Victorious Fruit Bearing

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

– 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.

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)

Support | STORE

Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ

Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]

Fresh Start with God

The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning for

Preacher Viciously Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]

Articles

Clara and Her Boys Blessed! Mexico Mission Rolling!

Okay so here’s the original message concerning Clara.

Brother Vicente continues to minister to the Word of God to men I minister to and then hand them off to him and/or brother Salvador. Such was the case with a man named Florentine who received the spoken Word of God and a JESUS tract in Spanish last week. Both Salvador and Vicente are now in touch with this man and ministering God’s Word to him in his own native tongue, Spanish. Just now, tonight, brother Vicente sent me this: “I’m taking this opportunity, brother, to see if you have any work available for someone. She’s a woman looking for work from 7 AM to 2 PM, cleaning or anything else you can find. If you could get her something, please. She has three children and is a single mother. She doesn’t have a husband. Or if you, the group, could get her things to sell. She’s a young woman with very limited resources.” Vicente

Okay saints, here’s another opportunity. Please lift this dear lady in prayer and her children.

We are already helping a man who is cleaning the vehicle weekly – by paying him cash and buying him lunch once or twice weekly.

I am thinking of hiring Clara to clean the apartment weekly or every other week. This will help her with her monthly bills.

And anyone who wish to help her, just earmark your gift or email me to discuss.

In Christ

Todd

JESUS tract ENGLISH (click to download print-ready PDF) this is the actual text of the JESUS tract of both the English and JESUS tract SPANISH (click to download print-ready PDF]

TODAY: YOU, YOUR PRAYERS AND LOVE OFFERINGS MADE CLARA’S DAY, WEEK, MONTH, AND YEAR!!!

We live in a fallen world and as is far too common this dear woman is carrying a load, burdens that God never intended her to carry (1 Timothy 5:14; 1 Peter 3:7). And you answered her plight and pain with the love of God!

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17

Clara thought she was just coming over to clean my apartment and get a few dollars. God and you had more in mind though!!!!

I will let her speak to you in her own exact words. Upon receiving the cash you sent, which is a large amount in the Mexican economy, Clara broke down uncontrollably in tears for a long while. She was literally shaking, sobbing, tears were flowing down her face. This blessing shocked her – and it’s ALL your fault! 😉 You are guilty as charged beloved of God!

“No one has ever done anything like this for me … I had nothing left to feed my children at home.” Clara

Here below is the raw version of Clara’s words of gratitude for what God did through you, your love! She was only expecting a few dollars for cleaning the apartment. Clara was stunned when I pulled YOUR wad of cash out of my pocket and handed it to her for cleaning the apartment. After she broke down and cried for a while, she spoke her words into google translate to communicate to us. Clara said ……

“Seriously, thank you so much. This means a lot to me. I’ve really struggled a lot. I’m sorry I cried, but I’m very sentimental. No one has ever done anything like this for me. Many people approach me with bad intentions, and some, knowing my need, try to take advantage of it. Tell your friends that I’m so grateful for what they’re doing for me. I’ll never tire of thanking them because, honestly, I had nothing left to feed my children at home, and this will help me buy groceries so they can eat well.

I’m not tired, to be honest. What motivates me are my children.

Without them, my life would have no meaning. I came to work with you today

because of them, and I’m leaving happy, knowing that my life will gradually

improve. Now all I want is to go back home to see my children and be able to

cook them something delicious because I know they’re waiting for me.” Clara

After she spoke of cooking for her boys, I asked Clara if we could go to the grocery store first before I took her home. We went and bought a whole, very large basket full of food. This family has food for weeks and you did it!!! You stepped up and said “Yes LORD Jesus! Thank You for this opportunity to give out of what You gave me – to bless this family in need!” Clara

“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19

Mission Mexico

WHILE this was all happening, one of you Christ-glorifying culprits wired $150 – the exact amount that was spent to get Clara a very large portion of groceries~! There was no plan to buy her those groceries but GOD had the plan!!!! The plan was for her to have that cash she received and a basket overflowing with food!!!!

Your giving to Christ’s work …

Makes this happen …

Real people receiving real help, real love, real touch from the body of Christ.

