Abiding

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY: ‘He Gets Us’ Campaign Examined [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

“Christian” Group Seeks to Promote Jesus Christ in a New Light with $100 Million Ad Campaign: ‘He Gets Us’

The campaign will reportedly run TV commercials — including a Super Bowl ad — as well as online content, billboards and more marketing materials aimed at younger generations.

Notice, $100 Million dollars with no Scripture. Wow.

What’s the import of such a statement? ‘He Gets Us’ as in Jesus understands our sin and it’s okay? That’s how it seems to come off – because the sin of the individual is never mentioned, the very reason that Jesus came to die on a cross, be buried, and raised again to redeem us from our sin (Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; John 1:29; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 John 2:1-2, etc.).

Something didn’t sit well with me on this recently launched campaign. Smelled a rat. Let’s test it together against Scripture.

Jesus gets us? Yes, but….What does Jesus get about us?

First off, the question is being asked as to what church is ‘he gets us’ affiliated with? Their answer:

“We’re also not affiliated with any particular church or denomination. We simply want everyone to understand the authentic Jesus as he’s depicted in the Bible — the Jesus of radical forgiveness, compassion, and love. It wouldn’t be hard to guess that we’re led by Jesus fans and followers.”

The summation of the ‘He Gets Us’ movement/message is “Jesus gets that you are a sinner and it’s okay.”

EXPOSED: The ‘He Gets Us’ scam alert: Note that one of their slogans says “It’s never too late.” Is this biblically true or false? False.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27

The ‘He Gets Us’ campaign is coddling people in their sin instead of loving God enough to obey Him by preaching His Word to them so they can repent and be saved. These wolves are lying to the lost instead of lovingly informing them that Jesus commands them to repent and believe upon Him for salvation – before it’s too late. – “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Notice that in this ‘He Gets Us’ campaign, there’s no mention as to why Jesus came to the earth. They cite that Jesus forgives and yet WHAT does He forgive? The Bible is not shy to cite the word SIN and all the variations thereof, and never should His people be! The words sin/sins appears 620 times in God’s Word. That’s not even counting the specific sins named, listed throughout. Here’s 17 specific and soul-damning sins in just one passage:

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

So, how are sinners going to realize that they’ve sinned against their Maker and are in need of His forgiveness if those sins (Ten Commandments, etc) are hidden from them? God didn’t hide them in His Word and so why should we?

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

Bible 101

Jesus came to die to save sinners. And, anyone not preaching this paramount Gospel truth is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Interestingly, most pastors today avoid the biblical topic of sin which removes the dilemma Jesus came and died to solve….. Beware!

By pretending to “rescue” Jesus from what religion has painted Him out to be, this movement does even more violence on the image of the Son of God. This is why one must diligently and daily study God’s Word for himself and never depend on a ministry or movement or movie to tell them who God is.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God (you do it!), a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Did Jesus make space for everyone? Yes and yet He spoke His truth to those He “make space for” as the ‘He Gets It’ campaign claims. Yes, Jesus is the “friend of publicans and sinners!” – whom He came specifically to save them from that sin, because it separates them from Him and the Father who are “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6;3; Revelation 4:8; Luke 7:34)

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

Acting is if we love Jesus and others by befriending the lost and yet not disclosing to them their separation from God due to sin, is evil.

Testing the ‘He Gets Us’ Organization Against Scripture

Any attempt to make Jesus popular, especially where Jesus’ very words aren’t integrally incorporated, will fail to produce the fruit God intends. Are we not warned never to bid Godspeed to any false gospel or minister? (2 John 7-11)

Are we open to consider just what “Jesus” they are calling people to with this $100 Million campaign? Christ’s apostle Paul exposed that the enemy of all souls seeks to insidiously displace God’s people via the presentation of “another Jesus … another spirit … another gospel.”

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4

Jesus Gets Us? hmmmm

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

Just what does Jesus “get” about “us”?

Does Jesus really get us? Yes and that’s exactly why He came on His Father’s mission to the earth.

Yet the ‘He Gets Us’ campaign never communicates this biblical truth on their website or otherwise (at the time of this writing).

What kind of message are they sending? The ‘He Gets Us’ advertising campaign seems to portray that Jesus “gets us” in our sin, He understands and is okay with it, and doesn’t call us to repentance.

Jesus got us alright. He knew from the Garden of Eden when man sinned and fell from grace that mankind was utterly depraved, “desperately wicked” and that He alone could solve such a sin-separation problem (Isaiah 53; Ezekiel 22:30; 1 Peter 3:18; Revelation 1:5-6). He knew that we were sinners – long before He came to the earth. In fact, that’s exactly why He came. God didn’t send His only begotten Son to come to earth and “get us” which means to understand and approve us in our sin. Jesus came to die. He came to be crucified for our sins because He knew we were sinners hopelessly separated from God who is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)

Does this new ‘He Gets Us’ campaign ever mention how Jesus came to die for us, sinners and why He came? Does it cite what Scripture calls sin and that “The wages of sin is death”? (Romans 6:23) If so, what exactly are those sins specifically called by their King James Bible name?

“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 (displayed) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

Jesus came because we ARE sinners and were in need of the salvation He alone could provide (Ezekiel 22:30; Galatians 4:4; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 3:18, etc.).

The reason Jesus Christ came to the earth could not have been stated more clearly in God’s Word. Bible 101.

Is this just another misleading, heretical apostate modern church world campaign attempting to get people to like “Jesus”, all while intentionally ignoring the very stated reason the Jesus of Holy Scripture came to the earth? – “to save SINNERS”?

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

Fallen men owe a debt they cannot pay. Jesus came and paid a debt He did not owe. He said:

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

To intentionally hide this fact and the sins fallen men have committed against God is to deceive people. According to the divinely inspired record of Holy Scripture, Jesus Christ came into this world for the express purpose of dying on a cross for the sins, to take away the sins of the world. Then He was buried, and raised again from the dead for the justification of whosoever will (Romans 4:25). The Son of God came to save His people – those who will repent and receive Him – from their sins – NOT IN THEIR SINS. And Jesus only saves from their sins the individual who repents and receives Him (Luke 13:3; John 1:12, etc.).

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

“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 2:14

Jesus didn’t come to this earth to help people think He was a nice, good person. He came to die for the sins of the world.

Hiding the truth is evil and misrepresents Christ.

It’s only misled men who mislead men. Misled men are men who deny the daily cross Christ commanded us to take up (Luke 9:23-24). Un-crucified men will deny Christ by delivering a message different from the one He delivered.

“A third defect in our message is our tendency to keep the terms of discipleship hidden until a decision has been made for Jesus. Our LORD never did this. The message He preached included the cross as well as the crown … We popularize the message and promise fun. The result of all this is that we have people believing without knowing what they believe (with) no doctrinal basis for their decision. They do not know the implications of commitment to Christ. They have never experienced the mysterious, miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. ~ William MacDonald, “Evangelical Dilemma” Milk & Honey, 4/07, p. 4

We Must Beware of Overcompensation

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

Yes, while it is important to present what the Scriptures reveal about the life and mission of the Son of God, including that religionists were His greatest human enemies, it’s also important to make sure Jesus is perfectly represented and these things not distorted or purposely left out.

In our zeal to reject self-righteous religionists of our day and how they’ve grossly misrepresented Christ, we must never also misrepresent Christ by altering the Gospel of Christ which includes essential doctrines such as ….. the divinity of Christ, the virgin…..the absolute necessity of His perfect blood payment for the sins of mankind, that no one else qualified to make this payment except the Lamb of God Himself, the necessity of repentance, holiness from sin which separates men from God, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the imperative of the crucified life – the cross – in the personal daily life of any person who will truly follow Jesus, eternal damnation for all who die in sin, judgment to come, the necessity of personal holiness, readiness in light of the soon return of Christ, etc.

In watching these commercials, one will hear things like “Around the dinner table they can talk and see how much they have in common.” Yet it never speaks of the fact that we all have sinned against our Maker and that is what all men have in common. And also it never hints of the “common salvation” – the salvation of Christ to all who have sinned (Romans 3).

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3

The Gospel

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein 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

If they are not preaching THE Gospel, they are preaching another gospel and are “accursed.”

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

The very next words Paul pens concern those who preach “any other gospel” and why they preach it. – “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) Simply put, those who promulgate a false gospel, do so because they do not fear God and are not Christ’s servants.

On the surface, to say “Jesus gets us” seems unfitting for several reasons, including the fact that the group spreading this message could have just as easily used their money and screen time quoting Scripture directly from God’s Word, the King James Bible. Instead, they are using misleading (at best) slogans and making deceptive claims such as “Jesus was a refugee.” Among other things this is the typical lame, avoid-all-persecution “evangelism”, which is not biblical evangelism. “Evangelism” that doesn’t bring persecution is not biblical evangelism (Luke 6:26; Book of Acts, etc.).

To Preach HIS Word is the Mandate of God to His People

There are so many spineless moral cowards today who promulgate the “Jesus loves you” false gospel – pawning gospel of half truths. Yes Jesus loves you and came and died, was buried, and raised from the dead to save you from your sins – and He will only do so if you repent and put your trust in Him completely (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:13, etc.).

Here’s what the true disciples of today preach as did the LORD’s apostles and earliest followers of Jesus. Read the book of Acts afresh.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19

“Preach the Word”

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

The actual Word of God must be preached – and that’s exactly what you’ll see the true remnant of disciples today doing. In fact, is it not disheartening to see so many who claim to follow Jesus never just posting the pure, raw Word of God (King James Bible)? Sad. It reveals that they are ashamed of Christ – regardless of any excuse.

“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 8:38

Anyone ashamed of Jesus’ words is ashamed of Christ. If a person isn’t ashamed of Christ and His Word, why then would they not be boldly posting, declaring, communicating it?

ARE YOU sharing the Gospel, the Word of God, or are you proving to be ashamed of Christ?

Jesus never commanded that His people go and pander to the public, to soft sell them on, to make them feel good about the idea of “Jesus.” Christ commanded His people to “Go” and “preach”, to boldly declare His Gospel.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20

A reading of the book of Acts reveals that the earliest saints were baptized with the Holy Spirit and boldly preached the Word of Christ. Today we have endless and lame attempts to soft sell Jesus, to make Him palatable to the world using half-truths which has inflicted incalculable damage.

Here are some comments on this $100 million “He Gets Us” scam:

“Imagine what they’ll attract with such an unimaginative bait and switch…” C.

“You are right on the money here! I like your straightforward way of just saying it the way it is. Cringe! I like that. Did you hear what was really said in the video that imitated Mary and Joseph when Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit? That trivialized the virgin birth of Jesus and the entrance of God-incarnate into this world. When they liken JOSEPH to a “BOYFRIEND” of an out-of-wedlock baby-mama, I about fell out of my computer chair. That is blasphemous!!! The fallacy is that all women except Mary have to be sexually active in an immoral way before God if they are pregnant out of wedlock, but Mary was a engaged virgin, moral, and Jesus was conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT. Matthew 1:23. They do not say anything that makes Jesus’ birth different from all other humans, but they compare it to an illegitimate pregnancy.” Lee

“Thankfully, I have already gotten Jesus so I’ll be taking a pass on this campaign.” D.

Testing Everything, Every Mere Man Against Holy Writ

The “more noble” Berean disciples tested against the final divine authority, next to the divine standard of the written Word, what the apostle Paul was preaching (Acts 17:10-11). Things to ask about any person claiming to represent Christ:

Are they calling out sin from God’s Word? The violation of the Law/Ten Commandments, etc. (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24; 5:19-21; 1 John 3:4, etc.).
Is he/are they calling me to repentance? (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3; 24:49; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.
Is he preaching Christ and His original Gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 4:2-4, etc.).

Was Jesus a Refugee? Not Quite.

The ‘He Gets Us’ website states the following:

“Jesus was a refugee: As a child, Jesus lived as a refugee in Egypt to escape physical and political persecution.”

One writer notes:

“Jesus was not a “refugee” in any sense meaningful to today’s world. For one thing, Jesus’ family never left the Roman Empire; they simply fled from one region of Roman territory to another Roman territory. That would be like someone moving legally from one state to another within the USA to leave the jurisdiction of the governor of the first state. Also, Luke makes it clear that Joseph and Mary went out of their way to follow Roman law in adhering to the census (Luke 2:1–5). Everything they did was legal.

Jesus and His family moved to Egypt in order to escape King Herod’s murderous intentions, but they had a plan, and they had supplies and support. Their trip was entirely self-funded, due to the gifts of the magi. And their sojourn in Egypt was short. The family remained there until the death of Herod, at which time they returned home (Matthew 2:19–21). Given these details, there’s no real parallel to the modern, indigent refugee who asks permission to enter a new country to avoid some calamity.”

PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, please teach me Your ways, bringing a deep conviction for what You told us angers You and what pleases You. Please sharpen the discernment of Your beloved people and cause us to earnestly contend for the faith of the original Gospel You gave us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ten Commandments Evangelism [podcast]

Use the 10 Commandments to bring conviction to the consciences of the lost and backslidden. THAT’s exactly how New Testament saints are instucted to use the Law. Do you have them memorized? Do it now. GOSPEL/KINGDOM TRUTH: People must become convicted of their sin before they are broken and shown the need to repent. This truth is essential to successful ministering. Gal 3:24; 1 Tim 1:7-10; Ps 19:7 … You cannot and will never talk anyone into being saved. You don’t have that power. God does. And He instructs us to give them the divine sword which cuts straight into […]

The Chosen and Jonathan Roumie Exposed [podcast]

Another vatican deception ensnares lazy counterfeits who refuse to get into the Word for themselves. ***BEWARE OF THE BANDWAGON BAFOONS! The counterfeit chumps who jumped on the more than obvious THE CHOSEN vatican fraud movie bandwagon have even more egg on their face with the revelation of the pride abomination flag that was on the set. That tells us all we need to know about Johnathan Roumie and The Chosen. “The Chosen” movie is just the latest “I-want-it-to-be-true-because-I’m-too-lazy-to-read-God’s-Word-for-myself” deception. “And Hollywood loves the Chosen because it is presenting a false Jesus. The world loves their own! John 15: 19. The […]

Sin: Man’s Core Problem [podcast]

People don’t have a “mental health” problem, they have a SIN problem and sin is what gives way, gives full access to Satan! “When people hear voices telling them to harm themselves or others, that’s not a chemical imbalance, it’s demon possession.” Rachel Gould “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 Jesus taught us that man’s sin comes out of his “desperately wicked” heart (Jer17:9; Mark 7:20-23). The devil and his agents have created a million ways to divert us from stopping our lives, getting honest, taking personal responsibility, humbling ourselves, […]

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.

The Harvest is Coming for all those Sowing the Seed of the Word [podcast]

The Joy and Expectation of Seed Sowing What we sow, we can expect to reap (Galatians 6:7-8). As we continue to sow the good, the incorruptible seed of God’s Word into the hearts of men, good news will continue to flow, will continue to be reaped – because God’s Word prospers in the thing where He sends it! See also 1 Peter 1:23. “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.” […]

The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped. BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:18 Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward […]

Bearing the Precious Seed of God's Word [podcast]

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6 A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23). The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15). Our cute […]

The Seed of Salvation [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 When we follow Jesus He makes us fishers of men: “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.” (Mark 1:17-18) We must forsake the nets, the world’s ways in following Him. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, please use […]

Abiding

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Own [podcast]

What was Jesus demonstrating and teaching us when He washed the feet of His disciples?

The Washed Way – begins with “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost” – being born again (Titus 3:5-7; John 3:3, 7).

“On the way back from the public bath, a person’s feet would get dirty again. He didn’t need another bath but did need to have his feet washed. ‘He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.’ There is a difference between the bath and the basin. The bath speaks of the cleansing received at the time of one’s salvation. Cleansing from the penalty of sin through the blood of Christ takes place only once. The basin speaks of cleansing from the pollution of sin and must take place continually through the Word of God. There is one bath but many foot-washings.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“If these last words of our Lord had any spiritual reference, it is not easy to say what it was. A common opinion is the following: He who is washed – who is justified through the blood of the Lamb, needeth only to wash his feet – to regulate all his affections and desires; and to get, by faith, his conscience cleansed from any fresh guilt, which he may have contracted since his justification.” Adam Clarke

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. – John 13:1-17

Those not happy prove they are not humble nor holy (John 13).

“If loving the person in front of you seems like too small of a ministry opportunity, you’ve forgotten the simplicity of the Gospel.” unknown

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet as an Act of Final Sealing of His Mercy, His Will

“Before the feast – Namely, on Wednesday, in the paschal week. Having loved his own – His apostles, he loved them to the end – Of his life.” John Wesley

Adam Clarke writes:

“He loved them unto the end – Continued his fervent affection towards them to his latest breath, and gave them that convincing proof of it which is mentioned Joh_13:5. That the disciples alone are meant here every man must see.”

Of these cornerstone verses of John 13, F.B. Meyer writes:

“John 13:1-11

JESUS GLORIFIES HUMBLE SERVICE

In the Temple the laver preceded the brazen altar. It was kept filled with pure water for the constant washing of the priests; Exo_30:18-21; Lev_16:4. We cannot have fellowship with Christ at Calvary or on Olivet unless we draw near with our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

The Synoptic Gospels tell us that on their way to the feast the disciples had yielded to contention and pride. It was needful that these should be put away, and our Lord’s love was equal to the occasion. He loved them to the end of His life and to the end of love. Only such love could have made saints and apostles out of such material.

Jesus began a work which has never ceased, and which will continue “till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more.” When we have contracted guilt, we have not to begin our whole life over again, but to go back to the place where we dropped the thread of obedience and begin there.”

May we never forget how merciful our LORD Jesus was to the woman at the well (John 4), the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8), and the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8).

It’s of interest to note how this 13th chapter of the glorious Gospel of John begins with Christ’s love to His disciples and closes with His command for them to “love one another” as He taught and personally demonstrated to them:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

“When you fall in love don’t you want to shout it from the rooftops? He, the man you are in love with, is all you talk about! Should be the same with Jesus! You want to tell everyone about this man, the Savior who saved your life! Just as the woman at the well did! She told the whole city. ‘Come, and see a man, which told me all the things that ever I did: is this not the Christ?’ John 4: 28-29.” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, please reduce me to love.

First Love Disciples [podcast]

TODAY, if you are not living to worship, love, and serve the LORD Jesus, you are building the house, the house of your life, on sinking sand (Matthew 7:19-29; Luke 6:46-49). You will have all eternity to gnash your teeth in utter remorse if you do not choose to cry out to the LORD is utter repentance. You may wish to begin this moment with a sincere, simple prayer, such as: LORD, please grant my heart Your gift of true repentance, in Jesus’ name. Amen. If you are called out by Him, His elect, your highest priority is Christ. He […]

How to Make Sure You are One of Christ's Remant Disciples [podcast]

“Abide” “When I thought on the error of my ways, and then submitted my whole self to the righteousness of God revealed in Christ. (the call to abide: John 15:1-16) Then, my heart cried out to the God of my salvation, and his peace quieted all my fears. -Lam. 3:19-26 God is plenteous in mercy and willing to forgive, (He chose us) but we must (be willing to reciprocate that love) by choosing to walk in His ways (daily cross) to truly know Him and have Him and be His child. (John 17:3) “Thou wilt keep him in perfect […]

Be Ye Kind One to Another, Tenderhearted, Forgiving One Another [podcast]

“We pray earnestly, O God, that we may not be found among those with hardened hearts, no longer able to hear Thy voice.” AW Tozer We must have mercy on others as we ourselves are utterly in need of divine mercy. Truth: Any person who dies in the sin of un-forgiveness will burn in hell irrevocably, eternally (Matthew 18:21-35; Mark 9:43-49; 11:25-26; James 2:13). Memorize Ephesians 4:32 today. KJB. Leveling with God…. Dear heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, and ask You to wash afresh the most unworthy person alive on the earth, […]

Abiding

Antichrist or Christ? [podcast]

Recorded at a fellowship in Colorado.

Who is truly reigning in my heart?

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

Am I an antichrist?

Are there professing Christians who have “the spirit of antichrist” reigning in their hearts, their personal lives?

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

If I am sitting upon the throne of my own heart in this my temple (myself), I am an antichrist. God forbid!

Anti as in antichrist means in place of: It’s the “spirit of antichrist” working through Satan’s false ministers that robs the glory from Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; Colossians 1:18; 2:8-10, 18-19; 1 John 4:1-3, etc.).

anti – a. Against, opposed to. b. Before, predating. c. Usurping, in place of.

“Deceived people have no idea that they have been deceived, so they fight those who attempt to direct them back to the truth of the gospel.” Jim Borge

Those not excited for Jesus to return simply love this fleeting world and are not ready to meet the KING! Jesus is coming

We know when “that spirit of antichrist” is working through a rebel when he speaks contrary to God’s Word (John 8:47; 1 John 4:3). “That spirit of antichrist” – anti (in place of) Christ is anything that contradicts what God’s Word says, working to subvert divinely stated truth while posing as Christ’s minister (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

“That spirit of antichrist” is witnessed in the human agents, possessed by devils who make it all about something, anything but Christ. The emphasis is taken away from Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:18-19). They make it about the church, Zionism/Israel, a nation, a genealogical people, a mere pastor, a man or men, an organization, a creed, a fraternal order, etc. This becomes clearer as the word “antichrist” is broken down. Anti means in place of.

Read Colossians 1 and 2 each morning this week.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:1-4

The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast]

The LORD is Holy. He will not compete or coexist with any idol – beginning with the idol of self. “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8 The LORD Almighty is above all and greater than any idol. “God, the mighty Creator, now addresses the Messiah and tells what He proposes to accomplish through this One whom He has called . . . in righteousness. God will not share His glory with another, and least of all with carved images.” Believer’s […]

Burn Baby Burn or Bliss Baby Bliss?

Preaching and Feeling the Flames of Eternal Damnation As sure as you are now reading these words, if you are not right with God – on HIS stated terms – you are as sure for eternal hell as if you were already there. Eternal hell is the judgment of God coming on every soul that dies outside of Christ. IF people under your influence don’t repent and receive Christ, God forbid that it’s because you didn’t call them to come to Christ! Do you have blood on your hands? God judges your present state – not that of the past. […]

Walking in God's Love

1 Corinthians 13 YOU SAVED? Not if you are not practically, literally loving God and others! If our “love” isn’t literal, practical, it’s pitiful and plastic. Read 1 Corinthians afresh. Read this closely: “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our […]