How to Know You are being Led by the Spirit [podcast]
The Killing Power of the Holy Ghost: What does that Mean? [podcast]
Firstly, since there are many ungrounded flakes today claiming God is telling them things or leading them, let’s speak of the danger of using God’s holy name in vain.
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7
It’s a dangerous proposition to be attaching the holy, the very name of the LORD to things He is not saying. Such is the work of counterfeits, false prophets. Read the severe warning in Jeremiah 23:30-40 on this matter. We know for sure that HE has and is speaking through His written Word and such keeps us all safe (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
BEWARE when you hear people speak about the “Holy Spirit” and not the written Word! This is a dead giveaway of someone who wants to claim, to attach the name of the Holy Spirit or the LORD to things that He didn’t say in His Word – which includes “ALLLLL things that pertain unto life and godliness” for all times (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Memorize now:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
Beware of the pretenders claiming to be highly spiritual in hearing from God yet never seeking to exhort others to get into God’s Word for themselves – because they want you following, depending on them (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). Any person pretending to be representing Christ and yet is not getting His audience grounded in the written Word, is absolutely a self-serving false prophet.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
These self-appointed people always seem to have to be in the drivers seat, always having a supposed dream, vision, or word they claim is from God. Yet, the authentic disciple of Jesus devours, personally procures God’s Word daily and so he/she is not impressed with someone making these claims as they take the name of the LORD in vain by attaching His holy name to things that are not from Him.
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. … How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;” Jeremiah 23:16, 26
Clear Proof One is Walking in the Spirit
God is eternally perfect, He is God alone. He will never lead anyone contrary to His Word but rather always in exact accordance of what He has stated.
WONDERING whose voice is speaking to you? WHEN it’s God you will know it because HE is leading you to repentance and confession of all sin, to the cross, to the throne of His grace and mercy! Boom.
The flesh is not going to yield to and be led of the Holy Spirit until it is crucified (Romans 6; 8:11-14).
Interestingly, many preach about being led of the Spirit and say nothing of being crucified with Christ – which is essential to being led by the Spirit.
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
The primary way we are blessed to be dominated and led by the Holy Ghost instead of the flesh is to be given over to the LORD in the crucified life! In the above passage, verse 13 precedes verse 14 by divine design.
LOTS OF PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT: Jesus anoints His people with His Holy Ghost to put to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13-14)! If you are truly full of and led by the Holy Spirit, you are denying yourself, taking up the cross daily, and authentically following Him (Luke 9:23-24, etc.). We seldom hear these things together…. And they are biblically inseparable! Without exception, the truly anointed person, led by the Holy Spirit, lives a crucified life.
Yes it is those who are led by the Holy Spirit of God that are revealed to be truly of God. Yet, who are those people? Among all who claim to be following Jesus, who are those that make up His “little flock”? (See Luke 12:32.) Jesus made it clear that “many” who fully believe they are His really are not following Him and are not His and will be rejected in the end for not truly adhering to His Word (Matthew 7:21-29, etc.).
EVERYthing must be tested by Holy Scripture (Acts 17:10-11).
The Word of God is the only foundation that will not be washed away in the coming judgment (Matthew 7:21-29; Hebrews 12:24-29, etc.).
Saints, you have NO business attempting to have Christian fellowship with anyone who does not uphold the HOLY SCRIPTURES, the written Word as absolute final divine authority! (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalms 119; John 8:47)
Lots of people speak of being led by the Spirit of God and yet never mention the final divine authority of the written Word of God. This is scary. Everything must be weighed against the tangible written Word the Holy Spirit gave us just as was the case when the Bereans tested Paul the apostle against that holy, final authority standard (Acts 17:10-11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD IS THE UNCHANGING WILL OF GOD.
Are you grounded in God’s Word?
The “MORE Sure Word” is God’s Written Word
Many today claim and believe they are being led by the LORD’s Holy Spirit and yet those same people believe and are doing things contrary to what the Holy Spirit of God gave us in His written Word. Who’s wrong, those people or the LORD Almighty?
There are so many today who believe they are of God and led of His Spirit and yet, are Christ’s people to believe every person who claims to be led of the Spirit?
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits (against the written Word) whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
The LORD’s apostle Paul came in the name of the LORD and yet, the noble believers in the city of Berea put him to the test as we do with our own hearts and all mere men:
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11
Divine Truth Recorded! “…the record that God gave of his Son” is on “RECORD” in the Bible
In His blessed written Word, the LORD has given us “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” and all who do not believe that “record” – that which is on written record – are shown to be “not of God” (John 8:47; 2 Peter 1:3-4).
“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. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:10-13
Knowing We are in the Truth
Many today speak often of being led of the Spirit and yet never mention the Word. Beware! The primary way the LORD guides His New Testament church (individually and corporately) is through the Holy Scripture (2 Timothy 3:15-17, etc.). No one who is not living and being led according to the Word, is being led by the Spirit of God. In some cases, those who claim they are led by the Spirit wish to divorce themselves from truly adhering to the perfect Lordship of Jesus presented in His written Word and don’t want what they consider constraints. The true follower of Christ says with the psalmist:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105 (memorize today)
Regrettably, many today have been misled by the “many false prophets” who have taught them that after being saved they are not personally responsible to continue in Christ which means continuing in His Word (John 8:31-32; 15:1-6, etc.).
Two ways we can know we are in the truth and of the truth and discern whether or not others are being led of the LORD:
- By knowing we are hearing and believing the Word of God which is the “MORE sure Word”:
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 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 1:16-21
- By obeying God’s Word practically:
No one can actually show or tell us how to trust God practically. It’s when we simply obey Him by faith that we experience His truth making us free from self by His guiding hand, and being led of Him, etc. (John 8:31-32). It has to be “work(ed) out” individually and as we do, the LORD works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).
“Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:16-17
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:18-19
How to Make Sure You Are Following Jesus – Being Led of His Holy Spirit (synonymous)
“Bind up the testimony (written Word), seal the law (Word) among my disciples. … To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:16, 20
A fuller portion of this magnificent text will further open our eyes:
“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. 18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. 19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:16-20
v16 The Word is to be bound to the individual believer. All true servants of Christ endeavor to bind His people to His written Word, the primary way the LORD leads His New Testament believers and church (2 Timothy 3:16-16, etc.).
v17 The LORD is not available to the casual seeker but rather those who diligently seek Him (Jeremiah 29:11-14; Matthew 6:6; 2 Timothy 2:15, etc.).
v18 As God’s Word becomes flesh in His saints, powerful things happen by His holy hand.
v19 There are many evil spirits with falsehoods and false doctrines and only the believer who clings to the truth, the written Word, will escape their influence (1 Timothy 4:1-2, etc.).
v20 As we diligently discern by weighing all things against the written Word, we will know who is of the truth and not a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-15; John 8:47; Acts 17:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:15, etc.).
Jesus says:
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14
There is no possibility “the Spirit of truth” would lead anyone to read or listen to that which contradicts and perverts His truth (John 16:13-14; 17:17). “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)” (Ephesians 5:9). …. Jesus says the Holy Spirit only leads people into the truth. Any person who believes the Holy Spirit of God led them to listen to or buy the books of a wolf is under the influence of “another spirit” which is from Satan (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9).
The Holy Ghost, “the Spirit of truth,” will never confirm a lie in your heart. So, if you are conflicted within about something, keep praying and studying God’s Word about it – in full surrender asking Him to make you whole, to clarify, to teach you (John 16:13; 1 John 4:6).
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit will always be consistent with these 3 things: GRT = Goodness, Righteousness, Truth
- “goodness”
- “righteousness”
- “truth”
WHEN we are judging fruit – FIRST our own – these are 3 things to know that will always be consistent with the Holy Ghost working a life.
Ultimate “goodness” intended even when it’s a rebuke (Psalms 141: 5; Proverbs 27:5-6).
“Righteousness” – it will be biblically right, accurate.
“Truth” – it will aways, with no exception, be according to the truth of God which is the Word of God (John 17:17).
“Cease”
We are directly instructed to cease listening to all who do not speak strictly according to the Word of God:
“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27
His Sanctified Saints
The body of Christ is being daily washed by the water of God’s Word as we fervently look for the soon return of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). The remnant believer allows the Word of the LORD to establish His sound doctrine in his life and is corrected by the Word as he sees his thoughts and beliefs did not align. This is how the saint of Christ is sanctified – set apart to the LORD.
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Abiding
Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]
How Do We Know, Right Now, Who will be Seated at the at the Table, at the Great Supper of the Lamb? (Matthew 22; Revelation 19)
The remnant, those who will be present at the Great Supper of the Lamb in Heaven, are ALREADY feasting at the banqueting table of His Word. All others whom Jesus has saved in the past, are not fueled or flourishing but are rather famishing, fainting, and falling away.
The “little flock” of Christ desires to be with Him both now and forever, not just forever (Luke 12:32). They’ve been born again and present “abide” in/with the Savior (John 15:1-6).
No good man wants an arrangement but rather a marriage with a virtuous, faithful wife. He rightly desires a beloved wife in holy matrimony, not a whore to shack up with! Those who espouse OSAS are spiritual adulterers, whore mongers. They want a quick fix, an illicit affair that requires no commitment, carries no requirements.
The God fearing wife has set aside all else to serve her husband (1 Peter 3:1-7). She is not sidetracked nor does she waiver in her love and duty to her man. And this is what the true bride of Christ is doing today – setting aside the distractions and pursuits of this fleeting world and are seated at the feet of Jesus, waiting upon Him (1 John 2:14-17).
Her life is all about Him, not herself.
The heart of a true under shepherd is heard in these words from Christ’s apostle Paul: “I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4
It’s the adulterous heart, the heart where Jesus is not truly the “first love,” the highest priority, that migrates to this sin-justifying system of theology called “eternal security” (Revelation 2:4-5). Jesus’ teaching concerning the five foolish virgins who were espoused to the Bridegroom (Jesus), and were later shut out of His bridal chamber, is clear proof that all who begin with Christ will not be with Him eternally (Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus invented the term “fall away” and told us that some who initially believe will later “fall away”—they will not “endure to the end” with Him (Luke 8:12-13; Matthew 10:22; 24:13). So, someone’s lying and it’s not the Son of God. Why would He use such words as “fall away” if these things weren’t possible, if it weren’t essential to “endure to the end” to be “saved”?
Paul says we, the saints of Christ on earth, are “espoused” to Christ the Bridegroom – engaged, not married (2 Corinthians 11:2-4).
With no exception, ALL wise virgin believers are in the Word daily. They commune with the Bridegroom and He fills them daily with His heavenly virtue, oil (Matthew 25:1-13).
Just because one is “espoused” to Jesus, that is, engaged to the Bridegroom of Heaven, doesn’t mean they will ultimately be married to Him as is proven in Christ’s parable of the 10 virgins where only 5 made it into the eternal bridal chamber with the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). They other 5 were shut out for treating the engagement/espousal as a mere arrangement.
The most elaborate, the most grandiose dinner awaits the saints of Christ! Words cannot possibly express the grandeur of Christ’s welcoming dinner…. a celebration to end all others – the beginning, the inaugural celebration of eternity with Christ and His saints of all ages.
The foolish virgins are making excuse for sins (Proverbs 28:13a. The wise virgins are hastening to repentance (Matthew 25:1-13; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 3:3; Revelation 19:7-10).
“Revelation 19:7-9: We are to ‘bear the image of the heavenly.’ (1 Cor 15:49).Our sinful nature crucified, sanctified, dead and buried, and then we take on the heavenly glorified nature of Christ! Our whole spirit, soul and body is being transformed more and more into the image of Jesus! (1 Thesolonians 5:23). We must be fully clothed in righteousness and holiness to enter the marriage supper of the Lamb! This is the only way to be accounted worthy! And not have our names blotted out of the book of life.” Karen Cochran
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9
Mocking at sin relates to any lax or crass attitude toward what He that is Holy declares to be sin – which separates men from God. There’s is divine grace and favor on all who are honest, repent, and forsake sin.
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and HIS WIFE HATH MADE HERSELF READY. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
WHAT’s the use of talking about end times and the events of these final days if we aren’t even going to be “READY” when Jesus does return?
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40
Read the passage below as to exactly, specifically what Bride Jesus will return for and please explain how a person who genuinely got saved and now is living in sin is going to be Christ’s Bride eternally:
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:12-13
As the husband and wife require their intimate personal time together for relations, so the bride of Christ must have her individual, set apart time of intimacy with the Bridegroom, Jesus. This is biblical imagery (Matthew 25:1-13; Ephesians 5:25-30; Revelation 19:7-9).
Christ’s bride that He will soon return for is holy and holy means set apart. Christ’s Heaven-bound disciples are known by their fervent loyalty to their Master, Jesus. Sweet fellowship with Christ is at the cornerstone of their schedule. The LORD is their undisputed priority. Having a daily, set apart time with Christ is essential of the infusion of Heaven’s nutrient-rich substance, to remaining in an abiding relationship with the Bridegroom (Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 5:6, etc.).
Drinking from the well of Heaven daily is the mainstay duty and practice of every true wise virgin believer (Matthew 25:1-13). Their relationship with their Bridegroom is their most important occupation. He’s absolutely first. Jesus is not a second class citizen in their life (Revelation 2:4-5).
Do we remember how Paul spoke of a man and wife coming together and how if they don’t, if they neglect intimacy, they will be tempted to migrate to someone else other than their mate? (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” 1 Corinthians 7:1-5
Are we, are you rendering “due benevolence” to your LORD and Savior, the Bridegroom of Heaven? If not, you are being drawn away to another lover, a false god, an altar of idol worship.
You are Cordially Invited to this Great Supper of and with the Lamb of God
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
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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 Book of Titus Overview [podcast]
“Loved this podcast. Thank you. One word that stuck out to me was pattern! Titus 2:7. I missed that word in that verse. The Holy Spirit is aways teaching us. Since this word was new to me I went to King James Dictionary: ‘Anything cut of formed into shape of something to be made after it. Pattern to imitate or follow.’ I think I now understand. Let Him shape and mold you. Pattern your life after Christ. Jesus was our perfect pattern!” Karen Cochran
“Though the Old Testament never directly mentions Crete (shown in inset), this island had a significant impact on the history of Israel. Crete was home to the ancient city of Knossos and the great Minoan civilization, the first advanced society in Europe, which flourished from before the time of Abraham until around the time of Moses. As this civilization declined, many people from Crete and mainland Greece began to migrate in vast numbers to new lands further east, including Israel. This is likely how the Philistines came to inhabit the Mediterranean coast of southern Israel. In the centuries that followed, various world powers gained control over Crete until finally it came under the rule of Rome, which grouped it together with the area around Cyrene on the North African coast to form a single province. (Cyrene was the home of a man named Simon, who carried Jesus’ cross for him after Jesus was no longer able to carry it.) As Paul was on his way to stand trial in Rome (Acts 27), he sailed along the southern coast of Crete, and there the captain lost control of the ship in a storm while attempting to reach safe harbor at Phoenix. The sailors became terrified that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, but instead they were driven by the storm to the island of Malta much further west, and the crew was saved.”
Abraham was born around 2166 BC
Moses – between 1391–1271 BCE.
Acts 27 and the Journey to Rome:
“The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked on Crete while on his way to Rome. His ship took shelter at a harbor on the southern coast called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.”
Of the book of Titus, one source notes the following:
“The Book of Titus is a letter from Apostle Paul to his protégé Titus, who was tasked with establishing order and appointing leaders in the churches on the island of Crete. The letter contains guidance on selecting qualified elders, combating false teachings, and instructing believers to live godly, grace-empowered lives that demonstrate the gospel’s transforming power through good works and upright conduct.”
The Holy Ghost led Paul to set up God-fearing “elders in every city” to rebuke and to stop the deceivers and their lies and to establish the truth “sound doctrine.”
“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: … 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” Titus 1:5,9-10
To the “young men” and every disciple of Jesus (Titus 2:6).
“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Titus 2:7-8
“Good works” or “Good work” appear 6 times in Titus.
“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
“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of GOOD WORKS: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” Titus 2:7
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of GOOD WORKS.” Titus 2:14
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:8
“And let ours also learn to maintain GOOD WORKS for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Titus 3:14
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