Smooth Things or Rough?

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]

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.

100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ. | A powerful cache of posts on the Return of Jesus – and how to be ready. |

Beware of False Prophets [podcast]

Below is an excerpt from the book Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us The Divine Guarantee of Counterfeit Leaders and Their Subversion of Truth GOD alone is in control and not the false prognosticator false watchmen! HE’s in control of the timing of all things, not you or any other fraud! … REMEMBER, when that demonic maniac hitler was on the world scene, many thought it was the end! Wrong! Think! Any man calling himself (self-appointed) a prophet, is suspect. True servants of the lord simply do their LORD’s work humbly, never drawing attention to themselves by using titles […]

Lying Spirits in the Mouths of the Prophets

ANYONE attempting to be doing ministry and is not grounded in Scripture, is not speaking THE WRITTEN WORD, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Rebuke them sharply (Titus 1:13). This includes all the demon infested NAR, Bethel cultists, the “prophetic” frauds. There’s a divine filtering system at work and that’s why true disciples of Christ today are sounding the alarm on the witchcraft cults of Bethel and IHOP who are sending forth a myriad of deceivers. Bethel and IHOP etc are part of the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) movement. The warlocks of this modern church movement include wolves like Bill […]

THE ANTICHRISTS ARE MULTIPLYING [podcast]

Jesus’ apostle John told us there were “MANY antichrists” in His day (1 John 2:18). THOSE FLAMING HERETICS WHO DENY THAT JESUS CHRIST IS GOD ARE ANTICHRISTS OF THE MOST PROFOUND DEGREE. SUCH REBELS DO NOT KNOW HIM. John the apostle also writes: “…Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20,21). Read that again. Memorize it. How can we know who the “many antichrists” are among us? (1 John 2:18) “Antichrist” means against and in place of. An “antichrist” puts something in front of “the doctrine of Christ” given us in the record of Holy […]

Abiding

The Curse of a Divided Heart and Blessing of a Whole Heart! [podcast]

Israel’s heart was divided. The solution.

“Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images … 12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:2, 12

King Asa: Tragic end of an otherwise obedient, fruitful, God-glorifying life….

Are you blessed or cursed?

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

King Asa trusted the physicians and not the LORD and he paid dearly.

“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12

Feet speak of foundation. Without feet, physically we cannot stand. Without a sound foundation of truth, of God’s Word in our lives, we shall not stand. Read Matthew 7:19-29.

One writes notes the following about the meaning of feet in God’s Word:

“Why Are Feet Important in the Bible? Just as men and women stand upon their feet as the foundation of upright posture, Bible verses also use feet as a euphemism to represent a strong foundation in various circumstances. Feet are not referenced as we see them today, but they are used as symbols to represent greater metaphorical concepts, such as guidance or direction.

The feet represented something that was common to all people but used differently. For example, one of the most noted scripture texts involving feet is Psalm 119:105, ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ This emphasizes how the feet are used to travel and traverse. Yet, without the word, the traveler is left walking in the dark without a known path.

Essentially, the feet are referenced as a critical part of life as walking was commonplace. We naturally travel where our feet lead us and the Bible verses use feet to represent a means of traveling through life itself. If we walk down a dark path, we are likely to stumble. If we walk down a holy path, we are sure to please God. All of this is facilitated symbolically by the feet.”

The foundation truth we learn in God’s Word and obedience to it determines the direction of our lives.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ

Like Asa, many today trust the counsel of mere men, such as doctors and not God. This doesn’t mean going to a doctor is a sin and yet, the true disciple will primarily trust and obey and be led of the LORD, not men.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Read Hebrews 3-4 prayerfully for the eternal danger of having “an evil heart of unbelief” AFTER being saved. Repentance required.

“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalms 12:2

Got depression? Are you seeking the LORD in true repentance whereby He will grant you great joy? (Psalms 51; 2 Timothy 1:7) Or, are you seeking out and trusting the mere human, the finite pundits of this fleeting world?

“But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.” Job 13:4

Those who trust human physicians and not the Great Physician, are cursed, not blessed. Their faith in mere men reveals their utter rebellion.

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10

2 Chronicles 15:17 – Upon becoming king in Judah, Asa, having inherited an idolatrous, lukewarm people, system… he began to command that…

The people do that which is right in God’s eyes (2 Chronicles 14:2)
That all idolatrous altars we torn down (2 Chronicles 14:3)
That God’s people seek His face (2 Chronicles 14:4)
That idol altars in the cities of Judah be removed – “and the kingdom was quiet before him” (2 Chronicles 14:5) ….. Proverbs 1:33
Fenced cities be built …. so the land could be at rest, at peace, and not fear the enemy (2 Chronicles 14:6)
The people be involved in building fenced, walled, protected cities – “Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.” (2 Chronicles 14:7) …… 1 Chron 16:11
Great military be built (2 Chronicles 14:8)

“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and IFFFF ye seek him, he will be found of you; but IF ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.” 2 Chronicles 15:17

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Hebrews 11:20-22

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17

“Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” Psalms 50:22

“Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20

God blesses those who trust Him and curses, removes His blessings from those who once trusted Him and yet now have forgotten Him. When we willingly offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the LORD our God, He avenges us of all our enemies (Judges 5:2) …. “But IF thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” (Exodus 23:22)

“WHEN” does God avenge us of our enemies? “WHEN” does God judge our enemies?

“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2

When we offer our lives a living sacrifice unto the LORD – that is, we simply surrender this life to Him – the subduing of our enemies begins.

“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. 2 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

Asa reigned as king in Judah for 39 years (2 Chronicles 14-16).

In his final days, after obeying God and bringing much needed reform to the people of God, Asa forgot the LORD, and had grown cold in his faith and was therefore cursed with a divided heart.

All those who trust mere men, just because they have a white coat on and are called “doctor”, are going to die as did king Asa who trusted in earthly physicians, instead of the Great Physician! Repent now sinner.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Are you a pessimistic pansy or an optimistic overcomer? Are you like the 10 spies or the 2 who entered the promised land while the 10 sad sack whiners were shut out? “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) Jesus asks “WHERE is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) Repenting for real and putting all your trust in the LORD is essential – and no one will be in the promise land of Heaven without sound, solid faith in God. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Hebrews 11:6). “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5)

Read Revelation 2-3.

Remember the woman Jesus, the Great Divine Physician made whole of her issue who had previously spent all she had on human physicians?

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him (accessed by faith in Him), turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith (in God not men) hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:25-34

You claim to be trusting God but you take a mood drug? I don’t think so. MOOD DRUGS ARE FOR THE WICKED UNBELIEVERS. PERIOD. REPENT.

When a person resorts to using a drug to uplift their mood, they are loving and believing the world more than God, forfeiting the blessing of God for a cheap substitute, and manifesting their contempt for the LORD, their unbelief. A born again, presently abiding disciple of Jesus has all the fruit of the Holy Spirit which include, “Love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) God gives His people “power… love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God’s Word has the answer to “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” and that specifically includes a “sound mind.” (2 Peter 1:3-4) Holy Scripture specifically uses the terms “sound mind” and “sound heart” which come only from learning and adhering to “sound doctrine.”

We live in a fallen world and were born in sin. Via the things that have happened to us and that we ourselves have perpetrated on others, fragmentation of our hearts has occurred. Only One can make us whole.

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3

Counting it all Joy

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8

Through the trials we face in this life, we must learn to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”, trust God not men, ask for and rely on His wisdom and not waver, but rather finished our course trusting and walking with Christ to the end of our lives.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12

The Whole Heart

“And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.” 2 Chronicles 15:15

The result of seeking the LORD with a whole heart is that He gives us “rest round about.”

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

9 Times in the book of Psalms the words “Whole Heart” appear. Here’s the first 3 of that collection:

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my WHOLE HEART; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1

“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my WHOLE HEART, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the WHOLE HEART.” Psalms 119:2

PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, I have sinned against You by not wholly trusting You nor sought You with my whole heart. Here and now I confess this for the evil sin of unbelief and rebellion that it is and ask You to please forgive me now in the name of Jesus. Please wash me afresh from all my sins with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Also please make my heart whole and increase and fill me with Your faith Father, and cause me to trust You will all of my heart, no matter what. I love You my dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fresh Start with God

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Hi Todd. I just want to make sure that when I’m talking about salvation but I am being biblically correct. I don’t believe in once saved always saved. While I believe God is always willing to forgive and restore the backslider. I do believe that a person can choose to turn away from God and go back to living a life of sin they’re for forfeiting their eternal life. Any correction would be greatly appreciated. In Christ. Andrea”

REPLY:

Yes amen sister Andrea

Nice to hear from you

Very important doctrinal topic here

All it takes to go to hell after being saved is to be “lukewarm” right? Yes. Revelation 3:15-16

These 2 categories are loaded: Check it out. LOTS of Scripture to shape pure doctrine in your heart and life and ministering.

In Jesus, todd

Lukewarm is Hell Bound | OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell |

Being Made Whole in Christ [podcast]

PSYCHO-BABBLE, PSYCHOTHERAPY IS A LIE THAT PROMISES ANSWERS WHILE ALLOWING ITS FALSE PROPHETS TO MILK THE VICTIM$ WITH ITS LIES (2 Peter 2:1-3). Oh you all the time hear frauds telling you how they “got therapy” and that “you need therapy” or “counseling.” Yet, they would never say “You need Jesus”, or “you need His Word, to get into His Word.” (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17, etc.) 100% frauds. Antichrists – due to putting something, anything in place of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:18:4:1-3). They refuse to uphold the “HEAD” of His body, from whom alone flows all divine virtue […]

Spiritual Adultery: Worshipping Wolves! [podcast]

We have Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible so shouldn’t be overly enamored with mere sinful men (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5). “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?” Ezekiel 14:3 God is toppling all the heart idols (Ezekiel 14:3)… because He’s Jealous and wants us looking to Him and not these mere men, these vile wolves, these “celebrity” sinners posing as His representatives (Exodus 34:14). They are kindling for the fires of eternal damnation and […]

"A Faithful Man shall Abound with Blessings" [podcast]

Do you desire to abound in the blessings of God? Jesus our LORD taught that as we are faithful with what the LORD has already given us, then, and only then, will He multiply it. ASK YOURSELF: Are you faithful to abide, to obey Him by obeying His Word? If so, Jesus and the Father are dwelling richly with you and will multiply you according to your proper, wise, faithful stewardship of what is already in your possession – which is from Him. See John 14:21-23. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be […]

Abiding

“NEVER take a Vacation from God” [podcast]

God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used.

“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Make the deliberate decision to “set…

“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 22:19

“Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first pastor.

This beloved brother knew exactly what happens when the disciple relaxes in his seeking of the LORD. Think foolish virgins. The result can be deadly, irrevocably.

He was dead on in this warning. Give the flesh an inch and it will take a mile, right?

Have you ever slipped backward? If so, you know it started with just not reading God’s Word one day. That one day turned into two, three…. Right?

Never must this happen. The war is won in the now. You must “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

God requires that we “give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).

It’s only those who remain built up in Christ like the wise virgins of Jesus’ parable, who “keep” themselves “in the love of God” who are not going to fall away.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25

Jesus warns:

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

How did this kind of wisdom get lost from us beloved of God?

The disciple must get out ahead of the flesh. He must be one step ahead – knowing by testimony of the Word and by personal experience that there is “NO good thing” in us other than Jesus (Romans 7:18). This is exactly why Paul also said things like:

“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

Exhorting the sheep of Christ, one pastor said:

“Have fun this summer. Enjoy the outdoors. Travel to see friends and family. Explore the world. Just don’t take a vacation from God. He loves you more than you can imagine and wants to keep refilling your sack with his awesome gifts so that you can keep sharing them with others in your life!”

“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19

Various Quotes on the Importance of Diligence

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.”―Calvin Coolidge

“But I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence…”―Charles Dickens

“Prefer diligence before idleness, unless you esteem rust above brightness.”―Plato

“Diligence is the mother of good fortune.”―Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”―Chuck Close

“If he [Thomas Edison] had a needle to find in a haystack, he would not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee, to examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search.”―Nikola Tesla

“Laziness looks at excuses as something to treasure while diligence always focuses on excuses as an inconvenience to be overcome.”―Dr. Lucas D. Shallua

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”―Thomas Alva Edison

“That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.”―William Shakespeare

“Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline.”―Edward Gibbon

“Diligence overcomes difficulties; sloth makes them.”―Benjamin Franklin

“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” Proverbs 26:13

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13

“Wherefore – Having such encouragement. Gird up the loins of your mind – As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running, to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you. Be watchful – As servants that wait for their Lord. And hope to the end – Maintain a full expectation of all the grace – The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ – And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.“―John Wesley

“Slothfulness (laziness, lack of diligence) casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15

Power Words Power our Lives!

Remember those power words your parents instilled in your growing up? Remember things like “readers are leaders”? How about “The early bird gets the worm”?

What are some of the good words your beloved parents instilled in you as a child that live on in your mind and heart daily?

My beloved father taught us five to “always be consistent.” Oh and these weren’t just words. Oh no. My brother and I are only 13 months apart and so when we started playing football at about 6 years old, my parents set us down and looked us in the eyes and said “If you start this football season, you WILL finish. We require it of you, so count the cost.”

Nothing replaces consistency. Say it out loud with me right now beloved of God – CONSISTENCY.

While we’re on this topic, I hope you won’t mind me saying that it is befuddling to see how people start doing something that works and then quit – from a work out program to a lifestyle change in eating and most devastatingly, serving God then quitting.

Wait a minute, you were doing _______ and it was working, was blessing you, and then you quit?

Hebrews 10:32-39

“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews 6:9-12

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

62 times the words “diligent,” “diligence,” and “diligently” appear in Holy Scripture.

Each time we read these words, they pertain specifically to serving God “diligently” with “diligence.”

“Diligent”

“He becometh poor (spiritually) that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (spiritually).” Proverbs 10:4

“Diligence”

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

“Diligently”

appears 37 times in God’s Word

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Looking DILIGENTLY lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:15

“Keep your dukes up!”

Growing up boxing, from home training to being on a golden gloves team in high school, the command of the coaches was always and repeatedly “Keep your dukes up!”

Those who drop their dukes, their hands from covering their face, get hit, get knocked out.

Another sign on the wall of that boxing facility was: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” unknown

We are going to go through what Jesus foretold:

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus I come to You now. Please forgive my sins of self-idolatry, slothfulness, and spiritual adultery.

Putting God First [podcast]

If God’s Word isn’t important to you, it’s because He isn’t important to you. If anything comes before the LORD in your day, you are an idolater. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 GOD’s WORD cannot get into you if you aren’t into it. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Jesus commanded: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 As you seek God, […]

"He that Loveth Pureness of Heart" [podcast]

IS YOUR HEART PURE BEFORE THE ALMIGHTY BELOVED? TODAY is our day, it’s your day, to throw up those hands and that heart to the LORD who made you, and cry out to Him to grant you a pure heart, one that is innocent, clean, washed, delighting in Him. “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4 When the LORD is truly working in a man, that man is learning to love “pureness of heart.” “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall […]

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 […]

Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]

Recently a dear brother in Christ related this testimony to me of our LORD’s work in his life: “I had a ‘back to Jesus’ moment after the election. As I was horribly disappointed in our country and the dividing of even my own friends, I was praying: ‘I’ve lost faith in my country, I’ve lost faith in my friends…’ then it hit me… I had put my faith in the wrong things. It’s so easy to depend on others. But now I am trusting only in my Lord and Savior.” “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose […]

Articles

How Do You Get Around the Idea That All Israel Shall be Saved? Steve Gregg [video]

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:” Romans 9:6

“The remnant shall be saved, not the race.” Steve Gregg

“If one reads Romans Chapters 9-11, he will see that all the way through, it was only a remnant that would truly believe.” unknown

7 Questions on Justification [podcast]

7 Questions on Justification How is fallen mankind made righteous, justified in the eyes of a holy God? (Romans 3:21-28; Galatians 2:16) What law makes New Testament believers “free from the law of sin and death”? (Romans 8:2) What could the law not do? (Romans 8:3-4) What is fulfilled in the life of the born again, Spirit-led New Testament follower of Christ? (Romans 3:31; 8:3-4) How does the Law apply to saints? How does it apply to sinners? (1 Timothy 1:9-11) Can anyone be justified by the works of the law, by law-keeping? Become intimately familiar with Galatians 2:4-5, 16; […]

Dispensationalism Exposed and Destroyed [podcast]

Beware of theological systems. Get and remain organic in your study of God’s Word. Allow no mere man to think, to reason for you! Beware of the dispensational heretics. It’s a cult system full of lies including the “eternal security” fairytale which is espoused by moral cowards who refuse to truly repent, lay down their lives in this sinful world, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus in the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24, etc.). Dispensational heretics claim that only Paul’s writings are important for New Testament saints. They say that Paul’s writing are written TO New Testament saints […]