Falling Upon the Stone

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

“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, ⁵Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ⁶Wherefore 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. ⁷Unto 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, ⁸And 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, ⁷And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. ⁸But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. ⁹And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. ¹⁰Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. ¹¹But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹²And 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).

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.

Golden Rule Living | Slander | Stone THIS!

Mercy | Love | The Mind of Christ

Do you want to get deeper into God’s Word? If so, send a reply requesting the Moments with My Master email that is sent out to edify Christ’s body.

Redemption Through Christ’s Sacrifice [podcast]

The Glories of the Scarlet Thread (Few things could be this important to your spiritual life) Of the scarlet of redemption, one writer notes: “The Wonder of Redemption: The blood is the power of redemption and you will see this as we follow through the Bible from the beginning to the end of God’s revelation of Himself to man as recorded in the Bible.” “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into […]

The Rich Benefits of Communion - "The Lord's Supper"

“…The Lord’s supper.” 1 Corinthians 11:20 Many agree that the LORD seems to have given His New Testament church two ordinances…perhaps a third. An ordinance is a point of contact or physical enactment with a spiritual truth, reality. These are for born again believers and NOT in an attempt to become a Christian but only for those already born again into Christ. First, you must be born again: 1. Water baptism – to depict our own death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, and 2. Communion – where we are brought into remembrance of our LORD’s death – broken body and […]

Is Psalm 37 One of Your Favorite Psalms? [podcast]

Psalm 37 He Will Not Forsake His Saints 1 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to […]

Articles

The Communication of Thy Faith

Excerpt from the book Revolutionary Evangelism

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:6

Is God concerned how much we sweat or hurt ourselves in order to communicate His truth? I think not. I believe that He is simply desirous that we communicate His Word, no matter what available legitimate method(s) we might choose. The key in the LORD’s economy is “the communication of thy faith.”

Captured in the verse below, seems like the beloved Job is referring also to the refreshment that comes from opening our lips and testifying of our LORD’s great goodness!

“I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.” Job 32:20

With this truth in mind does it not behoove each and every believer to find ways to confess Christ to others who need Him?

OSWALD J. SMITH stated: ”For more than thirty years I have prayerfully considered the problem: How can we evangelise the world in the space of one generation? I do not believe we ever can send out enough missionaries; but there must be a way. After travel and study in fifty-three countries, I have come to the conclusion, the only way we are going to be able to carry out the Great Commission – ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature’ (Mark 16:15) – will be by means of the printed page.”

The end is near. What seed have you sown to reach the lost? What will you tell the Master in the end about how you spent your life on this earth (the life He gave you)?

“I believe our Gospel literature is having a greater impact for Christ on Africa than the coming of five thousand new missionaries.” Dr. Guy Playfield – Sudan Interior Mission

For nearly 500 years now, Gospel tracts have been used to reach the lost with the message of the Good News. No doubt that salvation tracts, also referred to as Gospel or silent messengers, are ordained by God as one of the primary methods/tools to evangelize the world.

“Unquestionably the most economical and effective method of world evangelism is the printed page. Ninety percent of the reported conversions to Christianity in Latin America are the result of sound Gospel literature. One good Gospel tract or Bible study booklet given careful, prayerful, wide distribution may easily reach more people than all the sermons one could preach in a lifetime. And after we are gone, they remain, like Longfellow’s ‘Footprints on the Sands of Time’ streams of blessing that will flow on forever.” J.E. McKEE

By divine inspiration, the modern printing press was invented about the time of the great reformation in order to communicate the grace of Jesus Christ to the world. As a result, in the 16^th century, the Gospel message blazed across Europe, evangelizing those who were previously locked up by the devil in the dark ages of false religion. The great reformer stated:

“Printing is God’s latest and best work to spread true religion throughout the whole world.” Martin Luther

Today, more Word tracts are printed and distributed in the world than any previous time in human history. Could this be as a result of the orchestrating of the Holy Spirit due to Christ’s soon return?

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

Are you a soul winner? Do you have a systematic program to distribute God’s Word via the printed page? Do you have a willing heart? Need Gospel literature?

