Abiding

Strong in Faith

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]

God Absolutely Requires that His People Trust Him – to Rest in His Historically Perfect Integrity

Is such a concept hard to understand? Shouldn’t be. If you are a man or a woman of integrity, how do you feel when someone doubts your word, your integrity? Isn’t that impugning – especially when you’ve done nothing worthy of being distrusted? Right? How then do we think God feels when we doubt His perfect character, track record, integrity?

Do we truly take God at His Word?

The good news is that we can, and we will! Don’t miss the prayer at the end of this post!

Memory Verse:

“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

Could it be any clearer that God aggrandizes faith, that He has placed a high premium upon it?

To initially be saved into Christ, into His eternal family, one must turn to Him (repent) and believe upon Him to salvation (Acts 16:30-31; 20:21). From that point forward, our LORD requires that we trust Him, that we live “in faith” – that we “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

We have full access to God and His blessings “by faith.” We are saved by Him “by grace are ye saved through faith.”

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“By faith” His works are executed through our lives after initial salvation.

“In Faith” appears 12 times in God’s Word

To be “strong” and “not weak in faith,” one must trust God at His promise, as did Abraham when told by God that he would bear the promised seed.

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;” Romans 4:17-23

To live “strong in faith,” like Abraham, one must stagger “not at the promise (word) of God.”

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” Romans 4:20

Abounding in “every thing” in Christ comes to all who walk “in faith.”

“Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

“Godly edifying … is in faith”

“Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” 1 Timothy 1:4

The man of God must teach His Word “in faith.”

“Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.” 1 Timothy 2:7

The born again God fearing woman will “continue in faith” and be blessed in bearing precious children.

“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:15

Being a good “example of the believers” requires living daily “in faith.”

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Holding fast and speaking “sound words” requires being sound “in faith.”

“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13

“Sound in faith” exclusively comes from embracing and obeying “sound doctrine.”

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” Titus 2:1-2

Dying, departing this earth “in faith.”

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13

“Ask in faith”

“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.” James 1:6

“Rich in faith”

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” James 2:5

Asking God to “Increase our faith”

Jesus’ apostles asked the LORD to increase their faith in Him and the Father. Jesus did not rebuke them for this request but rather granted it! Ask Him now to increase your faith in Him:

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

In contrast to belief, to trusting God by faith, we read these frightening words, this ominous warning to the people of God in Hebrews 3:

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:12-15

If you are full of fear it’s because your faith is not in God but rather something else, perhaps yourself. Repent, return to God and confess your sins, including “an evil heart of unbelief” and then ask God to increase your faith like the apostles did (Hebrews 3:12-15; Luke 17:5).

YOUR PRAYER:

Holy Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ my LORD, asking You to please forgive my evil heart of unbelief and the sin of unbelief. Please grant my heart to truly trust You at Your Word. Please increase my faith. Please increase the faith of all Your beloved people dear LORD. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen LORD!

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“LORD, Increase Our Faith”

“Jesus has been too Good for Me to Lose Faith in Him!” ~ Derek

“Through Faith he kept the Passover”

Abiding

Fruitfulness is Found in Abiding in Christ [podcast]

“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 28:20

Jesus is the True Vine

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:1-7

“The understanding is, if I am truly abiding in Christ (the Vine, my first love) then the fruit will come from Him, and not from me—of my own making—but through me. Again, it’s relationship with Christ that is the root of the matter, and not just outwardly keeping a list of rules (living under the law).

‘Abiding fruitfulness’—so loaded with meaning!

1. for your own state of abiding in Christ
2. for the fruit that is brought forth because you are abiding in Christ (the Vine) Who gives life to and bears the fruit
3. that the fruit itself (fruit of the Spirit, souls of men and all good works that are born of the Spirit) will abide (remain) and flourish in God’s kingdom on earth and in eternity.” Debbie L.

IF JESUS is purging you, rejoice—because that means He’s born good fruit in your life and wants to bring forth more! Boom.

“Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2

*Read that again.

IF you are not a DOER of God’s Word, it proves you are not saved and are a lukewarm hell bound rebel. Repent now and bring forth fruit to prove it (Matthew 3:7-10; 7:21; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4; Revelation 2:26, etc.).

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

HOW DID JESUS tell us to know/discern ourselves and others?

The FRUIT of our lives (Matthew 7:16,20).

The root determines the fruit.

Are you rooted in Christ?

Our works are the good fruit born out of Christ’s salvation and present work in our lives. Those good works do not save us but are a mere outworking of His great salvation in us.

FRUIT vs GIFTS

There are lots of people bragging about their GIFTS which alone tells you they are not in Christ who taught that the greatest among us will be the SERVANT of all—the FRUIT of God’s love in the true remnant disciple (Matthew 20:24-28; 23:8-12).

Gospel Hint: God is interested in a real relationship with those who choose Him. That relationship will always bear good fruit. FRUIT is the crop of an abiding relationship with Jesus which is the stated reason that God the Father sent His only begotten Son (John 15:1-16; 17:3). Anyone can operate in or even fake gifts. Gifts are glitter. Fruit is foundation! The root determines the fruit. What fruit is being born, produced in your life? Are you asking God to make you one with Him? Read John 17.

In the divine economy, FRUIT is much more important than GIFT because good FRUIT can only come out of relationship.

GOD is interested in FRUIT that only comes from a ROOTED abiding relationship! See Matthew 3:7-10; John 15, etc. Jesus foretold that on Judgment Day “MANY” will call out to Him with “Lord, Lord” as they boast of the GIFTS they operated in. “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:19-23).

Taking up the cross, suffering the death of self, is not earning us salvation… it’s simply rendering worship-filled “obedience to the faith” (Romans 1:5) – faith in the ONE who bled on that cross to earn salvation for us, all by Himself!

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A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]

The burnt offering means a complete consumption. What did God illustrate to us when He required His people under the Old Covenant to offer burnt offering sacrifices? His coming Messiah’s perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The ordained way He requires that His people serve Him. Jesus was the ultimate burnt offering. He gave all of Himself freely in obedience to His Father and to redeem mankind. “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.” Romans 12:1 In His […]

Misleading vs Grounding Voices in Our Midst [podcast]

WHO are you really listening to and following? Do you realize that the Bible foretold that “many” would be deceived by false leaders in the final days? (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, etc.) How can we know we are truly one with Christ and following Him, and not being misled? Check this out: “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both […]

The Savior vs Self [podcast]

The Flesh vs the Spirit “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.” Romans 8:5 This life is a daily test of who we truly love (Matthew 6:24; 22:37-40; John 14:15; 15:14; Romans 6:16). You are not relegated to the flesh, to live after it, or be defeated by it. “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do […]

Well Done Thou Good And Faithful Servant [podcast]

Will You Hear ‘Well Done’ or ‘Depart from Me’? [podcast] If I am truly following Jesus, I am learning to SERVE – and we know that because of what He taught and what He did while on earth. “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your […]

Articles

Chosen for Holiness [podcast]

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4

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

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

Of holiness, one disciple writes:

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

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

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

Fornication Defiles

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

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The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning for [video]

WHAT church/people is Jesus returning for? “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27 “a glorious church” “not having spot (no sin)“ No “wrinkle” “or any such thing” “but that it should be holy and without blemish” WHAT’s the use of talking about end times […]

Can a True Believer Overcome All Sin? [podcast]

Yes. In the church world, there’s an abundance of talk about sin and it comes with the notion, the inflection, the false assumption that somehow, born again believers are relegated to sinning, as if there’s no other choice. Is that true? Is this the biblical perspective? What I want us to do is make sure we are looking at the whole of Scripture and be blessed to gain a godly confidence that our Savior provided a perfect salvation that includes more than just the initial washing away of our sins. This “great grace” that He provided in His “so […]

The Truth about Holiness [podcast]

“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11 As we just read, divine “holiness” is “glorious.” Holiness is not what most of us think it is. Holiness in the divine economy is something of great “beauty” and utterly refreshing (Psalms 96:9). It seems that holiness is not merely a divine attribute but rather the divine nature of the Almighty. Are we ready to allow our LORD, who alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” to define what holiness truly is and how He brings it […]

Abiding

“They that are Christ’s” [podcast]

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

We “fight” by dying and not by rising up:

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12).

When we die downward, Christ, who is “the resurrection and the life” raises our lives upward, in His infinite divine power to glorify Him (John 11:25). This is exactly how our LORD Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave!

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” Hebrews 2:14

You may be wondering why you haven’t overcome sin. Here’s how to overcome sin—and beware of those not preaching this cross! (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 2:20; 5:34, etc.).

“He that is dead (crucified with Christ) is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7

Read that again!

No one is “freed from sin” until they are “dead”—crucified with Christ.

The truly God-fearing man realizes his utter need for the grace of Christ. He realizes that he must continue, to abide in Christ, to “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12). He views salvation as a present reality and responsibility—to remain in an intimate, abiding relationship with Christ (John 15:1-16); Colossians 2:6-7).

Those who don’t walk in the cross lifestyle, will revert to type— sinful type.

The authentic disciple builds his whole life around the Bible, the cross and the throne of God (Jeremiah 17:12; Hebrews 4:14-16).

WHEN our love for God is supreme, we will daily seek Him.

When we are hungering and thirsting after His righteousness, He is filling us with His overcoming, victorious grace (Matthew 5:6).

“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

WHATEVER you do, never get away from the cross message—the crucified life to which Jesus calls every one who will be His.

Many fancy their devotion to very intelligent men in ministry and yet, only God knows what’s in their hearts. Having mega intellectual knowledge, understanding and the ability to articulate, in no way means a man is crucified with Christ. And if he’s not “crucified with Christ” he’s not overcoming sin—which means he’s living in sin.

“He that is dead (crucified with Christ) is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7

The Only Solution to Man’s Sin [podcast]

Prayer: I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at the STORE page and amazon. English and Spanish.

The Only Solution to Man’s Sin [podcast]

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Tozer: The Cross

The Old Rugged Vs. the New Nerf Cross A.W. Tozer: “The old cross is a symbol of death. God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again in newness of life. God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out of death. It always stands at the far side of the cross.” A.W. Tozer: “Why do we build our churches upon human flesh? For we teach men not to die with Christ but to live in the strength of their dying manhood… If I see aright, the cross of popular […]

The Victory of the Cross [podcast]

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, THAT the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 Many feel hopeless, like they can never overcome the flesh. Yet, we know that God is able to bring the victory He ordained in our lives through the crucified life He commanded that […]