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Preparation and Prayer to be Used of God

“Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?” Proverbs 15:11

The eternal souls of men for whom Christ died lie in the balance between Heaven and hell. God the Father sent Christ for us and for them and Christ has sent us to reach them. This is what we call the Great Commission.

“As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21

Just what is the Great Commission? The Great Commission is a co-mission between our LORD Jesus Christ and His people — on a mission to win sinners to His eternal kingdom. Christ’s Great Commission includes not only the winning of lost souls but thereafter also to teach the Word of God to all men, especially to those Christ saves into His kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).

Someone, to some extent, obeyed Christ’s commission and this is how you and I were saved. “But just what was Christ’s mission in the first place?” someone might rightly ask.

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

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

It would be utterly impossible to truly know and follow Jesus and not want to see other souls saved. It’s impossible to know Christ and not reach out to others to know Him. With this in mind, how many today do we see who claim to know Him and yet have no heart for participation in reaching lost souls for whom He bled to save?

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 31 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:13-16

If I truly possess saving faith, I will be actively seeking to save the lost for whom my Master died, and commanded me to “Go” reach (Mark 16:15).

What Excuse Shall Stand?

“A converter has to be alive to convert others. Dead people don’t have the chance to convert others!” Samina Lloyd

At the root, it is due to the wicked, soul-damning sin of self-idolatry that Christ and His work are neglected today. Such is the fruit of a Hell bound life of idolatry (Revelation 21:8).

Some complain of not having enough money to win souls.

“I can be rich without money.” David Livingstone

Some complain and excuse themselves from preaching Christ’s Gospel.

“Fever seems to forbid; but I shall work for the glory of
Christ’s kingdom—fever or no fever.” David Livingstone

Some in this wicked generation balk and murmur at what they consider a sacrifice—such as giving up a futile pleasure.

“People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa . . . It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege.” David Livingstone

Ask Yourself

Is the extent of my “Christianity” attending church services two to three times weekly? Is this what Jesus commanded of His people, of me in the Gospels? Is this God’s purpose for me on earth? Is this what we see in the book of Acts where the history of the early New Testament Church is recorded? A fresh reading of this book will reveal that the so-called “Christianity” we see today in America has little resemblance to that of the early believers.

Want to see just how many frauds, wolves in sheep’s clothing we have today in the modern church world? Here you go:

Think about how many times in churches the pastor is heard repeatedly instructing the people to ….

  1. Join the church.
  2. Go to a new members class.
  3. Join the choir.
  4. Be an usher.
  5. Give to a building fund or some other frivolous project.
  6. Attend “church” every Sunday.
  7. etc.

Yet let’s compare. How many times do we hear pastors say:

  1. Follow Jesus. In order to follow Christ, He commands you to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him daily (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27).
  2. Repentance is an absolute original Gospel essential (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).
  3. Jesus warns that if you are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of you (Luke 12:8-9).

I am merely stating this so that we can reevaluate our lives according to the command and pattern recorded in Scripture which is what we will all be judged by in the end (John12:48; Romans 2:16). We should recognize, as most Christians already do, that men tend to wane from the truth as they go on in traditions and in building their own kingdoms and lose sight of the LORD Himself and His precious precepts. Their organizations, their church business, their books, their programs, and their agendas take precedence over our LORD’s simple instructions to preach the Gospel. Were we not warned of this, especially concerning this final hour?

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1

Those saved today must be taught what God’s Word says or they will very likely be swept away in the strong current of the false church and waste their lives feeding that beast and miss the call of God to participate in evangelizing lost souls, and helping believers learn His Word.

Did not our LORD tell us that traditions make His Word void? See Mark 7:13; Colossians. 2:8). The true disciple of Jesus must follow Him and He told us He is “the truth.” (John 14:6). To follow the truth is to reject following mere man’s religious tradition.

The Church revealed in the book of Acts obeyed God by being baptized in the Holy Ghost, preaching Christ, and they saw our LORD save multitudes (Mark 16:15-20). They cast out devils, went from house to house fellowshipping with each other, turned the world upside down, openly upbraided sinners when the Holy Spirit quickened, had dreams and visions, prayed in tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance, prayed constantly and consequently walked in the power of God, etc. Is this not the fulfillment of what our LORD
sent us, His people, to do?

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20

As Satan himself would have it, most of the new versions of the Bible, which come from corrupt manuscripts and were concocted by greedy, God-less men and women, either cast doubt upon or altogether remove this explosive Great Commission passage spoken by the Son of God in commissioning His people. Should we be surprised that the enemy of Christ and all souls would strategically attack this passage? Read it again in light of this question.
Many today sit back and wish for a “move of God” and they wait in vain. The LORD is waiting on them to render simple obedience, beginning with the obedience of humbly asking Him to use them. Those who are doing so are experiencing exploits being done by Christ through the simple obedience of His people just as He promised here in giving His Great Commission command to His Church.

Beware: A fresh reading of the book of Acts could change your life, especially if you will acknowledge that the same God – there’s only one – who moved then, is alive and well today, working among His people (Mark16:15-20; Hebrews 13:8). This may result in putting you on fire for Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, and living a true New Testament life – an adventure like no other! As an individual who will soon stand before the Almighty to be judged for what I did and did not do in my earthly life, I must remove myself from every trace of modern day religion, lukewarmness, and apostasy. I must reject all that does not resemble the New Testament Christianity recorded in Scripture. New Testament Christianity was all about loving God and preaching Christ and the Law in obeying the Great Commission – to edify the saints and reach the lost.

Here’s a taste:

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4

Notice here that there was a Church-wide effort to evangelize the unsaved – “they.” Persecution had hit Jerusalem and many of the believers were “scattered abroad” which means dispersed throughout the world, out from Jerusalem. Jesus foresaw this. Just before Pentecost when He filled His people with the Holy Ghost, Jesus said:

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

“Yes Jesus! Prepare me to be sanitary, holy, sanctified, cleansed and purified! Breaking and stripping anything out of me that is not of you! There is no other way to become a vessel of honor fit for the Master’s use!” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You for finding and saving me into Your eternal family. Please wash my sins away afresh in the precious blood of Jesus here and now and please fill me with Your Holy Ghost. Prepare and use me dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

JESUS Tract Print-Ready PDF Free here.

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Articles

Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?

“The truth is that while Christ dwells in the believer’s new nature, He has strong competition from the believer’s old nature. The warfare between the old and the new goes on continually in most believers.” AW Tozer

The law of God is “holy, and just, and good.” (Romans 7:12)

The holy law of God and the depraved nature of fallen mankind could not be further apart – the righteousness of God inherent in His law vs the “old man,” the iniquitous fallen nature of mankind (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Nothing but a caustic reaction, explosion could be the result of the 2 colliding (Romans 7). One or the other must reign.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17

In what tense did the great apostle speak in when addressing this “old man” that wars against the Spirit in us?

“O WRETCHed man that I am! (presently) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24

Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the cross, burial, and resurrection grace of Jesus (Romans 6:3-10; 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). Read Romans chapters 6-7 each morning this week.

It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

No, the apostle wasn’t admitting to living in sin but rather that that “old man” – the flesh – was present and must be crucified with Christ daily. Is that not exactly what Jesus taught?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his CROSS DAILY, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

I believe Romans 7 applies to both before and after one is saved …. Because if the saved person departs from the daily cross walk, that same “old man” will take center stage. “O wretch man that I AM (present) (Romans 7:18) ….. we are born again children of God, saints of the Most High and yet that potential to evil, that “old man” must be crucified and “put off” by the daily cross so the “new man” can reign with Christ in this life and eternity. What Paul calls the “old man” must be “put off” and so we can conclude that there IS an “old man” to be “put off” otherwise no such instruction would have been given. We are not to deny the “old man” – the sinful bent – but rather to crucify it (Romans 6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Charles Pray writes: “So many want to hide their sins, especially those who like to appear Holy on the outside while inside they are dark, unholy ministers of the flesh. They have become a product of their own desires. Dear Lord, please bring them back to their first Love–Jesus! Amen.”

Saints, 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 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.

What to “Put Off” and What to “Put On”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation THE OLD MAN, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on THE NEW MAN, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 

“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:” Colossians 3:9-10

“When we embrace the crucified life we are given overflowing rivers of new life! New life is breathed into us. Walking in the flesh only makes our soul sick with sin! And sin kills and destroys! (Romans 6:23). Rotting us from the inside out! But the way of the cross brings life to our flesh! (Proverbs 3:8, 4:22). Our flesh meaning our whole spirit, soul and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. We cannot be a whole person until we are completely given over to the Lord! And this can only happen through the cross. When we are dead and buried and raised up in the newness of life Jesus offers us, then the joy of the Lord will fill our hearts!” Karen Cochran

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Articles

What Does it Mean to Follow Christ? [podcast]


“Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3

THE LORD is calling for an immediate release of the WHOLE counsel of HIS WORD!

DO you have a 20/20 vision? Read Acts 20:20 and get it!

Just like fake news TV, wolves only give you a small part of the whole story – in order to manipulate you! Half truths kill!

YOU know when you are right with God when you are running TO the cross message and not AWAY from it! “Enemies of the cross” of Christ “mind earthly things” and not the things the LORD commanded (Philippians 3:18-19).

The cross is a dethroning, unseating of self and the enthroning of Christ!

The Crucified Life 

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of GodThe Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]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 | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Abiding

“I Desire Fruit that May Abound to Your Account” [podcast]


“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

Did you realize that as a born again disciple of Jesus, that you have an “account” in Heaven?

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

Laying up treasure in Heaven and not wasting it on this fleeting life, is the command and the wisdom of God.

“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”  1 Chronicles 29:14

To some I would say:

“So let me get this straight…. you attributed your own earnings for your whole life to yourself and so now, how dare someone suggest you allow other saints to help fund God’s work, to lay up treasure in Heaven …..”

“But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” 1 Samuel 30:24 

Some seem to take offense to anyone receiving help from God’s people… which is 100% selfish and pride filled…. in more than one way:

1. The work is expanded with greater funding;

2. God’s people are laying up treasure in Heaven when they choose to give.

This all seems to indicate that you are far too involved in the “ministry” you are doing. It’s all about you, not Christ.

Think about how Jesus and Paul and John had numerous “fellowhelpers to the truth.” Every member was free and able to function fully in our LORD’s work.

“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” 3 John 8

Apparently some bogusly believe, pretend to be more righteous than Jesus and the apostle Paul by denying love offerings to do the work of God.

These men are actually preventing God’s people from laying up treasure in heaven and acting self-righteous about it.

Apparently you seek to be the hero who serves yourself in many ways instead of Christ and others and therefore you wish all of your labor be attributed to your own account in Heaven. Philippians 4:17 says:  “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

We give the Gospel “without charge”…. and yet that does not in any way negate all that the Bible says about giving and laying up treasure in Heaven: “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:18). This would mean that he doesn’t ask for money and yet that doesn’t mean he didn’t receive such help nor that what he taught in verses 1-14 are negated.

Regrettably, there are men doing ministry who are babes in understanding this Bible 101 doctrine of giving, of stewardship.

Isn’t it time we get out of the way and let those sitting on the bench get on the field, participate, lay up treasure in Heaven?

Do we not understand how Christ told us His kingdom works…. that when we give, it connects our hearts closer to Christ and His work? See Matthew 6:21.

Following our heretical beliefs instead of the Bible on this topic of stewardship would have thus far resulted in the deprivation of so very many beloved needy people here in Mexico. It would have cheated them out of many blessings…. food and the Word, salvation, etc.

Remember, such as was the case with the few loaves and fishes. Jesus takes what we give to Him, to His work, and multiplies it. Do the math. John 6. Five thousand men were fed out of 5 loaves and 2 fishes and yet there was much food (more than they began with) left over, surplus (2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20).

“Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” John 6:13

Regrettably, we have novices who are abandoning the truth of God due to others perverting it….(2 Corinthians 2:17).

Are they making excuse for not giving?

The LORD “giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

Every good and every perfect gift on this earth is from God and is a mere foretaste of glory divine!

“The living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17

Does God’s Word not warn us that God’s people are to “behold” both “the goodness and the SEVERITY of God” lest we be “cut off”?

“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22

LORD, we thank You now for EVERY good and perfect blessing You alone have provided—beginning with the ultimate, the unspeakable, the unfathomable gift of Your only begotten Son who died, was buried, and raised again from the dead to justify us (Romans 4:25)! We love You LORD Jesus!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

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