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
Do you want to get deeper into God’s Word? If so, send a reply requesting the “Moments with My Master” email that is sent out to edify Christ’s body.
The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]
Articles
The First Commandment with Promise [podcast]
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12
Any person who mistreats their father or mother has brought a curse on themselves. Unbelievable.
“Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” Proverbs 20:20
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and m
other; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4
To honor simply means to highly esteem.
Does the Bible say “Honor your parents but only if they’re perfect and only if you agree with them”? No! And thank God because none of us are perfect parents, right?
God has a plan and it’s the only perfect plan! If you follow it, your life will be blessed.
Does it seem like it’s easier for some children to honor their parents? Does their relationship with their parents seem more fluent? At least in some cases, could it be due to the graciousness that the parents fostered in their children? Genuine love governing and fostering a sincere relationship.
David Taylor writes writes this exhortation on honoring our parents:
“Hope you are enjoying mom today brother with blessings. Please do so. Mine is gone. I took her for granted during her life. Not honoring her, not loving her as I should have. What’s that old saying ‘You never know what you have till it’s gone.”
The greatest heritage we give our children is God’s Word.
“Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” Psalms 119:111
Sharing how God is working in her life concerning her relationship with her beloved mother, Karen Cochran writes:
“I had to die to being right. Pride! How could I love her (my mother) with the love of Jesus? How would she see Jesus in me? She would not see Him in me in all my pride and arrogance! By being full of pride, all I did was stir up strife. Proverbs 10:12 ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.’ Because she would retaliate and would be angry. I had to learn to keep my mouth shut. And it has completely changed our relationship. But first the Lord had to change me and cleanse me from my ‘know it all’ attitude and my pride. I went to the Lord and said ‘why is she (my mother) so mean to me?’ The Lord straightened me out quick. It was me not her! I couldn’t control her! All I could do was allow God to root out what was sin in me.”
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10
PRAYER: Father, bless this life to be crucified with Christ, to be truly humbled before You – that You might raise me up to glorify You. Thank You for my beloved parents that You chose to bring me into this life through. Help me walk in Your wisdom which is Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18). It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern Church | Peace with God


Abiding
Jesus’ Counsel to the Lukewarm [podcast]
Laodicea: How Jesus Instructs the Backslidden to be Restored
Jesus’ Letter to the Church at Laodicea
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 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:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The cross, the crucified life is the cure to the curse of sin—sin dominating our lives.
Romans 6
Inflation is part of the judgment of God upon a wicked people, nation. We see such in Sodom and in Laodicea (Ezekiel 16:49-59; Romans 1; Revelaton 3:14-22).
“It appears that in this scarcity each might be able to obtain a bare subsistence by his daily labor; but a man could not, in such cases, provide for a family.” Adam Clarke
Your money doesn’t go far….. inflation
“Revelation 6 describes the opening of the first six seals, which represent God’s judgment, often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The third seal, broken by a “black horse,” is interpreted to show hyper-inflation and famine, where a day’s wage (a denarius) buys only a quart of wheat. The judgment includes a command to preserve the oil and wine, which some interpret as luxury goods, while essential food becomes scarce and expensive.”
“6:5, 6 In obedience to the third living creature, a rider holding a set of scales came forth on a black horse. This represents famine, which often follows war. A voice in the middle of the four living creatures announced that wheat and barley were being sold at prohibitive prices. The scales were used to weigh the rationed grain and were thus a symbol of famine. The expression do not harm the oil and the wine is difficult. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life. It seems more likely, however, that the luxury items of the rich are contemplated here: historically, even in famine the rich can get some luxuries.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
The only thing needed to go to hell is to not be on fire for Jesus—to be “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Jesus instructed the Laodicean church… to obtain, to “buy of me….
“3:18 The people were counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa_55:1) but received as a gift through faith in the Lord Jesus. Or it may mean genuine faith, which when tested in the fire, results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1Pe_1:7).
Also the people were counseled to buy white garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking, textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee – O fallen and deceived soul, hear Jesus! Thy case is not hopeless. Buy of me.
Gold tried in the fire – Come and receive from me, without money and without price, faith that shall stand in every trial: so gold tried in the fire is here understood. But it may mean pure and undefiled religion, or that grace or Divine influence which produces it, which is more valuable to the soul than the purest gold to the body. They had before imaginary riches; this alone can make them truly rich.
White raiment – Holiness of heart and life.
Anoint thine eyes – Pray for, that ye may receive, the enlightening influences of my Spirit, that ye may be convinced of your true state, and see where your help lies.” Adam Clarke
Warning
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15
Coming forth as Purified Gold
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
To “come forth as gold” refers to the finished product, where gold has been purified of all its impurities.
“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
“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” Proverbs 17:3
Idolatry is Sin
Putting, having anything or anyone before Christ in our lives is the soul damning sin of idolatry. Such a person has rejected Christ for something, anything else.
One such idol, one such cause today is patriotism for one’s earthly country. See Hebrews 11:14-16.
SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? See Luke 2:49. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5).
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please grant to my heart Your gift of repentance and the deep desire to have Your righteousness, to not be deceived by sin, Satan, or counterfeits and false teachers. Please forgive all my sins afresh, here and now by Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | Beware of the Many Fake News “bibles” | Lukewarm is Hell Bound! | Becoming Christ’s Disciple | PsychoHeresy | Overcoming Victory in Christ! | The Apostate Modern Church | Christology = the Study of Christ






Articles
Tozer: The Cross
The Old Rugged Vs. the New Nerf Cross
A.W. Tozer: “The old cross is a symbol of death. God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again in newness of life. God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out of death. It always stands at the far side of the cross.”
A.W. Tozer: “Why do we build our churches upon human flesh? For we teach men not to die with Christ but to live in the strength of their dying manhood… If I see aright, the cross of popular evangelicalism is not the cross of the New Testament. It is, rather, a new bright ornament upon the bosom of a self-assured and carnal Christianity. The old cross slew men; the new cross entertains them. The old cross condemned; the new cross amuses. The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh; the new cross encourages it.”
A.W. Tozer: “There must be a work of God in destruction before we are free. We must invite the cross to do its deadly work within us. We must bring our self-sins to the cross of judgment.”
A.W. Tozer: “All unannounced, and almost undetected, there has come in modern times a new cross into popular evangelical circles… The old cross would have no truck with the world. For Adam’s proud flesh it meant the end of the journey. The new cross, if understood aright, is the source of oceans of good clean fun and innocent enjoyment. It lets Adam live without interference. His life motivation is unchanged; he still lives for his own pleasure.
“That this world is a playground rather than a battleground has now been accepted in practice by the vast majority of fundamentalist Christians. They are facing both ways, enjoying Christ and the world too.”
A.W. Tozer: “The new cross does not slay the sinner, it redirects him. It gears him into a cleaner and jollier way of living and saves his self-respect… Christ calls men to carry a cross; we call them to have fun in His name… We want to be saved but we insist Christ do all the dying. No cross for us, no dethronement, no dying. We remain king within the little kingdom of Mansoul and wear our tinsel crown with all the pride of a Caesar; but we doom ourselves to shadows and weakness and spiritual sterility.”
A.W. Tozer: “The man who is crucified is facing only one direction… He [cannot] look back. The crucified man on the cross is looking only one direction and that is the direction of God, and Christ and the Holy Ghost… The man on the cross… has no further plans of his own… Somebody else made his plans for him, and when they nailed him up there all his plans disappeared… When you go out to die on the cross you bid good-bye–you are not going back!
“If we would preach more of this and stop trying to make the Christian life so easy it’s contemptible–we would have more converts that would last. Get a man converted who knows that if he joins Jesus Christ he’s finished, and that while he’s going to come up and live anew, as far as this world is concerned he is not going back–then you have a real Christian indeed.”
A.W. Tozer: “Our uncrucified flesh will rob us of purity of heart, Christ-likeness of character, spiritual insight, fruitfulness; and more than all, it will hide from us the vision of God’s face, that vision which has been the light of the earth and will be the completeness of heaven.”
A.W. Tozer: “The man who takes his cross and follows Christ will soon find that his direction is away from the sepulcher. Death is behind him and joyous and increasing life before.”
A.W. Tozer: “The old cross is a symbol of death. God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again in newness of life. God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out of death. It always stands at the far side of the cross.”
The Old Rugged Cross Versus The New “Nerf Cross”
A.W. Tozer: “All unannounced, and almost undetected, there has come in modern times a new cross into popular evangelical circles… The old cross would have no truck with the world. For Adam’s proud flesh it meant the end of the journey. The new cross, if understood aright, is the source of oceans of good clean fun and innocent enjoyment. It lets Adam live without interference. His life motivation is unchanged; he still lives for his own pleasure.
“That this world is a playground rather than a battleground has now been accepted in practice by the vast majority of fundamentalist Christians. They are facing both ways, enjoying Christ and the world too.”
A.W. Tozer: “Our uncrucified flesh will rob us of purity of heart, Christ-likeness of character, spiritual insight, fruitfulness; and more than all, it will hide from us the vision of God’s face, that vision which has been the light of the earth and will be the completeness of heaven.”
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay: Born Again: What is It?
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be 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 | Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Let Him be Your Fear [podcast] | Why We Need Not Fear Death | Fear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]


-
America9 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years agoChildren being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles8 years agoSelf-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years agoSHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True







