God-Less Grinches in our Midst [radio]

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]

Beware of the self-congratulatory grandstanding of those who establish their identity on what they are against. They are very proud, self-righteous, full of pride and arrogance, and blind. …Soon as you get off that bash-happy bandwagon, you will be the outsider and also under their cult-like attack.

Some base their bashing on historical knowledge. WHY do some give such strength to the catholic church and other devils throughout history? Is this not idolatry? If these people were truly righteous by Christ instead of self-righteous, perhaps they wouldn’t be giving such strength to Tertullian and the phony popes of Rome. It’s like they worship these devils by making THEIR word and evil doings final authority instead of the Word of God (John 8:47).

NEARLY everything in this fallen world is pagan and it doesn’t take a spiritual giant to see this simply truth. So, this season, WHY NOT posture ourselves to simply shine the light into the darkness of men’s hearts and ask God to use us to do what He sent us to do – to win someone to Jesus!? Perspective. Why waste time protesting instead of preaching the Gospel?

From David Taylor:

“Mighty ancient angels, Wise wealthy Pagan magicians, Hebrew Shepherds poor, animals, parents and relatives, were all drawn to this Divinely orchestrated event – the birth of the Messiah into flesh. And even today His truth still sounds, ‘If I shall be lifted up I shall draw all men unto me’. Rejoice!! Our Savior and King is alive forevermore!! Serve Him. Are you and yours ready for His imminent return and judgment? May God continue to bless as you serve the Lord Jesus. In Christ’s love,” David

SOME OF THESE HARANGUING “BULLIES” ARE SO AGAINST DECEMBER 25TH THAT IF SOMEONE GOT UP ON THE MORNING AND READ ABOUT JESUS BEING BORN INTO THE EARTH, THEY’D STONE THAT PERSON! THESE PEOPLE ARE SCARY – MUCH MORE SCARY THAN THOSE WHO SIMPLY DO NOT REALIZE ALL THE PAGANISM SURROUNDING CHRISTMAS. YET, IF THEY ARE INNOCENT OF IT AND THEIR CONSCIENCE IS NOT DEFILED BY IT, IT’S NOT SIN. READ 1 CORINTHIANS 8 AND ROMANS 14 BEFORE YOU DRAW CONCLUSION ON THIS AND GET ON GOD’S PAGE!

The self-righteous christmas bashing zealots are quick and forceful in pointing out “that’s pagan!” …. but Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 ARE BIBLE! Have you studied and do you understand them? OR are you too busy studying Satan’s paganism?

PERSONALLY, I AM NOT GOING TO HAND THE VICTORY TO SATAN/PAGANISM BY NOT CELEBRATING JESUS AND HIS BIRTH/1ST COMING DURING THIS OR ANY SEASON …. YOU KEEP PROTESTING EVERYTHING IF YOU WANT…. I WILL NOT JOIN YOU…. JESUS CAME TO PREACH HIS HOLY LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS OF THIS FALLEN WORLD AND NOT TO WASTE A SECOND CURSING THE DARKNESS WHICH IS FUTILITY. DID HE NOT KNOW ALL THE PAGAN DARKNESS BEFORE HE CAME? GO READ WHAT JESUS SPOKE IN HIS MINISTRY? WAS HE FOCUSED ON THE DARKNESS OR BRINGING THE LIGHT OF TRUTH? DID HE SAY TO HIS CHILDREN, “YE ARE THE DARKNESS OF THE WORLD” OR “YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”? (MATTHEW 5:13-16)

SO BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS ARE SUPPOSED TO STOP WORSHIPING JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE OF WHAT SATAN AND HIS PAWNS HAVE DONE???!!!! Man, some of you false watchmen need to repent and when you truly do, God will give you a kingdom clue! …

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Did Jesus say: “Let your light so shine before men EXCEPT DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”??? Yes or no please.

Some people will scorn you for not jumping on their condemnation bandwagon.

So, those who insist upon calling damnation down upon the immature Christians and the heathen during this season, are disqualified from being used of the LORD. God cannot used them to win anyone to Christ because they’ve self-righteously taken up an offense, a cause against obvious paganism and congratulate themselves for doing so in many cases. They have not learned a simple truth, captured profoundly in James 1:20: “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) God never instructed any of His servants to go out and hate sinners. Such would be completely unbefitting to rescued sinners now saved by the mercy of Christ alone (Titus 3:3-7). When Moses did so, when he chose to have unwarranted anger against God’s sinning people, the LORD pulled his rug and Moses was then disqualified to lead God’s people into the promised land, right? The Bible says that “God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalms 7:11) The fact that GOD is angry because HE alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” gives no mere man license to walk around all mad and protesting paganism and sin. To those who insist on being unduly angry, Jesus says “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” Then Jesus informs us “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”(Luke 9:55-56)

This unrighteous, undue reveals a total lack of the cross in such people. When the cross is truly at the center of our lives, self is crucified and the life of Christ lived out. Are you God or are you a mere man? These fail to recognize they they are mere men and that the LORD alone is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Jesus is God and He didn’t act this way toward us “WHILE WE were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8) No, the Son of God didn’t protest our evil but instead He left the glory of His Father and came and died for us. We were already in sin. He came to rescued, to save us (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

WHO do we think we are?! You are no hero for seeing the very very obvious sin and paganism in this fallen world. But what did the ONE you claim to follow do about it? He died to conquer it. He didn’t walk around all upset and mad at the rampant sin in this fallen world…. He conquered it through death (Hebrews 2:14-15) and calls us to do the same – re-enacting His death, burial and resurrection in our daily lives – so that He can reign in and through us (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:10-12, etc.).

He’s coming soon. Who are you personally leading to Him? Notice that it’s “He that WINNETH souls (who?) is wise” in God’s eyes and not those who yell at, unduly condemn, and harshly speak to them…. but the wisdom of God is proven to be in those who actually “WINNETH souls.” (Proverbs 11:30)

Beware of those who Beat Up God’s People

Perhaps Jesus would say to us today …”Shut your mouth, get on your face, lay down your life in this world, die the death, and go win someone to Me!”

Saints, we are not heroes or highly enlightened to recognize the evil around us – 24/7/365!

Again, in case some seek to say that I am justifying my own participation in Christmas, be informed that I do not participate….. yet worship Him, thank God for the gift of the eternal Word, and choose to ask Jesus to shine His light in and through His vessels during this and all seasons of the year (Matthew 5:16). Did Jesus or His holy apostles walk around all mad, with no divine joy, because of the myriad of paganism that was all around them as they walked the earth? Yes or not please. The Bible speaks of the great joy Jesus had (Psalms 45:7; John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9). Protesting paganism is going to lead not one lost soul to Jesus and is actually preventing them from being saved through the lives of those who are too immature to simply winsomely minister to them.

This topic brings out the legalism that still resides in many among us and their lack of being established in the grace of God (Hebrews 13:9). …. Is this an essential? Will those Christians who put up a tree be damned for such? No. That means this is a NON-essential. Putting up a tree, especially having no intention to worship that inanimate object, is on not one of the many lists of sins in the New Testament. Please study Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

SOME are saying that trees are evil because during this season people decorate them. So, they judge those who have Christmas trees today. Yet, do you know anyone who worships that tree? I don’t. No, I don’t have a Christmas tree. Just attempting to make a point. ……. To attempt to demonize ANY part of God’s creation – what He purposely created for His own purposes – is treading on thin ice. the MIS-use of anything by mere humans in no way negates the purpose for which God created the thing being misused. The misuse of any part of the LORD’s creation does not make that something evil. Only Satan, fallen angels, and the hearts of men can be evil because they are created being with choice, free moral agency. Inanimate objects cannot possibly be evil. They have no breath of life in them and therefore have no free will to exercise themselves for or against the Maker of all things. …. WE must truly submit ourselves afresh to the LORD, crying out to Him for His understanding and wisdom and to establish our hearts with His grace (Hebrews 13:9). See 1 Corinthians 8.

Jeremiah 10

Jesus and His apostles came around LONG after trees were used to perform idol worship (Jeremiah 10)…. Did Christ or even one of His holy apostles ever mention, much less call out this sin? chapters and verses please

What’s God getting at in Jeremiah 10? Notice that “the way of the heathen” He is addressing involves WORSHIPPING the inanimate object of a tree, not the tree itself. The LORD created trees and had Noah use them to build the ark and allow them to be used to crucify the LORD of glory. The LORD makes clear in this passage that trees have no free will and therefore cannot sin. Only man was created in His holy image and has the ability to worship Him or rebel against Him.

“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Jer 10:3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jer 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Jer 10:5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Jer 10:6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

Jer 10:7 Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.

Jer 10:8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.” Jeremiah 10:2-8

FOR THE RECORD, to further denigrate the modern pharisees, this believer does not celebrate Christmas, does not have a tree or any associated decor. Yet will those who do be damned for it? This disciples DOES, with no apology ever to any mere man or devil, celebrate Jesus 24/7/365 …. and is defending the God-given liberties for each and every Christian in the way they worship, as long as it’s not an essential – which this is not. There is no hint or attempt to justify paganism and yet, if a person’s heart is not deliberately worshiping another god (false god), they’re not committing a soul damning sin. Read Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:7-22

NO AMOUNT OF ATTENTION PAID AND SPENT ON DIGGING UP THE EVIL OF PAGANISM NEGATES WHAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT CHRIST AND HIS FIRST COMING BY WAY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND A VIRGIN.

Think for a minute about the focus of those who insist on digging up the paganism in this season – something most Christians do not participate with in the first place. Where did they get that from? They got this from the SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) and JW (Jehovah Witness) cults. Those people are not saved.

So, their focus is not on Christ but rather they relish in paganism. In fact, they do not ever mention or acknowledge the Son of God who was born of the Holy Spirit through a virgin in fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2, etc.). These people shun Scripture which clearly, irrefutably reveals that the shepherds, angels of God, wise, men, and John the Baptist all celebrated the first coming of the eternal, divine Word of God (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; John 1, etc.). Seems to me that “the spirit of antichrist” (x-ing out Christ) is behind these people. After all, just stand back and watch them …. they are not preaching Christ.

Is it pure idolatry to celebrate Christmas or birthdays? Does that not depend on the person’s heart as in all these non-essential matters? So if someone participates in some sort of Christmas celebration, does that mean they are not saved? Hardly. It’s a non-essential on either one of these and that’s the point. Read Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8.

Ryan Dudley wisely writes: “Ignorance isn’t having a , ignorance is thinking a Jesus worshipper worships a .”

Ryan Dudley makes a good point saints. No, a tree won’t send anyone to hell so please get over that legalism. Idolatry is sin and ask yourself: Have you ever met a person who worships their christmas tree? I don’t even know any that is a lost soul who does such.

Was Jesus born on December 25th? No. …. “I don’t wanna be bound to a day for Christ Jesus being born, but everyday knowing that He was born into this world to save the sinners. Amen.” Jason Cherry

Personally, I don’t celebrate or protest either actually and yet and blessed that these holiday occasions present times for people to come together and for Christ’s love to be shown.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:23-26　

Here Jesus makes it clear that pharisees over emphasize minors and under emphasize majors.

THE REAL SINNERS …. ARE THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS, BLIND, PHARISEES WHO MAKE A BIG ISSUE OUT OF 1) CELEBRATING ANY PART OF CHRIST, OR 2) SINNING BY JUDGING OTHER CHRISTIANS ON SOMETHING THAT IS NON-ESSENTIAL. AFTER ALL, WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO IS BOWING DOWN AND WORSHIPING A CHRISTMAS TREE? I DIDN’T DO THAT BEFORE I WAS SAVED, DID YOU?

SO YOU have more faith in Satan and his paganism than you do JESUS CHRIST? Wow! Is that not the sin of idolatry? If you are so discerning and so holy, why not preach Christ instead of dwelling on His enemy and paganism?

Those who are “weak IN the faith” are still God’s children and we should be praying for and feeding them and helping grow in grace and not wasting our time bashing obvious paganism. Mature Christians do not participate in blatant paganism and yet, they also help those believers who are “weak in the faith” learn and grow. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom. 14:1)

IF IN FACT this is Satan’s busiest time of year (December), why not preach Christ – the light of the world – into the midst of it? … WHILE pretending to be “holy,” the self-righteous, self-serving legalist is so weak that he fears that doing a neutral activity will cause him to backslide and so he seeks to impose restrictions on others instead of minding his own business and working out his own salvation with fear and trembling, allowing God to work in himself and others. Philippians 2:12-13; Psalms 138:8

These people who come out viciously concerning all the paganism they study about in Christmas are consumed with self-righteousness which is sin. It’s like all they can think of and worship is the paganism they dig up and focus on …. “An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.” Prov 16:27

So you are saying someone who gets a Christmas tree is going to hell? Chapter and verses please?

The word “heretick” concerns causing unnecessary divisions. Titus 3:10 Such are to be rejected.

Let’s get a clue saints: The world was covered in darkness for 4,000 years when Jesus fulfilled prophecy and came into this world. The world – every human being – was fallen, guilty before God and separated from Him. So why did Jesus say He came? Did He come to condemn? No, the world – all of us – were ALREADY condemned!

There is no Scripture that forbids Christians from celebrating Jesus on any of the 365 days He made …. the rebuke is biblical and is to those who seek to infringe upon the God given liberty of each believer in NON-essentials. Read Romans 14 please.

Memorize this truth and it will change your life:

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17

Shine the light of truth saints! Show and communicate God’s love for those around you by ministering He who is “the light of the world” and sent you to be His “light” and “salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

These devilish pawns who run around pounding paganism have never led anyone to CHRIST! Do we not begin to see their darkness now? Who would want the false “jesus” they have anyway? No one. Prudes don’t know Christ who “was anointed with gladness (joy) ABOVE all his fellows.” (Hebrews 1:9) “The JOY of the LORD is your strength” to make Him known! (Nehemiah 8:10) When a person truly abides in Jesus, the Bible says they will have “the fruit of the Spirit” which is “Love, JOY, peace …” (Matthew 5:22-23) Do you have the joy of Jesus? (John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9, etc.)

“Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

SO MANY people hear some half cocked novice preacher say something and live by that message for years – never stopping to compare it to the whole counsel of God’s Word. For example, I’ve heard 10 people say lately things like: “We are not to celebrate Christ’s birth, only His death.”

Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus … His incarnation into flesh as He came to redeem us (John 1:14).

Jesus Christ is divine and had no beginning or end as such … yet He did have a day in which we were blessed beyond measure to have Him born into this world – to save us. THAT’s what Christians celebrate 24/7/365. We don’t know what exact day that was and so we magnify the Lamb of God every single day!

The Shepherds and the Angels

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11

Though we don’t know nor need to know the exact day Jesus was born into this earth, there was a certain day He was born into this world to redeem us as is indicated by verse 11 above – “this day.”

First let me say that we are to make no mistake that ANY and all attempts to draw attention away from Christ are coming from an antichrist who is under “the spirit of antichrist” who is Satan himself (1 John 4:1-3).

Beware of the Sinful, Savior-Denying Scrooges! Is there EVER a Time Not to Worship Jesus Christ? That is a Yes or No question please….. WHAT spirit is behind the protesting of Christ’s birth? It’s certainly not the Holy Spirit because that would contradict His own Word – where angels and His people greatly celebrated the first coming of Jesus, without which He could never have died for the sins of the world (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2).

Some who are self-appointed watchmen preach paganism. That is obviously their focus. They refuse to state or deal with SCRIPTURE concerning the birth of the Messiah into the earth – from Old and New Testaments. They set the very Word of God aside while claiming to be zealous for God! Wow, then they call everyone else pagan and sinful who refuse to join in. These angry, self-centered people come out of the woodworks every December to make this an issue of paganism – because THAT is their focus. Have you noticed? The true body of Christ simply takes this season and all seasons to celebrate Christ!

Want to test that Doctrine? Want to see if we are only to celebrate Jesus’ death?

Throw the first chapters of the Gospels away and the prophets and their prophetic utterances. They greatly glorified God for the long awaited Messiah. They certainly, incontrovertibly celebrated the very Word God becoming flesh to dwell among us and die for our sins (John 1:14).

One sister writes:

“No matter what time of the year it is, just thinking about the birth of Jesus is enough to put a smile on everyone’s face… His birth is as important as His death… From the throne room to the manger to the cross, Christ came so that in Him we might pass from bondage to freedom, from death to life. Thank God for His Son–His gift too wonderful for words. Most important for us is that the Son of God did come. He that made man was made man… And on that fact hangs our life. Christ came at the Father’s bidding to release us from the death-grip of sin. How He accomplished this is the story of the cross. Isn’t it that Christ first advent is a wonderful gift for us to celebrate?”

Throw the whole Old Testament away and all the prophecies of the Messiah away if you are going to vainly attempt to diminish aught from celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth. By audaciously attempting such, you are taking away from the Word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). When we read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2, we see among others, the following divinely authenticated created beings celebrating the birth of the eternal Word Himself, Jesus Christ:

The angels
“a multitude of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13)
The wise men
Mary
John the Baptist

So, you herald JESUS at His death but not His birth? Really? Wouldn’t a true Jesus worshiper not glorify the Son of God in every aspect of His pre-incarnate, the beginning of His incarnation (virgin birth), life, ministry, mission, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection? After all, all of it is in God’s Word, right?

It doesn’t matter exactly WHAT DAY He was born into His earth … it’s not a sin for any individual Christian to celebrate Jesus and any part of His life on any and all days. So are you going to rebuke a born again believer because he chooses to celebrate Jesus during this season? WHO even mentioned trees, ornaments or nimrod? What do they have to do with this?

It’s absurd to say it’s un-biblical to celebrate ANY part of the pre-incarnate, birth in the flesh, life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah. Have you read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 to see all the biblical characters who celebrated His birth into the earth? Angels, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, etc. Seems like you are letting paganism neglect the LORD and the myriad of Scriptures – prophetic and the fulfillment of His first coming without which He could not have died for our sins…..

“Come now let us REASON together” (Isaiah 1:18) It’s simply unreasonable to judge others for using this season to thank God for the first coming of Christ – the eternal, divine Word made flesh to die for our sins.

IT’S LIKE SOME ACT AS IF GOD TAKES A VACATIONS DURING DECEMBER. THEY’D HAVE YOU THINK JESUS DOESN’T WANT TO DRAW IN AND SAVE SOULS THAT MONTH BECAUSE THIS THING CALLED PAGANISM IF BIGGER THAN GOD IS HAHA

Let’s stop passing on things that do not pass the test of the whole testimony of God’s Word. After all, let’s forget trying to find a Scripture in all of the Bible that forbids (calls a sin) celebrating the birth of the LORD Jesus Christ, Heaven’s King.

We are simply observing the Bible’s testimony of worship Jesus Christ every hour of every day of every year and also defending the God-given liberty for each and every believer to worship as he or she wishes in non-essentials. Those who infringe upon the personal liberties of other believers are in sin. Read Romans 14 and repent.

SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE HUNG UP ON CHRISTMAS TREES THAN THEY ARE ON JESUS! WOW THEY BASH THE PAGANISM OF CHRISTMAS TREES MORE THAN THEY PREACH CHRIST. DOES SOMETHING SEEM AMISS? ARE THEY NOT ACTING AS IF A CHRISTMAS TREE IS A SOUL DAMNING SIN? ARE THEY NOT ELEVATING A CHRISTMAS TREE ABOVE CHRIST HIMSELF?

Could it be the spirit of antichrist behind those who in the guise of protesting paganism get Christians not to appreciate and celebrate the very coming of the Messiah? …. as did the shepherds, angels, wise men, John the Baptist, and others (Matt. 1-2; Luke 1-2).

Seems to me that it could only be Satan who would draw attention away from Christ and people celebrating His 1st coming. …. All in the name of paganism. These people who protest the celebration of Christ’s birth seem to know all the facts about Satan’s paganism while completely ignoring the numerous Scripture passage in Old and New Testaments about the 1st coming of the Messiah and the many who celebrated it. In fact, such people must be under the control of “the spirit of antichrist.” 1 John 4:1-3

Allen Penner writes: “1) Celebrating Christmas is NOT a pagan tradition; its a celebration of our Lord and Savior’s birth. Let us not attribute to Satan the greatest gift of God. 2) What did the three wise men do immediately upon finding Jesus in a manger? They GAVE GIFTS! There is no evil in blessing others with giving and reflecting the character of Christ/act of God’s giving the gift of Jesus. 3) The true evil, is when one disregards the true nature and meaning of Christmas…to celebrate the birth of the perfect sacrifice. It is neither “wrong” nor unbiblical to follow the pattern and do acts of love, and kindness; selflessness and giving; or to create a festive atmosphere in celebration of Christ. 4) The secondary evil…is exhibited in those who choose not to reflect the type of love God displayed in Christ; instead choosing to hate, bash, belittle, and condemn others. Does Romans 8:1 not say: ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’?? Then how is it we rashly and harshly condemn others for celebrating Jesus’ birth in a different way? Did Paul not insist that we as believers not belittle or judge others for their different method of worship? ( 1 Cor. chapters 8 & 10) In the end folks…calling Christmas evil is akin to calling Christ evil; since it is celebrating the birth of our only source of justification. Evil does not come from a “day,” nor from a “label” of what it is called…but from the enemy through the darkened hearts of those who choose to hate, to hurt, to belittle/bash, to demean/deny Christ, and to return condemnation for the grace we received in Christ. Christmas cannot be evil, yet one’s heart…greed….pride…bitterness…envy…. quickness to condemn are. The Pharisees also were condemned by Christ Himself for their legalism, lack of the greater elements of love/mercy, grace and forgiveness. They also chose to condemn mankind based on their own presumptions of a person’s faithfulness. Let us at the very least…intentionally choose to love, forgive, edify, and encourage…but ultimately, worship God for the birth of Christ. So long as this is our intention…no amount of decoration, shiny lights, fancy wrapped gifts….can be an instrument of evil.“

Brother Brandon Elliott testifies to this following sanctifying work of Christ in His life:

“I used to get on my family even others about this. until the Lord opened my eyes about it. so much of the world wants to and tries to take God out of everything schools government and now we have Christians being seduced and ” watchman ” wanting to take Christ out of Christmas . while there is much paganism and as you mentioned the 25th isn’t the actual birthdate there is nothing wrong with celebrating the birth of Christ. we now have Christians wanting to take God out of things due to there endless continuous search of digging up evil . the enemy has cleverly and strategically distracted many to focus on non essential issues and the Gospel is neglected in that search and digging up of evil. the bible says a ungodlyman digs up evil. and its sad so many go out of their way to dig and search. and in that love waxes cold. its a painful process but needed. painful to see how wrong I was about certain things. being broken again is sometimes what it takes. for me I am in that being broken again process. I recently made a new facebook and closed the one I have had since 2010. I got caught up in these watchman sects legalism non essentials. at the time I didn’t see I was teaching but needed again to be taught. So with that being said please lift me in prayer because it is a battle daily I’m being fought against by the enemy of truth. I see now I wasn’t always living in liberty the freedom we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. I was bound by fear even compromised at times for fear of what these sects would say. but thanks be to God healing has began and freedom is winning because there is victory in repentance.”

IDOLATRY AND PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE:

IN LIGHT OF THE FOLLOWING BIBLE PASSAGE, IS A PERSON WHO SETS UP A CHRISTMAS TREE AUTOMATICALLY COMMITTING IDOLATRY? ARE THEY GOING TO HELL? THAT IS A YES OR NO QUESTION PLEASE.

1 Corinthians 8

“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

One saint writes: “The Lord used trees to adorn His sanctuary. If I use ornamental trees to adorn my yard, does that make me a pagan and idol worshiper? If I string lights on those trees, am I paying homage to it? You see the logic? I am a gardener, so I love plants, trees, shrubs, flowers etc. It doesn’t make me a pagan.”

“The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.” Isaiah 60:13　

Abiding

The Curse of a Divided Heart and Blessing of a Whole Heart! [podcast]

Israel’s heart was divided. The solution.

“Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images … 12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:2, 12

King Asa: Tragic end of an otherwise obedient, fruitful, God-glorifying life….

Are you blessed or cursed?

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

King Asa trusted the physicians and not the LORD and he paid dearly.

“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12

Feet speak of foundation. Without feet, physically we cannot stand. Without a sound foundation of truth, of God’s Word in our lives, we shall not stand. Read Matthew 7:19-29.

One writes notes the following about the meaning of feet in God’s Word:

“Why Are Feet Important in the Bible? Just as men and women stand upon their feet as the foundation of upright posture, Bible verses also use feet as a euphemism to represent a strong foundation in various circumstances. Feet are not referenced as we see them today, but they are used as symbols to represent greater metaphorical concepts, such as guidance or direction.

The feet represented something that was common to all people but used differently. For example, one of the most noted scripture texts involving feet is Psalm 119:105, ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ This emphasizes how the feet are used to travel and traverse. Yet, without the word, the traveler is left walking in the dark without a known path.

Essentially, the feet are referenced as a critical part of life as walking was commonplace. We naturally travel where our feet lead us and the Bible verses use feet to represent a means of traveling through life itself. If we walk down a dark path, we are likely to stumble. If we walk down a holy path, we are sure to please God. All of this is facilitated symbolically by the feet.”

The foundation truth we learn in God’s Word and obedience to it determines the direction of our lives.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ

Like Asa, many today trust the counsel of mere men, such as doctors and not God. This doesn’t mean going to a doctor is a sin and yet, the true disciple will primarily trust and obey and be led of the LORD, not men.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Read Hebrews 3-4 prayerfully for the eternal danger of having “an evil heart of unbelief” AFTER being saved. Repentance required.

“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalms 12:2

Got depression? Are you seeking the LORD in true repentance whereby He will grant you great joy? (Psalms 51; 2 Timothy 1:7) Or, are you seeking out and trusting the mere human, the finite pundits of this fleeting world?

“But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.” Job 13:4

Those who trust human physicians and not the Great Physician, are cursed, not blessed. Their faith in mere men reveals their utter rebellion.

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10

2 Chronicles 15:17 – Upon becoming king in Judah, Asa, having inherited an idolatrous, lukewarm people, system… he began to command that…

The people do that which is right in God’s eyes (2 Chronicles 14:2)
That all idolatrous altars we torn down (2 Chronicles 14:3)
That God’s people seek His face (2 Chronicles 14:4)
That idol altars in the cities of Judah be removed – “and the kingdom was quiet before him” (2 Chronicles 14:5) ….. Proverbs 1:33
Fenced cities be built …. so the land could be at rest, at peace, and not fear the enemy (2 Chronicles 14:6)
The people be involved in building fenced, walled, protected cities – “Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.” (2 Chronicles 14:7) …… 1 Chron 16:11
Great military be built (2 Chronicles 14:8)

“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and IFFFF ye seek him, he will be found of you; but IF ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.” 2 Chronicles 15:17

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

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17

“Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” Psalms 50:22

“Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20

God blesses those who trust Him and curses, removes His blessings from those who once trusted Him and yet now have forgotten Him. When we willingly offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the LORD our God, He avenges us of all our enemies (Judges 5:2) …. “But IF thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” (Exodus 23:22)

“WHEN” does God avenge us of our enemies? “WHEN” does God judge our enemies?

“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2

When we offer our lives a living sacrifice unto the LORD – that is, we simply surrender this life to Him – the subduing of our enemies begins.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Asa reigned as king in Judah for 39 years (2 Chronicles 14-16).

In his final days, after obeying God and bringing much needed reform to the people of God, Asa forgot the LORD, and had grown cold in his faith and was therefore cursed with a divided heart.

All those who trust mere men, just because they have a white coat on and are called “doctor”, are going to die as did king Asa who trusted in earthly physicians, instead of the Great Physician! Repent now sinner.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Are you a pessimistic pansy or an optimistic overcomer? Are you like the 10 spies or the 2 who entered the promised land while the 10 sad sack whiners were shut out? “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) Jesus asks “WHERE is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) Repenting for real and putting all your trust in the LORD is essential – and no one will be in the promise land of Heaven without sound, solid faith in God. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Hebrews 11:6). “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5)

Read Revelation 2-3.

Remember the woman Jesus, the Great Divine Physician made whole of her issue who had previously spent all she had on human physicians?

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him (accessed by faith in Him), turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith (in God not men) hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:25-34

You claim to be trusting God but you take a mood drug? I don’t think so. MOOD DRUGS ARE FOR THE WICKED UNBELIEVERS. PERIOD. REPENT.

When a person resorts to using a drug to uplift their mood, they are loving and believing the world more than God, forfeiting the blessing of God for a cheap substitute, and manifesting their contempt for the LORD, their unbelief. A born again, presently abiding disciple of Jesus has all the fruit of the Holy Spirit which include, “Love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) God gives His people “power… love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God’s Word has the answer to “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” and that specifically includes a “sound mind.” (2 Peter 1:3-4) Holy Scripture specifically uses the terms “sound mind” and “sound heart” which come only from learning and adhering to “sound doctrine.”

We live in a fallen world and were born in sin. Via the things that have happened to us and that we ourselves have perpetrated on others, fragmentation of our hearts has occurred. Only One can make us whole.

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3

Counting it all Joy

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8

Through the trials we face in this life, we must learn to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”, trust God not men, ask for and rely on His wisdom and not waver, but rather finished our course trusting and walking with Christ to the end of our lives.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12

The Whole Heart

“And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.” 2 Chronicles 15:15

The result of seeking the LORD with a whole heart is that He gives us “rest round about.”

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

9 Times in the book of Psalms the words “Whole Heart” appear. Here’s the first 3 of that collection:

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my WHOLE HEART; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1

“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my WHOLE HEART, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the WHOLE HEART.” Psalms 119:2

PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, I have sinned against You by not wholly trusting You nor sought You with my whole heart. Here and now I confess this for the evil sin of unbelief and rebellion that it is and ask You to please forgive me now in the name of Jesus. Please wash me afresh from all my sins with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Also please make my heart whole and increase and fill me with Your faith Father, and cause me to trust You will all of my heart, no matter what. I love You my dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fresh Start with God

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Hi Todd. I just want to make sure that when I’m talking about salvation but I am being biblically correct. I don’t believe in once saved always saved. While I believe God is always willing to forgive and restore the backslider. I do believe that a person can choose to turn away from God and go back to living a life of sin they’re for forfeiting their eternal life. Any correction would be greatly appreciated. In Christ. Andrea”

REPLY:

Yes amen sister Andrea

Nice to hear from you

Very important doctrinal topic here

All it takes to go to hell after being saved is to be “lukewarm” right? Yes. Revelation 3:15-16

These 2 categories are loaded: Check it out. LOTS of Scripture to shape pure doctrine in your heart and life and ministering.

In Jesus, todd

Lukewarm is Hell Bound | OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell |

Being Made Whole in Christ [podcast]

PSYCHO-BABBLE, PSYCHOTHERAPY IS A LIE THAT PROMISES ANSWERS WHILE ALLOWING ITS FALSE PROPHETS TO MILK THE VICTIM$ WITH ITS LIES (2 Peter 2:1-3). Oh you all the time hear frauds telling you how they “got therapy” and that “you need therapy” or “counseling.” Yet, they would never say “You need Jesus”, or “you need His Word, to get into His Word.” (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17, etc.) 100% frauds. Antichrists – due to putting something, anything in place of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:18:4:1-3). They refuse to uphold the “HEAD” of His body, from whom alone flows all divine virtue […]

Spiritual Adultery: Worshipping Wolves! [podcast]

We have Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible so shouldn’t be overly enamored with mere sinful men (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5). “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?” Ezekiel 14:3 God is toppling all the heart idols (Ezekiel 14:3)… because He’s Jealous and wants us looking to Him and not these mere men, these vile wolves, these “celebrity” sinners posing as His representatives (Exodus 34:14). They are kindling for the fires of eternal damnation and […]

"A Faithful Man shall Abound with Blessings" [podcast]

Do you desire to abound in the blessings of God? Jesus our LORD taught that as we are faithful with what the LORD has already given us, then, and only then, will He multiply it. ASK YOURSELF: Are you faithful to abide, to obey Him by obeying His Word? If so, Jesus and the Father are dwelling richly with you and will multiply you according to your proper, wise, faithful stewardship of what is already in your possession – which is from Him. See John 14:21-23. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be […]

Abiding

“NEVER take a Vacation from God” [podcast]

God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used.

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

Make the deliberate decision to “set…

“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 22:19

“Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first pastor.

This beloved brother knew exactly what happens when the disciple relaxes in his seeking of the LORD. Think foolish virgins. The result can be deadly, irrevocably.

He was dead on in this warning. Give the flesh an inch and it will take a mile, right?

Have you ever slipped backward? If so, you know it started with just not reading God’s Word one day. That one day turned into two, three…. Right?

Never must this happen. The war is won in the now. You must “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

God requires that we “give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).

It’s only those who remain built up in Christ like the wise virgins of Jesus’ parable, who “keep” themselves “in the love of God” who are not going to fall away.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25

Jesus warns:

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

How did this kind of wisdom get lost from us beloved of God?

The disciple must get out ahead of the flesh. He must be one step ahead – knowing by testimony of the Word and by personal experience that there is “NO good thing” in us other than Jesus (Romans 7:18). This is exactly why Paul also said things like:

“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31

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

Exhorting the sheep of Christ, one pastor said:

“Have fun this summer. Enjoy the outdoors. Travel to see friends and family. Explore the world. Just don’t take a vacation from God. He loves you more than you can imagine and wants to keep refilling your sack with his awesome gifts so that you can keep sharing them with others in your life!”

