Giving and Lordship (below)
The Joy of Kingdom Giving (Below)
The Joy, the Severity, and the Opportunity
“All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14
One day in the temple, where people gathered to worship the LORD together, Jesus sat and watched
“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want (lack) did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:41-44
There was opportunity for all to give. Many came and gave a smidgen of what they kept back from Christ while a certain widow came and gave her all. Jesus was impressed with her and justified her in her giving of her all but was not impressed with those who gave large monetary gains while withholding much more for their own preservation which clearly demonstrated their utter lack of essential, saving faith.
This lady knew that “All things come of thee (the LORD), and of thine own have we given thee.” (1 Chronicles 29:14) In her own lack and poverty, this lady gladly and freely gave of her substance – “all that she had, even all her living.”
This lady was putting her money where her mouth was and Jesus honored that. Such obedience demonstrates where her heart was and is a memorial for us all who name the name of Jesus. What we choose to give and/or not to give is telling of our true spiritual state. As Jesus “sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury,” so He does today. He is watching you and I and holding us accountable for what we do with what He gives us.
The Severity
The glory of God matters and so does your eternal soul. I refuse to be negligent but will rather endeavor to disclose the full-counsel of God’s Word. This includes stewardship, a subject that is said to appear 2,500 times in Holy Scripture. Faith is said to only appear 500 times. Get His point?
You may be looking at me like a mean person who is tampering with your personal life. But Jesus is the One who said that He sits and watches how we give (Mark 12:41-44). He told us that He is watching how we steward that which He allows to come into our temporary possession and will bring us into question and accountability for it in that hour when we stand to be judged (Matthew 25:14-30). In case you still don’t begin to perceive just how important this is, consider that the Son of God finishes that parabolic teaching with these words of severe warning: “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30)
A true servant of Christ, called to communicate His very Word, will have in his heart to be prepared and to prepare other believers to be ready to meet the LORD and to be acceptable in His holy sight (Colossians 1:28). The great apostles said that he preached, warned, and taught God’s people in order to prepare them to be ready to meet Jesus – “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1:28)
As we relinquish control of our lives, realizing that we are not our own but rather bought with the price of His very precious blood, all we have will no longer be seen as ours but His (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We will then begin to be possessed with the mission of Christ “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
The desire of Christ and those who oversee or sincerely teach His Word in truth, is that you will have some true riches in your eternal account beloved. In fact, the place of leadership in Christ’s body requires a deep dying in order to clearly reflect or communicate the full counsel of God’s Word, including those things which seem to bring much persecution. One such teaching is that of stewardship. We must die and simply teach God’s Word no matter the cost – no matter how many people attack us by saying we are in it for the money when nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, those who endeavor to preach the full Word of God will never be rich in this world but rather persecuted and shunned severely as promised (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:22; Hebrews 11:37-40, etc.).
You and I live in the land of “opportunity.” There are many saints to be fed and strengthened and over abundance of lost souls to be reached.
Have you ever missed out on the “opportunity” to invest into something that became a success and you later regretted not investing in it? What are we going to do when we get to Heaven and we have to suffer the loss of eternal rewards due to not taking the “opportunity” to give on earth when we had the chance?
The believers at Philippi were generous givers and yet apparently “lacked opportunity” at some point. Yet, when they had “opportunity” to give to Christ’s work, they did so.
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me (they gave financially) hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” Philippians 4:10
Then Paul says ….
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17
You and I do not lack “opportunity.” The question is: Are we taking advantage of those opportunities?
Did you notice that Paul, the servant of Jesus, “rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again”? (Philippians 4:10) Paul’s ministry and life “flourished” when other saints did their part and gave to help Christ’s work. This flourishing means that Paul “flourished” in fruitfulness in the winning of lost souls and in successfully tending to the blessed sheep of Christ’s pasture for whom He bled and was raised again.
Never forget that it is more important that you give than it is that ministries receive of our giving.
As you give and continue to give in worshipful obedience and thanksgiving, you are establishing and continuing to establish that Jesus is the LORD of your life and that His work is the most important work. God promises to fill your barns with “plenty.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Paul was not doing his own work but rather the work of Christ – the work that is infinitely more important than any other work in this world. So, the disciples at the city of Philippi were given the “opportunity” to help that work and they did! Praise God!
