Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?
Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.
“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15). IF we don’t believe upon, know, and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship. The hell bound self-righteous pharisees knew God’s Word yet they refused to “COME” to Jesus – to love, honor, and believe upon Him (John 5:39-40).
“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso
—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15
“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14
LOVE is the governing factor:
“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:
- John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
- John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
- Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
- Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
- They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”
Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20
Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!
“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21
“His commandment are not grievous”
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37
“IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).
Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).
1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10
DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.
If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.
One writer notes:
“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”
IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM. MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”
Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6
“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13
Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?
Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).
After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Uphold Jesus (audio)
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Articles
Oldest Manuscript Scam Exposed DEBUNKED
JUST ANOTHER VATICAN HOAX PERPETRATED BY THE SEMINARIAN PARROTING PAWNS
More proof that Satan can use his agents to stage any hoax he evilly desires and gullible dupes will buy it.
The lie that the new per-versions come from “the earliest manuscripts” is JUST ANOTHER VATICAN HOAX…. and every seminarian dupe for the last many decades was taught this lie. This is just more proof that Satan can use his agents to stage any hoax he evilly desires and gullible dupes will buy it.
“Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” (Revelation 12:9) – SO very many people have been deeply steeped or buried in layer upon layer of lies and deceptions. This is why that when they hear the truth, it’s shocking to them. Some react peaceably and teachably. Others attack the mere messengers of truth – namely the modern pharisees otherwise know as seminarians and their duped students.
The Hebrew and Greek manuscripts were transitional to get the Bible into our language. Some people erroneously want to worship those mere tablets. There’s no value in the communication medium but rather in the pure Word of God itself recorded on the manuscripts or anywhere.
The term “textual criticism” is used by wicked men who are arrogant and wise in their own conceit deciding that they, mere sinners, are going to critique and then change the divinely inspired, preserved Word of God (Psalms 12:6-7). Sound familiar? It should. This all goes back to the temptation of the first man and woman by Satan who cast doubt upon, planted doubt in their minds as to what God plainly stated and upon the authority of the Word, words of God. See Genesis 2:17; 3:1,4. Those involved in “textual criticism” are the modern actors, agents of the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). | The “Yea, Hath God Said” Temptation
“Now the serpent was more subtil (insidious, deceitful) than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1
One defender of the true Word of God, in rebuking a seminary parrots writes:
“Keep your ‘textual criticism’ which is a lie. It’s even more absurd to think that everyone up until these other ‘manuscripts’, found in Egypt of all places, were found recently in history all had the wrong, uninspired bible for almost 2000 years with the TR (Textus Receptus-Received Text). Stop working for the Vatican which puts the King James Bible at the top of their Banned Books list. It is YOU who don’t know what you’re talking about, just parroting your ‘professors’ in your vatican controlled colleges and seminaries, all minions of the dark side, and probably don’t even know it.” unknown Bible defender
“Modern scholarship” comes out of the Jesuit-corrupted seminaries. Layers and layers of lies covering its dirty tracks are stacked up to “confirm” the previous lies. Most modern so-called “scholars” use Satan’s “bibles” which is all we need to know! The corrupt defend corrupted “bibles.” Any man who can use those horrible excuses for a Bible is in darkness. What’s that say for the lightweights many call “pastors” today? You have to cast away the “Spirit of truth” and the common sense God gave you to be indoctrinated by the doctors of damnation and to buy into the new “bible” version lies (John 16:13-14). SMH
“Textual criticism” is a term of late and it simply means “We don’t like what the real Bible says and so we are questioning and changing it!” (hence all the fake “bibles”) This is with no exception, the work of Satan’s children. Satan is the one who questioned and changed what God said, from the beginning. It all goes back to the Garden (Genesis 2:17; 3:1, 4). These agents of Satan are counting on lots of deliberately ignorant people buying into their evil agenda, lies, and schemes to deceive, all to the glory of their father the devil (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9).
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and SATAN, which DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9
What the deceived do not yet realize, is that Satan, who deceives the whole world, has been walking about seeking whom he may devour for 6 thousand years.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
WHO Changed God’s Word in the Garden? (Genesis 3) And we think he stopped doing so?
Beloved of God, there are elaborate schemes to deceive you that have been underway since way before you were born. It will best serve us to truly humble ourselves before the LORD and His beloved body and allow Him to teach us. We have much to learn!
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
Has Satan gained “advantage” over your life by your ignorance?
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6
What would you do to deceive the whole world if you were Satan? Well, we gain a clue as to what Satan has done to deceive the whole world as we read Genesis 3. The most subtle, the most insidious creature cast doubt on what God had said (His Word) – “hath God said?” (v1). Then, the enemy of all souls added just one 3-letter word that led to the fall of mankind – “ye shall NOT surely die” (v4) said the great deceiver after God had told the man and woman definitively that they would “surely die” if they sinned against their holy Creator (2:17).
Satan has no new devices to use against mankind (1 Corinthians 10:13; Ecclesiastes 1:9). He uses the same exact deceptions and those who are not truly walking with Jesus in His truth will certainly be deceived and ultimately damned (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). If Satan cast doubt upon (removed from), and added to what God had said in the Garden to the first man and woman, can we ascertain what the great deceiver does to mislead and damn the souls of men today? Yes!
Satan is the author of the corruption, the altering, the changing of God’s words, Word (Genesis 2:17, 3:1,4; Jeremiah 23:36; Mark 4:15; Revelation 22:18-19, etc.).
The manuscripts are the difference. Kenny Moore writes:
“Many have bought into the New Age Bible version lie. All modern versions come from ‘Satan’s Satanic Verses’/ the Septuagint, Sinaiticus, and Vaticanus—all proven to be blasphemous, counterfeit, and corrupt. These Satanic MSS (manuscripts) come from the underground catacombs of the dead in Roma, Italia (Rome, Italy). Catholics are forbidden to read the Authorized King James Bible, but the modern ‘versions’ are OK! Why? THE NEW VERSIONS ARE CATHOLIC > NEW WORLD ORDER > Antichrist Luciferian Trash Theology.”
The “earlier” manuscripts turned out to be just another lie. Lie stacked on top of lie to cover up the work of Satan himself through his Vatican agents. The lake of fire awaits! (Revelation 22:18-19) No man of truth excuses this butchering of God’s Word. Only those in total darkness would do such. | The New Version “bibles” are Vatican Corrupted and Controlled
Anyone defending these corruptions of God’s Word is being empowered by “the spirit of antichrist.” (1 John 4:3) You don’t really think the Holy Spirit is behind their attack against the LORD and His Word, do you? Impossible (1 Corinthians 14:33).
by David W. Daniels
Is the “World’s Oldest Bible” a Fake?
Modern research techniques have revealed a hidden scheme aimed at God’s Holy Words…
Modern Bibles have changed many verses because of the discovery of an “ancient” manuscript in a monastery on the Sinai Peninsula.
The manuscript, called Sinaiticus, is claimed to be the earliest complete copy of the New Testament. Its discoverer, who was a world leading Bible scholar in his time, told the world Sinaiticus was from the 4th century and that it was the “oldest and best” Bible available.
Publishers rushed to make new Bibles with many changes to match it.
But not everyone agreed. When this famed 19th century Bible scholar, Constantine Von Tischendorf, claimed the ancient date, a well-known Greek calligrapher said, “No! I made that document!” But why did no one believe him? Maybe it’s because pages of the manuscript were stored where no one could view them, archived in exclusive collections across several continents.
Now, an international group has carefully photographed each page of Sinaiticus and is displaying it on the internet as high-quality digital images. For the first time, Bible scholars and students can see the entire manuscript together, as was never possible before. And what they are seeing with their own eyes is shocking. Some of the pages are white and look quite new, while others have been darkened to make them look very old. If they are all from the same “old” Bible, how can this be?
Researcher David W. Daniels proves with easy-to-understand evidence that the Sinaiticus is not the oldest manuscript and certainly not the best, either. He is also convincing in showing it’s not old after all and that the Greek calligrapher did make it, in the 19th century.
The textual (and doctrinal) changes in modern Bibles are based upon a fake —a shadowy scheme worthy of Satan’s hatred for the preserved words of God.
The utter and irrefutable proof that the “world’s oldest” manuscripts are a fraud, a scam. “All textual criticism today is of Satan.”
The Truth about Bible Versions
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Articles
Mission Mexico Part 52-Pictures, Videos, Testimonies, etc.
RECENTLY brother Mark gave a JESUS tract to many while he was on an evangelistic walk, including a man named Angel. Angel then called brother Juan asking for help. Juan’s email address and phone number are on the back of the JESUS tracts now.
TODAY: Because you cared and prayed and gave, brother Angel received the love of our God in the form of a box of food and some cash ($27 USD). Oh and he gladly received a stack of JESUS tracts he is excited to pass out.
Juan has been in touch with Angel and here’s what he reported:
“On Saturday, Brother Ángel laid his wife and daughter to rest. They were riding a motorcycle when they were struck by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. Although he has managed to provide them with a proper burial, he is now left without food. I am wondering if Brother Mark might be able to offer some support—he has shared his contact details with me, and he is currently unemployed. Perhaps some of the other brothers could reach out to help him; I will share this in the group, and I truly hope he can receive some assistance, as he is going through a very difficult situation. He has heard the Word of God—I shared the message of the Good News of Salvation with him—and he needs to see the love of God manifested through us, brothers.” Juan
Angel texted me this after being blessed by the body of Christ:
“Brother, Thanks so much, brother; this money will help me keep saving up for my rent. I really appreciate it—thank you so, so much. And please know that I’m more than happy to help you out with anything you might need. I’m letting Brother Juan know that I’m going to take the $500 (500 pesos = $27 USD) to the landlord, because he told me that if I didn’t give him something today, he would throw my things out and kick me out today. Thanks, brother. Honestly, if you ever need anything—washing your truck, clearing a piece of land, painting some things, whatever—just let me know, because I need to come up with the full amount for my rent.” Angel
Prayer: Feel free to lift up in prayer brother Angel – for his walk with Christ, his work life, and being able to pay the remainder of his rent. Angel is a typical Mexican man – super hard working. He’s obviously needing new clients.
As you can see, this blessing came right on time. God heard our brother’s cry and used you and I to delivered HIS blessing. As you can see, sounds like Angel would have been homeless tomorrow had God not intervened.
As God would have it, just before finding Angel to deliver the blessings, I met and old man who owns a store. Upon hearing the preaching of our LORD Jesus’ Gospel, the man rejoiced. We fellowshipped briefly, and he gladly received a stack of JESUS tracts to distribute.
GTR in Mexico!!!
GTR = Gospel Train Rollin
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
The weekly fellowship with brother Juan and brother Eduardo has been a blessing. Eduardo is the man who recently began emailing and texting. He said some “America guy” gave him a JESUS tract and it was like a gift from Heaven.
Eduardo is a born again brother in Christ who was much in need of fellowship (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25). This morning, brother Juan, who is super caring in God’s love and pastoral and evangelistic, ministered our LORD’s Word and love to brother Eduardo at length. Even though I can’t understand most of what they are saying in Spanish, there’s no doubt our LORD was edifying His son Eduardo.
Both these men are Spanish speaking. Here’s what Juan said at the end of our fellowship today with our brother Eduardo:
“Brother Eduardo says that he has faced discrimination from his family for becoming a Christian and following Jesus Christ. They have distanced themselves from him, as they prefer to practice a more traditional form of Catholicism—attending Mass and going to confession with a priest. But you know very well that it is God who chooses us, and we shall not be put to shame, because we have chosen the better part by believing in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Brother Eduardo says he’s unemployed and asks if you can help him in the group (to find work). He works in agriculture. He needs help with gardening, painting houses, or any other service because he’s unemployed. We need to see if you can support him here in this town.”
After a rich time of fellowship, both men were given coffee and breakfast and a small bit of cash as a way to bless them. Mexicans are very hard workers as you know and yet the economy in Mexico is not what it is in the US.
Thank you for caring for these beloved Mexican people, namely our brothers and sister in Christ.
Your prayers for the super receptive people of Mexico are a blessing. God is answering.
Lifelong Jewish lady now born again just got water baptized today.
Dear Mr. Augustine readily received the love God via His body (you!), the spoken Word of God, and the original Gospel on the JESUS tract. Your prayers and support make these things possible. Jesus is coming saints – and our hand is on the plow of our LORD Jesus’ bless-ed Gospel, the Great Commission He gave us (Luke 9:62). Everyone’s participation matters, greatly and will be rewarded accordingly (1 Samuel 30:24).
A man named Eduardo was given a JESUS tract today and is emailing me saying that he’s very excited to meet brother Juan, brother Mark, and myself this thursday for breakfast fellowship. God is good.
“If you have any, please let me know—thank you so much! An American man gave this to me on the street; it feels like it fell from the sky! Thank you very much…hugs”
There’s simply no way for us to report on every person who is being touched daily. It’s literally getting out of control. The LORD is marching into the hearts of the Mexican people.
“Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! The receptiveness in Mexico is beyond my comprehension! Even to the point of this man saying this gospel feels like it fell from the sky. Well I guess it did. Jesus came from heaven to earth to show us the way and seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). Praise God for the many souls who are being reached daily with the gospel of Christ. God is well pleased!” Karen Cochran
PRAYER REQUESTS:
For Juanita and her sons Jesus and Victor. Beloved Juanita pictured below. She brought me into the gate of her house and said “Mi casa es tu casa” = my house is your house. A completely bless-ed lady who readily received the ministry of the Word, the glorious Gospel of Jesus. She may already be saved, I don’t know but she now knows who to repent and receive Jesus if not.
Also Fatima, a young mother with a little girl who receive ministry today.
They just moved here to this town today from CDMX (Mexico City).
Thank you.
God knows.
What to pray?
Colossians 4:12 boom.
In Jesus’ name.
“… The living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” 1 Timothy 6:17
Some of the things one must suffer by going to “third world” Mexico to preach Christ’s original Gospel. Don’t worry, the cost of living here is much lower cost than the US.
Immediately upon handing a man the JESUS tract today, he lit up and hugged me. He was so excited because he’s born again and his father and grandfather are pastors. His name is Israel.
We connected and Israel and brother Juan are now connected and communicating. Juan gladly took some JESUS tracts to distribute. Would you like to pause and lift our brother Israel to the LORD in a prayer? (Philippians 1:19)
How do you find the saints in an area you go into? Just evangelize and watch God work.
*Below is a picture of one of the many men who received a JESUS tract this morning.
Mission Mexico
Jesus is coming saints.
Breakfast fellowship with the brethren of our LORD …
in “third world” Mexico.
Oh boy if people only knew.
It’s a blessing that with your prayers, love, and financial support, you are declaring that “The People of Mexico Matter for Christ—He died to save them!”
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
IF YOU WANT TO PLEASE SATAN …..
MAKE SURE you do NOT support authentic evangelistic ministries that are literally, actually getting Christ’s Gospel to the lost souls of this world.
The apostle Paul did “the work of an evangelist” and instructed us to do the same.
“Preach the word … But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2, 5
Our KING is coming saints, King JESUS!
Let’s roll beloved of God!
in Christ
todd
More Mexico Mission Action here.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
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Articles
What did the First Missionaries Do/Preach?
Concerning false leaders, Jeremiah pens these words: “they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.” (Jeremiah 23:14)
God counts our sin of spiritual “adultery” as that of “Sodom” and “Gomorrah.” Do we not betray the Most High whom we claim to know and love when we “strengthen also the hands of evildoers?” Aligning with someone or organization that is in error will strengthen their evil cause and the LORD will turn His hand of blessing away from us (2 Chron. 18-19).
Recently I listened to a missionary to Mexico tell about his work down there. Unfortunately, he spoke more than once of Rick Warren (who is in deep deception and was trained under deceiver Robert Schuller) and yet not once did he declare or mention the name of Jesus Christ nor did he speak of the Gospel – the death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God (1 Cor. 15:1-4). So, what is this man doing in Mexico? What are his supporters supporting/furthering? Didn’t Paul say “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our LORD Jesus Christ”? (Gal. 6:14) And, that he “determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2) There is “none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
This counterfeit has the wherewithal to proclaim known deceivers and yet not Jesus Christ?!
Not one Scripture was quoted or even referred to by this “missionary” during his hour talk about his family’s work in Mexico. What does this tell us about his work among those people? What is this man importing to Mexico if it’s not the true Gospel?
Important Biblical Discernment Truth: Jesus said that “ye shall know (discern) them by their fruits” and “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 7:16; 12:34). So, by what men say and don’t say, we know (discern) who they really are. Real simple isn’t it?
I hope you know that I am speaking from a place of zeal for the LORD and earnestly contending for the Gospel faith once delivered to His saints (Jude 3-4).
What are we supporting here by sending a man who doesn’t even speak the words of the LORD? Whose cause is he promoting? How could and why would the living God empower a man who doesn’t honor Him and His Word? Where are we putting God’s resources (money)? Will there be any rebuke to this man? Will anyone seek to disciple him? If not, then are we not enabling such dissimulation and promoting “another gospel”? I wonder today how much “missionary” work has to do with the biblical model of making disciples, but is rather establishing the thoughts, philosophies, and curriculums of mere men and teaching people to go through these psycho-babblish programs and learn everything but the pure divine Word (1 Pet. 2:2). When people/victims come out of these programmed classes, one thing is certain – they don’t know the Word of God, so it’s ALL in vain. After all, it seems like the writings of mere men have taken precedence over God’s holy and precious Word in the apostate organized modern church world.
What did the first missionaries do/preach?
“And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.” (Acts 8:25; 13:5; 14:25; 15:36; Mk. 2:2)
Those who know Christ and are prepared for ministry preach His Word. If they preach ANY ANY “ANY other gospel”, they are “accursed” and to be treated as such by God’s people (Gal. 1:6-9). If a man claims in any capacity to represent Christ and yet doesn’t preach Jesus Christ and His original Gospel, “there is NO light in” that beguiler (Is. 8:20). He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).
According to the law of Genesis 1, we can only produce after what we ARE, not what we say or convince others into believing we are. Genesis 1:11 says “the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seedis in itself.” So, whoever I am here, I am in China or Russia or Mexico.
Beloved, what is important is the quality of the seed and the richness of the soil. The Gospel is the riches of God’s love in Jesus Christ, of which Paul was not ashamed because it is “the power of God unto salvation” unto those who were given it and believed (Rom. 1:16). Where the Gospel is honored fully, the soil is rich. If a person has not been faithful in his own nation in the true Gospel of Jesus, he is not fit to win the lost in another country and should never be sent or supported. If this missionary was not soundly grounded in God’s Word before he left to go to Mexico, then why did God’s people ever send him? Does a person become a missionary when his feet hit foreign soil? Of course not. And, remember, Jesus loves and seeks to save the people on American soil as much as He loves people on Indian, Africa, Mexican, and Chinese soil. In light of this, I don’t think we should entertain the idea that when we give to foreign missions, there is any difference than giving to Gospel workers here in America.
Isaiah was Prepared, Commissioned, and Sent by God. See Isaiah 6.
So, when we fund missionaries who do not possess the Word, or the Word doesn’t possess them, we are funding the spread of a false gospel (2 Cor. 11:1-4; Gal. 1:6-9). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly).” (Col. 3:16)
In the midst of citing the evil of the false shepherds of Israel, Jeremiah the prophet introduces a rhetorical question which is actually an identifier of true and false servants:
“For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?” Jeremiah 23:18
Those who stand in the counsel of the LORD (not men) and perceive and hear His Word, marking it and hearing it again and again, are true. All others are false and will inevitably peddle a false message.
When speaking of leadership in the body of Christ, the Scriptures instruct us to “know them which labour among you.” (1 Thess. 5:21) Concerning the ordaining of men into ministry, the LORD tells us“Lay hands (ordain into ministry) suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” (1 Tim. 5:22) When we ordain or set forth and condone any man before we really know his life and doctrine, we will inevitably “be partaker of other men’s sin.” In other words, we will be equally to blame for the sin and error that man promotes and for all the people he misleads. We are mandated to “keep thyself pure” of this wickedness. This is a very serious issue. The support, promotion, condoning, or aligning with any person in ministry that is preaching “another gospel” brings a curse upon ourselves as we enjoin him in sin against God and the spreading of a false gospel (Is. 5:20-24; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Chron. 19:2). We are commanded to withhold blessing from him lest we become “partaker of his evil deeds.”
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11
Bidding “God speed” is pronouncing an approval blessing upon a person or ministry. If such is done to any person who is not communicating the original gospel, it is “another gospel” and it is a deadly sin to condone –“bid him God speed.” Any person who does such “is partaker of his evil deeds.” This means that those who support in any way any person or ministry organization that does not definitively and forthrightly declare the original Gospel, are counted just as guilty as the peddler himself. Anyone who does not bring the biblical doctrine of Jesus Christ who is divine and came in the flesh, is “a deceiver and an antichrist.” (2 Jn. 7) All such counterfeit ministers are false and to be shunned and not blessed or promoted or esteemed among God’s people – “Keep thyself pure.” (1 Tim. 5:22) Anyone among God’s people who helps the person not bringing the true Gospel – bids them God speed – and is “partaker of his evil deeds.” In other words, he will reap the same punishment as the man peddling another gospel other than that which Christ and His apostles gave us in the New Testament record.
We will be held responsible for supporting any person who is spreading lies and weakening the people through falsehoods and promoting false prophets. When we financially or otherwise support a ministry which is not according the New Testament record, we become “partaker of other men’s sins.” (1 Tim. 5:22)
When we set forth any person who is not called, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and prepared in the Word and the crucified life, we launch evil upon everyone that “novice” influences. We also harm the unprepared man greatly and most importantly, we bring disdain to the name of Jesus Christ. God grant us wisdom from His Word and forgive our sins! Concerning the launching of people into ministry, the Holy Spirit directs: “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Tim. 3:6)
Don’t you know that the enemy laughs all the way to the bank when God’s true people cast their revenues into the coffers of those who are not preaching the true Gospel? Do we want to fund wolves in sheep’s clothing? Who shall we fear? See Galatians 1:6-10
CREDENTIALS FOR MINISTRY
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions…” 2 Timothy 3:10-11
God’s Fruit according to 2 Timothy 3:10: Here are 9 earmarks of an authentic servant of Christ who would be prepared to serve in ministry:
- doctrine
- manner of life
- purpose
- faith
- longsuffering
- charity
- patience
- persecutions
- afflictions
The fruit identifies the root (Jn. 15; Rom. 11:16). When a man is relationally and biblically rooted in and abiding in Jesus Christ, his fruit will among other things be that of truth, love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), evangelism, charitable deeds, the care of souls, and the love of children. If a man’s life is not pure and he is not seeking the LORD diligently and daily in repentance and brokenness, he simply does not yet have the fruit of one who is to be set forth into ministry. Let’s walk in God’s written wisdom (His Word) and cease to enable any ministry that is not soundly rooted and grounded in God’s Word and love and purposes as revealed clearly in the Holy Scriptures.
“Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2
Have we magnified His Word above all else? Or something else above His Word? Have we magnified HIS Word above the names of all sinful men and their inferior writings? Or, are we despising the Almighty LORD Jesus Christ by elevating the words of mere men?
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2
Do we search out and find His Words and eat/devour them like a hungry man who hasn’t eaten in days?
“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
Do we rejoice at men’s words or at God’s Word?
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalms 119:62
Are we daily eating and allowing His Word to be our life?
“It is written, That man shall not live (have God’s life) by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4
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