Abiding

The Root Determines the Fruit [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]

Don’t Like the Fruit? Check the Root.

“The worse storms test the strength of our anchor.” unknown

Jesus says we know/discern people “by their fruits” yet He did NOT say anyone is saved by their fruits (Matthew 7:16, 20). The fruit of someone’s life reveals the chosen root of their life. The root determines the fruit. The fruit is determined by the root (Matthew 12:33). There is a distinct fruit produced when you plant an apple seed which begins to germinate and a tree with roots develops, takes root into the ground. Then comes to apples.

The same is true for all who are born again and rooted in Christ. A certain fruit or fruits will be produced.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

“A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.” Proverbs 12:3

Read that again please.

One cannot build a good, a solid, a sound foundation upon wickedness. You must clear it all up – repent, confess, make amends (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 19:8). IF you are truly rooted in and presently abiding in Christ – on HIS stated terms – the fruit of your life makes such obviously (John 15).

“For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.” Romans 11:16

“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

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

“Those that be planted in the house (kingdom) of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalms 92:13-15

“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. 6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:3-6

“Good Treasure” vs “Evil Treasure”

Do you have “good” or do you have “evil treasure” in your heart?

“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” Matthew 12:35

All who are not manifesting good fruit have no root in, no relationship with Christ. Bad fruit = bad root. God fruit = good root, Christ.

“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:17-20

WHEN’s the last time you fasted a day? If you are being controlled by the flesh, by your iniquities, fasting is the answer God gave you. Nothing to pray about. Obey. Do it. Schedule it now. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22) Schedule one day a week to fast, to seek the LORD in special prayer, etc. You will be so blessed – yet do it in worshipful obedience to the One you claim to love! (Isaiah 58) | Fasting and Prayer

You claim to love God? Does your life, your fruit prove this? – Jesus says “IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

If you were accused of being a disciple of Jesus, would there be evidence enough to prove it?

One writer notes:

“The reason some people fall away is not because of the affliction, but they fall away because they have no firm root within themselves. How is your root system? The Psalmist provides an illustration of a person with a well developed root system:

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:3

This is a person who is not buffeted by adversity, but is secure in God. As you meditate upon God and His Word, then your roots will go deep. When the roots go deep there is no need to fear the storms of life.”

How God is Building His Foundation in the Lives of His People

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10

The LORD set Jeremiah to prophecy over the nations, the kingdoms… And this is the pattern of the LORD in the lives of His people.

“to root out”
“to pull down”
“to destroy”
“to throw down”
“to build”
“to plant.”

Read that again please and not – first, by divine priority, the first 4 things God does is DE-structive (rooting the bad out) and the following 2 things are CON-structive (building up).

“Oh yes! What a fabulous verse. Jeremiah 1:10. The only way to be built up in Him is to be torn down. Our old selves (flesh) plucked out and thrown down! Taken to the cross and crucified! Nailed door nail dead! It hurts! But it is the only way the glory of God and the face of Jesus Christ will shine through us into the darkness of the world! 2 Corinthians 4:6.” Karen Cochran

Rooted or Booted? Why Do People Fall Away? [podcast]

Warnings in the Book of Jude [podcast] “The worse storms test the strength of our anchor.” unknown “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 If Christ’s light, the light of Christ is truly in us, we must let it shine to others in this dark world – as we joyfully anticipate the return of Heaven’s KING! All who are truly rooted and grounded in Christ, have good Gospel works to prove it. All others are counterfeits. “Then shall he say also unto them […]

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

“The horrible travesty we have in America today is Christianity without holiness.” A.W. Tozer Grace and holiness come only from God. The LORD is Holy and He extends salvation by grace to repentant, believing sinners at the moment of conversion. Grave vs Holiness: WHY is one of these two so overwhelmingly overemphasized by today’s pastors and self-appointed “grace teachers,” when the other is prioritized by God as is demonstrated by the number of times it appears in Holy Scripture? Which word appears more times in the Bible?: Grace, or Holiness LET’S DO THE MATH: Comparing Grace and Holiness 170 […]

Fresh Start with God

You can Have a … Jesus is the Great Shepherd of His Sheep (Heb. 13:20; Lk. 15) A FRESH START WITH GOD (First, if you are not certain that you are genuinely born again, please go here first) Let’s get something straight…. the disciple, the mere man writing this message is more in need of JESUS than anyone who ever lived! No one needs Jesus more than I do and yet, we must do things HIS way, not our own (Ephesians 3:8). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs […]

Abiding

7 Ways to Forgive [podcast]

PRAY

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

LOVE AND DO GOOD TO THE OFFENDER

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Romans 12:9

REFUSE TO SPEAK EVIL OF THE OFFENDER

“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14

RELEASE THEM FROM YOUR PUNISHMENT

“Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:17-19

DON’T CELEBRATE THEIR FAILURES

“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” Proverbs 24:17-18

TREAT THEM THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31

STOP DWELLING ON THE PAST

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.” Isaiah 43:18

The blessedness of being merciful to others:

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

The only way to prevent holding a grudge, is to simply forgive them – as God freely forgave you through the infinite price Christ paid for your sins on the cross, of which you don’t deserve (Psalms 103:10).

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James 5:7-9

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:30-32

Being kind and forgiving towards others becomes simple as we look in the mirror and declare with Paul the apostle: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.” (Romans 7:18)

“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Psalms 103:10

Forgiveness becomes easy when we look in the mirror to see the person (us, me) who needs God’s mercy more than any other person alive on the earth! Memorize Ephesians 4:32 now. KJB

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

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14

Forgiveness Quotes

Forgiveness is ultra important to God. If you don’t forgive all others, you are not forgiven of your own sin and are as sure for hell as if you were already there. If you refuse to forgive you damn your own soul, non-negotiably. irrevocably.

“Forgiveness does not mean what happened is okay. It means not letting what happened take any more of your happiness.” Michelle Maros

“There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.” Bryant McGill

“Love is an act of endless forgiveness. Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me. Forgiveness is the final act of love.” Reinhold Niebuhr

“Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong; it makes you bitter. Forgiving doesn’t make you weak; it sets you free.” unknown

Forgiveness | Fresh Start with God | Making Peace with God

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LESS than the Least! Filthy Rags Fellowship! [podcast]

The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent! FACT: NO ONE, not one person on this earth needs Jesus more than this fool, this pauper who is nothing without Christ! (Romans 7:18; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15) Jesus died, was buried, and raised again from the dead to forgive, regenerate, redeem, and grant complete victory in this life to every one of His people. Yet, we must do things God’s way and no other way. JESUS JUDGED SIN ON THE CROSS SO WE DON’T HAVE TO BE JUDGED FOR OUR SIN AND SO WE […]

Stone Cold Truths about Mercy, Judgment, and Forgiveness [podcast]

HOW did God say He is known? – “by the judgment which he executeth.” Get ready! (Read 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16.) “The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.” Psalms 9:16 “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6 So let me get this straight…. you don’t mind that God forgave you, sinner, but now you want to control who else He chooses to forgive and have mercy on? Repent now you vile hypocrite! The flames of […]

Abiding

Christ’s Non-Negotiable Original Gospel Imperative [podcast]

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30

It’s one thing to claim we are with Christ and He with us, and it’s another thing to prove we are with the Savior by adhering to His words. Jesus told us that those who are “of God” hear and obey His words (John 8:47).

If one chooses not to love Jesus enough to obey His stated terms, such a man has rejected the Son of God for the love of sinful self and will perish in his own corruption (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6, etc.).

“Repentance is to TAKE SIDES with God against yourself. It is a CHANGE of attitude toward SELF, toward SIN, toward GOD, toward CHRIST that is so REAL that it RESULTS in a changed life. It is raising the WHITE FLAG in SURRENDER to God and turning to Christ as your only LORD and Savior. Repentance is NOT a work … works are the fruit of repentance (Ephesians 2:8-10).” Trent Austin

Only the counterfeit will get upset at this Gospel message because such a rebel wants nothing to do with taking personal responsibility for his sin, the denial of self, the crucified life to be set apart, holy, and having the Savior reign!

Notice how Jesus knits the denial of self, the daily cross, the putting off the deeds of the body, of keeping under the body (the iniquitous fallen nature) with the destiny of the eternal soul.

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25

Jesus made it clear here that the cross is an original Gospel essential, an absolute imperative to eternal glory with Him!

Each of us proves exactly who we love the most by the way we are living! – God or self!

Everything that is happening in your life now is being allowed by God in order to get you down low into the death and burial with Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 4.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

What Did Paul Mean by "I Keep Under My Body"? [podcast]

In spite of all the evil that is me, dear LORD You have been so gracious (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7; Titus 3:5-7). Thank You Jesus. Please bless this life to be crucified with Thee! If OSAS/eternal security is true, WHY did Paul say he himself that he could be “castaway” from God in the end if he didn’t endure to the end, perpetually keep under his body (the cross life)? “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a […]

A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]

The burnt offering means a complete consumption. What did God illustrate to us when He required His people under the Old Covenant to offer burnt offering sacrifices? His coming Messiah’s perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The ordained way He requires that His people serve Him. Jesus was the ultimate burnt offering. He gave all of Himself freely in obedience to His Father and to redeem mankind. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 In His […]

Abiding

What is our Highest Priority as we see Christ’s Return Nearing? [podcast]

What’s most important?

How do we want Christ to find us when He splits the eastern sky?

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Luke 2:49

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” John 4:35-38

In light of the end time events transpiring before our eyes we are keeping our:

Eyes to Jesus (Luke 21:28; Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 12:1-3).
Hand to the plough of His work (Luke 9:62).

“…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

“All we can do is not look left or right but keep our eyes on Jesus. He’s coming soon! This is becoming a time when people’s hearts will fail them for fear! Luke 21:26. Because our world is definitely being shaken. Our foundation needs to be built on Christ, not sinking sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Or we will fall. Building our house means not just hearing God’s Word but obeying Him. Build your life on the Word of God! Then when these things come to pass you will not fall.” Karen Cochran

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Here’s one of the responses given to this man in that conversation:

“Nothing of this offends me. Just iron sharpening iron concerning sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). ‘But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine’ (Titus 2:1). 2 Peter 1:3-4 informs us that ‘ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness’ are found in God’s Word, in His ‘exceeding great and precious promises.’ Why then do we resort to using extra biblical symbolism, especially that which is out of a known pagan, blasphemous religion? Certainly the Holy Spirit is not behind such. If we are truly in Christ’s service, we should use Christ’s Word and not something contrary to it (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Do we not mislead when we do such?

There is no such thing as a Christian psychologist. Such must be denounced, and will be, unless we are still walking in the flesh and not the Spirit. Jesus taught against using titles (Matthew 23:8-12). Nothing Christian about Psychology. Title Touters safeguardyoursoul.com

Paul denounced….

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:3-11

Salvation, ministry, is all about Jesus Christ, not us.

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Asking the LORD to strip you and build you from the ground up – HIS way and no other. Ask Him to remove every trace, every iota of flesh, of deceit, of evil (2 Corinthians 7:1).

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12

Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]

WHO continues to get stronger and stronger? – “from strength to strength” ….

“They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.’ Psalms 84:7

Those who appear, go before the LORD in private prayer will be increased in divine power!

The Return of Jesus | Lukewarm is Hell Bound | Fresh Start with God | What Church is Jesus Coming Back for? [podcast]

The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold [podcast]

YOU know when you are listening to a wolf when He only speaks of God’s love for us but never about God’s command that we love Him – and if we don’t, we are going to hell. Beware. The LORD’s been 100% faithful to us and yet He requires our faithfulness to Him or hell awaits (Matthew 22:37-40). If someone’s love toward God’s people has waxed cold, it’s only because their love for the LORD first waxed cold (Matthew 24:10-14). Today is the best day to repent and return to the LORD. “And then shall many be offended, and shall […]

Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 “God allowed Job to be stripped. I was also thinking of Jeremiah 1:10. God uses what Satan meant to harm us for His good. Providence. Romans 8:28. As we know he did in Joseph’s life. I could be wrong but in this title is Satan getting credit for stripping us?” Karen Cochran Why Did God allow Job to Suffer, to be Tested? Job’s Suffering, Testing […]

The Lure and Peril of Titles and Taintings!

TODAY, many cross-less, self-serving wolves tout their great calling from God to be prophet, prophetess, bishop, apostle, etc. True disciples of Jesus proclaim they are undeservingly saved by the blood of Jesus and merely HIS servants. Kingdom echelon? If there is any echelon in Christ’s kingdom, perhaps this is it, right? …. “But he that is greatest among you shall be your SERVANT.” (Matthew 23:11) ALL who call themselves “apostle” or “prophet” are self-promoting. Most if not all today who claim to be prophets are frauds. Apostle and prophet are functions to serve God and OTHERS in and not for […]

Self-Appointed Title Touters

EXCUSE me WOLF, “apostle” or “prophet” are NOT titles to be used to promote yourself! Repent sinner! Title touters are completely SELF-centered and need to repent, lay down their lives, be crucified with Christ, and follow Jesus (Matthew 23:8-12). Are those who use titles not broadcasting their pride for all to see? Does Using Titles Draw Attention to Mere Men While Stealing Glory from Jesus Christ? JESUS CHRIST is the only Celebrity in Heaven. The last time a phony “celebrity” self-actualized, the LORD booted that devil! (Ezekiel 28:12-12-19; Luke 10:18) The fact that you dare call yourself an apostle or […]

Racism: Nation Rising Against Nation [radio]

Laboring in the Spirit, not the Flesh “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21 It’s not about the color or your skin, it’s about what kingdom you’re in! What Should be the Response of the Body of Christ? – LOVE! Reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning this week is a life changer. Nothing in our lives is going to work out right if we don’t prayerfully endeavor to walk in God’s love – loving God and our neighbor, above ourselves. I love pouring prayerfully […]