Chapter 5 from the book Raised Up (narration)
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
You know the counterfeits far outnumber the authentic followers of Jesus when you put out a message on youtube or social media titled something like “How to know your gifts” and the response is overwhelming due to the many self-centered, self-absorbed cross-less professors (2 Timothy 3:1-7). In contrast, when you put out a message titled something like “Learning to live the crucified life Jesus calls all His followers to” and but a “few” listen – you are reminded of how Jesus says His remnant, is a “little flock” and how Jesus says “FEW there be which enter therein.” (Luke 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14).
Living in the Spirit
Those who descend into death and burial will be blessed to be raised up by the LORD.
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
IT BOILS DOWN TO LOVE!
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
WHEN Jesus died for our sins, He submitted to the cross without reserve to the Father in order to redeem us! When you obey Jesus by laying down your life, you are saying: “Whew I love You LORD Jesus! You alone are my supreme LORD, love, and the Head of my life. I love You more than sinful self, and I have made a complete mess of my life, spinning my wheels for far too long. Please forgive my rebellion against You! I want You to reign supreme in my life Jesus, from this moment forward. Have Your way in me my LORD, I love You Jesus. I’m all Yours Jesus!”
Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue with the remnant. They “have crucified the flesh” and the evil the sinful nature would do. It’s a done deal – They “HAVE crucified the flesh” that Christ the LORD might reign in their mortal body.
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18
We cannot be a servant of righteousness unless we are crucified with Christ and sin is out of our way.
“Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you (because you have accounted yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 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? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18
The “form of doctrine” delivered by Christ and His holy apostles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of one’s life now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).
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- “What does this mean for us? Remember that there are two aspects of Christ’s death. He died for our sins. He died for us – substitution. But then Paul tells us that we are also to die with Him. “I have been crucified WITH CHRIST” (Gal. 2:20): “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Rom. 6:11). The Israelites in bondage were delivered by the blood shed and sprinkled. But they are pursued by certain of their foes. These foes are slain at the Red Sea, but they themselves escape and are free. Egypt stands for the world of sin. Christ found us in “Egypt,” and by His death in our stead delivered us from the penalty of sin. But even after our conversion some of these sins followed us and harassed us – temper, pride, jealousy, lust, worry, avarice – causing discomfiture and misery, and occasionally temporary defeat. Where is there any escape, any real victory? Only through the Red Sea – baptism, or what baptism implies; i.e., a death to sin and a rising again to righteousness. That is a crucifixion with Christ, so as to be able to “reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin.” How to Live the Victorious Life, by an Unknown Christian
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God’s desire, plan, and command is that His people reign victorious in this life over sin and the enemy and become abundantly fruitful as we await the soon return of our LORD Jesus Christ (John 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
The Cross of Christ and the One He Commands us to take up are Essential
Let’s peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:
“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: 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 12:23-26
Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed (“corn”) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing in this life – “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31)
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
As we are blessed to be “planted together in the likeness of his death”, so “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5
This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water baptism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is. At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.
“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:10-11
There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The disciple who is buried with Christ is “dead to sin.” (Rom. 6:2) When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call those who point them out “legalistic”, it is symptomatic of a life that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bible says “Lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) when we are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The “corn of wheat” (dead seed) must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.
Aren’t we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? (2 Cor. 7:1)
If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness.
Overcoming sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-13)
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24
The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk. 23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).
Let’s check our deadness. Let’s see how dead we are to this world system and all of it’s arrogant rebellion against the God of the universe and all that is: Do we defend our “right” to fill our minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and other forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.
Oswald Chambers wrote:
“The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bondslave to Jesus Christ. Any fool can insist on personal rights, and any devil will see that he or she gets them, but the Sermon on the Mount means that the only right the saint will insist on is the right to give up personal rights.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 329
Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? – “Charity…Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6)
Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolishness and deeds.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Proverbs 26:4
Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision to fear and obey the LORD and not men. Believers are called to be circumspect (fully set apart in holiness) and not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).
Yet we should ask: Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such as the false church would have us believe? When a new believer is told that he is “eternally secure” or OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life, be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to do ministry, and prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?
The following brief and yet convicting commentary is taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First let’s view the Biblical text, then the commentary.
“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32
“‘HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM’. Paul’s last word on general human sinfulness is God’s condemnation of a condition even more damning than the practice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This disposition is the ultimate in depravity – vicarious enjoyment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1) The word ‘have pleasure’ (Gk. suneudokeo) means ‘are pleased with,’ ‘delight in,’ or ‘give approval to,’ and points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same condemnation of God as those engaging in such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence, those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ) who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be exposed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess. 2:12).” p. 1729
Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalms 101:3
Do we seek to protect our “right” to continue over-relishing or over-indulging in the things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John 2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world system and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies – regardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:24-26
When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and instructed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12). Have you ever been persecuted by other “believers” and called legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, other than inducing a concern for where they really are in their hearts. Seeking to be upright in one’s ways in not legalistic – it is biblical. The Word instructs us to “walk circumspectly” which means fully obedient – exactly, diligently, perfectly.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:15-20
“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13
What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly – we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.
What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are. If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in us, we do not have a laid down life.
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9
“Folly (foolishness)is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” Proverbs 15:21
Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a “time to laugh” and to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more – for the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly – they walk biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the world.
“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14
Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ did – that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holiness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justifying your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relinquish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dying for us – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.
The Path of Our LORD Jesus
Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life for all men (Jn. 15:13).
“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…” Luke 22:42
He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He has for each of us.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him? Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?
“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
He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glorified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called us to be. When Jesus is reigning in a person’s life, it is obvious. His holy and impelling presence is the life that exudes from that person instead of the stench of the self-centered and selfish nature (Jn. 3:30). At this place of resurrection life, the LORD who made and redeemed us is greatly glorified and pleased and His fruit is being yielded.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Finding that place with God in prayer is where the laid down life begins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.
“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7
PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternally. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and praying in light of Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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Apostasy
How is God’s Money to be Spent by His Church? [podcast]
Have you ever noticed how when someone, an individual or individuals volunteers to go to the mission field on a short term mission trip….
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12
The highest paid position, calling in the church is what?
“the elders that rule well”
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:13-15
The love offerings of Christ’s saints are to be spent equiping His saints to spread His Word, His Gospel to the end of the earth. This is the Great Commission mandate Jesus gave us. Are you living it out?
“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
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
“Don’t bother me” with the needs of others is the crass, cold, calloused response of those who don’t step forward to contribute. Darkness consumes their life and Jesus is calling them out of that darkness and into His marvellous light! They are totally consumed in their own life – and that’s the problem, the sin. Repentance needed. Divine refreshing will only come after true repentance (Acts 3:19). God will never bless a selfish person (Matthew 20:20-28; Philippians 2:3-5). The LORD will always bless those who are given to Him and therefore giving to His work (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
When we spend all our money on self, who does that reveal we are serving – the Savior or self?
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24
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Articles
Sending the Divine Light into “The Prison House” [podcast]
Jesus is Bringing Incarcerated Souls to Himself: YOUR GIFTS ARE REACHING BEHIND THE COLD HARD WALLS OF PRISON CELLS – INTO THE SEARCHING, HUNGERING SOULS OF A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE OF MEN AND WOMEN: Inasmuch as there is financial supply, ministry books continue to flood jails across our nation – touching the hearts of the incarcerated for Christ! Each of these books will be read by many.
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
Support Here. | J6 Ministry Outreach category
Believers who are connected to this outreach are sending a continual stream of the names and mailing addresses of incarcerated souls they are ministering to. Dropping surprise blessings upon inmates creates a chain reaction of other inmates writing to request these Gospel filled books for themselves. Below is a mere sampling of the letters received from inmates requesting their own book(s) or additional books from this ministry.
The Body of Christ in the Earth is Making Eternal History!
WHO will say “I’m committing to $20 month!” to get Christ’s Gospel to more incarcerated souls? Who?….Many support the ear-ticklers and neglect to honor God by supporting HIS work. Will you? If God’s work matters to you, demonstrate your agreement with Him by committing to supporting His work. Those who truly believe HIS work matters, get behind it.
We His people will continue to teach His Word as He commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).
May our LORD minister to each of us, His people, concerning our stewardship of His resources.
Remember what Jesus said about “the least of these”?
“For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Matthew 25:35-36
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40
Also:
“and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:23-24
Let us set our houses (lives) in order, readying to meet Christ, repenting and deciding to support HIS work – to take out of what HE is giving us and putting it into HIS Word, work (Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28, etc.). Each and every bit of our blessings came from His wonderful hand (1 Chronicles 29:14; James 1:17).
In America, Over 2 million souls sit in prison cells as we speak. Think: Mission Opportunity for Christ’s body.
The LORD wants to bring to Himself “them that sit in darkness out of the prison house” (Isaiah 42:7). He wants to draw them to Himself, to cause them to call upon Him as He beckons those in darkness to “Come unto me …” (Matthew 11:28-30). “The Spirit and the bride” – that’s us! – are extending the divine invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).
The world is under the darkness of sin. Perhaps We may have never stopped to realize that as WE OURSELVES did “sit in darkness,” Heaven’s KING came with His light to rescue us “While we were yet sinners” (Luke 1:79; Romans 5:6-8, etc.).
Now, in eternal gratitude for our loving Savior, may God bless each of us to participate in shining His light into the sin-stained, darkened hearts of fallen men – so they can repent and be saved by Christ, the only Savior (Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5-6, etc.).
May this never be said of us: – “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul“ (Psalms 142:4).
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130
THERE is no work transpiring in the earth as important as the work of Christ’s Gospel for the eternal souls of men!
Dark jail cells and darkened hearts are being lit up with the flood light of God’s Word, bringing the light of our LORD Jesus and His glorious Gospel – Good News! (2 Corinthians 4:6)
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7
Your contributions in this late hour make this possible! God is so good! Together, we are shining “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” into desperate, hurting souls of the imprisoned.
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
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REACHING “THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS”
Many of the incarcerated, with no direction to look but upward, are grasping for the light of Christ
The phrase “Sit in darkness” appears 4 times in God’s Word:
“Such as SIT IN DARKNESS and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;” Psalms 107:10
“To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that SIT IN DARKNESS out of the prison house.” Isaiah 42:7
“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I SIT IN DARKNESS, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” Micah 7:8
“To give light to them that SIT IN DARKNESS and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79
A big Thank You Kindly to those who are supporting this GOSPEL outreach. You are enabling God’s Word to go forth into the hearts of men daily using nearly every communication medium known to mankind. Your funds are the fuel. God be praised. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). There is room for more Gospel help. We will continue to preach Christ, to preach His Gospel, feeding His sheep and winning the lost from prisons to palaces – “we preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Jesus is coming!
May the LORD fill our hearts with His compassion for people, all of which Jesus died to save. – “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
More on Christ’s Light Shining into dark places, the sin-darkened hearts of men and women, to bring those precious souls into His glorious light!
Unleashing a Flood of Holy Scripture ….
Scripture-rich Gospel books flooding the incarcerated with the light of truth, the light of Christ! Exciting! Captive audience of scared, cornered souls who only have once direction to look…. Upward. And in jails these books get read repeatedly by dozens or more inmates. What we do is drop to people that we know who are in jail, relatives, friends, etc. If you have someone specific you’d like a Gospel care package sent to, please forward their information to me. Thanks.
The Born Again book is a mainstay for dropping to prisoners!
Jesus came specifically “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).
Also we go on line and choose specific individuals on the inmate lists and drop-ship books to them. As you can imagine and know, it’s exciting for an inmate to receive something, a gift. Makes them feel super special, like God is shining on them – because He is! One of the books being sent is a very important small book titled What Next Now that You are Saved? …. It’s a real foundation builder and has the plan of salvation to cover all bases.
“Thank you Lord! You have not forgotten those in Prison. We pray in the name of Jesus that Your ministry will be multiplied through Your Word.” Debbie
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
Why Jesus Came
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19
More books going into prisons, reaching those who have nowhere else to look but upward.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22
This is the book I’m personally most excited to get into the hands and hearts of those who are incarcerated – Moments with Our Master 365 Day Daily Devotional . This is a Scripture-rich book with the most broad spectrum of biblical truth to feed the reader, including how to be saved, the Peace with God section and several installments with specific salvation messages, calling sinners to repent and offering them the opportunity stop, repent, pray, turn to and believe upon the LORD Jesus.
As you know, a young man named Nicholas was saved recently who received the Born Again book from the ministry. He immediately requested more books and so we sent him several more of the ministry’s Scripture-rich volumes
God be praised and thank you: Based on your support, we are able to reach the saved, the lost, the incarcerated. It’s our privilege to support our LORD’s work in the hearts of men.
Support this work here – takes seconds to give.
STORE | Podcasts |J6 Ministry Outreach category
Adultery
“Flee Fornication” [podcast]
One of the greatest fears any parent in our day should have, would be for their child to grow up and NOT have a genuinely God fearing mate. Pray saints. Pray parents. Sanctify yourselves. “Come out of her” (Revelation 18:4).
“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
Example of prostitution: Whoring out one’s daughter would be to send them to college to learn the ways of the world, of Satan who is “the god of this world,” where they are taught how to fulfill the role of the man—and not a woman (1 Timothy 5:14). No godly parent does such.
Having seen you buy his lies, Satan is laughing you all the way into hell, the bank of unrepentant sinners.
Whoredom has and does today destroy nations. We are seeing a once strong America brought to its knees for the whoredom, namely of those who vainly claim Christ as Savior.
“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have COMMITTED FORNICATION with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Revelation 18:3
“And the kings of the earth, who have COMMITTED FORNICATION and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning.” Revelation 18:9
“But he answered and said unto them, An evil and ADULTEROUS generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” Matthew 12:39
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Flee Fornication
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
“The Pure in Heart”
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Only those who are born again and die with a pure heart will be with the LORD.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7
“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:” 1 Timothy 1:19
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
On the topic of fornication brother Allen Campbell writes:
“Someone asked me if it’s okay to have relations with a person you love. No, having relations with your boyfriend or girlfriend is called fornication and is a serious sin, because it’s a sin against your own body. Your body is a temple for the Holy Ghost that is in you. Since your body belongs to God, for it has been bought with a price, we must glorify God with our bodies. If you’re committing fornication or adultery and do not repent, then you will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 KJV – Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV – 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, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:7-8 KJV – He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Let’s LEARN Scripture, BELIEVE and OBEY our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
Fornication of Many Forms—all life-destroying and condemned by God
The word “immoral” appears exactly ZERO times in God’s Word, the King James Bible.
“Fornication” appears 36 times.
“Adultery” appears 40 times.
“Lust(s) appears 43 times.
“sodomite(s)” appears 5 times.
Let’s never use the words “sexually immoral” again. Let’s use God’s words for such sin. After all, the use of the phrase “sexually immoral” is subject to sinful man’s definition while the Bible words listed above are clear and convicting.
It’s not “promiscuous”—a word found no where in God’s Word (KJB). The Bible calls all sin outside of the marriage between one man and one woman “fornication.”
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should ABSTAIN FROM FORNICATION:” 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Say it with me out loud: “call it what it IS!”
WE often hear of counterfeits, pretending to be Christians, say things like “Well, I don’t care what you do behind closed doors.” To one such lost soul, the following reply was given:
GOD cares about the souls of men for whom He sent His only begotten Son to die (John 3:16). He cares about all “sexuality,” that is, as it pertains to “fornication” which is any and all sex outside of the marriage bed between one man and one woman. ALL, every fornicator is going to burn in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:14, etc.).
Sex is Only Safe in Marriage – between one man and one woman.
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4
All fornication is sin.
ALL sex outside of that which is between one man and one woman in marriage, is sin. “Fornication” includes every form of sexual perversion.
All forms of fornication is sin. Fornication is any sexual activity with self or anyone outside of ones opposite sex marriage partner.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“What about people who are in a relationship and live together and supposedly are not having sex?”
REPLY:
Good morning sister. I didn’t quite understand the first part of your question but as far as living together, cohabiting, such should be for married people only. “FLEE fornication” right? It seems that our LORD’s Word hems us in…. either marry or flee. Seems we have to determine if we truly desire to marry that person and if so, move into doing so, or flee.
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18
As we see exemplified by the beloved Joseph, when tempted by Potipher’s wife, he dashed! Why? Fornication cannot be overcome otherwise or by staying in the fire and expecting not to be burned (Genesis 39).
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
“3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
God has a beautiful plan. – If we will simply do things HIS way and no other. HE is able. HE is greater than anything you face today. Memorize Ephesians 3:20 and Mark 10:27, now.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
A Life Pleasing to God
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
God has a beautiful plan. Perhaps, at least in part, God’s “Thou shalt” nots mean “Don’t hurt yourself”!
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | Single/Unmarried Christians | Marriage for the Glory of God | Godly Manhood | Proverbs 31 Woman Audio Series [podcast] | Family | The Cross | Fasting and Prayer | Fornication
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“Flee Fornication” [podcast]
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