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Sodom’s Sins: Are We Near the End?

Here’s what preceded the destruction, the divine judgment that came upon Sodom:

As unveiled in Ezekiel 16, the root sins of Sodom were “pride, fulness of bread (earthly wealth), and abundance of idleness … neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.” (Ezekiel 16:49-50)

  • “pride,”
  • “fulness of bread (earthly wealth),”
  • “abundance of idleness”
  • “… neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy”
  • “they were haughty,”
  • “and committed abomination before me”

Result: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”

Did Jesus address this?

“And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:18-19

Crass disregard for God.

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39

Just going about their lives with no fear of God and His certain judgment to come.

Doesn’t that sound like the Laodiceans who had forfeited their place with God and were going to be spued  sent to hell? Has anything changed? No.  “There is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Let’s look:

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (undone): 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:15-19

If Christ said they had to “repent” it is because they were in danger of hellfire. This command to repent clearly means that they were not ready to meet Him. Why not? Why did Jesus say they were going to be rejected (spued)?  “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. (Revelation 3:17)

What about the once “rich man” who refused to render aid to Lazarus? See Luke 16:19-31.

What was Jesus Christ’s stated reason that the once rich man went to hell? WHY did God send Him to hell?

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day.” Luke 16:19

EACH and every one of us has the abundant opportunity to give to those saints in need and to divinely called New Testament ministries. We are either choosing to be disciplined about this giving He instructed us to do, or we are being disobedient. We are being tested by God. Jesus clearly showed us that He is watching our stewardship specifically and we will be judged accordingly (Mark 12:41-44). Shocking as it may seem to some, Jesus told us that the once “rich man” who went to hell did so for this stated reason – stated by the Judge of all souls – “remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” (Luke 16:25)

As was perhaps the case with the once “rich man” and Lazarus, great and yet avoidable calamity cascaded in Lazarus’ life as the previously “rich man” refused to help him who sat at his very gate. The once “rich man” was aware of the need and neglected to help. Do you have someone sitting at your gate – a need you know of? If so, what are you dying to (the cross) in order to help them? What money are you wasting to buy things that you are making more important than that child of God or ministry of Christ that is in need? Will the story of the now eternally incarcerated, previously “rich man” be repeated in your life?

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18

You see, it’s the GIVER’S privilege to give out of what the LORD has placed into our hands. Jesus taught – “Freely ye have received, freely give.”(Matthew 10:8)

“It is MORE blessed to give than to receive.”~Jesus (Acts 20:35)

——ARE YOU personally experiencing this “blessed” place of giving? Are you a giver or a taker (freeloader)? Do you contribute or subtract/leach? Are we not instructed to work so we “have to give”? (Ephesians 4:28) Where will you be in eternity? What matters most to you – Christ and His people and His Gospel work or further serving and selfishly embellishing self with wasteful creature comforts in this sinful, fleeting world?

If you are daily dying to self, your spending, your stewardship is being transformed. In the holy fear of the LORD, you are convicted deep within toward prudence and the laying the axe to the root of Godless waste of His resources for which you shall give full account.

If we view giving as a burden or deprivation, it’s because we still have self as god and lack understanding of God’s kingdom truths about giving and the Giver of all that is. The cross must be at the center of our lives. When it is, we shall truly understand that all we have and receive is from the LORD who promises to give seed to those who sow the seed or the substance/treasure He has currently placed into their hands and to make them ruler or steward over more (Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12, etc.). Listen to this message and please share this.

Wealth Wasted on the Worship of Self | Self-Serving Devils | All Things Come of Thee (audio) | The Prosperity of Fools (audios) | America Dream Delusion

A Rich Resource for Stewardship Wisdom. 

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Actors and Posers Beware

 

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Articles

Personal Evangelism

Soul Winning is the Work of Every True Disciple of Jesus

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

Oh the joy of being privileged to know Him and be called out as His “ambassadors”! As His called out ones, we are sent by Him to make known His glorious Gospel to lost souls for whom He came and bled (1 Tim. 1:15).

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16

NO one will saved before becoming greatly convicted of their sin-give them the Law then they will desire Christ (Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:9-11). The law convicts and brings them to Christ – it serves God’s purpose. We don’t lead them to Christ so much as God’s law convicts and leaves them feeling the reality of their alienation from God – and then they will be prepared to hear the saving Gospel of Christ. This is the New Testament way of winning souls to Jesus.

What’s most important and the biblical model for evangelism, is to give the lost the law of God (10 Commandments), to convict them which in turn will bring them to Christ (Romans 7:12; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:7-10). Placating lost souls with scientific arguments in defense of the faith seems to seldom if ever result in a lost sinner coming to the Savior in repentance. It is the law of God that pierces directly into the consciences of men and converts sinners to Christ (Psalms 19:7). When Paul spoke with the secularists of his day on Mars’ Hill he spoke to them of their idolatry (a sin violating the first 2 of the 10 Commandments), called them to repentance, and warned them that Judgment Day was coming (Acts 17:22-34).

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalms 19:7-8 

Presenting the Word: First the law to cut, to convict, and to expose how wicked the sinner is and deserving of nothing but damnation, THEN the Gospel of Jesus’ saving grace to make the sinner whole amen!

Your communications and ministry are fed and fueled by your personal daily study and knowledge of God’s Word (Proverbs 22:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:15).

Have you ever desired for your friends and family to be present at a gathering of Saints where there was in anointed call to receive Jesus and they were drawn up to be saved? I have. That’s a great desire and yet in the days of those special gatherings of true, Jesus-seeking disciples are becoming more and more limited. Therefore we must be that altar call, that anointed vessel of God who goes to the people and brings them in. God will make it happen in His resurrection life as we consent to daily dying (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

10 Commandments Evangelism

Keep showing forth His truth, which is marching on in the hearts and lives of all who have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches.

Psalms 126:5-6 says:

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Though you see no changes with your physical eyes, remember that “we walk by faith and not by sight” and that His Word never returns void, so keep planting the seed of His Word into the hearts of men even though sometimes it is with tears (Isa. 55:11; Lk. 8:11; 2 Cor. 5:7). You will “doubtless come again with rejoicing.” (Ps. 126:5-6)

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

Like a lion that conquers and dominates its prey as it pleases, we must unleash the Word of God itself which never returns back to Him void but always accomplishes what He pleases.

God will do His work in the hearts of men, as we send forth His truth in love.

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10

What is your personal plan or strategy for reaching lost souls? Are you busy about your Father’s business if seeking to save that which was lost? (Luke 2:49; 19:10)

YOU cannot talk anyone into being saved. Stop trying! You must preach them into being saved – by communicating the Word. Only Christ can save them, not us! Did Jesus say “Go talk people into being saved” or did Jesus command “Go ye into all the world and PREACH the gospel”? (Mark 16:15) The latter of course. Men are born again by the incorruptible Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). We must humble ourselves and cease acting like we can win a soul to Jesus when Christ alone can do such. Yes, He chooses to use us as His very “ambassadors” and yet, that is done by the preaching of the law to convict and saving cross of Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Men are born again by God via His “incorruptible” Word:

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

Personal testimony from brother Charles:

“To God be the glory in all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! I was saved through my sister in Christ, acting as His hands and feet that shared with me the following Scripture:

“John 14:6-7

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen him.

She was spreading the gospel and upon hearing this my ears were opened, and conviction came through. I say God found me because as a child of God we are just spreading His Word and had I not been His I would not have felt the weight and power in this Scripture. So, in hearing I was made to believe … and in believing became changed in my walk … with Him guiding me. God bless brother!”

Preparation – Armed and Dangerous!

IF a “church” isn’t producing soul winners, it’s being led by a wolf! (Ephesians 4:11-12)

How can a local assembly of believers see the LORD add to the church when the hireling(s) leading them have no concern for Christ’s Great Commission mandate to preach the whole Word of the Gospel which will result in the LORD saving souls? (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20)

Remembering the 2 “R”s of the Gospel: Repent, Receive Jesus. -“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21)

Personally, I carry King James Bibles, good Gospel tracts, small books, booklets, etc. in my car at all times. The LORD uses them mightily to teach. After ministering to a saint in Christ or a lost person, I always send them away with something appropriate for them to read. I off a KJB Bible to believers if I find out they don’t have one and/or give them one of the books to assist in deepening their walk with Jesus. To the lost, I give a Bible, tracts, and/or a booklet that pertains to them being saved.

The Born Again Book (small, powerful!) | What Next: Now that You are Saved (small discipleship book)

Many a Christian is possessed with the false notion that God needs people-instead of the fact that people need God! Repent. God is the only self-existent One! Jesus is not a sap! He walked away from many- and told you to do the same! (Matthew 10:16; 13:58) The LORD begs no mere man, sinner, to come to Him. He invites but never begs! (Matthew 11:28-30). Rebellion is a choice HE gave them! If they want to rebel, SHAKE OFF THE DUST AND MOVE ON! That’s what Christ did and told you to do! (Matthew 7:6; 10:14)

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

Are YOU “ready”? 

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Are you “ready” or not “ready”?

“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    

Case for Scripture Memory:

“Let mine hear RETAIN thy words.” Proverbs 4:4

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the WordCompassion in Light of Christ’s Soon ReturnStriving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of ChristChrist’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the LostKindness is a Soul Winning Weapon Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher Warning

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Apostasy

Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]


Mourning Trumps Merriment in Christ’s Kingdom

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’d like to walk in Your bless-ed joy, filling my life to overflowing, no matter what’s transpiring. LORD, I ask You to do Your deeper work in my heart, in my life. Please set apart my life to truly glorify You, being full of the fruits of Your righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Everyone desires the joy of the LORD, right? Yes, yet only those who are willing to devour His Word – to get it into their hearts and keep it flowing into their hearts, will experience that great joy of the LORD which is our strength! In context, the joy of the LORD is the strength of those who read it, hear it, embrace it, adhere to it, and keep it flowing into their mind and heart daily! (Nehemiah 8:8, 10)

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly (directly), and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. … 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:8, 10

After they had feasted on God’s Word, the elders of Israel said to them: You are now full of the Word. Now “Go your way”, that is, go home and be blessed to “send portions” of the bounty of the LORD you’ve been filled with today to overflowing. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Let your cup run over and bless others! Let your light shine into others, may your cup run over onto others, to bless them with the bountiful blessings of the LORD you have received.

We have to eat the fat and drink the sweet of the Word of God to be filled with the joy of the LORD which is our strength!

“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

Nourishing the Body of 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

DO people know they can find the rich treasures of God’s Word when they walk into your life, when they visit your social media page? (Colossians 3:16) Will they be “nourished” by the milk and meat of God’s bless-ed Word when they are graced to be in your company?

“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.” Proverbs 21:20

Holy Father, we ask You in the name of Jesus to make us happy in Jesus as You’ve forgiven and freed us from our sin and so of all people on Your earth, only Your people can be truly happy in Thee dear LORD. Please bless each of Your beloved saints to be anointed for the death and burial of the self life and raised up in Your blessed resurrection grace and joy. In Jesus’ name let it be dear LORD.

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

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Abiding

The Death before the Death [podcast]


Gethsemane Preceded Calvary

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:42-44

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11  For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

“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. 25  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25

Shall We Freshly Declare the Cross to be Front and Center in our Personal Lives?

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Prayer | Manhood | The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast]The Cross VictorySin – Man’s Core Problem

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