“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
Today’s priesthood of wolves, who falsely claim to be the LORD’s elders, nearly all insist that they MUST have and operate out of a physical so-called church building (Jeremiah 12:10; 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 24:11, etc.). Well, wouldn’t that mean that Jesus and His holy apostles weren’t legitimate elders—because none of them raised a penny for, or built a physical building?
A temple is a holy place, a sanctuary of worship. The temple the LORD had Moses construct was in order that He might dwell among His people. “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). Why was there a tent of meeting? “That I may dwell among them.” We must never lose sight of the original and perpetual purpose for a temple—for God and man to abide together in relational communion and that the Creator’s will could be advanced in the earth (Genesis 1:26; John 14:15, 21, 23; 17:3; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
In the divine economy, a temple is a place where God dwells. And, just where is that temple today?
The temple of God is the place He chooses to dwell—to reside. Where did the LORD tell us He chooses to dwell?
“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for (now) he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also … Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient (better) for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” John 14:17-19; 16:7
When Jesus spoke these words He had not yet ascended back to Heaven. The Son of God here promised that when He went to the glory of His Father He was going to send the divine Person of the Holy Ghost to dwell inside every born again believer (His temples). This is why Jesus tells us in John 16:7 that it was “expedient” or better for them His disciples (and us), that He went away—so that upon re-entering His Father’s heavenly throne of glory, He could send into the hearts of every saint, the divine Person of the Holy Spirit. Apparently, up until this point the Holy Spirit was only with His saints and not inside of them in the special way He dwells with us under this glorious New Covenant (read the book of Hebrews). Christ here foretells that soon, when He rose again from the dead and ascended up on high, He was going to send forth the Holy Ghost and though now “he dwelleth WITH you,” soon He “shall be IN you” (John 14:17). But not everyone can receive the divine presence, the divine Person of the Holy Spirit. There is a qualification to receive the very presence of the Holy Spirit— “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17). Only those who know Jesus and have been cleansed by His holy blood will receive the Holy Spirit and be His temples—the place He dwells. Now that His blood was shed to take away the sins of the world, the divine presence of “the Spirit of truth” was now going to dwell in those temples whom He had regenerated and cleansed in preparation for His abiding (John 14:17).

There is a shadow of this in the law and days of Moses. This truth (that one must be washed in the blood to receive the Spirit) is a prophetic prefiguring of what Christ become the reality and fulfillment. Jesus Christ has become the substance of what this was a mere “shadow of things to come.” Hebrews 10:1 says, “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”
The blood of Jesus has provided for us much better things in our relationship with God, including the truth that we are His temples —the place He has chosen to dwell. The sacrifices under the Old Covenant were infinitely inferior to that of the supreme and matchless perfection of Christ’s sacrifice through which He has granted us a “better covenant.” —“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant (far superior), which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).
The shadow: Do you remember that under the law, the blood was first applied to the priest and then the oil? The substance: There is order with the LORD—one must first be cleansed of all unholy contamination (sin) by the blood of sacrifice before the oil of God the Holy Spirit will come and dwell there.
“And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.” Exodus 29:21
With these truths at heart and for a deeper understanding, let’s peruse through a larger portion of this vital passage recorded in John 14, even the words of our LORD:
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide (dwell) with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:16-26
The Holy Spirit is now dwelling in us as His temples—“he abideth (dwells) IN US, by the Spirit which he hath given us … greater is he that is IN YOU, than he that is in the world” (1 John 3:24; 4:4).
“Ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
The person who does not understand what God’s Word teaches concerning the identification of God’s real “church”—“God’s building”—is prey for a wolf to make him loyal to his own cause, diverting and intercepting his focus and funds from the LORD God (soul-damning idolatry – Ephesians 5:5-9).
Did Jesus ever build a physical building to further His heavenly kingdom? No. So what does He mean by the declaration “I will build my church”? See Matthew 16:18.
