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“Repent and be baptized.” Acts 2:38

Water Baptism (PDF)
(Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.)

Water baptism is important. Every believer should understand and be water baptized. Yet water baptism does not save – but is only for those already saved. The blood of Jesus saves – upon repentance and faith. In short, water baptism symbolizes/illustrates the life in Christ we now have – where daily, we are dying and buried and risen in new life with Christ. Concerning water baptism, one disciple writes: “We must faith thru many mini-daily-baptisms in which we are immersed into calamities and the old self is drowned.”

SATAN wants people trusting in water and not the BLOOD of Jesus. Beware. We are saved by the blood of Jesus – water baptism is for those who have already repented and believed upon Jesus Christ. It’s an outward profession of the inward work of regeneration God has already done! (Titus 3:5-7)

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION.” Hebrews 9:22 

ANY person who claims sinners are justified by water instead of the BLOOD of Jesus, is an antichrist.

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9

Salvation should never be complicated.
We are saved, justified by grace through faith.

Can you find the word water in the following passage? No.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Thief on the cross. Philippian jailer. Acts 16:30-31; Faith. Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9.

Raised to New Life with Christ

“Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2 

The LORD seems to have given His New Testament church 2 ordinances: 1. Water baptism – to depict our own death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, and 2. Communion – where we are brought into remembrance of our LORD’s death – broken body and shed blood – which alone redeems us.

Note in this passage below that no water is even mentioned and yet this is exactly what water baptism is symbolic of:

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4

WATER BAPTISM: What it is and what it’s not.  In some cases, water baptism has become a ritual among those who are a part of the visible, apostate church world. In those circles, water baptism seems to be a type of right of passage in a fleshly way. Water baptism is useless unless it’s connected with Christ, that is, in His redemption – death, burial and resurrection. He alone redeemed us and yet, He calls us to deny self, and allow Him who is the resurrection and the life to raise us upward (John 11:25; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). Water baptism – going down under that water – is meant to be the symbolism of dying, being buried, and being raised up into a new life with Christ who is “the life” (John 14:6). The old man is dead and buried! See Colossians 3:3, and read Romans 6:3-4. Water baptism was never intended to become a ritual but rather the symbol of that which begun at the instant Christ saved us.  The crucified, dead, buried, and raised up life comes at the moment Jesus saves us, We are dead and He now lives in us as Redeemer, Ruler and King, Savior, and Friend.  The life of the crucified believe is symbolized at water baptism (Galatians 2:20).  Water baptism is a representation of what is to be a life lived allowing Christ to reign in place. It’s symbolic of the daily cross! – Where Christ alone reigns supreme!

Water baptism saves no one. No, it’s merely a picture of your life now that Christ saved you – your personal daily death, burial, resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). God saved you the moment you repented and believed on Jesus (Acts 20:21, etc.). And now He’s ordained that you “walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

“Water baptism symbolizes your spiritual identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.  The water does not itself join you to or identify you with Christ.  It is only a symbol.  It’s not even a requirement yet important due to the importance of what it is representative of. Water baptism is not a law like circumcision was. It is not essential. The thief on cross next to Christ was never water baptized but he was baptized in spiritual fact.”

One of the main points here on topics like this is priority, putting the first things first and not adding to what is essential to salvation. And yet it is biblically accurate that water baptism should be put forth as something Jesus commands, because He does.

Beware of the baptismal regeneration heresy. A thorough reading of the New Testament Scriptures reveals to us that water baptism saves no one. Saying people are saved by being water baptized is just another fake salvation – another excuse not to have to repent, lay down the life in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus – on His stated terms, right? Sinners are in darkness and the unrepentant love to hear that they are not required to repent which means to change course, to give one’s life up to the LORD who made us all.

So “saved” doesn’t mean saved in Acts 16:31? Where O Where is the water? The water baptism didn’t happen till after the jailer and his family were “saved” (Acts 16:33). “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31 

“By faith” appears 37 times in the Word of God. “By water” appears 4 times.

Without what is it impossible to please God? Faith or water?

“But without faith it is impossible to please him.” Hebrews 11:6

Is salvation “by faith” in the only Redeemer, or by water? Water baptism is totally futile, a 100% complete waste without being first saved by Christ through FAITH (Romans 3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9, etc.).

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, IF thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:36-37

When the Ethiopian eunuch asked to be baptized in water, Philip told him he had to believe on the LORD Jesus Christ first – as a prerequisite! – “IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST.” Also…. many of the fake “bibles” removed Acts 8:37. The devil is a liar!!!! Let’s use the King James Bible saints!!!! Let’s trash satan’s corruption.

Recently I had an in-depth conversation with a man who was over emphasizing water baptism and after a lengthy discussion he said he’d “said enough.” To him I wrote:

“You’ve certainly told me enough and showed you are misled by what you’ve stated. And you claim it came by revelation. It sure didn’t come from divine revelation.”

