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Smooth Things or Rough?

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Remnant Endurance

Unrepentant rebels love the sunday “church” routine because they love their darkness and relish the fact that the wolf they sit under never preaches on sin or the essential of real repentance and a holy life (2 Tim 4:2-4; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 12:14-15; 1 Pet. 1:15-16, etc.). They love lies! (Isaiah 30:9-10)

“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law (Word) of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” Isaiah 30:9-10

Those living in darkness many times shun the light of truth and therefore diligently avoid leaders who endeavor to speak the whole of divine counsel. Instead, they heap to (set before) themselves teachers who will tell them “smooth things,” never confronting their sin while intentionally avoiding harder Bible truths that might offend their listeners and hinder the cash flow. Leaders who are self-serving in their positions know that the masses want “smooth things” and therefore tailor their messages to win friends and influence people and grow their local church business. Self-ambitious leaders who are not dead to self, intentionally remove the jagged rock biblical truths from their messages, smoothing out the road and making it wider and more accepting than the narrow road Christ spoke of (Matt. 7:13-14). This is the new form of “Christianity” we see today that is deceived on purpose. Masses are being deceived on purpose, driven to deception because of their denial of the fullness of divine truth revealed in the written Word (2 Thess. 2:10-12). The “seeker-friendly” or “seeker–sensitive” movement, community churches, and otherwise are a part of this departing from the faith once delivered to the saints and given us in God’s precious Word (1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).

Wolves are known in that they accommodate the flesh. True servants of Christ call men to repent and be brought out of darkness. See Exodus 32; Isaiah 56:8-12; 58:1; Jeremiah 23:17; 2 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Timothy 4:2-4.

Unrepentant counterfeits who love darkness rather than light demand a “minister” that tells them what they want to hear, never demanding repentance of change. This is where Satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing accommodate them. This would account for the vast majority of so-called “churches” in this late hour before Christ’s soon return.

The words of the LORD bring light which shines on darkened hearts and the unrepentant are repelled – because they choose to remain in darkness. Remember what Jesus told us about this?

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

To accommodate those who wish to remain in darkness, enterprising leaders have tapped into the key to growing their congregations numerically while withholding precious truth that would lead their hearers to the Savior in repentance upon realizing their sinful state. The unconditional love and unconditional eternal security messages are two of the telltale messages used by this type of leader, basically communicating to the hearer that he has a free ride or carte blanche ticket to live as he wishes and there will be no consequences to face.

The people whom the prophet Isaiah ministered to in his day were no different than many people today who flock to hear conviction-less, nice little sweet and smooth sermonettes from smiling, positive, seeker-sensitive church liars who refuse to tell the whole truth, but for their own agenda, cherry pick certain parts of the Bible to allure and entice the fleshly nature of men (Phil. 3:17-21; 2 Pet. 2:18).

Counterfeits run to ear-tickling wolves and from truth-speaking disciples.

“They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.” Amos 5:10

Many of those who are in darkness today, believing they are secure due to a past experience with Christ, shun truth tellers. They defy the LORD by shunning His truth while vainly believing they have the assurance of eternal life. This is what is conveyed due to the absence of the harder truths of the Bible.

Like many today, the people in Isaiah’s day didn’t desire nor search out truth but instead, wanted “smooth things.” In the theme verse of this chapter from Isaiah 30, the people were demanding that their religious leaders tell them what they wanted to hear so as not to inconvenience their personal lives. They wanted salvation and security on their own terms. They wanted to hear that they were okay, secure and assured eternal life in their current sinful condition. These people didn’t want to hear about denying self, taking up the cross, being crucified to the sins of the fleshly nature, serving God and others in a real way, etc. Oh no, they wanted easy things and to feel good all the time as they did their own thing in their earthly lives. Their goal was to be happy in this life, not holy. The person who lives with these erroneous ideas is self-deluded and self-idolatrous. Today, a man whose stadium church tops 30,000 in weekly attendance has built his lucrative enterprise on trying to make people feel happy (instead of being holy), purposely refusing (as he himself states) to preach on sin. This is a perfect example of a false leader who comes in the name of the LORD but not with the fruit and doctrine of the LORD Jesus and His apostles, who offended many. Our LORD warned of many men speaking well of you, for “so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (2 Tim. 3:10; Lk. 6:26) Christ promised that His true followers would uncompromisingly embrace and speak His Word and would consequently be “hated of all men.” (Matt. 10:22)

Preaching the Word uncompromisingly will thin crowds or prevent them from coming and salvation without sacrifice sells (2 Tim. 4:2-4). The false gospel of ease is the epitome of the “at ease in Zion” lifestyle (Amos 6:1).

The word “repent” in its various forms appears 80 times in the Bible. If there were no sin, there would be no reason for this divinely inspired word and action. Yet, since sin occurred in the Garden and has passed upon all men, repentance is a necessity (Rom. 5:12). When a leader chooses not to preach on sin there is obviously no reason for his hearers to turn to the LORD in godly sorrow (repent) – there is nothing to repent from in his false theology. He has created a god in his own image – his theology transmits the image of a false god – a god who accepts people in their sins instead of the God of Scripture who separates Himself from those who live in sin (Isa. 59:2). Those who do not preach on sin identify themselves as false and completely contradictory to the message of Jesus and His holy apostles and prophets (Lam. 2:14; Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8, 27).

The happiness-instead-of-holiness syndrome is epidemic in this late hour and is a trademark emphasis of seeker-friendly churches which are drawing tens of thousands of goats who believe they are truly right with God. While they do a good job alluring and gathering the masses, these enterprising leaders refuse to name and define sin as the Bible does. When men refuse to preach on sin there becomes no reason to repent or call men to repent before a holy God. How tragic!

The sinful masses are no different today than in Isaiah’s day, seeking to do what is right in their own eyes while receiving justification from their leaders to live a self-serving life instead of a Christ-serving life. Unrepentant, sinful man believes he can live as he so chooses and still remain in God’s grace, vainly believing he has divine approval in doing such. A rude awakening lies (Matt. 7:21-29).

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

The people of Isaiah’s day cried, “Prophesy not unto us right things (truth), speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” (Isa. 30:9-10)

The Alignment

“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:31

Notice the 3 classes of people involved here whom the LORD indicts in Jeremiah 5:31:

“Prophets”
“Priests “
“People”

“And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” Hosea 4:9

When mass apostasy occurs, both classes are involved – leader and listener. It takes both parties to complete the circle. Mass apostasy was foretold (2 Thess. 2:3; 2 Tm. 4:3-4). It is a reality today as it has been throughout history, yet there is a remnant, as has also been the case throughout history (1 Kings 18:4, 19). The people among the remnant are those who know their God and are willing to suffer the loss of all things and like Job to say “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.” (Job 13:15-16) The word “remnant” is found 92 times in the Bible and in this context is being used to refer to the residue of people within the church world who truly serve the LORD and have not forsaken the Ancient of Days for the idolatry of selfish pleasures, personal gain, and religion (Mk. 4:17-19; Lk. 17:26-33).

Our God is so very merciful, His compassions fail not but are rather new every morning, great is His faithfulness. He is ever so tenderly merciful with those who will come to the light of His truth. If we just come to Him in honest and sincere heart, confessing our sins and asking Him to restore Himself as the first love of our hearts. See Psalms 86:5, 15; Proverbs 28:13; Lamentations 3:19-26; Revelation 2:4-5. God is continuing His good work in all those who love Him in truth and are conforming to His holy image (Phil. 1:6; Rom. 8:29).

Since the Son of God promised us that speaking His Word – including the truth that one must endure to the end to be saved – would bring persecution, some leaders have toned His message down. Speaking the whole counsel of God would include the hard truths of Scripture, and such teaching will not make one popular or garner to one’s local church masses of people. So, it is natural for the leader who has as his driving goal to build a large following, to teach OSAS or avoid this subject. The expose of the myth of unconditional eternal security offends people and such hinders the goal of the one who seeks to build his own kingdom.

“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:31

Note that like today, the leaders of Jeremiah’s day “bear rule by their means.” In other words, they lead for their own good, to accomplish their own agenda. Leaders like this “prophesy falsely” by telling people what they want to hear and not what God wants them to hear. These leaders do things their own way and not God’s – all this while they conduct themselves in ministry leadership positions, claiming to come in the name of the LORD while denying His Word (Mk. 8:38).

Note the chilling question and implication at the end of this verse:

“What will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:31b

Judgment is coming on all in the house of God who do not truly obey Him – according to the pattern of His immutable Word. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 and 1 Peter 4:17-18.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:17-19

In light of the fact that only a few of the “righteous” will be ultimately and eternally “saved,” they are exhorted here to “commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” We serve “a faithful Creator” and the remnant of the LORD are called to “commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing.” Those who do will possess true assurance in their hearts.

Lure of the Temporal

To “endure sound doctrine” means to hold oneself account to it, to obey it. This is the different between the true disciples and the false brethren among us.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Esau didn’t “endure sound doctrine.” Like Esau, who forfeited his very birthright for a fleeting fix (bowl of soup), the religious and yet sinful people of all ages want the temporal blessings of ease and comfort instead of doing whatever it takes to conform to Christ’s image, leading and Word. Our LORD calls each of us that is to be His disciple, to walk through sufferings in this life and it is through these times and seasons that He works His character in us (Phil. 1:29, 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 4). We must be willing to endure hardness, and all those who do, reap the earthly and eternal rewards that only the LORD can give.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

At times God’s way is rough isn’t it? All who have ever walked with Him have found that out, but they also discover that He has His purposes for our suffering – to establish, root and ground us in Him (1 Peter 5:10). The end of the LORD’s way is always a priceless peace and rich blessings. Job is one such servant who was established more deeply in the LORD as he obediently and patiently endured the trials that came upon him.

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:10-11

Remember that those who endure the rough things now, walking with the LORD no matter what comes their way, will be overcomers and eat of the fruit of the tree of life in the eternal kingdom of the Savior they supremely loved and therefore refused to deny in this life (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2-3).

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing your people to be seated together in heavenly places in Christ and with all spiritual blessings in Him. Please grant me the grace to grow in knowing You and hearkening to Your voice at all times. I love you my LORD Jesus. Help me to know You better this hour and to treasure Your holy words, hearkening to the voice of Your Holy Spirit and what You are saying to the Church. Stir me up LORD. I love You and praise You for all the blessings You have bestowed upon this life you have given. Purge my heart and strike it with Your fear my LORD. I choose to “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” to suffer, and become a companion of all those who are genuinely true to Your Word. No matter what comes my way, I know You are greater. Please bless me to be rooted and grounded in Your love and fill me with Your fullness LORD Jesus as You use me to be a blessing to others this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Spiritual Formation—A Dangerous Substitute for the Life of Christ [podcast]

Sometimes we think of spiritual formation as formation by the Holy Spirit. Once again. That’s essential. . . . But now I have to say something that may be challenging for you to think about: Spiritual formation is not all by the Holy Spirit. . . . We have to recognize that spiritual formation in us is something that is also done to us by those around us, by ourselves, and by activities which we voluntarily undertake . . .There has to be method.¹—Dallas Willard

Aside from the fact that Spiritual Formation incorporates mystical practices into its infrastructure (remove the contemplative aspect and you don’t have “Spiritual Formation” anymore), Spiritual Formation is a works-based substitute for biblical Christianity. Let us explain.

When one becomes born again (“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), having given his or her life and heart over to Christ as Savior, Jesus Christ says He will come in and live in that surrendered heart:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)

If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11; emphasis added)

When God, through Jesus Christ, is living in us, He begins to do a transforming work in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18). Not only does He change us, He also communes with us. In other words, we have fellowship with Him, and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

This life of God in the believer’s heart is not something we need to conjure up through meditative practices. But if a person does not have this relationship with the Lord, he may seek out ways to feel close to God. This is where Spiritual Formation comes into play. Rather than a surrendered life to Christ (through repentance and faith), the seeking person begins practicing the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, good works, etc.) with the promise that if he practices these disciplines, he will become more Christ-like.

But merely doing these acts fails to make one feel close to God—something is still missing. And thus, he begins practicing the discipline of silence (or solitude), and now in these altered states of silence, he finally feels connected to God. He now feels complete. What he does not understand is that he has substituted the indwelling of Christ in his heart for a works-based methodology that endangers his spiritual life. Dangerous because these mystical experiences he now engages in appear to be good because they make him feel close to God, but in reality he is being drawn into demonic realms no different than what happens to someone who is practicing transcendental meditation or eastern meditation. Even mystics themselves acknowledge that the contemplative realm is no different than the realm reached by occultists. To understand this more fully, please read Ray Yungen’s book A Time of Departing.

Bottom line, it is not possible to be truly Christ-like without having Christ inside of us because it is His righteousness that is able to change our hearts—we cannot do it without Him. It is His righteousness we need:

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. (Romans 3:22)

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)

It is interesting to note that virtually every contemplative teacher has a common theme—they feel dry and empty and want to go “deeper” with God or “become more intimate” with God. But if we have Christ living in us, how can we go any deeper than that? How can we become more intimate than that? And if going deeper and becoming intimate were so important, why is it that none of the disciples or Jesus Himself ever told us to do this? As Larry DeBruyn states:

Why are Christians seeking a divine presence that Jesus promised would abundantly flow in them? . . . Why do they need another voice, another visitation, or another vision? Why are some people unthankfully desirous of “something more” than what God has already given to us? Why is it that some Christians, in the depth of their souls, are not seemingly at rest?²

Is There a “Good” Spiritual Formation?

One of the most common arguments we hear defending Spiritual Formation is that there is a “good” Spiritual Formation done without contemplative prayer. To that we say, we have never yet seen a Spiritual Formation program in a school or a church that doesn’t in some way point people to the contemplative mystics. It might be indirectly, but in every case, if you follow the trail, it will lead you right into the arms of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and other contemplative teachers.

Think about this common scenario: A Christian college decides to begin a Spiritual Formation course. The instructor has heard some negative things about Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Brennan Manning, and he figures he will teach the class “good Spiritual Formation” and leave those teachers completely out. But he’s going to need a textbook. He turns to a respected institution, Dallas Theological Seminary, and finds a book written by Paul Pettit, Professor in Pastoral and Education Ministries. The book is titled Foundations of Spiritual Formation. The instructor who has found this book to use in his own class may never mention Richard Foster or Dallas Willard, but the textbook he is using does. Within the pages of Pettit’s book is Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Thomas Aquinas, Lectio Divina, Ayn Rand, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, J.P. Moreland, Klaus Issler, Bruce Demarerst, Jim Burns, Kenneth Boa and Brother Lawrence’s “practicing God’s presence.” You may not have heard of all these names, but they are all associated with the mystical contemplative prayer movement and the emerging church.

Another example of this is Donald Whitney’s book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney is former Associate Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While his book does not promote contemplative mysticism, he says that Richard Foster has “done much good”³ in the area of Christian spirituality (which we believe is blatantly untrue).

Our point is that even if there is a sincere attempt to teach Spiritual Formation and stay away from the mystical side, we contend that it cannot be successfully accomplished because it will always lead back to the ones who have brought it to the church in the first place.

Spiritual formation is sweeping throughout Christianity today. It’s no wonder when the majority of Christian leaders have either endorsed the movement or given it a silent pass. For instance, in Chuck Swindoll’s book So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There, Swindoll favorably quotes Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Swindoll calls Celebration of Discipline a “meaningful work”⁴ and Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines “excellent work.”⁵ In chapter three, ”Silence and Solitude,” Swindoll talks about “digging for secrets . . . that will deepen our intimacy with God.”⁶ Quoting the contemplative poster-verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Swindoll says the verse is a call to the “discipline of silence.”⁷ As other contemplative proponents have done, he has taken this verse very much out of context.

Roger Oakland sums it up:

The Spiritual Formation movement . . . teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and truly hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with longstanding reputations of teaching God’s word seem to be succumbing. . . .

We are reconciled to God only through his “death” (the atonement for sin), and we are presented “holy and unblameable and unreproveable” when we belong to Him through rebirth. It has nothing to do with works, rituals, or mystical experiences. It is Christ’s life in the converted believer that transforms him.⁸

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10

What Christians need is not a method or program or ritual or practice that will supposedly connect them to God. What we need is to be “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and Christ in us. And He has promised His Spirit “will guide [us] into all truth” (John 16:13).

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30

In Colossians 1:9, the apostle Paul tells the saints that he was praying for them that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” He was praying that they would have discernment (“spiritual understanding”). He said that God, the Father, has made us “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (vs 12) and had “delivered us from the power of darkness [i.e., power of deception]” (vs. 13). But what was the key to having this wisdom and spiritual understanding and being delivered from the power of darkness? Paul tells us in that same chapter. He calls it “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (vs. 26). What is that mystery? Verse 27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (emphasis added).

For those wanting to get involved with the Spiritual Formation movement (i.e., contemplative, spiritual direction), consider the “direction” you will actually be going.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10)

This article is an extract from the Lighthouse Trails booklet, Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why They Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.

Endnotes:
1. Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done” (https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done).

2. Larry DeBruyn, “God’s Present of His Presence” (https://www.guardinghisflock.org/gods-present-of-his-presence/ ).

3. Donald Whitney, “Doctrine and Devotion: A Reunion Devoutly to be Desired” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080828052145/http://biblicalspirituality.org/devotion.html).

4. Chuck Swindoll, So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There (Nashville, TN:W Publishing Group, a div. of Thomas Nelson, 2005), p. 15.

5. Ibid., p. 13.

6. Ibid., p. 55.

7. Ibid.

8. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone (Eureka, MT: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2007), pp. 91-92.

This has been an extract from our booklet Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why It Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.

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Mission Mexico Part 32

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

See picture below.

I recently, “accidently” drove up this very narrow street only to realize that there was no turn around at the end. As God would have it, this man helped me back out of that street and received the spoken Word and a JESUS tract. Romans 8:28 right?

“Ephesians 3:20 was the very verse I prayed for you and the ministry this morning! And v16 as well. May the Spirit of God manifest His full grace and peace upon you today! And give you fruit, more fruit and much fruit! Amen.” Karen Cochran

(see picture below)

It dawns on me afresh today as it has since arriving here in Mexico, that these precious people so deeply hunger for Christ. Today, upon ministering to Victor and Juan and having Victor incessantly asking me about Christianity, Jesus, and being saved…. this was a fresh reminder of the great hunger and openness of the Mexican people. They want Jesus. Plain and simple. “HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

These two men were excited to know that you would be lifting them in prayer.

Victor and I are now connected by phone. So he will now be fed the Word of our God and be introduced to Spanish speaking disciples of our LORD Jesus.

Being limited in Spanish, I preached the Gospel, the Bible truth I am able to in Spanish and that including exhorting them both, today to repent and receive Jesus and did this while pointing to the prayer (oracion) on the back of the JESUS tract.

Would you like to kindly pause to lift these 2 dear men in prayer to our LORD?

Mission Mexico

JUST got a call from sister Teri in FL and had the opportunity to speak with brothers Scott and Jorge who were both recently saved by Jesus. Was also blessed to speak with a brother named Raymond who is a flourishing disciple of Jesus!

Thank you for your prayers and support which include our bless-ed opportunity of helping this group of disciples in FL.

Jesus is coming!

Recently…… Many received God’s Word today.

Brother Mark has recently joined in helping with our LORD’s Gospel in Mission Mexico and was amazed when he saw three grown men walking together who were ministered to and walk away, each of them with the JESUS tract open, as they walked read the message. They are that hungry.

The Mexico people deserve to hear our LORD’s glorious Gospel!

“I bet brother Mark is amazed at the response of the Mexican people when you guys go out and minister to them. To have so many hearts open and poor in spirit would be a shock at first. Total opposite of America—who say ‘I am rich, increased with goods have need of nothing!’ Revelation 3:17.

Praise God for the blessed ones who heard the engrafted word of our Lord, which is able to save their souls.” Karen

REPLY:

Yes He is amazing. They WANT it. They DESIRE it. They are like the woman who desires a man and so he marries her and they have a super blessed marriage for life. Instead of the wicked Jezebel woman who just wants to self-servingly shop for the man she can use to accomplish her selfish agenda.

“I was reading Mathew 21:23 this morning and it went through my mind that is what God said to America! ‘The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.’ And that nation is Mexico!“ Karen

“Truly amazing what God is doing in the hearts of the Mexican people. And now He is raising up disciples to bring into the harvest. He is LORD of the harvest. Have you heard of Chick Publications? I just read that they have sent 200,000 tracts to a Mexico missionary and more being ready to be sent. Southern Mexico. So God is sure flooding Mexico with His Word!” Karen Cochran

While walking over to get a haircut, I happened to spot a JESUS tract someone had placed on this vehicle. No it was not me. I didn’t put that tract there. Someone else did.

Then, 5 minutes later, after arriving at barber and sitting down in the chair, straight ahead in my line of sight, there’s a JESUS tract purposely set on display by the barber.

No matter how high prices get in Mexico, your cost of living will always be MUCH less than the USA. A raise awaits you, soon as you cross the border. Is God prompting you to “Go”? (Mark 16:15)

God is good all the time as you well know and thank you.

Your prayers to the Father in the name of our LORD Jesus are the heavenly fuel He uses to bless and empower and supply His people to do His work.

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:19

todd

Articles

Chosen for Holiness [podcast]

“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:” Ephesians 1:4

Holiness comes by the Savior in self denial (death and burial – the cross), not by self will or effort. Surrender is the cross – “NOT my will but thine be done” (Lk. 22:42) and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). We surrender to Christ by saying “Not my will but thine be done” dear Lord, by Your grace and the deliberate act of my own will I submit to the cross, the crucified life – where You alone reign supreme in this vessel (Luke 22:42; Galatians 2:20, etc.). I love You LORD Jesus! You must increase but I must decrease! (John 3:30)

Holiness, not happiness, is the divine command, the chief purpose and end of Christ’s salvation.

Of holiness, one disciple writes:

“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man thru the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature thru the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom 7:5; 5:20; Gal 3:21). They are enemies of the cross!”

Holiness comes by way of the cross, not by way of the flesh. Just as sin was conquered by the cross of Christ, so sin in the life of the saint is conquered by the daily cross – the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). It’s time to stop trying harder and to simply die deeper.

NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:

Fornication Defiles

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

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