Speaking of “opportunity,” recently, a sister in Christ and her three precious adopted daughters were going to minister to some men who gather and wait for work in a certain part of our town. So, this sister was preparing to do this ministry in the days preceding the time they were going to go bless these men. She needed men’s clothes and Bibles to give to these men. Apparently, several people passed right by this opportunity, until one blessed brother stepped up and took advantage of this “opportunity” to jump in with a donation to purchase 50 Bibles for this exploit! I got so excited to hear what this brother did that I sent him the following email:
“Brother, what a blessing that you ordered 50 Bibles for Melanie and the girls to hand out!!!!!
Way to go brother…. That’s the way to step up and do it for Jesus brother!!!
I have some clothes to give her so they will have clothes and Bibles now! God is so good to us!
Praise God Bob for your obedience to Him using what He has given you!
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Hebrews 6:10
todd”
If we want to be “bless-ed” according to Christ’s definition of “blessed,” we must always remember His words – “It is MORE blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Jesus came and gave His very life and those who serve Him are known by the reality of giving up their own lives and giving of what they have for His eternal glory. Bob is one such brother – the man mentioned above who gave so those precious lost souls could have a Bible!
“And the Gospel’s”
As we get lost in Jesus, losing our own lives and being infused, permeated, and filled with His life, we will not see money and possessions as our own but His and will be engaged in the furtherance of His Gospel in this late hour as we look for His soon return. Watch what Jesus says concerning those who are truly losing their lives in exchange for His glorious eternal life:
“For whosoever will save (preserve) his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
Losing our lives in this world in order to further the message of His glorious Gospel is the mandate of Christ. When we are losing our lives for the greater glory of His, the ministry of His blessed Gospel will be our heartbeat. We will live to please, worship, glorify, and obey Him in teaching and preaching His Word – fulfilling His Great Commission command (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). We will no longer overly entangle ourselves in the fleeting, frivolous affairs of this rebellious world system but will rather be in it to shine His glorious light and to be His preserving agent (salt). See Matthew 5:13-16.
“ALL Things Come of Thee”
The money in your possession is not yours. It has wings (Proverbs 23:4). You can’t bring it with you (1 Timothy 6:7).
In 1 Chronicles 29 we have David’s thanksgiving and prayer. Read this blessed passage carefully friend and note the worshipful, grateful, and obedient hearts of king David and God’s people. Note what that worship included:
“Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. 11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. 14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. 16 O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. 17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. 18 O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: 19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.” 1 Chronicles 29:10-19
In obediently establishing that the money that comes into your possession is His and not yours, we do well to apportion the firstfruits to Him. Right off the top, in demonstration of earnestly putting Him first, it would be wise to cut that first check for His work. And what will He do in response?
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
This is the LORD’s promise, not mine. And so, I refuse to withhold it in disclosing the whole counsel of His Word.
God keeps all of His promises and did not stop giving seed to those who sow the seed that He allows to be in their hands – “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
The obvious fact that many today in leadership positions take advantage of their audiences by exlpoiting them for their own selfish gain does nothing to diminish aught from the promises of God to bless those who give – both now and eternally. Jesus actually commands His people to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Christ or Coins? – All Must and All Will Choose
“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 6:24
God still blesses those who give generously. The tithe or tenth is never commanded but all is commanded – 100%. And, He promises repeatedly to bless those who give.
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so very much for giving Your only begotten Son for me. I don’t deserve the least of Your blessed mercies and merit only Your rightful judgment. Thank You Jesus for every single breath, penny, and opportunity You have and do place in my life. I love You Jesus and ask You now to please forgive my sins of hoarding, greed, and covetousness. I now beg You to forgive these sins and to change my heart to truly serve You, being pleasing in every good work and opportunity. Amen LORD Jesus!
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Abiding
WHY were 24,000 of God’s People Killed at Peor? [podcast]
“Baal was most often portrayed as a strong warrior and was considered the god of storms and fertility. He was said to rule from his palace atop Mount Zaphon, the highest peak in Syria. Baal is referenced several times in the Bible’s Old Testament, where he is depicted as the main rival of the god of the Israelites.”
We must understand that God is severe in His judgment of rebels of which there are “many” who claim they are saved. Eternal damnation awaits all rebels (Matthew 7:13-23, etc.).
“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22
DIVINE JUDGMENT, the “severity of God,” IS NOT GOING AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOU OR SOME FAKE PREACHER IGNORES IT!
Christians avoid doing as did the Israelites when they worshipped baal by worshipping the LORD, the Father and Jesus Christ “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 John 1:3) This begins with fresh and complete repentance, confession of all sin, and denouncing of all dependence, idolatry, all pagan practices like yoga and mantra chanting, etc., and by understanding that truly worshiping the LORD, the one true God, is based on sincere loyalty to Him and not to get things from Him like success or possession in this fleeting world. The heart of the disciple of Jesus must be circumcised perpetually and this is happening as we examine our hearts for idols, the daily crucified life, living a life of prayer, setting boundaries against temptations, and being wholly accountable to the LORD, while avoiding syncretism (mixing pagan rituals with Christian practice) and prioritizing God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 4:1-10
24,000 of God’s own people, men, departed from obeying the instruction, the standard, the Word of God and were destroyed. They partook in the soul damning sin of fornication.
“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. 4 But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; 10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” Deuteronomy 4:1-10
Departing from the pure Word of God always leads to sinful living as was the case with 24,000 of God’s people’s worship at Baal Peor.
“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4
In Deuteronomy 4, Moses warns God’s people not to change or depart from the LORD’s Word and brings up the example, reminds the people of God’s judgment upon 24,000 of His own people for doing so (Numbers 25).
Of the worship of Baal-Peor, one writer notes:
“Yet what was this worship of Baal-Peor and why did it draw such wrath from God? Baal-Peor is a Moabite god who was worshipped with obscene rituals. The name means ‘Lord of the Opening’ from Baal meaning owner/ husband and Peor coming from pa’ar meaning ‘open wide.’ ‘I found Israel Like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers As the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, And separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved.’ (Hosea 9:10) The worship of Baal-Peor IS an abomination. Notice that those who join themselves to Baal-Peor also ‘become’ an abomination before the Lord.”
Every person who has an idol, just one, has demons (Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21). Repent now. Follow Jesus.
In Deuteronomy 4:3, Moses brings back to the memory of God’s people the judgment that fell upon the 24,000 of His own people for their idolatry and fornication. This idolatrous abomination is recorded in Numbers 25.
“And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; 8 And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. 9 And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.” Numbers 25:6-9
Dear reader, camp out on Numbers 25, the whole chapter. Your life is not complete without this vital component of divine truth.
Of Baal, one source notes:
Baal was a major ancient West Semitic storm and fertility god, meaning “lord” or “master,” prominent in Canaanite and Phoenician cultures, associated with rain, thunder, and agriculture, and often depicted with a thunderbolt. He was seen as a powerful deity, central to life, but became a focal point of biblical opposition as Israel’s worship of him (linked to lust and sometimes child sacrifice) was seen as idolatry against God, culminating in Elijah’s famous challenge on Mount Carmel. In later demonology, Baal (or Bael) is a powerful archdemon, and the name appears in various modern media as a demon or powerful entity.
In Ancient Religions
- Identity: A powerful god of fertility, weather (rain, lightning, wind), war, and kingship, often identified with the storm god Hadad.
- Worship: Widespread in the Levant (Canaan, Phoenicia) and beyond, with temples and rituals often involving cultic prostitution and sometimes human sacrifice, especially during droughts.
- Mythology: Key myths involve his battles with the sea god Yamm and the god of death Mot, representing natural cycles, and his dwelling on Mount Zaphon.
- Biblical Conflict: The Bible portrays Baal worship as a major temptation for Israelites, a rival to God, whose priests (including those of the Phoenician goddess Asherah/Astarte) were famously confronted by Elijah.
In Demonology & Culture
- Demon: In demonology, Bael (Baal) is a powerful archdemon, often the first of the three kings of Hell in grimoires, associated with invisibility and wisdom.
- Modern Media: The name appears in many forms, from Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons (Bhaal/Bael) to anime like Gundam and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, often as a powerful demon or god.”
Not one of us has lived perfectly holy and yet, at this moment in time, some will choose to truly repent and confess their sins and others will refuse (Proverbs 28:13). Eternity depends on true repentance which always, without fail, yields a changed life, a holy life (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 13:3).
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
These 24,000 Israelites were slain for their sin. God is still holy and “The wages of sin” is still death (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4).
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4
Zimri, a Simeonite (of the tribe of Simeon) was the Israelite whom Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, did slay for his utterly audacious display of sin, having brought the fornication in the middle of the camp of God’s people and even into the midst of their worship (Numbers 25:6, 14).
The great apostle brings this very incident to account 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 and warns New Testament saints never to partake lest they also be destroyed. The sins Paul cites form the natural acronym L.I.F.T.M. = lust, idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, murmuring.
5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast]
The spear of Phinehas must begin with ourselves – as we truly repent, lay down our lives in this world, and cut off the hand, pluck out the eye of any sin in our lives. The conscious eternal suffering, the severity of eternal judgment coming on any person who dies in sin is most profoundly declared by the Son of God Mark 9:43-49. Many of the new fake “bibles” removed this important passage.
The new “bibles” have lowered the standard and weakened many by their changing of God’s Word which Moses specifically warns us of in this main text, Deuteronomy 4.
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19
Departing from the Word of God, not obeying God on His stated terms, is the sure way to be weakened, destroyed, here and eternally. The LORD speaks often in His Word about this.
“Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:” Jeremiah 26:2
Each Man is Choosing to Drink from One Cup or the Other
Baal was ultimately Satan himself and involved things like sacrificing ones own child in exchange for being blessed by this false good. Jesus informed us that Satan has come “to steal, to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10).
As was the case at Baal Peor, Satan is behind every idol and so all idolatry is the worship of Satan.
“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22
This passage above is speaking of the Baal Peor event and also to the temptation of Satan and his children today. Baal worship is alive and well today, calling God’s people to worship at the altar of devils, to partake is vile atrocities that separate one to Satan and away from the LORD. “No man can serve two masters” and anyone living in sin is not serving the one, true, holy LORD and Savior (Matthew 6:24)
“They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. 31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.” Psalms 106:28-31
One writer notes:
“Baal Peor, or the Baal of Peor, was a local deity worshiped by the Moabites. When the Israelites, following Moses to the Promised Land, were in the vicinity of Peor, some of them fell into idolatry and worshiped Baal Peor. As a result of their sin, the men of Israel were judged by God.”
Baal Peor consisted of the worship of a false god, Satan, and fornication. Satan is behind the worship of all idols and such idolatry is filled with his devils/demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-22).
Modern day types of Baal Peor are the pornography, strip clubs, and everything in our society that has to do with any form of fornication. Movie and media are filled with such evil. The 24,000 who were destroyed in Moses day (Numbers 25), departed from the Word of God and the standards set forth there for holiness and the divine prohibition of sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8). Read Deuteronomy 4 and Numbers 25 side by side.
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Before their blunder at Peor, after God brought them out of Egypt (the world), Israel was innocent. Judgment, destruction ensued their sin of all who participated. Today, we can witness that many who once worshipped God with a pure heart, have now turned away to the worship of idols involving fornication of all kinds. Those who would rebuke these backsliders could be liked unto Phinehas.
“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.” Hosea 9:10
“I found Israel – The Lord speaks of himself in the person of a traveler, who unexpectedly in the wilderness finds a vine loaded with grapes; such love did God bear to Israel. Your fathers – Whom I brought out of Egypt. As the first – ripe – As the earliest ripe fruit of the fig – tree, which is most valued and desired. Separated themselves – Consecrated themselves to that shameful idol. Their abominations – Their idols, and way of worshipping them. As they loved – As they fancied.” John Wesley
Deuteronomy 4, Numbers 25, and 1 Corinthians 10 speak of the same event – the sin of God’s people in Baal worship at Peor and the consequent divine judgment that fell upon 24,000 of them. This is an eternal memorial for the judgment of God against all sin, namely idolatry and fornication.
“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22
“To abstain from idol feasts was the clear duty of all Christians. By partaking of heathen sacrifices which were offered to demons, they became one with the demons and their votaries; just as in the Lord’s Supper we show our oneness not only with the Savior but with each other. It was clear, therefore, that the Corinthian Christians could not consistently partake of idol feasts and the Lord’s Supper. What an incentive is given here to frequent and reverent participation in the Lord’s Supper! It proclaims our union with Him and His people, and it gives us a distaste for all that is alien to its spirit.” FB Meyer
Those who depart from the standards set forth in God’s Word separate themselves to idols, to devils and are under divine judgment from the unchanging God (Malachi 3:6).
The Examples of Phinehas and Jael
Perhaps we can liken what Phinehas did in spearing the sin out of the camp of God’s people, with those who call His people to worship Him in Spirit and in truth and according to His pure, uncorrupted Word (Numbers 25:10-18; Psalms 12:6-7; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19). Phinehas boldly, courageously in the fear of God stood up and stamped out sin in the camp. The judgment ended. Those who stand and boldly, fearlessly declared the Word of God and call out sin among God’s people, are the Phinehas’ of our day. Do we have a Phinehas priesthood in our midst?
“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16
In Job 4:21-22; 5:24-27 we read about another bless-ed patriarch of the faith who stood up, who rose up against sin, slaying a wicked king.
In both the cases of Phinehas and Jael, these biblical accounts make specific record that the LORD greatly blessed these faithful followers of His, and their families, and He will do the same today for His true bold witnesses who stand against the evil of this late hour.
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Apostasy
The Result of Real Repentance [podcast]
“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
WE DON’T NEED JUST ANOTHER “CHURCH SERVICE” OR “SERMON,” WE NEED TO REPENT AND WHEN WE REALLY DO, WE WILL OBEY GOD—OTHERWISE WE DIDN’T TRULY REPENT.
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:1-12
“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
When we repent – re-turn to God: Do we want to see who has truly repented, beginning with the examining of ourselves?
- We will be washed afresh from our sins and have “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
- We will forsake our lives in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33).
- We will live holy “in this present world.” (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:15-16)
- We will be about our “Father’s business” and not our own – the Great Commission He gave us (Luke 2:49; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).
Forsaking All?
What does that mean?
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
One must be willing and obedient to put aside religion and familial bonds to follow Christ, or he will not and “cannot be my disciple” says the LORD. Non-negotiable. If Jesus Christ is not first place, first priority of your life, you are a hell bound counterfeit who shall suffer the flames of eternal justice, damnation (Mark 9:43-49).
Jesus says:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37
Repent. Turn wholly to the LORD, putting all of your trust in the LORD your God, who “is a jealous God.” Jesus Christ is the name of the only LORD and Savior!
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14
Jesus says He will “spue,” vomit, reject anyone who dies without Him being their very “first love” their “first” priority—and talk is cheap (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16).
“Psalm 51 is our perfect model of repentance and restoration in the Lord! God forgave the beloved David because of his honest prayer of repentance and restored to him the joy of his salvation!” Karen Cochran
Times of Refreshing from the Presence of the LORD – Fresh Start with God
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God’s Universal Way of Fighting with Todd Tomasella and Travis Bryan III [podcast]
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” Hebrews 2:14
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
“Powerful message! Thank you. I was always a fighter. But I fought for myself. And have had to learn through the cross life that meekness is not weakness. It’s actually strength in God to keep quiet and not have to retaliate when attacked or persecuted. But taking a step back, and asking God to bless them while lifting them up in prayer to the Lord. This is the bowels of mercy extended to those who attack us and to know as Paul did, I am the least of all the saints. And let God repay. Romans 12:19.” Karen Cochran
“Two very deep resonant radio voices on fire!” Justin
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Apostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the Word | Wolves Exposed | Church Membership Exposed | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ | Travis Bryan III


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