Articles

The 7 “I Am” Declarations of Jesus in the Gospel of John [podcast]

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]

The 7 “I am’s” of Jesus

What are the 7 “I am” Statements of Jesus?

“Jesus saith unto him, I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

Jesus is not the “path” or “bridge” to God. He says He is “the WAY.” Words like “path” and “bridge” convey a work, engendering the idea of our own good works meriting salvation, robbing glory from Christ (Colossians 2:18-19). Isn’t it best to use the words the Bible uses? KJB

In the Gospel of John are found the seven “I am’s” of Jesus. None of them are “the path” or “the bridge.”

The “I Am” Declarations Recorded in John’s Gospel

What are the 7 “I am” Statements in John’s Gospel? | Sermon … The seven “I am” statements in the Gospel of John are: “I am the bread of life,” “I am the light of the world,” “I am the door,” “I am the good shepherd,” “I am the resurrection and the life,” “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” and “I am the true vine.”

While He was physically standing before the people, Jesus informed us that He is the Bread, Light, Door, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, Way, Truth, and Life, and the True Vine.

“The Bread of Life”

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

“6:35 Now Jesus stated the truth simply and clearly. He is the bread of life. Those who come to Him find enough in Him to satisfy their spiritual hunger forever. Those who believe on Him find their thirst forever quenched. Notice the words I am in this verse and recognize that the Lord was making a claim to equality with Jehovah. It would be folly for a sinful man to utter the words of verse 35. No mere man can satisfy his own hunger or thirst, much less satisfy the spiritual appetite of the whole world!” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The Light of the World”

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

“8:12 The scene now shifts to the treasury of the temple (see v. 20). A multitude was still following Him. He turned to them and made one of the many grand statements as to His Messiahship. He said, ‘I am the light of the world.’ Naturally speaking, the world is in the darkness of sin, ignorance, and aimlessness. The light of the world is Jesus. Apart from Him, there is no deliverance from the blackness of sin. Apart from Him, there is no guidance along the way of life, no knowledge as to the real meaning of life and the issues of eternity. Jesus promised that anyone following Him would not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

To follow Jesus means to believe on Him. Many people have the mistaken idea that they can live as Jesus lived without ever being born again. To follow Jesus means to come to Him in repentance, to trust Him as Lord and Savior, and then to commit one’s whole life to Him. Those who do this have guidance in life and clear and bright hope beyond the grave.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The Door”

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

“10:9 Verse 9 is one of those delightful verses which is simple enough for the Sunday School pupil to understand, and yet which can never be exhausted by the most learned scholars. Christ is the door. Christianity is not a creed, or a church. Rather it is a Person, and that Person is the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘BY ME if any man enter in.’ Salvation can only be received through Christ. Baptism will not do; neither will the Lord’s Supper. We must enter in by Christ, and by the power which He gives. The invitation is for anyone. Christ is the Savior of Jew and Gentile alike. But to be saved, a person must enter in. He must receive Christ by faith. It is a personal act, and without it there is no salvation. Those who do enter in are saved from the penalty, the power, and eventually from the very presence of sin.

After salvation, they go in and out. Perhaps the thought is that they go into the presence of God by faith to worship, and then they go out into the world to witness for the Lord. At any rate, it is a picture of perfect security and liberty in the service of the Lord. Those who enter find pasture. Christ is not only the Savior, and the One who gives freedom, but He is also the Sustainer and Satisfier. His sheep find pasture in the Word of God.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The Good Shepherd”

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

“10:11 Many times the Lord Jesus used the expression ‘I am,’ one of the titles of Deity. Each time He was making a claim to equality with God the Father. Here he presented Himself as the good shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. Ordinarily, the sheep were called upon to lay down their lives for the shepherd. But the Lord Jesus died for the flock.

‘When blood from a victim must flow,
This Shepherd by pity was led,
To stand between us and the foe,
And willingly died in our stead.’
— Thomas Kelly’

Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The Resurrection, and the Life”

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25

“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” John 11:26

“11:25 It is as if the Lord had said, ‘You do not understand Me, Martha. I do not mean that Lazarus will rise again at the last day. I am God, and I have the power of resurrection and of life in My hand. I can raise Lazarus from the dead right now, and will do it.’

Then the Lord looked forward to the time when all true believers would be raised. This will take place when the Lord Jesus comes back again to take His people home to heaven

At that time there will be two classes of believers. There will be those who have died in faith, and there will be those who are living at His Return. He comes to the first class as the Resurrection and to the second as the Life. The first class is described in the latter part of verse 25—’he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.’ This means that those believers who have died before Christ’s coming will be raised from the dead.

Burkitt remarks:

‘O love, stronger than death! The grave cannot separate Christ and His friends. Other friends accompany us to the brink of the grave, and then they leave us. Neither life nor death can separate from the love of Christ.’

Bengel comments,

‘It is beautifully consonant with divine propriety, that no one is ever read of as having died while the Prince of Life was present.’

11:26 The second class is described in verse 26. Those who are alive at the time of the Savior’s coming and who believe on Him shall never die. They will be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, and taken home to heaven with those who have been raised from the dead. What precious truths have come to us as a result of Lazarus’ death! God brings sweetness out of bitterness and gives beauty for ashes. Then the Lord pointedly asked Martha, to test her faith, ‘Do you believe this?'” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The Way, the Truth, and the Life”

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“14:6 This lovely verse makes it clear that the Lord Jesus Christ is Himself the way to heaven. He does not merely show the way; He is the way. Salvation is in a Person. Accept that Person as your own, and you have salvation. Christianity is Christ. The Lord Jesus is not just one of many ways. He is the only Way. No one comes to the Father except through Him. The way to God is not by the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, ordinances, church membership—it is through Christ and Christ alone. Today many say that it does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. They say that all religions have some good in them and that they all lead to heaven at last. But Jesus said, ‘no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’

Then the Lord is the truth. He is not just One who teaches the truth; He is the truth. He is the embodiment of Truth. Those who have Christ have the Truth. It is not found anywhere else.

Christ Jesus is the life. He is the source of life, both spiritual and eternal. Those who receive Him have eternal life because He is the Life.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The Vine”

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.” John 15:5

“15:5 Christ Himself is the vine; believers are vine branches. It is not a question of the branch living its life for the Vine, but simply of letting the life of the Vine flow out through the branches. Sometimes we pray, ‘Lord, help me to live my life for You.’ It would be better to pray, ‘Lord Jesus, live out Your life through me.’ Without Christ, we can do nothing. A vine branch has one great purpose—to bear fruit. It is useless for making furniture or for building homes. It does not even make good firewood. But it is good for fruit bearing—as long as it abides in the vine.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Ingesting the Bread of His Word daily is key to your growth and sustenance in Jesus.

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I love You. Forgive my sins of commission and omission. Wash me clear and clean by Thy precious blood dear LORD Jesus here and now. Work Your grace and love in this Your vessel. Teach me Thy ways O LORD and help me to serve You humbly out of a purified heart. Use me Jesus! In Jesus’ name.

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Jesus Christ is God [podcast]

The Divinity of Jesus Christ WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST AS GOD ALMIGHTY: (Note: this is not an exhaustive look at the divinity of Jesus Christ. Also, note that some of the particular words that announce His divinity are underlined). “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (means God with us).” Isaiah 7:14 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given (He already existed as God-with no beginning or end): and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and […]

Christ Jesus "Gave Himself a RANSOM for All" [podcast]

“The church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 Christ Jesus “gave himself a RANSOM for all.” “Ransom” refers to a redemption price. “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a RANSOM for many.” Matthew 20:28 “Who gave himself a RANSOM for all, to be testified in due […]

Jesus in Every Book of the Bible

First and foremost, God’s Word was written to reveal Christ. The Bible is said to be “The only Book where the divine Author is present every time you read it.” He’s divinely encoded and present on every page of His Word. “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44 Every book of the Bible is about the LORD Jesus, who is the […]

Abiding

“I Desire Fruit that May Abound to Your Account” [podcast]

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

Did you realize that as a born again disciple of Jesus, that you have an “account” in Heaven?

“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.” Matthew 6:19-21

Laying up treasure in Heaven and not wasting it on this fleeting life, is the command and the wisdom of God.

“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

To some I would say:

“So let me get this straight…. you attributed your own earnings for your whole life to yourself and so now, how dare someone suggest you allow other saints to help fund God’s work, to lay up treasure in Heaven …..”

“But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” 1 Samuel 30:24

Some seem to take offense to anyone receiving help from God’s people… which is 100% selfish and pride filled…. in more than one way:

1. The work is expanded with greater funding;

2. God’s people are laying up treasure in Heaven when they choose to give.

This all seems to indicate that you are far too involved in the “ministry” you are doing. It’s all about you, not Christ.

Think about how Jesus and Paul and John had numerous “fellowhelpers to the truth.” Every member was free and able to function fully in our LORD’s work.

“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” 3 John 8

Apparently some bogusly believe, pretend to be more righteous than Jesus and the apostle Paul by denying love offerings to do the work of God.

These men are actually preventing God’s people from laying up treasure in heaven and acting self-righteous about it.

Apparently you seek to be the hero who serves yourself in many ways instead of Christ and others and therefore you wish all of your labor be attributed to your own account in Heaven. Philippians 4:17 says: “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

We give the Gospel “without charge”…. and yet that does not in any way negate all that the Bible says about giving and laying up treasure in Heaven: “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:18). This would mean that he doesn’t ask for money and yet that doesn’t mean he didn’t receive such help nor that what he taught in verses 1-14 are negated.

Regrettably, there are men doing ministry who are babes in understanding this Bible 101 doctrine of giving, of stewardship.

Isn’t it time we get out of the way and let those sitting on the bench get on the field, participate, lay up treasure in Heaven?

Do we not understand how Christ told us His kingdom works…. that when we give, it connects our hearts closer to Christ and His work? See Matthew 6:21.

Following our heretical beliefs instead of the Bible on this topic of stewardship would have thus far resulted in the deprivation of so very many beloved needy people here in Mexico. It would have cheated them out of many blessings…. food and the Word, salvation, etc.

Remember, such as was the case with the few loaves and fishes. Jesus takes what we give to Him, to His work, and multiplies it. Do the math. John 6. Five thousand men were fed out of 5 loaves and 2 fishes and yet there was much food (more than they began with) left over, surplus (2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20).

“Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” John 6:13

Regrettably, we have novices who are abandoning the truth of God due to others perverting it….(2 Corinthians 2:17).

Are they making excuse for not giving?

The LORD “giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

Every good and every perfect gift on this earth is from God and is a mere foretaste of glory divine!

“The living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17

Does God’s Word not warn us that God’s people are to “behold” both “the goodness and the SEVERITY of God” lest we be “cut off”?

“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.” Romans 11:22

LORD, we thank You now for EVERY good and perfect blessing You alone have provided—beginning with the ultimate, the unspeakable, the unfathomable gift of Your only begotten Son who died, was buried, and raised again from the dead to justify us (Romans 4:25)! We love You LORD Jesus!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

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Giving and Lordship [podcast]

The Harvest is Plentiful, the Laborers Few “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-39 […]

Filling "Your Account" in Heaven! [podcast]

Might you choose to pray as did the apostles? – “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). Not only should we ask God to “Increase our faith” but also to teach us to be faithful to Him. God will bless those who are faithful to Him – those who are loyal and serve Him obediently through thick or thin, in riches or poverty, through sunshine or rain. “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.” Psalms 101:6 Does this verse above remind us […]

What Did Paul mean by Double Honour? [podcast]

It’s actually sickening to see how some, out of their own darkened and corrupted hearts, want to starve out the God-called elders from carrying out their divinely-ordained duties to feed and equip the flock and to watch for their souls. Some people are so deep in darkness and therefore blinded that they don’t realize that the work that they do in this world to earn money is not even important compared to the paramount divine work of an elder that God has prepared, sent forth, and is diligently feeding His blood-bought flock. “Remember them which have the rule […]

Articles

Mission Mexico Part 23

Just handed a tract to a man named Ruben. He said “Thank you. I’ve been searching and was thinking of visiting the JW (Jehovah Witness) church near me. Thank you.” Ruben said. Then a conversation ensued. He was informed that that JW and Mormons are cults. Ruben was given the law to convict and saving Gospel and exhorted to pray in repentance today and receive Jesus for the remission of his sins. He was told by way of testimony and the Word that Jesus is exactly Who he was looking for.

We exchanged numbers and will be meeting again soon. Please pray for this man. He’s in ripe mode if you will….. ready to repent and receive Jesus, Heaven’s Treasure, Salvation! Would you like to pause and lift Ruben in prayer?

*** Saints, as your brother in Christ, let me encourage you to dare pray something like this today if you are inclined: “Dear LORD, I am all Yours. You created me. You came and died for me. I am Yours. Please put me on Your planet, just exactly where You want me, and use me dear LORD! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Could the LORD be shaking off the dust of His holy feet against America?

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14

Saints, the JW and Mormon cults are here in Mexico. There are few if any Christian missionaries. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

I don’t believe any American would regret moving to this great country of Mexico. The peace and tranquility are off the charts. If you need someone to talk to, let me know.

One thing is certain, you will be immediately spoiled by the preciousness of the Mexican people and their acceptance of the message of Christ! You will minister to no one who won’t say “Gracias.”

Mission Mexico

Are you printing out your supply of JESUS tracts to pass out daily? Never leave home without your supply of the Gospel of Jesus to share with others. Download Jesus tract PDF with one click here – English and Spanish

Francisco repented and received Jesus! As our LORD would have it, our paths crossed by divine ordination. Francisco was preached to and gladly received a Jesus tract. Upon showing him the prayer of repentance and faith on the back, he immediately raised his hands to pray. It caught me off guard, in a good way, and so he was instructed to pray in repentance and faith… as he was led, and he did. Out loud, acknowledging that he has sinned against God and then calling on our LORD Jesus to forgive, save, wash away his sin.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. … 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

Beloved Francisco was showed and encouraged to download the Reina Valera Spanish Bible onto his devices and wake up to seeking God in His Word and prayer first thing each morning (Matthew 6:33). He was given the idea also of reading the Proverb of the day each morning.

This continues to happen here with these precious people. They are so hungry for Christ and only need someone to show, to lead them to Him. Several times when instructed to go home and pray in repentance and faith, they overtly lift their hands and hearts and begin praying right on the spot—which demonstrates that they’d been waiting eagerly to hear the message of Christ’s Gospel!

“HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

Ensuing his repentance toward God and faith toward our LORD Jesus (Acts 20:21), the discipleship began. We’ve already been communicating and he’s got the Born Again book in Spanish with three more of the ministry books which will be sent to him this week.

Mission Mexico

As you can imagine, there is no shortage of great food in Mexico.

“As you guys see, the harvest is plenteous (Matthew 9:37), and the fields are ready for the harvest! Your wages are the joy of gathering the fruit unto enteral life. John 4:35-36. And we as fellowhelpers rejoice with you. As His truth is being spread aboard into the hearts of the Dear people of Mexico! We are team Jesus! Appreciate all the pictures and stories of the many who are receiving with meekness the engraved word of the Lord! Hallelujah! Bless you and Justin.” Tom and Karen Cochran

Brother Justin and I were able to minister our LORD’s Word to several people this evening. Justin was elated to see the interaction, the response of these amazing people of Mexico. Here’s one of the beloved people who received a thorough preaching of the Word of Jesus Christ. HIS Word was 100% received. As usual each person is instructed to go home and pray the prayer on the back of the JESUS tract and repent, receive Jesus, and let Him wash you clean in His precious blood. Boom (1 Corinthians 3:9). When asked if he wished for Christians in the United States to pray for him, Manuel was happy to know you will pause to lift him in prayer.

Brother in Christ Vicente contacted me today to try to help this young man. Please pray for beloved Dario. We know God has a plan. Hopefully I can meet him soon and lead him to our LORD Jesus, if he’s not yet saved.

Thank you for lifting Dario in prayer.

Remember Jesus taught us the prayer power is in His holy name—JESUS CHRIST—and not how long or emotional we get in prayer (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24). Just ask Him (Matthew 7:7).

The people of Mexico are so sincere, earnest, meek, and diligent. He’s growing up, in transition and God will hear the prayers of His saints in Jesus’ name for this man. God is able!

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

TODAY, a man named David was ministered to and was captivated by Christ. He couldn’t stop reading and even praying aloud the prayer on the back of the Jesus tract. Would you like to lift beloved David in prayer? I will see him soon. He owns a store. Jesus is moving on the hearts of men. He’s not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

Our LORD Jesus was lifted up on the cross, crucified between the holy Father in Heaven and fallen mankind on earth—in order to “draw all men” to Himself to be saved.

Neighborhood bodega (store).
Mission Mexico
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/

God is moving on the hearts of men, saving souls…. and using His people’s prayers and labor…. “WE are labourers (plural) TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

SAINTS of Christ, we are Team JESUS. And remember that your prayers and supply are just as powerful, effectual for Christ as those, boots on the ground, are giving out God’s love in the form of those Gospel tracts and food, assistance, the spoken WORD of God, etc., 100% acceptance down here!

“WE (plural) are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

Jesus is coming – Let’s roll saints!

WE, TOGETHER, are continuing what Jesus started, right? Check this Great Commission action of our KING:

If you are not personally involved in the Great Commission it could only be due to you not yet knowing the One who gave that mandate.

Jesus sent you on a mission and if you are not fulfilling that mission with the other members of the “little flock” of Christ, you are out of God’s will and have rejected Christ (Luke 12:32). To reject, to refuse to fulfill Christ’s commands, including His Great Commission command, is to openly reject Christ.

OUR LORD IS HEARING AND ANSWERING THE PRAYERS OF HIS BELOVED SAINTS IN THE NAME OF JESUS!

THIS JUST IN: “He never fails” says our brother Justin who is Australian and was saved here on the street in Mexico. Justin was recently water baptized you may recall with brother Daniel. You’ve lifted him in prayer and he continues to grow!

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

Justin is experiencing the bless-ed hand of God as he continues to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Thank you for lifting brother Justin in prayer afresh.

Let’s not wait till there’s a crisis, right? Why not pray that our LORD will propel those of His whom we pray for to deep death and burial and therefore great resurrection heights!

IN MEXICO, the people are more interested in pleasing you than they are that you pay them. For example at restaurants …. They are more interested in making you happy with their delicious food and hospitality, etc. They will not bring your check until you ask for it, with no exception. Their joy is to make you happy, to delight you. Refreshing.

Read Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35 to see what happens when people truly get saved.

YOUR PRAYER: Father, please make my life count for You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Thank you Lord for all you are doing in Mexico among the people! We give you all glory, honor and praise!” Karen Cochran

Any person not living a Great Commission life, is living a wasted life. They are out of the will of God. They are doing their own thing and not God’s will.

Read that again.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Maria received ministry today and took a stack of JESUS tracts to pass out. She was blessed to know that disciples of Christ in the USA would be pausing to lift her in prayer.

Mission Mexico

The only “building fund” I will ever give to is that which is building Christ’s kingdom. Everything else is waste. Let that sink in. Consider jumping in—funding Christ’s kingdom work (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

IF you aren’t all about Christ’s Gospel, you are living a wasted life (Mark 16:15).

YOUR PRAYER: LORD, break and use me! In Jesus’ name.

Jesus and his friend had our LORD’s Gospel of salvation thoroughly preached them and given some coin and a JESUS tract. They were both captivated at the hearing of God’s Word.

Your prayers are vital. God is answering. Philippians 1:19

In Jesus’ name, amen. I actually set google map to go to a completely different store and it took me to this one! God is in control!

Abiding

Hostile Watching vs Grounded Readiness for Christ’s Return [podcast]

So let me get this straight…. we are frantic about the timing of the most anticipated event in human history, the return of Heaven’s King …. yet we don’t love that coming King enough to diligently seek His face and be preoccupied, consumed with serving Him – as we obey Him by daily denying self, taking up the cross, worshipping and executing His Great Commission mandate that He gave us? If this is the case, does it not prove that we are all about ourselves and not the LORD we feign to follow – as in we don’t truly love Him but rather seek to self-preservingly keep ourselves out of hell?

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, WHEN the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation (hostile watching): 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21

Are we frantic about the WHEN and not fervent about seeking, knowing, worshipping, and obeying the WHO? Should we be crying “WHEN?!” OR “WHAT do You want me to do LORD, HOW do You want to use me?!”

The Coming of the Kingdom

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, WHEN the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.”

In this passage it seems to fit that “observation” refers to hostile, anxious watching. Notice the setting. The Pharisee enemies are demanding “WHEN the kingdom of God should come.” Jesus then answers them and seems to communicate that we are not to seek to determine by physical evidence “WHEN” He’s returning and that “the kingdom of God is within you.” (v21)

Of Jesus’s words in Luke 17:20, the Pulpit commentary notes:

“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. This answer of our Lord’s may be paraphrased: “The kingdom of God cometh not in conjunction with such observation and watching for external glorious things as now exist among you here. Lo, it will burst upon you suddenly, unawares.” The English word “observation” answers to the signification of the Greek as meaning a singularly anxious watching.”

Our preoccupation should not be with the timing, the exact day or hour of His coming but rather in knowing Him, being rooted and grounded in our abiding relationship with the Savior. Living in readiness (Luke 12:40; 21:34-36). Our relationship with Him, moment by moment is what is most important and determines our present abiding fruitfulness (John 15:1-16) and future place with our coming King.

“Help me Jesus to keep my eye on the prize. You are my exceedingly great reward! And there is none upon the earth I desire more than thee. Those that are yours are preparing their hearts to be with you in glory for ever and ever! Behold Lord you are the God of our salvation!” Karen Cochran

Jesus came and died to give us a relationship with the Father and Himself.

“And this is life eternal (the whole divine reason for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

We must let God be God, letting Him determine the orchestrating and timing of His coming and rather be preoccupied with seeking, loving, knowing, and obeying our coming King.

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10

When lightening strikes “EVERY EYE” sees it (Revelation 1:7). Speaks of … He is coming with such force that lights of the whole sky escapes no one. So shall it be when the Author of lightening splits the eastern sky beloved! When Jesus Christ splits the eastern sky no one will miss it.

“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. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:21-27

God knows and is in control of the end of all things, the return of the Son of God.

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36

We need not run around frantically looking for the coming of the KING and His kingdom because “the kingdom of God is within you.” The domain of the KING is in us—KING-dom! That’s what it means.

The preoccupation of the Heaven bound saint of Christ should be his relationship with King Jesus.

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40

Some people are so busy trying to figure out exactly when Jesus is coming back and how the end time events are going to unfold that they aren’t preparing themselves to meet Him! They live in unwarranted anxiety, in hostile watching instead of settling down to know Him and therefore they aren’t ready to meet Jesus nor helping others to be prepared for the soon return of Christ. Fruitfulness comes from an abiding relationship with Christ.

Living in hostility, anxiety and fear destroys present abiding and fruitfulness. Many today jump from one end times ministry to another, fueling their anxiety with speculations. They are perpetually incapacitated from the daily abiding and fruitfulness Jesus ordains (John 15:1-16).

I’ve seen many who spend more time worrying, monitoring and trying in vain to determine what month or day Jesus would return. It seems that those same people are not fervently seeking the face of the LORD, are not evangelizing, do not have their hand to the plow of the Great Commission work of Christ. Rather they are foolishly seeking to play God by frantically attempting to figure out the exact or approximate timing of Jesus’ second coming. And yet they don’t have an heart after God and are therefore not ready for when Jesus returns (Matthew 26:41; Luke 12:40; Ephesians 5:25-27).

God is calling us to settle down and seek His face.

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

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalms 63:8

God is calling us to be anchored in Christ, our “blessed hope.” Titus 2:13

Titus 2 seems to be speaking of our lives, our spiritual state in light of Jesus’ coming.

“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. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:11-15

Hope in Christ, as we truly abide in Him, in the crucified life He ordained, is the “anchor of the soul” of the remnant disciple.

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” Hebrews 6:19

“Love this podcast! And the word you used was hysteria. That is exactly what I am seeing. Many want to escape the tribulation out of fear! So if they can somehow figure out when Jesus is coming then maybe they will be able to escape the difficult times ahead! But we know the Bible says we must go through much tribulation to enter the kingdom of heaven. Acts 14:22. So there is no escape. Our job is to continue in the faith, eye on the prize which is Jesus! Always keeping in view the Kingdom of God. Like the 5 wise virgins.” Karen Cochran

The reason people live in fear is that they don’t have the love of God in them, through oneness with, through abiding relationship with Christ, which otherwise cast out all fear.

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18

Prayer: Father, please ground me in You, establish Your kingdom and fruitfulness in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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