sgys banner books

“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.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Abiding

Going Directly to the Source [podcast]


IF you desire to truly hear from GOD, read His own Word for yourself. King James Bible.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Nourished Up” – like a wise virgin Heaven bound saint.

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:

“Nourished up in the words of faith” is a biblical phrase from 1 Timothy 4:6, meaning to be continually fed, strengthened, and built up by scripture, sound Christian teaching, and doctrine, much like food sustains the body, these spiritual words sustain and grow the soul, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper walk with God. It signifies a deliberate, ongoing intake of God’s truth, which fosters growth, guards against false teachings, and fuels a believer’s life.” (Source?)

It’s one thing to have a mere human giving you encouragement and yet another thing to get your encouragement, your spiritual nourishment from God—directly. King James Bible.

Psalms 73

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”

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]

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]


“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:

“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake

“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.

“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke

“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”

“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25 

In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:

“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:

“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7 

“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16

Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:

“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10 

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12 

On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:

“2 Peter 3:

To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God. 

Key aspects:

  • Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication. 
  • Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties. 
  • Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth. 
  • Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within. 
  • Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25). 
How it’s expressed:
  • Passionate prayer
  • Diligent study of God’s Word
  • Active, loving service to others
  • Bold witnessing for faith
  • Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm” 

Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”

“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of God | Gifts | Prophetic or Pathetic? | ChristologyFinal Divine Authority At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life |

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

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 MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of ChristStewardshipApostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the WordWolves Exposed | Giving | Fellowship | Christology = the Study of Christ

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending