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Knowing the Word of God and also the God of the Word! [podcast]

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]

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

How has God ordained that we know Him?

First by bringing us to Himself at the heart of His Word and granting His eternal life to us (Acts 2:14-41; 8:26-40; 20:21; Romans 10:17; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23, etc.).
Also thereafter by seeking His face in prayer and His Word and with a heart to worship and know Him (John 17:3).

If I don’t truly love Jesus today, what do I have other than dead religion?

Let the Blessings Begin!

We can listen to men preach all day long, every day, but we’re never going be blessed until we make God personal. That is, you take God personally and get into His Word and start seeking His holy face for yourself. Putting the LORD first, literally, is when the blessings begin – and never before!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Concerning seeking God, Jim Mergens says:

“It makes sense to make the freshest time of the day to keep for Him, for prayer and Bible study…it’s the time I can learn best…with a cup of coffee mind you…”

“In the morning”

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3

“Early will I Seek Thee”

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” Psalms 63:1

A dear brother who stated the utter importance of reading God’s Word, also raised the question concerning whether or not the believer is automatically in the perfect will of God solely on the basis of reading the Holy Scriptures. Of course, the answer is no because we know that Satan knew God’s Word, as did the pharisees, yet refused to repent and believe on the Messiah – Who is God’s Living Eternal Divine Word revealed. He stood in their midst and they refused to humble themselves in repentance and put their whole trust in their Messiah. Jesus said this to them:

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40

“Even the Pharisees knew the scriptures and knew of Jesus , but they did not know Him. Jesus told them they did not have Him in their hearts and therefore did not have eternal life . John 5: 38-47. Head knowledge means nothing to Jesus. We need to know Him in our hearts. In a relationship with Him. Digesting His word! Getting to know Him. We should be emulating the sweet savour of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2: 15. How can you be like someone that you don’t know?” Karen Cochran

Knowing the Holy Scriptures was not the problem. Refusing to come to Him upon hearing those words that revealed Him, was their sin. Of this passage, William MacDonald wrote the following:

“5:39 The first part of this verse may be understood in two ways. First of all, the Lord Jesus may be telling the Jews to search the Scriptures. Or He may be simply stating the fact that they did search the Scriptures because they thought that in the mere possession of the Scriptures, they had eternal life. Either interpretation of the verse is possible. Probably the Lord Jesus was simply stating the fact that the Jews searched the Scriptures and thought that in doing so they were receiving eternal life. They did not realize that the OT Scriptures telling of the coming Messiah were actually telling about Jesus. It is terrible to think that men with the Scriptures in their hands could be so blind. But it was even more inexcusable that after the Lord Jesus spoke to them in this way, they still refused to accept Him. Notice the latter part of this verse carefully. “These are they which testify of Me.” This simply means that the main subject of the OT was the coming of Christ. If anyone misses that in studying the OT, he misses the most important part of it.

5:40 The Jews were not willing to come to Christ that they might have life. The real reason people do not accept the Savior is not because they cannot understand the gospel, or find it impossible to believe on Jesus. There is nothing about the Lord Jesus that makes it impossible for them to trust Him. The real fault lies in man’s own will. He loves his sins more than he loves the Savior. He does not want to give up his wicked ways.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary

Just doing the will of God, which includes ingesting His words, does not in and of itself assure, guarantee that our hearts are engaged with Christ. Such is an ongoing choice, an act of the individual will – “for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 30:21).

Those who truly love the LORD, who worship Him “in spirit and in truth,” delight to know and worship and obey Him.

“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:8

The LORD is calling us to worship Him not only “in truth,” (according to the written Word), but also “in spirit.” (John 4:23-24)

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3

As opposed to mind numbing, rote (mechanical) pagan idolatry or a mere “form of godliness,” the born again believer is a “new creature” in Christ, has been raised from the dead, regenerated spiritually by Christ, and is now divinely enabled to to be His “ambassador” (2 Corinthians 5:17-20; 2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 3:5-7, etc.).

According to what we read in the discussion between Jesus and the woman at the well, worshiping God is not about a physical, a geographical location but rather a state of heart…

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

Of this passage, William MacDonald writes:

“Jesus announced to the woman that from now on worship of the Father would be in spirit and truth. The Jewish people had reduced worship to outward forms and ceremonies. They thought that by religiously adhering to the letter of the law, and going through certain rituals, they were worshiping the Father. But theirs was not a worship of the spirit. It was outward, not inward. Their bodies might be bowed down on the ground but their hearts were not right before God. Perhaps they were oppressing the poor, or using deceitful business methods.

The Samaritans, on the other hand, had a form of worship, but it was false. It had no scriptural authority. They had started their own religion and were carrying out ordinances of their own invention. Thus, when the Lord said that worship must be in spirit and truth, He was rebuking both Jews and Samaritans. But He was also informing them that, now that He had come, it was possible for men to draw near to God through Him in true and sincere worship. Ponder this! The Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is interested in the adoration of His people. Does He receive this from me?

4:24 God is Spirit is a definition of God’s being. He is not a mere man, subject to all the errors and limitations of humanity. Neither is He confined to any one place at any time. He is an invisible Person who is present in all places at one and the same time, who is all-knowing, and who is all-powerful. He is perfect in all His ways. Therefore, those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. There must be no sham or hypocrisy. There must be no pretense to being religious, when inwardly one’s life is corrupt. There must be no idea that in going through a series of rituals, God is thereby pleased. Even if God instituted those rituals Himself, He still insists that man approach Him with a broken and a contrite heart. Two more “musts” are found in this chapter—“must” for the winner of souls (4:4) and “must” for the worshiper (4:24).” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“God is a Spirit”

“God is a Spirit – Not only remote from the body, and all the properties of it, but likewise full of all spiritual perfections, power, wisdom, love, holiness. And our worship should be suitable to his nature. We should worship him with the truly spiritual worship of faith, love, and holiness, animating all our tempers, thoughts, words, and actions.” John Wesley

“It has been said that no great work in literature or in science was ever wrought by a man who did not love solitude. We may lay it down as an elemental principle of religion, that no large growth in holiness was ever gained by one who did not take time to be often long alone with God.” Austin Phelps

PRAYER: In Jesus’ name dear heavenly Father, please bring this heart to true brokenness. Let there be true contrition and repentance and faith. Teach me Thy ways through Thy Word and Holy Spirit. I am all Yours Jesus and I know You are all mine. Please make Your people one with You and the Father. In Jesus’ name. Bless us to see You and the Grand, the Sacred Substance of Holy Scripture. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Why Did God Give Us His Word? [podcast]

The 4 Pillar Purposes for the Holy Scriptures There are 4 reasons detailed in 2 Timothy 3:16 for the Holy Scriptures being given to us by God. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the apostle Paul wrote: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 According to this verse, the Bible, God’s very Word, has been given to the people of God for 4 reasons: Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Let us take a brief look at these 4 reasons for […]

Getting Gospel Grounded [podcast]

Refusing to sit under the false gospel, false doctrines, false teachers, and wolves is not forsaking the assembling of the saints. It’s obedience to the LORD! See 2 Corinthians 6:17-18) There is a “difference” between the true and the false leaders today. True disciples will always warn and help God’s people distinguish the false teachers and “discern between the unclean and the clean”: “And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23 False leaders are to be marked, to be scoped out and […]

The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study [podcast]

To study the Bible organically means simply to study God’s Word without the undue influence, the taintings of mere men! God’s Word is your life (Proverbs 4:20-23). The Word is your “daily bread” and your life depends on knowing and obeying it (Matthew 6:11). Knowing and adhering to Holy Scripture is your protection (Proverbs 30:5-6). “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield (protection) unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6 RECENTLY: In a very engaging fellowship […]

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Fulfilling Your Calling [podcast]

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” Colossians 4:17

MINISTRY which pleases God is simply helping people know and grow in Christ for themselves – by the cross life and getting into HIS Word for themselves so they can follow HIM, not you! True ministry fosters in the hearers faith in God, not the preacher or local church organization! Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5.

Your communications and ministry are fed and fueled by your personal daily study and knowledge of God’s Word (Proverbs 22:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:15).

Ephesians 4:1-14

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” Ephesians 4:1-14

Ephesians | Galatians Outline | Grounded in Grace | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ. |

The Warnings of the Book of Jude [podcast]

“Reformed Theology“, is just a fancy way of saying ‘We know better than Paul, the old testament prophets, even David! And the very apostles who walked with Jesus must be unlearned men or liars.’ Nay, I will not say such a thing of my LORD and Saviour, Christ Jesus. Let God be true, and >every< man a liar.” Jonathan Crane It’s “ungodly men” who mislead the gullible with the eternal security heresy, and the heretical doctrines and system of calvinism. Jude warned us of just that, as did the prophets (Jude 3-4; Jeremiah 23:17, etc.). Then Jude reminds us of […]

Out of the Mouth of Babes - "What is Love?" Hilarious. Revealing. [podcast]

What these precious children say will have you laughing and perhaps crying. Our LORD Jesus, the greatest Servant says: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 This “greater love” of our Creator, Jesus Christ, was busy blessing each of us in our mother’s womb. Reading 1 Corinthians 13 today will refresh your heart and mind on the divine importance placed upon LOVE. Share. Recently it occurred to me…. That the younger the child, the less corrupted they are by this world and the closer they are to […]

Chosen, Called, Cleansed, Consecrated, Commissioned [podcast]

The LORD’s Vision to His Servant Isaiah and how it Relates to each of Us When the LORD revealed Himself more fully to the man Isaiah, the response of Isaiah is something we should behold and be taught by, learn from. “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. 6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which […]

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Swept Away in the “Strong Delusion” [podcast]

Recorded at a fellowship in Houston, Texas

God Himself personally sends a “strong delusion” to all who do not love His truth so that they WILL believe lies. He greases their pole to hell. That’s how personally He takes it when people call Him a liar by not believing His Word.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8

Notice “of God” and “NOT of God”

“He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are NOT OF GOD.” John 8:47

How do We Know Who is "of God" and Who is "Not of God"? [podcast]

Scripture vs Subjectivity/Human Reasoning “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8 There are many people pretending to be representing Christ. Many pretend to speak for God but how do we know who is truly “of God” and who is “not of God”? Jesus gave us the answer to this important question because He desires His people to be protected by proper discernment. He has warned us repeatedly to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but […]

Return and Discern [podcast]

THE LORD IS DOING A WORK TODAY IN THE HEARTS OF HIS PEOPLE – BLESSING US TO BE POOR IN SPIRIT, HUNGERING FOR MORE OF HIM, AND PURE IN HEART (Matthew 5:3, 6, 8 ). It’s all in spite of our own failings and sin and because of His great mercies which are renewed every morning – GREAT is His faithfulness (Lamentation 3:22-23). Discernment is only granted by God when we truly repent which means we lay down our lives in this fleeting world and follow Jesus for real (2 Corinthians 3:16-18). WHEN we earnestly seek the face of the […]

The Essential Doctrine of Repentance

The Biblical Statement on the Essential Doctrine and Necessity of Repentance – in Life and in the Dispensing of the Original Gospel Message. Though nearly never heard in today’s apostate modern church world, according to Christ’s unchanging original Gospel, repentance is an absolute necessity. Karen Cochran observes: “It doesn’t seem the word repent is part of the Christian’s vocabulary! In the modern church, it’s all about God accepting you the way you are without any requirements to repent and die to self.” Note that in modern churches, “Christian” radio, media, books, the word “repent” is rarely if ever heard. Yet […]

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Dead, Buried, and Raised Up Daily [podcast]

The concept of a “daily cross life” with Jesus is the way of living that involves submitting ourselves to Christ daily, perpetually, and living in sacrificial service to God and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). This is based on the Bible verse Luke 9:23, which says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:23-24).

In short, the cross gets you, me, out of the way so Christ can reign. Selah.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

How do we walk in victory after Jesus saves us? By participating in the daily cross life.

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

HOW could we possibly, vainly believe we are going to overcome the sins that prevent us from eternal glory without the daily crucified life? Not going to happen.

The cross is essential—the crucified life. Read Romans 6 in prayer each morning.

Death and burial must precede resurrection. There will be no resurrection in your personal life—no divine raising you up out of sin and into victory—until you lay down your life, until you die.

The Bible says we have been FOOLS:

“Thou fool, that which thou sowest (plant) is not quickened (made alive), except it die:” 1 Corinthians 15:36

How could we have ever believed that God is going to raise us upward into His victory, out of sin, until we died? I can tell you why—it’s because we weren’t honestly studying and obeying His Word for ourself but rather following false teachers (Philippians 3:18-19).

“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. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11

“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.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 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.” Romans 8:11-13

The original Gospel is a cross Gospel. Any gospel that does not have the cross front and center, is “another gospel,” a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Reading Romans 6 prayerfully each morning is a blessing.

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I love You and thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to die for my sins and the sins of the whole world. We are not worthy but You bought us with the very life blood of Christ, back to Yourself from a life of sin, to be Your sons and daughters. Please forgive all my sins afresh LORD. Into Your holy, mighty hands I now submit my spirit. Bless this life to be crucified with You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resurrection Grace [podcast]

NOTHING – NO MAN, NO DEVIL CAN STOP THIS! Just as no man, no devil could possibly stop the resurrection of Christ, no entity or army can stop the resurrection life of Christ in His saints, as they submit to their own death and burial. Resurrection follows! “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 […]

Victory Over the Iniquities that Currently Drive You [podcast]

“Too many Christians blame their flesh on Satan and try casting it out. Never works. That’s why they don’t grow! Must crucify the flesh!” Karen Cochran Recently, a brother in Christ was pushing the fact that Genesis 6:5, 12, use the phrase “only evil continually” pertaining to mankind, all men. REPLY: Ask for yourself the important question: WHY did Jesus come to the earth? And from this moment forward, allow the Bible to answer that question …. Look for the Bible answer…… Why Jesus came to die for us and make us new creatures in Christ whereby OLD THINGS ARE […]

Cons and Crooks who Do Not Preach the Cross [podcast]

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 Those who do not preach the cross prove that they believe the cross is “foolishness.” The know that many will leave if they were to preach the crucified life. And they are in it for the money, the acceptance of mere men, not Christ. Make no mistake, the Holy Ghost through Paul warned us specifically about this generation of counterfeits, these “evil men and seducers” who “wax worse and worse.” (2 Timothy 3:13) […]