“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:44
Bow now or be broken later – and forever.
“In the first part of the verse, the stone is on the ground; in the second part, it is descending from above. This suggests the two Advents of Christ. When He came the first time, the Jewish leaders stumbled over Him and were broken to pieces. When He comes again, He will descend in judgment, scattering His enemies like dust.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
This parabolic discourse of Jesus, the chief cornerstone, seems to invite us to apply what is called “the law of double reference.” In how Christ is treated – honored or dishonored – this truth applies to the nation of Israel and also the individual saint of Christ.
“[whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder] Whoever throws himself on the mercy of Christ shall be broken and made contrite (Psa_34:18; Psa_51:17; Psa_147:3), but whoever rejects His mercy shall be completely crushed (Greek: likmao (G3039), be scattered like chaff, Mat_21:44; Luk_20:18). This scattering like chaff refers to the dispersion of the nation (Luk_21:24). The term “broken in pieces” refers to complete defeat and destruction in Isa_8:9; Jer_50:2; cp. Dan_2:35, Dan_2:44-45.” Dake
Top or Bottom?
“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” 1 Peter 2:4-8
The Messiah was foretold to be “precious” to those who believe and “a rock of offence” to those who make the choice to defy and deny God’s only Savior, Jesus Christ.
“And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” Isaiah 8:14
The Son of God, the very One who is the prophesied Messiah in the above passage, taught the essential necessity of utter humility in the lives of all who will know and walk with Him.
“And (the false religionists, Pharisees) love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:6-12
The Jewish Messiah came in a humble fashion, as a Lamb when they expected Him to come the first time to destroy their enemies with physical force. If I am following the Messiah, He is my Master and I am becoming more and more of a servant as He was (Philippians 2). When He promotes me it is for the purpose of exalting and serving Him and His people in a greater fashion, not to be exalted in the sight of men (Ps. 75:5-6). If I am to “grow in grace” it is in order that I may know and love Him more and in order to serve His people more fully (2 Pet. 1:2, 3:18).
This short life is not the occasion to be exalted among men, but rather to exalt the only One worthy to be exalted.
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32
Yes, I know He is speaking of His own death to save us and yet I must take liberty to ask: are we lifting Him up? One of the clearest ways we lift up the Savior, is to lift up His will, which is His Word, by doing it. In this and through this men will see His goodness in you and glorify your Father in Heaven (Matt. 5:16).
Where are my motives in serving God? Why do I want to be in leadership in the Body of Christ? Why do I want to sing in the choir, preach, teach Sunday School, greet, write a book, have a ministry, etc.? Is it to be seen of men like the religious hypocrites of Christ’s day? Or, is it to lift up the downtrodden, see God heal the brokenhearted, give hope to the hopeless, and exalt the King of all kings? Is this not why Christ came? (Luke 4:18; Jn. 12:32; Col. 1:17-19)
Christ is to be magnified in all things in the lives of those whom He has redeemed:
“Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Philippians 1:20
Please read the following words carefully and prayerfully. These are not the words of any mere man. These are the words of the Alpha and the Omega, the One who spoke the worlds into existence and now upholds them by the very word He spoke when He created all things. Jesus Christ is the One who created, sustains, and owns all things, yet came to this earth to serve us (John 1:10). The text below is paramount to understanding and walking in your God-given purpose in this life as you follow Christ in what He did in His time here on the earth, as He showed us the Father (Jn. 14:9).
“Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:20-28
Jesus came to serve us and commanded us to do what He did – serve others.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
BELOVED, WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE?
If you have anything good about you at all, God is to be blamed (Rom. 3:10; 7:18). Every good and perfect gift originates from Him, and not from us (James 1:17). We have no existence without Him who is our life.
Take a look at what Paul says about the giftings we have all been given on loan:
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory (boast), as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7
If we have been given something, that means it didn’t originate with us. Right? It also means that God gave the gift(s) to us to serve others, not just ourselves (1 Pet. 4:10-11). So, why do we arrogantly boast in our hearts as if we are better than others because of something God Himself gave us? Rather we should be using those gifts to serve His people (1 Peter 4:10-11).
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? What hast thou that thou didst not receive? If thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory (boast), as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7
We don’t own the giftings resident in our lives. These inherent gifts are merely on loan to us from the LORD. Each of us are responsible to God for the stewardship of these tools of service and will one day give account for how we chose to use them. Am I using them to serve Him and His people? Or, am I utilizing His gifts in me to glorify my own name?
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister (use in service) the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
The crucified life will bring about the producing of His good fruit in us and the fruitful use of the gifts He placed in each of us (Rom. 1:11; Phil. 2:3-5).
More questions from God:
“Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.” Isaiah 10:15
GOD HATES ARROGANCE
“Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” 1 Samuel 2:3
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13
“And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.” Isaiah 13:11
It is abundantly clear in the aforementioned verses of Scripture that the LORD will humble those who refuse to humble themselves. He also stated:
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth (sets Himself against) the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6
The prideful heart is a deceived heart:
“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” Galatians 6:3
THE CURE FOR ARROGANCE
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3
“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
O that God would place in us the fleshly heart of a true servant who serves Him and others regardless of whether or not any man is looking or that he receives any reward on this earth.
YOUR PREDESTINATION
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
God did “predestinate [us] to be conformed to the image of his Son.” You might respond to this Scriptural truth by asking “Okay, what does it mean to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ the Son of God?” Here is God’s answer:
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8
Unlike Christ, many today want to be somebody who is known and elevated among men in this fleeting life. Many of those in places of leadership today act as if they are God’s gift to the world instead of possessing the heart posture of a humble servant. They are not dead to self and therefore not “alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11). These are those “whose god is their belly (sinful appetites)” (Phil. 3:17-21). They are “enemies of the cross of Christ” – they are not dying to the sinful nature and therefore desire to be exalted amidst God’s people. Many in leadership make a “vain show” or “fair show in the flesh” (Ps. 39:5-6; Gal. 6:12). They reign as kings in the midst of the people. These serve themselves as they build their own kingdoms upon the sand foundation of depraved and finite self, and miss the unspeakable joy and opportunity to build upon the Rock of salvation Himself, the only real and eternal “foundation…which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). In doing this, they are leading “many” astray as Christ promised the “false prophets” would do in the last days (Matt. 25:3-5; 11, 24).
In stark contrast to those who seek their own glory, the very Creator and King of all kings Himself came to earth and “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7).
Serving self in the midst of a ministry leadership role can be so very subtle. Most who engage in such don’t even realize it because the sin of pride and arrogancy blind the heart and mind (Heb. 3:13). They are fully responsible for this sin because God commands all who will be His to humble themselves in His holy sight.
Overseers have the responsibility of being servant-leaders among God’s people. This is their calling:
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:1-4
Friend, where are we allowing ourselves to be led? The Word tells us that “the leaders of this people cause them to err and they that are led of them are destroyed” (Isa. 9:16). We are also warned not to be “led away with the error of the wicked” (2 Pet. 3:17). Just as Jesus and His holy apostles and prophets foretold, blind leaders are leading to damnation millions who believe they are following Christ (Matt. 24:3-5, 11, 24; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:13; 4:2-5; 1 Jn. 4:1-3).
There are several people revealed in the Bible who started off right in their leadership calling, yet ended up destroyed. These are apostates. Remember Saul, Lot’s wife, and Judas? These all have one thing in common – pride, rebellion, and arrogance. These were people who were in God’s grace and anointed for leadership by Him, but refused to remain humbled before His presence. This tragedy is the same thing we see happening today among many who now occupy leadership positions within the visible church world at large. They hold and have remained in leadership positions while they have departed “from the faith” (1 Tim. 4:1-3). The Bible foretold that in the final days some would “depart from the faith” not the pulpit (1 Tim. 4:1-3).
According to the Holy Spirit speaking through the apostle Paul, one must “keep under” his body – the sinful nature – if he will prevent becoming ultimately “castaway” from the LORD eternally (1 Cor. 9:27).
THE STONE
“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:44
Did you catch that?! Will you humble yourself or will God have to humble you eternally by confining your conscious soul to hell? Will you be voluntarily broken before God, or in judgment be crushed to fine powder (destroyed)? God never fails – the choice lies with the individual (Lk. 21:19, 34-36; 2 Tim. 2:11-13). One will choose to willingly and obediently fall upon the Rock of all ages and be broken, or, he will soon be crushed to powder by the Lion of Judah in His retribution of all rebellious souls (Amos 9:10; Isa. 1:19-20; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 19:12-16).
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10
THE MORE we grow in His grace, the more we will realize how nothing we are and how everything He is! THE STONE: Top or Bottom? Will you willingly repent, humble yourself, and put all your faith in Jesus Christ, OR will you be ground to powder?
Prayer for the Humility of Christ
O Father, please remove every trace of self- glorification, vain glory, and arrogance from my being. Let not this left hand know what this right hand is doing. This moment I choose to humble myself under Your mighty divine hand and to realize I am nothing and can do nothing without You Jesus. LORD, thank You for Your example. Please teach me to know You in true humility as I serve Your precious people and the lost souls You were crucified and raised again to save. LORD, I now present my body a living sacrifice to Thee. Please grant my heart Your influencing grace to walk in divine true humility that I may be well pleasing in Thy site this day and forward. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Apostasy
Penknife Sacrilege [podcast]
When Bible Burning Backfires [podcast]
Bible Burners in the Modern Church World: Butchering the Word of God for Self-Serving Purposes
(excerpt from the book LIE of the Ages)
Forsaking the Full-Counsel of God
“And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire (this is what is happening today in our churches) that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid (no fear of God), nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.” Jeremiah 36:23-24
- “Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife” – like Jehudi, many today only read till they see something they don’t like in God’s Word.
- “until all the roll was consumed in the fire” – one either receives God’s Word as a whole or he rejects it all.
- “they were not afraid” – “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:18) Rebels reject God’s Word with impunity and “judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life.” (Acts 13:46)
At this dark time in the history of Israel, the Scriptures had been lost and out of circulation among the people of God. Then they were found and read before the king, king Jehoiakim (the son of Josiah) and his servants. As a result, conviction of sin came and certain parts of God’s Word were rejected and thrown into the fire to be vanished out of their presence. Read Jeremiah 36.
This is a fascinating occurrence captured in Jeremiah 36 that is transpiring today in full scale, perpetrated by false leaders (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
Satan was the original corrupter of God’s words and is behind all such rebellion in our day (Genesis 3:1, 4, etc.).
Be careful of those who carefully select Bible verses/promises while intentionally dodging the “hard truths” found throughout Holy Scripture. Such a person who siphons selectively is a wolf. Such a manipulator is positioning you in order to deceive you and to perpetrate their own self-serving purpose, not God’s (Philippians 3:18-19). For example: People know Jeremiah 29:11 but not v. 13 … or Luke 9:23-24…. amazing deception! Share this!
2 PARTIES GUILTY HERE: Just as it was in the days of the prophet Jeremiah, so today, many “kings,” that is, those in spiritual authority, and “servants” who claim to follow Christ, are allowing the Word of God to be diminished, distorted, damaged, denied, disdained, desecrated and dodged. Many of our leaders and those they lead are spiritual swine who refuse to “rend their hearts” in repentance of this travesty and trampling of that which is holy (Joel 2:13; Matt. 7:6). Instead of acknowledging and embracing the whole of the Word of God as we have been so privileged to have received, like the king of Judah in Jeremiah’s day, some are cutting out and denying those parts of Scripture which don’t line up with their denominational tradition. These deceitful workers refuse to lay down their lives and call upon the LORD to circumcise their hearts. They refuse to mortify the sins of the flesh in the fear of God. Those listening will never know what is being intentionally avoided and left out of their messages – unless they embark upon the blessed adventure of learning and knowing intimately the Holy Scriptures (Jer. 23:18; Jn. 5:39; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:2).
Jeremiah 36 summated: In this chapter we read how Jehoiakim king of Judah, burned the scroll where the Word of the LORD was written. Then God pronounced judgment on him (Jeremiah 36:29-31). You can burn God’s Word – ignore it, butcher it, read a fake version of it, etc. – yet that doesn’t change one iota the impending doom coming on those who refuse to obey Him (John 8:47). Denying, ignoring, evading, or destroying a Bible changes nothing – other than the wrath coming on those who do so (Proverbs 30:5-6; Jeremiah 36:29-31; Revelation 22:18-19).
