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“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

I was awakened to a Sunday morning message from a pastor of a denominational church. His message was “I’m glad to be a Southern Baptist because…” This man, who has a very large audience, proceeded to give several reasons why he was glad to be a Southern Baptist. Throughout his message, his punch line was “I’m glad to be a Southern Baptist because…” He enumerated several reasons for his pride in the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention).

This man seemed to be systematically seeking to program his audience to be proud of their denomination. He was sewing people into the vision of a religious sect or system. He was attempting to cause his hearers to be proud of their denominational heritage and organization instead of loving JESUS Christ and His eternal kingdom and people. What a travesty!

I’ve got news for this brand peddler and the many other misled men in leadership like him; his denomination is going to soon vanish like a vapor and all that will be left standing will be the ROCK Himself along with all those who are trusting HIM alone.

What did Christ’s apostle Paul deliberately determine to do?

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Deuteronomy 32:4

“But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation (because they were busy esteeming themselves).” Deuteronomy 32:15

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11

“And did all drink the same spiritual drink (what spiritual drink are you partaking of?): for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4

This man, the one who was touting the greatness of his denomination, is in violation of the very first commandment:

“Thou shalt have NO other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

He is also causing others to go astray in his sinful folly.

Is not hell crammed packed full of proud denominationalists who served their religion well? There will not be even one proud Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, or Methodist person in Heaven. Whoever unduly loves their denomination is an idolater and will not enter the eternal kingdom of Jesus (Eph. 5:5-6). Setting ones affections upon anything or person short of the nail-scarred risen Savior is idolatry – having another god before you (Exod. 20:3). Only born-again, God-fearing people who follow JESUS and His words to the end of their lives will be in Heaven (Mark 8:34-38; Rev. 21:8, 27…). Simply put we cannot follow anyone but Christ and remain on the narrow road that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14).

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

Isn’t it time we become “ashamed” of the foolish pride we possess in the fleeting organizations of men?! If not, we will continue to exhibit open rebellion against the Almighty and ultimately be terminated into the eternal “shame” reserved for all un-forgiven transgressors (Dan. 12:2).

Jesus and John the Baptist preached that the KINGDOM of God was at hand, not the Methodist or Southern Baptist or Presbyterian church! Where did JESUS Christ say that a certain denomination was at hand?!?!?!? If He didn’t, then why would we??? Why do we render allegiance to such temporal foolishness? And then we have the gaul to say we are following Him, when in actuality, are we not preaching “another gospel” and have become “accursed”? (Gal. 1:6-9)

Okay I do realize that this does not apply to everyone for sure but should be a reminder to each of our hearts to love Jesus Christ supremely and not allow anything to intercept the affections of our hearts (Col. 3:1-4).

Paul reproved the Corinthians for such foolishness:

1 Corinthians 1:12 “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 3:4 “For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?”

And if JESUS Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, nothing has changed – the Kingdom of God is still at hand, not a denomination (Heb. 13:8). LORD bless us to follow on know You and rejoice only in knowing You (Jer. 9:23-24; Hos. 6:3). The LORD of all creation is not even slightly impressed by any man or denomination or local church. He is going to soon “stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.” (Isa. 23:9)

Biblical “Baptists” should live and declare what the original baptist (John) did:

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (not some denomination).” Matthew 3:2

    (John the Baptist)

In God’s economy it’s all about loving and sincerely serving the KING of His eternal kingdom – Jesus Christ. It’s to Jesus Christ that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He alone is LORD! (Phil. 2:10) God forbid that we glory in any other but He who bled on the cross and rose again for our justification. LORD bring us to repentance for all idols of the heart and spiritual adultery!

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23

What is your life saying to others? Is it saying that it is important to be a Methodist or a Presbyterian? If so, you have been grossly misled beloved and the brand name denomination you are trusting cannot save your soul. Or, is your life exuding the love and truth of the KING of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, and pointing people to Him alone? Every knee shall bow to JESUS, not a fleeting organization of men! (Philippians 2:10) Somebody get your hands up to Jesus and thank Him for His unspeakable gift! Yay Jesus!

“He that is not with me IS against me; and he that gathereth not with ME scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30

Are you with JESUS? Are you gathering unto JESUS or are you scattering people toward an organization of mere men?

Please allow me to suggest that all true disciples of Christ identify themselves with Him alone – directly, and, not even mention their home church or denomination until asked. When asked, it is good to let the inquisitor know that you have no pride in your home church, but that JESUS is your LORD, Savior, and Master and the One with whom you identify and in whom you trust. Our home church fellowship should be a place where we gather with other believers as living stones gathered around His holy throne to worship Him (1 Pet. 2:5, 9). Blood-bought saints are “lively stones…built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 2:5) We gather to dwell richly in His Word, sing unto Him, break bread together, pray together, etc., and not to emphasize in any way the ministry or organization of mere men (Acts 2:42-47; Col. 3:16-17). May God bless us to return to authentic New Testament Christianity and live to glorify Jesus Christ alone. When we meet let it be to praise and worship the LORD, hear the Word, serve, bless, and pray for others, etc. Our identity is in the One who bled on the cross for us and may our lives exude the light of His holy love (Gal. 6:14).

“Ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24

Instead of asking people where they go to church, when we do inquire of such, wouldn’t it be more fitting to ask “Tell me about your fellowship with other members of the body of Christ.” This is because where someone fellowships is subservient to whether are not that person knows and is growing in the LORD. This will work towards accomplishing the Great Commission we have been sent to fulfill. Letting people know the One in whom we trust will direct people toward Him.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

Jesus was lifted up on the cross to draw men to Him and as we lift Him up they will be drawn to Him.

Who am I lifting up? The Savior, or an organization of mere men?

JESUS said that when HE is lifted up men are drawn to HIM, so, we must conclude that when a denomination is lifted up, as is so often the case, men are drawn to pride in that organization which has no power to grant salvation, forgiveness, eternal life, blessing, or healing.

Colossians 2:8 “BEWARE lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Colossians 2:18 “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,”

Colossians 2:19 “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.”

When the Head, JESUS Christ, is not being upheld, no nourishment or growth is occurring in that part of His Body. If you find yourself in a fellowship that fits this description, RUN for your spiritual life! See 1 Timothy 6:3-5 KJV. If you are currently in a fellowship that is proud of its religious organization, no significant growth from God is occurring. You should find one that honors God.

Beloved, make no mistake: Nothing is going to be right in our lives until we repent of and remove every trace of idolatry, including the denominational idols of our hearts.

God the Father made it forever clear what He is pleased in, and a denomination is not mentioned. Only One name and Person is mentioned:

“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

Make no mistake: This is an in-your-face message of rebellion against the idolatry of our day! We must discard, like a killer plague, all the pride and trappings of religion and cling to the one true God who sent His Son to bleed and rise again for us and is coming back soon for all those who supremely aggrandize Him alone who is worthy (Heb. 9:28; 12:1-3).

“Thou shalt have NO other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

“…his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” 1 John 5:20-21

WANT TO KNOW WHO IS TRULY SAVED/GOING TO HEAVEN? Many times we behold how the catholics are taught to worship their idols and so they never mention the name of Jesus Christ but only the phony pope, scapulars, ashes, purgatory, mary, the rosary, and all kinds of other idolatrous things that are never found in Scripture. Only those who are unashamed and name of the name of JESUS are saved – all others are lost souls – “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

ANYONE CAN CLAIM to be a Christian but you know who truly is by who’s speaking THE NAME OF JESUS!

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I openly repent of and denounce idolatry, spiritual adultery, and ever taking pride in men, organizations, and denominations who are powerless to save, heal, forgive, or deliver my soul as only You can. None can stand beside Thee – no one is on Your level. You alone are the Most High God. I love You JESUS, my LORD and Master and Friend. Thank You for coming and dying for me and rising from the dead to redeem my soul. Please bless me to be discerning and escape from those people and teachings that seek to misdirect my heart from truly loving and following You wholly, in Jesus’ name.

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Abiding

Colossians Narrated [podcast]


Colossians Chapter 1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: 25 whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Colossians Chapter 2

1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Colossians Chapter 3

1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians Chapter 4

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 11 and Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. 15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds.

Grace be with you. Amen.

Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.

Colossians – the whole category | Bible Books Narrated | Hundreds of Scripture-Rich edifying audios here.

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Sinlessly Perfect? I Doubt it [podcast]


Yes the LORD commands His people to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)  Yet we should ask whether or not His desire is for His people to tout to others that they are “sinlessly perfect” or does His Word rather reveal that His people are to be dependent upon Him through the humility of Christ and crucified life He ordained us to walk in? Did the apostles walk around telling people they were sinlessly perfect? No. Didn’t Paul confess his own utter poverty of spirit outside of the saving, present grace of Christ? Yes. (Romans 7:18, 24, etc.) Are there biblical warnings about claiming that one is sinlessly perfect? Yes. (Job 9:20; Proverbs 20:9)

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

Saints, would it be accurate to observe that we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin? (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3) We must pray and study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20

Solomon said:

“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9 

Speaking of king David’s imperfections, even nearing the end of his life on earth, one commentator writes:

“Surely there can be little ground for the doctrine of perfectionism, otherwise David, whose religion was so earnest and so deep, would have been nearer it now than this chapter shows that he was.” Expositor’s Bible

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

I am not a good person, neither are you – “There is none righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently – that there is “NOOOO good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a new, deeper work in us! (Romans 7:18, 24) The Cross!

God is able to establish our hearts in His grace and to multiply His grace to us (Hebrews 13:9; 2 Peter 3:18)

ALL of our deeds are not perfect (1 John 1:8-10). “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23). The truly righteous remain humble, teachable, and repentant. Note verse 21 saints:

 “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

Saved by Divine Grace and Yet Now Made Perfect by Your Flesh?

“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3

The Galatian believers had begun their walk with Christ by responding to the conviction of the Spirit, repenting, putting their faith in Christ, and being regenerated. Yet, now they were allowing false teachers to seduce them back under the law, law-keeping for righteousness – to attempt to please God by their own self-will and performance.

Jesus’ disciples must live a set apart life. Living sinless? Well, it can be done: Here’s the key – “In him (Jesus) is no sin. He that abideth in him sinneth not” (1 John 3:5-6). We whom Jesus has saved must “cleanse ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Yet, the only way to be sinless is in presently abiding in Him and that begins with the essential of announcing our own poverty in self which is being poor/desperately dependent on Him in spirit (Matthew 5:3, 6). Yet some insist that they are perfect by their own will, ability, and doing. This is the exact error of the Galatians which caused them to fall from saving grace (Galatians 5:4). They left Christ for something else – law keeping. Leaving Christ, departing from faith, and casting off trusting fully in HIS saving grace,  is deadly. Realizing there is “NO good thing” in us except Christ, is essential to abiding saved in Him (Romans 7:18, 24; John 15:1-6). Galatians 3:3 says it all – “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3). The great apostle of Jesus was desperate for the LORD, ever seeking His holy face and dreadfully not wanting “to be found having mine own righteousness which is of the law” (Philippians 3:9-10).

“The great secret of abiding in Christ is the deep conviction that we are nothing, and He is everything.” Andrew Murray, Abide in Christ

Heart purity and a sinless life emanate only from intimate union and abiding with a holy God. This occurs as we consent to the cross and not by human effort alone. Jesus raises up those who are truly bowed down – crucified with Christ (Psalms 145:14; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). One cannot possibly “stop sinning” until they come to Jesus and He saves them, making them new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Only then can the regenerated disciple “put off the old man” and “put on the new man” (Colossians 3:9-10). There MUST be something to “put off” …. that inherent sinful nature, otherwise no such language would be in Scripture (Colossians 3).

Beware of the sinless perfectionists who speak of overcoming sin outside of the daily cross and the saving, enabling grace of God. It’s only possible by God’s enabling grace in and through a true abiding relationship.

If we claim we are sufficient in and of ourselves and because of our own “natural ability” to do right, and can be perfect (which God requires) without Christ and our total trust IN HIM, we are apostate. Memorize Romans 4:4-5.

We cannot be “made perfect BY the flesh” or by means of our own self-will and effort alone. If that were possible WHY then did Jesus come? We are only perfect in the sense of Christ’s perfection AS we abide in Him (John 15:1-6). As we do, we will “walk in the light, as he is in the light … and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Here’s the whole verse:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

Yes, we are “new creatures” in Christ and must humble ourselves before Him, put off the old man, put on the new man, and walk in the Spirit with Him. Yet, the victory Christ has wrought and ordained for us to walk in daily all begins with acknowledging instead of denying that there is something to deny and die to and “put off” (Colossians3:5; 2 Corinthians5:17-18). Denying that we have inclination toward sin is not the answer. Crucifying the deeds of the body by the power of the Holy Spirit is the answer (Romans 8:12-14). Many are getting hoodwinked by this self-righteous “I can do it with my own ‘natural ability’” spirit. This is a Christ-denying devil-exalting heresy, doctrine of devils (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Many who are not grounded in the grace and Word of Christ are adopting this error of Pelagianism which fosters self righteousness. They are aggressively teaching this sinless perfectionism (in the flesh) error to others. These people seem to have one common denominator – they have studied the teachings of Charles Finney or Mike Desario. Beware!

Many of those who preach sin without saving, rescuing, enabling, overcoming divine grace are perhaps still trapped in their own sins. They have no answer for others and therefore we should wonder if they have the LORD’s answer for and in their own lives. If they did, would they not be full of His great joy and sharing with others how to be delivered? Why are they content with condemning others in sin? Is God willing that ANY should perish? See 2 Peter 3:9.

Never forget to make a decision to be deepened in the essential truth that it’s “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” 

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7

WHEN we realize that God is “Holy, holy, holy,” we will no longer wrongly condemn others if they sin, just because the flavor of their sin differs from that sin which we’ve committed, knowing that the sin we committed was no less evil in the eyes of He alone who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

G.R.A.C.E. = God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense

It’s only by God’s grace that we are found and saved by Him and kept and enabled to please Him which includes participating in holiness, separated unto the LORD, as He is holy (Hebrews 12:14-15; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8, etc.).

Titus 2 tells us that we are only saved by divine grace and only kept to the end by His enabling grace.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:11-15

Deliverance from sin/sinning is only possible through faith, loving, worshiping, and obeying our LORD, that is, moment-by-moment abiding in Christ, the crucified life, being raised up by His Spirit (Romans 6; 8:13-14, etc.).

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:3-6

Perfection is the perfect forgiveness and justification of the LORD which God brings about by His Spirit and our faith which always brings our adherence to the daily cross (Philippians 2:12-13). It’s divine perfection worked out in the abiding disciple as he walks in the Spirit abiding in Christ (Galatians 5:16, 25, etc.).

True OR Feigned Holiness?  |  Saving, Enabling Grace | Have We Ourselves Become Pharisees? | The Spirit of Holiness |

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast]10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]

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Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Bridegroom is Calling His BridePurifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast]10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast] | More on the Sabbath of the New Testament – Jesus!

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