4 Bible Characters Teach us Secrets to Safety in Times of Trouble

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

by Chris Sitter

This article is written for those who love the Word of God, and specifically – for individuals in the following categories:

Those who desire that they and their families would be saved in their times of trouble.
Those who wish to find mercy on Judgment Day.
Those who fear God and who have no desire of incurring the wrath that comes upon His enemies, and from opposing His true representatives.

Ebed-Melech, Barzillai, The Shunamite Woman, Hananiah, Amaziah, Onesiphorus & Alexander the Coppersmith…What would God have us to learn from these 7 Old & New Testament stories?

The word count in this article will mostly come from the scripture selections that tell us these people’s stories. The comments at the end of all these passages will be shorter than the full scripture passages, as I believe the scriptures themselves will help to make the primary points I am trying to make – very clear.

Let’s start with Old Testament Good Guy #1 – Ebed-Melech, in Jeremiah 38 – who risked his life to help Jeremiah

38 Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

²Thus saith the Lord, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

³Thus saith the Lord, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.

⁴Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

⁵Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.

⁶Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

⁷Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;

⁸Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king saying,

⁹My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.

¹⁰Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

¹¹So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

¹²And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.

¹³So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

Jeremiah 39:15-18 (God remembers Ebedmelech – when the Babylonians take the city)

¹⁵Now the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

¹⁶Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.

¹⁷But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.

¹⁸For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord.

Barzillai – Old Testament Good Guy #2

2 Samuel 17 – Wealthy Barzillai and some others give lots of Food and other needed items to David and his companions – when they were running for their lives from Absolom.

²⁴Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.

²⁵And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother.

²⁶So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.

²⁷And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

²⁸Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,

²⁹And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

2 Samuel 19 – When King David was returning – after Absalom was dead – David Remembers Barzillai for his kindness

³¹And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

³²Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

³³And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

³⁴And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

³⁵I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

³⁶Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

³⁷Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

³⁸And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

Blessings for Barzillai:

He obtained Favor with King David – when David returned to his kingdom
- Including David’s offer to have him come dine at his table and take care of all his needs – for the rest of his life!!!
- Favor to have David treat Chimham his servant – very well, to the point that David said he would do for Chimham whatever “seems good to Barzillai”,
- Favor to have David also say “whatsoever you shall require of me – THAT WILL I DO FOR YOU!
- There are many parallels here, of helping God’s afflicted people (and perhaps even more of a direct parallel for this particular story – his persecuted and true leaders and preachers and prophets) now – before the King returns to planet earth at his Second Coming: ”And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” Revelation 22:12

Old Testament Good Person # 3 – The Shunamite woman and her husband – who helped to meet the physical needs of Elisha

2 Kings 4:8 –37 Shunamite Woman & her husband feed Elisha (& probably also Gehazi) and even build an extra room for him when he passes through their area.

Shunamite Gets a Son when her husband is old & then – years later – has her son resurrected, after dying from sickness.

2 Kings 4:8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

⁹And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

¹⁰Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

¹¹And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

¹²And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

¹³And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

¹⁴And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.

¹⁵And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

¹⁶And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

¹⁷And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

¹⁸And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.

¹⁹And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother.

²⁰And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.

²¹And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.

²²And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.

²³And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.

²⁴Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.

²⁵So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:

²⁶Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well:

²⁷And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.

²⁸Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?

²⁹Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

³⁰And the mother of the child said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.

³¹And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.

³²And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.

³³He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord.

³⁴And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.

³⁵Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

³⁶And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

³⁷Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.

Shunamite woman is blessed yet again – with a warning of the 7 year famine which is about to come. And after the famine – the King “just happens” be having the miracles of Elisha read to him – and hearing the story of her son raised from the dead – when she approaches the King. Shunamite woman finds favor with the King and receives not only her land back, but also ALL THE FRUITS OF THE LAND. WOW!

2 Kings 8:1- 6

1Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years. 2And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. 3And it came to pass at the seven years’ end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. 4And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done. 5And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. 6And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

Shunamite blessings:

Good feelings in her heart about helping the true man of God – Elisha (and probably also Gehazi). “A good man is satisfied from himself” Proverbs 14:14
Birth of a son when husband probably too old to have kids or maybe even too old to have relations with his wife
Warning about the coming famine – with the result that her life and family were preserved for those 7 years
Favor with the King after 7 year famine – upon returning to her land, and The Lord orchestrating how the King was asking about Elisha miracles during the moment when she walked in, and The King restoring not only her land – but also all the fruits of the land over the past 7 years.
Think about this – NOBODY ELSE is listed as being warned about this coming famine…just the wife and husband who showed great hospitality and kindness to God’s true prophet and his helper (Elisha & Gehazi). What a major bummer – for the multitudes of Israelites who gave their time and money sacrificially and religiously to support the False Prophets & then – with no warning – tried to survive that entire 7 year famine. Makes me want to REALLY study my Bible so I can know who is true & who to support, and who to show kindness.

Old Testament Bad Guy #1 – Amaziah – False Prophet who Directly Opposed the Prophet Amos & The Word that The Lord had for His people at that time.

See what happens to him…

Amos 7 : Amaziah – Enemy of God’s messenger and his message

⁸And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:

⁹And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.

¹⁰Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.

¹¹For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.

¹²Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:

¹³But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel, and it is the king’s court.

¹⁴Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

¹⁵And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

¹⁶Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.

