Chapter 1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 but the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 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. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Chapter 2
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 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? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Chapter 3
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Chapter 4
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Chapter 5
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. 4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. 5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. 6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
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Abiding
“The Trial of Your Faith” has a Divine Eternal Purpose [podcast]
“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
“It is through much trial and tribulations that we are made pure, holy, and clean in His sight by the working of his Spirit in our hearts to conform us to Christ Image.” Jon Crane
The trials God allows into our lives, purify – but only as we praise, worship, thank, and obey Him through those seasons of tribulations.
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:7-9
God is Purifying His Kingdom Saints
“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10
“Gold tried in the fire” refers to a spiritual metaphor, primarily from the Bible, that describes how difficult trials and hardships purify and strengthen one’s faith, revealing and removing hidden impurities like bitterness or pride, similar to how fire removes impurities from gold to make it purer and more valuable. It encourages believers to view challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth, resulting in a more genuine, tested, and valuable faith.”
“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:18-19
“Purify the sons” – Christ’s kingdom disciples
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3
We should not be surprised by the trials and sufferings of all true disciple of Jesus.
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:10-12
“the fiery trial which is to try you”
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14
As we abide in Christ, bearing fruit, He will continue to purge us so that we bring forth even more fruit.
“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.” John 15:2
In the fiery trials, Job declared:
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15
Being purified, remaining true to God no matter what adversity he face guaranteed that Job would see God…
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:” Job 19:25
Only “the pure in heart” are going to see, to be with God in eternity.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
“This verse is not for the hypocrites. Who play being a Christian on Sunday mornings. This is for the honest remnant who sit at His feet and pour out their hearts. As David did in Psalm 51. Asking God to create in them a clean heart! The ones Jesus is coming back for without any spot of sin. Let us draw near to God having our hearts and conscience washed with the pure water!” Karen Cochran
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried” Daniel 12:10
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
The trial of our faith is for the salvation of our eternal souls. Let me explain: No, we are not earning our own salvation and yet the LORD is working in our lives to purify us to be presented to Him as His bride.
The people, the church Jesus is returning for:
“… 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
The trial of our faith is for the salvation of our eternal souls. No, we are not earning them and yet the LORD is working in our lives to purify them to be presented to Him as His bride.
“And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:35
They “shall fall” and God is going “to try them, and to purge, and to make them white.”
Of this verse, one source notes the following:
“The verse begins by stating that “some of them of understanding shall fall.” This is a reference to the wise and learned individuals in Israel who will suffer and be persecuted. This suffering is meant to “try them, and to purge, and to make them white.” The use of the word “try” suggests that the suffering is a test, a way to prove the true character and faith of the people. The word “purge” has connotations of purification, removing impurities or unwanted elements. This suffering is a means of refining the people, making them stronger and more steadfast in their faith. The phrase “to make them white” suggests that through this process of suffering and purification, the people will be made pure, clean, and righteous in the eyes of God.”
HOW do we know, how can we discern who Christ’s true remnant, His bride is?
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
We know the true bride by their adherence to Christ. They are about the “Father’s business” as they are accomplishing the Great Commission Jesus gave His people:
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
YOUR PRAYER: Dear LORD I know You are going to chasten, try, scourge, and purge my life in order to purify it for Your acceptance and glory as I know You are Holy, holy, holy. Please multiply Your enabling, heart softening grace to this life You gave Father. Bless me to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Your grace is sufficient for You to be glorified in this life no matter what. I love You LORD and am living to see You soon, for Your soon return. In Jesus’ name.
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Abiding
Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear [podcast]
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
“Perfect peace” can only come as our hearts and mind are “stayed” upon our LORD, as we truly trust in Him. And, such does not come without fighting “the good fight of faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12) It’s a “GOOD fight” because as we “labour to … enter into that rest”, we win with Christ (Hebrews 4:11).
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:9-11
The love and peace of God we experience here as we walk with Jesus, as we abide in His love, as we ask Him to make us one with Him, more and more as He prayed to the Father in John 17. Due to living in a fallen, a dark world, we must fight, we must “labour therefore to enter into that rest.” This should bring a fresh definition of the term “labor of love.”
Bless-ed Violence
The “violent” must and will take, will procure Christ’s kingdom “by force” – that is, the blessed benefits of Christ’s kingdom. This is not because it’s merited by our own works but rather because we live in a fallen world that fights against us each step of the way with the powers of darkness, with sin, and with sinners who are agents of the kingdom of hell.
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
“The kingdom of heaven” is suffering great attack in this present dark world and only “the violent take it by force.” “By force” meaning by choosing to love the LORD supremely instead of self, to deliberately choose to change masters – to worship, to love and obey and serve Christ above all else.
“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
As we choose to love God more than ourselves, abiding in Christ, we can be assured that we are going to eternally rest in our beds with our Father, with Jesus, and with the host of His saints and angels forevermore.
“He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” Isaiah 57:2
Ultimately we shall rest in our beds in Heaven and yet for now, we must war, we must “fight the good fight of faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12) Being made perfect in our love, in our relationship assures that all fear shall be vanquished from our lives.
“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. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:16-19
God “is holy” and God “is love.” (Revelation 22:11; 1 John 4:8, 16) His love is pure and holy.
LORD, please let Your love flood my heart and life and cast out all fear. In Jesus’ name.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33
Psychobabble Peddlers
If it works, why O why is there a lifelong process of “recovery”? Why is there no real solution, to actual cure?
Answer: It’s an indu$try. Follow the money.
Beware of the false prophets who attempt to sell you on their “counseling” for your supposed “mental health issues,” for your wounds – that God alone can heal. Run.
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3
“Suffering from depression” and “mental disorders” and “mental health issues” etc., are phrases we often hear to excuse, to make excuses for perpetrators. Total nonsense. They made choices. Lock them up.
Personally, I can’t count the number of people I’ve known who went the “counseling”, mental disorder, and mood drug route. They didn’t cling to the LORD, to His Word and were therefore deceived by beguilers who fed them the typical psychological profiling jargon. They bought Satan’s bait and have since been shipwrecked. They were never made whole by the LORD because they sought sinful man’s counsel instead of God. In each case, their whole lives are wasted, sub-optimized, miserable.
“Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.” Psalms 107:17
Unrepentant (John 3:18-21). These vile frauds indict the Almighty, claiming He didn’t provide all man needed for every part of their being. These are antichrists who put something, anything in place of Christ. They’ve inserted themselves and their drugs and counseling in between God and man, seeking to usurp the place of Christ who came to heal the broken in heart (Luke 4:18).
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Sin is man’s core problem (Jeremiah 17:9, etc.). False teachers psychologize the faith. Beware. Paul warned of this: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2:8-10)
The WORD of God is the counsel of God and contains “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3-4, 19-21; Ps 33:11; 2 Tim 3:16-17)
The words “positive” and “negative” appear nowhere in God’s Word. “Truth” appears 237 times. Truth is divine and what matters, not what sinful men call negative and positive. Unrepentant sinners based things on how it makes THEM feel because they serve self, not the Savior. Hell bound.
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Abiding
IS SUNDAY MORNING “CHURCH” ATTENDANCE ESSENTIAL? [podcast]
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5
Being Connected to others due to the common bond, the “common salvation” one has in Christ is not the same as being connected because one shows up at a designated “church” building on Sunday mornings (Jude 3).
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9
Each and every true born again, Heaven-bound, blood-bought saint of Christ, WILL regularly fellowship with other of Christ’s people. And, adherence to the written Word will be the non-negotiable foundation of that fellowship (Isaiah 8:16, 20; 40:8; Mark 13:31; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4, 19-21, etc.).
WHAT’S GOD BUILDING?
WHO IS “GOD’S BUILDING”?
Jesus is NOT building your “church” – He’s building HIS “CHURCH.” You’d better find out what that means.
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
The word “church” here comes from the Greek word Ekklesia which means “the called out ones” – that is, His called out people. Jesus came to die for PEOPLE, not for religious organizations of mere sinful men or for the devouring wolves He often warned us about to build their church businesses, enterprises (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24, etc.). There’s no such thing as an organized church that isn’t in deception. Isn’t it time we “come out of her” (religious babylon) and live the life of an authentic disciple alongside the organic Jesus worshipping body of Christ?
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” Revelation 18:4-5
Do the words “God’s building” appear in Scripture? If so, WHO, WHAT is He referring to?
Walking with God and going to a certain local “church” building on Sunday mornings are not synonymous. An official “church” building makes nothing official. Christ’s church, the members of His body are “God’s building” – He’s building His kingdom in the hearts of His blood-bought, beloved children! When Jesus declared that “I will build my church”, HE WAS SPEAKING ABOUT HIS TEMPLES – HIS PEOPLE! (MATTHEW 16:18; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:9; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16).
Jesus is KING and kingdom living is all about exalting KING Jesus – not mere men or organizations or ministries! It’s only then that His divine “nourishment” is going to flow down into His beloved body!
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19
Modern church pawns want you to become enamored with THEM, not CHRIST. It’s a sales, a con job! Beware. Read Colossians 2:18-19 closely.
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4
The Clues are Everywhere
Any person claiming to be a Christian who is just now seeing that the visible “church” is apostate, is clearly not reading God’s Word and obeying it. KJB “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 …. the fact that 99% of the “church” uses one of the many fake “bibles” instead of the King James Bible, is apostasy in our faces. | 4 Verse KJV Comparison [podcast]
“A resounding no to is church essential!! It is essential if you want to feed your flesh, candy costed messages laced with poison! But if you desire a relationship with the one who saved your very soul, you better come out! The very reason we came out. How can anyone who truly loves the Lord stay in a church that is spitting in His face with lies and apostasy? And worshipping the one who hates God the most! Satan!! I can remember coming to this realization and sitting in our last church crying and saying God they don’t love You here? How can I stay? I could not!” Karen Cochran
The Unity God Ordains and Desires
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalms 133:1
The unity of the brethren spoken of in God’s Word has nothing to do with showing up to a Sunday morning meeting. Any lost soul could do that. No, true unity is in Christ and enjoyed uniquely by those who are born again and grounded in the sound doctrine of His written Word. This true Christ-centered unity is in part brought about by Christ’s true servant-elders, most of whom do not operate out of a physical “official” church building. No, instead, like Jesus and His apostles, Christ’s true servants today go about doing good, building up the body of Christ, giving biblical wisdom, praying for, and fellowshipping with the members of the body of Christ. They do not hide in buildings like the greedy cowards of today’s modern church world.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16
Serving God, in the minds of so many simply means nothing more than engaging in some of the numerous forms of modern church activities. Truth: Serving God is not serving in your apostate modern local church. Repent now. Follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24).
AFFIRMATION without REGENERATION is rampant in the apostate modern church world.
If the overseers in a certain Sunday morning church group aren’t biblically watching for the souls of the people, teaching them the pure Word of God, equipping them to do the work of Christ’s ministry, and instructing them of the absolute essential of daily seeking God for themselves, would that be to God considered a place to assemble? No. See Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 13:7, 17, etc..
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. … Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. … Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 10:25; 13:7, 17
In the context of the book of Hebrews, New Testament saints are to fellowship, to assemble with other of God’s true people. And, they are only to do so where there are true elders – elders who speak “the word of God” and “watch for your souls.”
There is no record of the earliest followers of Jesus and the apostles collecting money to build a physical building. When they collected money, what was it for? Where did it go?
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44-45
Notice in the above passage that “EVERY MAN” mattered and not just some group of thieving wolves who were collecting and squandering the money on their own self-serving lusts! Beware (Philippians 3:18-19; 2 Peter 2:1-3).
“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own (they understood that God owns all and they were just stewards); but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:32-35
IS SUNDAY MORNING “CHURCH” ATTENDANCE ESSENTIAL?
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:13-20
Jesus never said “Follow me by going to, by attending church weekly.” Never. Nor did Christ ever say “Follow me by finding a good local church to join.”
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
There is no connection between the cross Jesus mandated for any person who would truly follow Him on His stated terms, and the local churches. In fact, the passage above and a myriad of others will never be heard taught in the modern churches.
No, yet fellowship is essential. Many today who do not “attend” a certain circus called the “church” have not at all backslidden. No, instead, they left in order to preserve their faith and not because they were leaving the faith. Fellowship is a necessity – yet little that goes on in most Sunday morning church busine$$es has to do with what God’s Word defines as fellowship. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” does not speak of a Sunday morning gathering in a certain building run by wolves, of course (Hebrews 10:25). Jesus says He’s in the midst of the gathering of His people, even if just 2 – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) Also, there are elders among God’s people – yet such operation of His elders does not require operating out of a certain designated, official “church” building. If so, Christ and His apostles weren’t legit …. they had no “church” building. They went to the people – they didn’t raise money and build buildings and invite people to the building. See Acts 8:4 and Mark 16:15.
“And they, continuing DAILY with one accord in the TEMPLE (Jewish, not built by New Testament Christians), and breaking bread from HOUSE TO HOUSE, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” Acts 2:46
“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you PUBICKLY, and FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE,” Acts 20:20
“The Word says God doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands. I want what God’s Word says about fellowship, not what man has done.” Papaw Cline
Authenticity is a high priority to God. 1 John 3:18 and such does not come about by being a church member but rather by facing God daily with a sincere, honest heart, denying the self-life, taking up the cross, and following Jesus (Proverbs 28:13; Luke 8:15; 9:23-24, etc.). Separating oneself from all the religious noise, clutter, bureaucracy…. is a blessing in many ways.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“Show me a person who does not go to church & I’ll see a weak believer at best ! When the apostles went door to door & preached to groups in & out of town the rest of the time they spent in the temple! Look at the last verse in Luke after Jesus ascended!”
REPLY:
I don’t think so. Show us all these verses where people are in a “church building” please. Waiting. I stopped “going to church” over a year ago…. much fruit, due to an abiding relationship with CHRIST, has been transpiring…. so your statement, “Show me a person who does not go to church & I’ll see a weak believer at best!” rings hollow to me friend. … friendly discussion here….. Could it be that those who are weak and are not taking personal responsibility daily to seek the face of the LORD are in need of the Sunday morning gatherings? …. some fellowships which are good, many which are not New Testament at all. There’s room for both according to Scripture….
Honestly speaking, …. how many regular church-attending Christians do you know who are ready for Jesus’ soon return, actually bearing the daily cross, feeding Christ’s sheep daily, earnestly contending for the faith, Gospel workers who labor continually, and winning souls to Christ?
Until I came out from among them, I didn’t realize just how burdensome the entanglement of the local church bureaucracies were. Whew, it’s a weight lifted and yet, if an individual is immature and not ready to be diligent in getting up each morning seeking the face of the LORD, pouring over His Word and in prayer, they may wish to remain in the church system.
The Fellowship of the Believers
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
What 4 Elements were involved in the fellowship of the earliest followers of Jesus?
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42
“And they continued stedfastly in …
- the apostles’ doctrine (the Word),
- and fellowship,
- and in breaking of bread,
- and in prayers.”
Sister Tina writes:
“If you think for one second that being in a building for one hour on Sunday morning justifies a relationship with Christ, you’re absolutely wrong. Take a look at the visible church today and all the warnings of apostasy because of it. Jesus said ‘go out and teach my Word to all nations and signs will follow. That’s not limited to a visible church in a physical building, one day weekly. No, we are the church (the called out PEOPLE of God). When we walk in the street and see a homeless person God gives us the opportunity as we go to share the gospel and be the gospel. This can happen everyday in all areas of our life. It’s up to us to be obedient to the call.”
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