“Many have no idea that 1 Corinthians 3:16 means God dwells within us. They pride themselves on how often they attend church. It becomes a ‘holier than thou’ attitude (Isaiah 65:5). And they believe they are morally superior because they attend ‘church.’ God forbid you leave their apostate building and become the real church! At our last ‘church’ we were ostracized for that. Because according to them, when you leave their physical building, you have now left God. They believe that Jesus is only in those buildings and not in us! But those church buildings are only made of wood. And Jesus does not dwell there because of the defilement, self-righteousness, and sin. He dwells in us. We are the temples of the living God! And we are to carry His Word and shine His light into the world and not to hide it behind a fake, lukewarm, religious building!” Karen Cochran
How does the Bible define His “church”? Greek – ekklessia, which means called out ones (people).
What Jesus is building is “a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). This is transpiring as His Word is sown into the hearts of men.
The Carpenter from Heaven promised to build and work on His “building” causing it to prevail against all hell could offer (Matthew 16:18). His people are the “church” Jesus promised to “build.” We are each lively stones— “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Each one of His people is a living stone making up His “building,” His “temple,” His “spiritual house” (1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 1 Peter 2:5).
“And I (Christ) say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (the revelation that I am the Messiah) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
Jesus says “I will build my CHURCH” (Matthew 16:18). His “church” is HIS PEOPLE, not a physical building but rather He is building His kingdom in the hearts of His PEOPLE. Are you STILL wasting God’s money on physical buildings many erroneously call “church” ?
The revealed divine goal is to “build” His family by saving and changing lives that are houses of clay and being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29). Christ didn’t come to give license to sub-leaders to build their own little kingdoms using His name. He is orchestrating all things to this divine and holy end—it’s all about Him and not us. This is why He has redeemed us and come to dwell in us—to do what He promised and is doing, build His church. Any movement, leader, or organization that does not own and communicate this foundational truth through the Gospel, is preaching another gospel and is false (Galatians 1:6-9). Defining the true Church as the LORD has in His Word is ultra important, especially in this late hour of epidemic apostasy (Matthew 24:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Revelation 12:12). Jesus Christ told us that His kingdom was “not of this world” and that His kingdom was within His people and not an organization of mere men or physical buildings— “the most High dwelleth NOT in temples made with hands” (Luke 17:21; John 18:36; Acts 7:48).
Just as the blood of an animal sacrifice preceded the application of the anointing oil, so the precious blood of Christ made it possible for His Holy Spirit to dwell inside each and every one of His saints. This is why Jesus told us that it was “expedient” for us that He go to Heaven after paying the full price for our sins on the cross so He could send the Spirit into each heart (Acts 2:1-4).
Did you catch that? — “The most High dwelleth NOT in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48). God is holy and cannot dwell in any place prepared by the hands of sinful men. As God would have it, only the divine blood of His only begotten Son via His nail-pierced hands and feet could have possibly prepared the place in us for His holy presence to dwell.
This “so great salvation,” wrought by the very blood of Jesus, provided for the indwelling Spirit to inhabit us as His temples and gives full access and blessed provision to every disciple for communion and any need (Hebrews 2:3; 4:14-16).
JESUS WANTS THE GATHERINGS OF HIS PEOPLE CLEANSED FROM THE HIRELING WOLVES WHO MONETIZE HIS NAME AND HIS CHURCH! They refuse to emphasize the divine desire for God’s people to have pure hearts nor the cardinal doctrines of the doctrine of God.
God is all about people and yet cannot bestow His blessing until there is true repentance and humility (Isaiah 1:18-20; Acts 3:19; James 4:6-10). We should ask His forgiveness for the idolatry of having other gods before Him and therefore aggrandizing self, physical temples, organizations, programs, and mere men.
“For the LORD taketh pleasure in HIS PEOPLE (not physical buildings, organizations or leaders, etc.): he will beautify the meek with salvation.” Psalms 149:4
The Father sent His only begotten Son for people. The earth and everything else is only in existence for His highest creation for which He came and bled. The eternal Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, ultimately purchasing our redemption with His own blood in order to wash away all our sins and grant us intimate relationship with Him who is “holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 26:28; Revelation 4:8). Christ did not come to the earth so that men could use His name to amass organizations to their own glory, ruling over the people—such is the occupation of “evil workers” (Philippians 3:1-3, 17-19). Jesus told us that those who truly followed Him would be the greatest servants (Matthew 20:24-28). Any person in leadership who does not strive to be “servant of all” is in direct disobedience to the command of Christ and will inevitably become a wolf operating among the sheep if he does not repent and lay down his life (Mark 9:35). Hirelings are those who are in ministry positions for their own personal gain—they serve their own carnal appetites (Philippians 3:17-19). As we were repeatedly forewarned, there are “many” who erect physical monuments and perpetuate the existence of religious organizations of mere men while claiming to be Christ’s leaders. This they do while simultaneously rejecting His words (Matthew 7:21; Mark 8:38).
The LORD is all about “HIS PEOPLE” and not physical buildings, organizations, religious politics, or the undue and idolatrous worship of human leaders, etc. Those who do not emphasize this truth that Jesus Christ is “Head” and is building His people—His Church—His building, are those who are “not (up)holding the Head (Christ), from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God” (Colossians 2:18-19).
Oh yeah to the naked and untrained eye it looks like Christianity is growing in America with all the church buildings that are being constructed. That’s a picture of the organized, visible apostate church world. As Elijah and the apostle Paul were taught and reminded of, God’s remnant people are not always readily visible to the physical eye (1 Kings 19:14, 18; Acts 18:9-10). But we must ask ourselves if the growth of the kingdom of God is parallel with the construction of brick and mortar buildings and the numeric growth of organizations or local churches.
According to history, organizations, properties, and numbers of people can be thriving while men are simultaneously departing from the LORD.
“For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.” Hosea 8:14
“Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples” —From this telling statement it seems that as men forget God, they tend to migrate to the idolatry of self by building physical structures as a way to make up for what they lack spiritually and what they would otherwise be receiving from God if they were worshiping Him “in Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). The innate tendency in the man who has a mere form of godliness yet does not know the LORD, is to construct physical things, believing that he is contributing to the building of God’s kingdom. For this sin the LORD promises to send the “fire” of His judgment which must begin at the house of God (Isaiah 5:20-24; 1 Peter 4:17-18).
Those who understand the biblical truth about the true Church and that we are His temples, will cringe when we hear a pastor stand up and say “Welcome to the house of God.” We are the Church (called-out ones) and therefore cannot go to church as many insinuate. We are the temple or house of God and therefore cannot go to the house of God. Now we can fellowship with those in “the household of faith” yet the house of God is not a physical building where we gather (Galatians 6:10). Any leader who misleads people to believe that his little church program or business is “the house of God” simply does not possess a foundational knowledge of the kingdom of God.
Like apostate Israel, in America we see the exponential proliferation of “church houses” at the expense of the advancement and spread of the kingdom of Heaven. Wasn’t this the case with the Laodiceans? They appeared to have substance with all their material wealth and yet God saw them as ready to be rejected out of His body because they were “lukewarm… wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked…” (Revelation 3:14-22). Let’s freshly read these vitally important words of Christ and examine our own hearts in this light:
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:14-22
One deceived pastor of a large and financially affluent church here in the Dallas area attributes the financial increase and his accumulation of real estate properties to the growth of God’s kingdom. Is that biblically accurate?
“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:1-5
The LORD is not impressed with physical buildings and organizations of religious men who don’t know Him. The Almighty told us that He only chooses to commune with that redeemed person who is of a “poor and of a contrite spirit” and therefore trembles at His holy Word (Isaiah 66:2).
Being His dwelling place requires that I obediently keep His temple clean. (God be praised for repentance, His holy throne of grace, and the restoring love of Christ.) Such is a condition for remaining His son and receiving His blessings:
“And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 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 6:15-7:1
PRAYER: Father, please do a fresh work in my heart. I ask You in Jesus’ holy name. Grant a heart of flesh and please remove all stony places in this heart. Bless this vessel to please You in all thoughts, meditations, and acts in this short life. Please dig in deep, probing the depths of this heart. Please test the substance of my life and reveal the true value or lack thereof. Grant repentance and the holy fear of the LORD. Let me be clothed with Your righteousness through the precious blood of Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay: Born Again: What is It?
Feedback:
“Brother TODD you are such a blessing .. I came out two years ago .. HE kept taking me out.. I thought something was wrong with me.. not anymore .. brother AUSTIN shared this teaching on the living stones and gave an illustration.. I will send this to him he will love it and I have sent it to a few others as well.. thank you for writing it for the FATHER is using you and all your past experiences HE is using for his glory!” Marsha O.
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Articles
5 Aspects of the Mind of Christ [podcast]

5 Components of the Mind of Christ from Philippians 2
- Jesus Christ made Himself of no reputation.
- He took upon Him the form of a servant.
- He was made in the likeness of men.
- He humbled Himself.
- He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:2-10
“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
At Gethsemane the death before the cross, before His death on the cross occurred.
“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42
“He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8
Living in the mind, the disposition of Christ means you are truly following Him.
As Christ’s disciple, your devotion, your love is first to Him, then to your neighbor, not self (Matthew 22:37-39). You are commanded by the Savior to set self aside and to lift others above yourself—to prefer, to put God and others first. Those who do so, experience true freedom, liberty.
Being one with Christ, who gave all to save you, means your life is over—you now live to serve the LORD and others, not self (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3).
Have you poured prayerfully over Philippians 2:3-5 today? If you will begin every day this week pouring prayerfully over this passage, asking the LORD to internalize it in your heart, God will begin to deeply instill the very “mind of Christ” into your innermost disposition.
Part of the dying…. IS GOD calling us to Himself, to forsake this world, including the attempt to save an unrepentant nation long in rebellion against Him – America?
Prayer: LORD, I want to walk in the disposition You walked in on earth. I will esteem You and others above myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Articles
Greedy, Covetous, and Beguiled! [podcast]

One man has wisely stated that “Greed and covetousness will damn more souls than all other sins combined.”
“Spiritual Blessings”
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:3-7
“If we are in Jesus we have the the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Unfathomable (in our small minds), infinite wealth and spiritual blessings! Endless mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That is inexhaustible! Why do we need any worldly riches that will rot and corrupt our hearts!? Lay up in your hearts God’s riches! Which are eternal!” Karen Cochran
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:36
The only wealth that will last, forever, is that which is gained by obeying God in this life – thereby laying up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).
Got an “education” but going to hell eternally. Self-serving idolaters.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10
America is full of those who claim to be saved and yet paid big money to get a piece of paper to get more money in this life and yet it’s clear that they’ve been serving money, mammon all along, not Christ.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single (full of Christ, not covetousness), thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil (greed filled), thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24
They’ve never repented and aren’t presently, literally serving God. This means they are hell bound.
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7
Real repentance or reprobate?
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5
The souls of millions who think they are saved are going to be damned due to not being truly given over to the LORD they claim to know and be saved by. If their lives were truly given over, they would be helping others and the work of Christ to be advanced in this fleeting world.
Their covetousness – “I want this” or “I just bought that” – is telling on their wicked hearts (Luke 12; 1 Timothy 6). They are sinning away their day of grace as they live unto self and are rich toward self and not Jesus. They are “not rich toward God” to use Christ’s own words (Luke 12:21). Jesus promised these would be damned for their turning a dead ear and blind eye to the needs of others – “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” (Matthew 25:45) The light bills and rent/mortgages of some in-need Christians go unpaid. The pantries of some remain empty. True, New Testament ministries go unfunded …. and Why? – Because of the waste of millions who call themselves by the name of the One who came and gave ALL. They do not resemble Him which clearly shows that they are not following Him and merely rendering lip service to Him in order to deceive their own darkened hearts into the vain imagination that they are going to be with Him eternally.
Their GOAL is your GOLD, not your SOUL! Get a clue! Read 2 Peter 2:1-3; Philippians 3:18-19.
“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.” 1 John 3:16-19
What you refuse to do (omission) when you see another in need, is indicative of who you are serving – self instead of the Savior. The Son of God says: “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. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:19-21)
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16
The fruit of the Spirit and good works are the clear indication that one is truly saved (Galatians 5:19-24; Titus 3:8; James 1:22-27). If you are not literally a giver, the LORD is calling you to repent and obey God’s Word by giving up first your whole life and will to Him. Then, all you have in your possession will go to His glory in loving your neighbor. If all you have isn’t Christ’s, it’s time to repent and get saved friend (Luke 14:33).
Prayerfully read Luke 12 and 1 Timothy 6 every day for the next week.
Toni S. writes:
“Not just helping in ministry, but also the widows, poor, prisoners and fatherless. In addition, so many just hand their tithes over to a church pastor expecting Him to do this with their money. But what they end up supporting is not a ministry but a lavish lifestyle that many pastors live. People also donate money to ‘charitable” organizations without even researching where that money really goes too.” Toni S.
Wolves patty cake with you because they want your money and could care less about your eternal soul (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy:2-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3).
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
“And who are we to support? 3 John 8 “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” Those who are devoted to the truth of God’s word! And are speaking the original gospel once delivered unto the saints Jude 3. Then we become fellowhelpers to them who are spreading truth. And actually participate in their ministry by giving to them. As opposed to bidding God speed to the deceivers and false teachers (2 John 9-11). We aren’t to support financially or participate at all in their ministry. Or we become partakers in their evil deeds and will suffer the same punishment as them. So we have a choice, participate in those preaching the whole truth and receive rewards (treasures in heaven) or participate in the deception of false teachers and suffer eternal consequences!” Karen Cochran
PRAYER: I here and now confess to You Father that I have been a self-idolater, I have committed spiritual adultery against You. I have not had You but rather myself first. Please forgive my sin, wash me clean, and fill me with Your Holy Ghost afresh. Circumcise this heart and replace the stony places with a heart of flesh. Bless this vessel to abide crucified with Thee and bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Articles
Lay Up For Yourselves Treasures in Heaven [podcast]

“LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES”
The only wealth that will last, forever, is that which is gained by obeying God in this life – thereby laying up treasure in Heaven.
Money Has Wings
“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:4-5
- Instruction: “Labour not to be rich” v4
- Instruction: “cease from thine own wisdom” v4
- Question?: “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?” v5
- Wisdom to ponder: “for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” v5
Note this phrase in v5 (please read carefully) – “riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Now watch this – “they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” What does that mean? Simply, the way we spend our money on earth will testify about our lives on Judgment Day and we will thereby be rewarded or stripped of rewards or even kept out of the kingdom (Lk. 16:19-31; James 2:1-7; 5:1-6; etc.). The usage of our money is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts (Matt. 6:21).
Treasures In Heaven
IN previous generations, young men and women gave up their whole life of luxury in America to go to a foreign land to preach the Gospel of Christ. Today we have a generation of professing “Christians” who won’t so much as give up a penny to support the preaching of the Gospel of the glorious Savior they claim to be saved by.
How important is Christ and His Gospel to you? Jesus told us exactly how important we count Him and His Gospel….
People spend, waste money on every frivolity under Heaven and seldom lay up treasures in Heaven using their temporal coin (Matthew 6:19-21). Read Jesus’ teaching recorded in Luke 16.
Our LORD instructs us to lay up treasure, but in Heaven not here in this temporal world where the dollar will soon be obsolete, superseded by rewards earned during this earthly life.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures (lots) in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” Matthew 6:19-20
Saint of the Most High, are you going to look back in eternity and deeply regret the opportunities God gave you in this fleeting life that you passed up? – to bless another believer or to support the work of Christ and send forward eternal rewards?
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
WHERE are you laying up treasure?
Your investments into God’s kingdom work in this short life are truly safe, secure, life-giving, and eternal. No one can take them away.
DISCIPLE OF JESUS, Jesus Christ is all-knowing and sees everything and will reward every good deed or work done in His name and love.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10
Tithing is not commanded under the New Testament. Yet giving and putting God first is commanded and is the privilege of the saints of Christ (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33; Luke 6:38).
LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: Are you tired of reading Scripture or hearing a good message from the Word and not retaining it for yourself and to help others? We can help you. This message was sent out to each person who is on the Moments For My Master e-mail devotional list. In supplementation to your personal daily study of God’s Word, we would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2). Sign up here.
Feedback:
“No matter how much I give he keeps giving back to me… pressed down shaken together and running over. God is great and greatly to be praised.” Steven M.
More on Stewardship | Cheerful Giving
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSAS | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] | Eternal Security Exposed | Sealed? | The Return of Christ | Lie of the Ages [podcast] | 10 Questions about Eternal Security | Is Salvation Eternal? | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast]



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