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See if you’ve ever heard this verse mis-used to block the light of truth.

“… the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

Yes this verse says “the spirit giveth life” and yet this in no way negates the divine command to live out and to “preach the word… in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4) The point is that many are using this Scripture out of its context to say or insidiously insinuate that God’s people shouldn’t “preach the Word” as the LORD commanded us to do (2 Timothy 4:2). Ephesians 6:17 says “the sword of the Spirit is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) Neither the Word nor the Spirit of God can be discounted or separated from each other.

The LORD commands His people to …

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

There is power in the Word of God and when it is sent forth from the mouths of His anointed people, lost souls are convicted, they repent, and are saved!

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

THIS is why Satan aims at stopping the preaching of the Word of God – it is wrecking his evil kingdom of darkness.

“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 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 4:2-5

Satan wishes to keep his prey, his captives in darkness, blinded. His goal in using his embedded agents to twist God’s Word aims at shutting down the preaching of the oracles, the written Word of God. This is how God has ordained that lost men should be saved and saved men should be further sanctified (John 15:3; 1 Peter 1:23, etc.).

There is power in the Word of God!

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

When convicted, when those who are lawless, unaccountable, hear something they don’t like, they will shoot out a deflection by misusing this verse as they declare “… the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6) In other words they don’t wish to be corrected by the Word of the LORD which is one of the four stated reasons God gave us His written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The way this verse, this truth is being used today is due to the rebels who refuse to be accountable to the Word that we know of 100% certainty is from the LORD.

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

According to our LORD Jesus, we know who is “of God” or “NOT of God” by how they hold or don’t hold God’s written Word. Any person who does not uphold God’s Word as their final divine authority is “not of God.” It is highly recommended that you memorize the above verse.

It’s as if they are determining that a small portion of this one Bible verse cancels out, negates the mountains of Scripture which inform us that God’s written Word is the final divine authority for every matter of doctrine and the practice of the faith of Christ.

The true disciple is teachable, is captive to the LORD and therefore His Word. And so he declares with Paul “Let GOD be true and every man a liar.” (Romans 3:4)

BEWARE of misusing this verse to convey the false notion that God’s people aren’t accountable to God’s Word and are not to speak His Word.

WHEN people get convicted at the preaching of biblical truth, many of them will misuse the “The Letter Killeth” Scripture, lifting it out of context in order to deflect the guilt away from their darkened, lawless hearts instead of repenting (John 3:19-21). What does God’s Word mean when it says “The Letter Killeth, but the Spirit Giveth Life”? (2 Corinthians 3:6)

Many throw this verse out there to block intrusion upon their falsehoods. They want to stifle conviction and get a free pass to pretend they are “led by the Spirit” with no accountability to the written Word. They want the freedom to do their own thing and then claim it was the Holy Spirit that led them to do so. These antichrist flakes are not grounded in Holy Scripture. Beware of the lawless ones!

In 2 Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul was contrasting the old and new covenants and not dismissing any accountability to the written Word (2 Corinthians 3).

2 Corinthians 3:6 is often misused to convey the idea that God didn’t really mean what He stated and that we aren’t accountable to it – so we are free to do what we wish, call it ministry, and blame it on the Holy Spirit. Then the misuser introduces his own twisted explanation, perpetrates his/her supposed visions, words, or dreams he claims are from God. Some of these deceivers use allegory to dismiss the literal. Beware.

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:16 

“How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;” Jeremiah 23:26

False prophets perpetrate their own “words”, their own “visions” and “dreams” they claim are from God and expect their prey to believe them. Yet, they simultaneously discredit and denigrate the divine authority of God’s written Word. Now that friends, is Satan at work! Beware saints!

Test all against God’s written Word. Anything that contradicts is from counterfeits, from “another spirit” which is of Satan (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 11:2-4, 12-15).

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

People who are lawless, do not want to be held accountable to the Word of God which is the final divine authority (Acts 17:10-11; 1 John 4:1).

What does “the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” really mean? Does this mean that the Word of God should not be spoken or adhered to or taken literally whenever possible? Does it mean that individuals can claim to be “led of the Spirit” while contradicting or twisting what God’s Word states? Never. The divine Person of the Holy Ghost gave us the written Word and “the scripture cannot be broken.” (John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

Some, upon hearing the words of God preached, do not wish to repent (are un-repentant) and therefore attack the messenger. They will use “private interpretation” by misquoting 2 Corinthians 3:6 out of its context (2 Peter 1:19-21).

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31

This 2 Corinthians 3 passage in no way negates the need for speaking God’s Word. Such would be blatant disobedience. Jesus and His holy apostles commanded that His people “Preach the word.” (Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 4:2, etc.). In fact, it’s only those who do not “endure sound doctrine” who misuse 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Some would say “life can’t be found in the rules” but God’s Word states: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63) Since Jesus is “the life” and “the Word”, do His word not have divine life in them? (John 1:1, 14; 14:6) Yes they do.

When stating “the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life”, Paul here is in no way minimizing the Law or Word of God. In fact, “the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” (Romans 7:12) Instead, rather the apostle is contrasting mere words with the words from/of God coupled with and enlivened by the Spirit of God through Spirit-filled New Testament vessels. Read 2 Corinthians 3 prayerfully.

Notice the context. Paul is speaking of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through the believer in ministering to others. Because of the Holy Ghost living in His people, we are said to be “able ministers of the new testament.”

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter (the law), but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Corinthians 3:5-6

If Paul was is speaking of the sword of the Word harming someone, it would only mean that the human vessel is not walking in the Spirit of God at the time he is ministering.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Under the far superior New Covenant, ratified with the very sinless blood of the only begotten Son of God, the regenerated spirits of born again men are the very temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). The born again saints of Christ are possessed by the Holy Spirit who brings life, grace, divine enablement, and divine empowerment to fulfill God’s will in contrast with the Old Law which gave no man the ability to keep it…. Romans 8:3-4

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:2-4

The law slays us (death and burial) and the Holy Spirit raises us up in Christ’s salvation (Romans 8:3-4, 11).

“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 8:11

“2 Cor. 3:6, the letter stands for the whole Mosaic Law. It kills because, of itself, it could not give life (Acts 13:39). The work of the law was to make men conscious of sin (Gal.3:21-25) 1 Tim. 1:9). The Spirit, by contrast gives life to believers.” Steve Smull

God sent His only begotten Son to die for us, establishing a new covenant, so we could be redeemed and the vessels, the very temples of His Holy Spirit.

“Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” 2 Corinthians 3:3 

Here is the verse in question…

“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

Of 2 Corinthians 3:6, in the Believer’s Bible Commentary, William MacDonald writes:

“In verse 6 the ‘letter’ refers to the Law of Moses, and the ‘spirit’ refers to the gospel of the grace of God. When Paul says that ‘the letter killeth’, he is speaking of the ministry of the law. The law condemns all who fail to keep its holy precepts. ‘by the law is the knowledge of sin.’ (Rom. 3:20) ‘Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.’ (Gal. 3:10) God never intended the law to be the means of giving life. Rather it was designed to bring the knowledge of sin, to convict of sin. The New Covenant is here called ‘spirit’. It represents the spiritual fulfillment of the types and shadows of the Old Covenant. What the law demanded but could never produce is not effected by the gospel.” p. 1829

One commentary discloses the following of this glorious 2 Corinthians 3 passage and uncovers where the misuse of 2 Corinthians 3:6 began, at the hands of a known false teacher:

