preach Christ’s Gospel this day.
Upon having the Gospel of Jesus preached to her, beloved Laura informed me that she is a born again saint!!! After fellowshipping she took a stash of JESUS tracts. Would you like to pray for sister Laura?
After receiving the ministry of God’s Word, Antonio was asked if he wanted you to lift him in prayer. He eagerly accepted and is glad you will pause to lift his life to the LORD in prayer. | Mexico Mission
ON THE TOPIC OF MEXICO
The Mexican people never handed their country over to the government so that the government can take it away the government cannot take it away because
Historically and presently the Mexican people find a way to circumvent the government. They never let the government have control and therefore the government can’t take their freedom away – because the people recognize their freedom coming from God.
The tax money of the people is a large way that the government controls the people they are empowered by the riches of the people through taxes in order to control and exploit them endlessly. Your tax money fuels your slavery….
Mexican people have a very healthy dis-trust for government. This is unlike many Americans. Many Americans it seems, haven’t learned that the promises candidates make before an election, will nearly never carry them out when elected. It seems the “We’re going to release the epstein files” was a mere ruse to cover those secret files. “It’s all a big club, and you’re not in it.” George Carlin
Thank you for praying for this man, Juan. He received ministry today and is in need of being saved.
The concept of a “daily cross life” with Jesus is the way of living that involves submitting ourselves to Christ daily, perpetually, and living in sacrificial service to God and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). This is based on the Bible verse Luke 9:23, which says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:23-24).
In short, the cross gets you, me, out of the way so Christ can reign. Selah.
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
How do we walk in victory after Jesus saves us? By participating in the daily cross life.
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
HOW could we possibly, vainly believe we are going to overcome the sins that prevent us from eternal glory without the daily crucified life? Not going to happen.
The cross is essential—the crucified life. Read Romans 6 in prayer each morning.
Death and burial must precede resurrection. There will be no resurrection in your personal life—no divine raising you up out of sin and into victory—until you lay down your life, until you die.
The Bible says we have been FOOLS:
“Thou fool, that which thou sowest(plant)is not quickened(made alive), except it die:” 1 Corinthians 15:36
How could we have ever believed that God is going to raise us upward into His victory, out of sin, until we died? I can tell you why—it’s because we weren’t honestly studying and obeying His Word for ourself but rather following false teachers (Philippians 3:18-19).
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:11-13
The original Gospel is a cross Gospel. Any gospel that does not have the cross front and center, is “another gospel,” a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Reading Romans 6 prayerfully each morning is a blessing.
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I love You and thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to die for my sins and the sins of the whole world. We are not worthy but You bought us with the very life blood of Christ, back to Yourself from a life of sin, to be Your sons and daughters. Please forgive all my sins afresh LORD. Into Your holy, mighty hands I now submit my spirit. Bless this life to be crucified with You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NOTHING – NO MAN, NO DEVIL CAN STOP THIS! Just as no man, no devil could possibly stop the resurrection of Christ, no entity or army can stop the resurrection life of Christ in His saints, as they submit to their own death and burial. Resurrection follows! “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 […]
Victory Over the Iniquities that Currently Drive You [podcast]
“Too many Christians blame their flesh on Satan and try casting it out. Never works. That’s why they don’t grow! Must crucify the flesh!” Karen Cochran Recently, a brother in Christ was pushing the fact that Genesis 6:5, 12, use the phrase “only evil continually” pertaining to mankind, all men. REPLY: Ask for yourself the important question: WHY did Jesus come to the earth? And from this moment forward, allow the Bible to answer that question …. Look for the Bible answer…… Why Jesus came to die for us and make us new creatures in Christ whereby OLD THINGS ARE […]
Cons and Crooks who Do Not Preach the Cross [podcast]
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 Those who do not preach the cross prove that they believe the cross is “foolishness.” The know that many will leave if they were to preach the crucified life. And they are in it for the money, the acceptance of mere men, not Christ. Make no mistake, the Holy Ghost through Paul warned us specifically about this generation of counterfeits, these “evil men and seducers” who “wax worse and worse.” (2 Timothy 3:13) […]
Recently a dear brother in Christ related this testimony to me of our LORD’s work in his life:
“I had a ‘back to Jesus’ moment after the election. As I was horribly disappointed in our country and the dividing of even my own friends, I was praying: ‘I’ve lost faith in my country, I’ve lost faith in my friends…’ then it hit me… I had put my faith in the wrong things. It’s so easy to depend on others. But now I am trusting only in my Lord and Savior.”
“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10
“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14
Satan seeks to seduce God’s people with counterfeit causes – causes outside of that which is clearly defined by Holy Scripture as Christ’s Gospel cause! A moral cause is not necessarily the work of the Messiah. Loving the LORD with all of our being and doing His work, the work of the Gospel is His will as we are “new creature(s)” in Christ and His “ambassadors,” sent forth by Him to teach His Word (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20).
HAVE WE EXALTED FREEDOM ABOVE CHRIST – THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN GIVE IT? “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3-5) and “No man can serve two masters” right? (Matthew 6:24)
Do we love Jesus more than freedom? Do we love His Great Commission more than the cause of getting our country back?
In fact we have no freedom if we are not born again and presently walking with and abiding in Jesus on HIS stated terms (John 8:31-32; 15:1-16). Jesus came to save, heal, and grant freedom in the Spirit, from Satan, and freedom from sin to those who are His (Matthew 1:21; Luke 4:18; John 1:29; Acts 26:18; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 3:1-10, etc.). Here, listen to the Son of God ….
“As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 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 8:30-32
The LORD makes free those whom He saves, those who continue in an abiding relationship with Him (John 15).
You must “desire the sincere milk of the word” and feed your spirit the Word of God daily or you will grow weak very quickly and fall away (1 Peter 2:2). Jesus calls us to be “Nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6).
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
Jesus is KING and kingdom living is all about exalting KING Jesus – not mere men or organizations or ministries! It’s only then that His divine “nourishment” is going to flow down into His beloved body!
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19
Heaven’s “nourishment” only transpires when KING Jesus is truly exalted.
“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8
Modern church pawns want you to become enamored with THEM, not CHRIST. It’s a sales job! Beware. Read Colossians 2:18-19 closely.
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
Feed. Feast. Fuel. Those who choose not to feast upon and fuel their hearts and minds with God’s Word daily, are not going to make it. They will walk weak, empty, and malnourished, just as the 5 foolish virgins did and were shut out of the kingdom (Matthew 25:1-13). They have freely chosen not to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6).
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
Daily drinking the healing oil of God’s Word assures divine nourishment and wholeness in your spirit. God’s Word gets in us only when we get into it – and seek Him in it daily. Memorize Jeremiah 15:16 now.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
JUST as none of us understand but know the blessing of food nourishing our physical bodies, so the Word of God nourishes our spirit man, our hearts. It’s a daily must. Feeding and being nourished by the words of God is an imperative (Job 12:23; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Peter 2:2, etc.). His Word cannot get into us and nourish us until we get into it! Let the nourishment begin!
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly)…” Colossians 3:16
Note here in the above passage, we see Christ instructing those who believed upon Him to “continue in my word.” This was Jesus’ perfect opportunity to tell these new believers that they were “eternally secure” but He didn’t because He’s the Son of God and not a false prophet!
Jesus says that it’s only “IF ye continue in my word” that you will know the truth, be made free and walk in the liberty, the freedom He alone can grant from sin! See John 8:31-32, 36. YOU GOT SAVED? GOOD – NOW STAY SAVED!
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
You must turn your heart to the LORD – in true worship – in order to walk in the liberty that He alone can give!
“Nevertheless when it (your heart) shall turn to the Lord, the vail (that blinds) shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-17
Fake “bibles” such as the NIV teach that “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Read that again. In the context of the whole of Scripture, we must ask: Did Jesus come to set us free for freedom’s sake or to be set free from sin in order to serve Him as new creatures? (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Any student of God’s Word knows that this NIV rendering of Galatians 5:1 is a contradiction, a lie. | Fake “bibles” Exposed!
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
“As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16
As was foretold, we are seeing that some are departing from the faith, listening to devils and their doctrines from the fake “bibles” and false prophets of today, instead of being daily nourished up in the pure words of God and helping feed Christ’s flock. Get a King James Bible.
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; … 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. … 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 6, 16
Any person who is teaching that it’s impossible to “depart from the faith”(to leave Christ) after being saved, is a false teacher (Luke 8:13).
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:12-15
“For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:34-39
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
Be not deceived: You cannot sustain a life with Christ without daily fellowship with Him!
“In your patience possess ye your souls.” Luke 21:19
“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
So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).
Okay so think about the last time you heard this passage read in a “church” gathering. Well, have you ever heard it read? These are the warning words of the very and soon coming LORD and Savior.
“All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13
“And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. 20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:15-19
“WHEN IT (the heart) SHALL TURN TO THE LORD, THE VAIL SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY” How the veil that blinds us, that hinders our understanding, is removed. “But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it (the heart) shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same […]
The Reign of Christ! [podcast]
God counteracts death by the promise of resurrection – now and in eternity! (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Three Dimensions of the Reign of Jesus Christ: 1. Christ Reigning Over His Creation, 2. Christ Reigning in Your Life, and, 3. Christ Reigning Over the Wicked. Christ Reigning Over His Creation “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 […]
“This Hope” of Christ’s Return [podcast]
The Hope of Nations [podcast] Jesus Is Coming – Ready or Not “Even so, come, LORD Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). Psalm 2 is the real PEACE plan when the one and only “Prince of peace” arrives to destroy all the kingdoms of the antichrist and to crush in judgment the antichrist’s rebels who have refused His exclusive, blessed offer of salvation (Isaiah 9:6-7; Revelation 19:11-15). For now the KING is actually laughing at them … don’t believe me? Go read Psalm 2 and throw your hands up high in praise to our soon coming KING! Oh and notice that vs. 12 […]
Returning to Christ as Our "First Love" [podcast]
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 The LORD is a “Jealous” God. “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14 If Jesus Christ is not genuinely the first love of our hearts, our lives, we are committing spiritual adultery on the Son of God. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two […]
Heaven’s Nourishment! [podcast]
Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast] Just How and When is Heaven’s “Nourishment Ministered” to Christ’s Body? “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6 The GOAL and aim of most messages today heard coming from “Christian” leaders does not have Christ as it’s Grand Subject. This makes it more than obvious that God’s Word is not being preached and that the numerous prophetic warnings from Christ and His […]