Articles

Jesus Gave All – What Are You Giving?

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]

“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. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 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 12:24-26

Greetings. It is with the utmost joy that we are spreading God’s Word effectively into the hearts of tens of thousands of souls monthly – to the saved (feeding His flock) and to lost souls who need Jesus.

The Gospel tracts are going out like a river and equipping many. There are many upcoming Scripture-rich resources under way including a new book titled Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, and a new believer’s booklet for making disciples of others.

Those who have given share in the treasure of healthy saved souls (well fed) and the conviction and salvation of many lost souls. We cannot do our part without you doing your part. We are not in this for the money (that would be insane).

“We seek not yours but you.” 2 Corinthians 12:14

Is the ministry work having an affect? Well, you decide. The preaching of God’s Word is getting responses, sometimes good and sometimes bad. Here are some of this week’s reactions:

A Few of the Recent Unsolicited Comments from the Saints

“Preach away!!!! There is freedom in preaching truth.” Joseph S.
“Amen, keep on preaching the truth.” Priscilla P.
“More of this preaching is what’s needed today! God Bless you.” Mark M.
“Thank you, for always preaching the truth, rather than what people with itching ears want to hear!” Kathy L.
“Keep right on preaching it! Bless ya!” Meg W.
“So right on target Brother! What a blessing you are to me. Sincerely, Mark! ps Our nation is about out of time, so make it count! Maranatha!” Mark
“Amen, glory hallelujah!!! God bless you!” Janet B.

More Feedback Here.

Jesus gave all – What are you willing to give to see His saints fed and the lost saved?

Who Do We Think We are Fooling?

Do we so vainly believe that the Almighty doesn’t see that we have extra (excess – more than we need) and other saints are without? Does He who is the Judge of our eternal souls not see how we have hoarded – refused to share with others?

“If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;¹²If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:11-12

What example did the earliest believers leave us?

“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; ⁴⁵And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44-45

“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.³³And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. ³⁴Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,³⁵And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 2:32-35

Did you catch this?: “neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own”

Those who have are the privileged ones – to give to other saints who currently have a need. That’s why we work – “that ye may have to GIVE.” (Ephesians 4:28) Those who are called out of the LORD MUST answer that call.

For the record: I refuse to apologize to any mere man or devil for answering God’s call to be set apart to minister to His people. I do, however, question and wonder about those who would question such. I wonder where their heart would be – to be so cold and indifferent about the most important work in the earth. With all the evil in this world in this late hour and the great need for humanity to hear the only life-saving message, how is it that we do anything but get behind a work of Christ? How could we possibly “sit in the seat of the scornful” and mock or question those called out of God (Psalms 1)? Where is our heart? Should we not rather be applauding this obedience in answering the divine call and getting behind it?

“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! ” 1 Corinthians 9:16

Is it okay that there are full-time plumbers, attorneys, insurance salesmen, medical personnel of all kinds, accountants and clerical workers? Is anyone at all complaining about full-time secular workers – people doing work infinitely less important than the eternal Gospel work? Not one. Yet, some, moved in their sinful heart by the evil one himself (accuser of the brethren), question whether those called-out of God are truly called out. Why? Many times it’s because they – those very accusers – are full of greed, serving money and not Christ, and do not want to be bothered with someone preaching on stewardship. Instead of helping, they attack. May the LORD deal with them according to their deeds.

The answer is not to question obedience to the infinitely most important and only eternal work of Christ, but rather to jump in and be a part of the solution!

Our stewardship reveals exactly where we are in abiding with Christ. Attempting to sweep this essential and litmus test truth under the rug will only frustrate the grace of God and hinder the work of Christ in our own lives and in the lives of others (Proverbs 28:13).

If we are saved then our money is saved. If we are under Christ’s rule, so are the resources He places in our hands.

The Bible instructs you to give to those who are truly feeding you (Galatians 6:6). They need your help and cannot be ultimately fruitful without your participation (1 Corinthians 9:1-14) Also, most of those they feed will never bother to help, so keep that in mind and do what is right – even if it hurts at times. God sees all and will reward you here and hereafter.

If you don’t like preaching on stewardship, you will not want to continue to receive this email. There will be no punches pulled. The left hook of hell, repentance, warning, the daily cross, and holiness, the right uppercut of mercy, grace, and love, and the overhand punch of stewardship and sanctification will not be spared. These are all essential, vital components of sound biblical truth/doctrine and we shall preach them unapologetically. This email is not for the moral coward who wants his ears tickled and refuses to “endure sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

We have no clue to the fear of God or Jesus’ teachings if we think an un-charitable rich person will enter Christ’s kingdom.

“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that HAVE (simply in their possession) riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:23-25

Do those that “have riches” not “trust in riches”? Selah (think long and hard about this).

True disciples of Jesus are called to follow Him and that would include to at times rebuke the rich as did Jesus, Paul, and James.

While it is so very true that God is our Provider, this does not negate the divine mandate for you and I to rebuke the rich – for the LORD’s sake and in His righteousness and NOT just because we have lack. Yet, regardless of whether or not we are currently abounding or abasing (in lack), we must do the LORD’s bidding nonetheless with no fear of mere men (Philippians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2).

God does put His watchmen in the midst of His people “to know and try (test) their way.” (Jeremiah 6:27)

As you know, the most severe warnings and rebukes from our LORD Jesus came to the rich and to the religious.

The work of the kingdom is greatly hindered by the greed of those touting the name of the One who gave all.

Update:

We have never had a problem with too much help. Also, as it was in Jesus’ day and the hour of the widow who gave her two mites – her all – so today, those with excess of monies, will not give. They are rich toward self and not “rich toward God.” Read Luke 12 and 16. Hell awaits!

Hate me for preaching the truth? You won’t be the first or the last – I wear the scorn of rebels as a badge of honor. – “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)

The Bible commands me to “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;¹⁸That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ¹⁹Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Most are fearful to preach what God says about the rich. They don’t want to offend the rich. But we are commanded to warn them strongly – just as Jesus did and Paul His apostle (1 Timothy 6:17-19.

A friend of mine who is a Christian and a doctor in the medical field came to have lunch with me this week. He was speaking for a while about earthly investments. Quickened by the Spirit and Word, I read him the above verses, warning him that he had better be rich in giving or he will suffer the loss of his eternal soul. Nothing could be clearer in Scripture.

Every time we spend money that God has put in our hands, we are demonstrating exactly what is important to us – and what’s not. The way we spend our money – steward money – is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts (Matthew 6:19-24). Seems to me that if we will faithfully give to God out of the very first portion of what we are gifted by Him to receive, our consciences will be clear and we will be able to enjoy spending the rest of that money (Proverbs 3:9-10).

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: ¹⁰So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

“Fruit” Abounding to “Your Account”

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

This ministry work is in great need of an endowment of sorts. Do we really think that if all the people we are blessed to feed were obeying God with their stewardship that we would still be in such need?

Of all the bank accounts in the nation, which ones deserve to have surplus? Our own, a secular company’s, or God’s ministry work treasury?

Is it time to cease pretending and put our money where our mouth is?

If we take care of God’s work, will He not take better care of our dealings than we could? (Matthew 6:33-34)

RUN FROM THIS IF YOU WISH BUT YOUR LIFE WITH CHRIST WILL NOT GO FORWARD UNTIL YOU LISTEN TO AND BECOME ACCOUNTABLE TO HIM IN THIS MATTER. His blessings will follow.

What is the LORD going to say to us on that terrible Day when we stand before Him to give account?

Have we made ourselves rich in this world while scoffing at His work and workers by refusing to sow into those works?

God is watching and will require this of us.

There are people reading this who have tens of thousands sitting in so-called “investments” instead of the true and eternal investment of God’s Word going forth.

Do you think I enjoy having to write these things? Not one bit but it’s obviously needed.

The LORD be praised for those 5-8 people who are giving. And may God quicken 5-10 more of you to begin giving on a regular basis.

Through the preaching of Christ’s kingdom message, slowly but surely, some are begin to be imbued with His revelation that His church is His called-out PEOPLE and not some physical structure some enterprising hireling is selling you on. If His kingdom is spiritual, and it is, then it’s getting His Word into the hearts of men and women and children that is the work of Christ, calling them to repent and edifying those already saved. Jesus never instructed, nor does He today sanction what is feigning (faking) to represent Him – namely in building physical edifices supposedly for His glory. Not one penny was collected in the New Testament to do such a thing. Instead “The ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ” and “they that were scattered abroad went EVERYWHERE preaching the word.” (Acts 5:32; 8:4)

Those called-out to servant lead are called to build up, to equip, and to mature Christ’s saints in His Word to do His work (Ephesians 4:11-14). This would include teaching them to discern between the holy and the profane – that which is of God and that which is not (Ezekiel 44:23-24; Acts 17:11; Ephesians 4:14, etc.).

Help Out Here – Give.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Jesus taught and will hold us accountable for:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For WHERE your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Those who give give to the LORD – the perfect One who uses imperfect vessels He has called out to do His work.

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Money, Material Wealth, and Riches [podcast]

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Abiding

It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3

One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10

“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2

“Hated”

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

“Ye shall Laugh”

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:20-22

“Through much Tribulation”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

“To Make them White”

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35

“Made white … the wise shall understand”

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

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Is the Crucified Life Essential for Going to Heaven? [podcast]

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The More I Suffer, the Freer I Become: Joy in the Fire! [podcast]

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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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