LOTS OF PAGANISM AND LIES SURROUNDING CHRISTMAS AND YET LOTS OF GRAND OPPORTUNITY TOO, RIGHT?
Are you more busy bashing the paganism surrounding Christmas than you are intently building up the body of Christ and evangelizing the lost?
Many specialize in cursing the darkness and yet Jesus chose to come straight into the darkness and die for our sins, for all of us previous pagans.
WHAT could happen if you spent that same energy in prayer, Bible prep, and evangelism?
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15
WHEN is the last time you personally led someone to Jesus?
“He that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
SANTA CLAUS IS A LIE BUT NOT THE COMING OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH.
“Thank you for posting this. Excellent biblical explanation. Last year was the first I had heard it was a sin to celebrate Christmas because according to them Jesus wasn’t born on Dec. 25th. And there was so much shaming going on! Just as they did telling people they were in sin because they voted. And I believe the same ones who say in God’s economy you are never to divorce. Somehow they have put themselves above everyone else! Hypocrites.” Karen Cochran | The sin of self-righteousness will damn the soul (Matthew 21:31).
The angels and wise men celebrated the coming of Christ. Since when would it be inappropriate to celebrate Heaven’s KING? Is is okay with you if God’s people celebrate JESUS – every aspect of Him, His life – every days except December 25th? WHERE does the Bible say that if one of God’s people celebrate Christ on December 25th, they are going to hell?
Why shouldn’t God’s people insert His truth into everything, at all times? – EVERY day of the year, including December 25! Isn’t that what Jesus meant when He said we are His light and salt in the earth? (Matthew 5:13-16) God is good and God is able! Ask Him to use you during this period of the year!
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
Most of the Christ-mass “celebration” is poisoned with paganism. Yet, what should God’s people be doing during this season? Should they spend their time and energies protesting or should they obey the LORD by preaching His saving Gospel? May God open doors for us to preach His Gospel during this season – Shining His holy light into the sin-darkened hearts of men so they can see the glory of Christ Jesus our LORD and Savior.
From David Taylor:
“Mighty ancient angels, Wise wealthy Pagan magicians, Hebrew Shepherds poor, animals, parents and relatives, were all drawn to this Divinely orchestrated event – the birth of the Messiah into flesh. And even today His truth still sounds, ‘If I shall be lifted up I shall draw all men unto me’. Rejoice!! Our Savior and King is alive forevermore!! Serve Him. Are you and yours ready for His imminent return and judgment? May God continue to bless as you serve the Lord Jesus. In Christ’s love,” David
KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE: True disciples celebrate Jesus 24/7/365. So, why not be wise and use this season, the gatherings of friends and family for whom Jesus died, as a place to shine Christ’s light, instead of cursing the darkness. Perspective: The whole world is pagan 24/7/365. So if you’re going to protest paganism, perhaps it should be year round. Jesus came and died and rose again to save the world which was already under divine condemnation (Luke 9:56; John 3:17). He called the sinners, pagans, to repentance, to follow Him. Our LORD spent little time exposing the details of the sin of the world. When judging, Christ’s central targets were the rich and the religious.
Are lost souls going to hell because they celebrate Christmas OR because they have not yet been saved?
Perhaps we should be more careful not to jump off on someone elses anx, to join their pagan-bashing crusade. Is that what Jesus and His apostles came to do? We do well to memorize and be transformed by the words of our LORD when He stated:
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17
Later in this same discourse, Jesus says:
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth (remains) on him.” John 3:36
Notice in John 3:36 (above) that divine condemnation is already upon all of the lost, the pagans. It’s ONLY when they believe on Christ that they are saved by His grace – and God sent us to communicate His glorious Gospel, Good News to them.
Didn’t Christ come to save the sinners? Were the world, the pagans, not already in darkness when Jesus came? Wasn’t that why He came? – to bring men out of darkness into His glorious light? (Acts 26:18; 1 Timothy 1:15)
WHY Did Jesus Come to the Earth?
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
QUESTION ASKED:
“Should Christians celebrate Christmas?”
REPLY:
There is no question that Christmas is and has been paganized from the beginning. And one thing is for certain: Christians are not to lie to their children by making “santa claus” a part of this season no more than a Christian would make rabbits and eggs a part of Christ’s resurrection (pagan easter). Show chapters and verses where it’s a sin to celebrate any part of the life of Christ please ….. Those who quietly celebrate Jesus during this season don’t need others infringing on their God-given right / liberty to do such – Read Rom. 14. Rom. 14 says that infringing on another believer’s God given liberty is a sin…. This is a non-essential issue and that is exactly what Paul is addressing in Romans 14. BTW: This disciple, by Christ’s grace participates in no paganism involving this season.
Rich Brown writes: “Sadly, while everybody says that Jesus is reason for this season, I observed that santa claus is more popular than Jesus. Some parents lied and fooled their children by teaching them a fictional character who doesn’t exist. If you are a true born again believer and know your Bible, you will not teach your children such foolishness!”
YOU GOING TO WALK AROUND ALL MAD ABOUT CHRISTMAS OR ARE YOU GOING TO PREACH THE GOSPEL DURING THIS SEASON?
A common objection from novices is “Christmas is pagan!” True, yet is the birth of the eternal WORD pagan?
Should we cease cursing the darkness and instead begin to obey Jesus by shining His glorious light right in the middle of that darkness? After all, darkness abounds upon the whole earth, every day for 6,000 years. Think about that. Cursing the darkness benefits no one except satan. Perhaps we should prayerfully consider letting the light of Christ in us to begin to shine brighter and brighter into the darkened hearts of fallen men.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Is getting mad going to help anyone get saved? If so, why not be mad 365 days a year since this whole fallen world is inundated with paganism. Is that how Jesus and His apostles lived? OR, did they simply preach the light of truth into this dark world? The whole fallen world we live in is pagan 365. Glad Jesus didn’t curse the darkness and say “heck no, let them all perish.” We must beware of self-righteousness. Jesus says the harlots will go to Heaven before the religious self-righteous (Matthew 21:31).
THE POINT IS THAT IF WE ARE GOING TO SPEND ALL OUR TIME PROTESTING THE OBVIOUS PAGANISM IN CHRISTMAS AND EASTER, THEN LET’S BE CONSISTENT AND JUST LIVE TO PROTEST EVERYTHING, YEAR ROUND, BECAUSE THIS FALLEN WORLD IS PACKED FULL OF PAGANISM EVERYWHERE WE LOOK AND GO, DAILY. IS THAT WHAT JESUS DID? IS THAT WHAT HIS APOSTLES DID? IS THAT WHAT THEY TOLD US TO DO? NO. NO. NO.
Another common objection: “But we aren’t to partake in the evil of this world!” Yet Jesus said and did a whole lot more about being the salt and light of the world than preaching against paganism, didn’t He? Are we so busy protesting the obvious paganism that we aren’t preaching/communicating the light of Christ?
The true body of Christ worships Jesus Christ 24/7/365! Amen LORD.
Jim Gilles writes:
“I love bashing anti Christmas Nazis who violate Romans 14 with their admitted arguments from silence. The anti Christmas Nazis need to learn that where there is no law there is no sin. That is why your personal opinions and convictions have no weight nor bearing upon anyone else.”
What Jim is getting at in the quote above is the way some get so enraged against the paganism of this season that they don’t afford liberty in the non essential of celebrating Jesus in this time of year.
“The world is dying and going to hell while ‘deep thinkers’ (street preachers) are sending them to hell over celebrating the birth of their Savior. Imagine that.” Dean Roy
What does God’s Word tell us about NON-essentials? Liberty in NON-Essentials.
Where is celebrating ANY part of Christ a sin? Chapters and verses please … also did God rebuke those who celebrated the birth – the prophesied first coming of Christ? Where does Scripture say celebrating any part of Christ is a sin? …. As a non-essential, it’s up to the individual believer and we are in sin to contest such and thereby destroy the work of Christ for a non-essential. We know it’s non-essential because He never named it as a sin. “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4) Birthday? nahhhh we are talking about celebrating Christ’s first coming – His prophesied, essential, all-important birth by way of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). Are Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2 in the Bible?
If you are going to protest the paganism in Christmas well you should change the names you call months and days…. right? They are all of pagan origin! Why not use this season to love people into His blessed kingdom?
Some people act as if Satan invented December 25 and that he owns it. So, they play right into his evil hands by not celebrating Jesus during this season. Instead of spreading His holy light in the darkness they are over emphasizing and acting as if Satan and paganism are greater than the light of Christ. So, they spend their time policing other Christians on this non-essential instead of praying and preaching the light of truth. No one gets saved by Christians protesting but rather by anointed born again disciples PREACHING – “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:21) So some say the Bible never says we are to celebrate Christ’s birth and yet the Bible also never shows us where Jesus, His apostles, or other Christians rebuked others for celebrating the birth of Jesus which is prophesied by Jesus long before He came – through the prophets (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7, etc.). Christ and His apostles spent little time going on and on about obvious paganism ….. go read how Paul those pagans on marrs hill in Acts 17. He spend little time or energy detailing their error. He simply moved their faith from idols to Christ! Preaching is a million times more the answer than protesting. Preaching the light of truth exposes the darkness better than any picketing. When the LORD saved this wretched soul, I never once returned to the pagan catholic church, not once. I am forever grateful for the Christians who simply preached the holy light of Christ to me. They never once mentioned the paganism and idolatry that is roman catholicism ……
Question: Is your tirade against the obvious paganism of christmas winning anyone to Jesus? … the whole fallen world we live in is jammed packed full of paganism …. so should we protest all that paganism 365 day per year or just start preaching the light of truth/Christ into it all the darkness? Learning this lesson myself, continually.
The prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus the Messiah’s birth! There could be no bigger news except “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Christ could never have died for us, accomplishing redemption, had He not come to the earth. In fact, over 300 prophecies of Christ were given in the Old Testament and several dealt with His first coming, exactly where He would be born (Micah 5:2), that He’d be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), that He’d be divine – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6-7), etc. Did Christ not split time in half when He was born? Oh and what about the joy in Elizabeth, John the Baptist and a whole host of others in the early chapters of Matthew and Luke concerning the birth of the Messiah?
While Christmas is filled with paganism, it is not a sin to celebrate the fulfilled Bible prophecy of Jesus coming to the earth. The angels and shepherds, etc. celebrated and welcomed the coming of the prophesied Messiah without which He could not have been made flesh, dwelt among us, or died to redeem us! God is so good! John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb at the announcement of the birth, the coming of Jesus! (Luke 1:41-45)
QUESTION ASKED:
“But does the Bible tell us to celebrate Jesus’ birth?”
REPLY:
Well we can celebrate any and all parts of the life of our LORD Jesus. If He had not be born into the earth (of a virgin) He could never have died, been buried, and raised again for our justification, right? The wise men celebrated His birth and so did the angels, and many others.
Louise Scarborough notes: “The Wise men celebrated HIS BIRTH and brought HIM Gifts. HIS birth is a wondrous event and should be celebrated. Who would not Celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Savior when we celebrate our own! That has nothing to do with the secular world celebration the concept of Santa Claus. That is what needs to be separated and the honor and given to Christ.”
The LORD will lead each of His children in what they do during this season. Some people would have you believe that paganism and Satan are so powerful that the so called Christmas season isn’t even God’s it’s Satan’s. These people act as if Satan is more powerful than the Almighty.
Regrettably, it seems that some people seem to be identified only by what they are against.
Is someone who partakes in Christmas going to hell? Yes or no please? Doesn’t this come under the non-essentials that are addressed in places like Romans 14?
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4
In case you are wondering, no this disciple does not participate in Christmas other than celebrating and sharing Jesus. If we just stick to Scripture …. perhaps reading the beginning of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke ….. and celebrating the first coming of Christ as we look forward to His blessed second coming.