“Not of the letter, but of the spirit. In other words, “not of the Law, but of the gospel;” not of that which is dead, but of that which is living; not of that which is deathful, but of that which is life-giving; not of bondage, but of freedom; not of mutilation, but of self-control; not of the outward, but of the inward; not of works, but of grace; not of menace, but of promise; not of curse, but of blessing; not of wrath, but of love; not of Moses, but of Christ. This is the theme which St. Paul develops especially in the Epistles to the Romans and the Galatians (see Rom_2:29; Rom_3:20; Rom_7:6, Rom_7:10, Rom_7:11; Rom_8:2; Gal_3:10; Gal_5:4, etc.). Not of the letter. Not, that is, of the Mosaic Law regarded as a yoke of externalism; a hard and unhelpful “thou shalt” and “thou shalt not;” a system that possessed no life of its own and inspired no life into others; a “categoric imperative,” majestic, indeed, but unsympathetic and pitiless. Both the Law and the gospel were committed to writing; each covenant had its own book; but in the case of the Mosaic Law there was the book and nothing more; in the case of the gospel the book was nothing compared to the spirit, and nothing without the spirit. Out of the spirit. That is, of the gospel which found its pledge and consummation in the gift of the Spirit. The Law, too, was in one sense “spiritual” (Rom_7:14), for it was given by God, who is a Spirit, and it was a holy Law; but though such in itself (in se) it was relatively (per aceidens) a cause of sin and death, because it was addressed to a fallen nature, and inspired no spirit by which that nature could be delivered (see Rom_7:7-25). But in the gospel the spirit is everything; the mere letter is as nothing (Joh_6:63). For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. This is one of the very numerous “texts” which have been first misinterpreted and have then been made, for whole centuries, the bases of erroneous systems. On this text more than any other, Origen (false teacher), followed by the exegetes of a thousand years, built his dogma that the Scripture must be interpreted allegorically, not literally, because “the letter” of the Bible kills. The misinterpretation is extravagantly inexcusable, and, like many others, arose solely from rending words away from their context and so reading new senses into them. The contrast is not between “the outward” and the inward sense of Scripture at all. “The letter” refers exclusively to “the Law,” and therefore has so little reference to “the Bible” that it was written before most of the New Testament existed, and only touches on a small portion of the Old Testament. Killeth. Two questions arise.

(1) What and whom does it kill? And

(2) how does it kill?

The answers seem to be that

(1) the letter—the Law regarded as an outward letter—passes the sentence of death on those who disobey it. It says, “He who doeth these things shall live in them;” and therefore implies, as well as often says, that he who disobeys them shall be cut off. It is, therefore, a deathful menace. For none can obey this Law with perfect obedience. And

(2) the sting of death being sin, the Law kills by directly leading to sin, in that it stirs into existence the principle of concupiscence (Rom_7:7-11; 1Co_15:56; Gal_3:10, Gal_3:21). But the spirit giveth life. This contrast between a dead and a living covenant is fundamental, and especially in the writings of St. Paul (Rom_2:27-29; Rom_7:6; Rom_8:11; Gal_5:8; 1Co_15:45). The Law stones the adulteress; the gospel says to her, “Go, and sin no more.”

2Co_3:7

The ministration of death. The ministration, that is, of the Law, of “the letter which killeth.” St. Paul here begins one of the arguments a minori ad majus which are the very basis of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Written and engraven in stones; literally, engraved in letters on stones (Exo_31:18). The reference shows that, in speaking of “the letter,” St. Paul was only thinking of the Mosaic Law, and indeed specifically of the Decalogue. Was glorious; literally, occurred in glory, or, proved itself glorious. In itself the Law was “holy, just, and good” (Rom_7:12), and given “at the disposition of angels” (Act_7:53); and its transitory glory was illustrated by the lustre which the face of Moses caught by reflection from his intercourse with God (Exo_24:16).”

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Abiding

A Fresh Look at Jesus’ 7 Letters to the Churches [podcast]


Did Jesus tell even one of the seven churches He addressed that they are as sure for Heaven as if they were already there due to being initially saved by Him?

Did Jesus give conditions for being with Him in eternal glory?

Can someone please help me figure out where un-conditional eternal security/OSAS fits in with the 7 letters of Jesus to the churches of Asia? Is it anywhere mentioned? No.

Can anyone find OSAS/eternal security in Jesus’ 7 letters to CHURCHES in Revelation 2 and 3? No. No such thing. Instead He gives conditions to overcome, to endure to the end, to abide, remain, and continue in Christ, in faith and obedience.

No such thing as “eternal security” in Christ’s kingdom until AFTER you are in Heaven. Such heresy is the bait of Satan as it was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17 > 3:4). Only moral cowards who make excuse for sin instead of being crucified with Christ daily as Jesus commanded. Bite on this bait (Luke 9:23-25). Eternal hell awaits. Time to repent and get “honest” (Luke 8:15).

Satan’s First Doctrine is a Lie. Yet Many Claim it’s Part of the Gospel of Jesus. Beware of these Wolves.

No such thing as a born again AND presently abiding saint who is not fruitful, who is not bearing good fruit. Otherwise why did Jesus instruct His people to know themselves and others “by their fruit”? See Matthew 7:16, 19. Such a notion as is heretical. Anyone who Jesus saves and then they don’t endure to the end, they don’t continue abiding in Christ, is no longer the LORD’s and going to hell. Read John 15:1-6 and stop believing the Devil’s very first lie—OSAS (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

“If a man abide (continue, remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6

WHEN YOU ARE IN YOUR MIND beginning to make excuse for sin, you KNOW it’s your un-crucified flesh and Satan that are in control. You know then that repentance, re-turning to the LORD who is Holy, is necessary.

“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

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

When you are tempted to believe in the satanic heresy of “eternal security,” otherwise known as “once saved always saved (OSAS),” you know SATAN is seeking to seduce you (Genesis 2:17; 3:14).

Concerning these 7 letters of Jesus to the churches, one source notes the following:

“Revelation chapters 2 and 3 contain seven individual messages from Jesus Christ to seven historical churches in Asia Minor. The letters share a common pattern: an address to the church’s angel, a description of Christ, an evaluation of the church’s spiritual state, a call to repentance or perseverance, and a promise to those who overcome.”

Overview of the Letters

  • Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, and Laodicea receive direct rebukes for forsaking their first love, tolerating false teachings, dead orthodoxy, or lukewarmness, alongside urgent calls to repent.
  • Smyrna and Philadelphia face intense tribulation or persecution yet receive no rebuke, and are encouraged to hold fast to their faith. 
  • Promises to Overcomers: Each letter concludes with eternal assurances for “him that overcometh” such as the tree of life (Revelation 2:7), the crown of life (Revelation 2:10), and exemption from the second death (Revelation 2:11).

    The Notion of Eternal Security Expelled

    Some interpret the repeated conditional commands to “overcome” and “hold fast” as evidence that eternal salvation requires ongoing faithfulness and endurance to the end, suggesting that warnings against unrepentance involve real spiritual risk rather than unconditional security.”

    For Example, Jesus’ letter to the church at Sardis:

    “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
    2  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
    3  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
    4  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.
    5  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.
    6  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:1-6

    Also:

    “… confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

    “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved …. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22; 24:13

    Concerning Jesus’ 7 Letters and OSAS, once commentator notes:

    “The seven letters of Jesus in Revelation 2-3 challenge absolute eternal security (“once saved, always saved”) by repeatedly commanding repentance, warning believers that unfaithfulness carries severe consequences, and conditioning eternal promises on actual endurance. 

    Warnings and Conditions in the Letters

    • Ephesus: Jesus warns that if the church does not repent for leaving its first love, He will “remove thy candlestick out of his place” (Revelation 2:5). [1]
    • Smyrna & Philadelphia: The promise of the crown of life and inclusion is explicitly tied to being “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10) and holding fast what they have “that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11). 
    • Thyatira: Jesus warns He will cast those committing adultery into great tribulation and will “kill her children with death” (Revelation 2:22-23). 
    • Sardis: Jesus tells those who do not watch that He will come upon them “as a thief” (Revelation 3:3).
    • Laodicea: The lukewarm church is threatened with rejection: “I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16). 

      The Promise to the Overcomer

      • In every letter, rewards like eating from the tree of life or being clothed in white raiment are promised specifically “to him that overcometh” (Revelation 2:7, 3:5).
      • Supporters of eternal security point to Christ’s assurance in Sardis—“I will not blot out his name out of the book of life” (Revelation 3:5)—as proof of permanent keeping, while critics argue the conditional phrasing implies names can be blotted out for failing to overcome.”

      The Return of Jesus

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      Apostasy

      “Warn them from Me”: The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast]

      The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast]


      Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4).

      PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach

      “Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28

      Did you catch what the apostle Paul did to prepare the church to meet Christ?

      • Preach
      • WARN
      • Teach

      Any man not guarding, not protecting Christ’s flock, by warning of false teachers and false doctrine, is himself a wolf!

      Simply put, it doesn’t matter what you think: The LORD has commanded that Satan’s ministers, his human emissaries, be exposed. Time to shut up and obey! (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)

      Lest someone think that warning is a cover for slander, let’s address that.

      There is a difference between warning and slander. Warning is to be distinguished from slander. William Penn said it correctly when he recorded these words of wisdom:

      “Believe nothing against another but on good authority; and never report what may hurt another, unless it be a greater hurt to some other to conceal it.” ~William Penn

      The love of God in us will compel us to warn. Firstly this is done in obedience to the LORD and for the protection and care of those being warned. Warning is divinely mandated in order to protect His beloved sheep.

      2 Corinthians 5:9-11, 14-21

      “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. … 14 For the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15  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. 16  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

      “The Apostle had arrived at the deliberate conclusion and judgment that the ‘all’ who realized what Christ had done for them (and he among them) must live with as much devotion toward Him as others toward themselves. A new world had been opened by Christ’s resurrection. All things had become new. Let us live in daily touch with that world of faith and glory, refusing to be judged by the old standards. It is clear that the reconciliation of the world is as complete as God can make it, but it is for us to urge men to fall in with and accept God’s proposals.” FB Meyer

      “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we the more earnestly persuade men to seek his favour; and as God knoweth this, so, I trust, ye know it in your own consciences.” John Wesley

      It’s a blessing to be humbled, to be brought low. Sometimes we need to be embarrassed (Proverbs 6:23). There’s a place for it. Paul openly rebuked Peter publicly (Galatians 2). That wound worked to the glory of God and the eternal good of Peter.

      “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” Romans 6:23 

      Keep in mind that each one of us are at times in need of being admonished, corrected, or even rebuked…. it’s “the way of life” as long as we are in this world and it’s out of the love of our God and for our own eternal good.

      “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19

      Did God command us to warn the wicked?

      Ezekiel 3:7 “Warn them from me.”

      “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and WARN THEM FROM ME.” Ezekiel 33:7

      What would you think of the father who lived on a busy street and refused to warn his children to stay away from that street?

      “Whom we PREACH, WARNing every man, and TEACHing every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28

      Were Jesus, His prophets, and apostles trying to harm the body of Christ when they often warned of and exposed wolves and their false teachings by name? No, he sought to get the cancer out of the body of Christ so it couldn’t spread (Romans 16:17-18, etc.). Beware of the wolf defenders who refuse to believe the wolves they follow are antichrist enemies of the LORD (2 John 10-11).

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

      Most warnings in God’s Word are to the backslidden – those who after being Christ’s, have departed from the faith – and also the counterfeits who have a mere form of godliness.

      Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

      Isaiah 59

      “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 3  For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. 4  None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.”

      “Thy prophets (leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered (uncovered) thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (bondage); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.” Lamentation 2:14

      God instructed us to “mark” false leaders. Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the sheep and intends for them to be protected from being lured away (Hebrews 13:20; Romans 16:17-18).

      “Christians do not judge the world. Christians must judge those who SAY they live for Christ. Wolves will not spare the flock where pretenders go unchallenged/unjudged.” Robert Lorne

      Paul had the heart of the Savior as we should. He cried “with tears” for three years day and night over the protection of Jesus’ sheep and said He gave them all the counsel of God, not just some of it, to protect them (Acts 20:20-32).

      Ignoring and deciding we are going to selectively pick out what we want to preach and reject the rest that WE don’t like is anything but the cross. This reveals the heart of a self-serving tare. A person truly in the cross says LORD, “NOT my will but thine be done,” and not “I’ll decide for myself what I’m going to preach” (Luke 22:42).

      “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them.” Ephesians 5:11

      After promising that we are His and we shall be persecuted as He was, then our LORD informs us that He is going to expose darkness and that we are to be a part of this process as we stand and speak His His light of truth into the darkness of our day. And to fear not anyone except Him (v 26-28).

      “Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:26-28 

      Jesus instructed us to know that He will bring all darkness, every dark deed and evil doer into the light (v26), and told us to shout it, to expose it to all from the housetops (v27), and to do so fearlessly as concerns mere sinful men – the guilty ones who will persecute you for exposing them (v28).

      How are we to warn them? what is to be our disposition in warning others as the LORD commanded? One thing we should keep in mind is that God wants us dealing biblically – with the desire to restore – and without personal wrath (Galatians 6:1-2).

      “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20

      It’s a scary thing to NOT warn the wicked….

      “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to WARN the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18

      “And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 22-23

      Read these 2 verses closely. Notice how if you die in sin – no matter what your past relationship with God was – you are going to hell irrevocably. Enduring to the end of your life on earth with Christ, in an abiding relationship, is essential to eternal glory. Summation: The LORD judges people on their spiritual state at the moment of death. Share. Repent now heretic. 

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      Mission Mexico Part 45

      BELOVED JUAN, upon being handed a Jesus tract and having God’s Word spoken to him … was startled and asked “Why did you give me this and not the man who was walking right in front of me?” I said it was “God. He loves you.” Juan knew this before I shared this with Him. He is very aware that God is calling him.

      Our LORD interrupted Juan’s day – because He desires to bless his life.

      Juan is searching and he knows he must repent. Very sincere man who is struggling and needs our prayers. He knows he needs to be saved and just isn’t quite ready. Yet we know our LORD has that moment for him.

      Juan and I had a rather lengthy man to man talk. He was very open and fully bilingual. Juan was given Scripture and encouraged to know that God is going to change his heart and desires when he repents and puts his faith in Christ. Matthew 6:33 was given to him, spoken verbatim, etc.

      Juan has a Christian friend he said he’s been knowing he needs to go meet with. Juan was encouraged to tell his Christian friend “I am ready to surrender my life to Jesus.” He was also added to the Spanish Christian WA Whatsapp group in order for him to be introduced to and be able to connect with Christ’s saints here in Mexico. Several of the Mexican Christians are interacting with Juan already!

      He is already surrounded by God’s love via God’s people.

      Juan is on the edge of surrendering/repenting beloved saints. You know where he is because we were all there before Jesus orchestrated our salvation, before He found, saved us, right. Juan was asked if he’d like you to be lifting him in prayer and he readily accepted that offer.

      Salvation is the miracle that our LORD Jesus alone can do (Matthew 9:6; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

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

      Thanks for lifting Juan in prayer.

      Mission Mexico – needs your prayers and support.


      “Praise be to God in Christ Jesus! Not sure how I missed this email until now, but am thanking God in the Spirit for such wonderful news! May the LORD keep you and watch over you as you fulfill the great commission 🙏 Matt. 28:18-20” Jon Crane | Mission Mexico


      “Thankful for your ministry who feed the remnant of Christ! Jer 3:15. These pastors in these apostate churches starve people! Because they cater to their flesh! The remnant believers want to the whole counsel of God’s word (Jude 3). Appreciate all you do to bring us the pure words of the Lord! It saddens me that more do not support.” Karen Cochran


      This week I found out by asking Clara that she cooks her food for her children and herself using firewood. Primitive for sure. Never a slight complaint. She does have electricity in her home and when asked she told me her refrigerator just died. Here’s what I am trying to do to help her. Get her an electric double burner, a crock pot, and a refrigerator. Please pray saints. Haven’t priced things yet but was thinking about $500 will do it. | Clara’s Cry

      Most importantly, Clara and her 3 young boys each now have a Spanish Bible. You are welcome to help. See SUPPORT/DONATE page.


      Brother Antonio is a blessing. After we had some fellowship he gladly took some of the JESUS tracts to distribute. I will be dropping by to see him more soon, LORD willing. Would you like to lift our brother in prayer according to Colossians 4:12?


      THIS WEEK picked up fresh supply of 20,000 Jesus tracts.

      WE BROUGHT SISTER MARIA A FRESH SUPPLY. SHE HAD RUN OUT OF JESUS TRACTS ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO!!!

      When we arrived to minister to her, to refresh and fellowship with her and re-supply her tracts supply…. she looked exhausted.

      She was revived, her smile and joy returned as we fellowshipped with her and read Scripture with her, etc.

      Jesus is coming.

      Support Mission Mexico here – takes seconds. 1-time or sustaining support.


      FROM KAREN COCHRAN:

      “And they (the Mexican people) are so open to the gospel. When I worked with Children I shared the gospel with them and their hearts were completely open and teachable. And Jesus says our entrance into heaven requires us to be childlike! A childlike faith! Humble, dependent and teachable. Mat 18:1-4.” Karen

      REPLY:

      Amazing reception of children to the Gospel wow yes

      Love it

      Perfect illustration of the Mexican people.

      The “SHEAVES” await the harvesters in Mexico (Psalms 126:5-6).

      To say it’s a field day is a gross understatement.

      THANK YOU FOR SAYING WITH YOUR PRAYERS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT THAT THESE PRECIOUS PEOPLE MATTER. KNOW THIS: THERE MAY VERY WELL BE NO PEOPLE MORE MEEK AND RECEPTIVE OF OUR LORD’S GOSPEL ON HIS PLANET, EARTH.

      Mission Mexico


      MESSAGE FROM SISTER KAREN COCHRAN:

      “As I was writing this, I was thinking isn’t this exactly how the Mexican people are? Childlike!

      When you were following God’s calling on your life, to go to Mexico, did you ever imagine the huge gospel explosion that would ensue? Thousands upon thousands of gospel tracks going out. And as you said, zero refusal. But nearly 100 percent reception. Acts 19:20 “So mightly grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 13:49 “And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” And now you are ready to pick up 20,000 more Jesus Tracts! Gospel explosion! Alleluia! All Praise to our King Jesus who is growing the seeds you guys are planting!”

      REPLY:

      As we are faithful with the little He gave, gives us, He expands that, multiplies responsibilities right Matthew 25

      Year 1:  10k Jesus tracts distributed

      Year 2: 11k tracts distributed

      2 months into Year 3 with 41k Jesus tracts in print to date with hundreds going out daily.


      PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please bless my life to be fruitful for Your eternal glory this day, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


      MESSAGE RECEIVED:

      “Cops in the USA earn about $200k a year just to drive around and hassle law abiding citizens.”

      REPLY:

      This is 100% accurate concerning the Mexican police. They are there to protect the people, not extort them. In the USA the police prey upon the people – to further stalk and rob them of more money.

      I am so glad to be now in beautiful Mexico. NONE of this. The cops here are not overpaid and simply exist to protect, not rob the people.



      Here’s one of the many precious eternal souls brother Juan ministered to this week: “Beloved brothers and sisters, please pray for Sister Catalina and her sister….” Juan


      “Greetings, brother, blessings. The blessed word says that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe it and you will receive it. So I believe in God’s promises, which are greater than our problems, and true freedom, brother, is being in God’s presence, and only Christ Jesus can give it to you. A big hug.” Juan

      More of brother Juan’s Gospel work in action. Here’s yet another precious soul our brother Juan is ministering Christ’s Gospel to!!! And your prayers and support make this possible saints. We are supporting the Gospel labourers Jesus instructed us to pray for and whom He has sent forth into the great harvest (Matthew 9:35-38).

      “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

      Mission Mexico Rolling!

       


      FROM BROTHER JON CRANE:

      “Thank you, brother  I lift you and others as well. Definitely see prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes.”

      REPLY:

      Yes Matt 24:14 most excitedly right…. Mark and I were blessed to evangelized about 80-100 bless-ed souls last evening with 99% receptivity. Amazing. God is good and He is hearing your petitions brother in Jesus’ name.


      More Mexico Mission Action here.

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

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


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

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