QUESTION: Was Erasmus, the editor of the Textus Receptus, a “good” Roman Catholic?ANSWER: Erasmus, who edited the Greek text which was later to be known as the Textus Receptus, was an embarrassment to the pope and a poor example of a “good” Roman Catholic.
EXPLANATION: Desiderius Erasmus was born in 1466 and died in 1536 at the age of seventy. This was no mean feat during the days when the plagues, coupled with primeval medical practices, worked together to limit the average age of a man’s life to approximately 35-40 years.
Both of his parents fell victim to that same plague while Erasmus was just a lad. He and his brother were then placed in the care of an uncle who promptly sent them off to a monastery just to be rid of them. Thus Erasmus’s destiny was sealed long before he could ever have a say in the matter.
Young Erasmus became well known for his charm, urbanity and wit, and was in possession of an obviously above average intellect. He was later to choose to be an Augustinian on the sole attribute that they were known to have the finest of libraries.
His behavior was somewhat bizarre by Augustinian standards. He refused to keep vigils, never hesitated to eat meat on Fridays, and though ordained, chose never to function as a priest. The Roman Church had captured his body, but quite apparently his mind and heart were still unfettered.
He is known to history as one of the most prolific writers of all times.
Erasmus was a constant and verbal opponent of the many excesses of his church. He berated the papacy, the priesthood and the over indulgences of the monks. He stated that the monks would not touch money, but that they were not so scrupulous concerning wine and women. He constantly attacked clerical concubinage and the cruelty with which the Roman Catholic Church dealt with so called “heretics.” He is even credited with saving a man from the Inquisition.
One of his many writings consisted of a tract entitled “Against the Barbarians” which was directed against the overt wickedness of the Roman Catholic Church.
He was a constant critic of Pope Julius and the papal monarchy. He often compared the crusade leading Pope Julius to Julius Caesar. He is quoted as saying, “How truly is Julius playing the part of Julius.” He also stated, “This monarchy of the Roman pontiff is the pest of Christendom.” He advised the church to “get rid of the Roman See.” When a scathing satire, in which Pope Julius was portrayed as going to Hell, written in anonymity was circulated, it was fairly common knowledge that its author was Erasmus.
He was offered a bishopric in hopes that it would silence his criticism. He rejected the bribe flat.
Erasmus published five editions of the New Testament in Greek. They were brought out successively in 1516, 1519, 1522, 1527 and 1535. His first two editions did not contain I John 5:7 although the reading had been found in many non-Greek texts dating back as early as 150 A.D. Erasmus desired to include the verse but knew the conflict that would rage if he did so without at least one Greek manuscript for authority. Following the publication of his second edition, which like his first consisted of both the Greek New Testament and his own Latin translation, he said that he would include I John 5:7 in his next edition if just one Greek manuscript could be found which contained it. Opponents of the reading today erringly charge that the two manuscripts found had been specially produced just to oblige Erasmus’s request, but this charge has never been validated and was not held at the time of Erasmus’s work.
The Roman Catholic Church criticized his works for his refusal to use Jerome’s Latin translation, a translation that he said was inaccurate. He opposed Jerome’s translation in two vital areas.
He detected that the Greek text had been corrupted as early as the fourth century. He knew that Jerome’s translation had been based solely on the Alexandrian manuscript, Vaticanus, written itself early in the fourth century.
He also differed with Jerome on the translation of certain passages which were vital to the claimed authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
Jerome rendered Matthew 4:17 thus: “Do penance, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Erasmus differed with: “Be penitent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Erasmus was also a staunch defender of both Mark 16:9-21 and John 8:1-12. Zeal which our modern day scholars cannot seem to find.
Possibly Erasmus’s greatest gift to mankind was his attitude toward the common man. In the rigidly “classed” society in which he lived, he was an indefatigable advocate of putting the Scripture in the hands of the common man. While Jerome’s Latin had been translated at the bidding of the Roman hierarchy, Erasmus translated his Latin with the express purpose of putting it into the hands of the common people of his day. A practice that the Roman Catholic Church knew could be dangerous to its plan to control the masses.
Erasmus is quoted as saying, “Do you think that the Scriptures are fit only for the perfumed?” “I venture to think that anyone who reads my translation at home will profit thereby.” He boldly stated that he longed to see the Bible in the hands of “the farmer, the tailor, the traveler and the Turk.” Later, to the astonishment of his upper classed colleagues, he added “the masons, the prostitutes and the pimps” to that declaration.
Knowing his desire to see the Bible in the hands of God’s common people, it seems not so surprising that God was to use his Greek text for the basis of the English Bible that was translated with the common man in mind, the King James Bible.
It has been said that “Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched.” There is probably far more truth to this statement than can be casually discerned. For the reformers were armed with Erasmus’s Bible, his writings and his attitude of resistance to Roman Catholic intimidation. Of Luther he said, “I favor Luther as much as I can, even if my cause is everywhere linked with his.” He wrote several letters on Luther’s behalf, and wholeheartedly agreed with him that salvation was entirely by grace, not works.
He refused pressure by his Roman Catholic superiors to denounce Luther as a heretic. If Erasmus had turned the power of his pen on Luther, it would undoubtedly have caused far more damage than the powerless threats of the pope and his imps were able to do. As it is, only his disagreement with Luther’s doctrine of predestination ever prompted him to criticize the Reformer with pen and ink.
Erasmus’s greatest point of dissension with the Roman Church was over its doctrine of salvation through works and the tenets of the church.
He taught that salvation was a personal matter between the individual and God and was by faith alone. Of the Roman system of salvation he complained, “Aristotle is so in vogue that there is scarcely time in the churches to interpret the gospel.” And what was “the gospel” to which Erasmus referred? We will let him speak for himself.
“Our hope is in the mercy of God and the merits of Christ.” Of Jesus Christ he stated, “He … nailed our sins to the cross, sealed our redemption with his blood. ” He boldly stated that no rites of the Church were necessary for an individual’s salvation. “The way to enter paradise,” he said, “is the way of the penitent thief, say simply, Thy will be done. The world to me is crucified and I to the world.”
Concerning the most biblical sect of his time, the Anabaptists, he reserved a great deal of respect. He mentioned them as early as 1523 even though he himself was often called the “only Anabaptist of the 16th century.” He stated that the Anabaptists that he was familiar with called themselves “Baptists.” (Ironically, Erasmus was also the FIRST person to use the term “fundamental.”)
So we see that when Erasmus died on July 11, 1536, he had led a life that could hardly be construed to be an example of what could be considered a “good Catholic.”
But perhaps the greatest compliment, though veiled, that Erasmus’s independent nature ever received came in 1559, twenty-three years after his death. That is when Pope Paul IV put Erasmus’s writings on the “Index” of books, forbidden to be read by Roman Catholics.
IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does it condemn clerical dress? (Matt. 23:5-6). Why does it teach against the adoration of Mary? (Luke 11:27-28). Why does it show that all Christians are priests? (1 Pet. 2:5,9). Why does it condemn the observance of special days? (Gal. 4:9-11). Why does it forbid us to address religious leaders as “father”? (Matt. 23:9).
Also, IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does the Bible teach that Christ is the only foundation and not the apostle Peter? (1 Cor. 3:11). Why does it address only God Himself as the “Holy Father”? (John 17:11). Why does it teach that there is one mediator instead of many? (1 Tim. 2:5). Why is it completely silent about infant baptism, indulgences, purgatory, confession to priests, the rosary, the mass, and many other things in the Catholic Church?
IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does the Bible teach that all Christians are saints? (1 Cor. 1:2). Why does it condemn the making and adoration of images? (Ex. 20:4-5). Why does it teach that baptism is immersion instead of pouring? (Col. 2:12).
Furthermore, IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does the Bible forbid us to address religious leaders as “father”? (Matt. 23:9).Why does it teach that Christ is the only foundation and not the apostle Peter? (1 Cor. 3:11). Why does it address only God Himself as the “Holy Father.” (John 17:11).
If the Bible is catholic, why then did the Pope put the Bible on the Index of forbidden books in the 12th century?
EVEN MORE: IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does the Bible teach that there is only One Mediator instead of many? (1 Tim. 2:5). Why is it completely silent about infant baptism, indulgences, purgatory, confession to priests, the rosary, the mass, and many other heresies perpetrated by the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church is Satan’s Monstrosity and has done Nothing Except Attack God’s Word
Leslie R Wilds writes: “Did you know that when the King James Bible came out besides the Tyndale Bible which was suppressed because they murdered him the King James Bible was the only Bible available to the General Public. Because the Catholic Church suppress it. And just like Ruckman says it came out before German rationalism English deism or French atheism Ever Raised its ugly head all of that including Darwinism is a direct assault against the King James Bible because the word of God became available to everyone through the English king who authorized it whether you like the king or not King James Bible is the word of God it is not to be altered ever.”
Is Peter the Rock or is Jesus? CATHOLIC HERESY EXPOSED! [podcast]
Articles
Mission Mexico Part 23
Just handed a tract to a man named Ruben. He said “Thank you. I’ve been searching and was thinking of visiting the JW (Jehovah Witness) church near me. Thank you.” Ruben said. Then a conversation ensued. He was informed that that JW and Mormons are cults. Ruben was given the law to convict and saving Gospel and exhorted to pray in repentance today and receive Jesus for the remission of his sins. He was told by way of testimony and the Word that Jesus is exactly Who he was looking for.
We exchanged numbers and will be meeting again soon. Please pray for this man. He’s in ripe mode if you will….. ready to repent and receive Jesus, Heaven’s Treasure, Salvation! Would you like to pause and lift Ruben in prayer?
*** Saints, as your brother in Christ, let me encourage you to dare pray something like this today if you are inclined: “Dear LORD, I am all Yours. You created me. You came and died for me. I am Yours. Please put me on Your planet, just exactly where You want me, and use me dear LORD! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Could the LORD be shaking off the dust of His holy feet against America?
“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14
Saints, the JW and Mormon cults are here in Mexico. There are few if any Christian missionaries. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are 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
I don’t believe any American would regret moving to this great country of Mexico. The peace and tranquility are off the charts. If you need someone to talk to, let me know.
One thing is certain, you will be immediately spoiled by the preciousness of the Mexican people and their acceptance of the message of Christ! You will minister to no one who won’t say “Gracias.”
Are you printing out your supply of JESUS tracts to pass out daily? Never leave home without your supply of the Gospel of Jesus to share with others. Download Jesus tract PDF with one click here – English and Spanish
Francisco repented and received Jesus! As our LORD would have it, our paths crossed by divine ordination. Francisco was preached to and gladly received a Jesus tract. Upon showing him the prayer of repentance and faith on the back, he immediately raised his hands to pray. It caught me off guard, in a good way, and so he was instructed to pray in repentance and faith… as he was led, and he did. Out loud, acknowledging that he has sinned against God and then calling on our LORD Jesus to forgive, save, wash away his sin.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. … 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13
Beloved Francisco was showed and encouraged to download the Reina Valera Spanish Bible onto his devices and wake up to seeking God in His Word and prayer first thing each morning (Matthew 6:33). He was given the idea also of reading the Proverb of the day each morning.
This continues to happen here with these precious people. They are so hungry for Christ and only need someone to show, to lead them to Him. Several times when instructed to go home and pray in repentance and faith, they overtly lift their hands and hearts and begin praying right on the spot—which demonstrates that they’d been waiting eagerly to hear the message of Christ’s Gospel!
“HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14
Ensuing his repentance toward God and faith toward our LORD Jesus (Acts 20:21), the discipleship began. We’ve already been communicating and he’s got the Born Again book in Spanish with three more of the ministry books which will be sent to him this week.
As you can imagine, there is no shortage of great food in Mexico.
“As you guys see, the harvest is plenteous (Matthew 9:37), and the fields are ready for the harvest! Your wages are the joy of gathering the fruit unto enteral life. John 4:35-36. And we as fellowhelpers rejoice with you. As His truth is being spread aboard into the hearts of the Dear people of Mexico! We are team Jesus! Appreciate all the pictures and stories of the many who are receiving with meekness the engraved word of the Lord! Hallelujah! Bless you and Justin.” Tom and Karen Cochran
Brother Justin and I were able to minister our LORD’s Word to several people this evening. Justin was elated to see the interaction, the response of these amazing people of Mexico. Here’s one of the beloved people who received a thorough preaching of the Word of Jesus Christ. HIS Word was 100% received. As usual each person is instructed to go home and pray the prayer on the back of the JESUS tract and repent, receive Jesus, and let Him wash you clean in His precious blood. Boom (1 Corinthians 3:9). When asked if he wished for Christians in the United States to pray for him, Manuel was happy to know you will pause to lift him in prayer.
Brother in Christ Vicente contacted me today to try to help this young man. Please pray for beloved Dario. We know God has a plan. Hopefully I can meet him soon and lead him to our LORD Jesus, if he’s not yet saved.
Thank you for lifting Dario in prayer.
Remember Jesus taught us the prayer power is in His holy name—JESUS CHRIST—and not how long or emotional we get in prayer (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24). Just ask Him (Matthew 7:7).
The people of Mexico are so sincere, earnest, meek, and diligent. He’s growing up, in transition and God will hear the prayers of His saints in Jesus’ name for this man. God is able!
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
TODAY, a man named David was ministered to and was captivated by Christ. He couldn’t stop reading and even praying aloud the prayer on the back of the Jesus tract. Would you like to lift beloved David in prayer? I will see him soon. He owns a store. Jesus is moving on the hearts of men. He’s not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32
Our LORD Jesus was lifted up on the cross, crucified between the holy Father in Heaven and fallen mankind on earth—in order to “draw all men” to Himself to be saved.
Neighborhood bodega (store).
Mission Mexico
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/
God is moving on the hearts of men, saving souls…. and using His people’s prayers and labor…. “WE are labourers (plural) TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
SAINTS of Christ, we are Team JESUS. And remember that your prayers and supply are just as powerful, effectual for Christ as those, boots on the ground, are giving out God’s love in the form of those Gospel tracts and food, assistance, the spoken WORD of God, etc., 100% acceptance down here!
“WE (plural) are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
Jesus is coming – Let’s roll saints!
WE, TOGETHER, are continuing what Jesus started, right? Check this Great Commission action of our KING:
“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
If you are not personally involved in the Great Commission it could only be due to you not yet knowing the One who gave that mandate.
Jesus sent you on a mission and if you are not fulfilling that mission with the other members of the “little flock” of Christ, you are out of God’s will and have rejected Christ (Luke 12:32). To reject, to refuse to fulfill Christ’s commands, including His Great Commission command, is to openly reject Christ.
OUR LORD IS HEARING AND ANSWERING THE PRAYERS OF HIS BELOVED SAINTS IN THE NAME OF JESUS!
THIS JUST IN: “He never fails” says our brother Justin who is Australian and was saved here on the street in Mexico. Justin was recently water baptized you may recall with brother Daniel. You’ve lifted him in prayer and he continues to grow!
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. ” Luke 17:5
Justin is experiencing the bless-ed hand of God as he continues to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
Thank you for lifting brother Justin in prayer afresh.
Let’s not wait till there’s a crisis, right? Why not pray that our LORD will propel those of His whom we pray for to deep death and burial and therefore great resurrection heights!
IN MEXICO, the people are more interested in pleasing you than they are that you pay them. For example at restaurants …. They are more interested in making you happy with their delicious food and hospitality, etc. They will not bring your check until you ask for it, with no exception. Their joy is to make you happy, to delight you. Refreshing.
Read Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35 to see what happens when people truly get saved.
YOUR PRAYER: Father, please make my life count for You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“Thank you Lord for all you are doing in Mexico among the people! We give you all glory, honor and praise!” Karen Cochran
Any person not living a Great Commission life, is living a wasted life. They are out of the will of God. They are doing their own thing and not God’s will.
Read that again.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
Maria received ministry today and took a stack of JESUS tracts to pass out. She was blessed to know that disciples of Christ in the USA would be pausing to lift her in prayer.
The only “building fund” I will ever give to is that which is building Christ’s kingdom. Everything else is waste. Let that sink in. Consider jumping in—funding Christ’s kingdom work (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
IF you aren’t all about Christ’s Gospel, you are living a wasted life (Mark 16:15).
YOUR PRAYER: LORD, break and use me! In Jesus’ name.
Jesus and his friend had our LORD’s Gospel of salvation thoroughly preached them and given some coin and a JESUS tract. They were both captivated at the hearing of God’s Word.
Your prayers are vital. God is answering. Philippians 1:19
In Jesus’ name, amen. I actually set google map to go to a completely different store and it took me to this one! God is in control!
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Abiding
Hostile Watching vs Grounded Readiness for Christ’s Return [podcast]
So let me get this straight…. we are frantic about the timing of the most anticipated event in human history, the return of Heaven’s King …. yet we don’t love that coming King enough to diligently seek His face and be preoccupied, consumed with serving Him – as we obey Him by daily denying self, taking up the cross, worshipping and executing His Great Commission mandate that He gave us? If this is the case, does it not prove that we are all about ourselves and not the LORD we feign to follow – as in we don’t truly love Him but rather seek to self-preservingly keep ourselves out of hell?
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, WHEN the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation (hostile watching): 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21
Are we frantic about the WHEN and not fervent about seeking, knowing, worshipping, and obeying the WHO? Should we be crying “WHEN?!” OR “WHAT do You want me to do LORD, HOW do You want to use me?!”
The Coming of the Kingdom
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, WHEN the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.”
In this passage it seems to fit that “observation” refers to hostile, anxious watching. Notice the setting. The Pharisee enemies are demanding “WHEN the kingdom of God should come.” Jesus then answers them and seems to communicate that we are not to seek to determine by physical evidence “WHEN” He’s returning and that “the kingdom of God is within you.” (v21)
Of Jesus’s words in Luke 17:20, the Pulpit commentary notes:
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. This answer of our Lord’s may be paraphrased: “The kingdom of God cometh not in conjunction with such observation and watching for external glorious things as now exist among you here. Lo, it will burst upon you suddenly, unawares.” The English word “observation” answers to the signification of the Greek as meaning a singularly anxious watching.”
Our preoccupation should not be with the timing, the exact day or hour of His coming but rather in knowing Him, being rooted and grounded in our abiding relationship with the Savior. Living in readiness (Luke 12:40; 21:34-36). Our relationship with Him, moment by moment is what is most important and determines our present abiding fruitfulness (John 15:1-16) and future place with our coming King.
“Help me Jesus to keep my eye on the prize. You are my exceedingly great reward! And there is none upon the earth I desire more than thee. Those that are yours are preparing their hearts to be with you in glory for ever and ever! Behold Lord you are the God of our salvation!” Karen Cochran
Jesus came and died to give us a relationship with the Father and Himself.
“And this is life eternal (the whole divine reason for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
We must let God be God, letting Him determine the orchestrating and timing of His coming and rather be preoccupied with seeking, loving, knowing, and obeying our coming King.
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10
When lightening strikes “EVERY EYE” sees it (Revelation 1:7). Speaks of … He is coming with such force that lights of the whole sky escapes no one. So shall it be when the Author of lightening splits the eastern sky beloved! When Jesus Christ splits the eastern sky no one will miss it.
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:21-27
God knows and is in control of the end of all things, the return of the Son of God.
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36
We need not run around frantically looking for the coming of the KING and His kingdom because “the kingdom of God is within you.” The domain of the KING is in us—KING-dom! That’s what it means.
The preoccupation of the Heaven bound saint of Christ should be his relationship with King Jesus.
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40
Some people are so busy trying to figure out exactly when Jesus is coming back and how the end time events are going to unfold that they aren’t preparing themselves to meet Him! They live in unwarranted anxiety, in hostile watching instead of settling down to know Him and therefore they aren’t ready to meet Jesus nor helping others to be prepared for the soon return of Christ. Fruitfulness comes from an abiding relationship with Christ.
Living in hostility, anxiety and fear destroys present abiding and fruitfulness. Many today jump from one end times ministry to another, fueling their anxiety with speculations. They are perpetually incapacitated from the daily abiding and fruitfulness Jesus ordains (John 15:1-16).
I’ve seen many who spend more time worrying, monitoring and trying in vain to determine what month or day Jesus would return. It seems that those same people are not fervently seeking the face of the LORD, are not evangelizing, do not have their hand to the plow of the Great Commission work of Christ. Rather they are foolishly seeking to play God by frantically attempting to figure out the exact or approximate timing of Jesus’ second coming. And yet they don’t have an heart after God and are therefore not ready for when Jesus returns (Matthew 26:41; Luke 12:40; Ephesians 5:25-27).
God is calling us to settle down and seek His face.
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalms 63:8
God is calling us to be anchored in Christ, our “blessed hope.” Titus 2:13
Titus 2 seems to be speaking of our lives, our spiritual state in light of Jesus’ coming.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:11-15
Hope in Christ, as we truly abide in Him, in the crucified life He ordained, is the “anchor of the soul” of the remnant disciple.
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” Hebrews 6:19
“Love this podcast! And the word you used was hysteria. That is exactly what I am seeing. Many want to escape the tribulation out of fear! So if they can somehow figure out when Jesus is coming then maybe they will be able to escape the difficult times ahead! But we know the Bible says we must go through much tribulation to enter the kingdom of heaven. Acts 14:22. So there is no escape. Our job is to continue in the faith, eye on the prize which is Jesus! Always keeping in view the Kingdom of God. Like the 5 wise virgins.” Karen Cochran
The reason people live in fear is that they don’t have the love of God in them, through oneness with, through abiding relationship with Christ, which otherwise cast out all fear.
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18
Prayer: Father, please ground me in You, establish Your kingdom and fruitfulness in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Articles
Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]
“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
“God allowed Job to be stripped. And I was also thinking of Jer 1:10. God uses what Satan meant to harm us for His good. Providence. Romans 8:28. As we know he did in Joseph’s life. I could be wrong but in this title is satan getting credit for stripping us?” Karen Cochran
Why Did God allow Job to Suffer, to be Tested?
Job’s Suffering, Testing
“The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” Psalms 11:5
The accuser of the brethren claimed that Job only loved and served God for what blessings God brought upon him – for selfish reasons.
“Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” Job 1:9-11
“Job 1:11
a [put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath]
God’s Role in Affliction and Destruction
When Satan suggested that God put forth His hand and touch Job’s possessions, it was really a suggestion that God withdraw His hand of protection so Satan could destroy Job’s property (Job_1:11-12). Satan and evil forces are the agents of destruction, not God. The only sense in which God destroys is to withhold His protection and thereby turn an individual over to the devil to carry out his work upon that person. This truth is plainly demonstrated in the case of Job. Who was it that destroyed (Job_1:12-19) and afflicted the body (Job_2:7) when God permitted it to be done? The answer is Satan, and this will always be the case in instances of affliction and destruction (Luk_13:16; Jhn_10:10; Act_10:38). Satan brings about the actual happenings of accidents, sickness, disease, and calamity, then causes men to think that God brings these things to pass. Thus, He is blamed erroneously for the work of the devil by millions, even Christians who should know better. Permission by God is never the same as the work of Satan after permission is granted him: withdrawing protection and allowing another to destroy is not the same as the destruction itself. God’s work is that of deliverance; Satan’s is that of destruction (Jhn_10:10; Act_10:38).
b [he will curse thee to thy face] Satan’s theory was that no man serves God without personal material gain. If He withheld such blessings, any man would automatically curse and hate Him. This, of course, is not true, for millions have loved and served God without material gain.” Dake
“Job 1:6-12
B. Scene II: Heaven—The Lord’s Presence (1:6-12)
As the story unfolds we are told of a scene in heaven when the sons of God (angels) appeared before the LORD. Satan (the word is Hebrew for Accuser) also was present. When God spoke to Satan concerning the uprightness of His servant Job, Satan implied that the only reason Job feared God was that He had been so good to him. According to Satan, if the Lord had not put a protective hedge around Job, then he would have cursed his Creator to His face.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Hebrews 12:5-12
“5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;”
We must ask “Who am I when everything has been stripped, taken from me?” Job 1:21; 13:15
TODAY, in the crucified life, the mind of Christ, we worship God and serve others.
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