Men of Prayer Needed E.M. Bounds

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

by E.M. Bounds

“Study universal holiness of life. Your whole usefulness depends on this, for your sermons last but an hour or two; your life preaches all the week. If Satan can only make a covetous minister a lover of praise, of pleasure, of good eating, he has ruined your ministry. Give yourself to prayer, and get your texts, your thoughts, your words from God. Luther spent his best three hours in prayer.” – Robert Murray McCheyne

WE are constantly on a stretch, if not on a strain, to devise new methods, new plans, new organizations to advance the Church and secure enlargement and efficiency for the gospel. This trend of the day has a tendency to lose sight of the man or sink the man in the plan or organization. God’s plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God’s method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. “There was a man sent from God whose name was John.” The dispensation that heralded and prepared the way for Christ was bound up in that man John. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” The world’s salvation comes out of that cradled Son. When Paul appeals to the personal character of the men who rooted the gospel in the world, he solves the mystery of their success. The glory and efficiency of the gospel is staked on the men who proclaim it. When God declares that “the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him,” he declares the necessity of men and his dependence on them as a channel through which to exert his power upon the world. This vital, urgent truth is one that this age of machinery is apt to forget. The forgetting of it is as baneful on the work of God as would be the striking of the sun from his sphere. Darkness, confusion, and death would ensue.

What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use — men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men — men of prayer.

An eminent historian has said that the accidents of personal character have more to do with the revolutions of nations than either philosophic historians or democratic politicians will allow. This truth has its application in full to the gospel of Christ, the character and conduct of the followers of Christ — Christianize the world, transfigure nations and individuals. Of the preachers of the gospel it is eminently true.

The character as well as the fortunes of the gospel is committed to the preacher. He makes or mars the message from God to man. The preacher is the golden pipe through which the divine oil flows. The pipe must not only be golden, but open and flawless, that the oil may have a full, unhindered, unwasted flow.

The man makes the preacher. God must make the man. The messenger is, if possible, more than the message. The preacher is more than the sermon. The preacher makes the sermon. As the life-giving milk from the mother’s bosom is but the mother’s life, so all the preacher says is tinctured, impregnated by what the preacher is. The treasure is in earthen vessels, and the taste of the vessel impregnates and may discolor. The man, the whole man, lies behind the sermon. Preaching is not the performance of an hour. It is the outflow of a life. It takes twenty years to make a sermon, because it takes twenty years to make the man. The true sermon is a thing of life. The sermon grows because the man grows. The sermon is forceful because the man is forceful. The sermon is holy because the man is holy. The sermon is full of the divine unction because the man is full of the divine unction.

Paul termed it “My gospel;” not that he had degraded it by his personal eccentricities or diverted it by selfish appropriation, but the gospel was put into the heart and lifeblood of the man Paul, as a personal trust to be executed by his Pauline traits, to be set aflame and empowered by the fiery energy of his fiery soul. Paul’s sermons — what were they? Where are they? Skeletons, scattered fragments, afloat on the sea of inspiration! But the man Paul, greater than his sermons, lives forever, in full form, feature and stature, with his molding hand on the Church. The preaching is but a voice. The voice in silence dies, the text is forgotten, the sermon fades from memory; the preacher lives.

The sermon cannot rise in its life-giving forces above the man. Dead men give out dead sermons, and dead sermons kill. Everything depends on the spiritual character of the preacher. Under the Jewish dispensation the high priest had inscribed in jeweled letters on a golden frontlet: “Holiness to the Lord.” So every preacher in Christ’s ministry must be molded into and mastered by this same holy motto. It is a crying shame for the Christian ministry to fall lower in holiness of character and holiness of aim than the Jewish priesthood. Jonathan Edwards said: “I went on with my eager pursuit after more holiness and conformity to Christ. The heaven I desired was a heaven of holiness.” The gospel of Christ does not move by popular waves. It has no self-propagating power. It moves as the men who have charge of it move. The preacher must impersonate the gospel. Its divine, most distinctive features must be embodied in him. The constraining power of love must be in the preacher as a projecting, eccentric, an all-commanding, self-oblivious force. The energy of self-denial must be his being, his heart and blood and bones. He must go forth as a man among men, clothed with humility, abiding in meekness, wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove; the bonds of a servant with the spirit of a king, a king in high, royal, in dependent bearing, with the simplicity and sweetness of a child. The preacher must throw himself, with all the abandon of a perfect, self-emptying faith and a self-consuming zeal, into his work for the salvation of men. Hearty, heroic, compassionate, fearless martyrs must the men be who take hold of and shape a generation for God. If they be timid time servers, place seekers, if they be men pleasers or men fearers, if their faith has a weak hold on God or his Word, if their denial be broken by any phase of self or the world, they cannot take hold of the Church nor the world for God.

The preacher’s sharpest and strongest preaching should be to himself. His most difficult, delicate, laborious, and thorough work must be with himself. The training of the twelve was the great, difficult, and enduring work of Christ. Preachers are not sermon makers, but men makers and saint makers, and he only is well-trained for this business who has made himself a man and a saint. It is not great talents nor great learning nor great preachers that God needs, but men great in holiness, great in faith, great in love, great in fidelity, great for God — men always preaching by holy sermons in the pulpit, by holy lives out of it. These can mold a generation for God.

After this order, the early Christians were formed. Men they were of solid mold, preachers after the heavenly type — heroic, stalwart, soldierly, saintly. Preaching with them meant self-denying, self-crucifying, serious, toilsome, martyr business. They applied themselves to it in a way that told on their generation, and formed in its womb a generation yet unborn for God. The preaching man is to be the praying man. Prayer is the preacher’s mightiest weapon. An almighty force in itself, it gives life and force to all.

The real sermon is made in the closet. The man — God’s man — is made in the closet. His life and his profoundest convictions were born in his secret communion with God. The burdened and tearful agony of his spirit, his weightiest and sweetest messages were got when alone with God. Prayer makes the man; prayer makes the preacher; prayer makes the pastor.

The pulpit of this day is weak in praying. The pride of learning is against the dependent humility of prayer. Prayer is with the pulpit too often only official — a performance for the routine of service. Prayer is not to the modern pulpit the mighty force it was in Paul’s life or Paul’s ministry. Every preacher who does not make prayer a mighty factor in his own life and ministry is weak as a factor in God’s work and is powerless to project God’s cause in this world.

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“Be Ready in the Morning” [podcast]

Walking in Godly Integrity

Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure

Antichrist

THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is?

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth.

“Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13

“But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15

Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that I am – who do you know Me to be?”

If you were asked right now to give a 5 minute talk about the uniqueness and exclusivity of Jesus Christ from the Bible, could you do it?

“The doctrine of Christ” is revealed in “the RECORD that God gave of his Son” (2 John 9; 1 John 5:10).

If we don’t believe that Jesus is who the Bible says He is then we cannot be saved. Who does the Bible tell us that Jesus Christ is?

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he (“the mighty God” prophesied Messiah Isaiah 9:6-7), ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:24

“The record that God gave of his Son” includes that Jesus Christ is divine. | Jesus Christ is God

“The doctrine of Christ” informs us of who He is (2 John 9).

Among other things, Jesus Christ is ….

The Word made flesh (John 1:1-18)
Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
Creator of all that is (John 1:1-4; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16-17)
“The Head” of His one church – remnant elect (Colossians 1:18; 2:19)
“The Son of God” (Matthew 4:3, etc.)
“The true God, and Eternal life” (1 John 5:20)
The living water (John 4)
“The bread of life” (John 6)
“The light of the world” (John 8:12)
“The door” (John 10:9)
“The Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14; Hebrews 13:20)
“The resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)
“The way the truth and the life” (John 14:6)
“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16)
“Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending … the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8)

The very first Messianic prophecy: Of necessity, from the very first declaration of God to fallen mankind, His promise to save us from our now fallen state, the virgin birth was asserted as a necessity….

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15

As we know, “her seed,” the “seed” in Mary’s womb was God the Father’s miracle of virgin birth, the eternal Word Jesus Christ made flesh to dwell among us and die to save us, fallen mankind (John 1:10, 14; Galatians 4:4, etc.).

The Messiah that was yet to appear, to come to the earth to die for the sins of the world, had to be divine – Isaiah the prophet foretold that the Messiah would be “the mighty GOD” (Isaiah 9:6).

“Her seed” – Women do not have seed. The man, the father, has the seed. The seed of the woman was going to be by God the Father in Mary…. A divine miracle that never had nor will happen again. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (GOD with us) (Isaiah 7:14).

The fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:21-23).

Jesus Christ is the God man. – “The Son of man” means God’s man to redeem man.

“…his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

“Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” John 5:18

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58

“I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.” John 10:30-31″

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” John 20:28

The Sacred Substance, the Central Theme of all of Holy Scripture

Jesus Christ came to the earth exactly how and when the “more sure word of prophecy”, the Scriptures, foretold that He would come and to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of Himself to the exact detail (2 Peter 1:19-21).

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:7-8

“From cover to cover of the OT it was foretold not only that Christ would come into the world but that He would come with an eager, ready spirit to do the will of God. The will of God was not just in His head—it was inscribed in His very heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

If we truly love Christ, will we not search, read, and study the LORD Jesus Christ…. ?

“The heart of Christianity is Christ. It is to know Christ. It is to follow Christ. It is to love Christ. It is to adore Christ. The sum and the substance of the Christian life is Jesus Christ.” Steve L.

IF we miss Christ in studying His Word, we have missed all. As is clear from our LORD’s interaction and rebuke of the false religionists of His day, this is quite possible. In fact, it’s clear by what Jesus said that we can know the Scriptures and not the Savior. We can know the words of God without knowing the God of that Word.

John 5:39-47

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”

IF doctrine weren’t important, explain this….

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not (does not remain) in the DOCTRINE of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

The only way we can be assured we are following the Jesus of the Bible and not “another Jesus” is to ascertain that we are established in “the doctrine of Christ” which is simply what the Bible teaches us about Jesus Christ the Messiah.

“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:4

HOW do we know that the coming of Jesus is at hand? Jesus warns. When asked He tells us that he first sign of His soon return will be the proliferation, the invasion of “MANY false prophets”:

“The disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. … 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. … 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:3-5, 11, 24

“The Doctrine of Christ”

51 times the Bible uses the word “doctrine,” and the central truth of biblical “doctrine” is what Scripture tells us about Jesus, the sacred substance of the Scriptures Himself, the eternal Word of God – Jesus Christ.

Christology chapters of note to pour over regularly: John 1; Colossians 1; Hebrews 1.

Beloved saints, make sure you are drilling down on “the doctrine of Christ” – laying the foundation that will stand against the evil winds of false doctrine that is being peddled by the vilest and most popular wolves on this planet (Ephesians 4:14-15; Hebrews 13:9, etc.).

The Bible phrase “the doctrine of Christ” refers by divine priority, plainly to Himself as the divine Person, the divine Word, the Son of God. Jesus Christ is revealed as God’s eternal Word, as the Messiah, LORD, Creator, Sustainer, and Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. It seems only after these biblical facts about Christ that “the doctrine of Christ” would then apply to our repenting and putting our whole faith in Christ for salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).

Say it aloud: “the doctrine of Christ.” What saith the Holy Scriptures of Christ?

the Messiah in prophecy
virgin birth
divinity
exclusivity
death and burial
resurrection
return

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not (does not remain) in THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

So what does this verse (above) mean? It means that you are going to hell irrevocably if you don’t remain grounded, holding to, embracing what the Bible says about Christ, the Messiah.

In the context of the above cited verse, 2 John 9, the apostle John is warning us about the “MANY deceivers” and to be careful not to “lose …. those things” we know of Christ – lest we “abideth not in the doctrine of Christ” which will result in us having not God at all, being an apostate lost soul. Also he warns of bidding Godspeed to the antichrist’s who peddle “another Jesus” – lest you go to Hell (be also judged) with that antichrist who preaches “another Jesus,” one that is not according to the biblical “doctrine of Christ.” See also 2 Corinthians 11:4.

2 John 7-11

“7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

Of “the doctrine of Christ” one writer notes:

“In the Gospel of John, the apostle had already written that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). He also proclaimed that Jesus Himself (who is Deity – John 1:1) was the truth (John 14:6). It is clear from his gospel that if we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15; 15:14). We must also receive the truth that Jesus is deity who came in the flesh (John 1:14; 1 John 4:2-3). In his letter to the elect lady, John reiterates what he already stated in his gospel, namely, that the doctrine of Christ is composed of (1) Jesus’ commandments/doctrine which we are to obey and (2) Jesus’ deity.”

Example: John MacArthur is teaching that there is nothing special about the blood of Jesus. How anyone can still listen to that diabolical wolf is beyond belief. Yes he says a lot of good stuff which alone makes him even more insidious a tool of Satan. Say this Word from God aloud here and now beloved of God: Just “A LITTLE leaven leaveneth (ruins) the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). This biblical phrase, statement refers to false doctrine and sin (1 Corinthians 5:6). And false doctrine IS sin.

New message under construction which will expose more about this blasphemous heresy including the statement by John MacArthur.

Follow Jesus saints. THAT’s why God gave us His written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Drill down on your knowledge of God – “the doctrine of Christ” – via personal Bible study in the King James Bible.

***THERE ARE OVER 2,000 POSTS ON SAFEGUARDYOURSOUL AND THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME AND GO THROUGH EACH BIBLE TRUTH/VERSE.

Jesus Christ is God

More examples of the glory-robbing antichrist denigration of Christ by the religious world today:

“Exactly what Satan is doing, taking the deity of Christ, humanizing Him. In ‘The Chosen’ (movie) when Jesus was 12 and preaching in the temple, Joseph told Him ‘You need to go and confess your transgressions to your mother’ because they did not know where He was. But Luke 2:49. Jesus says ‘wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business’?

He is also shown pacing and nervous when he is going to preach before the masses. He was the Son of God. Would He have been nervous and pacing? It’s mocking Jesus. Why Christians do not see this is beyond me! Nothing biblical about any of it. This show has gone out into other countries now. Bringing a false gospel. Mark 13:22.” Karen Cochran

Jesus Christ is God

The Divinity of Jesus Christ WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST AS GOD ALMIGHTY: (Note: this is not an exhaustive look at the divinity of Jesus Christ. Also, note that some of the particular words that announce His divinity are underlined). “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (means God with us).” Isaiah 7:14 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given (He already existed as God-with no beginning or end): and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and […]

The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 “Begotten” means “to father” WHY does the King James Bible use the word “begotten” when informing us of the Messiah? (John 1:14, 18; 3:16; Hebrews 11:17; 1 John 4:9) Firstly, the translators faithfully translated as the LORD ordained and oversaw and guided such. Secondly, the arch enemy of Christ, Satan, has been hard at work through evil men to steal the testimony and the glory due to the […]

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD [podcast]

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD Are you ready to Pass from Death to Life? God desires to pardon you – before it’s too late. Jesus beckons you to “Come unto me” — while you can (Matthew 11:28-30). “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 GOD sees all sin and will either forgive or […]

Beware of the Blasphemous Blood Bashers [podcast]

Why the Blood of Jesus Matters So Very Much There is LIFE and Power in the “Precious BLOOD“ of Jesus Christ Beware of all who deny the redemptive, purifying power of the “precious blood“ of Jesus Christ. Beloved saints of Christ, whatever you do, make it your immediate action and life goal to study all that the Bible, the Word of God says about Christ’s perfect blood sacrifice for the sins of the world. “Of how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted […]

Articles

Money, Material Wealth, and Riches [podcast]

“Hath nothing” vs “Hath great riches”

The reason so many give nothing to God’s work is because He is not first in their lives, He means nothing important to them (Luke 12, 16).

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

Who is the man who has “nothing” though he appears to have much in this world?

Who is the man who has nothing in this world yet “great riches” awaiting him in glory?

The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world and gaining an eternal perspective (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 4:18). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

When we are content in Christ we will not covet because we will be complete.

Are you making yourself rich in this fleeting world or trusting in the infinite riches of God?

Adam Clarke on Proverbs 13:7:

“There is that maketh himself rich – That labors hard to acquire money, yet hath nothing; his excessive covetousness not being satisfied with what he possesses, nor permitting him to enjoy with comfort what he has acquired. There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches – ‘As poor,’ said St. Paul, ‘yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.’ The former is the rich poor man; the latter is the poor rich man.”

John Wesley on Proverbs 13:7:

“Maketh rich – Some men who have little or nothing, pretend to have great riches. Maketh rich – Some rich men profess to be poor.”

Pulpit commentary on Proverbs 13:7:

“The first clause reminds one of the rich fool who laid up treasure for himself, and was not rich toward God (Luke 12:21; comp. Revelation 3:17, Revelation 3:18). The second clause teaches that wealth expended in God’s service makes a man rich in the treasury of heaven (Luke 12:21, Luke 12:33). One who thus uses the means entrusted to him could be spoken of like St. Paul, ‘as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things’ (2 Corinthians 6:10).”

The sum total of our riches are Christ and Christ alone. There are no riches with eternal import outside of Him (Colossians 1-2). And, any person not partaking in a relationship with Him on earth, will be void of the riches of His presence eternally.

There are many who make themselves rich in this fleeting world, yet have nothing but Hell awaiting them forever. They pour their God-given talents and time into making it in this temporary world, giving up Christ for their own momentary money. They sell their eternal souls for temporal trinkets.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Money brings power in this world. Faith and prayer bring power with God. Which one do you desire, covet? Which are you seeking?

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

Do you have a heart after God or after the things of this temporal world?

“And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22

Man is significant based solely on being made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). A man’s looks or temporal possessions, trinkets, money, etc., have zero to do with his real worth. The money, the vehicle, the house, does NOT make the man. In fact, Jesus warns: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” See Mark 8:36. God made man and as such, as the creation of God, He desires a relationship with all men.

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life (significance in God’s eyes) consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15

Getting ready to die and go to Hell is not success – no matter how much “success” you foolishly think you’ve obtained in this brief life.

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

“Charge Them”

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Covetousness, Greed are Soul Damning Sins

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

Corporatization creates robots who follow the fools. Example: the covid cons and the cowards who comply.

WHEN I was working in the Space Program for a company that was contracted to NASA, they were shooting for 100% opt-in, total cooperation for a % taken out of our checks to give to the United Way, a demonic murderous organization that supports and gives money to planned MURDER-hood. Gladly, boldly, I spoiled that party, drawing a line in the sand. They were coercively conning every single employee into giving to the planned MURDER-hood United Way and their standing was in jeopardy with NASA if they didn’t get everyone in. Not me. Nope. I plainly told them I will lay no finger on or give a single penny to assisting in the cold blooded murder of innocent babies. Didn’t care what the consequences were.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Far too many people are serving money and therefore have a myriad of excuses as to why they compromise. All who serve mammon are as sure for eternal damnation as if they were already there.

“Rich Toward God” vs. “Not Rich Toward God”

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:15-21

Many claiming to be saved by the One who gave all for them, are rich toward self and “not rich toward God” in this temporal life.

Jesus tells us exactly how not to waste our earthly riches and talents and how to be eternally rich!

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Gospel ministries that feed you and others are there by the ordination of God – to help you grown in Christ’s grace and to have a place to give to further Jesus’ Gospel and lay up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 4:11-12). God’s Word calls us to support those feeding us (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). That’s all a gift of God – in your lap. Yet the “labourers are few” and so are the suppliers (Matthew 9:35-38).

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

Would the few Gospel “labourers” be near dead broke if the LORD’s people were properly supporting HIS Work? Matthew 6:19-21; 9:35-38; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11; etc.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

Are you supporting the WORK of Christ or some mere man’s “church” enterprise?

Do you spend more time in “church” than in the Bible itself? Wow! Red flags flying!

Cheerful Giving | Stewardship

"Thou Fool, this Night Thy Soul shall be Required of Thee" [podcast]

Recorded at a home Bible fellowship Getting ready to die and go to hell is not success – no matter how “successful” you foolishly think you’ve become by what you’ve obtained in this brief life. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37 “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee” “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of […]

Was Judas Jesus' Treasurer? If So, What Does that Reveal?

Yes, Judas was the appointed treasurer in our LORD’s earthly ministry. And so what does that tell us? Jesus and the apostles did receive love offerings. Jesus taught His people, us, to “give” and so why would He turn away love offerings which He was going to use to give eternal treasure to those who gave – laying it up in Heaven for them, the ultimate eternal dividends? (Matthew 6:19-21) Why would Christ and His holy apostles want to rob His people from laying up eternal treasure? After all, that’s exactly what they taught us to do. Jesus would not […]

WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Sending Up Treasures to Heaven “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 You’re going to spend your life and energy doing something. Should it not be that which holds eternal value? Isn’t everything else waste? Why waste your time and energy in this brief life on temporal trinkets and pursuits? Riches There’s no heavenly treasure to be gained by giving to political causes. Sending support overseas? Did you know there is a priority laid out in God’s Word as to where we are to give? First, we should only fund full-counsel Christ-centered ministries. Then, we are […]

Articles

The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped.

BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow.

“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:18

Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward me, included the tangible, the printed page. These things all culminated into His saving me into His glorious kingdom (Isaiah 55:11).

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

How about you? What was the process of our LORD saving you? Who did He use? How did they sow His seed into your life.

Think about how when we plant a seed in the ground. Do we plant that seed and stand back and expect to see the plant begin to rise up out of the ground? No. Jesus spoke of this very thing.

“As I was reading this article I was reminded of a time when I was at my Dad’s retirement home. And I went and spread Jesus tracts all throughout the home. They had a sanctuary which looked to be mostly Catholic. With rosary beads and a Catholic Bible. So I especially targeted this place. The next time I went back, I looked in the sanctuary, and saw, on one of the chairs, a lady’s sweater and a Jesus tract. But what really stuck out was how tattered this Jesus tract was! Apparently, she had been carrying it around with her for some time. All I did was plant not knowing what God would do! It was getting into the heart of this lady and was she then being used to spread more seeds? I was not blessed to meet this women but from the way this tract looked it was something she carried with her and treasured!” Karen Cochran

The Parable of the Seed Growing

Mark 4:26-29

“26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”

We don’t know how a seed turns into a plant and a crop. We just plant them and go to bed knowing they will produce the desired outcome (crop), right? Isn’t that the same faith we should have when we plant God’s Word in the hearts and minds of people?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;” Romans 1:16

May God bless each of us to prayerfully and faithfully plant that seed of God’s Word beloved. God’s Word is the seed of salvation (Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23). Just like the ground when a seed is planted into it. GOD will do the rest as we simply, lovingly, wisely, plant His precious truth into the hearts of those around us.

Speaking of such…. Yesterday, I gave a copy of the Moments with Our Master book to a dear young couple (they are about 18). This daily devotional comes in a dark or light cover. I asked if they like to read. As most people, they answered in the affirmative. Then I asked if I could gift them with a book. Most people won’t turn down a free gift, right? Right. She was given the lighter cover version and he the darker. As usual I opened the book (anywhere) and told them that “there is a Scripture at the top, a few words and then a prayer. One devotional for each day of the year.” Show and tell. I encouraged them by saying “this is a great way to start your day.” God was working.

Everyone on earth is being influenced by others on earth and it’s our calling from God to influence people toward Him.

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

Personally, I love stopping by the thrift stores and finding every King James Bible they have. Great investment and it equips you to be armed and dangerous. Also, I like carrying, always, Scripture-rich resources. God will quicken. By doing these things (equipping) you are showing in earnest to the LORD that you want Him to use you.

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6

Keep in mind that sowing the seed of God’s Word IS 100% a Great Commission operation and anyone participating in any fashion is obeying God and laying up treasure in glory – as He instructed you to do (1 Samuel 30:24; Matthew 6:19-21; John 4:36; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, etc.). Perhaps you’d consider to not only buy yourself a supply of printed page materials for ministry but also supply another saint with the same. King James Bible.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your every blessing and for finding me in my sin and saving me into Your family by the blood of Christ my LORD. Please sanctify and use us for Your eternal glory. I love You Jesus. Please now fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom and open doors for me to sow the seed of Your Word in this late hour as we eagerly expect Your soon return. In Jesus’ Name.

Evangelism Adventures: Stories, Reports, and Testimonies of God's Amazing Love [podcast]

SO, we prayed for God to use us today right? …. He’s hearing our prayer. So, in the gym this morning, a lady near me was struggling to get a large plate on each side of the barbell. So, I began to help her and she said “No Ingles” which means she does not speak English. So, I affirmed that she speaks Spanish and I began to speak God’s Word to her in her language. Her face lit up and she thanked me. God is good! Jesus says “The seed is the word of God” and His people are planting […]

Following Christ's Great Commission Command [podcast]

The future belongs exclusively to Jesus Christ and His followers. Read the book of Revelation! “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 9:62 Is your hand on “the plough” – that which God has called you to do in His kingdom work? Have you looked back? “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” Colossians 4:17 Have you grown weary in well doing? “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in […]

Mission Mexico Part 43

Had breakfast and coffee with brother Francisco and his lovely wife this morning. It was rich. He is a man of God’s Word for certain (Colossians 3:16). They brought a stack of Reina Valera Bibles which I am getting to our brother Juan who is going to the prison to minister next week. He will also be distributing the Spanish Bibles you sent! “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20 “Hi Brother Todd, Praise the Lord! The Holy Spirit is moving powerfully saving hearts and lives. Praying for the elders and for Maria as they go […]