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“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?

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSASAccounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed?The Return of Christ | SupportLie of the Ages [podcast]10 Questions about Eternal SecurityIs Salvation Eternal?The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism)

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“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

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Abiding

Either Crucify the Flesh or it will Crucify Christ out of Your Life [podcast]


Fight the temptation or die the death?

Where’s the victory come from?

The Cross – something counterfeits intentionally evade (Philippians 3:18-19). The cross is how we know who is real and who is fake. Refusing to take up the cross means one has denied Christ. This would account for the vast majority of men in ministry today. They are cross-less.

The only people who are truly following Christ are those who are doing it HIS way – and His stated way is the cross, the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24). There is no other way to follow Jesus.

If we don’t crucify the flesh, the evil deeds of the body, the flesh will crucify Christ out of our lives. Pray and read Romans 6 each morning this week.

Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan by dying and not by first rising up (Hebrews 2:14). This is how we also are brought forth into His victory by Him – through our own weakness. Let’s give our ear to hear Christ’s apostle Paul:

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

It’s interesting that the vast majority of pastors today insist that it’s impossible to stop sinning and be delivered – as if Jesus failed, didn’t provide a perfect redemption that dealt with past, present, and future sin and complete victory through it all (1 Corinthians 15:57-58; Titus 2:11-14).

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:31-32, 36

Victory and our place with Christ are contingent upon our continuing in His truth, abiding, remaining in Christ after He saves us (John 15:1-6).

They have no faith in the overcoming grace of Christ but instead treat it like a license to justify their sin, as they pretend to be trusting God by grace and faith… yet they never make the connection that Jesus came to redeem us and establish us with Him in His holiness as we look with joy for His soon return (Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16, etc). | Walking in the Full Victory of Christ!

The cross is surrendering. Don’t try harder, just die deeper!

The reason so many don’t take sin seriously and sit under sin-justifying wolves in sheep’s clothing, is because they do not fear nor take God seriously. Then they attack the true messengers of Christ who are declaring that God is holy and His requirement is non-negotiable: that anyone who will know and be with Him eternally cut off occasion for all sin as Jesus commanded in Mark 9:43-49 KJB. They talk about grace but only in the respect that their sins were initially forgiven, yet never in respect to divine grace being the divine influence and enablement in their daily lives to overcome all that displeases Him – as they worshipfully with great gratitude deny self, take up the cross and follow, abide in Jesus (Titus 2:11-14; Luke 9:23-24; John 15:1-6, etc.).

Death, Burial, Resurrection – You go down and God raises you up, daily. That’s the Gospel re-enacted in your daily life. There’s no other way to walk with, to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24).

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

Once He shows you this cross revelation it’s over for your sin and Satan! This is the way we “Taste and see that the LORD is good” beloved (Psalms 34:8). The divine economy is a cross economy which cannot be short circuited. There are no shortcuts.

The safest place in His Universe is for us to be “HID with Christ in God.” How does such occur? (Colossians 3:1-4)

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

The more His Word runs rich in your spirit, soul, and mind, the richer, the more cutting and divinely blessed your praying is going to become.

We are crucified with Christ today saints. Christ alone is reigning supreme in us, raising us up out of that death and burial posture. In Jesus’ Name, the “old man” is dead and buried and Christ now lives and reigns in His resurrection power in our lives through us! (See Ephesians 4:22-24.)

Say, pray, memorize Galatians 2:20 beginning right now. Let it be the original Gospel anthem of your life from this day forward.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Becoming prayerfully and steadily saturated in the cross message, concept, and application, is the only thing that brought a consistent victory over sin to this disciple.

In the divine economy, the death and burial guarantees the resurrection!

When we His people are dead and buried, His resurrection power is guaranteed. Nothing could stop the resurrection of Jesus Christ when the stone was rolled away! And nothing can stop the resurrection power of Christ working in His saints as they lay down their lives in this fleeting world!

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25

Must Take a Ruthless Stand

Concerning the necessity of a ruthless perspective toward the flesh via the cross, we must recognize that the flesh is a terrorist which means it cannot be negotiated with.

Yet there must be forged in us a ruthless perspective, toward our perception of the “never-going-to-die” flesh, a veritable terrorist with which you cannot negotiate or give place to. It will not die until forced, therefore the disciple must take a ruthless posture toward it – showing no mercy to the enemy of God! See Romans 6, 8; Galatians 5.

Never ever underestimate the depth of the deceit that is in the fallen human heart, human nature 1 (Corinthians 10:12; Hebrews 3:12-14; Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9).

We must allow no mercy for what God calls sin…the iniquities, the relentless evil within. It must be honestly dealt with, and perhaps we can observe that there are onion-type layers of evil, of deceit that we are buried in from which only God calls us and brings us forth (Proverbs 8:13; Psalms 97:10;  Mark 9:43-49).

While Satan and his masquerading ministers seek to diminish the violation and penalty of sin, Jesus exponentially heightens our awareness of sin’s offense against a holy God when He warns us to cut off the hand and pluck out the eye that cause us to offend Him (Mark 9:43-49).

There is nothing in existence more important to stay safe from than HELL. That’s exactly what Jesus Christ taught. Read Mark 9:43-50 in the King James Bible (new versions have butchered that passage).

Rom 7. The cross must be applied with no respect to the evil desires, the sinful dictates of the flesh.

Our outlook toward the flesh should be “kill or be killed.”

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:13

Kill or be killed – picture yourself being put in a room, locked in with just one opponent. Only one of you will be exiting.

A showdown – conquer or be conquered.

Life or death.

Sink or swim.

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” 1 Corinthians 9:27

Either the cross will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the cross.

“The Cross = The Signature of Jesus.” A disciple

“WHEN THOU WAS LITTLE IN THINE OWN SIGHT”

The LORD removed Saul from his place of kingship due to the pride found in his heart that previously was not there. We must remain humble before our God and the only way this can happen is the daily cross.

“And Samuel said, WHEN THOU WAS LITTLE IN THINE OWN SIGHT, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?” 1 Samuel 15:17

The Bible clearly teaches us that if we do not obey the LORD, He will replace us. We are not irreplaceable and only pride in the heart of a person would convince him of such a lie.

When Esther was called upon by the LORD to go before her husband, the king of Persia, and intercede for the people of God, she was warned that if she chose not to obey God, she’d be replaced and her father’s house destroyed.

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Ruthless simply and only applies to the PERSPECTIVE the believer must take toward the terrorist, the flesh.

There can be no concession, no compromise, no negotiating with the flesh. It must die and that only happens as we submit to the LORD.

The flesh will never be reformed, it is inherently evil, and must be crucified.

Those who’ve been saved and aren’t learning the daily cross, the crucified life, will never grow in Christ. The cross life is at the center of the kingdom economy of Christ. There are no shortcuts. Jesus taught that in order to follow Him, we must “deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23-24). Any person whom Jesus has saved and isn’t learning the daily cross, is not truly following Jesus. Listen to the Lamb:

“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

PRAYER: Holy Father, in Jesus’ Name, please do Your deeper work in me. Bless this life You died for to be truly crucified with Christ. Please make me Your authentic disciple. Cut away, circumcise every falsity, fakery, deceitful thing from my heart – everything that defiles me in Your holy eyes. Use me LORD, please. I love You. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Cross Cache, Cross Saturation

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Prayer | Manhood | The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast]The Cross VictorySin – Man’s Core Problem

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Abiding

“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World” [podcast]


“All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

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 24:8-14

The true remnant of Christ are known in that they are enduring to the end in the midst of iniquity, abounding and preaching the Gospel of Jesus the King to the world.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Mark 16:15

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, admitting I have been living for my own evil glory. I am a sinner. I’ve committed the sin of idolatry, having myself first instead of You. I admit here and now before You that I have been committing the damning sin of spiritual adultery. I have claimed to know You and yet refused to uncompromisingly adhere to Your Word. Here and now, right now if never before, I repent and ask You to forgive my sins and to wash me afresh from my sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ my LORD. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit, my life, right this moment and ask You dear LORD to fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to preach Your glorious message of repentance to those around me so that they can receive the forgiveness of all their sins and walk in the times of refreshing from Your holy presence dear LORD. I love You Jesus. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. In Jesus’ Name amen.

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Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]


“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?

Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.

“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15). IF we don’t believe upon, know, and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship. The hell bound self-righteous pharisees knew God’s Word yet they refused to “COME” to Jesus – to love, honor, and believe upon Him (John 5:39-40).

“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso

—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15

“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14

LOVE is the governing factor:

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:

“In John 14:15 and 15:14 (KJV), Jesus teaches that love and obedience go together, meaning real love for Him naturally leads to doing His commands rather than separating love from works.
What the Verses Say
    • John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
    • John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
    How Love and Works Connect
      • Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
      • Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
      • They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”

    Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.

    “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20 

    Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!

    “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21

    “His commandment are not grievous”

    “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3

    IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.

    “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37

    “IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

    IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).

    Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)  IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).

    “IFFFF you love me keep my commandments” and not “prove you love me by keeping my commandments” (John 14:15) … big difference. Jesus isn’t interested in any law keeper keeping His commandments …. He desires and calls His people to love Him! If not, there’s no reason to try to obey Him.

    “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

    Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).

    1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.”  “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

    When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

    “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8 

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10 

    DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.

    If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.

    One writer notes:

    “Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”

    IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM.  MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?

    “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5 

    So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)

    “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

    The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.

    “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

    Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

    Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)

    At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:

    And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandmentsHe that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6

    “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13

    “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13

    Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?

    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

    Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?

    Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).

    After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”

    “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

    LOVE IS THE CARDINAL EVIDENCE OR FRUIT THAT ONE KNOWS GOD.
    Do we truly know Him who “is love”? (1 John 4:8, 16) Love is a divine attribute that is, without exception, resident in every man who is truly in right standing with God (Galatians 5:22-23)

    PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

    Uphold Jesus (audio)

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