Articles

Is Your Sin Really Worth Going to Hell for?

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

Only You Can Decide: God has Already Decided that He Wants You – Sending His Son to Die for You! Do You Want Jesus?

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37

From an eternal perspective, no person who dies and goes to hell is/was a success but rather a total failure, a rebel who will never escape the conscious torment of the domain of the damned. Are you born again and presently abiding in Christ? If not, the flames of eternal damnation will feed upon your soul forever. Repent now sinner and believe on the LORD Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins – before it’s too late.

With no exception, each and every eternal soul who now and forever will occupy hell would do anything to be in your position – to have just one more opportunity to cry out to Jesus to be forgive, saved into His eternal kingdom! Today is the day of salvation – the moment to repent and put your full trust in Jesus Christ, before it’s too late. Making Peace with God now – before it’s too late.

What’s more important to you than the LORD? Who? What? What organization? What affiliation? What religion, religious affiliation? What family member? What friend? Is it really worth your eternal soul? Is Your Sin Really Worth Going to Hell for?

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

Jesus Christ will love you all the way into hell – because He gave you free will, allowing you to choose Him or sin and hell. He also died on that cross to forgive your sins and save you from eternal damnation (1 Timothy 1:15). Billions of souls this moment occupy hell irrevocably – there are no second changes (Hebrews 9:27). Are YOU going to hell?

The greedy moral cowards of today’s modern church world refuse to preach what Jesus preached – including the doctrine of hell. That’s why the true body of Christ is going organic!

WHY don’t most modern “pastors” preach hell?

Most of the new per-version “bibles” removed Jesus’ words recorded in Mark 9:43-49. Hell is literal and the suffering will be conscience and never – N E V E R – end. Pour over these words of Christ.

You call him “pastor” and the wolf isn’t preaching hell? Repent and run!!!

99% of modern pastors knocked out on this alone! YOU know he’s a wolf when he refuses to preach the holiness of God and His mandate for His own people to “be ye holy.” – Sin will damn the soul. God is “Holy, holy, holy” and no sin shall enter His holy presence (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). “Be ye holy for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16). “Follow peace with all men and HOLINESS without which NO man shall see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

“Be ye holy for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) But how? The cross is the solution Jesus gave us. “He that is dead is freed from sin.” (Romans 6:7)

All who follow Christ abandon all that offends him. Holiness is the work of God in a yielded, abiding born again saint (John 15; Romans 8:12-14; 1 Peter 1:15-16, etc.). Think about it: When the HOLY Spirit is ruling a person’s yielded life, that vessel will be HOLY.

Is the sinful pleasure you now enjoy worth spending forever in hell for? Jesus Christ made it crystal clear to both saint and sinner alike that any person who chooses even one sin to be more important to them than Him, will be doomed to the place He described as a dwelling place of gruesome, ceaseless torment:

“And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not (denotes complete consciousness), and the fire is not quenched. For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:42-50

What does “their worm dieth not” mean? This is an idiom meaning that the consciousness, the feelings of the damned will never cease.

Jesus used this term 3 times in Mark 9:43-49. In His severe warning, Jesus is refuting the idea of annihilation and teaching the facts that the conscience feelings and therefore suffering of all lost souls will never cease to be experienced.

In light of these penetrating words of the LORD Jesus, think ahead for a moment with me: Let’s imagine that you died in sin and it was 100 years into the future. There you are, in hell – experiencing excruciating pain and isolation (outer darkness – you can see nothing). You are fully conscious, and reeling in the agonizing remorse of the decision you made in your brief earthly life to retain your sin instead of repenting and forsaking it. During your short life on earth God granted several opportunities for you to turn fully to Him, but you chose to ride the popular, modern church wave of easy believism and eternal security, thinking everything was going to be fine because you said the sinner’s prayer and attended church services. Yet you retained a sin you knew God said would endanger your eternal soul (Gal. 5:19-21). You freely refused to cut off the hand and pluck out the eye of your sin and now you are trapped forever in incarceration – where “the fire is not quenched.” Is your sin really worth spending eternity in hell for? Is the sin you have chosen to continue in (retain instead of rejecting) really worth the everlasting pain of damnation in hell, while the righteous rejoice in sublime, unimaginable pleasure, joy, and bliss in Heaven with Jesus?

The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way. Isn’t that the work of Satan – to tone down the wages, the consequences of sin? Yes it is (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

The deception of our own deceitful, desperately wicked hearts and Satan, is that God is somehow going to overlook the sin we refused to confess, repent of, and die to. Not going to happen – doesn’t matter how special you think you are. If a person dies in sin – they are going to hell irrevocably. Gospel. The wages of sin is still death saints (Romans 6:23).

Without fail, those who teach Satan’s OSAS/eternal security heresy never teach the essential Biblical truth that God is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) They’ve been taught a “check your ticket at the door” “eternal security.” They are made to believe that they are free to live in sin and are still going to Heaven, no matter what. But this is not what Scripture teaches. “Be ye holy for I am holy” is Holy Scripture never heard among the diabolical perpetrators of the OSAS heresy (1 Peter 1:15-16)

“There comes a time when we must cut out that bad seed (all sin) less it spoil the whole bunch! If God hadn’t dealt with sin through the blood, death, life, and burial of His only begotten Son Jesus and caused Him to rise from the grave victoriously, there would be no salvation for man today. God is able to give us His grace to overcome all sin and to do what He’s commanded us to do. Amen.” Charles Pray

Fellow citizen of this world and Christ’s kingdom, if your life is not currently laid down flat before the LORD Jesus Christ in utter humility and brokenness for the immeasurable wickedness and depravity you have committed in the full and plain site of the omnipresent eyes of His holiness, you have no eternal security with Him. The flames of eternal damnation which will forever feed upon your separated soul await your arrival.

The daily cross/dying Jesus commanded that we take up is the only way He brings us into His holiness…. with our full participation in dying…… The Daily Cross

Description of the Eternal Home of All Who are not Presently Living in the Fear of God and in Faithful Obedience to Christ

DIVINE JUDGMENT, the “severity of God”, IS NOT GOING AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOU OR SOME FAKE PREACHER IGNORES IT!!! (Romans 11:20-22)

Hell is for keeps. No second chance. Irrevocable … A divine sentence, judgment upon all who die outside of Christ! Sure as you’re breathing, if you are not born again and presently in the middle of God’s will, abiding in Christ on HIS terms, get ready to be consciously, brutally burned world without end.

Violent flames rage like endless waves that roar in a fierce ocean tossed to and fro by hurricane winds. Deafening voices shriek, hopelessly tormented in the turbulent fire that dominates their defenseless souls. One million years have passed and yet there is not a trace of relief from the horrifying torment that has enveloped their helpless souls. Vivid memories of their earthly life, when they had precious opportunity to escape this horrible fate, torment their bitter and remorseful beings. Welcome to the world of departed souls who died after refusing to apply the only cure to their deadly disease. Behind the thin veil of life on earth lies a real world – a forever world. Welcome to a profile of the after life.

There is no pain in this life so cruel nor permanent that can possibly be compared to what the Son of God described and warned of when he spoke of hell – that dreaded place of God’s holy wrath. Here is a punishment profile of what lies ahead for all who die outside the real Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Unquenchable fire. Mark 9:45
Eternal Damnation. Mark 3:29
Everlasting punishment. Matthew 25:46
A place of everlasting burnings. Isaiah 33:14
Torment with fire and brimstone. Revelation 14:10; 19:20
A lake (ocean) of fire. Revelation 20:15
No 2nd chance to escape (utter hopelessness). Luke 16:26
Weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 8:12
A place of eternal remorse (regret). Luke 16:19-31
A place of complete consciousness. Luke 16:25
A furnace of fire with wailing. Matthew 13:42
No rest day or night forever (eternal misery). Revelation 14:11
Outer darkness. Matthew 8:12; 22:13
A place of sorrows (seething remorse and despair). Psalms 18:5
A place of everlasting destruction. 2 Thessalonians 1:9
A place of torments. Luke 16:23

All is recorded in Heaven (Heb. 4:13). God sees ALL your sins and will pull the curtains back and roll the tape of your life on Judgment Day. Every single thought and deed of your life is on file with God. He made provision to remove and desires to forgive all. If you die without His forgiveness, you will face the Almighty on Judgment Day in the Supreme Court of the Universe as a guilty sinner who refused to repent and be pardoned. In trembling ruins you will stand shameful and without excuse before a holy God.

Our Sins Include:

Cursing, Lying, Adultery, Hatred, Cheating, Slander, Strife,
Idolatry, Dishonor, Murder, Stealing, Fornication, Unforgiveness,
Not putting Him First, Taking God’s Name In Vain, Etc.

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good…” Proverbs 15:3

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15

Obedience Or Hatred?

Saving faith is always active and obedient. Of every one of those who claim to know Him and do not practically and daily deny themselves, take up their crosses of crucifying their earthly lusts, and perform His will, He foretells their destiny:

“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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.“ Matthew 7:21-23

Make no mistake: Hell awaits all who were once right with God and are now living outside of His complete Lordship over their personal lives:

“Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:12-13

As we see clearly in the above text, the Almighty judges your life by your current state of heart and all, yes all, of your past righteousnesses are not remembered if you are not completely bowed down under His holiness and Lordship at this moment.

Do we still wish to define truth based on how it fits our own lifestyle instead of how our eternal Judge gave it to us in His Word? What position is best for the long run?

We all know and can attest to the Bible truth that there is opportunity “to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” and yet “she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.” (Heb. 11:25; 1 Tim. 5:6) Sin brings spiritual death and righteousness by the blood of Christ and enabling power of the Holy Spirit brings life and blessings untold now and forever (Rom. 5:17; 6:23; 8:13-14).

Security Check Point

Still not sure where you currently are with the LORD? Want to know? The Word says that “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Heb. 11:6) Heart faith that saves the soul is obedient to the One in whom its trust fully rests. If you are right with God, you are literally active and fruitful in the following things He commanded:

Boldly communicating His salvation to others, calling them to repent and believe upon Him or perish in hell – because you love Him and them more than self (Mk. 16:15-20; Phil. 2:3-5).

You are currently crying out and looking for the soon return of the Savior for His few who are on the narrow road that leads to life (Matt. 24-25; Tit. 2:13-14; James 5:5-7; 1 Jn. 3:1-3; Rev. 22:20-21).

The absence of these things from one’s life testifies to the backslidden state of the heart (Prov. 14:14). Such a person is under the judgment of a holy God who will soon return “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thess. 1:6-9)

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

According to God’s Word, judgment is always based on a person’s works because a person’s works are a clear manifestation of his inner heart and faith. No person will be judged on his mere profession of Christ but on the life he lived (Matt. 12:36-37; Jn. 5:29; Rom. 2:1-7, 13; 14:12; 1 Cor. 3:13-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Eph. 6:7-8; Col. 3:25; Tit. 1:16; Rev. 2:23; 20:12; 22:12).

Who Are We Lying To But Ourselves?

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:3-4

Only A Few Will Make It

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Friend, How many times have you been warned? How long will you harden your heart? How long will you deny Jesus Christ while embellishing yourself with temporal pleasure and comforts which have lulled you into a deadly stupor and sleep? Hell awaits. LORD draw us to You and grant holy repentance!

“Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.” Amos 6:1

There is not one unconditional blessing in the divine economy. Every blessing, including everlasting life in Heaven and missing hell, hinges upon the obedient faith (the only kind of authentic saving faith) of the recipient of the message.

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:6-8

If one is not this moment crucified with Christ, he has denied Him and is serving the false god of self which indisputably incriminates one as an idolater, worthy of eternal damnation in His holy site. Those who do not surrender their will to Christ in whole hearted, first love devotion are not His and are divinely decreed as unworthy of His holy Heaven:

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Galatians 5:5-7

The dismal punishment for choosing the selfish sinful pleasures in this fleeting life will never end.

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

“No Man”

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Regardless of his past fellowship with Christ, the one who departs from the LORD, loses out.

Friend, are you serving Christ or self? According to Jesus, the answer is either one or the other – it is an impossibility to serve more than one master. Is it really worth it to “despise” Jesus Christ while serving self interests? To refuse outright and blatant obedience to Him is to deny Him and forsake all divine mercy.

“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:8

To observe a teaching which supposes that one can live outside of the will of the One who is Salvation and still go to His holy Heaven is absurd at best.

Friend, are you going to “cover,” or confess your sins? Will you forsake, and flee from sin – that which displeases the LORD Almighty?

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Charles Pray writes: “So many want to hide their sins, especially those who like to appear Holy on the outside while inside they are dark, unholy ministers of the flesh. They have become a product of their own desires. Dear Lord, please bring them back to their first Love–Jesus! Amen.”

Like the man who possessed a heart after the LORD, we should quickly confess any sin we might commit – “For I will declare (confess) mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” (Ps. 38:18)

Be not deceived: If experiencing the things of this fleeting world is more important to you than literally fellowshipping with and performing the will of God, you have denied and defied Him and are in love with the world and are the enemy of God (1 Jn. 2:15-17). If one loves this present world and the things in it, he is living in a state of death – the state of spiritual adultery. Such a person will go to the eternal dwelling place of all those who make themselves the enemy of God – regardless of what one professes with his mouth:

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

Will You Obey The Truth?

One might say “Hey I made peace with God long ago. I am secure and safe, based on that one confession and act of faith toward Christ.” Nonsense! “Once saved always saved” is a sinful and hellish cop-out! If you will miss hell and be in Heaven, you must trash this lie like the cancerous plague that it is and march forth unreservedly in obedience to the soon to return LORD of all lords, whom “out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall Rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” (Rev. 19:15)

Neither Jesus Christ nor His holy apostles taught such a license to sin doctrine. In Holy Scripture, such a doctrine is associated specifically with “ungodly men” who “turn the grace of God into lasciviousness” and “deny(ing) the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4) The Son of God told His own 12: “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matt. 10:22) What explanation does this statement from “the Almighty God” need? (Rev. 1:8) I suppose none to the honest hearted. Any attempt to explain away or around such would be subversive, sinfully wicked and evil manipulation.

Listen to what Jesus tells the saints at Smyrna:

“And unto the angel of the church (not the lost) in Smyrna write…Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:10-11

Our LORD’s words here are of course consistent with all of Holy Writ. Also consistent is the complete and purposed ignorance of so many who have to ignore volumes of texts like this to make their false grace message palatable. Here are two phrases that especially stand out in His message of warning to these believers in Smyrna and also His disciples today. When you read these see if you see conditions here. See if His blessing of eternal life has conditions attached:

“be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (v 10)

“He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (v 11)

Why would very believers be warned here by Christ if there were no possibility of them losing out? Is Jesus a lunatic or did He place conditions upon the final reception of His salvation?

We must choose to “endure sound doctrine” and not turn aside to fables if we are going to be with the Truth Himself in eternity (Jn. 14:6; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). I know that these truths are hard truth and yet they are the very truths of the One we will be judged by on that Day (Isa. 30:10; Rom. 3:4). So, we all make the choice to ignore or wax over these Bible truths, or face them and fall flat upon the mercy of the LORD we so desperately are in perpetual need of.

Did the very Son of Man not indiscriminately level a severe warning concerning readiness for His return? Jesus forewarned that all those who were at one time in His kingdom would not make it to eternal glory:

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (over indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (suddenly, without warning). For as a snare (trap) shall it come on ALL them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36

Will you be “accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man?” How can you know if you are ready?

Here are the main elements of this all-important passage in Luke 21:

“Take heed to yourselves” – take personal responsibility for your life and all that you think and do.

“Lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (over indulgence)” – avoid overeating, overindulgence and reveling in this fleeting world; fast and pray often.

Do not live in “drunkenness” – be sober and do not become intoxicated with wine, strong drink or spiritual deception

Do not be caught up in the “cares of this life” – count Christ the supreme Prize of your whole existence and sever yourself from anything in this world that does not contribute to this all-consuming pursuit.

“Watch” – never allow yourself to doze off or fall asleep. Remain on guard at all times and let not any sinful thinking have dominion over your life.

“Pray always” – ceaselessly commune with the Savior. Live moment to moment in fellowship with Him.

Denying any thought or activity that doesn’t draw you closer to Christ is essential in preparedness for His glorious return.

That overcoming believer who endures to the end of his trial will receive the blessed crown of His righteousness (James 1:12). Now is the hour. Today is the day – to throw back the veil that blinds us and binds us to that chain of darkness!

Jesus told us that He came “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:18)

Jesus Christ came to grant us redemption and complete forgiveness, delivering us from all the power of darkness.

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

Make no mistake: If we do not draw nigh to Him in repentance of life and cultivate a heart after Him, darkness will inevitably overtake our lives.

Be deceived no longer friend, if your life is not laid down before Christ, your eternity is sealed by your self-serving idolatrous decision to deny the nail-scarred Savior. If He is truly LORD of your life, He is reigning supreme in all you think, say and do. He is risen! Rejoice and give glory to the One who bled for your sins on Calvary’s cross and rose from the dead.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption (eternal damnation)…” Galatians 6:7-8

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

If you haven’t heard this type Gospel communication, it may be time to flee for your life and from the wolf in charge of your current local church and find a true servant of Christ who preaches the Word! We must bathe and gird ourselves in His holy truth and become surrounded with those who are fervently seeking His face. There will be no excuse in that Great and Terrible Day.

Most churches today are mere playhouses for the leaders and those who attend (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Entertainment is the order of the day, not true biblical Christianity which seeks to glorify God exactly the way He told us to in His precious Word.

According to God’s Word to us (Ezek. 33:12-13), all of your past fruit or relationship with Christ is null and void (forgotten by God) if you are not submitted fully to His glorious Lordship at this moment. If you refuse to lay it all down and follow Jesus in truth, on that Great Day of Judgment He will grant you what you chose on earth – to live separated from Him. The one who lives his earthly life outside of an intimate abiding in Christ, can expect to be separated from Him for eternity in the lake of fire where the dense, horrid and ferocious flames of the literal ocean of fire will torment his helpless, conscious soul forever. Hell is for keeps. This eternal prison of fire is the point of no return and we should all consider that damnation is the eternal home of all who are not fully submitted to Christ, the only One who can rescue the depraved soul from the flames of the domain of the damned.

If one reading these words is now ready to be fully right with God, he should bow his head and heart and cry out to the One who loves him and was crucified to save and bless him. Never mind the slightest questioning or excuse – ARE YOU READY TO LAY IT ALL DOWN? OR, will you turn away and forsake what is perhaps your last call and opportunity to make things right with your Maker and Judge? To refuse to fully come to repentance upon reading these words, is to kiss the gates of Heaven and turn and militantly march through the gates of hell.

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

Your Prayer Of Complete Surrender And Repentance:

Father in Heaven, I have sinned against You grossly and have no one to blame except myself. I have rebelled and done things my way and not Yours. Holy Father, I hasten to repent. I now beg You in this very instant to forgive me and cleanse my soul of all the iniquity and sin I have committed. Wash me with Your sinless, holy blood Jesus and make me a new creature in Christ. From this moment forward I will follow You to the end of my life! I am ready to suffer persecution for Your precious Name Jesus, my LORD and my God. I lay my life in Your hands, never to take it up again unto myself. Father, Into Thine hands I commend/commit my spirit. From this moment forward I will never be ashamed of You again but will proclaim Your salvation to others as I eagerly look for Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay: Born Again: What is It?

PEACE with GOD | A Place Called Hell

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A PLACE CALLED HELL [podcast]

Will You Hear “Well Done” or “Depart from Me”? [podcast]

Is Your Sin Really Worth Going to Hell for?

Articles

7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]

What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?

Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?

1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).

This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).

Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6

2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).

He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).

Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14

3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).

This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).

Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28

4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).

Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).

Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.

5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).

Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.

Application to us: We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)

Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.

Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).

7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).

This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.

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“It is Finished”!

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30　 What Exactly was “Finished” at the Cross? WHAT Did Jesus Fulfill? What Did Jesus Finish? What did the Son of God Accomplish by Dying for Our Sins on that Cross? Much Divine Truth is Locked Up in This On the cross Jesus declared “It is finished” but what is it that was “finished”? (John 19:30) Let’s peer a bit into this ultimate truth… “It is finished” in John 19:30: “Finished” Strong’s Concordance teleó: to bring to an end, complete, fulfill Original Word: τελέω […]

How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]

Only God knows the future. Law of probability and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies: Odds of the 332 prophecies of the prophets concerning the coming Messiah, given hundreds of years prior to His arrival coming true are: 8,749,002,899,132,046,697,490,008,908,470,485,461,412,622,723,572,849,745,… 703,082,425,425,639,811,996,797,503,692,894,052,708,092,215,296 to 1 Fact: Only the Almighty could know the future and forthtell it in specific detail, long before it ever happened. THIS is how we know that the Bible is truly the Word of the one true God and that all other so-called “holy books” are frauds. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” […]

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]

Do We Have Time to Learn More About the LORD Jesus today, OR, are We Just looking for Yet Another Quick Fix, Self-Serving Feel-Good Message like so many professing Christians today? The modern church is too busy to study Christ Himself because they’re too busy trying to use Him to get what they want. Let that soak in as you remember how long it’s been since you’ve heard a message specifically about Heaven’s King. Most modern “pastors” probably don’t even know what the word Christology means. God created us to know Him and yet, such doesn’t happen without the recipient […]

Abiding

Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]

The Cost of Discipleship

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11

Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES

By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

And the fifth:

“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

Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.

If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26

We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.

Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:

“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”

“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”

In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.

“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37

Of this Adam Clarke wrote:

“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”

Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:

“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES

In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.

As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”

To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.

You are no longer your own. You are bought with the price of Christ’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You now and forever are a part, a member of the eternal family of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:14-15).

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named,” Ephesians 3:14-15

Jesus Addressed the Excuses

Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).

“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62

Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.

“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28

The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).

Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.

So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).

Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.).

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7

Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms

Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).

“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

May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.

“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5

“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68

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Discipleship | Enduring to the End | Abiding | The Blessing of Suffering

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Special Ops Spiritual Warfare [podcast]

The LORD, the Master Potter, continues to prepare each of His people. And as He does, He has ordained special missions for each to accomplish. Before our military men go to war, are sent on special ops, they must first be rigorously prepared, right? Before one of God’s people can be dropped behind enemy lines and used on special missions, he must be prepared by the Commander in Chief, Jesus Christ, who is “the Captain of their salvation.” (Hebrews 2:10) “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and […]

The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]

HELL Awaits! SO YOU THINK YOU ARE ETERNALLY SECURE? WHO TOLD YOU THAT LIE? NOT GOD! IT SIMPLY DOESN’T MATTER HOW POPULAR A PREACHER IS – IF HE’S TEACHING SATAN’S FIRST LIE THAT CAUSED THE FALL OF THE HUMAN RACE – OSAS/ETERNAL SECURITY – HE’S A FALSE TEACHER, AN AGENT OF SATAN (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). OF COURSE he’s popular – he’s not preaching the cross but rather excuses for sin against a Holy God! RUN from that devil! You will be safe and eternally secure when you get to Heaven, not before. ARE YOU enduring sound doctrine today or walking […]

The LORD Is My Light [podcast]

“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1 Have you felt like you are in darkness lately? Has confusion plagued your thoughts? If so, have you been thinking that you are not in God’s will? Did you realize that according to God’s revelation to us (His Word), this condition is not necessarily an indication that you are outside the will of God? Think about when JESUS and His 12 were on a small ship heading across the sea and He told His disciples (that’s what […]

Articles

The Laid Down Life [podcast]

Chapter 5 from the book Raised Up (narration)

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

You know the counterfeits far outnumber the authentic followers of Jesus when you put out a message on youtube or social media titled something like “How to know your gifts” and the response is overwhelming due to the many self-centered, self-absorbed cross-less professors (2 Timothy 3:1-7). In contrast, when you put out a message titled something like “Learning to live the crucified life Jesus calls all His followers to” and but a “few” listen – you are reminded of how Jesus says His remnant, is a “little flock” and how Jesus says “FEW there be which enter therein.” (Luke 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14).

Living in the Spirit

Those who descend into death and burial will be blessed to be raised up by the LORD.

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

IT BOILS DOWN TO LOVE!

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

WHEN Jesus died for our sins, He submitted to the cross without reserve to the Father in order to redeem us! When you obey Jesus by laying down your life, you are saying: “Whew I love You LORD Jesus! You alone are my supreme LORD, love, and the Head of my life. I love You more than sinful self, and I have made a complete mess of my life, spinning my wheels for far too long. Please forgive my rebellion against You! I want You to reign supreme in my life Jesus, from this moment forward. Have Your way in me my LORD, I love You Jesus. I’m all Yours Jesus!”

Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue with the remnant. They “have crucified the flesh” and the evil the sinful nature would do. It’s a done deal – They “HAVE crucified the flesh” that Christ the LORD might reign in their mortal body.

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18

We cannot be a servant of righteousness unless we are crucified with Christ and sin is out of our way.

“Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you (because you have accounted yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18

The “form of doctrine” delivered by Christ and His holy apostles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of one’s life now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).

“What does this mean for us? Remember that there are two aspects of Christ’s death. He died for our sins. He died for us – substitution. But then Paul tells us that we are also to die with Him. “I have been crucified WITH CHRIST” (Gal. 2:20): “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Rom. 6:11). The Israelites in bondage were delivered by the blood shed and sprinkled. But they are pursued by certain of their foes. These foes are slain at the Red Sea, but they themselves escape and are free. Egypt stands for the world of sin. Christ found us in “Egypt,” and by His death in our stead delivered us from the penalty of sin. But even after our conversion some of these sins followed us and harassed us – temper, pride, jealousy, lust, worry, avarice – causing discomfiture and misery, and occasionally temporary defeat. Where is there any escape, any real victory? Only through the Red Sea – baptism, or what baptism implies; i.e., a death to sin and a rising again to righteousness. That is a crucifixion with Christ, so as to be able to “reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin.” How to Live the Victorious Life, by an Unknown Christian

God’s desire, plan, and command is that His people reign victorious in this life over sin and the enemy and become abundantly fruitful as we await the soon return of our LORD Jesus Christ (John 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17

The Cross of Christ and the One He Commands us to take up are Essential

Let’s peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:23-26

Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed (“corn”) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing in this life – “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31)

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

As we are blessed to be “planted together in the likeness of his death”, so “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5

This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water baptism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is. At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.

“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:10-11

There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The disciple who is buried with Christ is “dead to sin.” (Rom. 6:2) When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call those who point them out “legalistic”, it is symptomatic of a life that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bible says “Lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) when we are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The “corn of wheat” (dead seed) must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.

Aren’t we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? (2 Cor. 7:1)

If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness.

Overcoming sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-13)

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24

The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk. 23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).

Let’s check our deadness. Let’s see how dead we are to this world system and all of it’s arrogant rebellion against the God of the universe and all that is: Do we defend our “right” to fill our minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and other forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.

Oswald Chambers wrote:

“The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bondslave to Jesus Christ. Any fool can insist on personal rights, and any devil will see that he or she gets them, but the Sermon on the Mount means that the only right the saint will insist on is the right to give up personal rights.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 329

Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? – “Charity…Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6)

Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolishness and deeds.

“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Proverbs 26:4

Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision to fear and obey the LORD and not men. Believers are called to be circumspect (fully set apart in holiness) and not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).

Yet we should ask: Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such as the false church would have us believe? When a new believer is told that he is “eternally secure” or OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life, be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to do ministry, and prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?

The following brief and yet convicting commentary is taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First let’s view the Biblical text, then the commentary.

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32

“‘HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM’. Paul’s last word on general human sinfulness is God’s condemnation of a condition even more damning than the practice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This disposition is the ultimate in depravity – vicarious enjoyment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1) The word ‘have pleasure’ (Gk. suneudokeo) means ‘are pleased with,’ ‘delight in,’ or ‘give approval to,’ and points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same condemnation of God as those engaging in such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence, those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ) who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be exposed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess. 2:12).” p. 1729

Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:

“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalms 101:3

Do we seek to protect our “right” to continue over-relishing or over-indulging in the things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John 2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world system and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies – regardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:24-26

When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and instructed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12). Have you ever been persecuted by other “believers” and called legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, other than inducing a concern for where they really are in their hearts. Seeking to be upright in one’s ways in not legalistic – it is biblical. The Word instructs us to “walk circumspectly” which means fully obedient – exactly, diligently, perfectly.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:15-20

“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13

What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly – we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.

What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are. If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in us, we do not have a laid down life.

“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9

“Folly (foolishness)is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” Proverbs 15:21

Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a “time to laugh” and to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more – for the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly – they walk biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the world.

“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14

Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ did – that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holiness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justifying your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relinquish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dying for us – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.

The Path of Our LORD Jesus

Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life for all men (Jn. 15:13).

“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…” Luke 22:42

He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He has for each of us.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him? Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glorified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called us to be. When Jesus is reigning in a person’s life, it is obvious. His holy and impelling presence is the life that exudes from that person instead of the stench of the self-centered and selfish nature (Jn. 3:30). At this place of resurrection life, the LORD who made and redeemed us is greatly glorified and pleased and His fruit is being yielded.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Finding that place with God in prayer is where the laid down life begins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.

“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7

PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternally. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and praying in light of Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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