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Pastors According to Mine Heart

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“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15

PASTORING is not occupying a physical building as a real estate manager! By biblical definition and under the anointing of “the Great Shepherd of the sheep”, PASTORING involves feeding, tending to, exhorting, correcting, encouraging, teaching, equipping, warning, comforting, and nourishing the sheep of Christ for whom He died and rose again from the dead (John 21:15-17; Hebrews 13:7, 17, 20). Pastoring involves instruction and perpetual preparation in light of the soon return of the Savior (Ephesians 5:25-27; Colossians 1:28; 1 John 3:3; Revelation 2-3, etc.). Hiding away in a physical building actually hinders a man from going out and about to the people who must be reached, you know like Jesus and His apostles did (Matthew 9:35-38; Acts 8:4, etc.).

The biblical qualifications for being an elder, a servant of God to oversee His flock are found in 1 Timothy 3. Go read it and notice that no where do we see that a pastor must be cool, be eloquent of speech, a good entertainer, wear fancy clothes, have a piece of real estate he calls “church,” run a choir, etc.

As we read in the passage below, Jesus, “the Great Shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20), was slandered by the religious devils of His day, but that didn’t phase Him. He kept marching, fulfilling His Father’s calling – reaching out in compassion to and feeding those scattered abroad without a shepherd.

“But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:34-38

Today most modern pastors are mere hirelings who are lukewarm if they are even saved and do very little true Gospel work as we see Jesus and His apostles doing. This would mean that they are not “worthy of their hire.” Seems it would be different if they would “LABOUR in the word and doctrine” and therefore “worthy of double honour (compensation)“. See 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc…..

Do we have a heart after the LORD? Are we filled with tender mercies and loving kindness toward His people and the lost who He came “to seek and to save”? (Luke 19:10)

Are we, as did Jesus and His holy apostles, going about preaching the Word of God, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting His sheep with all longsuffering and pure biblical doctrine?

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 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

In the above passage of Holy Scripture, the true disciple of Jesus can be seen …

Preaching the word instant in season, out of season,
reproving,
rebuking,
exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine
watching thou in all things,
endure afflictions,
doing the work of an evangelist,
making full proof of thy ministry

Jesus Christ is “that great shepherd of the sheep.” He instructed us to follow Him and, in doing so, to “FEED my sheep” which includes more than just exposing false teaching.

Every single disciple of Christ is to be pastoral in heart and life. We are each to tend to our fellowship with Christ daily and to His people.

“Feed the flock of God which is among you.” 1 Peter 5:2

In order to become a balanced, fully-equipped, and mature disciple (1 Cor. 4:15), we must tend to feeding, nourishing, and also warning (Colossians 1:28). The apostolic PWT model is seen in Colossians 1:28 – Preach, Warn, Teach Christ’s body.

Some of us have learned to warn and that is so very important. We must also feed and nourish in order to “seal the law among my disciples”, says the LORD (Isaiah 8:16). There are those who are aware of wolves operating on the internet and only seek to expose them and warn us. These individuals bear fruit of rage and anger as they do nothing except tear at other ministries and people. They never take the time to feed the sheep. This alone reveals them to be wolves. They pose as watchmen and yet are wolves. Because they pose as watchmen, they can catch you off guard. Beware saints. If you don’t see kindness, mercy, grace, God’s love, and true concern for others, run!

“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” Isaiah 8:16

With no exception, Christ’s servants will always get YOU into HIS Word for yourself. They desire you to be faithful, loyal to GOD, not themselves!

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

THE BEAUTY AND THE LOVE OF OUR LORD AND HIS MINISTERING

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. 25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.” Matthew 4:23-25

As our memories glance across the record of the 4 glorious Gospels, we see among many things that the ministry of our LORD was perfect. He is the Model of perfection in all things, including ministering to others. As we read the Holy Scriptures, we observe the perfectly balanced wisdom He used in feeding, rebuking, warning, showing mercy, and admonishing. Jesus knew the hearts of all men and He taught appropriately and justly to all whom He ministered to (John 2:24). Due to there being no sin in Him, Christ did not get moody or have mood swings. He did not minister according to how He was feeling, but rather according to as His Father led Him and according to the hearts of those He ministered to – “he knew all men.” (John 2:24) Remember how He was “moved with compassion” upon and so merciful to sinners, lambasted the rich and the religious, healed the lame and blind, raised the dead, opened blinded eyes, cast out devils to deliver souls, and preached His good tidings of great joy, calling all men to repent and believe His Gospel? (Luke 4:18)

Being “Nourished Up in the Words of Faith and Good Doctrine” and Feeding the Saints

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

It all begins with taking personal responsibility over our own souls – “Take heed unto THYSELF.”

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16

The disciple whom God uses is the disciple who truly puts Him first – “daily.” (Luke 9:23-24) The LORD is not a second class citizen in the life of the Heaven bound true disciple of Jesus. Like Mary, this disciple chooses that good part of worshiping, seeking, and loving on Jesus (Luke 10:38-42). Out of the overflow of that abundant and rich fellowship and communion with our LORD, this disciple receives an outpouring of His Holy Spirit, which is then used to bless others. Truly, this disciple’s cup is running over and blessing many.

In order to be used of God to feed and tend to His blessed sheep for whom He bled, one must qualify. All bitterness, self-promotion, selfishness, must be laid aside. The girdle of servant hood must be taken up. Ministry that pleases our LORD is Christ is others-centered, not self-centered. It all begins with recognizing and seeking Him as LORD, Savior, and Master of our lives.

Jesus told Peter three times to “feed” His beloved people and coupled this essential duty to Peter’s love for Him. Without fail, those who love Christ will feed His sheep and care for them with a genuinely concerned and compassionate heart. Notice here in this platinum passage that it all begins with dining or fellowshipping – intimate communing with the Savior.

Loving Jesus and feeding His beloved sheep are connected. Check this out:

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. ¹⁶He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. ¹⁷He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17

Those who love Jesus will pour His love on others. They serve Christ first, then people, and then themselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Wicked wolves serve themselves first and foremost. This is why they possess no true concern for others.

“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. ¹⁴If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. ¹⁶Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. ¹⁷If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:13-17

Most of us have seen the many hirelings abounding in that which calls itself the church in this late hour. Their self-promotion is sickening and many times it is subtle, so beware. Most of us are learning to discern between the true and the false (Ezekiel 44:23-24). Watch out for those who have no compassion towards others. In other words, they are hard-hearted. The sin of selfishness and pride always brings a hardened apostate heart (Hebrews 3:12-14). These wolves in sheep’s clothing are more interested in being heard than actually being used of the LORD to bless the people.

We can follow the Apostle Paul’s example and also His warning about wolves among us who “mind” or tend to “earthly things”, such as their own ministries, so-called “church buildings,” and other temporal trinkets. These savage wolves are so busy serving the god of self that they have no true concern for Christ and the precious sheep He bled to redeem.

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. ¹⁸(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: ¹⁹Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) ²⁰For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: ²¹Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:16-21

What is a pastor? Is it someone who merely holds a title or position? Many today hold the title and have no clue as to the heart of “that great shepherd of the sheep” and what He desires of them. Pastor is a calling to help bring God’s people to (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Ra ah is the Hebrew word for “pastor.” To pastor means to tend to a flock or person, to feed as a friend, and to shepherd. Now, as usual, the definition of anything in God’s economy, is best defined by what the whole of Scripture says about that word or topic. Here’s is the apostle Peter’s instructions to overseers.

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: ²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; ³Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. ⁴And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. ⁵Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. ⁶Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6

So many today – most – who have the title of “pastor” have never learned to be pastored themselves by “that great shepherd of the sheep,” even Jesus (Hebrews 13:20). They could care less about the people other than to get those people to listen to them and give them their money. The apostate modern church priesthood today is made up of moral cowards who refuse to die to self and truly learn to walk with Jesus but rather trust in their flimsy certificates they paid good money to earn in seminary where they learned what mere sinful men said about God’s Word instead of learning God’s Word. They are too busy with their idols and loving this fleeting and sinful world and its pleasures than to bother with serving God and His people according to the biblical pattern (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15). Most people who are true Bible students can clearly see that the majority of those who hold the mere title of “pastor,” are not even saved. If they were, they would be loving and serving God and not themselves. See Philippians 3:18-19, Jeremiah 23, and Ezekiel 34.

Jesus commands us to “Feed my sheep” and yet we know that ultimately HE is “the Great Shepherd” and feeder of His beloved sheep (John 21:15-17; Hebrews 13:20).

God-fearing people who pastor others, feed the people and don’t exploit the people for their own self-serving purposes.

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. ²Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. … ⁴And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:1-4

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The Victory of the Cross [podcast]

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the

Lord Jesus, THAT the life also of Jesus might be made

manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway

delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life

also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal

flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.”

2 Corinthians 4:10-12

Many feel hopeless, like they can never overcome the flesh.

Yet, we know that God is able to bring the victory He

ordained in our lives through the crucified life He

commanded that we walk in. “For ye are dead, and your life

is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Powerful ministry that bears fruit for the glory of God only

comes out of the cross life with Christ whereby you are dead

and buried and Christ is raising you up by His grace, and His

power is filling, propelling and flowing through your life to

minister His truth and love to others (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

As we consent to our own death and burial, Jesus raises us

upward in HIS divine strength. Divine empowerment in the

life of the disciple of Jesus comes from His resurrection grace

working in our lives as we consent to our own dying—death

and burial. Death and burial precede God raising us up. God

cannot raise us up if we aren’t dead and buried. This cross

concept is at the center of our walk with Jesus, whose death,

burial and resurrection are enacted in our own lives daily

(Romans 6).

“The cross is the answer to loving Jesus more. Your flesh is enmity (hatred) against God. It is the enemy of God and lives in rebellion against Him. It will not submit (Romans 8:7-8). Unless the carnal mind is crucified this rebellion and hatred towards God lives inside you and will be in a constant war with your flesh and the Spirit of God. They are polar opposites! One is light and the other is darkness. The darkness (flesh) must go to the cross to be dead and buried so Jesus can breath into you His newness of life (Romans 6). Then we can begin to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. And with the love of the Lord we can love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).” Karen Cochran

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, I am here and now crucified

with Christ. I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God.

Living the Crucified Life

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Abiding

Supplying Saints and Sinners with Heavenly Sustenance

HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON – THROUGH HIS PEOPLE

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalms 68:11

THERE is no time to waste – Jesus is coming. We must get the Word of God into the hearts of people, in every way, via any and all communication mediums available to us today. And this is the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Let’s roll saints!

“We are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

The graphic below is for the order I just placed with the publisher for a fresh supply of the ministry books.

This ministry outreach, ministering God’s Word to thousands daily, is a vehicle for our LORD’s Word. What’s needed is more disciples who will monthly support it, who will put fuel in the tank in order to propel it forward to reach more and more people with the Gospel of our LORD Jesus. Will you answer that call?

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Does it make sense to put a percentage of our earnings into a 401K (or other earthly investment) and not force feed a portion off the top, with a cheerful heart to Christ’s eternal kingdom work? (Read Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)

“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

It has been wisely concluded from what Jesus taught, that:

“The way we spend our money is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts.”

Is God truly first in your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33, etc.).

There are no rich men, there is no religious or otherwise organization supporting this Gospel ministry outreach. Just regular people who know and love Jesus and the whole counsel of His truth and are growing in His grace daily with the other members of His remnant body (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18). There are monthly bills that only get paid by having the actual, the literal money in the account. In turn God turns that giving of earthly money to HIS work into heavenly treasure for all who give (Luke 16:9-11; Acts 20:35). These expenses are incurred by pushing the Word of God to the hearts and minds of the people and available to be paid and that’s God’s opportunity placed in YOUR lap to supply. In response, what is the LORD going to do? (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 4:17, etc.)

“And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16:9-11

When Jesus says here to “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness …,” what does He mean? This writer would like to encourage the reader to delve into this passage, to pray that the LORD will open the eyes of your understanding concerning what He seeks to communicate to your heart.

Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes:

“16:9 We should make friends for ourselves by means of unrighteous mammon. That is, we should use money and other material things in such a way as to win souls for Christ and thus form friendships that will endure throughout eternity. Pierson stated it clearly:

‘Money can be used to buy Bibles, books, tracts and thus, indirectly, the souls of men. Thus what was material and temporal becomes immortal, becomes non-material, spiritual and eternal. Here is a man who has 100. He may spend it all on a banquet or an evening party, in which case the next day there is nothing to show for it. On the other hand, he invests in Bibles … It buys … copies of the Word of God. These he judiciously sows as seed of the kingdom, and that seed springs up into a harvest, not of Bibles but of souls. Out of the unrighteous, he has made immortal friends, who when he fails, receive him into everlasting habitations.’

This then is the teaching of our Lord. By the wise investment of material possessions, we can have part in the eternal blessing of men and women. We can make sure that when we arrive at the gates of heaven, there will be a welcoming committee of those who were saved through our sacrificial giving and prayers. These people will thank us saying, ‘It was you who invited me here.’”

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed (God’s Word), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (eternal harvest, reward) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6

Christ’s Kingdom and His Gift to us to Participate, is Practical

Will you choose to part with temporal money to reap eternal, unending, irrevocable benefits?

An order has been placed for 20 more of the ministry books from the publisher ($125). The plan is to order this supply monthly for the next 3 months – and hand them out, person-to-person. Face-to-face, person-to-person gifting people on a daily basis, usually after they’ve received ministry, is a super-charged transfer of heavenly blessing (Philippians 1:19). As you know if you’ve read any of the ministry’s books, they are Christ-centered, Scripture-rich original Gospel volumes. Holy Scripture is on each page and put in bold print. In the rear of each book is the way to make peace with God. It leads them right to Jesus via and beginning with the biblical truth that we have “all sinned” against our God (Romans 3).

If you wish, feel free to help fund this part of the ministry exploits currently transpiring to get God’s Word in the hearts of more and more people.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

The glorious Gospel of our LORD Jesus is communicated, disseminated, and received via His Word.

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his GRACE, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might PREACH him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” Galatians 1:15-16

As we can all witness, there are so many hungry souls wandering about in this fallen world who desire to receive the Word of God. The personal touch, contact is powerful – as it was when our LORD directed beloved Philip to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch whom our LORD consequently saves (Acts 8:26-40). And some, many and actually most of the people being reached are our beloved brethren who are looking for sustenance. I meet them each and every week. They are hungering and thirsting after His righteousness. Let’s be there for them saints.

Perhaps this can spread to where we are able to drop ship a supply books to some of the ministries this outreach supplies and has for years. If each of us does our simple part, great blessings will result.

Lately I’ve been handing out lots of the Moments with Our Master devotional books. People love them……. This week I had a lengthy breakfast meeting with a rich young ruler type young man. He articulated that all of his earthly success has left him empty in this world. It was a Scripture-rich time. Garrett gladly received a copy of the Moments devotional book and said “Let’s do this again.” His heart was filled with joy during and after that fellowship. He told me that in the past, as he walked with the LORD daily, his life was so much better. With a large smile he said “Man, I’d just walk down the street like I was floating 2 feet off the ground, filled with the joy and love of Jesus, sharing it with others.” Garrett texted me back the next morning with this:

“Appreciate you giving me that book. It’s convenient to use in the mornings.” Garrett

So, as we can witness, this Scripture-rich devotional book is the launching place for this man to seek and walk with the LORD. As usual, all of the ministry’s materials constantly exhort the readers/listeners to get into God’s Word daily for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15).

I know you’ll agree that the Garrett’s of our world matter to our LORD and we are the very “ambassadors” Christ has sent to bless them (2 Corinthians 5:20)! We are the delivery personnel of Heaven – handing out to people the treasure of Christ!

Just a few days ago, I gave 1 copy each to a young couple who I’ve become friends with at the gym (18 years old each). They were happy to receive this gift. First, as I like to do, I asked them if they like to read. One of them said they were currently “searching for something to read.” As usual when giving them the books, I opened one copy of the books and showed them that “there’s one devotional for each day of the year, all on one page. It begins with a Scripture, a few words, and a prayer at the end.” This way they see just how simple it is – and gives them a track to run on, a foundation to build their day upon. EVERY searching person is looking for this very thing. Their lives are meaningless, empty, and lacking the presence of the LORD. This is where we come in saints. As usual, I like to share with them that “This is a great way to begin the day.”

After qualifying the situation by asking people “Do you like to read?” I then ask them if I can give them a book and the answer is always a “Yes.” I then go fetch a book and gift them with it.

The season must now end where the Great Commission work of our LORD is shorted. Let’s fuel up and fill the Gospel war chest saints. It’s right under out noses – as God has placed it there! Let us each do our part (John 4:36; 1 Samuel 30:24).

Anyone who wishes to jump in and begin underwriting the kingdom opportunity cost for this is welcome.

Earthly expenses to do ministry, the most important and only eternal work in the earth, is the kingdom opportunity lying right in front of each of us (Matthew 6:19-21).

“May God empower us through the Holy Ghost to bring not a few guests to the wedding banquet; as we walk in the Spirit with the love of Christ flowing in and through our daily lives, and as we sow in tears; knowing that we shall reap with joy: because He that promised is faithful. To God be the glory in Jesus Name, Amen.” Jon Crane

Let’s review:

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalms 125:5-6

YOU cannot do it. I certainly can’t do anything without Christ.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

Surrender, right? Yes.

Jesus Christ is LORD. He’s our coming King.

Christ Saved Katherine! Mexico Mission Part 27

UPDATE: Thank you for your praying for fruitfulness in the work of our LORD. The new ministry laptop is in and is mostly set up. Your prayers and support are vital as “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). WE the body of Christ, are a separate entity from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We are here on earth for but a short time more – saved and sent to do Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; John 4:34-38). Jesus foretold that these final days before His return would be tumultuous. And to “Let not your […]

Evangelism Adventures: Stories, Reports, and Testimonies of God's Amazing Love [podcast]

SO, we prayed for God to use us today right? …. He’s hearing our prayer. So, in the gym this morning, a lady near me was struggling to get a large plate on each side of the barbell. So, I began to help her and she said “No Ingles” which means she does not speak English. So, I affirmed that she speaks Spanish and I began to speak God’s Word to her in her language. Her face lit up and she thanked me. God is good! Jesus says “The seed is the word of God” and His people are planting […]

Sending the Divine Light into "The Prison House" [podcast]

Jesus is Bringing Incarcerated Souls to Himself: YOUR GIFTS ARE REACHING BEHIND THE COLD HARD WALLS OF PRISON CELLS – INTO THE SEARCHING, HUNGERING SOULS OF A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE OF MEN AND WOMEN: Inasmuch as there is financial supply, ministry books continue to flood jails across our nation – touching the hearts of the incarcerated for Christ! Each of these books will be read by many. “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 Support Here. | J6 Ministry Outreach category […]

Abiding

LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

The First Lie and the Fall of Man

“Now the serpent was more subtle 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? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” ~ Genesis 3:1-5

Have you ever wondered what the first lie ever told was? Who told it? Why was it told? What was the result of it? Can the fruit be seen and felt today? Can its effects be traced throughout history and even into the future?

According to the Genesis account, the Garden of Eden was the sanctuary of the Most High, where He communed with the first man and woman He had made in His very own image. The Garden was a sinless, guiltless sanctuary of unimaginable relational bliss between the LORD Almighty and the man and woman. The Garden of Eden was the place of pure truth and love—a place where lies were not even suspected.

Enter Satan.

Enter the lie.

Enter the seduction.

Enter no fear of God.

Enter stolen restraint.

Enter sin.

Enter the fall of man.

Enter alienation from the Creator.

Garden Scene—The First Lie

Do you think this first lie may hold some insight into the work of Satan and his war against God and His treasured people today?

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…(Now here’s what the woman said:) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (Now here’s what Satan said:) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” ~ Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3-4

In the book of origins (Genesis) where every major biblical doctrine is rooted (has its beginning), there can be found the keys and answers to life. Mankind’s Maker, his beginning, his ultimate enemy, temptation, sin, the resulting fall, and the redemption of man are revealed in the first chapters of this all-important first book of the Holy Bible.

Perhaps there could be no greater occupation than for the student of Scripture to undertake, pour over, pray over, and dismantle the first three chapters of the book of Genesis. In this endeavor, he will gain insight into the origins and purpose of creation, pitfalls facing mankind, divine restoration, and the keys to living a victorious life in harmony with his Creator.

Sin entered the human experience through the temptation and fall of the first man (Rom. 5). By this the enemy gained a foothold and has warred with that sole creation made in the image of the Maker Himself. But it is sin that is man’s problem, not circumstance or self-esteem nor any other diagnosis. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (See Jer. 17:9.)

Someone has wisely stated: “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.”

From the very beginning, Satan has tempted man to believe that breaking the commandment of His Maker was not to be feared or avoided and could not harm him. The temptation for man is if he is going to determine truth on his own terms and how it fits his own lifestyle, or repent and humbly accept and obey what God says.

Cain was a religionist. He refused relationship with the LORD because he chose to do things his own way instead of God’s (Gen. 4:1-7). In his pride, Cain wanted to make up his own rules – he was lawless. Religion is where men have created a god in their own image and follow those teachings which render obedience to that false god. The most deceptive and evil form of religion is that which is close to the truth and uses Bible Scriptures out of context to make up that doctrine which circumvents obedience to the plain truth of God. (See Jesus rebuke the Pharisees in Matt. 23.)

Who are we going to believe and trust? Whose report will you believe? Since the LORD and the devil stated something in direct opposition to each other, we know that one of them is a liar. As He gave the first man and woman the option, so the LORD gives us the choice to trust and obey Him or not to obey Him. Each of us will decide who it is that is going to be a liar in our hearts—the Almighty, or Satan.

God said (Gen. 2:17): “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.”

Satan said (Gen. 3:4): “And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.”

The lie of the ages began in the very cradle of creation. The aim of the enemy of all souls was the first man and woman who were uniquely created in the image of the One who made all things. Adam and Eve were the subjects of Satan’s deadly lie—the first lie ever told. Apparently, this cunning enemy understood that if he could cause the man and woman to take things into their own hands and violate the instruction of their Maker, they would be ushered out of His Garden (presence) and forfeit their place with Him.

Mankind’s enemy led him to believe that he could violate the instruction of his holy Maker and still remain within His approval. Like Adam and Eve, it is readily observed that men naturally internalize this philosophy as “I can sin with no fear of consequences.” Is it possible that this lie is still leading men and women to believe that they “shall not surely die” if they live in direct opposition to the LORD?

Concerning this most insidious and destructive lie of the serpent, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible states:

“‘YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE’…The first lie proposed by Satan was a form of antinomianism (lawlessness), denying the judgment of death for sin and apostasy. One of the basic sins of humankind is unbelief in God’s word. It is believing that somehow God does not really mean what He says about salvation, righteousness, sin, judgment, and death. Satan’s most persistent lie is that unrepentant, deliberate sin and rebellion against God will not necessarily bring separation from God and eternal condemnation.”

As he did with the first man and woman, the adversary tells us “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4).

Escaping the judgment of a holy God has long been the vain imagination of depraved men, fueled by the enemy of all righteousness who has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10).

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” ~ Ecclesiastes 8:11

“Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.” ~ Psalms 10:13

Question: “Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?

Answer: “He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.”

The hearts of those who are not in fellowship with the LORD say “The LORD will not ‘require it’ of me. He will not bring me into accountability for my life in this world. After all, He has not done anything to me for my wrongdoing thus far. I am okay in my sins; God will just overlook them.”

Lucifer’s lure capitalizes on the sinful nature of men, preying upon his desire to be his own god, controlling his own destiny. Somehow, according to this revelation and others, it is within man’s makeup to believe that because his Creator is not presently executing tangible judgment for his sin, he believes that God is not going to judge him at all. So, unregenerate man goes on sinning with reckless abandon, not realizing that that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment lies just ahead.

The first man and woman bought into the first lie that claims there is no consequence for violating the command of the one true God. Such self-deception is no new thing. Since the first man and woman, people have sought to define right and wrong on their own terms instead of simply acknowledging what the LORD says. As the first couple found out, it is a losing endeavor to determine truth by how it fits one’s lifestyle instead of by God’s non-negotiable counsel given us in His Word (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16). Defining truth on one’s own terms is buying into the lie of the ages presented to every man by the evil one who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

When men seek to redefine truth on their own terms, they unwittingly create a god in their own image—one who accepts them in their sins with no judgment. They then migrate to pastors and teachers who will tickle their itching ears with smooth messages void of the full-counsel revelation of Holy Scripture (Jer. 5:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).

After Adam and Eve, it was their son Cain who sought to make up his own way to God on his own terms. He failed. To Cain and to all who seek through religion, whether self-styled or organized, the Almighty would ask: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door” (Gen. 4:7).

The LORD says to Cain “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” This simply means “If you will do things the way I prescribed, will I not fully accept you as I did your brother Abel?” Cain hardened his heart and refused to do things God’s way by offering the type of sacrifice God requires. Due to his own choice to rebel against the Most High he became so filled with the enemy that he killed his own brother (Gen. 4).

This is a classic example of how the enemy led this man Cain to believe that he could make up his own rules, violating the holy Creator and still escape His just judgment. Like Cain, millions of faithful religionists today have a mere formula of godliness while denying the power of a truly surrendered life to the one true God who sent His only begotten Son as the only sacrifice for the sins of men (2 Timothy 3:5).

When he was able to successfully persuade the first man to violate the command of the LORD, Satan gained access to authority over the man by the sin of the man (Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7). Jesus re-gained that authority for His highest and prized creation and all those who come into relationship with Him experience the abundant blessings that come along with being saved by His precious blood (Jn. 10:10; Rom. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” ~ John 3:16-17

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please unite my heart to fear Thy name and keep it from falling prey to this same lie that led to Adam and Eve’s fall. Quicken my heart in the fear of the LORD. Please teach me that there are many harsh consequences for disobeying You, by not doing what You say, by sinning against You. Convict my heart of sin, and I beg You to make my conscience extremely sensitive to Your conviction and leading. Change my heart, O LORD. Grant me a heart of flesh that delights to live in Your presence and do Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.