Great Commission or Great Hypocrisy?

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Do Your Works Testify that You Worship or Deny Christ?

Are you Fulfilling a New Testament Purpose? Is Your Church?

There nothing transpiring on the earth today more important than the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. Every true remnant saint is involved (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts, etc.). No work on earth is of eternal significance except the work of Christ’s Gospel (Mark 8:38). Are you participating?

When He saved you, your life ended and His glorious life began.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

That’s right, all your personal “rights” are done and over.

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Any questions? Is this not exactly what symbolized in baptism? – You are doornail dead and Christ now lives and reigns in and through your whole being.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4

Let me say here that if you are not hearing this kind of Bible preaching, the cross life, you are sitting under a hireling wolf. This is basic Bible truth friend. Anyone hiding this from you is playing you – is using you for your money and approval (Philippians 3:18-19).

WANT TO SEE WHO’S READY TO MEET JESUS? Hand on the plow! (Luke 9:62) God’s remnant IS, definitively, busy about HIS Great Commission business (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 2:49; 24:47). The counterfeit church is playing games, building earthly kingdoms on sinking sand.

Christ’s Unchanging Great Commission

Any person not living a Great Commission life, is living a wasted life. They are out of the will of God. Read that again.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. ¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

“It is our place, in following of our Lord, to continue His teaching until He returns (Matthew 28:18-20).” AB

Do you realize that following Jesus means following what He taught? See Mark 8:38 and John 8:47; 14:15, 21; 1 John 2:4-6. Do you realize that God gave us the record of Christ’s earliest disciples so that we could measure just what is true and what is false in our current day? The book of Acts in particular. What were His first followers doing, before any wolves or false teaching had time to enter in? Here’s a taste and a way to determine who is and who is not in the will of God today, namely those in ministry positions.

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42

This is a verse of holy truth to be memorized. It’s very telling. These true disciples of Jesus were obeying His command to “teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

Do we realize that only those obeying what Jesus taught are actually following Him?

Are you doing the Great Commission Jesus commanded OR, are you doing your own thing? It’s one or the other friend. Personally, in light of this truth, I like to begin my days with a prayer something like this…

PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to use me today for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Making a Difference”

Am I “making a difference” is a good question to ask ourselves. Did you realize that this phrase appears in God’s Word? Watch the context closely okay:

“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. 22 And of some have compassion, MAKING A DIFFERENCE: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 20-23

According to this passage, to be “making a difference” for God’s glory and not wasting our lives, we must be built up in the power of the Holy Ghost (v20), to keep ourselves full of God’s love (v21), to not be self-righteous but rather be “looking for the mercy of our LORD,” (v21) to have compassion (v22), to make a difference, to preach the judgment of hell to come in the fear of God (v23), and to keep our blood washed garments (robes of His righteousness) “unspotted.” (v23)

But how can I make a difference one might ask. Can you smile and tell someone Jesus died for our sins? Can you tell someone how Christ has made a difference in your life? Can you hand out a Gospel literature so blessed souls can find their way home to Jesus? What are you doing to make a difference for Christ in the lives of others?

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN GOD’S “BUSINESS” OR MAN’S? ARE YOU WASTING YOUR TIME AND THE LORD’S TIME? Child of God, do you know what God’s “business” is? The LORD calls His true children to be about HIS “business” and what is HIS “business” as opposed to sinful man’s undertakings? (Luke 2:49) We claim to be following Jesus and so it is only fair that we find out what Jesus says the “Father’s business” is, right? (Luke 2:49) Jesus says He came “to seek and to save that which was lost,” that is, to save them from sin and “eternal damnation.” (Mark 3:29; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15) What could be more plain? Those who are truly following Christ, and the only ones that are overcoming and will escape hell, are busy preaching/communicating and teaching His Word which holds the only answer to man’s dilemma – sin. Fighting cancer, promoting politicians, rescuing dogs, etc., is not what God calls us to and such will never bring root deliverance or the escape from sin and the lake of fire. That is actually luciferic dominionism which is the vain attempt to preserve this fallen world simply and selfishly to make this temporary home a better dwelling place. Such is utter futility and sin against the Almighty. God is going to renovate and make all things new but first He will allow them to be burned up (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3). To put money, effort, time, and energies into anything but His blessed Gospel is brazen rebellion against the Savior who came and bled on that cross, rose again, and commanded His children to go and spread His Word. It’s time to repent and return to the LORD before it’s too late.

