Was Jesus a Friend of Sinners? [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]

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32

YES Jesus was a friend of publicans and sinners – because He loves all men and came to die for all men (1 John 2:2).

“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

Bible 101

Jesus came to die to save sinners. And, anyone not preaching this paramount Gospel truth is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Interestingly, most pastors today avoid the biblical topic of sin which removes the dilemma Jesus came and died to solve….. Beware!

Yes, Jesus is the “friend of publicans and sinners!” – whom He came specifically to save them from that sin, because it separates them from Him and the Father who are “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; Luke 7:34)

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Acting is if we love Jesus and others by befriending the lost and yet not disclosing to them their separation from God due to sin, is evil.

In a recent conversation, a brother and sister in Christ said:

Tina says:

“Funny I’ve always said it’s more genuine to be around unbelievers because they don’t pretend.” These heresies of modern heretics make the gospel look like a joke and their so egotistical they can’t see beyond self. I just can’t understand because they are deceiving themselves right to hell and are missing the biblical truth. And really it’s grieving to the Holy Spirit.”

One brother says:

“I know that’s right! I’d rather be in a room full of unbelievers myself. Truth be told, heretics are not even our brothers or sisters. They’re preaching another gospel and deceiving the simple. Not only are they lost, they have blood on their hands! They’re blinded by hubris.”

Are you sinfully Angry? (Ephesians 4:26; James 1:20)

If you are preaching hard against sin you better be preaching hard on mercy too – because without it, YOU, self-righteous hypocrite, are doomed to eternal damnation (Matthew 21:31). “Repentance AND remission of sins” is to be preached – not just one but both (Luke 24:47). Memorize James 1:20. Sit down. Shut up. Learn of the LORD. Be accountable for your own sin first and foremost (Matthew 7:1-5; Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:8-10). The very reason you are not living the crucified life, the cross, is the reason your don’t preach it and it is the only solution GOD gave for sin. What’s Romans 6:7 say? Case closed.

Today’s self-righteous preachers preach as if everyone needs to repent except them. They preach hard against sin but never offer the only solution to holiness – the cross! Wow. Romans 6

Preaching Against Sin but Not Offering the LORD’s Solution to Overcome Sin?

I agree fully with these observations and it’s much more peaceful among rank sinners. Sounds like Jesus’ life on earth. He was a friend of sinners but hated by the false religionists of His day.

Jesus did not befriend religious hypocrites but He did befriend and seek to help, to save sinners – and so should we.

Some today have chosen to take a harsh, self-righteous stance against the wicked, instead of the biblical posture. When Jesus’ disciples did such, what was our LORD’s reply?

“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

Some today are completely misguided, as were Jesus’ young disciples.

Our heavenly Father went so far as to send and allow His only begotten Son to be crucified in order to rescue, to save the world.

“For God so LOVED (not hated!) THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

James 4:4 is misused by some. They say we are not to befriend sinners and use this verse as a proof text:

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4

“A friend of the world” is different than being a friend to a sinner in order to win him (1 Corinthians 9:22). In this context of James 4:4, “a friend of the world” is one who conforms to the sin of the world and not one who befriends a sinner in order to win him to Christ.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

To demonstrate God’s love to the lost is to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This is so they can “see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Paul said that we’d have to leave the world to get away from all sinner (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). We are in this world temporarily to be the salt and light of Christ (Matthew 5:13-16).

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

The very same spirit of antichrist dwells in the self-righteous false religionists of our day as dwelt in the Pharisees of Christ’s day. notice below how these self-righteous false leaders specifically condemned Jesus for being “a friend of publicans and sinners!”

“But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. 31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? 32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. 34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.” Luke 7:30-35

How could we win them if we are so busy condemning them?

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that WINNETH souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

“The more we grow in grace and the knowledge (relational) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (who is holy) the more capacity there is to reach out to “sinners” because it’s Christ’s love in us doing that. We are in the world but not of the world. We are of Christ who while we were yet sinners…….. So, instead of becoming more haughty, snooty, pharisaical, hypocritical, self-righteous and “holier than thou,” we are filled with the very mercy, truth and compassion of Jesus! Truly “the great exchange.” Debbie L.

And even the very grace of Christ that is growing in us is of HIS doing and for HIS glory! He is the potter and we are the clay — the work of the Father’s hands.

Christ’s apostle Paul said:

“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22

The following words of Christ completely expose the message of the self-righteous posture this video assumes:

“And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. 30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:29-32

IF Jesus wasn’t our friend “while we were yet sinners,” we’d all still be doomed (Romans 5:6-8).

“For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.” Luke 6:32

Jesus is saying or asking the rhetorical question: “What godly good have you done if you don’t reach out to those who hate God and you – sinners?” It seems that part of what Christ is teaching here is for His people to reach out to, greet, and befriend people they don’t already know, including sinners.

Personally, I’ve lost count of all the people the LORD has had me befriend who later repented and received Jesus!

Jesus not only was a friends of sinners, He still is a friend of sinners and so is His true body. Jesus calls those sinners to repentance.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

The Holy Spirit and God’s People are Calling Sinners to Christ

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

Those who take an enemy position against the lost for whom Jesus died, are blinded in their own sin. To these self-righteous hypocrites, Jesus says:

“Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31

Matthew 5

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ⁴⁵That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? ⁴⁷And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? ⁴⁸Be ye therefore perfect (mature in your perspective), even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:44-48

The heart posture of the disciple, the student of Christ is conveyed in the following passage:

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto ALL MEN, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure (perhaps) will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Prayerfully declaring this truth aloud this morning will help defuse that fleshly self-righteousness that is part of the fallen nature – and posture us to invite sinners to the Savior.

“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 mercy works in the divine economy …. Memorize and live Matthew 5:7; Ephesians 4:32.

What Does “Be ye Separate” Mean and What Does it Not Mean?

"Wisdom is Justified of all her Children" [podcast]

“But wisdom is justified of all her children.” (Luke 7:35) What does that mean? What did Jesus mean by this? Let’s peer into this a bit …. Jesus, the Light of the world, came to infiltrate the darkness! “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21 Each of God’s people, are a weapon in His mighty hand. “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.” Exodus 15:3 The personalities of John the Baptist and Jesus were strikingly different, unique. John the […]

37 Common English Sayings From the Bible [podcast]

Originally from unlockingthebible. Modified below. The Bible has influenced and transformed many lives, leaving a mark forever on the lives of millions. The cultural influence of the Bible impacted even the English language, specifically with the King James Bible. The King James Bible has a special history because it was a common English version that was popular for many centuries, spanning from when it was first printed in 1611 to still being used extensively up through the 21st Century. The following common English phrases find their origins in Scripture, namely from the King James Bible which is God’s preserved Word […]

Acquainted and Nourished [podcast]

“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” Job 22:21nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, , whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6 Support | STORE | Podcasts | Because You Care Page | 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 […]

Born Again Audio [podcast]

This is a narration of the Born Again book which is an explosive small book and a powerful soul winning tool! Order your copies of this small book here. | Store | Order on Amazon Download/Read the contents of the Born Again book here: Born Again Book PDF

Articles

Maria the Evangelist – Mission Mexico is now supporting Maria the Evangelist [VIDEO]

Picked up a portion of the 10,000 JESUS tracts in Spanish. Thank God and you who gave! YOU made this happen.

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

“God is the Lord of the harvest! And there is a great harvest in Mexico because the fields are white ready to be harvested! And now He is bringing forth Laborers!” Karen Cochran

“That is a powerful ministry. May the Lord bless her and your ministry efforts. Praying for this outreach.” Stacy Strother

The fervor, the fire that burned in me a few days ago is perhaps due to this opportunity, now that sister Maria and others have been added to us to support….. we are in a war for the souls of men saints. Thank you for praying saints. The LORD is doing

“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,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20

On this topic, for your exhortation and edification, feel free to listen to the recent podcast titled LORD Please Prepare and Send Me! [podcast].

The members of the body of Christ came through and we have the money needed to print the first round of 10,000 JESUS tracts.

Keep in mind that the ministry is also supporting brother Allan Abayon in the Philippines as he ministers God’s Word to the Philippino people.

