“He always gives us a clean heart and renews a right spirit within us; that there be no part dark, in Jesus name, Amen.” Jon Crane
“Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:12-14
PRAYER: Holy Father, cleanse us afresh by the precious blood of Jesus, let there be no part dark in us! In Jesus’ name.
“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. 34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. 35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” Luke 11:33-36
Is my whole being full of the light of Christ?
When we are looking with our “eye” to He who is “the light of the world,” His pure and holy light is flooding our whole being.
When we walk into a room and it’s dark, the only way to vanquish that darkness is to turn on the light – to flood the darkness with the light.
“Love this verse. Through the sanctification of our LORD, His light shines in our hearts and into the dark hidden places of our hearts. As we allow the Lord to remove the darkness more of His light can shine through. We will radiate Jesus and His holiness.” Karen Cochran
The remnant of Christ’s elect are joyfully abiding in the Savior, seeking His holy face daily, hiding nothing, having nothing to hide… coming to His light so that their evil, the darkness in them can be vanquished, dispelled by the light of Christ, His truth.
Here’s how we flood our beings with the LORD’s holy light:
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
To remain flooded with the light of Christ, one must “seek his face continually.”
The question is will we, will you allow any part dark in your heart?
What do we think about the woman who is engaged to a man she is set to marry and yet reserves darkness, things hidden from her bridegroom to be, she is still whorishly consorting with another man or men. Spiritual adultery.
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21
Those who come to the light, who seek the LORD with a whole and sincere heart, do so in order to come clean on it all – to be transparent, honest, and repentant for all darkness.
The true and Heaven bound disciple not only comes to the light initially but also he continues to come clean before the LORD – in repentance and denouncing and crucifying out of his life anything that defiles him in the eyes of a holy God.
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24:16
Those who are God’s, wicked as we all are, will be manifested by ever coming to His light, to admit and restitute for every dark thought and deed. No stone unturned.
Jesus’ bride is choosing to have “no part dark” (Luke 11:36).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
“Evil men avoid the light, as an inflamed eye the sun.” FB Meyer
“3:19 Jesus is the light who came into the world. He was the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. He died for the sins of all the world. But do men love Him for this? No—they resent Him. They prefer their sins to having Jesus as Savior, and so they reject Him. Just as some creeping things scurry away from the light, so wicked men flee from the presence of Christ.
3:20 Those who love sin hate the light, because the light exposes their sinfulness. When Jesus was here in the world, sinful men were made uncomfortable by His presence because He revealed their awful condition by His own holiness. The best way to reveal the crookedness of one stick is to place a straight stick beside it. Coming into the world as a Perfect Man, the Lord Jesus revealed the crookedness of all other men, by comparison.
3:21 If a man is truly honest before God, he will come to the light, that is, the Lord Jesus, and realize his own utter worthlessness and sinfulness. Then he will trust the Savior for himself, and thus be born again through faith in Christ.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
Donald Stamps, commentator for Life in the Spirit Study Bible, notes:
“Luke 11:34 The light of the body is the eye. The eye is the body’s means of receiving light. If the eye is healthy, then one can fully receive and use light, If the eye is defective, then darkness prevails and one cannot see in order to walk or work.
1. Likewise, when people’s spiritual eyes, i.e., when their attitudes, motives and desires are directed toward God’s will, then the light of HIS Word enters their heart to produce blessings, fruit and salvation (Gal. 5:22-23). But if their desires are not focused upon the things of God, then God’s revelation and truth will have no effect.
2. We must examine our lives to make sure that our spiritual eyes are such that the gospel can really sanctify us and renew our inward lives. Do we respond to the teaching or reading of Scripture with a spirit that loves God, Christ and the Word more and more—or, in spite of all the gospel messages and Bible teaching we have received, is there deadness in our souls and are we in bondage to sin? If the latter is the case, then our spiritual eyesight is bad, and darkness will fill our lives. This being true we must honestly confess our sins, receive God’s cleansing and then separate ourselves from all compromise with sin that leads to darkness.”
“The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” Proverbs 20:27
One man who has recently begun to discover the divine power of the cross life, who is coming to the light, shared this:
“I’ve laid all my past sins at the feet of Jesus finally! Porn was 1 that I struggled with…it’s been gone 30 days now..1st time in 30 years…the pills are no more! Feels good to be truly saved my friend…thanks for all you do.”
God identifies and calls “Evil concupiscence” a sin. It’s defined as the “secret desire for that which is forbidden by God.” The world calls it a fantasy but our LORD calls it darkness, sin.
“But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.” Romans 7:8
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Colossians 3:5
“Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:” 1 Thessalonians 4:5
The LORD is going to reach into the deepest recesses of our hearts and shine His holy light. As we continue to come to His light, to admit all sin we’ve harbored, He will vanquish them from our hearts, our lives.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
Those who do not hearken to the Master, the drawing and conviction of He who is “the light of the world, are in jeopardy of losing all.
“Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” John 12:35
Those who do not walk in the light given them will descend into darkness and ultimately damnation (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
Let us walk in His holy light that we might have fellowship one with another (with the Father and Son), having no part dark, attempting to hide nothing from He who is the light of the world, who sees all (Proverbs 15:3).
There are no “secrets” with God because He sees all.
“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Romans 2:16
“The secrets of men” are hidden from other men and yet nothing is hidden from God.
The man who desires to enjoy pure fellowship with the Father and Son, must walk in the light with Christ, must put off the deeds of the body, must confess all sin and forsake it. Read the book of 1 John.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Beholding All that God Tells Us about Himself in His Word
God’s love and grace do not negate or cancel his holiness, justice, and judgment.
News Flash: God’s definition of sin never changed because He loves you and saved you by His grace. Just because God is love and extends His grace in salvation in no way means He is less just, holy, or going to judge His people. Jesus came to save us “from” and not in our sin because sin defiles us in the eyes of a God who is “Holy, holy, holy” and commanded us to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Titus 2:13) Salvation was never designed and is not a free pass to sin (Romans 6:1-2). No, it’s initial forgiveness of our sins and the expectation and mandate of God to abide in Christ and remain washed from all sin (2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:25-27;1 John 1:7,9; 3:3-6; Revelation 19:7-10, etc.).
Many today refuse to believe all that God says about Himself and therefore are living in deep deception due to their unrepentant hearts which do not wish to acknowledge all the things that God tells us about Himself. Some of those things they evade and ignore are the holiness of God, the judgment of God, His justice, and that He is to be feared. By doing this they have created the image of a false god, another Jesus in their unrepentant hearts.
The Holy Spirit, through Christ’s apostle Paul, instructs us to behold both the “goodness” and the “severity” of God. “Severity” meaning the severe judgment God has historically exercised against His own people when they rebelled.
“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 2 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22
Here the LORD commands us to behold all that He has told us about Himself and not just some of it. Such is the work of those who have darkness in their hearts and therefore erect the image of a false god in their hearts – one whom they vainly believe will excuse their sin. Not. Men of corrupt minds want the “goodness” and yet reject the “severity,” the severe divine judgment coming on all who die in their sins.
Perhaps some feel hopeless, have little faith that God can and will deliver them out of their darkness. Jesus promises:
“With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
The LORD is beckoning you to Himself today beloved:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:18-20
PRAYER: Holy Father, probe the depths of my being. Eradicate all darkness. Bless me to have no part dark. Please break me LORD Jesus, be the Master of my life. Reign on the throne of my heart dear LORD. I am crucified with Christ. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. I love You Father. I love You Jesus. Please fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to edify and love Your beloved body, Your people, as we look for Your soon return LORD Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | More on Assurance here | Eternal Security Debunked | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ.
Abiding
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane
By Jon Crane
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).
The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5). Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).
Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.
“But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25
More Thoughts…
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of love – Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11
When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.
Remember whose you are …
“And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23
Take heart…
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18
Romans 3
“Moreover, brethern, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Rom. 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26
Confession made…
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13
Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | Bible/Word of God | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ
Abiding
“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]
In Eternity “THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.”
(Isaiah 65:17)
Our LORD Jesus will soon return to “make all things new.”
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.” Isaiah 65:17
“I create – I am about wholly to change the state not only of my people, but to bring a new face upon the world, which shall abide until a new heavens and earth appear, in which shall dwell nothing but righteousness. Not be remembered – That state of things shall be so glorious, that the former state of my people shall not be remembered.” John Wesley
“Behold a new creation, Isa_65:17-25! The present dispensation is ended. Jerusalem, restored to her former glory, sings for very joy; and her rejoicing sends a thrill of joy through the nature of God. Long years of life and security of tenure are granted again to man. The red rapine of the forest is ended, for creation is emancipated from its bondage and participates in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Peace shall reign in the forest glades, never again to abdicate her throne, Isa_65:25. But, best of all, there shall be such unity between man and God that prayer will be anticipated, and the pleading soul shall be conscious of the listening ear of God. Hasten, O day of days, for which creation groans, and the saints groan with inexpressible desire!” FB Meyer
“65:17 The closing verses of chapter 65 describe millennial conditions. The new heavens and the new earth here refer to Christ’s kingdom on earth; in Revelation 21 they refer to the eternal state. In Isaiah’s new heavens and new earth there is still sin and death; in Revelation 21, these have passed away.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Of Isaiah 65:17, another commentator writes the following:
a [I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind] Here God declares that He will create or bring into existence renewed heavens and a renewed earth which will be so wonderful that the present ones will be forgotten in the glory and blessing that will then be enjoyed on the earth by the eternal society.
b [new heavens and a new earth] This term, “new heavens and a new earth,” is found only four times in Scripture, being used twice by Isaiah (Isa_65:17; Isa_66:22-24), once by Peter (2Pe_3:10-13), and once by John (in Rev. 21:1-22:5). Making the heavens and earth new will be accomplished at the close of the Millennium after all rebellion is put down on earth, all enemies are destroyed, and God has become all in all again, as before rebellion was started—first by Lucifer and later by Adam (Rom_8:18-25; 1Co_15:24-28; Eph_1:10; 2Pe_3:10-13; Rev. 21-22).
c [former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind]
Great Millennial and Eternal Changes
This could not mean that the former heavens and earth will never be recalled in any way whatsoever. The idea is that comparatively speaking, the new ones will be so wonderful that people will not meditate on, long for, or regret the passing of the old ones. Mentioning the new heavens and the new earth here as an introduction to a passage about the Millennium (Isa_65:18-25) can be best understood in this light—that God’s program concerning the new heavens and the new earth is His ultimate purpose in the work which he begins in the Millennium.
Fifteen Millennial and Eternal Changes:
1. A new earthly and eternal Jerusalem will be created as the earthly and eternal capital of the whole earth (Isa_65:18; Isa_2:2-4; Eze_48:30-35; Joe_3:16-20)
2. Eternal Israel (Isa_65:18)
3. Eternal rejoicing of Israel for their eternal city
4. God rejoicing eternally in Jerusalem (Isa_65:19)
5. God rejoicing eternally in Israel
6. Eternal removal of all weeping and crying in Israel and Jerusalem
7. Eternal change in length of life—no more an infant of days nor an old man who will not fill his days (Isa_65:20). Men will live as long as trees (Isa_65:22) and eternally in natural bodies (Mat_25:46)
8. Change in the appointment of death for the righteous, who will not sin (Isa_65:20; Mat_25:46)
9. Change in the economy—everyone building and possessing his own home, and planting and enjoying his own crops without fear of losing any through debts (Isa_65:21-22)
10. Removal of the curse of hard labor (Isa_65:23)
11. Eternal change in purpose and production of material goods—nothing will be produced for war and trouble (Isa_65:23; Isa_2:2-4; Mic_4:1-13)
12. God’s eternal blessing upon all labor and business (Isa_65:23)
13. Eternal change of results in prayer (Isa_65:24)
14. Eternal change of animal natures (Isa_65:25; Isa_11:6-9)
15. Eternal change in society—none to hurt or destroy in all God’s kingdom (Isa_65:25)
Jesus is Returning to Make Peace by Violence, by Force
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
No one can and will fulfill these words above more perfectly than the One who spoke these words.
“Blessed are the peaceMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
In this fallen world, peace cannot be kept, it must be made – that is, it must be forcefully accomplished by destroying the wicked doers.
“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Matthew 12:20
Jesus will bring forth His judgment unto victory when He returns.
Jesus came to divide between the righteous and the unrighteous.
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34
Our LORD’s Gospel message which presents the occasion for some to believe and some to reject. This is the “sword” of division that divides between the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The Gospel brings division and strife in families and nations, because some love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21).
The unrepentant wicked will not repent and change. The LORD will return to crush and to force them into His bowels of damnation, a place of incarceration called hell.
Jesus came as a lamb the first time and will return as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to dispossess His earth of His enemies.
“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” Proverbs 20:26
All tears shall be wiped away from off the faces of those who choose to be Christ’s!
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:45
In a certain sense it doesn’t matter what has come against you, what you have gone through, what you have suffered and endured. The end is near and this life is not even going to “come into mind” for the righteous when Jesus returns! When the unrepentant wicked are vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation, the righteous shall reign …..
“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
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:3-11
Future Glory
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 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 8:17-39
God’s Everlasting Love for His People…..
“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3
In and through Christ – as you are dead with Him and raised up by Him – He makes you to be, He declares us to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Historically the righteous have disrupted the plans of Satan and have therefore been persecuted… a type of what’s called “political prisoners” who are imprisoned and persecuted for disagreeing with the ruling evil doers.
Let us be reminded saints, that it’s how we finish that matters most, not how we began, and not how we may have stumbled along the way. We are “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).
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15
No saint of Christ has ever gone unscathed, unscarred in this life! It’s actually proof you are HIS! You have no earthly idea how much Jesus loves you! In fact, are we not warned by our LORD that if we are not receiving persecution, that we are not His?
“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:22-26
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him”
“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” 2 Timothy 2:11-12
Jesus promised us, His people, that we’d suffer for being His (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:22; Luke 6:22-24; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14, etc.).
“They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
In this life, you don’t even have the ability to imagine the blessings that await you!
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
“Joy and Peace in Believing”
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You afresh, right now, in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Father for filling Your beloved saints in the earth with all joy and peace in believing. Please bless your saints with hope dear LORD as our lives are blessed to be laid down, crucified with Christ our LORD! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
The Return of Christ | Are you Born Again? -Make Peace with God now, before it’s too late
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet
Abiding
How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
“The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa_55:11; Deu_32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mat_13:3-8, Mat_13:20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa_11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.” Dake
“God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain and snow. All the armies in the world cannot stop them, and they accomplish their intended purpose. God’s Word never fails to achieve its aims.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
ANY person who doesn’t understand the power of God’s Word, when sown into the hearts of men, has no business pretending to be a pastor or elder in Christ’s body.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The power of God’s Word when it enters the human heart:
“He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:28-29
The Harvest is Plentiful – So many lost souls hungry to hear the Gospel – the Laborers Few
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
Sin separates men from God.
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2
People are born again by the WORD of God which means the Word must be sown in their hearts and germinate.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God in the hearts of men assures that God will be glorified in saving each of those souls who receive and believe His truth in repentance and faith.
Here’s how evangelism and our LORD’s kingdom work works—layers of Gospel workers. Usually we are the second, third, etc., Gospel labourer, following up on the seed planted in the hearts of the people we minister to. Let’s gain this vision, this illustration from Christ concerning our work for Him, in His kingdom.
Anyone putting off, pushing into the future, evangelizing the lost, is disobeying Jesus Christ. Anyone not evangelizing the lost around them cannot rightly claim to love Jesus. They are full of self and in need of crying out to God in repentance.
John 4:34 – 38
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”
“In the elderly home we minister in, we met a new resident, that had been there only a few months. When she came to our meeting, she seemed down, so I began to talk with her. She said, “well I don’t leave my room much anymore as my very good friend just passed away.” She stated her name and said, “before she passed I gave her the gospel and she received Jesus.” God is so good, as we had ministered to her friend as well, and seeds were planted, and this new Lady watered! The more I continued to talk with her, I learned she has been preaching the gospel and some residents are getting saved. Alleluia! Next week, we will give her some Jesus tracts.” Karen Cochran
Picture planting a seed in a garden, then standing back and watching the ground you planted that seed in and expecting to see it sprout up visibly from the soil it was planted in. Not wise, right? Right.
The picture our LORD gives here is planting that seed and then moving on, just like anyone who plants seeds to grow some plant, crop.
The Parable of the Seed Growing
Mark 4
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29
“And should sleep and rise night and day – That is, he should sleep by night, and rise by day; for so the words are obviously to be understood. He knoweth not how – How a plant grows is a mystery in nature, which the wisest philosopher in the universe cannot fully explain.” Adam Clarke
In ministry, it’s always seeding, planting. It’s GOD, not us, who brings the increase. This pertains to the invisible work of God in the hearts of men.
“The parable may be intended to encourage the disciples. Their responsibility is to sow the seed. They may sleep by night and rise by day, knowing that God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He has intended it to do. By a mysterious and miraculous process, quite apart from man’s strength and skill, the Word works in human hearts, producing fruit for God. Man plants and waters but God gives the increase.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7
“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
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Thank You for choosing and ordaining me to Your kingdom work. Please bear Your fruit in and through this life, this vessel for Your eternal glory. Let that fruit remain dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the Word | Compassion in Light of Christ’s Soon Return | Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of Christ | Christ’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the Lost | Kindness is a Soul Winning Weapon | Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher Warning | Faithfulness to God
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane
Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]
The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]
THE AMERICAN DREAM DELUSION: Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]
Deliverance from Works-Righteousness or Law-Keeping
Mission Mexico Part 47
“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]
How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]
Jesus Washes the Feet of His Own [podcast]
The Mission of the Spirit of Antichrist [podcast]
Jesus Paid it All [podcast]
“We’re Watching The Collapse of America in Real Time” [podcast]
Antichrist or Christ? [podcast]
How Has Women Leaving Their Homes Hurt Culture?
Was Jesus the “One and Only Son” OR the “Only Begotten Son”? [podcast]
The Idiocy of Calvinism
Jesus Paid it All [podcast]
“Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]
THE AMERICAN DREAM DELUSION: Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]
Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]
Jacob’s Ladder: What Does it Mean to Us? [podcast]
Was Jesus the “One and Only Son” OR the “Only Begotten Son”? [podcast]
“Seven Women shall take hold of One Man” [podcast]
Church History or the Scriptures? [podcast]
Redemption Through Christ’s Sacrifice [podcast]
Apostasy Dialogues
Deliverance from Works-Righteousness or Law-Keeping
The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]
Antichrist or Christ? [podcast]
“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane
Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]
The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles3 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy3 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved