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Shining His Light: Recently, while in Alabama, I was recommended to a coffee shop and so went to visit. There are men in two fellowshipping and praying together across the coffee shop. I reached out to one guy who works here and after we talked he asked if we could pray together. We did. Amazing. Let’s turn on the light of Christ in this dark world saints – where ever God has us.

FRANK TELFORD WRITES: “I SEE A LOT OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS SPENDING A MAJORITY OF THEIR TIME RESEARCHING THE DARKNESS BUT YOU WON’T FIND JESUS THERE BECAUSE IN HIM THERE IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL! THE BIBLE SAYS: ‘THIS THEN IS THE MESSAGE WHICH WE HAVE HEARD OF HIM, AND DECLARE UNTO YOU, THAT GOD IS LIGHT, AND IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL.’ (1 JOHN 1:5)”

Those in darkness find no good in anything or anyone – “He that hath a froward heart FINDETH NO GOOD: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.” (Proverbs 17:20) They make it their duty to project the darkness of their own evil hearts on everyone and everything.

WHEN Jesus came into this world, He purposely came into a fallen, pagan, sin-filled world. He didn’t protest it but rather came into the middle of it to save a people for Himself.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

Jesus came and died for your sins and now sends you to introduce Him to others of your future family members.

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21 

The LORD Jesus told us that His people are the salt and light of the earth. Just as light always pierces darkness so also salt always changes the flavor of that which it is applied to!

Salt trampled under foot? (Matthew 5:13-16)

THE DEVIL’s children are not going to deliver the Gospel of Jesus – YOU must! PREACH!

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 
14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 
15  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 
16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 

Giving someone who is lost a Bible is not what gets them saved. No, rather when the Holy Ghost filled born again believer lives out and therefore preaches what’s in that Bible, THAT’s when Jesus saves the lost souls into His glorious kingdom. Remember the Ethiopian eunuch whom Phillip preached to? Read it Acts 8.

The darkness is not greater than the light.

ANY “light” that is not Jesus Christ according to the record of Holy Scripture, is a false light being perpetrated by the agents of Satan (John 8:12). These are the most subtle, insidious sheep’s clothing clad wolves in our midst – as Jesus specifically warns us (Matthew 7:15). JESUS CHRIST IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD AND THERE IS NO OTHER LIGHT, LORD, OR SAVIOR (John 8:12).

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 

Light Always Pierces Darkness

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Some seem to have more faith in the darkness of this world than they do in “the light of the world” who is Jesus Christ (John 8:12).

“The more I see certain crowds and their angle and message, I wonder why they don’t see that light always pierces darkness. God set this standard from the beginning. Light can be put into the dark and dispel that darkness but darkness cannot drowned out the Light. If they need or are looking for proof, they ought to take a look at the night sky lit with the moon and stars because light has dominion over dark.” Brandon Elliott

How many times have you turned on the light in a room and the darkness won out? How many times has the darkness of night and early morning stopped the sun from breaking through?

The sun came up today over the earth and the light of Christ is coming into the darkened hearts of men to bring them the saving light of His blessed Gospel.

Satan has wielded that spiritual darkness over the masses and just as the darkness can’t stop the light when you flip the light switch, so the darkness of the enemy cannot stop Christ the light from shining in the hearts of men.

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-5

God desires to grow the revelation of Jesus Christ in His people. As one truly follows Jesus – becoming His humble student – there will be a progressive expansion in the understanding of He is and what He came to do and what He will use us to do.

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18

God’s people are the servants of He who is “the light of the world” and came into this world to offer His light to “all men.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

When Jesus had just freely forgiven a woman caught in the very act of adultery, He uttered these profound words:

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Christ came into the darkness of this world to offer the light and love of His forgiveness.

“Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” John 8:11

He condemned those who claimed to be His representatives and yet weren’t possessed with this same mission.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7

Hiding deceitfully behind a religious facade while pretending you don’t need the light of Christ shining into your otherwise darkened heart, is a lie.

Jesus vanquished those counterfeit leaders who instead of offering this sinning woman mercy, offered her harsh and public judgment.

“So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?” John 8:7-10

Just as Christ sent the harsh, merciless counterfeit leaders packing and condemned, in eternity, all such condemning instead of compassionate “Christians” shall be separated for the tares they are.

“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation 21:27  

Those who mistreat the people Jesus came and bled to save will be forbidden to enter His eternal kingdom.

“But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers (hell). 47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes (he will suffer greater in hell).” Luke 12:25-27 

God is going to wipe away every tear from the eyes of His beloved Bride and also say to her “Woman, where are those thine accusers?” (John 8:10-11)

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

When it’s all over – in eternity – those who condemned instead of offering divine mercy, will be forever vanquished from the presence of the LORD and His people and the eternal light of His glorious kingdom (Revelation 21).

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13

Instead of offering the lost world what they already have – condemned by their own sin – Jesus and His true remnant people offering the love and light of the Savior, calling men to “Come … take the water of life freely.” 

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

In the verse preceding the above invitation of the Holy Spirit and true body of Christ, the LORD tells us that He is writing this to His own people.

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:16 

Did the Father not send His only begotten Son “WHILE WE (that’s me and you) were yet sinners”?

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

Jesus Says, “I Will have Mercy, and Not Sacrifice”

Is Jesus instructing us to come aside with Him and to learn and meditate upon things?

“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:13

To learn the way of Christ is to learn the way of mercy and compassion.

Might it be the hour for us to cry out to the LORD for “an heart of flesh” and ask Him to take away all “stony,” hardened, calloused places?

“For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land (salvation). 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Ezekiel 36:24-27 

The Body of Christ is a Hospital – not a Junkyard

No sinners gets saved by way of the condemnation of mere men – such as ourselves.

When a new patient is brought to the hospital in an ambulance and rolled in on a stretcher, the doctors and nurses don’t condemningly yell at the new patient. No, they simply greet the ailing person and apply the care, cleaning, and medicine needed to restore that person’s health, right?

God’s people are to “love mercy” and not judgment.

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8

Divine mercy is the wisdom of God that possesses every child of God who will “turn many to righteousness.”

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

After he sinned grossly, David cried out to the LORD in what is the most profound, revealing, and profound prayer of repentance in all of the Bible. Notice in this portion of Psalms 51 how that after the LORD cleansed his sins and purified his heart, David was prepared to be used of God to bring sinners to the LORD!

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalms 51:10-13

Jesus Christ is “Holy, holy, holy,” and He was “moved with compassion” upon the lost of this world and not condemnation (Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 9:35-38; Revelation 4:8).

TO BE HOLY AS HE IS HOLY DOES NOT CONSIST OF POSSESSING AN ATTITUDE OF CONDEMNATION BUT RATHER COMPASSION TOWARDS THOSE PRESENTLY OUTSIDE OF CHRIST’S KINGDOM (1 PETER 1:15-16). IT’S ONLY THEN THAT GOD WILL MERCIFULLY USE US TO HELP OTHERS.

Christ came to save, not destroy or condemn! Yes eternal condemnation is coming upon all who reject Jesus and yet, for now we are to call them in – “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

BELOVED, this day that He’s made, we are rejoicing to shine the light of Heaven’s soon coming KING! Remember that as the world grows darker, His light shines even brighter!!!!! Rejoice! Celebrate Jesus! Ask Him to grant you to opportunity today to tell someone what He’s done and is doing for you!!!! ” … The word of their testimony ….” (Revelation 12:11)

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, purify my evil heart of all that offends You. I know You are Holy, holy, holy, and ask You to grant Your true holiness to my heart and life as only You can do. Bless-ed LORD Jesus, please also purify my heart of every erroneous doctrine or notion. Please take away the stony places and grant the gift of an heart of flesh. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Articles

“The Root of the Matter” Job 19:28 [podcast]

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WHY WOULD A DISCIPLE OF JESUS THINK SOMEONE ELSE’S SIN IS WORSE THAN THEIR OWN – IN THE EYES OF A HOLY GOD? SUCH CARNAL THINKING REVEALS AN UNCIRCUMCIZED HEART AND THE NEED TO LEARN OF THE LORD, TO BE INCREASED IN THE GRACE OF GOD (Hebrews 13:9; 2 Peter 1:2; 3:18).

Think about the foolishness and utter futility of a hand cuffed violent robbery suspect and a rapist judging each other in the lobby of the court they’re getting ready to go in to stand before the judge to be sentenced. The point? God calls us to get our own life right with Him first and foremost.

Many times we see that the people attempting to correct others, need to be correcting themselves (Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

Many times, sinful human nature is to project our own darkness on others rather than take personal accountability for our own sins (Romans 2:1-3).

Cache in on God’s Mercy The sins that should concern me the most are my own (Job 19:28; Matthew 7:1-5; John 8:7; 1 Corinthians 11:31-32; Ephesians 4:32; James 2:13).

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7

We’re not responsible for anyone else’s sins but our own – and that should greatly concern us! When Job was wrongly judged, he responded with:

“But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? 29 Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.” Job 19:28-29

Firstly, just where O where did our Creator and Judge say that “the root of the matter is”?

We should think and speak as if no one on this planet needs Jesus more than we do!

“The root of the matter is found in me.” Job 19:28

Here in Job 19, Job is speaking to his “friends” who were not loving him but rather judging him and wrongly at that (Romans 8:33-34; James 4:11-12). After they judged him (see earlier verses in Job 19), Job tells them that they should realize and be acknowledging that the root problem in the world is not Job or others, but rather themselves. Then, in verse 29, Job warns these men who wrongly judged him of the danger upon them of receiving divine retribution upon themselves for taking it upon themselves to judge him.

The sin that should concern us the most is our own!

“Many today are good at pointing out what they believe your sin is. Yet these same people refuse to accept and repent and confess their own transgressions. Job said: ‘The root of the matter is found in me’ (Job 19:28). Or in other words ‘I don’t have a problem I am the problem!’ Usually what we judge in others is in us! Romans 2:1-3. Beware! I have been told recently I was an evil person because I refuse to listen to a person with a reprobate mind. We all need to get on our knees before the Lord Almighty in repentance! Allowing and asking God to search our hearts and see if there be any ‘wicked way in me” Psalm 139:24. Paul said, I am chief among sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15. I think he meant that verse for me! The hour is late and we will not be invited into the marriage supper if our garments are not cleansed with the blood of Christ.” Karen Cochran

IF you lusted/coveted/hated-murdered in your heart YOU ARE FULLY GUILTY before a Holy God and full in need of repentance and the refreshing of Heaven which follows that repentance (Matthew 5:28; Acts 3:19). WHAT stone have you to throw at anyone except yourself? Read John 8.

THOSE who still think you are the same person you were in the past, only prove that THEY are the same as they were in the past. They prove they are not growing in God’s grace themselves and are still the un-repentant person they were in the past! (See Romans 2:1-3.) Their projection of this darkness emanates from their own darkened heart.

“A long time ago someone told me I didn’t have a problem I was the problem. This stuck with me. I was the root of my own problem. The “root of the matter”. Job 19:28. Whenever I am offended I need to remember the problem is not them but me! And then take it before the Lord praying Psalm 51. Allowing God to search my heart, try me, and “see if there is any wicked way in me”. Psalm 139: 23-24. Notice the word ME! Not anyone else but ME! I can’t repent for anyone else! I will be fully accountable to God for myself on judgement day!” Karen Cochran

When someone holds you captive to a sin you committed in the past, they prove that they have not repented and confessed their own sins and therefore are not experiencing the saving grace and mercy of Christ themselves. Romans 2:1-3 speaks of these darkened unrepentant tares and how they project what they are guilty of on others. Some of these are reprobates.

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2:1-3

YOU mad at the world?

You judging others in your heart, your attitudes?

Should we not blame ourselves, as the vilest of SINNERS? Not others!

Sit down.

Be quiet.

Repent.

ANYONE can sit back and point out the evil in this world. Such takes no spiritual giant but is rather the preoccupation of “hypocrites” (Matthew 7:1-5). Only a few decide to see the utter deceit and evil in themselves – therefore only those few are made free and able to be used of God to see and share His “great … rich … mercy” and “his great love wherewith he loved us,”! (Read John 8:31, 32, 36 and Ephesians 2:4.)

Prayer: Father, please purify my heart to the core and cause my life to be 100% full of authenticity and integrity. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen my LORD.

The heart, life, and sins I must primarily, centrally, and perpetually examine are my own – not someone else’s! The person I must judge is myself! The logs must be removed before the LORD will consider using me to help others (Job 19:28; Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Corinthians 11:31-32; Galatians 6:1-2).

Godly compassion begins with repenting truly and when we do, we will no longer be sinfully self-righteous which is where the lack of compassion emanates. When Jesus saw the lost He was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:35-38). What are you moved with?

Preach the Word and let God work. Never seek to unduly police the lives of other believers. All who do will fall into their own pit (James 1:20).

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20

Before we proceed, we must readily acknowledge that there is “NO good thing” in us except Jesus (Romans 7:18). “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Romans 7:18). Hence the need for the work of Christ’s cross in us daily (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

Holiness is a work of God in the born again, abiding disciple of Jesus (John 15).

You see, There is one lawgiver” and Judge and if you are not God Almighty, you are not that “lawgiver” or Judge.

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:11-12

Job tells these men that they are now going to suffer “the sword” and “punishments” of judgment from the LORD for presumptuously taking it upon their self-righteous, prideful selves to misrepresent a child of God (Job), wrongly condemning and witnessing against him (Job 19:29).

Is this not a doctrine found throughout Scripture?

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13

Folks, concerning myself and my life before my Maker and Judge in this world, the “ROOT of the matter” is in me, not another and the LORD has called this disciple to be primarily concerned with his own utter and present need for divine mercy.

Where does the LORD instruct us to begin judgment?

“For if we would judge OURSELVES (not others), we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

One man said:

“Beware of no man more than yourself; we carry out worst enemies within us.”

“Examine YOURSELVES…” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Getting the picture? ….. Here’s more ….. Who did David cry out for the LORD to do His work in?

“Create in ME a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within ME. 11 Cast ME not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto ME the joy of thy salvation; and uphold ME with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalms 51:10-13 

Concerning sin, we should never cover. Always confess.

Have you caught yourself being preoccupied with the faults of others while ignoring your own need for change?

“Basically, discord pretty much covers all forms of quarrels, arguments, divisions, that cause bitterness, dissension, conflict, trouble, rivalry, friction, struggle. God specifically hates it when this occurs among brethren. This is both serious, and sobering, and not something to lightly pass over.  Rather than freely judging one another, we would find it far more profitable, to judge our own heart. What are our motivations? What are the results of our actions, of the words we are ‘sowing’ (spreading forth)?” Tony Harris

Jesus says:

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5 

A busybody is someone who is preoccupied with the issues of others instead of minding their business and staying busy seeking the face of the LORD for the myriad of evil tendencies in their own lives! God doesn’t want His people being busybodies.

“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.” 1 Peter 4:15

In other words “Mind your own business! Get your own heart right with Me and only then – when you are dead and buried with Christ – and only then will I be able to use you to bless other members of My body. Only then will I be able to use you to help others overcome and bear their burden so fulfilling the law of Christ to love others above yourself.”

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual (mature, broken, meek), restore (don’t destroy) such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

“Who”?

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34

We don’t yet have a clue if we are not fully and at present aware that we ourselves are vile, depraved, and utterly corrupt outside of the present and sheer mercy and grace of God.

You see, it’s only those who have grossly misrepresented self who wrongly condemn/judge others. They still have no clue as to who they really are, which is telling of their utter immaturity and lack of Biblical learning. These condemners of others wrongly judge others because they erroneously suppose that they themselves are saved due to something of their own merit. This is the state of the self-deceived person who audaciously and wrongly condemns and misrepresents others. This is done by the self-righteous in their attitudes and words.

The truly God-fearing man and woman seek to bear the burdens of others by meekly helping them to overcome, to restore them.

“We are washed in the blood of Jesus and our sins are as far away as the east is from the west! We are now able to stand in front of a holy God without blemish because of the imputed righteousness of Christ.” Leslie Olenych

Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen mankind (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Psalms 39:4-5).

Memorize this following Bible passage today and recite it in prayer aloud for the next week:

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” Titus 3:5-6

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Was Jesus a Friend of Sinners? [podcast]

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“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32 

YES Jesus was a friend of publicans and sinners – because He loves all men and came to die for all men (1 John 2:2).

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 

Bible 101

Jesus came to die to save sinners. And, anyone not preaching this paramount Gospel truth is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Interestingly, most pastors today avoid the biblical topic of sin which removes the dilemma Jesus came and died to solve….. Beware!

Yes, Jesus is the “friend of publicans and sinners!” – whom He came specifically to save them from that sin, because it separates them from Him and the Father who are “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; Luke 7:34)

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Acting is if we love Jesus and others by befriending the lost and yet not disclosing to them their separation from God due to sin, is evil.

In a recent conversation, a brother and sister in Christ said:

Tina says:

“Funny I’ve always said it’s more genuine to be around unbelievers because they don’t pretend.” These heresies of modern heretics make the gospel look like a joke and their so egotistical they can’t see beyond self. I just can’t understand because they are deceiving themselves right to hell and are missing the biblical truth. And really it’s grieving to the Holy Spirit.”

One brother says:

“I know that’s right! I’d rather be in a room full of unbelievers myself. Truth be told, heretics are not even our brothers or sisters. They’re preaching another gospel and deceiving the simple. Not only are they lost, they have blood on their hands! They’re blinded by hubris.”

Are you sinfully Angry? (Ephesians 4:26; James 1:20)

If you are preaching hard against sin you better be preaching hard on mercy too – because without it, YOU, self-righteous hypocrite, are doomed to eternal damnation (Matthew 21:31). “Repentance AND remission of sins” is to be preached – not just one but both (Luke 24:47). Memorize James 1:20. Sit down. Shut up. Learn of the LORD. Be accountable for your own sin first and foremost (Matthew 7:1-5; Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:8-10). The very reason you are not living the crucified life, the cross, is the reason your don’t preach it and it is the only solution GOD gave for sin. What’s Romans 6:7 say? Case closed.

Today’s self-righteous preachers preach as if everyone needs to repent except them. They preach hard against sin but never offer the only solution to holiness – the cross! Wow. Romans 6

Preaching Against Sin but Not Offering the LORD’s Solution to Overcome Sin?

I agree fully with these observations and it’s much more peaceful among rank sinners. Sounds like Jesus’ life on earth. He was a friend of sinners but hated by the false religionists of His day.

Jesus did not befriend religious hypocrites but He did befriend and seek to help, to save sinners – and so should we.

Some today have chosen to take a harsh, self-righteous stance against the wicked, instead of the biblical posture. When Jesus’ disciples did such, what was our LORD’s reply?

“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Luke 9:51-56

Some today are completely misguided, as were Jesus’ young disciples.

Our heavenly Father went so far as to send and allow His only begotten Son to be crucified in order to rescue, to save the world.

“For God so LOVED (not hated!) THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

James 4:4 is misused by some. They say we are not to befriend sinners and use this verse as a proof text:

“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

“A friend of the world” is different than being a friend to a sinner in order to win him (1 Corinthians 9:22). In this context of James 4:4, “a friend of the world” is one who conforms to the sin of the world and not one who befriends a sinner in order to win him to Christ.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

To demonstrate God’s love to the lost is to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This is so they can “see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Paul said that we’d have to leave the world to get away from all sinner (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). We are in this world temporarily to be the salt and light of Christ (Matthew 5:13-16).

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

The very same spirit of antichrist dwells in the self-righteous false religionists of our day as dwelt in the Pharisees of Christ’s day. notice below how these self-righteous false leaders specifically condemned Jesus for being “a friend of publicans and sinners!”

“But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. 31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? 32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. 34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.” Luke 7:30-35 

How could we win them if we are so busy condemning them?

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that WINNETH souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

“The more we grow in grace and the knowledge (relational) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (who is holy) the more capacity there is to reach out to “sinners” because it’s Christ’s love in us doing that. We are in the world but not of the world. We are of Christ who while we were yet sinners…….. So, instead of becoming more haughty, snooty, pharisaical, hypocritical, self-righteous and “holier than thou,” we are filled with the very mercy, truth and compassion of Jesus! Truly “the great exchange.” Debbie L.

And even the very grace of Christ that is growing in us is of HIS doing and for HIS glory! He is the potter and we are the clay — the work of the Father’s hands.

Christ’s apostle Paul said:

“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22

The following words of Christ completely expose the message of the self-righteous posture this video assumes:

“And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. 30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:29-32

IF Jesus wasn’t our friend “while we were yet sinners,” we’d all still be doomed (Romans 5:6-8).

“For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.” Luke 6:32

Jesus is saying or asking the rhetorical question: “What godly good have you done if you don’t reach out to those who hate God and you – sinners?” It seems that part of what Christ is teaching here is for His people to reach out to, greet, and befriend people they don’t already know, including sinners.

Personally, I’ve lost count of all the people the LORD has had me befriend who later repented and received Jesus!

Jesus not only was a friends of sinners, He still is a friend of sinners and so is His true body. Jesus calls those sinners to repentance.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

The Holy Spirit and God’s People are Calling Sinners to Christ

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

Those who take an enemy position against the lost for whom Jesus died, are blinded in their own sin. To these self-righteous hypocrites, Jesus says:

“Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31

Matthew 5 

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48Be ye therefore perfect (mature in your perspective), even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:44-48

The heart posture of the disciple, the student of Christ is conveyed in the following passage:

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto ALL MEN, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure (perhaps) will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Prayerfully declaring this truth aloud this morning will help defuse that fleshly self-righteousness that is part of the fallen nature – and posture us to invite sinners to the Savior.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7

How mercy works in the divine economy …. Memorize and live Matthew 5:7; Ephesians 4:32.

What Does “Be ye Separate” Mean and What Does it Not Mean? 

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Angry Street Preacher Warning

Approaching Sinners with Compassion [podcast]

“He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

God truly cares for us and for others. Do we?

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

Father, in Jesus’ name, please grant us YOUR compassion for the lost souls You wish to reach through our lives.

Powerful Passage on New Testament Ministry

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38 

  • Jesus went to the people.
  • Jesus taught the people.
  • Jesus preached His kingdom Gospel (Good News) to the people.
  • Jesus healed the people.
  • Jesus was “moved with compassion” on the people.
  • Jesus then turned to His own and told them of the great harvest of precious souls that was before them as He demonstrated to them the motive for all ministering – the love of God.

Jesus was “moved with compassion” upon the people when He saw their need for Him, the Good Shepherd (Matthew 9:35-38). Being “moved with compassion” reveals how much Jesus loves all men and would have none to perish but rather that all men should come to repentance and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). This “compassion” is essential for Christ-like leadership and ministry.

If we are becoming one with the Father and Son as Jesus prayed for us to be, are we not being filled with His holy compassion toward others? (Read John 17.)

We should never have a bad attitude toward sinners but rather lift a prayer that Jesus will find and save them. Jesus was “moved with compassion” towards sinners (Matthew 9:36). How do we view sinners?

Being possessed with the mind of Christ means preferring the LORD and others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5).

Do we truly care for the people we reach out to? Are we deeply concerned for the members of Christ’s body around us?

When God’s compassion fills our hearts, the ministry He conducts through our lives will be direct to the people and not aimed at them. Selah.

There are some who erroneously believe that they are supposed to hate sinners. Is that biblical?

Pour over our LORD’s words recorded in Matthew 5:38-48 – Jesus tells us to love all men upon whom the Father bestows His blessings. This is what a “perfect” or mature disciple does and shows the love of the Father. No, there is no condoning of sin in this. God loved us “while we were yet sinners” and expects us to do the same with those who are not yet His (Romans 5:6-8). “GOD is angry with the wicked every day” NOT us but GOD. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). | Angry Street Preachers Busted and Exposed 

Believers should never purposely attempt to offend others but rather are to know that as they minster the truth, they WILL absolutely offend some (John 7:7; 15:20; 2 Tim 3:12-13). When the light of divine truth strikes darkened hearts, some will repent and some will rebel. We know from the Gospels that when Jesus preached, many were offended. Here’s but one example:

“Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were OFFENDED, after they heard this saying?” Matthew 15:12

In reading through the New Testament Scriptures, do we see Christ and/or His holy apostles screaming condescendingly at sinners?

You can know if you are ready for the return of Christ by whether or not you’re calling others to come to Him in light of His soon return.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

Godly compassion begins with repenting truly and when we do, we will no longer be sinfully self-righteous which is where the lack of compassion emanates. When Jesus saw the lost He was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:35-38). What are you moved with?

Are you sinfully Angry? (Ephesians 4:26; James 1:20)

If you are preaching hard against sin you better be preaching hard on mercy too – because without it, YOU, self-righteous hypocrite, are doomed to eternal damnation (Matthew 21:31). “Repentance AND remission of sins” is to be preached – not just one but both (Luke 24:47). Memorize James 1:20. Sit down. Shut up. Learn of the LORD. Be accountable for your own sin first and foremost (Matthew 7:1-5; Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:8-10). The very reason you are not living the crucified life, the cross, is the reason your don’t preach it and it is the only solution GOD gave for sin. What’s Romans 6:7 say? Case closed.

Today’s self-righteous preachers preach as if everyone needs to repent except them. They preach hard against sin but never offer the only solution to holiness – the cross! Wow. Romans 6

Preaching Against Sin but Not Offering the LORD’s Solution to Overcome Sin?

Why did Jesus come to the earth?

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

1 Corinthians 13

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up …”

“God so LOVED

the world

that he gave …. ”

John 3:16

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I come this moment to You through the blood of my LORD Jesus Christ, asking You to forgive my sin of selfishness, cross-lessness, of denying You instead of self. Please forgive my sins afresh through the washing of the precious blood of Jesus Christ Father. Please break me to the core of my being and change me into Your holy image and likeness LORD Jesus. I love You Jesus. Please purify this heart and fill me with Your holy compassion and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen LORD.

FEEDBACK:

“EXCELLENT Message well said and so very well balanced. Thank you very much.” Nancy Cote

Christ’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the LostKindness is a Soul Winning Weapon Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher WarningEvangelism

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