Abiding

The Most Obvious Sign that Jesus is Coming Soon! [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

What is the first thing on the list of signs of Christ’s return?

What was the very first sign Jesus gave us concerning and to mark His soon return? As you will now read in the passage below, Jesus’ answer was in response to the question of His disciples as to the sign preceding His return.

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:3-5

Coming “in the name” of Jesus doesn’t mean that one is truly of Christ. In many cases it simply means that someone is using Christ’s holy Name, His divine credibility, as a front to peddle wicked wares that do not belong to the Holy LORD Jesus Christ. These are the generation of wicked religious hypocrites Christ severely rebuked while on earth (Matthew 23, etc.). They profess one thing and do another.

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

Satan has his own “ministers” and they are in our midst pretending to represent Christ (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). How can we know the difference between those who are truly Christ’s and the pretenders who are devouring wolves? We must discern, we must “prove (test) all things” against the written Word as did the Berean disciples, and only hold to that which is biblical, rejecting that which isn’t (Acts 17:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Jesus foretold that the proliferation of false prophets would be the most prominent, the most obvious sign of His return (Matthew 24:3-5). Paul echoes this truth when he speaks of the exponential invasion of wolves in sheep’s clothing as the day of Christ nears.

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13

But what’s the deciding factor? How do we know who is “of God” and who is “not of God”? Great question which Jesus also answers:

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

Memorizing these words of Christ (above) will pay large dividends in your own discernment, your ability to weigh in the balance and decipher those who come in Christ’s Name. Also, this will be something you can share with other saints (Ezekiel 44:23; 1 Peter 3:15).

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

“Anyone that profits off of you being blind will never teach or inspire you to see.” unknown

Think of this in the context of how false teachers refuse to teach discernment (Ezekiel 44:23). Any man pretending to lead for Christ who doesn’t warn you about the “MANY false prophets,” is himself a false prophet (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, etc.).

Those who do not love God and therefore do not love the truth, will be deceived.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Another Jesus, Another Spirit, Another Gospel

For our protection, our preservation, the Holy Spirit through Paul the apostle is warning us here about those who do not preach the whole counsel of the original Gospel but rather preach “another Jesus” fueled by “another spirit” to preach “another gospel.”

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4

Recap of this passage above: Beware of those who preach:

“another Jesus” – one who doesn’t require repentance and the daily cross (Luke 13:3; 9:23-24).
“another spirit” – evil spirits who perpetrate their “doctrines of devils.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
“another gospel” – false doctrine, half truths, not the whole of the message of Christ and His holy apostles (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 4:2-4; Jude 3-4, etc.).

“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

False leaders deceive their prey by misleading them via false teaching and actions not consistent with holy Scripture concerning servant leaders. | Beware of the Nicolaitan Wolves Today

Stolen allegiance is the order of the day in the apostate modern church world (Colossians 2). Satan has come to perform pure evil against mankind which is created in the image of God. The Bible informs us that he “walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil, the arch enemy of our LORD, aggressively seeks whom he will be allowed to steal from, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10;1 Peter 5:8). Only those who are truly, authentically grounded in Christ and the cross, will survive and thrive (Colossians 3:1-4, etc.). There’s only one place to be “hid with Christ in God” from this vile enemy.

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Regrettably, this enemy of all souls owns the hearts and minds of most in ministry today in this late hour of prophesied great apostasy (Isaiah 56:8-12; Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 23; 2 Peter 2; Jude 1, etc.).

MINISTRY which pleases God includes endeavoring to preach the whole counsel of His Word, helping people know and grow in Christ for themselves – by the cross life and getting into HIS Word for themselves so they can follow HIM, not you! (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5; 10-12, etc.). True ministry always fosters in the hearers faith in God, not the preacher or local church organization! Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5.

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5

False leaders today have people trained to look for little coping bandaids, things that profit their immediate situation yet squandering their present and future state. The false leaders today can be known by their messages which coddle their prey in their sin, never calling them to true repentance, to the cross, to a holy, separated life, etc. The result is that these people want nothing to do with a Bible message, a message that is actually Bible-intensive. And this is exactly why these shallow dwellers are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).

2 Timothy 3 and 4 speak prophetically to this phenomenon. Read it.

Scarcely do we see an elder today calling God’s people to true repentance, to lay down our lives in this world, deny self and take up the cross daily, and rooting and grounding them in a daily, humble, Bible-devouring walk with Jesus.

If you don’t hear the following Bible truths coming from the mouth of your pastor, you know he’s one of the “many false prophets” our LORD and His holy apostles warned us about (Matthew 7:13-29; 24:3-5, 11; 1 John 4:1, etc.). These following Bible words prove a man is preaching the original Gospel or a false gospel, “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9). Are you regularly hearing these words, these cardinal doctrines of the historic Christian faith?

Repentance (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Revelation 2:4-5, etc.)
God created us to know Him and without this knowledge, this relationship, there is no salvation (John 17:3; Philippians 3:10, etc.)
Holiness (Psalms 4:3; Isaiah 6:3; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16, etc.)
The daily cross, the crucified life (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Colossians 3:3; Galatians 2:20; 5:24)
Fearing God (Psalms 2:11; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Luke 12:4-5; Romans 11:20-22, etc.)
Salvation is conditional, not un-conditional (Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Joshua 24:15; Luke 8:13; Romans 11:20-22; Hebrews 2:3; 3:12-15; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 2-3, etc.)
The essential of obedience to the Word of God (Deuteronomy 13:4; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4; Revelation 2:26, etc.)
Purity of heart (Psalms 51; 139:23-24; Matthew 5:8)
Seeking God with a whole heart (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 5:6; 6:33, etc.)
Ready for the return of Jesus (Matthew 24: Luke 21:34-36; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 3:3; Revelation 2-3, etc.)

If you really want the presence of the LORD in your life you must obey Him, walking in an abiding relationship with Christ as He instructed in John 15. Also, read John 14:15, 21-23. The false teachers today want you to believe that you can go into a room and “soak” in the presence of God and that He’s going to consume you. They’ve led a whole generation of fruitless Christians to believe and practice and expect this heretical concept. It’s not working and never will because God doesn’t change and men who don’t meet HIS stated conditions will be fruitless and perish (Psalms 107:17; Jeremiah 5:25, etc.). Jesus taught that God is going to manifest Himself into your personal life as you obey Him, as you deny self, take up the cross daily, and walk with Him daily (Luke 9:23-24, etc.). Those who are crucified with Christ will be filled with the resurrection presence of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

So in not teaching what Jesus taught, false leaders today have betrayed the LORD and are leading a generation of counterfeits to eternal damnation.

“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” Proverbs 30:12

Jesus commands you to lay down your life – to live a crucified life, raised up by Him. Yet, false leaders make it all about their church and their church services and not about a grounded life in Christ daily… they are not interested in seeing Christ’s saints rooted and grounded in sound biblical doctrine and the daily cross walk, abiding in Christ…

The LORD holds “the leaders of this people” responsible and also those who bid God speed to them – support and patronize them (2 John 10-11).

“For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts. 14 Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day. 15 The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. 16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:13-16

What I Look for Personally

Words such as “born again,” “Jesus Christ,” “Jesus is coming,” or “washed in the blood” are not just Christian buzz words or “Christianese” as some call it. No, these are cardinal biblical truths which only proceed out of the mouth of true disciples of Christ.

Jesus told us that what’s in the hearts of men will be witnessed in that which proceeds from their mouths.

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34

So there are two classes of people we must discern – Those who come in Christ’s Name and also, those who come in the name of “spirituality.” The latter is the easier to discern of the two because the New Agers among us don’t claim Jesus Christ verbatim and yet they do claim things like “Christ consciousness”…f

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11

ANY and all spirituality that is not soaked in the holy name and blood of Jesus Christ, is diabolical, a cheap counterfeit which doesn’t even qualify to be called a ban daid.

“Beware of false prophets” saints (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, etc.).

Coming in the name of Jesus Christ means coming in His authority rather than coming pretending to be His representative, hiding behind His holy Name.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

John Wesley on Exodus 20:7 and taking the LORD’s name in vain:

“Exodus 20:7 The third commandment is concerning the manner of our worship; Where we have,
[1.] A strict prohibition. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain – Supposing that, having taken Jehovah for their God, they would make mention of his name, this command gives a caution not to mention it in vain, and it is still as needful as ever. We take God’s name in vain, First, By hypocrisy, making profession of God’s name, but not living up to that profession. Secondly, By covenant breaking. If we make promises to God, and perform not to the Lord our vows, we take his name in vain. Thirdly, By rash swearing, mentioning the name of God, or any of his attributes, in the form of an oath, without any just occasion for it, but to no purpose, or to no good purpose. Fourthly, By false – swearing, which some think is chiefly intended in the letter of the commandment. Fifthly, By using the name of God lightly and carelessly. The profanation of the form of devotion is forbidden, as well as the profanation of the forms of swearing; as also, the profanation of any of those things whereby God makes himself known. For the Lord will not hold him guiltless – Magistrates that punish other offences, may not think themselves concerned to take notice of this; but God, who is jealous for his honour, will not connive at it. The sinner may perhaps hold himself guiltless, and think there is no harm in it; to obviate which suggestion, the threatening is thus expressed, God will not hold him guiltless – But more is implied, that God will himself be the avenger of those that take his name in vain; and they will find it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

Adam Clarke on taking the name of the LORD in vain:

“Exodus 20:7 ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain’ – This precept not only forbids all false oaths, but all common swearing where the name of God is used, or where he is appealed to as a witness of the truth. It also necessarily forbids all light and irreverent mention of God, or any of his attributes; and this the original word לשוא lashshav particularly imports: and we may safely add to all these, that every prayer, ejaculation, etc., that is not accompanied with deep reverence and the genuine spirit of piety, is here condemned also. In how many thousands of instances is this commandment broken in the prayers, whether read or extempore, of inconsiderate, bold, and presumptuous worshippers! And how few are there who do not break it, both in their public and private devotions! How low is piety when we are obliged in order to escape damnation, to pray to God to “pardon the sins of our holy things!” Even heathens thought that the names of their gods should be treated with reverence. Παντως μεν δη καλον επι ηδευμα, θεων ονοματα μη χραινειν ῥᾳδιως, εχοντα ὡς εχουσιν ἡμων ἑκαστοτε τα πολλα οἱ πλειστοι καθαροτητος τε και ἁγνειας τα περι τους θεους. “It is most undoubtedly right not easily to pollute the names of the gods, using them as we do common names; but to watch with purity and holiness all things belonging to the gods.”

The Lord will not hold him guiltless, etc. – Whatever the person himself may think or hope, however he may plead in his own behalf, and say he intends no evil, etc.; if he in any of the above ways, or in any other way, takes the name of God in vain, God will not hold him guiltless – he will account him guilty and punish him for it. Is it necessary to say to any truly spiritual mind, that all such interjections as O God! my God! good God! good Heavens! etc., etc., are formal positive breaches of this law? How many who pass for Christians are highly criminal here!”

“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:5

This warning of Jesus not only refers to those who come saying they are the Christ but more insidiously, those who come using His Name in vain to peddle their wicked heretical wares.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for creating me, finding me in my sin, and saving me into Your eternal family by the perfect sacrifice of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. I love You dear Father. I love You Jesus. Please cause my heart to be a heart of flesh and extremely sensitive to Your leading, discernment, conviction, and wisdom. Please use me to serve, to love, to minister to Your people as we earnestly prepare with great expectation Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, amen.

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Antichrists Among Us [podcast]

Paul’s Prophetic Vision of Heretical Wolves Flooding the Church World During the Whole New Testament Era [podcast]

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Abiding

“Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear [podcast]

Fear Stifles and Stains our Lives – “Fear hath Torment”

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4

Fear, hides, it lurks, and it controls us until it is dealt with. It seems to me that we have little knowledge yet of how fear has controlled us the whole of our lives. Today is the day of salvation, deliverance from the evil of fear.

“How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.” Florence Nightingale

Fear stifles and robs.

One study Bible note says:

“Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Each of us has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another – fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But we can conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the Lord who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember with the psalmist that “the Lord is my light and my salvation.”

“Fear hath torment.” The quality of life God intends you to enjoy with Him is spoiled by fear. “fear hath torment.” Did He provide the solution in Christ? Yes. His “perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.” Notice below is this golden passage of Holy Writ that oneness with the LORD who “is love” is when all fear is vanquished from our lives (John 17). This disciple would like to invite and to encourage you to pour over this passage prayerfully and to make it part of your life from today forward. You will want to share it with others also.

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18

Did you note in this passage above that the eradication of fear is God’s will not only for now but also for all eternity? | Why We Need not Fear Death

You can’t conjure up boldness, conviction, valiancy. It must come out of the cross life, the crucified life with Christ – from which all fear is vanquished (Romans 6; 1 John 4:16-18). Then we know that “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)

Someone has rightly stated: “Fear is the currency of control.”

“O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction…” Jeremiah 16:19

The struggles and fallen sinful nature of this world should lay us at the feet of Christ. There are many things that can cause us to fear and yet, we run to our LORD who is our refuge and our fortress and we don’t run to the world for a mood drug or psychobabble, etc.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10

Notice in the verse above that the God fearing man does not run to the world, to a mood drug, to a “fix” that mere sinful man offers, but rather He runs to the LORD!

We we are experiencing worrying, anxiety, and fear, that simply means that we need to repent and draw nigh to our God and He will draw nigh to us and all fear will be vanquished. Beware of the coping mechanisms beloved!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

It’s one thing to know this verse above and yet another to truly, diligently, daily be seeking the face of the LORD. Memorizing and meditating upon and declaring this one below has helped this lowly disciple immensely!

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

When a man truly fears the LORD, that man doesn’t run to the world to find a coping mechanism because that man seeks the LORD continually and is continually filled with His Holy Spirit and the corresponding fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23).

Why do we fear?

“People fear because their faith is in self, not in God. Therefore they try and meet their own needs. Matt. 6:33 says when we make God’s kingdom and His righteousness a priority He will meet our needs.” Karen Cochran

Read Psalm 1 every day this week! Pray before you begin beloved of the LORD …. and realize that He loves you more than you can possibly fathom!

The only way to know true love is to know God via the Son of His love – Jesus Christ – who in the greatest act of love ever, came and died for us, sinners.

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

Here are 2 more passages that clearly reveal that the LORD loves His people immensely:

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” Psalms 139:17-18

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:1-2

MESSAGE:

“Can you guys pray for my anxiety, it’s amped up at the moment. Thank you so much.”

REPLY:

Who’s battling anxiety, fear? Divine prescription: Memorize Proverbs 1:33 and meditate on it. King James Bible as always. Also pour prayerfully over 1 John 4:16-18 and worship Him afresh beloved!!!! Jesus Christ is LORD. Write out Proverbs 1:33 (KJB) on an index card. Begin pouring over it, reading it prayerfully. Memorize it. Meditate upon it. As the song says, “ALL fear is gone”!

As the Hymn Says “ALL Fear is Gone”

Deliverance from all fear happens from the inside out according to 1 John 4:16-18 and Proverbs 1:33 etc.

ARE YOU bound by fear? What’s the source? Not God because “God hath NOT give us the spirit of fear.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Denounce the fear verbally and ask God to make you one with Him (John 17), to fill you with His love which eradicates all fear 1 John 4:18 …. Also, in prayer, denounce all fear and never say “I am a worry wart” ever again. Memorize Proverbs 1:33 and 2 Timothy 1:7. Search, meditate upon, and speak God’s Word (Joshua 1:8).

Internalize Proverbs 1:33 today. God is going to change your life forever. Especially by memorizing Proverbs 1:33 !!!!

Love this:

“Fear hath torment” ….

Take, ingest these 2 GosPills: Proverbs 1:33; 1 John 4:18 all fear vanquished.

As we read in 1 John 4:16-18, we see that intimacy with the LORD is the only answer to man’s fear and such is available exclusively and only to the children of God. May we learn to kiss the waves of fear which slam us against the Rock of ages who alone can and will vanquish them!

IF I am not truly seeking the face of the LORD, engaging daily in the life-giving abiding relationship He desires, I am simply going through religious motions, have a hardened heart, and a mere “form of godliness.” (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10; 2 Timothy 3:5) | Seeking God

“The chains of love are stronger than the chains of fear.” William Gurnall

Fear’s only cure is the love of God – us being made one with Him (John 17; 1 John 4:16-18). Pouring prayerfully over John 17 and 1 John 4:16-18 is a life-changer! Thank YOU Jesus! Asking the LORD to make you ONE with Him goes to the center of why Jesus came! (John 17:3).

Studies reveal that the vast majority of things we fear never come to pass.

After promising specifically that He is always going to provide the necessities for His children, protect them, and nourish them, Jesus says:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34

The Holy Spirit inspired the prophet Isaiah to pen these wonderful words:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

Fear is not of God but rather comes by an evil spirit – “the spirit of fear.“

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“We have to move out of our spiritual boxes and abandon the doubt, the guilt, and the fear that constrict our souls. There’s a wideness in GOD’S mercy.” Liza Young

WHO to Fear and Who not to Fear

“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 10:28

Are Christians to Fear God?

“If you fear God, you really need fear nothing else.” Zac Poonen

Memory truth:

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

Prayer is communing with the LORD which causes all fear to be vanquished.

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

“I’m not afraid of the devil. He can’t handle the One to whom I’m joined.” AW Tozer

Are you facing fear today? Perhaps you are afraid of losing your job, of developing cancer or being left by your spouse. At times all of us experience fear. But don’t allow fear to keep you from being used by God. He has kept you thus far; trust Him for the rest of the way.” Woodrow Kroll

“Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.” Corrie Ten Boom

“Fear is something that we’ve all struggled with at some point in our lives. Whether it’s the fear that comes with a bad report from a doctor or a low bank account, or a more nameless fear of people and life in general, it can steal our joy and life. But it’s not supposed to be that way! God wants us to “fear not.” If you’re trying to overcome fear in your life, I pray that these quotes and verses will give you encouragement, faith, and renewed strength!” unknown

God wants His children “quiet from fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:33) Memorizing Proverbs 1:33 today from the King James Bible is a life changer.

The fear of evil is vanquished as we draw nigh to God in faith, truly trusting Him …

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

“We shall be quiet from the fear of evil, for no threatenings of evil shall penetrate into the high tower of God.” Hannah Whitall Smith

Seeking the LORD is always the answer. Getting delivered from “ALL” fear:

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4

Notice here that one must seek the LORD for deliverance from fear.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come now to You in the name of Jesus Christ my Master, King, and Savior. LORD, please forgive my sin of unbelief and for not seeking Your holy face continually. Here and now I turn to You afresh, openly admitting my own sin in repentance LORD. I now confess my sin of self-idolatry, asking You to forgive and wash me afresh in Thy blood LORD Jesus. Please establish my life in You, grounded in the faith of Your beautiful Gospel and identify and remove all fear from my life other than the fear of You. I ask You to make me one with You LORD, allowing me to dwell in an ever-deepening oneness with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"He that Loveth Pureness of Heart" [podcast]

IS YOUR HEART PURE BEFORE THE ALMIGHTY BELOVED? DO I truly love “pureness of heart”? “HE THAT LOVETH PURENESS OF HEART, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11 Without a pure heart, obtained from seeking, worshiping, knowing, and obey God …. no one “shall see God.” Not one. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 If you or I have every word of the Bible memorized and die today with a heart that is defiled with sin, we’d bust hell wide open – and be trapped there irrevocably […]

Judgment to Come Necessitates the Crucified Life [podcast]

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 In light of “eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:2), the apostle speaks here of his preparation for it. Paul knew that eternal damnation awaited him if he dared not keep under his body, to crucify the deeds of the body to “bring it into subjection” by the daily crucified life. Keeping under our bodies speaks of a continual essential. Keeping under means subduing the old man by crucifying it daily. “For if […]

Abiding

Jacob’s Ladder: What Does it Mean to Us? [podcast]

Jacob’s Ladder: What Does it Mean to Us?

Jacob’s ladder was a prophetic prefiguring of how God was going to open up access to His throne of saving, divinely enabling grace by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Jacob means supplanter, deceiver. To supplant means to displace another from what is theirs. It’s when someone or something takes the place of another, as through usurping force, scheming, strategy, or the like.

The sin, the work of the flesh called “emulations” in the New Testament Scriptures seems to best fit Jacob’s nature of striving to excel at the expense of others (Galatians 5:19-21). This is exactly what Jacob did to his brother Esau who as the elder brother, and as such, was supposed to receive the blessing of the firstborn son from their father (Isaac). Jacob cheated his older brother Esau out of the birthright which was due to the firstborn son, Esau (Genesis 27:36). Like Jacob, every born again believer has iniquitous tendencies that God graciously deals with and delivers us from, yet only as the saint continues, remains and abides in Christ (John 15).

Genesis 28:10-22

10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran (parched).
11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed (here God confirms the promise of Abraham, the Abrahamic covenant);
14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not (confirmation).
17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
21 So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Notice, “the LORD stood above it.” (v13) This speaks of Christ and how He is Creator and rules and reigns over all the earth and this is prophetic as to Heaven’s King coming to the earth to redeem mankind, paying the ransom price in full, redeeming the world, bridging the gap, as only He could do. No one else qualified because sinners can’t save or forgive sinners.

“The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.” Matthew 9:6

The ladder Jacob was shown in his dream speaks of the beautiful “access” to the Father and Son made possible via the perfect sacrifice, redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It reveals the work of Heaven, the work of God and His holy angels in the earth among men – to bring to Himself every “willing and obedient” soul “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” (Isaiah 1:19-20; John 1:12-13; Romans 11:25)

Christ Gave Us “Access”

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2

“For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:18

“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” Ephesians 3:12

Only Jesus Qualified to Stand in the Gap – to Bridge the Gap Sin had Caused, our Separation from God

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30

This ladder that was shown to Jacob, set up and extending from the earth to Heaven, Christ Himself peering over the top, expresses the “access” to Heaven’s saving grace and all that He died to purchase for His people! (Hebrews 4:14-16, etc.) Jesus Christ was the only One in history who qualified to pay the perfect price for the sins of the whole world – to bring us back to the Father! (Ezekiel 22:30; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:1-2, etc.).

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

William MacDonald on Jacob’s dream and ladder:

“At Bethel, Jacob had a wonderful dream in which he saw a ladder or staircase extending from earth to heaven. This suggested ‘the fact of a real, uninterrupted, and close communion between heaven and earth, and in particular between God in His glory and man in his solitude.’ … Believers even now can enjoy moment-by-moment fellowship with the Lord. At this time when Jacob’s heart was probably filled with regret for the past, loneliness in the present, and uncertainty about the future, God graciously made a covenant with him as He had with Abraham and Isaac. ‘I am with thee’; safety; I ‘will keep thee in all places whither thou goest’; guidance; ‘will bring thee again into this land’; personal guarantee; ‘I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.’” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p 64

As they were with God’s provisionary work in Jacob’s life, so angels are busy ministers of God in the lives of His New Testament saints. The words “angel” and “angels” appear 180 times in the New Testament. Here’s but a sampling:

“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

Adam Clarke on Jacob’s Ladder

“Genesis 28:12
He dreamed, and behold a ladder – A multitude of fanciful things have been spoken of Jacob’s vision of the ladder, and its signification. It might have several designs, as God chooses to accomplish the greatest number of ends by the fewest and simplest means possible. 1. It is very likely that its primary design was to point out the providence of God, by which he watches over and regulates all terrestrial things; for nothing is left to merely natural causes; a heavenly agency pervades, actuates, and directs all. In his present circumstances it was highly necessary that Jacob should have a clear and distinct view of this subject, that he might be the better prepared to meet all occurrences with the conviction that all was working together for his good. 2. It might be intended also to point out the intercourse between heaven and earth, and the connection of both worlds by the means of angelic ministry. That this is fact we learn from many histories in the Old Testament; and it is a doctrine that is unequivocally taught in the New: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 3. It was probably a type of Christ, in whom both worlds meet, and in whom the Divine and human nature are conjoined. The Ladder was set up on the Earth, and the Top of it reached to Heaven; for God was manifested in the Flesh, and in him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Nothing could be a more expressive emblem of the incarnation and its effects; Jesus Christ is the grand connecting medium between heaven and earth, and between God and man. By him God comes down to man; through him man ascends to God. It appears that our Lord applies the vision in this way himself, first, In that remarkable speech to Nathanael, Hereafter ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man, John 1:51. Secondly, in his speech to Thomas, John 14:6: I am the Way, and the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

Think about how Heaven was opened to fallen mankind when Jesus died on that cross, declaring that “It is finished” or the price for man’s sin was paid in full (John 19:30). The veil that separated man from a holy God was ripped in half, was parted, signifying that God had accomplished redemption in His Son and now has come out to meet each man on a personal basis for fellowship and communion. That’s the stated reason for the creation of mankind and why Jesus came to the earth (Exodus 25:8; John 17:3).

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

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

The veil that separated God and man was removed when Jesus died on the cross.

“And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” Mark 15:38

Jesus’ blood satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem, to buy back to Himself fallen mankind from sin.

“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.” 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21

FB Meyer on Jacob’s Ladder

“Genesis 28:10-22
JACOB’S VISION AT BETHEL
This is the Ladder chapter, in which a wayward, weak man is seen holding fellowship with the Eternal God, who loves us, notwithstanding our unworthiness, and desire to lead us into a life of power and blessedness. It is all wonderful! Notice the four Beholds! Gen_28:12-15. Sunset. Overtaken on a moor by the swift fall of the Oriental night, Jacob had no alternative than to sleep in the open. But he slept to see! Night. There is an open way between heaven and earth for each of us. The movement of the tide and circulation of the blood are not more regular than the inter-communication between heaven and earth. Jacob may have thought that God was local: now he found Him to be omnipresent. Every lonely spot was His house, filled with angels. Morning. Worship, consecration, the vows of God. Put down thy foot on God’s promises. He will do more than He has said. Thou shalt come to thy Father’s house in peace.”

In the night, in the darkest hour of his life, Jacob wrestled with the angel of the LORD and was subdued, was brought down to nothing, dead and buried (Genesis 32). This was the cross that preceded and must precede the resurrection.

Like Jacob, the man who is broken by God will walk with a limp of dependency for the remainder of his days on earth!

“One sign you’ve encountered God is you walk with a limp, not a strut.” unknown

Read Genesis 32.

“I would rather limp into to Heaven than walk into HELL!” Charles Pray

Christ is depicted here in this ladder from the earth to Heaven. Jesus Christ alone bridged the gap between Heaven and earth, the chasm caused by sin, at the fall of mankind in the Garden.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

Jacob’s ladder depicted here connecting Heaven and earth is not to be viewed as something we climb in order to merit or earn the favor, grace, mercy, salvation, and blessings of God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7). No, it seems to speak of the activity, the busy, active involvement of Heaven in the work of redemption concerning the operations of Christ’s kingdom on earth. This is what Jesus was speaking of when He spoke to Nathaniel:

“And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” John 1:51

When Jesus said these words it concerned Him and His ministry and mission on earth the first time He came. Thereafter it pertains to making good on His perfect salvation plan for mankind where now having accomplished redemption, He now reigns again in glory at His Father’s right hand, ever living to provide what He died to purchase! Books of Hebrews.

In this illustrative ladder from Heaven vision, God is saying that He will and is providing everything needed for everyone who desires to be His, straight from His holy throne in Heaven. The redemption that is Christ, the Word, the Holy Spirit, and His holy angels come to mind as agents of the redemption of Heaven working in the earth today.

As glory’s Great Intercessor, Jesus lives to provide what He died to purchase for His beloved people.

“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:24-26

Jacob’s ladder, Heaven opened to fallen mankind, is a type of Christ who is man’s only “way” to God, the only “Mediator” between God and man and to God, who is in Heaven.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5

Christ alone accomplished such blessed reconciliation for us and every blessing from God comes through our LORD Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20). So Jacob’s ladder is a type of Christ who is man’s only “way” to God, the only “Mediator between God and men” who is now in Heaven intercedoing for us on the right hand of His Father (Hebrews 7:24-26).

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

John Wesley on Jacob’s Ladder:

“Behold a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached heaven, the angels ascending and descending on it, and the Lord stood above it – This might represent The providence of God, by which there is a constant correspondence kept up between heaven and earth. The counsels of heaven are executed on earth, and the affairs of this earth are all known in heaven. Providence doth his work gradually and by steps; angels are employed as ministering spirits to serve all the designs of providence, and the wisdom of God is at the upper end of the ladder, directing all the motions of second causes to his glory. The angels are active spirits, continually ascending and descending; they rest not day nor night. They ascend to give account of what they have done, and to receive orders; and descend to execute the orders they have received. This vision gave seasonable comfort to Jacob, letting him know that he had both a good guide and good guard; that though he was to wander from his father’s house, yet he was the care of Providence, and the charge of the holy angels. The mediation of Christ. He is this ladder: the foot on earth in his human nature, the top in heaven in his divine nature; or the former is his humiliation, the latter is his exaltation. All the intercourse between heaven and earth since the fall is by this ladder. Christ is the way: all God’s favours come to us, and all our services come to him, by Christ. If God dwell with us, and we with him, it is by Christ: we have no way of getting to heaven but by this ladder; for the kind offices the angels do us, are all owing to Christ, who hath reconciled things on earth and things in heaven, Col_1:20.”

David W. Dyer on Jacob’s ladder:

“JACOB’S DREAM: While Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau, he spent a night in the wilderness. There he used a stone for a pillow. While he slept, he dreamed a wonderful dream. In the dream he saw “…a ladder set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Gen 28:12). When he woke up, he realized that this was a special place. He named it “Bethel” which means “the house of God.” You see, when we are truly being God’s house, when we are fulfilling the requirements of being in the Spirit and led by our Head, in that place and at that time the heavens are opened. The presence of God becomes real to us. We actually experience being the “house” or habitation of God in a corporate way – the “Bethel” of today. At these times there is truly an open heaven. The presence of God is very real. His authority or “throne” is known to us. Revelation, enlightenment, and spiritual understanding is occurring. Further, the ministering spirits, the angels, are coming and going – “ascending and descending” – bringing messages from the throne and perhaps “carrying” the praises and petitions of the members back with them. Of course we are describing something spiritual here with earthly words. Perhaps exact details of this angelic traffic cannot be known exactly. Yet, in such heavenly situations, the proximity of ministering angels is very real. Perhaps we are not very aware of it, but it is occurring. We, God’s people have the wonderful privilege of entering into His presence together. When we meet, we can enjoy an “open heaven” where the invisible things of His kingdom become real to us. As we enter into the Spirit together, the unimaginable wonders of Jesus and His will for us are available for us to possess. We, insignificant human beings, can enjoy the reality of being the habitation of the Most High God. May we never be satisfied with anything less!” Let My People God!

PRAYER: Father, we come to You now, in the name of Jesus Christ, our sole, our only access, ladder, way to You. Please teach us Your ways. Let us be truly crucified with Christ as we enjoy all the benefits You provided to us through Him. May our communion and fellowship with You and Your people be sweet, blessed, and fruitful to Your eternal glory as we eagerly look for Your soon return LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Christ Lives to Provide What He Died to Purchase

Glorious Savior: The Great Intercessor People, brothers in Christ confess their sins, their shortfalls, their faults to me often…. Yes those are sins per the Bible and yet, the mercy of God in Christ’s perfect sacrifice is greater than all our sin. This salvific truth is never so clear than when our LORD stated on the cross that “It is finished” and in the glorious book of Hebrews (John 19:30). His blood speaks in Heaven for us at the right hand of the Father!!!! YESSSSS JESUS WE LOVE YOU. Book of Hebrews beloved saints! We don’t have an expansive, a […]

What Happened when Moses Held Up His Hand? [podcast]

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How I Discovered the Corruption of the New Bible Versions: Personal Testimony [podcast]

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Abiding

“If God be For Us Who can be Against Us?” [podcast]

WHO is God truly “with”?

“And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and IF YE SEEK HIM, he will be found of you; but IF ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

What happens when one of His children deny Him?

“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Those who reject Him shall be rejected by Him. OSAS/eternal security is a fairy tale espoused by the moral cowards who refuse to serve God on HIS stated terms – repentance, faith, true worship, obedience, holiness, the crucified life, etc.

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew 10:14-15

Persecution and the Disciple of Jesus

1 Peter 4

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

Romans 8

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

God’s Everlasting Love

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“Romans 8:29: For whom he did foreknow, etc. – “In this and the following verse the apostle shows how our calling is an argument that all things work together to advance our eternal happiness, by showing the several steps which the wisdom and goodness of God have settled, in order to complete our salvation. In order to this he first gives us, in this verse, the foundation and finishing, or the beginning and end, of the scheme of our redemption: For whom God did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. To foreknow, here signifies to design before, or at the first forming of the scheme; to bestow the favor and privilege of being God’s people upon any set of men, Rom_11:2. This is the foundation or first step of our salvation; namely, the purpose and grace of God, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began, 2Ti_1:9. Then, he knew or favored us; for in this sense the word to know is taken in a great variety of places, both in the Old and New Testaments. And as he knew the Gentiles then, when the scheme was laid, and before any part of it was executed, consequently, in reference to the execution of this scheme, he foreknew us. This is the first step of our salvation, and the end or finishing of it is our conformity to the Son of God in eternal glory, Rom_8:17, which includes and supposes our moral conformity to him. When God knew us, at the forming of the Gospel scheme; or, when he intended to bestow on us the privilege of being his people; he then destinated or designed us to be conformed to the image of his Son; and, as he destinated or determined us then to this very high honor and happiness, he pre-destinated, fore-ordained, or pre-determined us to it. Thus we are to understand the foundation and finishing of the scheme of our salvation. The foundation is the foreknowledge, or gracious purpose of God; the finishing is our being joint heirs with Christ. Now, our calling or invitation (see on Rom_8:28 (note)) stands in connection with both these.” Adam Clarke

Hypocrisy, Persecutions, and Afflictions [podcast]

“True Christiany will cost a man favor of the world. He must be content to be thought ill of by man if he pleases God. He must count it no strange thing to be mocked, ridiculed, slandered, persecuted and even hated.” -J.C.Ryle If you don’t have people leaving you due to what you’re preaching, you’re not preaching the Gospel Christ’s preached. “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” John 6:66 Ministry work always comes with “much contention.” There is a devil and he has human agents. Jesus will settle every score, will […]

The Persecution Podcast [podcast]

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