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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

WHAT’S On Jesus’ Prayer List? [podcast]


What Did Jesus Pray for His People?

John 17 – knowing Him. Being one with Him and the Father and one another.

Jesus prayed the highest priorities of the Father for His people as is recorded in John 17.

Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer – John 17

“Jesus’ prayer in John 17, often called the “High Priestly Prayer,” is a profound discourse to God before His crucifixion, focusing on His own glorification, the protection and unity of His disciples, and the future unity of all believers, emphasizing eternal life through knowing God and Christ, and asking for believers to be set apart in truth and one, just as He and the Father are one.

Having offered His precious, sinless blood to the Father for the redemption of the fallen race, Jesus Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for all of His saints.”

“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:24-26

Due to His perfect sacrifice and redemption of fallen mankind, we who are His, are invited to “come boldly…”

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

As we “come boldly unto the throne of grace” the LORD is going to fill us with His grace and love.

Those most powerfully used by God to help others, are those who are set apart to Him, crying out to the LORD to be filled with His gracious Holy Spirit and to be made more and more one with Him.

Debbie Lord writes:

“GOD is our sustaining force via prayer:

The Holy Spirit praying for us from within,

Jesus, our risen Savior and High Priest praying for us at the right hand of God, Brothers and Sisters in Christ praying for us on this earth, and us praying for believers everywhere,

even those we’ve never met. Ephesians 6:18

Each member of Christ’s body should be assured of the constant prayer of other believers as well as lifting up in prayer other believers themselves.”

Memory Truth:

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

We grow in Christ’s grace to realize that our own misguided, unwarranted, self-righteous attitudes and actions of wrath on sinners, is not of God.

Pray to “grow in grace” (2 Peter 3:18). When we are growing in His grace in that abiding oneness, His ministry of grace will flow through us. It has been wisely stated that “We can never lead someone else to a place we aren’t ourselves walking in.”

“For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace…” Hebrews 13:9

WHEN we see something in God’s Word, such as the verse above, let us pray it – pray He will bring it fully into our lives.

WHO has God Used to Truly Minister to Us?

Did God use vessels of self-righteous wrath?

Or, has the LORD used crucified vessels who were full of His love?

Can we not reflect back on how God used others to minister to us? Who did He use? It wasn’t the harsh self-righteous ones He used but rather the vessels of His love – who when they spoke His truth, did it out of His concern and desire for us to truly come to Him… right?

There is so much evil in this fallen world. We are bombarded with words, attitudes, and images daily with the iniquity of fallen mankind. That will not change till Jesus returns. For now, we must abide in Christ, to seek Him to make us one with Him and the Father who are one in agreement, unison, etc. It’s only in being made one with the Father and Jesus that God’s love will fill and flow from us. May God settle us at His feet, truly.

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of my LORD Jesus Christ. Please teach me Your ways and make me, and Your body, one with You. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen.

Pouring prayerfully over the prayer of our LORD Jesus recorded in John 17 would greatly benefit us saints.

John 17: Jesus’ Prayer, the Real “LORD’s Prayer”

The High Priestly Prayer of Our Savior: Beholding the Highest Divine Priorities in the Prayer of Jesus

“1  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 

2  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 

3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 

4  I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 

5  And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 

6  I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 

7  Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 

8  For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 

9  I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 

10  And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 

11  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 

12  While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 

13  And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 

14  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 

15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 

16  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 

17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

18  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 

19  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 

20  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 

21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 

22  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 

23  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 

24  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 

25  O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 

26  And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” 

The Gospel key to walking in God’s love is the cross. The Bible teaches us that “God is love” and it’s only the crucified vessel that will be full of God’s love and used effectively by the LORD.

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18

All ungodly fear is cast out when we are full of the love of God. Being full of the love of God requires that we seek His face and become one with him (John 17). Fear is ejected when God’s love permeates our hearts via fellowship with Him (1 John 4:16-18).

Ministry from Heaven can only come out of a crucified vessel.

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

Love is at the top of the divine list of priorities and can only come out of the oneness our Father desires us to have with Him (1 Corinthians 13). Are we asking Him to be made one with Him? (See John 17.)

