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.
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Apostasy
Jesus Promised Judas an Eternal Throne in Heaven but He Chose to go to Hell #shorts [video]
Judas died and went to eternal hell, irrevocably as every lost soul shall experience (Acts 1:25). Judas is the “son of perdition” and “perdition” means damnation (John 17:12).
Here’s all the ministry’s shorts (60 secs) videos. Feel free to share:
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
Judas was even sent out with the other apostles to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach Christ’s Gospel (Matthew 10:1-8). He was real, then backslid and is in hell (Acts 1:16-25).
“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones (not 11), judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)
Judas wasn’t kept and Jesus specifically and irrefutably promised him an eternal throne in Heaven – Matthew 19:28. “TWELVE” not eleven~!
At the time of this divinely-given promise, it is more than abundantly clear that Judas was eternally secure, otherwise Christ would have never given this promise to the “twelve” which includes Judas Iscariot (Matthew 19:28). It is only after this that Judas allowed iniquity in his heart and by his own deliberate will fell by his own iniquity (Acts 1:25; Heb. 3:12-15).
“Saying, I (Judas) have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.” Matthew 27:4
“Eternal security”? Don’t kid yourself. Moral cowards who refuse to take person accountability for their every thought, motive, and deed love this lie. Satan’s first lie – which led to the fall of mankind (Gen 2:17; 3:4).
“For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
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Articles
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?
Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.
“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….
“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso
—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15
“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14
LOVE is the governing factor:
“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:
- John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
- John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
- Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
- Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
- They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”
Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20
Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!
“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21
“His commandment are not grievous”
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37
“IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).
Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “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.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).
1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10
DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.
If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.
One writer notes:
“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”
IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM. MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”
Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6
“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13
Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?
Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).
After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Uphold Jesus (audio)
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Abiding
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane
By Jon Crane
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).
The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5). Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).
Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.
“But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25
More Thoughts…
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of love – Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11
When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.
Remember whose you are …
“And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23
Take heart…
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved 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.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18
Romans 3
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Romans 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26
Confession made…
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 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.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13
Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
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