Abiding

Election and Predestination: Calvinism Exploded

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Lazy, self-serving calvinists want nothing to do with conditions, personal responsibility. This 3rd column they run from.

Calvinism’s Terrible TULIP:

Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints

“…they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

Those who will be eternally with Christ are “faithful” to Him who called and chose them. God clearly requires that like the 5 wise virgins, those He initially saves remain engaged in an abiding relationship with Him, the Great Bridegroom, which is a choice (Matthew 24:13; 25:1-13; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3, etc.).

Man’s part and the divine requirement, is to be “faithful.” It’s an essential. God calls, chooses, and man must have faith and be faithful to the LORD. Jesus says:

“be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

God’s elect are simply those who elect to serve Him on HIS stated terms. Calvinism is demonic.

Calvinists falsely seek to remove man and his participation from salvation, claiming that if man has any involved men in salvation, then that’s a denial of the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice. Nonsense. They teach that “the elect” are those whom God chose from the foundation of the world, with no involvement required of the recipient of His salvation. They teach the the “elect” person participates by obeying or even believing he has to obey Jesus, that such a person is denying the efficacy of Christ. In fact, they teach that even against the person’s will, God chose them as His elect and so they are forced to be His and go to Heaven. Total heresy.

Is YOUR Work Finished just Because Jesus’ Work is Finished?

MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM A CALVINIST:

“Do you guys ever wonder about the judgment reserved for those who could be judging God’s chosen?”

REPLY:

Who are “the chosen”? In the mind of delusional calvinists, THEY alone are the chosen, the elect but the Bible tells us that Jesus died for “the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD” and is not willing that ANY should perish, not one (2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2). But Jesus says individual men, ALL of whom HE calls to Himself, have to choose, to elect Him on His terms to be with Him eternally (Josh 24:15; Rev 17:14, etc.).

The bigger question is: Do you ever if God really meant it when He told us He’s going to judge the defenders of His enemies with His enemies? Those who bid Godspeed to the wolves the LORD so often warned us about, will be judged with them, in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 John 10-11).

One believer writes: “God’s elect are the ones who choose His ways and follow His Son Jesus who came to save those who would give up the world for the Kingdom He came from.”

That is the exact truth about “the elect” – those who elect to love, worship, and obey Jesus.

To remain in the protection of our great God, we must remain soundly rooted and grounded in His Word, pure doctrine – which would necessitate the rejection of false, poisonous systems of theology such as calvinism (Ps 119; Prov 30:5-6; Acts 20:20-32; 2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17, etc.).

———————-

Donald Stamps
Life in the Spirit Study Bible pgs 1846-47

(This is good. This is a good, brief read that is very balanced and establishes God’s initiating, merciful position and what He requires of man. This clears out the demonic, poisonous twists perpetrated by calvinists).

Eph. 1:4-5 “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; Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

ELECTION, God’s choice of those who believe in Christ is an important doctrine to the apostle Paul (see Rom. 8:29-33; 9:6-26; 11:5,7,28; Col. 3:12; 1 Thes. 1:4; 2 Thes. 2:11; Tit. 1:1). Election (Gk. eklego) refers to God’s choice in Christ of a people for Himself in order that they should be holy and blameless before Him (cf. 2 Thes. 2:13). Paul sees this election as expressing the love of God as He receives as His own all who receive His Son, Jesus (John 1:12). The doctrine of election involves the following truths:

Election is Christocentric, i.e., election of humans occurs only in union with Jesus Christ. “He hath chosen us in him” (Eph. 1:4; see v. 1, note), Jesus Himself is first of all the elect of God. Concerning Jesus, God states, “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen” (Mat. 12:18; cf. Is. 42:1,6; 1 Pet. 2:4). Christ, as the elect, is the foundation of our election. Only in union with Christ do we become members of the elect (Eph. 1:4,6-7, 9-10,12-13). No one is elect apart from union with Christ through faith.
Election is “in (him) . . . through his blood” (Eph.1:7). God purposed before creation (Eph. 1:4) to have a people through Christ’s redemptive death on the cross. Thus election is grounded on Christ’s sacrificial death on Calvary to save us from our sins (Acts 20:28; Rom. 3:24-26).
Election in Christ is primarily corporate, i.e., an election of a people (Eph. 1:4-5,7,9). The elected are called “the body of Christ” (4:12), “my church” (Mat. 16:15). God’s special people (1Pet. 2:9), and the “bride” of Christ (Rev. 21:9). Hence, election is corporate and embraces individual persons only as they identify and associate themselves with the body of Christ, the true church (Eph. 1:22-23; see Robert Shank, Elect in the Son [Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers], pp. 45-55). This was true already of Israel in the O.T. (see Deut. 29:18-21, note; 2 Ki. 21:14, note; see article on GOD’S COVENANT WITH THE ISRAELITES, p. 314).
The election to salvation and holiness of the body of Christ is always certain. But the certainty of election for individuals in the body remains conditional on their personal living faith in Jesus Christ and perseverance in union with Him. The apostle Paul demonstrates this as follows. (a) God’s eternal purpose for the church is that we should be holy and without blame before him” (Eph. 1:4). This refers both to forgiveness of sin (1:7) and to the church’s sanctification and holiness. God’s elect people are being led by the Holy Spirit toward sanctification and holiness (see Rom 8:14; Gal. 5:16-25). The apostle repeatedly emphasizes this paramount purpose of God (see Eph. 2:10; 3:14-19; 4:1-3,13-24; 5:1-18). (b) Fulfillment of this purpose for the corporate church is certain Christ will “present it to himself a glorious church . . . holy and without blemish” (5:27). (c) Fulfillment of this purpose for individuals in the church is conditional. Christ will present us “holy and without blame before him” (1:4) only if we continue in the faith. Paul states this clearly: Christ will “present you holy and unblameable . . . in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:22-23).
Election to salvation in Christ is offered to all (John 3:16-17; 1 Tim. 2:4-6; Tit. 2:11; Heb 2:9) and becomes actual for particular persons contingent on their repentance and faith as they accept God’s gift of salvation in Christ (Eph. 2:8; 3:17; cf. Acts 2:21 ??; Rom 1:16; 4:16). At the point of faith, the believer is incorporated into the elect body of Christ (the church) by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13), thereby becoming one of the elect. Thus, both God and humans have a decision in election (see Rom 8:29 and 2 Pet. 1:1-11).

PREDESTINATION. Predestination (Gk. pro-or-id’-zo) means “to decide beforehand” and applies to God’s purposes and objectives comprehended in election. Election is God’s choice “in Christ” of a people (the true church) for Himself. Predestination comprehends what will happen to God’s people (all genuine believers in Christ).

God predestinates His elect to be: (a) called (Rom. 8:30); (b) justified (Rom. 1:24; 8:30); (c) glorified (Rom. 8:30); (d) conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29); (e) holy and without blame (Eph. 1:4); (f) adopted as children (1:5); (g) redeemed (1:7; (h) recipients of an inheritance (1:14); (i) for the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:12; 1 Pet. 2:9); (j) recipients of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13; Gal. 3:14); and (k) created for good works (Eph. 2:10).
Predestination, like election, refers to the corporate body of Christ (i.e., the true spiritual church), and comprehends individuals only in association with that body through a present living faith In Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5,7,13; cf. Acts 2:38-41; 16:31).

SUMMARY. Concerning election and predestination, we might use the analogy of a great ship on its way to heaven. The ship (the church) is chosen by God to be His very own vessel. Christ is the Captain and Pilot of this ship. All who desire to be a part of this elect ship and its Captain can do so through a living faith in Christ. By which they come on board the ship. As long as one is on the ship, in company with its Captain, he is among the elect. If he chooses to abandon the ship and Captain, he ceases to be one of the elect. Election is always only in union with the Captain and His ship. Predestination tells us about the ship’s destination and what God has prepared for those remaining on it. God invites everyone to come aboard the elect ship through faith in Jesus Christ.” Donald Stamps Life in the Spirit Study Bible pgs 1846-47

Sealed? What Does that Really Mean?

Eternal Security Busted and Exposed

Calvinism Debunked

Calvinism is an extra-biblical system of theology which blatantly contradicts clear, known Scripture. 1 John 2:2 alone exposes calvinism as a doctrinal system of devils.

Calvinism Exposed

Calvinists are snakes. They hide this evil, demonic system of beliefs just like Satan attempted to hide his identity when he entered the pristine, sinless Garden, infiltrating, to deceive the man and woman. His first lie was the OSAS/ES/perseverance of the saints lie which led to the fall of mankind and is still leading to the damnation of millions (Gen 2:17; 3:4).

WHEN you hear someone use the terminology “sovereign grace” you know you are dealing with a deceived calvinist who has bought into a false gospel that intentionally over-emphasizes grace while ignoring divine holiness and justice and the God-given conditions for abiding in Christ. Cross-less. Rebuke and run if they don’t repent – which they most likely won’t because they are intoxicated with this delusion. Calvinism is a system, a set of doctrines of devils that grossly misrepresents Christ and His original Gospel! Calvinism and the Devils who Peddle it Busted!

If Free Will is True (and it is), Calvinism is Patently False (and it is)

As we read further, as we read and equally consider all of Scripture and continue to have the Holy Spirit mesh or properly set the tapestry of the divine will…. The more fuller picture emerges. One thing we begin to realize is that what the calvinist does is refuse to consider the biblical term “foreknowledge” …. God foreknew yet never did nor ever will tamper with the free will He sovereignly gave each man to choose ye this day whom ye will serve (Josh 24:15)…. Calvinism grossly perverts the character of God and the original Gospel by it’s intentional overemphasizing of certain things and purposeful ignoring other things.

Calvinism is demonic as well as those who espouse this evil system of hatred and futility (1 Timothy 4:1). None of those Romans verses they misuse mean or say that God tampered with the free will HE gave men… as if He foreordained that some go to hell as well as forcing His “elect” into His kingdom against their own free will. Calvinists read into the text. They are indoctrinated from small children with this diabolical system.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

“But if the word of God foretells that some angels and men shall be certainly punished, it did so because it foreknew that they would be unchangeably [wicked], but not because God had created them so.” Justin Martyr- c. 100/114AD – c. 162/168 AD.

The LORD makes a crystal clear distinction between Himself, the one true God, and the idolatrous worship of all false gods, which are of Satan (1 Corinthians 10:19-21).

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Calvinists for example, insist upon blaming the LORD in their false theology instead of simply realizing that God gave man a choice – “CHOOSE you this day whom ye will serve” – He sets before His people “life and death, blessing and cursing” and desires that we “choose life, (so) that both thou and thy seed may live:” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” Deuteronomy 30:19

Can’t blame God for the wrong choice man made in the Garden that caused the fall of mankind, nor for the bad choices that mere men have made since then. Here’s how the LORD says things go down:

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 BUT every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

Here the LORD blames men for their sin, not Himself. Any person who is espousing a theology that blames God instead of sinful men, is under the power of “the spirit of antichrist.” (1 John 4:1-3)

Calvinism is a doctrine of devils, “another gospel” and those who peddle it are “accursed” and it doesn’t matter how Christian are sincere or well meaning they may appear (Galatians 1:6-9).

Satan will give people a million pounds of truth to kill them with that one ounce of poison. But calvinism has ample amounts of poison and no one who holds Scripture as final authority could possibly buy into it. “A little leaven leaveneth (ruins) the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9) Here is a library of posts exposing the roots and false doctrines of calvinism. Calvinism

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What Early Church Fathers said about Eternal Security

Calvinism’s Origins and Historical Roots

Calvinism Refuted with One Bible Verse

Calvinism's Origins and Historical Roots [podcast]

Calvinism’s Origins and Historical Roots How did Calvinism Come about? Where did John Calvin derive his teachings, doctrines which many hold to today? False Doctrines of the “Pope” of Geneva Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. HERE’S WHERE THE TULIP, THE 5 SOLAS, THE 5 POINTS OF CALVINISM CAME FROM. IT’S A CURSED ROOT AND THAT’S WHY CALVINISM CAN BRING FORTH NOTHING EXCEPT CURSED FRUIT (Matthew 12:33). Calvinism was cursed from the beginning, at the root. Calvinism is “another gospel,” a false gospel, and a totally heretical system of theology spawned from an […]

The Idiocy of Calvinism

The Five Filthy Falsehoods of Calvinism The Shocking Connection between Calvinism and Catholicism Calvinism’s Terrible TULIP: Total Depravity Unconditional Election Limited Atonement Irresistible Grace Perseverance of the Saints Calvinism and dispensationalism are example of cult systems that displace the final divine authority of Holy Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Not even 1 point of calvinism is true. All 5 points of calvinism are patently false. Below is more on the corruption of Calvinism and those “ungodly men” who teach and promote these false doctrines (Jude 3-4). Calvinism is NOT Christianity …. it’s a diabolical perversion of the message of Christ and His holy […]

Abiding

The Blessing of Being Born of God, Born Again [podcast]

QUESTION:

“What does it mean to be ‘born again’?”

REPLY:

Great question. I am praying for you now. Born again is the same as regeneration we see in Titus 3:5-7. When the sinner (ALL of us) comes to God humbly, in repentance, turning his life to the LORD, and putting all of his faith now in Jesus Christ alone, God does a miracle in the person’s life—a change on the inside that is unmistakable and transforms that persons nature and life forever. From that moment onward, Christ reigns in that person’s life, filling him with love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). The LORD works from the inside out. First He saves, washes our sins away, and then dwells in that newly saved, born again temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

To be born again you have to go to God directly…. admitting you have sinned against Him, and receive Jesus into your life. It has to be personal. Religions are designed to keep you from God while claiming to be the way to God. Beware.

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (2nd birth).” John 3:7

“The birth for which Christ contends is from above—by the agency of the Holy Spirit. Every man must have two births, one from heaven, the other from earth—one of his body, the other of his soul: without the first he cannot see nor enjoy this world, without the last he can not see nor enjoy the kingdom of God. As there is an absolute necessity that a child should be born into the world, that he may see its light, contemplate its glories, and enjoy its good, so there is an absolute necessity that the soul should be brought out of its state of darkness and sin, through the light and power of the grace of Christ, that it may be able to see, or to discern, the glories and excellencies of the kingdom of Christ here, and be prepared for the enjoyment of the kingdom of glory hereafter. The Jews had some general notion of the new birth; but, like many among Christians, they put the acts of proselytism, baptism, etc., in the place of the Holy Spirit and his influence: they acknowledged that a man must be born again; but they made that new birth to consist in profession, confession, and external washing.

The new birth which is here spoken of comprehends, not only what is termed justification or pardon, but also sanctification or holiness. Sin must be pardoned, and the impurity of the heart washed away before any soul can possibly enter into the kingdom of God. As this new birth implies the renewing of the whole soul in righteousness and true holiness, it is not a matter that may be dispensed with: heaven is a place of holiness, and nothing but what is like itself can ever enter into it.” Adam Clarke

“I can remember after getting saved my friends and my family immediately saying What happened to her?’ There was an immediate and complete change in me. God cleaned me from the inside out. I was made brand new and people noticed. My family asked ‘What has happened to her?’ Does anyone know? Yes! Jesus happened to me! Alleluia!” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER TO GOD TO BE SAVED, TO BE FORGIVEN

Are You Ready to be Saved? Okay here’s a prayer to be God’s child. You have to admit the obvious, that you have sinned against God and turn to Him fully, turn your life over to Him who made you, and confess Jesus Christ as the new LORD and Savior of your life. Pray this …

Your Prayer to God … You must honestly admit your sins and receive Christ… Apply His holy blood to your life so that you may be saved, forgiven, and live eternally with Him. You must completely turn your life over to Him in repentance and faith. Now, pray the following prayer to God with all that is within you, from your heart and out loud:….

Dear heavenly Father, right now, if never before, I come to You as a broken and sinful person. Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to die in my place for my sins. Thank You Jesus for coming to this earth to die and rise again to rescue me from sin and eternal hell and to save me for Your eternal glory. Right this moment, if never before, I receive You LORD Jesus. Come in and take over my whole life. I am all Yours and You are all mine. I love You Jesus and I will follow You from this moment forward till I am with You in Heaven forever! Please use me to help others know You dear LORD. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

How do we know someone is “born of God”?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; … Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 20

First off, if you are born again you are changed from the inside out … you desire to do God’s will now…. and are learning the need for the cross, the daily crucified life (Luke 9:23-25).

Let us remember that the biblical words “born again” (John 3:3, 7), “born of God” (1 John 4:7), “regeneration,” and being a “new creature” in Christ go hand in hand or we can say, are synonymous.

“Born of God” appears 6 times in God’s Word and are all found in the book of 1 John:

1 John 3:9
Whosoever is BORN OF GOD doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is BORN OF GOD.

Those who are “born of God” do not live in sin. They repent or return (turn back) to the LORD, confessing all sin. If not they will “fall away” and be outside of Christ (Luke 8:13). See Can a Born Again Man be Un-Born Again? [podcast]

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is BORN OF GOD, and knoweth God.

Those who are “born of God” walk in His love toward others.

1 John 5:1
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is BORN OF GOD: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Those who repent and believe upon Christ are “born of God” and they love all other of Christ’s saints.

1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is BORN OF GOD overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Those who are “born of God” overcome this fallen world. By present and perpetual faith, they “overcometh the world.”

1 John 5:18
We know that whosoever is BORN OF GOD sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Those “born of God” do not live in sin. Rather, they “keepeth” themselves from sin and therefore Satan. This is accomplished by what we read in 1 John 1 and 2—which spells out the walk of the true disciple of Jesus.

MAY GOD bless each disciple of Jesus today to abide in Christ by walking crucified and raised up by Him today (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). May “the fruit of the Spirit”—the “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance” be abundantly produced in the life of every saint of Jesus! May it be 100 fold LORD! Read John 15. If you have been drawn in by Christ (John 6:44; 12:32), have repented (Luke 13:3), have received Christ (John 1:12), and are born again (John 3:3), you are bought by the precious blood of the LORD Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:17-18).

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You found and saved me into Your eternal kingdom by way of the precious blood of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. I stop this life here and now, and I give You praise. I love You LORD Jesus. I am no longer my own but Yours. I am crucified with Christ. Please work in me both to will and to do of Your good pleasure. I am all Yours LORD and I know You are all mine! Please fill this vessel with Your Holy Ghost afresh, and please use me. In Jesus’ name, amen Master Jesus!

Your Life Will Never be the Same [podcast]

The “More Blessed” Life “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 The “more blessed” life is the cross life our LORD calls us to. “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 These are the words of the Messiah – who gave His life to purchase His church. And dare we say […]

Born Again: What Does That Mean?

Understanding and Communicating the Born Again Experience No man merits, works, or earns his way into the salvation, the family of God, the body of Christ. The only entrance is to be born into Christ’s kingdom, to be “born again,” to be “born of God,” a work done by God Himself as the sinner is drawn in by Him and bows in repentance and faith (John 3:3, 7; Acts 20:21; Titus 3:5-6; 1 John 5:4, etc.). ATTN: Religion and being good enough are a farce. If you are not born again, you are not in God’s family. But you can […]

Born Again Podcast

Send us a text Order the BORN AGAIN book here or on amazon: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/store/ Support | STORE | Podcasts | H.O.T. Bible Study [podcast] | Divine Blessings | Exhort One Another Daily | The Return of Christ | The Joy of Fulfilling the Great Commission | The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold | Lie of the Ages (book) | Soul Damning Sins (small book) | Why We Need not Fear Death | Revelation Bombshell! HOMEPAGE: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/ MAKE PEACE WITH GOD NOW: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/peace-with-god/ SUPPORT: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/support/ STORE: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/store/ ABOUT: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/about/ email Todd: info@safeguardyoursoul.com Background Music by: Thad Fiscella https://www.thadfiscella.com/ […]

Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]

“Repent and be baptized.” Acts 2:38 Water Baptism (PDF) (Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.) Water baptism is important. Every believer should understand and be water baptized. Yet water baptism […]

"Buried with Him by Baptism into Death" [podcast]

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3 Every person “hid with Christ in God” is saved and under divine grace, saved by Christ. Everyone not “hid with Christ in God” is going away in judgment (Colossians 3:3; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:19-21, 24). When we are “hid with Christ in God,” we are safe, secure, and under the blessings of His divine grace instead of His condemnation. “Of the doctrine of baptisms” Hebrews 6:2 Baptized into Jesus Christ and Baptized into His Death “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were […]

Abiding

“David Encouraged Himself in the LORD his God” [podcast]

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, … but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Gathering from several commentaries on this passage, one source notes the following:

“Faced with the devastating loss of Ziklag and a mutinous army threatening to stone him, David found supernatural resilience. Rather than yielding to panic or despair, he actively turned his focus away from the overwhelming crisis and strengthened his faith directly in God.

Key Context and Lessons

- The Crisis: Amalekite raiders had burned the city and captured all the women and children, including David’s own wives.
- The Breaking Point: His loyal men were now grieving and broken, turning their deep anguish into violent anger against their leader.
- The Shift: David did not look to his men, his own strength, or his circumstances for hope. He preached truth to his own soul, drawing on his past history with God’s faithfulness and inquiring of the Lord for his next steps.

Practical Takeaways

- Self-Talk: When no one else is around to lift you up, you must learn to speak God’s promises to your own heart.
- Refocusing: Encouraging yourself in the Lord means anchoring your identity and security in His unchanging character rather than shifting public opinion.
- Actionable Faith: David’s inward strengthening immediately led to outward action—he sought God’s direction and pursued the enemy, resulting in complete victory and restoration.”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“In the world ye shall have tribulation”

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

During seasons of great stress, this man after God’s own heart sought the LORD. This time only served as a blessing, hastening David to the feet of Christ. Beloved David gave us the most amazing Scriptures concerning seeking God.

“My soul followeth hard after thee.” Psalms 63:8

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalms 42:1-2

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8

Prayer: Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please grant me, Your mere servant, to be possessed with a heart after You dear LORD. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Having a Pure Heart Requires the Cross Life [podcast]

“Great Podcast. Thank you. When I think about Matthew 5:8 I think of Psalm 24:3-4, ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.’ Who is worthy to stand in God’s holy presence? Only those who are living holy and righteous lives! Those disciples who are free from pride and sin and are maintaining inner purity. With no idolatry, hypocrisy and deceit in their hearts! They are hungry and thirst […]

The Importance of Pureness of Heart [podcast]

“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11 With pureness of heart, our words shall issue forth with grace and seasoning and be more readily received by those who hear. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6 David’s Prayer “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they […]

Purifying Ourselves even as He is Pure [podcast]

Ready or Not – Jesus is Coming “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3 Here’s how you know if you are ready to meet Jesus—whether by dying or His soon return. The context of the Bible verse above is the return of Jesus and being ready for it (1 John 2:24-3:3). Those who live for Christ long to see Him and look expectantly for His soon return. This world is not their home. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all […]

Abiding

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 kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:10-14

Did you notice in verse 14 that those who hot for Jesus are participating in the preaching of His Word to the end of the earth (Mark 16:15).