Of this magnificently revealing Bible chapter, F.B. Meyer wrote:
“These written words had been directly given from God, Jeremiah 36:18. The fast was instituted to seek divine help in the approaching conflict with Nebuchadnezzar. But of what good is a fast while the evils of apostasy and disobedience are unredressed? It was against these that Jeremiah protested; and his words were read to a vast concourse of people by Baruch his faithful friend. It was the month of December, and the royal chamber was warmed by a brazier of burning charcoal. As Jehudi read, the godless king cut the roll with a penknife and consigned it to the fire. All down the ages false priests have dealt thus with the Word that condemned them. But a sailor does not escape shipwreck by destroying the chart which indicates the rocks on which he is drifting. God’s words are eternal, though the material on which they are written may perish. He who rejects God’s truth does so at his peril, while God hides His faithful servants in the secret of His presence, secure from the attacks of enemies.”
The tragedy is that many of those claiming to be the “servants” of the LORD, namely those who are not in the pulpits, refuse to discern and raise the red flag in protest of “another gospel” being preached (2 Corinthians 11:1-4; Galatians 1:6-9). Not only do they not object to falsehood by raising biblically-based questions, they financially support and promote these false teachings and teachers by attending churches that pick and choose what they will and will not acknowledge from God’s Word. The LORD holds us accountable for such (Isaiah 5:20-24). Believers are never to bid God speed (endorse or condone in any way) to any form of false gospel nor person peddling such (2 John 10-11).
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11
As it was in Jeremiah’s day, so it is today. There are those who will stand against the deceptions which are causing many to fall and leading millions astray. There is no doubt that eternal Hell is full of those who were (like the “kingdom of heaven” which Jesus likened to five wise and five foolish virgins – Matthew 25) once truly saved and did not endure to the end of their lives trusting and obeying the LORD with all their hearts, but rather allowed their heart lamps to run low and ultimately leak out the oil of His presence that was once there (Matthew 25:1-13). This was a parable of warning from our LORD Jesus. These foolish virgin believers did not pursue depth of relationship with Christ – they weren’t “planted by the rivers of water” (Psalm 1:3). The five foolish virgins had “received Christ Jesus the LORD” and yet did not continue to walk in Him nor did they choose to become “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith” (Col. 2:6-7). These who counted other things more important than their relationship with the Bridegroom, didn’t choose to endure persecutions and various sufferings associated with the true Christian life and allow Him to “perfect (mature), stablish, strengthen, settle” them in His grace (1 Peter 5:10). They didn’t stay in intimate communion with the LORD they were espoused to but rather took the path of least resistance and lived according to the flesh, breaking their engagement with the Bridegroom (Jeremiah. 3:8; Amos 6:1, 9:10; Luke 12:35-40; 21:34-36; Revelation 3:15-16, etc.).
Being Planted and Flourishing
It takes a whole Bible to make a whole, a complete disciple and Church!
Healthy fruitfulness is the sign of life and nourishment. As the roots of a tree go down into the earth, absorbing vital nutrients for healthy fruit-bearing and growth, so the believer who roots himself in the King and His kingdom, receives nourishment and grows and prospers. He grows and becomes stronger and stronger (Psalms 84:7). The LORD promised us that we would “flourish in the courts of our God,” “bring forth fruit,” and not grow faint and weary if we remained in the heart posture of hungering and thirsting after His righteousness and “planted in the house of the LORD” (92:13). See also Matthew 5:6; Luke 18:1; Galatians 6:9 and Hebrews 6:11-12.
“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To show that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalms 92:13-15
May the Lord be praised for those who are calling leaders to repentance for their doctrinal atrocities, for purposely avoiding hard truths in order to grow their own church businesses. The Almighty sees all and for this evil He will judge:
“Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them. 26 But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take (capture, incarcerate) Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.” Jeremiah 36:25-26
God hid His faithful servants then and does so today. The only safety is to be in the pure truth of God.
