The Essential Doctrine of Repentance

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

The Biblical Statement on the Essential Doctrine and Necessity of Repentance – in Life and in the Dispensing of the Original Gospel Message.

Firstly, we should understand that God’s command for us to repent means “turn to Me.” The LORD calls us to Himself.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Regrettably, we seldom hear this word, this Gospel essential. Though nearly never heard in today’s apostate modern church world, according to Christ’s unchanging original Gospel, repentance is an absolute imperative.

Karen Cochran observes:

“It doesn’t seem the word repent is part of the Christian’s vocabulary! In the modern church, it’s all about God accepting you the way you are without any requirements to repent and die to self.”

Note that in modern churches, “Christian” radio, media, books, the word “repent” is rarely if ever heard. Yet Jesus says that repenting is essential to salvation (Luke 13:3, 5, etc.).

The words “repent” and “repentance” appear 72 times in God’s Word – the King James Bible.

God will not forgive the sins of anyone who doesn’t repent – even if they confess their sins every day of their life!

Any “preacher” not preaching repentance is not preaching the original Gospel and is absolutely a fraud! Now, let that sink in and see if you can count the number of “pastors” NOT preaching the first Word of the Gospel – repentance! Get out the calculator! Better yet, count those who ARE preaching repentance and you won’t get to your second hand!

The Essential Doctrine of Repentance has Never been more Needed and Yet has Never been more Scarce!

No person who doesn’t repent will be saved. To deny the need, the absolute necessity of repentance is to deny the LORD who is “Holy, holy, holy” and to deny sin (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)!

DO WE know the original Gospel message? Where does the relationship begin – between fallen man and God? What is the first divine command for sinners to appropriate the justification of God? Repentance is essential (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38, etc.) Does your pastor use this word, YES THIS BIBLE WORD – “repent”? No, not some modernized, toned down, lame word but the literal word “repent”?

ALL who are living in sin
are on a collision course
with divine justice.
Hell awaits.

COMMUNICATING THE ESSENTIAL DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE

Let it not drop. In fact this divine command (Acts 17:30) – to “repent” – is nearly if not completely missing from the apostate modern church world and the counterfeits therein. They preach a false gospel because the original Gospel requires repentance to be saved (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.). Let it not be! Be true to the LORD and preach it.

If Jesus isn’t important enough to you to seek and obey, you do not love Him (John 14:15). You have rejected Him and all your cover up operation is a silly sham that He sees right through. Going to church, reading God’s Word, running through a canned prayer before bedtime or each morning, etc., will never replace getting honest in repentance with the LORD. He will accept nothing short of repentance and laying your life at His holy feet (Ezekiel 18:30; Hosea 10:12). This is called true repentance, something most who claim to be saved have never done (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19, etc.). They said a prayer. They didn’t repent and Jesus says “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

God absolutely requires “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” to save a soul (Acts 20:21). Yet HE is the Savior, not us. WHY did Jesus ever have to come if we could save ourselves? When or if we are emphasizing our own repentance more than the sheer mercy of God in Christ who alone saved our most depraved, wicked souls, we are imbalanced at best. Pour over the words of Titus 3:5-7.

“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21

“Mark 1:15

and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Repent ye, and believe the gospel. These words may be regarded as a summary of the method of salvation. Repentance and faith are the conditions of admission into the Christian covenant. Repentance has a special reference to God the Father, and faith, to Jesus Christ the eternal Son. It is in the gospel that Christ is revealed to us as a Saviour; and therefore we find Jesus Christ, as the object of our faith, distinguished from the Father as the object of our repentance. Repentance of itself is not sufficient—it makes no satisfaction for the Law which we have broken; and hence, over and above repentance, there is required from us faith in the Gospel, wherein Christ is revealed to us as a propitiation for sin, and as the only way of reconciliation with the Father. Without faith repentance becomes despair, and without repentance faith becomes only presumption. Join the two together, and the faithful soul is borne onwards, like a well-balanced vessel, to the haven where it would be.” Pulpit Commentary

“REPENT” is repeatedly seen as the very first word, command of the Gospel.

John the Baptist

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2

Jesus

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

Peter

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19

Christ’s Apostle Paul

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Acts 17:30

No one will be saved without repenting (Luke 13:3, 5, etc.). AFFIRMATION without salvation, regeneration, is rampant in today’s apostate modern church world. Beware.

One is hard pressed to hear any modern pastor use the word and essential divine command to “repent.” This was foretold for these final days in which we live. Any man not preaching the essential biblical doctrine of repentance, not using the Bible word “repent,” is preaching “another gospel” and is an “accursed” wolf with no exception (Galatians 1:6-9)! Run. If you sit under, if you patronize any preacher who isn’t regularly using the divine essential command to “repent,” you are as deceived and hell bound as this vile antichrist you are bidding Godspeed to (2 John 10-11).

Any preacher not preaching repentance is not preaching the original Gospel and is “accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9). He’s a wolf! Run.

God NEITHER forgives nor blesses any man who doesn’t first repent.

IF he’s not preaching repentance and remission of sins he’s a fraud! No excuse! “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

ALL who don’t preach repentance are not preaching the original Gospel of Jesus! This fact clears out 90% of the cowards many call “pastor” in this late hour!

ARE YOU preaching the absolute Gospel essential of repentance beloved of God? Jesus commanded that we do just that.

Beware of the devils who are running around saying that repentance is not needed to be in Christ’s kingdom. They are using the thief on the cross to “prove” their point. Is this conclusive and true?

ANY “MINISTRY” NOT PREACHING REPENTANCE IS ABSOLUTELY FALSE!

It’s laughable and lame that these heretics use the thief on the cross to say that there’s no need for repentance. Unreal. Scripture must be interpreted with Scripture. Jesus says it’s essential to “repent” or one will “perish” (go to Hell). See Luke 13:3, 5. And, the thief on the cross who turned to Jesus (that’s what repentance is defined as!) in his last moments is in glory according to Christ. So, we conclude that Jesus, who knows all things, saw repentance in that man! Bam. Cased closed! Devil exposed.

Repentance: The Essential that Beguiling Wolves Refuse to Preach

WHAT’s the very first word/command of the original Gospel saints? Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19, etc.). Are you ready to “give an answer to every man”?

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Repentance is a reversal of the direction of one’s life, a full turning to God, away from self. It must be preached as it was the very first word, divine command that proceeded from the mouths of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and the apostles (Acts 2:38, 3:19, etc.). Jesus said it is essential (Luke 13:3, 5).

Let’s consider….. Some seem to speak of repentance as merely turning from sin. Is that a complete view? Is repentance more of turning from sin or turning to God? What’s most important? Obviously both are vital and yet, let’s think about how Jesus says “Come unto me…” and “I will draw all men unto me” (Matthew 11:28-30; John 12:32). Coming to God initially and ongoing seems to be a conviction by the Holy Spirit and Law convicting and drawing us to HIM and therefore departing from sin from which we are delivered by His power and grace as we come to Him. First and foremost it seems that true repentance is turning TO God and therefore away from sin, that which displeases Him.

IF you aren’t preaching REPENTANCE you are preaching a false gospel! Repent!

“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31

Repentance – Greek: Metaneo/metanoia …. definition from Greek Dictionary – (subject) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal ….

Repentance means a change of mind, turning fully to the LORD, doing a 180, and fully giving ourselves over to Him. When we do, all of us will be His and all we have will be His. If these fruits of being totally abandoned to Him are not resident, the individual has not truly repented – laid down their life. Repentance is a gift as is every good and perfect gift (2 Timothy 2:25; James 1:17).

If you truly want refreshing, you will receive such when you come to Jesus in true repentance. Read Acts 3:19.
Confessing sin is NOT repenting. There’s a difference. Admitting your sin and poverty of spirit in surrender before the LORD.
YOU can confess till you die and will go to Hell if you haven’t truly repented. Repentance is surrender, turning to the LORD from where you are.

Confession of sin is ONLY for those who’ve repented and have a relationship with God. Catholics confess their sins to a sinner wearing a costume but will never be forgiven unless they repent and receive Christ. Jesus says that “Except ye repent (not confess sin) ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Yes confession of sin is a blessing but reserved exclusively for those who are born again and presently in relationship with Christ.

ANY man pretending to represent Christ who is not preaching repentance on a regular basis is a wolf!

There is the initial and ongoing need for repentance. It’s the divine requirement for one to enter God’s kingdom and should be practiced by all believers as needed, ever turning to the LORD fully. No forgiveness of sins is granted outside of it.

Concerning repentance, Geerhardus Vos writes:

“Our Lord’s idea of repentance is as profound and comprehensive as His conception of righteousness. Of the three words that are used in the Greek Gospels to describe the process, one emphasizes the emotional element of regret, sorrow over the past evil course of life, metamelomai; Matt. 12:29-32; a second expresses reversal of the entire mental attitude, metanoeo, Matt. 12:41, Luke 11:32; 15:7, 10; the third denotes a change in the direction of life, one goal being substituted for another, epistrephomai; Matt. 13:15 (and parallels); Luke 17;4, 22:32. Repentance is not limited to any single faculty of the mind: it engages the entire man, intellect, will and affections… Again, in the new life which follows repentance the absolute supremacy of God is the controlling principle. He who repents turns away from the service of mammon and self to the service of God.” (Geerhardus Vos, The Kingdom of God and the Church, P&R, 1972, p. 92-93)

Sadly, the vast majority of modern “pastors” are seminary indoctrinated, Vatican corrupted and use Catholic “bibles” which have removed the word/doctrine repent, repentance. For example, the NKJV removed repent over 40 times! The great falling away! Corrupt Bible Versions

IS IT any wonder repentance is seldom heard? WHEN you realize that the “pastors” we have in the pulpits today are Vatican trained by Jesuit infiltrated seminaries which falsely promote the Catholic “bibles” these pastors now read and get their message from. And, the people they preach to are reading those Vatican “bibles” and so don’t know repentance is an essential, vital biblical doctrine. They have no excuse! King James Bible readers are much sharper, more astute Bible students due to reading the real, preserved Word of our God (Psalms 12:6-7).

Beware of the Vatican Trained Seminarians!

True repentance, when someone truly turns their whole being over to the LORD, without fail, brings a regenerated, a changed life and new lifestyle – a holy life. Refreshing, a clean heart, a clear conscious ensues.

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:7-8

Preaching the essential of repentance eliminates easy believism. Anyone preaching a “salvation” without the necessity of real repentance that brings forth fruit, clear proof of that repentance, is preaching a false gospel (Matthew 3:7-10).

“Repentance is to TAKE SIDES with God against yourself. It is a CHANGE of attitude toward SELF, toward SIN, toward GOD, toward CHRIST that is so REAL that it RESULTS in a changed life. It is raising the WHITE FLAG in SURRENDER to God and turning to Christ as your only LORD and Savior. Repentance is NOT a work … works are the fruit of repentance (Ephesians 2:8-10).” Trent Austin

“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Luke 3:9

To “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” means to show you have repented by doing God’s work now consistent with your true repentance.

Did you notice what Jesus promised in verse 9? – “every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire”?

1 John 3:18 says “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

As usual, as Bible students, we should understand that the actual Scriptures themselves are the best and ultimate definition of any topic. Consider Jesus’ words here…

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27

The Savior and His blessed salvation does not come into a person’s life until they repent.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3, 5

Could Jesus have been any plainer? Do you now see that true repentance, as from God’s definition, is essential? No one can be saved if they refuse to acknowledge their sin before a holy God and Judge and turn their lives over to Him unreservedly.

The Very First Word of the True Gospel

“REPENT” is the very first Word/divine command of the original Gospel – Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 20:21 etc. ANY man who isn’t constantly teaching and calling men to repent is a vile antichrist Hell bound wolf.

The true Gospel begins with the command to repent doesn’t it? – per John the Baptist, Christ, and Peter the apostle (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30).

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

When the New Testament church was born, the LORD’s apostle Peter preached this which resulted in 3,000 souls being saved:

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:37-38

“Times of refreshing” come only from the LORD upon repentance.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:30

Jesus commanded that repentance be preached and any minister, leader, or ministry not preaching “Repent,” is not fulfilling a New Testament purpose and is counterfeit (Luke 24:47).

“God … now commandeth ALLLLL men EVERY WHERE to repent” (Acts 17:30). Could it be more clear?

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30

Repenting means that your life is no longer your own anymore. It’s now all about God and not you, surrendering with nothing withheld to the LORD, falling upon His blessed mercy, broken, contrite, and given over to Him and His blessed Gospel.

To repent is necessary to receive salvation and true repentance always yields the fruit of a totally changed life – from the inside out. Even believing in Jesus in the easy believism manner so prevalently peddled in today’s apostate modern church world will not bring God’s regeneration/salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Titus 3:5-7). “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19)

With these biblical truths in mind, let us realize that any “ministry” or leader, church, or preacher whose message does not begin with and constantly contain the necessity of repentance, if a false teacher/ministry. This is a major discernment nugget. Please nourish your heart and meditate upon this truth. Look closer at the ministries you may be currently espousing, and ask yourself if they are preaching that men must repent. Make no excuses for mere men. If they are not preaching the divine command to “repent,” that is a false ministry.

Also, to bring forth fruit proving there has been true heart repentance and regeneration should be preached (Matthew 3:7-8).

When Jesus brought salvation to the home of Zacchaeus, genuine repentance yielded restitution in the newly saved man’s life.

Luke 19

¹And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10

Of repentance, A.W. Tozer wrote:

“Do a thorough job of repenting. Do not hurry to get it over with. Hasty repentance means shallow spiritual experience and lack of certainty in the whole life. Let godly sorrow do her healing work. Until we allow the consciousness of sin to wound us, we will never develop a fear of evil. It is our wretched habit of tolerating sin that keeps us in our half-dead condition.”

What True Disciples Preach and What Wolves Don’t Preach

In His Great Commission message, the Son of God commanded “That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.” Here’s the whole verse:

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47

So, is it becoming more clear in your understanding why repentance must be preached in obedience to Jesus? Is it more clear now that any and all ministries and leaders who do not preach repentance are wolves?

If one will begin to observe, he will find that the vast majority of leaders today, claiming to be representing Christ, do not preach repentance. These leaders who refuse to preach the original Gospel message which begins with the divine command to “Repent,” are utterly false. In fact, the Word of God says they are “accursed” for preaching “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).

“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in my counsel (if they had preached my Word), and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.” Jeremiah 23:21-22

It’s real simple: God is eternally perfect and therefore unchanging. His requirement for men to repent has not been changed one bit and yet, enterprising, self-serving wolves have “crept in unawares” or undetected by the gullible (Jude 3-4). They have ignored and dodged the hard truths which don’t serve their self-serving purpose to exploit enough people to build their own dreams upon, leading them to darkness and ultimately damnation. Their goal is not to please God at any cost but rather to create a large following – to build their own kingdom (Philippians 3:1-3; 2 Peter 2:1-3). So, they have eliminated the hard truths of the Gospel in order to church the un-churched for their own greedy purpose.

You see, the Bible is chock full of Scriptures speaking of God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness and iniquity. Yet, most preachers today refuse to acknowledge such. So, why repent? What’s there to repent of? This is no new thing as we saw in the passage above from Jeremiah. Now, look at what we read in Lamentations 2 concerning false leadership who refuse to preach on sin and the necessity of repentance:

“Thy prophets (false leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (bondage from sin); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment (they’ve entertained and exploited you for their own self-serving purposes).” Lamentation 2:14

The prophet Isaiah was told to reveal God’s view of sins to the people so they could repent and be rescued:

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1

If you are upset at those messengers that are obeying God by marking false prophet wolves today, this proves that you yourself are against the LORD and are His very enemy (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3-4).

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30

In the divine economy there is no way to justify such rebellion. Those who do not preach repentance regularly are not preaching the original Gospel and found to be beguilers on this fact alone (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19).

Repentance is a pillar doctrine of Holy Scripture. It’s named as one of the foundational, elementary, principle doctrines of Christ (Hebrews 6:1-3). It is a must to be “born again” and all true Heaven-bound disciples of Jesus who are on the narrow road that leads to life, are speaking this truth.

“Therefore leaving the principles (beginning, elementary truths) of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection (maturity); not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1-2

Of the six principle or elementary doctrines of Christ, the very first one deals with “repentance.”

Repentance is not just confession of sin but rather is turning wholly to the LORD and therefore turning away from all sin (that which He says is sin and displeases Him).

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

The vast majority of modern so-called “evangelicals” don’t personally diligently study the Bible and therefore have no foundational knowledge and understanding of the doctrines of Holy Scripture. So, they are easy to mislead. So many modern “pastors” deceitfully mislead their gullible listeners to believe that Paul was only “the apostle of the grace of God.” These beguiling mis-leaders eliminate and ignore the essential biblical doctrines of repentance, denial of self, taking up the cross, and personal holiness that Paul taught. These things are purposely ignored and made to be an option but not eternally consequential to the soul. What is tragic is that these modern beguilers have misled a whole generation of people to believe they are saved and going to God’s holy Heaven and yet these people have never truly repented.

Of repentance, Brian Sirois notes:

“The Bible (KJV) plainly teaches that the church was COMMANDED to preach REPENTANCE as well as REMISSION OF SINS by GRACE through FAITH. Paul, whose example the church is COMMANDED to follow, preached REPENTANCE as well as GRACE (cf. Luke 24:47; Acts 17:30; Acts 24:25; Hebrews 9:27).

William Booth, the great Christian leader of a century ago, in one of his last major addresses said, ‘I fear the day will come when preachers will preach heaven without hell, and faith without repentance.’ The day that Booth feared would come, has come!”

Genuine, sincere repentance and faith are what God requires to bring a sinner into His kingdom and it doesn’t stop there. One must endure to the end of his earthly life, repenting if needed and continuing to trust Jesus Christ, staying upon the LORD, abiding in rich, vital union and fellowship with Him (Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 1 John 1:7-9; Revelation 2-3, etc.).

God bless us to repent and walk in the light as He is in the light so that the blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse us and keep us clean (1 John 1:7). Also, the LORD empower each of us with His holy fear to obey Him in telling His original Gospel message which begins with repentance.

Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I am here and now asking You to unite me in a truly abiding relationship with Yourself and Christ – as You define it. Graft me deeper into Thy bosom and Thy cross. Please save me now, wash away all my sins afresh in Your precious blood my LORD Jesus, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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Apostasy

Direction in God’s Word? [podcast]

Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]

“Great podcast. Thank you. If you want to really fall in love with the scriptures, read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year reading, studying, and memorizing it. This Psalm was written for us, to begin to love God’s Word as much as the Psalmist did, which is what happened to me. My heart was truly transformed. The beloved David’s whole heart was dedicated to studying, obeying, meditating and learning all of the Word of God, so he could live a righteous and holy life, fully devoted to the Lord. We should live and breath the Scriptures and meditate on them day and night (Psalm 1:2).” Karen Cochran

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

Remaining “nourished up” in the Word of God is essential to enduring to the end. God’s Word is the divine fuel for all of His beloved saints.

Ingesting, devouring God’s words daily is invigorating to our spirits and essential to our lives in Christ!

Biblical Topics Sampling:

- - Love/Charity: 1 Corinthians 13 “The love chapter”
  - Origin of all Life/Civilization: Genesis 1-11
  - 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17
  - Revelation 2-3: Christ addresses the 7 churches of Asia. There are many all-important truths and rebukes completely applicable to us now in being ready for Christ’s return.
  - Fearing the LORD: Josh. 24:14; Ps. 2:11-12; 86:11; Prov. 1:7, 29; 8:13; 14:26-27; 22:4: Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:4-5
  - Sin: man’s core problem and dilemma: Gen. 3; 6:5; Jer. 17:5, 9; Rom. 3; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2
  - Proverbs: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. 1 per day for a month complete the book.
  - Prayer: Matt. 6:6, 26:41; Mk. 1:35; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2,12
  - Overcoming Sin: Romans 6; 13:14
  - The 7 Abominations: Prov. 6:16-19
  - Forgiveness: Matt. 18:21-35; Mk 11:25-26
  - The Crucified life: Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Cor. 4:10-12; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3
  - Humility: Prov. 22:4; Matt. 20:20-28; James 4:6-10
  - Spiritual Maturity: Heb. 5:11-14, 6:1-3
  - Marriage/Dating/Divorce/ReMarriage: Deut. 24; 1 Corinthians 7
  - The Written Word: Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
  - Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
  - 6 Principle (foundational) Doctrines of Christ: Heb. 6:1-3
  - Correction/Rebuke: Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 25:9; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Tim. 3:16
  - Sin/Grace Righteousness: Romans 1-5
  - Abstaining From Fornication: 1 Thess. 4:1-8; 1 Cor. 6:13-19
  - False Prophets/Teachers: Jer. 23; Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; Jude 1; 2 Pet. 2
  - Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12, 14
  - Love/Truth/Light: 1 John 1-5 First John Is Called ‘The Book of Certainties’
  - Return of Christ: Luke 12:40; 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16-18, etc.
  - God of Restoration: Luke 15, 19:10
  - Disciple’s Prayer Model: Matt. 6:9-12
  - Riches: Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12, 16; 1 Timothy 6:5-19
  - The Divinity of Jesus Christ: Gospel of John (Hi-Lite & cross-reference every reference to Christ’s divinity); Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 8:58; 20:28; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; 6:15-16; Rev. 1:8
  - Wisdom: Prov. 8; James 1:5; 1:13-17

Putting God first in your day is a deliberate decision and act. It’s non-negotiable to the truth disciple. Such will never happen by accident. Take control of your time for Jesus or your time will continue to take control of you. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and obey the LORD.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16

Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Becoming familiar with these texts will help you in your own walk with the LORD and in helping others (being able to teach and refer to these passages). You will be well on your way to a rich and full life of Bible literacy & usefulness in God’s kingdom as you begin to learn the above listed topics of truth. Hi-Lite, underline, cross-reference.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

The KEY to understanding the mind of Christ being communicated in any book of the Bible: First, read that book 10-20 straight through to gain a knowledge of it, to begin to grasp the divine transmission. Then, go back and study it verse by verse in a more in-depth break down of the text.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Let’s not come up empty handed any longer! Make the quality decision to learn God’s Word for yourself and stop depending on others. Embarking upon diligent topical and systematic Bible study is the answer.

“Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:20-21

The Word of God is learned, one truth at a time, “But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:13)

YOU cannot possibly be flourishing in Christ if you are not dwelling “richly” (abundantly) in His Word – both in your own personal, daily life and concerning Christ’s true body! (Colossians 3:16) If you are not surrounded with people you can have BIBLICAL conversations with, you have surrounded yourself with counterfeits!

“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include Old Testament, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” T.

“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason

“I am reading Mark.” Michele

“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe

“I’ve been Reading James And 1st and 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie

“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.

MORE TOPICS

Adultery Matthew 5:27-28, 32
Adversity Romans 8:28
Afraid Psalms 34:4, 56:3
Alcohol Ephesians 5:18
Anger Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
Anxiety Philippians 4:4-7
Apprehension Matthew 6:31-33
Astrology Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Backbiting Hebrews 12:14-15
Backsliding Psalms 51
Bereaved 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Burdens 1 Peter 5:6-11
Conceit Luke 18:9-14
Contention Proverbs 13:10. 22:10
Confusion 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Covetousness Exodus 20:17, Romans 7:7
Crisis Psalms 121
Criticism Romans 12
Cursing James 3:10
Daydreaming 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Deceit Colossians 2:8
Defeated Romans 8:31-39
Depression Isaiah 61:1-3. Psalms 34
Despair 2 Corinthians 4:8
Destruction Psalms 103; Proverbs 18:12
Disaster Threatens Psalms 91
Discouragement Isaiah 42; Psalms 23
Disobedience John 15:14
Divorce Mark 10:2-12
Doubt Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 11
Drugs 2 Corinthians 7:1
Drunkenness Luke 21:34-36
Envy Proverbs 14:30
Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Faith Falls Psalms 42:5
Fantasy 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Fatigue Isaiah 40:31
Fault finding Matthew 7:1-5
Fear 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 12:5
Fear of Rejection Ephesians 1
Fornication 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Friends Fail 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Gluttony Proverbs 23:2
Gossip Proverbs 13:3
Greed Matthew 19:24
Grief Isaiah 53:3-4
Guilt Romans 8:1
Hatred 1 John 2:11
Heartbreak Psalms 147:3
Heaviness Isaiah 61:1-3
Hurting John 14
Idleness Proverbs 19:15
Idolatry 1 John 5:21
Inadequacy Philippians 4:13
Incest Leviticus 20:11,12,14
Inferiority Philippians 4:13
Impure Thought 2 Peter 2:10
Insomnia Proverbs 3:24
Intolerance 1 Corinthians 13
Irritability 1 Corinthians 13
Jealousy Proverbs 6:34
Judging Romans 14:10-13
Laziness Hebrews 6:12, Proverbs 19:15
Legalism Galatians 3
Lethargy Proverbs 21:24-26
Loneliness John 14; Psalms 23
Lying Revelation 21:8
Lust Matthew 5:28
Manipulation 2 Peter 2
Masturbation Romans 1:24-28
Materialistic 1 John 2:15-17
Mocking Proverbs 17:5
Murder Exodus 20:13
Negativism 2 Corinthians 1:20
Nervousness Philippians 4:6
Obsessive Behavior Galatians 5:16-25
Occult Deuteronomy 18
Overly Sensitive 1 Corinthians 13
Passivity Matthew 10:33
Pouting Matthew 6: 14-15
Prejudice James 2: 1-13
Pressure Proverbs 3:25-26
Pride Proverbs 16:18
Profane 1 Timothy 1:9
Protection Psalms 27
Quarreling Ephesians 4:25-32
Rape 2 Corinthians 7:1
Rebellion 1 Samuel 15:23
Rejection John 14
Resentment Hebrews 12
Restlessness Psalms 46:10
Retaliation Romans 12
Revenge Matthew 5:43-48
Sadness Nehemiah 8:10
Scorning Proverbs 22:10
Selfishness 2 Corinthians 9:1-14
Self-pity Philippians 4:8-9
Self-righteousness Luke 18:9-14
Self-rejection Psalms 139:14
Self-will Isaiah 53:6
Sensuality Galatians 5:16-26
Sexual Impurity Proverbs 6:24-35
Sin Psalms 66:18; 1 John 1:9; John 8:34-36
Slow to Forgive Matthew 18:21-35
Sorrow Isaiah 53
Spite Isaiah 50:6
Stealing Exodus 20:15
Strife James 3
Stubbornness 1 Samuel 15:23
Submission 1 Peter 2:13-17
Suicide Exodus 20:13
Suspicion Exodus 20:16
Swearing Colossians 3:8
Temper 2 Peter 1:5-8
Tempted Matthew 26:41
Too Quick to Speak James 3:1-13
Unbelief Hebrews 3:12-13
Unforgiveness Matthew 18:21-35
Vanity Galatians 5:26
Violence Ezekiel 45:9
Weariness Hebrews 12:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Witchcraft Galatians 5:20
Workaholic Romans 10:3; Ephesians 2:8-9
Worldliness 1 John 2: 15-17
Worry Isaiah 35:3-5; 26:3-4

Study Guides | Bible School | Bible/Word of God Category

How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]

There’s only one Book whose Author is God. Only God knows the future – and His foretelling of the future in the Bible clearly proves it’s His Book. Law of probability and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies: Odds of the more than 300 prophecies of the prophets concerning the coming Messiah, given hundreds of years prior to His arrival coming true are: 8,749,002,899,132,046,697,490,008,908,470,485,461,412,622,723,572,849,745,… 703,082,425,425,639,811,996,797,503,692,894,052,708,092,215,296 to 1 Fact: Only the Almighty could know the future and forthtell it in specific detail, long before it ever happened. THIS is how we know that the Bible is truly the Word of the one true […]

Why Did God Give Us His Word? [podcast]

The 4 Pillar Purposes for the Holy Scriptures There are 4 reasons detailed in 2 Timothy 3:16 for the Holy Scriptures being given to us by God. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the apostle Paul wrote: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 According to this verse, the Bible, God’s very Word, has been given to the people of God for 4 reasons: Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Let us take a brief look at these 4 reasons for the […]

Bearing the Precious Seed of God's Word [podcast]

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6 A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23). The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15). Our cute […]

Esteeming the Words of His Mouth More than my Necessary Food [podcast]

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12 —– EDUCATED? … By WHOM? …. For decades now here in America, we’ve all been brainwashed toward education. But who’s educating us? What education? From what perspective and the premise, the foundation, the world view? Christ’s apostle Paul warned “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Many today esteem worldly education in order to […]

Knowing the Word of God and also the God of the Word! [podcast]

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 How has God ordained that we know Him? First by bringing us to Himself at the heart of His Word and granting His eternal life to us (Acts 2:14-41; 8:26-40; 20:21; Romans 10:17; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23, etc.). Also thereafter by seeking His face in prayer and His Word and with a heart to worship and know Him (John 17:3). If I don’t truly love Jesus today, what do I have other than dead religion? Let the […]

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The Name and Witness of Jesus Christ [podcast]

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“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

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” 1 John 5:10

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please sanctify my life unto Thee. Make me holy as You are holy. Please separate me and use me for Your eternal glory LORD Jesus. May Your life shine greater in and through this vessel dear LORD. I love You Jesus and right this instant commend, submit my spirit, my whole being into Thy holy hands. In Jesus’ name.

The Riches of God's Grace in Christ [podcast]

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7 It’s been said that “God bankrupted Heaven to buy us back to Himself!” “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Jesus judged sin on the cross so we don’t have to be judged for our sin and so we can experience “the exceeding riches of his grace” both now and forever (John 12:31-32; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through […]

Executing Christ's Great Commission [podcast]

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 […]

The Book of Romans Narrated [podcast]

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4 Chapter 1-16 Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience […]

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The Daily Cross in Prayer [podcast]

Prayer is inseparably connected with knowing God (John 17:3).

(Excerpt from the book I Die Daily)

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3

Let’s isolate and dismantle these words of God a bit. Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David says to the LORD:

That He (God) would hear his (David’s) “voice”
That “in the morning” the Psalmist would arise and seek God in prayer
Deliberately “in the morning,” he would “direct” his prayer and praying to the LORD – “in the morning … I will look up”

From this passage, we see that David planned or scheduled, in an intentional and calculated fashion, to meet with the LORD every morning. The phrase “in the morning” appears twice in this inspired transmission of the Holy Ghost. The man whose heart panted after the LORD – to behold His precious beauty – declared that he would “direct” (point) his prayer upward to the LORD “in the morning.” (Ps. 5:3; 27:4; Acts 13:22) Communing with the LORD was priority to David, and therefore occupied first place in his daily life. He sought the LORD firstly as he arose from sleep, and before he went forth into his day.

Jesus commanded that if any person will come after Him – truly follow Him – he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him (Luke. 9:23-24). There is no place that the cross applies more than in daily prayer. The moment one arises, he will choose either to seek God or dwell upon self-sentiments and such. He will seek Christ, or he will seek his own salvation or rescue from his troubles. We all make a “daily” choice:

“… choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

No different from those covenant saints the LORD spoke to in this important passage, those whom we dwell among are serving self – the flesh – and yet we are called upon by the LORD to “choose” to daily serve Him rather than self. We are called to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life.” (Phil. 2:15-16)

The LORD is calling us to purposefully declare Him as the LORD and Master of our lives, and this we do by making the premeditated decision to seek Him daily in prayer communion. Like Joshua, the way we “choose” to “serve” God must be premeditated, deliberate, daily, and in practicality. Daily, early morning, first fruit prayer is all three of these. It is the fruit of the crucified life – the life that is dead to self and in whom Christ dwells and reigns. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3)

To those who seek God and not their own devices, there are many benefits (Ps. 68:19).

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The precious peace of the “Prince of Peace” rules and reigns and makes sound the hearts of those who deny self’s ability to overcome and solve issues and problems, and instead earnestly and diligently rely upon God’s power to do such for them (Isa. 9:6; 26:3).

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4

As we fix our whole being upon Jesus Christ, our thoughts will be upward to His “glorious high throne,” which is “the place of our sanctuary.” (Jer. 17:12)

God is calling each of His saints to give his whole being to Christ, and to those things that “are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Php. 4:8).

So, according to Philippians 4:6-8, saints are to rely upon the LORD and not self by submitting all their requests in prayer to Him who is their Source, and to think upon those things of Christ which are “true … honest … just … pure … lovely … of good report … if there be any virtue … if there be any praise.” It is upon “these things” that we are instructed to “think on.” (Phil. 4:8)

God’s thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, and yet it is not until we become truly “crucified with Christ” that we are going to be ruled by His thoughts and peace (Isa. 55:8-9; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:6-7).

Changing the way one thinks is being done by millions of people who are not regenerated (not born again). New age and religious teachers hold this thought transformation teaching closely. Anyone can change the way they think for self-serving reasons – to stop smoking, to visualize and earn more money, to have more self-esteem, etc. However, hell still awaits all who are not born again, and that takes facing the living God and Judge in repentance for sin and placing all faith in Jesus Christ, the only Savior (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5). The only renewing of the mind and thoughts that brings glory to Jesus Christ, is that which begins with one casting his whole being upon the LORD afresh – presenting himself a “living sacrifice … unto God.” Let’s look at Romans 12:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Those who are presenting their bodies to the LORD as “living sacrifice(s)” are infused and enabled by His grace to keep their minds or thoughts stayed (fixed) upon the LORD and not self, as they look for Jesus’ soon return (Col. 3:1-4). They trust Christ and not their own strength, reasoning, whims, philosophies, or wisdom. As they give themselves over to Christ and His infinite divine power, and become weak in self and self’s abilities, Jesus’ power raises them up to trust Him and rely upon Him alone – to rest the weight of their whole beings in Him who is able. They first declare that they are not able, and that only “God is able.” (Eph. 3:20; 2 Cor. 9:8) These are they who have and are finding out in a personal way that there really is nothing impossible with the LORD!

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

Abraham trusted God. He is our human example of a man who walked with God – by faith believing that God would raise up that to which he died. Concerning the promise of a son being born to him and his aged wife, the Bible records these words from the LORD to His servant Abraham:

“Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:14

If God can and will split the Red Sea for His people, and cause a 100-year-old man and his 90-year-old wife to have a child, what in your life can’t He do? (Gen. 17:17)

Here’s yet another question posed to our hearts from the LORD:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

God requires that we die to self-will, self-help, and self-esteem, and lay our lives in His holy, perfect, and more-than-sufficient hands. He can then work in us and in our lives – raising up His holy standard and power to glorify Himself in and through His children. Nothing will be impossible for the LORD to perform in the lives of those who deny themselves and, like Abraham, trust God to raise up His solutions, answers, and blessings to bring Himself glory.

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth (makes alive) the dead, and (God) calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Romans 4:17

God called forth Isaac out of Abraham’s loins when it was an otherwise impossibility in the natural. In your life, beloved, “Is there anything too hard for the LORD?” (Gen. 18:14)

Our connection with God is all about relationship, and the quality of that relationship is exemplified in our prayer lives – or lack thereof. If a person is pursuing the LORD, he has a prayer life. He lays down his own desires and life and seeks God’s life. This is perhaps in no other scrutiny seen more clearly than in the value he assigns to his prayer life, and the heart affections and time he is willing to invest in it.

In Psalms 63, the Psalmist captures the life of the person who truly has a heart after God.

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalms 63:1-8

The following is an excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers:

“’At that day ye shall ask in My name.’ John 16:26. We are too much given to thinking of the Cross as something we have to get through; we get through it only in order to get into it. The Cross stands for one thing only for us – a complete and entire and absolute identification with the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is nothing in which this identification is realized more than in prayer.

‘Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.’ Then why ask? The idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God. If we pray because we want answers, we will get huffed with God. The answers come every time, but not always in the way we expect, and our spiritual huff shows a refusal to identify ourselves with Our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.

‘I say not that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.’ Have you reached such an intimacy with God that the Lord Jesus Christ’s life of prayer is the only explanation of your life of prayer? Has Our Lord’s vicarious life become your vital life? ‘At that day’ you will be so identified with Jesus that there will be no distinction.

When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to fix the blame on someone else. That is always a snare of Satan. You will find there is a reason which is a deep instruction to you, not to anyone else.”

PRAYER: Father, please bless this life to honor You and Your will first and foremost in this life You have granted, by my being authentically crucified with Christ. Please unite my heart to fear Your holy name and to number with wisdom this short time on this earth as a gift from You. I love You, Jesus, and thank You for dying for my sins and for the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost You placed in us upon salvation, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. You must increase but I must decrease. This moment, if never before, I declare and deliberately decide to place You first daily in my life – I am crucified with Christ. Early will I seek Thee. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Capture Points

Discuss Psalms 5:3 along with Mark 1:35 and the importance of daily and first fruits prayer in the life of every disciple of Jesus.
Transcribe onto an index card and discuss Romans 12:1-2 (KJB recommended).
Write out on an index card Mark 10:27: “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (KJB)

Prayer | Support | STORE |

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The Sanctified Cleansed Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3 When God is speaking to His obedient disciple, though the ingestion of His words, there is a continual cleansing – “with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). This is not happening unless one is truly continuing with Christ via His Word. Each and every abiding disciple of Jesus relishes, diligently devours, and lives by His words (John 8:31-32). “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17 Christ makes it clear here that sanctification occurs in every abiding disciple of […]

"Give us this DAY, our DAILY bread" [podcast]

“Man what a great podcast – Daily Bread. I agree with you based off Scripture 100%.” Will | Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread QUESTION ASKED: “Please provide scripture to support your statement that ‘if you aren’t in the word daily you are backslidden and not ready to meet Jesus’?” I am a follower of Christ and have extensively studied the Word. Please provide specific scripture that says if you don’t read the Bible every day you are backslidden and not ready to meet Jesus.” REPLY: The word “daily” appears 7 times in the Gospels directly spoken by or speaking of […]

A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]

The burnt offering means a complete consumption. What did God illustrate to us when He required His people under the Old Covenant to offer burnt offering sacrifices? His coming Messiah’s perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The ordained way He requires that His people serve Him. Jesus was the ultimate burnt offering. He gave all of Himself freely in obedience to His Father and to redeem mankind. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 In His […]