– Fruit that Remains –
“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15
It is erroneous to believe that one is right with God when there is no fruit to evidence such. In many circles today, eternal security is sold to the unknowing as something people irrevocably receive as a guarantee no matter what their behavior is like after that initial “decision for Christ.” Is this what Jesus and His apostles taught?
Jude states:
“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 12
The theme of the book of Jude involves apostates (those who left their faith in Christ after having saving faith – 1 Tim. 4:1). Let’s observe a portion of what Jude says concerning those he addresses who were at one time saved and departed from the LORD:
- “trees whose fruit withereth” – these people obviously had fruit. This we know because it says that the fruit they had “withereth.”
- “without fruit” – some were fruitless instead of fruitful.
- “twice dead” – these apostates he addresses were like all men – born dead in their trespasses and sins. They obviously got saved and then died spiritually again due to not continuing in their relationship with the LORD.
- “plucked up by the roots” – a plant that is not first planted cannot be “plucked up by the roots.” It would be absurd to say that the plant (represents people) addressed here was not first planted in the kingdom. No plant could possibly be uprooted if it were not first planted in the ground. In the same way, no person could be removed from the vineyard of the LORD having not first been planted their by Him.
An authentic walk with the LORD is characterized and authenticated by the bearing of good fruit (Gal. 5:16, 22-23). When we flourish in our relational walk with the precious Savior, He grants us His enabling grace and we are able to bear His fruit.
Conversely, if the person once saved does not abide in Christ he forfeits the forgiveness he once received (2 Pet. 1:9-11). We are not free to live in sin and remain justified (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; Rom. 6:1-2, 15; Tit. 2:11-14; 1 Jn. 3:1-15). God dealt with sin at the cross when Jesus “who knew no sin” became sin for us in order to redeem us (2 Cor. 5:21). At the cross the Father momentarily turned His holy face from Christ who had become sin for us (Matt. 27:46).
Why did Jesus Christ come and die? Did He come to save us from some or all sin?
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from ALL iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14
Burned or Blessed
Fruit is the proof that there is relationship. Obedience to the LORD is the expression that a person truly loves God and isn’t a mere professor, a counterfeit tare. Memorize Matthew 7:21, Titus 1:16, and 1 John 2:4.
ANY PERSON WHO ISN’T OBEYING GOD’S WORD DOES NOT LOVE GOD AND IS AS SURE FOR HELL AS IF HE WERE ALREADY THERE (Matthew 7:21; Titus 1:16; James 1:22; 1 John 2:3-6; Revelation 2:26, etc.).
Regrettably, some want to believe they are insulated from judgment whether they continue to trust Christ or not. Jesus gave the promise of eternal assurance to those who are currently in relationship with Him and also guaranteed that those who do not abide (remain, continue) with Him will become spiritually “withered” and “cast…into the fire, and they are burned.”
Notice the curse pronounced upon those who do not continue with Jesus and the abundant blessings for those who do:
“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. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:6-8
Obviously it is possible for “a man” to “abide not” in the relationship with the Vine (Jesus) or such a statement would never have been made by our LORD. Let’s look at two of the blessings bestowed upon the lives of those who abide in Christ:
Answered prayer – “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Fruitfulness – “that ye bear much fruit.”
Bearing fruit in God’s kingdom is very important to Him, and in particular, fruit that remains. Fruit bearing is the premium measure of His abiding and sanctifying presence and work in each of His saints. He produces His holy and good fruit as the believer abides in fellowship with and obedience to Him. In Scripture we never witness the slightest hint that abiding is an automatic and salvation an involuntarily fixed state. The initial and perpetual involvement of the recipient is required by the One who so loved that He gave. Like a good farmer, the LORD told us that He prunes or purges His own so that they bear even greater fruit whereby He is glorified.
“…every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2
So, the child of God should rejoice that He is being purged. It reveals that the LORD is pruning him to be a vessel to bear even more of His fruit.
The Vine also tells us in John 15 of the end of those who do not remain or “abide” in Him.
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away…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. “ John 15:2, 6
According to the LORD Jesus Christ, the person who does not continue to love the LORD supremely after He saves that soul, is taken away from the Vine, withered, and cast into the fire to be burned.
Notice closely in the above passage that it is the “man” who does not remain in Christ who is cast forth into the fire and not the branch. Our LORD only uses the imagery of the branch burning to help the hearer understand that He will cast forth into the eternal fires of damnation all who do not bear His fruit on that final Day. God’s Word is full of warning words like these about being burned up in unquenchable fire (Mk. 9:42-49).
Christ speaks in John 15 of “fruit…more fruit…much fruit,” and “that your fruit should remain.”
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
Fruit and fruit that remains is of premium value in the kingdom economy.
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for (consistent with) repentance.” Matthew 3:8
Who spoke these words? To whom was he speaking?
It is intriguing to note that John the Baptist spoke these words as he was speaking to men who were highly religious but not righteous in the eyes of God.
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father (religious affiliation): for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:7-10
Didn’t Jesus tell us to know or discern others by their fruits? Also, aren’t we known by others by the fruit our lives bear? (Matt. 7:16, 20) He also informs us: “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” (Matt. 7:19)
We are told to bring forth the real and tangible evidence (fruit) that we have answered the divine call and laid down our lives to follow Christ. The focus, affections, and actions of our lives are to conform to that inward work Christ began in us when He saved us (Phil. 2:12-13). This fruit will be that which is consistent with the grace of God which granted genuine heart repentance. We are dead and our lives are hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). We no longer live – He does (Gal. 2:20). The fruit of the true believer will be divine grace at work. His life will be marked by certain landmark, irrefutable characteristics. For the one who is truly in Christ, old things are passed away and all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17-18).
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10
Recently, I spoke with a man who said he was saved and knew most of the correct things to say. He has been an active member of the most popular evangelical denomination in America, and has been taught that as long as he believes, he is saved. Yet, saving faith is defined much differently in Scripture. Saving faith is always seen in the fruit of the possessor’s daily life. This man’s perspective is all too common.
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19
It’s not enough to just say one has faith. In God’s economy, good fruit is an earmark of kingdom citizenship. Father, please bless us to abide in Christ and to bear His fruit.
“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.” John 15:2
The fruit of being born again and remaining in Christ, is always according to Galatians 5:22-23. (love, joy, peace…)
Our works are the good fruit born out of Christ’s salvation and present work in our lives. Those good works do not save us but are a mere outworking of His great salvation in us.
Taking up the cross, suffering the death of self, is not earning us salvation… it’s simply rendering worship-filled “obedience to the faith” (Romans 1:5) – faith in the ONE who bled on that cross to earn salvation for us, all by Himself!
On this note of the premiere fruit of love, Cindy Rose Hatfield writes:
“Jesus taught us that the greatest commandments were to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as we love our self (Matthew 22:37, 39 KJB). When we strive to keep these commandments, we take the focus off ourselves and place it where it should be—on God and on helping others. In the Christian life devoid of ego, the ‘I will’ becomes a ‘thy will.'”
The life that is truly submitted to Christ bears unmistakable telltale fruit. Every one of us can be known by our fruits.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:22-24
Hindrances to Fruitfulness
Jesus has a question for us to ask ourselves – before it is too late:
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46
Why lie? Why pretend? Not remaining in fellowship with Christ means we are not abiding (remaining) in Him. Living in blatant disobedience to the commands of the LORD is clear evidence that one’s heart is not in fellowship with Him. The lack of fruit is the attestation of the lack of relationship. The existence of good fruit is the verification of a life-giving relationship.
The Alpha and Omega told us exactly why a person becomes unfruitful after hearing the Word.
“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:16-19
If I have more time to pursue the pleasures of this sinful world than I do to seek the face of the Savior I profess to know, I have deceived myself. The one who truly loves the LORD, counts Jesus more important than all else in this life and wards off the false prophets and temptations that call him to worship at the altar of false gods.
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
In the Mark 4 text above, did you catch the 3 things Christ told us choke out the life of God in us – making us “unfruitful”?
- “Cares of this world”
- “The deceitfulness of riches”
- “The lusts of other things”
Jesus said that these 3 things “entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” “Unfruitful” here means lacking the fruit consistent with a life that is rooted, grounded, and abiding in Christ and therefore assured and blessed. Beloved, we should stop here to examine whether or not the evidence of our lives reveals us to be real believers. Please show us Jesus!
When I am not putting first His kingdom by seeking His face and doing His will, “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”
Remember what the Holy Spirit told us through Jude?
“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water (have talk but not walk), carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” Jude 12
Jude tells us that those who once knew Christ and have since fallen away, have withered fruit that was once healthy, are without fruit, twice dead, and plucked up by the roots. Scary isn’t it?
“When we believe that Christ is our Righteousness … we’re empowered to bear the Fruit of Righteousness!” Lynn Blakeney
This world and all the sinfulness in it will soon pass away. The message of holy Writ tells us beforehand that the King of all kings is coming soon and will separate the wheat from the tares, sending the tares to a burning and eternal inferno. Our LORD was intent upon us understanding this truth. In Matthew 13’s account, He summed up His long parabolic discourse concerning the eternal separation of the real and counterfeit (wheat/tares) with these words:
“So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.” Matthew 13:49-51
Is He Truly “First”?
Truly placing the LORD first in our lives and setting our affections daily upon Him and His kingdom work is paramount to our fruitfulness. What a blessed privilege to know Him and be known of Him! Help us love You more LORD Jesus!
In Matthew 6 Jesus was speaking to us about food and clothing and said “For after all these things do the Gentiles (those who do not have a covenant relationship with the LORD) seek.” (Matt. 6:32) He was conveying to us that is characteristic of those who do not know Him to greedily pursue the menial things of this fleeting life. Then He told us that as we – His children – seek first His kingdom, “all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33) So, is the insatiable, endless appetite and pursuit of that which will perish with the using ever going to fill or satisfy us? What is driving us? What do we lack inside that would drive us to chase that which those who do not know Christ strive after as if there is an answer in those things?
Learning to be thankful and content with what we currently have is not only a test, but it is also essential to kingdom living and the fruit of an abiding life.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11
“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:8
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
The secret to keeping our relationship alive with Christ is the daily, ceaseless pursuit of Him with joyful thanksgiving for the “great salvation” He has graciously purchased for us with His own blood (Heb. 2:3, 9). The best defense against evil weeds in the garden of our heart and mind truly is a powerful, militantly advancing offense. As we awake each morning to burst forth in exuberant praise to our God, the enemy is hindered in his work and our day begins with advancing and conquering faith.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
A person only falls into the pursuit of earthly pleasures when he is not seeking first – as his ultimate life priority – the King and His kingdom.
“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 6:33-34
If I do not daily seek Him in intimate prayer and in His Word, it is because I am engrossed in self-idolatry, seeking my own selfish ends, and not truly and duly worshipping, and upholding the God who made and bought me. “Ye shall have no other gods before me.” (Exod. 20:3)
Maintaining the “good works”, the disciplines of a holy life that is in communion with Christ, is essential to fruitfulness in God’s kingdom.
“And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Titus 3:14
Maintaining the first fruit time of Bible study and prayer communion is indispensable to continuing to keep our lives in vital union with the Vine Himself. Nothing can be more rewarding – now and forever. Rendering to the Master the first minutes of our day, our very initial waking moments, is crucial to abiding close with our Savior.
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3
If I don’t spend time with the Father in prayer communion, it must be due to the fact that something or someone else has become more important than Him. Heal our idolatry LORD! If my life is one endless pursuit to fulfill my own needs and desires (spiritual adultery and idolatry), it is because Jesus is not truly my first love. “First” means first.
- “Let each day have its value from your calling to abide in Christ. As its light opens on your waking eyes, accept it on these terms: a day, just one day only, but still a day, given to abide and grow up in Jesus Christ. Whether it be a day of health or sickness, joy or sorrow, rest or work, struggle or victory, let the chief thought with which you receive it in the morning thanksgiving be this: ‘This is a day that the Father has given; in it I may, I must, become more closely united to Jesus.’ As the Father asks, ‘Can you trust Me just for this one day to keep you abiding in Jesus, and Jesus keep you fruitful? you cannot help but give the joyful response: ‘I will trust and not be afraid.’” Andrew Murray, Abide in Christ, Pgs. 114-115
Though they had works which looked good on the outside, the people in the church at Ephesus had faded from upholding Jesus Christ as Head of their lives. This is exactly what inevitably occurs when the believer leaves off to experience Christ in personal communion. To this gathering of believers at Ephesus, Jesus said:
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5
The divine promise here is that if we do not repent and return to our first love, God will remove His holy presence (“candlestick”) from our lives – “quickly.”
“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
What’s the real score? Do I genuinely possess a relationship with Him or just profess or pretend to have one?
Our view of the One who is Judge of all is ultra important. He sees not as men see. Men see not as He sees (1 Sam. 16:7; Isa. 55:8-9). Jesus told us that those who are “born again” can “see (perceive) the kingdom of God.” According to how the born again believer lives in and by the Spirit and the Word, he is able to see or view or perceive the things the way God does.
IF you don’t love Jesus enough to lay down your life-you are none of His! (Luke 14:33; 17:33)
PRAYER: Holy Father, I ask You right here and now to grant my eyes to see and ears to hear what is priority to You. Do Your work in my heart and make me to be a rich and increasingly fruitful field for Your eternal glory. Please fill my heart afresh with Your love. Also, grant me the privilege to help others to be fruitful and that that fruit might remain to the end. LORD Jesus thank You for finding, saving, washing me and for continuing Your good pleasure in my life. I love You. Take full possession of my life Father, ground me in the cross life, and produce Your holy fruit in me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
todd tomasella
Holy Ghost Baptism Study Guide (highly recommended)
Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ
Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]
Preacher Viciously Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]
Abiding
“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]
In Eternity “THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.”
(Isaiah 65:17)
Our LORD Jesus will soon return to “make all things new.”
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.” Isaiah 65:17
“I create – I am about wholly to change the state not only of my people, but to bring a new face upon the world, which shall abide until a new heavens and earth appear, in which shall dwell nothing but righteousness. Not be remembered – That state of things shall be so glorious, that the former state of my people shall not be remembered.” John Wesley
“Behold a new creation, Isa_65:17-25! The present dispensation is ended. Jerusalem, restored to her former glory, sings for very joy; and her rejoicing sends a thrill of joy through the nature of God. Long years of life and security of tenure are granted again to man. The red rapine of the forest is ended, for creation is emancipated from its bondage and participates in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Peace shall reign in the forest glades, never again to abdicate her throne, Isa_65:25. But, best of all, there shall be such unity between man and God that prayer will be anticipated, and the pleading soul shall be conscious of the listening ear of God. Hasten, O day of days, for which creation groans, and the saints groan with inexpressible desire!” FB Meyer
“65:17 The closing verses of chapter 65 describe millennial conditions. The new heavens and the new earth here refer to Christ’s kingdom on earth; in Revelation 21 they refer to the eternal state. In Isaiah’s new heavens and new earth there is still sin and death; in Revelation 21, these have passed away.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Of Isaiah 65:17, another commentator writes the following:
a [I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind] Here God declares that He will create or bring into existence renewed heavens and a renewed earth which will be so wonderful that the present ones will be forgotten in the glory and blessing that will then be enjoyed on the earth by the eternal society.
b [new heavens and a new earth] This term, “new heavens and a new earth,” is found only four times in Scripture, being used twice by Isaiah (Isa_65:17; Isa_66:22-24), once by Peter (2Pe_3:10-13), and once by John (in Rev. 21:1-22:5). Making the heavens and earth new will be accomplished at the close of the Millennium after all rebellion is put down on earth, all enemies are destroyed, and God has become all in all again, as before rebellion was started—first by Lucifer and later by Adam (Rom_8:18-25; 1Co_15:24-28; Eph_1:10; 2Pe_3:10-13; Rev. 21-22).
c [former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind]
Great Millennial and Eternal Changes
This could not mean that the former heavens and earth will never be recalled in any way whatsoever. The idea is that comparatively speaking, the new ones will be so wonderful that people will not meditate on, long for, or regret the passing of the old ones. Mentioning the new heavens and the new earth here as an introduction to a passage about the Millennium (Isa_65:18-25) can be best understood in this light—that God’s program concerning the new heavens and the new earth is His ultimate purpose in the work which he begins in the Millennium.
Fifteen Millennial and Eternal Changes:
1. A new earthly and eternal Jerusalem will be created as the earthly and eternal capital of the whole earth (Isa_65:18; Isa_2:2-4; Eze_48:30-35; Joe_3:16-20)
2. Eternal Israel (Isa_65:18)
3. Eternal rejoicing of Israel for their eternal city
4. God rejoicing eternally in Jerusalem (Isa_65:19)
5. God rejoicing eternally in Israel
6. Eternal removal of all weeping and crying in Israel and Jerusalem
7. Eternal change in length of life—no more an infant of days nor an old man who will not fill his days (Isa_65:20). Men will live as long as trees (Isa_65:22) and eternally in natural bodies (Mat_25:46)
8. Change in the appointment of death for the righteous, who will not sin (Isa_65:20; Mat_25:46)
9. Change in the economy—everyone building and possessing his own home, and planting and enjoying his own crops without fear of losing any through debts (Isa_65:21-22)
10. Removal of the curse of hard labor (Isa_65:23)
11. Eternal change in purpose and production of material goods—nothing will be produced for war and trouble (Isa_65:23; Isa_2:2-4; Mic_4:1-13)
12. God’s eternal blessing upon all labor and business (Isa_65:23)
13. Eternal change of results in prayer (Isa_65:24)
14. Eternal change of animal natures (Isa_65:25; Isa_11:6-9)
15. Eternal change in society—none to hurt or destroy in all God’s kingdom (Isa_65:25)
Jesus is Returning to Make Peace by Violence, by Force
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
No one can and will fulfill these words above more perfectly than the One who spoke these words.
“Blessed are the peaceMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
In this fallen world, peace cannot be kept, it must be made – that is, it must be forcefully accomplished by destroying the wicked doers.
“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Matthew 12:20
Jesus will bring forth His judgment unto victory when He returns.
Jesus came to divide between the righteous and the unrighteous.
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34
Our LORD’s Gospel message which presents the occasion for some to believe and some to reject. This is the “sword” of division that divides between the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The Gospel brings division and strife in families and nations, because some love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21).
The unrepentant wicked will not repent and change. The LORD will return to crush and to force them into His bowels of damnation, a place of incarceration called hell.
Jesus came as a lamb the first time and will return as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to dispossess His earth of His enemies.
“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” Proverbs 20:26
All tears shall be wiped away from off the faces of those who choose to be Christ’s!
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:45
In a certain sense it doesn’t matter what has come against you, what you have gone through, what you have suffered and endured. The end is near and this life is not even going to “come into mind” for the righteous when Jesus returns! When the unrepentant wicked are vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation, the righteous shall reign …..
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:3-11
Future Glory
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:17-39
God’s Everlasting Love for His People…..
“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3
In and through Christ – as you are dead with Him and raised up by Him – He makes you to be, He declares us to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Historically the righteous have disrupted the plans of Satan and have therefore been persecuted… a type of what’s called “political prisoners” who are imprisoned and persecuted for disagreeing with the ruling evil doers.
Let us be reminded saints, that it’s how we finish that matters most, not how we began, and not how we may have stumbled along the way. We are “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15
No saint of Christ has ever gone unscathed, unscarred in this life! It’s actually proof you are HIS! You have no earthly idea how much Jesus loves you! In fact, are we not warned by our LORD that if we are not receiving persecution, that we are not His?
“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. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:22-26
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him”
“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” 2 Timothy 2:11-12
Jesus promised us, His people, that we’d suffer for being His (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:22; Luke 6:22-24; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14, etc.).
“They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
In this life, you don’t even have the ability to imagine the blessings that await you!
“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
“Joy and Peace in Believing”
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You afresh, right now, in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Father for filling Your beloved saints in the earth with all joy and peace in believing. Please bless your saints with hope dear LORD as our lives are blessed to be laid down, crucified with Christ our LORD! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
The Return of Christ | Are you Born Again? -Make Peace with God now, before it’s too late
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How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
“The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa_55:11; Deu_32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mat_13:3-8, Mat_13:20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa_11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.” Dake
“God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain and snow. All the armies in the world cannot stop them, and they accomplish their intended purpose. God’s Word never fails to achieve its aims.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
ANY person who doesn’t understand the power of God’s Word, when sown into the hearts of men, has no business pretending to be a pastor or elder in Christ’s body.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The power of God’s Word when it enters the human heart:
“He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:28-29
The Harvest is Plentiful – So many lost souls hungry to hear the Gospel – the Laborers Few
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
Sin separates men from God.
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2
People are born again by the WORD of God which means the Word must be sown in their hearts and germinate.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God in the hearts of men assures that God will be glorified in saving each of those souls who receive and believe His truth in repentance and faith.
Here’s how evangelism and our LORD’s kingdom work works—layers of Gospel workers. Usually we are the second, third, etc., Gospel labourer, following up on the seed planted in the hearts of the people we minister to. Let’s gain this vision, this illustration from Christ concerning our work for Him, in His kingdom.
Anyone putting off, pushing into the future, evangelizing the lost, is disobeying Jesus Christ. Anyone not evangelizing the lost around them cannot rightly claim to love Jesus. They are full of self and in need of crying out to God in repentance.
John 4:34 – 38
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”
“In the elderly home we minister in, we met a new resident, that had been there only a few months. When she came to our meeting, she seemed down, so I began to talk with her. She said, “well I don’t leave my room much anymore as my very good friend just passed away.” She stated her name and said, “before she passed I gave her the gospel and she received Jesus.” God is so good, as we had ministered to her friend as well, and seeds were planted, and this new Lady watered! The more I continued to talk with her, I learned she has been preaching the gospel and some residents are getting saved. Alleluia! Next week, we will give her some Jesus tracts.” Karen Cochran
Picture planting a seed in a garden, then standing back and watching the ground you planted that seed in and expecting to see it sprout up visibly from the soil it was planted in. Not wise, right? Right.
The picture our LORD gives here is planting that seed and then moving on, just like anyone who plants seeds to grow some plant, crop.
The Parable of the Seed Growing
Mark 4
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29
“And should sleep and rise night and day – That is, he should sleep by night, and rise by day; for so the words are obviously to be understood. He knoweth not how – How a plant grows is a mystery in nature, which the wisest philosopher in the universe cannot fully explain.” Adam Clarke
In ministry, it’s always seeding, planting. It’s GOD, not us, who brings the increase. This pertains to the invisible work of God in the hearts of men.
“The parable may be intended to encourage the disciples. Their responsibility is to sow the seed. They may sleep by night and rise by day, knowing that God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He has intended it to do. By a mysterious and miraculous process, quite apart from man’s strength and skill, the Word works in human hearts, producing fruit for God. Man plants and waters but God gives the increase.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Thank You for choosing and ordaining me to Your kingdom work. Please bear Your fruit in and through this life, this vessel for Your eternal glory. Let that fruit remain dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Jesus Washes the Feet of His Own [podcast]
What was Jesus demonstrating and teaching us when He washed the feet of His disciples?
The Washed Way – begins with “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost” – being born again (Titus 3:5-7; John 3:3, 7).
“On the way back from the public bath, a person’s feet would get dirty again. He didn’t need another bath but did need to have his feet washed. ‘He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.’ There is a difference between the bath and the basin. The bath speaks of the cleansing received at the time of one’s salvation. Cleansing from the penalty of sin through the blood of Christ takes place only once. The basin speaks of cleansing from the pollution of sin and must take place continually through the Word of God. There is one bath but many foot-washings.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“If these last words of our Lord had any spiritual reference, it is not easy to say what it was. A common opinion is the following: He who is washed – who is justified through the blood of the Lamb, needeth only to wash his feet – to regulate all his affections and desires; and to get, by faith, his conscience cleansed from any fresh guilt, which he may have contracted since his justification.” Adam Clarke
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. – John 13:1-17
Those not happy prove they are not humble nor holy (John 13).
“If loving the person in front of you seems like too small of a ministry opportunity, you’ve forgotten the simplicity of the Gospel.” unknown
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet as an Act of Final Sealing of His Mercy, His Will
“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end (to the end, to the utmost).” John 13:1
“Before the feast – Namely, on Wednesday, in the paschal week. Having loved his own – His apostles, he loved them to the end – Of his life.” John Wesley
Adam Clarke writes:
“He loved them unto the end – Continued his fervent affection towards them to his latest breath, and gave them that convincing proof of it which is mentioned Joh_13:5. That the disciples alone are meant here every man must see.”
Of these cornerstone verses of John 13, F.B. Meyer writes:
“John 13:1-11
JESUS GLORIFIES HUMBLE SERVICE
In the Temple the laver preceded the brazen altar. It was kept filled with pure water for the constant washing of the priests; Exo_30:18-21; Lev_16:4. We cannot have fellowship with Christ at Calvary or on Olivet unless we draw near with our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
The Synoptic Gospels tell us that on their way to the feast the disciples had yielded to contention and pride. It was needful that these should be put away, and our Lord’s love was equal to the occasion. He loved them to the end of His life and to the end of love. Only such love could have made saints and apostles out of such material.
Jesus began a work which has never ceased, and which will continue “till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more.” When we have contracted guilt, we have not to begin our whole life over again, but to go back to the place where we dropped the thread of obedience and begin there.”
May we never forget how merciful our LORD Jesus was to the woman at the well (John 4), the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8), and the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8).
It’s of interest to note how this 13th chapter of the glorious Gospel of John begins with Christ’s love to His disciples and closes with His command for them to “love one another” as He taught and personally demonstrated to them:
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35
“When you fall in love don’t you want to shout it from the rooftops? He, the man you are in love with, is all you talk about! Should be the same with Jesus! You want to tell everyone about this man, the Savior who saved your life! Just as the woman at the well did! She told the whole city. ‘Come, and see a man, which told me all the things that ever I did: is this not the Christ?’ John 4: 28-29.” Karen Cochran
YOUR PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, please reduce me to love.
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