PARABLE OF THE TALENTS [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

The Eternal Consequence of Obedience vs Neglect

A parable is an earthy story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus’ parable of the talents is a teaching and severe warning of stewardship and the eternal consequences of obeying or disobeying God in the matter of our handling of His resources in this fleeting life.

“And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” 1 Corinthians 7:31

It is said that of the 38 parables Jesus taught, 16 of them involve stewardship. To further underscore the divine importance placed on stewardship, we should note that there are 500 verses in the Bible on faith and 2,500 on stewardship. OUR stewardship plainly reveals if we are serving Christ or self (Matthew 6:19-24).

God only increases the blessings, the responsibilities, the stewardship of those who are using what He already gave them for His glory. In fact, Jesus may just take away what we have if we aren’t generous in our giving.

“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” Matthew 25:29

Are you using what God’s giving you for His glory? We “remember” God by using what He gives us to “establish his covenant.”

“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

Many times we hear people saying things like “When I get rich THEN I am going to start giving to support God’s work.” Yet this is not according to the teachings of Jesus who taught that as we are thankful and faithful with what we ALREADY have, THEN He multiplies it – for eternal treasure and perhaps here also. Read Christ’s parable of the talents afresh in Matthew 25:14-30.

God gives more to those who first rightly steward what He has already given them (Matthew 25:14-30).

Read Jesus Parable of the Talents. Matthew 25:14-30.

So you pretend to want God to use you and yet you don’t even read His Word and seek His face in prayer each morning? You don’t even contribute to His work? Not going to happen. The LORD only rewards those who are faithful with what they already have. Read Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew 25. Repent and lay down your life. You are backslidden and heading to hell (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:16-17). The phony pastor you sit under won’t tell you this.

As you are faithful with what the LORD has already given you, then, and only then, will He multiply it back to you, perhaps here and for sure in eternity. Are you faithful to abide, to obey Him by obeying His Word, by stewarding His resources for His eternal glory? If so, Jesus and the Father are dwelling rich with you and will multiply and prosper you according to your wise, faithful stewardship of what is already in your possession – which is all from Him (1 Chronicles 29:14; John 14:21-23).

“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 28:20

God only promotes those of His children who are faithful with what He’s already given them – faithful to serve Him right where they presently are. Parable of the talents. Matthew 25 Read, study, learn this kingdom truth. Unless we obey Him, His truth right where we are, He will not being promoting us to further responsibilities.

God is not going to add to, He’s not going to multiply His supply and blessings to anyone who is sitting around, doing the church attendance thing, and not doing His biblically stated will – of loving, tending to, giving to, serving, and blessing others (Matthew 22:37-39). Every true disciple is a doer of the WORD (James 1:22; 1 John 2:3-6, etc.). True disciples are not known by being a church attender, which any old dead fish counterfeit can be. No, the true servant of Christ is known by his supreme love for, and faithful obedience to Christ his King, his “first love” (Revelation 2:4-5).

“For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

Every good gift and blessing is from God (James 1:17). We take from what He’s given us and we share it with others – whether that be supply, or spiritual blessings in Christ, or material blessings.

“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

According to Matthew 25:14-30, What we do with what our Lord has given us on this earth has serious eternal consequences! Our own actions (or inactions) as ones who are “called” and are “his own servants” determine whether we will spend eternity in Heaven with our Lord and Master, or if we will be cast irrevocably into outer darkness where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth”!!!

Matthew 25:14-30

“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

¹⁶Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

¹⁷And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

¹⁸But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

¹⁹After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

²⁰And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

²¹His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

²²He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

²³His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

²⁴Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

²⁵And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

²⁶His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

²⁷Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

²⁸Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

²⁹For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

³⁰And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Please understand “that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2:4), and “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹not of works, lest any man should boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Yet Jesus taught that it’s only those who are faithful with what He’s already given them who will be promoted and rewarded in His kingdom! Parable of the talents, Matthew 25.

So you don’t even apply the diligent daily discipline of waking up and seeking the face of the LORD in prayer and His Word and yet, you still want God to use you, to give your more responsibility in His kingdom? Not going to happen until you obey Him in the seemingly small things (Psalms 5:3; 63:1; Matthews 6:6; Mark 1:35, etc.).

Also, understand that God is severe in His judgment of rebels of which there are “many” who claim they are saved. Eternal damnation awaits all rebels (Matthew 7:13-23, etc.).

“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

Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth (remains) in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 5:5-6).

As we abide in Christ (“the vine”), and Christ in us, His grace enables us to bring forth “much fruit” if we remain in Him. However, “If a man abide not (does not remain) in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 5: 6).

Charles Pray writes:

“Christianity has become a give take Religion. JESUS gave, False Christian leaders are TAKING advantage of every opportunity to get what ever they can for themselves. I am tired of hearing Christians saying we shouldn’t judge. Jesus says to “judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) God calls us to be good stewards of everything He gives us including and I believe most importantly, our money. because of how hard it is for us to part with. Here are some scriptures on giving and being a good steward! King James Bible Titus 1:7-9, Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 4:2, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 5:8, Matthew 25:20-21, 1 Peter 4:10, Mark 12:41-44, John 2:15-17, Proverbs 3:27, Acts 20:35, lastly read all of Malachi chapter 3, Amen!”

PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, I come to You now in repentance for having squandered Your resources, for being hardened in heart, for not truly trusting You to replenish what You gave as I give it out, for not caring for others, for being selfish, and for not supplying Your labourers. Please forgive my sins. Right now, if never before, I lay my life into Your holy hands, I release my spirit unto You now LORD and all that is in my temporal possession in this brief life. In Jesus’ Name.

Filling the War Chest [podcast]

Participating in the Great Commission Jesus Mandated us to Fulfill, with the resources HE gave us….. each of us doing our part. …and Yes, WE, YOU are in that war and commanded to “fight”. It’s a battle for the eternal souls of men for whom our LORD Jesus came to die (Luke 19:20; 1 Timothy 1:15). Let’s roll saints! “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 Each of us and blood-bought members of Christ’s body, are co-laborers with our […]

"A Faithful Man shall Abound with Blessings" [podcast]

Do you desire to abound in the blessings of God? Jesus our LORD taught that as we are faithful with what the LORD has already given us, then, and only then, will He multiply it. ASK YOURSELF: Are you faithful to abide, to obey Him by obeying His Word? If so, Jesus and the Father are dwelling richly with you and will multiply you according to your proper, wise, faithful stewardship of what is already in your possession – which is from Him. See John 14:21-23. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be […]

"Thou Fool, this Night Thy Soul shall be Required of Thee" [podcast]

Recorded at a home Bible fellowship Getting ready to die and go to Hell is not success – no matter how “successful” you foolishly think you’ve become by what you’ve obtained in this brief life. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37 “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee” “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of […]

Fruit Abounding To Your Account: Divine Incentive [video]

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17 Jesus told us that He has gone to prepare a place for His people. If you are born again and abiding presently in Christ, you have “mansion” in glory awaiting you! (John 14:1-6) Did you know that you also have an “account” in Heaven? Now, what’s in that “account”? Is it empty or full? Every single child of God has an “account” in Heaven. Paul the apostle of Jesus, cared deeply about the heavenly “account” of Christ’s saints! YOU have an “account” […]

Articles

A PLACE CALLED HELL [podcast]

How does God’s Word describe hell?

A PLACE CALLED HELL ….. Below is a detailed list of the unending realities of eternal damnation!

Hell is the ultimately judgment of God upon all who refuse to repent and receive Christ and therefore die in sin.

“Let death seize upon them, and let them GO DOWN quick (alive) into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.” Psalms 55:15

Details about hell revealed in God’s Word, the Bible:

A place of complete consciousness (all feelings)…..Lk. 16:25
Torment with fire and brimstone…………………………Rev. 14:10
Weeping and gnashing of teeth……………………….…..Matt. 8:12
A place of eternal remorse (devastating regret)…..Luke 16:25
A place of torments…………………………………………..…Luke 16:23
No rest day or night forever (eternal misery)……….Rev. 14:11
A furnace of fire with wailing…………………………..….Matt. 13:42
A place of everlasting burnings…………….…………..Isaiah 33:14
A lake (ocean) of fire……………………………………..…….Rev. 20:15
Unquenchable fire (ferocious flames)………..…….……Mark 9:45
Outer darkness (blinding loneliness)………………….Matt. 22:13
No 2nd chance to escape (utter hopelessness)……Luke 16:26
A place of sorrows (seething remorse and despair)….Ps. 18:5
A place of everlasting destruction……………………..2 Thess. 1:9

Even though sinful man is still looking for life on mars and the moon….. there’s only 3 places, locations that men exist:

“And no man in HEAVEN, nor in EARTH, neither UNDER THE EARTH, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” Revelation 5:3

1. “in heaven”
2. “in earth”
3. “under the earth” which is where hell is (Matthew 12:40).

Jesus used the words “eternal damnation” to reveal to us that hell if forever, unending (Mark 3:29). The fires of eternal damnation shall feed upon the eternally conscious helpless souls of all who die in sin (Mark 9:43-49).

The reason people preach hell fire and brimstone is because they’re trying to save your eternal soul from hell fire and brimstone. Love!

PREACHING the biblical doctrine of hell, which is the eternal judgment of God, puts a fire behind believers, convicting them to forsake their lives in this world, to deny self, take up the cross and to follow Jesus, to press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Are YOU preaching hell – the eternal judgment of God in the domain of the damned reserved for all who die in sin? Please hit share. | Hell

“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” Proverbs 15:24

Heavenly Father, please grant to Your children an eternal perspective, in Jesus’ name. Amen dear LORD.

If you don’t think hell is divinely designed to be a loving deterent (motivator) from a merciful God, go read the words of the only Savior recorded in Mark 9:43-49 in the King James Bible. Satan’s new “bibles” removed this all-important passage.

ALL who don’t slow down, take the time to seek and listen to God’s Word, to hear His voice, will have all eternity in hell to burn in conscious misery, in utter fury and remorse to sulk on how they sinned away their day of grace. Going to hell is a choice. It’s irrevocable. There are no do-overs. If you sinned your whole life away, sinned away your day of grace, you will pay for your own sins in hell forever. If you reject the only sacrifice for your many sins – the blood of the LORD and Savior Jesus Christ – the domain of the damned will be your eternal abode. If you aren’t washed in the blood of Jesus and presently serving God, abiding in Christ, you are going straight to hell if you die today. …Don’t you dare share this, unless you want people to be saved…. from eternal hell.

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:23

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:11

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish (in hell), but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

You soul is eternal and will be conscious for all eternity – either in the bliss and comfort of Heaven or in hell.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37

What’s more important to you than the LORD? Who? What? What organization? What affiliation? What religion, religious affiliation? What family member? What friend? Is it really worth your eternal soul? Is Your Sin Really Worth Going to Hell for?

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

Denying that hell exists changes nothing….

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Rational and educated people realize that our sun will not last for ever and will self destruct at the end of it life. When that happens it will most likely also destroy all of the planets in our solar system. Sense Hell has always been considered to be located deep within the bowels of the Earth….yeah, right…. it too will be destroyed. So Hell really isn’t for ever. And you’re just making stuff up.”

REPLY:

Hell is forever. Jesus died for our sins. Rational and educated people know basic science reveals that a molten mass is in the middle of the earth which only confirms that God’s Word is truth. God’s Word repeatedly speaks of this reality.

How to be forgiven and saved:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

Hell | Making Peace with God – Now, before it’s too Late

ALL who seek to hide/cover their sins instead of repenting and forsaking them, will perish. (Proverbs 28:13).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

There are no “secrets” with God because He sees all.

“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Romans 2:16

“The secrets of men” are hidden from other men and yet nothing is hidden from God.

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD [podcast]

MAKING PEACE WITH GOD (Spanish version here) Are you ready to Pass from Death to Life? God desires to pardon you – before it’s too late. Jesus beckons you to “Come unto me” — while you can (Matthew 11:28-30). “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 GOD sees all sin and will either […]

Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]

How Do We Know, Right Now, Who will be Seated at the at the Table, at the Great Supper of the Lamb? (Matthew 22; Revelation 19) The remnant, those who will be present at the Great Supper of the Lamb in Heaven, are ALREADY feasting at the banqueting table of His Word. All others whom Jesus has saved in the past, are not fueled or flourishing but are rather famishing, fainting, and falling away. The “little flock” of Christ desires to be with Him both now and forever, not just forever (Luke 12:32). They’ve been born again and present “abide” […]

Fresh Start with God

You can Have a … Jesus is the Great Shepherd of His Sheep (Heb. 13:20; Lk. 15) A FRESH START WITH GOD (First, if you are not certain that you are genuinely born again, please go here first) Let’s get something straight…. the disciple, the mere man writing this message is more in need of JESUS than anyone who ever lived! No one needs Jesus more than I do and yet, we must do things HIS way, not our own (Ephesians 3:8). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs […]

Hell’s Menu

The Bible’s Vivid Description of the Domain of the Damned Violent flames rage like endless waves that roar in a fierce ocean tossed to and fro by hurricane winds. Deafening voices shriek, hopelessly tormented in the turbulent fire that dominates their defenseless souls. One million years have passed and yet there is not a trace of relief from the horrifying torment that has enveloped their helpless souls. Vivid memories of their earthly life, when they had precious opportunity to escape this horrible fate, torment their bitter and remorseful beings. Welcome to the world of departed souls who died after refusing […]

Is Hell Forever or Temporal? [podcast]

The original Gospel prominently includes the judgment of hell coming to every person who dies on sin (Mark 9:43-49, etc.). EVERY preacher not preaching hell is a false prophet who is preaching “another gospel” and is “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) Jesus and His holy apostles taught it and there’s no excuse for not doing the same. Repent now self-serving coward. Are Hell and the Lake of Fire Eternal or Temporal? As an eternal memorial of the holiness of God, the pit of hell will be an open, visible display of what happens to those who do things their own way instead […]

Abiding

Following the Faith of Abraham [podcast]

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; ALL came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

The LORD Keeps His Promises to His People

God could trust Abraham:

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis 18:19

Of Abraham who lived by faith, the LORD says “For I know him” and if we love God, like Abraham, we are known of the LORD also.

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

Does the unchanging God ever tell His people to leave where they are and go to another place? Yes.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him…” Genesis 12:1-4

Abraham met the condition and God fulfilled His promise. Could the LORD have blessed Abraham had Abraham not trusted and obeyed Him?

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“The key is to say ‘Here I am.’ Abraham responded 3 times to God in Gen 22, when God called His name. It was an immediate response of obedience. Did he know exactly why God was calling him? No! It was the posture of his heart. Because of his faithful obedience the Lord knew Abraham was a God fearing man, who only cared about doing God’s will.” Karen Cochran

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my unbelief, which is a sin. Please wash this heart afresh in Your precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Fill my heart with faith, with love, joy, and peace. Please order my every step and be glorified in this life You gave. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"Though He Slay Me, Yet will I Trust in Him" [podcast]

DO WE have the “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” spirit and disposition of the beloved Job? “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15 Going though a season of testing and trials and yet not worshipping God through it all, is a waste. Personally I had to learn this the hard way. God has been so wonderfully gracious! “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, […]

Are You a "A FAITHFUL MESSENGER" of the LORD? [podcast]

The faithfulness of God is where we begin …. every word in the Bible. His Word oozes with His faithfulness. He was faithful to us “while we yet sinners” (Romans 5:6-8), to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9). ruling over cities – see Luke 19 See examples of faithfulness to God in Hebrews 11: “he pleased God” “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5 “But whoso looketh into the perfect […]

Abiding

The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]

The Divine Prescription is Clear and there are No Shortcuts

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

The law brings repentance, salvation while thereafter the crucified life, the cross keeps us from that sin which once separated us from the LORD, who now has saved us (Psalms 19:7; Romans 6).

There are lots of people peddling the lie of “self care” which is ultimately nothing more than absolute selfishness. Pure evil. We need SAVIOR care! Such “self-care” only perpetuates the prey, the victim, in their misery. The only way to deal with the wicked iniquitous nature, is to crucify it, not pamper it (Luke 9:23-24). It’s your time to get into God’s Word and follow Jesus (KJB). Repent, deny yourself, lay down your life and serve God and others, not yourself. Loving your wicked self IS your problem and so all “self care” is accomplishing is to make your problem bigger, to fortify the evil within (Galatians 5:16-24). Crucifying that evil by the power of the Holy Spirit who is then raising your upward in His grace, glory, and power, is the divine prescription (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:3, etc.). Read Philippians 2:3-5 each morning this week. Jesus commands you to love God. Worship God. Obey God (Matthew 22:37-39).

All whom Jesus has saved make a decision every day, including this day. All who were initially saved and yet aren’t searching out and taking up the cross daily, prove they do not love Him, even though they may claim such. Each of us prove who we really love by who reigns in our lives, and by who dies. See Matthew 6:24.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

WHO we yield ourselves to today, proves who we truly love – either the Savior or self.

“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” 2 Corinthians 1:9

We must declare and establish “the sentence of death in ourselves” so that our trust is in God who raised Christ from the dead and raises up all of His saints as they are crucified with Christ.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Tired of sinful self and wanting it out of your way? Here’s the divine prescription: “But I keep under (subdue) my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

The fact that Jesus is coming back for a church, a people who are holy, let us peer into what the Bible tells us concerning overcoming the flesh, sin (Romans 6-8).

Jesus never said to try or try harder. no, Jesus says you must die to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25, etc.).

Jesus is sanctifying and cleansing by His Word a people, a church “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Times of fasting and prayer are doing yourself a favor and not God. Yes. You are crucifying self, getting self out of God’s way so that Christ is reigning in your life in place of sinful self! This should be viewed with absolute delight! (See Psalms 37:4; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13, etc..) You are crying, you are driving a stake in the ground and declaring: “LORD, You must increase but I must decrease!” (See John 3:30.) That’s the “daily” operation of the cross God has ordained to be transpiring in our lives (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

What’s your plan for a special time of fasting and prayer this week? There’s no mystery – you will not overcome the flesh, sin, without being crucified with Christ and there’s no better way than fasting and prayer. It’s the most direct route to being dead, buried, and raised up in the victory Christ alone can grant. Lay it all down, now. Memorize Colossians 3:3 and walk it out.

We simply can’t know just how deep we are buried in pride until we begin to obey God in fasting and prayer. Isaiah 58

Overcoming the flesh, walking in victory requires continually delighting in the LORD, worshipping Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

HOW many of us know that the flesh is never going to behave itself, never going to be tamed …. until it’s slain by the cross, crucified?

The flesh IS going to rage, be bent toward and do evil. That’s a given (Romans 7). This is why the cross, the crucifying of the “old man” and putting on “the new man” are essential to God bringing the victory in our lives! (Romans 6-8; Ephesians 4:23-25; Colossians 3:5-10, etc.)

Doesn’t the fact that our flesh does not like the cross, only confirm the need for it? What are the “works of the flesh” that will separate a once saved Christian from God? (Galatians 5:16-21) Though it’s never heard in the apostate modern church world, Jesus commanded the cross in the life of each and every person who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). The fact that our flesh hates the cross in no way changes God and what He said concerning the severity in which we are to deal with the flesh, with sin – and the eternal damnation that awaits all who don’t crucify the deeds of the body (Mark 9:42-49; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.). When’s the last time you read the words of Jesus recorded in Mark 9:42-49 and took Jesus at His Word? IF you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15).

God fully expects for His people to induce, to participate in the crucifixion of our flesh, putting the self-life to death (Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:16; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

Holiness is not the way to Christ but rather Christ is the way to holiness. Abiding in Christ IS abiding holy – in the divine definition of holy. The key is that holiness is NOT the way to God but rather Christ is the way to holiness, His way, His definition – which is the daily cross (Luke 9:23-24). Abiding fellowship with Christ, on HIS terms, is holiness – being set apart to the LORD, in the LORD (Psalms 4:3; John 15).

Sin is man’s master until Christ is man’s Master (Matthew 6:24).

No one overcomes by accident. Those who love the LORD, truly, not just in mere profession, will seek Him diligently and obey Him and therefore are brought into His victory by Him (Matthew 7:21; 22:37-39; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6; Revelation 2-3, etc.). The disciple must truly repent and cease all excuses for the sin that displeases God and walk as “MORE than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:1, 5-6, 13-14; 37, etc.).

Jesus came from Heaven to earth and successfully confronted evil, sin, death, and the devil by going to the cross and defeating them! Read Colossians 2:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8. In Christ, with Christ, we defeat death by dying, laying down our lives (Hebrews 2:14-15). And Jesus, who conquered death, hell, sin, Satan, and the grave, sends us to the cross – co-death with Him to defeat all of our sin and Satan also (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 8:29, 37; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). His precious blood alone atoned for our sins positionally, and yet to enforce that victory in defeating sin and Satan in our daily lives, Jesus prescribed to us the cross life (the practical).

The only thing we can do about this reality – about the iniquitous fleshly nature – is to crucify it (Galatians 5:16-24). There can be no negotiation.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11

The one way to master sin is bow to Heaven’s Master and let Him master sin! The cross.

BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST ROSE AGAIN, ALL WHO ARE BORN AGAIN IN HIM ARE RAISED UP SPIRITUALLY IN THIS LIFE TO OVERCOME ALL SIN, SATAN, AND THE WORLD, AND WILL SOON be RAISED UP INTO ETERNAL GLORY WITH HEAVEN’S KING.

Rhetorical Question: What’s your fasting and prayer plan beloved? Your answer to this important, prompting question is before you and your LORD….

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. The fact that you don’t want to fast is the clear proof that you need to fast. Currently, your flesh is in control! Once you are broken, you will delight in, you will look forward to those times of regular fasting! Read Isaiah 58. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer

Times of Fasting and prayer get YOU out of the way so Jesus can reign supreme! Isaiah 58

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14

“He must increase but I must decrease.” John 3:30

FASTING IS STARVING THE FLESH AND FEEDING THE SPIRIT IN ORDER TO BE BROUGHT BY THE LORD INTO FULL ONENESS WITH HIM AND THE FATHER, AND INTO THE COMPLETE VICTORY AND FRUITFULNESS HE’S ORDAINED YOU TO WALK IN (ISAIAH 58).

Read Romans 6-8.

I am not a good person. Neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The Bible and our own failing experience in this life clearly reveal such to be the case. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently that there is “no good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a fresh, deeper work in us! See Romans 7:18, 24—the cross!

“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

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9

The SINNER, the vile wretch I must first and foremost confront, is myself! See Job 19:28; Rom 7:18, 24; Ps 39:4-5 and Eccl 7:20. It’s essential to begin to understand the flesh, the fallen man, the iniquitous old man, in order to realize what we’ve been saved from and what must be crucified daily. The cross is God’s solution, His prescription to “put off the old man with his deeds.”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” Ephesians 4:22

The cross subdues the flesh, it separates us from being held captive to the dictates of the old man, the carnal fallen nature.

The Root of the Matter is in Me! | The Daily Cross

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