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

Abiding

God Blesses those who Read His Word [book]

God blesses those who Read His Word

“Blessed is he that readeth” Revelation 1:3

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and READ.” Isaiah 34:16

“Rightly dividing the word of truth”

“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

YES God’s people are to “study” His Word and how else to do such than to begin by “READING” His words? 2 Timothy 2:15

“Till I come, give attendance to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13

“Bless is he that READETH ….” Revelation 1:3

Years ago I found that if I don’t get up early to read God’s Word and spend quality moments in prayer first and foremost, it will never happen. God must be put first and this requires ruthless discipline.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Reading all of God’s Word is the priority of ever astute follower of Jesus.

There’s no way to learn God’s Word other than reading it yourself (2 Timothy 2:15) God gave you His Word in tangible format in order for you to learn of Him from Him and by Him. Those who leave it to others to teach them God’s Word are self-deceived and will be misled by those they depend on to teach them the Bible.

“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

O the beauty of doing things God’s way. When things are done our LORD’s way, His blessings ensue! Blessings will chase you down! Are you putting GOD first in your life, truly, literally?

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

“The joy and rejoicing of mine heart”

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

GOD’S WORD

Saints, in order that some may be encouraged, below, let’s talk about our current personal Bible reading…..

“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include OT, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” Todd

“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason

“I am reading Mark.” Michele

“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe

“I Been Reading James And 1st An 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie

“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan

The Blessings of Bible Reading [podcast]

podcast coming soon “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3 The quickest and surest way to get blessed is to simply read God’s Word. This is so simple that most miss it. Bible reading is the key to learning the things of God (Prov. 22:17-22). Bible Study is paramount to spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2). Reading God’s Word etches the image of Christ upon the canvass of the heart (Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39, 46). Bible reading instills the […]

The Real R.E.D. Alert

THE REAL R.E.D. Alert ….Saint of Christ, are you in God’s Word richly and daily, being reminded of His blessed truths? (Colossians 3:16; Acts 2:42) If so, then you are to be putting His children in remembrance of these truths as we look together for His soon return. When we do this, we are considered “a good minister of Jesus Christ.” “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 Where to Look Jesus […]

IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING? [podcast]

Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each and every one of us. “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 Notice “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not […]

Articles

Summary of Tom Wadsworth’s teaching on modern worship as compared to the New Testament church [video]

The corporate type church buildings begun with the cult of Rome as did the seminaries. This is Satan’s typical centralization model (think tower of babel). Centralization of the church building and the installed wolves go hand in hand in order to control what happens, doesn’t happen and what is taught and not taught. All Satan then has to do is install his unsaved seminarian agent false teachers into those “official” church buildings.

Fellowship and New Testament Gatherings/Assembling

The Truth about Fellowship and Going to "Church" [podcast]

The Simplicity of Fellowship that Exalts and Glorifies Christ “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ” Acts 2:42 MANY today peddle the importance of fellowship because they hear it from their pastors on a regular basis. Yet, much more important than man to man fellowship is God to man, and man to God fellowship. This is little spoken of. And, what passes and is pawned off as “fellowship” today doesn’t fit the biblical description, the prescription for fellowship (Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16, etc.). It’s not even a faint […]

True vs False Fellowship [podcast]

One of the main and stated reasons for fellowship is to prevent God’s people from falling away. Notice: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another DAILY, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;” Hebrews 3:12-14 If your “fellowshipping” is limited to Sunday mornings, instead of “daily”, as Scripture prescribes, you […]

Articles

Occultic Origins of the Law of Attraction and the Secret and Word of Faith Theology [video]

The Law of Attraction and The Secret and Word of Faith Theology are Witchcraft Operated in by Self-Serving, Christ-Denying Rebels

“WITCHCRAFT” is on the list of soul damning sins (Galatians 5:19-21). Witchcraft breaks down to control. It’s simply when man takes control, in place of God. Cross-less. See Isaiah 14:12-15 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23).

The law of attraction is 100% witchcraft and manipulation and not trusting God.

“The Law of Attraction is from the Devil. 💯 Someone had brought it up in a group Wednesday and the Law of Attraction is making us out to be as GOD and bring things we think into existence. Praise Jesus 🙏 let this knowledge be known to everyone. what is the law of attraction simply it is thinking about something you want a car for example and all the individual will do is think of this car “bringing” it into existence all day think of it picture themselves driving it sitting in it etc. 🚗 only…” unknown

What are you willing to sell your soul for? What so-called temporary “success” are you willing to trade Jesus in for? Who are you truly serving? Have you truly repented, falling upon the mercy of God for your gross iniquity and laying down your life? “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish (go to hell).” (Luke 13:3, 5) (This is a good video but we do not condone all of the author’s teachings.)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Predators in Our Pulpits [book] | Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us [book]

The Myth of Elevation without the Cross [podcast]

THE CROSS: Know it. Live it. Preach it. God will never lift up those who stand in their pride but only those who bow before Him in humility (Psalms 145:14; James 4:6-10, etc.). Running to a “revival” is not the answer. The reason people run to a “revival” is due to their refusal to deny self, take up the cross daily, and thereby be re-vived (filled with life!) daily – experiencing the resurrection of Christ each day in their personal lives as God has ordained (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). A cross-less life is a life of defeat. A life in […]

The Gospel of the Cross [podcast]

“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 “Dying to self I have learned is the key. I wonder what took me so long but I never heard that message. SafeguardYourSoul was the first time I heard that message. Romans 8: 7-8. I had no clue what that scripture meant. That is why I am so […]

Is YOUR Work Finished just Because Jesus' Work is Finished?

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30 These are the 3 most powerful words ever uttered. What did this mean? What did it not mean? Did “It is finished” mean that those who believe on the LORD Jesus, receiving initial salvation, are free from all present and future responsibilities before God? The finished work of Christ is a foundational truth of Christianity, but His accomplishment does not arbitrarily guarantee the final salvation of the individual believer. Christ’s perfect and completed redemptive work to […]