¹⁷Therefore thus saith the Lord; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.

Old Testament Bad Guy #2 Hananiah – False Prophet who Directly Opposed the Prophet Jeremiah & The Word that The Lord had for His people at that time.

See what happens to him…

Jeremiah 27:1 – 28:17

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

2 Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck,

3 And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;

4 And command them to say unto their masters, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters;

5 I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

6 And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

7 And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

8 And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

9 Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:

10 For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.

11 But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

12 ¶ I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.

13 Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the LORD hath spoken against the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?

14 Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

15 For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

16 Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD’S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

17 Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?

18 But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

19 For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,

20 Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;

21 Yea, thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that remain in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem;

22 They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the LORD; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.

1 ¶ And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,

2 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.

3 Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD’S house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon:

4 And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the LORD: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.

5 Then the prophet Jeremiah said unto the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests, and in the presence of all the people that stood in the house of the LORD,

6 Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD’S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.

7 Nevertheless hear thou now this word that I speak in thine ears, and in the ears of all the people;

8 The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence.

9 The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.

10 ¶ Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck, and brake it.

11 And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.

12 Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.

14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.

15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

16 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.

17 So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

New Testament Stories – One Good Guy & One Bad Guy

New Testament Good Guy : Onesiphorus

2 Timothy 1:16-18

¹⁶The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

¹⁷But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

¹⁸The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Onesiphorus’ blessings:

Apostle Paul praying that The Lord will give him one of the GREATEST blessings you could get – that The Lord will have mercy on him – on Judgment Day.
Honor amongst the believers – and throughout the future of Christiandom – in Paul making note of his kind acts towards the Apostle Paul while he was in Ephesus.

New Testament Bad Guy – Alexander the Coppersmith

2 Timothy 4:14-15

¹⁴Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

¹⁵Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Study God’s Word Diligently – So YOU can confidently identify who is preaching the Truth, and who is not!

As I briefly mentioned earlier, these stories make me want to obey 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. If we get to know it well enough – we will know which preachers and prophets are true, and which are false.

Please do not take this exhortation to know God’s Word lightly. Ponder for a moment – the ratio of false prophets and preachers – throughout history – to those who are true. Think about Micaiah – in 1 Kings 22, when he stood before Ahab, Jehoshaphat and FOUR HUNDRED false prophets – who ALL told those 2 kings that they would have victory in the battle before them. That ratio was 400 to 1. And think about this…really think about this…all the people – the religious people – in ISRAEL – who supported those 400 FALSE prophets. Then, there is Elijah and the Prophets of Baal – and the story when they all tried to call down fire from heaven. How many false prophets in that story (1 Kings 18) – and how many true prophets in that story? Wasn’t it 450 false prophets (IN ISRAEL – which is supposed to contain God’s people) and ONE true prophet. So, we have two examples that provide a ratio of around 400 to 1. But those who were listening closely to the Scriptures they had in those days – would have known that those 400 + prophets were false. So, today – we need to make it a HUGE PRIORITY to REALLY KNOW God’s Word, because (like then) MOST of the preachers today are also telling God’s people lies. Today – like these stories from 2,000 plus years ago, millions of Bible carrying church goers today are supporting False Teachers. And not only are they MISSING OUT on God’s special blessings for those who would support the rare and true messengers of God – they are ALSO bringing judgement upon themselves (2 John 1:11 “For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”) for supporting another gospel and supporting those who are lying to God’s people. Jesus Christ loves those people who are being lied to so much – that He Died on a cruel cross to save them. He gives them life and breath every day – with hopes that they will somehow hear one of God’s true messengers and then turn from those lies and believe His Word, and then be filled with His spirit and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

The bottom line is this: Make it a priority to identify God’s true messengers and do something considerable to help them or bless them. Pull your support away from those who are speaking lies and ask God to forgive you for having supported false teachers – in the past. And while part of you will just want to selflessly support these true preachers and other workers – just because you truly want to please The Lord, another part of you can also know – that SUPPORTING THE TRUE MESSENGERS OF GOD OFTEN HAS THE BIBLICALLY BASED RESULT OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BEING SAVED – IN THE TIMES OF TROUBLE THAT YOU & YOUR FAMILY MAY ENCOUNTER IN YOUR FUTURE! So, I would agree with one old preacher I heard years ago – who called meeting the conditions of promises like this: “Enlightened self-interest”. Do it for the true preachers & also…Do it for the good of yourself and your family. J

And since we are on the topic of Being Saved in Times of Trouble (war, famine, pestilence, etc.), I must take an extra moment to share one of the most incredible scriptures and LIST of precious promises – for those would study God’s Word and allow Him to “Correct” you. I am not sure that I have EVER seen such an incredible list of blessings – for meeting just ONE CONDITION. Many people spend thousands of dollars trying to be “prepared” for the possible emergencies and troubles that could happen to them and their family. The Proverbs do certainly tell us – twice: that “the prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself” (Proverbs 22:3 & 27:12), but as you put aside some extra flashlight batteries, canned food and other items for those kinds of “rainy days”…you really need to also consider the above stories – and the amazing promises in the following passage from Job chapter 5 – if you want your family to be safe – in the time of trouble. Check out the following amazing passage. And when I say “check it out”, I want you to print this verse, and highlight every blessing you get – for meeting this one single condition. In one of my Bibles, I think I actually numbered them. I think I counted 8 blessings – just for allowing God to “Correct” me. How many do you find?

Job 5:17-23

¹⁷Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: ¹⁸For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. ¹⁹He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. ²⁰In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. ²¹Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. ²²At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. ²³For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

Exposing Satan’s Scheme to STEAL from both God’s sheep, and from His true messengers.

After seeing how plainly God has made it – that there is such a great blessing in identifying and heartily assisting God’s true messengers, I am CONVINCED that this is a HUGE PRIORITY in Satan’s kingdom – to do everything he can to:

Keep people from studying God’s Word diligently enough to clearly identify who God’s True messengers even are.
Thru that ignorance (and through Covetousness – for those who actually DO KNOW who God’s true messengers are) Satan wants to ROB people from the blessings of heartily supporting God’s true messengers.
Satan wants to STOP God’s true messengers from doing their work, to hinder that work through lack of funds or having to do other jobs to make ends meet, and to discourage God’s true messengers – thru the frustration of consistent LACK! Satan wants to starve out these true Oxen – so much – that they just want to lay down and QUIT! Sometimes God’s true messengers actually get so frustrated that they just want God to take them home!

God Help us all – who call ourselves Christians – to not let this happen to these dear and True messengers, in Jesus name – for we shall all give account – on the day of Judgment. And May we also embrace the opportunities that The Lord gives us – to heartily assist His true messengers – knowing that The Lord has some VERY Special blessings in store – both in this life, and in the world to come (1 Timothy 4:8) – for those who follow in the footsteps of Ebed-Melech, Barzillai and the Shunamite woman (and her husband). J

Conclusion:

In conclusion, God has graciously spelled out 2 activities that help us to procure safety in the time of trouble, and even eternal favor. Those 2 activities are A) Make it a point to heartily do nice things for God’s True Messengers, and B) Study God’s Word and let it “CORRECT” you.

Something Else Very Important – that I did not see – until AFTER writing this article

(It was not until I reread these passages – yet another time, that I noticed something else very significant. Ebed-Melech, Barzillai and the Shunamite – did not just toss these true men of God a few leftovers. One made a whole extra room on their house & kept it available for whenever they happened to pass by. One risked their life speaking to the King for Jeremiah’s sake, and one gave literally tons of food and stuff – to King David and his men and their families – while on the run from Absalom. None of these 3 just tossed out a couple shekels of silver, or a few loaves of bread. Most of God’s true messengers will be thankful for anyone that decides to help them with any amount or in any way – as they push towards accomplishing the work God has given them to do, and God surely keeps very good accounting – with whatever we do or do not sacrifice – to assist these oxen, who are treading out the heavenly corn for God’s sheep. But do keep in mind the level of sacrifice exhibited by our 3 good examples – as you ponder the true message of what God is trying to teach us – from the above 3 Old Testament stories & New Testament Onesiphorus. The more I think about these good examples, the more I am wanting to consider them Helping Heroes – to God’s true messengers.

I also think of this final verse (in Isaiah 32) sometimes – when I think of this subject. Just make sure you know enough of God’s Word, that you can truly identify who God’s true “Oxen” are.

Isaiah 32:20

²⁰Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.

Closing Prayer

Father in Heaven, Thank you so much for these beautiful truths in your precious Word. We rejoice in them as one who finds GREAT SPOIL! Please help us to discern who your true messengers are, and please guide as to which of them we help – and how we help them. Please also help us to be teachable and to allow your Word to correct us, that the words of our mouths, the meditations of our hearts, and the actions of our lives – may more fully please you. Also, please call many of those who are either preaching lies or supporting false teachers – to repentance and true salvation, and help them to redirect their paths – that they (and we) might all hear you say on That Day…Well Done, thou good and faithful servant. In Jesus name. Any Amens?

PARABLE OF THE TALENTS [podcast]

“Make to Yourselves Friends of the Mammon of Unrighteousness”

Riches and Treasures [podcast]

Angry Street Preacher Warning

Should we Preach “Stop Sinning” or “Repent”?

The Question of Stopping Sin

WHAT COMES FIRST: A) Stopping all sinning, OR B.) Being regenerated (born again) by coming to Jesus in true repentance (laying down your life-the cross)?
What is the Bible’s Prescription for total victory over all sin?
What is the biblical approach to lost sinners?

There is a whole generation of street preachers who are going to the streets to tell lost sinners to “stop sinning”! Is this the biblical approach? While it is a blessing that men go to the streets to reach the lost, it’s also of the utmost importance that we are walking in divine truth in our approach and in our disposition. Approaching Sinners with Compassion

——-HOW COULD A LOST SINNER POSSIBLY “STOP SINNING” before being born again? He simply can’t. Was “stop sinning” the message of Christ and His apostles? Was that the totality of why God sent His only begotten Son to die for us?

Biblical truth tells us that we are born in sin, we have a fallen nature and it’s only the cross that causes overcoming – not denying we have a fallen nature or telling ourselves or others to stop sinning. First and foremost, a human being “must be born again” and then and only then would the topic of overcoming sin even matter. Paul speaks of the fallen nature in Romans 7 and then tells us how we overcome and dominate that old nature in Galatians 2:20 and 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 9:27, etc. The Holy Spirit tells us how to overcome and grants that victory through the daily cross Jesus told us to take up to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). Denial is a smokescreen – the cross is the divine truth and solution to total victory.

EVEN the saved saints of Christ can’t overcome sin without coming to the cross afresh “daily,” as Jesus taught. So where does that leave the lost?

The LORD’s stated priority for His people is that they “abide” in Christ and when they do, all sin will be put away from their lives. As is obvious from the lack of biblical references, His foremost will is not that we stop sinning, which is impossible outside of a true, repentant abiding fellowship and daily communion with Him in His cross. See John 15:1-16. Listen closely to this:

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:5-6

Please pour prayerfully over this above passage beloved saint. Jesus came to put away sin and He does this exclusively through the abiding relationship He ordained us to live with Him. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.”

So, don’t seek to wrestle with your temptation and sins, just repent and seek the face of the LORD – this is the biblical prescription. The only reason a child of God sins in the first place is that he has distanced himself from the LORD – his fellowship with Christ is not as it should be and he is in need of repentance and to have Jesus back as his “first love” (Revelation 2:4-5). Memorize Psalms 27:4, 8; 63:8; 1 Chronicles 16:11b.

God gave His Son in order to give us a relationship with Him first and foremost (John 17:3). Only AFTER He finds and saves us, He grants us the blessed privilege of an abiding relationship with Him through which the fruit of holiness and much more is born (John 15:1-16).

Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery (salvation) THEN He told her to “go and sin no more.” In 2 Corinthians 5:11 Paul said he persuaded men but not by telling them to stop sinning. He never used those words, nor did the other apostles, especially not when addressing lost souls. Jesus told the woman He FIRST forgave to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:10-11). That’s as close as it gets to the message of “stop sinning” and notice what came first and foremost – forgiveness which represents redemption, regeneration, being born again. When Jesus said (commanded) “go, and sin no more,” inherent in that command existed the power to do as He said. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

Go read John 8 and notice how Jesus does and does not treat this sinning woman. He never condemns her which is unlike the self-righteous street preachers today who yell at lost souls and tell them to stop doing something they can’t possibly stop doing until after Christ saves them which comes with a changed nature whereby we “might be partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). It was never the LORD’s design for His people to tell unregenerate lost sinners to stop sinning. Such a privilege which includes living out of a clear, blood-washed conscience is exclusively the gift of God to His own children (Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:9). Anyone who has a basic knowledge of the fallen nature of sinful mankind, and has truly experienced regeneration themselves, should understand this. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 comes to mind as being central in this discussion.

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE: go, and sin no more.” John 8:10-11

For you and I, unworthy to be redeemed and forgiven ourselves, should never take up the self-righteous standpoint of condemning sinners – in attitude or in action. See Titus 3:5-7.

We should ask: What is the underlying motive of going to the streets and telling other men to stop sinning? Is there self-righteousness and pride under-girding this? Is self-righteousness and pride being fostered due to this activity?

The only begotten and sinless Savior, the only man to ever walk the earth sinless, was “moved with compassion”, not hatred, when He beheld lost souls (Matthew 9:35-38).

Also, are we placing a stumbling block in the way of sinners when we bring our own mean-spirited disposition of condemnation to them? What does James 1:20 tell us?

It was only AFTER He forgave this woman caught in adultery that He instructed her to “go, and sin no more” which is a picture of our need to be born again, forgiven, first and foremost. Then the divine ability is present in us by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin. Never before. 1 John 3:6 says: “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” Only those who know and are able to abide in Him are blessed to please God and overcome. Those who live in sin “hath not seen him, neither known him.”

If it were even possible, God could care less if lost souls in futility attempted to stop sinning (an impossibility) when they don’t even know Him. Jesus came that men could repent and know Him and then and only after that fact will He give them His grace to overcome sin. Note whom our LORD tells us are those whom He blessed to overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil:

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5

Never lose site of the fact that it’s only “whatsoever is born of God” that “overcometh the world.”

It would be wise to cease the ridiculous “stop sinning” protest and just preach from a heart of true concern, letting God’s holy Law convict the sinner and bring them to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Win them (Proverbs 11:30). Why don’t we get them saved the Bible way – by Christ alone – and HE (not you!) will give them the divine grace and power to overcome sin! I mean WHY did Jesus even come to die if sinners could stop sinning BEFORE He saved them? Isn’t it time for us to learn the true Gospel? It is unwise to think that Jesus yelled at and condemned the rank sinners. No, He didn’t condemn them but rather was “moved with COMPASSION upon them” (Matthew 9:35-38). God will scale the fish (get them to stop sinning) once you and I allow Him to bring them in the boat! In Matthew 4:19 Jesus says to His own disciples: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” Matthew 4:17-20

When men repent, they are born again and become Christ’s fishermen for souls. They follow Him and He teaches them to win souls. Listen to this:

“And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Luke 5:10

Notice “thou shalt catch men” – that is, get them in the boat. Yet not only is the LORD Jesus the sole Savior (the One who saves) but also the One who sanctifies or scales the fish after He catches (saves) them into His kingdom.