One man insisted that it is a sin to celebrate the birth of the very Son of God after He was born. To this I replied:
“Give one Scripture that tells us it’s a sin to celebrate the eternal, divine Word becoming flesh and for that matter, any part of the life of Christ. You sound very self-righteous friend ….. and need to humble yourself and remain teachable. There is no sin in celebrating the Son of God in any aspect of His life…. pre-incarnate, birth, life on earth, mission, death burial and resurrection, ascension, return, etc. Paul spoke of His birth Galatians 4:4… Yes He came for the ultimate purpose of dying to accomplish perfect salvation ….. yet He had to come to do such …. in the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4) … the point is that people seem to be making stuff up … there is no Scripture that forbids appreciating any part of the Son of God’s existence.
If we would receive a greater portion of God’s grace – His divine influence on our hearts – we would cease making an issue out of these type things and simply use this season and the occasions afforded to minister His Love and truth. As a born again New Testament believer we are “ambassadors for Christ” and celebrate the coming of Christ into the world – and also died on the cross, was buried, and rose again from the dead! (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20) … Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2, etc. 1 Timothy 1:15….. Why not use this season as an opportunity to share the first coming of Christ and preach the second coming. Share the 10 Commandments to convict the sinner and then the saving Gospel (Good News) of Christ! It’s good to be aware of the pagan aspects of this season and avoid them and just use it as an opportunity to spread God’s love and truth by communicating His Word as we are brought together with friends and family. Preach! Use this as a springboard saints – YES, Jesus was born and YES He came to die to give us life! (John 3:16) Preach! Pray for open doors – open hearts to receive His Word! Ask the LORD and He will surely open up many opportunities for you to communicate His Word. Just watch. “Here I am LORD, send me!” (Isaiah 6) WHY DID JESUS COME? Let Holy Scripture answer this all important question! PREPARE: Memorize specific Bible verses and own them – until they just roll off your lips effortlessly! (Proverbs 22:17-21)
No, I do not personally partake of paganism 24/7/365 and will absolutely and prayerfully ask God to open hearts and use me to speak into the hearts of men in this dark world. I want to spend more time celebrating and communicating Jesus than cursing paganism ….. paganism is everywhere Christianity is not and the only solution is to shine Christ’s light into those dark places. Matt 5:13-16
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Here’s the crux: So Satan has perverted the reason for which Christ was born into the earth in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7). If in fact you are so insightful about the paganism in Christmas, why not use that for an occasion to preach the real divine reason that God sent for us His only begotten Son? (John 3:16) Why not use this occasion to show people the real reason Jesus came – to reconcile fallen mankind to our Maker?
Have you ever seen anyone get saved because some Christians protested Christmas? Heck, the Jehovah Witness cult protests Christmas and we know for sure they are hell bound.
Look, in this fallen world we are surrounded with pagan idolatry every single day of the year and yet, did God call us to make that the main issue or did He call us to communicate His holy Law to convict and Blessed Gospel to save? Is God going to judge us for how intricately we knew the work of the enemy or by how we obeyed Him to communicate His truth in love? Great Commission.
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
If we are so up tight about how pagan Christmas is and not on fire, praying to be able to communicate Jesus, perhaps this just shows how self-righteous and immature we are. Being up tight about Christmas comes from spending too much studying something other than God’s Word.
Jesus calls us to speak His light into the darkness in this fallen world and not to sit in the seat of the scornful by cursing the darkness (Psalms 1). If we are so spiritual that we see how sin and Satan have ravaged people, why not help them by giving them Jesus who is the solution?
“In Season”
Consider this…..BEWARE OF THE CHRISTMAS BASHERS, HEROES IN THEIR OWN MINDS … WHO COME OUT OF THE WOODWORKS EVERY DECEMBER. Many of these same lame novice legalists say nothing of the other obvious, blaring corruptions and yet self-congratulate themselves with their bashing of Christmas… which is pretty much a non-essential (Romans 14). CLUE: There is paganism all around us 24/7/365 – and Jesus came into this same darkness to be the SOLUTION! John 3:17 …. Instead of simply preaching JESUS in and out of season (all the time) they resort to bashing Christmas. Mark this: You won’t find one of these Christmas bashers whose led someone to Jesus in the last year! Fake Watchmen …. Discern ….. They create and sustain their identity by what they are against instead of what they are for … Paul did 2/3rds preaching and teaching and 1/3 warning. See Colossians 1:28 and beware of those who do not lovingly teaching God’s Word but rather just bash everything and everyone! There ARE things and people to be exposed … yet if that’s a person’s whole and only M.O. (mode of operation), beware.
Christians should celebrate Christ every single day they are alive on His earth.
Is this a “season”? Yes. Christmas “season” right? Then what are we instructed to do at all times – in all seasons?
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2
I wonder what God could do and who He would save if we did less condemning Christmas and more communicating Christ. Jesus commanded us to go preach everywhere and not to go protest everything.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
When we are still spiritually immature, we want to make an issue out of error instead of looking past it when speaking with sinners, making sure we don’t cast a stumbling block in their path. Jesus would have us to simply communicate the Law and Good News so they can be saved before it’s too late (Isaiah 55:6-7). God wants the cross in our lives saints (Colossians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Many times when we are so adamant about protesting paganism, we are being self-righteous and putting self first instead of the sinners Jesus came and died to save. He has put them in front of us in order to hear the Gospel.
Jesus taught that it is wrong to over emphasize a minor (lesser priority) and under emphasize a major.
“Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” Matthew 23:24
STOP PROTESTING AND START PREACHING! … Some who pretend to be spiritually mature seem to develop their identity around what they are against instead of taking EVERY opportunity to obey God by “preach(ing) the word” in and out of season! for which we shall all give account (2 Timothy 4:1-4). Please share.
Is God not greater than paganism? Those who spend all their energy coming against Christmas seem to have more faith in paganism than in God Himself – who in your case and that of many others, can and does move anytime, anywhere HE so chooses!!! His Word is always His Word … For example, all that paganism that has crept in has not and never will erode from all the great songs that are Bible songs concerning the birth of the very Son of God and we hear them on even secular radio stations…. many of these songs have no paganism in them … so can God use His Word in those songs that are played during this time? Yes, whether these prudes like it or not. He never asked them either way…. Again, some see only the evil in everything … they seem to vainly imagine that THEY control God instead of vice versa ….. why not just go be the light in this dark world which is dark from Jan-Dec every year. I would ask them when is the last time they actually led someone to Jesus ….. No one gets led to Jesus by our protesting … This is a maturity issue and God is calling His people to ask Him to bless them to “grow in grace” and to let their hearts be established with His grace (2 Pet. 3:18; Heb. 13:9).
Stop Your Protesting and Start Preaching! | God-Less Grinches Busted!
Paganism is infinitely inferior to the power of Christ’s blessed Gospel.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
Jesus’ Gospel, when applied, brings forth salvation in those who repent and receive Him. Whether Jew or Gentile (includes all men), God saves those who believe upon Christ (John 1:12; Acts 16:31; 20:21, etc.).…. May God bless each of His children with open doors and a quickened spirit to minister His Word in this late hour. Did Jesus and His apostles spend much of their time campaigning against paganism? No, but they simply offered the Solution. The Law convicts and Christ saves. It seems to me that if we reflect upon and read over what Christ and His apostles spoke to lost sinners, there was little time wasted on exposing paganism. Acts 17 records Paul preaching to pagans and he seems to spend little time arguing with them over their practices and beliefs but rather merely points them to the true and living God through Christ. He called them to repent (v30-31).Any ex-catholics out there? I you are like myself, you got saved because you heard the original Gospel of the grace of God and were saved. No one had to tell me how pagan Catholicism is. Such was never mentioned. What would you think if you were in hospital waiting room and someone with a broken leg was carted in on a stretcher and as soon as the doctors and nurses saw him coming in they ran over and began yelling at him, proving to him he had a broken leg and about how he got the broken leg? Well, such a thought and scene are laughable at best and you will never see that happen in a hospital because the medical community is trained simply to fix people – to smile at them and go directly to solving their problems. It’s only AFTER they are all fixed up with the solution that the doctors and nurses suggest that they be careful so this doesn’t happen again, right? Do you think that we’d see more people saved if we’d simply preach the Gospel and learn biblicly how to evangelize more effectively?
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
Perhaps we should ask ourselves if we are actually winning lost souls to Christ or are we simply beating up on those in darkness, further sealing their darkness – all so we can feel better about ourselves? Have you ever argued a catholic into being saved? After telling a catholic the 25 greatest evils of the catholic church, did they get saved. No, correct?
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern Church | Peace with God
Articles
2 Marines on Mission in Mexico Depending on God’s Grace: Mission Mexico Part 33
UPDATE: Recently, you guys jumped in and ordered Bibles for sister Teri in FL. What a blessing!!!! As a result of your giving, 30 or more King James Bibles are on their way to Florida to bless the people in this kingdom outreach among English, Spanish, and bi-lingual people. We are blessed to minister the Word each weekend via technology. God is good. And you are supplying the saints to the glory of our King, Jesus.
WELL, last evening, again we ran out of tracts …. many being reached daily with our LORD’s bless-ed and glorious Gospel.
Manuel, father of 4 children, had lots of questions he was just waiting for the occasion to ask. God is working in this man’s life. He received ample portions of biblical truth. Oh and he accepted our invitation to pray for him before he left, and we did.
Your prayers are vital (Philippians 1:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:1).
Thank you for lifting Mission Mexico in prayer today – and most of all the beautiful people of Mexico who are super receptive of our LORD’s Gospel.
Now that there are 2 of us on the ground here, Mark and I, more JESUS tracts are and will be distributed – more souls reached for Christ our King. If anyone wishes to jump in and pay for the next batch of JESUS tracts in Spanish, feel free. Appr. $250. – Give Here. Takes Seconds. | Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
Jesus sends His disciples out two by two and so is the case with Mission Mexico (Luke 10:1). The market (mercado) was a field day this week, a target rich environment where many gladly receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And as usual, many stop everything they are doing to instantly open and read the JESUS tract. It’s stunning.
Though we “have no confidence in the flesh”, brother Mark is also a Marine veteran and on mission for King Jesus, something brother Mark has prayed to do for many years. So, by God’s grace and for His glory alone the work is at least somewhat approached with the “storm the beach” or “first in battle” mentality (ha). We glory is Christ alone! (Gal 6:14) Tempered with the grace of Christ and fruit of His Holy Ghost – fully dependent upon Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).
Our brother Mark is a “good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Please undertake to lift brother Mark in your daily prayer.
Mark was a 0311 grunt, a Marine scout and it shows in his strategic mapping and territorial tactics as he invades for Christ. Interestingly, a few years ago, the LORD impressed upon brother Mark’s heart that he would be ministering to the cartel. Stay tuned!
The following passages comes to mind:
“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 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 2:1-5
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Cor 3:9) and are now supporting a pastor in the Philippines who has been associated with the ministry for decades and is a faithful servant of the LORD. His name is Allan Abayon and I invite you to lift him in prayer. For now we are able to send him $100 month and welcome more support so this can be increased. God is able.
Chaplain Jay in south Texas (on the border) is in need of another shipment of the Authentic book in Spanish.
If I may add…. the prayerful goal is to have an additional $1,200 coming into the ministry monthly. For now I am personally supporting a portion of the ministry expenses and glad to do so. Yet it would be selfish to hog up more of the kingdom opportunity than is fair…..much more ministry opportunity is in need of attention. God is able and “God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The ministry website feeds many worldwide daily, as well as the podcast which has now reached over 3.5 million downloads to date. Follow the SafeGuardYourSoul here. Feel free to share with others.
