sgys banner books

“Planted by the Rivers of Water” and “In the House of the LORD”

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Psalms 1:1-6

According to Psalms 1, being “planted by the rivers of water” guarantees that we are producing good “fruit.” In fact, this is a good time for each of us to examine whether or not we are truly producing good fruit. If not, it’s due to the absence of a true, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, the Vine (John 15:1-6, 16). Though fruit saves no one, it’s also certain that all who know and are remaining in Christ, are bearing good fruit. The root determines the fruit (Romans 11:16; James 3:12).

Being planted in Christ and among His sanctified saints, is essential to flourishing and escaping the judgment/destiny of “the ungodly.”

NEVER desire friendship or companionship with a person who doesn’t earnestly seek daily after and desire more of Jesus! (John 3:30)

The most luscious greenery can be seen near rivers just as the most healthy, vibrant disciples of Jesus are planted in the rich soil of His presence, His Word, and fellowship with His saints.

“Those that be planted in the house (family) of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;” Psalms 92:13-14

Bayith is the Hebrew word from which we get “house” here and that is important. It means family. Yes, family – not a physical building or limited to a few Christians who meet at one certain place weekly as if they are a club exclusively reserved for those who have become members of that club. That structure has been set up and is being followed by those leaders who wish to control and to “make merchandise of you” using their business model for church (2 Peter 2:1-3). They have basically farmed their communities and cornered their market. Think about that.

God’s Word informs us that the blood-bought body of Christ is an eternal “family.”  “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named. (Ephesians 3:14-15)

The modern so-called “church membership” push and coercion is sinful and rebellious and has no reconciliation with New Testament Christianity. No such thing occurred among the earliest disciples. It is a shame that more time and energy and manipulation is spent by wolves behind pulpits to get people to sign their roll than is spent making disciples out of them which is exactly why God calls men out to serve Him in ministry. Read Ephesians 4:11-15. Beguilers exploit their prey as if all they are is nickels, noses, and numbers.

You see friend, these enterprising business builders know that if a person signs up to be a member that they will feel obligated to give their money to that church club. Statistics reveal this to be true and that’s what they go by – what makes the most money to pay the mortgage. They are not interested in what God’s stated will is.

Being “planted in the house of the Lord” does NOT mean being a good church member but rather a fervent follower and worshiper of Jesus Christ, our “Exceeding great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)

But just what does it mean to be “planted in the house of the Lord”? Does that mean finding and joining a church? No. Does that mean being a good church member? No.

Biblically speaking, being “planted in the house of the Lord”means abiding richly in Christ and His body in “daily” fellowship. Beguiling hirelings have taught us that attending and joining their local church and becoming a member is what being a Christian is all about and yet, such a concept is fully inconsistent with what we read on the pages of the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 2:42-47).

WHEN you make your move, abandoning the futile flesh, you can bet Satan is going to send you diversionary distractions! God is able as you continue to press into Christ, looking neither to the right hand nor to the left!

“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27

For their own self-serving purposes, deceivers have redefined what it means to walk with Christ in a fruit-bearing, abiding relationship.

The LORD has been very gracious to us. Recently, I read Exodus 17 afresh and am reminded of the great need for fellow brethren in our lives!!! That is, to uphold us in prayer and fellowship, provoking one another to love and good works, exhortation, admonition, edification, and at times, loving rebuke (1 Corinthians 14:20; Colossians 3:16; 4:2, 12; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25).

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. … And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25

In light of this passage, many who think they are good due to being a good weekly church member, will not be ready when Christ returns or if their life ends (whichever comes first). They have been grossly misled as to what the Christian life is.

Most pastors read into these passages the idea that you need to join their church and yet such is nowhere to be found in these verses of Holy Writ. They were taught this tradition and it’s to their enterprising advantage and yet it’s not the New Testament model. The New Testament Scriptures reveal that the body of Christ – the earliest saints being our example and pattern – were a “daily” and not a weekly (weakly) church. The met “house to house daily,” right? (Acts 2:42-47; 20:20) Jesus taught a “daily” following of Him through denial of self, a cross-bearing relationship where we allow Him to reign instead of ourselves and we “love one another” as He loves us (Luke 9:23-24; John 13:34-35, etc.). That friends, is being “planted in the house of the Lord.”

It is telling that the word “daily” appears 63 times in God’s Word. Christ used the word “daily” 6 of those times concerning His own mission and His mandate upon all who would truly follow Him and not be surprised in the end. Daily fellowship with our heavenly Father, Jesus, and His beloved family is the biblical definition of being “planted in the house of the Lord.”

Paul wrote his letter to Philemon to “to the church in thy house.” (Philemon 1:2)

It’s interesting to note that the great apostle Paul was not a staged production hireling. He didn’t wait till people came to his Saturday or Sunday performance hall so he could entertain them and how them how wonderful he was at delivering the message or staging the event. It’s interesting that biblically speaking, a “hypocrite” is defined as an actor or poser. Jesus called false leaders “hypocrites” in His day and as Scripture promises us, nothing has changed today (Ecclesiastes 1:9; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1). The Greek word for “hypocrite” is hupokrite which is defined as an actor out of an assumed characterstage player, dissembler. Folks, most meetings in physical church buildings are nothing more than staged productions put on by a committee of clowns or actors. Remember, they have a mortgage to pay and if they tell their audience the hard truths of Scripture, there won’t be many patronizing their church business with their attendance and tithes. It’s a business model no doubt.

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house.” (Acts 20:20)

Paul taught out of his own “house.”

“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31  Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” Acts 28:30-31

The synagogue was a type of the church building concept of ministry today.  When you look up the word “synagogue” in the New Testament, in all places that it appears, you may discover a variety of interesting things. You will see that it was a mission field in many cases. It certainly wasn’t a hard fast fixed place where the saints all met once weekly. No disciple is ever on record inviting someone to “go to church.” No, they knew Jesus and were making Him known “publickly and from house to house” and “in the market daily with them that met with him.” (Acts 17:17; 20:20) They “went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4) You will actually discover that many of the persecutions against Christ and His disciples came out of those who convened in these synagogues as good “church members” in those so-called “houses of worship.”

This is a whole different picture than what we see today in the structure of the apostate, tradition-controlled modern church world where false leaders do not want individual disciple to learn God’s Word and be able to go “every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4) Why not? – Because then they can’t control and “make merchandise” of them (2 Peter 2:1-3) They keep the sheep done in order to exploit them for their own self-serving purposes (Philippians 3:18-19). Again, deceitful hirelings are building a church business and are not interested in Christ’s kingdom being advanced by every member of His body as was being done in the early church (Ephesians 4:11-14). Wolves are not following Christ but rather are self-willed and given over to their own lusts (Isaiah 56:10-12; Jeremiah 23). They therefore are not interested in participating in the building of Christ’s church. They are not abiding in Him and therefore are not bearing the fruit consistent with all who know and remain in Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:10; 7:19; John 15:1-6, 16, etc.).

Below is an example of how Paul and those who were true disciples of Jesus were forced to depart from the rebellious rebels who occupied the “church building,” manifesting their “evil heart(s) of unbelief” while clinging to their traditions. Paul then taught those who truly knew and wanted to genuinely follow Jesus in a school atmosphere for two years.

“And he went into the synagogue (church building), and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. 10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 11  And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul.” Acts 19:8-10

Some who are reading these words should follow Paul’s example and come out of the church mentality, the church world, and modern church formula and simply follow Christ daily. Yoke up with true disciples who truly walk in the Spirit with Jesus, following Him fervently and daily.

Is the LORD calling you to get a real life with Him?

Beware. Being planted in Christ Jesus is what matters supremely and most and without which we have nothing and are hell bound. Yet, hireling wolves aren’t interested in preaching this to you. They want you dependent upon them so they can justify their salary and “make merchandise of you.” (2 Peter 2:1-3) They are using you. That’s why they never preach the cross or things that convict you of sin, nor call you to repent and lay down your life or you will perish eternally in the lake of fire (Revelation 2-3; 21:7-8; 27; 22:14-15, etc.).

Sign up here to receive the Moments with My Master email sent out to edify the body of Christ.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Abiding

What is our Highest Priority as we see Christ’s Return Nearing? [podcast]


What’s most important?

How do we want Christ to find us when He splits the eastern sky?

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”  Luke 2:49

“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.” Matthew 24:14

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” John 4:35-38

In light of the end time events transpiring before our eyes we are keeping our:

  • Eyes to Jesus (Luke 21:28; Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 12:1-3).
  • Hand to the plough of His work (Luke 9:62).

“…Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

“All we can do is not look left or right but keep our eyes on Jesus. He’s coming soon! This is becoming a time when people’s hearts will fail them for fear! Luke 21:26. Because our world is definitely being shaken. Our foundation needs to be built on Christ, not sinking sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Or we will fall. Building our house means not just hearing God’s Word but obeying Him. Build your life on the Word of God! Then when these things come to pass you will not fall.” Karen Cochran

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Here’s one of the responses given to this man in that conversation:

“Nothing of this offends me. Just iron sharpening iron concerning sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). ‘But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine’ (Titus 2:1). 2 Peter 1:3-4 informs us that ‘ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness’ are found in God’s Word, in His ‘exceeding great and precious promises.’ Why then do we resort to using extra biblical symbolism, especially that which is out of a known pagan, blasphemous religion? Certainly the Holy Spirit is not behind such. If we are truly in Christ’s service, we should use Christ’s Word and not something contrary to it (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Do we not mislead when we do such?

There is no such thing as a Christian psychologist. Such must be denounced, and will be, unless we are still walking in the flesh and not the Spirit. Jesus taught against using titles (Matthew 23:8-12). Nothing Christian about Psychology. Title Touters safeguardyoursoul.com

Paul denounced….

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:3-11

Salvation, ministry, is all about Jesus Christ, not us.

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Asking the LORD to strip you and build you from the ground up – HIS way and no other. Ask Him to remove every trace, every iota of flesh, of deceit, of evil (2 Corinthians 7:1).

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12

Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]

WHO continues to get stronger and stronger? – “from strength to strength” ….

“They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.’ Psalms 84:7

Those who appear, go before the LORD in private prayer will be increased in divine power!

The Return of Jesus | Lukewarm is Hell BoundFresh Start with God | What Church is Jesus Coming Back for? [podcast]

Support | STORE | Podcasts | ChristologyJudging Prophecy | A Generation of False Prophets Unleashed [podcast] | Prophetic or Pathetic? | The Holy Spirit | Beware of False Gifts |

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

“But God, who is Rich in Mercy” [podcast]


Ephesians 2:1-10

“1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Walking with Jesus on His Stated Terms – the Cross | Fasting and PrayerThe Old Man Must be Put Down [podcast]The 5 Sins That Keep God’s People Out of Their Promised Land [podcast]What Did Paul Mean by “I Keep Under My Body”? [podcast]“Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast]A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]Departing from Hell BeneathPrayer

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Articles

Dancing on Hell’s Grave: Why We Need not Fear Death: Resurrection Joy – Fearless in Death [podcast]


Resurrection Joy – Fearless in Death

– Dancing on Hell’s Grave

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 

Dancing on Fear’s Grave!

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

Those who are ready to die and be with Jesus do not fear death (1 John 4:16-18).

Eternal perspective. Hope for eternal rest, glory with Christ and the Father.

In Christ, when we close our eyes in death, we awake to the resurrection bliss of eternal joy with Him who is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

“For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:16-21 

We are fully confident that the moment we pass, we breathe our last, we shall “be present with the Lord.”

“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

The death of a Christian is not a tragedy.

Death is our passport to glory.

Death without Jesus Christ is the tragedy.

What have we to fear other than the long wait till we meet Him?!

“I think it’s sad to see so many who claim to be Christians

acting all worried about dying… I get excited more each day

about getting to be with the Lord.

The good ole days are just ahead!

Happy New Years!” Kirk

 

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

For the one who is truly in Christ, “to die is gain.”

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14

Jesus Christ is “the resurrection and the life” and will soon raise up into eternal glory all who truly know Him.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25

Jesus Christ is the “Exceeding Great Reward” of every true believer (Genesis 15:1). They seek nothing more than Him! He is truly their “first love” and all consuming passion (Revelation 2:4-5). He’s coming back soon and He promised that He’s going to reward every man according to his work which is the reflection of of what’s in a man’s heart.

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12

Because Jesus 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 be soon raised up into eternal glory with Him.

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:4

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

Where O Where is it! Now, say these blessed, divinely-inspired words of our LORD Jesus Christ aloud prayerfully –“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

GOT FEAR? – “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalms 34:4) So, what is the divine prescription for being delivered from all fear? Read the verse again and you will notice that seeking the face of the LORD is your deliverance.

Seeking the LORD is always the answer. Getting delivered from “ALL” fear:

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4

Notice here that one must seek the LORD for deliverance from fear.

Why do we fear?

“People fear because their faith is in self, not in God. Therefore they try and meet their own needs. Matt. 6:33 says when we make God’s kingdom and His righteousness a priority He will meet our needs.” Karen Cochran

All fear shall be dispelled as the regenerated disciple diligently seeks the LORD – the only One who “is love.”

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18

When someone close to us passes on to the next life, dies, we need not fear, namely if they were known of God (Isaiah 57:1-2).

Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection

Remember how Jesus’ disciples were “exceeding sorry” when He foretold of His own death, burial, and resurrection?

“And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: 23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.” Matthew 17:22-23 

Of this passage, Shadrack Rotich notes: They were saddened and forgot to be encouraged by the Word of Jesus that in 3 days He was raising again.”

Because our LORD Jesus was raised from the dead, so we have full hope and confidence that so shall all who are known of Him. We need not therefore fear or sorrow.

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (raise up, make alive) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11

“The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” Isaiah 57:1-2

Pray this: Father thank You so very much for sending Your only begotten Son for me! Thank You that the Son of God died and You raised Him again to justify me and that Your resurrection life and power indwells me today as I abide identified with and in the death and burial of Jesus! Glory to God Most High! Thank You LORD Jesus for Your resurrection power to victoriously overcome all sin, Satan, and this sinful world and to be fruitful in helping others know You. I now look for Your soon return LORD Jesus. Amen Jesus!

Return of Christ

Sign up for free email devotional HERE... The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | ChristologyBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern ChurchPeace with God

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending