Local Church Revenues

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SERIOUS QUESTIONS TO ASK CONCERNING THE APPROPRIATION OF REVENUES FLOWING INTO LOCAL CHURCHES. There is no attempt here to condemn the actions of all local fellowship organizations, but rather to probe objectively into the practices and bureaucratic systems in place, to determine how biblical they are or are not.

“For ye have the poor always with you…” Matthew 26:11

Does it seem unscriptural and unreasonable that there is little or no benevolence fund for congregants among churches in America? In most churches, there seems to be a “give-to-us-but-we-will-never-give-to-those-in-need-among-you” attitude, policy and practice. Where is the outflow of money to those who gather together in the midst of these local fellowships which are supposed to be set up according to New Testament truth? Why is there no allocation of funds to help those in need right under the noses of the ones controlling the finances? Why does it all have to go to a pastoral staff, foreign missions, and the physical building and its furnishings? Did not the early church distribute among themselves as each had need?

The Father is sending forth labourers into His bless-ed harvest! (Matthew 9:35-38) Some professing Christians give to support a church business enterprise, a type of social club, country club, instead of supporting the actual work and workers of the LORD, the labourers of Christ who actually labour in the Word daily – feeding and equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-14). Wolves don’t prepare Christ’s sheep, they exploit them. Do we remember how Jesus commanded that we pray that Father would send for His labourers into the harvest which is great? (Matthew 9:35-38) The way we treat the workmen of God is the way we are treating God himself. Make no mistake, as we support the workers of God we are supporting the work of God. Jesus is coming!

There are 5 servant-leadership office gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 – apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor & teacher. Why is it that in the modern church system, only 1 of those 5 elder positions (pastor) is receiving the vast majority of finances from the people of God, while the other 4 are left with nothing to operate in their callings? Are these 5 ministry gifts of Jesus to His beloved body not all listed in plain daylight in Ephesians 4:11 and said to be for the building up and maturing of the saints “for the work of the ministry”? (v12) How can the body of Christ possibly be coming to maturity and accomplishing “the work of the ministry” without the fulness of all 5 of these ministry gifts being in place and in operation? And how can these men possibly function in their ministries when local church revenues are being hoarded and squandered by the pastors? Did the Holy Ghost lie to us in Ephesians 4 by telling us there were 5 office gifts Jesus gave to the Church? Is shutting out the other men who are divinely called to function as servant leaders/elders not a type of taking an evil preeminence like Diotrephes? (3 Jn. 9-11)

Concerning the work, workers, and building up of Christ’s kingdom, the Bible instructs us in Ezra 6:8 – “forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.” The reason all of God’s people are to give to His authentic work is “that they (His servants) be not hindered.” (Ezra 6:8) Does this not include all the servants He ordained to build up His body and win lost souls? In the modern church world, in most cases, all or most of the money goes to the pastors who occupy physical buildings and instead of spreading it to the others who are called, many of these pastors justify the building of larger houses for themselves and ever increasingly larger church buildings (programs to expand their physical assets, not the kingdom of God). In other words they are building their own kingdoms instead of spreading the resources to each and every labourer for Christ to the building of the kingdom of Christ in the hearts of men.

Have we stopped to think of the fact that a million dollar home costs approximately $100,000 for property taxes? $100,000 could fund one or two families/ministries for a year.

God will judge those who give to the rich ministries – to further embellish these wolves – enemies of Christ and aid them in continuing to rob and mislead many! (Proverbs 22:16; 2 John 10-11)

YES, there are rich (in this world) Christians (1 Timothy 6:17-19) and they are told to be very generous, but no man in ministry for Christ is to make himself rich in this world ON THE MONEY GIVEN FOR GOD’S WORK!

