Jesus Christ is building HIS church. What church are you participating in building?
—- TODAY, in this prophesied hour of great apostasy before our LORD’s return, it’s nearly impossible to find a group of true, New Testament, God-fearing, Bible believing, Christ exalting disciples to fellowship with. It’s virtually impossible to locate a local gathering where the pastor and his wife aren’t carried away with building their own little (or large) kingdom. When this is present (heart greed) then their is the denial and hiding of convicting biblical truth so that the good times keep on rolling and the finances. This “little leaven” leavens or ruins the whole loaf (Galatians 5:9). … Jesus Christ is building HIS church. What church are you participating in building? Let’s face it, most people claiming to be Christians are biblically-illiterate as are those who lead them. And, wolves love ignorant people because they are easy to manipulate and control and get money from. Gullible people vainly believe that because their is a lot of noise and excitement going on, then it must be God moving. They never stop to prayerfully and through daily, diligently biblical study compare things to the Word of God as did the Bereans (Acts 17:10-11).
Saints, it’s the hour to return to BEING Christ’s church, His holy (set apart) PEOPLE and to cease patronizing the wolves who are our LORD’s enemies!
—–ARE YOU TRULY A MEMBER of the one, blood-bought, born again, body of Christ? If so YOUR ONLY IDENTITY IS CHRIST AND HIS ONE CHURCH. Cease saying you go to such and such a church. That has nothing to do with your identity. Well, actually, if it does matter to you, you may wish to repent and put your faith in the one, nail scarred risen LORD and Savior. The early church preached JESUS and only JESUS. It’s past time for you to cease being a pawn of mere men who are insidiously building their own empires and using you as free labor to do so. Jesus’ apostle Paul declared, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
There is no calculating the number of false prophets today who have set up their ministry businesses and build it on lies, half-truths, and the intentional refusal to study, know, and declare the whole counsel of God’s Word (Acts 20:20, 27, etc.). They are building their own ministry empires instead of dying to self, assuming the place of a humble servant, and letting God use them to participate with Christ in the building of HIS eternal kingdom … which these wolves will be excluded from if they don’t repent.
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
CHRIST SAYS “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH” AND SO WE MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT REALLY MEANS AND WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN, RIGHT?
We know by this definitive declaration from our LORD Jesus Christ, that He surely IS building His called-out ones (church). This means that He leaves no life the same when He finds and saves that soul. That disciple must continue in His Word, progressively being sanctified and made free from sin and stagnation (John 8:30-32, 36; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, etc.). Such change and growth, which begins by obeying Christ’s command to repent, has little or nothing to do with the church world in existence today. The grossly out of step modern church world has no resemblance to the earliest Christians we read about in Acts. Such becomes obvious to any born again student of Holy Scripture.
Real New Testament fellowship greatly edifies Christ’s saints.
What Church?
What “church” was Jesus speaking of that He promised He would “build”?
One thing that is grossly lacking is the simple definition of what/who the church is that Jesus is speaking of and what His apostles further established. The word “church” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word ekklesia which simply means the called out ones. So many Christians have never been told this simple truth and are therefore left to be deceived and exploited by hireling pastors who are merely using them to build their church business while pretending to be serving the LORD. Without this understanding of what Christ’s church truly is, one will be left to believe that His church is a physical building or one or more of the organizations of mere men we see in the modern church world.
Maturing and Equipping the LORD’s People
According to the divine revelation of the church given to the apostle Paul, if a group of Christians are not being matured and equipped to literally do “the work of the ministry,”then they are NOT a New Testament assembly/church – period. Such maturity is the duty of those called out to servant lead.
Unfortunately, so many today holding positions of leadership over people, are not divinely called. Others who are called out by God, have refused to truly lay down their lives for Jesus and His beloved people. Here’s how the apostle Paul describes and contrasts them with those truly obedient to Jesus.
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction (hell), whose God is their belly (serve their own selfish desires), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:18-21
Ninety nine percent of all local churches in America intentionally create good church members who are spectators, but that’s not what God had in mind when He purchased a people with the blood of His only begotten Son! Spiritual growth, maturity, and equipping would mean that if the elders are fulfilling God’s purpose for His New Testament church, there are many of those they lead that are fruitful in doing “the WORK of the ministry”and that’s not singing in the choir or cleaning the bathroom! (see Ephesians 4:8-15) No, that’s communicating God’s Word to the people and teaching people the whole counsel of God’s Word (Matthew 28:18-20).
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 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; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15
Make no mistake: Wherever the LORD is honored, His saints are being built up, taught, warned, and prepared and activated in “the work of the ministry.” (Ephesians 4:11-14).
The vast majority of local churches today are apostate and that’s easily seen by the truth remnant in that they are entertaining, teaching false doctrine, and selling their unlearned audiences into the coming one-world religion. No true preaching is going on in the fear of the LORD and fullness of the Holy Spirit. People are not becoming disciples, personally learning to walk with the LORD daily, having a prayer life, and studying God’s written Word for themselves. Beware!
The very fact that equipping Christians is nearly nowhere to be found in that which calls itself the church is clear proof that the great falling away is in full swing (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:1-4, etc.).
Instead of training people up to be fruitful to the eternal glory of God, modern wolves keep them dumb (out of God’s Word), entertained, and teach them to be good tithers and church members, no different than the rotary or country club.
Without fail, where the LORD is being honored, there is maturity transpiring in His saints:
“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14
THE TRULY OBEDIENT SERVANT ELDER IN CHRIST’S BODY, PRAYS, DILIGENTLY LABORS, AND LIVES TO SEE THE WORK OF CHRIST TRANSPIRE IN HIS PEOPLE. GOD-FEARING SERVANTS AREN’T INTERESTED IN BEING CALLED BY A TITLE, PREACH THE PURE WORD OF GOD, REFUSE TO ENTERTAIN, NEVER HESITATE TO SPEAK DIVINE TRUTH WHEN THEY KNOW IT’S GOING TO OFFEND SOME, COULD CARE LESS IF SOMEONE GETS OFFENDED, AND LIVE IN THE HOLY FEAR OF THE LORD, EAGERLY EXPECTING HIS SOON RETURN AS THEY PREPARE A PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. THEY PREACH ON SIN, REPENTANCE, THE ESSENTIAL OF PERSONAL HOLINESS, THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS, HIS SOON RETURN, AND THE NEED TO OBEY GOD AND BE FRUITFUL FOR HIS ETERNAL GLORY! (Proverbs 28:1; Matthew 10:26-28; Acts 5:29; Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:2-4, etc.).
Paul, the master builder apostle, told us that he labored diligently to prepare Christ’s body to meet Him. He gave us the three specific things that he feverishly worked to accomplish in light of Christ’s soon return:
“… Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:27-29
PWT =
- Preach
- Warn
- Teach
If you go to a church where the pastor/leadership refuses to preach, to WARN, and to teach, you should leave immediately. That is not a New Testament assembly. A man who refuses to warn you of false teachings and false prophets is himself a wolf. Any man who will not teach you the pure Word of God and get you in the Word daily yourself, is a wolf.
BELOVED, A TRUE SERVANT OF CHRIST, ONE CALLED OUT TO SERVE HIS PEOPLE, DOESN’T NEED A PHYSICAL BUILDING. IN FACT, THE LORD SEEMS TO BE CALLING OUT TRUE SHEPHERDS WHO HAVE REFUSED TO BE A PART OF THE APOSTATE SYSTEM. THESE MEN ARE ACCOMPLISHING MORE ON A DAILY BASIS THAN MOST CHURCH-BUILDING-MANAGERS EVER ACCOMPLISH.
Sadly, the vast majority of those leaders who have buildings are merely real estate managers, money raisers, and they are simply building a business for their own glory – a church business. Since this is the case, they dare not speak a hard word from Holy Scripture, such as a message on sin, repentance, the daily dying/cross, or the need for personal holiness.
The professional clergy we have in place today is never what God planned nor does He endorse it. In most cases it does not fulfill His will. This ‘clean as a whistle,’ never been bruised, battered, or in a battle persona is a farce. Jesus promises that all who will truly follow Him (not tradition and flesh) will certainly “be hated of all men for my name’s sake” and shall suffer great persecution (Matthew 10:22; 24:10-13; 2 Timothy 3:12-13). The word “affliction(s)” appears 14 times in the New Testament. Paul the apostle of Jesus was in many grueling, painstaking, scar-inducing battles. He suffered many things at the hands of wicked men and the elements for obeying God’s will (2 Corinthians 6:5-10; 11:23-30; 12:7-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:2). Never mind these sad spineless seminarians who do nothing much more than fund raise, entertain, and count nickels, noses, and numbers. Like the unqualified imposter in the White House who has never owned or run a business and is merely spending our money like it’s going out of style, the majority of these modern real estate managing, pulpit pansies have never gotten their hands dirty helping the poor, witnessing on the streets, or suffering vicious false accusations and afflictions and attacks by antichrist beguilers such as Alexander the coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14-15). No, instead they have studied the church business industry, learning how to market and manipulate their communities to building their local franchise.
Deborah Blanchard notes:
“Paul knew he was facing imprisonment and afflictions in the very near future yet he said, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24) O that we had that same resolve to testify to the Gospel of God’s grace all the days of our life regardless of what may come of us! Testify! Acts 20:24″
If you will be with Christ in eternity, you must run for your life from any morally spineless leader who refuses to preach the hard truths of God’s Word. Such a man is serving self and Satan, not Jesus. Lay down your own life today.
For more on the LORD’s warning of and characteristics of false leaders, you may wish to begin by reading Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 34, and Matthew 23.
“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” 2 Peter 3:17
The fruit of a true servant, according the Word of the Judge Himself, is that such a man has those he is leading who are learning to:
- Walk in the Spirit and holiness (Romans 1:4; 6-8; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16, etc.)
- Deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.)
- Discern truth from error and true servants from false prophets/wolves (Ezekiel 44:23)
- Personally study God’s Word diligently and daily (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Have a life of prayer (Matthew 6:6; 26:41; Mark 1:35, etc.)
- Communicate the Gospel, the Word of God, to others (Matthew 28:18-20; Philemon 1:6, etc.)
It does not matter what else is going on at a local church – if people are not being prepared to do His work, it’s a false ministry.
It’s time to cease propping up the local circus and entertainment center we call “church” … lest we be found guilty of bidding Godspeed to the very enemies/imposters of the Almighty and be judged with them – 2 John 7-11
What’s Wrong with The Modern Church World? | How to Find a Good Fellowship | Wolf Expose’
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Feedback:
Assembly Dialogues:
Message Received:
It’s disgusting to go into a church and listen to a pastor who obviously has little wisdom from God. It frustrates me. I believe God has me away from the church world for a reason. I have prayed many, many times about finding a church home and God has yet to open that door.
Reply:
Many are in this same place and perhaps the LORD is protecting His people and showing us just how much we need Him and causing us to cease depending on a local assembly so much. We are learning to trust Him in a real way now. Maybe it’s a season. True, biblical fellowship is needed. Think about this: When and since He saved most of us, we immediately and without interruption had a local church we have been a part of. So, we have never known what it means to truly trust Him and to sincerely walk with Him daily. May He grant each of us rich fellowship with Himself and His body (Acts 2:42-47).
Email Received:
“Last night there were 13 of us. We are studying the end of the age and Jesus’ 2nd coming. We have discovered that home fellowship can be similar to “Churchianity” if we aren’t aware of the pitfalls of offense, personal agendas, etc. We are learning to love one another with the love of Christ…and..we have a long way to go on many levels, but we are sticking with it. It took our core group 1 yr. to decompress from the church “drug” and from our woundedness over some things that happened and the loss of relationships from those who felt we were the enemy once we left. Well, you know this common story. We’ve been meeting for about 16 months now. We’ve had some come in and go back out again. I guess that is to be expected. We’ve had some leave because of doctrinal offense and not liking that most of us do not believe in eternal security. Our agreement is that anyone whom the Lord brings may come, but it’s not up to us to make them stay. What a journey this has been. I still miss the energy from a larger body, but have since learned that all the bells and whistles we used to enjoy in way of music, guest speakers, programs, etc. are not necessarily about the King. The decreasing is hard, the increasing of Christ is wonderful and supernatural.” Janet
Reply:
This is a great testimony for sure! This can help a lot of people who are coming out of the apostate church world and gathering in homes or elsewhere as Jesus’ body. It seems that people bring their baggage from the church mentality and culture to home groups. They put on their religiosity. We are all prone to this and this must be crucified. I often say this which I think helps and is according to 1 Corinthians 12, the every member functioning truth…. I say: “IT SIMPLY DOES NOT MATTER WHO TEACHES OR SAYS SOMETHING – WHAT MATTERS IS THAT GOD’S HOLY TRUTH GETS COMMUNICATED IN HIS LOVE.”
TO LEARN TO FUNCTION IN GOD’S LOVE AMONG HIS PEOPLE, WE MUST DAILY BEGIN PORING PRAYERFULLY OVER PASSAGES SUCH AS JOHN 13:35, ACTS 2:42-47, ROMANS 12, 1 CORINTHIANS 12-13, AND EPHESIANS 4, PHILIPPIANS 2:1-16, AND COLOSSIANS 3:16 … PLEASE SPREAD THIS WORD …. MAY IT BECOME OUR HOBBY TO BEGIN DIGGING OUT, SHARING, AND MEMORIZING VERSES AND PASSAGES ON HUMILITY BEFORE GOD AND MAN AND LOVE! PLEASE SPREAD THIS WORD …. THESE CAN BE PORED OVER TOGETHER ALSO (AS A GROUP).
“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Romans 12:4-5
This is simply an absolute wonderful testimony Janet!!!! God is able precious. The lower we get – that He blesses us to get – the less we are offended about anything!!!! Because at that low level, you can’t be knocked down so nearly everything is a blessing. Taking that lower seat, right (Matthew 23).
Isa 37:31
Abiding
“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:
“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake
“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.
“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke
“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”
“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25
In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:
“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:
“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7
“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16
Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:
“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10
“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“2 Peter 3:
To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God.
Key aspects:
- Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication.
- Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties.
- Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth.
- Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within.
- Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25).
- Passionate prayer
- Diligent study of God’s Word
- Active, loving service to others
- Bold witnessing for faith
- Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm”
Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”
“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran
YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.
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Abiding
It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3
One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10
“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”
You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2
“Hated”
“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
“Ye shall Laugh”
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:20-22
“Through much Tribulation”
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
“To Make them White”
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Made white … the wise shall understand”
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
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Articles
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?
Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?
1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).
This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).
Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6
2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).
He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).
Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14
3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).
Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28
4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).
Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).
Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.
5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).
Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.
Application to us: We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)
Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.
Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).
7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).
This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.
Making Peace with God | It is Finished! | Discipleship | The Gospel Centers Upon Christ’s Blood | Christology | The Gospel: What is It?
Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Bridegroom is Calling His Bride | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]
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