Dreams, Visions, Prophecies, and Supposed Apparitions [podcast]
Remember that Jesus says that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:16). The point of this message is in no way to limit God or foolishly claim He no longer speaks to people in dreams, visions, or the vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-10; Hebrews 13:8). Yet, today, most of those claiming to be getting words, visions, dreams, and prophecies, are not grounded in Christ and most of them make it abundantly obvious by their lack of preaching the essential doctrines of the original Gospel such as Christ’s cross, judgment, hell, repentance, the necessity for personal holiness, the return of Christ, and the crucified life – the cross life.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” Acts 2:17
IT’S SAD to see how many refer to and base things on their own dreams or things they claim “God showed” them – INSTEAD OF GROUNDING AND FOUNDING THEIR LIVES IN THE “MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY” which is the Holy Scriptures (2 Peter 1:12-21).
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
Yes as we read the words of 2 Peter 1:19-21…. part of it says “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” When we trust God by learning, devouring, walking in and walking out His “MORE sure word of prophecy”, we are thereby grounded ever more deeply in Christ and will see little need to read prophecies, dreams, vision, words, etc. that come out daily by certain ministries/people (who seem to use this as a device to get people to patronize them). They are not sanctioned by God as are His holy written Word is – which is the “the MORE sure word of prophecy.” The Scriptures are already written saints. “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” are already on record in God’s Word (KJB). Beware of the “don’t put God in a box” deceivers.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
Doctrine is more important than gifts. God’s true people hear His voice primarily through His Word, sound doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16).
Beware of the “don’t put God in a box” deceivers. It’s a bunch of witchcraft. Anyone who uses the “put God in a box” deception, is simply looking to define Him anyway THEY wish, outside of what His Word clearly states. They are moral cowards who do not fear the LORD and are full of self while they use His holy name in vain by putting His name on things that violate the final divine authority of His Word. See Psalms 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.
The LORD defines Himself in His Word, period. Anyone teaching outside of His Word or contrary to it, is making a god in their own corrupt sinful image.
MANY are willing to give ear to any wolf who comes along with a staged “ministry” who is running their mouth, claims they have a word from God, a revelation, a dream, a vision, a promise, etc. Beware.
God has given His people dreams since Genesis and still does today (Genesis 37; Acts 2:17, etc.). Yet a dream, in biblical definition, is from the LORD and for His glory and purpose (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). A dream, gift, vision, or prophecy from God is not for the self-serving purposes and agenda of men and women who are not crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Many we see boasting of a dream, gift, or vision today are self-glorying. Beware.
The words “dream” or “dreams” are found nearly 100 times in the Bible and mostly in a positive way. Joseph dreamed. Daniel dreamed. Ezekiel dreamed. New Testament Joseph dreamed. Peter was given a dream/vision. The list goes on.
Self-serving people are lazy and therefore refuse to seek the LORD in His written Word. So, instead, they look for and rely on a “word” or dream, philosophy, or vision from a mere man. They are not “valiant for the truth” and God Himself will send them “strong delusion” and they will be “destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Jeremiah 9:3; Hosea 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
ALL who run around looking for or give ear to the pathetic self-appointed, self-proclaimed “prophetic” witches and warlocks who are giving out “words” are not in God’s WORD for themselves and therefore turned over by God Himself to “strong delusion” so they will be “deceived” and ultimately “damned” – “because they received not the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
The LORD tells you to get into HIS Word for yourself!
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Note above that Paul instructed Timothy to study God’s Word – “You do it.”
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16
Are you looking for A WORD or THE WORD? If you aren’t looking for THE WRITTEN WORD, God is personally sending you a “strong delusion” so that you will be “deceived” by those who give “A WORD” and ultimately “damned” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” Acts 2:17
WHAT is a dream, by definition? It’s GOD giving someone a vision supernaturally. Yet, today in the apostate modern church world we have self-serving counterfeits using the word “dream” to conjure up and confess all kinds of self-worshiping dreams.
If your foolish self-serving “dream” doesn’t include at it’s center to be crucified with Christ by daily dying, taking up the cross to follow Jesus for real, you are full of the devil and need to repent for real and get saved! (read Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 12:23-25; 1 Corinthians 2:2 Galatians 2:20; 6:14, etc..)
Sharon Wylie Hagglov writes:
“Closed Bibles account for the famine in the land (Amos 8:11-13). The hunger for God can only be found in His Word ….not through revelations, visions, dreams.”
BEWARE of those who use the Bible for their own self-serving purposes as did Satan when tempting our LORD (Matthew 4:4). Hint: They sprinkle in Bible verses here or there, sometimes out of context, instead of simply preaching the written WORD as their whole message and only SCRIPT – GOD’s message. “You preach this Gospel JUST LIKE it’s written young man, you understand me!”
It’s real simple: Their message is the WORD and the written WORD only or they are false!
Do you remember that Satan used Scripture against Jesus in the temptation in the wilderness? (See Matthew 4.) Using Scripture alone is not an indication of a person of truth. We know this because Paul says MANY corrupt or twist and use Scripture to their own self-serving advantage (2 Corinthians 2:17).
“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
Here are some Bible verses where God deals directly with the heart of the wicked imaginations of the un-repentant hearts of many who claim to know Him:
“But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:” Jeremiah 9:14
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets (false leaders) that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth (written Word) of the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:16
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;” Jeremiah 23:25-26
The true disciple is not overly impressed with a word, dream, or vision because he’s soundly grounded in the “MORE sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19-21).
IF what you call your vision or dream is not 100% biblical, it’s from the devil! Beware of your own deceitful heart! (See Jeremiah 17:9.) Dare we place the holy name of the LORD on our own evil imaginations?
“How long shall this be in the heart of the (false) prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;” Jeremiah 23:26
“But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 11:21
“Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,” Ezekiel 13:17
“That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.” Ezekiel 14:5
A true New Testament apostle or prophet first and foremost draws men to God’s WRITTEN Word which is the “MORE sure word of prophecy” – Having even more divine authority than the literal audible voice of the Father speaking from Heaven. Peer into that in 2 Peter 1:12-21.
Dreams in Biblical Context
It’s biblical for God to give people dreams, as He has done throughout biblical history. Dreams are biblical and yet, are dreams and visions to be relied on? Is the New Testament disciple to live by dreams and visions?
No.
While we cannot factor out God using dreams, we must be keenly aware of the master counterfeiter, the chief deceiver of mankind.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8
We must know God’s Word and thereby not be “ignorant of his devices.”
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
SOME who say they had a word or a dream or vision, seek to use those things as a tool to control, to manipulate others. But all dreams, visions, and prophetic words are subjective and must be tested in the Spirit and by the written Word. Beware. from a true Disciple: “Just because you had a dream or a vision, so you claim, changes nothing. I am standing on the Rock of Christ, His Word.”
God still gives visions to His people. Yet it’s for HIS Gospel, divine purpose, to establish His people in His kingdom truth. There is a difference between most visions “from God” claimed today and what we see in God’s Word. Beware. Test everything by the Word.
“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Acts 16:9
“Help us” in this biblical context meant to “come and preach the Word to us.” Most who are claiming visions and dreams and words from God today are not simply preaching and teaching God’s Word because they are utterly false. And this is how we know they are false.
Jesus taught us that those who hear His written Word and obey Him in it, build their house on His rock which will stand forever (Matthew 7:21-29).
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-34
“For we walk by faith, not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7
It’s clear from Jesus’ interaction with Thomas that God aggrandizes faith.
“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29
Those who seek to live by signs and wonders are weak and foolish and not rooted in Christ by faith, which the LORD says is essential.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Does faith come from dreams or visions?
No.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
Jesus’ twelve never asked for visions or dreams. Yet they did ask Jesus to increase their faith and for Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus readily answered the prayer requests His disciples asked Him for.
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5
“Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1
Those who have a vital relationship with Jesus, live according to His Word. They are grounded in a rich, abiding relationship with the Savior and so are not moved about with every wind of false doctrine that blows through the apostate modern church world (Ephesians 4:14). The words of God in the Bible are their life-giving final authority.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
God may give dreams at times BUT they and EVERYTHING must be tested against Holy Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Dreams are not necessary but the Bible is.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
Every doctrine and supposed vision or dream must be compared to what the whole of Scripture teaches:
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11
There are whole movements today which have manufactured groundless flakes, such as the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) cult. Beware.
BE careful with those who over-emphasize visions, dreams, and supposed appearances of Jesus. Listen closely please:
“Wherefore henceforth (from now on) know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2 Corinthians 5:16
In the above verse, we read that we no longer know Jesus Christ after the flesh.
True disciples of Jesus are grounded in sound doctrine. Every rooted disciple of Christ is a student of the written Word of God which is the absolute final divine authority.
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17
In the above paramount Bible passage, we observe that God gave us His tangible written Word to teach us His wisdom, sound doctrine, instruction in His righteous ways, and make us thoroughly complete.
If you have a dream and that dream isn’t to see and obey Jesus then you’ve got the wrong dream and lack the Cross of Christ in your personal life to circumcise your heart.
