The Divine Case Against False Leadership

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]

Domination by Deception

“For of whom a man is overcome (by deception, false teaching), of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19

In the grand scheme, the leaders are pivotal. At the hands of wicked leaders, Israel was steered into dismal deception and darkness (Isaiah 9:16). The essence of what Christ hates with the “deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitans,” is that they seek to control the people for their own self-serving purposes and thereby move Christ’s church/people away from the LORD’s intended purpose for His body (Ephesians 4:11-16). False leadership, “Nicolaitan” leadership, is conquering the people and that includes squandering their heart affections, energies, and resources (Revelation 2:6, 15). Jesus told us that He hates such. Nico means to conquer and laitans means the people. So, “Nicolaitan” leadership is that false leadership which conquers God’s people and exploits them for their own self-serving purposes (Isaiah 56:10-12; Philippians 3:18-19). | Beware of the Nicolaitans Among Us

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24

The LORD, strong and mighty, will severely judge those who have conquered the people, taking the glory from the LORD, spoiling fruitfulness (Jeremiah 12:10).

Leaders who betray the LORD and His people.

Remember that according to the record of the Gospels, it was the wicked religious leaders, the Jews of Christ day, who betrayed the Son of God, their KING to the Roman authorities, calling out for His crucifixion (Matthew 27; John 19, etc.).

Broad Way Robbery

“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: ¹⁴Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. ¹⁵Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. ¹⁶Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” Matthew 7:13-16

One of the more obvious observations of the visible church-building based system is the demoting, shunning antichrist spirit which does not uphold Christ but rather mere men and their organizations. To the discerning disciple, this becomes clearer daily. Hirelings who are busy fostering allegiance to programs, personalities, things, organizations, and mere men, have robbed Christ of the glory due to His holy name alone (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5; Galatians 6:14). For example: Becoming a church member has replaced the daily cross Jesus mandated for all who will follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24). Going to church in America has become a tradition where people are made to think they are right with God because of their church membership and attendance. Recently, I met a couple who bragged about their pastor and how long they had been going to and members of that church. They never mentioned Jesus. There was no personal testimony of His life and work in their lives. Yet, at the hearing of God’s Word during our conversation, they were convicted and hurried away. This is so very common in this apostate last generation (Matthew 24:10-13; 2 Timothy 3:1-8, 13; 4:2-4, etc.). This shunning of God’s very Word, would clearly indicate that they have no life with the LORD in His Word (John 8:47). You see, their pastor is a professional hireling who only says those things that are going to help him garner the mortgage money and keep that franchise open for business. That means that he will never preach on anything from God’s Word that would possibly bring the conviction of sin in order not to anger his customers who are unrepentant worldly consumers. Jesus died to save individuals and those individuals He saves love and hear His Word and worship Him alone. Jesus did not come to save a local church body per se. No, He came and died to save individuals who make up His church. So, joining an organization does zilch to secure one for the King and His blessed, eternal kingdom.

Now are you beginning to see why many are beginning to see that visible church is a hell hole – an agent of Satan on the wide road that leads to destruction? (Matthew 7:13-14)

The Mandate to Equip

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹²For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ¹³Till 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: ¹⁴That 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; ¹⁵But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-15

Instead of preparing, edifying, and sending forth the body of Christ “for the work of the ministry,” hireling wolves have actually become the leading roadblock of Christian maturity (Ephesians 4:11-15). Nothing makes this more obvious than the fact that we have a nation of people – millions of them – who are good church members and faithful attenders and yet don’t have a lick of knowledge of God’s Word. The average person claiming to be saved today couldn’t quote 3 Bible verses verbatim! Shocking! They simply do not know the Word and will be “destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

False leadership knows that knowledge is power and so the epidemic of wolves doesn’t want the average individual to be empowered by knowing God’s Word for themselves. Dumb people are easy to deceive and control. On that note: Please know that without exception, any person in leadership who is not teaching the people to get into the Word of God for themselves, is a vile, godless, devilish wolf.

Darrel Moore notes:

“The wolves depend on the lack of biblical knowledge and and lack of discernment in order to deceive. They rely upon the sheep not to read and study God’s Word for themselves and to look to them (the wolves) for their daily sustenance.”

***GUARDING AND DEFENDING THE ORIGINAL GOSPEL

“That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” 2 Timothy 1:14-15

“A pastoral leader must guard and defend the gospel committed to him in a day when many depart from the N.T. faith (2 Tim. 3:13-15; 4:2-5; 1 Tim. 4:1). (1) He must defend it against attack and challenge the church if it is tempted to lay aside the truth. This duty is essential to ensure salvation for himself and for those under his charge (see 2 tim. 3:14-15; 1 Tim. 4:16). (2) Guarding of the deposit of faith must be done with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is He who inspired the infallible truths of Scripture (2 tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21) and it is He who is the great guide and defender of the truth (John 16:13). Defending the ancient faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3) means standing faithfully beside the Holy Spirit (John 14:17; 15:26-27; 16:13).” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1918

Note the sequence here in 1 Timothy 4:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; … If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things (apostasy and the truth), thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. … Till I come, give attendance to reading (the Scriptures), to exhortation, to doctrine. … Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:1, 6, 13, 16

Those who servant-lead are called and accountable before the LORD to equip Christ’s people to do His blessed work and yet, in most cases they are the greatest hindrance to such a New Testament purpose for elders.

False Leaders in the Church: A Nation of Gullible Sheep Breeds a Priesthood of Wolves

Being too hard on leadership? Let’s read a sampling of what God says in His Word about apostate leadership:

“Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.” Jeremiah 12:10

“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachersamong you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ²And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. ³And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

“For there are certain men crept in unawares (undiscerned), who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4

“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. ²Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:1-2

“Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.” Ezekiel 34:10

“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. ¹¹Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. ¹²Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:10-12

Now, as a student of the LORD, a student of Holy Scripture, read Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 34, Matthew 23, Jude 1, and 2 Peter 2.

This divinely stated case and warning concerning false leaders makes it incumbent upon the individual disciple to seek and to study to show his own self approved unto God so that he will not be ashamed in that hour (2 Timothy 2:15). We must denounce at once any undue allegiance to mere men and the organizations they have set up to intercept our affections from the One who alone bled to buy us to the Father.

Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us | Predators in Our Pulpits

Pastors According to Mine Heart | What’s Wrong with the Modern Church World? | Domination Through Indoctrination

Feedback:

“False teachers are not to be followed. Teachers sent of God are to be followed, as with the example given by the apostle Paul, who said by the Spirit, “Become followers of me, even as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). A false teacher leads into the emptiness of self-righteousness and death, but a true teacher leads to the fullness of Christ and life.” Carol B.

Articles

Mission Mexico is now supporting Juan the Evangelist [podcast]

Here is the original message sent out just after meeting Juan:

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

TODAY a man named Juan was ministered to, He is born again and on fire. We fellowshipped best we could as I had interrupted his work. As I walked by, a man (Juan) was carrying food into a cafe and he dropped some bottled water. So I grabbed the bottles (plastic) that were dropped and ministered Christ to him. He immediately responded by speaking God’s Word. He does delivery work to restaurants and cafes and so he sees lots of people daily. Brother Juan took a stack of the JESUS tracts and he’s passing them out today! He just sent me the text below (looks like I will have to be supplying him from now on. We hope, right?

Juan just texted me and said “Brother, I visit the prison, and my brothers need Bibles. God’s Word never returns back to Him void (Isaiah 55:11)!”

Juan is also asking me to go to the prison with him to preach and distribute the Spanish Bibles and JESUS tracts.

So we will be supplying him with Spanish JESUS tracts and the Reina Valera Spanish Bibles (only). RVR Reina Valera is the King James Bible equivalent in Spanish.

Brother Juan, whom we met 48 hours ago, is blazing a trail (Mark 1:45). He just sent me this. A man he ministered to today.

Juan is blazing abroad the matter of the Gospel—just as did the leper whom Jesus healed! Leprosy represents sin and when Jesus cleanses our sin, we begin to “blaze abroad the matter,” telling others the Gospel.

“But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.” Mark 1:45

Indigenous Gospel laborers is a part of ultimate spreading of our LORD’s Gospel.

Here is a sampling of the souls Juan is reaching in several cities. Enjoy and please put our brother on your prayer list for great fruitfulness.

Brother Juan continues to send me photos daily of the lost souls he is ministering to. Please lift a prayer for the people of Mexico to be saved for the abiding fruit, more fruit, and much fruit Jesus spoke of in John 15.

Thank you for praying for Mission Mexico—for many to be continually reached with our LORD Jesus’ bless-ed Gospel!

That’s all he needed was members of Christ’s body to support him!

By supporting the ministering of our LORD’s love and Gospel in Mexico, we are now fueling, equipping indigenous missionaries!

Please keep in mind that the ministry is paying the shipping from my Texas address to Mexico. Pray for provision if you wish. Thanks.

Send Reina Valera Spanish Bibles here and they will be forwarded to me:

Todd Tomasella

220 N Zapata Hwy Ste 11

Laredo, TX 78043 – 4464

Give support here. Many options

Mission Mexico Momentum!

Bibles in Bulk page—here’s the exact Bibles to order:

Copy and paste this: https://biblesinbulk.com/biblia-rv-1909-enc-r-250-stica-rv-1909-bible-paperpack-case-of-36-9781586609733.html

FYI, Biblesinbulk.com (Reina Valera 50% off) case of 36 for $90 ($2.50 each)

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options

Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Apostasy

The Mandela Effect Busted and EXPOSED [video]

Beware of the false assertions that the King James Bible has been supernaturally changed, Mandela effect, etc. Liars. One cannot get caught up in such a delusion unless they are outside of Christ, by choice (John 3:19-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Laughable, Demonic “Mandela Effect” Scam Debunked: Witchcraft Wielded Over the Minds of those not Rooted in Christ, God’s Word

IF you believe the “Mandela Effect” you are in darkness and have openly called God a liar! Repent now sinner. This is a doctrine of devils! (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

RECENTLY, YET another woman, a former sister in Christ, has “made shipwreck,” has “denied the faith” by putting a foolish lie ahead of the Word of God (Mark 7:6-9; Acts 13:36; 1 Timothy 1:19; 5:8). The “mandela effect” wolves are snaring gullible people who have deliberately chosen not to be deeply, soundly grounded in Christ! Please share this post to protect Jesus’ sheep!

IT’S ASTOUNDING TO SEE WHAT PEOPLE WILL REJECT CHRIST FOR: To believe the so-called “mandela effect” is to reject Christ by claiming He lied to us. Jesus told us His Word would never change (Mark 13:31). The diabolical mandela effect snakes say it did. If you believe the mandela effect you have denounced Christ and are a lost soul.

How do we know who Christ’s people truly are?

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

God informs us that He is unchanging and therefore His Word is unchanging.

“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13

The LORD grants every person the choice to believe His unchanging Word or deny Him by believing something contrary – including the idea that He allowed His Word to be changed! (1 Corinthians 11:19) This truth should quicken each of our hearts in His holy fear to scamper into the Scriptures prayerfully, devouring His words while grabbing them with all that is in us. “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (1 Corinthians 11:19)

“Our printed Bibles can be trusted! If it were possible for printed Bibles to be changed super naturally, then we might as well just pick the Bibles up and throw them in the trash, because we would no longer be able to trust them at all. God promised to preserve his word and I am going to take God at His Word! Be careful, Saints, on some of these rabbit trails! They can ship wreck you! I love you all!” Gloria

“Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:” Psalms 146:6

To say the written Word changed in the KJB, God’s real Word for the English speaking peoples, would be to indict God as a liar.

“The stupidity of people knows no bounds! People trusting their own fallible memories over the infallible Word of God!” Nathan Noyes

God’s Word cannot, has not, and will not change. … the new versions are not of God and we know that because they changed God’s Word. God’s words were changed by Satan’s agents who corrupted His Word in their new versions. Yet God’s preserved Word for the English speaking world hasn’t changed – the King James Bible. See Fake Jesus, Fake Pastors, Fake Christians, Fake Bibles, Fake Churches Exposed! [podcast]

The Bible tells us that the Word of God is “incorruptible” and yet the so-called “mandela effect” erroneously claims the Bible has changed (1 Peter 1:23).

“I blocked and deleted a lot of these so called Mandela Effect followers from my personal page, because this false teaching is totally demonic… When Jesus Christ said that heaven and earth would pass away, but his words would endure forever, he meant exactly what he said… And two of the primary promoters of this nonsense are a witch, and a new age warlock… Last names of Bean, and Broome… They’re making money and gaining notoriety by teaching this garbage…” Steve Stillwell

CAN GOD CHANGE? YES OR NO?

“For I am the LORD, I change not.” Malachi 3:6

To believe the delusional “Mandela Effect” witchcraft, to believe the LORD allowed His preserved Word to be changed, you MUST call God a liar.

How did God’s Word change? If it did Jesus lied – “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Mark 13:31) … “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8) … “FOREVER O LORD they word is settled in heaven.” (Psalms 119:89)

“The counsel (written Word) of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” Psalms 33:11

The LORD preserved His Word in the King James Bible for the English speaking people, just as He promised He’d do (Psalms 12:6-7).

“Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7

News Flash: If you dare say God’s Word changed you call Jesus Christ a liar.

It’s an outright lie from demonically-inspired lost rebels that God’s Word changed and some who claim to follow Christ who believe this heresy! Repent sinner, before it’s too late- you have departed from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

If you believe the “mandela effect” you have denied the faith. You have rejected the very Word of God and reveal yourself to be a sinful, wicked, lost soul (Acts 13:46). Repent SiNNER!

“Hallelujah–FINALLY -good grief already -I just shake my head –REALLY -Mandela has changed THE WORD OF GOD ??– no beloved, you are being duped.” Heather Cummings

“Mandela Effect” “Proof” Pummeled

“Mandela Effect” “Proof” Pummeled

The biggest so-called “change” that they supposedly have in the Bible is in ISAIAH 11:6.

Anyone can easily access the King James Bible 1611 online and go to this Bible verse. Here it is. Copied and pasted:

“The wolfe also shall dwell with the lambe, and the leopard shall lie downe with the kid: and the calfe and the young lion, and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6

Do you see lion or lamb in that verse? Yes yet not where most thought it was.

Now, most have heard the phrase, “The lion will lie down with the lamb” … because it has been repeated by mere men.

This Bible truth is speaking of the renewal of the Creation in Christ’s coming kingdom. The Reign of Christ.

But that phrase, THE LION AND THE LAMB DWELLING TOGETHER, is not actually in the Bible. IT NEVER HAS BEEN!

“The WOLF also shall dwell with the LAMB, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6 KJB

“New heavens and a new earth” is coming.

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. … 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 65:17, 24

Another foolish, unfounded objection:

“Genesis 31:37 now says stuff, since when was ‘stuff’ in the bible?”

REPLY:

“Stuff” has always been in the KJB. A simple search reveals such. It appears 13 times in the KJB: 13 verses found, 16 matches

Gen_31:37 Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.
Gen_45:20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.
Exo_22:7 If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
Exo_36:7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
Jos_7:11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.
1Sa_10:22 Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.
1Sa_25:13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.
1Sa_30:24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? 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.
Neh_13:8 And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.
Eze_12:3 Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house.
Eze_12:4 Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity.
Eze_12:7 And I did so as I was commanded: I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for captivity, and in the even I digged through the wall with mine hand; I brought it forth in the twilight, and I bare it upon my shoulder in their sight.
Luk_17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

ANOTHER FOOLISH OBJECTION DEBUNKED:

“Isaiah 32:8 used to say nobel (noble?), now it’s liberal.”

