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Are there Sins
that will Damn the Soul?

Does God’s Word cite specific sins that damn the soul? Yes!

To a defender of Satan’s eternal security/OSAS heresy who was teaching that we are saved by grace and therefore sin cannot separate us from God, this following reply was given:

Saved by grace means one can then live in sin? Wow! Did God cease to be “Holy, holy, holy” in His divine nature because He originally saved high and mighty you? You are clearly teaching the perverted, lascivious (license to sin) version of grace that Jude warned us “ungodly men” would teach (Jude 3-4). Repent sinner. There are several lists of soul-damning sin in the New Testament, warning us that God who is “Holy, holy, holy” will damn all who die in sin (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; 21:8, 27). You have allowed evil “ungodly men” to poison your mind and disobeyed God by not seeking Him, knowing Him by His Word for yourself (2 Timothy 2:15). OSAS/eternal security is the doctrine of moral cowards, spiritual cowards, who refuse to truly repent, lay down their lives, and follow Jesus for themselves. You are peddling Satan’s OSAS heresy and God is going to judge you if you don’t repent and cease (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

If there were a list of deadly sins which are sure to damn your soul to eternal hell, would you want to know about that list? Here’s a list of 17 soul damning sins:

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are THESE; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

Because of His abundant mercy, lists of specific sins that provoke the LORD to anger are listed in Holy Writ. This is in order to warn men and bless them to escape His sure judgment to come on those who walk in such rebellion.

Let’s observe a brief definition of the 17 manifestations of the sinful nature listed here in Galatians 5:19-21 – a much neglected text:

Adultery – looking on another to lust (in person or via technology); unlawful relations involving a married person. Adultery is defined in Scripture as any sex involving the heart and/or body that is outside of holy matrimony where God designed it to be enjoyed between one man and one woman (Matt. 5:28; Heb. 13:4).

Fornication – every and all forms of illicit sexual activity, whether in thought or deed. Any sexual activity outside of holy matrimony. GOD invented intimacy for married couples only – one man and one woman. All fornicators will be damned (Hebrews 13:4).

Uncleanness – anything opposite of purity; all forms of sexual impurity.

Lasciviousness – licentiousness, lust, lewdness, unchastity. Anything promoting or inciting sexual lust; lack of restraint.

Idolatry – image worship. This includes anything other than the LORD upon which the affections are passionately set.

Witchcraft – sorcery. The practice of dealing with evil spirits, magical incantations, casting spells or charms by means of drugs or potions to inflict harm on another. Witchcraft includes the evil manipulation or control of others by any means.

Hatred – enmity, bitter dislike, malice, abhorrence; tendency to hold grudges against or be angry with another.

Variance – discord, dissentions, quarrelling, debating and disputes.

Emulations – striving to excel at the expense of another person; seeking to surpass or outdo another.

Wrath – rage; determined enduring anger; fierce indignation with turbulent passions.

Strife – disputations, strife about words, angry contentions; vindictive endeavor to repay another evil for evil.

Seditions – parties, factions; stirring up strife among people.

Heresies – the rejection of truth for fallacy; departure from divinely revealed truth.

Envyings – ill will toward another’s good will.

Murders – to kill or mar the happiness of another.

Drunkenness – intoxication from the overuse of alcohol.

Revellings – rioting; lascivious and boisterous feastings including obscene music and other sinful activities; carousing.

These are the exact soul-damning “works of the flesh” the apostle Paul speaks of in this same passage when he declares that “they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Gal. 5:19, 24)

Regretfully, in this hour of great apostasy, scarcely do we hear leaders tend to this divinely-inspired biblical doctrine. Why is this vital part of the Bible intentionally avoided by so many? Has your pastor taken you through these lists of defiling sins in Galatians 5 and Matthew 15? Why would any truth-seeking servant of Christ want to purposely evade such an important portion of Bible truth? Why would any true under-shepherd not want to prepare and warn those he speaks to concerning the judgment of the Almighty upon all who do not repent of sin?

The LORD spells out in detail what He considers unlawful sexual relations. Put on your seatbelt. Read Leviticus 18. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22) Any sex outside of a married MAN and his wife, a WOMAN, is fornication. Soul damning. It doesn’t matter what you think. Your opinion is less than zero in the eyes of a holy God. Repent now and follow Jesus or perish.

Homosexuality, sodomy, lesbianism is NOT under grace – Never has been, never will be. God doesn’t bless or justify what He calls an abomination (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1). Repent now sinner – or you are going to hell for calling your Maker a liar!

Stop the excuses and human reasonings and justications and just read God’s Word.

As a result of such empty leadership, so many today who fully believe in their own minds that they are saved, will not be in Heaven (Matt. 7:21-23; 25:1-3; Lk. 6:46). They want to make up their own rules partly due to the epidemic of false leadership that refuses to acknowledge this text. Yet, it’s interesting because most men in leadership tend to the very verses following this Galatians 5 passage but refuse to delve into the divinely-inspired contents of verses 19-21 of Galatians 5. Most men will read or preach and acknowledge the nine dimensions of “the fruit of the Spirit” and yet refuse to deal honestly and openly with the LORD by tending equally to “the works of the flesh” in this same exact passage (Gal. 5:19-23). This is tragic and yet the LORD holds each of us personally responsible to know and obey the contents of His Word (Hos. 4:6; Jn. 5:39; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2).

If God’s very Word clearly tells us in this Galatians 5:19-21 Bible passage that any person who partakes of any one of these seventeen sins “SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God,” should we dare question it? Or, should we simply repent, believe, embrace, and declare this Bible truth? It is moral cowardess to do anything but receive, believe, and resolutely communicate this truth – 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.” (2 Tim. 4:2-3)

It’s not fair that this generation be left without the plain truth of the holiness of the Almighty who they will soon stand before to be judged. Isn’t it only equitable that those who are at variance with the LORD and going to hell know so? Did He not give us the commission to warn them?  (Ps. 9:17; Matt. 3:7-8; Acts 2:40; 2 Cor. 5:11)

Perhaps so many leaders limit themselves to the scant volume of verses they learned in their so-called higher learning institutions. Or, many don’t want to deal with this truth because it’s really not all about Christ but rather about growing their own name and church business. So, they deal with self-serving surface issues instead of man’s core dilemma for which Jesus came to die (solve) – sin.

There are many Calvinists today who will dare you to “come up with any sin that can undo the great salvation of God and tie this together with Christ’s perfect work of redemption on the cross.” This is misguided thinking at best. This reveals complete denial of biblical truth and intellectual dishonesty. Jesus’ sacrifice and redemptive work is a perfect work and yet the choice is left up to the individual to receive and abide in His salvation. Did we not just read in Galatians 5:19-21 of seventeen specific sins that defile and disqualify one from God’s kingdom?

Did Christ Teach that Sin Defiles and Disqualifies?

Jesus and His apostles told us that sin “defileth” men and even named those sins which defile out of His love for us – so we would specifically know what offends His holiness and reveals a backslidden heart (Matt. 15:19-20; Gal. 5:19-21). He has disclosed to us His holy will in intricate detail and we are therefore without excuse and will be without excuse on that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment that hastens toward us. Does sin separate us from the one, true holy God? (Isa. 59:2; Rom. 6:23; Acts 1:25; Gal. 5:17-19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 21:8, 27) If sin doesn’t separate men from God then why in the world did Jesus come and do all that He did? Did the LORD not tell His very own covenant people that their sins had separated them from Him? (Isa. 59:2) What has changed in that regard? Nothing! The wages of sin is still death and those who die in sin will spend eternity separated from He who is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isa. 6:3; Rom. 6:23; Rev. 4:8; 21:8, 27) Did the unchanging God of perfection somehow lose His unchanging divine attribute of holiness at the moment He saved me? If not, why would I vainly believe that my sins cannot separate me from Him?

Are we so blinded and deluded that we vainly believe that there is some other way outside what He told us in His holy Word? The way of holiness is the only way (Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:15-16).

Let us never forget or lose track of the truth that “the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7) The LORD taught that sin that defiles comes out of the heart of man. Of this truth Jesus said Hear, and understand.”

“And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand…And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Matthew 15:10, 16-20

Christ informs us here of seven specific sins that violate divine holiness. After listing them He says “These are the things which defile a man.” The word “defile” simply means to make unholy or unfit to be in God’s holy presence. Here in Matthew 15 Christ informs us all that the sins that might proceed from one’s life come forth “out of the heart” and “defile the man.” Jesus lists seven specific sins that He says “defile the man” or make him unholy in the eyes of the Almighty:

  • “evil thoughts”
  • “murders”
  • “adulteries”
  • “fornications”
  • “thefts”
  • “false witness”
  • “blasphemies”

Now if the very Son of God says these sins “defile the man,” do you honestly think a person manifesting these sins from a defiled heart is prepared to meet Him who is “Holy, holy, holy”? (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8) Anyone want to argue with the Alpha and Omega Himself? Of these sins the LORD says “These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” (Matt. 15:20) In rightly dividing the word of truth, we observe that some things defile and some don’t. We see here that there are things that do not defile a man, outward things like not washing the hands or other man made religious ordinances that do not pertain to godliness as the LORD defines it in His Word (Matt. 23). And yet, Jesus Christ here names seven sins that proceed from alienated hearts and defile men so that they cannot be in His presence or grace unless they return to Him in repentance (Heb. 4:14-16; 8:12; 1 Jn. 1:9).

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” Exodus 32:33

Below is an unfortunate quote from a modern ministry that has worldwide influence:

“When we do sin, God does not reject us or disown us. Our fellowship with Him may be broken, but our relationship is not; we are still members of His family if we have truly committed our lives to Christ.” (BGEA Salvation Q & A Index #9, Frequently Asked Questions, Internet)

Today it seems that the pulpits and “Christian” media venues are filled with those who psychoanalyze, water-down, and psychologize everything while avoiding Bible words and themes like identifying and calling sin – sin, the necessity of personal holiness, eternal judgment, and being ready for the soon return of Jesus. When one is in the ministry to please himself instead of Jesus, he will pick and choose those things he wishes to reveal to people in light of how it will affect or influence his audience, instead of pleasing God by declaring His full-counsel.

The hireling wolf makes himself known by his refusal to lead by openly acknowledging and declaring the full-counsel of the LORD (2 Tim. 3:10, 13). Such a person is a deceiver who intentionally dodges doctrines and passages that have a negative nature to the one who is living in darkness (Jn. 3:19-21). The deceiver identifies himself by not uncovering the sins of God’s people (Lam. 2:14). Full-counsel Gospel truth (includes enduring to the end to be saved – Matt. 10:22; 1 Cor. 15:2) will not help self-serving leaders win friends and influence people to their own selfish purposes. By withholding they lead people away from Christ (Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29). It certainly will not draw the masses of self-serving counterfeits and fill their houses of entertainment. Have you seen this pattern and tendency among those in leadership in the church world in this late hour?

For more information on the antichrist purpose-driven, ecumenical, seeker-friendly agenda, see the ministry site and sign up to receive regular emails. SafeGuardYourSoul.com

False prophets, whom Christ warned us to avoid, will not preach on sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn. 16:7-8; Acts 24:25). We must beware of the numerous warnings in Scripture of false prophets among us (Matt. 24:4-5, 11, 24; 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-7, 13; 2 Pet. 2-3; Jude 1). Can we not also acknowledge and agree that each individual believer is entirely personally responsible to the LORD to acknowledge and obey the divine fullness of His Counsel given us in His Word? He gave to His Church His written Word that we might always know when and if we are not aligned with His truth and be fully pleasing to Him (Jn. 20:31; 1 Cor. 10:11). This passage in Galatians 5 that we are examining in this chapter which details what fruit pleases and displeases Him, is certainly one of those definitive and important truth texts He gave to His people (Gal. 5:19-23). The “works of the flesh” are spelled out so that those who are doing these things can definitively understand that they are not pleasing the LORD and in danger of hell fire.

When is the last time your pastor taught through Galatians 5:19-24?

Why did the Almighty choose to specifically list out these seventeen sins (violations of His holiness)? Was He merely filling space? What was His purpose? Is it because He is out to get us? Or, is it rather that He is holy and He so loves us? It is clear that the LORD wanted His children to know when they were not aligned with Him. Perhaps He desires us to be so close to Him that if our hearts drift, we can know it by seeing ourselves in these sins of the flesh and repent and return to Him.

Beloved, lest anyone think that this needy person possesses an undue view of himself, please know that this writer is a mere man who like Elijah and Paul is a man “subject to like passions” and fully and personally understands the gravitational pull of evil (Rom. 6-7; James 5:17). Temptation to sin is a daily reality (Gal. 5:16-17). That we all sin is no mystery, but to deny truth and make up our own doctrines and false god to justify our sins, is treason! The LORD is calling us to be honest-hearted disciples who love Him supremely – more than ourselves and sin!

Should we consider the Almighty harsh for giving us these lists of sins that violate Him? Or, do we consider Him to be as He told us He is – holy? Did He not give us ample fair warning that all sin will be judged, either by repentance now or when it is too late – when one stands before His holy throne in trembling ruins?

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4

Jesus came, not to grant free license to sin, but to the contrary, to forever judge sin in the flesh, by the sacrifice of His own body and to grant the blessed power to live in the Spirit and not live in sin. Because Jesus forever judged sin in the flesh by His perfect sacrifice, He defeated any and all notions and excuses for sin. There will be no defense when we stand before Him naked on Judgment Day. Why then would any person claiming to know Christ teach anything which justifies the sins that violate His holiness?

What does the Holy Spirit promise will happen to any person who has the fruit of any of these “works of the flesh” manifesting in his life?

“…of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

If committed without repentance, any one of these sins listed in Galatians 5 will damn the soul – or there would be no reason for the divinely-inspired transmission of this text. The seventeen sins listed in this Bible passage reveal that the LORD is holy and is warning us of exactly what offends Him. The fact of the existence of this important passage reveals that God loves His people. Anyone committing these sins can plainly know he is out of a pleasing relationship with Jesus and choose to repent and turn back to the LORD. When the heart is in true fellowship with Christ, “the fruit of the Spirit” will be produced as listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

Like Esau, Judas, and many others throughout history, sin can and will harden the heart and if not repented of, will result in unalterable apostasy (Heb. 3:12-15; 6:4-6; 12:14-15).

It is the dishonest heart that can look dead at a Holy Spirit-inspired Scripture and “diminish ought” from it (Deut. 4:2). How prideful we are! How arrogant! What audacity! Taking away from God’s Word brings a curse (Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19).

“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what (judgment) the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments (gave you my written Word), even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them (the words of God)…” Deuteronomy 4:1-6

Here God’s covenant people are specifically reminded by the LORD of His “fierce anger” when Israel sinned against Him “because of Baalpeor.” See Numbers 25. Remember how 24,000 Israelites were killed for idolatry, spiritual adultery and fornication? (Num. 25) Here in Deuteronomy God’s covenant people are reminded of the holy wrath of the God who saved them and are exhorted to take heed and not “diminish ought” from His Word by distorting His clear truth and making up false doctrines to justify living in sin. The Almighty is unchanging and will judge His own people for their sins if they choose not to repent and return to Him fully (Ezek. 18:30; 33:12-13; 1 Pet. 4:17-18; Rev. 3:19).

In verse 4 here of Deuteronomy chapter 4 we are reminded of the glorious promise of the keeping grace and power of our great God who preserves His own who remain in fellowship with Him – “But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.”

Saints, do we believe the Word of God? If so, we are obligated by a holy conviction to embrace all of it because “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.” (2 Tim. 3:16)

There are those who would pose the question: “At what point does the LORD cut a person off?” It is wise to allow Him to answer this question for Himself by observing what He told us in His Word. All human reasoning should be crucified and the Word of God honored as full and final authority concerning this matter. “Let God be true and every man a liar.” (Rom. 3:4)

Remember that divine truth is never based upon what a sinful man or men wish it to be. Instead, divine truth is immutable, unchanging, binding, and before determined by the Judge of all.

God has magnified His Word above even His very name! Those who truly serve Him in truth, magnify His Words and not those of mere men or contrary doctrines. The mark of a true disciple will be that he searches out and magnifies God’s written Word above all else and allows it to supersede the voice, notion or teachings of all that does not align (Ps. 138:2; Jn. 5:39; 8:47; Acts 17:11).

The Bible clearly tells us that if one is not in the state of holiness through intimate relationship with Christ (abiding), that person simply will not go to God’s holy Heaven when he leaves the earth, whether that be in the catching away or upon death.

A valid question that the Scripture answers is asked by many and here it is: Are there certain sins which disqualify a person from Heaven? If so, which ones?  And says who?

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? BE NOT DECEIVED: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind (homosexuals), Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Did you see the 10 sins listed here which will exclude any person living in them from “inherit(ing) the kingdom of God”?

According to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, here are those that the eternal Judge and LORD says will not “inherit the kingdom of God”:

•   “Fornicators”

•   “Idolaters”

•   “Adulterers”

•   “Effeminate”

•   “Abusers of themselves with mankind” (homosexuals)

•   “Thieves”

•   “Covetous”

•   “Drunkards”

•   “Revilers”

•   “Extortioners”

Overcoming these sins cannot be internally accomplished by self effort and soul power.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

Again, the question: Do certain sins (sins unto death – Rom. 6:16; 1 Jn. 5:16) disqualify a person who was once in grace, from Heaven/eternal life, if he doesn’t repent?

“But the fearful (spiritual cowards, men pleasers), and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

Here is another list of those the LORD tells us “shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone”:

•   “Fearful” (spiritual cowards, men pleasers)

•   “Unbelieving”

•   “Abominable”

•   “Murderers”

•   “Whoremongers”

•   “Sorcerers”

•   “Idolaters”

•   “All liars”

Revelation 21:8 lists 8 soul-damning sins. These divinely inspired laborious lists beg the following question: Why does God take so much time and effort to give a detailed list of these sins to His very own people if in fact it only took to “believe” and be saved at one moment in one’s life and he was eternally secure regardless of what he did after that one magic moment of faith?

“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house we are, IF WE HOLD FAST THE CONFIDENCE and the rejoicing of the hope FIRM UNTO THE END.” Hebrews 3:6

There are 5 sins that kept Israel (God’s covenant people) out of their promise land of blessings and will keep us out if we choose to live separated from the presence of God in sin.

“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. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (represents salvation) And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:1-12

Here are the 5 sins that kept God’s people out of His blessings:

•   “Lust”

•   “Idolatry”

•   “Fornication”

•   “Tempting Christ”

•   “Murmuring”

For the sake of remembrance, let us use the acronym L.I.F.T.M. here. Each letter corresponds to 1 of these 5 deadly sins which disqualify the people of the LORD from entering into His resting place – ultimately Heaven.

We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up (these sins) to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen, that Israel and these sins are “examples.” (1 Cor. 10:6, 11) to all New Testament believers. The clear message here is that God is a holy Judge and destroys those of his who depart from His presence and go back into sinfulness (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridded out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy.

This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from these things which displease our Savior. May He bless and quicken our hearts today to cry out to Him to increase as we decrease and to grant us “the spirit of holiness.” (Rom. 1:4)

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6

Just after he detailed the 17 works of the flesh, the Holy Spirit gives us the 9 dimensions of the evidence of the LORD’s workings in that person who is truly abiding in Him.

“But the fruit (evidence) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Based on whom a person is serving, the fruit or evidence of that entity will be manifested in his life. Consider the following words from Romans 8:

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:12-14

Can you identify the divine promise in the following verse of Scripture?

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

The following is a divine command:

“Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22

L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer and Forgiver of the sins of His people upon repentance.

When we see sinful manifestations of the fallen nature in our lives, we should recognize that this reveals that our hearts are not right with God. This is a blessing to us from our LORD in that He gave us exact knowledge of what He considers to be sin, so that we never need to wonder, but can always have a measurement of where we are in Him.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18

More Sin Lists

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:5-9

Here in Colossians 3, the Word informs us that there are 6 sins “For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.”

•   “Fornication”

•   “Uncleanness”

•   “Inordinate affection” (exceeding reasonable limits, excessive)

•   “Evil concupiscence” (secret desire for that which is forbidden, i.e., fantasies, fantasizing of sinful activities)

•   “Covetousness”

•   “Idolatry”

Ephesians 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. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:5-6

Notice that after the Holy Spirit here lists 4 violations against the holiness of God (sins), He says: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” (Eph. 5:6)

•   “Whoremonger”

•   “Unclean person”

•   “Covetous man”

•   “Idolater’

He tells us here that no person who is living outside of fellowship with the LORD and therefore committing these sins, “hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” and to “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things (these sins named) cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” (Eph. 5:5-6)

He is here telling believers to never be deceived into thinking that any person practicing these sins has an inheritance in the eternal kingdom of God. Saint of the LORD, here in this passage, the Holy Spirit instructs us to never allow any leader to seduce our hearts and convince our minds that sin doesn’t endanger the eternal soul.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11

Living in temporal sin endangers the eternal soul.

Here are 7 the deadly sins of Proverbs 6:

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19

•   “A proud look”

•   “A lying tongue”

•   “Hands that shed innocent blood”

•   “An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations”

•   “Feet that be swift in running to mischief”

•   “A false witness that speaketh lies”

•   “He that soweth discord among brethren”

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Ezekiel 18:30-32

“That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Deuteronomy 16:20

The LORD told us that there would be those who professed to know Him and yet by their works they deny Him. These “works of the flesh” which we have studied here are not according to Christ. They are not the character of Jesus and reveal a life that is not conformed to His holy image (Rom. 8:29). These characteristics should never be manifesting in the life of the disciple of Jesus.

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

The danger of losing out with God may at this time be a harsh reality to you. It is nonetheless biblically true. We must crucify emotions and live by divine truth; letting God be true and any other teaching or emotional feeling to be the liar (Rom. 3:3-4).

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

The LORD told us to “watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation” and to “exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Matt. 26:41; Heb. 3:13) Also: “…But exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” (Heb. 10:25-27)

Do we not rather desire to abide in the place of blessing with our LORD? Do we not long to experience His hand of blessing upon our lives as we live in harmony with Him?

“If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.” Job 36:11

“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:8-9

When and if we see any of these sins manifesting in our lives, we can be sure that there is the sin of unbelief, spiritual adultery, and idolatry causing a strained connection between ourselves and the LORD. Such a breach can be remedied by godly repentance which re-establishes the Lordship of Christ and a fresh drawing near to the Savior, releasing our whole lives to Him alone who is worthy.

“Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.” John 13:8-10

The LORD would have us to learn how to receive a fresh cleansing and start that we might serve Him with clear conscienceContacting the blood of Christ makes such possible! “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Heb. 9:14) He desires to separate us from the stain of past sins that we might serve Him in the fullness of His love and Spirit. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14) Note here that in order to be able to reach forward unto those divinely ordained things which lay before us and press toward the mark of knowing Christ more, we must first and foremost deliberately choose to forget those sins which He has forgiven upon our confession.

May our precious LORD help us to learn to be blessed with His holy grace in washings on an ongoing basis as we confess and forsake our sins and are cleansed afresh by His blood.

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ…But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 1:3, 7-10; 2:2

The Place of Blessedness

Quoting David’s words in Psalm 32, the apostle Paul writes:

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Romans 4:6-8

The “blessed” place to be is where we have a real walk with God, one that is faith-filled, accountable, repentant, and obedient. As we do, we are in His holy light and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin!

PRAYER: O LORD Jesus, bless me to abide in Thee that I may live pleasing to You in all my ways and never walk after the deeds of the fleshly, sinful nature but bring forth fruit unto eternal life while eagerly looking for Your soon return. Give me “the spirit of holiness.”At this moment I commend my spirit into Your holy care. I lay my life in Your hands Jesus. I love You my LORD and Master. Holy Father, let Your grace flood my being and I will guard my heart against any seducing spirit, deceiver or false teaching that would seek to convince me that it is okay to live in sin or that someone living in sin is eternally secure. Thank You Father for bringing me to the blessed place where you do not impute iniquity to me but that all sins are confessed and relinquished. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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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. I have not 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 with 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
Continue Reading

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.


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Apostasy

“Simple Concerning Evil” [podcast]


Holy Scripture uses the phrase “simple concerning evil.”

“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple (innocent) concerning evil.” Romans 16:19

“But I would have you – Not only obedient, but discreet also. Wise with regard to that which is good – As knowing in this as possible. And simple with regard to that which is evil – As ignorant of this as possible.” John Wesley

Concerning Romans 16:19 Donald Stamps writes:

“God wants believers to be innocent (Gk. akeraios) in what is evil; this word means ‘unmixed’ or ‘pure,’ i.e., innocent like a child whose mind has not yet been exposed to evil or mixed with the values of the world (cf.1 Cor. 14:20). (1) This biblical principle is in direct opposition to the idea advocated by some that children of Christians should be exposed to sin, immorality, ungodliness, and the things of Satan in order to learn to confront temptation. Some suggest that children need not be guarded from ungodliness. However, according to biblical revelation, the philosophy is not only against God’s will for the believer, but also represents Satan’s own desire that everyone be exposed to the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:5). (2) Knowledge of evil, along with continual exposure to Satan’s ways, will lead many from the path of faith and obedience. Lot found this out to his deep sorrow, losing his entire family for this reason (Gen. 13:12-13; 19:1-38). Scripture warns that ‘evil communications’ (i.e., company) corrupt good manners (1 Cor. 15:33), and that ‘Jesus Christ … gave himself … that he might deliver us from this present evil world’ (Gal. 1:3-4). Those who advocate exposing innocent children to an ungodly environment and/or influence are in danger of violating Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6. (3) Believers should do all within their means and power to guard their children from being exposed to the deceitfulness and sin and the perverseness of this generation. To refuse to protect our children in this respect disregards the Holy Spirit’s desire that they be innocent and babes regarding what is evil.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1959

Spoil the innocence of a child or others and God will spoil, bring ruin to you.

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” 1 Corinthians 14:20

Concerning the fact and principle of offering children to Satan on the altar of Moloch, one source notes the following:

“Based on historical and biblical accounts, child sacrifice to Moloch was a Canaanite and Phoenician ritual, often described as offering children to a deity in a “tophet” (place of burning). Scholars interpret this act as a desperate attempt to appease a god associated with the underworld or to ensure divine favor in exchange for the ultimate sacrifice.

Why Children Were Offered to Moloch:

Appeasement of a Deity: Moloch (or Mlk) is identified by some scholars as an underworld deity or a Phoenician god linked to the underworld, requiring the ultimate sacrifice to ensure favor or safety.”

“Lot … Pitched His Tent Toward Sodom”

“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13  But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” Genesis 13:12-13

Of the act of Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom, the late Donald Stamps wrote:

“PITCHED HIS TENT TOWARD SODOM. Lot’s great failure was that he loved personal gain more than he hated the wickedness of Sodom (v10-13). (1) If he had loved righteousness sufficiently (see Heb. 1:9), it would have caused him to remain separate from the wicked ways of sinful people. Instead he tolerated evil and chose to live in wicked Sodom (v13). Perhaps he reasoned that the material advantages, culture, and pleasures of Sodom outweighed the dangers, and that he was strong enough to remain faithful to God. Thus, he exposed himself and his family to the immorality, and ungodliness of Sodom, only to learn the bitter lesson that his family was not strong enough to resist its evil influences (Gen. 19:24-26; 30-38). (2) Parents must be careful not to place themselves or their children in a “Sodom,” lest they come to spiritual ruin as did the family of Lot.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 27

“Although Lot was distressed by the filthy deeds he saw and heard (2 Pet. 2:7-8), he still was willing to tolerate the wickeness of Sodom for social and material advantages (13:12 note). This compromise brought tragedy to his family (v24). Likewise, believers today who expose their families to ungodly environments and evil influences for social or material gain are setting themselves up for family tragedies.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 34

Gentlemen, if we lust for the things of this world, it will cause us to sacrifice God’s truth on the altar of our greed and cause needless destruction in our families.

Ephesians 5:1-17

“1 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.” 

“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18  And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19  And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Key to a pure, innocent heart…. is that the LORD Almighty is truly first in our lives, that we are truly one with Him—just as Jesus prayed in John 17. The futile god of self must be denounced, as well as the sin of spiritual adultery and idolatry.

“Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22

PRAYER: “LORD, right this moment, I release everything and everyone that I might be holding onto tighter than You….I will have no other god before You dear LORD…You Jesus Alone Are My LORD And Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Marlene Austin

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