Read the Gospels and please tell me where Jesus ever blasted a regular sinner? Was He not “moved with COMPASSION upon them”? Read Matthew 9:35-38. Was our sinless LORD and Savior not the only One who had the right to condemn sinners and yet He didn’t? Jesus DID condemn the rich and the religious, but never the rank, everyday unsaved heathen. We need a fresh, thorough reading of Scripture. One of the many benefits will be that we see more clearly and cease following the grudge-filled dispositions of other mere men who are possessed by an unwarranted anger at sinners. Memorize James 1:20. Do we not have the need to come away with Christ and to be settled at His feet, listening, following His example? Do we need to reconsider ceasing to follow the willingly misled street preacher posse who are following the evil ways of false teacher Charles Finney?

God bless us to live out of the same unmerited mercy and compassion He showed by coming to die for us “while WE were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8).

—– IT’S a blessing to preach the Word of God on the streets or anywhere people are for that matter …. yet it’s not a blessing to have hatred in our hearts toward those for whom Jesus died and was raised again. Is that what won you to Jesus? Is hatred from condemning “Christians” what wins lost sinners into Christ’s kingdom? Never. Yes, preach the Word and only the Word and yet God is the Judge, not me or you! See 2 Timothy 4:1-4. We must never confuse our place in the LORD’s kingdom economy and realize that we are but servants and are called by Him to be humble in disposition (Colossians 3:12-14, etc.). We have NO righteousness of our own (Romans 7:12). Christ is our ONLY righteousness, period and end of story (2 Corinthians 5:21). He has and still today shows His “great mercy” upon us, unmerited by anything of our own. Check this out: “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” (Ephesians 2:3-5).

PREACHING DIVINE JUDGMENT, HELL, AND THE LAKE OF FIRE ARE BIBLICAL AND YET DOING IT WITH HATE IN OUR HEARTS FOR THOSE SINNERS WE ARE HARSHLY CONDEMNING, IS SIN (JAMES 1:20; 4:8-9, ETC.).

WHY WOULD WE VIEW AND TREAT LOST SINNERS JESUS WANTS TO SAVE AS OUR ENEMIES? DID THEY SIN AGAINST US?!??!??!!! ARE WE “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY,” OR IS THE LORD ALONE “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY”? see ISAIAH 6:3; REVELATION 4:8. ARROGANCE. SOUL DAMNING SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS.

The fact that the LORD is “angry with the wicked” does not mean that He gave mere sinful men (us) the permission or instruction to go angrily yell at and possess hatred toward the lost. Beware of those who run around with hatred in their hearts toward the lost and misuse Psalms 7:11 as a license to do so.

There are those who misuse Psalms 7:11 to justify their own self-righteous hatred for sinners.

“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.” Psalms 7:11-12

This passage must be taken in conjunction with the whole of Holy Scripture. There is no hint of an instruction for us to be angry with the wicked in Psalms 7:11. It merely says God is angry with them and wants sinners to turn to Him before it’s too late (v. 12).

When John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostle Peter preached “Repent,” it was just that – “Repent.” They didn’t say “Repent and stop all sinning.” Why? Because stopping sinning is not possible until one repents. It’s only then that the new creature in Christ can “bring forth fruit” meet for (consistent with) their repenting (Matthew 3:7-10). It was only AFTER Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery that He commanded her to “go, and sin no more,” right? Yes. First, He forgave her which repents salvation (John 8). Of necessity, in the divine economy, repentance is a gift from God and comes before a holy life. Such divine order must be kept intact, or the original Gospel will be perverted (Revelation 22:18-19).

Today, we have a whole cult of street preachers who somehow justify hating sinners. When they say “Repent and stop all sinning,” it’s with no concern in their hearts that those sinners repent. In the inflection, the attitude of their voice, it seems apparent that they desire those sinners they’re yelling at to go to hell and feel self-righteous by harshly reminding them of such a horrible, irreversible fate. When Jesus called men to “Repent” it was in utter concern of heart that He did so, weeping, longing, and desiring for those precious eternal souls to be saved because He is “not willing that ANY should perish” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) … “The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Today some among us want to call down fire from Heaven to destroy lost souls who are currently in rebellion. This is what Christ’s own disciples did in their early days of immaturity. Listen to Jesus please:

“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Luke 9:49-56

Jesus rebuked His 12 when they possessed this unwarranted, hateful disposition toward others.

“I think of the sweet lady and my sister and one of my best friends telling me about Jesus! They knew this wonderful person who knew everything they had ever done! Could this be the Messiah? They told me about Him in concern for my soul, in concert with the one they trusted! How this must break God’s heart! It breaks mine! See how Satan operates? The counsel of hell goes something like this: ‘If compassion is working for true preachers let’s send out false preachers to confuse and anger the masses!’ Thank you for sharing this brother!” CK

Stop Sinning? How?

Where’s the compassion with these sign-waving, yelling preachers who never actually WIN souls… but rather just condemn them by telling them to do something they cannot possibly do – stop sinning?

Knowing Christ is what pleases God, not just trying to stop doing the mechanics (transgression, actual act) of sin.

The main point of this post is to confront the “stop sinning” protesting. Even if a rank sinner or backslider possibly could stop sinning …. that would not please God. “The LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). It’s about relationship says Christ (John 17:3, etc.).

So, they walk away thinking God just wants them to perform?

That’s not the biblical approach brother. We must study closer Christ’s and His apostle’s interaction and instructions in this matter.

Yes, and the Word tells us to WIN souls … what is being addressed in this post is how many of the street preachers are not even intending to WIN those souls… but rather simply yelling at them, hurling condemnations.

The law is to be used to convict the sinner, not signs telling them to stop sinning. Sinners are sinners “by nature” (Ephesians 2:3) and it’s the Law that convicts them, not us.

MODERN STREET PREACHERS BUSTED! In light of the biblical prescription for holiness – the cross – those who go on the streets and tout their ridiculous “STOP SINNING!” signs are seen to be completely in the flesh. And that’s what they are – of the flesh. And, that’s exactly why these unholy men are standing on the streets demanding that sinners do the impossible – STOP SINNING! Jesus says, “Come unto me” and His apostles and church say “Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Here’s the whole verse: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

The LORD told us that as we follow Him He’ll make us to become fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). When God saves a soul, He makes them a saint and it’s only then that they can overcome sin through an abiding relationship with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; John 15).

QUESTION ASKED:

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). You think it’s wrong to tell a man you must turn from sin, if you to turn to God?

REPLY:

Hi brother. No, that is not wrong. That is correct … yet it’s not correct or seen in Scripture where Jesus or the apostles or early church told lost souls to stop sinning. That is no different than telling a bear to stop going to the bathroom in the woods … sinners are that way “by nature” (Ephesians 2:3), and until their nature is changed, which only God can do, they cannot possibly stop sinning. Even if they could it’s not enough because “ye must be born again” or receive “the washing of regeneration” which is where God makes His new child a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). It’s only then that “all things are made new” and that person is now in Christ’s kingdom, granted His grace and Spirit and enabled to live pleasing to Him…not before. There is no salvation without regeneration which is synonymous with being “born again” (John 3:3, 7; Titus 3:5-6).

COMMENTS FROM STREET PREACHER CONFRONTED FOR TELLING SINNERS TO “STOP SINNING” BEFORE THEY GET SAVED OR IN ORDER TO BE SAVED:

“Then why does Jesus condemn people in the Bible? Why would God command them to cleanse themselves? Is repenting a work? Is ‘cleanse your hands you sinners’ a work? Is surrendering a work? See James for details…His sacrifice requires our obedience. Who are you to say I or Finney are not in Christ? How do you judge that righteously?”

REPLY:

See what you think …. food for thought if nothing else ….

The Gospel command begins with one word – “repent” and God changes the hearts of men AFTER that fact. Standing up and preaching, “Stop sinning” is not the way the LORD and His apostles and early church approached sinners. They have to have a regenerated spirit before they can stop sinning. we must allow God to clean the fish He uses us to catch.

The Gospel doesn’t begin with “stop sinning” but “repent.” There are no verses that say sinners are to stop sinning before or in order to get saved. There are none, friend.

One must be in Christ to stop sinning or else He came in vain. I pray God opens your eyes to this truth …. Finney was a false teacher.

Charles Finney: False Teacher

I didn’t say you aren’t in Christ. Finney taught falsely and yes, I said it … standing on two feet – on the Rock of divine authority – the Holy Scriptures. The fact that you are reacting to Finney being called out is concerning.

“Finney told sinners to present THEIR righteousness to God. But in the gospel God does some presenting too. He has presented Christ as a propitiation, Romans 3: 25. Finney insisted that Christ ‘could not … obey as our substitute,’ yet he repeatedly said that Christ’s death was vicarious.” Charles Finney, Lecture 8, “Obedience to the Moral Law” p. 364

Eternal life was earned by Christ, not on our merit.

Many of those in street preacher circles today are largely influenced by his false teachings. The initial obedience is repenting, according to the record of Scripture, not the futile attempt to stop sinning. One’s nature must first be changed by the LORD.

Stop sinning by your own will? No one can stop sinning until God saves them. And no sinner can cease being a sinner in their spiritual state until the LORD makes them a new creature in Christ, regenerating them (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Titus 3:3-7).

Yes, repentance is an essential and it precedes the fruit of good works after they are saved, not before.

“He that WINNETH souls is wise” (Prov 11:30), not he that condemningly yelleth at them.

You say, “BUT, BUT, BUT Jesus said, ‘Go and Sin No More’!”

“Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11 KJV).

NOTE THE ORDER lest you put forth an imbalance as some are doing. Jesus FIRST forgave the woman and THEN and only THEN did He tell her to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). God first has to do a work – the work of regeneration – in men, before they can fulfill His will and please Him.

You are not winning souls for Christ when you first demand that sinners stop sinning. When Jesus saw the lost multitudes, was He moved with condemnation and contempt or with compassion? See Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus harshly rebuked the rich and the religious, but never the rank heathen. If we are going to be biblical, we must approach sinners with compassion and allow the law to convict them … “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).

Angry Street Preachers

SINLESS PERFECTIONISM: WHOSE Righteousness are You Trusting? [podcast]

Salvation, justification, overcoming sin all come by way of the mercy of God, the divinely enabling grace of God, and the cross, the daily crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 3:24-26; 4:4-5; 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; 3:1-3; Titus 3:5-7, etc.). It does not come by mere self-determination or self-will. Don’t strive. Surrender. Beware of the sinless perfectionism mob. Beloved, God found us, in our sins, and saved us into His eternal kingdom! (Romans 5:6-9; 1 John 4:19). We didn’t find Him. He found us! Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen […]

Sinlessly Perfect? I Doubt it [podcast]

Yes the LORD commands His people to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Yet we should ask whether or not His desire is for His people to tout to others that they are “sinlessly perfect” or does His Word rather reveal that His people are to be dependent upon Him through the humility of Christ and crucified life He ordained us to walk in? Did the apostles walk around telling people they were sinlessly perfect? No. Didn’t Paul confess his own utter poverty of spirit outside of the saving, present grace of Christ? Yes. (Romans 7:18, 24, […]

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Mission Mexico Part 48

THE NEXT 20,000 JESUS TRACTS ARE NOW BEING PRINTED!

