Many false ways are being presented to us today, all in the name of the LORD Himself.
We must go with Christ, not the crowd.
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
Departing from the Organized Church – Not Christ, nor His True Remnant!
In this late hour, God is calling His people to “Come out of her my people” – that is, religious Babylon (Revelation 18:4-5). Such is necessary in order not to be swept away in the tidal wave of deception – “strong delusion” caused by a rejection of the written Word of God (2 Thessalonians 2; Hosea 4:6).
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” 1 Timothy 4:1
Notice in the above prophetic word, nothing is mentioned concerning departing from the pulpit or departing from professing to be a Christian. Only a departure from the faith – that is, the faith of the original Gospel on record in the Holy Scriptures.
All who claim to love the LORD, who is the truth, and yet don’t “hate every false way” clearly prove their “love” for Christ is shallow at best.
“Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and THEY HAVE NOT DISCOVERED (uncovered, exposed) thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (bondage); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.” Lamentation 2:14
This is why so many who are good church members are still living in sin. They are sitting under wolves who pose as representatives of Christ yet don’t expose and call them out.
People are falling for the obvious hoaxes like flies and it’s all because, in their personal lives, they have refused to be ever more deeply rooted and grounded in God’s Word, in a daily cross walk with Jesus. They denied Christ His rightful place and reign in their lives, and instead have pursued the things of this fleeting world (Luke 19:27).
So Satan is now beginning to come down with great wrath because he knows his time is short (Revelation 12:12). He is coming along with all these fake revivals, and misleading movies and the counterfeits jump at them like kids taking candy from a kidnapper. They have rejected Jesus in their daily lives and have been sent “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
You say you love praise and worship? Yet do you love God? If so, you will be devouring HIS words, first and foremost. This is how you seek Him – in His Word and in private prayer. Is Jesus Christ truly the object of your worship? Or, do you simply like how YOU feel when you praise and worship? If so, what does that reveal? Is the fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced in the revival seekers? No.
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165
Deep peace and all the bless-ed fruit of the Spirit germinate and grow healthfully in the lives all who are truly His, and ingest His Word perpetually. His “Great peace” is reserved exclusively for those who truly love God and therefore love His Word. Those who truly love God go straight to God – to His Word. They live in it. It’s their life! Read Psalms 1.
“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12
Christ’s true remnant is engrossed in His Word and therefore not tricked or fooled into looking to a movie, a ministry, or a movement to get their view of God.
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalms 119:162
ALL the praise and worship in the world won’t fill your heart with divine truth. Such an idea is a “false way” and to be hated or far less prioritized than getting God’s Word inside of you. Bible reading is irreplaceable. You eat or you live hungry, famished, confused, un-fueled, deceived. In fact, your singing to the LORD will never be rich unto you of the revelation of WHO He is by filling your heart and mind daily with HIS Word. King James Bible, devour it daily!
All we have is fake religion without a heart after the LORD like beloved David (Acts 13:22).
IF you yearn for “praise and worship” and aren’t in God’s Word, devouring it daily – you are on a collision course with hell.
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8-9
Let’s cease making claims when there’s no evidence of the delusions we believe. Stop it. JUST because YOU want something to be true, DOES NOT make it true. Repent.
The recent revelations, manifestations, the coming to light of the delusions of Satan coming steadily down the pike has brought the truth-loving remnant into the light. And also those who are counterfeits, who live by their own uncirumcized hearts, wicked imaginations, and feelings. The separation, the distinction between the wheat and tares, the sheep and goats, is becoming increasingly obvious.
It’s simple, those who love God truly are searching out, studying, and holding to His holy truth. They alone are protected. Memorize this truth beloved of God. These exact words from our LORD WILL be instrumental in leading you safely to the eternal home He’s preparing for us!
“He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are NOT OF GOD.” John 8:47
Some among us still think these fake “revivals,” “Jesus” movies, etc., are a “move of God” when the name of Jesus is hardly ever mentioned and His Word is never opened. God is calling you to repent and be saved.
Notice they are exalting and deifying revival, not Christ. The Bible foretold there’d be a great falling away before Jesus returns, not a great revival (2 Thessalonians 2). Only those who don’t love Jesus enough to read His WORD for themselves are being sucked into this, and the cost is their very eternal soul for rejecting Christ (Luke 19:27).
“They are elevating revival above the name of all names. It’s become so obvious this is not about Christ.” Khrista
WHEN we truly love God we love His truth, and we “HATE every false way.” It seems apparent from the following verses of Holy Scripture that the more we seek our LORD and He instills in our innermost man the love for His truth and His holy fear, to that degree we will increasingly “HATE every false way.”
“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I HATE every false way.” Psalms 119:104
“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I HATE every false way.” Psalms 119:128
Those who hate lies prove it by being daily established in divine truth and therefore do no hearken to lies, deceptions, the schemes of the evil one. They are “not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Not only WHAT we say but also HOW we say or convey it, may God bless each of His children to speak His truth with grace from a heart purified by Him, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6
Dangled Dollars Draw Deceived Covetous Men
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
“Amen. The world’s pleasures are wantonly pursued by too many believers who will only reap what they sow. Reaping only sorrows and disappointments, not the fruits of the Spirit.” Barbara
Men rich in this world honor gold not God. Their end shall be eternal damnation. See 2 Peter 2:1-3 and the “damnation” of the rich “false prophets” and “false teachers.”
“He (the rich man) shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.” Psalms 49:19
Read Psalm 49 and 37.
The pull of the world, the pull of power via money – the power to do, to go, to purchase – becomes the death pit many fall into – never to escape.
“…no…covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:5-7
This is outside and inside the professing church. This is what we see at the roots of all these delusions, these schemes to deceive the elect via mass promotions and productions such as “Bible” or “Jesus” movies, movements, revivals, and commercial campaigns.
Few if any will make it through the commercialized religious industry where big money circulates and big devils inhabit and control. The junkyard of fallen preachers that have littered the landscape is mountainous. Truth tellers, men who fear God are turned away from participating in the greed-driven religion circus.
Some years ago I was invited to do a weekly TV ministry program at a prime time slot. I did that program for two years, preaching God’s Word, shaking hands and interacting with many who were celebrity TV personalities. God was merciful to control the direction of this, His life. Perhaps it was my lack of talent to draw in the dollars, but whatever it was, He’s been merciful to us, amen saints!
Lazy people, people who are lazy toward God instead of diligent, want someone else to tell them about God instead of repenting and seeking God for themselves in His own Word. They want the mere man preacher, the movie, the story teller, the program, the campaign to tell them about “God.” Satan is allowed to play them all the way into hell. God only rewards those who “diligently seek him” and those who don’t “diligently seek Him” for themselves are rebels (Hebrews 11:6). Satan accommodates counterfeits like this and 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 plays out.
“This is, I’d say, one of the largest issues ebbing away at gospel solidarity, that we are up against today. Today’s gospel mindset has included heroes, celebrities, and influencers, which are praised beyond the point of known, but ignored Bible doctrine perversions. Because they have a large platform or maybe even a smaller platform, but have a ‘tickle the ears’ gospel, one that is ‘all new,’ and people continue to flock after them. You know the the Bible addresses this spirit, right?
‘Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.’ 1 Timothy 4:1-2 KJV
“This shallow minded lack-of-depth-of-God’s-word ‘Christian person’ seeks out a feel good spirit, a seducing one, right? It is a seductive teaching they go after, one that turns them on, so to speak, toward the false devilish doctrine. It’s new, fresh, influential, informative, and something that’s non-offensive to the surrounding culture. However, it is full of the devil! The warning is:
Though it will have its ultimate fulfillment with or in “that man of sin,” the antichrist, the following scenario has been in operation as long as mankind has been on earth (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel are prime examples of how this truth played out. Ensuing biblical history records the same.
“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The LORD allows all who “received not the love of the truth” to be sent “strong delusion that they should believe a lie” so that “they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Like it or not, God takes it personal when people call Him a liar by not believing what He stated.
SO, you are going to argue to defend the idea that you have a “good church” and yet you are not in God’s Word daily for yourself and have no conviction to be? Boom. Apostasy! 100%. You are sitting under wolves who are not “valiant for the truth” of God, have no conviction of sin, and use fake “bibles” (Jeremiah 9:3). This is the fruit of the false church in America. Run for your life, now.
“There’s nothing new under the Sun. There were many antichrists in the days before the flood. There were many antichrists before Nimrod built the Tower of Babel. There were many antichrists among God’s people after they were delivered from Egypt, and the Red Sea opened for them and destroyed Egypt’s army of antichrists. They proclaimed a feast day “TO THE LORD” but sacrificed to Baal as they “sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” I’m sure that’s putting it VERY MILDLY! I believe they had an orgy and listened to proud, rebellious, demonic music. They may have sacrificed children in fire. Whatever it was, beside worshipping the golden calf, they were worthy of death for doing it. It was NO LIGHT THING. It was done by the SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST.” Alan Ray
CBN and TBN are massive bought and conquered Vatican operations and so massive monies are there, and used to deceive the professing believers in America via this network. Jesus warned:
“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved…. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:11-13, 22
Alan Ray writes:
“No lie is of the truth, as is no liar. All liars and unrepentant sodomites will have their part in the lake of fire. Many are glorying in a travesty of a shameful hell-bound sinner, who called Jesus “Lord, Lord,” who drew nigh to God with his mouth, and honored him with his lips. His fruit shows his heart was far from God, but the deceived who don’t fear God want you to believe otherwise. There is financial incentive behind deceiving the masses into accepting the sodomite lifestyle. LGBT pastors would not be allowed to operate or even partake of communion in a truly godly, obedient, God-fearing assembly.”
“We must have a burning desire to diligently seek the Lord through his word and study to find ourselves approved by God. There are no shortcuts. It doesn’t happen by osmosis..going to church, listening to Christian music or watching movies/ TV shows or other sources of entertainment.” Barbara
“Joyce Meyer and Greg Laurie are definitely an Eastern Star and Mason, NOT true Christians. Billy Graham was also a 33 degree Freemason. The church today is apostate – due to people thinking they are learning about God and Jesus from apostate (satanists, actually) pastors. Do the research and you’ll discover all I typed is true.” Cynthia
“Sadly, this describes most of the ‘Christians’ that I know. They say they love the Lord, but instead they follow ear ticklers, modern day pharisees that are making them twice the sons of hell as they themselves are. (Matt 23:15). They think they are witnessing by posting things like Kelly’s Treehouse posts and Charles Spurgeon quotes instead of Scripture. You can find them gushing on about the ‘Jesus Revolution’ and how wonderful Johnathan Roumie and Greg Laurie are instead of telling about Jesus. You can find them with the name of their favorite celebrity preacher’s name on their so-called bibles (i.e. Joyce Meyer Study Bible). Everything they know is from the accursed, according to Gal 1:8-9 and they refuse to listen to truth, thinking that THEY know the truth. They cannot see that they are riding on the tsunami of apostasy and need to repent. It’s heartbreaking to see and all we can do is pray that they will come out from among her and learn to search the Scriptures for themselves.” Jeannie
Articles
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
Chapter 5 from the book Raised Up (narration)
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
You know the counterfeits far outnumber the authentic followers of Jesus when you put out a message on youtube or social media titled something like “How to know your gifts” and the response is overwhelming due to the many self-centered, self-absorbed cross-less professors (2 Timothy 3:1-7). In contrast, when you put out a message titled something like “Learning to live the crucified life Jesus calls all His followers to” and but a “few” listen – you are reminded of how Jesus says His remnant, is a “little flock” and how Jesus says “FEW there be which enter therein.” (Luke 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14).
Living in the Spirit
Those who descend into death and burial will be blessed to be raised up by the LORD.
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
IT BOILS DOWN TO LOVE!
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
WHEN Jesus died for our sins, He submitted to the cross without reserve to the Father in order to redeem us! When you obey Jesus by laying down your life, you are saying: “Whew I love You LORD Jesus! You alone are my supreme LORD, love, and the Head of my life. I love You more than sinful self, and I have made a complete mess of my life, spinning my wheels for far too long. Please forgive my rebellion against You! I want You to reign supreme in my life Jesus, from this moment forward. Have Your way in me my LORD, I love You Jesus. I’m all Yours Jesus!”
Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue with the remnant. They “have crucified the flesh” and the evil the sinful nature would do. It’s a done deal – They “HAVE crucified the flesh” that Christ the LORD might reign in their mortal body.
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18
We cannot be a servant of righteousness unless we are crucified with Christ and sin is out of our way.
“Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you (because you have accounted yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18
The “form of doctrine” delivered by Christ and His holy apostles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of one’s life now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).
“What does this mean for us? Remember that there are two aspects of Christ’s death. He died for our sins. He died for us – substitution. But then Paul tells us that we are also to die with Him. “I have been crucified WITH CHRIST” (Gal. 2:20): “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Rom. 6:11). The Israelites in bondage were delivered by the blood shed and sprinkled. But they are pursued by certain of their foes. These foes are slain at the Red Sea, but they themselves escape and are free. Egypt stands for the world of sin. Christ found us in “Egypt,” and by His death in our stead delivered us from the penalty of sin. But even after our conversion some of these sins followed us and harassed us – temper, pride, jealousy, lust, worry, avarice – causing discomfiture and misery, and occasionally temporary defeat. Where is there any escape, any real victory? Only through the Red Sea – baptism, or what baptism implies; i.e., a death to sin and a rising again to righteousness. That is a crucifixion with Christ, so as to be able to “reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin.” How to Live the Victorious Life, by an Unknown Christian
God’s desire, plan, and command is that His people reign victorious in this life over sin and the enemy and become abundantly fruitful as we await the soon return of our LORD Jesus Christ (John 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
The Cross of Christ and the One He Commands us to take up are Essential
Let’s peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:
“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:23-26
Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed (“corn”) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing in this life – “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31)
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
As we are blessed to be “planted together in the likeness of his death”, so “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5
This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water baptism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is. At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.
“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:10-11
There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The disciple who is buried with Christ is “dead to sin.” (Rom. 6:2) When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call those who point them out “legalistic”, it is symptomatic of a life that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bible says “Lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) when we are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The “corn of wheat” (dead seed) must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.
Aren’t we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? (2 Cor. 7:1)
If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness.
Overcoming sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-13)
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24
The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk. 23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).
Let’s check our deadness. Let’s see how dead we are to this world system and all of it’s arrogant rebellion against the God of the universe and all that is: Do we defend our “right” to fill our minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and other forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.
Oswald Chambers wrote:
“The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bondslave to Jesus Christ. Any fool can insist on personal rights, and any devil will see that he or she gets them, but the Sermon on the Mount means that the only right the saint will insist on is the right to give up personal rights.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 329
Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? – “Charity…Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6)
Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolishness and deeds.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Proverbs 26:4
Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision to fear and obey the LORD and not men. Believers are called to be circumspect (fully set apart in holiness) and not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).
Yet we should ask: Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such as the false church would have us believe? When a new believer is told that he is “eternally secure” or OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life, be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to do ministry, and prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?
The following brief and yet convicting commentary is taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First let’s view the Biblical text, then the commentary.
“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32
“‘HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM’. Paul’s last word on general human sinfulness is God’s condemnation of a condition even more damning than the practice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This disposition is the ultimate in depravity – vicarious enjoyment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1) The word ‘have pleasure’ (Gk. suneudokeo) means ‘are pleased with,’ ‘delight in,’ or ‘give approval to,’ and points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same condemnation of God as those engaging in such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence, those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ) who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be exposed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess. 2:12).” p. 1729
Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalms 101:3
Do we seek to protect our “right” to continue over-relishing or over-indulging in the things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John 2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world system and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies – regardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:24-26
When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and instructed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12). Have you ever been persecuted by other “believers” and called legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, other than inducing a concern for where they really are in their hearts. Seeking to be upright in one’s ways in not legalistic – it is biblical. The Word instructs us to “walk circumspectly” which means fully obedient – exactly, diligently, perfectly.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:15-20
“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13
What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly – we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.
What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are. If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in us, we do not have a laid down life.
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9
“Folly (foolishness)is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” Proverbs 15:21
Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a “time to laugh” and to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more – for the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly – they walk biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the world.
“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14
Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ did – that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holiness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justifying your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relinquish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dying for us – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.
The Path of Our LORD Jesus
Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life for all men (Jn. 15:13).
“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…” Luke 22:42
He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He has for each of us.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him? Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?
“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
He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glorified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called us to be. When Jesus is reigning in a person’s life, it is obvious. His holy and impelling presence is the life that exudes from that person instead of the stench of the self-centered and selfish nature (Jn. 3:30). At this place of resurrection life, the LORD who made and redeemed us is greatly glorified and pleased and His fruit is being yielded.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Finding that place with God in prayer is where the laid down life begins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.
“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7
PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternally. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and praying in light of Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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Abiding
Chosen, Ordained, Joyfully Fruitful [podcast]
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
- “Ye have not chosen me”
- “I have chosen you”
- “and ordained you”
- “that ye should go and bring forth fruit”
- “and that your fruit should remain”
Of this truth, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:
“15:16 Lest there be any tendency for them to become discouraged and give up, Jesus reminded them that He was the One who chose them. This may mean that He chose them to eternal salvation, to discipleship, or to fruitfulness. He had appointed the disciples to the work which lay before them. We should go and bear fruit. Fruit may mean the graces of the Christian life, such as love, joy, peace, etc. Or it may mean souls won for the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a close link between the two. It is only as we are manifesting the first kind of fruit that we will ever be able to bring forth the second.
The expression “that your fruit should remain” leads us to think that fruit here means the salvation of souls. The Lord chose the disciples to go and bring forth lasting fruit. He was not interested in mere professions of faith in Himself, but in genuine cases of salvation. L. S. Chafer notes that in this chapter we have prayer effectual (v. 7), joy celestial (v. 11), and fruit perpetual (v. 16). “That whatever you ask … .” The secret of effective service is prayer. The disciples were sent forth with the guarantee that the Father would grant them whatever they asked in Christ’s name.”
Adam Clarke writes;
“The first ministers of the Gospel were the choice of Jesus Christ; no wonder, then, that they were so successful. Those whom men have since sent, without the appointment of God, have done no good. The choice should still continue with God, who, knowing the heart, knows best who is most proper for the Gospel ministry.
To be a genuine preacher of the Gospel, a man must –
1. Be chosen of God to the work.
2. He must be placed in the true vine – united to Christ by faith.
3. He must not think to lead an idle life, but labor.
4. He must not wait till work be brought to him, but he must go and seek it.
5. He must labor so as to bring forth fruit, i.e. to get souls converted to the Lord.
6. He must refer all his fruit to God, who gave him the power to labor, and blessed him in his work.
7. He must take care to water what he has planted, that his fruit may remain – that the souls whom he has gathered in be not scattered from the flock.
8. He must continue instant in prayer, that his labors may be accompanied with the presence and blessing of God – Whatsoever ye shall Ask.
9. He must consider Jesus Christ as the great Mediator between God and man, proclaim his salvation, and pray in his name. – Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, etc. See Quesnel.”
God alone ordains His people to His work and brings them through many purging seasons to cause His fruitfulness in them, preparing them to bear more of His fruit. God chose us and blessed us with the ability to repent and receive Christ. As His people, He’s also ordained us to “go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
As we read this discourse from our LORD (John 15 and 17), we discover that He is speaking of that abiding fellowship we have with Him, and how out of it is borne the good fruit of His ministry in and through our life.
Being rooted in that oneness, the abiding relationship with Christ, is all-important to our relationship with Him and the Father. As his student, His disciple, may the reader be encouraged to pour prayerfully over these truths captured, and given to us in John, chapters 15 and 17.
Isaiah 43
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee … “
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, please make me one with You. Please deeply root and establish my life in an abiding fellowship with You dear LORD.
Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at STORE and amazon. English and Spanish.
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Articles
The One Essential to Victory [podcast]
Victory is at hand!! This message is at the heart of the original Gospel message Christ and that His apostles gave. Yet, this is seldom if ever heard today. Victory awaits you!!!!! God desires to give it to you!!!! You be careful though saint. Be not deceived. Get this truth in your heart and life and God will raise you upward to the victory that brings Him glory and where you belong. Paul said that there are many “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil. 3:18-19) Discover who they are and what is divinely required for you to be blessed with victory in this life and in eternity with Christ!
The Victory is in Jesus [podcast]
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