Is Peter the Rock or is Jesus? CATHOLIC HERESY EXPOSED! [podcast]
The catholic church prides itself on traditions.
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the TRADITIONS which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15
When Paul spoke of “traditions” it was in direct reference to the divine truth he’d previously delivered to the believers at Thessalonica – which is now the written Word of God.
The catholic church, laced and laden with completely un-biblical traditions, vainly attempts to claim their basis for such based on this one verse above. Laughable. Catholic traditions completely contradict the final divine authority of Holy Scripture. For example, can anyone find a scapular, a rosary, a novena prayer, a prayer to Mary, purgatory, holy days of obligation, a mass, or a so-called “pope” in God’s Word? No. Not one.
Anybody who thinks that anything or anyone else but Jesus Christ is essential for eternal life is Anti-Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). This includes 100% of pagan roman catholic idolaters. Jesus is the only way and not just a way (John 14:6). There is no such thing in Christ’s kingdom, in the Bible, as a pope, purgatory, a scapular, a rosary, a novena, mass, etc. Repent now and follow Jesus or you are going to hell irrevocably and there is no such thing as purgatory which is just another lie.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Exodus 20:3-5
“I was born catholic and I will die catholic!” is a phrase all ex catholics have heard. These are people who were initiated into (sprinkling rites at 8 days old) and personally vowed, swore their eternal souls to this false religion.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Religion is Satan’s greatest tool and was Jesus’ worst enemy when He walked the earth (Matthew 23). No such thing as a catholic who is Heaven-bound! Idolatry is a soul damning abomination to the Almighty and if you need to repent right now for misleading catholics into thinking they’re save, please do so. Any catholic who gets saved IS coming out (Matthew 6:24; 1 Corinthians 10:21; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Revelation 18:4, etc.).
Does Matthew 16:18 Teach that Peter was the “First Pope”?
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
Let’s take a closer look. As a Catholic, I was taught that Peter is the rock, not Jesus. This brainwashing begins from the beginning of the lives of those born into families that are Catholic. Regrettably, most Catholics just accept this teaching and never investigate it for themselves.
In using this passage to teach that Peter—the supposed “first pope”—is the rock, the Catholic church insidiously borrows from the credibility of the Bible while taking it out of the biblical context in which it is written. The Catholic church discourages its members from reading the Bible for themselves and when they do use the Bible, it’s usually out of its obvious context. More on this in a moment.
Catholicism seeks to rob Jesus Christ of His preeminence as the only divine LORD and only Savior. As we are now going to see by looking at the passage in context, they bait and switch here. They put the emphasis on Peter and not Jesus. So, they rob Christ of the glory due His Name alone and put that glory on a sinner named Peter. Then they teach the heresy that he was the first pope. First of all, there’s no such thing as a pope in the kingdom of Christ. There’s not one mention of a pope in the Bible and for that matter, no mention of a novena, a mass, a scapular, a rosary, or purgatory in God’s Word. It’s all made up Pagan mythology to mislead people away from the Savior.
WHO IS THE REAL ROCK?
“This rock” is not referring to Peter but rather the revelation of Jesus Christ Himself as the only Messiah. Let’s read this passage carefully. Peter had just told Jesus that HE, Jesus, is the prophesied Messiah, “the Son of the living God.” This is what was revealed to Peter by the heavenly Father. Then what was Jesus’ initial response? “This rock” is not referring to Peter but rather the revelation that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, the only Savior who came to take away the sins of the world (Matthew 16:13-20). Note how the passage closes: – “Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:20). Notice Jesus didn’t say “Tell no man that Peter is the rock.” Hmmmmm …. this passage is about the Rock, Jesus Christ, and not Peter or the Catholic church. This is just another antichrist heresy peddled by the Roman church, seeking to steal the glory from the LORD Jesus Christ, the only LORD and Savior, the only Rock (Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 Corinthians 10:4).
PETER CONFESSES JESUS AS THE CHRIST
Matthew 16:13 – When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 – And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 – He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Matthew 16:16 – And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 16:17 – And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 16:18 – And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:19 – And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 16:20 – Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Interestingly, just after Jesus told Peter that He was going to build His church (called-out people) upon the rock of the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, He told Peter to “Get thee behind me Satan.” The catholic church teaches that their pope is infallible. Yet we know that Jesus told Peter, supposedly the “first pope” to “Get thee behind me Satan.” (Matthew 16:23) – IF THE “FIRST POPE” (who actually walked with Jesus in the flesh for 3.5 yrs) WASN’T PERFECT/INFALLIBLE, HOW COULD CURRENT ONES BE???
WAS PETER EVER IN ROME? READ ROMANS 16, WRITTEN FROM ROME BY PAUL. PAUL LISTS 27 PEOPLE. PETER WAS NOT EVEN MENTIONED.
ABOUT 80-90 A.D. PETER WROTE TWO EPISTLES (NEAR THE END OF THE NEW TESTAMENT), A TOTAL OF 8 CHAPTERS AND NEVER MENTIONED ONE TIME THAT HE WAS A “POPE” OR THAT THERE WAS A “CATHOLIC CHURCH.” DID THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PETER FORGET TO TELL US SOMETHING IMPORTANT OR IS SUCH SIMPLY NOT TRUE???
Jesus did not appoint Peter to the headship of the apostles and forbade any such notion (Matthew 20:20-28; Luke 22:24-26; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11).
The only Church Jesus has is the born again Church He died to save. God’s Word tells us that Christ is the only HEAD of His one body! This alone means that the pope of Rome is the head of a false church. God has One Church with One Head – Jesus Christ, the nail-scarred risen LORD and only Savior (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Colossians 1:18; 2:10, 19).
Note: Nor is there any mention in Scripture, nor in history, that Peter ever was in Rome, much less that he was pope there for 25 years. Clement, 3rd bishop of Rome, remarks that “there is no real 1st century evidence that Peter ever was in Rome.”
To What Degree, How High does the Catholic Church Elevate the “Pope”?
Peter was not the first “pope.” There’s no such thing as a “pope” in Christ’s kingdom. The word or concept of a “pope” is found no where in Scripture other than the seat of antichrist which pretends to put itself in place of the LORD Jesus Christ. Anti in antichrist simply means “in place of.” (2 Thessalonians 2) Listen closely to the following passage and see if you can guess who the Holy Spirit is speaking of. Who fits this description?:
“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
Now do we see why nearly all Christian leaders of past days called the pope of Rome “the seat of antichrist”?
The catholic church officially and blasphemously teaches that the costume-clad sinner on a man-made throne in Rome is “Jesus Christ Himself.” Listen to their own words:
“The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, HE IS JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF, hidden under the veil of flesh.” Catholic National July 1895. ANTICHRIST BLASPHEMY!
“The Pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God…He is likewise the divine monarch and supreme emperor and king of kings. Hence the pope Is crowned with a triple crown, as king of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions.” Ferraris EccI. Dictionary (Catholic) Article, Pope. ANTICHRIST BLASPHEMY
“The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man (…) he is as it were God on earth, sole sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief of kings, having plenitude of power.” -Lucius Ferraris, «Prompta Bibliotheca», 1763, Volume VI, ‘Papa II’, pp.25-29 ANTICHRIST BLASPHEMY
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SAYS: “The Pope has power to change times, to abrogate laws, and to dispense with all things, even the precepts of Christ”. “The Pope has authority and has often exercised it, to dispense with the command of Christ.” This is from Decretal, de Tranlatic Episcop. Cap. THIS IS ANTICHRIST!
NOTE…this is only “one” definition of blasphemy. Another is claiming to have the power to “forgive sins” Case in point = Mark 2:7, which states, “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” The “confessional” of the Roman Catholic Church is indeed yet another identifiable feature exposing the Vatican as Antichrist’s dwelling. They openly declare a mere MAN dressed as a priest has the power to FORGIVE SINS!
God alone can forgive a sinner, can forgive sins. Jesus says:
“the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins” Matthew 9:6
No sinner can forgive his own sins, much less the sins of another. The catholic church is a demonic pagan cult which pretends that its costume-clad unsaved “priests” can forgive sins. Hint: The catholic confessional booth was originate for espionage purposes – to find out and blackmail those who went there and confessed their sins to those God-less “priests”.
“Many believe that the Catholic Church or the Pope is the Antichrist. It is interesting that from their own church historians they have said, “The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ, Himself, hidden under the veil of human flesh“(Catholic National Magazine, 1895). Pope Pius V was quoted as saying “The Pope and God are the same, so he has all power in Heaven and earth” (quoted in Barclay, Chapter XXVII, p. 218, Cities Petrus Bertanous). Can the Pope forgive sins? Consider this written record from Alphonsus de Liguori, in Dignity and Duties of the Priest, “To pardon a single sin requires all the omnipotence of God…The Jews justly said: ‘Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ But what only GOD can do by His omnipotence, the PRIEST can ALSO do by saying ‘Ego te absolvo a peccatis tuis’ [I absolve you from your sin] (pages 34-35).” Unknown
It would be wise to ask your friends and family who are still catholic if they know that their “church” teaches this.
Why aren’t catholic priests and popes married? Peter, the supposed “first pope” was married.
“And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.” Matthew 8:14
Notice that if Jesus healed Peter “WIFE’S mother,” the apostle Peter was married.
GOD NEVER TOLD YOU THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS OF HIM, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TOLD YOU THIS.
ISN’T IT INTERESTING that in the 27 books of the New Testament Scriptures, Mary is not once mentioned after the 6th book? There are 27 books in the divinely inspired New Testament canon of Holy Scripture and Mary is not even mentioned in 21 of those books. Further, the supposed “first pope” (Peter) never mentioned Mary one time in the 8 chapters he penned which are at the end of the New Testament canon. Also, Peter never referred to himself as a “pope.” He was an apostle. A telling fact for certain! God never placed the emphasis on Mary that the Roman religion does. Which will you serve? Jesus says, “No man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
True Christians follow Jesus Christ and His words (John 8:31-31,47). Only an idolater (barred from Heaven Ephesians 5:3-7) would follow some robe-wearing earthly “pope” or Mary.
FACT: THERE IS NO PROOF PETER WAS THE FIRST “POPE”…THE OFFICE OF “POPE” WASN’T EVEN INVENTED TILL SEVERAL CENTURIES AFTER CHRIST AND PETER HAD LEFT THE EARTH.
If Peter was the first “pope” then why didn’t he say so? Why didn’t the APOSTLE (not pope) Peter simply tell us if in fact he was the first “pope”? Because the fairy tale “pope” is a myth and has nothing to do with New Testament Christianity or the true people of God.
“Holy Father”?
The catholic church calls their pope “holy father.” There’s nothing holy about the pope because there is no pope in Christ’s kingdom. He’s a mere man, nothing more than a sinner dressed in a religious costume. If the Son of God was speaking about the Catholic pope, why did Jesus not tell us he would be based in Rome, that he would be wearing a long robe (that Jesus forbid in Luke 20:46), and be called “holy father” which Christ also forbid? (Matthew 23:9) Why, O Why? Did the Almighty forget to tell us something we needed to know?
Is the pope a mere “man”? Jesus commanded – “And call NO MAN your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9).
Jesus warned against long robes. Look up Luke 20:46. He gave us a clue as to who was false.
According to the Son of God “Damnation” is where the robe-wearing priests and pope are headed – “Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; 47 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation” (Luke 20:46-47).
What happens when you put a robe on a sinner? Simple: you then have a sinner dressed in a religious costume.
Catholics have been misled. This is obvious because they only tout and defend mere men and an organization of mere sinful men. Their defense and praise is not about worshiping Jesus Christ who is the only nail-scarred risen LORD and Savior. “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
THERE’S NO HOPE IN THE POPE – JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY
Peter was a Jewish man who was an apostle, not a pope—no such thing as a pope in God’s economy, otherwise He would have told us in His Word. The word or concept of a “pope” is nowhere to be found in God’s Word, the Bible.
Catholicism is based upon a mere sinful man, peter (pebble), while true Christianity and the object of worship for true believers is the sinless ONE with the nail-scarred hands who died for the sins of all the world.
“HOLY FATHER” is the Catholic term for their phony “pope” and yet it is a title God Almighty claims for Himself alone in the Bible (John 17:11). This title occurs only once in the Bible (John 17:11) when Jesus addresses His Heavenly Father in His great prayer before His betrayal, arrest and crucifixion. It is blasphemy for any man to claim this title for himself. It belongs only to God, the Father.
WHERE JESUS IS, THERE IS THE TRUE CHURCH. WHERE THE POPE IS, THERE IS THE FALSE CHURCH. ALL POPES ARE MERE SINFUL MEN. JESUS IS GOD.
Can the pope save anyone’s soul from eternal damnation? No, the pope is a mere sinner too. The long robe and title changes nothing. God will judge. Concerning the dead popes, perhaps we should consider the words of our precious LORD: “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60).
Friend be not deceived, no true Christian honors the rotting bones of a mere sinful man (like pope John Paul II) because the One who saved the true believer with His precious blood has arisen and is alive forever more. Amen.
JESUS TOLD US HE IS THE ONLY WAY. WHO’S LYING? “It is necessary to salvation that every man should submit to the Pope.” (Boniface VIII Unum Sanctum, 1303.) ANTICHRIST BLASPHEMY.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH DOESN’T WANT ITS MEMBERS READING GOD’S WORD FOR THEMSELVES
The Catholic church did not want the Bible to be translated into English because if the people read it then they would find out the errors in their church.
The Council of Trent (1545-1564) placed the Bible on its list of PROHIBITED BOOKS and forbade any person to read the Bible without a license from a Roman Catholic bishop or inquisitor. The Council added these words: “That if any one shall dare to read or keep in his possession that book, without such a license, he shall not receive absolution till he has given it up to his ordinary.”
The Pope put the Bible on the Index of forbidden books in the 12th century.
Why did the pope forbid God’s Word being known by the common man? It’s simple, the Roman religion doesn’t want the light of Scripture to shine on their darkness. They want to keep their prey in slavery.
Dear Catholic friend, why do you think Rome prohibited Catholics, and others, from reading the Bible? Why do you think they killed over 50 million people and called them heretics for reading and believing the Holy Scriptures? Why did Pope Pius VII say that the Bible causes men more harm than benefit? Why would God’s Word cause harm?
Why is the true gospel of salvation through Christ alone and by unmerited divine grace never preached in the Catholic mass? This fact alone clearly shows the falsity of this religion of mere men and shows how infinitely distant it is from the LORD Jesus.
Historical List of Atrocities of the Popes | The Catholic Church Exposed |
There is no salvation without regeneration. “Ye MUST be born again.” John 3:3, 7
I also ask them to show Bible Scriptures demonstrating how the scapular, rosary, purgatory, etc. are biblical. Laughable. Not one of these are ever mentioned in the Bible and are totally pagan.
Making Peace with God Now – Before it’s too late. | The Catholic Church Exposed
Apostasy
Racism: Nation Rising Against Nation [radio]
Nation Shall Rise Against Nation
Laboring in the Spirit, not the Flesh
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
It’s not about the color or your skin, it’s about what kingdom you’re in!
What Should be the Response of the Body of Christ? – LOVE!
Reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning this week is a life changer. Nothing in our lives is going to work out right if we don’t prayerfully endeavor to walk in God’s love – loving God and our neighbor, above ourselves. I love pouring prayerfully over 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 2:3-5. Life changing is an understatement!
Racism is hatred and is not a skin color. It is a heart condition – coming from a sinful heart. Memorize Romans 2:11.
In the time of tribulation for the believers at Thessalonica, the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul and said this:
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5
By this we know of a certainty that the Holy Spirit is leading, directing our “hearts into the LOVE of God” and not the flesh, not a fleshly response. We now face tribulation and can be assured by this truth that our unchanging God is directing our hearts into His love and not hatred.
This is a divine truth for every era, every hour…. and we sure know that sin is exponentially abounding in this late hour…. which means divine grace is even greater – to save, heal, bless, deliver, and make whole!!!!
“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20
Here’s more evidence of God’s leading His people into the love walk in trying times:
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8
Any person who does not walk in God’s love is not saved and we know that from many Scriptures. No hate, no hater shall enter Christ’s kingdom, no matter what justification that sinner thinks he has to warrant hating anyone. “He that loveth not knoweth not God.” (1 John 4:8) “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)
When His disciples ask Him “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”, Jesus gave them this answer:
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation (ethnic group) shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:4-13
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5
The Church began, will end as containing precious souls from every nation, kindred, and tongue (Acts 2; Revelation 5:9; 14:6).
The New Testament church began with men from every nation under Heaven and will be the same throughout eternity in glory.
Acts 2:1-13
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9
Nation/ethnos, ethnic yes…groups at odds was foretold by Jesus – Matthew 24:7
Yes we can be at peace, Jesus told us to fear not and to be at peace …..
John 14:27 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 16:33 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.
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Articles
LESS than the Least! Filthy Rags Fellowship! [podcast]
The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent!
FACT: NO ONE, not one person on this earth needs Jesus more than this fool, this pauper who is nothing without Christ! (Romans 7:18; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15)
Jesus died, was buried, and raised again from the dead to forgive, regenerate, redeem, and grant complete victory in this life to every one of His people. Yet, we must do things God’s way and no other way.
JESUS JUDGED SIN ON THE CROSS SO WE DON’T HAVE TO BE JUDGED FOR OUR SIN AND SO WE CAN EXPERIENCE “THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE” BOTH NOW AND FOREVER (JOHN 12:31-32; EPHESIANS 1:7; 2:7).
What do we truly deserve in and of ourselves, being that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags”? (Isaiah 64:6) The term “filthy rags” expresses the image, the reality of utter impurity, putridity.
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6
No. No. No. Born again believers into Christ are no longer walking in their own righteousness which is as “filthy rags” and yet, they are ever aware of the fact that outside of Christ, if they dare tread, means they are again as “filthy rags” in the sight of a Holy God (Isaiah 64:6; Ezekiel 33:12-13; 2 Peter 2:20-22)..
“And be found in him, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS (“filthy rags”), which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Philippians 3:9
Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.
“It is then, we say, in the successive stages of his experience, that the believer sees more distinctly, and adores more profoundly, and grasps more firmly, the finished righteousness of Christ. And what is the school in which he learns his nothingness, his poverty, his utter destitution? The school of deep and sanctified affliction. In no other school is it learned, and under no other teacher but God. Here his high thoughts are brought low, and the Lord alone is exalted.” Octavius Winslow
The true disciple sees himself as absolutely undeserving of and infinitely blessed to have been found, forgiven, and saved by the LORD Jesus Christ! He sees himself like Paul – “LESS than the least of all saints.” (Ephesians 3:8)
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
Like Paul, we should always see ourselves as the one most in need of the great mercy of God given us through Christ our LORD! Pour over Titus 3:5-7 daily this week beloved of God.
We cannot die for our own sins. Jesus alone did that – perfectly paying for them (John 19:30). He lived a sinless life under the law – to keep it perfectly as no sinful man had or could ever do (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3; James 2:10, etc.). Christ then nailed the law to the cross and “took it out of the way,” removing us from under it – from under its impossible weight (Colossians 2:14-19, etc.). Memorize Romans 10:4 and James 2:10 and Galatians 2:16 brother.
Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the grace of Jesus – which works in us via the cross life. Romans chapters 6-7.
All I have to do to find the man most in need of God’s saving grace and mercy, is to look in the mirror (Romans 7:18, 24; James 1:23-24). As long as we neglect to look in the mirror, honestly, we will continue to be self-righteous as were Jesus’ most evil enemies, the religious frauds, the pharisees of His day (Matthew 23). Are we pharisees or humble, broken, honest disciples of Christ? (Matthew 18:3-4)
“Hell is full of people who think they deserve heaven. Heaven is full of people who know they deserve Hell.” Unknown
If we vainly imagine that someone else’s sin is more vile than our own in the eyes of a holy God, this is a tell tale indicator that we still don’t have a Gospel clue – as to our own utter unworthiness, wretchedness, and depravity outside of Christ! (Genesis 32:10; Jeremiah 17:9; James 2:10, 13; Titus 3:3-7, etc.)
How can we possibly begin to understand and appreciate why Jesus came to the earth to die if we still see ourselves as anything except “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” before a holy God? (Isaiah 6:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Revelation 4:8)
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.
The apostle Paul had his personal testimony of being saved by the grace of Christ and considered himself to be, not the least, but rather “LESS than the least” of all saints in Christ. In my opinion, this should be the only thing you and I should disagree with Paul concerning. Paul didn’t know us when he said that, right? 😉 Get the point? -you and I, as we see the truth about our own utter iniquitous depravity (Romans 7), we should view ourselves as “LESS than the least of all saints.” (Ephesians 3:8) We should also agree with the divine truth, uttered from the great apostle of Christ and recorded below:
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18
Do you realize that outside of Christ, “NO GOOD THING” dwells in you?
“O WRETCHed man that I am! (presently) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24
It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. … And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.” Genesis 6:5, 12
Now, do we begin to see why we must be “crucified with Christ”? (Galatians 2:20)
Every believer grapples with the downward gravitational pull of the flesh (Galatians 5:17; Hebrews 12:4). Obeying God is the only way victory will erupt, manifest in our personal lives (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Death and burial will be followed by resurrection! And, when Christ is truly reigning is us, victory will be sure! Time to get down low and watch the devil and sin go! (James 4:6-10)
“GOD is able” saith the LORD! (Ephesians 3:20)
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20
Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen mankind (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Psalms 39:4-5).
We should see ourselves as the most undeserving of the saving grace of Christ. We should say before our God, with the man who hung his head low as he prayed and said “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
God calls those whom He saves to relish the great love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy He has shown upon us – “WHILE we were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8) This is the disposition of the true disciple. In fact, He calls us to lift up and prefer others actually ABOVE ourselves.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5
The above passage is a great way to begin our day, every morning.
Those who truly seek and love the LORD, love also all men. Having freely received it, they desire to pour out the message of Christ’s saving mercy on others. Memorize the words of our LORD recorded in Matthew 22:37-40.
Saved by Divine Mercy
We cannot die for our own sins. Jesus alone did that – perfectly paying for them (John 19:30). He lived a sinless life under the law – to keep it perfectly as no sinful man had or could ever do (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3; James 2:10, etc.). Christ then nailed the law to the cross and “took it out of the way,” removing us from under it – from under its impossible weight (Colossians 2:14-19, etc.). Memorize Romans 10:4 and James 2:10 and Galatians 2:16 brother.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
Do we still think we were worthy to be forgiven, saved? …. Not! God did it out of His sheer love! Can we examine that idea?
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” Isaiah 64:6
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10
“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.” Genesis 32:10
Foundations: JESUS came to save man from his SIN, first and foremost and not just to comfort, remove stress, and solve all the other problems that emanate from sin. Seldom is this foundational Bible truth ever heard in the apostate modern church world where it’s all about “what’s in it for me”? Total self-serving, un-repentant counterfeits! Memorize Matthew 1:29; John 1:29; and 1 Timothy 1:15. The essential doctrine of fallen mankind is ignored by modern wolves. | The Sinful Depravity of Fallen Mankind – Man Outside of the Present Saving Mercy of God
How do you see yourself?
Some among us recklessly pretend to be sinless. This seems apparent in the way they harshly, mercilessly judge others. Yet, God’s Word warns each of us:
“be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23
Instead of covering our sins, denying we’ve committed them, we must admit them honestly and forsake them:
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10
If we don’t see things from God’s perspective, through the eyes of Holy Scripture, we are completely deceived and in need of repentance and true obedience to the only LORD and Savior.
