– 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]
Articles
“THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED” [podcast]
“God … commandeth ALL men every where to repent.”
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31
WHEN’s the last time your favorite preacher preached on the essential doctrine of REPENTANCE? Be sure of this – Christ’s true remnant is preaching repentance. Are you preaching that men must repent to be saved and ready for judgment? (Acts 17:30-31) If not, you are in need of repentance – before it’s too late. The lack preaching repentance is the fruit, the clear evidence that someone is not walking in the original Gospel of Christ but rather “another gospel” – a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9)
With No Exception Christ’s True Body is Preaching that God Commands ALL Men Everywhere to Repent.
ALL who do not preach that men must repent to be saved are preaching “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) Chamge my mind with Scripture!
Jesus commands His people to preach repentance. Did you know that? Oh and is there something else we are to preach? Yes. See if you catch it here in Jesus’ mandate to us:
“And that REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED in his name among all nations.” Luke 24:47
“Repentance and” what? – “repentance AND remission of sins” are to “be preached.”
Not just “repentance” but also “remission of sins.”
The whole message of repentance includes remission of sins (Luke 24:47). Are we preaching the whole or half the Gospel message Jesus commanded us to preach? See Acts 20:20, 27, 32.
Of necessity, the kingdom of Christ, “among all nations,” all peoples, must be preached and that Gospel begins with “repentance and remission of sins.”
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14
WHAT Gospel is to be preached by Christ’s disciples? – “this gospel of the kingdom.” And what must be preached as a necessity to enter Christ’s kingdom? Let us ascertain such.
God is unchanging. He gave us His Great Commission command to accomplish. Many are distracted and wasting their lives and resources on that which is not the Great Commission command Christ gave us and expects us to be fulfilling.
“I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know (discern) and try (test) their way.” Jeremiah 6:27
Today we have a less than neutered version of Christ’s Great Commission command…. It’s not even a faint resemblance of what Christ mandated. This is clearly the fulfillment of the great falling away from the faith of the Gospel foretold in Scripture. Jude 3
PREACHING and TEACHING the Gospel of repentance is the ONLY way men can be free from sin, cleansed, washed, and refreshed (Acts 3:19). REPENTANCE always precedes REFRESHING.
“REPENT ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of REFFRESHING shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
By definition the band aid preaching of today has never dealt with the root of the issue and that means the issue will never go away. Nothing less than repentance from God’s people and obedience to his Great Commission command is going to change this nation.
Self-righteously screaming at people is not what we see Christ or His apostles and earliest followers doing. Such is ungodly. Yet in conversation, in any communication about Christ’s kingdom, the law to convict of sin and the divine call to repent should be included, along with believing on the LORD Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 16:30-31; 20:21; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:7-10; Revelation 22:17, etc.).
God’s people are being called to be obedient to His Great Commission command. Jesus and His holy apostles never went around, set up clinics, and answered questions. They simply obeyed the Lord and preached His Gospel so that people could be saved into this Kingdom… His Father’s business.
BREAKING: THIS here is all that matters saints…… Jesus is coming and wants to be glorified in forgiving all sin and changing lives….
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Kingdom news is the only Good News and everything else is going to hell. Are you behind the KING and His work He sent us to do – so that He can forgive all sin and change lives?
This dear brother has been asking us lift him in pray for a while now. Thank God and that you answered that call to lift our brother in prayer. We all know that only God Himself can break us and separate us to Himself, away from the sin that otherwise has a death grip on our lives. Here’s what our dear brother sent this morning:
“Praise report…The Holy Spirit broke me down…and for the 1st time in 42 years I’ve left nothing on the back burner, I’ve left nothing in reserve … it’s not Jesus and…it’s not Jesus but…. No, it’s just Jesus … that cross of my salvation. I’m free indeed!
Thank you brother! I’m truly being made free for the first time… I’ve wasted years holding on to temporary sin…. but no more! The Holy Spirit has been flowing, even today at work! Thanks again brother …. pray for my strength and endurance. I preached it yesterday and people gave up drugs and all sin afterwards (they came to real repentance). Jesus has been so good to me! I can never thank Him enough for his life…” Chris
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19
The Betrayal
This generation of “preachers” has betrayed God and their fellow man. They will set up gathering to answer questions but unlike Paul on Marrs Hill, refuse to preach repentance. And, the professing “Christian” church today loves it. Think about it…. for example, Turning Point USA has over 270,000 monthly supporters and aren’t even preaching the Word of God. That means no one is getting saved or even convicted of their sins. THAT is not the Great Commission Jesus mandated that His people fulfill. Teaching and preaching His Word and preaching repentance sums up our LORD’s Great Commission command to us – and for which He is holding us 100% fully accountable. See Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47.
Jesus died for our sins, for the sins of the world so that repentance could be preached and souls be saved into His eternal kingdom family. He commanded that repentance be preached. No one can or will do this except His own people. And, He gave “the promise of the Father” to His people to empower them in this mission – the baptism with the Holy Ghost (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Read this closely:
“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:46-49
The professing “church” in America wants to restore America – so they can go back to living their lukewarm hell bound lives in peace (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16). They don’t want to repent and do things God’s way. Beware of the prevalent false gospel which is any varation from the original Gospel given us by our LORD on the pages of His Holy Word (Galatians 1:10). We are to earnestly contend against this grace-perverting false gospel and the “ungodly men” who peddle it.
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
NOTHING good happens until we get honest and repent. “Times of refreshing from the presence of the LORD” come only to those who repent (Acts 3:19). They are the only happy people on this earth and will forever enjoy the splendor of eternal glory with their soon coming KING (Revelation 21). Boom Jesus!
Though nearly never heard in today’s apostate modern church world, according to Christ’s unchanging original Gospel, repentance is an absolute necessity.
Karen Cochran observes:
“It doesn’t seem the word repent is part of Christians vocabulary!! In th emodern church, it’s all about God accepting you the way you are without any requirements to repent and die to self.”
LOTS of miserable people in this fallen world. Why? Read the paragraph above again (Proverbs 13:15; Revelation 3:15-16). Remember what Jesus says to the lukewarm?
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and MISERABLE, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17
Letting the truth be known.
People cannot be forgiven of their sins, set free, refreshed, blessed, etc., until they repent and so “how shall they hear without a preacher?” See Romans 10:14. How shall those living in sin hear the message of Gospel, to repent, unless the true body of Christ communicates this message?
Anyone not preaching sin and repentance is not preaching the original Gospel but rather is walking in “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).
Preaching the essential of repentance eliminates easy believism. Anyone preaching a “salvation” without the necessity of real repentance that brings forth fruit, clear proof of that repentance, is preaching a false gospel (Matthew 3:7-10).
WE’VE helped no one till we have delivered God’s Word to them and they repent.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
No true disciple of Jesus should ever lay his head down to rest after a day wherein he hasn’t plundered the gates of hell by the declaration of the original Gospel of Jesus which begins with the non-negotiable divine command to “repent” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).
WHAT to preach?
— Repent (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).
— Receive Christ (John 1:12).
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, AND FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Acts 20:21
Were we saved by our own merit or good works? No.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
“How beautiful that He canceled our debt. How merciful and Holy!” Susan Harrison
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“We were the guilty ones! And God’s justice says we deserve punishment! But in God’s infinite love for us Jesus died and paid the price for us! Jesus Christ was our only hope for us to be reconciled back to the Father! The plan for our salvation was established! Alleluia!” Karen Cochran
Fresh Repentance
May God bless each of us to come to fresh repentance and remission of our sins:
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
“O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. 2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.” Hosea 14:1-2
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, admitting I have been living for my own evil glory. I am a sinner. I’ve committed the sin of idolatry, having myself first instead of You. I admit here and now before You that I have been committing the damning sin of spiritual adultery. I have claimed to know You and yet refused to uncompromisingly adhere to Your Word. Here and now, right now if never before, I repent and ask You to forgive my sins and to wash me afresh from my sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ my LORD. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit, my life, right this moment and ask You dear LORD to fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to preach Your glorious message of repentance to those around me so that they can receive the forgiveness of all their sins and walk in the times of refreshing from Your holy presence dear LORD. I love You Jesus. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. In Jesus’ Name amen.
Support | STORE | | Podcasts | Top 12 Missing Essential Doctrines in the Modern Church World! [podcast] | Repentance and Fruit | Loving not our Lives unto the Death [podcast]
Articles
Mission Mexico Part 29
Dios ama al pueblo de México. English: God loves the people of Mexico.
May God bless the glorious, bless-ed nation and people of Mexico, en El nombre de JesuCristo!!!!
And may the people of Mexico give God the glory be honoring the Son of God who is Jesus Christ – who died, was buried, and raised again from the dead for our justification! (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Repent and believe the Gospel! (Acts 20:21)
Here in Mexico, over 5,000 Jesus tracts have been distributed with the spoken Word in Spanish.
JESUS CHRIST IS MINISTERING TO AND SAVING SOULS!!!!
Because you care, this beloved woman received ministry in the form of a warm delicious hot meal and cold water and JESUS tract, etc. And and so did the 3 young men whom I hired to feed her just what she wanted. They were all ministered to, extensively with the spoken Word and JESUS tracts. And they were each instructed to go home and repent and receive Jesus.
DEVELOPING BY WAY OF THE LORD. As you know, our God is so very good! (Psalm 86)
Remember this?
UPDATE: I went to see beloved Luis who received extensive ministry last week. Soon as he saw me he said “Put God first brother!” I said amen yes sir. He’s been reading the Bible verses Manuel and I are sending him. He told me that he saw Denzel Washington say “Put God first is all things!” That obviously hit home in Luis’ heart and it’s God’s truth (Matthew 6:33). Beware we parted he pointed at me with a big smile and said “Put God first!” Your prayers for Luis invited saints. Jesus is able! – “Ask and ye shall receive.” Matthew 7:7
As God would have it, kingdom connections.
“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; ” Colossians 2:2
YESTERDAY: Manuel asked me to come have breakfast with him at his resuarant (that he and his wife own). The food was amazing. Gabriela came over to talk to us and we then realized that her and I had fellowshipped at one of the restuarants she manages. Manuel and Gabriela are friends and they fellowship often as she comes to eat at his restuarant. Our LORD put it on Manuel’s heart to fellowship yesterday and to see if we can work together – by putting his name and phone number on the back of the JESUS tracts that are being passed out here. 5,000 so far. More going out daily. Having Manuel’s contact information on the tracts will help people who can connect with him for further ministry, salvation, growing in Christ, etc.
Manuel told me that he is interested in us working together by putting his information on the back of the JESUS tracts so that the Spanish speaking Mexican people who receive these Gospel tracts can contact him to be saved or for fellowship if they are already saved. This will be amazing as there are so many hungry people here in Mexico. They are delighted to receive the love of God in the form of the spoken Word and the JESUS tract in Spanish.
Manuel is now connected with brother Vicente. Both of them have restaurants. Manuel is setting up a fellowship meeting with Vicente and myself…. also to work together with the influx of so many new people being evangelized. Both these men are part of local fellowships.
If you wish to help see the continuation of this ministry outreach to the people of Mexico, feel free to participate by supplying ……. Your prayers are being heard and answered by our LORD – for the fruitfulness and furtherance of this Gospel Mission to the beautiful people of Mexico who are overwhelmingly receptive to the Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ. Please pray. Thank you. “God is able …”
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20
Thanks for declaring with your prayer and support that the beloved souls of the Mexican people matter!!!! – because they do! Jesus is King and He’s coming saints!
Ministry books continue to go out weekly to the incarcerated. Sending the Divine Light into “The Prison House” [podcast]
TODAY as I handed a Spanish language JESUS tract to one Mexican man and spoke God’s Word to him, another bless-ed man nearby looked at me with a “Please don’t leave me out” expression. This happens often. Of course he also received God’s Word in spoken and printed form. The hunger for God is beyond refreshing!
Jesus is King. | Mission Mexico
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14
Are you asking the LORD, like Isaiah, to prepare and send you? Jesus says “Go.”
See Isaiah 6 and Romans 10:14-15.
You have been lifting Julio in prayer. The LORD is answering those prayers. Julio and I have been communicating today and Vicente, a dear and strong brother in Christ, is taking over to help Julio with getting saved, prayer, and godly fellowship!!!! Several relationships are transpiring this way which is amazing since these men all speak the beautiful language of Spanish. Amen.
From Julio just now:
“I would like to ask you to pray for me, for my children, for my family, for my marriage, for my finances, and of course, that God gives me the wisdom to learn His word. Perfect, I’d be delighted to hear from Vicente. We’re actually looking for someone to support us. Thank you so much, Todd.” Julio
Saints, God is hearing the prayers of His saints in the name of Jesus Christ our LORD! (John 14:13-14)
There are at least 2 strong, Holy Ghost filled Mexican men of God’s Word who are now helping with the people who are being evangelized. They are both members of Bible believing fellowships.
The 3 Ways God’s People Participate in Christ’s Great Commission
1. Praying for Christ’s labourers (Matthew 9:35-38).
2. Witnessing, evangelizing, sowing and communicating the Word to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).
3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).
PWS = Praying. Witnessing. Supporting.
Your prayers for these beloved people are being heard by our LORD. Col. 4:12 covers it all !!!! Here and now, YOU are being invited to pray. John 14:13-14
Cesar was given a JESUS tract and had the Word of God spoken to him. As he was listening to the Gospel his eyes welled up with tears. He was invited to repent and receive Jesus which he immediately desired and agreed to do. Cesar prayed in repentance and faith – confessing himself to have sinned against God and receiving Jesus as his LORD and Savior.
Jesus is saving souls saints. That’s why He came!
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Please lift our new brother in Christ in prayer. Col 4:12; Ps 138:8
The LORD and Savior of Mission Mexico is Alive and Well
God commands men who are called to “preach the word” and to also “do the WORK of an evangelist.” 2 Timothy 4:2-5
UPDATE: Brothers Justin and Daniel are growing in our LORD’s grace 2 Peter 3:18 Thank you that you have and will continue to lift them in prayer. God is so good. Fruit that remains saint, amen! John 15:16
“Such amazing testimonials of what the Lord is doing in the humble people of Mexico! And also seems the Lord is bringing laborers into the harvest. Hallelujah.” Karen Cochran
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry Updates | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Great Commission
Angry Street Preacher Warning
“Ye Know not what Manner of spirit ye are of” [podcast]
“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” Psalms 7:11
3 Things to behold in this verse:
1. “GOD judgeth the righteous,”
2. “and God is angry with the wicked every day.”
Read the verse above again and note that GOD didn’t tell you to be angry with the wicked.
The LORD alone is “Holy, holy, holy” and I am not, neither is any mere man (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
Memorize this verse of truth.
God is “THE JUDGE” not you.
“But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Psalms 75:7
The LORD is judging, weighing in the balance the disposition of His people toward the wicked for whom Jesus died.
Some of Jesus’ own 12, sought self-elevation via ministry…..
“Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.” Luke 9:46-48
In the very next chapter, after His disciples had returned…
The Return of the Seventy-Two
“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20
We are Christ’s humble servants. We are not the Judge. He is.
“Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:20-28
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12
Evangelism Prep
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
Those who go forth planting the seed of the Word God with humble concern for those they minister to, will reap great rewards, “sheaves” which means harvest, now and eternally. They are humble servants of the LORD who were “moved with compassion” toward lost souls.
“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Luke 9:51-56
Let’s peer into what things looked like when Jesus went to the streets to meet the people. Let’s comprehend how His disposition was and the actions of the Son of God.
“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
Jesus was “moved with compassion” on the people. Sadly, today we have some street preachers who are moved with hatred toward the lost. John Wesley (1703 – 1791) also dealt with angry street preachers.
Paul and John Wesley and we today have these angry, hate-filled lost soul street preachers to deal with. And we have those who are “moved with compassion” to reach the lost with our LORD’s bless-ed Gospel and the way He approached sinners (Matthew 9:35-38).
“The greatest contenders for (the faith) are some of the proudest (pride-filled) and most uncharitable (hateful) men; but many of the firmest contenders for it (the faith) are eminently meek and lowly in heart; and, indeed, in all other respects also, (they are) truth followers of their lamb-like Lord.” John Wesley
“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. 12 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 55:11-12
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5
God bless the true loving, God fearing preachers on the streets.
“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 the one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Philippians 1:12-18
Beware of the nasty street preachers.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry Updates | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Great Commission
“THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 29
“Ye Know not what Manner of spirit ye are of” [podcast]
The Chosen are being Called and Prepared to “Go” [podcast]
“A Just Weight is His Delight” and Gouging is Sin
Faith in Resurrection [podcast]
“The Certainty of the Words of Truth” [podcast]
Delighting in the LORD [podcast]
“He Appeared to put away sin by the Sacrifice of Himself” [podcast]
8 Classes of Sinners Guaranteed to Spend Eternity in the Lake of Fire [podcast]
Overcoming Temptation [podcast]
Weeping Men Win Men [podcast]
Book of Psalms | Alexander Scourby [video]
“Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Unbelief” [podcast]
“Evolution is a Fairy Tale for Grownups” … “The Greatest Hoax Ever
Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]
Satan Hates Soul Winners With A Passion
Delighting in the LORD [podcast]
“Evolution is a Fairy Tale for Grownups” … “The Greatest Hoax Ever
NLT New Living Translation EXPOSED
Answered Prayer? WHY?
Off The Chain! Mood Drugs Exposed [podcast]
The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]
Godly Integrity [podcast]
Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth
“THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED” [podcast]
The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]
Run that Ye May Obtain [podcast]
Mexico needs Missionaries [podcast]
Worshipping the God of all Grace through the Fiery Trials [podcast]
“THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 29
“Ye Know not what Manner of spirit ye are of” [podcast]
-
America9 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved