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Being Possessed with an Eternal Perspective

The only wealth that will last, forever, is that which is gained by obeying God in this life – thereby laying up treasure in Heaven.

True worshipers of the One who gave all rejoice to give a portion back to the LORD who provides all we have had, do have, and ever will have (James 1:17).

Are you truly trusting God for your provision?

“Without Faith it is Impossible to Please Him” Hebrews 11:6

Our LORD Jesus teaches:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

People spend, waste money on every frivolity under Heaven and seldom lay up treasures in Heaven using their temporal coin (Matthew 6:19-21). Read Jesus’ teaching recorded in Luke 16.

First off, please realize that Christ didn’t teach us here not to lay up treasures, but He did instruct us where to lay them up. He actually commands us here to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

God so loved that He gave and the giver experiences the joy Christ gives in doing that which is “more blessed” than withholding – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) God didn’t withhold but rather gave that we might have life and we should give to obey Him and that others might be blessed (John 3:16). Conversely, the person who withholds where he should give will reap accordingly. God’s Word informs us that “the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

What has one truly given up when he gives liberally or bountifully to the work of the eternal Gospel? Here are a few things we should consider concerning what is accomplished when we give financially to Christ’s work in the earth… When we give, we:

  • Avert eternal judgment by giving away what we cannot keep to obtain what we cannot lose – in Heaven “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt.” (Matt. 6:19)  Hoarding is sin (see James 5:1-4).
  • Alleviate the worry of “thieves” who “break through and steal.” (Matt. 6:19)
  • Giving frees the soul to serve and love God and not money.
  • Giving keeps covetousness and greed at bay.
  • When we give, we give up that which can hold us back from laying up the treasure that will never stop giving – “treasures in heaven.” (Matt. 6:20)
  • Giving helps us to set our affection on heavenly things and not the things on the earth in order to direct our whole heart upward to the LORD because “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:21; Col. 3:1-4)

Jesus is specifically speaking of financial giving in many of His teachings. Our giving is a measure of what is truly in our hearts. Remember His parables? What about Luke 12 and 16? Have you read these lately?

According to Jesus’ teachings, coveting, greedily going after, and laying up treasure in this world will prevent one from the treasure of Heaven (Mark 10:23-25; Matthew 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:6-12, etc.).

Liberal or Generous Giving

Some wonder why they always run out of money and this indicates the great need to be a better steward of the money you obtain in this life. Complaining about not having enough is an invalid complaint if you have wasted what you did have. Wanting God to give us more when we have wasted and squandered what He already gave us is futile. We will lose it if we don’t rightly use it and that’s what Jesus taught in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25).

Hoarding or withholding is the opposite of liberality and generosity in heart and therefore in giving. Hoarding is the manifestation of unbelief (lack of trust in God) and selfishness. Unbelief is the root of all sin and will lead to eternal damnation (Heb. 3-4). Elijah trusted the LORD in the desert and He fed him by ravens (1 Kings 17:1-7). The LORD always provides and told us not to be as those without Him (heathen).

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:25-35

The happiest people are giving people. Lust gets love gives. People who trust God are not up tight. They are rather at peace. Joy comes from trusting and relying upon the LORD Almighty who has never in history failed one of His servants.

As a result of trusting the LORD we are free to be generous givers. God’s Word tells us that “the righteous giveth and spareth not.” (Prov. 21:26)

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” Proverbs 11:24-26

Those who scatter (plant seed liberally) increase while those who withhold come to spiritual poverty. A“curse” comes upon those who withhold and “blessing” upon those who release.

“Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:30-31

Hoarding is Sin

WHAT do you have against God’s work prospering? Is the spread of the Word of God important to you? If so, please give to those who are feeding you as the LORD says such is your personal responsibility in participating in His work in this late hour (Galatians 6:6; Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35, 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.).

There is no sin in having wealth in this earth yet according to God’s Word to withhold undue portions is sin (Mark 12:41-44).

“Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire (hell). Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days (the end of your tyranny is near – agony awaits if you don’t repent).” James 5:1-4

Friend, are you truly willing to listen to what the LORD you claim to serve said about giving? If not, perhaps we are lawless in heart and suppose to be making up our own religion instead of bowing humbly in obedience under the lordship of Christ (Matt. 21:44; Jn. 12:24-26). He made it clear that only those who do His will know Him and will reign with Him in eternity (Matt. 7:21-23; Jn. 14:15, 21).

Jesus spoke about a widow who gave “all” even though she gave much less monetarily than those rich religious men. The Son of God who surveys how and what (how much) we give said of this woman – “of her want (lack; poverty) did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mk. 12:44) Have you stopped to meditate on this lesson Jesus gave us? What the poor widow did in giving all that she had out of her own lack, took much more faith than the rich religionists who cast in much out of their overflowing coffers. – “Without faith it is impossible to please him” and it doesn’t take much faith to cast in such a small percentage of what we possess because we have that temporal money to fall back on – to rely on instead of trusting God as Provider. Think about it – isn’t this why Jesus told us that very few rich people will go to Heaven? (Mk. 10:17-31; Heb. 11:6) A rich person who is not a liberal giver can insulate himself from needing God because of the wealth he is able to wield at any problem or need that arises. He finds himself in few positions that corner him into crying out to the LORD in deep and utter desperation. Such a position is to be pitied not coveted. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-17.

“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. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 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: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:41-44

When Jesus chose to go into the fellowship meeting of people who supposedly gathered to glorify God, He found some interesting things. Where did He choose to sit? – “Jesus sat over against the treasury (the place where people gave monetary offerings).” What was He looking for? – “Jesus…beheld how the people cast money into the treasury.” What did Christ discover? – “many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.” What was the conclusion of what He observed? – “Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

It was no strain for the rich to cast in what was a sizeable financial gift.

It was a real faith sacrifice for the poor widow woman to cast in all that she possessed. In this the LORD was pleased. This is the kind of faith in giving that impresses God. King David said “neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” (2 Sam. 24:24)

“Rich Toward God”

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

We are all being weighed in the balance by the eternal God. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever and watches how and how much we give (Mk. 12:41-44; Heb. 13:8). He wants our hearts – our whole lives. When our hearts are truly His, so will be our monies (Matt. 6:21).

What is your real net worth? How does God determine your net worth? In eternal terms, right? – lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matt. 6:20) What is your true net worth – in eternal terms? There are those, even ones who claim to be following Christ, who in heart think themselves to be “well off” or “set.” Instead of giving more to further the cause of the Gospel, in their prosperity they have said in their hearts “This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee…” (Lk. 12:18-20)

The absurdity of this depraved thinking is that these same people have not much visible fruitfulness consistent with the true Christian life as defined by the reality of Holy Scripture (Gal. 5:22-23). The fruit or evidence of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling a person is “love, joy, peace…” Love isalways – without fail – giving (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 13). So what is their true net worth in the eyes of the One whom they and all of us will soon stand before to give account for every intent of heart and work done in the flesh in this fleeting earthly life? Are we open to allowing the Judge to answer this for Himself?

“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21

According to Jesus Christ, those who build fleeting wealth in this world without being “rich toward God” are hell bound. – “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Lk. 12:20) See also Luke 16:19-31.

The rich will not be penalized because they possess earthly monetary wealth, yet if they do not aggressively and diligently find people and ministries to give it to, God will judge them – “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Tim. 6:17-19)

Note here in Luke 12 what the Master calls the one who seeks earthly treasures apart from being “rich toward God” – “thou fool.”

    “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to obtain what he cannot lose.” Missionary and martyr for Jesus, Jim Elliott

Jim Elliott had little in the way of material wealth in his earthly life, but what treasures do you think he possesses now and forevermore in Heaven?

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

“Nothing in life is insignificant or trivial when weighed in the balance of eternal justice.” FB Meyer

Jesus here (Luke 12) warns us to beware of covetousness” and informs us that a man’s significance and true net worth is not based upon (has nothing to do with) what his financial bottom line is on earth – Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Lk. 12:15)The true believer must endeavor to see all of life through the eyes of the eternal One ho is the Author of all life. This is only possible through an intimate relationship with Him, he Holy Ghost, and observing “the thoughts of heart” which has been given to “all generations” in His written Counsel (Ps. 33:11).

Those born again from above can “see” the kingdom through Heaven’s eyes (Jn. 3:3). Never judge a man or woman by what their financial state is in this passing life. Ever see the bumper sticker that says “Don’t Laugh, My Treasure is in Heaven”? Is there truth in this statement? Yes. Where is your treasure? Remember that heart affections and treasures are linked by Christ who stated “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:21)

The Holy Spirit instructs the saint to “withdraw thyself” from those who equate financial gain with being godly – who say that “gain is godliness.” (1 Tim. 6:3-5) Note: You will need to study this passage in 1 Timothy 6 from the Authorized Version (KJV) because the artificial versions have perverted the text by removing Christ’s instruction to His people to withdraw themselves from such false teaching. The phrase “from such withdraw thyself” is in the original Greek, but Satan didn’t want the LORD’s people to have this truth (Mk. 4:15). The LORD graciously preserved His Word as He promised in the KJV (Ps. 12:6-7). For this we give Him thanks! For a deeper study of this topic go to the “Bible Versions” button on the ministry site www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com.

Christ instructed us to “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (Jn. 7:24) The reader who is a disciple of Jesus Christ should here and now bow and repent for having ever judged another person using any other criteria than God’s Word and how Christ came to earth to pay the price for each of us who are spiritual paupers (1 Tim. 1:15). A fitting prayer could be as such: LORD Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins without which I would have no hope here or hereafter. Without You I can do nothing and have nothing. At this moment and here forward, I choose not to ever judge anyone (including myself) by shallow things such as what someone has on or what kind of car they drive or place they live in. Amen.

James tells us that we “are become judges of evil thoughts” and “convinced of the law as transgressors” if we size people up by their momentary monetary worth. Please read this following passage prayerfully and closely, asking Christ what He would have you to personally learn in what He is speaking here:

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James 2:1-9

God bless you child of His – to number your days, realizing that your time on this earth is short to prove your love for Him by keeping a loose hold on this temporal world, escaping the lure thereof and laying up treasure in heavenly places for eternal blessings to abound. – “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12)

Praising Him in Much or in Little

Look at this golden passage from the prophet Habakkuk:

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

Let us resolve to never base our praise for the eternal God upon how much or how little in the way of material possessions we currently possess. I will worship and praise His holy name who is my wealth -whether in much or in little. Paul the apostle said “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11)

PRAYER: Father, please strike my heart with Thy holy fear. I delight to do Thy will LORD. Jesus I choose this day forward to emulate You in being a giver. You loved and gave Your very life blood for my sins on the cross and for this I thank You my Savior. Teach me to understand that my days are numbered in this life and to build for the eternal future glory of Your holy kingdom and name. In Jesus’ name, amen. Glory to God forever!

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Rich in Faith

Lay Up For Yourselves Treasures in Heaven [podcast]

Greedy, Covetous, and Beguiled!

WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

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Articles

Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]


WE’VE BEEN LIED TO!

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

Christ’s work is finished, not yours (John 19:30). According to Holy Scripture, if you’ve been truly born again, you must abide in Christ, remain in Him, endure to the end or you will be cast into the fires of eternal damnation (John 15:6; Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.).

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

Enduring “to the end” is a condition for ultimately being in Heaven with the LORD.

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

 The LORD Jesus and His apostles never once used the words “once saved always saved” or “eternal security.” So, who’s lying? What they did teach contradicts such a notion.

Who did Jesus promise is going to be “saved”?

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:11-13

You MUST “walk in the light” of truth to the end of your life on earth to be with Jesus eternally (1 John 1:7). Only THEN will you be eternally secure!

“But IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

Since when is obedience to the truth legalism or works salvation?

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4

Actually, if a person doesn’t have the fruit of good works in their life, it’s because either they have not yet truly been saved or due to their falling away (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.).

“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

Who’s Going to Heaven and Who’s Not?

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Who’s going to be with Christ eternally according to the Son of God?

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

Those who are “called, and chosen, and faithful.”  God calls and chooses “ALL men to be saved” and yet it’s only those who repent, become converted and endure to the end (“faithful”) who will reign with Him eternally (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 1 Timothy 2:4). He calls and desires all men to be saved and yet He will only save those who obey Him by repenting and putting their faith in Christ.

EVER WONDER why the OSAS adherent is often extremely vigorous about defending the unconditional eternal security sham he has bought into? What’s at stake for him? Why does he defend this teaching that has no ground in Scripture and that he has learned of men and devils?

The lame, refuses-to-take-personal-responsibility eternal securist hides behind his false facade that nothing he does including sin or doesn’t do affects or is related to his “relationship” with Christ. The word “fruit” appears 67 times in the New Testament canon. So is fruit important to the LORD? Good fruit, which includes good works doesn’t save us but it’s the clear proof that we know Him who came to do us and all mankind good by dying to bring us back to God (John 3:16).

PEOPLE who are hiding behind this satanic lie told by the serpent in the Garden become immediately irate and infuriated when the thin sham veneer of their pretention and self-preservation is pulled open by the truth. The light of truth shines into their darkened hearts. These want nothing at all to do with personal responsibility (Titus 1:16). They don’t care what the Bible teaches. They don’t want their little “eternal security” “I’m saved no matter what” myth busted because they are rebels at heart and refuse to truly surrender – which is what true repentance involves.

We need not kid ourselves, the fruit of our lives demonstrates clearly to God and man who we really are. Jesus taught “For EVERY tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.” (Luke 6:44) …. “Even a child is known by his doings (works), whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” (Proverbs 20:11)

The Calvinist and eternal securist wants to put the whole responsibility of salvation upon God because he wants no part of personal responsibility to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)  This is cowardly is it not? “Fearful” in Revelation 21:8 means cowardly and the lake of fire awaits all who are.

“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

If you die in sin, HELL is where you end up in (Ezekiel 33:12-13).

What does Hebrews 12:14 guarantee us?

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

God sent His Son to pay the full price “for the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD” and those He calls and chooses must be “faithful” or full of faith “to the end” or they will be shut out of the eternal kingdom just as the five foolish virgins were who ran out of oil due to neglecting fellowship with the Bridegroom (Jesus) (1 John 2:2; Revelation 17:14; Mathew 10:22; 24:13). See Matthew 25:1-13.

Explain why we think a bride to be can be unfaithful, commit adultery, fornicate, just before the wedding, and still be accepted as the bride at her scheduled wedding. Delusional. If such were the case, why is this not illustrated, why does it contradict Jesus’ parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13?

If we don’t truly repent and become “honest” with the whole counsel of God’s Word and rather live our one life on lies, namely, the myth that we are “eternally secure”, we shall find ourselves in the domain of the damned, from which we shall never escape (Luke 8:11-15).

Anyone Going to Argue with Jesus?

Jesus taught us that one who is in Him (saved) must abide or remain in Him or that person will be “cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (hell).”

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (hell).” John 15:1-6

Yes, salvation begins in the life of the sinner who has been drawn in and found by Christ and chooses to repent and put His faith in Jesus (John 1:12; 6:47; Acts 16:31; 20:21; Romans 3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9, etc.). Initial salvation is instant and yet that’s not the end of it … according to the record of the New Testament Scriptures. Christ and His holy apostles never spoke in terms of salvation being a one-time done deal.

Paul makes it clear that saving grace does NOT abound toward, in the life of any person who has been saved and yet is now living outside of Christ’s stated will, His Word.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2 

It’s time to get into the Word friends and cease to walk in delusions.

What is the agent that will cleanse the Great Tribulation saints? (Revelation 7:14) – “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

The washing we are to receive of God by the cleansing blood of Jesus is not a one-time event but rather a lifelong walk/experience.  Such is our walk with Christ – it’s an abiding relationship and to abide means to remain (John 15:1-6). And if we don’t remain in Him – we shall be “cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:6) (more on this verse in a moment)

“But IF IF IF IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7   

There are conditions for continuing to remain, to abide in Christ’s saving grace. Only counterfeits refuse to acknowledge this. They want no part with personal repentance, laying down their lives in this fleeting world, and truly following Jesus. No, they want the crown but not the cross. They don’t love Jesus enough to truly serve Him and so they buy into diabolical systems like the heretical “eternal security” or calvinistic systems.

The vast majority of pastors and writers today are in gross darkness and treat salvation as a one-time event instead of an abiding, a remaining walk with Christ “to the end” of our lives (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:1-6; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39, etc.).  Many have espoused these lies because they have not chosen to get diligently and deeply into God’s Word for themselves but have rather followed other men’s selective line through Scripture. Those who aren’t diligently studying God’s Word daily are “not valiant for the truth” and will therefore be turned over to delusion and ultimately damned (Jer. 9:3; 2 Thess. 2:10-12).

“And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies (they go to the furthest lengths to embrace lies): but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:3

Those who do not love divine truth (the Holy Scriptures) manifest plainly that they do not love He who is “the truth.” (John 14:6) God takes that personally and will actually help or assist in their delusions and damnation.

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

God is able and will keep all who trust Him to the end and do not deny Him:

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24-25

Will Every One Jesus Saved be in Heaven? |  Is Salvation Eternal? | Is Doubting Your Salvation a Bad Thing? |

FEEDBACK:

——- FROM Shannon Cook: “To the “once saved always saved theorists”

5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not “blot out” his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

For something to be “blotted out” (i.e. removed) it would had to have been there in order to be “blotted out” which totally contradicts the theory of “once saved always saved.”

So, who is saved?
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Consider the warning to the church of Ephesus:

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast “left thy first love.”
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and REPENT, and do they first works;[or else] I will come into thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of his place, expect thou repent.

Laodicean Warning:

“And unto the angel of the church of Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, [the faithful and true witness], the beginning of the creation of God. 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot,I would thou wert hot or cold. 16 [So then] BECAUSE thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:14-16 pass it on – Heaven Guaranteed to all who have Received Jesus?

Amen, never to depart from the Christ, he shall walk with us as we endure till the end!
“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5 Not never will you leave me nor forsake me. We’re sheep, we have natural, fleshly tendency to wander. Ever reminding us how crucial it is to continuously follow the Christ.

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye [endure] chastening, (there’s that word endure again) God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he that the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof ALL are partakers, then ye are bastards,(illegitimate) and not sons. Hebrews 12:6-8

The elect of Christ have and will experience chastening, and no matter the discomfort in and through it, we always rejoice and know there’s purpose (to the glory of our Christ) as we “endure.”

– check this out – Will Everyone Jesus has Saved be in Heaven?

Reply Received:

“Where do I begin. Every person born of God, WILL be faithful. Even if they are faithless, He remains faithful because He can NOT deny Himself. We are HIDDEN in Christ, and seated with Him right now in the heavenlies. We have passed from death to LIFE. This is an event that is unchangeable. God causes it to occur and doesn’t change His mind. He adopts us. Permanently.

Context is everything. It is king. It determines what a passage actually means. Did you know Todd, that God has saved you forever? It’s great to be free and assured of that. Are you afraid He might not keep you to the end? It’s His desire and intent to do that, bro.

Reply Back:

We only have security in Christ AS we are abiding – remaining – in an intimate relationship with Him.

According to Jesus in John 15, “If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire (hell), and they are burned.” (Jn. 15:6)

In order to receive final salvation, one must abide or remain in Christ (Jn. 15:5-6). There is no guarantee that God’s seed will “remain” in the person who is born again and later departs from the LORD.

What you are doing is simply spouting off what you have been taught of mere sinful men…. speaking of context, let’s look at the context of what you partially quoted, conveniently and selectively excluding the whole context:

2 Timothy 2:11-13

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13

The person seeking to convince others of “once saved always saved” will misquote this text by saying that because “he (God) abideth faithful” He would never “deny us.” This is a distortion. Let’s read the verse again okay? The passage states that “if we deny him, he also will deny US.” The Word here tells us that “if we deny him, he also will deny US.” Does it get any clearer than this? Being honest with what the Bible says is essential to a clear conscience and to possessing the mind of Christ and true doctrine. Again, those who seek to make palatable the unconditional security teaching can be heard misquoting this text saying “He cannot deny us.” Is that what verse 13 says? No. It says “He cannot deny HIMSELF.” This passage tells us that He “will deny us” if we “deny him” and that “He cannot deny Himself,” not us. In this Bible passage we see that the LORD “abideth faithful”to Himself and to those who do not deny Him. Didn’t Jesus tell us to “deny” ourselves and that if we were “ashamed” of Him or His words He would be “ashamed” of us? See Luke 9:23-24 and Mark 8:34-38.

Below is a classic perversion of this very passage of Scripture. I read this on the internet. The persuasion intended by the person who wrote this is to convince people of something the Bible simply never puts forth.

“If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13  God wants you to know for sure that you cannot lose it (salvation) under any circumstance whatsoever, even in the worse scenario. The first part of the verse above says that we can come to a state of mind that we do not believe in God anymore. But, the second says that He will remain faithful if that happens…God cannot deny what He said, because God cannot lie! (Hebrews 6:18 KJV AV1611) He promised to keep us eternally secure and He will remain faithful in that promise even if we ‘believe not.’ Another possible way of looking at ‘he cannot deny himself’ is that we are one in Him. If He was not faithful in His promise, He would be denying himself of eternal security, that is, He would be casting part of himself in eternal damnation in the lake of fire.” J. A.

First off, if in fact as J.A. supposes, “God wants you to know for sure that you cannot lose it (salvation) under any circumstance whatsoever, even in the worse scenario,” then why did God Himself warn His very own people throughout His Word concerning the danger of:

•   “Departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12-15)

•   Losing the reward of Heaven for turning back into sin after being saved (Ezek. 33:12-13; 2 Pet. 2:20-21)

•   “Falling away” (Lk. 8:13; 2 Thes. 2:3)

•   “Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith” (1 Tim. 5:12)

•   Being “cut off” (Rom. 11:19-23)

•   Being forsaken of Him (2 Chron. 15:2; Ezra 8:22; 2 Tim. 2:12)

•   Being blotted out of the book of life (Exod. 32:33; Ps. 69:32; Rev. 3:5; 22:18-19)

The fact that God remains faithful in no way predicts or determines whether individuals will partake of His plan of salvation. His faithfulness in no way forces men to remain faithful (abide), nor does it disable the Almighty from rendering a due reward of eternal judgment upon those who do not meet His requirements/conditions. This is a truth completely ignored by those who embrace the unscriptural notion of an unconditional eternal security.

“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar …” Romans 3:3-4

All sin will be accounted for – one way or the other, and this is the reason for the Judgment Thrones to come (Exod. 34:7; Rom. 14:12-14; Rev. 20:11-15). This should shine yet a brighter light upon the glorious Gospel salvation Jesus Christ wrought for His people and how we can “come boldly” with our sins to His holy throne of grace to receive grace and mercy in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

It seems to me, after listening to hundreds of those who believe in an unconditional eternal security, that some people believe that their theology is going to change the unchanging, immutable God (Rom. 3:3-4; James 1:17). The twisting of Scripture, instead of “rightly dividing the word of truth” is done to one’s “own destruction.” (2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:16-17) The disciple of Jesus Christ must be intent upon studying to show himself “approved unto God,” not men, and therefore be able to “rightly” divide “the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) The person who does not diligently study and know God’s Word, stands to be deluded by the many false teachings circulated in the church world.

What happens if a saved person does not obey and remain faithful to God? Those who do not choose to persevere in saving faith:

•   Possess “an evil heart of unbelief” (Heb. 3:12)

•   Depart from the living God (Heb. 3:12)

•   Cannot and do not please God (Heb. 11)

•   Depart from the faith through “doctrines of devils” (1 Tim. 4:1-6)

•   “Turn away their ears from the truth” and are “turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:4)

•   Cannot enter into His rest or presence (Heb. 3:19; 4:6, 11)

•   Are “broken off” from the LORD (Rom. 11:20)

•   The “unbelieving…shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone …” (Rev. 21:8, 27)

The Bible never guarantees that all Christ saves will automatically “endure to the end” which Jesus says is essential to ultimately being saved into Heaven when speaking to His very own people (Matt. 10:22; 24:13). Christ Himself invented the term “fall away” when speaking of those who would “believe” and be saved and not continue with Him (Lk. 8:13).

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Abiding

“Feed My Sheep” [podcast]


The Paramount Divine Importance of Nourishing the Saints of Christ

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16

Nourishing Christ’s Sheep

“Feed the Flock of God.” 1 Peter 5:2

First, it’s God’s flock, paid for with the very blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28).

Jesus Christ is “that great shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20). He instructed us to follow Him and, in doing so, to “FEED my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Tending to the sheep of Christ’s pasture involves nourishing them with His Word, warning them, comforting them, and at times admonishing or rebuking.

Every single disciple of Christ should pray to be pastoral in heart and life. We are each to tend to our fellowship with Christ daily and to minister His grace to His people as we ourselves grow in His grace.

In this, we must ask Him to grant our hearts a kingdom perspective, not a local church attendance perspective.

Christ and the apostles were the salt and light every day. They had no building. They went to the people as did all the disciples upon being scattered from Jerusalem during persecution. “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

“Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” John 21:15

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please nourish my heart in Your truth, fill me with Your Spirit afresh, and use me to refresh Your saints. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”  John 21:15-17

To “feed” His sheep is to nourish, to perfect, to mature, and to equip them to do ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12).

THOSE who corral instead of preparing and launching God’s people into ministry WILL answer to the Almighty! They will have hell to pay. Their rebellion is more than obvious. They are the self-serving “enemies of the cross of Christ” Paul spoke of in Philippians 3:18-19.

Oh, and “ministry” is not cleaning the so-called “church” building or singing in the choir. Many have reduced “ministry” to something never seen in Scripture. True ministry would be to be involved in the Great Commission Jesus gave His people (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Acts, etc.). There were no church buildings to clean or choirs among the earliest followers of Jesus.

Feeding Christ’s sheep is so that they grow in His grace and DO “the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Leaders who are simply using, holding back the sheep for their own self-serving agenda, are the vilest of Satan’s pawns who make up the vast majority of leaders in today’s apostate modern church—and every honest Bible student knows it.

“For the LEADERS of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

Make no mistake: The false leaders of our generation are the greatest threat to the fruitfulness of the body of Christ and the eternal souls of all men. Jesus and the apostles and prophets perpetually warn us of such a threat!

God did not send His only begotten Son to come die so wicked greedy frauds could have a church business. Jesus told His servant elders to FEED His sheep. WHY? So they can grow and be fruitful in doing HIS work.

“FEED my sheep”

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, FEED my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, FEED my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, FEED my sheep.” John 21:15-17

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

Helping Lay the Foundation

The ONLY foundation standing in the end will be obedience to HIS Word (Matthew 7:19-29).

IN HIS MERCY, God is shaking EVERY foundation. Read Hebrews 12:24-28.

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Articles

Mission Mexico Part 43

Had breakfast and coffee with brother Francisco and his lovely wife this morning. It was rich. He is a man of God’s Word for certain (Colossians 3:16). They brought a stack of Reina Valera Bibles which I am getting to our brother Juan who is going to the prison to minister next week. He will also be distributing the Spanish Bibles you sent!

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20


“Hi Brother Todd, Praise the Lord! The Holy Spirit is moving powerfully saving hearts and lives. Praying for the elders and for Maria as they go out in the harvest field. My heart is over flowing with gratitude to the Lord. Supplying the needs for the Mexico mission field! I loved all the pictures and videos. Thank you Brother Todd for the updates and for doing the mission work God has you doing there. This report has blessed me with Joy as I sow into the mission field for Jesus! Maria has Joy that comes from serving Jesus! I will send a gift to help pay for the shipping of Bibles. Hallelujah! Praying for you and the mission field! Joyful, joyful we adore thee! Ps. 16:11.” Darlene | Mission Mexico

EVERY TUESDAY IS MARKET DAY AND one of the first people who received the ministry of God’s Word today was Francisco and his wife Brenda. They are born again disciples and seeking God, studying His Word daily. Francisco took a supply of JESUS tracts and told me he has a supply of RVR (Reina Valera) Bibles he has been desiring to share with us to distribute. So we are scheduled to meet with dear brother and evangelist Juan this Saturday. Francisco is bi-lingual and so it’s going to be a blessing to see him and Juan connect and fellowship!

Francisco wants to give brother Juan lots of Spanish Bibles etc., to pass out daily and in the prison ministry he has.

We had a lengthy fellowship and Francisco said that this is exactly what he’s been praying for—the opportunity to truly minister to others and to do so with other saints. From what I could tell, seems like he’s fatigued with the church world, the modern church and it’s lukewarmness.

There’s not even a slight chance any of these connections are by accident. God is ordering the steps of His beloved people (Psalms 37:23). The LORD is hearing your prayers (Matthew 9:35-38). Your love offerings are also the fuel of what HE is doing!

Brother Francisco wanted to be added to the Spanish Whatsapp group and so he was already added and is being greeted by the others in that group.

“Isn’t our God so amazing to orchestrate all of this so you could meet this man and His wife—leading and placing you exactly where He wants you? What a blessing to meet these precious people. Now we can help this brother Francisco in doing Christ’s ministry work. God knew along. A divine appointment!” Karen Cochran

Here below are a few pics of what Francisco sent me just after we fellowshipped.

Mission Mexico


“Many Americans believe they are rich and in need of nothing. But inside they are in a spiritually wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked state (Revelation 3:17). Worst part is they don’t know it or seem to care. Compared to Mexican’s who CRY when they receive a Bible or a Jesus tract, who know how spiritually poor they are and how much they need something outside of themselves to fill their empty hearts (Matthew 5:3). The difference is staggering.” Karen Cochran


Thank you for lifting a prayer for the beautiful people of Mexico.

Mission Mexico


Rene received the ministry of God’s Word today and is welcoming your prayer for his life.

Jesus is LORD, Savior, and King.

Of the many who heard God’s Word today, most of them were informed in Spanish that “Hell is forever. Repent and receive Christ today, before it’s too late.”


KINGDOM BREAKING!

FLORIDA: Dear sister Teri preached Christ’s glorious Gospel to this beloved woman today and she repented and received JESUS! They called and we welcomed her into Christ’s kingdom, etc. Her name is Lady and she is originally from Haiti.

Would you like to lift our new sister in Christ to God in prayer? Please do!



The reason why I have prayed and sought to connect with a good fellowship here is for the Spanish language that I do not know. And also so people we contact through evangelism on the street in real time can have a pastor or minister to call who speaks Spanish.

I want to put their name on the back of the JESUS tracts. Working on getting brother Juan to agree to let me put his name and number on the back of the next batch of JESUS tracts

The following is from brother David Taylor:

“Dear brother Todd, praise the Lord for His provision. Let’s pray for two more to work in harmony with bro Juan and that the Lord would knit their hearts together for the gospel of Jesus, the souls of men and glory of our God.”


Thank you for lifting up those receiving God’s Word in Mexico.

So far today, many have readily received our LORD’s Gospel truth and specifically, as they were told, that hell is for ever. Please don’t go there. Repent and receive Jesus today.

God be praised.

Mission Mexico


“Every time I hear of these divine appointments and how hungry people are in Mexico, I get tears in my eyes! I watch videos of people preaching here in the USA on the streets and some get literally beat up. People here just believe they are good and in need of nothing, especially not God. It’s so refreshing to see people who are poor in spirit and hungry for the Lord! May the LORD bless you and all who minister to these precious people.” Karen Cochran



Food Prices in Mexico

On Thursdays, I usually get out and eat breakfast and drink a coffee and get lots of ministry catch-up type  work etc. done……

This morning at my favorite local French cafe and bakery: Five-egg omelet with fresh spinach, onions, tomatoes, bread,  avocado and a top shelf cappuccino …. $12.70 total, and that included a 20% tip.

Rentals in Mexico

RENTALS – you can ALWAYS find an inexpensive rental…. just move to the town you wish to be in, connect with real Mexicans, and tell them what you need. DONE.


View from the barber’s chair.


“Praise the Lord ! She is shining for Jesus! Overflowing Joy! It’s a blessing to see how God is moving in the ministry, Mexico for Jesus,  Glory to God!!” Darlene


We went to see and support Maria this week, twice. She as usual had run out of tracts. So she was replenished. And the smile burst out on her face again. She was a bit drooping before that And she went at it with those tracts soon as they were put in her hands. And she wanted one box more and several bags full. Juan came and got the other boxes of Spanish Bibles last week also. Boom Jesus.

Dare I add that more than half the 10,000 JESUS tracts are already out there saints!?

Thanks for praying fervently.


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