Anyone not devouring God’s Word daily is falling away, is not enduring to the end, is choosing the let their love for Jesus wax cold, and on the wrong, the losing end of this prophecy Jesus gave here on record in Matthew 24:10-14.

“I will spue (vomit, reject) thee out of my mouth”

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:16-17

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).

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

“Thou hast left thy first love”

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

1. When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in prayer each and every morning… When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in His Word each and every morning (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Chronicles 16:11).

2. When your love for God’s people is being reduced instead of increased (Philippians 2:12-13; 1 John 5:1) Marks of the True Christian …. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (Romans 12:9-11) See John 13:35.

“And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Luke 8:20-21

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 today will refresh your heart and mind on the divine importance placed upon LOVE.

3. You are not denying self and not taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23-24; 19:27; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.).

4. You aren’t communicating the light of truth to others because you no longer seek or fear the LORD and so His divine virtue isn’t teeming in and flowing out of you. Your cup no longer runs over but instead is running empty (Psalms 23). You have a lampshade over the light and are not letting His light shine in and through your life and words… “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)

5. You live in fear instead of faith and the joy of being with Jesus (Luke 21:28; 1 John 4:16-18; Proverbs 28:1; Psalms 2:11).

6. You preach promises and not conditions…following the apostate modern church and you don’t preach the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel which we are commanded to “earnest contend for.” (Jude 3) You begin meditating on and living by trends instead of truth (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:1-2).

7. You have little or no true fellowship with other born- again Bible believing disciples of Jesus as is defined in God’s Word and not by the modern church world (Acts 2:42).

The Word of God is to run rich, to be abundant among God’s people … “In all wisdom” and “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” … “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

8. You know you are backsliding when your main thrust and identity become politics, not the work of the Gospel. YOU are a blood bought disciple of Jesus, not a conservative. You are a Bible believing follower of Christ (Luke 9:62; Galatians 6:14).

9. When you love this world…..When you spend more time and money on hobbies and the things of this fleeting world than you do on attending to knowing, walking with the LORD and preparing to be used of Him (Mark 4:17-19; 1 John 2:15; James 4:4).

10. When you spend more money on trash and trinkets then helping the work of the One you claim to love and the poor. You know you are backslidden when you are not obeying God with what He’s placing in your temporal possession. He shall bring you into full account for this.

Regrettably, people will give their money to any and every pleasure under the sun but make excuses when the opportunity to support the work of the One they claim to love and serve. The Holy Spirit foretold that in the final days before the return of Jesus, there would be those with a mere “form of godliness”, “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,” and “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) According to the LORD, one of the main ways to measure our true love for Him or lack thereof, is by peering into our personal stewardship of the resources He’s placed into our temporary possession. Luke 12 and 16 offer a plethora of divine wisdom and warning concerning the judgment to come, the judgment we shall endure in giving account for our stewardship in this life.

The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24

To underscore the importance of stewardship, we should realize that 16 of our LORD’s 38 parables involved stewardship. Those who now do not wish to face and confront this truth, are apparently those who are in the most need of hearing it.

PRAYER: Father I come to You now in the name of Jesus Christ. Please cause my conscience to be super sensitive to Your conviction, Your leading, and to evade all that defiles me in Your holy eyes, sin. Here and now I submit my life afresh to You dear LORD. You must increase but I must decrease. I am crucified with Christ and thank You for conforming me to His holy image. I am all Yours LORD and thank You that You are all mine. I love You Jesus. Please make me one with You and the Father and with Your beloved body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fresh Start with God

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Dollar Dialogue [podcast]

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The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold [podcast]

If someone’s love toward God’s people has waxed cold, it’s only because their love for the LORD first waxed cold (Matthew 24:10-14). Today is the best day to repent and return to the LORD. “And then shall many be offended, and shall 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 kingdom shall be preached in all […]