Liberty in Non-Essentials: Receive Ye One Another [podcast]
“Let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10
Get gone the guile. Crucify it.
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14
The divine command to “love one another” appears 13 times in God’s word.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
When God’s people walk in God’s love, they are not nit picking or busybodying the lives of others. Never. No, rather they are realizing the potential of their own wicked hearts and the great and sheer mercy of God in saving them (Psalms 103:10; Romans 7:18, 24; 1 Peter 4:15). Whew!
Have you needed, do you presently need, and will you need future mercy? Yes.
Memorize:
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
Love and Liberty in things Not Essential to Salvation – Things that don’t jeopardize the eternal soul.
God gives each of His saints liberty in NON-essentials, that is, in things not clearly stated as being sin. Read Romans 14 prayerfully, carefully.
The decisions other believers make concerning NON-essentials is none of your business. Read Romans 14 and obey God.
Concerning this important chapter, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes:
“Romans 14:1-23
In Relation to Other Believers (14:1-15:13)
14:1 Romans 14:1-15:13 deals with important principles to guide God’s people in dealing with matters of secondary importance. These are the things that so often cause conflict among believers, but such conflict is quite unnecessary, as we shall see. A weak Christian is one who has unfounded scruples over matters of secondary importance. In this context, he was often a converted Jew who still had scruples about eating nonkosher foods or working on Saturday. The first principle is this: a weak Christian should be received into the local fellowship, but not with the idea of engaging him in disputes about his ultra scrupulousness. Christians can have happy fellowship without agreeing on nonessentials.”
Issues arise among believers concerning non-essentials. Just what are the essentials of the faith? And therefore what things are non-essential to believers?
Love is the essential concerning non-essentials. Love doesn’t judge another saint concerning things not essential to his salvation which is in Christ (1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:7-8; 1 John 4:7-8, etc.).
God gives each and every believer individual liberty in the non essentials according to Romans 14. This are part of the in-house order of God’s people.
Never destroy the work God has and is doing in someone’s life for something not essential to salvation.
Read the Galatians 5:19-21 list of soul damning sins so that when you are thinking of addressing another believer on something, you make sure it’s that such as issue is named on this list of sins.
What kind of food someone eats is not on that list. The day of the week a believer chooses to gather with other believers in fellowship is not on that list. Who a believer chooses to marry (age, race, etc.), as long as they are a true believer, is not on that list. How one chooses to spend his money, is not on that list. etc.
One writer notes:
“And whether you are a ‘Lord’s day’ observer (Sunday) like Ignatius of Antioch, or a ‘Sabbath’ observer (Saturday) like his very close friend, Polycarp, as Paul the apostle would say ‘Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.’ These two men had NO contentions whatsoever between one another. In fact, Polycarp called Ignatius ‘Ignatius the BLESSED.’ Perfect harmony between brothers in Christ.”
The way an individual believer chooses to operate with his God-given personal liberty in non-essentials is up to him and no one else. Yet, he must not condemn others in his heart or otherwise for seeing and practicing their own God-given liberty as they see fit. See Roman 14. Being a “busybody” is condemned in Scripture (1 Peter 4:15).
God’s Word makes it clear that only a “fool” will meddle, interject themselves into the affairs of others unnecessarily.
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” Proverbs 20:3
This is a biblical truth, component, not tended to enough. In order to “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ”, we must cease being condescending towards other saints concerning things that are none of our business (Ephesians 4:15).
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink (non-essentials); but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. … For meat (any non-essential) destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.” Romans 14:17, 20
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” Romans 14:21
Concerning judging other believers on NON-essentials, the apostle Paul forewarns:
“But why dost thou judge thy brother (on NON-essentials)? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10
Do you know what Scripture reveals of essentials and non-essentials?
It frustrates the grace and work of God when we infringe upon the individual liberty He gave each and every individual saint in non-essentials.
Among authentic disciples (not counterfeits nor wolves), we must never judge each other’s servant/serving. And, we must admit to/realize just how imperfect our own serving is…..
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4
If you dare take this self-righteous stance to judge other Christians for non-essentials, then you have some things to explain: Unless you are reading the Bible and praying 24 hours per day every day, then you have need to explain just why that’s not sin.
The point in this matter that Paul makes is that what we eat or drink has nothing to do with our salvation and is a matter of individual liberty. So, we have and we give liberty to other believers in non-essentials.
To eat or not to eat is the God-granted decision of the individual disciple. Neither eating or not eating certain foods has anything to do with one’s place with the LORD. The person who doesn’t eat has no better relationship with Christ than the person who chooses to eat that pork, drink that coke, or otherwise.
Speaking of NON-essentials to the faith….
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” Romans 14:1
“By thought and prayer and the study of God’s Word, conscience becomes educated and strengthened, and ceases to worry as to whether we should be vegetarian or not; whether we should observe saints’ days, or adopt a specific method of observing the Sabbath. Some people are constantly wondering and questioning about such things, as though their eternal salvation depended on minute observances.” FB Meyer
ON THE MATTER OF WHAT IS SIN IN GOD’S EYES AND WHAT IS A NON-ESSENTIAL
Recently, a dear brother in Christ began sharing with me how he’s being told by some self-righteous novices that he’s going to hell because he on occasion watches a football game. Here’s my reply to him:
I’ve been attacked by these pharisees too in the past. They are delusional, totally self-righteous. Ask them this: “So, is playing a GAME of cards going to send someone to hell? yes or no?” Force them to answer. Ask: “Where does God’s Word tell us that playing a game of cards is a soul damning sin? Chapter and verses please? Be the one asking the questions. Then ask them this: “Okay, so if my son or nephew are participating in a sporting event like say, they are playing in a football game, please show me in the Bible exactly what sin I am committing by attending the game. Waiting…..
So, in other words, a game is a game, so where do we draw the line? right? We draw the line where GOD draws the line in His Word. If something is not directly or principally listed as a sin, it’s not a sin. It’s a non-essential and totally an individual choice for the believer as he/she works out their salvation with fear and trembling before the LORD (Romans 14). Such liberties are not to be judged by other believers which would be being a busybody.
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a BUSYBODY in other men’s matters.” 1 Peter 4:15
If something isn’t listed at least categorically on the list of 17 soul damning sins in Galatians 5:19-21, it is not a sin and is a NON-essential. Rebuke and then point these self-righteous devils to Romans 14 and insist they read it. Personally, I hit and run with these self-righteous devils, for they are the same ilk as the hell bound religious devils Jesus dealt with and told they are going to hell three times in Matthew 23.
COMMON OBJECTION:
“But wait, James 4:4 says that if any man love this world, he’s the enemy of Christ.”
REPLY:
When James speaks of loving the world, he is not speaking about the liberties God gives to each individual believer in this life, otherwise James would be contradicting Paul, and we know that’s not possible. James is speaking of the 3 things Jesus specifically defines as loving this world in Mark 4:17-19: 1. the cares of this world, 2. the deceitfulness of riches, and 3. the lusts of other things. Not the use but the LUST of other things.
“And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:19
If you define anything other than Bible reading, praying, praise, and fellowship as a sin, you better stop all things like shopping, paying rent, walking down the street, going to work, driving a vehicle, getting something to eat at a restaurant, etc. – because in your conscience, your calculating, mis-guided mind, all those things are sin.
The neutral things of this world are NOT sin. The misuse of them is. Listen to what Christ’s apostle Paul wrote about this world as pertains to married people:
“But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away (is temporal). 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” 1 Corinthians 7:29-33
It’s the abuse of the temporal things of this world Paul addresses and not the simple use of them.
Perhaps we’ve all got a bunch of legalism still in us due to the bad example and teachings we’ve heard and our own lack of knowledge of God’s Word on this topic…. we are not yet experiencing Christ’s liberty…. not liberty to sin but rather His joy and love in all things….
In this post, we are addressing and citing those who are sinfully judging other believers for things not essential to salvation – never specifically mentioned as sin…. Read Romans 14:4-5 again please.
Romans 14 is the chapter that is all about non essentials and personal liberty given to each individual believer by the LORD. Get familiar with it friend so we don’t judge other believers on non-essential issues that are none of our business.
PLEASE read Romans 14 every morning this week prayerfully. We must grow up into Christ in all things saints. Learn about essentials and non-essentials. Never argue or in any way hinder God’s work in one of His children concerning a NON-essential. That’s one of the main truths in Romans 14. Please share this truth with other believers.
No where in Scripture do we see that a certain end time view (pre, post, etc.) is essential to our salvation – other than knowing Jesus is coming back. Food and drink are also not essential to our salvation (Romans 14; Mark 7:20-23). Such is never mentioned as a soul-damning sin or as a Gospel imperative. God wants us to mature and not judge other saints for things that are non-essential – not necessary/essential to our salvation. IF you don’t see something identified as a soul-damning sin or essential foundational truth of the Gospel, you may want to refrain from despising in your hearts another believer. This doesn’t negate exhortation or admonishment when needed but we are never to judge another true Christian for observing Saturday or Sunday being that that has nothing at all to do with salvation (Romans 14; Colossians 2:14-19).
Unwarranted intrusion. In part perhaps “intruding” can mean going to places we are not sure of, such as citing someone for something you don’t like while the Bible never says that such a thing is sin. Such non-essentials must be kept in mind to be the God-given individual liberties of each believer, as that individual does so according to his own conscience. We are instructed not to judge another believer on something that is not an essential – something not specifically named as a sin in God’s Word. If something cannot be ascertained as a sin, a disciple of Jesus should not be cited, confronted about such. Instead, perhaps we should mind our own business and allow other members of Christ’s body to exercise themselves as they see fit in non-essentials to salvation. Get to know Romans 14.
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19
Many times, when we become hyper-critical of others, it’s because there’s a deficiency in our own lives. Many times, when called upon to servant-lead, we wonder why others don’t desire to follow. On this note and namely concerning when we are called to lead, Oswald Chambers writes:
“If you are in a position of authority and people are not obeying you, the greatest heart searching you can have is realization that the blame does not lie with them but with you; there is a leakage going on spiritually. Get right with God yourself, and every other one will get in touch with God through you.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 328
Open God’s Word (KJV) and study Romans 14-15 today prayerfully.
Concerning “meat and drink” which represents non-essentials to salvation, Christ’s apostle warns: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” (Romans 14:4-5)
It’s wrong if we impose upon other saints our own personal convictions on non-essential issues – in those things are not essential to salvation. Not one Scripture says watching a family clean movie is a sin or playing a card game or watching a soccer game or going out to eat….. Those who say such things are novices and adding to God’s Word and imposing your own conscience convictions concerning non-essential on others. Obviously you have no clue what Paul taught in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10 on Christian liberties.
If Jesus is teaching YOU personally to stay away from all these things, do it – BUT DON’T IMPOSE SUCH ON OTHERS unless it’s clearly taught in Scripture. Paul says “Why is my conscience judged of another man’s conscience?” ….
1 Corinthians 10:29-32: “Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:”
It is wise to take a day weekly to worship and rest, reflecting upon the goodness of our LORD. However, this is not essential to salvation. The New Testament Scriptures tell us not to judge one of God’s children if they choose a different day of the week than we do (Romans 14 and Colossians 2:14-17). The point made here is to not condemn another blood-washed saint for something that God gave them personal liberty to choose and that doesn’t affect their relationship with Him. We are saved by faith in the blood of the only Savior and not by what day we observe or don’t observe or our end time view or what type food we choose to eat.
Consider that we are to worship the ONE who makes ALL days whom we are blessed to worship in spirit and in truth every day (John 4:23-24). No certain day is more special to the LORD than is the other days of the week (Galatians 4:9-11). Yet, if a believer chooses to count a certain day as a day of particular rest and worship, they are not to be condemned for such and neither are those who don’t agree. To walk in Christian maturity, this truth is a must.
Personally, this disciple loves Hebrew 13:9. This truth has helped me much, that is, to grow in divine grace. Asking the LORD to multiply His blessed grace in my life which has taken away nit-picking, critical, “evil eye” which Jesus says is a sin (Mark 7:20-23; Hebrews 13:9; 2 Peter 1:2; 3:18).
It seems obvious that our LORD’s rebuke applies to those, to us, if we have unresolved sin, a lack of victory over sin in our own lives and yet are pointing out the sins or supposed sins of others. In addressing hypocritical judgment, Jesus calls us hypocrites in such a case, in need of repentance ourselves.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5
Praying this verse, taking it before our LORD, has had a great impact on my needy heart.
“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” Hebrews 13:9
God’s Word informs us that the LORD Jesus wants His beloved people to “grow up”:
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
Some unfortunately dis-fellowship other believers for whom Jesus died due to a differing view on the end times. Ones view of the end times or some other non-essential does not affect their salvation. We have no divine license to cut off any of Christ’s children for things not essential to our salvation. If we do such, perhaps Christ will cut us off.
We are to receive them as Christ has. Romans 15:7 says “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” “For meat (a non-essential) destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.” (Romans 14:20) Paul wrote in Romans 14:4: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”
To those of you who have or are being judged for a non-essential, this Word is for you:
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34
Your verdict comes from God alone:
“Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2
“One Body in Christ”
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Romans 12:5
Saints, this is not a message about “peace at any price.” No, this is an in-house message from God’s Word concerning Christ’s body – His true, remnant saints who are born again and abiding in Christ via His Word. As such, we are to dwell together in unity as His body, which is made up of “many members.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
“But now are they many members, yet but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:20
“The Unity of the Spirit”
“Endeavouring (working diligently) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
—– Those who are not working hard to keep “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” amidst Christ’s true, fruit-bearing remnant, are out of God’s will (Ephesians 4:3).
Listen to His Words in Psalms 133:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3
IT IS truly a blessing to see how God’s true children are walking in His love and “endeavoring (working diligently) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) This is beautiful in the sight of our Savior. He is watching exactly how we treat others which is how we are treating Him (Matthew 25:40-46). In these final days, as Jesus promised, the “love of MANY” is waxing “cold.” (Matthew 24:10-13) In light of this and so much more that He told us, you must remember that love, “shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8
Concerning Unbelievers – Those not Yet Saved
Tattoos, length of hair, length of skirt, has NOTHING to do with salvation. It’s a NON-essential (Romans 14). And, these women aren’t even saved so what’s that matter anyway? “The LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7 …. It’s time to cease attempting to scale the fish that aren’t yet in the boat…. AND, once they are in Christ’s boat, HE will scale/clean them up. The hell bound self-righteous religionists in our midst haven’t even led themselves to Christ by true repentance and so have no clue or chance to leader another sinner to the Savior.
Why Did Jesus tell His Disciples “Forbid Him Not”? | Because You Care
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Light of the World | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the Word | Compassion in Light of Christ’s Soon Return | Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of Christ
Articles
Personal Evangelism
Soul Winning is the Work of Every True Disciple of Jesus
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
Oh the joy of being privileged to know Him and be called out as His “ambassadors”! As His called out ones, we are sent by Him to make known His glorious Gospel to lost souls for whom He came and bled (1 Tim. 1:15).
“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16
NO one will saved before becoming greatly convicted of their sin-give them the Law then they will desire Christ (Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:9-11). The law convicts and brings them to Christ – it serves God’s purpose. We don’t lead them to Christ so much as God’s law convicts and leaves them feeling the reality of their alienation from God – and then they will be prepared to hear the saving Gospel of Christ. This is the New Testament way of winning souls to Jesus.
What’s most important and the biblical model for evangelism, is to give the lost the law of God (10 Commandments), to convict them which in turn will bring them to Christ (Romans 7:12; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:7-10). Placating lost souls with scientific arguments in defense of the faith seems to seldom if ever result in a lost sinner coming to the Savior in repentance. It is the law of God that pierces directly into the consciences of men and converts sinners to Christ (Psalms 19:7). When Paul spoke with the secularists of his day on Mars’ Hill he spoke to them of their idolatry (a sin violating the first 2 of the 10 Commandments), called them to repentance, and warned them that Judgment Day was coming (Acts 17:22-34).
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalms 19:7-8
Presenting the Word: First the law to cut, to convict, and to expose how wicked the sinner is and deserving of nothing but damnation, THEN the Gospel of Jesus’ saving grace to make the sinner whole amen!
Your communications and ministry are fed and fueled by your personal daily study and knowledge of God’s Word (Proverbs 22:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Have you ever desired for your friends and family to be present at a gathering of Saints where there was in anointed call to receive Jesus and they were drawn up to be saved? I have. That’s a great desire and yet in the days of those special gatherings of true, Jesus-seeking disciples are becoming more and more limited. Therefore we must be that altar call, that anointed vessel of God who goes to the people and brings them in. God will make it happen in His resurrection life as we consent to daily dying (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
Keep showing forth His truth, which is marching on in the hearts and lives of all who have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches.
Psalms 126:5-6 says:
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Though you see no changes with your physical eyes, remember that “we walk by faith and not by sight” and that His Word never returns void, so keep planting the seed of His Word into the hearts of men even though sometimes it is with tears (Isa. 55:11; Lk. 8:11; 2 Cor. 5:7). You will “doubtless come again with rejoicing.” (Ps. 126:5-6)
“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
Like a lion that conquers and dominates its prey as it pleases, we must unleash the Word of God itself which never returns back to Him void but always accomplishes what He pleases.
God will do His work in the hearts of men, as we send forth His truth in love.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10
What is your personal plan or strategy for reaching lost souls? Are you busy about your Father’s business if seeking to save that which was lost? (Luke 2:49; 19:10)
YOU cannot talk anyone into being saved. Stop trying! You must preach them into being saved – by communicating the Word. Only Christ can save them, not us! Did Jesus say “Go talk people into being saved” or did Jesus command “Go ye into all the world and PREACH the gospel”? (Mark 16:15) The latter of course. Men are born again by the incorruptible Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). We must humble ourselves and cease acting like we can win a soul to Jesus when Christ alone can do such. Yes, He chooses to use us as His very “ambassadors” and yet, that is done by the preaching of the law to convict and saving cross of Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Men are born again by God via His “incorruptible” Word:
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
Personal testimony from brother Charles:
“To God be the glory in all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! I was saved through my sister in Christ, acting as His hands and feet that shared with me the following Scripture:
“John 14:6-7
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen him.
She was spreading the gospel and upon hearing this my ears were opened, and conviction came through. I say God found me because as a child of God we are just spreading His Word and had I not been His I would not have felt the weight and power in this Scripture. So, in hearing I was made to believe … and in believing became changed in my walk … with Him guiding me. God bless brother!”
Preparation – Armed and Dangerous!
IF a “church” isn’t producing soul winners, it’s being led by a wolf! (Ephesians 4:11-12)
How can a local assembly of believers see the LORD add to the church when the hireling(s) leading them have no concern for Christ’s Great Commission mandate to preach the whole Word of the Gospel which will result in the LORD saving souls? (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20)
Remembering the 2 “R”s of the Gospel: Repent, Receive Jesus. -“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21)
Personally, I carry King James Bibles, good Gospel tracts, small books, booklets, etc. in my car at all times. The LORD uses them mightily to teach. After ministering to a saint in Christ or a lost person, I always send them away with something appropriate for them to read. I off a KJB Bible to believers if I find out they don’t have one and/or give them one of the books to assist in deepening their walk with Jesus. To the lost, I give a Bible, tracts, and/or a booklet that pertains to them being saved.
The Born Again Book (small, powerful!) | What Next: Now that You are Saved (small discipleship book)
Many a Christian is possessed with the false notion that God needs people-instead of the fact that people need God! Repent. God is the only self-existent One! Jesus is not a sap! He walked away from many- and told you to do the same! (Matthew 10:16; 13:58) The LORD begs no mere man, sinner, to come to Him. He invites but never begs! (Matthew 11:28-30). Rebellion is a choice HE gave them! If they want to rebel, SHAKE OFF THE DUST AND MOVE ON! That’s what Christ did and told you to do! (Matthew 7:6; 10:14)
JESUS tract ENGLISH (click to download print-ready PDF) this is the actual text of the JESUS tract of both the English and JESUS tract SPANISH (click to download print-ready PDF]
Are YOU “ready”?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Are you “ready” or not “ready”?
“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
Case for Scripture Memory:
“Let mine hear RETAIN thy words.” Proverbs 4:4
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the Word | Compassion in Light of Christ’s Soon Return | Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of Christ | Christ’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the Lost | Kindness is a Soul Winning Weapon | Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher Warning
Apostasy
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Mourning Trumps Merriment in Christ’s Kingdom
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’d like to walk in Your bless-ed joy, filling my life to overflowing, no matter what’s transpiring. LORD, I ask You to do Your deeper work in my heart, in my life. Please set apart my life to truly glorify You, being full of the fruits of Your righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Everyone desires the joy of the LORD, right? Yes, yet only those who are willing to devour His Word – to get it into their hearts and keep it flowing into their hearts, will experience that great joy of the LORD which is our strength! In context, the joy of the LORD is the strength of those who read it, hear it, embrace it, adhere to it, and keep it flowing into their mind and heart daily! (Nehemiah 8:8, 10)
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly (directly), and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. … 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:8, 10
After they had feasted on God’s Word, the elders of Israel said to them: You are now full of the Word. Now “Go your way”, that is, go home and be blessed to “send portions” of the bounty of the LORD you’ve been filled with today to overflowing. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Let your cup run over and bless others! Let your light shine into others, may your cup run over onto others, to bless them with the bountiful blessings of the LORD you have received.
We have to eat the fat and drink the sweet of the Word of God to be filled with the joy of the LORD which is our strength!
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Nourishing the Body of Christ
“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
DO people know they can find the rich treasures of God’s Word when they walk into your life, when they visit your social media page? (Colossians 3:16) Will they be “nourished” by the milk and meat of God’s bless-ed Word when they are graced to be in your company?
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.” Proverbs 21:20
Holy Father, we ask You in the name of Jesus to make us happy in Jesus as You’ve forgiven and freed us from our sin and so of all people on Your earth, only Your people can be truly happy in Thee dear LORD. Please bless each of Your beloved saints to be anointed for the death and burial of the self life and raised up in Your blessed resurrection grace and joy. In Jesus’ name let it be dear LORD.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
Support | STORE | Podcasts | H.O.T. Bible Study [podcast] | Divine Blessings | Exhort One Another Daily | The Return of Christ | The Joy of Fulfilling the Great Commission | The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold | Lie of the Ages (book) | Soul Damning Sins (small book) | Why We Need not Fear Death | Revelation Bombshell!
Abiding
The Death before the Death [podcast]
Gethsemane Preceded Calvary
“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:42-44
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
“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
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25
Shall We Freshly Declare the Cross to be Front and Center in our Personal Lives?
“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
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Prayer | Manhood | The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast] | The Cross Victory | Sin – Man’s Core Problem
Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
The Death before the Death [podcast]
“Rend Your Heart, and Not Your Garments” [podcast]
God and His Word are Unchanging [podcast]
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Oneness Godhead
Pride and False Prophets [podcast]
“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast
Have We Misunderstood Why Christians Meet Together? [video]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
“Feed My Sheep” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 43
IS AMERICA DOOMED? To Stay or to Go [podcast]
10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Read the Handwriting
Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
Mug Shots and Mercy Moments! [podcast]
How do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]
Concerns about the writings of C.S. Lewis [podcast]
What the Bible says about Effeminate Men [podcast] [shorts video]
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Personal Evangelism
What is the difference between a “Textus Receptus Man” and a “King James Man?”
Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
The Death before the Death [podcast]
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles3 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy3 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved