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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

Teach the Bible [podcast]


JESUS IS COMING AND THE TRUE BODY OF CHRIST IS “HOLDING FORTH (BOLDLY DECLARING) THE WORD OF LIFE”

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16

WHEN you speak God’s Word, you are speaking divine authority.

“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:6

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

Nourishing the Body of Christ

“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

“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15

The best way to learn is to teach.

HOW well do you know your way around in God’s Word?

Jesus knew His way around God’s Word. Do you? If not, why not?

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he FOUND the place where it was written,” Luke 4:17 

The disciple of Christ must daily and diligently search, study, and learn God’s Word in light of His Great Commission command to us to teach His Word to others (Matthew 28:18-20). Our ability to minister is in large part based on our knowledge of God’s Word or the ability to navigate God’s Word (King James Bible).

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – OBEY GOD, “PREACH THE WORD.” (2 TIMOTHY 4:2)  

Tip: Always know WHERE you are reading in God’s Word – chapter and verse. You’ll be surprised at the repertoire that begins to build, making you, like Jesus, a good navigator of our LORD’s Word as you preach His Word (Luke 4:17).

Have you ever pondered why there is little or no Scripture being used when listening to someone pretending to be speaking about the LORD? You should wonder (Matthew 7:16, 20; 1 John 4:1).

“Preach the word” is the divine mandate, command (2 Timothy 4:2).

Let us cease to pretend that we represent the LORD when everything we say isn’t coming straight out of His Word. Read that again please.

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

Think God is calling you to serve? Good. If He has saved you, He has called you (Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:7). Get lost in His Word every day (Jeremiah 15:16). Read it (Revelation 1:3). Study it (2 Timothy 2:15). Memorize it (Proverbs 4:4). Meditate upon it day and night (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1). THAT’s your prep for ministry, not going to an antichrist seminary. Jesus inducted you into His school of the Holy Ghost and Word the moment He saved you.

“As I was listening I was thinking of Paul. Who was a very educated man in the law. But after he was saved he spent three years being taught exclusively by the Lord Jesus Himself. And he says he “conferred not with flesh and blood.” But he was taught “by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal 1:12-18). All of us should be taught by the Lord in His Word and not learned through mere men or books. But by a direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus is The Word of God (John 1:1, Rev 19:13).” Karen Cochran

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Gospel Action Mission Mexico Update Video: There Was a Faint Knock at the Door … as I Opened the Door …


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

Mission Mexico – See more here.


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WHEN PARENTS GET OLD …

author unknown

WHEN PARENTS GET OLD …

“Let them grow old with the same love that they let you grow … let them speak and tell repeated stories with the same patience and interest that they heard yours as a child … let them overcome, like so many times when they let you win … let them enjoy their friends just as they let you … let them enjoy the talks with their grandchildren, because they see you in them … let them enjoy living among the objects that have accompanied them for a long time, because they suffer when they feel that you tear pieces of this life away … let them be wrong, like so many times you have been wrong and they didn’t embarrass you by correcting you …

LET THEM LIVE and try to make them happy the last stretch of the path they have left to go; give them your hand, just like they gave you their hand when you started your path!

(“Honor your mother and father and your days shall be long upon the earth”.) – God”

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

Karen Cochran writes:

“A few years ago the Lord spoke to me and I heard honor your Father and Mother. I didn’t know that my Mom would be moving close to me in a few months and I would become her primary helper. It has been one of the biggest challenges of my life because she has dementia and isn’t always kind. I have had to come home many nights and sit at the feet of Jesus and ask forgiveness because I was not like Jesus to her. Then I go back everyday because the Lord commands us to Honor our Mother. He didn’t promise it would be easy. I have to be like Jesus and say Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Luke 23: 34 .As people who have dementia do not know what they are doing or saying.”

Sharing how God is working in her life concerning her relationship with her beloved mother, Karen Cochran writes:

“I had to die to being right. Pride! How could I love her (my mother) with the love of Jesus? How would she see Jesus in me? She would not see Him in me in all my pride and arrogance! By being full of pride, all I did was stir up strife. Proverbs 10:12 ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.’ Because she would retaliate and would be angry. I had to learn to keep my mouth shut. And it has completely changed our relationship. But first the Lord had to change me and cleanse me from my ‘know it all’ attitude and my pride. I went to the Lord and said ‘why is she (my mother) so mean to me’. The Lord straightened me out quick. It was me not her! I couldn’t control her! All I could do was allow God to root out what was sin in me.”

“Being broken to the core has been a continuous prayer for me. Otherwise my stone heart will hurt someone else that does not deserve to be hurt. Jesus had shown me my resentment against my parents. As I went to their grave, Jesus begin to say, ‘If they hadn’t taken you to Jesus at an early age, you wouldn’t be where you are now.’ I felt all the bitterness, anger, and hatred leave. How gracious is our Savior!” Thomas Cochran

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