“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
When Bible Burning Backfires [podcast]

King Jehoiakim Judged
Let us ever be aware of the Bible truth of sowing and reaping.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8
Read Jeremiah 36 (KJB) perhaps several times. In this passage, note:
v. 28 – Denial changes nothing. Burning a scroll or the whole Bible negates not one iota of the divine authority invested therein nor your personal accountability to it. John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Revelation 20:11-15
v. 30-31 – King Jehoiakim burned God’s Word and denied God.
v. 32 – The Word of God stands forever (Psalms 89:34; 119:89; Mark 13:31). It cannot be erased, and anyone who tries to burn or erase it, will be erased, burned in the fires of hell by the one true God whom they defied.
Jeremiah 36 records and details a pivotal moment in the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah, where he is commanded by God to write down his prophecies, leading to a direct confrontation between the Word of God and the defiant King Jehoiakim. The chapter serves as a testament to the endurance of God’s Word despite human efforts to destroy it.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
Historical Background
- Timeframe: The events take place around 604-603 B.C., in the fourth and fifth years of King Jehoiakim of Judah.
- Political Climate: Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, had recently defeated Egypt at Carchemish (605 B.C.) and was asserting control over the region. Judah was in a precarious position, shifting loyalties between Babylon and Egypt, creating a state of high political tension.
- The King: Jehoiakim, son of the reform-minded King Josiah, was wicked and defiant, starkly contrasting his father’s humility.
- Jeremiah’s Status: Jeremiah was “shut up”—likely banned from the Temple grounds—after preaching for over 20 years.
Overview of Jeremiah 36
1. The Command to Write (vv. 1–3)
In the fourth year of Jehoiakim, God instructs Jeremiah to take a scroll and record all the prophecies, warnings, and calls to repentance he has spoken against Israel, Judah, and other nations since the days of King Josiah. The stated goal is that the people might hear of the impending judgment and repent, allowing God to forgive them.
2. Baruch Records and Reads the Scroll (vv. 4–10)
Jeremiah dictates the messages to Baruch, the son of Neriah, his scribe. Because Jeremiah cannot enter the Temple, he sends Baruch to read the scroll on a fast day, hoping for national repentance.
3. The Officials’ Reaction (vv. 11–19)
Baruch reads the scroll to the people. Micaiah, a concerned official, reports this to the royal cabinet, who summon Baruch to read it to them. Upon hearing the content, the officials (including Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah) are frightened, recognizing the danger the message brings. They wisely advise Baruch and Jeremiah to hide.
4. Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll (vv. 20–26)
The officials inform the king, who sends Jehudi to fetch the scroll. As Jehudi reads it, Jehoiakim, in a state of defiance, cuts the scroll with a penknife and burns it section by section, despite pleas from some of his officials to stop. Neither the king nor his attendants showed fear.
5. The New Scroll and Judgment (vv. 27–32)
God instructs Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll and adds a specific, harsh judgment against Jehoiakim: his body will be left unburied, exposed to heat and frost, and none of his descendants will sit securely on David’s throne. Baruch writes a second scroll, which includes all the original words plus many more added prophecies of judgment.
Key Themes
- The Indestructibility of God’s Word: The king burns the first scroll, the Word of God is simply rewritten and expanded, highlighting that human opposition cannot destroy divine truth.
- Repentance vs. Defiance: The chapter contrasts the proper response to God’s word (fear and repentance) with Jehoiakim’s defiance.
- The Role of the Prophet and Scribe: Jeremiah is the messenger, and Baruch is the faithful scribe who records and reads the word at great personal risk.
- God’s Patience and Justice: God offers repentance through the scroll, but when that is rejected, judgment is inevitable.
In Jeremiah 36, the burning of the scroll by King Jehoiakim represents a pivotal moment of defiance against God’s word, where the king used a penknife to cut and destroy a prophetic scroll.
The Event (Jeremiah 36:22–24)
- The Setting: The scene takes place in the “winter house” in the ninth month, with a fire burning in a brazier (or firepot) before King Jehoiakim.
- The Action: As Jehudi read the scroll aloud (containing prophecies from Jeremiah), the king cut the scroll into pieces using a scribe’s knife (or penknife) and threw them into the fire.
- The Destruction: The king methodically cut and burned the scroll column by column (or section by section) until the entire scroll was consumed.
- The Response: The king and his servants did not show fear or tear their clothes in repentance, demonstrating complete indifference and hardening of heart.
Symbolism and Significance
- Rejection of Divine Authority: The burning of the scroll symbolized an attempt to silence God and reject His warnings of impending judgment.
- Contempt for the Message: Cutting the scroll, which was a parchment scroll of leather or papyrus, column by column, showed intense contempt for the message.
- The Futility of the Action: Despite the destruction of the physical scroll, God commanded Jeremiah to write a second scroll, indicating that divine truth cannot be destroyed.
- Judgment: The act led directly to further judgment from God against Jehoiakim.
Key Terms
- Penknife/Scribe’s Knife: A tool normally used by scribes for cutting or sharpening reed pens, misused by the king for destruction.
- Scroll (Roll): The parchment containing the prophecies.
- Brazier/Firepot: A metal pan used for burning coals to provide warmth.
Those who despise the Word of God will be destroyed:
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13
Those who do not receive and obey God’s Word will be counted “unworthy of everlasting life”:
“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46
“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” Jeremiah 20:9
May God’s Word be fully received in our hearts and be that burning fire emanating from our very bones and pouring out to those around us daily.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
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Articles
“A Flattering Mouth Worketh Ruin”

Using Deceit to Ensnare and Inflict Evil
“A Flattering Mouth Worketh Ruin” Proverbs 26:28
The “ruin” wrought by way of flattery is incalculable.
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” Proverbs 20:19
Firstly, realize that the LORD is warning us here about talebearers or those who carry or bear about tales. Then we learn that the “talebearer revealeth secrets” or dispenses to others “secrets” not fitting to be shared with anyone else other those necessary, that is, those who already know those things. Because of how the enemy of souls uses talebearers, we are then warned to “meddle not” with such persons who are characterized by their cunning ability to flatter their way into our lives, making us feel comfortable with them so that in a vulnerable moment, we reveals “secrets” to them about something in our past that they really had no business knowing. Beware saints. There are those who operate this way. They sliver into your life by flattering you, telling you how wonderful you are and how well they like the way you minister. Then, they insidiously siphon out secret information from you, saving it in memory for just the right time to use against you.
You are not accountable for divulging past sins to anyone. When you repented and confessed that sin before God, He forgave you and remove those sins “as far as the east is from the west (infinity).”(Isaiah 44:22) The LORD has “cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19
Your sin was against God and God alone who alone is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).
“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.” Psalms 51:4
“Sheep in the Midst of Wolves”
A believer armed with these truths will be far less susceptible to the while of the wicked wolves who lurk in our very midst.
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16
The innocent seem to be the most vulnerable because they imagine in their hearts that others are as they are, innocent.Be on guard and walk prayerfully, according to the Word, and in the Spirit and the LORD will deliver you from “the snare of the fowler” or hunter (Psalms 17:4).
“Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” Psalms 91:3
Beware of those who seek to manipulate you to divulge information about your past, even in so-called counseling sessions, most of which are not holy or biblical anyway. Jesus told us to not give out pearls to swine. In principle perhaps that refers to giving anything to swine who will use them against you in the future.
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6
Proverbs 26:28 says: “A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.”
Hunters are very clever at capturing their prey. Deceivers are clever and use clandestine methods to beguile their intended prey. The intended victim must be enticed or lured in using some type of bait or false affirmation/flattery. Concerning wolves who prey on Christ’s precious sheep, the Bible uses the imagery of a hunter who sets a trap for his prey. It speaks of those who “lie in wait to deceive.”(Ephesians 4:14)
“A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.” Proverbs 29:5
It’s obvious that there is a hidden motive in that one who would flatter. Holy Scripture would instruct us to know that some people, while speaking smoothly, have war or evil in their hearts. They hide their hatred and wicked agenda behind a flattering tongue and a smile.
“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.” Psalms 55:21
In order to spiritually know when someone is deceitfully flattering, the disciple should ask the LORD for keener discernment and the “discerning of spirits” which is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10). One of the reasons that we need this gift of the Holy Spirit, is because some who flatter to snare actually seem to be men or women of God. Some of these guys actually preach some good stuff, have a website, call themselves “pastor” to gain clout, and are devil-possessed. Beware and stay in prayer.
People who have self-appointed themselves as representatives of Christ and Christianity are no knew thing. Wolves amidst the sheep of the LORD is no new reality. Even in eternity past, Lucifer (the light bearer) beguiled and misled a third of the LORD’s angels. We then see him slivering into the Garden of creation as a cunning snake who with flattery, lies, and deceit, caused the first sin among men and the fall of mankind (Genesis 3).
“The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.” Hosea 9:8
False shepherds and false prophets have always dwelled among God’s people (Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 23, etc.).
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Articles
PURGATORY: CATHOLIC FRAUD [podcast]

Purgatory is never once mentioned in God’s Word and is a blatant and antichrist denial of the efficacy of the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
“One of the scandalous practices of the Catholic church was the sale of “indulgences” to raise money. Indulgences allowed Catholics to buy forgiveness for their sins with cold, hard cash. Most remember that indulgences were one of the primary reasons Martin Luther made the cataclysmic decision to leave the Catholic church and start the “Protestant” movement. However, few realize that indulgences were used by the Catholic church as a primary source of revenue for over a thousand years, and that the practice did not end as a result of Luther’s protests:
“The cost of running the church’s kingdom while maintaining the profligate lifestyle of one of Europe’s grandest courts pressured the Vatican always to look for ways to bring in more money. Taxes and fees levied on the Papal States paid most of the empire’s basic expenses. The sales of produce from its agriculturally rich northern land as well as rents collected from its properties throughout Europe brought in extra cash. But over time that was not enough to fuel the lavish lifestyles of the Pope and his top clerics. The church found the money it needed in the selling of so-called indulgences, a sixth-century invention whereby the faithful paid for a piece of paper that promised that God would forgo any earthly punishment for the buyer’s sins. The early church’s penances were often severe, including flogging, imprisonment, or even death. Although some indulgences were free, the best ones — promising the most redemption for the gravest sins — were expensive. The Vatican set prices according to the severity of the sin and they were initially available only to those who made a pilgrimage to Rome.” Delancyplace.com
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:27-28
Notice that after a person dies, “after this the judgment” and not purgatory!
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God died for, paid the full and complete price for all sin one time on the cross and anyone believing in purgatory spits in the face of a holy God, openly claiming that the sacrifice of Christ was not enough. Such openly deny Christ and are antichrists.
—— CATHOLIC PURGATORIAL FAIRY TALE SCAM ….. ABSOLUTE BLASPHEMY AND OPEN DENIAL OF THE EFFICACY OF THE VERY BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. PURE GIMMICK – $–PAY YOUR DEAD RELATIVE OUT OF PURGATORY? The Catholic indulgence system is completely diabolical and antichrist. This system teaches that living relatives can $ pay $ their dead relatives out of purgatory (no such thing) by giving monies to the Catholic church. This system wasn’t even initiated until the twelfth century by the then pope in order to raise money for the financially hurting Roman Catholic church. This delusional lie, myth, and exploitation is antichrist in that it brazenly denies the efficacy and power of the blood of Jesus shed once, and good for all time (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:12).
***IN THE MIDDLE AGES, A CERTAIN POPE AT THAT TIME INVENTED THE TEACHING OF PURGATORY TO RAISE $MONEY$ FOR THE FINANCIALLY HURTING ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
IS PURGATORY A CATHOLIC FRAUD? IS THERE EVEN ONE MENTION OF A purgatory in the Bible? Could it be that PURGATORY is a mere scheme to obtain money from poor souls who pay the Catholic church $$$ thinking they are getting some loved one out of a place that doesn’t even exist – purgatory? THE INVENTION OF PURGATORY is but one of the diabolic devices the aCtholic church holds over its people to deceive, delude and ultimately destroy them in eternal damnation.
Heaven and hell (as eternal destinations) appear approximately 600 times in God’s Word and purgatory appears no where – not even once in Holy Scripture.
$$$–Catholic “indulgences” are monies/revenues paid to the Catholic church to get people out of “purgatory” – a place that doesn’t even exist – THIS IS FRAUDULENT!!!
$$$–Purgatory is nothing less than a money-making scam of the Catholic church exploiting its own people$$$.
Does not purgatory exploit the precious Catholic people FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED TO COMPLETELY FORGIVE?
Is purgatory a money-making $$$ lie? – through the sale of Catholic “indulgences”??
The most blasphemous element about this fraud is that PURGATORY DENIES CHRIST’S REDEMPTION by saying His blood was not enough to pay for ALL sins.
Purgatory is simply another Catholic lie.
If God named “Heaven” 582 times and “hell” 54 times by name in His Word, He certainly would have named “purgatory” (by name) if such a place existed.
Purgatory IS a big deal because the Roman religion stands or falls on whether it is teaching God’s holy Word which is final authority.
IF “THE BLOOD OF JESUS CLEANSES US FROM ALL SINS” (1 John 1:7), WHY WOULD GOD INSTITUTE A SO-CALLED PLACE OF “PURIFICATION” NAMED PURGATORY? HE SIMPLY DIDN’T. “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from ALL sin” (1 John 1:7).
Only the blood of Jesus applied by the grace of God and faith can save from eternal damnation.
Jesus says that justification is instantaneous (John 6:47).
IS PURGATORY A MONEY-MAKING SCHEME?
PURGE-atory is a lie because it purports that once a “good Catholic” dies, he is then PURGED in an intermediate state. Purgatory is blasphemy against the finished work of Jesus Christ who stated on the cross that “It IS finished” (John 19:30). The teaching of purgatory is just one more way the roman church denies the total sufficiency of the cross of Jesus Christ our LORD causing millions to be deluded and lost and without true love and peace that only God can give as a person comes to Him the way He prescribed – in His Word – Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father.
CHRIST’S BLOOD IS GOD’S MERCY.
Jesus is the only Hope God gave us for forgiveness of sins. Jesus stated, “The Son of man hath power ON EARTH (not in purgatory) to forgive sins” (Matthew 9:6).
PURGATORY EXISTS NOWHERE IN HOLY SCRIPTURE IN WORD NOR CONCEPT.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS A WASTELAND OF IDOLS.
WHERE ARE SINS FORGIVEN? ON EARTH OR “PURGATORY”??? Jesus stated, “The Son of man hath power ON EARTH to forgive sins” (Matthew 9:6).
WHO ARE SINS FORGIVEN BY???? Jesus stated, “The Son of man hath power ON EARTH to forgive sins” (Matthew 9:6).
1 John 1:7 “the blood of Jesus cleanses us from ALL sins.” No need for a so-called “purgatory” OR CATHOLIC PRIEST.
THE BIBLE CLEARLY TEACHES US THAT THE PUNISHMENT FOR ALL OUR SINS WAS POURED OUT UPON CHRIST ON THE CROSS – ONE TIME, 2,000 YEARS AGO – THEY ARE DEALT WITH COMPLETELY FOR THOSE WHO ARE BORN AGAIN.
DID GOD DO A COMPLETE AND “FINISHED” WORK THROUGH CHRIST? ARE YOU CALLING HIM A LIAR? JESUS SAID, WHILE DYING ON THE CROSS FOR US “IT IS FINISHED (COMPLETE)” (John 19:30).
DID CHRIST FAIL IN HIS MISSION? DO WE NOW NEED SOME COSTUME-WEARING PRIESTHOOD OF SODOMITES TO HELP GOD OUT AND TELL US WHAT TO DO? ABSURD!
ARE YOU CALLING THE SON OF GOD A LIAR?
“It IS finished” simply means that the total and complete price for the sins of the whole world were paid for “one time” on the cross by Christ alone (John 19:30; Heb. 10:12-14).
ONLY JESUS CAN CLEANSE: “Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me” (John 13:8).
ONLY JESUS CAN WASH AWAY SINS, NOT PURGATORY. JESUS TOLD PETER: “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me” (John 13:8).
OFFICIAL CATHOLIC TEACHING/DOGMA:
The following statements can be verified by consulting volumes 1 and 2 of the book, Vatican Council II printed by Costello Publishing Co., Northport, New York. Austin Flannery, O. P., is the general editor and each volume contains the Nihil Obstat and the Imprimatur. The editions are: 1984 (Vol. 1) and 1982 (Vol. 2).