Far too much power has been given into the hands of a few men among us who are not rightly stewarding God’s resources for the expansion of His kingdom. Are we empowering these moguls to continue to more deeply embellish their already abundant lifestyles? These men will give account before a holy God for greatly hindering the advance of His kingdom. Make no mistake: Millions will be in hell due to this gross and evil injustice. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth itnot, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48

Is there true community in your fellowship, or has your gathering become a place to “make merchandise” of those who gather? (2 Peter 2:1-3) Is there true Christ-centered fellowship or is it a socializing environment? Have people been trained to come, give their money, and go home?

FOR the majority of the leaders feigning to be serving Christ, it’s a business to make money. Fool yourself no longer! They say and keep saying and withhold the things that get people in and keep them in. With the numbers comes the nickels! (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Hirelings build their buildings, programs, and egos and not the kingdom of God by sending forth laborers into the harvest (Matthew 9:35-38). They are zealous to go to any length to create building fund programs and gain the support of their audiences in the absence of seeking to fund the real work of the Gospel which does not include the New Testament model of advancing the Word of God in the earth through the funding of ministries and missionaries (Matthew 9:36-39).

We really don’t yet get it: We still gullibly believe that any man calling himself a pastor is of God. After all, he has a “church building,” right?

Only those who are truly born again and presently seeking the LORD in His Word, prayer, and a life in the Holy Spirit, will see Satan’s wolves operating as Christ’s ministers (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). All others are willingly deceived, blind and will be damned due to having a mere “form of godliness, but denying the power (authority) thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

When peering a little deeper than the surface at what is represented so often before the people when fund-raising programs are rolled out, one may find that the focus does not align with the New Testament Gospel. So many who are at the helm of the organized church, occupying buildings, are simply misusing revenues to perpetuate their own existence and in place of the advancement of the kingdom of Christ – the One they claim to represent.

THIS is how Christ’s true body operates….

Acts 2:40-47 “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Does it seem a bit funny that all money is to flow to the local establishment which is controlled by a handful of men – men who are not following the Scriptural mandate for distribution of funds?

THERE are children of God who are behind on bills. There are called-out men of God preaching Christ’s whole Gospel fearlessly, and grossly under-supported. And, you STILL support a multi-millionaire wolf who is making merchandise of the people to make himself even richer in this fleeting world? (2 Peter 2:1-3) God is calling you to repent. You are in darkness, a lost soul.

These greed-grubbers are the tool through which Satan is robbing the body of Christ. How should the wealth, collections be distributed? (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) Here it is – “And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:35 …. THIS is how the true body of Christ operates. Most building based “churches” today are set up in rebellion. This isn’t happening due to the large salaries and all the money it takes to run the modern church stages shows.

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Anthony Terry writes: “Scripture is clear on the gatherings of the saints. They are for the saints only. They are to bring their offerings into the gatherings so when a need arises it can be met. Scripture also tells us that those with earthly goods should sell them when a saint is in need and to supply that need. This also is not done today. Too many are storing up treasures here and not in the kingdom. Scripture says if you have the ability to meet a need and don’t do it then how can you say God dwells in you? (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35)”

Have modern church houses been hi-jacked by a band of deceivers with supposed credentials and qualifications? Have you compared your local fellowship with the New Testament model?

Let’s face it, why are we surprised at the way God’s money is or is not being distributed in the modern church arena when the LORD Himself told us that most of those in leadership were “blind”, which means they cannot see from the LORD’s perspective.

“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way (self-serving), every one for his gain (personal gain), from his quarter (their own little deal is all that matters). Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” (Isaiah 56:10-12) Has much changed since the prophet Isaiah’s day? It is obvious that the overwhelming majority of those who hold positions of leadership in the modern church do not possess a kingdom revelation and mindset – the mindset of Jesus and His apostles and the early Church. The “apostles doctrine” consists of the spread and establishment of the kingdom of God (glorifying Christ alone and not men), and not being entrenched in some little self-serving building program, which is to continue to deepen roots in this fleeting world (Acts 2:41-47; 8:4). With the overwhelming majority of leaders today, it seems to be more about further embellishing temporal buildings that are already overdone, than it does about being about the Father’s business by feeding His sheep and seeking to save the lost (Lk. 2:49; 19:10; 1 Pet. 5:2).

