Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]
Just How and When
is Heaven’s “Nourishment
Ministered” to Christ’s Body?
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
The GOAL and aim of most messages today heard coming from “Christian” leaders does not have Christ as it’s Grand Subject. This makes it more than obvious that God’s Word is not being preached and that the numerous prophetic warnings from Christ and His apostles are being fulfilled. Jesus Christ is the Grand Subject of all Scripture and even when men use Scripture to teach and yet refuse to uphold, elevate, and expound upon the divine Person of Jesus Christ, apostasy has invaded!
Paul said:
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14
The apostle Paul’s life and ministry were all about Jesus. Such is an almost impossible thing to find today among those who claim to be followers of Jesus.
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
As was foretold, there are untold wolves today who “mind earthly things” instead of minding the things of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:18-21).
God sent His only begotten Son to save us and for this reason alone, He alone is worthy to be elevated, extolled, exalted, and glorified! When a true disciple becomes enamored with Christ, that person will cease being impressed by or with any mere man (Psalms 39:4-5).
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Christ Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world!
The Bible is the story of God’s redemption of His fallen race. He worked through and “was in Christ reconciling (uniting again) the world unto himself.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) The Father gave His sinless only begotten Son “to be sin for us, who knew no sin” so we could be brought back into relationship with Him, that is, made righteous, justified, and cleared of any sin debt by way of the One who bore all our sins on that tree (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
Jesus Christ bridged the gap between God who is “Holy, holy, holy” and His fallen race (mankind). (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)
Jesus “bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12)
“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 2:24
Beloved, we have been reconciled to God by the highest price that has ever or ever will be paid (1 Corinthians 6:9-20). We are not our own and we belong to no man (1 Corinthians 7:23). The LORD will share His glory with no man (Isaiah 42:8). Yet today, a whole priesthood of hirelings has intercepted the worship of the people that is due only to the One who won our salvation with His own blood (Colossians 2).
“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 (exhibited) 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 5:7-11
God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son in order to save us and to clear the way for sinful human beings (His fallen race) to be reconnected with Him and to truly be blessed to worship Him (John 3:16-17; Ephesians, Colossians, etc.).
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14
In the very next chapter, Colossians 2, the apostle goes on to warn the body of Christ about those who would “beguile you” in order to cheat you out of that relationship Christ died to provide in bringing us back to the Father (Colossians 2:4). Paul says in this passage that He preached, warned, and taught in order to prepare the body of Christ to be ready to meet Jesus (Colossians 1:28). Remaining in Christ would mean that deceivers would have to be marked, avoided and overcome. Jesus must be kept as our “first love” which means the absence of any idol (Romans 16:17-18; Revelation 2:4-5). As we uphold Christ as the only “Head” of His body, we shall continue to receive His “nourishment.” (Colossians 2:18-19). So we must be on guard.
God sent us His Son to be the very bread from Heaven that nourishes our souls. Jesus is our Bread of life! (John 6) We must have Him to be saved, and we must abide in Him daily to remain nourished. (John 15:1-6). Heaven’s Nourishment!
Are you being nourished? Are you upholding Jesus Christ in your daily life? When you gather with other Christians, is Jesus truly being exalted through His written Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit?
You see, Jesus Christ is Heaven’s “nourishment.” That is exactly what the apostle is conveying in Colossians 2!
JUST as none of us understand but know the blessing of food nourishing our physical bodies, so the Word of God nourishes our spirit man, our hearts. It’s a daily must. Feeding and being nourished by the words of God is an imperative (Job 12:23; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Peter 2:2, etc.). His Word cannot get into us and nourish us until are get into it! Let the nourishment begin!
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly)…” Colossians 3:16
Being aware of and guarding against wolves is not being anti-church or against any kind of organization. Those who think so have been duped by the very leaders of the system they are defending and are still under that cloud of darkness. They can’t imagine walking with Christ without that organization of men. They have no life with Christ in the Spirit or the what they have is shallow just yet. These church-goers only relate to a physical building, elders or a pastor, and a certain meeting place as their authority and headquarters. Their lives are compartmentalized for the purpose of serving their leaders instead of being one contiguous stream of pure worship of Christ. They are being groomed and steeped by mere men who are not teaching them to “worship the Father in spirit and in truth” daily and no matter where they are as Jesus taught (Luke 9:23-24; John 4:23-24).
At this point, some might wonder: “But brother, I guess that means you don’t believe in gathering with other Christians?”
The question is not whether or not to gather but rather just what pattern are we following and who is truly being elevated? Is it Christ?
