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“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? 

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Abiding

5 Loaves, 2 Fishes, and 12 Baskets Left Over [podcast]


“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10  Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.” Galatians 2:9-10

Did Jesus come as a celebrity or servant? Read Philippians 2 each morning this week.

“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” Matthew 5:42

“Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.” Luke 6:30

“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. 11  If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12  If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:12


FEEDING THE POOR IN SPIRIT AND STOMACH: Because you care, you prayed, you gave….. Cenovio, a homeless man, was treated to the hearing of our LORD’s bless-ed Gospel message, a delicious hot meal, hot coffee, fresh water, and a JESUS tract. It was a super blessed time with this man. Thank God and you!

Would you like to pause and pray for Cenovio? | Mission Mexico


Of Jesus feeding the multitudes, one source notes:

Jesus fed a large crowd on at least two occasions, most notably feeding 5,000 men plus women and children with five loaves and two fish, and later feeding 4,000 men plus women and children with seven loaves and a few fish. The miracles occurred when Jesus had compassion on the hungry crowds who had been following him, and the food multiplied supernaturally, leaving 12 baskets of leftovers in the first instance and seven in the second.”  


Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry UpdatesThe Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Great Commission

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Articles

The Psychology of Eternal Security [book]

What’s Behind this Popular Belief?

ALL of Todd’s books on Amazon in both print and kindle versions

Grace Perverting Wolves and the People They Deceive Exposed

An epidemic of grace-perverting wolves have hi-jacked the modern church world and are leading millions to damnation, all while fully believing that they are unconditionally eternally secure. We can easily observe a cross-less generation of professing Christians who claim to be saved and hide behind this damning heresy in fulfillment of the Holy Spirit’s severe warning of a people who “heap to themselves” false teachers who despise truth and tickle their ears (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:2-4).

Saving grace does not grant the recipient a license to sin but to ‘live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world’ (Titus 2:11-12).

What is the profile of those who buy this flesh-flattering package of falsehoods which contradict the clear teachings of Christ and His holy apostles? What was Jude’s warning about these corrupted false teachers who pervert the saving grace of God for their own self-serving purposes and whom we are mandated to “earnestly contend” against? (Jude 3-4)

Why do pastors espouse and teach this doctrine? Find out in the enlightening volume.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One: The Psychology of Eternal Security

Chapter Two: The Reason People Believe OSAS

Chapter Three: OSAS and the Dupes Who Defend It

Chapter Four: Sweet Jesus, the Eternal Security Savior?

Chapter Five: Biblical Proof of Being Backslidden

Chapter Six: The Spirit of Antichrist Underlies OSAS

Chapter Seven: How are Jesus’ People Identified?

Chapter Eight: Honest, Prosperous Hearts

Chapter Nine: Will Everyone Jesus has Saved be in Heaven?

Chapter Ten: Unconditional LOVE Examined

Chapter Eleven: Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk

Chapter Twelve: What is the Root Cause of Believing OSAS?

Chapter Thirteen: Calling Out all Evangelical Pastors on Their So-Called “Doctrines of Grace”

Chapter Fourteen: Calvinism is a Fraud

Chapter Fifteen: Calvinism: The Curse and Apostasy of America’s Evangelical Churches

Chapter Sixteen: The Initial and Perpetual Condition of Salvation

Addendum: Making Peace with God.

BUY HERE ON STORE

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS BOOK:

AMAZON REVIEW: 5 STARS: “Latest book is a beautiful read: Buckle Up reader! This book is going to rock your world and empower you even greater to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and share it effectively. Don’t look for a read that is going to tickle your ears (we have enough of that within the Christian book world today) but look to be enlightened as Todd continues in The Psychology of Eternal Security to expose a not-so-subtle wave that has taken hold of the Church today. God’s Word stands strong and true and stands the test of time. However, knowingly or even unknowingly, the gospel in many fellowships has been seemingly hijacked and replaced with heretical teachings. The “tell me what my itching ears want to hear” teachings. Once again, Todd uses an incredible amount of scripture as he helps unfold what transpires in us when we become truly saved. For me, the underlying theme of his message in this latest book is to maintain a close relationship with God, thereby being strengthened and empowered to endure life’s trials in an imperfect world while being a light to the lost. This book is beautifully written in the no holds barred but lovingly delivered style that is Todd Tomasella. I am glad to add this latest volume to my library and know that, like his other books I’ve read, will return to its pages again and again.”

5 Star Review on AmazonThe Psychology of Eternal Security: “CAUTION: This book is not for those who want to be comforted in a lie! This book is filled with scripture and the message is one that needs desperately to be heard today! This will likely not be a popular book because many do not want the truth, however if you’re tired of having your ears scratched get this book read it. I believe many…if they would search the scriptures would be surprised that they have been misled in this vital Church doctrine! If you want the truth God will open your eyes, if you don’t God will allow you to keep them closed to the truth. Jesus said: “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.”

“What a great book! Get all your questions answered—and more—about what takes place in our souls when we first get saved. I asked that question many years ago and couldn’t find anyone who could give me a biblical answer. This book clearly brings home the fact that as born-again believers, we have the responsibility to keep our garments clean by abiding in Christ and following His commandment to die to ourselves and take up the cross and follow Him. If we sin, we need to ‘confess our sins’ and God ‘is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ This abiding in Christ is first and foremost a relationship, out of which our love for God grows, and that love for Christ, fed and empowered by His grace, brings forth “good fruit”—the keeping of His commandments. This book is so loaded with Scripture that you won’t be the same after reading it. You will be equipped to minister to others of God’s saving grace—and what our part is as we abide in Christ, and empowered by His grace “endure to the end” to be received joyfully in Heaven to spend a glorious eternity with our loving Lord who “loved us and gave Himself for us!” Debbie Lord

Buy Print Copy Now (click below)

ALL of Todd’s books on Amazon in both print and kindle versions

Foreword

By Frank Telford

The truth in the chapters you are about to read is the difference between life and death. It is that important. What this author has written about is so vital to the church today that it should be read by everyone.

Paul gave a stern warning to Timothy that in the last days believers would be swept away by seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Think about that for a moment. What this author is saying is that the origin of some teachings from the pulpit do not come from the Holy Spirit. They come from Satan and his demons to seduce believers into a state of ineffective lukewarmness, or even worse, to get them to depart from their faith in Christ completely. We have to ask ourselves how the devil is successful in this mission when believers are armed with the Word of God.

This book will give you a unique insight into two different paradigms. On one side, we have church members who are not really interested in serving God but they want a ticket to heaven. On the other side, we have false teachers who fill their churches by preaching a message of comfort, regardless if its members are spiritually dead. They have enriched themselves by telling their members what they want to hear and not the full truth of the Gospel. Their incomplete message gives those who want to hear it an excuse to live however they please with the comfort that if they profess their belief in Jesus one time, they will be saved for eternity, regardless of their actions.

Consider the deadly ramifications when someone believes “once saved always saved” is true. A person can get saved, walk several years with the Lord, then turn away from Christ and become a homosexual, and believe that he will face no eternal consequences like the rest of the world will. A believer, when faced with the choice to take the mark of the beast, would then be  comforted (falsely) by thinking that he can take the mark and still be saved for an eternity in Heaven.

This book is of vital importance because it is shining a light on this doctrine of devils that has true eternal consequences.

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Abiding

10 Truths to Behold in Isaiah 41:10 [podcast]


“Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not
cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen
thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:9-10

There are 10 truths to behold in Isaiah 41:10:

• “Thou art my servant”
• “I have chosen thee”
• “and not cast thee away”
• “Fear thou not”
• “I am with thee”
• “be not dismayed”
• “for I am thy God”
• “I will strengthen thee”
• “I will help thee”
• “I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”

The soul that prospers is that one who clings to, trusts in and
relies upon Christ alone, day by day, walking ever nearer to
the soon coming Savior. He is with us and promises to “never
leave thee, nor forsake thee”—that is, for those who abide
with Christ (Hebrews 13:5).

1 Peter 1

“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Prayer: Dear LORD, thank You for helping me today, and
continuing the good work of salvation You began in me the
moment You saved me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Spiritual WarfareOn the Truth Can Make us FreeNeither Give Place to the DevilResist the Devil and He will Flee from You Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]Fresh Start with God | Making Peace with God | 100’s of Christ-Centered, Scripture-Rich Podcasts | Rooted and Grounded in Christ 

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