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield (protector) unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6
These men (Elnathan, Delaiah, Gemariah) feared God, not man . They boldly beseeched the king not to cut out any part of the words of God – never to alter God’s word (Revelation 22:18-19). Are we beseeching leaders not to ignore any part of God’s Word? Are we cutting out, denying or dodging any truth we read in the Scriptures? Are you pandering to, using, and/or defending Satan’s corrupt version of God’s pure Word? Are we willing to elevate the LORD and His Word above all else and confront leaders for their refusal to teach His full-counsel from His preserved Word? (Psalms 12:6-7)
Of this incident, Adam Clarke wrote:
“Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah – Three of the princes wished to save the roll, and entreated the king that it might not be burnt. They would have saved it out of the fire, but the king would not permit it to be done.”
Does this incident not align with today’s purists, who seek to get God’s people back to His pure Word, the King James Bible? Yet many deceived souls battle to defend the enemy’s corrupt “bibles.”
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11
Note here that these “more noble” disciples of Christ refused to simply believe everything Paul the apostle stated before they personally verified such in the Scriptures. They put everything he said to the acid test of Holy Scripture – “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They were being wise instead of naive like many today who are quite frankly overtly gullible. These Berean believers took and compared Paul’s doctrine to the Scriptures to see if the apostle’s message was from God’s Word.
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2
No leader alive today possesses more kingdom authority than the apostle Paul did. And yet, the Christians at Berea acid-tested what Paul stated against God’s Word to see if it were true or if it were false. They magnified the Word of God above any man’s teachings – “yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).
As you can see from this account in Jeremiah 36, selective penknife sacrilege is no new thing. In fact, it started in the Garden when Satan added one word to God’s Word/statement concerning sin (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). Adding to or taking away from God’s Word brings the ultimate death sentence (Revelation 22:18-19).
Is this not exactly what we are warned about in the very end of the Bible?
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19
More penknife sacrilege or taking away of God’s Word: The NIV removes 64,000 words from God’s Word. This is due to the fact that it is taken from the diabolically corrupted (few) manuscripts as are all new versions. See Bible Versions page on this site.
The believers living in the city of Berea are a glorious example of what the LORD desires in all of us – a noble heart that believes nothing unless they dig it out of His Word for themselves! Saint, consider making Acts 17:10-11 your focal text this week. Memorize it. Meditate upon it. Highlight, underline, and cross-reference this vital passage with other like verses. Pour over this text until it begins to take root in your understanding.
Some who claim Christ as Savior do not want all of God’s Word, only those parts which coincide with the lifestyle they are living. Many would rather buy into doctrines foreign to Scripture, teachings which do not demand death to the self-life. They migrate to teachings which place their lives at ease and do not call for repentance from sin. These teachings pander and grant license to those who do not possess the love of the truth. The uncircumcised heart chooses to please its own evil desires instead of honoring the LORD and His Word. We must delight in and endure sound, full-counsel Bible doctrine and love the change the Potter will bring as we allow Him to pour the water of His Spirit upon our hearts, making them pliable putty in His holy hands (Jeremiah 18:6).
Those who have been schooled in the “once saved always saved” message will have a decision to make after reading the myriad of irrefutable Scriptures in this volume, Lie of the Ages. The OSAS adherent will be faced with the decision of whom to trust – his favorite pastor, doctrine, denomination, or God. Divine wisdom instructs us in this way:
“Let God be true and every man a liar.” Romans 3:4
“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against (equal to) the Lord.” Proverbs 21:30
“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
If you are ready and willing to embrace the purity and fullness of God’s truth and relinquish this ungodly, anti-biblical, unholy, license-to-sin teaching from your life, from a humble heart, repeat the following prayer aloud and from your heart:
Dear Father in Heaven, I truly love You. Thank You for finding and saving me through the blood of Your Son and for continually leading me into all truth about Yourself. Thank You kindly for all the grace and mercy you have shown me. I hereby repent of and denounce the unconditional eternal security lie and all its effects upon my life and those around me. Please forgive me for ever buying into this lie. I begin now to embrace the truth of Your Word, Your full-counsel. Please forgive me for believing this falsehood which is not taught in Your Word. Help me to discern truth from error. Restore to me the fear of the LORD. Father, please teach me Your ways and Your wisdom in all things pertaining to Your kingdom as I seek Your holy face and study Your words. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
There is virtually no end to the Bible truth that can be unearthed and studied to expose this lie of the ages as diabolical in origin and intent. Our Great Shepherd informed us that the enemy, the father of lies, has come to steal, kill and to destroy (John 8:44; 10:10).
The Word of God is absent of any such teaching as an unconditional eternal security. This teaching is no where to be found in Holy Writ except as the message of Satan and the false shepherds. In light of this, may God bless us to study what He has given us in His Word and apprehend His mind. May He grant us to have no other agenda but to know Him and His truth and to forsake all we have previously espoused which does not align with His Word.
Suggestions:
1. Get a King James Bible (accept no substitute – see BIBLE VERSIONS button on this ministry site).
2. Get up early and embark upon seeking the LORD’s face in Bible study and prayer communion.
3. Fast and pray regularly, pouring over Isaiah 58.
PRAYER: LORD, please make my heart tender with Your grace. I choose to magnify Your Word above the counsel of all others! Forgive my sin of ever dodging or ignoring anything from Your Word. From this moment forward, I count Your holy truth above the words of any and all mere men. Cleanse me with Your blood and Word, for my allegiance and loyalty is to You Jesus. I embrace the fullness of Thy counsel and despise all that does not align. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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“Cup Runneth Over” Heavenly Evangelism [podcast]
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you RICHLY (abundantly) in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
WHEN our LORD’s Word is running rich in your spirit via daily deposits, it’s going to overflow from your life—a crucified life that’s truly anointed, filled with His Holy Ghost and Word, a “vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21
Beloved of God, we don’t even have to try in our flesh to do ministry.
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; MY CUP RUNNETH OVER.” Psalms 23:5
When we are so full and overflowing with His grace and glory via fellowship with our Savior, it’s going to pour out of our lives and it’s going to be flowing from Him—“a pure river of water of life.”
WHEN we are full of Jesus, we’re going to exude and to speak Jesus. His love is going to overflow onto others (Psalms 23:5)!
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1
As we drink from His heavenly water daily, He’s going to guide our steps—right into divine appointments He alone could have orchestrated!
“Mark 16:15-16. This is a call to action. To step beyond our comfort levels. Not hide in the apostate churches but to go out into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Key word is go!” Karen Cochran
Yes, and one doesn’t even need to schedule special times. If we are seeking God, as His very temples, our lives are brimming over with His power, grace, and love! It WILL happen.
“A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” Jeremiah 17:12
As the divine virtue of Jesus Christ flows into His children …. it’s then Him living in and through them.
“If we intimately know Jesus we share him through our daily lives, our conduct, and by the words of our mouth through proclaiming His Word. If we only know of Jesus, we usually point people to a church in hopes that this will absolve us of our sin of unbelief. The latter: if we remain in this state, it will result in hearing the most fearful words of all, ‘Depart from me, I know not whence you are’ (Luke 13:27). Be the church! Be the living Gospel and not the withered branches of dead religion. ‘Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually’ (1 Chronicles 16:11).” Jon Crane
“The Lukewarm Christian vs the Christian of whom Jesus is their first love: The Lukewarm only care about self. That’s why they don’t share the Gospel. They are in churches that tell them how great they are and tickle their ears. They refuse to lay down their lives and follow Christ who said, ‘Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it’ (Matthew 7: 13-14).” Karen Cochran
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Acts 17:28
Recently someone wrote the following:
“The average professing Christian attending church sings over 500 songs and hymns, listens to over 200 ‘Bible’ messages every year and does not share the Gospel with even 1 person.”
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9
IF my life didn’t have enough of Jesus in it to obediently spill over onto others, I’d be deeply concerned for my eternal soul. The vessels, the lamps of the Heaven-ready wife virgins are filled daily by personal communion with Christ and the Father—His Word and prayer, praise, and fellowship (Matthew 25:1-13).
“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” Psalms 107:2
Is Jesus Your “First Love” Today?
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5
If you are not on fire for Jesus today, all you have so far is dead religion.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. … 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:6, 16
The light of Jesus in you is going to shine brighter and brighter through your life as you hunger and thirst for more of Him, crying out with John the Baptist – “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
As long as you are putting logs on the fire, you are going to burn bright for Jesus!
When you cease putting logs on the fire, when you slack at stacking logs on that love fire for and with Jesus, your light is going to dim.
“They shall be filled” – JESUS fills no one who chooses not to hunger and thirst after more of Him (Matthew 5:6).
ALL not hungering and thirsting for more of Jesus have rejected His Lordship in their personal lives.
“There is a glow and a spiritual fragrance about the life of a person who is Spirit filled that is unlike anything found in natural man. The beauty of divine holiness ought to be radiated from all Christians. It is always seen in the lives of those who are truly controlled by the Spirit.” G. Christian Weiss, Insights into Bible Times and Customs
To overflow with the love, the joy of Jesus, you must first be filled with Him, His holy presence – and that’s only given to those who are hungering and thirsting after Him (Psalms 23:5).
May the LORD, as we make Him our Shepherd, cause His river, the bless-ed oil of His holy presence, run over, overflow from our lives onto the lives of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You in repentance—for all my sins, including foolishly attempting to do things my way instead of Yours. In this I have committed the sins of idolatry, unbelief, pride, and rebellion. Please wash me clean in Thy precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Now, please begin Your deep work of cleansing this vessel of every stitch and tainting that defiles me in Your holy eyes. Here and now I submit my spirit, this whole being into Your holy hands and care dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. I am all Yours my dear LORD Jesus.
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Jesus’ Counsel to the Lukewarm [podcast]
Laodicea: How Jesus Instructs the Backslidden to be Restored
Jesus’ Letter to the Church at Laodicea
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The cross, the crucified life is the cure to the curse of sin—sin dominating our lives.
Romans 6
Inflation is part of the judgment of God upon a wicked people, nation. We see such in Sodom and in Laodicea (Ezekiel 16:49-59; Romans 1; Revelaton 3:14-22).
“It appears that in this scarcity each might be able to obtain a bare subsistence by his daily labor; but a man could not, in such cases, provide for a family.” Adam Clarke
Your money doesn’t go far….. inflation
“Revelation 6 describes the opening of the first six seals, which represent God’s judgment, often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The third seal, broken by a “black horse,” is interpreted to show hyper-inflation and famine, where a day’s wage (a denarius) buys only a quart of wheat. The judgment includes a command to preserve the oil and wine, which some interpret as luxury goods, while essential food becomes scarce and expensive.”
“6:5, 6 In obedience to the third living creature, a rider holding a set of scales came forth on a black horse. This represents famine, which often follows war. A voice in the middle of the four living creatures announced that wheat and barley were being sold at prohibitive prices. The scales were used to weigh the rationed grain and were thus a symbol of famine. The expression do not harm the oil and the wine is difficult. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life. It seems more likely, however, that the luxury items of the rich are contemplated here: historically, even in famine the rich can get some luxuries.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
The only thing needed to go to hell is to not be on fire for Jesus—to be “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Jesus instructed the Laodicean church… to obtain, to “buy of me….
“3:18 The people were counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa_55:1) but received as a gift through faith in the Lord Jesus. Or it may mean genuine faith, which when tested in the fire, results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1Pe_1:7).
Also the people were counseled to buy white garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking, textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee – O fallen and deceived soul, hear Jesus! Thy case is not hopeless. Buy of me.
Gold tried in the fire – Come and receive from me, without money and without price, faith that shall stand in every trial: so gold tried in the fire is here understood. But it may mean pure and undefiled religion, or that grace or Divine influence which produces it, which is more valuable to the soul than the purest gold to the body. They had before imaginary riches; this alone can make them truly rich.
White raiment – Holiness of heart and life.
Anoint thine eyes – Pray for, that ye may receive, the enlightening influences of my Spirit, that ye may be convinced of your true state, and see where your help lies.” Adam Clarke
Warning
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15
Coming forth as Purified Gold
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
To “come forth as gold” refers to the finished product, where gold has been purified of all its impurities.
“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
“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” Proverbs 17:3
Idolatry is Sin
Putting, having anything or anyone before Christ in our lives is the soul damning sin of idolatry. Such a person has rejected Christ for something, anything else.
One such idol, one such cause today is patriotism for one’s earthly country. See Hebrews 11:14-16.
SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? See Luke 2:49. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5).
“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
“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
PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please grant to my heart Your gift of repentance and the deep desire to have Your righteousness, to not be deceived by sin, Satan, or counterfeits and false teachers. Please forgive all my sins afresh, here and now by Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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