Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
Ephesians 2:7
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:4-8
Here are a few phrases from Scripture concerning the beautiful grace wrought by Jesus Christ for all who will come and take of the water of life freely:
- “the glory of his grace” (Eph. 1:6)
- “the exceeding riches of his grace” (Eph. 2:7)
- “the inheritance of the saints in light” (Col. 1:12)
Do you realize what you have?
Oh My! What unfathomable riches have we been given in this “so GREAT salvation”? (Heb. 2:3) Do we even begin to realize that in Christ ALL of our sins and iniquities have been and are forgiven as we have and do come before His holy throne of grace!?
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14
In God’s Word and eternal kingdom economy, the forgiveness of sins is always accompanied and surrounded by divine initiating grace and the personal responsibility of each person to appropriate the salvation provided for us in Jesus Christ.
Of God’s grace, the Bible says that it brings salvation (Tit. 2:11).
There is so much to God’s grace for us to learn, know, experience, and walk in.
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
The Scriptures inform us that God’s glorious grace is “manifold” which simply means many-faceted. There are many beautiful facets to the grace of our God (1 Peter 4:10).
God’s Grace is:
- Abundant (Acts 4:33)
- Rich (Eph. 1:7)
- Glorious (Eph. 1:6)
- Manifold (1 Pet. 4:10)
- Sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9)
- To be multiplied in believers (Jn. 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18)
- Is a teacher and enabler (Eph. 3:7; 4:7; Tit. 2:11-12; 1 Pet. 4:10-11)
GOD’S PART
- The redemption that is in Christ’s shed divine, sinless blood (Matt. 26:28; Col. 1:14; 1 Jn. 2:1-2)
- The riches of His precious grace (Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 1:7; 2:7; Tit. 3:4-7) – G.R.A.C.E. = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
- The “good pleasure” of God and “his goodness” (Ps. 86:5, 15; Lk. 12:32; Eph. 1:5-14; 2 Thess. 1:11)
- The throne of His grace (Heb. 4:14-16)
MAN’S PART
“Repentance toward God, and faith toward our LORD Jesus Christ” (Acts 3:19; 20:21)
- The fear of God (Ps. 2:11; 103:11; Prov. 14:26-27; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:5-6)
- Transparency – the act of openly admitting sin our of a pure and broken heart and the outright refusal to deny that which we have done which violates a holy God (Ps. 32:5; 38:18; 69:5; 51; Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:9)
- Specific confession of our sins (Ps. 32:1-5; 1 Jn. 1:9)
- Fellowship/relationship with the LORD (1 Jn.1:3-2:2)
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:24-25
Have we not all had the “everyone else is doing it” thought and believed that somehow the holy LORD and Judge was going to somehow overlook our sins when all is said and done? Well, be sure He will not pardon those who do not fall upon His mercy before it is too late (Exod. 34:7; Isa. 55:6-7; Ezek. 33:12-13; Lk. 13:3,5; Acts 2:37-40; 2 Cor. 5:11; Rev. 21:8, 27). Yet, all sins are washed away completely in the very instant the believer confesses and forsakes them (Ps. 103:2-3; Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2:1-2).
What we must realize is that all things work according to His divine wisdom and on His terms and not our terms. Neglecting or refusing to know, understand and embrace His Word (terms of the covenant) will result in shunning the grace and salvation of Christ and the loss of one’s soul (Heb. 2:1-3). Altering or ignoring His clear terms, revealed in His Holy Word, is the beginning of the creation of a false god in our hearts. Separation, despair, delusion and damnation will always be the result of disobeying the One who is worthy of all our praise (Deut. 28).
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32
The “inheritance” of our “so great salvation” and “the exceeding riches of his grace” is discovered in “the word of his grace.” We see in this blessed passage that the disciple of Jesus Christ is introduced to and matured in the divine “inheritance” of His salvation as he desires and devours “the word of his grace.”
The terms and conditions of the covenant inheritance purchased by the very blood of our Savior are contained in the canon of Holy Scripture – the Holy Bible. Saint of Christ, have you embarked upon the rewarding task of mining the golden truths of the Scriptures? If not, how can you know His nature and covenant blessings and terms? How shall we appropriate the myriad of rich benefits He has in store if we know not His precepts? LORD Jesus, please bless us with an ever-deepening hunger and thirst to know You more and to unearth the treasure chest of golden nuggets You have given us in Your Word! Amen.
As remarkable and unfathomable as the sacrifice of Jesus is and the grace that was provided through it to us, He has left the appropriation of such up to the individual. An initial one-time reception does not forever seal the individual indelibly. Initial and ongoing saving faith is required to receive and remain in His salvation (Jn. 15:1-6; Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 1:22-23; Heb. 3:6, 12-15).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The false security gospel that seeks to exploit the LORD by over-emphasizing and redefining His grace, has blanketed our land through misled men. This is a lucrative message to them because it gives the people what they want and yet is not the truth (2 Tim. 4:2-4). This insulating and inoculating message is readily received by those who do not know God’s Word for themselves and/or those who are not willing to lay down their own lives to serve Jesus (Lk. 9:23-24).
Loving God is commanded and yet it is also left up to the individual to engage in a relationship with Him (Matt. 22:37-39). If one is to do so, it must be under His non-negotiable conditions and not on ones own terms.
“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Note here what God’s Word tells us. It is only “IF we” choose to “be dead with him” that “we shall also live with him.” It is only “IF we suffer” with Him and for His holy name and Gospel’s sake that “we shall also reign with him.” And perhaps this following portion of the Bible text is a real clincher – “if we deny him, he also WILL deny us.”
Some tout the last part of this text while ignoring the whole passage. They will say “yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” Ah let’s talk about this. The LORD says “he cannot deny himself” but He doesn’t say anywhere that He cannot deny us! In fact this very passage says “if we deny him, he also WILL deny us.” Could the Almighty have said it plainer?
The individual disciple must enjoin the LORD in His desire and will and choose to abide in Christ and be conformed to His holy image in vital relational union (Rom. 8:29). We know the LORD will do His part – He is working in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Isa. 59:1-2; Phil. 2:12-13). What remains to be seen is whether the individual believer will do his part. “Choose ye (you choose) this day whom you will serve…” (Jos. 24:15) He has called His people to keep the white garments of His righteousness spotless and to do such one must choose to remain in a faith-filled, obedient relationship with Him. The fear of the LORD is necessary.
Have you ever contrasted people in the Bible who feared God and those who didn’t? Such a study is telling. For example, Cain, Esau, king Saul, and Judas chose not to repent when each of them was given by God the same ability and privilege as their counter parts. The fact that the LORD granted each of the eight persons in question the exact same opportunity is best summed up in Genesis 4:7 when the LORD spoke to Cain:
“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth (mad)? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” Genesis 4:6-7
Why get mad? Why not do things God’s way and get glad? Why get bitter instead of better? You have a choice. The LORD said to Cain “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” He said in other words the LORD said to Cain: “Will I not accept you fully if you will do things my way? Cain, My desire is to bless you and not hurt you and I will accept you just as I accepted your brother Abel if you will simply forsake your own way and do things My way as he does.”
Cain had the exact same opportunity as Abel to get right and stay right with the LORD. This Bible fact alone disproves Calvin’s false presumptions and premise. Each of these brothers made a choice. Abel joyfully served His Creator and rejoiced to do things just as He asked him to. Cain refused to turn to the LORD from a humble heart and do things on His terms. He then slew his brother Abel. See Genesis 4.
David and Abel and Peter and Jacob all had many struggles with the sinful nature just as we do daily. Yet each of these men chose to continue coming before the Savior, approaching boldly to His holy throne of grace (not condemnation) for help and forgiveness (Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:14-16). These God-fearing men chose to have hearts after the LORD of love. They each continued to make the decision to seek His holy face and not allow anything to derail them from intimacy with the LORD. Precious Jesus bless us to keep You as the first and foremost love of our lives!
God never intended for any person to rebel and go to hell and yet He is holy and just in all of His dealings with men. If He sends someone to hell it is because that person freely chose to not believe and obey Him. Unfortunately the majority of people will end up in the unalterable and conscious state of eternal damnation (Matt. 7:13-14). It’s a choice made by each individual human by how they live their earthly life. Remember that the LORD never separates what we do from what we believe (Prov. 20:11; Matt. 7:21-23; 25:40-46; Jn. 14:21; James 1:22-25; 1 Jn. 2:3-5). There will be no second chance to do things God’s way and not our own. You my reader friend, will never be granted a second opportunity to obey God – “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:27) As we die so shall we remain throughout eternity (Eccl. 11:4; Rev. 21:8, 27; 22:11). If you choose not to literally love Him supremely and place your full trust in Him and perform His holy will in this life His divinely-executed and just punishment will be the result.
Should this truth cause us to do a serious self-examination to find out where we really stand with the LORD and not where we think we stand? (2 Cor. 13:5) Doesn’t the Bible warn us that it is entirely possible that we can be and that “many” are presently self-deceived? (Matt. 7:21-23; James 1:22) Make no mistake: Those who genuinely fear the Most High trust and obey Him in their daily lives. Didn’t He forewarn us all that what we do and do not do to His people is the way we are actually treating Him? In this we can see a crystal clear and true picture of our literal spiritual state. See Matthew 25:40-46. What is the revelation and end of those who do not bless God’s people? What is the clear state of those who do bless His people? Go see for yourself in this Matthew 25 passage.
Friend, since you and I can read these very words we know we have the privilege to make the needed adjustments and be forgiven – which is God’s will for us. We all have equal opportunity to love and serve God and such is proven by how we treat His people. Consider this:
- Cain had the same opportunity as Abel.
- Esau had the same opportunity as Jacob.
- Saul had the same opportunity as David.
- Judas had the exact same opportunity as Peter.
Cain’s love of self and hatred for God was manifested in the way he treated his brother Abel (he killed him). The same is true for how Saul treated righteous David (he attempted to kill David 21 times). What did Judas neglect to do for the other eleven? Think with me for a moment – Each of these four men who chose to rebel instead of repent have been in the excruciating, conscious torment of hell for thousands of earthly years while their counterparts are in the bliss and glory of Heaven with the One they chose to trust and obey in their brief earthly life.
Remember the story Jesus told about the “certain rich man” and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31? Didn’t their state flip flop in eternity? What do we know about the earthly life of these two men and what led to their eternal placement? Investigate Luke 16:19-31.
The Bible tells us that the LORD is “holy, and just, and good” and His desire and ability to redeem and bless have not diminished (Rom. 7:12; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). Jesus Christ came to the earth to set men free and yet if we continue to live in sin it will cause us to be alienated from Him and deprived of His delivering power (Lk. 4:18; Jn. 8:31-32, 36; Isa. 59:1-2).
Willing Participants
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and HIS WIFE HATH MADE HERSELF READY.” Revelation 19:7
Those who appear at “the marriage of the Lamb” to His bride, will be those who make themselves ready by becoming and remaining cleansed by His blood and Word (1 Jn. 1:7, 9; Eph. 5:25-27). The true Bride of Christ identifies herself by her willing obedience to work in cooperation with the Bridegroom. See also Matthew 25:1-13.
According to the whole counsel of Scripture the LORD initiates the relationship with the individual and the individual chooses to or not to respond affirmatively to His grace (divine influence upon the heart). See John 1:12. He left the final choosing up to the individual. Contrary to false teaching today, no unwilling participant is in or will be in the kingdom of Christ. Every single individual who is in and will be in the eternal kingdom, has and will have chosen to willingly and freely agree with and obey the Truth Himself (Jn. 14:6; 15, 21). Everyone else has or will have chosen the path of unbelief and denial of Christ – the Truth.
“For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:” Proverbs 1:29
God is holy and only those who choose to allow Him to forgive and wash away their sins are fit for His family. There of necessity must be a mutual agreement and alignment in any good relationship. There is the sense that the LORD initiates and man responds. This continues to hold true throughout the life of the one who has been initially saved. Jesus told us plainly that only those who are converted (born again) and become humble and dependent upon Him like little children, will enter His eternal kingdom (Matt. 18:3).
Make no mistake, the individual believer is not fit to cleanse himself initially nor ongoing. He has no ability to change his filthy rags to righteous garments (Isa. 64:6). No, instead he must fall upon and continue to collapse upon the mercy of the LORD to be continually cleansed (Heb. 4:14-16). Coming continually to His throne of grace is essential to remaining in Christ. As mud soils our clothes, so sin stains the garments once made white by the blood of Jesus. This is the imagery given in Scripture. Let’s peek into what Jesus told the church (saved people) at the city of Sardis:
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:4-6
What we know from this passage (Rev. 3:1-6):
- The people Jesus is addressing have been born again – “the church in Sardis” v1
- Garments of righteousness can be stained and remain that way till washed afresh/again – “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments” v4
- Of the “few” whose “garments” were not defiled by unrepentant sin He promised that “they shall walk with me in white” v4
- He told us that only these whose continued to repent and have their garments washed from the stain of sin in the blood of Christ “are worthy” v4
- Condition for Heaven given – “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment” v5
- He gave a promise to all those once saved who keep their garments washed in the blood of Jesus through abiding in Him – “I will not blot out his name out of the book of life” v5
- To those who overcome and are found in washed in the blood of Christ at the end of their lives – “I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” v5
- Warning to hear His voice and fear Him – “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” v6
The Son of God uses the word “few” here which means that perhaps a majority of those who once had a walk with the LORD had succumbed to the call of the world and were now living in a cold state of heart (backslid – Prov. 14:14). The word “few” here is key. Doing a study on the word “few” in the New Testament Scriptures can be very fruitful to ones understanding of the divine economy and should promote the fear of the LORD in the student of Scripture. Do you recall that when He spoke about Heaven Christ said it was a “narrow” path that leads there and that “few there be that find it”? (Matt. 7:13-14) Conversely He told us all that “wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction (eternal hell), and many there be which go in thereat.” Why? Because He created all men with the choice and foreknew that most will not choose to fear and obey Him even though such is His desire (Jer. 29:11).
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15
To His very own people Jesus Christ warns here of the necessity of keeping ones “garments, lest he walk naked.” The dreadful threat of walking “naked” or uncovered is clearly inferred here. The fact that He spoke these words to His own people (not the lost) makes it crystal clear that the possibility exists that one once washed has the personal responsibility to “keep(eth) his garments.” And, the one who chooses not to will be found “naked” and shamed before the LORD – which simply means he is not covered by the blood of Christ. The Almighty set forth conditions which must be met in order for the individual to be saved and remain saved. Initial and ongoing faith (includes a contrite and penitent heart), willingness, and obedience are the conditions (Ps. 34:18; 51:17; Isa. 1:19-20; Jn. 1:12; 3:16; Rev. 2-3).
To the Corinthian Christians Paul wrote these telling words:
“And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” 2 Corinthians 12:21
The opposite of “uncleanness” is cleanness. One who is cleansed is adorned with garments washed white in the precious blood of Jesus. Obviously there were those believers in this assembly who had repented of their “uncleanness” and sin – they were washed fresh and clean! Yet regrettably the Holy Spirit had revealed to the apostle that “many” in that church gathering at Corinth had not turned back to Christ (repented of sins) and still retained their sins and were under divine condemnation until they repented (see Romans 8:1 in the King James Version – this verse is astoundingly chopped in half in the new versions).
I don’t know about you, but this believer never ceases to be grateful for the fount of His precious blood in Heaven which is accessible to all of His people 24/7. I have worn a path to His holy throne of grace, crying out again and again and afresh for the cleansing of the blood of Jesus Christ. He has blessed me to “obtain mercy and find grace to helping time of need” on innumerable occasions and for that I am eternally grateful! See Hebrews 4:14-16. Come boldly and rejoice!
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and HIS WIFE HATH MADE HERSELF READY.” Revelation 19:7
In case one is still not yet sure about whether man’s will is involved and remaining washed pure is essential, let’s look at two additional passages below. Friend, please read these words for all they are worth and in the knowledge that these are God’s words not mans:
“…we know that, when he shall appear (He’s coming soon), we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope (the return of Jesus) in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3
“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, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises (that God will punish all who are not separated in holiness unto Him), dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
“Willing and Obedient”
“IF ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:19-20
“If” here denotes choice. Each of us continues to choose to be either “willing and obedient” or to “refuse and rebel.” I don’t know about you, but this believer is ultra glad for the lovingkindness of the LORD and how He is a “God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” (Ps. 86:15)
The Father in Heaven requires that men be willing participants in His Gospel program in order to receive the benefits of the salvation He freely provided through Christ’s blood (Deut. 30:18-20; Isa. 1:19-20; Jn. 3:16; Rev. 3:20; 19:7). All those who believe and remain in Him, will receive the fullness of His blessings and those who don’t place themselves under His judgment.
“I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Deuteronomy 30:18-19
PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to die for my sins on the cross and for raising Him from the dead. Thank You for loving and finding and saving me, an otherwise helpless and lost soul. Please help me to understand Your plan and submit humbly to You whether my heart understands or not. I trust You Jesus and ask You this moment to infuse my heart with Your holy fear and bless me to love and trust You fully as I seek Your face this hour. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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Articles
The More Blessed Life [podcast]

Gracious Gospel Giving (below)
Giving and Lordship (below)
Are You Living It?
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Do you truly desire and yearn for “more” of God and His blessedness? This should be the deep desire of every disciple. How do I get “more blessed”? Am I left to wonder what the answer to this important question is? Does holy writ reveal the answer to this question?
Yes. To get more “blessed,” I must “give” more of myself to my LORD. I must be willing to have the LORD increase in me as I decrease, so as to facilitate His expansion in my being.
WHEN we obey God by helping and praying for other of His saints, we are walking in the mind of Christ as we esteem others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5).
WOULD any true Gospel work be lacking if those who claim to serve Christ put Him first in their hearts and therefore finances? (Matthew 6:19-21; Proverbs 3:9-10)
The LORD stated:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn (grain, seed) of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth (continues) alone (unfruitful): but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:24-26
In this sinful and perishing world system we dwell in, self and being served is king, but in the kingdom of God, self-less serving is the measure of greatness.
ARE YOU giving to the LORD out of that which HE alone allows you to bring in OR are you spending all on the god of self? Do you know and obey the Word of God given us in Proverbs 3:9-10? …. Are you freeloading? It’s quite amazing how people can and do spend money on everything under the sun except the furthering of the kingdom of Christ.
“He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he can never lose.” Jim Elliott
Instead of boasting that everything we have comes from the LORD, we’d better be spreading it around like He commanded. He’s watching! The way we thank Him for putting that supply in our hands is to give it where He’s told us to give it in His Word. What happened to the once “rich man” who didn’t spread around what he’d been given? He’s been irrevocably in hell for at least 2,000 years, right? Right! He’ll never escape the conscious torment, nor will he cease to feel the pain of it (Mark 9:43-50; Luke 16:19-31)
Serving is blessedness and is the great and perpetual prayer and desire of every true disciple. I must yearn for more of His presence, His holiness, His love and His grace. To follow on to know my Master deeper, I must pray the prayer John the Baptist prayed:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
He is to increase and I decrease. That is, I must become less in control of my own life and will, and relinquish my right to myself. The self-emptying process must more fully take its course. For I have been bought with the price of His holy blood as the result of His infinitely merciful sacrifice, and no longer live unto myself, but unto Him who gave Himself for me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 2:20. I get to love Him more than I love myself! LORD teach me each day to love You more and myself less.
NEVER pity those who are called out of Christ into His full-time ministry. Instead, pity those who sit there and contribute zilch to the work of the One who bled to save them, the very Once they claim to love, serve, and be saved by.
“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
I must relinquish control of the reigns of my life and will to the One who is worthy of all my praise as long as He gives me the breath of life.
Do we not have this thing called life all wrong? Do we not need a complete transformation of thought? LORD, please have mercy upon us and change us. Amen.
“The One who is the Highest came to become the lowest. We who are the lowest, seek to be the highest.” unknown
Friend, there are no shortcuts – This is the true path to blessedness with God – putting Him first by giving Him and His people more of me daily. In fact, if I am not growing to “give” or serve more, I am not growing as a disciple of my LORD. The true measure of spiritual growth is seen in how much we give of ourselves to God and others.
Jesus taught to “Give” as did His apostle Paul – Mt 6:19-21; Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-11 etc… not a coerced tithe but giving out of what He gives us – Prov 3:9-10; 1 Chron 29:14, etc.
To the degree I am serving, my spirituality can be measured.
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11
My humility, or lack thereof, is the true measure of my spiritual life with Christ.
The way humble serving plays out in my daily life could be as simple as smiling warmly at others (Matthew 5:44-48), gently encouraging another, visiting a sick person, instructing a child in the way of righteousness, planting a seed of love in someone’s heart by writing an encouraging note with Scripture, emailing or writing a letter to remind someone how much the LORD loves them, passing a Gospel tract to a lost soul who needs the refuge that only the Savior can give him…. (James 1:26-28).
GOD does not hold the world accountable for supporting His Great Commission He gave us but rather His own people – and He even set up an eternal investment fund for them to reap eternal rewards for doing so (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).
In our lives, May all things be done unto the building up of the saints/body of Christ and the reaching of those who do not yet know Him (John 17; Galatians 6:10).
“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” Romans 15:2
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” 1 Corinthians 10:24
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, May Your love fill this vessel, this whole being, increasingly and governing my every thought and action as I here this instant set myself to be conformed to Your holy image and will. LORD Jesus, not my will but Thine be done. Thank You for the privilege of serving others in this short life as unto Thee and by Your enabling grace. Jesus I know You are coming soon. May this life be crucified with You and these hands to be found upon the plow of doing Your work, Your will, by serving others as unto You. I love You Jesus and thank You for saving me into Your eternal family and setting my life apart for Your holy holy purposes. Please use us, Your people dear LORD. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
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Articles
Mission Mexico Part 35 Video Update, etc.

WHILE the people of America have made up their mind, don’t want to be bothered with the Gospel, openly reject it, the people of Mexico grope in darkness, knowing something huge is missing in the lives, waiting only for someone who will deliver the message of Jesus to them. It’s absolutely stunning.
“How shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14
If you’re going to try to convince me that God has millions of professing “Christians” sitting around doing nothing but chasing the next fleeting trinket while the people of Mexico and other countries perish for not having the Gospel… you are wasting your time. I don’t believe that for a moment.
YOUR PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, please forgive my vile and damning sin of self-idolatry. Please break me for real. Make me Thy authentic disciple. Prepare and place me on Your earth, doing Your Gospel work, wherever it most pleases You! From this moment onward, I am ALL Yours and no longer my own! In Jesus’ name.
*** Those who’ve heard the Word and are still living in sin, have rejected the Gospel… don’t need high and mighty you hanging around in order to get saved. The best thing you can do is leave them. They’ve already heard the Word and been warned. All your simping is just making them resolved in their rebellion. “Go” with God! Jesus commands you to “Go”—and to “go” you must get up and move!
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
As always, it begins with praying – “GOD, put me on Your planet where it best serves You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
ARE YOU personally engaged in doing the Great Commission Jesus gave us—or are you backsliding? It’s either one or the other.
The 3 Ways God’s People Participate in Christ’s Great Commission
1. Praying for Christ’s laborers (Matthew 9:35-38).
2. Witnessing, sowing and communicating the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).
3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).
You want God to take you seriously when you don’t take HIM seriously?! Not going to happen. You are praying but not obeying? There are conditions for answered prayer. YOU don’t decide how things work in JESUS’ kingdom—HE does. Repent now. Lay down your life. Jesus says:
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7
“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22
The Great Commission Jesus gave you!
“Mark, Absolutely love that God has you where you are right now, brother! Watched the video (Mission Mexico update) and God is certainly moving in this ministry! Love the emphasis on getting the dad involved and the reminder of Scripture and Acts 16:31! Love you and praying over your work there! So proud of you, brother! Mike Williams – CEO: M Companies” | Video Update Mission Mexico
You can help us minister to the people of Mexico. Your prayers and financial support is needed. It’s a grand evangelism opportunity. | Support Mission Mexico
Brother Vicente continues to minister the Word of God to men I minister to and then hand them off to him and/or brother Salvador. Both of these men have been supplied with and are passing out the JESUS tract to the people of Mexico. Such was the case with a man named Florentine who received the spoken Word of God and a JESUS tract in Spanish last week. Both Salvador and Vicente are now in touch with this man and ministering God’s Word to him in his own native tongue, Spanish. Last night, brother Vicente sent me this: “I’m taking this opportunity, brother, to see if you have any work available for someone. She’s a woman looking for work from 7 AM to 2 PM, cleaning or anything else you can find. If you could get her something, please. She has three children and is a single mother. She doesn’t have a husband. Or if you, the group, could get her things to sell. She’s a young woman with very limited resources.” Vicente Okay saints, here’s another opportunity. Please lift this dear lady in prayer and her children.
Last night a dear saint gave financially. Today I am working on getting the money to this mother in need today and perhaps hire her for regular work. Her name is Clara. Please pray for her. Let’s roll saints. Jesus is coming. Hand to the plow of His work! Luke 9:62
“The Mexicans I worked with …. They needed Gospel tracts! So glad your team is reaching even their military!!! y Policia. I am praying He will give you both full fluency when needed. Tongues.” Crystal
Police, National Guard, and Army.
Saints, your prayers for the Mexican people are being answered by our LORD saints.
As has been shared, we are now supporting brother Allan Abayon, missionary in the Philippines, his native country. Please pause and lift our brother Allan in prayer —for great fruitfulness for Christ and provision. Gracias. safeguardyoursoul.com
Would you like to pause and lift Mr. Florentino in prayer? He was given and fully received the Gospel of our LORD Jesus today. He and I will continue to communicate.
Mark and I go walking.
Individually of course.
And together a time or two weekly on average,
Last night, as usual, Gospel explosion.
Neither of us will ever get over just how receptive the Mexican people are to our LORD’s Gospel.
You have to see it to believe it and then you may never get over it.
I’ve been sharing with them (in Spanish), always in a loving tone— that hell is forever. Followed up by No. No. No. Do not go there. Jesus died for our sins. Repent and receive Christ. New life in Christ for you today! They are captivated by our LORD’s Gospel and each one is given a JESUS tract (Spanish) and shown the prayer on the back and instructed to go home and repent and receive Jesus.
Yes and any witnesses for Christ who come here will be delighted to see the joyful reception of the Gospel by the Mexican people.
God gives the increase of lost souls as “For we are labourers together with God.”
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Gospel train rolling. Team Jesus! We must obey our LORD Jesus’ Great Command saints. You are not alone—God is with you, and us!
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20
Thank you for lifting Mission Mexico in prayer today.
Thank God and you for helping minister to the people of Mexico. Your prayers and financial support is needed. It’s a grand evangelism opportunity. | Support Mission Mexico
Mission Mexico – See more here.
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
Abiding
Overcoming Whoredom [podcast]

ARE parents setting their own children up for failure, ruin, and damnation by sending them off to college?
ONLY THE BIBLICALLY ILLITERATE WONDER WHY AMERICA IS COLLAPSING. HINT: THE FOUNDATION IS GONE (Psalms 11:3; 68:6)
More and more it becomes apparent that most college degrees are useless and that “educated” would be more honestly termed “indoctrinated.” Are parents who indoctrinate and push their daughters to “go get a degree/education” guilty of prostituting their own daughters, making them whores? Does this lead to “college educated” and also “college prostituted” daughters?
“Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” Leviticus 19:29
Read that verse again and begin to meditate upon it.
WHAT does God say young women should do?
“I will therefore that the YOUNGER WOMEN MARRY, BEAR CHILDREN, GUIDE THE HOUSE, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” 1 Timothy 5:14
“younger women” are to:
- “marry”
- “bear children”
- “guide the house”
Whoredom vs Wholesome
Whoring daughters to the world system proves, demonstrates parents who are not saved (Jeremiah 10:2; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15).
“Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” Leviticus 19:29
We now have generations of children raised by “I don’t need a man” hell bound jezebels AND godless fathers who misled their own daughters…. and many of them now wonder why their daughters lives are now destroyed. SMH
Any land will “FALL to whoredom”…. in other words whoredom causes divine judgment to fall on any people who commit this sin against the Almighty.
“Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.” Hosea 4:11
Read Hosea 4. Wow. The heart is taken away from God, from worshipping the LORD, when we choose to partake of sin.
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10
“A woman who is shamefaced does not seek to draw attention to herself in any way, no matter how small or simple it may be.” unknown
When a woman dresses wholesomely, she is announcing that she is reserved for that one good man, she is keeping, saving it all for him. Wholesome is the outward adorning of purity. Conversely, when a woman shows her body, when she does not dress modestly as the Bible commands, she is whoring herself out for all to see. She is also telling all the men that that’s ALL she has to offer (1 Timothy 2:9-14). Hint: Quality, especially godly men, love modesty. A chemical effect happens inside of a man when he sees God’s beautiful femininity in a wholesome woman. No good man wants a woman who is uncovered and showing parts of her body to the men of the world. No, he desires a woman that is HIS and only his.
BEWARE OF THE SPIRITUAL WHOREMONGERS/ADULTERERS
“And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.” Judges 2:17
Many today treat the Great Bridegroom as did the 5 foolish virgins. Read Matthew 25:1-13 where Jesus told us exactly what we’d see in these final days among those professing to know Him. 5 were welcomed into His bridal chamber (Heaven) and the door was shut upon the other 5. The foolish virgins, engaged to the bridegroom but not engaged with him want the formality of the engagement but refuse to intimately form a vital union with their intended bridegroom. They wanted the ring but not the relationship. They are like the whoremonger who simply wants the benefits of marriage but not the beauty of the marriage covenant. The spiritual whoremonger gets what he wants and leaves the woman without a commitment. In the same way, those who claim they are “eternal security” want the crown but not the cross. They refuse to comply with the instructions of the One they call Savior (Luke 9:23-24). These moral cowards who refuse to truly submit to Christ in true repentance think they can hide behind the thin veneer of the mythical “once saved always saved” or “one and done” heresy. But God sees it all and Jesus came to have a real covenant relationship with us, not a flimsy, non-committal latchkey arrangement. “Depart from me” is what they will soon hear as they are irrevocably vanquished into the flames of eternal damnation (Matthew 25:41). They are serving the god of self and not the Savior. Read 2 Timothy 3:1-7.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.” Deuteronomy 31:16
EVERY person who refuses to overcome sin via the crucified life, does so due to loving sin and self more than Jesus (John 3:19-21).
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16
Not even 1 person who has not repented and confessed the sin of beholding illicit images will be in Heaven. EVERY fornicator will be signed, sealed, and delivered into the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).
There’s no sin your can’t Isaiah 58 out of your life. The cross. | Fasting and Prayer
Did Jesus or His holy apostles ever once teach that those saved by Christ, who engage in a real relationship with Him which includes obeying the Savior, are trying to earn, attempting to merit their own salvation? I’m still looking for any such verse in God’s Word.
“WHOREMONGERS AND ADULTERERS GOD WILL JUDGE”
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14
The wages of sin is STILL death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). God’s grace never changed His definition of sin. God will judge, will damn the soul of every person who dies in sin – whether they were saved in the past or not (Ezekiel 33:12-13; Revelation 22:11, etc.).
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4
The testimony of the whole of Holy Scripture is that leaving God always leads to doing things some other way than His way and results in the utter destruction of individuals and societies (Romans 6:23).
The words “whoredom” and “whoredoms” and “whoring” combine for a whopping 74 appearances in God’s Word, the King James Bible. “Harlot” appears 42 times. “Whoremonger(s)” appears 5 times.
“And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? ” 2 Kings 9:22
Without fail, sin always causes the blessings of God to be withheld from our lives.
“Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.” Jeremiah 5:25
Jesus calls this generation “An evil and adulterous generation.” (Matthew 12:39)
Spiritual adultery or spiritual whoredom, is idolatry. It is looking away from God to something, anything else, choosing to not uphold Jesus Christ as the very first priority, the “first love” or our lives (Revelation 2:4-5). Think about when a man looks to someone, anyone else, to fulfill what God ordains his wife to fulfill. This is adulterous. And, for men, in the flesh, the most powerful attraction, temptation of idolatry, is toward that which God created for the man, the woman (Genesis 1-3). Yet putting her first instead of Christ, is worshipping the creature instead of the Creator (Romans 1:25). The divine parameters for sex is within the marriage between one man and one woman. | The Proverbs 31 Woman
Read Genesis 1-3 to be established in the original and unchanged ordained purpose of God for the creation of the man and the woman. And realize, that you and I will give full account before His judgment throne for how we lived on earth concerning being a man or the woman. | The True Proverbs 31 Woman by Lori Alexander
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.’ James 1:13-15
The God fearing man will lay the axe to the root of all sin and get clean and establish his life in holiness before the LORD, preparing to be ready when Jesus appears, and also preparing to be the husband of one wife and the father of precious children born out of that union (Psalms 127-128). This is Bible, Genesis 101. God has not changed.
“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18
THE PRAYER OF THE GODLY UNMARRIED MAN: “Father, I know You have a daughter here on Your planet who is crying out to You for the blessed opportunity to fulfill Your ordained calling to be a wife and a mother. Please prepare me in Thy grace, break me, let Christ be formed in me dear LORD, please. Cleanse me of all sin and let this life be crucified with Thee my dear LORD Jesus, raised up by You for Your glory and purposes alone. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | Biblical Deliverance Prescription-Wholeness in Christ [podcast]
Whoring after women online defiles the vessel, destroys the temple of God with sin.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Though never heard today from the priesthood of deceivers who call themselves ministers of Christ, we must acknowledge that the LORD requires that His elect be cleansed, be clean in “flesh and spirit.”
“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 7:1
The cross is God’s prescription and is the Bible’s only prescription to overcome pornography, adultery, fornication, all uncleanness, and every sin. Everything else being peddled as the answer is a lie.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 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. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
The seat of the heart of man seems to be the root of this matter. Pornography is a “stumblingblock” of “iniquity.” Those who set such before their eye gates will not be heard by God. Their prayers are not heard and in fact, are an “abomination” to the LORD (Proverbs 28:9, 13).
“Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?” Ezekiel 14:3
Dear whoremongering pornographer: If you die in this sin, you will be irrevocably in hell (Ezekiel 18:4, 24; 33:12-13; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 6:10-11; 9:27; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8, etc.). You don’t need an “accountability partner,” you are in need of true repentance and to live the crucified life – to fast and pray in starving the flesh and feed the spirit (Isaiah 58; Galatians 5:16-24; Romans 6, etc.). Only the LORD can deliver you, can give you His victory. There will be no victory over sin until you do things God’s way and stop seeking the coping band aids of the apostate modern church world. | Fasting and Prayer
One man cannot borrow heavenly oil from another man. Each must go to God for themselves to get that fresh supply (Matthew 25:1-13). God requires it.
All who view pornography are fornicators. Those not saved from living in sin are not saved for eternal glory (1 John 3:7-10, etc.).
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
This passage above makes it clear that those still living in the sin Jesus died to save them out of, are “unrighteous” and “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” They have rebelled. In their temple, their body, mind, heart, they are now worshipping the god of self, feeding the lusts of the flesh. When Jesus saved them and in their past reigned in the temple, on the throne of their heart, He “washed” and “sanctified” them but now they have yielded their members to unrighteousness (Romans 6).
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16
All who view pornography are yielding to the flesh instead of God and are adulterers in the eyes of God.
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:28
1 John 2:16 speaks of the world and the “lust of the eyes.”
Those who refuse to “cast away the abominations of their eyes” will be judged by the LORD. Read Ezekiel 20 and Numbers 25.
“But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.” Ezekiel 20:8
It’s interesting how many times the Bible speaks of eyes toward idols.
“And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,” Ezekiel 18:6
Covenanting to guard the eye gates.
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1
Must not lust after the beauty of a woman.
“Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25
Must “set no wicked thing before” our eyes.
“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.” Psalms 101:1-8
The man who is truly “crucified with Christ” is overcoming lust (Galatians 2:20). Only the un-crucified man will be ensnared by lust, by adultery, by “evil concupiscence”, by fornication (Ecclesiastes 7:26; Colossians 3:5).
“whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her”
“And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.” Ecclesiastes 7:26
WHO, which man is going to “escape” from whoredom, from self-idolatry, from sinful lusts? – only the man that “pleaseth God shall escape.” And the man that “pleaseth God” is living the crucified life. Have you memorized and are you living out the truth captured in Galatians 2:20?
We are Living in the Final Days
Jesus foretold that these final days leading to His return will be so wicked that “except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved.”
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.” Matthew 24: 21-23
This is why we must increase in our camping on and doing the message of the cross. May God bless us to be anointed by His Holy Spirit to continue to go deeper into our own death, that we might be “hid with Christ in God.”
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:1-10
All who after being truly saved, do not continue with the LORD, do not endure to the end, “shall perish.”
“For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.” Psalms 73:27
All who “go a whoring from” the LORD after He saves them, shall be “destroyed,” shall perish in their own corruption.
To “go a whoring” from God is to desert God for the idol of self and this fleeting world, world system and the sin of it, to cease to love the LORD supremely and instead love and serve the god of self.
“Go a whoring – Those who revolt from thee, to work wickedness; which is called whoredom in scripture.” John Wesley
Of this Psalms 73 passage, Adam Clarke wrote:
“Psalms 73:27: They that are far from thee shall perish – The term perish is generally used to signify a coming to nothing, being annihilated; and by some it is thus applied to the finally impenitent, they shall all be annihilated. But where is this to be found in the Scriptures? In no part, properly understood. In the new heavens and the new earth none of the wicked shall be found; for therein dwells righteousness – nothing but God and righteous spirits; but at the same time the wicked shall be in their own place. And to suppose that they shall be annihilated, is as great a heresy, though scarcely so absurd, as to believe that the pains of damnation are emendatory, and that hellfire shall burn out. There is presumptive evidence from Scripture to lead us to the conclusion, that if there be not eternal punishment, glory will not be eternal; as the same terms are used to express the duration of both. No human spirit that is not united to God can be saved. Those who are Far from Thee shall perish – they shall be lost, undone, ruined, and that without remedy. Being separated from God by sin, they shall never be rejoined; the great gulf must be between them and their Maker eternally. All them that go a whoring from thee – That is, all that worship false gods; all idolaters. This is the only meaning of the word in such a connection. I have explained this elsewhere.”
Every day is a test of our love – of who we are going to love supremely – God or self. Jesus commanded that we are to deny self and love God supremely (Luke 9:23-24):
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
The apostle John speaks here below of overcoming that wicked one, the devil.
“I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:14-17
Through His precious blood, Jesus made the provision for you to live and to labor with clarity, with a clean conscience and yet, you know your conscience is defiled, it’s not clean and clear. Come away with Christ beloved. Hear His voice calling you to repentance, to a full surrender of your life to Him – to let go and let God do what you cannot do (Luke 22:42). Jesus is your salvation and you must rest in Him. The way you rest in Him is to rest your body, life, thoughts and whole being in the grace of His cross, His death and burial, that He might raise you up in His holiness, by His grace and power to do His will.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Read Romans 6 each morning this week.
To overcome sin is to overcome Satan. And the only way to overcome sin is to submit yourself truly to God. It’s only then that His power in you will subdue the enemy.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
We are no match for sin and Satan unless given over to our LORD who conquered sin and death, and is our salvation.
“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” Psalms 73:23-28
God brought His people Israel out of Egypt, the world, and promised them their own land, a “land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8, 17, etc.). Yet between Egypt and the promised land, many of His people rebelled. In the same way today we see so many whom Christ saved from their sins and out of the world (Egypt), seeking to bring into the full blessings of His salvation here and into eternal glory, and yet now they are in rebellion, lusting and lukewarm, just as Israel.
The ensuing history of His people including the writings of the prophets, the recounting of Israel’s rebellion against God. Here’s a taste.
“He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.” Psalm 105:28
“Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:” Psalm 107:11
“But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.” Isaiah 63:10
“But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.” Ezekiel 20:8
The LORD gave His people the promise of bringing them out of the land of bondage, out from under the rule of Satan and his wicked minions and “unto a land flowing with milk and honey.”
“And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.” Exodus 3:8
In fact, the LORD told His people He wanted to bring them “out” that He might bring them “in.”
“And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.” Deuteronomy 6:23-25
As Christ has saved us unto Himself, out of the world into His kingdom, we must seek Him daily, to become ever increasingly “rooted and built up in him” and continually established in Him.
We need to beware of the many false prophets who are not preaching God’s pure Word but rather their own thoughts and the philosophies and notions of this fallen world system.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:6-10
The LORD was bringing them out of something bad and into something so very good. That’s His desire for each of His people and yet, many who get saved do not continue on with the LORD, that is, they don’t walk in His ways which are stated in His Word. Instead, they yield to the flesh instead of the Spirit and follow false teachings which cause them to do laps in the desert (Colossians 2:8-10).
Repentance is Essential
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:12-13
YOUR PRAYER: Father You are Holy, holy, holy. I’ve been very wicked, rebellious, sinful. I come to You now in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ, asking that You forgive my many sins, to cleanse me, wash me, purge and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Please take over this life right now. I lay my life in Your holy hands. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit. I am all Yours dear LORD. Please teach me Your ways through Your Word and use me for Your glory as I look for Your soon return LORD. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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