The Danger of being a “Middle Ground” Christian

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In Numbers 32. Moses spoke to those who chose to remain on the east side of Jordan. He tells them what God’s purposes and expectations were for them. It is in this context that we have the statement that was made in verse :23 .Be sure your sin will find you out!

Moses is speaking of one particular sin, that being a stubborn refusal to wholly follow the Lord! There are many sins that go unexposed here on earth and will be revealed only at the Judgment.

Paul said, in Romans 2:16. “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of man by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” The Greek word used here for secrets is, “that which is hidden, concealed, covered up.”

The adulterer may hide his sin until judgment day. The thief may cover up his crimes and not get caught in this life. Wicked hearts, evil thoughts may remain unexposed before men. Hypocrisy may be hidden for years under a pretense of piety. But the sin of half-heartedness will always find you out here and now!

For the sake of this message I have called it middle ground!

Revelation 3:16 calls it being Lukewarm.

God commanded Israel: “Ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the Lord you God giveth you, and ye shall posses it, and dwell therein” (Deuteronomy 11:31). Their inheritance was on the other side of Jordan. It was over Jordan where God would choose a place to set up His tabernacle and that was Shiloh. There the Ark of the Covenant would rest, a symbol of the Lord’s presence among them.

Two crossings were necessary! Crossing the Red Sea was a type of leaving the world and all its idols and lust behind a clear type of conversion. The second crossing was the Jordan, which represents dying to self and going on into the fullness of Christ. Jordan in Hebrew means, “going down, subdued, laid low.” Actually, it represents death! Death to all that is unlike Christ all ambition, idolatry, self. The Jordan was a stream of death!

Between the two crossings was the territory of Gilead and Jazer which bordered the Jordan and the Land of Fullness. This is Middle Ground, a place of half surrender and it was totally indefensible. It was a most dangerous place to live, surrounded by heathen enemies, and it speaks of falling short of God’s ultimate place and purpose for His children.

Two and a half tribes Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh felt most comfortable with this middle ground! They said, in essence, “This is as far as we go! This suits our lifestyle just fine! We’ve come a long way we’re tired give us Gilead Jazer. Let the rest go on we are going to settle here!”

>>Numbers 32:19 “For we will not inherit with them on yonder side of Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us this side of Jordan”.
>>Numbers 32:5 “Let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan”.

This is not simply a history lesson about the struggles of Israel. These lessons “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5). Paul said, “these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they lusted” (1 Corinthians 10:6). “Now all these things happened unto them for examples; and they are for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (2 Corinthians 10:11). In other words, this is history with a voice speaking to us!

This example of settling for middle ground speaks clearly to the lukewarm and compromise in the church today.

God is showing us in this tragic story, the terrible consequences of partial obedience. We see them in the first stages of starting out right, then just when death to everything of this world stares them in the face, they recoil. adaptability became their way of life!

The Scriptures show us vividly how their sin of settling on middle ground found them out. You will see these two and a half tribes eventually being overcome by the enemy; you will see them returning to idolatry ending up more wicked than when in Egypt.

Characteristics of Those On Middle Ground

Those who live on middle ground share certain characteristics! The characteristics of these two and a half tribes can also be found today in those who refuse to pulverize their idols and die to the world. Their Hebrew names reveal much.

Reuben means a son who sees! He was Jacob’s firstborn, but he lost his birthright because he was driven by lust. He went into his father’s concubine, and Jacob described his son Rueben as one “unstable as water thou shalt not excel” (Genesis 49:3).

Moses recognized these same weaknesses. His final prayer for Reuben was “Let Reuben live, and not die” (Deuteronomy 33:6). Moses was speaking prophetically, hoping and praying that the worldly spirit in this tribe would not one day bring them to ruin.
Reuben had eyes only for this world its lusts, its things, its pleasures. He was unstable because his heart was always divided, and this spirit was passed on to his posterity. Here was an entire tribe attached to the world and bent on having their own way.

Gad means fortune – troop! Or, soldiers of fortune mercenaries! Moses said of Gad “He provided the first part for himself” (Deuteronomy 33:21). This tribe was outwardly obedient “executing the justice of the Lord,” but the overriding characteristic was self-interest. Gad was consumed with its own problems the need to make it!

Gad’s philosophy is “I’ll fight with the Lord’s army; I’ll be obedient and do everything God expects of me. But first — I’ve got to get a stake in life. I need to get myself and family set up — Then I’ll be free to give and do more for the Lord!”

Here is the Christian who thinks — God expects me to take care of my family first — I’ve got to pay the bills. As soon as I see some daylight get ahead a little I’ll give the Lord more time.” Rebellion is the root of this kind of attitude. There is no burning desire to please only the Lord, to do His will absolutely and only. The Gad tribe is preoccupied with self-will, self-improvement, self-interests.

Manasseh means to forget, to neglect! This was Joseph’s firstborn son and he should have received the birthright. But even in his childhood there was a sad trait developing — and Jacob saw it in the spirit. Manasseh would one day forget the ways of his father Joseph and neglect the commandment of the Lord.

“And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hand deliberately; for Manasseh was the firstborn. And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove this father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it and he set Ephraim before Manasseh” (Genesis 48:14,17,18-21).

How close to God Israel (Jacob) must have been how clearly directed by the Holy Spirit he was. He foresaw the coming of a spirit of division to this posterity! It was to become a tribe only half consecrated to the fullness of God!

Ironically, this tribe carried with them a constant reminder to go all the way with God. They carried Joseph’s casket, with his bones to be buried beyond Jordan. “And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry my bones from hence” (Genesis 50:25). “And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him” (Exodus 13:19).
For years that casket reminded Manasseh — “Go all the way with God – cross the Jordan — into fullness” The bones go in — half of Manasseh does not!

Consider these combined traits of middle ground Christians: unstable as water in spiritual convictions; never excelling in the things of God; lukewarm, weak with lust; ruled by selfish needs; neglecting the Word; not taking the Lord’s commandments seriously; making their own choices instead of trusting God; forgetting His past blessings and dealings; unwilling to let go of certain idols; justifying their own decisions; not willing to die to all that would seduce them back to middle ground!

Middle Ground Christian Become Stubborn and Self-willed

Middle ground people develop a very stubborn self-will, one that even a Moses can’t change! They said “This is a place for cattle and thy servants have cattle” (Numbers 32:1,4). God’s will God’s word, was not even considered! They looked at those green pastures, at their herds of cattle, and said “This ours! We go no further!”

Moses was indignant “Ye are risen up in your Father’s stead, descendants of evil men, to augment the anger of the Lord toward Israel” (Numbers 32:7,14).

Their answer “You just don’t understand!” What they were actually saying was this, “We love the fellowship we are not going back to our old sins. We plan to walk in obedience to the Lord we will stand with you and fight the Devil but we don’t want to live like that. We have our own ideas about serving God.” Moses could reprove them as hard as he chose as long as he did not try to change their minds! “We will pass over armed before the Lord into the Land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side of Jordan may be ours!” (Numbers 32:32).

They were saying “We still want to walk with you but we have decided to do things our way.” You see that same spirit today among those who refuse the way of the Cross. “I don’t criticize Christians who want to live like saints, giving up things, living so strict, denying themselves but that is just not for me. I’m just as good I may not show it, or act it, but I’m no sinner. I’ve got my own ideas about holiness and walking with God!”

They were putting career ahead of Christ! Family ahead of God! “We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones, sour little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land” (Numbers 32:16,17). “Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead” (Numbers 32:26).

Should they be commended for providing so well for their children and wives? No! They were keeping their families on middle ground robbing them of their true inheritance. They should have taken them all over Jordan. That was where the spiritual authority was under Joshua who was led by the captain of the Lord’s hosts. It was over Jordan where the Ark was, representing the presence of the Lord.

They should have been there to see the walls of Jericho fall. They should have tasted the grapes of Eschol, the honey of the land. They should have been taken on into the fullness of the Lord.

These misguided middle ground fathers thought that love, protection, and no privations would hold their children and family together! So they built high fences to keep them secure gave them all they needed and assured them they were loved. But they underestimated their danger!

Here is the great tragedy of those who won’t go all the way with God. They destroy their loved ones grandparents, mates, children! Jesus warned, “ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering, ye hindered” (Luke 11:52).

Here is where their sin found them out! Love was not enough. Overprotecting them from the enemy was not enough. Having all they needed was not enough. They doomed their families by settling on middle ground. Middle ground people are the first to be judged! These defenseless people were overrun by the enemy. “In those days the Lord began to cut Israel short; and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel; from Jordan eastward all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites” (2 Kings 10:32,33). Their children became idol worshippers. Their wives were prostituted and became heathen in all their ways. All spiritual desire was lost and they became morally and physically devastated.

Let me warn parents to cross the Jordan and be crucified to this world and all its things. If you refuse to go on in God and instead permit compromise in your life or home, settling down on some middle ground of luke-warmness you will live to see the day your sin will be visited upon your family!

You will lose God’s anointing in your own life and the devil will plunder your household. Your children and family will fall into the temptations of the world. You will have sorrow upon sorrow trouble upon trouble because you settled on unholy ground!

Giving up the Presence of God

Those who settle on middle ground give up the presence of God for a mere confession of faith. The battles were now over, and “the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt there” (Joshua 21:43). It was time for the two and a half tribes to go back to where their heart was.

We come now to one of the saddest episodes of this story. “And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel, out of Shiloh, which is in Canaan, to go into the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession” (Joshua 22:9).

Here is the cause of all division going back to middle ground! Who caused this division? Not those who went on with God not those who followed the Ark of His presence not those who obeyed God wholly. It was caused by those who were “sensual, separating themselves, having not the Spirit!” (Jude 19).

Division is caused by those “who went out from us because they were not with us” Paul said, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” Worldliness causes the division. Those going back cause it! All present day division is caused by those who refuse to hold to Christ the head, by those who turn away from the demands of the cross, who reject the self-denial and obedience of the narrow way.

Those who settle for middle ground must build an altar to contrived unity – called Ed! “And when they came to the borders of Jordan they built there a great altar to see to at the passage of the children of Israel and called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the Lord is God” (Joshua 22:10,11,34).

This altar represented their cry for unity. It was a positive confession from a whole class of middle ground Christians seeking to keep their identity with those who were already walking in unity on God’s side of the Jordan.

What doctrinal and spiritual confusion it caused! What division it created almost ending in a full scale war among God’s people. All created by middle ground Christians.

All Israel gathered at Shiloh “to go up to war against them” (Joshua 22:12). Eleazar, the priest, with ten princes approached the altar of contrived unity. They said to the middle ground people, “”..if your possession be unclean, then pass over unto the land of the possession of the Lord wherein the Lord’s tabernacle dwelleth and take possession among us but don’t rebel against the Lord or us” (Joshua 22:19).

The message was clear. “If you fear there is division among us come back over Jordan. We are united. God’s presence unites us. Come into the fullness and dwell with us in peace but why another altar? Why Ed? There is only one altar of unity the tabernacle of His holiness.”

Beloved those who move on into the blessed fullness and holiness of Christ know nothing of division. There are no Baptists or Assemblies of God or schism in His holy presence. No middle wall, no barriers! All is Christ and His holiness.

They needed visible proof of unity with God’s chosen. It was an altar built by fear fear of not being a part of God’s movement! There was a sense in them that they were going to be left out of the Lord’s eternal purpose for His people. “We have done it for fear of this thing in time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, what have ye to do with the Lord God of Israel ye have no part in the Lord” (Joshua 22:24,27).

What a sad commentary! They must have foreseen a time coming when the only evidence left that God was with them, or that they were united with Him was a pile of stones a mere confession. Their children could see the altar Ed and confess “By this I know I am one of them!”

Wherever there is deptarture from God’s plan wherever men settle for the earthly and sensual wherever Christians are no longer in one place, in one accord, in the upper room of separation with Christ there is contrived unity there is empty, stone-cold confession.

If you are among believers who are going on “wholly set on the Lord” you will feel left out if you are on middle ground. You will accuse others of being “holier-than-thou!” You will accuse them of being cliquish. You can try as you will to be one of them but it won’t work! You are the cause! You removed yourself from God’s ordained place of victory, unity and spiritual power.

The sin of being half hearted will surely find you out even in this lifetime.
Enemies will arise and harass on all sides there will not be strength or discernment to deal with overpowering onslaughts of Satan.

There will be a loss of joy and peace with God. Spiritual life will degenerate day by day.
The presence of the Lord will be lost, and what sets in is hopelessness.

How much better, how much safer to go on with those who want the Lord’s fullness.
God’s desire for all of us is to enter a place of rest, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.
That requires following Him “with all the heart, all the strength.”

The Essential Daily Cross

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“Cup Runneth Over” Heavenly Evangelism [podcast]

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you RICHLY (abundantly) in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

WHEN our LORD’s Word is running rich in your spirit via daily deposits, it’s going to overflow from your life—a crucified life that’s truly anointed, filled with His Holy Ghost and Word, a “vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

Beloved of God, we don’t even have to try in our flesh to do ministry.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; MY CUP RUNNETH OVER.” Psalms 23:5

When we are so full and overflowing with His grace and glory via fellowship with our Savior, it’s going to pour out of our lives and it’s going to be flowing from Him—“a pure river of water of life.”

WHEN we are full of Jesus, we’re going to exude and to speak Jesus. His love is going to overflow onto others (Psalms 23:5)!

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1

As we drink from His heavenly water daily, He’s going to guide our steps—right into divine appointments He alone could have orchestrated!

“Mark 16:15-16. This is a call to action. To step beyond our comfort levels. Not hide in the apostate churches but to go out into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Key word is go!” Karen Cochran

Yes, and one doesn’t even need to schedule special times. If we are seeking God, as His very temples, our lives are brimming over with His power, grace, and love! It WILL happen.

“A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” Jeremiah 17:12

As the divine virtue of Jesus Christ flows into His children …. it’s then Him living in and through them.

“If we intimately know Jesus we share him through our daily lives, our conduct, and by the words of our mouth through proclaiming His Word. If we only know of Jesus, we usually point people to a church in hopes that this will absolve us of our sin of unbelief. The latter: if we remain in this state, it will result in hearing the most fearful words of all, ‘Depart from me, I know not whence you are’ (Luke 13:27). Be the church! Be the living Gospel and not the withered branches of dead religion. ‘Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually’ (1 Chronicles 16:11).” Jon Crane

“The Lukewarm Christian vs the Christian of whom Jesus is their first love: The Lukewarm only care about self. That’s why they don’t share the Gospel. They are in churches that tell them how great they are and tickle their ears. They refuse to lay down their lives and follow Christ who said, ‘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’ (Matthew 7: 13-14).” Karen Cochran

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Acts 17:28

Recently someone wrote the following:

“The average professing Christian attending church sings over 500 songs and hymns, listens to over 200 ‘Bible’ messages every year and does not share the Gospel with even 1 person.”

“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9

IF my life didn’t have enough of Jesus in it to obediently spill over onto others, I’d be deeply concerned for my eternal soul. The vessels, the lamps of the Heaven-ready wife virgins are filled daily by personal communion with Christ and the Father—His Word and prayer, praise, and fellowship (Matthew 25:1-13).

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” Psalms 107:2

Is Jesus Your “First Love” Today?

“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

If you are not on fire for Jesus today, all you have so far is dead religion.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. … 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:6, 16

The light of Jesus in you is going to shine brighter and brighter through your life as you hunger and thirst for more of Him, crying out with John the Baptist – “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

As long as you are putting logs on the fire, you are going to burn bright for Jesus!

When you cease putting logs on the fire, when you slack at stacking logs on that love fire for and with Jesus, your light is going to dim.

“They shall be filled” – JESUS fills no one who chooses not to hunger and thirst after more of Him (Matthew 5:6).

ALL not hungering and thirsting for more of Jesus have rejected His Lordship in their personal lives.

“There is a glow and a spiritual fragrance about the life of a person who is Spirit filled that is unlike anything found in natural man. The beauty of divine holiness ought to be radiated from all Christians. It is always seen in the lives of those who are truly controlled by the Spirit.” G. Christian Weiss, Insights into Bible Times and Customs

To overflow with the love, the joy of Jesus, you must first be filled with Him, His holy presence – and that’s only given to those who are hungering and thirsting after Him (Psalms 23:5).

May the LORD, as we make Him our Shepherd, cause His river, the bless-ed oil of His holy presence, run over, overflow from our lives onto the lives of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You in repentance—for all my sins, including foolishly attempting to do things my way instead of Yours. In this I have committed the sins of idolatry, unbelief, pride, and rebellion. Please wash me clean in Thy precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Now, please begin Your deep work of cleansing this vessel of every stitch and tainting that defiles me in Your holy eyes. Here and now I submit my spirit, this whole being into Your holy hands and care dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. I am all Yours my dear LORD Jesus.

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Messages from You “Praise God brother! Love ya and thank you for your service! You are were God wants you.” Derek “Hallelujah can’t wait to hear more. Thanks for letting us know!” Thomas Cochran “Amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. In your stories you have captured the essence of what Jesus meant by the great commission! God bless you. You have been faithful! 1 Peter 5:4. May you receive a crown of Glory given to all who are faithful in the Lord!” Tom and Karen Cochran “Praise the Lord Todd! It is amazing to hear how God is […]

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If this child’s face melts your heart…. you are not alone! This precious little boy (pictured) was going around seeking food for his family and he was given some (he’s holding it in pic). Was able to help and minister the Word of our God into his ears and heart in Spanish. He was going about to several tables, people… Twas hoping he’d come to me. As you can see, this child was beyond precious! He smiled large when the the name of Jesus and Word of our God was was flowing into his little ears. Don’t we know that our […]

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WHAT A WONDERFUL SAVIOR Jesus walked the streets offering His hope to fallen mankind. He sent us to do the same – and instructed us to pray to the Father for His labourers to be sent forth. Matthew 9 The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few “35 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 […]

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All around us there are lost souls who sense a deep inner hunger for their Maker and just need a little help from those of us who are already known of the LORD. YOUR PRAYER: Father, please make me a consummate soul winner, in Jesus’ name, amen. As was the case with the Ethiopian eunuch, people still in darkness just need a helping hand from a caring disciple. Could it be that when it comes to winning the lost, perhaps we complicate things? As you read this passage below, you will notice that it says of the Ethiopian eunuch that “he […]

Abiding

Jesus’ Counsel to the Lukewarm [podcast]

Laodicea: How Jesus Instructs the Backslidden to be Restored

Jesus’ Letter to the Church at Laodicea

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 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:

18 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.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The cross, the crucified life is the cure to the curse of sin—sin dominating our lives.

Romans 6

Inflation is part of the judgment of God upon a wicked people, nation. We see such in Sodom and in Laodicea (Ezekiel 16:49-59; Romans 1; Revelaton 3:14-22).

“It appears that in this scarcity each might be able to obtain a bare subsistence by his daily labor; but a man could not, in such cases, provide for a family.” Adam Clarke

Your money doesn’t go far….. inflation

“Revelation 6 describes the opening of the first six seals, which represent God’s judgment, often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The third seal, broken by a “black horse,” is interpreted to show hyper-inflation and famine, where a day’s wage (a denarius) buys only a quart of wheat. The judgment includes a command to preserve the oil and wine, which some interpret as luxury goods, while essential food becomes scarce and expensive.”

“6:5, 6 In obedience to the third living creature, a rider holding a set of scales came forth on a black horse. This represents famine, which often follows war. A voice in the middle of the four living creatures announced that wheat and barley were being sold at prohibitive prices. The scales were used to weigh the rationed grain and were thus a symbol of famine. The expression do not harm the oil and the wine is difficult. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life. It seems more likely, however, that the luxury items of the rich are contemplated here: historically, even in famine the rich can get some luxuries.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

The only thing needed to go to hell is to not be on fire for Jesus—to be “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:15-16).

Jesus instructed the Laodicean church… to obtain, to “buy of me….

“3:18 The people were counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa_55:1) but received as a gift through faith in the Lord Jesus. Or it may mean genuine faith, which when tested in the fire, results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1Pe_1:7).

Also the people were counseled to buy white garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking, textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee – O fallen and deceived soul, hear Jesus! Thy case is not hopeless. Buy of me.
Gold tried in the fire – Come and receive from me, without money and without price, faith that shall stand in every trial: so gold tried in the fire is here understood. But it may mean pure and undefiled religion, or that grace or Divine influence which produces it, which is more valuable to the soul than the purest gold to the body. They had before imaginary riches; this alone can make them truly rich.
White raiment – Holiness of heart and life.
Anoint thine eyes – Pray for, that ye may receive, the enlightening influences of my Spirit, that ye may be convinced of your true state, and see where your help lies.” Adam Clarke

Warning

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

Coming forth as Purified Gold

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

To “come forth as gold” refers to the finished product, where gold has been purified of all its impurities.

“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:” 1 Peter 1:7

“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” Proverbs 17:3

Idolatry is Sin

Putting, having anything or anyone before Christ in our lives is the soul damning sin of idolatry. Such a person has rejected Christ for something, anything else.

One such idol, one such cause today is patriotism for one’s earthly country. See Hebrews 11:14-16.

SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? See Luke 2:49. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5).

“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. 33And 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

PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please grant to my heart Your gift of repentance and the deep desire to have Your righteousness, to not be deceived by sin, Satan, or counterfeits and false teachers. Please forgive all my sins afresh, here and now by Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Eyesalve to See

“Christian Soldier persevere. It’s about time for Jesus to come.” RN WHY did the LORD give us physical eyes? Protection. And this is why He wishes to grant us spiritual eyes. We cannot ever fake God out. We cannot deceive the Almighty or short His system – which begins with repenting. It’s only then that He opens our eyes to see which brings protection. We can’t be protected from the devouring wolves He often warns us to beware of unless we can SEE or discern them! We need the “eyesalve” that God alone can give us! When Jesus spoke to […]

The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold [podcast]

YOU know when you are listening to a wolf when He only speaks of God’s love for us but never about God’s command that we love Him – and if we don’t, we are going to hell. Beware. The LORD’s been 100% faithful to us and yet He requires our faithfulness to Him or hell awaits (Matthew 22:37-40). If someone’s love toward God’s people has waxed cold, it’s only because their love for the LORD first waxed cold (Matthew 24:10-14). Today is the best day to repent and return to the LORD. “And then shall many be offended, and shall […]

Am I About My Father’s Business? [podcast]

The Father’s Business [podcast] “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4 SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) Repentance needed. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5). “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is […]

Luxury and Lukewarm Lies [podcast]

Are we trying to save America, the American way of life, so we can continue to live lukewarm Laodicean lives – so we can extend our luxurious living and continue on our way to hell (Revelation 3:14-22). What matters to us – the temporal or the eternal, the kingdom of this world or the eternal kingdom of Christ? What matters is clearly revealed in where we put our treasure (Luke 6:19-24). So many jump to support temporal political causes while few sow into the kingdom of the LORD they profess to love. “For where your treasure is, there will your […]

The FORGOTTEN Sins of Sodom [podcast]

What were the Real and Root Sins of Sodom? Explosive! DO YOU KNOW WHAT SINS THE BIBLE CITES OF THE PEOPLE OF SODOM WHICH CAUSED DIVINE JUDGMENT TO FALL ON THEM? THIS LIST OF SINS MIGHT SHOCK YOU. EXPOSING THE GATEWAY SINS TO SODOM’S DESTRUCTION Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. According to Romans 1 it seems that sexual deviance, namely homosexuality, is the sin, the final manifestation of evil before destruction transpires. The LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this sin and others and will or is destroying America […]

The Father's Business [podcast]

See the BECAUSE YOU CARE page for live action evangelism pics etc. “The church is not a business. It’s a body. But when that body becomes a business, it’s prostitution.” unknown The only reason I’d not be about the “Father’s business” would be due to being about my own business – a self-serving rebel (Luke 2:49; 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; 19:27). You can know if you are ready for the return of Christ by whether or not you’re calling others to come to Him in light of His soon return. Revelation chapter 22 verse 17. The Great Commission May our LORD […]

Abiding

“You Who are Troubled Rest with Us” [podcast]

Many instill fear in Christ’s saints concerning these last days. Paul says: “You Who are Troubled Rest with Us”

“Rest with us” because Justice is Coming

2 Thessalonians 1:3-10

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

The Judgment at Christ’s Coming

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Divine “vengeance” is coming “vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (v8)

Remember, while He instructed us not “avenge,” He also promised that “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19

We shall rejoice to see the LORD retribution come upon the wicked.

“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 that a man shall say, 11 1 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.” Psalms 58:10-11

The Happenings just before Christ’s Soon Return

Luke 21:25-28

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28

Being Prepared for His Return

Luke 21:34-36

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36

Walking unwavering with and suffering with Christ and His body now – as we look forward to being with Him!

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

The LORD knows all before it happens and He’s not surprised of anything. God is going to use all these things to conform His people to Christ. Remember, all things are not good but God takes them and uses them to conform us to Christ, to be “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29

This truth has never been so relevant saints of Christ and the signs of the season of His return are at hand. He’s coming for you precious one!!!! Rescue mission!!! The Return of Heaven’s KING

May God allow us to preach in such a way as to cause His people to begin to be homesick for Heaven to be with Him.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

I wonder how full our hearts will be as we become nourished up in His Word concerning Heaven. Will our hearts not burst forth and be filled with excitement, overflowing with joy like before we go on a vacation, the anticipation filling our hearts as we eagerly await being with our glorious Savior and Father? Read John 14:1-6 and Revelation 21.

Calling on the name above all names today. He’s the Maker and Controller of His whole universe and He’s coming back soon to retake control of it all – to decisively, violently put down all of His enemies both demonic and human (Colossians 1:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16).

No matter what’s going on – good or bad – WE KNOW that the song is true …. that our “God is so good, God is soooo gooood, God is so good, He’s so good to me…..” … There’s NO way to sing this simple song of praise and not get happy in Jesus! Impossible.

Our LORD Jesus is coming to establish His perfect Government on His earth. Stand by. Occupy. Rejoice. Look up. “Your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28).

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

We can be sure that mankind is fallen and cannot solve his own problem – which is sin against His Maker. Only the Prince of Peace, our LORD Jesus, can do so…. and He will (Isaiah 9:6-7).

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

He is going to crush His enemies under His feet (Romans 16:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16; 1 Corinthians 15:25, 27).

PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, please break me, cause me to be truly poor in spirit with a humble, contrite heart of flesh. Please grant a deep compassion in me dear LORD Jesus as You conform me to Your holy image in the crucified life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"Seven Women shall take hold of One Man" [podcast]

Two Types of Believers – the mere professor and the possessor. God created us and sent His only begotten Son that we might know Him. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 THE POSSESSORS “In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.” Isaiah 4:2 The LORD Jesus is “the branch … beautiful and glorious” shall He be and shall be His […]

"To Wait for His Son from Heaven" [podcast]

Waiting for His Son from Heaven “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 I […]

2 Thessalonians Narrated [podcast]

Chapter 1 Greeting 1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that […]