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WHAT ever happened to the holiness of God?

Clearly the LORD wanted His people to know, to understand, and to always be in remembrance of – to never forget – that He is HOLY. Hence this instruction:

“And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” Exodus 28:36

Notice again how the LORD wants His beloved people to remember, to be saturated in heart and mind with the truth that He is Holy.

“Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” Psalms 97:12

His divine holiness is beautiful.

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” 1 Chronicles 16:29

How can any preacher possibly claim to be anything but a depraved wolf in sheep’s clothing if he is not preaching the holiness of God? How? Holy/holiness appears 654 times in the Bible. The sheer repetitive fact of this attribute of the nature, the character of God is clear evidence all by itself that any preacher not preaching on it often, does not know this God who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

The fact that God’s holiness is so prevalent in His Word clearly reveals that it has been intentionally forgotten, evaded, left out, avoided, and eliminated from the message of the apostate modern church.

“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11 

According to Exodus 15:11, divine “holiness” is “glorious.” Holiness is not what most of us think it is. Holiness in the divine economy is something of great “beauty” and utterly refreshing (Psalms 96:9). It seems that holiness is not merely a divine attribute but rather the divine nature of the Almighty.

Are we ready to allow our LORD, who alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” to define what holiness truly is and how He brings it about in our lives? See Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8.

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?” Habakkuk 1:13

The holiness of God is not going to diminish nor go away because those who claim to be His ignore it. In fact they will collide head on in judgment with He who is Holy.

“For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.” Psalms 5:4 

Definition. The holiness of God refers to His absolute moral purity and the absolute moral distance between God and his human creatures (1 Timothy 6:15-16).

“The holiness of God only secondarily refers to His moral purity, His righteousness of character. It primarily points to His infinite otherness. To say that God is holy is to say that He is transcendentally separate. Holiness is not one attribute among many. It is not like grace or power or knowledge or wrath. Everything about God is holy. Each attribute partakes of divine holiness.” Sam. S.

“God’s holiness means He is separate from sin. But holiness in God also means wholeness. God’s holiness is His ‘God-ness.’ It is His being God in all that it means for Him to be God. To meet God in His holiness, therefore, is to be altogether overwhelmed by the discovery that He is God, and not man.” Sinclair F.

“Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)

God is not holy because He’s loving, He’s loving because He’s holy. 654 times holiness/holy appear in His Word. Nothing compares, diminishes from, or replaces the divine holiness of God. God is who HE says He is and not who we say He is or what sinful man attempts to make the Almighty out to be. That’s why He gave us the Bible.

God is first and foremost holy. Not that we can fully understand that and yet, we are given, by His own Word, to know that this is who He is, above all else. Every other of His attributes comes forth from His holiness, His Holy divine nature.

Holiness is God’s nature and perhaps not His mere attribute. “Holy, holy, holy” is found in His Word not once but twice (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). No other attribute is shown in triplicate even once.

If you don’t think God is holy and will not put up with unholiness, sin, consider the many times in history where God severed, judged, “cut off” those of His own who rebelled, sinned. This is a mere small sampling: Genesis 3: Exodus 32; Joshua 6-7, Numbers 16, 25; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Corinthians 5; 10:1-12; Jude 1. See also the listed soul damning sins in Galatians 5:19-21 and Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.

After warning of the “ungodly men” who would turn “the (saving) grace of God into lasciviousness,” Jude lists created beings once in fellowship with the LORD and now banished for their rebellion… angels and men.

Anyone who believes they can live in sin and remain in Christ, remain Heaven bound, is utterly deceived. God’s grace, His salvation in Christ, did not change His holiness or definition of sin. Beware of grace-perverting false teachers saints (Jude 4).

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2 

Anyone who thinks they are going to God’s holy Heaven with sin in their life is self-deceived. Jesus died to “take away” our sins, to remove them from our lives (John 1:29).

“Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.” Psalms 93:5 

The cross is to make you holy and keep you holy! The cross separates the disciple from sin and unto the God who is Holy!

Holiness does not bring us to Jesus. Jesus brings us into holiness.

“We have not a true conception of the holiness of God when we view it as impulsive merely; it bears the sight of evil in confidence of overcoming it. To overcome evil, and turn it into penitence and faith and love, is the object of Him who is of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity, when He endures the contradiction of sinners against Himself, and holds His peace in presence of unrighteousness.” Pulpit

“But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.” Psalms 4:3

The LORD will damn to the eternal prison of fire all who choose not be holy, that is, set apart to Him. And like Esau, some are on the verge of not being able to repent, even if they seek to.

The correct preaching of the full counsel of God’s WORD creates in us the desire to be set apart to our LORD (holy) and to cease the things, the sins that defile such purity necessary to abide in vital union with our Maker who is our Savior!

God is “Holy, holy, holy.” He’s into it and He is it, and He will have no fellowship, no union, no relationship with any of His created beings that are not holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

The absence of the preaching of the holiness of God is 100% proof of absolute apostasy in that which claims to be Christ’s church today!

The only one of His divine attributes cited in triplicate, not once, but twice is that He is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

The appearance of the Holiness of God in His Word vs. the appearance of His grace: 654 vs Grace 170 …. grace vs holiness reveals, underscores just how far off we are, how grossly we’ve perverted the original Gospel and doctrine of God. Those who refuse to include the holiness of God in their hearts, minds, doctrine, and body of truth, have perverted the image of God, have crafted and erected the image of a false god in their hearts, and are worshipping “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-9). Ignoring His holiness will not make it go away and doing so only proves one is a self-serving, cross-less, hell bound rebel.

Also, though holiness may include wholeness, that should not be the only perspective we view it from. We are commanded by Christ to fear God who is able to cast us into hell, and to cut off the hand and pluck out the eye that causes us to sin (Luke 12:4-5; Mark 9:43-49). Repenting and confessing all sins, which defile us in His holy eyes, is essential to being with Him – now and forever (Luke 21:34-36; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-10; 21:8, etc.).

If sin doesn’t put one in jeopardy of losing his eternal soul, why did Jesus say things like this….   Luke 21:34-36; Mark 9:43-49 ….. who’s lying, today’s preachers or Jesus?

What did Jesus teach about eternal punishment?  In Mark 9, Jesus repeatedly uses the term – “their worm dieth not” – “worm” here is an idiom for consciousness which He says will never end. Lost souls will suffer unending torment. Annihilation is a lie. Here Jesus is warning us to get rid of all sin lest we be cast into hell, separated eternally from He who is “Holy, holy, holy” and commanded us to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8)

“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into THE FIRE THAT NEVER SHALL BE QUENCHED: 44 Where THEIR WORM (consciousness) DIETH NOT, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into THE FIRE THAT NEVER SHALL BE QUENCHED: 46 Where THEIR WORM (conscious feelings) DIETH NOT, and THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where THEIR WORM DIETH NOT, and THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. 49 For every one shall be salted with fire (preserved in suffering), and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.” Mark 9:43-49

“salted with fire” refers to preservation. This further exposes the annihilation lie. Notice how these cultists are amateurishly obvious in their selective, seductive theology as they seek to do away with the plainly stated eternal, unending divine retribution that is coming on all wicked souls. Is salt not obviously a preservative? Well, is Jesus not confirming and reiterating the rest of what He is saying here with the obvious truth that all sacrifices in hell will be salted to preserve them from being annihilated so they can be tormented consciously as a just reward for rejecting the very precious blood of Jesus? The Father didn’t send His only begotten Son to die in vain.

In light of this Mark 9 passage: Jesus, the only Savior, preached hell and commanded His people to preach hell in order to warn men to not go there. Hell is the justice of a holy God and is a vital component of the original Gospel message preached by Jesus and is a manifestation of God’s love. Only wolves in sheep’s clothing leave it out of their messages!

The Scriptures themselves define holiness many times and the necessity for it (Ezekiel 18:30; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14-17, etc.).

“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

“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

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Hebrews 12:14-17 

Set apart to God…. If I am set apart to Him presently, I am not living in sin (1 John 3:1-10). Thank God we are invited to come boldy to the throne of grace to obtain His mercy afresh (Hebrews 4:16) and praise Him that His compassions fail not but are new every morning, right? Lamentation 3:22-23

“DEPART FROM ME”

The “depart from me” declaration is clear proof that God has not changed and will damn the eternal souls of all who do not comply with Him – beginning with true repentance.

“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: DEPART FROM ME, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:23

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, DEPART FROM ME, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41

“But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; DEPART FROM ME, all ye workers of iniquity.” Luke 13:27

False worship, false preachers…. always deny the holiness of God and make concession for sin (Jude 4). Read that sentence again please. Is this not exactly what the Holy Spirit specifically forewarned us of in Jude 3-4?

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

Sin is not characteristic of God’s people and has never nor ever will be allowed. Think biblical history – Lucifer and a third of the angels ejected from Heaven, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah’s flood, the rebellion of Korah where God’s own people dropped down straight into hell (Numbers 16; Jude 11), the sin of God’s people in Baal worship and with the Midianites (Numbers, 25), etc. Read the book of Jude which warns us New Testament saints to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints,” against “ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ,” who intentionally ignore, are ignorant of the many times God severed from His presence and rejected created beings of His creation due to their sin.

“Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. 5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot (sin) of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.” Deuteronomy 32:3-5 

Is sin okay with God? If so, why then did He bother sending His only begotten Son to be crucified for our sins? Was it simply so He could forgive us and then we could go back to that sin, to living in sin, and still be covered?

In the Garden God told the man that if he disobeyed, if he sinned, he would die which means to die spiritually and be separated from God (Genesis 2:17). Then Satan countered with:

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT surely die:” Genesis 3:4

There it is. This is the exact lie we know that’s being peddled today as OSAS (once saved always saved), eternal security, or the perseverance of the saints.

We know the LORD kept His Word and yet if God had not kicked Adam and Eve out of the Garden when they sinned, we’d know He is:

  • a liar
  • did not keep His own Word
  • is no longer holy
  • that the wages of sin is not death
  • the fall of man never happened

What People is Jesus Returning for?

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

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. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb” Revelation 19:7-9a

Who is Jesus returning for? And, why then do we hear so many false prophets guaranteeing eternal security to people living in sin? The whole of Scripture testifies against this evil.

Only false prophets make people comfortable in their sins. See Jeremiah 23:17; Amos 9:10, etc.

Satan is the author of making people think God won’t cut them off when they sin against Him. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4.

Holiness in Marriage

How does the holiness of God relate to the married couple? The closer a man gets to Christ the more he will be moved to cherish and love his wife as Christ does His beloved church (Ephesians 5:25-31). Jesus gave His very life to purchase His church. The more a woman truly worships God, the more she will be conformed to the image of Christ, crucified with Him, and submitting to, loving and serving her husband as God has commanded (Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7, etc.). If you are married or wish to be – be encouraged right now to begin prayerfully reading Philippians 2:3-5 each and every morning from this day till you are with Jesus! The God-given and Bless-ed ROLE of the Man, of the Woman! God is all-wise and has a plan to BLESS! | The God Ordained Roles of Men and Women

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The Truth about Holiness [podcast]

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

The Holiness of God’s House [podcast]

TWICE Dead, Plucked up by the Roots

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Abiding

“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World” [podcast]


“All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:8-14

The true remnant of Christ are known in that they are enduring to the end in the midst of iniquity, abounding and preaching the Gospel of Jesus the King to the world.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Mark 16:15

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, admitting I have been living for my own evil glory. I am a sinner. I’ve committed the sin of idolatry, having myself first instead of You. I admit here and now before You that I have been committing the damning sin of spiritual adultery. I have claimed to know You and yet refused to uncompromisingly adhere to Your Word. Here and now, right now if never before, I repent and ask You to forgive my sins and to wash me afresh from my sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ my LORD. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit, my life, right this moment and ask You dear LORD to fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to preach Your glorious message of repentance to those around me so that they can receive the forgiveness of all their sins and walk in the times of refreshing from Your holy presence dear LORD. I love You Jesus. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. In Jesus’ Name amen.

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Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]


“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?

Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.

“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….

“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso

—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15

“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14

LOVE is the governing factor:

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:

“In John 14:15 and 15:14 (KJV), Jesus teaches that love and obedience go together, meaning real love for Him naturally leads to doing His commands rather than separating love from works.
What the Verses Say
    • John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
    • John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
    How Love and Works Connect
      • Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
      • Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
      • They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”

    Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.

    “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20 

    Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!

    “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21

    “His commandment are not grievous”

    “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3

    IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.

    “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37

    “IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

    IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).

    Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)  IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).

    “IFFFF you love me keep my commandments” and not “prove you love me by keeping my commandments” (John 14:15) … big difference. Jesus isn’t interested in any law keeper keeping His commandments …. He desires and calls His people to love Him! If not, there’s no reason to try to obey Him.

    “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

    Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).

    1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.”  “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

    When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

    “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8 

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10 

    DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.

    If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.

    One writer notes:

    “Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”

    IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM.  MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?

    “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5 

    So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)

    “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

    The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.

    “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

    Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

    Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)

    At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:

    And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandmentsHe that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6

    “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13

    “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 2:13

    Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?

    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

    Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?

    Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).

    After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”

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

    LOVE IS THE CARDINAL EVIDENCE OR FRUIT THAT ONE KNOWS GOD.
    Do we truly know Him who “is love”? (1 John 4:8, 16) Love is a divine attribute that is, without exception, resident in every man who is truly in right standing with God (Galatians 5:22-23)

    PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

    Uphold Jesus (audio)

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    Abiding

    FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane

    By Jon Crane

    “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

    A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).

    The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5).  Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).

    Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.

    “But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

    23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

    24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

    25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25

    More Thoughts…

    “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

    8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all

    9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of loveMatthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.

    10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

    11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11

    When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.

    Remember whose you are …

    “And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23

    Take heart…

    “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

    12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

    13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

    14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14

    If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…

    “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

    16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

    18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18

    Romans 3

    “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;

    2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

    3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

    4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

    “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.

    20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

    21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

    22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Romans 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

    23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

    24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

    25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

    26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26

    Confession made…

    “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we  preach;

    9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

    10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

    11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

    12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

    13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13

    Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

    Making Peace with God

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