Excerpt from the book Are YOU Marriage Material?
The Beauty of Marriage—God’s Way
PRAYER TO THANK GOD! Pray this . . . Jesus, we thank YOU for YOUR creation and every aspect of it! Thank You for bringing people together for YOUR purposes! Thank YOU, Father, for bringing my parents together with myself as the fruit of that relationship. In the name of Jesus, amen.
SAINTS: If you want to have sex—that’s good—yet God says to get married and enjoy it in that context only! Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. The world of sinners says, “Get a room” (fornicate). God says for us to get married, and then and only then will we be able to enjoy His blessings with a clear conscience and glorify Him therein. (See 1 Corinthians 7:1-5; Colossians 3:1-7.) Eternal damnation awaits all fornicators and adulterers (Revelation 21:8).
Sex is of divine design and for 1 man and 1 woman in their own privacy. Without exception, every fornicator, adulterer is going to the lake of fire irrevocably (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8, etc.).
ALL sex outside of the marriage between one man and one woman is fornication.
The LORD spells out in detail what He considers unlawful sexual relations. Put on your seatbelt. Read Leviticus 18. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22) Any sex outside of a married MAN and his wife, a WOMAN, is fornication. Soul damning. It doesn’t matter what you think. Your opinion is less than zero in the eyes of a holy God. Repent now and follow Jesus or perish.
ALL sex outside of the marriage between one man and one woman is sin, fornication.
Homosexuality, sodomy, lesbianism, and sex before marriage are NOT under grace – Never have been, never will be. God doesn’t bless or justify what He calls an abomination (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8). Repent now sinner – or you are going to hell for calling your Maker a liar!
The word “fornication” appears 36 times in the King James Bible while the new fake “bibles” use the words “sexual immorality.” The King James Bible, as usual, uses the correct word, “fornication”, and not “sexual immorality” as “sexual immorality” can be defined any way the individual chooses. False “Bibles” Exposed
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed (Gr. coitus, intercourse) undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. ~ Hebrews 13:4
True followers of Jesus are not being conformed to the ways of this sinful world, but rather to Christ:
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
In a world where Satan seeks to turn everyone against everyone else—including the daring idiocy of turning males and females against each other—we should be thankful today for the creativity of God in His creation. “So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he them” (Genesis 1:27).
Concerning the laws of evil men who attempt to redefine the family unit as originally designed by our Maker, William Pavichevich writes:
While those who pass these bills and legislations, their paper money is meaningless to God and even us, because so long as we have the truth in us, and stand for the truth, nothing these politicians can pass, will amount to anything in the long run.
We must allow God to define marriage by hearkening to the full counsel of His Word in this matter and never allow the fallen world to define anything in our minds. We are Christ’s—bought with the price of His very blood and set apart to glorify Him alone. (Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18; 6:14-7:1.)
When a couple was asked how they managed to stay together for 65 years, the woman replied, “We were born in a time where if something was broke, you fixed it . . . not throw it away.”
Sex in and of itself is not a sin . . . when practiced and enjoyed within holy matrimony as God has designed. All sex outside of that marital bond between a man and a woman is sin. So, God says “Don’t lust, get married.” (See 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.)
God Has Called Us to Holiness
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
One Flesh
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. ~ Genesis 2:24
Jesus says the man/husband and woman/wife “shall be one flesh.” Last time I checked, God used a man and a woman—and the attraction He put between them—to bring them together, right?
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. ~ Matthew 19:6
Jesus told us that only God himself can join a man and woman together in marriage—and that means that man (the State) has nothing to do with it, and can only witness this work of God, beginning at the wedding. Man seeks to insert himself into this holiest of all relationships on earth to poison it. Beware. A piece of paper (marriage certificate) does not marry anyone. Only God can do that!
For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. ~ Matthew 19:5-6
Genesis 24 Anyone?
Romance was undeniably created by the LORD. He made Eve for Adam, right? He inspired the book of Song of Solomon. It’s sin and the lust of people’s hearts that perverts this gift, and yet the gift is not a sin in and of itself. God expects men and women to be attracted to each other, and for His born-again men—to act toward His most beautiful creature, women, with holiness. God also has ordained and expects women to dress modestly so as not to unduly tempt men, because the woman’s femininity is for that one man whom God has ordained her to be with (1 Timothy 2:9; Luke 17:1-2).
And the LORD God said, It is NOT good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. ~ Genesis 2:18
God is Unchanging (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17)
God has ordained that a man and a woman be together as he has defined it. In light of this obvious truth, is it not interesting, and by no accident, that He speaks of “the washing of water by the Word” in the midst of the passage at the end of Ephesians 5 where He speaks of His Bride? Do we not have need of the truth—to wash our minds of all notions that are not pure—purely from His blessed, holy Word?
The LORD depicts His relationship to His people as Himself being the Bridegroom and His people being His bride, who are to dwell with Him in a sanctified manner “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-33).
Two are Better than One (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
There are some flat out stupid mindsets among us like the so-called Puritans and other groups which do not exemplify divine holiness but rather put the performance of law upon themselves, so they can congratulate themselves and receive the honor in lieu of Christ. Flesh cannot bring about God’s holiness. Such is “the spirit of antichrist” which replaces Christ with the false, phony god of self. Only Christ can bring about “true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-25).
Remember that Paul spoke of “true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-25), which means that there is a false form of holiness that masquerades itself as righteous—when in the eyes of God, it is evil. False holiness is man-imposed “holiness” which is nonsense.
May God grant us “the spirit of holiness” and evict every trace of philosophy and all false notions of what holiness is, as He alone can define (Romans 1:4).
A man and his wife are to be set apart to the LORD as He has designed, not according to man’s version of “holiness”—which is sinful because it emphasizes the OUTSIDE of the cup—the appearance—and doesn’t deal with the sinful INSIDE of their cup —the heart— (Matthew 23:23-25).
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. ~ Ephesians 5:25-33
Romance, the attraction between male and female, is undeniably by divine design. Just because sinful, fallen mankind has perverted such a blessed gift does not make it okay for God’s people to shun it and to look at it as something mundane, dull, or evil. No, as God’s people, we should aggrandize marriage as a blessing from the LORD and demonstrate exactly how the LORD designed things to work—to bring Him glory. It’s the stewardship, the use of that attraction and gift, that the LORD looks at—beginning with our attitude, our perspective of it.
The attraction between male and female is not a sin—it’s the design of our Maker. The misuse of such an attraction (lust) is a sin. The context of marriage is where that attraction is to culminate and fully be expressed (1 Corinthians 6:12). Such glorifies God.
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. ~ Titus 1:15
Keeping one’s body “under” (the daily cross) is the key to experiencing all of Christ’s blessings both now and forever:
But I keep under 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
Elisabeth Elliot wrote:
Of all things difficult to rule, none were more so than my will and affections.
~
We cannot give our hearts to God and keep our bodies to ourselves.
~
When obedience to God contradicts what I think will give me pleasure, let me ask myself if I love him
~
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You alone created all that is. Your crowning creation is mankind. LORD You made Adam, breathed the breath of life into him, and then created Eve out of his side. Jesus, You gave me the desire to be joined together with one of the opposite sex. Please bring that person and me together, and meanwhile, set us apart in holiness for Your glory. Teach my heart that we are complete and content in Christ. Purify our hearts. Wash and cleanse and prepare us to glorify You alone in all we do. Thank You Father that in Your time, You make all things beautiful! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Are You Marriage Material book.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | Bible/Word of God | Gifts | Prophetic or Pathetic? | Christology | Final Divine Authority
Abiding
It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3
One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10
“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”
You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2
“Hated”
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
“Ye shall Laugh”
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:20-22
“Through much Tribulation”
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
“To Make them White”
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Made white … the wise shall understand”
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Apostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the Word | Wolves Exposed | Giving | Fellowship | Christology = the Study of Christ
Articles
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?
Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?
1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).
This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).
Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6
2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).
He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).
Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14
3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).
Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28
4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).
Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).
Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.
5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).
Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.
Application to us: We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)
Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.
Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).
7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).
This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.
Making Peace with God | It is Finished! | Discipleship | The Gospel Centers Upon Christ’s Blood | Christology | The Gospel: What is It?
Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Bridegroom is Calling His Bride | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]
Sign up here to receive the Moment with My Master emails sent out to edify the body of Christ.
Abiding
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
The Cost of Discipleship
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.
“And they overcame him 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
Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES
By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:
And the fifth:
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12
Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.
“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 22:37-39
Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.
If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26
We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.
Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:
“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”
“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”
In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.
“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37
Of this Adam Clarke wrote:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”
Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:
“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES
In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.
As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”
To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named,” Ephesians 3:14-15
Jesus Addressed the Excuses
Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62
Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.
“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28
The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).
Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.
So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).
Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.). 
“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7
Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms
Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5
May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.
“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5
“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68
Discipleship | Enduring to the End | Abiding | The Blessing of Suffering
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Apostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the Word | Wolves Exposed | Church Membership Exposed | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ
It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]
Following Christ’s Great Commission Command [podcast]
Chosen, Ordained, Joyfully Fruitful [podcast]
The Truth about Tradition and Church Membership [podcast]
The One Essential to Victory [podcast]
Bowels of Mercies [podcast]
Kiss Jesus Or be Crushed as His Enemy! [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 31
Mother Teresa was a Fraud [podcast]
The Truth about Fellowship and Going to “Church” [podcast]
Death and Resurrection
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
Mother Teresa was a Fraud [podcast]
Dispensationalism Exposed as an Antichrist Cult [podcast]
Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]
Satan’s First Lie that He is Still Telling Today! [podcast]
The Lying Vanity of “Eternal Security” [podcast]
WHAT’S On Jesus’ Prayer List? [podcast]
Tozer: The Cross
Bowels of Mercies [podcast]
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
The Goal of the Ungodly Eternal Security Teachers [podcast]
Settled at His Feet [video]
Following Christ’s Great Commission Command [podcast]
Kiss Jesus Or be Crushed as His Enemy! [podcast]
It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
-
America10 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved