The gifts you have are not for you but rather for the glory of the One who gave them to you – to be used to edify christ’s body and not draw attention to you (1 Peter 4:10-11).
“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
THOSE who sit around boasting of their gifts and yet not being diligent to obey God in using them in serving HIM, are headed straight for hell. Just as their father, satan, glorified himself in his pride due to his gifts, so shall these rebels be damned irrevocably. Hell is full of rebels who were gifted by God. EVERY gift is from God – to glorify HIM, not you! (1 Peter 4:10-11)
“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, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7
You are not special – and will be damned like all other rebels if you choose to live outside of God’s stated will (Matthew 7:21). Repent now. You are wicked and HE is “Wonderful”! (Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 9:6-7)
“For THE LEADERS of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16
One of the ways Satan targets, deceives, and snares saints is via false leaders – wolves who wear sheep’s clothing. Satan uses false leaders to turn the affections of people’s heart away from Christ and onto them. Their personalities and ministries and church building projects are projected in the minds of their prey so regularly, therapeutically that most people never realize it. Study Colossians 2:18-19 closely saints.
We see this happening with David and his son Absalom where his son “Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6) Absalom intercepted the affections of the hearts, directing them upon himself instead of King David. David was a type of Christ and Absalom is a type of false teachers and the antichrist. Anti means in place of. Absalom sought to put himself in place of his father David – to replace him in order to be esteemed, popular, worshipped (Colossians 2:18-19). This is what false prophets do. They get your attention, your support, and your money on them – Not Christ! (Colossians 2:18-19)
The LORD is much more intent upon His children having the FRUIT of the Spirit thank He is the GIFTS of the Spirit. Yes, both are part of His New Testament program and yet one is priority above the other! Read 1 Cor 13.
Self-serving, self-seeking, self-willed, cross-less people seek to relish and use the gifts God gave to bring glory to self (John 7:18). Isn’t this exactly what Lucifer did before he was violently ejected from Heaven by the LORD who “resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble”? (Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18; James 4:8; Ezekiel 28:13-15)
To know your gifts is one thing. To focus on and to proclaim your supposed gift and calling to bring attention to yourself is deceitful and evil.
Jesus told us that those who are self-seeking instead of Savior seeking, seek their own glory and not God’s:
“He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:18
It’s a dead give away when you hear individuals and ministries relishing, seeking out, and talking about gifts and yet out of those same mouths you never hear them relishing Jesus, His blood, His divinity, His Majesty, the cross, the original Gospel message, and His soon coming. Run!
Those gifts God has given were given strictly to serve the One who gave them, not us (1 Peter 4:10-11). We shall give full account of how we used those gifts (Romans 14:10, etc.).
You are not a celebrity but rather a mere servant of the KING of kings.
WHY not just shut up and SERVE? Memorize Matthew 23:11 and Philippians 2:3-5 today.
MANY wonder what their calling is and there are a whole lot of folk in ministries that will accommodate and yet never call them to the cross. Interesting. There is no Christianity without the cross of Christ and our cross. Nothing of Christ’s kingdom works outside of the crucified, the cross life. There are many books circulating that engage people in seeking out what their gifts are. Yet, we hear very little of truly repenting and laying down our lives. Our calling is to die, to lay down our lives, and serve, serve, serve – God and others, not self – that’s why we must have the daily cross. Funny many ministries never mention this paramount, absolutely essential truth of Christ’s Gospel (Matthew 16:24-25; 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33, 17:33; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). God will show us the gifts He put in us as we obey Him (John 7:17-18). Let’s seek the Giver and not the gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11).
The cross gets us out of the way so Jesus reigns and blesses! It must be!
God gave us gifts so we could glorify Him with them and to bless others by them – never bringing undue attention to ourselves in whom “no good thing dwelleth.” (Romans 7:18)
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 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
God is not impressed with the gifts HE gave you. He’s holding you personally responsible for using them to glorify Him not you! 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11
Of the cross and its relationship to God’s gifts in us, one commentator writes:
“Our gifts to benefit others and ourselves (grace) flow out the fountainhead, God the Father, but only thru the cross, Christ Crucified. Moses smote the Rock and the water of life flowed out of, to, and through the followers of God. For I have determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Religion and Law VS the Cross and grace. We must present our bodies to the cross as a living sacrifice just as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego presented their bodies to the cross, the 7x’s hotter fiery furnace. They were freed or “loosed” from their bindings and freed from sin, the law of the golden image which kills, Nebuchadnezzar (Satan) and death. Praise God!! Daniel 3.”
We have all been given gifts from our Maker and those gifts of God are given to us by Him in order to bring Him glory and to bless and serve others with, not ourselves.
—UNLIKE humans, God doesn’t aggrandize or value anyone according to their gifts – remember HE gave those gifts. And, He will judge us all according as we have used the gifts He invested in us. See the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. Learn this Bible chapter well. There is much to be gained. Will you hear “Well done my good and faithful servant” or “cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”? Am I using the gifts the LORD invested in me to bring glory to myself or the nail-scarred, Risen LORD and Savior? Read Matthew 25.
Far too many people have been led by wolves to the altar of self-service, such as searching out your gifts, taking gift tests. etc. We see that no where in the New Testament. Jesus calls those who will follow Him to deny self, take up the cross, and humbly serve, serve, serve – God and others and not to seek out what gifts are in us but rather simply love and serve everyone around us (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24, etc.).
The thing being pointed out here is that many use prophet and apostle as a title to elevate themselves instead of simply humbly serving while drawing all attention to Jesus and not to self – the cross.
Take notice in the following passage how seriously and with trepidation Paul looked toward the judgment to come:
“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
In light of “the terror of the Lord,” the apostle persuaded men to do good according to the LORD who watches and weighs the motives and intentions of the hearts of all men.
“The LORD looketh on the heart (not the gifts).” 1 Samuel 16:7
God is not impressed with our gifts. He gave them. He’s not in awe when we flash them or use them and mere men celebrate us for doing so.
In fact, we are instructed by the LORD to go out of our way and use the energy and faculties He has given to us to lift up the less desirable among His people (to the human eye).
“And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow (hedge about) more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism (division) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1 Corinthians 12:23-25
As good stewards of God’s gifts, we are to use all of our energies and faculties, not to elevate ourselves but rather the Savior and His blessed people. While others flock to the person who can sing or preach well, you and I, as Christ’s disciples, are to look and find that person who is off to the side, neglected, and in need of edification and the love of God through Christ’s body.
“There is NO respecter of persons with God.” Romans 2:11 (memory verse)
Partiality is sin and such a sin is addressed throughout God’s Word. Here’s an example:
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17
God’s Word is the fountain of divine wisdom and, I must say that memorizing the above Bible verse has truly been a blessing in a myriad of ways (Proverbs 3:3; 4:4).
Origin of “Every Good Gift and Every Perfect Gift”
Where do your gifts and everything good in your originate from? Are the gifts in your life your doing or God’s?
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17
In light of the truth that “every good and every perfect gift” is from God, why then do you boast?
“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, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7
Are you using your money, your looks, or gifts of God to worship and to glorify Christ? What shall the Judge of your eternal soul say to you on that Great and Terrible Day when you stand before Him to give account of your life?
Jesus never said “Ye shall know them by their GIFTS” but rather “Ye shall know them by their FRUIT.” (Matthew 7:16, 20) Good fruit is only born out of an abiding, obedient relationship with Christ (John 15:1-16)
Do you tout you attributes, and use your wealth or looks to draw people to yourself? Or, are you dying to self, laying aside yourself, denying yourself, and pointing people – eternal souls – to the only One who made and bled to redeem them?
Never exalt self, only Christ and others.
“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” Proverbs 27:2
Dare you vaunt yourself against the Most High with your vain elevations of your sinful self?
Get down low disciple of Jesus! Take on the form of a humble servant. Today, find Bible verses on this essential topic and memorize them. Refuse any title except “servant” or “disciple” saved by the mercy of God!
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 (memory verse)
Jesus teaches us not to use titles, coupling it with pride.
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12
“Altogether Vanity!”