“False Dreams”
ALL dreams are not from God. Yes He gives dreams – we see that from Genesis on. Yet, He says there are “false dreams” which are those which contradict revealed truth – in the written Word. Listen to God’s prophet:
“Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:32
APPARENTLY, people can conjure up their own dreams, based on their own evil imaginations. Listen, especially to the end of this following verse:
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.” Jeremiah 29:8
Dreams are used by wolves to deceive prey.
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; 27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.” Jeremiah 23:25-27
The written Word, we are told, is more divinely authoritative than the actual voice of the Father speaking audibly from Heaven. You will do well to pour prayerfully over 2 Peter 1:12-21.
Destiny
“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:18
There are lots of “fulfill your destiny” type themes in the modern church world to lure in the gullible… but it’s all self-centered and not Christ-centered. If it were according to the original Gospel, the destiny would be recognized as living a crucified life – consenting to death and burial of self, of the self-life, so Christ alone can reign! Just another cross-less heresy peddled by what Paul calls “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18-19).
SO, they’re not preaching the cross – the crucified life – and you STILL can’t see they’re false? WOW!
Jesus calls all who will follow Him to die – to lay down your life and your will for His (Luke 9:23-24; John 5:30). This is what we are predestined to!
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (the crucified Savior), that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
So many seek their own vision and destiny. There is NO cross in it. Jesus was fully submitted to His Father whereas most who use these buzz words today are not also preaching the essential cross, the crucified life.
These who chase destiny are missing the cross which is central to the Gospel, friend. Running around trying to fulfill our destiny is not of God. Laying down our lives – death and burial – assures us that GOD, not us, is leading and raising us up to do His will.
Jesus came to die and sent us to die, and if we don’t we are not following Him (Luke 9:23-24). Seeking our own destiny is the antitheses of dying to self so Jesus can reign in our lives – it’s completely self-serving and reveals we don’t truly know Him.
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FEEDBACK:
“Thank you for the article on ‘Dreams and Visions….’ So Good. Especially where you contrast ‘seeking after your destiny’ with ‘seeking to be crucified with Christ and raised with Him.’ Excellent.” Debbie Lord
Abiding
“The Unalterable Basis of an Open Heaven is a Grave” [podcast]
Concerning the raising up process of the Gospel of God, T. Austin-Sparks wrote:
“The unalterable basis of an open heaven is a grave, and a crisis at which you come to an end of your own self-life. It is the crisis of real experiential identification with Christ in His death.”
Though we entered into His death upon initial salvation, accepting and experiencing that death is still a daily choice, an individual decision to be made on an ongoing basis. One’s choice to continue to persevere, following Christ as He clearly prescribed, will determine his eternal destination (Luke 9:62; 19:13; 21:19; Romans 6:16; Galatians 6:7-9).
The insidious circumventing of the cross can come in many clandestine ways that are masked with pious outer garb. Today, while refusing to utter the full counsel of the One they claim tobe representing, smiling and charismatic men stand in sheep’s clothing, promising heavenly life to those who live in sin. They only prosper due to the volitional biblical illiteracy of the masses. Ignorance of the truth is a choice with eternal consequences (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:24-25
Of seeds, one source notes:
“Seeds do not technically ‘die’ when planted; rather, they germinate, transforming from a dormant state into an active, growing plant. While the outer shell breaks and the original form changes, the embryo inside remains alive.”
Just as nothing in hell could have held Jesus in that grave, NOTHING in hell can hold down the crucified saint! The divinely volcanic resurrection life of Christ bursting forth in the life of the crucified consenting disciple will be utterly unstoppable!
“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 (make alive, raise up) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11
The true disciple is always “delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:11). He has “crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). He is daily putting to death “the deeds of the body” and being “raised up” by the power of the same Holy Spirit “that raised up Christ from the dead” (Romans 8:11, 13). He rejoices in “Christ Jesus” and has “no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).
“I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31)
“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. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake … that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you” 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12.
The disciple who is dead and buried with Christ is “dead to sin” (Romans 6:2). There are tell-tale symptoms in one whose self life has not been terminated, put to death. When we justify the sinful things we do, and call those who point them out “legalistic,” it is symptomatic of a life that is not crucified with Christ. The Bible says, “Lie not against the truth” (James. 3:14). If we argue against the truth when we are shown it, we are manifesting rebellion. The “corn of wheat” must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The one whose life is laid down does not make excuses when he realizes that he harbors sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more sanctified and dwelling in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.
Prayer: LORD Jesus, I am crucified with You. I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God. Here and now I lay my life in Your holy hands, this moment. Please use me now and here forward in the Father’s business of the Great Commission as we eagerly look for Your soon return. I love You LORD Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Articles
2 Marines on Mission in Mexico Depending on God’s Grace: Mission Mexico Part 33
UPDATE: Recently, you guys jumped in and ordered Bibles for sister Teri in FL. What a blessing! As a result of your giving, 30 or more King James Bibles are on their way to Florida to bless the people in this kingdom outreach among English, Spanish, and bi-lingual people. We are blessed to minister the Word each weekend via technology. God is good. And you are supplying the saints to the glory of our King, Jesus.
WELL, last evening, again we ran out of tracts …. many being reached daily with our LORD’s bless-ed and glorious Gospel.
Manuel, father of 4 children, had lots of questions he was just waiting for the occasion to ask. God is working in this man’s life. He received ample portions of biblical truth. Oh and he accepted our invitation to pray for him before he left, and we did.
Your prayers are vital (Philippians 1:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:1).
Thank you for lifting Mission Mexico in prayer today – and most of all the beautiful people of Mexico who are super receptive of our LORD’s Gospel.
Now that there are two of us on the ground here, Mark and I, more JESUS tracts are and will be distributed—more souls reached for Christ our King. If anyone wishes to jump in and pay for the next batch of JESUS tracts in Spanish, feel free. Appr. $250. – Give Here. Takes Seconds. | Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
Jesus sends His disciples out two by two and so is the case with Mission Mexico (Luke 10:1). The market (mercado) was a field day this week, a target rich environment where many gladly received the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And as usual, many stop everything they are doing to instantly open and read the JESUS tract. It’s stunning.
Though we “have no confidence in the flesh”, brother Mark is also a Marine veteran and on mission for King Jesus, something brother Mark has prayed to do for many years. So, by God’s grace and for His glory alone the work is at least somewhat approached with the “storm the beach” or “first in battle” mentality (ha). We glory in Christ alone! (Galatians 6:14) Tempered with the grace of Christ and fruit of His Holy Ghost—fully dependent upon Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).
Our brother Mark is a “good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Please undertake to lift brother Mark in your daily prayer.
Mark was a 0311 grunt, a Marine scout and it shows in his strategic mapping and territorial tactics as he invades for Christ. Interestingly, a few years ago, the LORD impressed upon brother Mark’s heart that he would be ministering to the cartel. Stay tuned!
The following passages comes to mind:
“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:1-5
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9) and are now supporting a pastor in the Philippines who has been associated with the ministry for decades and is a faithful servant of the LORD. His name is Allan Abayon and I invite you to lift him in prayer. For now we are able to send him $100 month and welcome more support so this can be increased. God is able.
Chaplain Jay in south Texas (on the border) is in need of another shipment of the Authentic book in Spanish.
If I may add…. the prayerful goal is to have an additional $1,200 coming into the ministry monthly. For now I am personally supporting a portion of the ministry expenses and glad to do so. Yet it would be selfish to hog up more of the kingdom opportunity than is fair…..much more ministry opportunity is in need of attention. God is able and “God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The ministry website feeds many worldwide daily, as well as the podcast which has now reached over 3.5 million downloads to date. Follow the SafeGuardYourSoul here. Feel free to share with others.
Pharmacists Desire and Receive God’s Word
WHILE waiting for Mark last night, I was passing out JESUS tracts and speaking God’s Word to several people at a prominent 3-way intersection. On that corner there is an established pharmacy. After joyfully ministering to a lost soul, I turned around toward that pharmacy only to be staring straight into the face of a smiling older gentleman who was holding out his hands, desiring to hear the Gospel and obtain a JESUS tract. He had seen others receiving and so asked to know about Jesus. His son was standing there next to him, smiling also. They asked to receive the Gospel and they did. While the son opened and was reading the JESUS tract, the older gentleman, the father, was instructed in Spanish to go home and repent and receive JESUS and when he did he would receive new life in Christ!
The elder gentleman, the father, later told me he’s started and was operating that pharmacy for decades and was going to retire and his son would take over….. yet God had a plan to save him before it’s too late! Oh what love! John 3:16-17
God is good saints!
Jesus is coming.
Let’s roll!
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
UPDATE: I went back by this pharmacy to see this man and his son and was gladly received with a big hug and they took a stack of JESUS tracts to distribute at their pharmacy.
Benjamin: Here’s a dear Christian man whom Mark and I fellowshipped with today. We had an idea he was a Christian when we saw the front and back of his shirt. Next week we are scheduled to get him a stack of JESUS tracts to distribute at his restaurant! Gospel Momentum.
This man Miguel was happy to know that God’s people in the USA would be pausing to lift him in prayer. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Mission Mexico – See more here.
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
Articles
Ephesians Narrated [podcast]
Ephesians 1
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Ephesians 2
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Ephesians 3
“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 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 4
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart 19 who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 5
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Ephesians 6
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
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