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“Looking unto Jesus” or Horoscopes?

QUESTION ASKED:

“So I have a question for you. Do you think the wise men were sinning and should be damned for following the wandering star in the sky that led them to Jesus and the barn in the first place? (Matthew) Or that God was wrong for placing stars in the sky to be used for signs and for seasons, days, years? (Genesis) If it’s so wrong for us to learn from the stars, why did he make and name all of them? (Psalms)

Sorry, but don’t go off the bible. It contradicts itself.”

REPLY:

Observing and appreciating the LORD’s creation is one thing, looking to those mere elements for wisdom and direction in life, instead of He who made them, is sin. The wise men being directed by the stars to the correct location in no way means our lives on earth are to be relegated to or following the movement of the stars in the heavens. When God used His stars to guide the wisemen, that was for His special purpose. Do we ever see anything else like that in the Bible? Holy Scripture tells us that there must be “two or three witnesses” to establish something (Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1).

A star is an inanimate object. It’s a dumb rock. No breath, no eyes, no ears, etc..

God told us to seek His holy face, not His planets.

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:” Amos 5:4

If you like to show me where the Bible contradicts itself, share freely. Your not being able to decipher and collate things in the Bible with the whole of Scripture in no way means the Bible itself is contradictory. “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33). You will be one of many who’ve made that false assertion with no proof due to your own unbelief and misunderstanding. First off, you must be born again to know the LORD, the Author of the Bible and until you do, you cannot possibly understand His Word.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

——————————————

Anything one puts before Christ/His Word is idolatry.

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Exodus 20:3-5

Jesus told us exactly who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God.”

Those “of God” look to God via His Word for their direction, not His creation, the stars.

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

Anyone who is known of God lives by God’s Word and therefore will have nothing to do with this cheap substitute. Those who seek wisdom or direction outside of Christ and the Word, are full blown lost souls.

They have denied Christ His right place in their lives of which only He is worthy.

They are of the world, the devil.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4

The scope of your life is not determined by the stars but rather by the One who made and put those stars where they are. There is no hope in horror scopes.

The SCOPE of your future is HORROR if you are seeking direction, affirmation, or guidance in anyone or anything except Christ.

Horoscopes are for those who do not know the LORD.

“Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.” Jeremiah 10:2

The Bible foretold of this hour of great apostasy as the return of our LORD draws nigh. Specifically speaking of those who claim to be Christ’s, the Word tells us that many of these professors would deny the power of their Creator to guide them, fill them, and be their all sufficiency. This is the damnable sin of unbelief (Revelation 21:8).

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5

If this message, namely God’s Word, convinces you that you are not following Christ according to His Word, then God is calling you to come to full repentance, laying down your life before it’s too late …..

Some claiming to be Christians falsely profess to be of Christ. This is clear by many things in their lives, including that they get up in the morning and read the newspaper, read their horoscope, read magazines done by vile heathen, read corrupt fad books, romances, etc., and have no time for Jesus’ Word.

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

They want Jesus only insomuch as they vainly believe He is going to save them from Hell but they do not want a real relationship with Him.

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:19-29 

Anyone claiming to be saved and going to God’s holy Heaven who is “lukewarm” or does not have Christ as their personal “FIRST love,” is deceived and will be kindling for the fires of eternal damnation (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16).

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:5-6 

Are you on this list?

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8 

All true disciples of Christ look to Him and no other. They have “no other gods before” Him.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 

The heart affections of every true, ready-to-meet-Jesus disciple is set upon the LORD and Savior. He is their supreme “first love” (Revelation 2:4-5).

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

Idolatry and spiritual adultery is forbidden by our God and Maker. To commit the sin of spiritual adultery means to alienate the affection of our hearts to someone else beside the LORD Himself.

“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.” Jeremiah 10:2

Monitoring the “signs of heaven” is the occupation of the “heathen” not Christ’s saints.

Romans 1 says “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans 1:19-32 KJB).

To take the focus off of the LORD Almighty, Jesus Christ, is to commit the soul-damning sin of idolatry (v25). Also, to “have pleasure in them” who do such is also equally sinful (v32). To bid god speed or participate in sin is to be guilty of that same sin in the eyes of the one true, holy God and Judge (2 John 10-11).

Worshiping the creature or creation more than the Creator is a sin. It’s the sin of apostate hearts  or people who have departed from the LORD.

God determines personality, not mere elements He created, or the time in His great universe in which HE chose to bring us into HIS world. Read Romans 1. Looking to the time and place and alignment of mere parts of creation to determine our own character and personality etc. is idolatry …. it looks to the creation instead of the Creator. Our personalities are to be “conformed to the image of his Son,” the very reason for which we have been predestined (Romans 8:29). We are to be servants as Jesus showed us (Matthew 20:24-28; John 13; Philippians 2, etc.).

His blessed Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). Do we see Jesus or His holy apostles looking to the stars or zodiac etc.?  Nor do they instruct us to do so. We are to look to “the MORE sure word of prophecy” which the LORD tells us is more authoritative than even His audible voice speaking from Heaven (2 Peter 1:12-21).

That was certainly primarily for them, not us. We now have the divine Person of the Holy Spirit indwelling us. We are His temples and led of Him and “the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). I just don’t see following or looking to any part of creation as ordained for us who are now indwelled by the Holy Ghost and have the written Word.

The earliest believers didn’t look to mere elements of creation but rather to their Creator who had come and bled to save them, ascended back to His Father, and then sent the divine Person of the Holy Ghost to live inside of each of His saints. They “continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine” which is the written Word of God (Acts 2:42).

There are so many counterfeit, like flavors at an ice cream shop. Satan has his poison packaged in every flavor and it’s all pure, unadulterated spiritual adultery and rebellion. Horoscopes, tarot cards, New Age, paganism, Buddhism, Bahai, spiritualism, post modernism, etc..

 Former new ager, Ivanca Olanu writes:

“THERE IS SO MUCH DANGER IN THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT MY ADVICE TO ALL YOUNG PEOPLE IS TO STAY OUT OF IT! STAY OUT OF IT, I EXPLORED IN IT AND GOT MYSELF IN A LOT OF TROUBLE! Stay out of it, there’s nothing there except delusive abstract concepts that will get you NOWHERE. Come to JESUS CHRIST WHO IS ALIVE and WELL and He will show you what life really is all about!”

 Satan’s counterfeits include:  Horoscopes, tarot cards, New Age, paganism, Buddhism, Bahai, spiritualism, post modernism, all false religion, etc..

 Horrible scopes are pure idolatry. When a person is not putting God first they will search everywhere else for “direction” and the witchcraft of divining the future. This is forbidden by God and will bring curses into a person’s life that only Jesus Christ can break if they repent and place their whole trust in Him (Deuteronomy 1; Isaiah 47).

 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

The Bible says that if we lack wisdom we are to ask of God, not seek out answers ANYwhere else. If we do, we are alienating the affections of our heart in worship to false gods, and the devil (evil spirits) will then come into our lives (1 Corinthians 10:19-21).

 “They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.” Deuteronomy 32:17

 Seeking answers, information about your future, etc., from any other source but your Maker, is unadulterated rebellion and idolatry. This is spiritual adultery – where one alienates the affections of his heart to another god, one other than the one true God. The Bible says this is whoredom, including occultic, pagan venues such as tarot cards, Ouija boards, horoscopes or divining of any type.

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

 

 “What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22

THOSE who look to their horoscope deny Christ the right to reign in their lives. Looking to a horoscope instead of our Maker is witchcraft – seeking to divine the future without our Creator.  That’s pure rebellion. THE LORD WHO MADE US wants us to read His Word daily and when we do, we will cease looking elsewhere for answers (like horoscopes, psychology, or mere men).  God has commanded us to trust Him in all things by faith to lead us and not to try to figure out the future (Matthew 6:33-34). “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). The very first commandment is “Thou shalt have NO other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Looking elsewhere is idolatry and spiritual adultery. “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).

 Repenting means turning from your own way and any other way and to the LORD your God and Judge, placing your full faith in the Son of God for the remission of your sins.

 One sister writes:

“HOROSCOPES, ASTROLOGY, NUMEROLOGY, SCIENTOLOGY, TAROT CARDS, PALM READING, CRYSTAL BALL, ANY PROPHETIC UTTERANCE WITHOUT SUPPORTING THE WORD OF GOD IS WITCHCRAFT! Keep that in mind!”

If a person reads their horrible-scope and eagerly opens and read their fortune cookies and doesn’t read God’s Word daily, where is he/she spiritually? “He that is of God heareth God’s words” (John 8:47).

Those who truly know and love the LORD Jesus Christ look to Him for their full sufficiency in righteousness, wisdom, grace, love, and truth!

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ

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Abiding

10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]


The wise virgin saints are keeping their lamps full of divine oil, they are taking personal responsibility for their own spiritual state with Christ the great and soon coming Bridegroom. Read Matthew 25:1-13.

“The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold”

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:10-14

Did you notice in verse 14 that those who hot for Jesus are participating in the preaching of His Word to the end of the earth (Mark 16:15).

Anyone not devouring God’s Word daily is falling away, is not enduring to the end, is choosing the let their love for Jesus wax cold, and on the wrong, the losing end of this prophecy Jesus gave here on record in Matthew 24:10-14.

“I will spue (vomit, reject) thee out of my mouth”

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:16-17

Praying God will help you love Him more (Matthew 22:37-40). It really all boils down to WHO we love most. THAT is exactly who we are serving (Romans 6:16).

Loving God is everything as far as what’s in our control – because it’s a choice, daily, and will determine if one remains in Christ to the end.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 

“Thou hast left thy first love”

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

1. When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in prayer each and every morning… When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in His Word each and every morning (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Chronicles 16:11).

2. When your love for God’s people is being reduced instead of increased (Philippians 2:12-13; 1 John 5:1) Marks of the True Christian …. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (Romans 12:9-11) See John 13:35.

“And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Luke 8:20-21 

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14 

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 today will refresh your heart and mind on the divine importance placed upon LOVE.

3. You are not denying self and not taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23-24; 19:27; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.).

4. You aren’t communicating the light of truth to others because you no longer seek or fear the LORD and so His divine virtue isn’t teeming in and flowing out of you. Your cup no longer runs over but instead is running empty (Psalms 23). You have a lampshade over the light and are not letting His light shine in and through your life and words… “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)

5. You live in fear instead of faith and the joy of being with Jesus (Luke 21:28; 1 John 4:16-18; Proverbs 28:1; Psalms 2:11).

6. You preach promises and not conditions…following the apostate modern church and you don’t preach the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel which we are commanded to “earnest contend for.” (Jude 3) You begin meditating on and living by trends instead of truth (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:1-2).

7. You have little or no true fellowship with other born- again Bible believing disciples of Jesus as is defined in God’s Word and not by the modern church world (Acts 2:42).


The Word of God is to run rich, to be abundant among God’s people … “In all wisdom” and “all in the name of the Lord Jesus”“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

8. You know you are backsliding when your main thrust and identity become politics, not the work of the Gospel. YOU are a blood bought disciple of Jesus, not a conservative. You are a Bible believing follower of Christ (Luke 9:62; Galatians 6:14).

9. When you love this world…..When you spend more time and money on hobbies and the things of this fleeting world than you do on attending to knowing, walking with the LORD and preparing to be used of Him (Mark 4:17-19; 1 John 2:15; James 4:4).

10. When you spend more money on trash and trinkets then helping the work of the One you claim to love and the poor. You know you are backslidden when you are not obeying God with what He’s placing in your temporal possession. He shall bring you into full account for this.

Regrettably, people will give their money to any and every pleasure under the sun but make excuses when the opportunity to support the work of the One they claim to love and serve. The Holy Spirit foretold that in the final days before the return of Jesus, there would be those with a mere “form of godliness”, “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,” and “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) According to the LORD, one of the main ways to measure our true love for Him or lack thereof, is by peering into our personal stewardship of the resources He’s placed into our temporary possession. Luke 12 and 16 offer a plethora of divine wisdom and warning concerning the judgment to come, the judgment we shall endure in giving account for our stewardship in this life.

The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24

To underscore the importance of stewardship, we should realize that 16 of our LORD’s 38 parables involved stewardship. Those who now do not wish to face and confront this truth, are apparently those who are in the most need of hearing it.

PRAYER: Father I come to You now in the name of Jesus Christ. Please cause my conscience to be super sensitive to Your conviction, Your leading, and to evade all that defiles me in Your holy eyes, sin. Here and now I submit my life afresh to You dear LORD. You must increase but I must decrease. I am crucified with Christ and thank You for conforming me to His holy image. I am all Yours LORD and thank You that You are all mine. I love You Jesus. Please make me one with You and the Father and with Your beloved body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Articles

More Good News! Mission Mexico Part 42

IF YOU SAINTS WEREN’T SO FAITHFUL TO JESUS, NONE OF THIS WOULD BE HAPPENING…..

So while going to bring a good supply of food and household essentials to Clara and her boys, by divine ordination I tracked and spoke God’s Word to a Holy Spirit filled sister in Christ. Her name is Maria La Luz. She eagerly took about 100 or more JESUS tracts with her to distribute!!!! That’s how Mexican people are – If they have something good to give, they give it!

Boom. Oh, and Maria LaLuz are in touch by phone so she will be letting me know when she needs more. Thank you for continuing to pray as Jesus instructed in Matthew 9:35-38 – that the Father would send forth labourers into the harvest!

Working with, supporting, equipping, fueling, and supply indigenous missionaries in key to exponential kingdom momentum in the spread of Christ’s Gospel in this beautiful nation.

Just think if this kingdom operation can be duplicated throughout Mexico and Latin America! (Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20) Do we think God has a plan? Yes He does!

Because you care, prayed, and gave, another sister who was just saved recently, was given (purchased) a brand new study Bible (Life in the Spirit Study Bible) KJB. She is elated and devouring God’s Word and growing daily! (2 Peter 3:18)

Also, once again Clara was elated that you prayed and gave. She just now texted me the following after receiving your gifts today:

“Seriously, thank you very much for helping me, it means a lot to me that you help me because I have not been able to find a good job and with this we survived a few days my children and I but just like if you have work do not hesitate to send me a message and I will also go it would be very helpful since the day comes when I have to pay my rent. And again, thank you very much, you are an angel that our Lord sent me, thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏🏻” Clara

Okay now get this…. Clara has been ministered to directly and she has read the JESUS tract. I don’t think she’s saved yet. She has seen your love for Christ in action by your prayers and giving. At first I didn’t know how she was receiving the Gospel but now, from above, it’s obvious that she is being ministered to by our LORD. Perhaps she’s already saved. I don’t know due to the language barrier. But we do know God is showing her His love and power! (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)

Here’s some of the food you purchased for this single mother today! See pic.

*More than half the 10,000 JESUS tracts are already passed out or in the hands of Christ’s witnesses!!! Yes more than half in just 2 weeks.

God is hearing your prayers and honoring your giving to Him!

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

In Christ

Todd

Mission Mexico Updates


Ever feel like just hitting the eject button and leaving the USA? If so, why not consider a town in Mexico? Pray. Ask God where HE wants you on His planet. Rest.

Also, perhaps begin research Mexico or Latin America on youtube.



A few days ago ….. WHEN we first arrived to refresh and minister to our LORD servant Maria, she was not her usual self, not overflowing with joy. Then when the body of Christ ministered to her, including replenishing her supply of JESUS tracts, there was a notable difference. See if you agree. Your prayers and support make this possible. | Mission Mexico Updates

“Wow!! I think of Jesus when he marveled at the faith of the centurions faith! Luke 7:9. I marvel at all the Lord is doing among the Mexican people! And now He is raising up Labourers into the harvest who emanate the joy of the Lord and His fruits! Some are crying when receiving these Jesus tracts and some are actually kissing the picture. Actually kissing the son (Psalm 2:12). Fills my heart with so much joy and I am not even there! But I am part of Team Jesus!” Karen Cochran | Mission Mexico


The meeting fellowships with Juan and Maria the evangelists continue. They are both, for the time being, stocked up on their supply of JESUS tracts and distributing them daily!

Over breakfast, when I brought the first shipment of the Spanish Bibles to Juan, he asked me if he could give them away to people who are not in prison. Of course I said “Yes” and that these Bibles are for him to be used of God to give wherever he wishes, as he ministers.

Juan is a man who is filled with God’s Word. He speaks verbatim Scripture in Spanish perpetually. The reason I know that is that when we sit down to talk at length he speaks and it’s translated into English and is pure Scripture. He has volumes of Holy Scripture memorized.

Here is Juan ministering to a dear lady. And remember, most Mexicans it seems, do not have a Bible in their home. They greatly treasure God’s Word.

“PRICELESS, LIKE OUR SAVIOR!!! She reminds me of my Great Grandma…she glowed with God’s love. It was written all over her face. She brightened the room, and you KNEW she loved you! It wasn’t till I knew the Lord, that I realized where that glow and love came from. This little light of mine, I’m a gonna let it shine… The tragedy is when that light goes out, and you can see and feel that also.  VERY SAD. It’s like shutting off a light switch…from light to darkness. And they can’t see it?! So, I thank God for those who are sharing that light of God’s love, and sharing with them. Will keep praying for Maria, you, your ministry, and the family of God.  Felipe, Mark, all the brethren. I keep wondering about Paul and Carol Galloway–will keep praying. God knows. May the LORD bless you Brother Todd….What a wonderful first E-mail of the day! GOD’S JOY.” Crystal

Message from brother Juan on the Spanish communications group (WA whatsapp).

“There are many injustices in life; the Word of God says so. Many receive no visitors. God works in us both to will and to act according to His good pleasure. We are called to be doers of God’s Word. And knowing the good we ought to do, yet failing to do it, is sin. To Him be all glory and honor.” Brother Juan



RECENTLY: Immediately upon beginning to hear God’s Word spoken to him in Spanish, this man began to weep and to profusely thank God, to call out to Jesus, to kiss the Jesus tract he was given, to kiss my hand and cheek. Need I state the obvious, of how hungry these beloved people are to hear and believe Jesus’ bless-ed Gospel? …. Beloved Filipe was given the Gospel of Christ and instructed to go home and repent and receive Christ for the forgiveness of his sins and that only Jesus can forgive him and that it’s not about religion but relationship. Like the vast majority of Mexicans (99%), Filipe had never heard the Gospel of Jesus till today. Please lift beloved Filipe and the Mission Mexico heavenly operation in prayer. Thank you.

WHERE does God want you in this last hour – doing HIS will, being about the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) Are you surrendered and therefore crying out to the LORD to put you on HIS EARTH exactly where you can please Him the most? | Mission Mexico


It’s all because of God’s love in Christ and your prayers and support…. This homeless man received God’s love in the form of the spoken Word, a JESUS track in Spanish, and a warm breakfast and hot coffee! Jesus is moving!


“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

Mission Mexico

https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/


Issidro asked for prayer. He’s catholic but he’s open, a little bit. He received an abundance of truth from God’s Word today and a JESUS tract in Spanish. Thank you for lifting these precious souls in prayer saints.






 



“Praise the Lord ! She is shining for Jesus! Overflowing Joy! It’s a blessing to see how God is moving in the ministry, Mexico for Jesus,  Glory to God!!” Darlene




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

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Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible

MESSAGE GIVEN:

“I’m reading the apocrypha now and you can tell it’s definitely from the Bible and seems like it should be in there. I guess that is why God said in revelation if anyone changes or removes or adds anything to this Holy book all the plagues in it will come on them, cos he knew that it would happen.” V.

REPLY:

You are missapplying Revelation 22:18-19. God oversaw the canon of His Word, just as He promised to do in Ps 12:6-7. It’s exactly how He desired, ordained it to be in the King James Bible. To say God checked out, was negligent, is a lie, is bearing false witness, and is an indictment against the Almighty (Psalms 121:4; Daniel 4:32, etc.). There were specific reasons those apocryphal books were not included in the real Bible, as opposed to the catholic “bible.” ​


Roman Catholics may tell you, “You Protestants are missing part of the Bible. We have the rest of it.” [Note: These people’s leaders (popes, priests, etc.) have led them astray to this wrong belief.] This comment about missing books can throw people off, but it no longer has to. These popish additions to the Bible are commonly called the Apocrypha or sometimes the Deuterocanonical books. This is a short treatise on WHY these books are not in the Bible.

What is the Apocrypha anyway?

The Apocrypha is a collection of uninspired, spurious books written by various individuals. The Catholic religion considers these books as scripture just like a Bible-believer believes that the 66 books in the 1611 Authorized Version of the Bible are the Word of God, i.e., Genesis to Revelation. We are going to examine some verses from the Apocrypha later in our discussion.

At the Council of Trent (1546) the Roman Catholic institution pronounced the following apocryphal books sacred. They asserted that the apocryphal books together with unwritten tradition are of God and are to be received and venerated as the Word of God. So now you have the Bible, the Apocrypha and Catholic Tradition as co-equal sources of truth for the Catholic. In reality, it seems obvious that the Bible is the last source of truth for Catholics. Roman Catholic doctrine comes primarily from tradition stuck together with a few Bible names. In my reading of Catholic materials, I find notes like this: “You have to keep the Bible in perspective.” Catholics have been deceived into not believing that the Bible is God’s complete revelation for man [but they can come out of these deceptions in an instant if they will only believe the Bible as it is written].

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC APOCRYPHA

  • Tobit
  • Judith
  • Wisdom
  • Ecclesiasticus
  • Baruch
  • First and Second Maccabees
  • Additions to Esther and Daniel

Apocryphal Books Rejected by the Catholic Religion:

  • First and Second Esdras
  • Prayer of Manasses
  • Susanna*

*A reader says: “Susanna is in the Roman Catholic canon. It is Daniel 13.”

Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible.

Not one of the apocryphal books is written in the Hebrew language (the Old Testament was written in Hebrew). All Apocryphal books are in Greek, except one which is extant only in Latin.

None of the apocryphal writers laid claim to inspiration.

The apocryphal books were never acknowledged as sacred scriptures by the Jews, custodians of the Hebrew scriptures (the apocrypha was written prior to the New Testament). In fact, the Jewish people rejected and destroyed the apocrypha after the overthow of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

The apocryphal books were not permitted among the sacred books during the first four centuries of the real Christian church (I’m certainly not talking about the Catholic religion. The Roman Catholic “Church” is not Christian).

The Apocrypha contains fabulous statements which not only contradict the “canonical” scriptures but themselves. For example, in the two Books of Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes is made to die three different deaths in three different places.

The Apocrypha includes doctrines in variance with the Bible, such as prayers for the dead and sinless perfection. The following verses are taken from the Apocrypha translation by Ronald Knox dated 1954:

Basis for the doctrine of purgatory:

2 Maccabees 12:43-45, 2.000 pieces of silver were sent to Jerusalem for a sin-offering…Whereupon he made reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.

Salvation by works:

Ecclesiasticus 3:30, Water will quench a flaming fire, and alms maketh atonement for sin.

Tobit 12:8-9, 17, It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.

Magic:

Tobit 6:5-8, If the Devil, or an evil spirit troubles anyone, they can be driven away by making a smoke of the heart, liver, and gall of a fish…and the Devil will smell it, and flee away, and never come again anymore.

Mary was born sinless (immaculate conception):

Wisdom 8:19-20, And I was a witty child and had received a good soul. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body undefiled.

It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assassination and magical incantation.

No apocryphal book is referred to in the New Testament whereas the Old Testament is referred to hundreds of times.

Because of these and other reasons, the apocryphal books are only valuable as ancient documents illustrative of the manners, language, opinions and history of the East.

Wasn’t the Apocrypha in the King James Bible?

The King James translators never considered the Apocrypha the word of God. As books of some historical value (e.g., details of the Maccabean revolt), the Apocrypha was sandwiched between the Old and New Testaments as an appendix of reference material. This followed the format that Luther had used. Luther prefaced the Apocrypha with a statement:

“APOCRYPHA–THAT IS, BOOKS WHICH ARE NOT REGARDED AS EQUAL TO THE HOLY SCRIPUTRES, AND YET ARE PROFITABLE AND GOOD TO READ.” KING JAMES VERSION DEFENDED, PAGE 98.

In 1599, TWELVE YEARS BEFORE the King James Bible was published, King James himself said this about the Apocrypha:

“AS TO THE APOCRIPHE BOOKES, I OMIT THEM BECAUSE I AM NO PAPIST (AS I SAID BEFORE)…” KING JAMES CHARLES STEWART BASILICON DORON, PAGE 13

In his, “A Premonition to All Most Mightie Monarches,”–found in his Workes (a collection of the king’s writings)–King James said this–

“…IS IT A SMALL CORRUPTING OF THE SCRIPTURES TO MAKE ALL, OR THE MOST PART OF THE APOCRYPHA OF EQUALL FAITH WITH THE CANONICALL SCRIPTURES…?”

Not only this, but the sixth article of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England (1571 edition. The Church of England published the Authorized King James Version) states that

(1) the Old and New Testaments are the Bible–

IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY, WE DO VNDERSTANDE THOSE CANONICAL BOOKES OF THE OLDE AND NEWE TESTAMENT, OF WHOSE AUTHORITIE WAS NEVER ANY DOUBT IN THE CHURCHE…

(2) the apocrypha is not the Bible–

AND THE OTHER BOOKES, (AS HIEROME SAYETH), THE CHURCHE DOTH READE FOR EXAMPLE OF LIFE AND INSTRUCTION OF MANNERS: BUT YET DOTH IT NOT APPLIE THEM TO ESTABLISH ANY DOCTRENE. PHILIP SCHAFF, CREEDS OF CHRISTENDOM. GRAND RAPIDS: BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1977, VOL. III, PP. 489-491.

The Hampton Court Document came as a result of the famous Hampton Court Conference of 1604 when King James specially commanded the translation of the Bible that would one day bear his name. Concerning the apocrypha and the Church of England, it states–

THE APOCRYPHA, THAT HATH SOME REPUGNANCY TO THE CANONICAL SCRIPTURES, SHALL NOT BE READ…

Select Statutes and Other Constitutional Documents Illustrative of the Reigns of Elizabeth and James I, edited by G.W. Prothero, Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, 1894, p. 416

The Apocrypha began to be omitted from the Authorized Version in 1629. Puritans and Presbyterians lobbied for the complete removal of the Apocrypha from the Bible and in 1825 the British and Foreign Bible Society agreed. From that time on, the Apocrypha has been eliminated from practically all English Bibles–Catholic Bibles and some pulpit Bibles excepted.

Not even all Catholic “Church Fathers” believed the Apocrypha was scripture.

Not that this really means anything. The truth is not validated by the false. Nevertheless, this may be of interest to some… Jerome (340-420) rejected the Apocrypha:

“AS THE CHURCH READS THE BOOKS OF JUDITH AND TOBIT AND MACCABEES BUT DOES NOT RECEIVE THEM AMONG THE CANONICAL SCRIPTURES, SO ALSO IT READS WISDOM AND ECCLESIASTICUS FOR THE EDIFICATION OF THE PEOPLE, NOT FOR THE AUTHORITATIVE CONFIRMATION OF DOCTRINE.” JEROME, JEROME’S PREFACE TO THE BOOKS OF SOLOMON

According to Edward Hills in The King James Version Defended p. 98 other famous Catholics with this viewpoint include Augustine (354-430 who at first defended the Apocrypha as canonical), Pope Gregory the Great (540-604), Cardinal Ximenes, and Cardinal Cajetan.

There are other spurious books.

These include the Pseudepigrapha which contains Enoch, Michael the Archangel, and Jannes and Jambres. Many spurious books falsely claim to have been written by various Old Testament patriarchs. They were composed between 200 B.C. and 100 A.D. There are lots of these spurious books like The Assumption of Moses, Apocalypse of Elijah, and Ascension of Isaiah.

Concerning the Dead Sea Scrolls, there may be some information in them that parallels the Masoretic Text, but there are fables in them, too. I went to see the scrolls a few years ago with great expectation but found a bunch of fables. The best defense against error in any form (unauthorized Bibles and religions) is a solid knowledge of the AUTHORIZED (King James) Version of 1611 of the Bible. If you read it, forgeries become readily apparent.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

King James VI & I Page

The Workes of the Most High and Mightie Prince Iames [James], By the Grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c.

Translators Revived, Alexander McClure, p. 142

Bible Believing Study, Edward F. Hills, p. 15

The King James Version Defended, Edward F. Hills, p. 96, 97, 98

God Wrote Only One Bible, Jasper James Ray, p. 90

An Understandable History of the Bible, Dr. Samuel Gipp, p. 245

Making Peace with God | Bible Versions Issue | Why Did the 1611 KJV Include the Apocrypha? | THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE OR DOUAY? Catholic “Bibles” Exposed    | Lineage of the Modern Corrupt | The Catholic Church Exposed

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