Money for the next 20,000 JESUS tracts as come in!

“On it’s way via Paypal. Happy to be able to help supply those, and that you have provided a way and members of our family to distribute them…so, can I say also: GONE FISHING for the Lord.

As I am no longer physically able to go fishing in person, thank you for finding and equipping those who are. As we all work together in THE FAMILY OF GOD, for the final round-up. Praying for a huge round-up, and that each and every tract sends the Holy Spirit right into their hearts and souls. Bless you Brother Todd.

I always loved Acts 16:31 – Then I pray that those who were touched, then spread it to their families and friends, so that “You and your household may be saved.” Crystal

Below is one picture and part of the ministry of beloved brother Jaime and his 2 sons who are pastor. They live near Mexico City. More coming on their ministering, which we are now blessed to serve, support.

As “labourers TOGETHER with God“, saints “WE” are now supporting pastor Jaime’s ministry work in another part of Mexico.

Your prayers and support are the fuel. “Ask and ye shall receive…” Matthew 7:7

God is good. | Mission Mexico

Brother Mark was miraculously, by divine appointment approached by this beloved brother – Jaime and his wife Luisa who were in town celebrating their wedding anniversary. Brother Jaime is a pastor and their whole family serves our LORD. Their 2 sons who are pastors also. This couple was having a Bible study when they met Mark. They loved the JESUS tract and so brother Mark called me and I brought over nearly a whole box of them to this beloved couple (appr 1200). Jaime and Luisa were thrilled and it looks like this may be another case where we are blessed to support the LORD’s people in doing His work!!!! They were intent on staying connected and so we exchanged contact information. God is moving saints.

Jaime, Luisa, and there 2 sons live in a city outside of Mexico City. The Gospel of Jesus is spreading all over Mexico! They have a church and also a ministry outreach to the broken!

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

Genuine Gospel, Great Commission ministries give the members of the body of Christ the opportunity to obey Jesus by laying up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Notice in this passage that Jesus commanded His people to lay up treasure, in Heaven, not on earth.

Would you like to pause and lift Saul in prayer?

Concerning the love offering that came in to print the new batch of 20k JESUS tracts….

“My heart is filled with some much joy that you will be ordering these Jesus tracts. God is so very good! I am praising God for this sister in Christ and her love for Jesus! We are team Jesus! And for the Mexican people’s humble and meek spirits to be so open to the gospel that can save their soul from hell! Look up for our redemption draws near! Very soon we will see our Savior face to face!” Karen Cochran

“Glory to God brother! What wonderful news to hear that support and supply has been furnished by the Lord Jesus Christ through his disciples and blood bought people 🙏 who love the LORD 💞” Jon Crane

Saints, we’re not going to beg or try to manipulate anyone but rather just give out of what we have – and that Gospel fuel comes from Heaven via Christ’s saints …. to the poor and needy, who need God’s love and Word and in some cases, something to eat and a cold water, etc

No doubt that it’s easy to declare on social media that we love and stand for our LORD. And every disciple should! Yet who are we proclaiming Christ to, today, in our real life? Who are we tract-ing? Who’s hearing the Gospel of Jesus through us?

“He that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

I wonder what Jesus would do in the life that looks up to Heaven today by faith and says “Please prepare and send me dear LORD Jesus! Let’s roll Jesus!”

Brother Juan, an elder in Christ, continues daily ministering our LORD’s Gospel, meeting and exhorting, feeding, and sending forth more Gospel laborers for Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; Ephesians 4:11-12). We are super blessed saints, to support our brother Juan and a growing list of Christ’s disciples here in Mexico. Here’s another one. Brother Alejandro. Juan writes: ‘Praying for my brother Alejandro; he wants to serve God and others. Amen.'” Juan the Evangelist

Mission Mexico

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

Here’s our brother Juan speaking in this video below:

Recently, brother Mark told me that he never feels more at peace than when he is spreading our LORD’s Gospel, handing out Gospel tracts and communicating with people that Jesus died for their sins ….

Our LORD is using each of His beloved saints, daily, and for His eternal glory.

And it’s just begun.

The LORD is perfecting that which concerns your life in Him.

“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalms 138:8

“Praise Jesus for the word of God growing in the hearts of the people. Daniel 12:3. You guys are God’s shining stars who bring the gospel of hope to the people. Praying!” Karen Cochran

A few days ago, sister Maria called to let me know she was out of JESUS tracts and so I was blessed delivered another 2,000 JESUS tracts to her.

41,000 in print and over 35,000 distributed thus far in Mexico. Getting ready to be 61,000 JESUS tracts in print. Hundreds going out daily.

Brother Juan ministers all day long as he travels between towns and interacts with numerous people…. every day. Christ’s Gospel message flows from this brother like a river. He also ministers to hundreds at a local jail/prison. Thank you for lifting our brother in prayer and for considering supporting. Jesus is coming saints. Let’s roll. Recently brother Mark delivered another box of 2,000 JESUS tracts to Juan.

We are boots on the ground supporting our LORD’s saints, Gospel laborers, here in Mexico (Matthew 9:35-38). Your prayers and support are the fuel of Heaven (Philippians 1:19).

See more Gospel action here at Mission Mexico

LAST WEEK: I answered the knock at my door today and there were appr. 10-12 well dressed (uniforms) health care canvassers going through this neighborhood. Each of them readily received the spoken Word and JESUS tracts. Absolute success in sowing the message of our LORD Jesus’ Gospel. 100% reception. God is good.

As usual, here in Mexico, there was complete desire to hear the words of Jesus and no negative resistance whatsoever. These beloved souls eagerly listened and heard (in Spanish) Jesus’ Gospel preached …. that hell is forever, that Jesus died for our sins, and to please repent and receive Jesus Christ today…. all while pointing to the prayer of repentance and faith on the back of the JESUS tract. God is good yes.

God’s people are obediently and with His love and great joy planting the seed of His Word in the hearts of men today. 1 Peter 1:23; Isaiah 55:11; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Your prayers coveted for the fruitfulness and supply of this ministry outreach. “We preach Christ crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Would you like to pause and lift a prayer for a young man named Gonzo? He’s seen the fruit of the Holy Spirit in several of Christ’s saints here and is wanting to get right with God.

It’s a blessing that with your prayers, love, and financial support, you are declaring that “The People of Mexico Matter for Christ—He died to save them!”

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

IF YOU WANT TO PLEASE SATAN …..

MAKE SURE you do NOT support authentic evangelistic ministries that are literally, actually getting Christ’s Gospel to the lost souls of this world.

The apostle Paul did “the work of an evangelist” and instructed us to do the same.

“Preach the word … But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2, 5

Our KING is coming saints, King JESUS!

Let’s roll beloved of God!

in Christ

todd

More Mexico Mission Action here.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options

Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

America

America is Under Divine Judgment [podcast]

Chasing the American dream all the way to hell? Are you bowing before your Maker who came and died to save you from sin and this world? Or, are you bowing before “old glory—the red, white, and blue”?

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17

Every person reading these very words is making his eternal bed in Heaven or in hell.

“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14

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

Those bowed truly before Christ and no idol, are about His “business” which is the Great Commission He gave us! Oh, and He holds you fully accountable to obey, to do it. Read the very end of Matthew and Mark.

If you are not deliberately, integrally involved in the Great Commission mandate Jesus gave His people, you are out of the will of God.

Evangelism! (Mark 16:15-20) Teaching God’s Word (Matthew 28:18-20).

AMERICA’S ENEMY INVASION

In the Bible, we read of how God allowed foreign empires like the Assyrians and Babylonians to invade, conquer, and exile Israel and Judah as a form of divine discipline and covenant judgment for their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and refusal to repent.

One source notes:

“The Theological Framework of Judgment

- The Covenant: God made a conditional agreement (covenant) with ancient Israel. Obedience brought protection and blessing; disobedience brought explicit warnings of national defeat and dispersion (e.g., Deuteronomy 28).
- Using Foreign Nations: Prophets like Isaiah and Habakkuk explain that God sovereignly used ruthless empires (calling Assyria the “rod of my anger”) as instruments of correction against His own unfaithful people.
- The Limits of Judgment: While God used these empires to punish Israel, the Bible notes He also held those invading nations accountable for their own extreme cruelty, arrogance, and subsequent destruction (e.g., Isaiah 10, Jeremiah 50–51).”

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS TO ANY NATION THAT FORSAKES GOD. – “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalms 9:17). America is under divine judgment. See Jeremiah 18.

“The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. 17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:16-17

“At what instant” (marked space in time)

It seems God has His timing in judging nations and history records…..

It is more than obvious that America is not repenting. If that’s the case, what future does America have?

Jeremiah 18:7-10

“At what instant (marked place in time) I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;

8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;

10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.”

How does He judge?

Does He not lift His hand of protection and allow invaders? Read Jeremiah 5-7. This morning as I begin again reading these 3 chapters, what’s happening in America seems to fit for sure. And no president can save America from the LORD’s judgment. The only hope would be the true repentance of the people.

What Bible verse or passage comes to your mind when you think of being possessed by an eternal perspective? How about this one?

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

PRAYER: My Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please imbue this Your vessel with the eternal perspective Your Word communicates. Bless me to be a consummate soul winning person, with my hands gripping the plow of Your Great Commission command. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Why would we put our hope in a country that belongs to our arch enemy? (2 Corinthians 4:4). As scripture clearly tells us this earth will vanish like smoke (Isaiah 51:6). We are looking for a new heaven and new earth! (Revelation 21). Where God will dwell among us! We will be His people and drink from the fountain of life forever and ever! That is my hope! Not this wicked fallen world!” Karen Cochran

"We're Watching The Collapse of America in Real Time" [podcast]

Greatest Country in the World? – such a statement and others are the glue that holds the enslaved to their slave masters. And there was many more. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17 America has for at least decades rejected God, even those who claim they are saved. They are bound for eternal damnation. They are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Is America what it used to be? I think not. […]

THE AMERICAN DREAM DELUSION: Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30 Jesus didn’t come to the earth to seek His own will or dream His own dreams but rather to do the will of His Father. “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.” Luke 22:41-42 Christ’s apostle […]