Mission Mexico – See more here.

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

Mission Mexico Part 35 Video Update, etc.

WHILE the people of America have made up their mind, don’t want to be bothered with the Gospel, openly reject it, the people of Mexico grope in darkness, knowing something huge is missing in the lives, waiting only for someone who will deliver the message of Jesus to them. It’s absolutely stunning. “How shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14 If you’re going to try to convince me that God has millions of professing “Christians” sitting around doing nothing but chasing the next fleeting trinket while the people of Mexico and other countries perish for not having the Gospel… […]

Video Update Mission Mexico [video]

You can help us minister to the people of Mexico. Your prayers and financial support is needed. It’s a grand evangelism opportunity. | Support Mission Mexico Mission Mexico Mission Mexico – See more here. Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Articles

What’s Wrong with the Modern Church World? [podcast]

Is Church Membership Biblical?

State of the Earliest Disciples of Jesus

It’s more than obvious that local churches today are about EVERYTHING EXCEPT JESUS. If you don’t see this, that only proves how Satan has used this system of rebellion called “the church” to blind you to the true Gospel, plan, and will of God.

Anyone who doesn’t see that most pastors are preaching a false Gospel, do not know the true Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9).

It’s amazing how we learn to truly begin to trust and walk with the LORD when we leave the modern church system. When we leave it, we no longer trust the idols and elements we once relied upon. Then we can experience true fellowship with Christ and His beloved people.

Just after Pentecost, when the Church was born, before any deceivers or deception could enter in, the saints flourished with Christ and His beloved people. See Acts 2:42-47 as the model of fellowship. Acts 2:42-47 is the prescription for true New Testament worship. Note the word “daily.”

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (God’s Word) and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47

Note that only the LORD can add to His church.

Is there a difference is what we see when peering into the early church and that which calls itself the church today?

What four things were these earliest Christians doing as they met together? Read the first verse one more time and notice closely those four things.

Notice in verse 43 above it says that “fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” Wow! Where’s the fear of the LORD among those who claim to be saved in this late hour? Where is it? Where are the “wonders and signs”?

The “wonders and signs” aren’t present today because of the lack of the communication of the Gospel to the lost which Jesus promised to confirm with signs following (Mark 16:15-20).

“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:20

Beloved saint, I want to encourage you to read this blessed passage every day for the next week (Acts 2:42-47). Drink it in, allowing the LORD to use His very words here to begin to possess your heart and mind with His vision for His beloved people.

“There was a Great Persecution Against the Church”

“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:1-4

The apostles (under shepherds) stayed at Jerusalem but of the other Christians, the Word relates here that “they were all scattered abroad.”

When persecution hit, those who fled went forth “preaching the word.” When persecution hits our land, how many will even know God’s Word in order to go forth spreading it to others?

That will require knowing God’s Word and most who claim to know Christ today have very little learning in God’s Word. They have been entertained and / or steeped in something else other than Jesus Christ through His Word.

You see, let’s piece together the Word of God a bit. When the LORD poured out His promise – the baptism with the Holy Spirit – His people flourished in worshiping Him and being prepared of Him to do exploits. – “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many.” (Daniel 11:32-33)

As we see in this powerful passage of Scripture in the book of Daniel, knowing the LORD, doing exploits by His power, having His understanding of His Word, and instructing others in His truth, all go hand-in-hand.

Leading up to and before this hour when “great persecution” hit Jerusalem, the earliest believers were engaged in authentic fellowship which begins with continuing “stedfastly in the apostles doctrine” which is contained in the 27 books of the New Testament canon of Holy Scripture (Acts 2:42). These earlier followers of Jesus flourished in vital union with Him. They were individually consumed. Then, persecution hit and when it did, each individual disciple “went everywhere preaching the word” of God (Acts 8:4). The individual believers in the early church were equipped and this is obvious because each of them “went everywhere preaching the word” of God (Acts 8:4).

Before the “great persecution” hit, the saints of Jesus were flourishing in fellowship with Jesus and therefore one another. They were learning of the LORD. They weren’t being entertained by hireling wolves because none had yet entered into the flock (Acts 20:27-32). God was moving and they were learning of Him, being equipped, trained, and prepared.

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

Being daily nourished in our hearts by God’s Word is essential and so is attaining to “good doctrine.” This will only happen by diligent, deliberate obedience to the LORD. This is how He prepares His people to do His work. Of Ezra, the servant of the LORD, the Bible records:

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Ezra 7:10

The LORD requires preparation in order to use someone.

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

What will happen when persecution hits America? Have the individuals who sit in church buildings every Sunday ever even been told they need to repent and surrender completely to the LORD? If so, are they being prepared/equipped as is the mandate upon all elders to do? (Ephesians 4:11-12) Jesus commanded us to teach and feed His sheep.

Wolves entertain goats.
True disciples feed sheep, prepare them for the work of the ministry, and push them on to spiritual maturity/perfection. Any leader not doing this is a wolf!

The LORD told us plainly through the prophet Isaiah that “the leaders” among us are the problem:

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

In a time when many reading these very words should be teaching, you don’t even know the fundamentals of the faith.

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 1 Therefore leaving the principles (basic fundamentals) of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection (maturity); not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.” Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-3

Most who name the name of Jesus as their Savior do not even know there are foundation doctrines of Christ. They have never even heard about this. Yet, as we just read, all believers are to know and be teaching the words of our LORD and to go on to maturity, bringing others along.

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

If you now realize that you have been a gullible pawn of some man or men who were/are simply building their little church business at your expense, I want to encourage you flee for your life at once and to get rooted and grounded in God’s love and in His Word. – “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” (Genesis 19:17) The LORD is going to judge the wicked who now occupy that which poses as His church and yet is merely using His name in vain to make themselves popular and rich (Isaiah 56:8-12; Matthew 7:13-23; Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 3:18-19).

God has a much larger plan for His called-out elders than being in leadership in a physical building. His sphere is much more expansive, unrestrained, unencumbered by man’s imposed borders and limits. If a physical building defines or determines a man’s ministry, would that not be an indictment upon Christ and His twelve? Jesus and His apostles don’t qualify as much if possessing real estate where man is king is a defining factor. None of them chose to have a building to minister out of. No, instead they went to the people and were free to be led by the Holy Spirit to the exact places and people whom God wanted to bless.

No Scripture Knowledge

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2

To illustrate this great deficiency of truth in that which calls itself Christ’s church, please allow me to convey a conversation I recently had. While talking to a lady about the things of the LORD and the Bible, she wrote this to me (These are her exact words):

“How do you know all these verses? I’ve gone to church all my life, and I can’t quote anything.”

This is an all-too—common admission among those who are good church members but not true disciples of Jesus Christ. This lady is sitting under a false shepherd who has not obeyed God by getting her into His Word for herself. The man or men she has wrongly submitted to are not obeying the LORD by teaching all men all the things Jesus teaches us in His Word (Matthew 28:18-20). Those leaders she has placed herself under are not equipping the sheep of the LORD’s pasture for true worship and the works of the LORD He commands His people to do.

The current apostate system has completely incapacitated the working of the Gospel and Holy Spirit of God in each individual saint. The system is simply making people part of the system – the status quo membership, tithing, and weekly attendance is the extent of involvement. Basically, it’s a brainless, just-follow-along type social club. The deepest involvement of the individual may be giving their own opinion about a topic in a cell group meeting. Hardly an activity seen in the book of Acts. Pitifully lame!

Most who claim to know Jesus don’t even have five Bible verses memorized. This is a telling fact. Instead of learning to take up the cross daily and walk with Jesus, learning God’s Word diligently, they depend on their CEO style pastor and local church and not on Christ. Because he wants job security, the hireling pastor(s) never teach their naïve audiences to deny self, take up their cross, and follow Christ themselves.

But the LORD holds each of us individually responsible to study and know His blessed Precepts – and to do them.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

The fact that God’s very Word – “the apostles doctrine” – is not the main course of local churches today, is clear evidence of complete apostasy and guarantee that divine judgment is coming upon them (Jeremiah 6:19).

The Great Commission Command of Christ

What shall we answer the LORD on that Great and Terrible Day? How shall we make excuse? How will we explain to Him who bled and rose again that we didn’t understand His simple command – the Great Commission?
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20
Those who aren’t following the teachings of Christ, are not following Christ!

Are you learning and teaching God’s Word to others? Such will answer whether or not you are genuinely following Christ. He command it – now “Repent” and “Go.”

Many will regret the wasted years and dollars they squandered on lukewarm local fellowships (Revelation 3:16-17; 21:4). They will have lost volumes of eternal reward for doing so – if they are in Heaven.

The cry of the disciple’s heart is “I simply want to know and follow Jesus as His authentic disciple.” And, most of the time, the local church gets in the way of this – hinders and misdirects the time, energy, and resources of their capture, their corralled prey! Beware.

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The Curse of the Judaizers [podcast]

MODERN ANTICHRISTS BLASPHEMOUSLY SAY THAT JESUS’ SACRIFICE WASN’T ENOUGH SO YOU HAVE TO KEEP TORAH. Jesus says “IT IS FINISHED” (John 19:30). SOMEBODY’S LYING, AND IT ISN’T JESUS.

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28

The Curse of the Judaizers

It has been rightly observed that the most prolific, prevalent heresy of the New Testament era is the curse of the Judaizers. That is, the “accursed” snakes seducing the members of the body of Christ to go back under the law, which is “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9). Since they have put law-keeping (the law), in place of Jesus, we know they are antichrists. Remember, ALL Judaizers, Hebrew Roots groups have this goal—to seduce you to cease trusting Christ and go back under law-keeping. They will vehemently swear that this is not their goal and yet experience tells us different. They are snakes, in every case. Read Galatians closely, afresh. Also Colossians 2.

The true New Testament saved-by-grace-through-faith-in-Christ-alone disciple, sees the Old Testament through the eyes of the infinitely superior NEW Testament. In contrast, the Judaizing serpents seduce their prey to do the opposite—to see the New through the Old. Hebrews 8-10 clearly emphasizes the infinitely superior blessings of the NEW Testament He gave us in Christ (John 1:17).

Glory robbing devils of the vilest nature: Torah keeping antichrists are not upholding Christ, the HEAD of HIS church. Memorize Romans 10:4.

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power …. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19

REST is the blessing of God and wise to partake of in worshipful observance of the LORD who will thereby grant great productivity. Yet keeping a certain day is never commanded under the NEW Testament—because it’s BY FAITH that we rest in our Sabbath, JESUS CHRIST—the only One to perfectly keep the law, then He nailed it to the cross and took it out of the way (Colossians 2:14-19). Read Hebrews 4. Keeping or not keeping a day weekly has nothing to do with salvation. This is how the judaizing wolves seduce saved-by-grace-through-faith saints back under law keeping. And there’s where they are cut off from God, they fall away—due to rejecting Christ’s perfect sacrifice alone for their redemption (Galatians 3:1-3; 5:4). When Jesus says “If ye love me keep my commandments” He is not saying to keep SATURN-day and we know that because He nor His holy apostles ever once instructed any born again disciple to keep any certain day. Paul warns about this often. See Colossians 2:14-19. Salvation, eternal life is Jesus Christ, not His creation, not a day He made (1 John 5:20-21).

The Old Covenant is Obsolete:

“In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old (obsolete). Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13

The Old Covenant is “abolished” yet we have antichrists going around insisting that people “keep Torah.” They are not saved.

“And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is ABOLISHED:” 2 Corinthians 3:13

“Having ABOLISHED in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Ephesians 2:15

The old covenant is “ABOLISHED.” It has been superseded by the infinitely superior NEW Covenant ratified in the blood of the Son of God (Matthew 26:28). The old covenant is “abolished.”

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16

Read 2 Corinthians 3 each morning this week.

Anyone who gets saved and then doesn’t drill down into the doctrinal letters and epistles and get grounded in grace through faith justification and living, will be susceptible to being deceived by the antichrist Judaizers in our midst. It will cost many of them their eternal souls. There will be not one law-keeping Judaizing snake in Heaven. If you don’t know that, you are biblically illiterate. Romans. Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians. Hebrews.

“The yoke of bondage” is law keeping.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

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