Forever Relevant
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8
Discernment Clue: Ministries that aren’t provoking you to get into God’s WRITTEN Word FOR YOURSELF DAILY, simply want you to depend on them-not God! RUN NOW!
Those who use the word “prophetic” desire to be the oracle, instead of letting God’s written Word be what it is – the final divine authority, the divine oracle and only one needed! Pride.
When the slick enterprising pastors and their disciples come along to teach you a more “relevant” way or un-biblical method, move closer to, search deeper, and cling to the Holy Scriptures which are tried, true, and eternally relevant, fresh, and charged with the divine life of the One who spoke them. – “These words are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63) God’s words are always in style with Him and those who truly love Him. So, beware of the cheap substitutes which daily present themselves to you, seeking to sift you from resolute, pure trust in the God who gave us His Word (Luke 22:31-32).
Many seek to capitalize on your desire to discern, know, and follow God’s will. Beware.
God’s Word says “despise not prophesyings” and yet in the very next sentence it also warns us to “prove (test) all things.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) I don’t even read most “prophecies,” prophetic words, dreams, visions, etc. that circulate these days. Most of these “words” are coming from un-grounded novices, or flagrant flakes who don’t simply “Preach the word” but rather keep the circus wheels of their “ministry” spinning by their continual words (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Not that I despise them and yet the Word of God is inherently prophetic and the primary way God leads and guides His New Testament church (Isaiah 46:9-10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.).
“Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
GOD already told us in His Word all we need to know about these final days (Isaiah 46:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 19-21, etc.). Gauging all things by the written Word is key to escaping the prophesied end time apostasy. Some people choose to be led astray by the “MANY false prophets” Jesus warns us about who would “deceive MANY.” (Matthew 24:11)
WHEN DECEIVERS USE THE TERM “DON’T PUT GOD IN A BOX” WHAT THEY ARE REALLY SAYING IS “DON’T LISTEN TO HOW GOD DESCRIBED HIMSELF, HIS WILL, His divine attributes, sin, AND holiness, ETC. DON’T LISTEN TO HIS OWN WORD. LET ME SHOW YOU AN ALTERNATIVE, SOMETHING THAT CONTRADICTS HIS WORD!” THESE ARE SATAN’S WOLVES WHO SEEK TO SEDUCE YOU TO FORSAKE CHRIST BY FORSAKING HIS WORD. APOSTASY! RUN! SEE ACTS 17:10-11; PSALMS 33:11; 119:89, 105; JOHN 8:47; ROMANS 3:4; 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17; 2 PETER 1:19-21.
The so-called “prophetic” movement is for those who want to self-actualize, a luciferian New Age term and practice. Pure damnable pride. They are basically warlocks and witches, operating in witchcraft while using the name of the LORD in vain.
So he’s prophesying, giving words, visions, and dreams but not preaching the cross – and you STILL don’t see he’s a wolf? Repent sinner.
Here’s what the so-called “prophetic” is all about… scary…. SHOCKING DOCUMENTARY – False spirits invade the church – KUNDALINI WARNING – Andrew Strom
The Holy Spirit has ALREADY SPOKEN – between Genesis 1 and Revelation 22! Anything that is of God that is spoken today must line up with Holy Scripture which is the “more sure word of prophecy.” (2 Peter 1:19-21)
The “MANY false prophets” Scripture warns us about are known in that they seek to set themselves up above the LORD, perpetrating their weak, lame, foolish “words” on people to put a spell on them, attempting to bewitch their prey. ALL true servants of the LORD hold His written revelation WORD as the highest divine authority (2 Peter 1:16-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
WHEN the LORD gives a word, it’s always going to include the cross, repentance, and holiness. This excludes 95% of the “words” we see circulating. Beware saints. Discern.
Yes there are prophets in the New Testament, undeniably and yet, most if not all the people calling themselves such are the very wolves we are warned of. Read these: Ephesians 4:11; Acts 11:27; 13:1 …. New Testament prophets are not the same as in the Old Testament. All true men of God exalt Christ not self and the written Word as final authority (2 Peter 1:12-21).
UNTIL you have the revelation given us in 2 Peter 1:12-21, you are vulnerable to be deceived and ultimately “fall away” from the LORD – to apostatize (Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 4:1, etc.). WHAT is the LORD conveying to us, His people, in 2 Peter 1:12-21?
“People want a word from God instead of the Word OF God.” Warren Smith
Hell is full of people who were initially saved while on earth and yet were lazy – refused to study, know, and walk in God’s Word for themselves – so they fell away! (Luke 8:11-15)
A lot of people have been schooled by wolves and don’t realize it. They are using God’s Word to self-actualize. That means it’s all about THEM and THEIR gifts and not about Christ. The same warlocks that have misled these un-repentant counterfeits never preach the cross – which is essential to the Christian faith – where you must die, lay down your life, mortify self, and cry to the Father, “Not my will but thine be done.” (Luke 22:42)
The thing being pointed out here is that many use prophet and apostle as a title to elevate themselves instead of simply humbly serving while drawing all attention to Jesus and not to self – the cross.
Any man calling himself (self-appointed) a prophet, is suspect. True prophets simply do the LORD’s work humbly, never drawing attention to themselves by using titles – which Jesus forbids (Matthew 23:8-12).
The LORD’s true “prophets” are not those who come up with some word they claim is from God but rather those who strictly, humbly, and obediently preach His “more sure word of prophecy” which is the written Word and more divinely authoritative then even the audible voice of the Father speaking from Heaven – 2 Peter 1:16-21.
BEWARE OF THE “PROPHETIC” WARLOCKS! The term “prophetic” never appears in Scripture, much less phrases invented by modern wolves such as “prophetic praise,” “the prophetic,” “prophetic warfare,” “prophetic worship,” etc. RUN from this witchcraft which is designed to bring you under the control of Satan’s warlocks pretending to have a word for you as a prophet of God! Wolves in sheep’s clothing! You have God’s Word and Holy Ghost – from Genesis to Revelation – which is the “MORE sure word of prophecy.” (2 Peter 1:16-21)
Because we know that God’s written Word is FINAL Divine Authority, we are not impressed with those who run around with “a word” for people. Yes “Despise not prophesyings” (1 Thessalonians 5:20) and yet, beware of those who use gifts or supposed gifts to ensnare you and not for the edification of the body of Christ for the glory of Jesus alone (1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
False prophets seek out and prey on gullible, ungrounded dupes – who are enamored by their title or supposed prophecies, words. Beware! The authentic disciple is enamored with the Son of God and grounded in God’s Word – “the more sure word of prophecy” – and therefore not impressed with false prophets with “words.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)
EVEN if someone prophesies and is actually comes to pass, does NOT mean they are true! Get familiar with Deuteronomy 13:1-10 saints. 1. check their doctrine, and 2. if they are announcing themselves as a “prophet,” that is a red flag. 😉
One believer writes: “Psychics are sometimes accurate, does this make them prophets? Does the enemy not have his own prophets? The woman that followed the disciples, telling others that they were men of God, was a false prophet and the disciples rebuked her. But what she was saying was true.”
IF you’re looking for a word, a dream, a vision, or anything but God’s written Word, it’s because you aren’t known of God but rather are a tare, a counterfeit! Repent and believe on the LORD Jesus Christ now before it’s too late. Self-Appointed and Greedy Prophetic Pimps (Radio) [podcast]
Have you noticed how self-appointed wolves always talk about how they are an “apostle” or “prophet” while never elevating Jesus, the only “Head” of His body – which He purchased with His very blood? (Colossians 2:18-19) The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is “the apostle and high priest” of our faith! (Hebrews 3:1) Run!
When a person around us gets all excited about a so-called “word from God” that some prophet or apostle says he or she received and yet that same person isn’t excited about “the more sure word of prophecy (the Scriptures),” then you know that such a person is utterly deceived (2 Peter 1:19-21). When people get all excited about some new book some mere man wrote and yet aren’t excited by and about the precious words of the LORD recorded in the Bible, you know that this person’s fruit is very bad.
–The LORD’s true “prophets” are not those who come up with some word they claim is from God but rather those who strictly, humbly, and obediently preach His “more sure word of prophecy” which is the written Word and more divinely authoritative than even the audible voice of the Father speaking from Heaven – 2 Peter 1:16-21
When we get the revelation that the HOLY SCRIPTURES are “the MORE MORE MORE sure word of PROPHECY,” we then become less in impressed (foolish awe) with the clowns who parade themselves as modern prophets and apostles yet fit the exact description of the beguiling wolves we are so often warned about in the “MORE sure word” which is the written Scriptures. Read, pour over 2 Peter 1:3-4, 16-21; 2:1-3. You will never be the same. Oh and Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34.
“They are prophets of the deceit of their own heart.” Jeremiah 23:26
These modern day wolves are devils who refuse to preach the essential command to be holy as God is holy, true repentance, the holy fear of God, the daily cross, dying to self daily, the soon return of Christ, the uniqueness and divinity of Jesus Christ, taking up the cross, and being mortified to the sinful deeds of the body. The absence of these cardinal New Testament doctrines alone make these guys utterly counterfeit.
Do you want to be blessed? The LORD attaches present and eternal blessings to those who hear and heed His Word.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3
Beware of the many clowns who run around teaching people to “hear the voice of God” while downplaying and subverting the authority and place of the Holy Scriptures in God’s economy and in the daily lives of His beloved people (Deuteronomy 4:2, 9-10; 1 Timothy 4:6, 16; 2 Timothy 32:15; 3:16-17; 4:2-5). I have heard this deadly lie for decades now. This idea that we are to “hear the voice of God within us” is a classic deception among the charismatic/prophetic/apostolic circles. As is all of their false theology, this notion is based on the idea that man is his own little autonomous god who is empowered by himself to do his own bidding and control his own destiny. This is Luciferic and the same exact theology of the pagan and occult New Age religions and thought. In this they are setting aside–not upholding–the only “Head” of His true Church (Colossians 2:4, 8, 18-19). Beware. We hear the voice of the LORD through His Spirit and Word (Romans 8:14; Ephesians 6:17-18, etc.).
Destiny
Lots of “fulfill your destiny” type themes in the modern church world to lure in the gullible… but it’s all self-centered and not Christ-centered. If it were according to the original Gospel, the destiny would be recognized as living a crucified life – consenting to death and burial so Christ alone can reign! Just another cross-less heresy peddled by what Paul calls “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19)
Jesus calls all who will follow Him to die – to lay down your life and will for His (Luke 9:23-24; John 5:30). This is what we are predestined to!
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (the crucified Savior), that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
So many seek their own vision and destiny. There is NO cross in it. Jesus was fully submitted to His Father whereas most who use these buzz words today are not also preaching the essential cross, the crucified life.
These who chase destiny are missing the cross which is central to the Gospel friend. Running around trying to fulfill our destiny is not of God. Laying down our lives – death and burial – assures us that GOD, not us, is leading and raising us up to do His will.
Jesus came to die and sent us to die and if we don’t we are not following Him (Luke 9:23-24). Seeking our own destiny is the antitheses of dying – it’s completely self-serving.
Of Jesus and through Jesus and to Jesus are all things–He is the supreme LORD of all lords and King of all kings who will soon return to exercise His infinite, divine authority and wrath upon the ungodly (Isaiah 26:21; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 2 Peter 3; Revelation 19:11-15).
There is nothing that has more authority or relevancy than God’s Word–because of who spoke it.–“The scripture cannot be broken.” (John 10:35)
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Listening to what Jesus, the LORD, told us in places like Revelation 2-3 is most important. God has spoken to us in His “MORE sure word of prophecy”–the Holy Scriptures (Hebrews 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Psalms 119:105). Hearing the very words of God is hearing the fresh voice of God. Beware of the flashy, flesh-flattering titles of the books and products of the many wolves who operate in the apostate church world. Their use of the word “fresh” and others words of this type are designed to entice the potential buyer to believe they have the word of the hour and are the man or woman of the hour. Scam!
Jesus is the KING of every hour and that will never change!
Most of what is called prophecy today is simply flattery and serves no divine purpose as given in His Word. For example, why would the unchanging God change by doing something that has no purposes consistent with what He stated in His Word? Why would He send gold dust? What purpose has it? Gold dust has no purpose that is consistent with His stated plan and program to save and build up His people (Matthew 28:18-20). Do we not know that Satan himself can perform lying signs and wonders and that only those who do not choose to be valiant for and love the truth of God’s Word will be deceived? (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)
Remember that it was the evil Pharisees (wolves) that asked to see a frivolous sign. But what did Jesus say in response?
“Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:” Matthew 12:38-39
WHAT kind of person looks for a sign? – “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign.” (Matthew 12:39)
“God and His Word are synonymous (John 1:1). Any attempt to divorce the written Word, which is our only objective standard for truth, from the Living Word should be viewed as utterly Satanic. Beware of men who subtly denigrate the written Word while promoting a supposed deeper spirituality by ‘being led by the Spirit.’ Don’t be deceived, if you reject God’s Word you reject His Spirit. If you refuse to obey His Word you cannot be led by the Holy Ghost. God’s Spirit always leads in perfect accordance with God’s Word; always, without exception.” Pastor Britt Williams
IF you are defending Satan’s wolves in our midst it’s because you are one of them! Repent sinner!
God’s Word never diminishes, fades, or loses power–it’s always–perpetually and eternally-fresh, relevant, instructive, and life giving. In light of this truth, do not be “carried about”or snared by these so-called “fresh” words from God and the demonic mystique surrounding this diabolical myth.
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14
The only way to prevent being “tossed to and fro, and carried about”–blown away–is to be soundly and thoroughly grounded in the Scriptures through daily study, meditation, and memorization (Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 4:4; Jeremiah 15:16). Not one of us lacks capacity; we only lack choosing to fear God, delighting in Him, and living a disciplined life that reflects His work in us (Philippians 2:12-13).
The disciple of Jesus who has THE Word doesn’t go around looking for “a word” from a mere man or woman claiming to be a prophet or prophetess or apostle. This doesn’t mean there aren’t people who function in these gifts biblically, and yet there are many today misleading people with a misuse of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12-14). Prophetic accuracy does not authenticate a person as from God (Deuteronomy 13). Read Deuteronomy 13 and you will discover that if a person comes among God’s people and prophesies and what he predicts comes to pass and then he teaches false doctrine, he is to be put out and marked as false.
Fruit is more important than gifts. Gifts do not prove that one is saved. In fact, Jesus told us that “MANY” would brag about their gifts just before being terminated into hell. Fruit is the clear that one has a saving relationship with Jesus Christ! (Matthew 7:13-29) Nearly anyone can feign to have spiritual gifts. The occult gurus/Shamans do that and so do all false religious leaders.
Jesus did not say we’d “know” (discern) people but their gifts but rather “by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20) The FRUIT of the Spirit is more important than the GIFTS of the Spirit because it proves relationship (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:7-10). Good fruit can only be produced through relationship. The gifts of the Spirit ARE important and yet, some who are presently operating in them will be hearing “depart from me” from Jesus as they are being cast into eternal hell irrevocably (Matthew 7:15-23). This proves that someone can move in the gifts of the Spirit without walking in an intimate relationship with Jesus which will always, without fail, produce “the FRUIT of the Spirit” which “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance.“ (Galatians 5:16-24).
Can devils do miracles? “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Revelation 16:14) See also 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 and Deuteronomy 13:1-10.
Deuteronomy 13:1-10 tells us that even if a prophet comes and does a miracle or prophesies something that comes to pass and then speaks false doctrine to lead you away from the LORD, he is to be stoned. This clearly teaches us that the gifts of the Spirit do not authenticate any minister or leader or ministry.
The nine gifts of the Spirit do have a divine purpose and have not passed away because that which is perfect has not yet come (1 Corinthians 12-14).
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7
Here in the Scriptures of truth the Son of God is warning us to “hear what the Holy Spirit saith” to His people and not what some man or men are saying the Spirit is saying. The Holy Spirit gave us the Scriptures–“holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-21) We know He is divine, perfect and unchanging and so would never “alter” or change His Word to us (Psalms 89:23; 119:89). Also, “the sword of the Spirit IS the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) Do we think the LORD is going to contradict what He has already spoken? How in the world can I possibly rightly discern some prophetic word coming from a mere human if I don’t daily and diligently study THE Word of God? (2 Timothy 2:15) To endure to the end, we must be like the Berean believers who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
“My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Psalms 89:34
Also, when Jesus seven times says “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,” He’s not talking about trying to hear something inside of your corrupt, depraved, and “desperately wicked” heart (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3). No, He’s teaching us here to walk the narrow road with His precious Precepts shining on our feet and on our path. After Adam fell into sin, our hearts are not to be trusted (Romans 5:12, 19; 7:1-24). –“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26)
There’s another safety measure our Great Shepherd put in place to protect us and that’s the counsel of the righteous–those who are sound in the faith due to being soberly rooted and grounded in sound doctrine.–“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” (Proverbs 27:9) Godly counsel will always come out of God’s Word and will be a confirming factor in our hearts when making key decisions in this life.
Currently, I, like many of you, am blessed to have the “hearty counsel” of several God-fearing men who walk daily in God’s Word. Yet, throughout the years I have witnessed folks who have been subverted and intoxicated by the charismatic wolves who don’t walk out sound truth by faith in what they get straight from the Bible. Instead, they live by so-called prophetic words, visions, dreams, and whimsical hyperbole. There is a particular group of these guys I know of who don’t work, don’t hold to or diligently study the written Word, and yet conjure up and are led by all kinds of “words” they say are God’s “prophetic” words for them. In order to perpetuate the deception, they constantly have “words” for each other, pretending those “words” are from God and yet have set aside God’s Holy written Word to be led of their own “words.” (Jeremiah 5:31; 14:14; Colossians 2:18)This is “the error of the wicked” that we are warned not to be “led away” from Christ by (2 Peter 1:19-3:18). Is this a new thing? No.
All spiritual gifts or the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to point to and glorify the divine Person of Jesus Christ alone and not to be used to feature or elevate human flesh, making the one with the gift the focal point. When the Holy Spirit is moving in a saint it will be obvious in that Jesus Christ alone will be glorified and His written, “more sure word of prophecy”will be the message (2 Peter 1:19-21). As it was in the days of the prophets, so it is today. Beguiled souls who have been “led away with the error of the wicked” regurgitate the same twisted blend of deceptive words they have learned from the wolves whom they have submitted themselves under and this includes the borrowing and speaking of the words of these wolves (2 Peter 3:17). There’s a whole new language they learn, using such terms as portals, the prophetic, soaking, etc., where they dazzle the gullible souls who follow and support their witchcrafts.
“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:18
So, instead of honoring God by learning and speaking the “more sure word of prophecy” which is the Holy Scriptures – the written Word, these charismatic, false apostolic wolves have created a whole new language using their own line of buzz terms (2 Peter 1:19-21). This is an open rejection of Jesus Christ (Mark 8:38).