ANSWER:

Isaiah 32:8 has always used “liberal” in the real Bible, the King James Bible.

FEEDBACK:

“This is very good — and addressed in a great spirit of love and rebuke. I previously didn’t know much about what is called the “Mandela effect” so this was very educational and has helped me to be equipped to speak the truth to this issue when it arises.” Debbie L.

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The Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]

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Articles

“Blessed are the Poor In Spirit” [podcast]

Jesus’ longest recorded message to His people stands on the foundation of the very first words our Savior uttered in this sermon on the mount.

The foundational truth of the entire sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) is found in the very first words of our LORD when unveiling this elaborate, far-reaching, and profound message to His disciples of all ages. Here are His first words:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

Note, “poor in spirit.” Not poor financially or religiously. The two should be mutually exclusive. The Greek word translated into English as “poor” is PTOCHOS. It means pauper, beggar, poor…..desperate and spiritually impoverished. Christ looks to desperate, hungry and thirsty people who want more of Him (Is. 66:2). Their hearts pant for more of Him (Ps. 42:1-2). They deeply desire more of His presence and Word. | Sin: Man’s Core Problem

Of this pillar truth of being “poor in spirit”, F.B. Meyer says:

“Note the passive side of the blessed life. To be poor in spirit, that is, to be lowly in one’s self-estimate; to be meek, not always interested in one’s rights; to mourn for the evils of one’s own heart and for the sin and sorrow around; to hunger and thirst after Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. These dispositions do not purchase blessedness, but to cultivate them is to be blessed. On the positive side are mercy, purity, peace and willingness to suffer all things for Christ. Here is 1Co_13:1-13 anticipated!”

Of this foundational cornerstone biblical essential, William MacDonald writes:

“This first blessing is pronounced on the poor in spirit. This does not refer to natural disposition, but to one’s deliberate choice and discipline. The poor in spirit are those who acknowledge their own helplessness and rely on God’s omnipotence. They sense their spiritual need and find it supplied in the Lord. The kingdom of heaven, where self-sufficiency is no virtue and self-exaltation is a vice, belongs to such people.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Jesus said: “without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

“The more we know Christ the more we are aware we NEED Him!” Anita Villarreal

The path to victory is humbling ourselves in repentance and announcing our own utter poverty!

“But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2

The absence of a “poor” or desperate for more of Christ “spirit” is the clear indicator that the self-righteous person is trusting in self and not Christ.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit (desperate, beggar, pauper): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

The phrase “poor in spirit” speaks of being in a perpetual heart posture of being desperate for the LORD, being fully dependent upon Him as a beggar, a pauper.

“We never feel Christ to be a reality, until we feel Him to be a necessity.” Austin Phelps

God allowed Judas to betray Jesus and God allows our enemies to bless us to be broken. Judas the betrayer, was instrumental in Christ being delivered to be crucified, in His body being broken and blood poured out for the sins of the world.

The betrayal of our enemies also allows us to be broken.

“I have been to this place more than once. It has only been me and Jesus! It is a hard place to be. I have said ‘Jesus if You don’t help me, I am not going to make it!’ Looking back I can see that He has shown up, every time, even though at the time I wasn’t seeing it. Jesus has saved my life!! For that I am very grateful! Thank You Jesus!” Karen Cochran

Jesus commands us to love our enemies and oh how much easier this is to do when we realize how He is using our enemies to bring us to the bless-ed place of brokenness (Matthew 5:44).

“God uses the bad things that happen to us to save, sanctify and glorify us.”

The LORD has no interest in the empty worship of men or religion which is vastly prevalent today as it was in Christ’s day.

“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:6-9

No other sin so grieved the Savior as un-engaged religious pride and worship which actually insulated men from Him. Religious groups where this is found misrepresent Christ while claiming to be the only way to Him. No other group received more harsh and dooming words from Jesus Christ as those who were the very leaders of the religion He started 2 thousand years earlier (Judaism). The Jewish system of religion is the only religion God ever started or ever will start, and it is now obsolete. Christ came to bring all people into a personal relationship with Him and the Father and Holy Spirit (John 14:6, 17:3, 1 John 1:3, 7…).

Though it may appear outwardly to be different, today we have so much empty “worship” in the modern church world and this is why true disciples are coming out of her by the millions – “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Rev. 18:4). If Jesus commanded those who will be His to “Come out of her,” there must be something to come out of! The Son of God is no lunatic – He is “the Great Shepherd of the sheep,” who gave His life for His people and seeks to feed them with His pure Word and protect them (Ps. 23; Jn. 10; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:2).

Relevant?

In today’s everything-and-anything-goes, trying-to-be-relevant-instead-of-Christ-like, church world of ungrounded people, a myriad of things have replaced Christ and His holy Word. In the world of evangelical religion today, there is anything but the pure Word of God. Here are some of the things that have crept in and are in full blown emphasis today in the modern church:

a thrust to be “relevant” – a cloaked word used often by the emergent/seeker-friendly movement which boils down to being just like the world in order to win the world. Win them to what?! – to aself-serving “form of godliness” that denies Jesus instead of self?

new Bible versions which are taken from corrupt manuscripts and are weak at best (see Amos 8:11 and BIBLE VERSIONS)

fictional books from fad authors who misrepresent the Almighty through their caricatures and have and are leading many into idolatry as a result.

soft, spineless leaders who do not present the biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ with repentance, the holiness of God, and necessity of personal holiness, hell, and judgment to come, etc.

an emphasis on entertainment using music and arts at the expense of declaring divine truth in its pure form

Does the LORD call His true people to be like the world (relevant), or to follow Christ and be unlike the lost? Think about this: what are the lost being won to if the church world is no different than they are?

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (conditional), And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

Jesus Didn’t Lie to Us

In this late hour, just as He foretold numerous times, “many” are being led astray by false prophets who have come in sheep’s clothing and are deceiving “many.” (Matt. 7:15; 24:3-5, 11, 24; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:13; 4:2-4; Jude 3-4, etc.) Eternal damnation awaits (2 Pet. 3).

The prophecies of the final days are dancing on stage in our faces.

In the vast majority of modern assemblies of “worship,” Jesus is no longer tended to or bothered with, much less elevated as the Creator, Redeemer, and “Head of the body.”(Col. 1:15-18; 2:18-19) No, instead, men and women who having “itching ears” are making popular false prophets who tell them what their sinful hearts desire to hear (2 Tim. 4:2-5).

Why should we be surprised? This was all foretold. The adulterous emphasis in the apostate church world, perpetrated by wolves who wear sheep’s clothing, is clearly enumerated as it is shown in resume’ form in 2 Timothy 3:1-7. – They are leading astray those who are just like themselves – “lovers of their own selves…lovers of pleasures MORE than lovers of God…”

Christ told us differently. Who are you following? Jesus said: “If ANY (that includes you)man will come after me, let him DENY himself, and take up his cross daily (die), and follow ME. For whosoever will save (preserve) his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it….So likewise, WHOSOEVER he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33) These are the very words of the Alpha and Omega – when is the last time your pastor preached these words?

Instead of laid down lives, studying His Word to know and find out more about Him, self-serving and idolatrous emphasis bombard the people as they are constantly asserted by false leaders. “How to Get Rich,” “How to Live a More Fulfilled Life,” “How to Use God’s Word to get what YOU Want,” “12 Steps to a Better Life,” “How to have Better Relationships,” “How to Have Your Best Life Now,” “How to get Your Miracle from God,” “7 Keys to a New You,” “How to be a better Husband/Wife/Father/Mother,” “How to Get More for ME, Me, Me!!!,” etc. To the un-discerning eye, these things may seem harmless, but they are deadly. A man-centered gospel is a false, soul-damning heresy (Gal. 1:6-10; 2 Pet. 2:1-3). One can get a miracle, become a better wife or daddy, learn conflict resolution, read polluted fad “Christian” books, and use principles to get some self-help, and still die and go to hell. God is calling His people to become more intimate with Him, to repent of our sins, to know Him, to turn fully to Him, to become His disciples, and all else will follow (2 Chron. 7:14; Matt. 6:33; Jn. 17:3).

Jesus Christ is the Supreme God and Divine Creator of All that Is – the Whole Universe

“For by him (Christ) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17

Whenever and wherever the living and eternal Word, the divine Person of Jesus Christ, is NOT being sought after, studied, emphasized, worshipped, upheld, elevated, adored, praised, feared, and obeyed, false teachers are the leaders (Col. 1-2). Walking in these things nurtures saints and fosters in them a heart after God (Acts 13:22). Read Colossians 1-2 closely and prayerfully.

We have but a mere “form of godliness” if we have not presently chosen to crave more of Jesus, crying from our hearts and mouths – “He MUST increase, but I MUST decrease.”(Jn. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:5) One can be actively involved in a local church environment while “ever learning,” and yet “never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:1-7) All worship that does not elevate the Person of Christ is evil idolatry. Spiritual adultery is being spread in the hearts of men wherever Jesus Christ is not being peered into, loved, obeyed, and sought after with a whole heart! Any and all spiritual activity that does not begin and end with Jesus Christ is unadulterated idolatry. – “Thou shalt have NO other gods before me.” (Exod. 20:3)

Jesus is the Only Head of His True Body

“In whom (Christ) are hid ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge…As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. BEWARE lest ANY man spoil (ruin) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in HIM, which is the head of all principality and power…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, 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 2:3, 6-10, 18-19

It’s not how it makes us feel friend – it’s whether or not its biblical that matters! God forgive our sins! It’s time to repent, elevate Jesus Christ, and die to self that Christ might reign gloriously. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3) The kingdom of God is all about Jesus, not me or you or any other mere man. IF in fact you are going to be apart of His eternal kingdom, you must die – if you don’t He won’t live in you and you will not be with Him eternally. – “they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Gal. 5:24) You must suffer the death of your personal will and self-life or you will not be an overcomer (Rev. 2-3). You will consequently die and go to hell with all other rebels (Rom. 6; 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).

Embracing the Cross

The overcoming disciple must cling to that old rugged cross. He must die the death that Christ ordained Him to die and set the example for us to behold – “not my will, but thine, be done.” (Lk. 22:42) He must of necessity resist the ease of the modern church program which makes church attendees instead of making disciples. He must possess a love for divine truth as he refuses to buy into the un-biblical falsity of modern religionist who rob Christ of His due glory. He must “buy the truth and sell it not.” (Prov. 23:23)

Only those who choose to daily die to self that Christ – the Greater One – might reign in their mortal bodies, will escape the horrific times to come where many are promised to fall away (Matt. 24:10-13, 24; 2 Thess. 2:1-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-7; 4:2-4).

Listen closely to what Jesus said concerning being ready to meet Him as we face these final days in which we now live:

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 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. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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 21:33-36

The from moral coward runs from the cross which represents Christ’s sacrifice. He flees the life of a true disciple which demands laying down one’s own way, will, and life to love Jesus. He runs to the entertainment and the feeling of ease and would rather be told things that demand no repentance or sacrifice. He loves the wolves who don sheep’s clothing and their smooth messages (2 Tim. 4:3-4). This is the false form of Christianity (completely foreign to Scripture) that has lulled him to sleep in the first place. He denies Christ instead of self and His command for us to die to the self life. No, instead he relishes the temporal pleasures of this fleeting life. Like Esau, he is giving up his eternal birthright (Heaven) for a temporary fix (bowl of soup).

If you are going to be with Jesus, you must at once RUN from any leader who is not preaching the cross – he isn’t even saved (1 Cor. 1:18; Phil. 3:17-18). He’s an imposter. He’s part of the diabolical conspiracy against the LORD Almighty. He’s a counterfeit – in league with those who are “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil. 3:18)

First, make sure you are coming to the LORD daily in prayer and worship and His Precepts. When gathering with other believers, bring a heart that is hungering for more of Jesus.

Any “church attendance” or “worship” that is not producing in your heart a desperate hunger and thirst for more of Jesus Christ, is completely misguided and being led by a person who has either never been saved or is backslidden! Run beloved, run for your life! Find true remnant disciples and flourish in worshipping the one true God, holding fast to His holy Word. Cease to further the cause of wolf ministries! Stop (by your attendance) endorsing and supporting with your finances ministries that are leading people away from Jesus instead of to Him!

Jesus said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

In these precious words recorded in Matthew 5:3, the Master was saying that those who are desperately impoverished in their hearts, realizing their utter need for Him are “blessed.” Undue loyalty to the organizations and futile programs of mere men invariably taint and hinder the personal relationship He made us to experience with Him. LORD, please bless us to know and love You and You alone! We will have “no other gods before You.” (Exodus 20:3-4)

In Genesis 32 we read of Jacob wrestling with God. The LORD broke Jacob and as a result a “poor in spirit” disposition possessed him…

“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.” Genesis 32:10

Without a heart after God, all we have is a mere “form of godliness.” (Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:5)

PRAYER: LORD, with deep resolve, I this moment make the obedient decision to come out of the antichrist, out of the apostate religious system where mere men, machinery, masters degrees, and programs are elevated in place of You! This moment I return to You O LORD and submit my spirit and whole being into Your holy and perfect hands! I love You LORD Jesus. Please forgive my sin of idolatry and spiritual adultery and fill me with Your Holy Spirit afresh. Please cleanse me by Your blood right now LORD. Please send me forth and make my life a fruitful field to Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Here’s how the blessing of knowing Him happens. Am I that weary and thirsty traveler in the hot, dry desert, panting after that glass of cold water laid before me? In other words, am I currently and personally seeking the LORD with outright abandonment and absolute desperation?

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for THEY shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

Q Who did Christ say were “blessed”?

A “they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness”

Q Who did Christ promise would “be filled”?

A “they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness”

One must “hunger and thirst” after the LORD, after His righteousness, in order to be “filled.”

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

Anyone who claims to be a disciple of Jesus and does not choose to have a heart after the LORD like David, does not “hunger and thirst after righteousness”, has nothing but dead religion, is lukewarm, and is going to be rejected from Christ unless he repents (Revelation 3:15-16).

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

“This psalm, Psalm 42, is a desperate plea to know God deeper. There’s a deep hunger in our inner most parts of our being. I ask You Jesus to come and clean me so You can then fill me in my inner most places that I don’t yet know You. Thank You Jesus because I know You will hear my prayer.” Karen Cochran

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, please forgive me for the sin of not seeking You with a whole heart, for being self-absorbed and deceived. I utterly need You with every fiber of my being – every moment. You made me, died for and came and found and saved me while I was in my sin. Please forgive me for allowing the cares of this world, deceitfulness of temporal riches, lust for things other than You, and religion, consume me because I wasn’t seeking and being filled with more of You. I begin this moment to set my heart affections upon You alone and find my whole identity and purpose in You. May Your presence in me increase as You fill me afresh with Your Holy Ghost. Please increase in me Jesus and I choose to decrease, purging all that does not belong to You. I love You my LORD Jesus Christ. Praise Your holy name forevermore.

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