God is able saints.

Please excuse the zeal. Sometimes I err when wanting to make sure we, as Christ’s body, properly, to well support the ministers of Christ He is giving us to support. When you see the video of Maria in action, you will see the blessing and opportunity God is giving us. And this is all because you prayed as Jesus instructed, for “the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

“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

Have been visiting sister Maria nearly every early evening to give her a big hug, to bless her, to feed her food with cold water, and replenish her supply of the JESUS tracts. In distributing our LORD’s Gospel, Maria misses nearly no one. There’s a constant flow of foot traffic where she ministers and she has a stack of JESUS tracts she keeps replenishing on the store counter that is right there when people check out. Even while we were there last night, the stack diminished visibly.

Today, I am picking up a few thousand of the JESUS tracts in Spanish. Next week they will have to balanced ready to pick up. You made this happen saints! (1 Cor 3:6-9) 10,000 JESUS tracts…..

It lasts longer, and
because printing is more cost effective.

When visiting Maria, she is smiling and moving about so swiftly that it’s actually difficult to get good pics of her in action. She is in her zone, in her JESUS zone! Thank you for lifting up in prayer our dear sister in Christ who is one of His “labourers”! (Matthew 9:35-38) YOU prayed and God is answering!

Juan the evangelist!

Maria the evangelist!

And several more!

WHEN we hand out Gospel tracts today, let the recipients see Christ’s love, joy, and peace beaming in and through your life.

Evangelism God’s Way

We also have Spanish Bibles on the way here which some of your have graciously mailed to us. There’s going to be shipping costs when they arrive. Another great kingdom opportunity!

“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

Recently, and on several occasions, because you care, we were able to feed several people, including sister Maria. There’s no telling how long it’s been since she had eaten. She didn’t ask, we asked her and went to get food and water for her and a few homeless men who also were ministered to…. the Gospel and with food, and cold water to refresh her soul.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options

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

Articles

The King’s Marriage

by Karen Cochran

Psalm 45

A Song of Loves

This morning I read Psalm 45 titled the King’s marriage—the story of the King and His bride. This is a beautiful picture of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:7-9. The Bridegroom is adorned in glory, majesty, righteousness and truth and sitting in His royal throne. Then enters the Bride—holy, without spot or wrinkle—wearing the righteousness of Christ. Then Jesus (the King) says, “You are in thy Father’s house and He desires thy beauty and worship.” All because she is wearing the beauty of the Lord—His attributes (Psalm 27:4). She is wearing gold—fine gold—because she has been tried in the fire of affliction. She is one of the five wise virgins who is invited to enter into the King’s palace. What a glorious picture of all who make themselves ready and are clean and white before their King Jesus! Alleluia!

This is the story of a royal wedding. A love song!

v. 1 God has filled the Psalmist heart with a divine Messianic prophesy. Foreshadowing Christ as the ultimate King and His holy bride at the marriage supper of the Lamb!

vv. 2-6 The most significant character in this Psalm is the Lord Jesus Christ. In these verses we are introduced to the King Himself. His beauty surpasses all others. The gospel of grace is poured into His lips. And God has blessed Him forever! He fights for truth and justice, and is filled with majesty, glory, meekness, righteousness, and truth. The Scepter of the kingdom is given to Him. Jesus Christ has all authority over all (Hebrews 1:8). “The voice of God is heard from heaven addressing Him as God and certifying His reign as an eternal one. We know it is the voice of God, because Hebrews 1:8,9 tell us so.” Believer’s Bible Commentary. And God says thy throne “is for ever and ever.”

v. 7 The King of heaven loves righteousness. This is His very nature, and He hates wickedness, because they are the polar opposites. Therefore, He must rule with complete justice. God has anointed Him with the holy “oil of gladness.”