This most recent Roman Catholic Council, which closed on December 8, 1965, is the current official stand of Roman Catholicism. The following quotes are that official stand. (Bold print has been used for emphasis. Furthermore, brackets have been used to increase clarity.)
(10) “We believe that the souls of all those who die in the grace of Christ — whether they must still make expiation in the fire of Purgatory, or whether from the moment they leave their bodies they are received by Jesus into Paradise like the good thief — go to form that People of God ….” (Vol. 2, p. 394)
(12) “The doctrine of purgatory clearly demonstrates that even when the guilt of sin has been taken away, punishment for it or the consequences of it may remain to be expiated or cleansed.” (Vol. 1, p. 64)
(d) “If anyone says that after the reception of the grace of justification the guilt is so remitted and the debt of eternal punishment so blotted out to every repentant sinner, that no debt of temporal punishment remains to be discharged either in this world or in purgatory before the gates of heaven can be opened, let him be anathema.” (ibid., p. 46 — Sixth Session, Chapter XVI, Canon 30)
1 Corinthians 3 is where Paul is simply using this imagery to show that the works true believers did while on earth that were not truly out of the right heart motive, would not be rewarded.
Have you ever been told in a Catholic church that you could not go to Heaven unless you are “born again”? The Son of God said “Ye MUST be born again” (John 3:7). You can’t go to Heaven without being “born again” – the Bible way.
Purgatory simply is not found in the Bible and actually blatantly contradicts Bible doctrine.
If you are a Catholic defender, please quote the verses verbatim and tell everyone here how many times the word “purgatory” appears in the Bible.
Purgatory is a mere proofless myth – invented to steal money from the Catholic people.
Purgatory is a fool’s hope – eternal hell awaits all who die without being born again (the Bible way).
The Bible never mentions purgatory … it’s a myth and wasn’t invented till the 12th century in order to scam money from the Catholic people by selling indulgences.
Hell is the eternal and unending judgment of the holy God of Heaven and earth upon all those who do not repent, falling upon His mercy through the blood of Jesus Christ – BEFORE THEY LEAVE THE EARTH.
We are only made holy by God through Jesus’ blood – THIS IS THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST – not some mythical and unbiblical place called “purgatory.”
THOSE WHO DISREGARD THE BLOOD OF CHRIST MUST SUFFER ETERNAL PUNISHMENT IN HELL: “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?” (Hebrews 10:29).
THE WORD OF GOD IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY NOT THE ROMAN CHURCH – who are you going to trust? God or the Catholic church?
What is there to understand other than the Catholic teaching of purgatory is a blatant denial of the sufficiency of Christ’s blood which was shed to pay for ALL sins one time on the cross (John 19:30; Heb. 10:12, etc.). While dying on the cross for our sins, Jesus said “It IS finished” which simply means that all the sins of mankind were paid for in full by His blood and there was therefore no need ever for any other sacrifice for sin – including the vile and vain idea that man could ever pay for his own sin debt in a place that doesn’t even exist (“purgatory”).
PURGATORY IS JUST ONE OF MANY exploitational devices of the Catholic church. Purgatory exploits the Catholic people, leading them to destitution and despair and ultimately damnation. These poor souls, most of which are in dire straits financially, to afford a funeral are then asked to give $$$money$$$ to the Roman church (which is already the richest organization in the world). How can this be!
JESUS also said “Sanctify them through thy Word, the Word is truth” (John 17:17).
If Jesus’ blood totally cleanses of all sins those who believe upon Him, what need would God have for a purgatory? HE simply never mentioned such a place – it is a Catholic myth – A LIE FROM HELL.
What is your faith built on? God’s Word/truth or religious myth? Your eternity is in the balance – better check it out;)
WILL YOU TRUST THE CONFUSED & CHANGING TEACHINGS OF SINFUL MEN OR THE CLEAR AND UNCHANGING TRUTHS OF A LOVING AND HOLY GOD WHOSE WORD NEVER CHANGES?
JESUS WARNED US TO “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening (devouring) wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
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