Abiding

How to Know You are being Led by the Spirit [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

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.

Dreams, Visions, Prophecies, and Supposed Apparitions [podcast]

Remember that Jesus says that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:16). The point of this message is in no way to limit God or foolishly claim He no longer speaks to people in dreams, visions, or the vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-10; Hebrews 13:8). Yet, today, most of those claiming to be getting words, visions, dreams, and prophecies, are not grounded in Christ and most of them make it abundantly obvious by their lack of preaching the essential doctrines of the original Gospel such as Christ’s cross, judgment, hell, repentance, the necessity for personal holiness, […]

CHRIST SAVED CHARLIE!!!!

OUR LORD JESUS IS SAVING SOULS TODAY SAINTS! Charlie and the Chipmunk Please lift up Mr. Charlie in a prayer…. who repented and was miraculously saved into Christ’s kingdom today. Divine appointment 100%. He came to a wilderness area today to free a chipmunk that had been in his yard and God made him free, set him free from sin, washing his sins away in the blood of the Lamb! I saw that he was from Louisiana (my state of birth and upbringing) and so pulled in next to him and begin kidding around a bit with him. He said […]

Ministry Update: Mexico Mission Update [podcast]

***Hope you enjoy and will lift a prayer for these precious people we are together blessed and privileged to reach for Christ (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). Also, keep in mind that only a percentage of the ministry exchanges are feasible and yet this should give a sense of what our LORD is doing here in Mexico – due to the giving of His saints to His business – His Great Commission. THIS MORNING a dear man named Fernando was in need and so, because you gave, this man was blessed to receive some coffee and the love of God in the […]

The Cross is a Surrender Not a Struggle [podcast]

The Cross is a Surrender not a Struggle Seems apparent that the struggle comes with living in the flesh, from resisting the surrender. In contrast, “the peace of God which passeth all understanding” comes from walking in the Spirit with Christ (Psalms 119:165; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 4:7). On the cross…. “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” Luke 27:46 Then what happened? “He is not here: for HE IS RISEN, as he said. Come, see the place where the […]

Abiding

How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]

**“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”** Isaiah 55:11

“The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa_55:11; Deu_32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mat_13:3-8, Mat_13:20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa_11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.” Dake

“God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain and snow. All the armies in the world cannot stop them, and they accomplish their intended purpose. God’s Word never fails to achieve its aims.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

ANY person who doesn’t understand the power of God’s Word, when sown into the hearts of men, has no business pretending to be a pastor or elder in Christ’s body.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:28-29

The Harvest is Plentiful, the Laborers Few

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

People are born again by the WORD of God which means the Word must be sown in their hearts and germinate.

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God in the hearts of men assures that God will be glorified in saving each of those souls who receive and believe His truth in repentance and faith.

Here’s how evangelism and our LORD’s kingdom work works—layers of Gospel workers. Usually we are the second, third, etc., Gospel labourer, following up on the seed planted in the hearts of the people we minister to. Let’s gain this vision, this illustration from Christ concerning our work for Him, in His kingdom.

Anyone putting off, pushing into the future, evangelizing the lost, is disobeying Jesus Christ. Anyone not evangelizing the lost around them cannot rightly claim to love Jesus. They are full of self and in need of crying out to God in repentance.

John 4:34 – 38

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

Picture planting a seed in a garden, then standing back and watching the ground you planted that seed in and expecting to see it sprout up visibly from the soil it was planted in. Not wise, right? Right.

The picture our LORD gives here is planting that seed and then moving on, just like anyone who plants seeds to grow some plant, crop.

The Parable of the Seed Growing

Mark 4

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29

“And should sleep and rise night and day – That is, he should sleep by night, and rise by day; for so the words are obviously to be understood. He knoweth not how – How a plant grows is a mystery in nature, which the wisest philosopher in the universe cannot fully explain.” Adam Clarke

In ministry, it’s always seeding, planting. It’s GOD, not us, who brings the increase. This pertains to the invisible work of God in the hearts of men.

“The parable may be intended to encourage the disciples. Their responsibility is to sow the seed. They may sleep by night and rise by day, knowing that God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He has intended it to do. By a mysterious and miraculous process, quite apart from man’s strength and skill, the Word works in human hearts, producing fruit for God. Man plants and waters but God gives the increase.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Thank You for choosing and ordaining me to Your kingdom work. Please bear Your fruit in and through this life, this vessel for Your eternal glory. Let that fruit remain dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

The Joy and Expectation of Seed Sowing What we sow, we can expect to reap (Galatians 6:7-8). As we continue to sow the good, the incorruptible seed of God’s Word into the hearts of men, good news will continue to flow, will continue to be reaped – because God’s Word prospers in the thing where He sends it! See also 1 Peter 1:23. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” […]

The Joy of Seed Sowing

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

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

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

The Seed of Salvation [podcast]

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 When we follow Jesus He makes us fishers of men: “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.” (Mark 1:17-18) We must forsake the nets, the world’s ways in following Him. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, please use […]

Abiding

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Own [podcast]

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

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

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

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

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

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

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

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

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

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

Adam Clarke writes:

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

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

“John 13:1-11

JESUS GLORIFIES HUMBLE SERVICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Love Disciples [podcast]

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

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

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

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

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

Abiding

Antichrist or Christ? [podcast]

Recorded at a fellowship in Colorado.

Who is truly reigning in my heart?

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

Am I an antichrist?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Colossians 1 and 2 each morning this week.

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

The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast]

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

Burn Baby Burn or Bliss Baby Bliss?

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

Walking in God's Love

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