Pharmacists Desire and Receive God’s Word
WHILE waiting for Mark last night, I was passing out JESUS tracts and speaking God’s Word to several people at a prominent 3-way intersection. On that corner there is an established pharmacy. After joyfully ministering to a lost soul, I turned around toward that pharmacy only to be staring straight into the face of a smiling older gentleman who was holding out his hands, desiring to hear the Gospel and obtain a JESUS tract. He had seen others receiving and so asked to know about Jesus. His son was standing there next to him, smiling also. They asked to receive the Gospel and they did. While the son opened and was reading the JESUS tract, the older gentleman, the father, was instructed in Spanish to go home and repent and receive JESUS and when he did he would receive new life in Christ!!!!
The elder gentleman, the father, later told me he’s started and was operating that pharmacy for decades and was going to retire and his son would take over….. yet God had a plan to save him before it’s too late!!! Oh what love! John 3:16-17
God is good saints!
Jesus is coming.
Let’s roll!
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Cor 3:9
UPDATE: I went back by this pharmacy to see this man and his son and was gladly received with a big hug and they took a stack of JESUS tracts to distribute at their pharmacy.
Benjamin: Here’s a dear Christian man whom Mark and I fellowshipped with today. We had an idea he was a Christian when we saw the front and back of his shirt. Next week we are scheduled to get him a stack of JESUS tracts to distribute at his restaurant!!! Gospel Momentum.
This man Miguel was happy to know that God’s people in the USA would be pausing to lift him in prayer. – “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Cor 3:9)
Mission Mexico – See more here.
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
Articles
Ephesians Narrated [podcast]
Ephesians 1
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Ephesians 2
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 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;) 6 and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Ephesians 3
“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 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, 16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
Ephesians 4
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 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; 15 but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart 19 who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 5
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 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. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Ephesians 6
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
Ephesians | Bible Books Narrated | Hundreds of Scripture-Rich edifying audios here.
Abiding
Faith with Humility: When Love Replaces Judgment [podcast]
“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Galatians 5:6
Recently I ran across a sobering title for a video by a pastor. It read:
“They have the gospel backwards: Why are Christians so mean?”
Have you memorized Matthew 5:44 in the King James Bible?
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:14
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18). It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | More on Assurance here | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Knowing God | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered Scripture-rich Podcasts | Christology = the Study of Christ
2 Marines on Mission in Mexico Depending on God’s Grace: Mission Mexico Part 33
Ephesians Narrated [podcast]
Faith with Humility: When Love Replaces Judgment [podcast]
How to Give Alms, Pray, Forgive Others, Fast, and Lay Up Treasure in Heaven [podcast]
The Core Values of the Modern Church Agenda Exposed [podcast]
Mary hath Chosen that Good Part [podcast]
Modern Day Frauds and How They Operate [RADIO]
Putting God First [podcast]
Victory Over “Evil Concupiscence” and Every Sexual Sin [podcast]
The Simplicity of Real Fellowship [podcast]
DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR FALSE TEACHERS? The Answer May Surprise You.
Fruitfulness is Found in Abiding in Christ [podcast]
The Only Way Up is Down [podcast]
Mother Sings to her Baby [video]
Love in the Body [podcast]
Mary hath Chosen that Good Part [podcast]
GOD’S GRACE “IN THIS PRESENT WORLD” TITUS 2:12 [podcast]
Richard Foster Exposed
Fruitfulness is Found in Abiding in Christ [podcast]
Risen with Christ [podcast]
The True Temple of God [podcast]
The LORD Desires to Completely CLEAR You!
DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR FALSE TEACHERS? The Answer May Surprise You.
The Only Way Up is Down [podcast]
The Audacity of Defending the New Versions
Sinlessly Perfect? I Doubt it [podcast]
The Core Values of the Modern Church Agenda Exposed [podcast]
SATAN’S SEMINARIANS [podcast]
Chosen for Holiness [podcast]
Ephesians Narrated [podcast]
2 Marines on Mission in Mexico Depending on God’s Grace: Mission Mexico Part 33
Ephesians Narrated [podcast]
Faith with Humility: When Love Replaces Judgment [podcast]
America11 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved