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Dare we pray as did the apostles…..

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

Here the twelve were asking the God of the universe to “increase” their  “faith.” The reader will note that there is no hint in this passage that the twelve original disciples of Christ sought to believe in themselves more fully.

HOW DOES FAITH INCREASE? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word and is forged in us as we obey, right? Yes, see Romans 10:17. Yet Jesus’ disciples asked Him to “increase our faith” and were not upbraided for doing so (Luke 17:5). So, how should we approach receiving more faith toward God?  By studying His Word and asking Him for more of it!

When facing enemies, obstacles, God’s people cried out to Him… grab this!

“O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

Did you catch the tail end of that? – “neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” In other words, “LORD, we don’t know what to do – BUT WE ARE LOOKING TO YOU FOR THE SOLUTION!”

I visited a church fellowship recently and the message was biblically good – except for when the pastor said that we should “believe in ourselves.”

The Son of God instructed us to “Have faith in God” – not self (Mark 11:22).

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Proverbs 28:26

Is not self-trust the message of the new age movement and all the cults – to look within because all you need is inside you? Wasn’t this the first lie Satan told to the man and woman in the garden, to which they hearkened? Isn’t Satan still using false teachers to perpetrate this same lure? Didn’t he convince Adam and Eve that they didn’t need God because they were sufficient in and of themselves? (See Gen. 3:1-5; 1 Cor. 10:13.) Isn’t this the message of all of alienated mankind (the world) who are not trusting in the total sufficiency of Jesus Christ?

The complete absence of even one instruction in holy Scripture to trust self should tell us something.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Isn’t self-reliance the very thing that separates the saved and the unsaved? Wouldn’t self-trust be the antithesis of trusting in God? Why would we need to “trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart” if we were sufficient in ourselves? (See Prov. 3:5-6.) Why would we need God if we have all we need inside us – without Him?

“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. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:20-21

Have you noticed that this self-trust message has infiltrated every segment of society and nearly all motivational communications? This is to be expected among those who are without God (Eph. 2:12). Most unfortunately it has greatly consumed the church world through the psychologizing of the faith, and most people in the Church world do not realize this. Most modern day church goers believe that they need a mixture of faith in God and self-trust and reliance.

Yes, we have our part in many things – but not justification. This is the free gift of God provided through Christ’s one sacrifice (Jn. 19:30; Heb. 10:12). In our daily lives, the LORD calls us to use what He gave us with all diligence while simultaneously trusting Him in and for all things (Phil. 2:12-13; Prov. 10:4; 1 Cor. 15:10, etc.).

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

Our “place of refuge” is in “the fear of the LORD” and it is there we have “strong confidence.”

Some have even taught that “God believes in you.” How could this possibly be – in light of what He establishes in His Word about mankind (doctrine of man)? No doubt that the LORD knows who His good stewards are, but to say that “God believes in us” is unfounded and can be misleading.

The LORD is all-knowing and the following is what He tells us concerning fallen mankind.

THE DOCTRINE OF FALLEN MAN (a foundational Bible doctrine)

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

“Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee:verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:5

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10

When we truly understand the doctrine of sinful man, we realize the utter futility of placing confidence in him.

“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all menAnd needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” John 2:23-25

Notice here that Christ “knew what was in man” therefore He “did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men.”

Every human being has faith in something or someone. Would you agree that faith is only as valid as the object or person in which it is placed? Why place trust in any other than the eternal and all-knowing, omnipotent, God and Creator of all things?

“Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2 Corinthians 5:16

“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

The “manifold grace and wisdom of God” are totally sufficient to make His children excel in this life and be pleasing to Him in all things and at all times (Eph. 3:10; 1 Pet. 4:10). His surpassing greatness consumes and elevates all those who are pursuing ever-deepening relationship with Him, possess genuine humility, and truly trust in Him for all things (James 4:6-10; Ps 75:5-6). His grace is sufficient for them.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Let’s ask God to “increase our faith” in Him and diminish all self-trust which has never led to anything except failure, misery and sinfulness (Lk. 17:5).

Jesus Christ told us to “Have faith in God,” not man/self (Mark 11:22). Paul, the apostle of the LORD, said “we…have no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil. 3:3) Self-trust and self-reliance are the antithesis of trust in God. Why would we need Him, if we are sufficient in and of ourselves because we can somehow draw power from within (as many teach). All must choose. If one claims to be a Christian and yet trusts in self, he is deceived. All godless philosophies foster such rebellion.

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:10

God requires faith from those who will please Him and He will exclusively and abundantly reward those who look to Him and not themselves or some other idol.

“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

When we read Hebrews 11 afresh, we begin to further realize that FAITH is not something we use to get things for ourselves but rather something He requires and is the blessed connection we enjoy between God and ourselves.

PRAYER: Holy Father, please forgive my sinful, evil unbelief. Here and now I repent of not trusting You. Thank You for all You have already provided. Every good and perfect gift, beginning with the breath of life, came from Your loving hand. I love You Jesus. Cleanse my wicked heart. Please grant this heart to be an heart of flesh and bless this life to walk, to live in the mind of Christ – worshiping and serving You, and serving others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen dear LORD!

Faith | Discipleship |

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The Debacle, the Test of Our Allegiance [podcast]

THE WICKED AND THE WONDERFUL: Does the Bible say that You are Wonderful? [podcast]

Be Diligent that ye May be Found of Him in Peace [podcast]

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Articles

Mission Mexico Part 45

BELOVED JUAN, upon being handed a Jesus tract and having God’s Word spoken to him … was startled and asked “Why did you give me this and not the man who was walking right in front of me?” I said it was “God. He loves you.” Juan knew this before I shared this with Him. He is very aware that God is calling him.

Our LORD interrupted Juan’s day – because He desires to bless his life.

Juan is searching and he knows he must repent. Very sincere man who is struggling and needs our prayers. He knows he needs to be saved and just isn’t quite ready. Yet we know our LORD has that moment for him.

Juan and I had a rather lengthy man to man talk. He was very open and fully bilingual. Juan was given Scripture and encouraged to know that God is going to change his heart and desires when he repents and puts his faith in Christ. Matthew 6:33 was given to him, spoken verbatim, etc.

Juan has a Christian friend he said he’s been knowing he needs to go meet with. Juan was encouraged to tell his Christian friend “I am ready to surrender my life to Jesus.” He was also added to the Spanish Christian WA Whatsapp group in order for him to be introduced to and be able to connect with Christ’s saints here in Mexico. Several of the Mexican Christians are interacting with Juan already!

He is already surrounded by God’s love via God’s people.

Juan is on the edge of surrendering/repenting beloved saints. You know where he is because we were all there before Jesus orchestrated our salvation, before He found, saved us, right. Juan was asked if he’d like you to be lifting him in prayer and he readily accepted that offer.

Salvation is the miracle that our LORD Jesus alone can do (Matthew 9:6; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Thanks for lifting Juan in prayer.

Mission Mexico – needs your prayers and support.


“Praise be to God in Christ Jesus! Not sure how I missed this email until now, but am thanking God in the Spirit for such wonderful news! May the LORD keep you and watch over you as you fulfill the great commission 🙏 Matt. 28:18-20” Jon Crane | Mission Mexico


“Thankful for your ministry who feed the remnant of Christ! Jer 3:15. These pastors in these apostate churches starve people! Because they cater to their flesh! The remnant believers want to the whole counsel of God’s word (Jude 3). Appreciate all you do to bring us the pure words of the Lord! It saddens me that more do not support.” Karen Cochran


This week I found out by asking Clara that she cooks her food for her children and herself using firewood. Primitive for sure. Never a slight complaint. She does have electricity in her home and when asked she told me her refrigerator just died. Here’s what I am trying to do to help her. Get her an electric double burner, a crock pot, and a refrigerator. Please pray saints. Haven’t priced things yet but was thinking about $500 will do it. | Clara’s Cry

Most importantly, Clara and her 3 young boys each now have a Spanish Bible. You are welcome to help. See SUPPORT/DONATE page.


Brother Antonio is a blessing. After we had some fellowship he gladly took some of the JESUS tracts to distribute. I will be dropping by to see him more soon, LORD willing. Would you like to lift our brother in prayer according to Colossians 4:12?


THIS WEEK picked up fresh supply of 20,000 Jesus tracts.

WE BROUGHT SISTER MARIA A FRESH SUPPLY. SHE HAD RUN OUT OF JESUS TRACTS ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO!!!

When we arrived to minister to her, to refresh and fellowship with her and re-supply her tracts supply…. she looked exhausted.

She was revived, her smile and joy returned as we fellowshipped with her and read Scripture with her, etc.

Jesus is coming.

Support Mission Mexico here – takes seconds. 1-time or sustaining support.


FROM KAREN COCHRAN:

“And they (the Mexican people) are so open to the gospel. When I worked with Children I shared the gospel with them and their hearts were completely open and teachable. And Jesus says our entrance into heaven requires us to be childlike! A childlike faith! Humble, dependent and teachable. Mat 18:1-4.” Karen

REPLY:

Amazing reception of children to the Gospel wow yes

Love it

Perfect illustration of the Mexican people.

The “SHEAVES” await the harvesters in Mexico (Psalms 126:5-6).

To say it’s a field day is a gross understatement.

THANK YOU FOR SAYING WITH YOUR PRAYERS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT THAT THESE PRECIOUS PEOPLE MATTER. KNOW THIS: THERE MAY VERY WELL BE NO PEOPLE MORE MEEK AND RECEPTIVE OF OUR LORD’S GOSPEL ON HIS PLANET, EARTH.

Mission Mexico


MESSAGE FROM SISTER KAREN COCHRAN:

“As I was writing this, I was thinking isn’t this exactly how the Mexican people are? Childlike!

When you were following God’s calling on your life, to go to Mexico, did you ever imagine the huge gospel explosion that would ensue? Thousands upon thousands of gospel tracks going out. And as you said, zero refusal. But nearly 100 percent reception. Acts 19:20 “So mightly grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 13:49 “And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” And now you are ready to pick up 20,000 more Jesus Tracts! Gospel explosion! Alleluia! All Praise to our King Jesus who is growing the seeds you guys are planting!”

REPLY:

As we are faithful with the little He gave, gives us, He expands that, multiplies responsibilities right Matthew 25

Year 1:  10k Jesus tracts distributed

Year 2: 11k tracts distributed

2 months into Year 3 with 41k Jesus tracts in print to date with hundreds going out daily.


PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please bless my life to be fruitful for Your eternal glory this day, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Cops in the USA earn about $200k a year just to drive around and hassle law abiding citizens.”

REPLY:

This is 100% accurate concerning the Mexican police. They are there to protect the people, not extort them. In the USA the police prey upon the people – to further stalk and rob them of more money.

I am so glad to be now in beautiful Mexico. NONE of this. The cops here are not overpaid and simply exist to protect, not rob the people.



Here’s one of the many precious eternal souls brother Juan ministered to this week: “Beloved brothers and sisters, please pray for Sister Catalina and her sister….” Juan


“Greetings, brother, blessings. The blessed word says that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe it and you will receive it. So I believe in God’s promises, which are greater than our problems, and true freedom, brother, is being in God’s presence, and only Christ Jesus can give it to you. A big hug.” Juan

More of brother Juan’s Gospel work in action. Here’s yet another precious soul our brother Juan is ministering Christ’s Gospel to!!! And your prayers and support make this possible saints. We are supporting the Gospel labourers Jesus instructed us to pray for and whom He has sent forth into the great harvest (Matthew 9:35-38).

“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

Mission Mexico Rolling!

 


FROM BROTHER JON CRANE:

“Thank you, brother  I lift you and others as well. Definitely see prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes.”

REPLY:

Yes Matt 24:14 most excitedly right…. Mark and I were blessed to evangelized about 80-100 bless-ed souls last evening with 99% receptivity. Amazing. God is good and He is hearing your petitions brother in Jesus’ name.


More Mexico Mission Action here.

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

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options


Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

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Articles

Overcoming that Old Serpent, Called the Devil, and Satan [podcast]



“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9

“That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” never left the garden of God’s creation and he won’t till Jesus slam dunks him into the bottomless pit (Genesis 3; Revelation 12; 20). He must be overcome “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11). God is able. Satan 

“He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” Ecclesiastes 10:8

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:1-7

In the scope of past, present, and future history – HIS-story – nothing is over till Jesus wins!

“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. … 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 57

The Cross

Personally I was not blessed to begin seeing our LORD’s victory in my personal life until Jesus’ cross message began to seep into my heart, thoughts and mind.

The record of Holy Scripture assures us that our LORD Jesus conquered sin, death, hell, and Satan (1 John 3:8). But how? He overcome by the cross.

Jesus conquered sin and death by dying.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” Hebrews 2:14

If this is the first time you are hearing this truth, don’t be ashamed. It’s new to all of us due to the original Gospel message of the cross has been lost among most who claim Christ. | The Cross 

Camping out on the message of the cross will assure you are quickened to “seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11) Keeping thine eyes and heart upon His cross message will hasten you to Him, to His cross, to the death of self that Christ might raise you upward in His holy power and glory.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn (grain, seed) of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:24-26

The cross truly is a “Let go and let God” economy, experience – crying, declaring “Jesus You MUST increase but I MUST decrease!”

As the apostle Paul discovered, you are NOT sufficient and yet His grace is sufficient for your life in Him.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

PRAYER: Father, please grant me eye salve to see Your holy truth and the many wolves that now are disguised in sheep’s clothing and leading many to hell. Help me, Jesus! Knowing my utter poverty of spirit, I this moment turn afresh to You fully, asking You to have mercy on me and wash away all my sins. Grant the eyes of my heart discernment as only You can, as I walk closely with You. I choose this day to deny my own self-will and desires and ask You to consume me with Your wisdom, power, and grace. LORD Jesus, please bless me to know You intimately. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Articles

Exhort One Another Daily [podcast]


“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:22-25

Saints, let’s always remember that other disciples have the SAME exact iniquitous flesh to deal with daily as we do (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3, etc.). They are just like us – absolutely wicked and depraved without the present working of the saving grace of our God at work in us! (Romans 7) Each of Christ’s followers are like us, working out their own salvation with fear and trembling as the LORD works in them both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

Let’s lift up our LORD’s disciples instead of wrongly judging them in our attitudes, etc. Seeing and treating them with God’s love is important ( 1 Peter 4:7-8; 1 John 4:7-8, 16-18; 5:1, etc.).

“And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:19

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

DOES the Bible tell us to “Go make disciples” OR to “Teach others God’s Word”? Interesting. Does the Bible Ever Say “Go Make Disciples”?

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