The message of salvation through Christ, printed in a brief format and easy to distribute, makes it more than feasible for every true Christian to “confess” Christ (Lk. 12:8-9) while communicating His message. With this in mind, will there be any excuse on Judgment Day for having ignored the Great Commission command and the precious lost souls for whom Christ died?

Good News for the disciple: Gospel tracts, which contain the salvation message of holy Scripture, make it possible for every believer to “Do the work of an evangelist.” (2 Timothy 4:5) Good tracts are available to those who desire to be about their Father’s business in winning the lost. Beware of tracts without the direct life or death message Jesus and His original apostles presented (Lk 13:3,5; Mk 16:16, 2 Cor. 2:16, etc.).

You can order Gospel tracts on this site which present the most important elements of Scripture to the lost; Holiness of God, sinfulness of men in breaking His holy law, the necessity of repentance and being born again into the body of Christ through Jesus Christ alone.

PRAYER: God, in the name of Jesus we ask You now to grant this world more Gospel workers (Matt. 9:37-38). Cause each of us to be obedient in this matter LORD. Forgive our coldness and selfishness in disobeying your Great Commission command and for not being considerate to those who don’t yet know you by hiding You from them in not sharing Your message with them. Forgive us for the excuses we have made up and how we have been ashamed of You towards those who need Your love so desperately. I am Yours LORD, please use me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Jesus, Light of the World

Shining His Light: Recently, while in Alabama, I was recommended to a coffee shop and so went to visit. There are men in two fellowshipping and praying together across the coffee shop. I reached out to one guy who works here and after we talked he asked if we could pray together. We did. Amazing. Let’s turn on the light of Christ in this dark world saints – where ever God has us. FRANK TELFORD WRITES: “I SEE A LOT OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS SPENDING A MAJORITY OF THEIR TIME RESEARCHING THE DARKNESS BUT YOU WON’T FIND JESUS THERE BECAUSE […]

"Cup Runneth Over" Heavenly Evangelism [podcast]

YOUR PRAYER: Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please prepare me, use me. Make me a consummate soul winner. In Jesus’ name. “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 […]

Abiding

The Weapons of Our Warfare [podcast]

Fighting Vertically (seeking His face continually) Guarantees that God will take care of the Horizontal

Your ground game will never work until you push praise to the One who made and saved you. Today is your day to train upward. The outward will follow. Verticaly praise to our LORD guarantees horizonal victory. The cross.

“Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalms 149:5-9

Dealing a crushing blow to your enemies – sin and Satan – requires kisses blown to Jesus Christ, the “first love” of your life! (Revelation 2:4-5) Like David, it will be the worshippers who will be God’s warriors!

“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Psalms 2:12

Seeking the face of the LORD is to be “continually.” The victory Jesus died to procure for you, to bless you to walk in, will evade all who do not “seek his face continually.”

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

The only way to get up swinging, get up winning, is to set your heart to seek the face of your Savior! Simple prescription. Do it. Your plan is set in stone. You arise each morning with joyful praise, hands and heart and tongue pointed, aimed at Heaven, lifting the name of Jesus Christ!

“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.” 1 Chronicles 16:22

The only ones the LORD is going to powerfully use to “build” His kingdom in the hearts of men, are those who “set” their soul to seek His holy face.

Is your obedience being fulfilled? Are you filled with love and therefore obedience to the Savior?

The “weapons of our warfare” are:

The Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
Prayer and persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
The name of Jesus (Acts 14:13-14; 16:23-24; Acts 3:16, etc.).

OUR GREATEST WEAPON IS THE WRITTEN WORD, PRAYER, AND THE NAME OF JESUS SAINTS. FRET NOT.

In the wilderness Jesus defeated the enemy by speaking forth the Word (Luke 4). He pulled out specific ammo for the enemy to address specific attacks, On all points, against every weapon of the enemy, Jesus had ammo with the devil’s evil name on it. And in doing so, He gave us the knowledge and example of how the enemy is defeated in our own lives. The Word of God is “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” and is “sharper than any twoedged sword” (2 Corinthians 10:4; Hebrews 4:12).

Studying, knowing the Word of God is like building the military, the arsenal of your life, in order to defeat the enemy. Without a strong arsenal of weapons and ammo, and the expert ability to use those weapons, you will be naked in the battle and lose. God’s Word is your arsenal – that which you have in you – the knowledge and performance thereof. Nothing is more important to your life today than seeking God in His Word and prayer. Jesus is Heaven’s Mighty Warrior, He is “a man of war” and is coming back “in flaming fire…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16, etc.).

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

We are in a war and must fight to win! “FIGHT the good fight….”

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Jesus demonstrated exactly what “the weapons of our warfare” are when He faced Satan in the wilderness. That weapon is the Word of God.

David, who was first a worshipper, was also an expert warrior. His life is a great example to the New Testament saint. David was learning to walk with the LORD, faithfully seeking Him in the pasture as he tended to sheep. He was building up his arsenal. And because he truly knew and sought the LORD, having been diligently training for warfare, the LORD, who is “a man of war,” directed him in choosing the specific ammo from His arsenal to take out Goliath (Exodus 15:3).

The “good soldier of Jesus Christ” is entrenched in the business of war, of winning the war. His Master, Jesus Christ, has never lost – and never will. Yet that blessing is reserved exclusively to those of His saints, His holy soldiers, who “strive lawfully.”

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5

Striving “lawfully” simply means striving or working God’s way, according to His instructions and wishes, and not your own. Such includes to:

“endure hardness.”
realize you are a “soldier” which means you are in a war.
not be entangled with this world.
seek to please the LORD, who is “a man of war” and has chosen you to be His “soldier,” waging His war.

The LORD has and is bringing His true disciples to the understanding that this truly is a WAR, a fight to the death. You must “FIGHT the good fight of faith” or you will be a needless casualty of war! (1 Timothy 6:12) And so a military, a militant stance, posture, must be assumed by the disciple who will endure to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:10-14, etc.).

Spiritual Warfare | Fake Bibles Exposed

Special Ops Spiritual Warfare [podcast]

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

The Opening of Our Understanding [podcast]

“WHEN IT (the heart) SHALL TURN TO THE LORD, THE VAIL SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY” *** Major Biblical Truth The blindess vanquishes only when we truly turn our HEARTS to the LORD…. How the veil that blinds us, that hinders our understanding, is removed. “But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it (the heart) shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face […]

Abiding

A Fresh Look at Jesus’ 7 Letters to the Churches [podcast]

Did Jesus tell even one of the seven churches He addressed that they are as sure for Heaven as if they were already there due to being initially saved by Him?

Did Jesus give conditions for being with Him in eternal glory?

Can someone please help me figure out where un-conditional eternal security/OSAS fits in with the 7 letters of Jesus to the churches of Asia? Is it anywhere mentioned? No.

Can anyone find OSAS/eternal security in Jesus’ 7 letters to CHURCHES in Revelation 2 and 3? No. No such thing. Instead He gives conditions to overcome, to endure to the end, to abide, remain, and continue in Christ, in faith and obedience.

No such thing as “eternal security” in Christ’s kingdom until AFTER you are in Heaven. Such heresy is the bait of Satan as it was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17 > 3:4). Only moral cowards who make excuse for sin instead of being crucified with Christ daily as Jesus commanded. Bite on this bait (Luke 9:23-25). Eternal hell awaits. Time to repent and get “honest” (Luke 8:15).

Satan’s First Doctrine is a Lie. Yet Many Claim it’s Part of the Gospel of Jesus. Beware of these Wolves.

No such thing as a born again AND presently abiding saint who is not fruitful, who is not bearing good fruit. Otherwise why did Jesus instruct His people to know themselves and others “by their fruit”? See Matthew 7:16, 19. Such a notion as is heretical. Anyone who Jesus saves and then they don’t endure to the end, they don’t continue abiding in Christ, is no longer the LORD’s and going to hell. Read John 15:1-6 and stop believing the Devil’s very first lie—OSAS (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

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

WHEN YOU ARE IN YOUR MIND beginning to make excuse for sin, you KNOW it’s your un-crucified flesh and Satan that are in control. You know then that repentance, re-turning to the LORD who is Holy, is necessary.

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

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

When you are tempted to believe in the satanic heresy of “eternal security,” otherwise known as “once saved always saved (OSAS),” you know SATAN is seeking to seduce you (Genesis 2:17; 3:14).

Concerning these 7 letters of Jesus to the churches, one source notes the following:

“Revelation chapters 2 and 3 contain seven individual messages from Jesus Christ to seven historical churches in Asia Minor. The letters share a common pattern: an address to the church’s angel, a description of Christ, an evaluation of the church’s spiritual state, a call to repentance or perseverance, and a promise to those who overcome.”

Overview of the Letters

Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, and Laodicea receive direct rebukes for forsaking their first love, tolerating false teachings, dead orthodoxy, or lukewarmness, alongside urgent calls to repent.

Smyrna and Philadelphia face intense tribulation or persecution yet receive no rebuke, and are encouraged to hold fast to their faith.

Promises to Overcomers: Each letter concludes with eternal assurances for “him that overcometh” such as the tree of life (Revelation 2:7), the crown of life (Revelation 2:10), and exemption from the second death (Revelation 2:11).

The Notion of Eternal Security Expelled

Some interpret the repeated conditional commands to “overcome” and “hold fast” as evidence that eternal salvation requires ongoing faithfulness and endurance to the end, suggesting that warnings against unrepentance involve real spiritual risk rather than unconditional security.”

For Example, Jesus’ letter to the church at Sardis:

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:1-6

Also:

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

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved …. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22; 24:13

Concerning Jesus’ 7 Letters and OSAS, once commentator notes:

“The seven letters of Jesus in Revelation 2-3 challenge absolute eternal security (“once saved, always saved”) by repeatedly commanding repentance, warning believers that unfaithfulness carries severe consequences, and conditioning eternal promises on actual endurance.

Warnings and Conditions in the Letters

Ephesus: Jesus warns that if the church does not repent for leaving its first love, He will “remove thy candlestick out of his place” (Revelation 2:5). [1]

Smyrna & Philadelphia: The promise of the crown of life and inclusion is explicitly tied to being “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10) and holding fast what they have “that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11).

Thyatira: Jesus warns He will cast those committing adultery into great tribulation and will “kill her children with death” (Revelation 2:22-23).

Sardis: Jesus tells those who do not watch that He will come upon them “as a thief” (Revelation 3:3).

Laodicea: The lukewarm church is threatened with rejection: “I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).

The Promise to the Overcomer

In every letter, rewards like eating from the tree of life or being clothed in white raiment are promised specifically “to him that overcometh” (Revelation 2:7, 3:5).

Supporters of eternal security point to Christ’s assurance in Sardis—“I will not blot out his name out of the book of life” (Revelation 3:5)—as proof of permanent keeping, while critics argue the conditional phrasing implies names can be blotted out for failing to overcome.”

The Return of Jesus

Departing and the 7 Letters of Revelation [podcast]

Notes: Pergamos the church of imperial favor. The Church became allied with pagan Rome. Pergamos means married (to the world). “The doctrine of balaam teaches those of the world how to bring a curse on the church by feigning friendship toward them through subterfuge in order to corrupt them thereby bringing a self-inflicted curse on a people who otherwise could not be cursed. To become an enemy of the world is to become the enemy of God. This is how…” Paul Roberts The Return of Christ | Support | STORE Victory Over the Iniquities that Currently Drive You [podcast] The More […]

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

“The horrible travesty we have in America today is Christianity without holiness.” A.W. Tozer Grace and holiness come only from God. The LORD is Holy and He extends salvation by grace to repentant, believing sinners at the moment of conversion. Grave vs Holiness: WHY is one of these two so overwhelmingly overemphasized by today’s pastors and self-appointed “grace teachers,” when the other is prioritized by God as is demonstrated by the number of times it appears in Holy Scripture? Which word appears more times in the Bible?: Grace, or Holiness LET’S DO THE MATH: Comparing Grace and Holiness 170 to 654 […]

The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]

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