All that comes out of IHOP and Kansas City etc. is corrupt due to the fact that “a little leaven leaveneth the WHOLE lump.” (Galatians 5:9) First off, there is no term “the prophetic” found in God’s Word. This is the invention of wolves and devils.
Entertaining devils through occult practices is not of the LORD, regardless of whether or not it’s deceptively called “the prophetic.”
Let’s read a passage from Jeremiah 23 and perhaps it will become obvious that such a practice is no new thing:
Jeremiah 23
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; 27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. 28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? 30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. 32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord.”
Did you note here that the LORD tells us that these false prophets “cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness”?
The shameless flippancy in the tone and attitudes of these modern day, self-appointed false prophets and false apostles is despicably absent of the fear of the LORD.
Words of mere men produce “lies” and “lightness” in those who give them audience. The words and terms of mere men do not carry divine authority. They are lightweight. The words of mere men are weak. They do not carry inherent divine power. In contrast to the“lies” and “lightness” of the words of mere men, God’s Word instills the fear of the LORD in the hearts of those who truly trust Him by daily ingesting His Word.
True disciples are not casual concerning the things of God. The true born again servant is the only person the LORD can use to help others and he lives in the fear of God, departing from evil as by His mercy and honest adherence to His holy truth.
“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
Proverbs 14:27 says that iniquity is spiritual death and it’s only by the fear of God that men depart from it, keeping themselves abiding in Jesus, their Good Shepherd. Sin brings spiritual death and it’s only by the mercy of God as one chooses to live in the fear of God, that he is delivered and remains in the light with Christ (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23; 8:13; James 1:14-15; 1 John 1:7).
Why did the LORD give us His written Word? To guide us, to cleanse us, and for many other wonderful reasons, yet one in particular comes to mind here and that’s Deuteronomy 4:10.
Deuteronomy 4
8And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;
10Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
God gave us His Word so we would “learn to fear” Him and so what happens if we get out of His Word?–we cease to fear Him. Do we begin to see now why Satan uses his wolf prophets to get people out of THE Word and relying on something else like so-called prophetic “words”?
When you get around these type people we are talking about, you will notice what later will come out as a false joy (“lightness”). Instead of getting into THE Word, they give each other “words.” If you have ever been around these type of people who live off of pseudo “words” instead of THE Word, you will see no fear of God in them but rather frivolity and lightness in the absence of the fear of God and a sound and sober heart filled with the joy of Jesus. Remember that the LORD told us in the Jeremiah 23 passage above that these beguilers “cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness.” (Jeremiah 23:32)
What might be at the root of this rebellion? Why do these mere men come in Christ’s name (but not doctrine) and replace His very Word with their own “words”?–because they are lawless, which means they are not truly submitted to Him. Doesn’t this fit what Jesus said was going to happen at the judgment?–“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”(Matthew 7:20-23)
The Divine “Lamp” and “Light”
“THY word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
Here the Bible, God’s Word, tells us that God’s “word” and not our word or some figment of our own wicked imagination, guides our feet and lights our path. Satan has no new tricks in his bag–“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
“There is NO new thing under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9
Throughout history, God’s people have erred when they began to rely upon the wicked imaginations of their depraved hearts (Romans 1).
Always remember that “ALLLLLLL things that pertain unto life and godliness” are found in the divinely-breathed “exceeding great and precious promises” of our LORD and Savior (2 Peter 1:2-4). Be it known that as long as you are on this earth, Satan, the enemy of your eternal soul, is going to send false teacher after false prophet who come in Christ’s name to get you to look to someone else outside of the LORD Almighty who gave you His unchanging, eternally relevant Word. The devil “walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Jesus said he comes to “taketh away the word” of God from our lives (Mark 4:15). The enemy’s false prophets use all kinds of seemingly spiritual beguilement to get you to look to self and your own ability to “hear God’s voice,” etc. God is able to keep those who uphold Jesus Christ as the supreme “Head” and “holy potentate.” (Colossians 2:18-19; 1 Timothy 6:15)
“Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:15-16
Your Savior is coming soon to get you–He loves you more than you can fathom. He commanded you to endure to the end–will you? Hold to Him! Seek Him! Love Him! Worship Him without reserve!
