Abiding

Warrior or Humble Servant? [podcast]

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]

“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 20:25-28

Today we see SO much pride-filled witchcraft going on in the name of “prayer warriors” and special “intercessors.” Personally I am learning to stay clear of the “prayer warrior” terminology and those who claim they are such, etc. Seems to lift up us, the mere pray-ers, and not Him and leads to pride in people as they boast of themselves, that they get prayers answered or that their prayers and calling is more important than others. Nonsense! Prayers are answered on one basis – the blood, the cross, the name of Jesus Christ. Any and every child of God can pray in the name of Jesus and God will answer it based on the righteousness of His only begotten Son, not some “powerful prayer warrior” or self-appointed “intercessor” witch (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24). | Why Does God Answer Prayer? On What Basis?

Beware that in any “prayer group” all it takes is for just one of those members to introduce a sugar-coated stealth request or attitude and the whole group is influenced. The course and direction of that group will be off target from that time forward. This is why many a disciple has and is learning to keep things down to a simple minimum void of the “need” or false obligation to join in with any and every “prayer group” that comes along.

The key is joining with one or two or so believers who are truly Christ-centered, biblical, crucified with Christ, teachable, humble, broken, and sincerely seeking the face of the LORD.

ON social media and the subjects of many messages preached and books written, emphasize being a “warrior for Jesus,” right? Have you noticed all the warrior type art work and emphasis? Is this emphasis consistent, in agreement with Jesus’ teachings?

“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

God’s Word speaks a whole lot more about humility, being the greatest servant of all. Biblical balance. Did Jesus come boasting, and putting Himself off as some warrior or a humble servant? God puts the emphasis on humble servanthood, not asserting ourselves like some warrior, as if we are the deal. No, Jesus is the Deal – KING of kings and LORD of all lords.

“Emulations” is a soul damning sin (Galatians 5:19-21) and defined as striving to excel at the expense of others.

One of the ways we see people today exalting themselves over others, emulating, is by using titles instead of simply serving. A man who is a prophet is first a servant by the mercy of God and does not have to say it and should not be dwelling on a title but the serving function of the gift of God in him. Prophet is not a title and anyone touting it as a title is automatically to be considered false. Read what Jesus taught: Matthew 20:24-28; 23:8-12. If God has placed a certain gifting in a man it’s only for the LORD’s glory and for the man it’s to be a tool to humbly serve. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Perhaps we should consider casting down this warrior imagery, image-ination we’ve been exposed to.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“Jesus’ weapon is the cross. He conquers by dying and so we do too (Hebrews 2:14; Romans 8:36-37). God and His Son are never warriors with carnal weapons.” T.

Being a warrior for Jesus means laying down our lives, not pumping ourselves up.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The “mind of Christ” is all about serving God and others, not ourselves.

“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

If we don’t have the “mind of Christ” we are not following Jesus. As your brother in Christ, I want to encourage you to pour prayerfully over the above passage every morning this week.

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Well Done Thou Good And Faithful Servant [podcast]

Will You Hear ‘Well Done’ or ‘Depart from Me’? [podcast] “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:25-26 If I am truly following Jesus, I am learning to SERVE – and we know that because of what He taught and what He did while on earth. “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 […]

The Greatest Servant [podcast]

All true born again saints of Christ are mere servants of HIS, not celebrities who tout titles to elevate self, something Christ forbids (Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12). The LORD Himself is the Greatest Servant (Philippians 2). “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 He served us, sinners, while we were yet separated from Him in sin. Then, after finding and saving us He requires that we show mercy to all others just as He showed such immense mercy to us by coming to die on the cross to forgive […]

The Day of the Lord so Cometh as a Thief in the Night [podcast]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:28 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. The Day of the Lord 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. […]

Abiding

GOD is Greater than all Sin [podcast]

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17

GOD is greater than all sin.

So if God is greater than all sin, WHY do some Christians still struggle with sin?

Great question

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Our sin is never God’s fault but always our own fault.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

It’s only possible to overcome sin by way of Christ and Christ mandates us, you be crucified with Him (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

Jesus requires surrender to overcome (John 3:30). As long as there is sin, there is Satan – he has foothold in our lives. Satan is giving place, has control over anyone who has not repent, is not walking with Jesus, abiding in Christ, in the crucified life.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

When we “Submit … to God” Satan must then “flee” from us because he has no more legal right to us – because to “Submit” is to repent and confess all sin.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:4-6

Instead of denying the Bible truth of a bent toward sin, we must deny self, take up the cross and follow Jesus. As we do we are empowered by His grace, His divine ability, enablement to live fruitfully to His eternal glory.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from ALL iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:11-15

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Is Your Pastor Teaching You to Overcome All Sin? [podcast]

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 What did Paul mean by “these promises”? It was those things, including the conditions, he had just penned of: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for […]

The Key to Total Victory! [podcast]

The One Essential of Victory (below) Victory in Jesus (below) IF GOD IS NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO YOU TO SEARCH, STUDY, READ, KNOW AND MEMORIZE IS WORD, WHAT DOES THAT REVEAL? Want to know Jesus more intimately? Get into God’s Word. Want to get delivered? Get into God’s Word. Want absolute victory? Be a fervent daily student of God’s Word. Want to be on fire for Jesus? Make God’s Word your highest priority. Want absolute victory over Satan? Get into God’s Word. Want to learn the daily cross? Get into God’s Word. Desire to please God in all your […]

Judgment to Come Necessitates the Crucified Life [podcast]

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 In light of “eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:2), the apostle speaks here of his preparation for it. Paul knew that eternal damnation awaited him if he dared not keep under his body, to crucify the deeds of the body to “bring it into subjection” by the daily crucified life. Keeping under our bodies speaks of a continual essential. Keeping under means subduing the old man by crucifying it daily. “For […]

Abiding

“Buried with Him by Baptism into Death” [podcast]

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Every person “hid with Christ in God” is saved and under divine grace, saved by Christ.

Everyone not “hid with Christ in God” is going away in judgment (Colossians 3:3; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:19-21, 24). When we are “hid with Christ in God,” we are safe, secure, and under the blessings of His divine grace instead of His condemnation.

“Of the doctrine of baptisms” Hebrews 6:2

Baptized into Jesus Christ and Baptized into His Death

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3

Jesus defeated death, hell, sin, and Satan by dying (Hebrews 2:14)…. whereby He was then resurrected and redemption was completed. Redemption culminated, was finalized in the resurrection of Christ.

In the same way, God calls us to die downward with Christ so that He can raise us upward into His victory…. letting go and letting God, not a striving or struggle but rather a surrender, we are to let Christ consume us, as we surrender (John 3:30).

“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” Luke 23:46

Are we willing to declare today with our LORD Jesus that we are submitting our spirit into His holy hands?

“Death is swallowed up in victory” – death results in God raising us upward, into His full victory, ultimately into final, eternal victory, glory with the Father, Son, and the saints of the ages.

We can be sure, completely confident that as we die downward and are buried with Christ, God is going to raise us up into His victory. God’s answer to death and burial is resurrection.

The resurrection is the victory and in order to experience His resurrection life, we must be dead and buried and ultimately raised up into eternal glory with Him.

“Thou fool, that which thou sowest (plant downward) is not quickened (made alive), except it die:” 1 Corinthians 15:36

“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54

Romans 6

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.”

v3 – “baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death”

v4 – “buried with him by baptism into death”

v5 – “his death … his resurrection”

Notice that death and buried, being immersed into the death and burial of Christ must of necessity precede, must come before the resurrection we experience with Christ through the daily cross life.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

When He saves us we are baptized with Him “into his death” …. “I am crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20).

“When a person is saved, he is baptized into Christ Jesus in the sense that he is identified with Christ in His death and resurrection. This is not the same as the baptism in (or of) the Spirit, though both occur simultaneously. The latter baptism places the believer in the body of Christ (1Co_12:13); it is not a baptism into death. The baptism into Christ means that in the reckoning of God, the believer has died with Christ and has risen with Him.

When Paul speaks of baptism here, he is thinking both of our spiritual identification with Christ and of its portrayal in water baptism. But as the argument advances, he seems to shift his emphasis in a special way to water baptism as he reminds his readers how they were ‘buried’ and planted together in the ‘likeness’ of Christ’s death.

The NT never contemplates the abnormal situation of an unbaptized believer. It assumes that those who are converted submit to baptism right away. Thus our Lord could speak of faith and baptism in the same breath: ‘he who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mrk_16:16). Though baptism is not a requirement for salvation, it should be the invariable public sign of it.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Baptized into the Body of Christ

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13

“1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized, etc. – As the body of man, though composed of many members, is informed and influenced by one soul; so the Church of Christ, which is his body, though composed of many members, is informed and influenced by one Spirit, the Holy Ghost; actuating and working by his spiritual body, as the human soul does in the body of man.

To drink into one Spirit – We are to understand being made partakers of the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost agreeably to the words of our Lord, Jhn_7:37, etc.: If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink: this he spake of the Spirit which they that believed on him should receive.
On this verse there is a great profusion of various readings, which may be found in Griesbach, but cannot be conveniently noticed here.” Adam Clarke

“Baptism is more than just getting wet. When we go down into the water it signifies we are now dead and buried and our ‘life is hid with Christ in God’ (Colossians 3:3). Coming up out of the water is our resurrection life! We are then raised up into newness of life! Our old man is crucified and we no longer serve sin but we have a new Master. Jesus Christ is the new Master of our lives! We now serve God and not sin. And should be bearing fruit of rightness and holiness (Romans 6). When we embrace the crucified life we are given overflowing rivers of new life. New life is breathed into us. Walking in the flesh only makes our soul sick with sin, as sin kills and destroys (Romans 6:23). Rotting us from the inside out! But the way of the cross brings life to our flesh (Proverbs 3:8, 4:22). Our flesh meaning our whole spirit, soul and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We cannot be a whole person until we are completely given over to the Lord. And this can only happen through the cross. When we are dead and buried and raised up in the newness of life Jesus offers us. Then the joy of the Lord will fill our hearts!” Karen Cochran

What some don’t realize is that just because they were saved in the past in no way means they are still in Christ, which is why we read verses like this throughout Scripture:

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

We must judge ourselves against God’s Word.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Prayer: Father please penetrate my heart with Your holy conviction, granting true repentance and obedience. LORD, I want to be dead and buried with You. I am crucified with Christ and I know You are raising me up and will ultimately raise me up with You into eternal glory… I am now planted together in the likeness of His death and burial and I know You are raising me up into the victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth. “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13 “But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15 Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that […]

Judgment to Come Necessitates the Crucified Life [podcast]

"Raised Up" by Christ [podcast]

Chapter 4 from the book Raised Up (narration) Chapter Four “Raised Up” Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 2 Corinthians 4:14 In the context of this passage, the Holy Spirit is speaking through His servant Paul to those who are “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus.” The promise of being “raised up” in verse 14 (above) is to those whose lives are “dead” and who are therefore “hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). The “remnant” are specifically […]

Articles

Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?

“The truth is that while Christ dwells in the believer’s new nature, He has strong competition from the believer’s old nature. The warfare between the old and the new goes on continually in most believers.” AW Tozer

The law of God is “holy, and just, and good.” (Romans 7:12)

The holy law of God and the depraved nature of fallen mankind could not be further apart – the righteousness of God inherent in His law vs the “old man,” the iniquitous fallen nature of mankind (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Nothing but a caustic reaction, explosion could be the result of the 2 colliding (Romans 7). One or the other must reign.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17

In what tense did the great apostle speak in when addressing this “old man” that wars against the Spirit in us?

“O WRETCHed man that I am! (presently) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24

Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the cross, burial, and resurrection grace of Jesus (Romans 6:3-10; 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). Read Romans chapters 6-7 each morning this week.

It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

No, the apostle wasn’t admitting to living in sin but rather that that “old man” – the flesh – was present and must be crucified with Christ daily. Is that not exactly what Jesus taught?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his CROSS DAILY, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

I believe Romans 7 applies to both before and after one is saved …. Because if the saved person departs from the daily cross walk, that same “old man” will take center stage. “O wretch man that I AM (present)” (Romans 7:18) ….. we are born again children of God, saints of the Most High and yet that potential to evil, that “old man” must be crucified and “put off” by the daily cross so the “new man” can reign with Christ in this life and eternity. What Paul calls the “old man” must be “put off” and so we can conclude that there IS an “old man” to be “put off” otherwise no such instruction would have been given. We are not to deny the “old man” – the sinful bent – but rather to crucify it (Romans 6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Charles Pray writes: “So many want to hide their sins, especially those who like to appear Holy on the outside while inside they are dark, unholy ministers of the flesh. They have become a product of their own desires. Dear Lord, please bring them back to their first Love–Jesus! Amen.”

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

What to “Put Off” and What to “Put On”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation THE OLD MAN, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on THE NEW MAN, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off THE OLD MAN with his deeds; 10 And have put on THE NEW MAN, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:9-10

“When we embrace the crucified life we are given overflowing rivers of new life! New life is breathed into us. Walking in the flesh only makes our soul sick with sin! And sin kills and destroys! (Romans 6:23). Rotting us from the inside out! But the way of the cross brings life to our flesh! (Proverbs 3:8, 4:22). Our flesh meaning our whole spirit, soul and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. We cannot be a whole person until we are completely given over to the Lord! And this can only happen through the cross. When we are dead and buried and raised up in the newness of life Jesus offers us, then the joy of the Lord will fill our hearts!” Karen Cochran

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Man's Problem - God's Redemptive Solution [podcast]

The Biblical Doctrine or Story of Redemption The story of God’s creation of mankind and mankind’s descension into sin. Man chose to sin. God chose to redeem and not ditch. Man’s Dilemma, Sin – God’s Solution – the Savior, Jesus Christ Here’s fallen mankind’s issue—sin, sin nature: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:18, 24 “The […]

No Inherent Sin Nature?

No Inherent Sin Nature? Born Okay the First Time? After the Fall: Is Mankind Inherently Good or Evil? SELF-RIGHTEOUS DEVILS will be in hell first according the Christ! (Matthew 21:31) There are lots of novices acting like they have the answers because they learned their heresies from now-in-hell wolves like Mike Desario and Charles Finney. Beware. These are the vilest of devils. Those who claim man has no inherent sin nature deny the presence and power of sin and are just another group of enemies of the cross of Christ (Romans 7; Philippians 3:18-19). Some deny that there is a […]

Sin: Man’s Core Problem [podcast]

People don’t have a “mental health” problem, they have a SIN problem and sin is what gives way, gives full access to Satan! “When people hear voices telling them to harm themselves or others, that’s not a chemical imbalance, it’s demon possession.” Rachel Gould “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 Jesus taught us that man’s sin comes out of his “desperately wicked” heart (Jer17:9; Mark 7:20-23). The devil and his agents have created a million ways to divert us from stopping our lives, getting honest, taking personal responsibility, humbling ourselves, […]