Don’t you know that Satan, the enemy of all souls, rejoices every time a professing Christian gives money, time, or energy to “false burdens” that are not the “Father’s business”?

The ONLY “business” of the true body of Christ is Jesus’ “business”– that of worshiping the LORD together, teaching God’s Word, and winning lost souls to Jesus! In fact, the simplest fruit to judge any person by is by their works. Are they “about” the “Father’s business” or some (any) other business?

Is it not hypocrisy to claim to be Christians and not follow Christ? That is, not follow what mandate He gave to His people to go teach His Word and preach His Good News?
ANY individual or group or local church not doing what Jesus commanded, namely the Great Commission, is not fulfilling a New Testament purpose and is apostate! I’m not talking about the pastor winning souls from the pulpit either. That’s good but he is to be teaching those he leads to do “the work of the ministry.” Read Ephesians 4:11-14 for the job description of all under-shepherds.
The work of God’s true people is NOT politics but rather the Great Commission. This is rendering obedience to Christ. The work of the true disciple is not to help a mere man build his own vision or church business but rather to spread the seed of the Word of God in evangelizing the lost souls of men and by teaching other believers the full-counsel of God’s Word. Are YOU about the Father’s business or has Satan derailed you? What shall you answer to Him on that final Day of reckoning? How shall you answer Him if you squandered the time He gave you in this brief life on temporal things that have no matter in the kingdom of God? Will you hear from Him “Enter thou my good and faithful servant!”? Or, “Depart from me!”?

Jesus told His very own people that in order for them to be with Him in eternity, they were required to overcome and keep His works to the end of their lives.

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

Someone may ask: “But I thought I was ‘once saved always saved’ and that my works don’t matter and that by obeying God then I am trying to work my way to Heaven.”

This is the exact thing millions of deceived people have been taught in the apostate evangelical church world in America. Millions have been sold a bag of goods (a false gospel).

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

Let’s talk about God’s Word and allow the Almighty to speak for Himself. Deal?

One element we must beware of and detach from all involvement with, is trying to save this sinful, failing world. We should beware of movements and ministries like patriotism in trying to preserve or save America. Saving America or trying to make this sinful world a better place is not the Great Commission command Jesus gave us.

Any ministry that is not all about teaching the pure Word and reaching lost souls, is not fulfilling a New Testament purpose and is in fact in rebellion. God forbid that we touch or condone or further the cause of any such false ministry! Here’s what Jesus’ followers are all about, without fail – “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20) It’s real simple: Those who follow Christ obey Christ and are all about Christ and not swept away with causes that do not pertain to Christ who died and rose again to save lost souls from sin and eternal damnation! NOTHING else really matters no matter how sympathetic the cause is mean to seem. Breast cancer? NO! Sin is the cancer Jesus bled to heal! Those who name the name of Christ should immediately repent of the sin of neglecting Christ’s work and putting resources into the worlds futile help programs. They are futile and totally in vain! If we are going to feed the poor, let’s do it and give them the Gospel, the only healing balm for their eternal souls!

Consider the words/teaching of Jesus:

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38

Beloved saints, what does it matter if we feed the poor and clothe the naked and yet don’t give them the soul-saving Word of the Gospel? Is God glorified? No! So, that person eats well, forgoes cancer, then dies and goes to the fires of eternal damnation. What a farce and Satan loves it!

Can anyone argue with the truth of this simple statement?

“We should be winning Souls to Jesus, the world is gonna burn with fire. I can understand standing in the gap and praying for our kings and nation. Moses did that for Israel a few times and we are commanded to do so and yet many go to an extreme that makes us wonder why they don’t fight that way for God and simply do what Jesus sent us to do in His Great Commission command.” Luciano P. Pisco

We better repent and “touch not” any “unclean” organization or program that is not giving the healing balm of God’s holy truth. The LORD says we are His very enemies if we dare do such by helping the “ungodly”:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Never join a cause or enter into any alliance that does not have Jesus and His blessed and everlasting Gospel at its heart.

“Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 19:2

The “ungodly” are revealed clearly “by their fruits” – their alliances, alignments, their focus and works (Matthew 7:16, 20). If their focus is on “earthly things,” they are the very “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-21) Those who are truly Christ’s sheep are looking unto JESUS who is the very author and finisher of their faith … Their “conversation (focus, way of life) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 3:20)

False Prophets lead people to “false burdens” that do not pertain directly to being born again and spending eternity with Christ.

“Thy (false) prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (deliver them from bondage); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.” Lamentations 2:14

Lamentation 2:14 actually defines who false prophets are. Look closely at that verse and commit it to memory. Use that truth to discern who is a wolf and who is true to Christ.

For this rebellion, God was going to banish His people. That’s what “causes of banishment”means here. God is going to judge all who go astray from Him and His cause!

A “false burden” is one that is amiss from the aim of the LORD as stated in His Word (Lamentations 2:14). Examples of “false burdens” that lure the emotions of millions today:

Habitat for Humanity
Animal (beast) rights and causes
Cancer causes
“Mission trips” where the mission of Christ to save souls from sin and hell is not preached
Susan G Komen Foundation of deceit and death to children
Planned Parenthood or Planned MURDERhood

Jesus says to leave those things that do not pertain to His kingdom to the world:

“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62

What cause are you supporting, promoting? is it the Gospel? Some people who vainly claim to love Jesus, have and show more sympathy toward beasts (animals) than they do human beings, the highest form of God’s creation. Astounding hypocrisy!

Of the focus of the Gospel of Jesus, Rich Monson writes:

“Pastors are called to be given over to the Word and prayer to equip the body for the work of ministry and this is to be done to the glory of God (Ephesians 4:11-14). Teaching the Word that we may be conformed to the image of Christ and that we may go out and win the lost. All else in contrast falls far far under the shadow of these two eternal priorities. At any cost gett’m saved, gett’m conformed to Jesus. All else works to these ends, that God be glorified in it all.

Also good to remember what the Lord has said regarding false prophets and teachers in Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:19-22. Ezekiel 13:3, Isaiah 30:9-10, Jer 14:14, 23:14-16, :25-26, Mic 3:11, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:3-5, 2 Peter 2:1-3, Jude. So much the Lord has given us in His grace, so much so that the Church, true believers are absolutely without excuse.”

Read this closely: “For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that GO A WHORING from thee. 28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works (namely the work of Christ’s redemption).” Psalms 73:27-28

Teaching and demonstrating or doing the truth is so very important and is the whole difference. So many in leadership today present much truth but they put their monies and focus where their hearts are – in this fleeting, sinful world. Many dare to spend more resources/monies on temporal buildings, light bills, and even “excess” than on teaching God’s Word to all and winning lost souls. This is what Jesus commanded and if we truly know Him that’s what we are all about (Matthew 28:18-20). Those who aren’t about what Jesus told us to do are not of Him – period.

Of these last days and the essential of obeying Christ alone, Gwendolyn Wehage writes:

“Political issues have caused us to think that a man can save our nation. We are falling off the cliff as a nation and only a miracle of God and the repentance of the people could save this nation. I don’t see that happening because we are in the last days, and God said that in the last days men would lack natural affection, haters of good, lovers of evil, worshipers of creation rather than the Creator. In the last days they would have no shame in their evil deeds. Romans 3:18 Jeremiah 6:15 they no longer have shame about their evil deeds. 2 Timothy 3, the people will be lovers of themselves, boastful, unloving, lovers of money, unthankful, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, disrespectful to parents, brutal and despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, hauty, having a form of godliness without understanding what it is. These passages describe how our country and the whole world is like right now. There is not turning back, these are the perilous times God spoke of in 2 Timothy. Our duty is to love Christ, obey Him and stand firm when giving out the gospel.”

Are those who parade with pink in the streets and give money to the sinful world system to help physical and mental ailments following Jesus? No! They are apostate. Those who follow Christ and are therefore the only saved souls, obey Christ and Christ said go preach HIS blessed Gospel and Go teach men all the things HE taught (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15).

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not HIS commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4

You see, many who claim to be saved have all the wherewithal, all the money, all the energy and all the resources available to them to help useless causes for sin-sick humans and pets and none to serve Jesus by doing what He commanded! That’s the fruit of their lives and it clearly testifies to their lost, hell bound condition.

“In Works they Deny Him”

“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15

If we are following Jesus – truly – then we are about the “FATHER’s business” and not the unregenerate world’s business! To make themselves feel good for a moment, the lost souls of this world jump into causes such as the Susan G Komen Foundation or Habitat for Humanity. Yet neither of these groups preaches Christ. The Komen Foundation actually gives money to Planned Parenthood to murder precious babies in cold blood. So, no Christian would ever support such an atrocity.

Jesus said: “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Luke 2:49

The LORD’s business is His body’s business and anyone not involved in Christ’s business is none of His.

When others seek out and find us, they find those who are about SOMEBODY’s business. Whose? The worlds or the LORD’s? This is the crystal clear issue that reveals who is of God and who isn’t. What a person claims means nothing if it doesn’t manifest in good works or fruit. The Bible teaches that our works plainly testify to whom we are serving.

To that one who would become convicted and cry “But this is lordship salvation,” I would say “Yes, Jesus is the LORD and this is what His Word teaches!” Dare you argue with the very Son of God? Why not simply obey and learn of Him?

Not being about the “Father’s business” is clear proof that we are denying Christ. Really? Yes, read this:

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

This verse means that though many say they know Jesus, their lack of good works reveal that they do not know Him but rather deny Him who bled for their many sins.

Works don’t save but they are the fruit of who we are truly loving and trusting! The Bible says that even a child is known by what he DOES:

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Proverbs 20:11

Let this sink in saints …. “In WORKS they Deny Him.” (Titus 1:16)

To deny Christ the right to reign in our lives is to deny Christ. Without fail, when Jesus is reigning in our personal lives, His Gospel truth is flowing freely from our lives.

“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9

If a person claims to be saved and that person is not learning to lose his life, that person is misled. Paul wrote that “in works” (that testify to saving faith) they deny Christ (Titus 1:16).

Most who call themselves Christians have been misled by the epidemic of wolves who fill pulpits and books and the media with their false gospel message. These men refuse to preach what Jesus said and/or they carefully select and dodge the things in the Gospel that keep people loyal to their own self-serving cause.

When one lays down his life, everything becomes of the LORD and not of self. Losing one’s life is truly what saving faith is:

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:24-25

Think about this: If one’s life is all about them, then that’s exactly whom they are serving and we know that they can’t save themselves, having rejected the only Savior.

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

I must relinquish control of the reigns of my life and will to the One who is worthy of all my praise as long as He gives me the breath of life. This is what saving faith always does. Do I possess saving faith? If so, I have and am giving my life over to Him daily. He’s reigning in me, not me.

Do we not have this thing called life all wrong? Do we not need a complete transformation of thought? LORD, please have mercy upon us and change us. Amen.

“The One who is the Highest came to become the lowest. We who are the lowest, seek to be the highest.” unknown

Friend, there are no shortcuts – This is the true path to blessedness with God – putting Him first by giving Him and His people more of me daily. In fact, if I am not growing to “give” or serve more, I am not growing as a disciple of my LORD. The true measure of spiritual growth is seen in how much we give of ourselves to God and others.

To the degree I am serving, my spirituality can be measured.

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11

My humility is the true measure of my spirituality and whether or not I truly know the One who came and humbled Himself even unto death for the redemption of my undeserving soul (Philippians 2:3-10).

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27

This coincides with all that Jesus says about lordship and is contrasted with those who have a mere “form of godliness” but refuse to repent/surrender and come under the power/authority of Christ (2 Timothy 3:5).

Measuring by the “Fruits”

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20

In interpreting Scripture with Scripture, we can conclude that the “fruits” Jesus speaks of here pertain to:

Doctrine (Romans 6:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Doings/works (Proverbs 20:11; Titus 1:16; James 2)
Direction (Romans 8:14; Luke 2:49; Philippians 3:17-21)
Disposition (Galatians 5:22-23)

What fruit is there to be seen in your personal life?

Are you learning and obeying “sound doctrine”?

Do your doings or works manifestly testify to a repentant heart?

Are you about the Father’s business?

Is your life characterized by “love, joy, peace …”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Those who love, worship, fear, and care about Jesus do the work Jesus sent us to do. Those who don’t do His work clearly manifest their rebellious hearts.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Jesus came to win souls. In fact, His Word tell us:

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

A close friend was invited to go feed the homeless. He grabbed a bunch of Gospel tracts and was asked by another worker if he was going pass them out to the homeless they were going to feed. To this he replied:

“Yes, I’m excited to get these tracts out to these precious lost souls. There’s no absolutely no value whatsoever in this activity of making sandwiches for people if that’s all we do.” Tim

A work to help others that does not include giving them the Gospel of Jesus is nothing more than a humanistic endeavor.

“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” Ezekiel 33:7-9

Warning people that if they die in their sins, having rejected Jesus Christ, they will spend eternity in hell, is an integral part of the original Gospel (Mark 16:16; Luke 13:3, 5; 2 Corinthians 2:16). So, warning the lost of the divine wrath to come is what the true Gospel does. In fact, the apostle Paul stated:

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” 2 Corinthians 5:11

Prayer of Repentance: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son for my sins and the sins of the whole world. Please forgive me for the sin of neglecting Your Gospel and for allowing myself to be misled by hirelings who do not fear You. Quicken my spirit in Thy Holy fear dear LORD and cause my life to glorify You alone. Fill me afresh with Your precious Holy Ghost and take over my life. From this moment forward I will serve and follow You LORD Jesus. Amen.

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Gospel Tracts

What is the Great Commission? [podcast]

Gospel Keys to Powerful Evangelism!

Abiding

The Cross and the Throne of Grace [podcast]

“Hid with Christ in God”

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

The safest place in the universe is in the cross of Christ: “your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Our place of protection is in the love walk with the LORD where we express our love for Him in obedience to Him. Jesus commanded that we deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Him. We are full of troubles and so it should be easy to relinquish all to Him!

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1

In Christ alone is our rest from the toil of this life.

“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please bring me to the end of sinful self. Rebuke and remove the foolishness of this heart! I love You LORD and thank You that I am crucified with You today and that You are raising up this life for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]

What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean? Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). […]

THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth. “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13 “But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15 Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that […]

Abiding

“I Will Uphold Thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness” [podcast]

One source notes:

“‘I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ is a famous promise from the Bible found in Isaiah 41:10 (KJB). It is a comforting verse offering reassurance against fear, with ‘the right hand of my righteousness’ symbolizing God’s divine power, justice, and support.”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Help Me Jesus!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. … For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13

“When we are in the fire of affliction it’s easy to feel afraid and wonder if God is there. Many of the great men of the Bible became discouraged and broken. But the secret was they took it to God in all honesty! In Job 3 he expressed a desire to die. But yet he said in Job 19:25 ‘For I know my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:’ David said in Psalm 56:9 ‘When I cry into thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ And we know Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, etc. all had moments of despair and suffering, but the Lord continued to uphold and encourage them. Their faith did not waver even in the midst of doubt and confusion!” Karen Cochran

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

“in thy presence is fulness of joy”

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11

“at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”

"Blessed are the Poor In Spirit" [podcast]

Jesus’ longest recorded message to His people stands on the foundation of the very first words our Savior uttered in this sermon on the mount. The foundational truth of the entire sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) is found in the very first words of our LORD when unveiling this elaborate, far-reaching, and profound message to His disciples of all ages. Here are His first words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 Note, “poor in spirit.” Not poor financially or religiously. The two should be mutually exclusive. The Greek word translated into English as “poor” is PTOCHOS. It […]

The Book of Revelation Narrated [podcast]

Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which […]

Articles

Diminishing Returns or Divine Blessings? [podcast]

The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast]

Could our diminishing returns could be due to our refusal to put God first which would mean we are putting His work, His agenda, His stated will and mission – the Great Commission – first?

“The beginning of Haggai’s prophecy finds Israel returning to the land after 70 years under Babylonian oppression (God’s punishment for the sins of Israel’s leaders). Now, a new and younger generation of God’s people are working to rebuild God’s earthly dwelling place, the temple. Long before Haggai’s prophetic ministry, God had promised that when his own presence dwelled among his people, the life-giving power of God would flow from him into their land (Deut. 28:1-14, Haggai 1:1-4). So, in hopes of experiencing God’s promises after a long season of exile, the people begin to rebuild.

Unfortunately, the temple rebuilders quickly become distracted from the project at hand. They stop working on the temple to build their own houses (Hag. 1:1-4). Meeting their immediate needs takes priority over rebuilding God’s temple. But this priority doesn’t work out well for them in the end. Haggai points out that no matter how much they sow in their fields, the returned exiles are reaping less and less. Every day, their rations get thinner, and they feel just a little thirstier (Hag. 1:5-6). Haggai says their diminishing returns are a result of their failure to prioritize rebuilding the temple, the place of God’s presence (Hag. 1:10-11). But he also promises that if they recommit themselves to the temple project, all the blessings and life they hope for will return (Hag. 2:7-8, 18-19). This new generation listens to Haggai and starts making plans for the project’s next phase.”

The rebuilding of the temple in the days of Haggai the prophet is equivalent to the Great Commission work Christ sent us, His “ambassadors” to accomplish as we look for His soon return (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Who is it that gives men the “power to get wealth”? The LORD. Why does He do such? – “that he may establish his covenant.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

“And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. 19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 8:17-20

Does God still keep His Word to bless those who put Him first with what He grants them the ability to bring in?

If a person chooses to repent of poor stewardship and conform to God’s Word, will the LORD not give that person grace to do the impossible? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Mark 10:27) Are you on your own with your finances? Or, are you dying to human reasoning and excuses and simply obeying the LORD? When we do simply obey Him, we can expect that He will undertake the cause and begin to do things that are miraculous. We see this throughout history, especially as recorded in Holy Writ. Remember the widow who had only a handful of food left to feed herself and her son? Remember who when she obeying the LORD that she was abundantly blessed? (1 Kings 17:10-16) The fact that some wolves have utilized this passage to garner gains for themselves, in no way negates the divine authority in and of this passage of truth. Will the LORD still bless? Has He changed or is our sin hindering His blessings? (Isaiah 59:1-2; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:9)

“Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” Haggai 1:9

The people of God were experiencing diminishing returns due to their refusal to simply put God first in their lives, hearts, and therefore finances. The LORD blew on their finances and scattered them because they were not putting Him and therefore His work first – but rather their own lives and money were first. Repentance required (Revelation 2:4-5). Read Haggai 1. It’s a very revealing chapter.

The LORD’s Plan to Feed, Protect, and Bless His Saints and to Spread His Good News

It’s interesting and telling to compare the distribution of goods/resources/funds among the earliest believers and the way things are done today. Read Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. Today, as was so often foretold, the merchandising wolves are living ‘high off the hog’ when the Bible clearly instructs leaders never to “greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”(Deuteronomy 17:17)

Of course, the Bible teaches that those whom God has called out are to be provided for (1 Cor. 9:1-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18) and yet, today we have lavish wolves flaunting their multi-million dollar homes in gated communities (insulated from the little guys/the poor). This has nothing to do with and blatantly contradicts the lifestyles of Jesus and His holy apostles. This makes you wonder if those who enable these wolves have even read the Gospels! A second grader knows this is wrong.

Most of us have funded wolves only later to see the light of their greed later. So, should we stop obeying God by giving to further His work? Is it time we understand the LORD’s balance in these things?

Does the Almighty have or need American money in Heaven? No.

The LORD has a plan and following that plan (instead of our own) will result in glorifying Him and seeing many blessed.

***The true disciple of Jesus is not looking for the next trinket to waste his money on, but rather is about His Father’s business of putting that money toward God’s eternal kingdom! (Matthew 6:19-24)

Some who are greedy in heart, serving the god of mammon, do not like biblical teachings on stewardship. They will lash out against the messenger, when those demons that control them are enraged. There are more than 2,500 verses on stewardship in God’s Word and over half of Jesus parables are on stewardship so anyone endeavoring to disclose/teach the full counsel of God cannot dodge that topic.

Many today who name Christ as their Savior are saying in their hearts: “I have more important things to fund than YOUR work LORD! After all, the things in my life, to make me feel more comfortable in this fleeting world, are very important. Jesus, please don’t bother me any more concerning funding YOUR work. I have vacations to go on. I have to get a bigger, nicer car so that I, I, I, look better to mere men. I HAVE to run out and see the newest movies, buy the latest fashions, subscribe to magazines from the world to help me me me be in the know, eat out 20 times monthly, put more money in the bank for MY security, get a bigger house to make myself feel better …”

Which World are You Rich In?

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

Praise God for those who give to the work of Christ! It is regrettable though that many of those who see God’s work and receive of Him through it as they see those workers of the LORD doing HIS work, do not contribute and do not agree with God that HIS workers “ARE worthy”of financial reward so they can be sustained and furthered in doing HIS HIS HIS work. Many are saying with their inaction that Christ’s workers are NOT worthy of their hire. They are saying “LORD, I know You said that Your servants ARE due financial reward so they can keep doing YOUR work, but I am too busy to take a moment to help, I am too strapped financially, after all, I have the cable TV bill to pay, I have to pay my mortgage, my rent, for food, daily coffee, golf, and for many other essential things. I really don’t think that Your work is important. Winning souls to Your eternal kingdom for who You bled and rose again is not important to me. I am too busy being entrenched in and loving this present sinful world. So, Your kingdom, Your work, and Your people will have to wait till I have so much money that I can keep doing these important things that are important to ME in this life and also throw a token tip your way.”

When is the last time you read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18? Do you know what the LORD is teaching us in these important passages? How can we expect to be blessed of Him if we ignore His instructions?

It is clear that God will bless those who agree with Him – in heart, mind, and in action. We will find amazing, supernatural blessings in our lives if we will put Jesus “first” in our stewardship, in our finances (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 3:10-11). Did He not promise to bless us if we put Him first which means putting His work as a top priority?

The “double honour” financial reward is due to called out Gospel workers and that’s the instruction of the One who has called out and set those workers apart to do (1 Timothy 5:17-18). That money should be there and that’s why God says that those who labor in His Word – learning and feeding His sheep – are to receive “double honour” so that they do not have to be interrupted in doing HIS work.

Jesus says that what we do with our monies is a direct reflection of who we truly love, worship, and serve – self or the Savior. “For where your treasure is THERE will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-24)

Who has God put in your life to feed you HIS Word? What does the Bible say to do to those who feed you God’s Word? (Galatians 6:6)

Is God calling you to get into agreement with His revealed mind? Is He calling you to count His work as a high priority in your life? Will He not open His windows of blessings upon your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11) Will His kingdom blessings now be added to your life if you truly and practically put Him first? (Matthew 6:33) Will your barns not be “filled with plenty”?

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

If you are upset, I am sorry. I sure hope this never has to be said again other than in the general teaching of the full-counsel of God which includes the important topic of stewardship.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: ⁹(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. ¹⁰Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) ¹¹Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Do you begin to realize what is at stake here? Do we begin to understand the implications of sinful omission? Do we begin to realize what great rewards we are forfeiting?

Aren’t the bank accounts that are connected to the work of the LORD worthy to be filled in order to supply for His work to be done?

Are you doing your part to fund those who are truly fulfilling a New Testament purpose?

Is the feeding of the LORD’s people important to you? Do unreached precious souls for whom Christ bled and rose again matter?

Jesus says “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) Are you personally interested in Christ and His sheep? Are you concerned that His sheep will be fed (nourished) and that more souls will be won to Him before it’s too late? What work or labor in this fleeting, sinful world could possibly be more important than that of the LORD’s business? Are you prayer for His laborers and supporting the work of Jesus? (Matthew 9:35-38)

Do we fit into that last day’s prophetic category of those who have a mere “form of godliness” yet deny the power, the divine authority of God to reign in our daily lives? Are we “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” and are we those who are “lovers of their own selves, covetous …”? May the LORD rebuke and change us now! (2 Timothy 3:1-8)

God is able!

Consider and Build [podcast]

Consider Your Ways (below) Resting to Build (below) “Whew thank you for that rebuke I needed that ! What a magnificent powerful biblical gospel message.” Cassandra IS GOD (His work and people) important to you? Is the LORD Jesus Christ first place in your life? Is furthering His Gospel a priority to you? Have you scheduled Him into your financial distribution? OR, is the LORD, who bought you with His blood, a second class citizen to you? Well, think about it – we never thought twice to budget for the cable company, the electrical company, the gym, the […]

Fruit Abounding To Your Account: Divine Incentive [video]

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17 Jesus told us that He has gone to prepare a place for His people. If you are born again and abiding presently in Christ, you have “mansion” in glory awaiting you! (John 14:1-6) Did you know that you also have an “account” in Heaven? Now, what’s in that “account”? Is it empty or full? Every single child of God has an “account” in Heaven. Paul the apostle of Jesus, cared deeply about the heavenly “account” of Christ’s saints! YOU have an “account” […]

Dollar Dialogue [podcast]

Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] Curing the Dilemma of Diminishing Returns. If we want to see Heaven’s floodgates opened, we must examine what compliance, what agreement, what obedience the LORD may be leading us to render. The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast] (below) YOUR own bank statement tells you exactly who you are. Matt 6:21 A financial investor takes your money and multiplies it for your last few years in this temporal life, right? In contrast, laborers for Christ take your support and multiply it for Christ and themselves for all eternity. In Christ’s eternal kingdom […]