Is it time that the remnant begin to support true and uncompromising remnant works and cease to build the sinful dreams and empires of false prophets?

Acts 4:29-35 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 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. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither 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, And laidthem down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”

Did you see the sequence here? Notice the power of God where there is the exalting of Jesus Christ as first love and genuine unity based upon divine truth and charity. These early believers showed their love by sharing with fellow believers. Note: This writer does not believe it is a sin to be rich, but it is a sin to be rich and not be charitable and hell awaits all who live in this sinful state (Mk. 10:25; Lk. 16:19-31; 1 Tim. 6:17-19). Everyone has something to share, especially in the western world.

Why are people taught that the tithe must be given on Sunday morning in a certain building and to a certain “official” organization? Is biblical New Testament ministry transpiring in that gathering? Or the programs and psychologies of mere men? Are they excited about God’s 66 Book Bible or some program of men or fad book full of heresy?

Why is there not the liberty to do more liberal distribution to a wider spectrum of believers and genuine NT ministries – truly fruitful works? After all, the revenues flowing into modern church houses does not seem to be getting to the end user in need. Jesus told us there will always be needs, which means there will always be blessed opportunities for Christians to be a blessing by giving.

If God’s people are not allocating the funds using His holy Word as a guide, is there something greatly amiss? If so, what?

Why are nearly all the funds received in offerings spent on those few men and their building projects? Not that a few men or a man couldn’t deal uprightly with the funds, yet it is questionable that they are operating uprightly if in fact there is no charitable giving among the people they are supposedly serving. This may be due to the pastor or staff spending it all upon themselves and physical buildings. Is the LORD glorified in this? Note: Authentic men of God are to be fully taken care of financially, so they can do the work of the ministry with no hindrances (Ezra 6:8; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).

Are there finances allocated to local evangelism? Where is the Gospel tract rack in your local fellowship’s meeting place? Any church organization without Gospel tracts on hand selfishly defies the LORD and His Great Commission command to win lost souls for whom He bled on the cross – unless they aggressively promote evangelism in other ways.. By refusing to reach out to lost souls, the leadership proves that they are in the ministry for themselves and not Christ.

Why does such a large percentage of the revenue go to pay for physical buildings when some among “the building of God” – His people – have unmet financial needs? (1 Cor. 3:9; 1 Pet. 2:5) Why is so much of the money given in local church gatherings absorbed into bureaucracy and buildings when God made it clear that His people are a “spiritual house”? (1 Pet. 2:5)

Where is the accountability of those in leadership?

Perhaps adjustment, based on a fresh understanding of the full-counsel of God, should be made in the allocation of incoming funds. May this writer humbly suggest 10-15% or so being placed in a separate charity fund to be distributed joyfully to those in need among that particular body of believers. Also, like the Good Samaritan, those in need should never be wrongly questioned and interrogated before receiving financial help, but rather, freely blessed. Perhaps in following divine principle, those who are counted least among us should be set in place to determine the appropriation of funds (1 Cor. 6:4).

Most pastors are building physical buildings and this is the extent of their productivity. Many of these men seem to misunderstand the elementary purposes of God and that Christ didn’t come to earth to die so they could have their little church profession that feeds monetary gain into their coffers and builds a name for themselves. They seem to see their position as one of opportunity to elevate self through their ministry career and in the process are neglecting those they are there to serve.

Why don’t those in leadership share their revenues with other ministries in their midst that are not pastoral, yet just as divinely called, valid, and needed as the ministry of the pastor?

Is the established bureaucracy in your local fellowship denying access of other of Christ’s children who labor in the Word and prayer? Remember Diotrephes in 3 John?

Does the way the modern church is set up resemble the early Church found in Scripture? Or, does it rather resemble the evil system set up when the church went into gross apostasy in the middle ages, where there was a monarch and central building headquarters and controlled by one or a few?

Are members of the local body of Christ being denied?

The good Samaritan didn’t question, he just served.

The Scripture tells us that If a man doesn’t work he doesn’t eat, so there are biblical parameters to be honored.

Are some being placed on a guilt trip or shamed due to not having much to give?
Giving large amounts to missions and other churches is really noble, but is it good to do this while neglecting those right in our midst?

How can we possibly be boasting about how much money we are or have given to overseas missions, when there are those who sit under the noses of leadership every Sunday morning who live in quiet desperation and destitution (severe lack), and go totally unnoticed? Absurd hypocrisy!

Should Gospel workers suffer be suffering lack with all the revenues handled by the so-called Christian churches (billions annually)?

Does a divinely called and prepared man need a pile of bricks and wood (building) to make his ministry legitimate? Does he need to operate on foreign soil to become eligible for receiving God’s money to sustain his life and further his Gospel ministry calling?

There is no record in the New Testament canon of Scripture of the early Church owning any building. They didn’t because they were mobile and advancing the kingdom and not becoming entrenched in this sinful world while building their own little kingdoms, which is what pastors today are doing. Read closely Isaiah 56:10-12 and see the self-serving nature of false shepherds exposed.

Beloved, if you still have the mindset that most leaders claiming to represent Christ are true, you are not yet thinking biblically. Though sad, it is no less true. In the complete absence of any Scripture hinting that there are many true prophets and the words of Jesus and John His apostle who stated “MANY false prophets are gone out into the world.” (Matt. 24:11; 1 Jn. 4:1)

Do American pastors feel a sense of accomplishment because they send money overseas to support mission work while they neglect the ministries the LORD has placed under their noses? And then gloat over such? Have we not “denied the faith” and become “worse than an infidel” when we have not provided for “our own”? (1 Tim. 5:8)

“Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD.” (1 Kings 18:4) Through his ministers that held high positions within the kingdom of God, the devil “cut off” the supply of finances to those prophets who remained in the truth, refusing to compromise with the system and majority. God-fearing Obadiah secretly supplied these servants of Christ with food and water to sustain their lives. Is there any new thing under the sun? No. In our day, when those few who refuse to compromise are being cut off from financial supply by those who have a stranglehold on the control of 99% of the finances flowing in the church world, we, the remnant, have been called out to be like Obadiah and supply those who remain true to the LORD in serving His people. See 1 Kings 18.

Only the Truth Can Make Us Free [podcast]

Something Preachers MUST Preach

Articles

A PLACE CALLED HELL [podcast]

How does God’s Word describe hell?

A PLACE CALLED HELL ….. Below is a detailed list of the unending realities of eternal damnation!

Hell is the ultimately judgment of God upon all who refuse to repent and receive Christ and therefore die in sin.

“Let death seize upon them, and let them GO DOWN quick (alive) into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.” Psalms 55:15

Details about hell revealed in God’s Word, the Bible:

A place of complete consciousness (all feelings)…..Lk. 16:25
Torment with fire and brimstone…………………………Rev. 14:10
Weeping and gnashing of teeth……………………….…..Matt. 8:12
A place of eternal remorse (devastating regret)…..Luke 16:25
A place of torments…………………………………………..…Luke 16:23
No rest day or night forever (eternal misery)……….Rev. 14:11
A furnace of fire with wailing…………………………..….Matt. 13:42
A place of everlasting burnings…………….…………..Isaiah 33:14
A lake (ocean) of fire……………………………………..…….Rev. 20:15
Unquenchable fire (ferocious flames)………..…….……Mark 9:45
Outer darkness (blinding loneliness)………………….Matt. 22:13
No 2nd chance to escape (utter hopelessness)……Luke 16:26
A place of sorrows (seething remorse and despair)….Ps. 18:5
A place of everlasting destruction……………………..2 Thess. 1:9

Even though sinful man is still looking for life on mars and the moon….. there’s only 3 places, locations that men exist:

“And no man in HEAVEN, nor in EARTH, neither UNDER THE EARTH, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” Revelation 5:3

1. “in heaven”
2. “in earth”
3. “under the earth” which is where hell is (Matthew 12:40).

Jesus used the words “eternal damnation” to reveal to us that hell if forever, unending (Mark 3:29). The fires of eternal damnation shall feed upon the eternally conscious helpless souls of all who die in sin (Mark 9:43-49).

The reason people preach hell fire and brimstone is because they’re trying to save your eternal soul from hell fire and brimstone. Love!

PREACHING the biblical doctrine of hell, which is the eternal judgment of God, puts a fire behind believers, convicting them to forsake their lives in this world, to deny self, take up the cross and to follow Jesus, to press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Are YOU preaching hell – the eternal judgment of God in the domain of the damned reserved for all who die in sin? Please hit share. | Hell

“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” Proverbs 15:24

Heavenly Father, please grant to Your children an eternal perspective, in Jesus’ name. Amen dear LORD.

If you don’t think hell is divinely designed to be a loving deterent (motivator) from a merciful God, go read the words of the only Savior recorded in Mark 9:43-49 in the King James Bible. Satan’s new “bibles” removed this all-important passage.

ALL who don’t slow down, take the time to seek and listen to God’s Word, to hear His voice, will have all eternity in hell to burn in conscious misery, in utter fury and remorse to sulk on how they sinned away their day of grace. Going to hell is a choice. It’s irrevocable. There are no do-overs. If you sinned your whole life away, sinned away your day of grace, you will pay for your own sins in hell forever. If you reject the only sacrifice for your many sins – the blood of the LORD and Savior Jesus Christ – the domain of the damned will be your eternal abode. If you aren’t washed in the blood of Jesus and presently serving God, abiding in Christ, you are going straight to hell if you die today. …Don’t you dare share this, unless you want people to be saved…. from eternal hell.

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:23

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish (in hell), but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

You soul is eternal and will be conscious for all eternity – either in the bliss and comfort of Heaven or in hell.

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

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

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

Denying that hell exists changes nothing….

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Rational and educated people realize that our sun will not last for ever and will self destruct at the end of it life. When that happens it will most likely also destroy all of the planets in our solar system. Sense Hell has always been considered to be located deep within the bowels of the Earth….yeah, right…. it too will be destroyed. So Hell really isn’t for ever. And you’re just making stuff up.”

REPLY:

Hell is forever. Jesus died for our sins. Rational and educated people know basic science reveals that a molten mass is in the middle of the earth which only confirms that God’s Word is truth. God’s Word repeatedly speaks of this reality.

How to be forgiven and saved:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

Hell | Making Peace with God – Now, before it’s too Late

ALL who seek to hide/cover their sins instead of repenting and forsaking them, will perish. (Proverbs 28:13).

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

There are no “secrets” with God because He sees all.

“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Romans 2:16

“The secrets of men” are hidden from other men and yet nothing is hidden from God.

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD [podcast]

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD (Spanish version here) Are you ready to Pass from Death to Life? God desires to pardon you – before it’s too late. Jesus beckons you to “Come unto me” — while you can (Matthew 11:28-30). “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 GOD sees all sin and will either […]

Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]

How Do We Know, Right Now, Who will be Seated at the at the Table, at the Great Supper of the Lamb? (Matthew 22; Revelation 19) The remnant, those who will be present at the Great Supper of the Lamb in Heaven, are ALREADY feasting at the banqueting table of His Word. All others whom Jesus has saved in the past, are not fueled or flourishing but are rather famishing, fainting, and falling away. The “little flock” of Christ desires to be with Him both now and forever, not just forever (Luke 12:32). They’ve been born again and present “abide” […]

Fresh Start with God

You can Have a … Jesus is the Great Shepherd of His Sheep (Heb. 13:20; Lk. 15) A FRESH START WITH GOD (First, if you are not certain that you are genuinely born again, please go here first) Let’s get something straight…. the disciple, the mere man writing this message is more in need of JESUS than anyone who ever lived! No one needs Jesus more than I do and yet, we must do things HIS way, not our own (Ephesians 3:8). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs […]