“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:4-5
The root of all Christ-denying self-idolatry is refusal to truly repent and put all trust in Christ alone. The fruit of such rebellious refusal is self-exaltation. In his book The Great Falling Away, the late Milton Green captures such a phenomenon:
“We come to the light when our ambition is to please God more than anything or anyone else …. Men who attempt to come to Jesus and still love the flesh nature will still have selfish ambition. They will try to have the biggest church, the largest and best choir, the greatest numbers, and the best reputation for building a church. (All done for God, of course!) Instead of obedience to the Word of God and holiness, their goal is ‘nickles, noses, and numbers’ to fulfill their selfish ambition. They say, ‘Come see mychurch!’ … If a person has a root of pride, his motive will be to build an image for himself. As he builds a name for Jesus in the strength and works of the flesh, he will deceitfully take part of the glory which belongs to Jesus to fulfill his love for pride and reputation. He will show partiality and will exploit all his relationships in order to control others and advance his selfish ambition. He will flatter and deceive others in order to look good and receive the approval of man. Pride always wants to be the center of attention. Pride receives glory from men. Pride is always concerned with its own image. Pride always has to be right. Pride loves the approval of men more than the approval of God. Pride will welcome thoughts and suggestions from Satan to exploit and use people to build one’s self image. … Every man in the world walks in the image and likeness of Satan. He does not love nor honor God; neither does he love his neighbor. Each one in the world lives of himself. The strong deceive, manipulate and lord it over the weak. Everyone greedily gathers and hoards for himself, while all around him his neighbor hurts and suffers in need. ‘The whole world lieth in wickedness.’ (1 John 5:19) Their hearts agree with Satan.” Milton Green, The Great Falling Away Today, p. 17, 28, 31
Are you learning to crucify the deeds of your sinful nature? Read Romans 6 every day for the next week prayerfully. If you think somehow that you have a good pastor or favorite Bible teacher and yet, that person isn’t calling you to Christ, that is, to die to self so that Jesus alone can be glorified, you are sitting under a false teacher who is an enemy of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-21).
Memorize Ephesians 4:3, 32 and Psalms 133:1.
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Titles and Trappings | Self-Appointed Title Touters
Articles
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
Jesus is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Fountain of all wisdom, and Heaven’s coming King. The devil’s game is to remove us from “the SIMPLICITY that is in Christ” and he is using “false apostles, deceitful workers” to carry this out (2 Corinthians 11:1-3, 12-15; Colossians 2:6-10, 18-19, etc.).
“Preeminence” belongs of Jesus Christ alone.
It is highly doubtful that you can read Colossians 1 and not fall out of your chair…. and raise your hands to Heaven, praising God for the unfathomable gift of His only Son – who is the Preeminent Creator, Sustainer, and God of all that is! (Colossians 1:15-17)
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16
Do We Have Time to Learn More About the LORD Jesus today, OR, are We Just looking for Yet Another Quick Fix, Self-Serving Feel-Good Message like so many professing Christians today?
The modern church is too busy to study Christ Himself because they’re too busy trying to use Him to get what they want. Let that soak in as you remember how long it’s been since you’ve heard a message specifically about Heaven’s King. Most modern “pastors” probably don’t even know what the word Christology means.
God created us to know Him and yet, such doesn’t happen without the recipient of His great love seeking Him – with a whole heart.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
Memorize John 17:3. This is a paramount, a crowning jewel divine revelation to us, to you. In light of this revelation – that the chief purpose for which He created us is to know Him – let’s take a little trip, to Christ!
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power…Let no man beguile you of your reward…vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head (not upholding JESUS!), from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19
Today we often hear the words “spiritual growth” and yet, there is no spiritual growth outside of learning of Christ, the LORD and Savior. Are you learning of Jesus who calls us to “Come unto me” and to “learn of me”? See Matthew 11:28-30. Spiritual growth is never separate from learning of and from Christ! (Hebrews 1; Isaiah 53; Colossians 1-2; John 1, etc.). Growing in grace is also never separate from knowing and discovering more of Christ the LORD, Heaven’s KING.
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” 2 Peter 1:2
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18
Any person, teaching, icon or ritual that robs or intercepts glory from the Person and work of Jesus Christ is of the arch enemy of God and His prize creation (mankind). The adversary has come “to steal and to kill and to destroy” (Jn. 8:44, 47; 10:10; Col. 2; 1 Pet. 5:8). According to 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Satan has his “ministers” and these deceivers are known by whether or not they clearly and fully elevate the divine person of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work and whether they promote or condone any person or teaching that does not clearly elevate Christ as the supreme LORD and the only Savior of depraved sinful mankind (Col. 1-2; Rev. 1:8).
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:12-20
Jesus Christ is the Redeemer, Creator and Sustainer of all that is (Col. 1:15-17). He is the only Salvation and hope of men and is coming soon (Col. 1:14, 20). This is the message of the book of Colossians. Have you recently studied this rich and invaluable book and mined out its precious truths?
Colossians 2:8-10 warns believers to “Beware” of any “philosophy” or “traditions” that would be elevated above Jesus Christ and supremely loving Him who is supreme and pre-eminent above all (Isa. 45:21-23). “Educated” men in leadership who do not profoundly elevate Jesus Christ actually boast of such (their academic accomplishments) when they ought to be ashamed that they have actually rebelled and paid good money to be defiled and misled. It is these men that Paul tells us are “deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13). A philosophy can be known to be God-honoring or antichrist based on what it ultimately does with the Person and redemption of Jesus Christ. Any religious teaching that does not magnify and glorify Jesus Christ is antichrist and to be exposed as such (Rom. 16:16-18; Col. 2; Jude 3-4).
Paul the apostle of Jesus, “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:13-17).
The believers at Galatia had allowed false teachers who were “accursed” to come in and lead them to count rituals and times and foods (all non-essentials to salvation) to become important and Christ to become demoted (Gal. 1:6-9; 4:9-11).
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently (clearly) set forth, crucified among you?” Galatians 3:1
In light of the reigning King of all kings, Maker and LORD of the whole universe, we must ask: Who is man? Who is the phony religious leader who touts himself and is promoted by the faithful who are deceived by him? What miracle did any of these people ever do? Where are the nail scars in their hands and feet?
“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:13
Men who mislead others have one thing in common – they are mere sinful men…Zechariah 11:17 calls them “idol shepherds” of Satan himself….” See also 2 Corinthians 11:12-15. They are icons – “idol shepherds” of Satan himself to draw away and intercept your attention and heart’s affections from the only One who came and redeemed your precious soul (Zech. 11:17; diligently study Colossians 2). Like Lucifer before he was thrust from Heaven, they seek to usurp the place of worship that belongs to the LORD alone (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Luke 10:18).
“(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)” Psalms 49:8
The Great Shepherd came to grant you life – Satan’s goal is to rob you of your inheritance that Jesus Christ came and fully paid for. Will you let him? Whom will you serve?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:17-20
Who in history other than the very Son of the living God ever foretold his own death, burial, and resurrection and then accomplished it? Who shed His sinless blood on your behalf? Who else in history laid down His life, giving His own blood to pay for your sins and bring you into a vital relationship with the Father and purchase Heaven on your behalf? Who? Who? Who?
If Jesus Christ is truly the Supreme being in all the universe, is He not worthy of our exuberant praise and gratitude? Does He merit a moment of verbalized praise and thanksgiving?
“By him (Christ Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15
Study Colossians closely.
Jesus Christ came to the earth exactly how and when the “more sure word of prophecy”, the Scriptures, foretold that He would come and to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of Himself to the exact detail (2 Peter 1:19-21).
“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:7-8
“From cover to cover of the OT it was foretold not only that Christ would come into the world but that He would come with an eager, ready spirit to do the will of God. The will of God was not just in His head—it was inscribed in His very heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, open my eyes to behold the glory of the only begotten of the Father – Jesus Christ the righteous! Teach my heart to discern any religious teaching that does not blatantly elevate Christ as LORD of all and soon coming and sole Head of His true Church (called out ones)! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
More on the Supremacy of Christ:
The Supremacy of Christ
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:1-3
The remnant disciple must take pleasure alone in the divine Person, work, and riches of Christ. It is in Jesus Christ alone that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge…are hid” (Col. 2:3). We are “complete in him, which is the head of all principalities and powers” (Col. 2:10). He should savor and be ever grateful for the fullest sufficiency of “the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24). He is privileged to appreciate and delight in Christ’s name, life, power, and superiority, as the only “Head” and high and mighty “Potentate” or supreme Ruler of His eternal kingdom. All others posing as such or unduly elevating themselves as they seek to steal His glory are brazen wolves, thieves, counterfeit, and wholly false (Matt. 7:15-20; 24:5, 11. 24; Jn. 10:1; Col. 2:4-19; 2 Jn. 7-11).
“Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:15-16
There exists no one else except Christ who is all of God, Creator, Redeemer, Savior, Counselor, and King of all kings (Jn. 1:1-4; Col. 1:15-17; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:2-3; Rev. 1:8). Jesus Christ is unique in all of history. No other was born of a virgin by the Holy Ghost, called “God with us,” showed us the Father, lived a perfect and sinless life, conquered death by “the sacrifice of himself,” satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice as He did “taste death for every man,” died on a cross with the superscription “THE KING OF THE JEWS,” was buried and guarded by numerous soldiers and then fulfilled His own prophecy by rising from the dead to prove He is the very Son of God and Messiah, and promised to return for His own (Matt. 1:23; 24:30; 27:37; Jn. 1:1-4; 14:9; Rom. 1:4; Heb. 2:9; 9:26). There is no one comparable to Jesus Christ.
Father, in Jesus’ name, please give Your people an ever deepening revelation of the cross of Christ, “the blood of his cross” by which exclusively we are redeemed, bought back to Thee…. and also the cross He commanded us to take up daily. In Jesus’ name.
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. … For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 1:20; 3:3
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Articles
Personal Evangelism
Soul Winning is the Work of Every True Disciple of Jesus
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
Oh the joy of being privileged to know Him and be called out as His “ambassadors”! As His called out ones, we are sent by Him to make known His glorious Gospel to lost souls for whom He came and bled (1 Tim. 1:15).
“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16
NO one will saved before becoming greatly convicted of their sin-give them the Law then they will desire Christ (Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:9-11). The law convicts and brings them to Christ – it serves God’s purpose. We don’t lead them to Christ so much as God’s law convicts and leaves them feeling the reality of their alienation from God – and then they will be prepared to hear the saving Gospel of Christ. This is the New Testament way of winning souls to Jesus.
What’s most important and the biblical model for evangelism, is to give the lost the law of God (10 Commandments), to convict them which in turn will bring them to Christ (Romans 7:12; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:7-10). Placating lost souls with scientific arguments in defense of the faith seems to seldom if ever result in a lost sinner coming to the Savior in repentance. It is the law of God that pierces directly into the consciences of men and converts sinners to Christ (Psalms 19:7). When Paul spoke with the secularists of his day on Mars’ Hill he spoke to them of their idolatry (a sin violating the first 2 of the 10 Commandments), called them to repentance, and warned them that Judgment Day was coming (Acts 17:22-34).
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalms 19:7-8
Presenting the Word: First the law to cut, to convict, and to expose how wicked the sinner is and deserving of nothing but damnation, THEN the Gospel of Jesus’ saving grace to make the sinner whole amen!
Your communications and ministry are fed and fueled by your personal daily study and knowledge of God’s Word (Proverbs 22:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Have you ever desired for your friends and family to be present at a gathering of Saints where there was in anointed call to receive Jesus and they were drawn up to be saved? I have. That’s a great desire and yet in the days of those special gatherings of true, Jesus-seeking disciples are becoming more and more limited. Therefore we must be that altar call, that anointed vessel of God who goes to the people and brings them in. God will make it happen in His resurrection life as we consent to daily dying (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
Keep showing forth His truth, which is marching on in the hearts and lives of all who have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches.
Psalms 126:5-6 says:
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Though you see no changes with your physical eyes, remember that “we walk by faith and not by sight” and that His Word never returns void, so keep planting the seed of His Word into the hearts of men even though sometimes it is with tears (Isa. 55:11; Lk. 8:11; 2 Cor. 5:7). You will “doubtless come again with rejoicing.” (Ps. 126:5-6)
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
Like a lion that conquers and dominates its prey as it pleases, we must unleash the Word of God itself which never returns back to Him void but always accomplishes what He pleases.
God will do His work in the hearts of men, as we send forth His truth in love.
“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.” Hebrews 6:10
What is your personal plan or strategy for reaching lost souls? Are you busy about your Father’s business if seeking to save that which was lost? (Luke 2:49; 19:10)
YOU cannot talk anyone into being saved. Stop trying! You must preach them into being saved – by communicating the Word. Only Christ can save them, not us! Did Jesus say “Go talk people into being saved” or did Jesus command “Go ye into all the world and PREACH the gospel”? (Mark 16:15) The latter of course. Men are born again by the incorruptible Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). We must humble ourselves and cease acting like we can win a soul to Jesus when Christ alone can do such. Yes, He chooses to use us as His very “ambassadors” and yet, that is done by the preaching of the law to convict and saving cross of Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Men are born again by God via His “incorruptible” Word:
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
Personal testimony from brother Charles:
“To God be the glory in all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! I was saved through my sister in Christ, acting as His hands and feet that shared with me the following Scripture:
“John 14:6-7
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen him.
She was spreading the gospel and upon hearing this my ears were opened, and conviction came through. I say God found me because as a child of God we are just spreading His Word and had I not been His I would not have felt the weight and power in this Scripture. So, in hearing I was made to believe … and in believing became changed in my walk … with Him guiding me. God bless brother!”
Preparation – Armed and Dangerous!
IF a “church” isn’t producing soul winners, it’s being led by a wolf! (Ephesians 4:11-12)
How can a local assembly of believers see the LORD add to the church when the hireling(s) leading them have no concern for Christ’s Great Commission mandate to preach the whole Word of the Gospel which will result in the LORD saving souls? (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20)
Remembering the 2 “R”s of the Gospel: Repent, Receive Jesus. -“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21)
Personally, I carry King James Bibles, good Gospel tracts, small books, booklets, etc. in my car at all times. The LORD uses them mightily to teach. After ministering to a saint in Christ or a lost person, I always send them away with something appropriate for them to read. I off a KJB Bible to believers if I find out they don’t have one and/or give them one of the books to assist in deepening their walk with Jesus. To the lost, I give a Bible, tracts, and/or a booklet that pertains to them being saved.
The Born Again Book (small, powerful!) | What Next: Now that You are Saved (small discipleship book)
Many a Christian is possessed with the false notion that God needs people-instead of the fact that people need God! Repent. God is the only self-existent One! Jesus is not a sap! He walked away from many- and told you to do the same! (Matthew 10:16; 13:58) The LORD begs no mere man, sinner, to come to Him. He invites but never begs! (Matthew 11:28-30). Rebellion is a choice HE gave them! If they want to rebel, SHAKE OFF THE DUST AND MOVE ON! That’s what Christ did and told you to do! (Matthew 7:6; 10:14)
JESUS tract ENGLISH (click to download print-ready PDF) this is the actual text of the JESUS tract of both the English and JESUS tract SPANISH (click to download print-ready PDF]
Are YOU “ready”?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Are you “ready” or not “ready”?
“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
Case for Scripture Memory:
“Let mine hear RETAIN thy words.” Proverbs 4:4
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Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Mourning Trumps Merriment in Christ’s Kingdom
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’d like to walk in Your bless-ed joy, filling my life to overflowing, no matter what’s transpiring. LORD, I ask You to do Your deeper work in my heart, in my life. Please set apart my life to truly glorify You, being full of the fruits of Your righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Everyone desires the joy of the LORD, right? Yes, yet only those who are willing to devour His Word – to get it into their hearts and keep it flowing into their hearts, will experience that great joy of the LORD which is our strength! In context, the joy of the LORD is the strength of those who read it, hear it, embrace it, adhere to it, and keep it flowing into their mind and heart daily! (Nehemiah 8:8, 10)
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly (directly), and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. … 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:8, 10
After they had feasted on God’s Word, the elders of Israel said to them: You are now full of the Word. Now “Go your way”, that is, go home and be blessed to “send portions” of the bounty of the LORD you’ve been filled with today to overflowing. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Let your cup run over and bless others! Let your light shine into others, may your cup run over onto others, to bless them with the bountiful blessings of the LORD you have received.
We have to eat the fat and drink the sweet of the Word of God to be filled with the joy of the LORD which is our strength!
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Nourishing the Body of Christ
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
DO people know they can find the rich treasures of God’s Word when they walk into your life, when they visit your social media page? (Colossians 3:16) Will they be “nourished” by the milk and meat of God’s bless-ed Word when they are graced to be in your company?
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.” Proverbs 21:20
Holy Father, we ask You in the name of Jesus to make us happy in Jesus as You’ve forgiven and freed us from our sin and so of all people on Your earth, only Your people can be truly happy in Thee dear LORD. Please bless each of Your beloved saints to be anointed for the death and burial of the self life and raised up in Your blessed resurrection grace and joy. In Jesus’ name let it be dear LORD.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
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The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
The Death before the Death [podcast]
“Rend Your Heart, and Not Your Garments” [podcast]
God and His Word are Unchanging [podcast]
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Oneness Godhead
Pride and False Prophets [podcast]
“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast
Have We Misunderstood Why Christians Meet Together? [video]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
“Feed My Sheep” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 43
10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
Read the Handwriting
Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
Mug Shots and Mercy Moments! [podcast]
How do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]
Concerns about the writings of C.S. Lewis [podcast]
What the Bible says about Effeminate Men [podcast] [shorts video]
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Personal Evangelism
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
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Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
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Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
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SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
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