REPLY:

“Notice how you lifted Acts 16:33 out of it’s context. WHAT came BEFORE the water baptism and without which the water baptism was futile?

‘And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.’ Acts 16:30-33

Christ saves by faith not water. Water baptism is only effectual if the person is first saved by the blood through faith.

‘Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;’ Romans 3:24-25 

Of course water baptism is important but it’s not the essential, believing is.

Satan’s agenda is to remove the focus from Christ and His blood without which there is ‘NO remission of sins’ (Hebrews 9:22). That’s what we see here.

Those who like to focus on the water do so because they are moral cowards who refuse to truly repent which is something that must occur in their hearts.”

The thief on the cross was not water baptized, yet Jesus told him “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Water baptism is only for those already saved. Here’s a New Testament example of how these disciples were first saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, only then were they water baptized.

“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:46-48

The only value that water baptism has is in identifying you with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

One disciple wrote:

“The only way to promotion is by demotion.  Are you today seeking a demotion?  Do you want self to be advanced, enhanced, prominent, recognized, satisfied, aggrandized, indulged, promoted, noticed, or applauded?  Or do you want self demoted, crucified, and killed to all these worldly things?”

Perhaps loving obedience and gratitude to the Lord should be the foundational motives for the believer being water baptized. When a person genuinely repents of his sins and receives Jesus Christ, He is then under the command of a new Master. He is no longer a member of Satan’s kingdom, but rather has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). His past sins have been completely washed away by the blood of Christ, and God has called him by name to serve Him in sincerity and in truth (Romans 3:25; 1 Cor. 5:7-8).

Jesus commands all of His disciples to be baptized in water. In demonstration of our love for Him, every believer should obey and follow the LORD in water baptism. He says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

1. As seen in Scripture, what does the actual act of being water baptized consist of – in the literal sense? Acts 8:38 Please read this verse in the King James Bible and check one of the following.

_____ splashing with water

_____ sprinkling with water as an infant

_____ fully submerging the body under water

Notice that Philip and the eunuch “went down both into the water” (Acts 8:38). The English word “baptize” comes from the Greek word BAPTIZO which means to dip, submerge; to make whelmed, fully wet. Baptism is a burial.

Water baptism should always be in actual water and not sprinkling or pouring water on the new believer being baptized. This is because of what it represents; not a mere sprinkling but rather a whole immersion, a going under and being completely whelmed – representing being now dead, buried, and raised up.

2. Read 1 Peter 3:21 closely. Note here that water baptism does not cleanse one from the “filth of the flesh (sin).Trust in that which baptism is a “figure” of, does cleanse from sin and save the soul. The word “figure” is the key to understanding this verse. Read it again. Being dipped in water does not save the soul. What saves the soul is faith in what water baptism is figurative or symbolic of – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Water baptism merely answers to the already blood-washed conscience of the Believer. It is an outward testimony of the inward work of God in making the repentant person completely new from the inside out (2 Cor. 5:17-18).

Christ must reign in the daily life of every believer and He is “Holy, holy, holy” and so sinfulness must be put away so that the believer can spring forth into the fullness of Christ’s resurrection life (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Baptism in water is the figure of this process. It’s a death, burial, and resurrection. Water baptism is symbolic of death to the sinful nature and resurrection into a life lived in the nature of Jesus and out of God’s abundant grace which fills the believer’s heart.

3. Did Jesus submit Himself to water baptism? Matthew 3:13-16

_______YES

_______NO

Water baptism was practiced by the Son of God.

4. How old was Jesus when He was baptized? Luke 3:21-23

____________________________________________________

Notice here that Jesus was a full grown adult when water baptized. Only those who are of age to understand and partake of the salvation of God are candidates for water baptism. Infant baptism or sprinkling is un-scriptural.

5. Did Jesus’ disciples practice water baptism in their ministry? John 4:1, 2

_______YES

_______NO

Jesus’ disciples and the early Church believers water baptised all new converts.

6. Jesus sent His disciples forth to “teach all nations.” What else did He command them to do? Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16

____________________________________________________

Mark 16:16 does NOT say “he that is not baptized shall not be saved.” No Jesus says “he that believeth not shall be damned.” He put the essential on believing, not water baptism. Here are Christ’s words: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The believing is the essential, not water baptism, otherwise Jesus would have said “he that believeth and is not baptized shall be damned.” He did not.

7. In what names did Jesus command His disciples to baptize? Matthew 28:18-19

____________________________________________________

The name of Jesus Christ equals the authority of Jesus Christ.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38

Here in Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus authorized baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. When Scripture speaks of baptism in Jesus’ Name, it is referring to baptism by His authority. So, some disciples safely perform water baptism by saying: “You are now being baptized in the name, in the authority of Jesus Christ, in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.” Does this not cover all basis? I think so.

8. What were the three fundamental New Testament experiences preached and practiced by the early Church? Acts 2:38

A.____________________________________________________

B.____________________________________________________

C.____________________________________________________

9. Has God changed since Acts 2:38? Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8

_______YES

_______NO

Note that God, by the mouth of Peter, commanded the new believers to “Repent and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38).

10. What experience did the three thousand new converts partake of when they received the Word of God that Peter preached? Acts 2:41

____________________________________________________

As was clearly understood by the early followers of Jesus, the first step in discipling a new convert is to baptize him in water. This is the Lord’s first commandment to new believers. God seals the faith of the new convert at the time of water baptism. The new believer makes a statement of trust toward God in his water baptism experience and is confirmed in the faith by the Holy Spirit through this New Testament practice.

11. After Phillip preached the Gospel, what did the believers at Samaria do to openly declare their faith in Jesus? Acts 8:12

____________________________________________________

12. After Philip preached Jesus, what was the Ethiopian eunuch’s immediate question? Acts 8:35, 36

____________________________________________________

The Ethiopian eunuch had obviously made a heart-felt decision to believe on Jesus. He instantly desired to be baptized in water to exhibit his new found faith.

13. What did Philip tell the eunuch that he must do before he could be water baptized? Acts 8:37

____________________________________________________

The Bible only authorizes water baptism after the born again experience. Philip told the eunuch that the prerequisite for water baptism is to be born into the kingdom of God by personally receiving Jesus Christ. Here is another proof that the early Church disciples only baptized those who had already received Jesus.

God set forth as a pattern in the first century Church, believers who were zealous to baptize new converts in water. This solidifies the new converts’ faith in Jesus. Water baptism is the first command given to the new believer, and is therefore the responsibility of the members of the Body of Christ to see that every new believer is baptized.

14. What did the apostle Peter “command” the new Gentile converts to do after they had believed on Jesus and also received the gift of the Holy Ghost? Acts 10:43-48

v48 __________________________________________________

15. What did Paul and Silas do to the Philippian jailor who believed on the Lord after the jailbreak? Acts 16:25-34

____________________________________________________

Note that Paul and Silas baptized these new believers without delay and in the middle of the night. This very act makes two authoritative statements: (1) If at all possible, disciples should water baptize new converts immediately following their salvation experience, and (2) The apostles counted water baptism very important, it was an integral part of the Gospel they preached and administered.

16. When “many” of the Corinthian’s “believed”, what followed? Acts 18:8

____________________________________________________

17. As followers of Jesus what are we baptized into? Romans 6:3

____________________________________________________

To the believer the water grave signifies that the time of living after the sinful nature of the flesh is over. This burial represents death to the nature of sin and resurrection into the life of God. Jesus Himself was baptized to signify His own death, burial, and resurrection. The follower of Jesus in like manner is to be baptized, signifying death to the old man and resurrection into the new nature of God resident within him. Sin lost its power at Calvary, and loses its dominion over the believer when he identifies with Christ in water baptism. In water baptism, the believer identifies with Jesus. All true disciples are crucified with Christ and water baptism is the marked beginning of this state of existence (Gal. 2:20, 5:24; Rom. 6:11). It is his announcement to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Jesus.

18. What is the believer to “walk in” after God raises him from the dead? Romans 6:4

____________________________________________________

Beloved, God has called you to “walk in newness of life.” The believer must be “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Water baptism is so very important because it introduces the new believer into the life to which God has called him – a life of death and resurrection. The old person and his deeds are dead. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The disciple is to live separate from sin. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God” 2 (Corinthians 5 :17,18).

19. What are two reasons that we are to be “crucified” with Jesus? Romans 6:6

A. __________________________________________________

B. __________________________________________________

Water baptism is a public announcement of your decrease and His increase (John 3:30). God can only raise up those things that are dead. To resurrect is to raise to life again – to cause something or someone once alive to live again. One must die to the things of this world to live in the resurrected life of Jesus. This is a must if one will be His disciple (John 12:24-26). To live in the resurrection life of God one must be dead to the sins of the flesh. The definition of being “dead” to sin, is living life as if sin didn’t even exist in the sense that one is separate from it – you do not partake of it in spirit, soul, or body.

Water baptism is the beginning of the life lived after the Spirit instead of after the flesh. It’s a heartfelt broadcast to the Lord, the world, and the devil that you are now going to be true to the Most High God by living in holy conformity to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the moment of baptism God imparts a sufficient measure of grace to enable the believer to walk out his new life in Christ.

20. Why do you personally believe that baptism in water is so important in God’s eyes?

____________________________________________________

God has saved you and has set you apart to live after His nature that He has imparted to you (Rom. 6, 8). You are a new creature in Christ Jesus and God requires that you make this known (Matthew 10:32, 33). Jesus was fearless and unashamed when He came to the earth to do His Father’s will and die for the sins of the world. He requires that His disciples be bold and unashamed in testifying of His work of redemption. Water baptism should be the first act of obedience rendered by the disciple of Jesus.

21. What does Jesus do for all who “confess” Him before men? Matthew 10:32

____________________________________________________

22. What does Jesus do to all those who “deny” Him before men? Matthew 10:33

____________________________________________________

Water baptism is an open declaration of one’s identification with and faith in Jesus. Water baptism is generally the new believer’s first act of confession before men. It should be the personal and spoken testimony of the believer about to be baptized. The new convert should be given time to give account of his born again experience and God’s work presently in progress in his life.

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET BEEN WATER BAPTIZED, OBEY THE LORD BY ARRANGING A TIME AND PLACE TO PUBLICLY TESTIFY OF YOUR NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST BY BEING BAPTIZED.

ASSIGNMENT:

In 250 words or more, detail the ways that the Word of God should be incorporated into the daily life of the believer. (Tips for your essay’s content: study, performance, prayer, warfare, proclaiming, meditating upon, memorizing, etc.) Search the Scriptures as your source for this essay and use Scripture and references to validate your statements. Begin with deep and prayerful meditation on God’s Word. Write your essay neatly and in an organized manner.

SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION: Matthew 28:19

It would be very advantageous for you to cross reference all of the Scriptures in this study. For example, pencil in each topically similar verse into the margin next to the corresponding verses on this same subject. Write out these verses with references on index cards – make it a priority to carry and post them where you will study and meditate upon them. These two measures will build in you a wealth of truth on each topic. This will help you to retain and become resourceful in the Word of God – ready to be used of Him. Capture the knowledge that you have learned, don’t let it slip away from you.

Capitalize on your efforts. This is preparation in earnest (2 Timothy 2:21).

STUDY GUIDES
Evangelism
Holy Word of God
The Blood of Jesus
Holy Ghost Baptism
Water Baptism
The Believer and The Word

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Articles

Jesus Christ is God [podcast]


The Divinity of Jesus Christ

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST AS GOD ALMIGHTY: (Note: this is not an exhaustive look at the divinity of Jesus Christ. Also, note that some of the particular words that announce His divinity are underlined).

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (means God with us).” Isaiah 7:14

Jesus says “if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24) You cannot be saved if you do not believe that Jesus Christ is God Almighty because that’s who the Bible foretold that the Messiah would be. … “the mighty God.” (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus Christ is God “Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). …. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (means God with us).” Isaiah 7:14 ,,, Jesus Christ was “GOD with us.”

Jesus Christ came to the earth exactly how and when the “more sure word of prophecy”, the Scriptures, foretold that He would come and to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of Himself to the exact detail (2 Peter 1:19-21).

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:7-8

“From cover to cover of the OT it was foretold not only that Christ would come into the world but that He would come with an eager, ready spirit to do the will of God. The will of God was not just in His head—it was inscribed in His very heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given (He already existed as God-with no beginning or end): and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” Isaiah 9:6,7

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (Jesus, born as a man in Bethlehem, is God, and existed from eternity past). Micah 5:2

“In the beginning was the Word (Jesus Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God …All things were made by him (Creator); and without him was not any thing made that was made…He was in the world, and the world was made by him…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” John 1:1,2,10,14

CONTRARY TO WHAT FALSE RELIGIONS TEACH, JESUS CHRIST WAS NOT A MAN BECOMING GOD OR JUST A GOD AMONG OTHER “GODS.” NO, HE IS THE ONE TRUE GOD, the only God, “the Almighty,” WHO BECAME MAN – TO REDEEM MAN! (JOHN 1; Revelation 1:8, etc.)

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” John 3:13

Of Christ distinctly, Colossians 1 reveals that Jesus Christ is the Creator and divine Sustainer of all that exists:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17

Jesus Christ made Himself “equal with God” because He is God!

“Therefore the Jews sought to kill him because he…said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” John 5:18

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58

Before Abraham, Jesus Christ existed because He is eternal so He has no beginning nor ending. He dwelt with the Father from eternity past.

“How many generations after Abraham was Jesus?”

“In Matthew’s Gospel there are 41 generations from Abraham to Jesus. Matthew demonstrated that there were 14 generations (see Matthew 1:17): from Abraham to David; from David to Josiah; from Josiah to Jesus.” unknown

“How many years from Adam until Jesus?”

“Many believe that Jesus was born somewhere around 2 BCE. If we deduce the number, we got 4002 years between the creation of Adam and the birth of Jesus Christ. If others have a different number it would be alright, but basically the span in between would still be around 4000 years.” unknown

“The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man makest thyself God.” John 10:33

The divinity of Jesus Christ is an essential cornerstone doctrine of the Christian faith – without which no man can be saved.

The rebellious Jews were actually attempting to stone Jesus for identifying Himself as God Almighty – the “Christ,” “the Son of God” (John 10:24-25,36). Read John 10:22-42. The Jews knew from the OT Scriptures that the Messiah would be divine, yet were in unbelief that this Jesus from Nazareth was their long awaited Messiah.

ANY person who denies the divinity of and limits Jesus Christ as being “the Son of God” (and that He is)…. needs to be saved. “The spirit of antichrist” is upon any person who has denied Christ (1 John 4:3). Such a person is a lost soul. Jesus being the Son of God in no way negates that He is God “Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). See 1 John 2:22-23.

If you don’t believe the RECORD of Scripture that Jesus Christ is IMMANUEL, GOD with us, you are an antichrist. Repent. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Matthew 1:23; John 8:24; 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:16-18, etc. We are told that the Christ would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem and would be Immanuel, GOD with us (Micah 5:2).

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” 1 John 2:22

Those who seek to reduce Jesus Christ to a mere man, to over humanize the Son of God, do so in order to justify themselves and deny His holy judgment and standard they will come under. And yet the Bible promises us that “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

“The deity of Christ is being stripped out of the hearts of modern day Christians. They are beginning to humanize Him and make Him more like us! He has become like a pal who laughs off sin. One who is non offensive, loves us unconditionally with no expectation of change. This view takes the fear of God right out of people’s hearts. They no longer see Him as having the power to send them to hell. Because He is now this sweet, non judgmental man who would never judge them. He has been taken off the throne of heaven and they have put themselves there in God’s place. And the whole purpose is so they can live as they please with no threat of being judged by a holy, righteous, all powerful God. ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’ Hebrews 10:31” Karen Cochran

“I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” John 16:28

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5

“And Thomas answered and said unto him (Jesus), My Lord and my God.” John 20:28

“…Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” Philippians 2:5,6  (Jesus Christ is “equal with God”on the same level – God Almighty, divine.)

“…God was manifest in the flesh…believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: these three are one (there are three distinct, divine Persons in the Godhead and they are ‘one’ in substance and unity).” 1 John 5:7

“…Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20,21

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

GOD CAME TO THE EARTH TO RESCUE MANKIND FROM CERTAIN DESTRUCTION:

“And the Word (Jesus Christ) was made flesh, and dwelt (pitched His tent) among us.” John 1:14

At the Father’s appointed time in history, Jesus Christ laid aside His divine form and “took upon him the form of a servant.” See Philippians 2:5-8. The eternal Word “took part” of human flesh by being born of a virgin in an earthly body like we now live in, so that He could pay the price for our sins (Hebrews 2:14, 15). Jesus became a man to redeem mankind. One of Jesus’ titles, Son of man, means God’s man to redeem man. You must closely study Hebrews 2:14, 15 for clear understanding.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins… and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD with us.” Matthew 1:21-23

IF YOU DENY THAT JESUS CHRIST IS GOD “ALMIGHTY” (Revelation 1:8), you have called God a liar, are not saved, and are an antichrist. Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God, is “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23

Anyone who rejects the “record that God gave of his Son,” of Jesus Christ, given us in the Bible, is an antichrist (1 John 5:10).

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah)? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.” 1 John 2:22-23

And the Messiah, the Son of God, was foretold to be “The Mighty GOD” and “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6,7; Matthew 1:23).

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay:  Born Again: What is It?

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Articles

Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]


WE’VE BEEN LIED TO!

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

Christ’s work is finished, not yours (John 19:30). According to Holy Scripture, if you’ve been truly born again, you must abide in Christ, remain in Him, endure to the end or you will be cast into the fires of eternal damnation (John 15:6; Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.).

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

Enduring “to the end” is a condition for ultimately being in Heaven with the LORD.

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

 The LORD Jesus and His apostles never once used the words “once saved always saved” or “eternal security.” So, who’s lying? What they did teach contradicts such a notion.

Who did Jesus promise is going to be “saved”?

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:11-13

You MUST “walk in the light” of truth to the end of your life on earth to be with Jesus eternally (1 John 1:7). Only THEN will you be eternally secure!

“But IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

Since when is obedience to the truth legalism or works salvation?

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4

Actually, if a person doesn’t have the fruit of good works in their life, it’s because either they have not yet truly been saved or due to their falling away (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.).

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

Who’s Going to Heaven and Who’s Not?

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Who’s going to be with Christ eternally according to the Son of God?

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

Those who are “called, and chosen, and faithful.”  God calls and chooses “ALL men to be saved” and yet it’s only those who repent, become converted and endure to the end (“faithful”) who will reign with Him eternally (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 1 Timothy 2:4). He calls and desires all men to be saved and yet He will only save those who obey Him by repenting and putting their faith in Christ.

EVER WONDER why the OSAS adherent is often extremely vigorous about defending the unconditional eternal security sham he has bought into? What’s at stake for him? Why does he defend this teaching that has no ground in Scripture and that he has learned of men and devils?

