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Beware of the Grace-Perverting Wolves

One of the most prevalent and cancerous doctrines being taught from hundreds of thousands of pulpits every Sunday is the deadly lie of “once saved always saved.”  This was Satan’s lie to the first man and woman in the Garden. It led to the fall of mankind – “Ye shall NOT surely die” said Satan and yet God had just told the man and woman that if they sinned against Him, they would “surely die.” (Genesis 2:17; 3:4) The enemy of all souls inserted or added just one 3-letter word that led to the fall of the first man and woman and sadly, Satan is still using the most subtle source to lie to and damn the souls of millions – the pastors of today. It could be argued that this one teaching of Satan, has led to the downfall and eternal damnation of more souls than any other.

The most popular passage misused by the “once saved always saved”  proponents is found in John 10. It is unfortunate that they siphon out selective verses to the exclusion of the whole counsel of God’s Word. The problem with the misuse of this passage is that those who conclude that a person cannot ever lose salvation after receiving it, is that they divorce verse 27 from verses 28-29. Let’s read these words of Christ:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29

Here the LORD identifies and qualifies just who His sheep are by what they do. He says that His true sheep “hear my voice … and follow me.” (v27) The promise of not being plucked out of the Father’s hand is only for those who are currently hearing the voice of Jesus and following Him.

When we read the whole text, we see just exactly WHO the security promise is given to and that it is conditional, not unconditional. John 10:28-29 are promises of security to those who are currently hearing His voice and following Him. In this passage, which obviously includes the words of our LORD in verse 27, we observe that those who are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they will never perish. Jesus taught  that some would “fall away” after being saved and as they stopped believing (Luke 8:12-13).

In John 10:28-29 Jesus was speaking to those He pre-qualified in the previous verse, verse 27. According to Christ, only those who are currently hearing His voice and following Him, have eternal security.

Laughably, OSAS dupes are going to act like they take the high road in interpreting things in context. John 10:27-29 is one passage they don’t like to hear in context. They want to extrapolation v28-29 and don’t even know Jesus’ words in v27 exist and give the conditional qualification for the promise of v28-29.

Jesus sure is our Salvation and security and Jesus says that such security only applies to those whom He saves AND of them, those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him. The promise of verses 28 and 29 are made contingent by Jesus on the condition of verse 27 – only those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him are secure in Christ and going to His holy Heaven. In John 15:5 the Son of God made it clear that any person in Him that doesn’t remain in Him will be cut off and cast into the fire. Read the WHOLE of God’s Word friend or you will continue to be misled by mere men (Revelation 3:11).

YOU don’t believe the lie of OSAS because you found it in God’s Word through honest, thorough study but rather you believe it because you haven’t gotten into God’s Word seriously for yourself and have allowed diabolical, grace-perverting wolves to deceive you. Now repent and get into God’s Word for yourself as He instructed you to do! (2 Timothy 2:15)

Heaven will be full of those who responded in repentance and in receiving Jesus as they were quickened to do so by God. Oh, and those who after being saved continued to the end abiding/remaining in Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 25:1-13; Luke 13:27; John 15:1-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 2-3…).

A clean, clear, and assured conscience comes only by way of saving faith and literal, practical obedience to God’s Word which is always the fruit of saving faith (1 Timothy 1:5). If a person wants a clear conscience, assurance, and eternal security, he must hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him. It’s only then – as he is presently worshipping Jesus with no idols or unrepentant sin, that he is assured of eternal life.

It is clear to the honest, objective, truth-seeking Bible student that Jesus placed condition on being saved and remaining saved. There is condition for final salvation. According to Jesus, as long as we whom He has saved are abiding (remaining) in Him, we are saved and assured of eternity with Him (John 10:27-29; 15:1-6; 2 Corinthians 1:10).

Those who have adopted the “once saved always saved” cliche of mere men, are believing on a “Jesus” that is different from the One found in the Bible. The false “Jesus” says that after he saves you, you have no more responsibility whatsoever to do anything ever and that you can live in the most vile, dark sin known to man and still go to Heaven when you die. That is a false Christ!

Someone please tell me where the LORD Jesus Christ or His holy apostles ever used the phrase “once saved always saved.”   Where does this phrase ever appear in the Holy Bible? It simply doesn’t. Yet, terms like “cut off,” “fall away,” and “fallen from grace” and  the “if” condition, and the need to “endure to the end” appear many times in Holy Scripture (Matthew 24:13; Romans 11:22; Galatians 5:4). The warnings are abundant and departing from the faith is one of them which terminology makes it abundantly self-evident that such is possible (1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:12-14). The Biblical terminology is clearly self-interpreting. Why would God repeatedly warn us of losing out in the end and for eternity if there were danger of losing out in the end? The Bible truth is clear that once the LORD saves you, you do not have a license to live in sin and if you die in sin you will be in the lake of fire forever! (Hebrews 10:26-39; Jude 4; Revelation 21:7-8, 27; 22:15, etc.)

God’s Word and condition does not stop with the initial reception of salvation. According to “the faith once delivered to the saints,” the same faith that initially appropriated God’s grace must be continued in to the end of one’s life, or eternal life will be forfeited. Though eternal life is eternal, the possession of it is not – necessarily.

Eternal life is the life of Christ in the believer and yet the possession of eternal life is contingent upon abiding in Christ. Although most Christian circles seem to stop right here – at the obtaining of initial salvation through faith, the LORD Jesus and His holy apostles have more to say concerning “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:9)

“By faith are we saved, and by faith we stay saved.” E.M. Bounds

Jesus taught that one could believe and be saved for a time and then “fall away.” (Luke 8:12-13)

The Son of God taught that once He saves someone, they are responsible to remain in Him or be cast into the fires of hell.

“Every branch IN ME (not the lost) that beareth not fruit he taketh away … IF (denotes conditional) a man abide (remain) 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 (hell).” John 15:2, 6

While it is true that we as believers have all stumbled, sinned, and been weak, it is also true that God was not the author of it, was not pleased in it, and that we must confess and forsake all sin.

Who did the LORD tell us He does and does not grant His mercy to?

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsakeththem shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 

Jesus Christ came to die for our sins, not only to forgive them, but also to redeem us from all sin. Those still living in sin – not redeem from sinning habitually – are not saved for Heaven, even if they were born again in the past.

“He that abideth in him sinneth not.” 1 John 3:6

God did not send His only begotten Son to give us a free pass on sinning. Contrary to the diabolical teaching of most evangelical churches, all future sins are not automatically forgiven. One must “walk in the light” with Christ – abiding holy, and obedient in Him – in order to have their sins cleansed.

“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.” 1 John 1:7

Nearly the whole evangelical movement believes and is taught that Jesus died for us to keep on sinning and that we simply cannot stop sinning. Yet, the Bible never teaches such.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

The announcement of the birth of Christ tells us that Jesus was coming to “save his people FROM” and not in “their sins.”

Of the true grace of God, in Titus 2:11-14 we read:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us,that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14

When divine, saving grace is truly in our lives, it will manifest in “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” (v12) We will also be looking for Christ’s soon return, literally be being delivered “from all iniquity” and be being purified and set apart as “a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (v13-14)

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19  

Note that all who have been saved and name the name of Christ as their Savior, are to “depart from iniquity” and not excuse or justify it or adopt some false theology to rationalize remaining in sin.

“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

1 John 3:3 identifies the exclusive “few” who are on “the narrow road that leads to life”with Christ eternally:

“And every man that hath this hope in him (the hope of Christ’s soon return) purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

So, while all Christians most likely stumble, are weak at times, and might sin, there are two ways people deal with this:

1)      Some, having no fear of God and taught the lies mentioned above, do not confess their sins, vainly believing they have no responsibility to be accountable for these violations of the holiness of our Great God and Judge.

2)      Some, if they stumble, fall, are weak, or sin, they are stricken with the holy fear of the LORD and repent, return back to the LORD, confess, and forsake that sin.

Those listed in number two above are the true remnant. They are dead to self and sin and alive unto Christ alone (Romans 6).

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

“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.” 2 Corinthians 1:9-10

To those already saved, Paul writes:

“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.” Romans 8:13

Jesus said “many be called, but few chosen” and those “chosen” in the end will be the “few” who kept their garments of His righteousness “unspotted.” (Matthew 20:16; James 1:27) Just what people does God’s Word tell us that Jesus is coming back for? Is it a people who are justifying their sins through false teaching of an unbiblical “security” or otherwise? Do you mind if we allow God to answer that question for Himself?

“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

Jesus and His holy apostles never painted the lukewarm lie we see presented in the apostate modern church by the beguiling hirelings today. In fact, in order to illustrate this, let’s test your favorite author or pastor against the words of Christ. Does your favorite leader preach this or is he an antichrist rebel?

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13

“Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24

Jesus taught that those who do not cut off the hand and pluck out the eye that causes them to offend His holy Father by sin, will be cast into everlasting, always-conscious, fire (Mark 9:42-49).

The Son of God also taught that we are to fear God who is able to cast us into hell:

“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:4-5

When Jesus cited the sins of the seven churches He addressed in Revelation 2-3, He called them to repent and be overcomes or they would not be with Him in His Father’s Heaven.

The Holy Spirit warned us through Jude of the grace-perverting wolves we are earnest contend against in this late hour:

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-4

When citing the false shepherds of Israel, Jeremiah the prophet reveals one of their damning characteristics to be that of promising eternal security to those of God’s people who are still living in sin:

“They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.” Jeremiah 23:17

The word image is the root word of “imagination” and in the imagination of the hearts of most who claim to know Jesus, is the image of a false Christ – one who allows them to live in sin while keep them secure for Heaven. “The imagination of his own heart” refers to how that in evangelical America, the false image or “another Jesus” is present in the hearts of those who claim to be saved. It’s not the same Christ revealed in Scripture as He who will punish all sin and sinning people in His holy Judgment to soon come (2 Corinthians 11:2-5).

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, 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 21:7-8

The false god of the evangelical movement today has preached a false Christ who doesn’t have the right to do what He told us He would do in His very Word – separate from His eternal kingdom, all who return to their sin and vomit after being saved. In fact, He made is clear that those who once knew Him and then departed from Him, would suffer the most excruciating pains in eternal damnation:

“For IF AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit AGAIN; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22

The prophet Ezekiel makes it clear that the devil-inspired myth and cliche’ of “once saved always saved,” is utterly impossible:

“Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:12-13  

Contrary to the willing ignorance of millions, Jesus is in total control and told us that He is going to eternally damn in the lake of fire all who got saved – were made righteous by Him – and then fell away and died in sin. Those who belief contrary are the tens of millions of who said a prayer and perhaps got saved, and yet, have given their eternal souls into the hands of grace-perverting wolves instead of seeking the LORD daily in studying His Word for themselves. “They are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” Romans 1:21-23  

If there is no danger of losing out after being saved, why so very many severe warnings, all written to those who were saved in the past? Is God a lunatic or, are those wolves teaching an unconditional eternal security the very vile wolves our LORD so often warn of?

Why such a severe warning to “holy BRETHREN” if there were no no need to endure “unto the end” and were no possibility of having “an EVIL heart of unbelief” and no danger of “departing from the living God” after being saved?

“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. … 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.” Hebrews 3:6, 12-14  

To “holy BRETHREN” (3:1) the writer of Hebrews warns:

“For IF (that means it’s possible) we sin wilfully AFTER that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 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 (saving faith), which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience (enduring to the end), that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Heaven). 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 (not just one moment of initial salvation): 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 (destruction in hell); but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:26-39

Lie of the Ages | Calvinism | Eternal Security

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Apostasy

Billy Graham Promoted and Sent People to Go Join the Catholic Church

“One of the most troubling problems within the church today is the unwavering loyalty to a ‘christian’ personality rather than to Christ and His Word. The unwillingness to test every man’s teaching with God’s Word, coupled with a stubborn lack of discernment, produces fertile ground for deception to flourish.” Evangeline DiChristi

from Chick Publications

Billy Graham Still Sending Converts Back to the Pope

Billy Graham. We know that his messages are solid gospel. Few in or out of the Christian World have not heard of him. Since 1949 he has held the spotlight as the most prominent evangelist in Christendom. He has just finished his 416th crusade in Pasadena, California that drew over 300,000 people in four days. 13,000+ responded to his altar calls. Graham is now 86 years old and has one more crusade scheduled in New York City next year, health permitting.

 

The Pasadena crusade was on the anniversary of his first Los Angeles revival 55 years ago. It was after that meeting that Graham was “kissed by William Randolph Hearst” according to Dr Cathy Burns in her book, Billy Graham and His Friends. This meant that Hearst had decided to promote Graham’s ministry in his nationwide chain of newspapers.

Immediately, reporters and photographers were crawling all over the Graham meetings. Front page articles began to appear in the leading local papers wherever Graham held meetings. One reporter was assigned full time to travel with Graham’s team.

In 1991, Graham claimed that this sudden attention remained a mystery. Burns describes a more complex scenario. Regardless, the publicity propelled Graham into the national, if not international, limelight.

Jesus warned, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you.” Over the years, Graham became the friend of presidents and kings, a beloved “America’s Pastor.”

But the fame came with a price. In his book, Smokescreens, written in 1983, Jack Chick describes how Roman Catholic leaders viewed and used Graham as a key player in their ecumenical plans. As early as 1965, he was a guest speaker at Catholic Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina where he received an honorary doctor’s degree. A college official’s letter describes Graham’s address as “theologically sound” as may have been given by “any other Catholic preacher.” The letter further states, “I would state that he could bring Catholics and Protestants together in a healthy ecumenic spirit.” Graham was also speaking at several other Catholic colleges at that time.

This prediction was fully realized. In Smokescreens, Chick shows various illustrations. In 1971 Graham is shown meeting with Oakland, California, Catholic Bishop Floyd Begin who lauded Graham’s ministry. In 1972 he received a Franciscan Friars’ award for true ecumenism. In 1979 Graham praised the pope as a “moral and spiritual leader that believes in something.”

In 1981 he was closeted for almost two hours with Pope John Paul II. After the 1982 New England crusade, thousands of those who went forward for salvation were turned over to Catholic clergy for follow-up.

And this hasn’t changed. Before the Pasadena crusade this year, The Tidings, official newspaper for the Los Angeles diocese, reported that Cardinal Mahony had written to parish priests to encourage their members to attend the crusade.

Crusade officials bragged that they had “a marvelous agreement” with Graham to give all registration cards to the diocese, of the inquirers who identified themselves as Catholic. The object was to “reincorporate Catholic Crusade participants back into full sacramental life in the Catholic Church.” “This is ecumenicity at it finest,” said Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the archdiocese.

There is no doubt that hundreds of thousands have been swept into the kingdom during the Graham crusades. But how tragic that so many who responded to Graham’s call to salvation were then sent back to the spiritual bondage and pagan rituals of the pope’s prostitute church?

Jack Chick concludes the Smokescreens chapter: “Yes, beloved. Billy Graham, as much as I love him and hate to say it, I believe was cleverly used as a smokescreen and as a pied piper for the whore of Revelation.”

In Graham’s 1952 Pittsburgh crusade, the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported that Graham said:

Many of the people who reach a decision for Christ at our meetings have joined the Catholic Church and we have received commendations from Catholic publications for the revived interest in their Church following our campaigns. This happened both in Boston and Washington. After all, one of our prime purposes is to help the churches in a community. If after we move on, the local (sic) churches do not feel the efforts of these meetings in increased membership and attendance, then our crusade would have to be considered a failure.” [Emphasis in the original.]

Did you notice that Graham was only interested in a church’s increased membership-but nothing was said about a person receiving Christ as his or her personal Lord and Savior. This is what is important-not church membership! Church membership could increase a 1000-fold but if people are not being saved, then all is in vain.

Graham also gave a boost to the Catholic Church (in 1952) when he added that he “hoped to hear Bishop Fulton J. Sheen at one of the masses at St. Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow. ” [Emphasis in the original.]

“In 1968, Graham was in a meeting in San Antonio, Texas. He said that the Roman Church had given ‘tremendous cooperation’ in areas where he had held crusades. He added, ‘A great part of our support today comes from Catholics. We never hold a crusade without priests and nuns being much in evidence in the audience.”

By 1973 nuns were singing in the choir at Graham’s crusades.

Continuing on with Graham’s ecumenical outlook, the June 10, 1966 issue of Time said that volunteers “will tactfully receive those stepping forward to make a decision for Christ, [and] steer them to the nearest church of their chosen denomination….”

In Poland in 1978, “Graham taught nuns and priests how to evangelize. A picture taken at the famous Polish Shrine of the Black Madonna shows Graham welcoming pilgrims to the worship of their Virgin.”

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Conspiracy is Reality [podcast] | The Prophesied End Times Conspiracy of False Leaders [podcast]Billy Graham, Paul Washer, James Robison, Jonathan Roumie, Sean FeuchtCatholicism/Ecumenism category | The Dangerous Threat of False Leaders | Antichrists Among UsMasonic Lodge Exposed | Knowing God | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Abiding

“David Encouraged Himself in the LORD his God” [podcast]


“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, … but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Gathering from several commentaries on this passage, one source notes the following:

“Faced with the devastating loss of Ziklag and a mutinous army threatening to stone him, David found supernatural resilience. Rather than yielding to panic or despair, he actively turned his focus away from the overwhelming crisis and strengthened his faith directly in God.

Key Context and Lessons

    • The Crisis: Amalekite raiders had burned the city and captured all the women and children, including David’s own wives.
    • The Breaking Point: His loyal men were now grieving and broken, turning their deep anguish into violent anger against their leader.
    • The Shift: David did not look to his men, his own strength, or his circumstances for hope. He preached truth to his own soul, drawing on his past history with God’s faithfulness and inquiring of the Lord for his next steps.

Practical Takeaways

    • Self-Talk: When no one else is around to lift you up, you must learn to speak God’s promises to your own heart.
    • Refocusing: Encouraging yourself in the Lord means anchoring your identity and security in His unchanging character rather than shifting public opinion.
    • Actionable Faith: David’s inward strengthening immediately led to outward action—he sought God’s direction and pursued the enemy, resulting in complete victory and restoration.”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“In the world ye shall have tribulation”

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

During seasons of great stress, this man after God’s own heart sought the LORD. This time only served as a blessing, hastening David to the feet of Christ. Beloved David gave us the most amazing Scriptures concerning seeking God.

“My soul followeth hard after thee.” Psalms 63:8

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalms 42:1-2

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8

Prayer: Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please grant me, Your mere servant, to be possessed with a heart after You dear LORD. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of GodThe Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Abiding

10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]


The wise virgin saints are keeping their lamps full of divine oil, they are taking personal responsibility for their own spiritual state with Christ the great and soon coming Bridegroom. Read Matthew 25:1-13.

“The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold”

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:10-14

Did you notice in verse 14 that those who hot for Jesus are participating in the preaching of His Word to the end of the earth (Mark 16:15).

Anyone not devouring God’s Word daily is falling away, is not enduring to the end, is choosing the let their love for Jesus wax cold, and on the wrong, the losing end of this prophecy Jesus gave here on record in Matthew 24:10-14.

“I will spue (vomit, reject) thee out of my mouth”

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:16-17

Praying God will help you love Him more (Matthew 22:37-40). It really all boils down to WHO we love most. THAT is exactly who we are serving (Romans 6:16).

Loving God is everything as far as what’s in our control – because it’s a choice, daily, and will determine if one remains in Christ to the end.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 

“Thou hast left thy first love”

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

1. When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in prayer each and every morning… When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in His Word each and every morning (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Chronicles 16:11).

2. When your love for God’s people is being reduced instead of increased (Philippians 2:12-13; 1 John 5:1) Marks of the True Christian …. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (Romans 12:9-11) See John 13:35.

“And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Luke 8:20-21 

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14 

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 today will refresh your heart and mind on the divine importance placed upon LOVE.

3. You are not denying self and not taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23-24; 19:27; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.).

4. You aren’t communicating the light of truth to others because you no longer seek or fear the LORD and so His divine virtue isn’t teeming in and flowing out of you. Your cup no longer runs over but instead is running empty (Psalms 23). You have a lampshade over the light and are not letting His light shine in and through your life and words… “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)

5. You live in fear instead of faith and the joy of being with Jesus (Luke 21:28; 1 John 4:16-18; Proverbs 28:1; Psalms 2:11).

6. You preach promises and not conditions…following the apostate modern church and you don’t preach the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel which we are commanded to “earnest contend for.” (Jude 3) You begin meditating on and living by trends instead of truth (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:1-2).

7. You have little or no true fellowship with other born- again Bible believing disciples of Jesus as is defined in God’s Word and not by the modern church world (Acts 2:42).


The Word of God is to run rich, to be abundant among God’s people … “In all wisdom” and “all in the name of the Lord Jesus”“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

8. You know you are backsliding when your main thrust and identity become politics, not the work of the Gospel. YOU are a blood bought disciple of Jesus, not a conservative. You are a Bible believing follower of Christ (Luke 9:62; Galatians 6:14).

9. When you love this world…..When you spend more time and money on hobbies and the things of this fleeting world than you do on attending to knowing, walking with the LORD and preparing to be used of Him (Mark 4:17-19; 1 John 2:15; James 4:4).

10. When you spend more money on trash and trinkets then helping the work of the One you claim to love and the poor. You know you are backslidden when you are not obeying God with what He’s placing in your temporal possession. He shall bring you into full account for this.

Regrettably, people will give their money to any and every pleasure under the sun but make excuses when the opportunity to support the work of the One they claim to love and serve. The Holy Spirit foretold that in the final days before the return of Jesus, there would be those with a mere “form of godliness”, “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,” and “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) According to the LORD, one of the main ways to measure our true love for Him or lack thereof, is by peering into our personal stewardship of the resources He’s placed into our temporary possession. Luke 12 and 16 offer a plethora of divine wisdom and warning concerning the judgment to come, the judgment we shall endure in giving account for our stewardship in this life.

The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24

To underscore the importance of stewardship, we should realize that 16 of our LORD’s 38 parables involved stewardship. Those who now do not wish to face and confront this truth, are apparently those who are in the most need of hearing it.

PRAYER: Father I come to You now in the name of Jesus Christ. Please cause my conscience to be super sensitive to Your conviction, Your leading, and to evade all that defiles me in Your holy eyes, sin. Here and now I submit my life afresh to You dear LORD. You must increase but I must decrease. I am crucified with Christ and thank You for conforming me to His holy image. I am all Yours LORD and thank You that You are all mine. I love You Jesus. Please make me one with You and the Father and with Your beloved body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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