Articles

The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [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]

There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus Himself (John 15:16), will give up his life in this fleeting world for the sheep of Christ – just as the Great Shepherd of the sheep did on the cross. Such a divinely called-out man, will teach only God’s pure Word and watch for the souls of the LORD’s people (Hebrews 13:7, 17). He will take up the cross – live the crucified life – and therefore ministry will not be about them but rather about Jesus and His beloved sheep for whom He shed His blood and is soon returning (Philippians 3:17-21).

Also in Hebrews 13 …. The true elder of Christ will, according to Hebrews 13, do two things:

Speak the pure Word of God to you and get you into it:

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (their way of life).” Hebrews 13:7

2. Will in the fear of God pray for and “watch for your soul.”

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

In review, just WHAT are the earmark fruits of true under-shepherds as opposed to the many wolves among us?

True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – “who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
They are there for you! – “they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:7)

IF they aren’t preaching God’s pure Word to you, fearing God, not you…. and watching for your eternal soul, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Repent and run to Jesus beloved.

Let me add that if they are using a fake “bible” instead of the King James Bible, that should be a clue to the darkness they walk in (Matthew 7:16, 20).

Elders are ordained of God and yet never to take His place nor to negate our own personal responsibility to seek God daily for ourselves. Yet, we do not need a preacher. Why? – because we each have a Bible. Read it. We don’t need a preacher to tell us what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning of the LORD yourself. Today is your day to take personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Stop depending on a preacher or preachers. Devour God’s Word daily. Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) …… Paul instructed Timothy to “Study” the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

Today we have all around us church-goers who are not possessed with a heart after God, do not diligently study and read and live out Christ’s Word. This lukewarm, world-loving fruit clearly reveals the prophesied priesthood of wolves (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 24:11; Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Until a pastor has provoke you to get into God’s Word for yourself, to seeking His holy face daily in prayer, he has failed. If has has diligently, biblically sought to do these essentials, and people have refused God’s Word, refused to seek His holy face continually, the blood is off of his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-20).

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18-20

When you check the fruit of a fellowship, check, discern if the individual saints are vibrant in Christ, diligently seeking His holy face, in His Word, living a life of prayer, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus. This sounds like what we see of the earliest saints in the book of Acts, right? Boom. Remember how Peter preached and 8,000 were saved and how the Berean believers put Paul’s teaching to the Scriptural test? (Acts 2-4; 17:10-11, etc.).

Sadly, usually you see a bunch of people who are proud to be a member of a church with none of the biblical fruit list above.

The apostle Paul kept a close watch on those he oversaw.

“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5

Having a physical “church” building makes no mere man, no supposed elder, an official representative of Heaven. Feeding the sheep of Christ with His pure Word and equipping them “for the work of the ministry” is the mark of a true under-shepherd of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc.). Discern. Beware. Inspect the fruit. Jesus nor any of His holy apostles collected a penny to build a building called “church.” No, they went to the people – to serve them instead of having the people come to them.

Let’s test that…. How many people do you personally know who are good church members, Sunday morning church attenders, and ALSO true, daily disciples whom God is using everywhere they go? Think about that…. How many true disciples of Jesus do you know who are involved in a Sunday morning church program? If you personally know even one true disciple, that’s a miracle and in spite of his attendance at the Sunday morning circus called “church.”

Unlike Christ’s apostle Paul, most in leadership today foster in their prey a dependence on THEM and their church business instead of prayerfully, biblically exhorting people to depend on Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

Like Christ’s apostle Paul, the true elder labors relentlessly to see you grounded in Christ – not in him or his ministry or church, but in CHRIST! Listen closely:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

It simply doesn’t matter what else he’s doing, if any minister is not prayerfully, biblically, perpetually rooting and grounding you in Christ, he’s a fraud. Run.

Like Jesus and His holy apostle Paul, part of grounding you ever more deeper in Christ, is warning you to “beware” of the “many false prophets.” (Matthew 24:11)

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10

SO, he’s not exhorting and admonishing you to seek and know the LORD in an ever deepening fashion? He’s not equipping, maturing you “for the work of the ministry” and yet you still consider him one of the LORD’s under-shepherds? He’s not getting YOU into the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) for yourself? That’s a false leader who is entertaining the goats instead of feeding and equipping the saints! Run! (See Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.)

False leaders divert the attention, the heart affections, the resources, and the energy of God’s people away from Christ and simple obedience to His Great Commission mandate. YOU are personally responsible! Waste is rampant! If you support, “bid God speed” (2 John 7-11) to a false leader, false ministry, then you will perish with them!

The divine purpose for elders is not to dominate nor entertain the LORD’s sheep but rather to help their joy in Christ! Get to know this verse saints:

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24

There is the citing of elders in the Word and their divine purpose – to humbly serve God by helping His sheep grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6).

Christ’s apostle Paul desired the “perfection” (maturity in Christ) of the people of God (Ephesians 4:11-15).

“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” 2 Corinthians 13:9

Like Apollos, Elders among God’s people must remain teachable to God’s Word and simply and only teach and preach his word (Proverbs 9:9; Acts 18:26). Elders true to the LORD act on his behalf and never out of a personal agenda for self gain (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5, etc.). They live the crucified life (Galatians 2:20).

We are to humble ourselves like Apollos did and learn the way of our God more perfectly from each other, via God’s Word – as Apollos learned it more fully from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).

Beloved Apollos was a very effective, anointed communicator of God’s Word and yet, was in need of maturing, of being perfected. So, God sent to him an elder and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos humbly received the LORD’s elders and His grace to grow in Christ:

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:24-26

The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings wherever they go. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.

The Purpose of Kingdom Elders:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12

Philip Lye writes: “Paul says in Ephesians 4, that he gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He expressly says these people are given to mature the saints, to equip them for their ministry and growth in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that many false prophets and messiahs will arise deceiving many. They are simply functions that God has given and not titles which the proud use to strut about like a peacock. Most of these people that I have met (and I have seen a lot of famous ones) are false, proud and arrogant and not servants of the the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen humble genuine ones who move mightily in truth, calling people to repentance and right relationship with Jesus and a demonstration of genuine miracles and wonders. They are to be genuine servants to God’s people.”

VIEW this following verse from Solomon’s day in light of our calling and work till Christ returns:

“Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.” 2 Chronicles 8:16

Let’s read a larger portion of this important passage in Ephesians 4. God fearing under-shepherds must prayerfully labor for and be intent upon seeing God’s people grow in the grace of Christ to the full stature of maturity He has ordained!

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15

The Error of Using Titles in the Modern Church World

God sovereignly and exclusively ordained MEN to feed, lead, and equip His saints (Ephesians 4:8-11). Women are called to and seen doing many ministry functions in the New Testament but never as a leader in a position specifically designated in Scripture for men.

Repent. The American “church” is a catastrophe of spineless moral-coward Ahabs who’ve allowed, suffered women to lead, and the fall out is incalculable (Revelation 2:20-24).

GOD’s men must never allow women to lead where they (men) are called to lead (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

To put yourself under the ministry of a woman who is acting as an elder among God’s people, is to defy Christ, and to agree with Christ’s arch enemy and his Jezebels and to bring severe destruction on the people of God (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

JUST because a woman can run her mouth and even genuinely have a gift of the Spirit DOES NOT mean she’s an elder in the body of Christ – which is divinely reserved non-negotiably for men, male elders (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2). | Beware of Scripture-Twisting Jezebels

We must humbly confess before our LORD and God that we have nothing and are nothing without Him!

“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

God can use us in spite of having a seminary or Bible college background…. If we will truly denounce it, lay it all down, and truly submit to Him – just like Paul did (Philippians 3). Otherwise we will join the epidemic of false prophets who build their own kingdoms in this fleeting life and spend eternity in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul counted his “higher education” as “dung” to know and serve Christ (Philippians 3).

BIBLICALLY SPEAKING, BY DEFINITION, ELDERS ARE NOT SEMINARIANS (UNLESS THEY’VE DENOUNCED SUCH) BUT RATHER PROVEN MEN OF GOD WHO HAVE WALKED WITH CHRIST FOR SOME TIME AND ARE SEASONED IN DOCTRINE AND GODLY CHARACTER AND ABLE TO HELP ASSIST OTHER BELIEVERS GROW IN GRACE (Philippians 3).

In part, we can be transformed in our thinking/perspective of what leaders are seen to be in the apostate modern church vs the biblical definition of an elder which is a humble servant with sound doctrine and a godly life (1 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1-2, etc.).

Christ’s kingdom ordination is not like the ordinations of many denominations….. To ordain seems to mean to recognize the work of GOD in a man’s life and to set him forth into ministry as by the leading of the Spirit of God.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

ORDAIN

G5087

τίθημι

tithēmi

tith’-ay-mee

A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): – + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

Total KJV occurrences: 96

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:1-3

Denominations of mere men set their elders forth to do THEIR bidding, to perpetuate their own cause and existence, to build their false church businesse$. God fearing assemblies of the saints simply recognize Christ’s work in a man and prayerfully send him forth to do GOD’s work. They worship and exalt Christ whole heartedly!

MINISTRY is about feeding sheep, not entertaining goats (John 21:15-17). So, when you see a “minister” entertaining, you know he himself is a goat (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

What True Elders Teach

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

THERE is nothing good in us except Christ. We are not featured but JESUS is. “We preach CHRIST crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and HE is the One and only righteous Redeemer whom we communicate to others (1 Cor 9:16; Rom 7:18 etc.).

Jesus’ true disciples are crucified vessels who preach with His authority, unlike the lame leaders we have today (Matthew 7:28-29). True Gospel preaching rocks the world of those who hear it – it never coddles people in their sin. That’s the work of wolves! Beware!

Godly Elders Teach God’s People to Discern

“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

Why don’t some leaders teach discernment?

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

Any man in leadership who doesn’t warn you of false prophets as did Christ and His apostles, is a wolf who does not want you to see who he truly is.

God’s people are to continue to learn to discern – to test, to weigh all things against Holy Scripture. Ungodly elders have the “I said it so it’s true” notion. Or the “We’ve always taught that” or “That’s what we believe” philosophy. Not. What saith the Scriptures is what every true follower of Jesus asks, as he searches God’s Word to ascertain truth. Every student of Christ should become extremely familiar with Acts 17:10-11.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“I am curious as to how one man is considered the other’s elder? Do they attend the same church gathering thus, he is a church elder or is it through willful submission of the younger as an understudy or simply due to the fact that one man is older?”

REPLY:

Great question brother. Elder, biblically seems to mean older and more seasoned in God’s Word, having walked with the LORD longer. Two views come to mind: 1. The organic body of Christ, the kingdom relationships we have, where there appear men in our lives who are seasoned and there’s an automatic elder/young relationship (that’s how it is here)… and 2. Where a person attends a church group and they have their elder in a more organized fashion as you mentioned…. that help?

Nothing brings definition to this like God’s Word as you know…. and notice how it begins with “The elders which are AMONG you”….

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6

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The Prayer Life of Jesus [podcast]

Prayer is communion, communing with God. Those who earnestly seek God in prayer, who earnestly seek to know Him and to fulfill His will for their temporary lives in this world…. will glorify Him here and to be with Him eternally.

What do we learn from the prayer life of our LORD Jesus?

“Luke 5:16 PRAYERS OF JESUS. Luke stresses more than the other gospels the place of prayer in the life and work of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at the Jordan, He was ‘praying’ (3:21), at times He withdrew from the multitudes ‘and prayed (5:16); ‘and He continued all night in prayer before choosing the twelve disciples (6:12). He was ‘alone praying’ before He asked His disciples an important question (9:18); at His transfiguration He climbed the mountain ‘to pray’ (9:28); the actual transfiguration occurred while ‘he prayed’ (9:29); and He ‘was praying’ just before He taught the disciple’s the Lord’s Prayer (11:1). In Gethsemane He ‘prayed more earnestly’ (22:44); on the cross He prayed for others (23:34); and His last words uttered before His death were a prayer (23:46). Luke also mentions that He prayed after His resurrection (24:30).

In examining the life of Jesus in the other Gospels, we note that He prayed before extending the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour …’ (Mat. 11:25-28); He prayed at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:41-42), for Peter (Luke 22:32), and during the institution of the Lord’s Supper (John 17).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23

“14:23 PRAY ALONE. While on earth, Jesus often sought time to be alone with God (cf. Mark 1:35; 6:46; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 22:41-42; Heb. 5:7). Time alone with God is essential to the spiritual well-being of every believer. We must continually remember that the lack of desire for solitary prayer to our heavenly Father is an unmistakable sign that the spiritual life within us is in a process of decline. If this is happening, we must turn from all that offends the Lord and renew our commitment to persevere in seeking God and His saving grace.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1

“18:1 MEN OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY. Jesus was frequently concerned that His followers pray continually in order to accomplish God’s will for their lives. From this parable of the widow who persevered we learn several things; (1) We must persevere in prayer with regard to all matters until Jesus returns (vv 7-8; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). (2) In this life we have an adversary (v. 3), Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). Prayer can protect us from the evil one (Mat. 6:13). (3) In our prayers we should cry out against sin and for justice (v 7). (4) Persistent prayer is counted as faith (v. 8). (5) In the final days before the return of Christ, there will be increased diabolical opposition to the prayers of the faithful (1 Tim. 4:1). Because of Satan and the pleasures of the world many will cease having a persistent prayer life (8:14; Mat. 13:22; Mark 4:19).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

SUMMATION you might ask?

Following Jesus by living a life of prayer with the Father and Himself – living your life in complete submission to and dependency upon the LORD …. daily declaring with John the Baptist that “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Be persistent. Be relentless – in praying, communing with your God!

Read aloud, begin to memorize and live out:

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

Prayer

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IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING? [podcast]

Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can

Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each and every one of us.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Notice “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not endure to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.).

Are you judging yourself, testing and discerning your life against Holy Scripture?

“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.” Proverbs 28:5

Counterfeits refuse to judge their actual fruit, their lives. They want the assurance of eternal glory with no responsibility of actual repentance and an abiding, obedient relationship with the Savior they claim. They want the crown without the cross. They do not wish to be bothered with truly engaging in an abiding relationship with Jesus on His stated terms but rather seek to use Him to get them out of hell. Jesus tells all who’ve been saved that abiding, remaining in Him to the end of their lives is essential to eternity with Him (John 15:6, etc.).

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

Is believing the biblical truth that a saved person can backslide, fall away, and forfeit their place with God (lose salvation) a bad thing? No. It’s only a bad thing in the minds of those who want to live on their own depraved, self-serving terms while deluding themselves into thinking they are going to God’s holy Heaven.

WHY are we so afraid of doubting if we are truly saved – born again AND presently abiding in Christ? (John 15:1-6). It will be too late when we die which could be today. Think about this. NOW is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) and so today is the day to honestly examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31-32; 2 Corinthians 13:5). Please read the LORD’s book of Ezekiel. You will discover many divine treasures in this magnificent volume. Share this message if you wish to help others.

“A disciplined conscience is a man’s best friend. It may not be his most amiable, but it is his most faithful monitor.” Austin Phelps

“LORD Jesus, please grant me the Holy Fear of God!” should be the daily prayer of every true saint.

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

I told someone recently that I love listening to a preacher or reading Scripture that can make me doubt my salvation because it further quickens my spirit in the fear of God to scamper to the feet of Jesus afresh.

Assurance of salvation and how it possesses the authentic disciple and not the counterfeit.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:19-21

As we see in the passage above, assurance of salvation fills the hearts of all born again believers are who working out their own salvation with fear and trembling.

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

There are conditions the LORD requires to procure and walk in His blessings.

Assurance of salvation is biblical. Eternal security is not. The idea that one is eternally secure no matter what they do after being saved, is a lie from hell. Jesus told us that among those He saves, any who don’t abide, continue with Him, will be cast into the fire (John 15:6).

The lack of a clear conscience, the lack of assurance in one’s heart, is due to the lack of present abiding, obedience. All who are Christ’s and presently abiding, are filled with the assurance of His salvation. Read John 15.

Wolves among us, when addressing assurance, nearly never speak of the personal responsibility God gives to all He saves – to obey Him (John 14:15, 21-23, etc.). When one lacks assurance, it’s only because they have chosen to lack obeying the Savior (2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

WHAT ABOUT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE DOUBTS THAT YOU ARE TRULY SAVED?

When a true believer in Jesus Christ questions someone’s salvation, it is in no way to be rude, but rather out of godly concern. Jesus told us to “know” (discern) people “by their fruit” (Matt. 7:16, 20). Good “fruit” (produce) can only come forth from the born again, abiding disciple of Jesus. Good fruit comes forth from a real relationship with Christ (John 15). One must know Him and that begins at the moment of true repentance and faith (Acts 20:21).

If the overall fruit of someone’s life is not that which the Bible teaches is consistent with truly knowing Jesus and having been regenerated, then there should be concern.

There are some among us who violently object to doubting someone’s salvation, Yet, based on the biblical mandate to “know” (discern) others “by their fruits,” this will happen at times (Matthew 7:16, 20). When a professing Christian’s salvation is doubted based upon lack of good fruit to prove it, some become irate with a “How dare you doubt my/that person’s salvation! Just who are you to do such a thing!?” But wait a minute – didn’t Jesus instruct us to “know” others based on their “fruits”? (Matthew 7:16, 20). And if there are no counterfeits who pose as Christ’s people, why did Jesus say that there are chaff among the wheat? (Matthew 13). Yes He did and so why are we surprised if some of those around us are found to be lost even though they think they are saved? And yes the chaff are going to be separated by the angels in the end but for now Jesus told us to discern (to distinguish between) or to “know” them “by their fruits” and that’s done by fruit inspection.

One man said that he believed that over 90% of church goers in America have never been genuinely born again as we “must be” in order to be brought into God’s kingdom (John 3:3, 7).

Repentance is where and when regeneration happens. In the modern church world, such a foundational biblical doctrine is rarely mentioned much less preached or correctly taught to define what it is and bring conviction to the hearers. In the vast majority of churches today, salvation is never or seldom presented. So how can the sinner respond in repentance and be saved? Is it any wonder so few are saved? People are rarely if ever called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ today as they were publicly called to do by the apostles of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 3:19).

There are some people who hang around with the Christian body that I just never got a peace about. There doesn’t seem to be the presence of the divine Person of the Holy Spirit and therefore the fruit He alone can produce is absent (Galatians 5:22-23). One must be born again and given a new nature by the LORD or we are not His. When this conversion takes place, there will be good fruit (Matthew 3:7-10).

Should we float people all the way into hell instead of helping make sure they have truly repented and been born again? Is that love or hatred?

If someone questions our salvation, how should we react? How about this way: “Well, thank you for being concerned about my eternal soul. I am open and willing to investigate (biblically) the possibility that I may not have truly repented (laid down my life) and placed my faith in Jesus Christ. Or, since He saved me in the past, perhaps I have backslidden and no longer know Him due to allowing sin in my life.”

HONEST CONCERN VERSUS CRUEL CONDEMNATION

There are going to be children of the enemy that will come in and attempt to confuse and to derail you by doubting that you are saved. They do this to bring “confusion and every evil work” instead of “godly edifying” (James 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:4).

David, the man after God’s own heart, was often persecuted by the wicked, his place with God being the central attack of the enemy.

“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? … As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?” Psalms 42:3, 10

Those who are His have the “witness” of His Spirit in them:

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16

Why are you bothered when someone else doubts your salvation? Do you have the bearing witness of the Holy Spirit as a witness in your heart? (Romans 8:16). If you are assured by God (not self or mere man) of your salvation, why would you be concerned if someone else doubted it? Can you say with Paul “nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”? (2 Timothy 1:12). Did God not say that we who have and are believing the record He gave of His Son have HIS “witness” within us?

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. ¹⁰He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. ¹¹And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹²He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. ¹³These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:9-13

David told us that our “sentence” comes from the LORD Himself not man:

“Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2

The Hebrew word that is translated “sentence” here means: act of deciding a case, decision, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable), sentence of formal decree.

By reason of creation, God Himself is the only One who can determine judicially that one is righteous or unrighteous, just or unjust, justified or not justified. The Almighty is the only One qualified to sentence any individual to Heaven or hell. Either He approves of us or He disapproves of us (Ezekiel 18:4).

“STRONG CONFIDENCE”

“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. ²⁷The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27

The key to having “strong confidence” and escaping “the snares of death,” is fearing God.

God’s Word tells us that “The fear of the Lord is clean” (Psalms 19:9). The heart that truly fears God is made “clean” from any doubt and has full and “strong confidence” or assurance and strength of conviction.

The key is being with Jesus – being in Christ. Jesus told us that those who are “with” Him are His and all others are “against” Him (Matthew 12:30). The whole of Holy Scripture is the very testimony of God and we can plainly observe that being presently and truly “in Christ” is the determining factor.

The Father spoke from Heaven audibly, declaring of Christ, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). ALL who are presently in Christ, are well pleasing to God – justified, sentenced and declared righteous. Justification, to be declared righteous by God, is always “by faith” (Romans 3:21-5:17; Hebrews 11:4-7).

Ultimately, your “sentence” or sentencing comes forth from God alone who is the only Judge of your eternal soul. In light of this, Paul writes:

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. ³⁴Who 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.” Romans 8:33-34

According to the whole counsel of God’s Word, believers in Jesus Christ – those who genuinely turn to God in repentance, placing their faith in Jesus Christ – have been shown mercy by God. This gift of eternal life was made possible through the finished and perfect work of the One sinless, perfect Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who bled on the cross, was buried, and rose again from the dead. He is “the Son of God with power.”

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4

Being rooted and grounded in God’s love is so very important to being “sound in the faith,” having a “sound heart” and a “sound mind” (Proverbs 14:30; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:13). This all comes from learning and believing “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9; 2:1).

GOING DEEP

Heeding the apostle Paul’s exhortation to all those whom the LORD has saved, is essential to an ever-deepening, abiding, assured place with the LORD.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: ⁷Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Only going on to perfection (spiritual maturity) by learning and obeying the truth of God can make one free from doubting that He is God’s child (Hebrews 5:11-6:3).

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. ³¹Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; ³²And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:30-32, 36

As the born again disciple of Christ continues to walk in the light of truth with Jesus, He is kept in Christ and assured of salvation.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: ⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7

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