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

Sister Debbie Lord offers us the opportunity to pray this Scriptural prayer: “Lord, I pray for your saints world over, that You would draw us closer and closer (increasingly) to Yourself as time grows short. Please help us give up and let go so that You can live in us fully and minister to us, in us and THROUGH us. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

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Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]

 


Jesus’ Protocol, and Parameters are for Our Protection

What does the Bible say concerning allowing a departed person to come back into your life or into a group of believers?

God only forgives those who repent and when they repent, they will acknowledge their sin and make restitution to those they’ve harmed. They will “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for (consistent with) repentance” (Matthew 3:7-10). True repentance is proven by good fruit demonstrated to prove it, or not. If there’s no honest, open admission and restitution, there’s no true sorrow or repentance.

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and IF he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

If a brother sins against you, you are commanded to rebuke him. And forgive him and yet, only if he chooses to repent.

Forgive him yes, yet only “if he repent(s).”

v4 notice that the sinning person is required to repent each and every time he sins.

This appears to be a protective protocol or parameter to follow in order to ascertain or prove someone has or has not truly repented. Personally, I’ve see many times where people who’ve done wrong to a member of Christ’s body try to just come lolly gagging back into that person’s life or fellowship only to have the opportunity to wreak havoc once again because they weren’t made to prove they truly repented. Let us couple this with what Jesus teaches concerning dogs and swine. As we are going to see in a moment, Jesus commands His people not to closely associate with anyone who would be in close range of you and be able to rend or rip, tear, stab you (Matthew 7:6). So, if someone who has committed offense returns without coming with true repentance, they are to be considered a swine, a dog to whom the believer is not to give place lest this person “turn AGAIN and rend you” (Matthew 7:6).

GOD IS BEGGING NO ONE TO COME TO HIM AND HE ALSO INSTRUCTED YOU NOT TO BEG ANYONE ALSO. GOD NEEDS NO ONE. ALL MEN NEED GOD. THE LORD HONORS EVERY MAN’S RIGHT TO GO TO HELL (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 21:8, etc.).

The LORD told you to send em packing if they don’t want to change to conform to His truth….. Did you know that? Read and memorize Matthew 7:6 and Titus 3:10 now.

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6

Force Feed? NO! THE UNREPENTANT are willingly blind and these are the very “dogs” and “swine” Jesus commanded us to abandon! Matthew 7:6 is a command saints!

PERHAPS we should today consider that God is attempting to protect His children. Following His wisdom, His Word, will do just that (Proverbs 30:5). Those who allow a swine, a heretic, to remain in close range, will again be stabbed in the back by that swine (Matthew 7:6; Titus 3:10). Swine—unrepentant evil doers—are to be rejected (Titus 3:10). In this life, there are people you will have to forgive and also, to get out of your life, to keep them at a distance. Beware of the Swine

Have you ever had anyone stalk your posts on social media? Seems like this is nearly always what happens when you allow unrepentant heretics stay around. They become a liability.

NO soul shall be argued into Christ’s glorious kingdom. This is one reason Jesus tells us not to give the precious jewels of His Word to “swine.” In part, “swine” are those who’ve heard and still refuse to believe. Some were saved and yet are no longer saved due to having “an EVIL heart of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:12-14). Jesus warns that “swine” will simply turn the truth against you and stab, rip you! Pour over Matthew 7:6.

Jesus told you to NEVER waste your time on swine-who will only use everything they learn about you against you (Matthew 7:6). Are you obeying Jesus?

They continue saying things that contradict Scripture. The LORD mandates that His people “reject” heretics…. after they’ve been confronted the first and second time and still remain in the lie, refusing to be corrected by God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16). This is the whole issue: They are biblically illiterate and refuse to only believe and operate according to the Word and are not repenting:

“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10-11

Note what Paul instructs Titus to do concerning heretics—those who reject the truth when shown it. Notice in v. 11 how the Holy Spirit gives us insight into the hearts and minds of heretics—“such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”

Of Titus 3:10-11, Stacy Strother writes:

“Their own conduct condemns them, as verse 11 will explain. Titus is told in no uncertain terms not to have any association with someone who tries to cause divisions within the church.”

When Paul faced false teachers he said this:

“And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom WE GAVE PLACE BY SUBJECTION, NO NOT FOR AN HOUR; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” Galatians 2:4-5

False teachers are to be allowed “the first and second admonition” and then rejected if they do not repent and conform to the doctrine of God’s Word.

Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! 

“Neither give place to the devil” nor his servants (Ephesians 4:27; Matthew 7:6; 10:14; Titus 3:10).

Having dealt with thousands of naysayers, caught in the grip of sin and Satan, I do not continue throwing pearls to swine as is Christ’s command (Matthew 7:6). If they refuse to humble themselves, seek the LORD and His truth, and believe, they are to be rejected, namely if they are openly casting doubt upon and spurning God’s Word (John 8:47; Titus 3:10). Swine

WHEN we deal with someone in error, the key to remember is whether or not the person in error is teachable or prideful. “God resisteth (sets Himself against) the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). Watch what David prayed in Psalms 141:5:

“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.” Psalms 141:5

RED FLAG DISCERNMENT: You know you are dealing with a devil when he/she dwells among believers and yet demonstrates no love, no edification, and no mercy toward you and yet then when they see an opportunity, they lower the boom to condemn you. Swine (Matthew 7:6).

Their condemnation with no edification of the body of Christ is completely unlike how Jesus addresses the churches of Asia in Revelation 2 and 3. For example, Jesus edified and commended the believers at Ephesus and only then did He correct them. Go take a look for yourself in Revelation 2:1-7.

QUESTION:

“You deal with a lot of people. Do you ever get tired with people’s problems lol?”

REPLY:

Yes and there is simply no time to waste on people who have a Bible and all the opportunity in the world to seek God and don’t and then want to blame God and you …. never themselves.

“The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against (blames) the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3

Did you catch that? Men pervert their own way and instead of admitting their own sin, seeking the LORD and repenting, some of them want to tear away at, attack His children as if to get to Him, the LORD whom they are blaming.

The wicked sin against God and then turn around and blame the Almighty who is holy, for their own sin.

There are those like these we are to help and those who do not truly want help and will steal God’s resources (time, energy, etc) while you could be giving those resources to a cause more fruitful … including people who truly want help and are willing to deal honestly, receiving the LORD’s Word. May God grant us His wisdom in each situation as He promised He would if we simply ask Him.

Here are some passages to guide us in divine wisdom:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6

Remember how Jesus departed from cities where the people didn’t receive Him? Here’s an example and a nugget of truth to live by.

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14

Jesus instructed us to “shake off the dust” from our feet when His Word is not received, right?

We must learn to cease to waste the LORD’s time that He gave us, on people who do not truly want Him.

Saints, let us be reminded that God needs no one—no man—but all men need the LORD. Having this revelation, you will hear me tell folks “God is God and He doesn’t need you. You need Him.”

If someone is not going to repent of a heresy after being shown Scripture that exposes it for the lie it is, “reject (block)them. That’s what Jesus commanded (Matthew 7:6; Titus 3:10-11).

“Reject” the “Heretick”

“Keep your pearls for whom the Lord directs. Being a ‘sweet’ Christian who ends up shredded by the pigs taught me a great lesson. More discernment Lord, please and thank You. He did and He will. It’s a new day and we need it now.” Julie Thompson

When you allow a deceiver to hang around, you are facilitating their misleading of others.

WHO, other than Satan and his human agents, came to put people in bondage  “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”? See John 10:10. Wisdom: If you think someone can lie to people and go so far as to lead them into bondage God never intended…. and that person still be a good brother in Christ, you have something coming to you. It will always end up bad. You are keeping a devil around…. allowing them to lurk and when the chance arises, out of the blue, they will turn and rend / rip you. “They lie in wait (lurk) to deceive.”

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14

“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;” Jude 1:12

Think about these words in light of letting devils hang around.

“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:” 2 Peter 2:13-14

When you are communicating divine truth in love and the person you are dialoguing with is not buying it (Proverbs 23:23), it’s time to begin considering to cut them off – to “reject” them. Listen to the divine wisdom given to us in this matter and notice closely also how he inserts the element of “foolish questions.”

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11

Greek for Heretick
G141
αἱρετικός
aihretikos
hahee-ret-ee-kos’
From the same as G140; a schismatic (choice). (“heretic” is the Greek word itself.): – heretic [the Greek word itself].
Total KJV occurrences: 1

By definition, the Bible word “heretick” involves a choice—a decision made by the individual to choose error, falsehood over truth.

In Titus 3:11 here the word “subverted” refers to those who dare to undermine the power and authority of God who has spoken to us in His Word (Psalms 33:11; 119; Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.). Those who pervert or corrupt the Scriptures out of a deceived, depraved heart by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith. See 2 Corinthians 2:17.

Those who make the choice to disregard, to refuse to be honest with God’s Word and not walk in sound doctrine, are not continuing in the original Gospel, “the doctrine of Christ”, and will be damned (2 John 9; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth (remains) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 7-11

Believers are to scope out, identify, and “mark” (scope out and identify) those who cause divisions by their adherence to falsehoods.

“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 (carnal appetites and self-serving agenda); and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18

No sinner ever has or ever will be begged into Christ’s kingdom. That is a false posture. Holy Scripture will define and strengthen our perspective toward the lost.

In most cases, the swine we deal with are professing Christians who are in error and unrepentant. Concerning this reality, Charles Pray writes:

“It is so sad to be hated by the world and all those who do not know JESUS as Lord and Savior in their life as we do. But it is even much more sad to be hated by all those who profess to be Christians also, right? Jesus promised: Matthew 5:43 Matthew 5:44 Matthew 6:24 Matthew 10:22 Matthew 24:9 Matthew 24:10 Mark 13:13 Amen!”

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Mexico Ministry Update Part 30 [podcast]


RECENTLY Vivian and her precious child received the Word of Christ’s Gospel spoken and in print (Jesus tract), and also hot food, hot coffee, and fresh water from a local restuarant as a result of the giving of the saints of Christ. Your love offerings are making this Gospel difference in the lives of many. This giving out of all Christ’s has freely given us warmed the heart and body of this precious family for God’s glory. Oh and this beloved lady, Vivian, was given some cash (pesos).

Thank you for saying with your prayers and support that these beloved people of Mexico matter to Jesus. Your prayers and support are the fuel this ministry outreach runs on! (Philippians 1:19; 2:25)



The podcasts, of which there are not over 800, have now been downloaded over 3 million times and more being listened to daily by the thousands…. from people all over the world. SGYS Podcast



Since the last update, our sister Teresita in FL has led 3 people to Jesus  …. So far. Thank you for lifting her in prayer. The LORD moved her to a new place to live and the evangelism has begin. Soon we will establish a ministry hour via technology.

Thank you for praying.

Abundant ministry to people here in Mexico is transpiring and as a result, there’s the need to print more JESUS tracts in Spanish. This opens opportunity for us all. Perhaps we could print 2500 this time instead of 1500?

Thank you for your prayers and support saints.

We are team Jesus!

“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Cor 3:9




God is good all the time as you well know and thank you.

Your prayers to the Father in the name of Jesus are the heavenly fuel He uses to bless and empower and supply His people to do His work.

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:19


“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5



It’s amazing how much God does with so little from us right and how He multiplies it! Remember this? How our unchanging LORD, when He’d multiplied and fed the multitudes with 5 loaves and 2 fishes? Then after He miraculously turned the 5 loaves and 2 fishes into enough food to feed 5,000, there were 12 loaves left over??? See Mark 6:37-44. | NEW: 5 Loaves, 2 Fishes, and 12 Baskets Left Over [podcast]

So that tells us, that reveals that as we give of ourselves – our energies and substance – that God is going to multiply it, in this life and more notably, in glory!

“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.” Matthew 6:19-21

“Alleluia! All glory to our God who made heaven and earth! Praying everyday for the ministry and His fruitfulness to come forth. And will pray for these new believers who the Lord rescued out of the gates of hell. Praise His holy name!” Karen Cochran



See more Gospel action happening in Mexico here: Mission Mexico


God is good all the time as you well know and thank you.

Your prayers to the Father in the name of Jesus are the heavenly fuel He uses to bless and empower and supply His people to do His work.

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:19


Your love support for our LORD, for His work, goes to fund the following:

  • Mexico Mission
  • The support of other ministries.
  • To drop the ministry books into prisons across the USA.

Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | Zambia Mission All Ministry Updates | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Great Commission

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