Abiding

Escaping Sodom

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]

“Remember Lot’s wife.” Luke 17:32

When God instructs us to “remember” something, He is underscoring a truth. He is warning us of danger and how to escape it.

What did Jesus want us to “remember” about “Lot’s wife”?

What was the sin of Lot’s wife?

Why was she judged?

What is it about “Lot’s wife” that the LORD wants us to beware of?

Why would Jesus warn us of an event that was thousands of years old, an account of the rebellion, the disobedience of a woman who while being delivered, looked back?

WHAT’S at stake?

Make no mistake: This is a real life story about sin and judgment.

God’s angelic messengers had warned Lot and his family not to look back on the city.
We are not told why, though it is often thought that looking back signifies a longing
for the city which God will destroy. Verse 26 of Genesis 19 simply states that Lot’s wife looked back and God turned her into a pillar of salt.

What does the pillar of salt judgment mean for us? What did the LORD want to eternally memorialize for the whole world by His crystallizing or preserving forever the example of Lot’s wife?

Get on fire. Stay on fire with Christ! NEVER look back! The only way to get on and stay on fire is to feed the fire – with perpetual praise, prayer, and the word – just like a log fire where a constant supply of logs, wood, is necessary to keep the flames roaring!

As in all things, Scripture must be interpreted WITH Scripture and that’s when the divine revelation surfaces in our hearts (Isaiah 28:10, 13; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.). Our LORD taught the necessity of His people enduring to the end to be saved into eternal glory. His apostles taught the same and here’s a taste:

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 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 10:26-39

In the previous chapter (Genesis 18), Abraham, the very “friend of God,” negotiated with God to spare the city of Sodom if there were but 10 righteous souls (Genesis 18:23–32; James 2:23). There weren’t even 10, but apparently only 4 – Lot, his wife, and his 2 daughters.

Among the people of the city of Sodom, only Lot had ears to hear and was warned ahead of time that “sudden destruction” was coming to Sodom. Does that not remind us of other Scriptures, namely in light of the return of Christ?

“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3

God promises no man another moment of life on this earth. Readiness to meet Christ is of the utmost importance!

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40

Why Did Our LORD want us to “Remember Lot’s Wife”?

Sodom represents this fallen world.

While living in Sodom, Lot had been hospitable to two angels of the LORD. As dawn broke, the angels urged Lot to flee with his wife and two daughters.

“Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” Genesis 19:17

Lot’s unnamed wife, however, “looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:1–26).

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26

Don’t Look Back!

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Remember that God was saving, delivering Lot, his wife, and his two daughters out of Sodom when Lot’s wife looked back.

The LORD is going to judge all of mankind.

Sodom was sinful. Lot and his family were the only ones in Sodom who were righteous and God was delivering them from it. This is a picture, a type of how the LORD saves His people in this sinful world and fully intends to bring them out of this world at His appointed time. This will occur in each of our lives, either by death or Christ’s return.

God created salt as a preserving agent. As an eternal warning of His judgment coming on all who look back, those who do not endure to the end with Christ, God preserved Lot’s wife by making her a “pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:24-29)

When Jesus instructed us to “Remember Lot’s wife,” Heaven’s King was reminding us of this very same eternal condemnation coming on all whom He saves who then look back to the life of sin He delivered them from.

“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whosoever (regardless of whether or not you’ve been saved in the past) shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” Luke 17:26-33

Sodomy/homosexuality is usually the only sin attributed to the sins of Sodom and yet the Bible lists several sins that came before the ultimate turning over to homosexuality and further judgment (hell). See also Romans 1 and Ezekiel 16:49-51.

What is the lesson, the all-important truth that Jesus intends for instill in our hearts in this important teaching He gave us?

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22

God is still “Holy, holy, holy” and has never redefined what He calls sin (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). In fact, “the wages of sin” is still death (Romans 6:23)

“And every man that hath this hope (of Christ’s return) in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

This is the consistent teaching of Holy Scripture ….. conditional salvation and not un-conditional.

“In your patience (perseverance) 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

“And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain (represents Heaven), lest thou be consumed (hell).” Genesis 19:17

“Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.” Genesis 19:22

God always provides the way to “escape” to those who are choosing to “abide” in Him.

“Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.” Amos 6:1

Are you lukewarm and “at ease in Zion” or are you taking heed?

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Iniquity had consumed the city of Sodom and God was going to judge here for it. We live in a fallen world where rebels are abounding more and more (2 Timothy 3:13). Jesus is warning us of this exact scenario and instructing us on how to escape it and be with Him forever.

“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 24:13

Can’t fall back into sin “again” and be separated from the LORD?

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-21

“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6

The Great Escape into New Jerusalem

WHEN you wish to be encouraged, and for your eternal perspective to be refreshed, try reading the last 2 chapters of God’s Word – Revelation 21-22!

Notice the scene in Revelation and how God is going to dwell with His people in New Jerusalem and separate all sinners from the holy city:

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things (this is a condition); and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful (cowardly), and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:4-8

Any person who believes they will be with Him who is “Holy, holy, holy” in eternity if they die in sin, is wholly deluded (Isaiah 6:3; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.).

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God (if failing the grace of God weren’t possible, why such a warning?); lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright (how did he sell his birthright if he didn’t possess it to begin with?).17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Hebrews 12:14-17

What people is Jesus going to return for and bring with Him into the holy city of God?

“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.” Ephesians 5:25-27

The Heavenly Afterburner is Coming

From Heaven, with Abraham and all the righteous, all the saints of Christ who escaped will look and see the divine destruction, the utter devastation of the rebellion of mankind……

“And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: 28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace. 29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.” Genesis 19:27-29

Apparently, during the millennial reign of Jesus on the earth, hell will be an open pit for all to behold the judgment of our Holy God.

“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. 24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.” Isaiah 66:23-24

Of this event, F.B. Meyer writes:

“God had mercy on Lot for Abraham’s sake. A missionary told me that when, on writing home to his mother, he narrated his miraculous deliverance from an infuriated mob, she replied by quoting a special entry in her diary to the effect that, during those exact hours, she was detained before God in a perfect agony of intercession for him. Lot was saved from Sodom, but took Sodom with him. He was saved so as by fire, but his life-work was burned up. See 1 Corinthians 3:15. Even his wife might have been saved, but her heart was inveterately wedded to the city (the world). In modern cities there are traces of the sins that doomed Sodom. Let us bear witness against them, that we may arrest inevitable judgment. Jude tells us that in the fate of these cities we have an example of eternal fire. Have a place where you stand before God. Only from that eminence can you venture to look out on the awful retribution of human rebellion.”

Just as the LORD chose to preserve the memorial of His judgment upon Lot’s wife, so shall He preserve the judgment of all rebels after His return to take back over His earth (Psalms 24:1).

In contrast to looking back to our previous, sinful life in this fallen world, God’s Word exhorts us forward – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience (endurance, perseverance) the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Notice “the race that is set before us.” In the above passage, the writer of Hebrews uses track and field to illustrate this divine truth. Think about a sprinter. The track is before him – in front of him – and so looking backward would certainly cause him to fail at his endeavor and lose the race. The same was true for Lot’s wife who looked behind her. And, the same will be the losing case for all who look back such as Lot’s wife did.

Here is the trajectory of the remnant disciple of Christ in this late hour, as we eagerly look for the return of Christ:

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27

The Peril of Looking Back! “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)

Sin Disqualifies

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body (the daily cross-crucified life), and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

HINT: If the devil you call “pastor” has never read with you the numerous lists of soul damning sins in the Bible, he’s intentionally hiding that God is “Holy, holy, holy” and that the LORD requires you to “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Soul Damning Sins [book]

LESSON: What should we learn from the wife of Lot and the testimony of the whole of Holy Scripture? Staying with Christ, never looking back to the old life of sin which brought nothing but shame, guilt, and misery as we live in daily jeopardy of the flames of eternal damnation. Instead, we abide content, vigilant, and rejoicing in Christ as we expect His return. We are thereby imbued with divine grace to endure to the end with Jesus which is essential to final salvation.

Like it or not – You are NOT eternally secure, you are not “once saved always saved.” These are cliches from the wicked one and peddled by false teachers. God expects and requires you to endure to the end, to abide/remain in Christ, to continue in the faith till you are with Him! Otherwise, you will spend eternity in hell and it will be worse than if you had never known Him! This is what is called the LIE of the Ages!

When Holy Scripture is presented, some will say “You are scaring me!” Why do they react this way to biblical truth? Because they’ve refused to truly repent and get into God’s Word for themselves and therefore allowed some demonic OSAS/eternal security wolf to comfort them in their sins – while assuring them with the mythical heresy that they are judgment proof! THAT’s exactly what the Bible tells us false teachers do (Jude 4).

WANT to see the “ungodly”? Were we not specifically warned of such false teachers, the modern OSAS/eternal security wolves whom God’s Word calls “ungodly men”?

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4

OSAS/eternal security is a sissy theology, a fairy tale – embraced by unrepentant counterfeits who refuse to deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus in this sinful world. Hell awaits. Damned to Hell AFTER being Saved? Is that possible?

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

FEEDBACK:

“Wow! You DID put a lot of work into this article. It’s excellent. It’s very convicting — reminds us this life is not a game, but each of us (our decisions and actions) have a DIRECT impact on where we will spend eternity. No matter what kind of past testimony and walk we have had, we need to “watch and pray always (daily)” and be accountable to “him with whom we have to do.” DL

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]

HELL Awaits! SO YOU THINK YOU ARE ETERNALLY SECURE? WHO TOLD YOU THAT LIE? NOT GOD! IT SIMPLY DOESN’T MATTER HOW POPULAR A PREACHER IS – IF HE’S TEACHING SATAN’S FIRST LIE THAT CAUSED THE FALL OF THE HUMAN RACE – OSAS/ETERNAL SECURITY – HE’S A FALSE TEACHER, AN AGENT OF SATAN (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). OF COURSE he’s popular – he’s not preaching the cross but rather excuses for sin against a Holy God! RUN from that devil! You will be safe and eternally secure when you get to Heaven, not before. ARE YOU enduring sound doctrine today or walking […]

Loving not our Lives unto the Death [podcast]

Just WHAT do we need to “remember” about “Lot’s wife”? (Luke 17:32) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:11 Will you finish with joy? “But none of these things move me, neither count I my […]

The FORGOTTEN Sins of Sodom [podcast]

Explosive! DO YOU KNOW WHAT SINS THE BIBLE CITES OF THE PEOPLE OF SODOM WHICH CAUSED DIVINE JUDGMENT TO FALL ON THEM? THIS LIST OF SINS MIGHT SHOCK YOU. EXPOSING THE GATEWAY SINS TO SODOM’S DESTRUCTION According to Romans 1 it seems that sexual deviance, namely homosexuality, is the sin, the final manifestation of evil before destruction transpires. The LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this sin and others and will or is destroying America for rejecting Him (Matthew 10:26-28). WHAT were the specific sins of Sodom and Gomorrah that preceded the ultimate “abomination” of homosexuality? (Leviticus 18:22) Does the […]

Abiding

“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:

“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake

“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.

“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke

“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”

“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25

In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:

“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:

“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7

“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16

Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:

“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12

On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:

“2 Peter 3:

To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God.

Key aspects:

Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication.

Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties.
Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth.
Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within.
Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25).

How it’s expressed:

Passionate prayer

Diligent study of God’s Word

Active, loving service to others

Bold witnessing for faith

Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm”

Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”

“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

LORD, Prepare Me! [podcast]

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 “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.” John 14:21 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father […]

10 Truths to Behold in Isaiah 41:10 [podcast]

“Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:9-10 There are 10 truths to behold in Isaiah 41:10: • “Thou art my servant” • “I have chosen thee” • “and not cast thee away” • “Fear thou not” • “I am with thee” • “be not dismayed” • “for I am thy God” • “I will […]

Abiding

It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3

One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10

“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2

“Hated”

“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

“Ye shall Laugh”

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:20-22

“Through much Tribulation”

“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

Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

“To Make them White”

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35

“Made white … the wise shall understand”

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

"Endure hardness as a Good Soldier of Jesus Christ" [podcast]

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2Ti 2:2 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. 2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2Ti 2:4 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. 2Ti 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except […]

Is the Crucified Life Essential for Going to Heaven? [podcast]

Jesus taught that the Heaven bound disciple must have root in himself, must “endure to the end”, must have a long term, an eternal perspective (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 4:17; Luke 8:13). The Cost of Discipleship “And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 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. 28 […]

The More I Suffer, the Freer I Become: Joy in the Fire! [podcast]

Forged in the Fire! Liberty and Blessing through Suffering “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7 You have saving faith – and it’s on trial!!!! That alone is cause for celebration!! “Adversity is the companion to every Christian on his way to paradise. The more difficult the path, the more joy for him who follows the LORD.” AW Tozer Have you found more freedom through seasons of testing […]

Abiding

Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]

The Cost of Discipleship

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11

Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES

By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

And the fifth:

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12

Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.

“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 22:37-39

Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.

If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.

“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.” Luke 14:26

We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.

Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:

“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”

“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”

In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.

“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37

Of this Adam Clarke wrote:

“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”

Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:

“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES

In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.

As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”

To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.

You are no longer your own. You are bought with the price of Christ’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You now and forever are a part, a member of the eternal family of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:14-15).

“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,” Ephesians 3:14-15

Jesus Addressed the Excuses

Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).

“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62

Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.

“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28

The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).

Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.

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).

Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.).

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 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. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7

Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms

Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).

“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 2:3-5

May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.

“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5

“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Discipleship | Enduring to the End | Abiding | The Blessing of Suffering

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Special Ops Spiritual Warfare [podcast]

The LORD, the Master Potter, continues to prepare each of His people. And as He does, He has ordained special missions for each to accomplish. Before our military men go to war, are sent on special ops, they must first be rigorously prepared, right? Before one of God’s people can be dropped behind enemy lines and used on special missions, he must be prepared by the Commander in Chief, Jesus Christ, who is “the Captain of their salvation.” (Hebrews 2:10) “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and […]

The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]

The LORD Is My Light [podcast]

“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1 Have you felt like you are in darkness lately? Has confusion plagued your thoughts? If so, have you been thinking that you are not in God’s will? Did you realize that according to God’s revelation to us (His Word), this condition is not necessarily an indication that you are outside the will of God? Think about when JESUS and His 12 were on a small ship heading across the sea and He told His disciples (that’s what […]