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25
The eternal and living Word gave us His Precepts and nothing could ever possibly be more relevant than God’s precious Words–so walk in them. Let them circumcise your heart, fill your thoughts and meditations, and guide your feet down the narrow road that leads to life.
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, please unite my heart to fear Thy holy name. Hasten my spirit to be perpetually seeking Your holy face and therefore protected in Your unalterable truth. Bless my life to help others do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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The Spirit of Divination (audio)
https://youtu.be/fd4yBMP7EJw
Che Ahn, John and Carol Arnott, Heidi (and Roland) Baker, Mike Bickle of IHOP in Kansas City, Stacey Campbell, Randy Clark, James Goll, Cindy Jacobs, Rick Joyner of Morningstar in South Carolina, Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton of the Bethel Church in Redding, California, Patricia King, Chuck D. Pierce, Dutch and Tim Sheets, and Brian Simmons
Articles
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?
Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?
1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).
This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).
Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6
2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).
He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).
Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14
3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).
Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28
4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).
Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).
Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.
5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).
Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.
Application to us: We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)
Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.
Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).
7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).
This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.
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Abiding
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
The Cost of Discipleship
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11
Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES
By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:
And the fifth:
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12
Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.
If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26
We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.
Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:
“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”
“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”
In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.
“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37
Of this Adam Clarke wrote:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”
Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:
“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES
In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.
As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”
To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.
“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
Jesus Addressed the Excuses
Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 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 9:59-62
Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.
“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28
The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).
Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.
So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).
Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.). 
“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7
Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms
Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5
May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.
“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5
“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68
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Articles
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
Chapter 5 from the book Raised Up (narration)
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
You know the counterfeits far outnumber the authentic followers of Jesus when you put out a message on youtube or social media titled something like “How to know your gifts” and the response is overwhelming due to the many self-centered, self-absorbed cross-less professors (2 Timothy 3:1-7). In contrast, when you put out a message titled something like “Learning to live the crucified life Jesus calls all His followers to” and but a “few” listen – you are reminded of how Jesus says His remnant, is a “little flock” and how Jesus says “FEW there be which enter therein.” (Luke 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14).
Living in the Spirit
Those who descend into death and burial will be blessed to be raised up by the LORD.
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
“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
IT BOILS DOWN TO LOVE!
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
WHEN Jesus died for our sins, He submitted to the cross without reserve to the Father in order to redeem us! When you obey Jesus by laying down your life, you are saying: “Whew I love You LORD Jesus! You alone are my supreme LORD, love, and the Head of my life. I love You more than sinful self, and I have made a complete mess of my life, spinning my wheels for far too long. Please forgive my rebellion against You! I want You to reign supreme in my life Jesus, from this moment forward. Have Your way in me my LORD, I love You Jesus. I’m all Yours Jesus!”
Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue with the remnant. They “have crucified the flesh” and the evil the sinful nature would do. It’s a done deal – They “HAVE crucified the flesh” that Christ the LORD might reign in their mortal body.
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18
We cannot be a servant of righteousness unless we are crucified with Christ and sin is out of our way.
“Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you (because you have accounted yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18
The “form of doctrine” delivered by Christ and His holy apostles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of one’s life now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).
“What does this mean for us? Remember that there are two aspects of Christ’s death. He died for our sins. He died for us – substitution. But then Paul tells us that we are also to die with Him. “I have been crucified WITH CHRIST” (Gal. 2:20): “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Rom. 6:11). The Israelites in bondage were delivered by the blood shed and sprinkled. But they are pursued by certain of their foes. These foes are slain at the Red Sea, but they themselves escape and are free. Egypt stands for the world of sin. Christ found us in “Egypt,” and by His death in our stead delivered us from the penalty of sin. But even after our conversion some of these sins followed us and harassed us – temper, pride, jealousy, lust, worry, avarice – causing discomfiture and misery, and occasionally temporary defeat. Where is there any escape, any real victory? Only through the Red Sea – baptism, or what baptism implies; i.e., a death to sin and a rising again to righteousness. That is a crucifixion with Christ, so as to be able to “reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin.” How to Live the Victorious Life, by an Unknown Christian
God’s desire, plan, and command is that His people reign victorious in this life over sin and the enemy and become abundantly fruitful as we await the soon return of our LORD Jesus Christ (John 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
“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
The Cross of Christ and the One He Commands us to take up are Essential
Let’s peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:
“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:23-26
Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed (“corn”) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing in this life – “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31)
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
As we are blessed to be “planted together in the likeness of his death”, so “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5
This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water baptism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is. At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.
“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 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 your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:10-11
There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The disciple who is buried with Christ is “dead to sin.” (Rom. 6:2) When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call those who point them out “legalistic”, it is symptomatic of a life that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bible says “Lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) when we are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The “corn of wheat” (dead seed) must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.
Aren’t we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? (2 Cor. 7:1)
If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness.
Overcoming sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-13)
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24
The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk. 23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).
Let’s check our deadness. Let’s see how dead we are to this world system and all of it’s arrogant rebellion against the God of the universe and all that is: Do we defend our “right” to fill our minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and other forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.
Oswald Chambers wrote:
“The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bondslave to Jesus Christ. Any fool can insist on personal rights, and any devil will see that he or she gets them, but the Sermon on the Mount means that the only right the saint will insist on is the right to give up personal rights.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 329
Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? – “Charity…Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6)
Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolishness and deeds.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Proverbs 26:4
Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision to fear and obey the LORD and not men. Believers are called to be circumspect (fully set apart in holiness) and not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).
Yet we should ask: Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such as the false church would have us believe? When a new believer is told that he is “eternally secure” or OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life, be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to do ministry, and prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?
The following brief and yet convicting commentary is taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First let’s view the Biblical text, then the commentary.
“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32
“‘HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM’. Paul’s last word on general human sinfulness is God’s condemnation of a condition even more damning than the practice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This disposition is the ultimate in depravity – vicarious enjoyment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1) The word ‘have pleasure’ (Gk. suneudokeo) means ‘are pleased with,’ ‘delight in,’ or ‘give approval to,’ and points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same condemnation of God as those engaging in such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence, those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ) who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be exposed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess. 2:12).” p. 1729
Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalms 101:3
Do we seek to protect our “right” to continue over-relishing or over-indulging in the things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John 2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world system and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies – regardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:24-26
When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and instructed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12). Have you ever been persecuted by other “believers” and called legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, other than inducing a concern for where they really are in their hearts. Seeking to be upright in one’s ways in not legalistic – it is biblical. The Word instructs us to “walk circumspectly” which means fully obedient – exactly, diligently, perfectly.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:15-20
“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13
What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly – we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.
What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are. If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in us, we do not have a laid down life.
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9
“Folly (foolishness)is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” Proverbs 15:21
Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a “time to laugh” and to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more – for the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly – they walk biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the world.
“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14
Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ did – that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holiness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justifying your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relinquish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dying for us – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.
The Path of Our LORD Jesus
Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life for all men (Jn. 15:13).
“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…” Luke 22:42
He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He has for each of us.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him? Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?
“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
He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glorified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called us to be. When Jesus is reigning in a person’s life, it is obvious. His holy and impelling presence is the life that exudes from that person instead of the stench of the self-centered and selfish nature (Jn. 3:30). At this place of resurrection life, the LORD who made and redeemed us is greatly glorified and pleased and His fruit is being yielded.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Finding that place with God in prayer is where the laid down life begins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.
“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7
PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternally. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and praying in light of Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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