
If You Are Obedient to Christ, Get Ready for Warfare
Notice in this glorious Philippians 1 passage below how verse 29 marries together believing and suffering for Christ are integrally intertwined, inseparable, part and parcel with the original Gospel.
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” Philippians 1:27-30
HAS anyone called you a wolf, a false prophet, or said you have a devil? This is exactly what has been done to all of Christ’s servants. We are in good company saints! Jesus told us to “rejoice” when we are persecuted for His name’s sake! (Matthew 5:10-12) Check out what the religionists of Christ’s day said of John the Baptist and the Son of God:
“For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He (John the Baptist) hath a devil.” Luke 7:33
“And many of them said, He (Jesus) hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?” John 10:20
WHEN we are rejected, Jesus told us to “rejoice” and not to mope, mourn, or nurse a wound. Hello.
WHEN’s the last time your favorite idol preacher preached deep Bible truth on the reality of persecution? If not recently, repent of supporting the wolf and RUN! … Persecution is ALL OVER the Bible and so if someone isn’t preaching it, they are intentionally avoiding it! WOLF!
Ever notice how the prophesied and “many” ear-tickling wolves today never mention the kingdom reality of the persecution of the righteous? (Matthew 24:11; 2 John 4:1, etc.) Do we realize that the Bible is full of examples and teachings about persecution – Beginning in the fourth chapter of the Bible and extending to the last book?
GET READY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE – that is, if you are obeying God by communicating His truth. Many times this warfare comes in the form of confusion through “false brethren” who think they are saved and yet are not (John 8:47; 2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4). The evil one uses professed Christians to attack those few who are truly on the narrow road that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14). We will need to know how to rightly divide the Word of truth which comes from studying to show ourselves approved unto God, being taught of Him (2 Timothy 2:15).
For example, when you preach the Word, showing how GOD (not you or mere man) but GOD Himself clearly told us that certain classes of sinners will be in hell, you will be opposed. One thing some will attempt to do is tell you to stop trying to divide the wheat and the tares as Jesus says the angels will do that (Matthew 13). Yet, think about this: Preaching the judgment or Word of God is not the same as attempting to divide the wheat from the tares (Matthew 13). Preaching the truth that God will damn those who die in sin is what God calls you and I to do. He will use His angels to divide the righteous from the wicked in the end but that in itself doesn’t mean He contradicted Himself nor does it negate our responsibility to speak His holy truth.
Jesus says “rejoice” when persecuted and “Woe unto you” if you’re not being persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12; Luke 6:26).
YOU want to see devils manifest? Just preach the Bible truth which tells them they can’t live like hell and go to God’s holy Heaven!
“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12
“I don’t care who hates me. I care who loves me. Especially, when the One who loves me has power over the one who hates me.” John Cameron
“All that matters is Jesus loves me, and to preach the Gospel to everyone, even if they hate me.” Terrence Przybylski
When the heat of the truth comes, people living in sin (I supposed) get outraged. When the light of truth hits that darkness, some folk get livid and begin to attack the messenger. Why? Jesus says:
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their (own) deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21
When men love darkness more than the light of Christ’s truth, even though they claim to be saved, they will many times react violently to the truth, seeking to defend darkness by twisting and misusing Scripture.
The root cause of blindness is rebellion, unrepentance! (2 Corinthians 3:14-16; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)
Anybody know what I am talking about here? Have you seen this pattern?
The Bible commands us to “Preach the word … in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4) Then, when we do, Satan raises up people to come against that Word of truth and try to confuse the issue as he and his human pawns oppose the truth while claiming to be defending it. Preaching the Gospel and calling out those who claim to be Christians and yet are living in open sin, is the exact thing Jesus did when addressing the pharisees who feigned to be representing the LORD while brazenly teaching and living contrary to what the LORD Himself told them in His Word. Read Matthew 23 where Jesus lambasts the Jewish “hypocrites” and told them three times that they were going to hell. Then, in contrast, Jesus deals very differently with the sinners who have never come to Him yet and do not claim to be representing Him (John 4; 8, etc.).
When attacked and called judgmental, I have learned to boldly declare: “I am not the judge but God is the Judge and I AM preaching HIS judgment for which we are ALL accountable!”
Preaching the Word of God is preaching the judgment of God. Speak with His words to others and fret not for those who persecute you (Isaiah 51:7, 12).
The truth divides between the mere professors and the genuine possessors of salvation. Read Christ’s words carefully:
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47
According to the above statement, who did Jesus tell us is “of God” and who did He show us is “not of God”?
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34
The “sword” represents judgment and division. The truth – via those who believe it and those who don’t – separates those two classes of people. Embracing or rejecting Bible truth shows us the fruit of our own lives and the lives of others, revealing to the true saint who is truly “of God” and who is “NOT of God” and what Paul called “false brethren.” (John 8:47; 2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4)
“If you don’t know or follow the Bible, anything goes.” Pastor Joseph Gros
What passes as “Christian” and is accepted these days among some people simply shows the hearts of the people and how they have only a mere “form of godliness” but do not know His holy reign in their personal lives (2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:3). This means they have not truly repented which means coming to full surrender, turning from our own way and wholly to Him and His ways. If they knew Him, they would not be blinded and following falsehoods that contradict His very Word (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Men of Corrupt Minds | The Accuser of the Brethren
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The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]
Abiding
Jesus Conquered Sin, Satan, and Death by Dying [podcast]

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15
Through death Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan and made His people free, washing away their sins in His precious blood and putting His Holy Spirit in them, empowering them to live fruit-filled victorious lives to His eternal glory!
Christ’s resurrection guarantees our resurrection – both now and for eternnity. Those raised up with Christ now are those who are crucified with Him. This is His holy “remnant.” (Isaiah 37:31; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15, etc.).
Jesus conquered sin and death (separation) by dying on His cross. Because of this, we need never live outside of an abiding relationship with Christ. His grace is sufficient to provide everything He died to purchase for us – and all these blessings are appropriated via our faith, our abiding in Him (John 15; Romans 6:14; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26, etc.).
In order to be raised up, to walk in His resurrection power and grace, we must first be dead and buried with Christ.
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7
***ALL Heaven’s going to break out when this hits you in the heart, when your heart perceives this cross economy divine revelation.
Finishing Strong mean Finishing Crucified and Resurrected
HOW will you finish? It’s really how you finish that matters most! (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Finish strong beloved – lay down your life, death and burial, so that the strength of your life is Christ’s resurrection grace! (See 2 Corinthians 12:9-10) Go down deep.
“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:” Isaiah 37:31
Read the verse above again, looking for the death, the burial, and raising up!
The context Isaiah 37:31 concerns Assyria seeking to seize Judah and yet out of that evil attempt to conquer God’s people came a “remnant.” Yet it’s those who submitted to the LORD in death, those who took root downward (death and burial) who were reciprocally raised up out of that snare and destruction. Resurrection grace wins every time, with no exception! The cross is the divine prescription for absolute victory in every situation.
God counteracts death by the promise of resurrection – now and in eternity! (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
The depth you allow God to bury you determines the height of His resurrection, His raising up in your life! (See 2 Corinthians 4:10-12)
“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21
“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2
“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:5-6
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Learning the Cross, the Crucified Life Where Jesus Reigns
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Articles
JT with Todd Tomasella of SAFEGUARD YOURSOUL – Evangelism Encouragement [video]

Joe Telford and Todd Tomasella – Evangelism Encouragement
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Abiding
7 Ways to Forgive [podcast]
PRAY
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44
LOVE AND DO GOOD TO THE OFFENDER
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Romans 12:9
REFUSE TO SPEAK EVIL OF THE OFFENDER
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14
RELEASE THEM FROM YOUR PUNISHMENT
“Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:17-19
DON’T CELEBRATE THEIR FAILURES
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” Proverbs 24:17-18
TREAT THEM THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31
STOP DWELLING ON THE PAST
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.” Isaiah 43:18
The blessedness of being merciful to others:
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
The only way to prevent holding a grudge, is to simply forgive them – as God freely forgave you through the infinite price Christ paid for your sins on the cross, of which you don’t deserve (Psalms 103:10).
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James 5:7-9
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:30-32
Being kind and forgiving towards others becomes simple as we look in the mirror and declare with Paul the apostle: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.” (Romans 7:18)
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Psalms 103:10
Forgiveness becomes easy when we look in the mirror to see the person (us, me) who needs God’s mercy more than any other person alive on the earth! Memorize Ephesians 4:32 now. KJB
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14
Forgiveness Quotes
Forgiveness is ultra important to God. If you don’t forgive all others, you are not forgiven of your own sin and are as sure for hell as if you were already there. If you refuse to forgive you damn your own soul, non-negotiably. irrevocably.
“Forgiveness does not mean what happened is okay. It means not letting what happened take any more of your happiness.” Michelle Maros
“There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.” Bryant McGill
“Love is an act of endless forgiveness. Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me. Forgiveness is the final act of love.” Reinhold Niebuhr
“Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong; it makes you bitter. Forgiving doesn’t make you weak; it sets you free.” unknown
Forgiveness | Fresh Start with God | Making Peace with God


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