Hell’s Menu

The Bible’s Vivid Description of the Domain of the Damned Violent flames rage like endless waves that roar in a fierce ocean tossed to and fro by hurricane winds. Deafening voices shriek, hopelessly tormented in the turbulent fire that dominates their defenseless souls. One million years have passed and yet there is not a trace of relief from the horrifying torment that has enveloped their helpless souls. Vivid memories of their earthly life, when they had precious opportunity to escape this horrible fate, torment their bitter and remorseful beings. Welcome to the world of departed souls who died after refusing […]

Is Hell Forever or Temporal? [podcast]

The original Gospel prominently includes the judgment of hell coming to every person who dies on sin (Mark 9:43-49, etc.). EVERY preacher not preaching hell is a false prophet who is preaching “another gospel” and is “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) Jesus and His holy apostles taught it and there’s no excuse for not doing the same. Repent now self-serving coward. Are Hell and the Lake of Fire Eternal or Temporal? As an eternal memorial of the holiness of God, the pit of hell will be an open, visible display of what happens to those who do things their own way instead […]

Abiding

Following the Faith of Abraham [podcast]

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; ALL came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

The LORD Keeps His Promises to His People

God could trust Abraham:

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:19

Of Abraham who lived by faith, the LORD says “For I know him” and if we love God, like Abraham, we are known of the LORD also.

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

Does the unchanging God ever tell His people to leave where they are and go to another place? Yes.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him…” Genesis 12:1-4

Abraham met the condition and God fulfilled His promise. Could the LORD have blessed Abraham had Abraham not trusted and obeyed Him?

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“The key is to say ‘Here I am.’ Abraham responded 3 times to God in Gen 22, when God called His name. It was an immediate response of obedience. Did he know exactly why God was calling him? No! It was the posture of his heart. Because of his faithful obedience the Lord knew Abraham was a God fearing man, who only cared about doing God’s will.” Karen Cochran

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my unbelief, which is a sin. Please wash this heart afresh in Your precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Fill my heart with faith, with love, joy, and peace. Please order my every step and be glorified in this life You gave. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"Though He Slay Me, Yet will I Trust in Him" [podcast]

DO WE have the “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” spirit and disposition of the beloved Job? “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15 Going though a season of testing and trials and yet not worshipping God through it all, is a waste. Personally I had to learn this the hard way. God has been so wonderfully gracious! “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, […]

Are You a "A FAITHFUL MESSENGER" of the LORD? [podcast]

The faithfulness of God is where we begin …. every word in the Bible. His Word oozes with His faithfulness. He was faithful to us “while we yet sinners” (Romans 5:6-8), to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9). ruling over cities – see Luke 19 See examples of faithfulness to God in Hebrews 11: “he pleased God” “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5 “But whoso looketh into the perfect […]

Abiding

The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]

The Divine Prescription is Clear and there are No Shortcuts

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

The law brings repentance, salvation while thereafter the crucified life, the cross keeps us from that sin which once separated us from the LORD, who now has saved us (Psalms 19:7; Romans 6).

There are lots of people peddling the lie of “self care” which is ultimately nothing more than absolute selfishness. Pure evil. We need SAVIOR care! Such “self-care” only perpetuates the prey, the victim, in their misery. The only way to deal with the wicked iniquitous nature, is to crucify it, not pamper it (Luke 9:23-24). It’s your time to get into God’s Word and follow Jesus (KJB). Repent, deny yourself, lay down your life and serve God and others, not yourself. Loving your wicked self IS your problem and so all “self care” is accomplishing is to make your problem bigger, to fortify the evil within (Galatians 5:16-24). Crucifying that evil by the power of the Holy Spirit who is then raising your upward in His grace, glory, and power, is the divine prescription (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:3, etc.). Read Philippians 2:3-5 each morning this week. Jesus commands you to love God. Worship God. Obey God (Matthew 22:37-39).

All whom Jesus has saved make a decision every day, including this day. All who were initially saved and yet aren’t searching out and taking up the cross daily, prove they do not love Him, even though they may claim such. Each of us prove who we really love by who reigns in our lives, and by who dies. See Matthew 6:24.

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

WHO we yield ourselves to today, proves who we truly love – either the Savior or self.

“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” 2 Corinthians 1:9

We must declare and establish “the sentence of death in ourselves” so that our trust is in God who raised Christ from the dead and raises up all of His saints as they are crucified with Christ.

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

Tired of sinful self and wanting it out of your way? Here’s the divine prescription: “But I keep under (subdue) my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

The fact that Jesus is coming back for a church, a people who are holy, let us peer into what the Bible tells us concerning overcoming the flesh, sin (Romans 6-8).

Jesus never said to try or try harder. no, Jesus says you must die to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25, etc.).

Jesus is sanctifying and cleansing by His Word a people, a church “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Times of fasting and prayer are doing yourself a favor and not God. Yes. You are crucifying self, getting self out of God’s way so that Christ is reigning in your life in place of sinful self! This should be viewed with absolute delight! (See Psalms 37:4; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13, etc..) You are crying, you are driving a stake in the ground and declaring: “LORD, You must increase but I must decrease!” (See John 3:30.) That’s the “daily” operation of the cross God has ordained to be transpiring in our lives (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

What’s your plan for a special time of fasting and prayer this week? There’s no mystery – you will not overcome the flesh, sin, without being crucified with Christ and there’s no better way than fasting and prayer. It’s the most direct route to being dead, buried, and raised up in the victory Christ alone can grant. Lay it all down, now. Memorize Colossians 3:3 and walk it out.

We simply can’t know just how deep we are buried in pride until we begin to obey God in fasting and prayer. Isaiah 58

Overcoming the flesh, walking in victory requires continually delighting in the LORD, worshipping Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

HOW many of us know that the flesh is never going to behave itself, never going to be tamed …. until it’s slain by the cross, crucified?

The flesh IS going to rage, be bent toward and do evil. That’s a given (Romans 7). This is why the cross, the crucifying of the “old man” and putting on “the new man” are essential to God bringing the victory in our lives! (Romans 6-8; Ephesians 4:23-25; Colossians 3:5-10, etc.)

Doesn’t the fact that our flesh does not like the cross, only confirm the need for it? What are the “works of the flesh” that will separate a once saved Christian from God? (Galatians 5:16-21) Though it’s never heard in the apostate modern church world, Jesus commanded the cross in the life of each and every person who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). The fact that our flesh hates the cross in no way changes God and what He said concerning the severity in which we are to deal with the flesh, with sin – and the eternal damnation that awaits all who don’t crucify the deeds of the body (Mark 9:42-49; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.). When’s the last time you read the words of Jesus recorded in Mark 9:42-49 and took Jesus at His Word? IF you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15).

God fully expects for His people to induce, to participate in the crucifixion of our flesh, putting the self-life to death (Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:16; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

Holiness is not the way to Christ but rather Christ is the way to holiness. Abiding in Christ IS abiding holy – in the divine definition of holy. The key is that holiness is NOT the way to God but rather Christ is the way to holiness, His way, His definition – which is the daily cross (Luke 9:23-24). Abiding fellowship with Christ, on HIS terms, is holiness – being set apart to the LORD, in the LORD (Psalms 4:3; John 15).

Sin is man’s master until Christ is man’s Master (Matthew 6:24).

No one overcomes by accident. Those who love the LORD, truly, not just in mere profession, will seek Him diligently and obey Him and therefore are brought into His victory by Him (Matthew 7:21; 22:37-39; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6; Revelation 2-3, etc.). The disciple must truly repent and cease all excuses for the sin that displeases God and walk as “MORE than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:1, 5-6, 13-14; 37, etc.).

Jesus came from Heaven to earth and successfully confronted evil, sin, death, and the devil by going to the cross and defeating them! Read Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8. In Christ, with Christ, we defeat death by dying, laying down our lives (Hebrews 2:14-15). And Jesus, who conquered death, hell, sin, Satan, and the grave, sends us to the cross – co-death with Him to defeat all of our sin and Satan also (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 8:29, 37; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). His precious blood alone atoned for our sins positionally, and yet to enforce that victory in defeating sin and Satan in our daily lives, Jesus prescribed to us the cross life (the practical).

The only thing we can do about this reality – about the iniquitous fleshly nature – is to crucify it (Galatians 5:16-24). There can be no negotiation.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11

The one way to master sin is bow to Heaven’s Master and let Him master sin! The cross.

BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST ROSE AGAIN, ALL WHO ARE BORN AGAIN IN HIM ARE RAISED UP SPIRITUALLY IN THIS LIFE TO OVERCOME ALL SIN, SATAN, AND THE WORLD, AND WILL SOON be RAISED UP INTO ETERNAL GLORY WITH HEAVEN’S KING.

Rhetorical Question: What’s your fasting and prayer plan beloved? Your answer to this important, prompting question is before you and your LORD….

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 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 12:1-2

You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. The fact that you don’t want to fast is the clear proof that you need to fast. Currently, your flesh is in control! Once you are broken, you will delight in, you will look forward to those times of regular fasting! Read Isaiah 58. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer

Times of Fasting and prayer get YOU out of the way so Jesus can reign supreme! Isaiah 58

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

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

FASTING IS STARVING THE FLESH AND FEEDING THE SPIRIT IN ORDER TO BE BROUGHT BY THE LORD INTO FULL ONENESS WITH HIM AND THE FATHER, AND INTO THE COMPLETE VICTORY AND FRUITFULNESS HE’S ORDAINED YOU TO WALK IN (ISAIAH 58).

Read Romans 6-8.

I am not a good person. Neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The Bible and our own failing experience in this life clearly reveal such to be the case. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently that there is “no good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a fresh, deeper work in us! See Romans 7:18, 24—the cross!

“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

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9

The SINNER, the vile wretch I must first and foremost confront, is myself! See Job 19:28; Rom 7:18, 24; Ps 39:4-5 and Eccl 7:20. It’s essential to begin to understand the flesh, the fallen man, the iniquitous old man, in order to realize what we’ve been saved from and what must be crucified daily. The cross is God’s solution, His prescription to “put off the old man with his deeds.”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” Ephesians 4:22

The cross subdues the flesh, it separates us from being held captive to the dictates of the old man, the carnal fallen nature.

The Root of the Matter is in Me! | The Daily Cross

Either Crucify the Flesh or it will Crucify Christ out of Your Life [podcast]

Fight the temptation or die the death? Where’s the victory come from? The Cross – something counterfeits intentionally evade (Philippians 3:18-19). The cross is how we know who is real and who is fake. Refusing to take up the cross means one has denied Christ. This would account for the vast majority of men in ministry today. They are cross-less. The only people who are truly following Christ are those who are doing it HIS way – and His stated way is the cross, the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24). There is no other way to follow Jesus. If we don’t […]

To the Flesh we must declare “Shut up and die!” [podcast]

There can be no mercy on the flesh. As opposed to making excuse for the fallen nature in us, we must declare war on it – by the cross (Romans 6:1-23; 8:12-13, etc.). Jesus never said to try. Jesus says you must die to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25, etc.). The flesh cannot be cast out, like a devil. It must be daily crucified, put to death (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6, etc.). The Holy Spirit alone can crucify the deeds of the body and this only happens as we are dead and buried with Christ. Read Romans 6 […]

Sin: Man’s Core Problem [podcast]

People don’t have a “mental health” problem, they have a SIN problem and sin is what gives way, gives full access to Satan! “When people hear voices telling them to harm themselves or others, that’s not a chemical imbalance, it’s demon possession.” Rachel Gould “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 Jesus taught us that man’s sin comes out of his “desperately wicked” heart (Jer17:9; Mark 7:20-23). The devil and his agents have created a million ways to divert us from stopping our lives, getting honest, taking personal responsibility, humbling ourselves, […]