“Christ’s faithfulness to His father while on this earth, as demonstrated by His love of righteousness and hatred of wickedness, is the basis for God’s anointing of His Son. The “oil of gladness” is directly related to His anointing with the Holy Spirit.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

v. 8 The King of Glory resides in an Ivory Palace and His garments give forth a sweet-smelling savor unto God and His bride (2 Corinthians2:14). The Son of God in all His glory!

v 9 Now enter the bride of Christ! The queen in “gold of Ophir.” She is clothed in pure gold because she has been tried in the fire and has come forth as pure and white (Job 23:10), and holy, with no spot of sin “or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27). In order to be considered honorable, she must be clothed with the righteousness of her Bridegroom.

vv. 10-15 The Bridegroom is calling His spotless bride to listen and obey. Since He purchased her, He desires that she cleave to Him only. Loving him above all else. Her husband desires her beauty, as she has been washed from all sin by the precious blood of Christ. The beauty is coming from the Lord (Psalm 27:4). She is filled with the very character of Jesus. Her garments are radiating the sweet aroma of her Master and Savior. And is one of the five wise virgins (Matthew 25). With rejoicing and gladness, she is invited into the wedding with her Groom. Into the King’s palace! Alleluia! Her worship is a response to how much she is loved by her beloved Lord!

v. 16 For all of His beloved faithful believers, this is their spiritual inheritance. That they shall be called into the banquet with the King of glory! A divine promise for all of His children who stay clean and white. And have been adopted into His kingdom by the saving grace of Jesus.

v. 17 Let us always magnify the King. The Messiah. Who has rescued our souls from death and translated us into the kingdom of God. And may His praise be on our lips for ever and ever. Every tribe and nation standing before the throne of heaven worshipping the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! Singing Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty!

The whole message of this Psalm teaches us that the King’s royal bride must be pure, cleansed, holy and wearing the robe of righteousness of Christ. And He must be her first love. The one she loves supremely above everyone and everything else. This is the only way she will be accounted worthy to enter into the holy kingdom! And She must bear the image of her King! Then she will be invited to enter into the palace and the Lord Jesus Himself will confess her “name before His father, and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5). Are we ready to be presented to our Bridegroom? Revelation 19:7 says “His wife has made herself ready.” We must be fully clothed in fine linen, clean and white. This is the righteousness of the saints. This is the only way we will be called into the marriage with our Bridegroom (Revelation 19:8-9)! Don’t be caught naked (unprepared) and wearing your own righteousness which is filthy rags. Remember God hates wickedness. And this will lead one to suffer judgment and shame when you stand before your Maker (Revelation 16:15). Don’t let the scepter of Christ fall on your head! Make sure you are considered before a holy God the “Gold of Ophir.” A precious jewel.

This Psalm paints such a glorious picture of how valuable we are to the God of heaven. He desires that we be in His presence. Because His royal bride is wholeheartedly devoted to her Husband, and is fully clothed in righteousness, her Groom is enthralled by her beauty! She bears His image and the beauty of holiness! The Lord has prepared a mansion for all who have made themselves ready that we may bask in His glory and beauty for ever and ever! Alleluia!

White and Clean: Garments of the KING's Bride [podcast]

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40 Was recently asked to be the care giver for a family friend the last week. Saw daystar TV preachers by the dozen…. and heard not even 1 of them speaking of and preaching to warn the body of Christ to be “ready” for Christ’s return. Unreal. Apostasy. I hadn’t watched “Christian” TV for many years and found it to be just as apostate as before. Not one of those wolves was preparing Christ’s body for His soon return which means […]

Abiding

Humility. Surrender. Sobriety. Restoration. Vigilance. [podcast]

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:6-10

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26

May God bless you and I with this child-like disposition, heart! Please do it in us dear LORD, in Jesus’ name.

The Topic of Humility on SafeGuardYourSoul.com

Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul

7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]

What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean? Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). […]

The Prayer Life of Jesus [podcast]

Prayer is communion, communing with God. Those who earnestly seek God in prayer, who earnestly seek to know Him and to fulfill His will for their temporary lives in this world…. will glorify Him here and to be with Him eternally. What do we learn from the prayer life of our LORD Jesus? “Luke 5:16 PRAYERS OF JESUS. Luke stresses more than the other gospels the place of prayer in the life and work of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at the Jordan, He was ‘praying’ (3:21), at times He withdrew from the multitudes ‘and prayed (5:16); […]