“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19

Various Quotes on the Importance of Diligence

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.”―Calvin Coolidge

“But I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence…”―Charles Dickens

“Prefer diligence before idleness, unless you esteem rust above brightness.”―Plato

“Diligence is the mother of good fortune.”―Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”―Chuck Close

“If he [Thomas Edison] had a needle to find in a haystack, he would not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee, to examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search.”―Nikola Tesla

“Laziness looks at excuses as something to treasure while diligence always focuses on excuses as an inconvenience to be overcome.”―Dr. Lucas D. Shallua

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”―Thomas Alva Edison

“That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.”―William Shakespeare

“Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline.”―Edward Gibbon

“Diligence overcomes difficulties; sloth makes them.”―Benjamin Franklin

“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” Proverbs 26:13

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13

“Wherefore – Having such encouragement. Gird up the loins of your mind – As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running, to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you. Be watchful – As servants that wait for their Lord. And hope to the end – Maintain a full expectation of all the grace – The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ – And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.“―John Wesley

“Slothfulness (laziness, lack of diligence) casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15

Power Words Power our Lives!

Remember those power words your parents instilled in your growing up? Remember things like “readers are leaders”? How about “The early bird gets the worm”?

What are some of the good words your beloved parents instilled in you as a child that live on in your mind and heart daily?

My beloved father taught us five to “always be consistent.” Oh and these weren’t just words. Oh no. My brother and I are only 13 months apart and so when we started playing football at about 6 years old, my parents set us down and looked us in the eyes and said “If you start this football season, you WILL finish. We require it of you, so count the cost.”

Nothing replaces consistency. Say it out loud with me right now beloved of God – CONSISTENCY.

While we’re on this topic, I hope you won’t mind me saying that it is befuddling to see how people start doing something that works and then quit – from a work out program to a lifestyle change in eating and most devastatingly, serving God then quitting.

Wait a minute, you were doing _______ and it was working, was blessing you, and then you quit?

Hebrews 10:32-39

“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews 6:9-12

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

62 times the words “diligent,” “diligence,” and “diligently” appear in Holy Scripture.

Each time we read these words, they pertain specifically to serving God “diligently” with “diligence.”

“Diligent”

“He becometh poor (spiritually) that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (spiritually).” Proverbs 10:4

“Diligence”

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

“Diligently”

appears 37 times in God’s Word

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Looking DILIGENTLY lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:15

“Keep your dukes up!”

Growing up boxing, from home training to being on a golden gloves team in high school, the command of the coaches was always and repeatedly “Keep your dukes up!”

Those who drop their dukes, their hands from covering their face, get hit, get knocked out.

Another sign on the wall of that boxing facility was: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” unknown

We are going to go through what Jesus foretold:

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus I come to You now. Please forgive my sins of self-idolatry, slothfulness, and spiritual adultery.

Putting God First [podcast]

If God’s Word isn’t important to you, it’s because He isn’t important to you. If anything comes before the LORD in your day, you are an idolater. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 GOD’s WORD cannot get into you if you aren’t into it. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Jesus commanded: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 As you seek God, […]

"He that Loveth Pureness of Heart" [podcast]

IS YOUR HEART PURE BEFORE THE ALMIGHTY BELOVED? TODAY is our day, it’s your day, to throw up those hands and that heart to the LORD who made you, and cry out to Him to grant you a pure heart, one that is innocent, clean, washed, delighting in Him. “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4 When the LORD is truly working in a man, that man is learning to love “pureness of heart.” “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall […]

Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30 Jesus didn’t come to the earth to seek His own will or dream His own dreams but rather to do the will of His Father. “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:41-42 Christ’s […]

Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]

Recently a dear brother in Christ related this testimony to me of our LORD’s work in his life: “I had a ‘back to Jesus’ moment after the election. As I was horribly disappointed in our country and the dividing of even my own friends, I was praying: ‘I’ve lost faith in my country, I’ve lost faith in my friends…’ then it hit me… I had put my faith in the wrong things. It’s so easy to depend on others. But now I am trusting only in my Lord and Savior.” “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose […]

Articles

How Do You Get Around the Idea That All Israel Shall be Saved? Steve Gregg [video]

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:” Romans 9:6

“The remnant shall be saved, not the race.” Steve Gregg

“If one reads Romans Chapters 9-11, he will see that all the way through, it was only a remnant that would truly believe.” unknown

7 Questions on Justification [podcast]

7 Questions on Justification How is fallen mankind made righteous, justified in the eyes of a holy God? (Romans 3:21-28; Galatians 2:16) What law makes New Testament believers “free from the law of sin and death”? (Romans 8:2) What could the law not do? (Romans 8:3-4) What is fulfilled in the life of the born again, Spirit-led New Testament follower of Christ? (Romans 3:31; 8:3-4) How does the Law apply to saints? How does it apply to sinners? (1 Timothy 1:9-11) Can anyone be justified by the works of the law, by law-keeping? Become intimately familiar with Galatians 2:4-5, 16; […]

Dispensationalism Exposed and Destroyed [podcast]

Beware of theological systems. Get and remain organic in your study of God’s Word. Allow no mere man to think, to reason for you! Beware of the dispensational heretics. It’s a cult system full of lies including the “eternal security” fairytale which is espoused by moral cowards who refuse to truly repent, lay down their lives in this sinful world, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus in the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24, etc.). Dispensational heretics claim that only Paul’s writings are important for New Testament saints. They say that Paul’s writing are written TO New Testament saints […]