THE WICKED AND THE WONDERFUL: Does the Bible say that You are Wonderful? [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]

Attention: Jesus didn’t come to die because you are wonderful.

No He came because you are wicked (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3, etc.).

The testimony of Holy Scripture is that JESUS is “Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6-7)…. and we are “desperately wicked” without Him (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18, 24).

Each of His children, bought by His blood, merely stand as unworthy beggars, shoulder to shoulder in honor of our KING, Jesus!

The only righteousness we have is that which our LORD Jesus mercifully, graciously provided for us by the one-time shedding of HIS precious blood for our sin – to pay the price in full, the exclusive redemption price which alone could and did satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind back to Him and the Father (Ezekiel 22:30; John 19:30; Romans 3:21-25; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; Titus 3:5-7, etc.).

So, let me get this straight: you are so full of self-love that you have reduced the coming of Jesus down to how wonderful you are?

Any person who believes that the whole reason the Son of God came and died on the cross was because they are so valuable and wonderful, is completely deceived. Jesus came and died because we are wicked and He is so merciful, and not because we are so wonderful! “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).

Contrary to popular pop psychology preaching, we are not wonderful, we are wicked. You’re not a champion, you are a vile sinner in perpetual need of a holy, merciful Savior! The Gospel is all about Jesus, the one glorious, matchless Savior and His great mercy toward wicked wretches like us!

It’s time to get off the high horse before God knocks you off of it as He did with Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9).

Fallen man’s utter depravity and need for the saving mercy of Jesus Christ!

How can we possibly begin to understand and appreciate why Jesus came to the earth to die if we still see ourselves as anything except “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” before a holy God? (See Isaiah 6:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Revelation 4:8.)

“It is then, we say, in the successive stages of his experience, that the believer sees more distinctly, and adores more profoundly, and grasps more firmly, the finished righteousness of Christ. And what is the school in which he learns his nothingness, his poverty, his utter destitution? The school of deep and sanctified affliction. In no other school is it learned, and under no other teacher but God. Here his high thoughts are brought low, and the Lord alone is exalted.” Octavius Winslow

Did Jesus, Paul or any of the apostles ever call God’s people “champions”? No! This is Joel Osteen type heretical flattery. Any man who calls you something the Bible doesn’t call you is a vile wolf. Beware.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18

Osteen: Affirmation without Salvation

Mankind’s fallen state:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.

What do we truly deserve in and of ourselves, being that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags”? (Isaiah 64:6)

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

False teachers remove the focus from the love and holiness of God and move it onto how valuable and worthy sinful, separated man is. Yet the Bible tells us that the cross reveals the greatness of our depravity and sin, and God’s holiness and love, not how wonderful, worthy, or valuable we are! We are depraved, wretched sinners in utter need of the mercy of God given us at the cross of Jesus Christ.

Speaking of false leaders, the Bible says:

“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:18

By listening to the flattering delusions of most modern preachers, frauds, you’d believe that we are wonderful. But does God’s Word tell us there we are wonderful? No, not once. God’s Word reveals that we are utterly wicked and in desperate need of Him, of His saving mercy!

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet SINNERS (not wonderful good people!), Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

You and I merit only divine judgment for our sin! We are not wonderful, JESUS IS! We are wicked without HIM! (Romans 3:1-23; 7:18, 24)

Those who’ve bought the lie of self-importance are completely deceived and have no clue of Bible doctrine. This seems to account for the vast majority of pastors today in the apostate modern church world.

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26

Truth:

“May I never forget on my best day, that I still need God as desperately as I did on my worst day.” unknown

God grants His mercy in salvation upon the merit of Jesus Christ alone – in spite of the sinner and not because of anything good in fallen man!

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

JESUS JUDGED SIN ON THE CROSS SO WE DON’T HAVE TO BE JUDGED FOR OUR SIN AND SO WE CAN EXPERIENCE “THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE” BOTH NOW AND FOREVER (JOHN 12:31-32; EPHESIANS 1:7; 2:7).

Until we are confronted with what Scripture declares about fallen mankind, us, we cannot possibly appreciate this “so GREAT salvation” provided for us exclusively through the LORD Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who was sacrificed for our sins, who tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:3, 9; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21; 1 Peter 3:18; etc.).

Where do some get off acting like they are so wonderful, and special? Who did you allow to lie to you? Who misled you to believe such a delusion of yourself? The Bible says that you are a wicked, hopeless, unworthy, depraved sinner in desperate need of the mercy and forgiveness of a Holy God. Now, Repent and trust Jesus, not yourself.

Jesus came because we are wicked, not wonderful. The wonderful One came to save the wicked ones!

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

Jesus came to save sinners, not wonderful people.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save SINNERS (not wonderful good people); of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

How wonderful did the apostle Paul believe he was?

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

Do you realize that outside of Christ, “NO GOOD THING” dwells in you? The “old man,” the iniquitous nature, must of necessity be crucified, giving way to the resurrected Savior ruling and reigning in our lives! Camp out on 2 Corinthians 4:10-12!

Now, do we begin to see why we must be “crucified with Christ”? (See Galatians 2:20.)

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24

It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.

This brother is a true disciple. He recently sent me this message:

“Dear brother Todd,

Although i appreciate the gesture of your kind opinion (compliment, encouragement), I now understand and have experienced great weaknesses in this body of flesh and that in harmony with the truth of God’s infallible Word that only God is truly ultimately good and everything He is, does and gives is good, and that in me dwells no good thing except Christ and Him crucified for the ungodly who upon a heart-cry of belief receives Christ, that unfathomable gift of Him, the sent One, the internal and eternal Holy Ghost that must bring dominion through my submission, my death and the relinquishing of my personal herd of wild stallions as I turn them over to the only true rightful owner who has purchased me to bring about meekness (strength under control) to the glory of God and to my good and the good of others. What a wonderful God we serve. Blessings today.” DT

God reconciled the world, paid the whole price for the separating sin of mankind through Christ… because He is wonderful and loving and not because men merit this unspeakable gift of God.

“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. … 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7

The Bible tells us that the LORD is wonderful and that He came to His sin cursed earth to offer His life, His body, His sinless blood, on the altar of the cross as the atoning sacrifice for man’s sin. God’s creation was wayward, was separated from Him in their iniquities and unable to redeem himself.

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30 (see also Psalm 53)

God found no one who could re-deem (to buy back) His creation, those created in His image. Listen with your heart to this divine communication of fallen man’s state before God:

Romans 3:9-28

“What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
The Righteousness of God Through Faith
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:9-28

The word “propitiation” appears 3 times in the Bible:

“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” Romans 3:25

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

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The Riches of His Grace

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7 It’s been said that “God bankrupted Heaven to buy us back to Himself!” “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Jesus judged sin on the cross so we don’t have to be judged for our sin and so we can experience “the exceeding riches of his gracE” both now and forever (John 12:31-32; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7). The claims of the Father’s justification to redeem mankind could only and exclusively have been satisfied in the perfect […]

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 […]

Grounded in Grace [podcast]

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) : And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of […]

Articles

Occultic Origins of the Law of Attraction and the Secret and Word of Faith Theology [video]

The Law of Attraction and The Secret and Word of Faith Theology are Witchcraft Operated in by Self-Serving, Christ-Denying Rebels

“WITCHCRAFT” is on the list of soul damning sins (Galatians 5:19-21). Witchcraft breaks down to control. It’s simply when man takes control, in place of God. Cross-less. See Isaiah 14:12-15 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23).

The law of attraction is 100% witchcraft and manipulation and not trusting God.

“The Law of Attraction is from the Devil. 💯 Someone had brought it up in a group Wednesday and the Law of Attraction is making us out to be as GOD and bring things we think into existence. Praise Jesus 🙏 let this knowledge be known to everyone. what is the law of attraction simply it is thinking about something you want a car for example and all the individual will do is think of this car “bringing” it into existence all day think of it picture themselves driving it sitting in it etc. 🚗 only…” unknown

What are you willing to sell your soul for? What so-called temporary “success” are you willing to trade Jesus in for? Who are you truly serving? Have you truly repented, falling upon the mercy of God for your gross iniquity and laying down your life? “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish (go to hell).” (Luke 13:3, 5) (This is a good video but we do not condone all of the author’s teachings.)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Predators in Our Pulpits [book] | Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us [book]

The Myth of Elevation without the Cross [podcast]

THE CROSS: Know it. Live it. Preach it. God will never lift up those who stand in their pride but only those who bow before Him in humility (Psalms 145:14; James 4:6-10, etc.). Running to a “revival” is not the answer. The reason people run to a “revival” is due to their refusal to deny self, take up the cross daily, and thereby be re-vived (filled with life!) daily – experiencing the resurrection of Christ each day in their personal lives as God has ordained (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). A cross-less life is a life of defeat. A life in […]

The Gospel of the Cross [podcast]

“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.” Luke 9:23-24 “Dying to self I have learned is the key. I wonder what took me so long but I never heard that message. SafeguardYourSoul was the first time I heard that message. Romans 8: 7-8. I had no clue what that scripture meant. That is why I am so […]

Is YOUR Work Finished just Because Jesus' Work is Finished?

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30 These are the 3 most powerful words ever uttered. What did this mean? What did it not mean? Did “It is finished” mean that those who believe on the LORD Jesus, receiving initial salvation, are free from all present and future responsibilities before God? The finished work of Christ is a foundational truth of Christianity, but His accomplishment does not arbitrarily guarantee the final salvation of the individual believer. Christ’s perfect and completed redemptive work to […]

Articles

Full of The Holy Ghost [podcast]

We must be empowered by our LORD to do HIS work (Acts 1:8).

When we are born again the Holy Spirit is in us (1 Jn 3:24; Rom 8:9,16)…. yet there is a baptismal measure, the full measure God wants to give us as a gift….. to empower His people (Acts 1:8; 2:38-39, etc.).

In order to have divine “power” to be Christ’s witness, one must be baptized with the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:8).

****WE MUST not only preach the original Gospel, we MUST be divinely empowered by the Author of that original Gospel! Acts 1:8 …. Are you born again and baptized with the Holy Ghost? If not, you are not yet equipped by Heaven to do the work of Christ! Acts 1:8 It’s only “AFTERRRRRR that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” that divine power floods your being to do God’s work. WHO ever taught us that WE can, WE are sufficient to do God’s work? Delusionment! Let’s do things GOD way saints. Beginning now. ARE YOU anointed by God to preach sinners and backsliders into Christ’s kingdom? (Acts 1:8)

The apostles thought it so important to make sure every born again kingdom saint was filled with the Holy Spirit. When some in Samaria were saved, Peter and John went down and that they’d be filled with the Spirit. Are you baptized with the Holy Ghost?

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:14-17

Re-filled? Yes! While being persecuted for Jesus, the apostles cried out to the LORD…….

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:29-31

“They had been filled before, but they were filled again. It is our privilege to claim repeated infillings to make good our leakage and evaporation.” FB Meyer

So many today are consumed with self, have not laid down their lives, and therefore do not care for people. They are too busy building their own empire, temporal ministry kingdom. But Jesus cares and came to set men free from sin and Satan.

Does the Devil oppress people? Notice that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and power to do what? To do men good and bring healing to “all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” When God is with us, He uses us to see that men get set free from the oppression of the devil. …. God has an answer for the work of Satan, doesn’t He?

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38

Holy Ghost Baptism

Holy Spirit

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Holy Ghost Baptism

Holy Ghost Baptism [study guide]

Holy Ghost Baptism (PDF) (Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.) “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes […]

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit [podcast]

If you are saved and yet not baptized with the Holy Ghost, you are naked in the battle. Jesus made full provision for you to be fully, divinely empowered and He’s calling you to Himself in fresh repentance and gratitude for finding you, washing, and saving you into His family by the precious blood of His only begotten Son. Then, ask Him to fill, to baptize you in the Holy Spirit….. No, being filled with the Holy Spirit does NOT save you, the blood of Jesus does. Yet, the baptism with the Spirit will empower you! The apostles of Jesus […]

Authentic Pentecost [podcast]

Saints, each of us are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. And yet many are not yet empowered by the LORD to do HIS work. We cannot possibly do HIS work in the flesh. After walking with Jesus for 3 years, His own apostles were not yet ready to be used of Him in ministry – until they tarried in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49). “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 […]

Articles

When God Says to STOP PRAYING! [podcast]

Reconciling with God and other Saints

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (the Word), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9

Those who do not love God enough to seek Him in the Word, to learn, and to obey Him, will not be heard by Him.

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

In general, because God is “Holy, holy, holy,” when there is sin, God will not answer prayers – until the sinner repents and reconciles with the LORD and any person involved as needed (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; Proverbs 28:9, etc.).

“And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11 Israel hath sinned …” Joshua 7:10-11

In other words, God said to Joshua “Why are you seeking My face, praying to me, talking to me, when there is sin in the camp? Get the sin our of the camp and then you can approach Me in prayer.”

STOP PRAYING AND LEAVE IT!

God is not going to bless our lives unless we are willing to sincerely admit our sins, repent and confess them, and make amends (restitution) with anyone we’ve harmed. In the divine economy, there’s no such thing as being right with God when you’ve done another person wrong, haven’t repented, and haven’t made amends for what you’ve done. Such a person will be outside of the will and blessings of God until he makes things right with God and man.

God is not hearing the prayers or worship of any person who has done someone else wrong and refuses to make restitution (Matthew 5:23-24).

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; FIRST be reconciled to thy brother, and THEN come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

God will not answer the prayer of any person who does not honor and obey His Word and if a person has an outstanding offense He wants them to clear up these matters (Proverbs 28:9, 13).

Here Jesus gave us the instruction to stop praying! What!? Someone may be thinking “Todd, are you being sacrilegious now!? What is your problem brother!?” Keep reading okay.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Psalms 66:18

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

According to the Son of God, just when (if ever) should the believer stop praying? When he remembers that a brother has “aught against” him. Yes, I know this may raise eyebrows to say that Jesus told us to stop praying, but He certainly did. That’s what we read of His very words in Matthew 5.

He instructs us not to wait for the other person to come to you. Go to them and make peace. Work things out so that neither of your relationships with God will be in any way hindered. Forgive. Seek restitution and forgiveness. The Christian life is all about relationship – vertically first and them horizontally.

Jesus is saying here: “Stop praying or doing any form of worship until you have first done all you can possibly do to make peace with that person you had strife or misunderstanding with, offended, or wounded – the person that still has aught against you, whose heart isn’t yet clear in the matter. Your prayers and any form of supposed worship will not be honored in Heaven until you take care of this matter. Since I am holy I require certain things of you and one of them is that you do your best to keep unity with others, especially My people. Remember how I told you to love one another and to treat others as you wish to be treated? I love you and want clear communion with you and am simply not going to allow you to have a clear conscience until you work things out with that other person who has aught against you. Remember that though I love you, I care about others as much as I care about you. Get that human relationship right first and then come and seek My face in worship and we shall commune.”

God forgives us through Christ’s perfect sacrifice and as we choose to give it out to others! WHO might you have aught against in your heart today beloved?

As a believer, the LORD holds me personally accountable to facilitate reconciliation and peace in others when there is a rift and no matter whose fault it is (Matt. 5:23-24).

First and foremost we must realize that when we sin it is against the One who is “holy, holy, holy” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). After that fact, we at times sin against or offend men (James 3:1). So, when we have wrongly offended someone who is created in the image of God, we should first confess that sin to the LORD and then do whatever it takes within our power to make it right with the person.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” Proverbs 3:27-28

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:25-27

Child of God, are you aware of anyone who might be upset with you for something you have done or they thought you did? Is anyone offended at you?

This writer is no stranger to wronging people, but is learning to follow this simple truth in Matthew 5, making sure to openly and transparently facilitate healing in those I have brought hurt to or who are offended at me for any legitimate reason.

Granted, we are going to offend people at times when it is not our fault. I am not talking about that. I am talking about when it is our fault or the situation is questionable or a close call.

Have you been offended? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone else held the key to your closure, your healing? Think back in your life: Have you ever needed someone else’s help in getting free in your heart from something concerning a situation?

Jesus called the divine Person of the Holy Spirit “the Comforter” (Jn. 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). God is all-powerful and can help us walk through a heart-rending ordeal where another person has hurt us and is unwilling to partake of the healing process according to the Word/instructions of the LORD. This He can and will do, yet He holds that other person responsible for doing their part – “Leave there thy gift before the altar – FIRST be reconciled to thy brother.”

Those made righteous by the blood of Christ are to do all in their power to facilitate healing in others.

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18

Jesus Christ came to make captives free and such freedom is the desire of all who follow Him. They desire also to see people set free and do their part when it is in the power of their hand to help (Prov. 3:27).

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

When need be, we are to work hard to make sure God’s peace abides among the saints.

“Endeavouring (working hard) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

“Endeavouring” – it’s hard work at times to keep unity in the body. Have you noticed that things happen that need attention, patience, humility, admission where wrong has been done, etc.?

It is our personal responsibility to keep schisms out of Christ’s body as much as it is in our power.

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

The LORD promises us that He commands His precious peace where brethren dwell together in unity.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there (in the unity of believers) the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3

The person who is truly born again cares for the body of Christ. Peace among the saints is where God’s blessing abides.

“We know that we have passed from death unto life (we know we are saved), BECAUSE we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14

Without love we are nothing (1 Cor. 13). Divine love, authentically demonstrated in our lives, is the earmark fruit of the Heaven-bound disciple. There are no exceptions – “He that loveth not knoweth not God” (1 Jn. 4:8). If such charitable love does not presently appear in our lives, we should consider going before the throne of grace and making things right with God (repentance). The genuinely born again person is filled with God’s love and teachable in the precepts of the LORD. When he discovers a previously unknown (to him) truth, he swiftly hearkens and obeys. Remember, God’s eternal kingdom and the terms for entrance into it are based on the LORD’s terms and not any individual’s. Either we meet the terms and conditions or we shall be found without (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46-49; 13:24-30; 1 Jn. 2:3-5; Rev. 2-3).

“We know that we have passed from death unto life (we know we are saved – been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life), BECAUSE we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 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.” 1 John 3:14-16

Child of God, do you have a key that would help another get free? If you possess the key that would assist in obtaining their freedom, the LORD holds you personally responsible to use it to help unlock that person’s heart and assist in their returning to a heart that is right with God, free from anything that hinders that relationship.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26

Don’t let the sun go down upon that which you can do to cause reconciliation in Christ’s body for which He bled. Leave your prayer closet and any and all worship and go get things right with that person the LORD may be placing on your heart. You will be glad you obeyed the LORD in this.

You see, if we truly have an intimate and saving relationship with Christ, we realize that nothing could be more important to us – and others. Knowing Jesus is everything. Armed with this knowledge and moved upon by the Holy Spirit, we are to be compelled to help others in their relationship with Jesus in any way we possibly can.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son Jesus to live and die for me – for all of my many sins. This moment, I turn my life to Thee O God – asking Your merciful forgiveness on my sin of departing from You. Right this instant I ask You to please be my first love LORD Jesus! Bless this heart with sensitivity and a deep conviction for Your truth. Please allow this heart to have godly conviction! Please bless this life You graciously gave lift others to You and help them in any and every way I have opportunity. I am all Yours and You are all mine my LORD. Quicken my heart in any matter that You wish me to make amends with another person. Right now I now humble myself under Your mighty hand and ask You to use me to help facilitate peace between You and others Jesus, and in Your body. Please bless Your body to live in Your love, and Your truth and in peace with You and one another. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

For a topical study of deeper proportions on this subject, see The Blood of Jesus.

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?

PEACE with GOD

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