The lame, refuses-to-take-personal-responsibility eternal securist hides behind his false facade that nothing he does including sin or doesn’t do affects or is related to his “relationship” with Christ. The word “fruit” appears 67 times in the New Testament canon. So is fruit important to the LORD? Good fruit, which includes good works doesn’t save us but it’s the clear proof that we know Him who came to do us and all mankind good by dying to bring us back to God (John 3:16).

PEOPLE who are hiding behind this satanic lie told by the serpent in the Garden become immediately irate and infuriated when the thin sham veneer of their pretention and self-preservation is pulled open by the truth. The light of truth shines into their darkened hearts. These want nothing at all to do with personal responsibility (Titus 1:16). They don’t care what the Bible teaches. They don’t want their little “eternal security” “I’m saved no matter what” myth busted because they are rebels at heart and refuse to truly surrender – which is what true repentance involves.

We need not kid ourselves, the fruit of our lives demonstrates clearly to God and man who we really are. Jesus taught “For EVERY tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.” (Luke 6:44) …. “Even a child is known by his doings (works), whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” (Proverbs 20:11)

The Calvinist and eternal securist wants to put the whole responsibility of salvation upon God because he wants no part of personal responsibility to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)  This is cowardly is it not? “Fearful” in Revelation 21:8 means cowardly and the lake of fire awaits all who are.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

If you die in sin, HELL is where you end up in (Ezekiel 33:12-13).

What does Hebrews 12:14 guarantee us?

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

God sent His Son to pay the full price “for the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD” and those He calls and chooses must be “faithful” or full of faith “to the end” or they will be shut out of the eternal kingdom just as the five foolish virgins were who ran out of oil due to neglecting fellowship with the Bridegroom (Jesus) (1 John 2:2; Revelation 17:14; Mathew 10:22; 24:13). See Matthew 25:1-13.

Explain why we think a bride to be can be unfaithful, commit adultery, fornicate, just before the wedding, and still be accepted as the bride at her scheduled wedding. Delusional. If such were the case, why is this not illustrated, why does it contradict Jesus’ parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13?

If we don’t truly repent and become “honest” with the whole counsel of God’s Word and rather live our one life on lies, namely, the myth that we are “eternally secure”, we shall find ourselves in the domain of the damned, from which we shall never escape (Luke 8:11-15).

Anyone Going to Argue with Jesus?

Jesus taught us that one who is in Him (saved) must abide or remain in Him or that person will be “cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (hell).”

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (hell).” John 15:1-6

Yes, salvation begins in the life of the sinner who has been drawn in and found by Christ and chooses to repent and put His faith in Jesus (John 1:12; 6:47; Acts 16:31; 20:21; Romans 3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9, etc.). Initial salvation is instant and yet that’s not the end of it … according to the record of the New Testament Scriptures. Christ and His holy apostles never spoke in terms of salvation being a one-time done deal.

Paul makes it clear that saving grace does NOT abound toward, in the life of any person who has been saved and yet is now living outside of Christ’s stated will, His Word.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2 

It’s time to get into the Word friends and cease to walk in delusions.

What is the agent that will cleanse the Great Tribulation saints? (Revelation 7:14) – “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

The washing we are to receive of God by the cleansing blood of Jesus is not a one-time event but rather a lifelong walk/experience.  Such is our walk with Christ – it’s an abiding relationship and to abide means to remain (John 15:1-6). And if we don’t remain in Him – we shall be “cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:6) (more on this verse in a moment)

“But IF IF IF IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7   

There are conditions for continuing to remain, to abide in Christ’s saving grace. Only counterfeits refuse to acknowledge this. They want no part with personal repentance, laying down their lives in this fleeting world, and truly following Jesus. No, they want the crown but not the cross. They don’t love Jesus enough to truly serve Him and so they buy into diabolical systems like the heretical “eternal security” or calvinistic systems.

The vast majority of pastors and writers today are in gross darkness and treat salvation as a one-time event instead of an abiding, a remaining walk with Christ “to the end” of our lives (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:1-6; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39, etc.).  Many have espoused these lies because they have not chosen to get diligently and deeply into God’s Word for themselves but have rather followed other men’s selective line through Scripture. Those who aren’t diligently studying God’s Word daily are “not valiant for the truth” and will therefore be turned over to delusion and ultimately damned (Jer. 9:3; 2 Thess. 2:10-12).

“And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies (they go to the furthest lengths to embrace lies): but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:3

Those who do not love divine truth (the Holy Scriptures) manifest plainly that they do not love He who is “the truth.” (John 14:6) God takes that personally and will actually help or assist in their delusions and damnation.

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

God is able and will keep all who trust Him to the end and do not deny Him:

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24-25

Will Every One Jesus Saved be in Heaven? |  Is Salvation Eternal? | Is Doubting Your Salvation a Bad Thing? |

FEEDBACK:

——- FROM Shannon Cook: “To the “once saved always saved theorists”

5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not “blot out” his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

For something to be “blotted out” (i.e. removed) it would had to have been there in order to be “blotted out” which totally contradicts the theory of “once saved always saved.”

So, who is saved?
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Consider the warning to the church of Ephesus:

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast “left thy first love.”
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and REPENT, and do they first works;[or else] I will come into thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of his place, expect thou repent.

Laodicean Warning:

“And unto the angel of the church of Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, [the faithful and true witness], the beginning of the creation of God. 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot,I would thou wert hot or cold. 16 [So then] BECAUSE thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:14-16 pass it on – Heaven Guaranteed to all who have Received Jesus?

Amen, never to depart from the Christ, he shall walk with us as we endure till the end!
“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5 Not never will you leave me nor forsake me. We’re sheep, we have natural, fleshly tendency to wander. Ever reminding us how crucial it is to continuously follow the Christ.

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye [endure] chastening, (there’s that word endure again) God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he that the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof ALL are partakers, then ye are bastards,(illegitimate) and not sons. Hebrews 12:6-8

The elect of Christ have and will experience chastening, and no matter the discomfort in and through it, we always rejoice and know there’s purpose (to the glory of our Christ) as we “endure.”

– check this out – Will Everyone Jesus has Saved be in Heaven?

Reply Received:

“Where do I begin. Every person born of God, WILL be faithful. Even if they are faithless, He remains faithful because He can NOT deny Himself. We are HIDDEN in Christ, and seated with Him right now in the heavenlies. We have passed from death to LIFE. This is an event that is unchangeable. God causes it to occur and doesn’t change His mind. He adopts us. Permanently.

Context is everything. It is king. It determines what a passage actually means. Did you know Todd, that God has saved you forever? It’s great to be free and assured of that. Are you afraid He might not keep you to the end? It’s His desire and intent to do that, bro.

Reply Back:

We only have security in Christ AS we are abiding – remaining – in an intimate relationship with Him.

According to Jesus in John 15, “If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire (hell), and they are burned.” (Jn. 15:6)

In order to receive final salvation, one must abide or remain in Christ (Jn. 15:5-6). There is no guarantee that God’s seed will “remain” in the person who is born again and later departs from the LORD.

What you are doing is simply spouting off what you have been taught of mere sinful men…. speaking of context, let’s look at the context of what you partially quoted, conveniently and selectively excluding the whole context:

2 Timothy 2:11-13

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13

The person seeking to convince others of “once saved always saved” will misquote this text by saying that because “he (God) abideth faithful” He would never “deny us.” This is a distortion. Let’s read the verse again okay? The passage states that “if we deny him, he also will deny US.” The Word here tells us that “if we deny him, he also will deny US.” Does it get any clearer than this? Being honest with what the Bible says is essential to a clear conscience and to possessing the mind of Christ and true doctrine. Again, those who seek to make palatable the unconditional security teaching can be heard misquoting this text saying “He cannot deny us.” Is that what verse 13 says? No. It says “He cannot deny HIMSELF.” This passage tells us that He “will deny us” if we “deny him” and that “He cannot deny Himself,” not us. In this Bible passage we see that the LORD “abideth faithful”to Himself and to those who do not deny Him. Didn’t Jesus tell us to “deny” ourselves and that if we were “ashamed” of Him or His words He would be “ashamed” of us? See Luke 9:23-24 and Mark 8:34-38.

Below is a classic perversion of this very passage of Scripture. I read this on the internet. The persuasion intended by the person who wrote this is to convince people of something the Bible simply never puts forth.

“If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13  God wants you to know for sure that you cannot lose it (salvation) under any circumstance whatsoever, even in the worse scenario. The first part of the verse above says that we can come to a state of mind that we do not believe in God anymore. But, the second says that He will remain faithful if that happens…God cannot deny what He said, because God cannot lie! (Hebrews 6:18 KJV AV1611) He promised to keep us eternally secure and He will remain faithful in that promise even if we ‘believe not.’ Another possible way of looking at ‘he cannot deny himself’ is that we are one in Him. If He was not faithful in His promise, He would be denying himself of eternal security, that is, He would be casting part of himself in eternal damnation in the lake of fire.” J. A.

First off, if in fact as J.A. supposes, “God wants you to know for sure that you cannot lose it (salvation) under any circumstance whatsoever, even in the worse scenario,” then why did God Himself warn His very own people throughout His Word concerning the danger of:

•   “Departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12-15)

•   Losing the reward of Heaven for turning back into sin after being saved (Ezek. 33:12-13; 2 Pet. 2:20-21)

•   “Falling away” (Lk. 8:13; 2 Thes. 2:3)

•   “Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith” (1 Tim. 5:12)

•   Being “cut off” (Rom. 11:19-23)

•   Being forsaken of Him (2 Chron. 15:2; Ezra 8:22; 2 Tim. 2:12)

•   Being blotted out of the book of life (Exod. 32:33; Ps. 69:32; Rev. 3:5; 22:18-19)

The fact that God remains faithful in no way predicts or determines whether individuals will partake of His plan of salvation. His faithfulness in no way forces men to remain faithful (abide), nor does it disable the Almighty from rendering a due reward of eternal judgment upon those who do not meet His requirements/conditions. This is a truth completely ignored by those who embrace the unscriptural notion of an unconditional eternal security.

“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar …” Romans 3:3-4

All sin will be accounted for – one way or the other, and this is the reason for the Judgment Thrones to come (Exod. 34:7; Rom. 14:12-14; Rev. 20:11-15). This should shine yet a brighter light upon the glorious Gospel salvation Jesus Christ wrought for His people and how we can “come boldly” with our sins to His holy throne of grace to receive grace and mercy in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

It seems to me, after listening to hundreds of those who believe in an unconditional eternal security, that some people believe that their theology is going to change the unchanging, immutable God (Rom. 3:3-4; James 1:17). The twisting of Scripture, instead of “rightly dividing the word of truth” is done to one’s “own destruction.” (2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:16-17) The disciple of Jesus Christ must be intent upon studying to show himself “approved unto God,” not men, and therefore be able to “rightly” divide “the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) The person who does not diligently study and know God’s Word, stands to be deluded by the many false teachings circulated in the church world.

What happens if a saved person does not obey and remain faithful to God? Those who do not choose to persevere in saving faith:

•   Possess “an evil heart of unbelief” (Heb. 3:12)

•   Depart from the living God (Heb. 3:12)

•   Cannot and do not please God (Heb. 11)

•   Depart from the faith through “doctrines of devils” (1 Tim. 4:1-6)

•   “Turn away their ears from the truth” and are “turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:4)

•   Cannot enter into His rest or presence (Heb. 3:19; 4:6, 11)

•   Are “broken off” from the LORD (Rom. 11:20)

•   The “unbelieving…shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone …” (Rev. 21:8, 27)

The Bible never guarantees that all Christ saves will automatically “endure to the end” which Jesus says is essential to ultimately being saved into Heaven when speaking to His very own people (Matt. 10:22; 24:13). Christ Himself invented the term “fall away” when speaking of those who would “believe” and be saved and not continue with Him (Lk. 8:13).

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Abiding

“Feed My Sheep” [podcast]


The Paramount Divine Importance of Nourishing the Saints of Christ

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16

Nourishing Christ’s Sheep

“Feed the Flock of God.” 1 Peter 5:2

First, it’s God’s flock, paid for with the very blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28).

Jesus Christ is “that great shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20). He instructed us to follow Him and, in doing so, to “FEED my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Tending to the sheep of Christ’s pasture involves nourishing them with His Word, warning them, comforting them, and at times admonishing or rebuking.

Every single disciple of Christ should pray to be pastoral in heart and life. We are each to tend to our fellowship with Christ daily and to minister His grace to His people as we ourselves grow in His grace.

In this, we must ask Him to grant our hearts a kingdom perspective, not a local church attendance perspective.

Christ and the apostles were the salt and light every day. They had no building. They went to the people as did all the disciples upon being scattered from Jerusalem during persecution. “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

“Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” John 21:15

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please nourish my heart in Your truth, fill me with Your Spirit afresh, and use me to refresh Your saints. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”  John 21:15-17

To “feed” His sheep is to nourish, to perfect, to mature, and to equip them to do ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12).

THOSE who corral instead of preparing and launching God’s people into ministry WILL answer to the Almighty! They will have hell to pay. Their rebellion is more than obvious. They are the self-serving “enemies of the cross of Christ” Paul spoke of in Philippians 3:18-19.

Oh, and “ministry” is not cleaning the so-called “church” building or singing in the choir. Many have reduced “ministry” to something never seen in Scripture. True ministry would be to be involved in the Great Commission Jesus gave His people (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Acts, etc.). There were no church buildings to clean or choirs among the earliest followers of Jesus.

Feeding Christ’s sheep is so that they grow in His grace and DO “the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Leaders who are simply using, holding back the sheep for their own self-serving agenda, are the vilest of Satan’s pawns who make up the vast majority of leaders in today’s apostate modern church—and every honest Bible student knows it.

“For the LEADERS of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

Make no mistake: The false leaders of our generation are the greatest threat to the fruitfulness of the body of Christ and the eternal souls of all men. Jesus and the apostles and prophets perpetually warn us of such a threat!

God did not send His only begotten Son to come die so wicked greedy frauds could have a church business. Jesus told His servant elders to FEED His sheep. WHY? So they can grow and be fruitful in doing HIS work.

“FEED my sheep”

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, FEED my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, FEED my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, FEED my sheep.” John 21:15-17

“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

Helping Lay the Foundation

The ONLY foundation standing in the end will be obedience to HIS Word (Matthew 7:19-29).

IN HIS MERCY, God is shaking EVERY foundation. Read Hebrews 12:24-28.

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