People have been so brainwashed that they can’t imagine that across the globe and for 2,000 years now, Christians have been gathering in homes with little structure except the praise, worship, and glorify Jesus Christ by reading His Word together, having fellowship, breaking bread together, and praying together (Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16). That’s exactly what the earliest disciples of Jesus did when the church was born and no deception or wolves yet had time to do their evil work (Acts 2:42-47). It wasn’t till later centuries that the separate “church building” concept came into play along with the institution of various other pagan ideas and concepts integrated in their structures and organizations. Is there any wonder that true disciples in this late hour have given up trying to “find a church” and are now just being God’s people, following the simple pattern given us in the latter verses of Acts 2?
The great apostle of Jesus warns us to beware of certain things and also to keep Jesus raised and elevated as the Most High Creator God and Savior, LORD, and “Head” that He is to His people:
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:6-10
The modern day church-goers who meet in physical “church buildings” all across America, are following traditions in their structures that were never instituted or intended by Christ for His people. A whole lot of traditions of mere men that are not biblical are in place. In most cases the pastors don’t even know the origins of those things they are doing but are simply following the traditions of men they were taught. In most cases, they have never stopped to examine and put to the biblical acid test those things they are carrying along and perpetrating on yet another generation. On this note, a book of recent notes:
“All of these pathologies find their root in the history of the pastorate. It is ‘lonely at the top’ because God never intended for anyone to be at the top – except His Son! In effect, the present-day pastor tries to should the fifty-eight New Testament ‘one another’ exhortations all by himself. It is no wonder that many of them get crushed under the weight.” Frank Viola and George Barna, Pagan Christianity, p. 140
It’s biblical to gather to fellowship and so are elders among us and yet, we must test all things against the perfect standard of Holy Scripture (Acts 2:42-47; 14:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Titus 1:5; Hebrews 10:24-25, etc.) Yes, the Bible sure does speak about elders among the believers and yet, the place of prominence they take in the modern church world is far more over reaching than was intended by the LORD. It has become a den of thieves where men are hired into a professional position as a “pastor” and they perform in order to earn a salary. This is not biblical and circumvents the every-member-functioning of Christ’s body that He intended for His people and as is seen in the book of Acts, 1 Corinthians 12, 14, and Ephesians 4. In fact, Ephesians 4:11-14 tells us that those elders who are truly serving Christ are divinely called-out to mature and equip His saints to do “the work of the ministry.” So, those elders today who are following Jesus are not doing everything for everyone as if that’s what they are getting paid to do. Eldership is a calling and not a professional position or vocation. Those truly called out by the LORD and prepared to serve Him by serving His people, don’t need a physical building to perform in. They live unto the LORD daily, praying for, feeding, nurturing, correcting, and ministering to Jesus’ beloved sheep (1 Peter 5:1-6).
“Not Holding the Head”
In all our getting, we had better be getting more and more of Jesus or we have lost all!
The problem is not gathering in a “church building” so much as the problem is that Christ is not truly being upheld and glorified when those people gather. There is therefore no virtue or “nourishment” being “ministered” to those people from the LORD Jesus who is the only “Head” of His true body. This is the simple reason why so many church-goers are either not even saved, have back slid and are lost again, or are still babes. They don’t win anyone to Jesus. In fact, they can’t even muster up the courage to put a Gospel tract out there. They don’t have 5 Bible verses memorized, and are not learning the daily cross Jesus repeatedly commanded.
We must ask: Who’s really being elevated in our gatherings? When Jesus, the only “Head” of His body is lifted up, His divine virtue flows into each member gathered in worship of Him. Watch this: “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” (Colossians 2:18-19)
May there be no “idol shepherds” among us! (Zechariah 11:17) May we be blessed to worship Him “in spirit and in truth” according to the pattern He gave us in His Word (John 4:23-24).
The Holy Spirit inspired prayer of the apostle Paul clearly reveals several things, including that it is God’s will that His beloved people “might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21
May our God bless each of us to seek His holy face as David, the man after the LORD’s own heart did! May unite our hearts to fear His holy name and to want more and more of Him and to denounce and to be delivered from every idol of the heart (Ezekiel 14:3).
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalms 42:1-2
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. … 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalms 27:4, 8
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Articles
Answered Prayer? WHY?
WHY Does God Answer Prayer?
On What Basis Does Our Access
to Him Come?
We don’t cross our fingers or knock on wood. That’s nothing but a bunch of false hope, luck, witchcraft. God’s people pray to the Father in the name of Jesus and God answers!
24 hour prayer? No. Where do we see the church doing 24 hours in the New Testament other than when Peter was locked up Acts 12? God answers prayers due to the name of Jesus, not because people pray around the clock…. sounds like works instead of faith which God requires, which pleases God (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24; Hebrews 11:6).
There’s no end to the phony gimmicks that Satan is using his human agents to use in replacing Jesus Christ from the center of salvation! There is no salvation without Jesus Christ! Read Colossians 2.
Man’s access to God is Jesus Christ, period (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5, etc.). Anything added to this divine prescription makes it “another gospel”, a heretical false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Jesus Christ plus nothing equals salvation, access to God. There is none beside Him.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22
God sent just One to die in our place, to forgive our sins and bring us to Himself!
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” 1 Peter 3:18
Today we see SO much pride-filled witchcraft going on in the name of “prayer warriors” and special “intercessors”. Personally I am learning to stay clear of the “prayer warrior” terminology and those who claim they are such, etc. Seems to lift up us, the mere pray-ers, and not Him and leads to pride in people as they boast of themselves, that they get prayers answered or that their prayers and calling is more important than others. Nonsense! Prayers are answered on one basis – the blood, the cross, the name of Jesus Christ. Any and every child of God can pray in the name of Jesus and God will answer it based on the righteousness of His only begotten Son, not some “powerful prayer warrior” or self-appointed “intercessor” witch (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24).
Beware that in any “prayer group” all it takes is for just one of those members to introduce a sugar-coated stealth request or attitude and the whole group is influenced. The course and direction of that group will be off target from that time forward. This is why many a disciple has and is learning to keep things down to a simple minimum void of the “need” or false obligation to join in with any and every “prayer group” that comes along.
TODAY: Someone was circulating a request for Christians to come together at a certain time tonight to “visualize” something that pertained to our nation.
ANY time you see someone using the word “visualize”, or “visualization” it’s the devil! New Age, occultism that is in open denial of Jesus Christ, it’s antichrist. Satan’s whole job description is to STEAL, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10). This is just another way he seeks to steal the glory from the only nail scarred risen LORD and Savior who alone paid the perfect price to bring men back to God! (Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19)
God answers HIS people’s prayer by His own blood that gave access to HIM, not us visualizing it, or quoting it enough times…. this robs the glory from Jesus Christ and gives it to men, sinners. ANTICHRIST!
Praying in Christ’s Kingdom is Definitive and Absolute
In Christ’s kingdom, praying is not a guessing game or a roll of the dice. Believers don’t need to “make a wish” because they have a God who answers all their prayers! The Almighty Himself beckons His children to simply “ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE WITCHCRAFT!
I heard a “ministry” commercial beckoning people to send in their prayer requests so the false ministry could pray for those people in the “holy land.” As if that was going to be the reason God answered their prayers! Pure gimmick! Totally phony. WHY? WHY are prayers answered? Is it due to the geographic location on the earth from which prayer is made? Pure antichrist witchcraft! The NAME OF JESUS CHRIST is the only reason God saves and answers prayer! And you must know Him first of all!
If you are not born again, you are not yet a child of God. If you were saved in the past and yet are not praying in the name of Jesus, “the spirit of antichrist” has you (1 John 4:3). You are backslidden and in denial of Christ (Matthew 12:30; John 14:13-14; 16:23-24).
SOME are under the delusional myth that if 1,000 pray that God will answer prayer. Some erroneously believe that the more quantity of people who pray, the more God will answer. Not! Stop it now! Rid your mind of this…. here’s why…
“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20
Two or more Jesus says…. makes no difference if it’s 2 or 2 million BECAUSE PRAYER IS ANSWERED BY FAITH IN AND DUE TO THE NAME OF JESUS, not the amount of people praying (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24).
“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16
Answered prayer is just like salvation – it only comes in the name, the divine authority of Jesus Christ.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
YOU have NO clue how much power is at your disposal …. if you simply abide and ASK …. in the ALMIGHTY name of Jesus….. WHATTTT DID HE SAY???? CAN YOU READ??????
SATAN is always trying to remove the worship of CHRIST (Colossians 2:8, 18-19). That’s his job, right? (John 10:10) We do not earn our place with God. Answered prayers from God are not by continuous intercession, fasting, and repentance! NO! While those things, namely repenting are essential, we must realize that all these things are gifts from God which came only by the perfect sacrifice of Christ. Over emphasizing anything else, even good things, is not holding up and exalting the HEAD, Christ but rather robbing the glory due His holy name alone (Colossians 2:18-19). Let’s read what Jesus said about our access to God, praying and the simplicity of it…. John 14:13-14; 16:23-24…. EVERY blessing of salvation comes exclusively through JESUS CHRIST.
When we pray in the name above all names, let us rest in the NAME of Jesus, the only reason why any prayer can be answered! Matthew 11:28-30 amen?
Repentance is a necessity. God requires it (Luke 13:3, etc.). And yet Christ alone paid the way with His own blood for us to be saved and receive all the blessings of God. Book of Hebrews!
PRAYER is ONLY answered by GOD through JESUS CHRIST – not “prayer bracelets,” a pagan rosary used by bead-counting pagans, mary, the phony pope of rome, or any other gimmick…. Repent of the witchcraft now or you will perish. PRAYER CHAIN? 24 Hour prayer (except for in extreme danger situations (Acts 12)? No. ALL FLESH! WHY is prayer answered? Because many are involved? No. Because we pray long? NO! Prayer is answered through CHRIST not a chain or the amount of people or time! This type stuff sounds holy on the surface yet is a ploy of the enemy to rob the glory from Christ.
NEVER formularize God or praying to Him. Many heresies are circulating which sound holy and yet are poisonous! Beware saints. We have access to God by faith and only and exclusively in the LORD JESUS CHRIST who perfectly won salvation for us on that cross in which He bled to redeem us!
The blessings of the kingdom of God are appropriated by faith via the perfect, finished work of Christ! Romans 4-5
Beware of the good luck charm shotgun praying methods men and devils seek to utilize. God set forth a simple, clear plan for His children to have their prayers answered by Him.
The biblical key we should behold is that whether there is one person or many praying, it’s only effective in the eyes of God if the emphasis is placed on JESUS CHRIST’s heavenly priesthood and not anything else. The erroneous idea perpetrated today is that because many people are praying in a “chain” the prayer will be answered. This is evil – seeking to rob the glory from Christ alone!
Justification and all the blessings of God are individually appropriated BY FAITH in the finished work of Christ which alone gives us access to the throne and blessings of God.
Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation and the only way for answered prayer for those who are authentically born again. The unsaved can pray till they faint and those prayers are not promised to be answered, except a sincere prayer of repentance and faith to be saved. How be be Saved
God the Father answers prayer and does miracles in the name of Jesus and on His perfect merit alone! (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24) Anything added is of Satan in order to draw attention from and steal the glory from Christ! (Colossians 2:18-19)
The biblical key to know is that all prayer is answered by the Father through Christ – and not by any fleshly endeavor such as seeing how many people we can get to pray for some situation – as if the name of JESUS CHRIST were not enough for God to answer our prayer! Read John 14:13-14; 16:23-24 afresh.
Jesus for Salvation
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
Ask the Father in Jesus’ Name for Answered Prayer
IS OUR FAITH in our own ability to accomplish a certain thing? OR is our faith in God through Christ? Simply ask Him saints…. here’s how ….
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14
DID GOD say He answers prayers if a lot of people are praying (un-biblical “prayer chain”) OR because an individual or 2 born again Christians pray in the name of Jesus????? (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24) Same principle: Did Jesus or His New Testament disciples have a rosary? No. Counting beads while praying pagan prayers is never going to get a prayer answered from God.
Of many of the prayers we see in Scripture, brother Charles Pray notes:
“Many of the prayers from the mighty men of God and Jesus Himself were prayers they made alone either on the mountain top or in the wilderness by themselves to God directly Amen. As we see in God’s Word, I also believe that worship to God includes corporate prayer and in all cases God is receiving all the Glory and honor only due to Jesus’ ultimate, perfect sacrifice.”
Launching a campaign to get “as many people as possible praying” in a so called “prayer chain” on a certain matter is never seen in the New Testament. The idea of this all by itself is saying that JESUS’ divine Person and perfect sacrifice was not enough to get God to answer our prayers. Read Hebrews. Prayer is a simple, humble request to God through Christ – the only reason we have access to God. Putting the emphasis on numbers of people we can get praying is stealing the glory from the nail scarred risen Savior who bled, was buried, and raised again to give each individual saint access to Him and the Father. Praying together is biblical but not seeing how many people we can ramp up.
“Prayer chains” or things like 24 hour prayer are no where in God’s Word – and take the emphasis off of Jesus which is Satan’s design – to rob the Son of God of the glory due only to Him (Romans 11:36). Jesus’ blood is the only reason we have access to God – CHRIST’s perfect sacrifice. Take a close look at Colossians 2:18-19.
There doesn’t need to be a whole lot of people praying. No, there needs to be one or more praying with pure, sincere heart full of faith. Jesus promises He will answer when we pray to the Father in His holy name.
Did the LORD ever say anything like “Without working hard it is impossible to please Me.” No.
“But WITHOUT FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Are you living by faith or do you have “an EVIL heart of unbelief”?
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:12-14 Fresh Start with God
SATAN’S job is to steal glory from Christ. Let’s not help him! Elevate Jesus, the only Head of HIS body (Colossians 2:18-19)
PRAYERS are answered by God only after one is truly born again and prays to the Father in Jesus’ name.
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name (on the basis of My authority): ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24
Learn this truth and “your joy” will “be full.” If you for a moment believe that your prayers can be answered by God based upon any goodness or performance of your own, you have been deceived.
Praying in Christ’s Kingdom is Definitive and Absolute
In Christ’s kingdom, praying is not a guessing game or a roll of the dice. Believers don’t need to “make a wish” because they have a God who answers all their prayers! The Almighty Himself beckons His children to simply “ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
Pray harder? No! Pray in faith out of a pure heart to the Father in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!
It’s time to cease complicating these simple truths the LORD gives us!
Jesus alone purchased you and your place with God. Prayerfully pour over this truth in Romans 4:4-5 and Titus 3:5-6.
In contrast to the good luck, shot in the dark, bead counting, prayer genie, new age occultic visualization, Christ-denying concoctions of the world’s cults, the Father promises and answers the prayers of His saints, ALL who trust Jesus Christ, His holy name alone, as the exclusive reason for all access to the one true and only God.
BEWARE OF THE GLORY-ROBBERS! Colossians 2:18-19
FIND one “prayer chain” in the Bible. Nowhere. The number of people doesn’t get a prayer answered, the NAME OF JESUS DOES!!!! (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24)
Isn’t the idea of a “prayer chain” paramount to the pagan, catholic rosary? Same devil behind it! It shuns Christ’s perfect sacrifice which exclusively gives us access to God! (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:34-35; 10:19-21, etc.)
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5
JESUS CHRIST alone bought our access to the Father with His own precious blood! (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26; 10:19-22) Trying to confess your sins to another sinner – a priest dressed up in a black costume, “Practicing His presence,” or saying a rosary, novena or any other type witchcraft is an occult, works-based, Christ-denying, glory-robbing, works-based, Christ-defying lying philosophy that contradicts Scripture. Repent sinner. Prayers are only answered by the Father in THE NAME OF JESUS!
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
All of our own good works or righteousness is as putrid in the eyes of the Almighty as can be stated. The Bible puts it this way:
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6
Attention: YOU are a sinner and nothing you could do could change that. Christ alone can justify you – by mercifully granting you HIS righteousness.
“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 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 (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” Romans 3:21-25
Here’s the only way to be saved, forgiven, and have God answer your prayers:
“For by grace (unmerited favor) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Are you willing to admit the obvious – that you are a sinner in need of the Savior? If you are ready to make peace with your Maker, go here.
GOD is not a genie or slot machine. We don’t obey Him to get something from Him but because we are choosing to love and worship Him for who He is, the Almighty, supreme LORD our Redeemer!
Bead Counting Counterfeit
Here’s an obvious example of how Satan seeks to rob the glory from Christ by getting his prey focused on something, anything else but the nail-scarred, risen LORD and Savior:
SCAM ALERT: The catholic rosary is an antichrist scam – making people believe that praying and counting beads is going to get them to God or get their prayers answered. Being forgiven, being right with God, and answered prayer, comes exclusively – ONLY – by the LORD Jesus Christ! All else is a scam! The LORD continually warns us to “Beware of false prophets”! Any person who does not come to God in repentance and faith THROUGH CHRIST, will have their eternal soul scammed/cast into hell forever.
Long before the roman catholic cult arose, bead counting to earn favor from God has been around. It’s an ancient pagan practice.
Christ alone gets the glory for access to the Father and answered prayer – not you for all your 24 hour praying, bead-counting rosary praying, supposedly practicing His presence, or any other human effort.
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Matthew 6:7
Many today vainly believe that they shall be heard of God for something other than the blood and mercy of Jesus Christ. They believe they are earning their way to God and answered prayer by their own self effort of much praying, and other forms of asceticism (suffering to earn divine merit). This is paganism and shows they are not trusting the LORD but self.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.” Genesis 32:10
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” Titus 3:5-6
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
Prayer is the divinely granted privilege of all who have truly been born again into Christ and His body. The precious precious blood of Jesus Christ alone purchased them to the Father in salvation and this includes every good blessing that accompanies salvation including answered prayer. Jesus says to His own to simply “Ask and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7) and “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)
We have access to God through Christ alone – for salvation and prayer.
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;).” Hebrews 10:19-23
Debbie Lord writes:
“We should always be reminded of what a precious gift prayer really is. Communing directly with the Father–Who was and is and always shall be, and the Great Lover of our souls, This communion made possible by and in the Name of His humble, obedient and beautiful only begotten Son, who overcame all temptation and sin and willingly shed His blood in tortuous sacrifice. The veil was torn at the moment of His death so we could be one in Him, our Lord and King, together with the Father.”
Yes, God requires our faith and obedience and such is vital to our relationship with Christ and answered prayer. Yet, first and foremost, we are brought into relationship with the Father through he merit of Christ Jesus alone and it’s through His holy, wonderful, Almighty name that our prayers are answered. Making Peace with God
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7
Beloved, YOUR PRAYERS are not answered because you or your group is so special. Prayers are not answered by God due to any mere flesh or because someone stages themself to be this big “prayer warrior” or “intercessor.” Oh no! No, God has no respect of persons and you and your group are depraved, wretched, and “filthy rags” outside of the present mercy of Jesus Christ (Psalms 139:4-5; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 7:18). God does not answer prayer because any of us are so “wonderful” but rather because of the one and only “Wonderful Counselor”! (Isaiah 9:6-7) Prayers are not answered because someone pretends to have a more direct line to God! – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) If you are hidden with Christ presently, you can have your prayers answered on Christ’s authority/Name alone! “ALL power (authority) in heaven and in earth” is given to Him, not you (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus is the only direct line or access to the Father, period! Christ alone is the only reason you have access and salvation. When we get impressed with Jesus Christ, all mere men will pale and we shall then repent and put away the idols of our hearts (Ezekiel 14:3). God will share His glory with no mere man (Isaiah 42:8). Answered prayer is due to the perfection of Jesus Christ and let’s make sure that HE ALONE is receiving the glory for buying us back to the Father and making us one with Him. The blood of His cross bought us back to the Father (Colossians 1:20). It’s time to cease robbing the glory from the only One it’s due to – Jesus Christ! His blood alone accomplished such an otherwise impossible task! – “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14) When you pray in Jesus’ name, you are praying in His authority and upon HIS MERIT which is perfection! Now, JUST ASK HIM – ASK< ASK< ASK! What are you waiting for?
The title or calling for any mere man of a “prayer warrior” or special “intercessor” appears nowhere in the Bible and in my estimation seems to steal the glory from the One who bled to purchase our redemption and answered prayers. This title seems to place undue importance upon the pray-er (person praying) than upon the nail-scarred risen LORD and Savior, who alone made our salvation and access to God possible.
Those who are God’s are brought into relationship with Him through Christ alone. He hears their prayers. They have such privilege on the basis of the mighty, divine, glorious Name of Jesus Christ!
We are saved by Christ alone and the sheer mercy of the Father given to us due only to the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. We are redeemed and called to glorify His holy name alone!
“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalms 34:3
“Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.” Psalms 99:3
“Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.” Jeremiah 10:6
“O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” Daniel 9:18
Jesus came and died, was buried, and rose again to share His Father’s love with all who will. Yet, Jesus will not, under and circumstance share his divine glory with any mere man.
“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
There’s only One to glory in – The only One in whom we have been granted “righteousness”:
“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31
Jesus Christ’s sinless, holy, divine blood won your access to God:
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
The Great Intercessor
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4-5
When God could find no other to stand in the gap bridging the chasm that separated Him from fallen mankind, in the fullness of times, He sent His only begotten Son.
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30
No one else was worthy or qualified to pay that ultimate ransom price. Jesus Christ alone came – with the help of no other mere man – and paid in full price for his redemption. Christ satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to buy man back to Himself.
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:” Hebrews 1:1-3
Christ now sits at His Father’s right hand, making intercession and mediation for all who will repent and receive Him.
“But this man (Jesus), because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26
Your justification and salvation are because of Jesus Christ alone and not due to your own merit. In fact, you and I deserve only judgment for our sins yet through Christ we get justification! Fallen, Depraved Mankind
It is clear that our LORD wanted to be most remembered for the price He single-handedly paid for our sins:
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Our access to God came at a very high price – the highest price that has ever or ever will be paid. When Jesus was dying on that cross to redeem us, He said “It is finished” which means that the price of our redemption had been “paid in full!” (John 19:30) Jesus was intent upon us remembering this price that He paid. He wants to be “crucified among you (us).” (Galatians 3:1)
LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on the Moments for My Master e-mail devotional list. In supplementation to your personal daily study of God’s Word, we would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2). Sign up here.
Feedback:
“This is powerful message. Thank you Christ. You are our Provider. He already knows what we have need of even before we pray. He answers us according to his Word. He has answered many of my prayers in the past and He will in the future when we seek Him and empty our selves of our selves. Then the answer comes . Flesh is as grass and it will wither away but the Spirit is eternal and so is His Word.” Carol B.
“This is just wonderful! I love reading these every day! I love where you said, “It’s time to cease robbing the glory from the only One it’s due to – Jesus Christ!” AMEN! He is to get ALL the glory! Going to share this one. 🙂 God bless!” Karen R.
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Articles
The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
“Begotten” means “to father”
WHY does the King James Bible use the word “begotten” when informing us of the Messiah? (John 1:14, 18; 3:16; Hebrews 11:17; 1 John 4:9) Firstly, the translators faithfully translated as the LORD ordained and oversaw and guided such. Secondly, the arch enemy of Christ, Satan, has been hard at work through evil men to steal the testimony and the glory due to the Messiah (Mark 4:15).
Concerning Jesus Christ, the words “only Son” NEVER once appear in the Word of God. Yet, “only BEGOTTEN Son” appears 5 times in the Bible concerning Jesus Christ – The King James Bible. Make no mistake: This is a Gospel essential. No one can be saved who does not believe the record of God – that Jesus was born of a virgin, “the only begotten of the Father.” (John 1:14)
“The only begotten of the Father – That is, the only person born of a woman, whose human nature never came by the ordinary way of generation; it being a mere creation in the womb of the virgin, by the energy of the Holy Ghost.” Adam Clarke
“Made flesh, not spirit; man, not God; and earthly, not heavenly. This made Him God’s Son, for sonship in connection with Jesus Christ always refers to humanity, never to deity.” Dake
“Jesus is the only begotten of the Father, that is, Christ is God’s unique Son. God did not have any other Son like Him. In one sense, all true believers are sons of God. But Jesus is the Son of God—in a class all by Himself. As the Son of God, He is equal to God.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
When you hear someone say things like “a better translation would be”, you know you are dealing with a person who does not fear the LORD, is believing he is wiser than God, is not trusting that the LORD kept His promise to preserve His Word (Psalms 12:6-7).
There cannot possibly be a perfect sacrifice without a virgin birth by divine operation.
Only by being both deity and humanity could Jesus Christ bridge the sin-caused chasm that divided the two parties after the first man sinned (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16).
One disciple writes:
“The DNA/chromosomes of the Sin Nature (“Sin” Rom 5:12) I believe can only be passed down thru the male. The woman cannot pass it down. Therefore the woman could be impregnated by the Holy Spirit and the child, Jesus, did not receive from Mary a sin nature or flesh. He was 100 % human but without a sin nature. God with sinless skin on. He maintained this state of sinless perfection all his life and had no sin nature until He drank and absorbed the cup of Sin right before He died. He was “made sin” in order that we might get rid of sin and become the righteousness of God having received the life of God in this very real exchange that happens at the cross. 2 Cor 5:21.”
The RECORD!
Holy Scripture tells us that the man who does not believe upon Christ according to the “record” given to us in God’s Word, make themselves “unworthy of everlasting life” … “because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” (1 John 5:10; Acts 13:46)
What’s written or recorded of Christ? What’s “the record”?
Could anyone be saved by Christ if He was not virgin born?
No.
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a VIRGIN shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (GOD with us).” Isaiah 7:14
NO ONE CAN BE SAVED WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE “THE RECORD GOD GAVE OF HIS SON” – INCLUDING THAT HE WAS BORN OF A VIRGIN. This is the only way Jesus could have carried and offered the perfect blood of God on the altar of the cross for the sins of the world.
What are the 2 central reasons Jesus had to be born of a virgin – “begotten of the Father” in the womb of a virgin? (John 1:14)
- Because the Messiah had to be sinless in order to be the perfect sin offering to expiate the sins of fallen men (Hebrews 7:26; 1 John 2:22, etc.).
- In fulfillment of Messianic prophecy (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).
One writer notes:
“The woman cannot transmit the sin nature to her offspring. The male DNA chromosome is the carrier of Sin that passes it down. Jesus could not be born to an earthly father.
Jesus had to partake (participate) in our plight (Heb 2:14) for us to participate in His resurrection, ascension and session. He was willing to take our sin condition in exchange for His victorious righteousness and glory. He came down to earth and even went under the earth to rescue us to the top of heaven. Eph 2:6.
Jesus demonstrated that it would never be by military might, control, threat, coercion, violence or killing that He would deliver us but only by becoming a helpless little embryo in the woman’s womb then a weak little baby lying in a filthy manger between the ass of ignorance and the ox of self-will. And then a carpenter.
The weakness of God is stronger than man. In the divine economy, power is perfected in weakness.”
It’s one thing to say we believe on Christ and yet, what Christ? Is what we believe according to the record – that which has been recorded in Holy Scripture by the Holy Ghost through “holy men of God”? (2 Peter 1:20-21)
If a person doesn’t believe the whole “record” of God concerning His “ONLY BEGOTTEN Son”, such a person is not of God – “because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” And just what is that “record” – what is RECORD-ed in God’s Word concerning His only begotten Son?
“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” 1 John 5:10
That “RECORD” or that which is recorded in the Bible of Christ is that He, of necessity, and by prophetic utterance and divine ordination, was and could only be born of virgin! The virgin birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah is an absolute Gospel essential which means that anyone who doesn’t believe it is a hell bound antichrist. Now do we begin to see why Satan wanted this removed from his new “bibles”? Isn’t it time to burn those counterfeits and get a real Bible – the King James Bible?
“The doctrine of Christ” or that which the Bible reveals about the only Messiah, is essential to know, follow, and believe:
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not (does not remain) in the doctrine of Christ, HATH NOT GOD. He that abideth (remains) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9
“The only begotten”
“Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and if a person doesn’t believe that they are condemned (John 3:15-18 KJB).” D.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
John 3:16 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.
John 3:18 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.
1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
The First prophecy of the Messiah
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it (the Messiah) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15
The Messiah would be born of a “virgin.”
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:18-23
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Abiding
Worshipping the God of all Grace through the Fiery Trials [podcast]
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
“In the world ye shall have tribulation”
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21
WE the body of Christ, are a separate entity from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We are here on earth for but a short time more—saved and sent to do Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; John 4:34-38). Jesus foretold that these final days before His return would be tumultuous (Matthew 24; Luke 21). And to “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).
“Let not your heart be troubled” … and when we begin to perceive the big picture of the LORD, it will be easier to not be “troubled” in “the sufferings of this present time” (Romans 8:18).
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Making biblical sense of the suffering.
Makes us want to go home and to live like it (Daniel 12:10).
“The sufferings of this present time” are a mere speed bump saints. We are going to eternal glory with our King Jesus!
“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.” Romans 8:18
Nothing can separate God and His true saints—those who are hearing His voice presently and following, walking with Him, abiding in vital union with Jesus (John 10:27-29; 15:1-6).
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39
DO WE have the “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” spirit and disposition of the beloved Job?
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15
Going though a season of testing and trials and yet not worshipping God through it all, is a waste. Personally I had to learn this the hard way.
God has been so wonderfully gracious to teach this disciple!
“I am understanding Job in a new way. Old Adam wants to see it as a punishment, or an injustice, and this belief is subtle and corrosive.” Justin Ballis
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11
Final Greetings
“By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.” 1 Peter 5:12
Knowing it’s God’s stated will for us to worship, love, and trust Him at all times—and in particular in the midst of that which He sees fit to allow us to go through….. is vital. Personally I chose initially to do laps in the desert and so such delayed getting to His promised land of peace. God is able beloved.
The LORD is “a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons” of His kingdom.
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3
“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.” Isaiah 43:2
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15
Are we worshiping our LORD in the midst of our seasons of suffering? Have we of late looked up and said, “Jesus, I love You“?
What’s God worth to me? How much does He matter? Is Jesus truly my very “first love”? See Revelation 2:4-5.
Worshiping God in this presently dark world will bring sufferings and ultimately eternal glory with Him and the true body of Christ.
What would we think of the man, the husband who didn’t defend his wife? He’s a self-serving coward, who loves himself more than his wife, right? What if we refuse to suffer for Heaven’s King that we claim to love? Wouldn’t this prove that we love self more than the Savior?
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11
It’s in our sufferings that we discover, we find out, we come to understand about God’s sufficiency. See James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:10.
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
Being “hid with Christ in God” is how the LORD powers us through, past the many afflictions to be suffered by Christ’s saints.
“There is a beauty in being rejected, misunderstood, unseen, and unsupported by people. It teaches you to rely on God for everything.” unknown
“the fiery trial which is to try you”
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:5-9
“Weeping (death and burial—suffering the death of self) may last through the night, but joy (resurrection) comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5
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The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]
Worshipping the God of all Grace through the Fiery Trials [podcast]
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The Cross Imperative [podcast]
Overcoming the Antichrists Among You [podcast]
Calvinism Demolished [podcast]
THE ANTICHRISTS ARE MULTIPLYING [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 26
Somebody Prayed Teddy Swims [video]
Loving not our Lives unto the Death [podcast]
Daily Prayer Guide [podcast]
Calvinism Demolished [podcast]
Answered Prayer? WHY?
WHY IS THE KING JAMES VERSION CALLED THE “AUTHORIZED VERSION”?
Speaking His Truth in Love [podcast]
Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth
Your Life Will Never be the Same [podcast]
Word Faith Detox
Overcoming the Antichrists Among You [podcast]
Hypocrites or Disciples?
Subverted Hereticks [podcast]
“THE GREAT DRAGON” [podcast]
The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]
The Cross Imperative [podcast]
Answered Prayer? WHY?
The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]
Worshipping the God of all Grace through the Fiery Trials [podcast]
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America8 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
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Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
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Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
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Apostasy2 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).
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