Some men’s sins are public while others are hidden for now and yet God sees and will bring them all to the light after death. Nothing is hidden from His eyes (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).
All we have to see the person most in need of divine mercy is to look in the mirror.
The sin that should concern us the most is our own.
Mercy! Back up the dump truck and unload it on others AS YOU DESPERATELY need it from God! He requires this! Hell is full of self-righteous, merciless hypocrites. Jesus says the harlots will be in Heaven before they will !
“Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31
One commentary on this passage states:
“Christ forces from the unwilling hearers an answer which, at the moment, they do not see will condemn themselves. Unaccustomed to be criticized and put to the question, wrapped in a self-complacent righteousness, which was generally undisturbed, they missed the bearing of the parable on their own case, and answered without hesitation, as any unprejudiced person would have decided. The first; i.e. the son who first refused, but afterwards repented and went. Verily I say unto you. Jesus drives the moral home to the hearts of these hypocrites. The publicans and the harlots. He specifies these excommunicated sinners as examples of those represented by the first son. Go into the kingdom of God before you; προαìγουσιν ὑμας: are preceding you. This was the fact which Jesus saw and declared, he does not cut off all hope that the Pharisees might follow, if they willed to do so; he only shows that they have lost the position which they ought to have occupied, and that those whom they despised and spurned have accepted the offered salvation, and shall have their reward. We must remark that the Lord has no censure for those who sometime were disobedient, but afterwards repented; his rebuke falls on the professors and self-righteous, who ought to have been leaders and guides, and were in truth impious and irreligious.” Pulpit Commentary
In this statement and much more of what we see in Holy Scripture, God expresses to us that the filthiest of sinners He detests are the self-righteous religionists.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12
THINK of the worst sin you have ever committed: Now, if you want all your sins removed “as far as the east is from the west,” God requires that you repent, cease your self-righteous attitudes and words condemnations on others, and relish His mercy that you never deserved but that God proved through the blood of the cross of His only begotten Son. Get your hands from around the neck of others or hell will be your forever abode – not matter what security you vainly believe you have with the LORD (Matthew 18:21-35).
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God Blesses those who Read His Word [book]
God blesses those who Read His Word
“Blessed is he that readeth” Revelation 1:3
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and READ.” Isaiah 34:16
“Rightly dividing the word of truth”
“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
YES God’s people are to “study” His Word and how else to do such than to begin by “READING” His words? 2 Timothy 2:15
“Till I come, give attendance to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13
“Blessed is he that READETH ….” Revelation 1:3
Years ago I found that if I don’t get up early to read God’s Word and spend quality moments in prayer first and foremost, it will never happen. God must be put first and this requires ruthless discipline.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Reading all of God’s Word is the priority of every astute follower of Jesus.
There’s no way to learn God’s Word other than reading it yourself (2 Timothy 2:15). God gave you His Word in tangible format in order for you to learn of Him, from Him, and by Him. Those who leave it to others to teach them God’s Word are self-deceived and will be misled by those they depend on to teach them the Bible.
“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12
O the beauty of doing things God’s way. When things are done our LORD’s way, His blessings ensue! Blessings will chase you down! Are you putting GOD first in your life, truly, literally?
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
“The joy and rejoicing of mine heart”
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Saints, in order that some may be encouraged, below, let’s talk about our current personal Bible reading…..
“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include OT, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” Todd
“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason
“I am reading Mark.” Michele
“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe
“I Been Reading James And 1st And 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie
“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan
“Reading 1 and 2 Corinthians. That’s the Scripture portion that my current CD covers at night. Listening to the whole KJB on CD and set it to repeat while I’m sleeping. This morning specifically studied 2 Cor. 4:10.” Debbie
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God Blesses those who Read His Word [book]
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The More Blessed Life [podcast]
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The Blessings of Bible Reading [podcast]
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LESS than the Least! Filthy Rags Fellowship! [podcast]
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Full of The Holy Ghost [podcast]
Racism: Nation Rising Against Nation [radio]
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