Articles

The Original Gospel

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]

The Message of Our LORD and His Apostles

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-3

WE grossly misrepresent Christ when we present a gospel that is not according to that which we read on the pages of the 27-book New Testament Scriptures. An imbalance – over emphasizing and neglecting – is a misrepresentation of Christ! (Proverbs 11:1) Presenting an imbalance is perpetrating a false gospel!

Regrettably, most pastors today are not presenting the original Gospel in its organic context but rather “another gospel” which is a false gospel (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9).

According to God’s Word, Christians are to give to ministries, “that there may be meat (Biblical substance) in mine house”, not a watered-down version of the “gospel” (Mal. 3:10). At the expense of divine truth, many of our leaders endeavor to become a ‘hit’ with the crowds, while being disobedient to God and His holy calling to oversee the saints by continually declaring the original Gospel. Are we in the entertainment business, or like Noah, genuine “preachers of righteousness”? (2 Pet. 2:5) The God-fearing, who are hungry for more and more of the LORD (Matt. 5:6), do not come to corporate gatherings to be entertained, but rather to be convicted, rebuked, edified, filled, and washed by God’s Word. Yet, many times they leave empty and disappointed for the lack of Biblical substance. (John 17:17; 1 Pet. 2:2; Eph. 5:26)

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:” Amos 8:11

The LORD’s command to every person who administers the Gospel is: “PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2)

How committed, unswerving and faithful are you to the original Gospel the LORD has given you us – “once delivered to the saints”? (Jude 3)

How deep does it run inside you?

“When John Huss was about to be burned to death, they asked him to give up his teachings. Huss answered, ‘What I have taught with my lips, I now seal with my blood.’ That is courage.”~ George Sweeting

“Pillar and Ground of the Truth”

“The Bible is a revelation of the mind and will and character and being of an infinitely great, perfectly wise and absolutely holy God.” ~ R.A. Torrey

God’s people, called the Church and the Body of Christ, are divinely ordained to be the wellspring agency whereby God dispenses His truth in the earth to make Him known.

“…the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained (“good doctrine” is something to “attain to.”)” 1 Timothy 4:6

The LORD gave us the holy Scriptures to establish His truth in our hearts, to build and nourish our relationship with Him, and to discern the whiles of the devil, who would otherwise lead us astray (Ezekiel 44:23; John 5:39;20:31; Acts 20:28-32; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:12-4:5; 1 Peter 5:8).

“But we have this treasure (the Gospel of Jesus Christ, revealed in the written Word) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Old Testament and New Testament writings), Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Ephesians 2:19-20

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3

We can clearly conclude from the previous verses that the absence of the Scriptures causes the absence of God’s foundation. One major method of discerning a true or false leader/fellowship is not only what they do teach, but also what they do not teach. There are too many deceivers who purposely withhold essential biblical truths/Scripture texts in order to manipulate the minds of those who sit under their teachings. (Rom. 16:17-18) What you do not know could kill you spiritually (Hosea 4:6).

WHEN someone, anyone, including myself, chooses to teach something other than the Word of God, they’ve made a deliberate, un-sanctioned decision/choice to do so and are 100% guilty! We must “Teach no other doctrine” lest we be “accursed.” (1 Timothy 1:3; Galatians 1:6-9; Titus 2:1)

WHAT’s God’s Word tell us about those who preach ANY other gospel than the original Gospel?

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

Sound Doctrine is Essential!

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16

With personal “success” and the fear of man at heart, many are willing to sacrifice the “sound doctrine” God has commanded them to declare. (2 Tim. 1:13; 4:2-3; Tit. 2:1, 8) Most American church leaders purposely avoid controversial, yet Biblical truths, which would alienate some. Their hearts are set on winning friends and influencing people and building a large church, instead of pleasing the God to whom they give lip service. They are in the ministry to build their own kingdom instead of Christ’s (Philippians 3:17-20).

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth…” Joshua 1:8

In this chapter, we are dealing with this original Gospel of Jesus Christ in a general format, but in an upcoming volume we will discuss some of the forgotten teachings of the Bible, in which our neglect in tending to them is costing the saints of God more than this writer could possibly articulate.

“Every word of God is pure.” Proverbs 30:5

Make no mistake: We are not following Jesus Christ if we have exchanged His words for smooth and convenient doctrines that pander to the fleshly desires of sinful men and convey the image of a false god (Mark 8:38; 2 Tim. 4:2-5). This is the work of deceivers. Jesus warned:

“WHOSOEVER therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

Note the word “whosoever.” Jesus’ warning here applies to all. The preaching of God’s pure Word must be preserved. We must never exchange His ordained words for any other words, which add up to another message, “another gospel” (Gal. 1:6-9). God commanded “…speak…all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” (Jer. 26:2)

The punishment for taking away from (diminishing) or adding to God’s Words will be eternal damnation for those who choose such (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19).

“Sound Doctrine”

One mark of a true servant of God is that he will cause God’s people to understand His message/Word (Jer. 23:22). The genuine leader refuses to disciple people unto himself. He seeks to set the focus of those he is privileged to serve upon the Lord Almighty (Jn. 7:18; 2 Cor. 4:5).

We are called to be faithful to God and simply “preach the word,” just as it is written, just as He originally gave it to us. (2 Tim. 4:2; Jude 3)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there were certain men crept in unawares (secretly), who were of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license for sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4

Note the divinely-inspired phrase, “The faith which was once delivered to the saints.”

What I am calling ‘The Original Gospel’ is “The faith which was once delivered to the saints” which contains a set of foundational doctrines and is to be diligently contended for by all those who love Him. This faith was divinely ordained to be transmitted via words – God’s Words (Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23; James 1:18.) It is the divinely-breathed books, which make up the canon of Holy Scripture.

Let’s consider what God instructed His prophet Ezekiel to do:

“…eat (devour) this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll (Word) that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.” Ezekiel 3:1-4

“But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1

Why would anyone claiming to be a Bible-believing instructor want to deny and mislead others by withholding such vital data contained in the Word of the One they claim to be serving? Should not pulpits and Bible studies across this nation be led exclusively by men who are filled with God’s words flowing like a river from their mouths?

Does not real and authentic revival await such?

As the unchanging God we serve instructed His servant Ezekiel, so He instructs us today to “speak with my words unto them.” (Ezek. 3:4)

Different Words = A Different Gospel

“Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker?” Job 4:17

Perhaps we use our own words instead of God’s because we clearly do not fear Him. Could it be that we simply know not the One from whence we came and therefore do not genuinely honor Him in our hearts?

“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 (written Word) 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.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

The man who is true to God will allow God to speak for Himself by simply quoting “the oracles of God.”

Like deceivers of old, many today vainly suppose that they are wiser than their very Maker. They plainly demonstrate such brazen arrogance by using their own crafted words and those of others, to construct the image of a false god in the hearts of their hearers. Is this not exactly why biblical Christianity is becoming a rare commodity?

There has never been a day in which we need to hear the pure words of the LORD. The sources and supply of religious communications more abundant than in any other time in history, yet never has there been such an onslaught of false teaching and teachers, parading as true. This is why we must obey the LORD’s command to “Speak with my words unto them.” (Ezekiel 3:4)

“Preach the word.” 2 Timothy 4:2

If we don’t personally and thoroughly know God’s Word – which reveals the original Gospel – how can we possibly see the false modern gospel for what it is?

Replacement theology, which exchanges biblical words for neutered, sterile, and modern acceptable words, is the message of the false teachers and prophets of this last hour! They have learned a whole system of pleasing men. Be not deceived, these people are in our pulpits and write the books so many are reading. For example, the Bible calls men who have a sexual relationship with other men, “sodomites.” We seldom hear that word anymore except when we ourselves speak it. It has been replaced by terms that don’t reflect divinely ordained condemnation for this wickedness. Instead of “sodomy” and “sodomite,” we now use the words “gay” and “homosexual.” I do not want to partake of this dissimulation, which is a sin (Isa. 5:20-24). Do you? When speaking from the pulpit, instead of using the biblical word “Hell,” many now use the term “Christless eternity,” which never appears in Scripture. So, we are wiser than God, right?

“Ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.” Jeremiah 23:36

The Holy Spirit uses the divinely-breathed words He gave us in the holy Scriptures to etch the image of the one true God on the canvass of our hearts and in the hearts of all those who hear them. When we give undue attention to the words of mere men, we dilute or pervert His holy image. The words of the LORD are building blocks which construct His holy image in the hearts of His people. If we overly use the words and whims of mere men to preach another gospel, we erect the image of a false Christ, another Jesus, which is motivated by another spirit.

How many verbatim scriptures have you heard quoted from the pulpit you sit under?

“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…For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

“Manifestation of the Truth”

Here God tells us that those who preach “another Jesus” by “another spirit” and “another gospel” are “false apostles” and “deceitful workers.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

These replacement theology deceivers, who are so arrogant in heart as to believe that they can exchange and manipulate the words of the Almighty, are in our midst, even within the Church world (Acts 20:28-32).

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches.” Revelation 2:7

May God grant deep, true repentance and have mercy upon us for teaching a gospel that has not been crafted with His divinely-breathed words.

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation (uncovering) of the truth commending (representing) ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2

The Recorded “Vision”

So that you and I had His Word in tangible form, the LORD instructed His apostles and prophets of old to “Write the vision…” (Hab. 2:2).

One purpose of the written Word is surety and safety. Divine wisdom foreknew that the human heart is deceitful and therefore not reliable in determining divine truth (Jer. 17:9). God and His Word are constant – unchanging (Mal. 3:6; Isa. 40:8; Mk. 13:31). The words of the LORD never fail to provide those who search them with exactly what they need (2 Pet. 1:3-4; Ps. 119:89; Mk.13:31). The Holy Bible is literally the words of God written. In the holy “Scripture(s),” we possess “a more sure word,” and have not been left to depend upon “any private interpretation” from ourselves or mere men and their systems of religious philosophy. Many times the doctrines of men are designed and utilized to serve their own lusts and not the LORD (2 Pet. 1:19-21).

“O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Psalms 119:97

The magnitude of the blessing of owning a Bible is unspeakable and without sufficient words to begin to describe.

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalms 119:103

From the beginning, God sovereignly chose to utilize WORDS to convey His message to mankind. In fact, He condemned the use of statues or images to convey His nature and ways to His creation (Ex. 20:3-4; Deut 4). How could fallen and finite men possibly portray holy, infinite deity with the feeble works of their own mortal hands?

Words are the vehicle chosen by God to communicate His truth to us. He had Moses record WORDS. God even recorded some Himself. He instructed the prophet Habakkuk to “Write the vision…” (Hab. 2:2)

Some seek to disconnect God from His own words because they would rather concoct a “god” in the image that best fits their lifestyle so that they don’t have to change (repent). In contrast, the Heaven-bound disciple of Christ humbles himself and allows the Almighty to introduce Himself and then transmit to his heart who He is IN HIS OWN WORDS – the Bible.

Any person who looks to men, religion, Hollywood or any other source outside of God’s Word for their view or perspective of Him is devoid of divine wisdom concerning the ordained method of transmitting the image of the Holy One.

Do You Have A First or Second-Hand Knowledge of God?

Friend, do you have a first or second-hand knowledge of the LORD?

Jesus instructed us to have a first-hand knowledge of Him, in fact, this is why He came (Jn. 17:3). The Son of God charged us to “Search the scriptures” because He instructed that “they (the Scriptures) are they which testify of me.” (Jn. 5:39)

Beloved, do you personally possess a hunger for God’s Words so that you can know His truth for yourself? God’s prophet Jeremiah did.

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

The rich blessings that flow continually in the lives of those who daily search the Scriptures are unfathomable and abundant (Psalms 119; Acts 17:11, etc.). When we eat the words of God, that is, ingest them into our hearts, they produce great joy and rejoicing in us.

“he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15

Beloved, it is critical that we use the Word as the standard by which all doctrine and ministries are measured, first upon our own lives, then out from there, as we remain on the narrow road which leads to eternal life (Heb. 5:11-14).

“By reason of use” of the Word of God, we are to be have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14

There are unfortunately many who circulate within Christendom who make up their own rules. They do not walk according as the LORD has laid out in His Word. This is the manifestation of lawlessness – a cross-less life (Philippians 3:18-19). I am talking about those who claim to have gifts from God and do not bother with His Word, so are dangerous loose cannons and capable of bringing great harm (John 8:47; Psalms 119:104-105; 128). Many of these very men are household names in Christendom.

Are you personally being rooted and grounded in the original Gospel or are you being misled by the many wolves in sheep’s clothing Jesus and His holy apostles often warned us to “Beware of”? (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24; Colossians 2:4, 8; 2 Peter 3:17; Jude 3-4; 1 John 4:1)

One has no right operating in a so-called gift if he has not honored the One he claims gave the gift enough to study and know His Word.

Study closely and prayerfully the above text – Hebrews 5:11-14. Among many important things this passage conveys, the knowledge and use of the holy Scriptures to “discern bothgood and evil” is perhaps at the top of the list. Those who are not personally in the Word and using the Scriptures as the grid by which all is measured, simply cannot possess a deep level of discernment from the LORD. If someone claims to have a good degree of discernment and isn’t in the Word, this person is ‘flying by the seat of their pants’ and is like the man who “boasteth himself of a false gift” yet is “like clouds and wind without rain (void of substance).” (Prov. 25:14)

Beware of those who tout their gifts or office and yet are not rich in the Scriptures (1 Cor. 4:7). The person who is not rich in the eternal divine oracles, has no real spiritual substance and cannot possibly discern according to the LORD because he has not tended to the learning and daily obedience of the words of God. He has not counted the LORD important enough to study to show himself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and able (through studying and walking in the Word) to rightly divide the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15).

The believers at Berea “searched the scriptures daily” and were therefore blessed with divine nourishment in their hearts and divinely granted discernment (Acts 17:10-11; Rev. 3:18). Jesus is coming and surely He is instructing all who call Him LORD this way: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine…” (1 Tim. 4:13)

Could it be that Jesus is saying, “I am coming soon, give attendance to Me, Come unto Me in authentic prayer communion, search My words and learn of Me, and you will find rest and the richest of My blessings? I love you.”

“Christianity in a Box” or from the Bible?

As good students of the higher learning institutions of today’s apostate church world, many leaders read the fancily packaged books, commentaries, and writings of other men. The words and wisdom of mere men is what they have chosen to espouse. Many of these predators in our pulpits are engrossed in the latest fad writings and get their learning from these limited and subjective sources, instead of God’s Oracles, which He has magnified above even His name (Ps. 138:2; 1 Pet. 1:16-21). This is exactly the reason that there is so little substance or depth in the majority of leaders and their messages today. Instead of substance directly from the divine Source, we get the modern “lite” type of canned “Christianity” or “Christianity in a box” – a strand of “Christianity” filtered through and contaminated by several faulty vessels, instead of the pure and holy Gospel once given to the saints of all ages. The original Gospel of Christ was given us from God so we could know the Him intimately and personally for ourselves and not be relegated to the ideas and impurities of sinful men.

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7

If we were going to get our knowledge of the Almighty through men, would we not be infinitely benefited by looking to the men who truly had a walk with the LORD, like Andrew Murray, George Muller, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, etc. Even these men have no authority without the LORD Himself and His apostles who fill the pages of holy Scripture.

In former days, there was a deeper appreciation and diligent attendance upon knowing the LORD personally and finding all understanding directly from His holy Word, whereas today, men are being prepared by the thousands through a shallow, unsubstantial curriculum and sent forth into our pulpits.

Because they depend so heavily upon the works of other men, instead of personal and daily Bible study, many minister out of a weak spiritual state. They aren’t hearing the voice of the One they claim to serve for themselves nor receiving a continual stream of His precious nourishment in their heart which can only come from a deep, rich study of His Word.

King David made God’s Word his delight:

“Thy law is my delight.” Psalms 119:77

When you break it all down, one might just find that we have unwittingly resorted back to the dark ages model of institutionalized religion, where the individual is said to be ignorant and unable to know and understand His Maker for himself, so he is obliged to get his religion from the robe-wearing priest. Have we not come full circle in returning to the state of vicariously experiencing God through other men? Is this in lieu of appropriating what Christ died to grant us – rich personal communion with Himself and our heavenly Father, through the new and living way procured by His very blood, which was shed for many for the remission of our sins? (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 10:15-22)

Secondhand Seminarian Sacrilege

If you will simply observe the seminarian’s books, you will notice that the Bible is only one of many he is studying. In fact, most of the time, it is one of the many books written by human authors he will be required to study and learn so as to pass an upcoming test. Why then would it be a mystery that such lack of substance is found in our pulpits?

This teaches men unbelief. It trains the seminarian to read what other men have said about God’s own words. It teaches Him that he cannot learn God’s Word for himself, but must entertain the ideas of other men about the text and topic at hand. So, once the preacher has finished his sermonette, the Word of God doesn’t mean what it really says. This menacing process is teaching men to not take God’s Word at face value where ever possible. In fact, could this not be discouraging people from reading their Bibles unless in the presence of the pastor who is “qualified” to tell them what it really means?

Because the written Word and the Holy Spirit, who is the divine Teacher, the pupil can surpass his instructor:

“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Psalms 119:99-100

A telling fact: Far too many of our leaders can be found preparing messages from second-hand sources (writings of mere men). I believe it has been rightly stated by godly men, that as a rule of thumb, believers should study God’s holy Word at least two-thirds of the total time of their study. In other words, at least two-thirds of study time should be spent directly in the Scriptures.

“Study to show thyself approved unto God…And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17

Nothing could be so rewarding to the heart of the believer than to be given insights directly through their relationship with and study of the LORD from His Source – the holy Scriptures. Perhaps the man after God’s own heart discovered this blessing when peering into the treasure chest of our LORD’s Word:

“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalm 119:162

Christ told us His words are spirit and they are life and that the entrance of His words give light (Jn. 6:63; Ps. 119:130).

In reality, all believers, including leaders, are called by God to have a personal and ongoing revelation of Him through His written Word as illuminated by the divine Person of the Holy Spirit. The LORD told us He was sending the Holy Spirit to live inside of each of us to teach and lead us into all truth (Jn. 14:26; 16:13).

The LORD’s wisdom and instruction to leaders is to write down and be utterly engrossed in His Word (Deut. 17:18-20). Men have gone down to Egypt (the world) for help instead of searching out the perfect and eternal words of God which reveal the risen Messiah. Because of this, many have an impartial and distorted image of the Most High. What is transpiring in the Church world today could be greatly altered by men who dedicated themselves to the study of God’s Word and put aside the books of other authors. Seeking the Author of all life in the holy Scriptures and in prayer communion is essential to knowing His truth and fulfilling it (Ps. 27,4,8).

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John 2:27

Biblical illiteracy has left a vast vacuum. In the wake of the gross absence of personal revelation from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, many today, including leaders, focus on books and movie productions as the defining factors of their faith. Instead of the perfect and eternal words of God, which reveal the historic and living Messiah, many have false and impartial images of who He is. The sin of neglecting His words as the only source to establish who He is, His nature, attributes and will for mankind is unfortunately, prevalent. Beloved, no production, regardless of the format or human author, is to be considered on the level of the divinely inspired Scriptures, given us by the Most High (Prov. 21:30). The true believe gains his image of the Almighty exclusively through the words of the Almighty.

“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against (above; higher than) the LORD.” Proverbs 21:30

If we want to see a picture of Jesus, we read His Word. Why would we scamper to see Hollywood’s depiction of our LORD when He has given us His Word for this express purpose?

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31

Bible learning comes from Bible study. Learning sound doctrine comes no other way. There is no shortcut. Any person who is not willing to diligently search out divine truth is not going to be able to experience the victory Christ died to give (Hos. 4:6). Those who love the LORD should make it their occupation to unearth the treasure of His divine truth. According to the Son of God, the person who doesn’t search the scriptures will “err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:29) Perhaps the person who doesn’t search the Scriptures is in pursuit “of the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things” (Mk. 4:17-19). Our LORD told us that when we pursue worldly things, they “entering in, choke the word.”

Those who are overly engrossed in the writings of mere men possess an inferior second-hand knowledge of the LORD. In contrast, those who spend time searching and pouring over the Scriptures, possess the first-hand intimate knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that is transmitted directly to their hearts from divine origin. In departing from the Word of God, many have forfeited the direct blessings associated with seeking the LORD’s face through the Holy Spirit and His Scriptures.

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

“The Word of Christ”

We must begin to commune with, eat up, and devour the treasures of His Word –“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16).

To cite just one example of how Scriptural truth has been insidiously removed from our midst, David Wilkerson writes:

“Tragically…many preachers today have done away with God’s severity. They speak only of his goodness and love, never mentioning any penalty for sin, in effect they remove the fear of God from believers’ hearts, and take away one of the strongest motivations to holiness. Yet God’s word says in no uncertain terms: “…fear the Lord, and depart from evil”
(Proverbs 3:7). “…by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil”
(16:6). Paul had this fear in mind when he instructed Timothy, “Preach the word… reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”
(2 Timothy 4:2). Paul said this kind of preaching was “sound doctrine” – meaning, a healthy, life-giving gospel.”

“Hold fast the form of sound words…” 2 Timothy 1:13

“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay,nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matthew 5:37

God is calling those leaders who will please Him to sever themselves decisively from all the foolishness that has no eternal significance. He is calling us as His disciples to rid our hearts, minds and vocabularies of the foolish and excessive jargon that does not communicate His truth in the way He ordained – through His own Words. We must get rid of the spiritually spineless psychological terminology that patronizes and pathologizes sin and begin to call sin what it is – by name – starting with our own sinfulness (1 Cor. 11:31-32). This means that we must resign and relinguish our own words and let His words be “fitted in thy lips” (see Prov. 22:17-21). We should begin to commune with, eat up, and devour His oracles as never before – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Col. 3:16)

“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2

Now, it is time to start afresh to “Feed the sheep of God” as “Good stewards of the manifold grace of God” while we earnestly “wait for his Son from heaven” (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Thess. 1:10). Now is the time to return to the original words that God ordained to convey His glorious Gospel that makes captives free. These divinely ordained words will produce His perfect fruit in ourselves and others. His words will produce His image in our hearts, otherwise if we alter His words, we will have in us the image of a false god!

“Feed the Church” Acts 20:28

The God-fearing are to do nothing to further the cause of that which God condemns (Is. 5:20-24; Prov. 17:15, 24:24; Mal. 2:17; Eph. 5:11). As a believer, it is against my conscious choice, because of biblical conviction, to put God’s resources into the hands of a ministry or group of leaders who are not obeying the New Testament pattern – “to FEED the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). It is also against my constitution to put money into the coffers of those who preach a selective gospel where they pick and choose doctrines instead of endeavoring to declare the whole of divine counsel revealed in God’s Word. If a so-called “ministry” is not diligently and relentlessly feeding the LORD’s people with the pure written Word of God, then they should be rejected (1 Tim. 6:3-5). Anyone who doesn’t demonstrate their love for the LORD by placing the holy Scriptures as final authority in their ministry, is leading people astray and it is my opinion that they should not be financially funded by the remnant of God’s people.

“PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season…” 2 Timothy 4:2

God Has Placed His Word Above:

1) His name (Ps. 138:2)
2) His own audible voice (2 Pet. 1:16-21)
3) Men, preachers and all earthly leaders
(Rom. 3:3-4)
4) Heavenly angels (Gal. 1:8)

PRAYER: LORD Jesus, please cause my heart to be faithful to Your perfect ways, recorded on the pages of holy Writ, Your Word. Burn out and cut away all doctrine of men and devils that doesn’t align with Your everlasting and perfect truth and please help me to communicate clearly, using Your words, the full Gospel You have given to the whole world. Grant us Your grace and teach us Your ways as we look for Your soon return. Heavenly Father, thank You for each and every blessing You have bestowed upon my life, beginning with the precious blood of Jesus Christ Your only begotten Son. Amen.

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Jesus Christ is God

Christ’s Great Commission is Central to the Original Gospel [podcast]

The Gospel Centers Upon Christ’s Blood

Abiding

How we walk in “Strong Confidence” [podcast]

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

“Strong confidence” is only found in fearing God, in walking in the fear of the LORD.

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27

We are instructed to “forget not all his benefits” (Psalms 103:2) …… In this passage, we are promised benefits from our LORD:

“strong confidence”
“a place of refuge”
“depart from the snares of death”

Our part is to walk in the fear of the LORD.

“Strong Confidence” that glorifies God and not man, comes from walking in the fear of the LORD, which means we are obeying Him.

Like the psalmist, we should pray to God to “unite my heart to fear they name.”

The psalmist prayed:

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalms 86:11

To “unite” in this verse means to combine, to become one…. permeate our innermost being.

When we truly walk in the fear of God, we fear nothing else.

Fearing God means we fear no man.

“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6

“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?” Romans 8:31-32

David and Paul walked in the fear of the LORD, and thereby were possessed with “strong confidence” and consequently feared no man or devil.

We can fear God without walking “In the fear of the LORD.” We should pray and endeavor to live in the fear of the LORD.

“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.” Proverbs 23:17

So there seems to be the desire of God for His children to be permeated with His fear, to live in the fear of the LORD.

“Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Acts 9:31

The members of the early church were “edified” ….

“walking in the fear of the Lord,
and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost,
were multiplied.”

Let us always be grounded in the foundational essential biblical truth of knowing God—that He created us to know Him (John 17:3).

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

The life of the disciple of Jesus is learning to let God have His way in us, to lay our own will…. to let God be in control.

How many of us are realizing just how much sinful chaos and calamity transpires when we are in control instead of God?

Is this not part of the reason John the Baptist could so readily cry out “He must increase but I must decrease”? (John 3:30)

Are you reading Romans 6 each morning beloved of God?

Are you learning the cross life?

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:4-5

“In the fear of the LORD” the born-again believer is “hid with Christ in God” and fully assured, full of divine confidence!

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

In being crucified with Christ, we are hid not only from the evil of others, but primarily and most importantly, we are hid from the evil of self, the self-life.

Beware of the often-peddled cheap counterfeit, where people are instructed to learn to love themselves. The Bible commands us to love and fear God and love others, not self. In fact, loving self is the root sin that brought the original fall of mankind and remains as that sin which keeps men from God—pride in self instead of fearing God!

Those who walk in the fear of the LORD, live a crucified life. They walk in the “strong confidence” of the LORD (Proverbs 14:26).

You are no longer your own, you’ve been bought with the price of the very and precious blood of Jesus.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please forgive me for the sin of self-idolatry and not fearing You. I now repent. Please forgive and cleanse me of this sin. I here and now declare and choose to trust You with my life. I love You Jesus!

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Are Christians to Fear God? [podcast]

FEARING THE LORD is a DIVINE COMMAND AND A DAILY CHOICE “For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:” Proverbs 1:29 God commands all men to fear Him. Any person who claims he just wants to love God and not fear Him, is exposed as a rebel – someone who is lawless, doing things on their own terms. “Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire” is what’s coming their way! (Matthew 25:41) May God instill in the depth of our being His holy fear – that we might love and know and seek […]

"Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God" - Is this possible? [podcast]

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 What did Paul mean by “these promises”? It was those things, including the conditions, he had just penned of: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye […]

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear [podcast]

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 “Perfect peace” can only come as our hearts and mind are “stayed” upon our LORD, as we truly trust in Him. And, such does not come without fighting “the good fight of faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12) It’s a “GOOD fight” because as we “labour to … enter into that rest”, we win with Christ (Hebrews 4:11). “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from […]

Abiding

Knowing the Word of God and also the God of the Word [podcast]

The highest priority of the true disciple is knowing God.

So many strive to know God’s will.

It’s only when you know God that you will know His will.

We all know people who are now away from God. They backslid. They no longer serve Him as they once did. Well, were they truly serving Him, or the church? They had some kind of a departure from the local church they were so fond of and consequently have no semblance of a life with Christ presently. Could this be due to them putting their energy and affections into the local church friends they met and the festivities? Yes. They were in love with the externals and not Christ.

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11

“God’s greatest desire is for us to have a relationship with Him. We were created for His great pleasure. Revelation 4:11” Karen Cochran

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

Kingdom Priority

KNOWING and LOVING, WORSHIPPING God. Read Matthew 4:10; 22:37-39; John 17:3.

Pinnacle Revelation

Knowing God is the paramount divine purpose for which He sent His only begotten ….. and for which He created, made us.

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

Knowing God is the reason He sent His only begotten Son—to bring us to Himself in a present and eternal relationship (Exodus 25:8;Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10, etc). One of Satan’s tricks is to get the elders to intercept that heart affection worship.

“It has always been about Jesus. Before Christ came to save us from our sins, the Bible was pointing to Jesus. Now after Christ came, we still look to Jesus. It has always been about knowing and trusting in Jesus. Before He came people just did not know His name, but now we do!” Serena Wagner

It’s not about elders, bishops. or pastors—Christ’s eternal kingdom is all about Jesus and no other. Read John 1; Colossians 1-2; Hebrews 1; Revelation 1.

WHAT will you say to the nail scarred risen LORD on Judgment Day when you made it about something else other than Him?

“Christianity can quickly become ‘Do this and Don’t do that.’ Jesus is quickly forgotten. Instead, repent and fall in love with JESUS, and through the power of the Holy Spirit you will live a life that pleases Him. When You are filled with the Holy Spirit You will hate the sin you once loved.” Alan Brayshaw

WHO is “known of” God as opposed to those He will tell “I never knew you”? (Matthew 7:21)

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

“Those are the most frightening and terrifying words anyone could ever hear! That is why I always ask Jesus, ‘Do you know me?’ I want to be with my Lord and Savior for eternity! But I do not want to be so arrogant and prideful as to believe that God doesn’t have every right to spue me out. Or I that I am safe! I deserve hell. The only reason I have been spared is because of Jesus’ saving work for me on the cross! He redeemed me! But there are many conditions to be eternally with Jesus. We are to have a healthy fear of God knowing He has the power to determine the fate of our very soul! Matthew 10:28 It means nothing to Jesus if all we have is head knowledge of the Bible without any heart. He told the Pharisees they knew scriptures but they didn’t know Him in their heart (John 5: 38-47). It’s not based on what we know it’s based on knowing Him in an abiding relationship (John 15). The cross is the way to a real intimate relationship with Jesus. Through the dying of self He becomes your first love. And you begin to love Him with your whole soul, heart and mind (Matthew 22:37). I ask God daily ‘increase my hunger for Your Word.’ I want the hunger and love for God’s Word that David had! Just read and study Psalm 119. He cried out for more understanding even in the midst of persecution! That was his whole priority in life! David loved God, therefore he loved God’s Word as evidenced in Psalm 119. Every word is filled with love, devotion, respect, rejoicing and delighting in God’s words, pleading with the Lord that He might learn His statues and he might not err from God’s judgements. Psalm 119 is a treasure chest of David’s love for God’s word! If you want to truly fall in love with all of God’s word read, study and memorize Psalm 119!” Karen Cochran

Knowing the Facts and the Father

Recently, in order “to provoke unto love and to good works” I posted the meme above this paragraph and as has happened before, was confronted about how the Pharisees knew God’s Word but rebelled against Jesus (Hebrews 10:24). Let’s cross examine this position against the counsel of Scripture.

While it’s clear that we must know not only the Word of God but the God of the Word, the God revealed in His Word, how does that negate the need for Bible knowledge? It simply doesn’t.

Just because the Pharisees of Christ’s day knew His Word but didn’t choose to turn their hearts to Him, how does that mean that believers today should neglect knowing His Word? Such logic is not only bad, it’s un-scriptural and evil.

“When you fall in love don’t you want to shout it from the rooftops? He, the man you are in love with, is all you talk about! Should be the same with Jesus! You want to tell everyone about this man, the Savior who saved your life! Just as the woman at the well did. She told the whole city ‘Come, and see a man, which told me all the things that ever I did: is this not the Christ’ John 4: 28-29.” Karen Cochran

Beware of anyone who discourages learning God’s Word in any form, including memorizing Scripture. This is a novice error and it could only be coming from the evil one. Because the Jews knew the Bible and rejected Jesus, novices reason that this means that New Testament saints, saved by grace, are not to intimately know or memorize God’s Word. Nonsense!

Is the primary responsibility of the disciple of Jesus to:

A. Follow the instructions of God’s Word? or

B. Don’t be like the Pharisees (false leaders)?

A. is the correct answer.

The fact that the LORD cited the false religionists of His day for not coming to Him, for not opening their hearts to Him, in no way communicates that those who are His should not learn His Word too well. That would be like saying that just because the false leaders of Jesus’ day knew His Word and yet didn’t turn their hearts to Jesus, anyone who learns His Word too well (as if that’s even possible) will automatically not turn their hearts to Jesus.

Let’s look at the passage that is being taken out of context:

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40

“And isn’t that just what Jesus told the Pharisees? You know scriptures but you don’t know me in your heart! John 5: 38-47. It means nothing to Jesus if we only know of Him. We must know Him in Spirit and in truth! John 4:24.” Karen Cochran

Did Jesus rebuke them for knowing His Word? No.

Notice, Jesus says that His people are to “Search the scriptures” and the Scriptures “are they which testify of” (reveal) Him.

“Even the Pharisees knew the scriptures and knew of Jesus, but they did not know Him. Jesus told them they did not have Him in their hearts and therefore did not have eternal life . John 5: 38-47. Head knowledge means nothing to Jesus. We need to know Him in our hearts in a relationship with Him. Digesting His words! Getting to know Him. We should be emulating the sweet savour of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2: 15. How can you be like someone that you don’t know?” Karen Cochran

The Gospel message is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

In fact, it’s the seed of God’s “incorruptible” Word that is the instrument of His regeneration in our lives.

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25

The very way God ordained and orchestrated that we learn about and know Him, repent and believe upon Christ, is through the knowledge we get from “the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Listen to the apostle Paul instruct Timothy:

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The man of God cannot be perfected, matured, “throughly furnished unto all good works” without a deep knowledge of the Scriptures which the apostle reveals here is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

So the first of the 4 stated reasons God gave us His Word, the Bible, are for…

“doctrine”

Must know the facts and the Father!

Must know the Word and the God of the Word.

How are God’s people going to learn His Word if they don’t study and memorize and meditate upon it? How are God’s people going to be sanctified by the truth and washed by the water of the Word if they’re not in that Word daily and engaged in learning and obeying God’s Word?

So if the Pharisees did not know God’s Word would they not have also rejected him? How can knowing God’s Word be negative in any way? It’s simply can’t.

Is trying not to be like a Pharisee more important than actually following Christ?

In John 5:39-40 Jesus said nothing negative about the Pharisees knowing His Word but rather about them refusing to come to Him. Let us rightly divide saints and correct those who bear false witness (2 Timothy 2:15). In fact, in another place Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for not knowing His Word: “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God“ (Matthew 22:29). God’s people need to know “the scriptures” and walk in “the power of God.” Only Satan could be behind the attempt to hinder either!

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40

There will be those who come and go who know the words of God but not the God of the Word. Beware saints. Many times they know all the right things to say and yet have not truly repented and are living in sin, darkness, pride, and deep-seated rebellion.

On this note, sister Karen Cochran writes:

“Modern Pharisees know the Scriptures but like the Pharisees of old they don’t know Jesus. Just like Jesus told them in John 5:38- 42. They knew the Scriptures but they didn’t know Him. What good is it if we don’t know Jesus? We can know of Him but not know Him. We must love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Matthew 22:37- 38”

These counterfeits are saying that God’s people shouldn’t know God’s Word too well, we shouldn’t memorize it, because then we may become like the Pharisees and not come to Jesus. Foolishness at best.

To the contrary, the Bible teaches us to read, to “study,” to “retain,” and “meditate upon God’s Word ….

Did the apostle Paul correct the biblically astute Bereans for diligently, meticulously searching the scriptures to see if he was telling the truth? No! (Acts 17:10-11)

They are saying that knowing God’s Word in your God-given mind will keep you from knowing Him in your heart. Nonsense. By divine design, information is contacted, first enters our minds before it can be processed and received in our heart.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

“Most people in the churches of today prefer to follow and believe the men/pastors and their words over the Word of God at their peril. This is because they are too lazy to study and read the Bible for themselves, sadly. Biblical illiteracy is the norm and not the exception today.” B.

Concerning ruling over the masses that have been kept ignorant of God’s Word, one disciple writes:

“Lacking of knowing God’s Word, memorizing it, is the direct reason the catholic church grew to so much power in the middle ages, and others down the ages. It was only the ‘priest’ that could read the Bible. So it meant what they said it meant and not what God meant. RUN!”

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6

Checking your ignorance at the door!

Those who are ignorant of truth are so willingly (Hosea 4:6). They “willingly are ignorant” (2 Peter 3:5).

He gave us His truth, and those who reject His knowledge, His Word, will be “destroyed.”

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because THOU HAS REJECTED KNOWLEDGE, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law (Word) of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6

“There was a time when churches were teaching the whole counsel of God and most Bible believers in Bible teaching churches could carry on intelligent biblical conversations if they had been saved for five years or so. In the last ten years, I have found that most Christians today have become biblical illiterates. Due to the constant tendency toward all kinds of new experiences ( 2 Timothy 4:3-4), many are influenced to the extreme, and they settle for simply repeating various phrases that they hear without true, biblical understanding. That, then, becomes the focal point of their Christian life rather than conforming to the teachings of Scripture which they are not taught. It is getting harder and harder to find people in a local church who have even a very basic knowledge of Scripture, let alone any in-depth knowledge. The false teachers are going to have a lot to answer for in this area, but so will pastors who have encouraged this in their people rather than taking on the discipline of learning how to do a proper exegesis and expository teaching.” 1980 Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum

To a man who recently sought to discourage God’s people from memorizing His Word due to the fact that the Pharisees knew His Word and yet crucified Him.

I asked him if what the Pharisees did cancelled and negated the need for God’s people to know His Word in their minds and trust and love Him in their hearts? To this man I also wrote:

“Perhaps you should cease discouraging God’s people from learning and submitting to His Word…. there’s NO sense in which learning God’s Word is anything but a good thing…. and of course coming to Him in our hearts via His Word and Holy Spirit ….”

Our GOD-given brain is the passage way to the heart…. is it not? “Come now, and let us reason together…” (Isaiah 1:18).

God gave us a brain to “reason” with and a heart to believe upon Christ with (Romans 10:9-10). “COME now, and let us reason together” He said to His people (Isaiah 1:18).

Did Jesus memorize Scripture? Yes, beginning as a young boy. And this is how He grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). In fact, He knew where things were in the Bible—“He FOUND the place” in the Word He wanted to read—“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written” (Luke 4:17).

Jesus quoted God’s Word verbatim to the enemy during the temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4).

ARE YOU “BLESSED”?

If you aren’t reading God’s Word daily, you are not “blessed.” Read Psalm 1.

“Blessed is he that readeth…” (Revelation 1:3).

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The Paramount Importance of Knowing God [podcast]

Many false prophets have written best selling books and taught sermons about your “purpose” and have become multi millionaires doing so. In their fake ministries it’s ALL about YOU, YOU are enthroned, not Christ! (Colossians 2:18-19). This is the spirit of antichrist at work – where someone, anyone or anything is exalted above JESUS! Yet astoundingly, these deceivers never even mention the paramount divine purpose that God sent His only begotten Son, the very reason the LORD created you. – To know Him! “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7 Coming […]

Should God’s People Memorize His Word?

YOU will never understand a Bible truth more than when you memorize it! “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15 Memorizing God’s Word takes deliberate intentional effort, diligence, and brings the greatest reward (Psalm 119; Proverbs 2-4; Jeremiah 15:16, etc.). Memorizing Holy Scripture comes by repetition and association. Where are you weak? Find one or more Bible verses that address your weakness. Write them on an index card. Memorize […]

Man's Problem - God's Redemptive Solution [podcast]

The Biblical Doctrine or Story of Redemption The story of God’s creation of mankind and mankind’s descension into sin. Man chose to sin. God chose to redeem and not ditch. Man’s Dilemma, Sin – God’s Solution – the Savior, Jesus Christ Here’s fallen mankind’s issue—sin, sin nature: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:18, 24 “The […]

Abiding

“Thou hast been in Eden the Garden of God.” ~ Ezekiel 28:13 [podcast]

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

THE INTRUDERS—THE RESTORATION

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God.” ~ Ezekiel 28:13

The evil one had been thrust down from Heaven to the earth for the iniquity found in him (Ezek. 28:15; Lk. 10:18). This evil foe, who had been ejected by God from Heaven’s pristine and perfect premises, was cast down to the earth and allowed in the sanctuary of the Garden of Eden, because God gives men a choice to serve—or to not serve Him. He created in mankind the gift of free will. Temptation is ultimately the test as to whom the individual will love and serve. “For the LORD your God proveth (tests) you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 13:3).

The serpent slithered among the lush embellishments of the Garden of Eden. His goal was the fall of the first man and woman who were created in the image of the One who made all things. Satan obviously schemed and strategized as to what weapon to employ in order to accomplish his main objective—to cause the first man and woman to fall from grace by sinning, and consequently, be alienated from the LORD. This enemy of souls knew from personal experience that the Almighty keeps His Word and casts down those who disobey Him. To this point, Adam and Eve knew only righteousness. They did not yet realize what the evil one knew and had already been the recipient of – that is, the judgment of God for his sin. A hard lesson lay ahead of Adam and Eve, and a fallen creation would be left in the wake of their defiance of the holy LORD and His righteous command – not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17).

The enemy of all souls has not changed. His temptations are “common to man” (1 Cor. 10:13). Satan’s goal was, and is, to interrupt and destroy the relationship between his enemy, God, and His special creation—man. Jesus informed us that the ultimate “thief” has come to “steal, to kill and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10). This same goal—the fall of man—is still his aim and will be until the LORD Himself puts him away for good (Rev. 20:10).

From the Garden to the modern pulpit, the enemy has lied to mankind. Satan and his false teachers are the intruders—the very enemies of the Almighty. The serpent has slithered through the garden path of history, seductively spreading his poisonous seed, causing the fall of many and now possesses the thoughts and doctrines of an army of deceived men in ministry.

Ever since the Garden, the lie of the ages dwells among men, especially in the sanctuary where the LORD is supposed to be reigning—the Church world. As in the Garden of creation, so the enemy specifically concentrates on the sanctuary of his enemy’s people. He seeks to molest purity, beguiling those who are unlearned. Many times, he uses the body of Christ’s own leaders.

Today, the pulpits and platforms of modern media are the places that most people simply do not suspect to be the mediums where falsehoods thrive, reside, and flow. They do not see the serpent lurking among the trees in the garden of modern “Christian” pulpits, organizations, and media. Most are not aware of the wolves in sheep’s clothing who, like the lurking serpent in the garden, “lie in wait to deceive” (Eph. 4:14).

As foretold by the prophet Amos, the enemy of souls seeks to alter and remove the Word of God from the hearing of God’s people (Amos 8:11). This is what he did in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:17; 3:4). Today this same enemy uses the most subtle messengers—the ones many people look to for truth. The Holy Spirit forewarned us that in these last of days men would not remain in the truth but rather that “some shall depart from the faith” and that “many” would “corrupt the word of God” (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Cor. 2:17): “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

It simply doesn’t matter if a leader realizes he is teaching heresy or not. If he is teaching anything other than the Word, he is a detractor from the glory of God and leading others astray. Men of God are to “preach the word” and speak only “as the oracles (words) of God” (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Pet. 4:11). This is a non-negotiable command to all who would accurately represent the LORD. No matter the reasoning, one will be found a deceiver on Judgment Day if he preaches any other message than the Word of God (Isa. 8:20). One can be sincere and sincerely wrong at the same time (Prov. 14:12). “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4).

The holy and almighty God told us that He is going to judge all men according to His Word (Jn. 12:48; Rom. 2:16; Rev. 20:11-15).

From the very beginning (Garden of Creation), the beguiler’s target has been God’s people. Nothing has changed. His message to men is simple— “You don’t have to worry about obedience, it’s optional, you can live the way you choose and still remain in the grace of God.”

Through those men he uses today, the enemy mixes in some truth with this deadly lie of lasciviousness and poisons the whole pond, leading many astray into a false gospel and false security. Perhaps it has been wisely stated that “Satan will give you a million pounds of truth to blind you with that one ounce of a deadly lie which will kill you.” In order to bring in a lie among God’s people, the enemy likes to lead with truth as his smokescreen in order to bring in that deadly distortion behind the cover of truth. See Matthew 16:6-12 and 1 Corinthians 5:6. “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).

Why should we be surprised that this ultimate enemy still uses the most “subtle” and unsuspected methods and personalities to communicate his deadly message to God’s people? After all, his message still works to cause unsuspecting men to fall out of fellowship with God. Why should we wonder why the evil one still utilizes the same lie that claimed the first man and woman? Has this message not captured untold scores of souls since then? Are we so blindly naïve as to believe that there is no evil or devil? Why should we be surprised to realize that this same evil enemy of souls is ceaselessly in the midst of our garden today, telling this same lie by adding to the Word of the Maker?

God said “Thou shalt surely die,” and Satan countered with “Ye shall not surely die.”

Are pulpits more sacred than the very Garden of Eden? Obviously not. There was no sin in the Garden until Satan introduced the lie of the ages, and the man and woman bought it. In the very cradle of creation, the enemy of God initiated and launched the lie that would fatally wound mankind, claiming the souls of millions throughout the centuries. This exact same deadly lie was picked up, incorporated, and perpetuated by early century church fathers, so-called theologians, whose heresy-laced writings and commentaries regrettably hold great prominence among many evangelicals today—even though they have no reconciliation with the Counsel of God, which will be demonstrated throughout this book.

The Bible enlightens us to the reality that Satan is a strategist and has schemes of which believers are instructed not to be ignorant (2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Pet. 5:8). We are in a war, and like any good war general and his staff, we are to study and know the nature, weapons, and ways of our enemy.

The apostle Paul informed us that Satan’s methods are the same today as they were from the start—in the Garden.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

In this same text, the LORD told us that He makes a way to escape the re-used lies of the enemy and his temptations.

As can be clearly seen in Genesis, “once saved always saved” is not a new doctrine, and it’s also not the LORD’s doctrine. “Once saved always saved” is clearly the lie that caused the fall of man. This is the doctrine of the arch enemy of the Almighty. As in the very beginning, the unholy serpent himself is still creeping into the homes and gathering places of believers today and utilizing the same lie to mislead people and cause their fall from grace. The chief wolf who has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” seeks to devour souls for his kingdom and from the Chief Shepherd, who is “come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10; Heb. 13:20). Beware! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

The first lie led to the fall of the first man and woman and is leading to the fall of masses of people today. Millions in our day are being taught that they are unconditionally eternally secure—in the absence of the truth about the holiness of the God they will stand before in judgment, and His demand that we be made holy as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:16).

The pulpits of America have been hi-jacked by men who have “crept in unawares” who are teaching a doctrine originated by the enemy of all souls and calling it “Christian.” This is paramount to using the name of the LORD in vain, by attaching His holy name to a teaching of his arch enemy.

Tracing the Lie

The adversary attacked God through His own creation—the Garden, the fruit, the serpent, the woman, and the man.

Does it intrigue you to uncover the very first lie told by the one Christ warned us of who is the father of all lies? Of Satan, Jesus said: “for he is a liar, and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44).

One three-letter word— “not”—changed the course of history! Satan told the woman “Ye shall not surely die,” after their Maker had told them that they would “surely die” in the day they disobeyed Him (Gen. 2:17; 3:4).

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” ~ Genesis 3:4-5

This first and poisonous falsehood, the lie of the ages, is still today the same deadly venom being injected by the evil one in the battle that rages for the eternal souls of men. The serpent infused the first man and woman with this venomous and paralyzing deception, robbing from their hearts the fear of the LORD, which led to their fall from grace. Consequently, a separation was incurred between a holy Maker and His creation with a catastrophic curse which fell.

This unconditional eternal security—without condition to the recipient—is the very FIRST LIE the devil ever told to mankind. “Once saved always saved” (OSAS) is one of the modern labels of the renamed, or repackaged, lie of the ages. In this deception in the Garden, as well as in our day, Satan craftily convinces people that they have irrevocable “security” and “assurance,” no matter what their actions against the clear command/Word of God.

The message of eternal security without condition to the recipient is that once one has been born again, he has no responsibility to continue to faithfully obey the Almighty—the One who saved him. Those who sit under this teaching are told that once they have been brought into fellowship with Him in His garden of salvation through Christ, they can never “die” or be separated from Him again, even if they blatantly rebel. This lie teaches that the person who Christ has saved can then choose to live as he wishes with no fear of consequence or righteous retribution from the One who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). This is the very lie that Satan gave Adam and Eve which led to their fall into sin and separation from the LORD.

Can you see why it is a big score for the enemy of souls when people are told by their misled leaders that they are “once saved always saved”—no matter what they choose to do, including revolt completely against the Most High and go back to the life of sin?

In the sanctity of the Garden, where there was no suspicion, Satan intruded. Today, in the sanctuary of the pulpits and various Christian media, his emissaries are intruding where few suspect. He prospers because so many believe that their leaders are guiding them correctly, and yet do not know and obey the Word of God for themselves. Only those who learn the way of the LORD through His Word can know and see the enemy’s work. Those who do not have a life in the Word will fall prey to deception and ultimately be destroyed (Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29). Discernment comes from being personally exercised in the Word of God (Heb. 5:11-14).

The New Garden—Restored Holy Bliss

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” ~ Isaiah 9:6-7

The Genesis account of creation and the relationship between the LORD and the first man and woman, is an ongoing saga to continue until the hour of Christ’s return, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. We are given this record (the Bible) in order to know the LORD and how He deals with men, and who He blesses and who He curses.

From the Garden to the Holy City—Genesis to Revelation, the war over the souls of men rages. The enemy seeks to reclaim those redeemed by the blood of the One who is the seed of woman (Gen. 3:15). What better way to undertake such an evil mission than to use those shepherds at the very helm of the visible church?

God’s account of man’s creation and fall is not left without a solution from the only One who can remedy his alienation. Holy Writ opens with the creation and fall of mankind and the promised prophetic restoration through the Messiah of all who will come to Him, as He justly prescribed (Gen. 3:15). The book of all Books ends with a warning to all of us concerning making the very same error Adam and Eve made when they bought into the distortion of His holy words, and thereby fell, joining forces with His archenemy.

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” ~ Revelation 22:12-21

In these final words of Holy Scripture, Jesus Christ tells us that He is coming quickly to reward all according to each person’s works. He says to us that those who keep and do His Word will receive blessings and “have right to the tree of life” in the restored “holy city” of God. Outside this blessedness will be all who have lived in and justified their sins—no matter what their previous relationship with Him might have been. Then, in the very final words of Holy Writ, there is the warning of adding to or taking from His words. This adding to or removing of truth is done first internally, in the hearts of those who do not genuinely love the LORD with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Those who love darkness rather than His holy light do not wish to come clean under the light of divine truth (Jn. 3:18-21; 2 Tim. 4:3-4).

This war for the souls of men spans from Genesis to Revelation, and the words of God are pivotal in this most crucial and consequential of battles. Those who play into the enemy’s scheme to “add unto” or “take away” from God’s words of instruction will be removed from the book of life, cut out of the holy city, and from all eternal blessings. The lake of fire waits.

PRAYER: LORD Jesus, please purify my heart and remove all dissimulation and mixture from me. Rid my life of all secret faults and presumptuous sins! Father, please grant me the blessing of knowing You in truth and living in Your holy light and will. Jesus, please preserve my eternal soul until the day of Your soon return. Amen.

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

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