“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven … A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4
“A time to weep (death, burial),
and a time to laugh (resurrection);
a time to mourn (death, burial),
and a time to dance (resurrection);”
Though we don’t initial or dictate those seasons, we do participate with the One who does, the LORD who is in control.
A breaking down followed by a building up is the rhythm of the cross in our lives – and as it was in the case of our LORD, it’s the cross which will always precede the resurrection victory (John 12:24; Hebrews 2:14-15, etc.).
We can be fully assured that as we lay down our life, Christ who is “the resurrection and the life,” will reciprocally raise it up for His glory (John 11:25; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
This is how we walk with the LORD and there’s no other way. Remember this as you scratch your head the next time you hear yet another cross-less sermon on coping, relegating the believer to a life of defeat. When we taste and see this cross life, we shall be blessed to see that as we die downward, that guarantees that Christ will raise us upward. With our brother Paul, we shall declare “but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
In his sufferings, which God allowed for His divine purposes, Paul discovered and said…
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“The condition of this strength is sour consciousness of our own utter weakness. We are too strong for God. Our self-confidence shuts Him out of our lives. We require to be taken down to Gideon’s brook, that we may be reduced to the minimum of our own energy, and be filled to the maximum of His. It was this that made Paul glory in his infirmities, where other men would have thought their infirmities debarred them from Christian usefulness. He accounted that they were the greater reason for anticipating success. Tell him that his words lacked eloquence, or that his appearance was unprepossessing, or that his thorn in the flesh made him a cripple in Christ’s army – he would have answered, ‘I rejoice in them all – nay, I glory in them. All hail, ye blessed arguments for self-abasement, and for reckoning more completely on the mighty power of Christ!” Joseph, F.B. Meyer, p. 140
In Christ, when we close our eyes in death, when we resign ourself to dying, we awake to the resurrection bliss of eternal joy.
MOURNING vs MIRTH
The 2 Houses: Which house are you spending the most time in?
So many professing Christians today run from, evade all messages on repentance, the cross, and laying down the life in this fleeting world. They are not following Jesus on HIS terms. No, they are living their best life now, having been coddled by the wolves who are using them (2 Timothy 4:2-4). It’s sad that so few of them are hearing and answering the call of God to come unto Jesus and serve Him on HIS terms, which always begins with true repentance and proving that repentance by bringing forth good fruit (Matthew 3:7-10). They have chosen a cheap counterfeit over the Son of God and are forfeiting the blessings of God in this life and the next.
MANY WANT THE COMFORT YET REFUSE THE CROSS
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves … Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” 2 Timothy 3:1, 4
WHEN we spend time in the house of mourning (the cross-death, burial), the house, the place of mirth (celebration, resurrection) follows, awaits us!!!!
“It is better to go to the house of mourning (lamentation, sadness, grief), than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth (Heb. celebration, glee, gladness, rejoicing, festival).” Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
This is an amazing revelation: Watch what King Solomon says here below. Foregoing self-serving gratification, feasting, celebration, always results in experiencing the death, the burial, and the resurrection joy and fulfillment that God alone can and desires to delight us with as we do things His way – the cross. The cross, the death and burial (house of mourning) always precedes “the house of mirth.”
“the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men” (v2): Pride was the root cause of the fall of Lucifer and a third of the angels of God in Heaven, and every civilization of mankind that came and went, destroyed in their rebellion. Perhaps Sodom and Gomorra are the most popular biblical example (Ezekiel 16:49-51). | The FORGOTTEN Sins of Sodom [podcast]
The Wise and the Foolish Contrasted
Notice: “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” (v4) When divine wisdom begins to take up more real estate in our hearts, we begin to realize that His wisdom teaches us to get down low, into the death and burial, while foolishness tempts us to seek out “the house of mirth,” to excessively indulge in celebration.
We shall never experience God on the mountain as we will in the valley.
When we “take it on the chin”, we get knocked down, humbled low and it puts us in the place of weakness and God in the place of strength, ruling in us with His divine might!!!
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
So many clueless parents today are destroying their own children by filling them with sugary desserts when the child hasn’t even eaten the meat and vegetables. In the same way, false leaders today are spiritually, eternally assassinating their gullible, biblically illiterate audiences by feeding them the cotton candy “best life now” gospel instead of teaching them the cross of the original Gospel of Jesus (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Our LORD Jesus suffered greatly in “the house of mourning.” The divine resurrection followed the mourning, the great suffering of our Savior.
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:3-12
Jesus warns us of the dangers, the eternal danger of soul, associated with “the house of mirth” when He says:
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36
The lifestyle, the sin of over indulgence will always lead to eternal damnation. As is at times used in Scripture, wine in the title of this message merely speaks of celebration, not drunkenness, which is misuse and sin (Psalms 10:15; Proverbs 3:10; Ecclesiastes 9:7; 10:19; John 2; Ephesians 5:18, etc.).
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus is now again reigning as supreme LORD at the right hand of the Father, having accomplished the cross, redemption through His death.
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” Philippians 2:8-9
Based on His earthly sufferings, He is rightly called “the suffering Servant.” (Isaiah 53, etc.) Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and raised again from the dead. He calls us to also suffer the death of self that He might exalt us in His resurrection power, for His glory.
“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2
Suffering is also part of the life of the true disciple, every disciple, namely the suffering of the death of self so that Christ reigns (2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).
Suffering our own death so that Christ is reigning (resurrection), is the Gospel in action in our personal lives. Laying down our lives as Christ raises them up is the Gospel reenacted daily in our lives – death, burial, resurrection.
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Philippians 1:29
When Israel was in rebellion, the LORD warned that He was going to remove the mirth from them …..
“Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.” (Jeremiah 7:34) Jesus is going to judge all men and eternally remove all “mirth”, that is, all joy, bliss, and celebration from the wicked – those who refuse to mourn.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Those who mourn in this life are already experiencing a foretaste of glory divine – comfort from the “God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:2-5).
The counterfeit is characterized by his selfishness. He’s only in it for himself. He could care less about the God he falsely claims to be his savior – because it’s all about him, not the LORD. Therefore he wants no part with repenting, laying down his life in this world, denying self, taking up the cross, and following Jesus. He just wants the crown while refusing the cross. He wants instant gratification and hates waiting and this is why his handlers have to keep pumping him up with false hope – stringing him along, milking his money (2 Peter 2:1-3).
In the divine economy, there is much value in the seasons of suffering.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. … 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:2-4
Serendipity: You really don’t begin to enjoy your life in this world until you lay it down – until you do it God’s way and not your own (Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33). Every true disciple can testify to this – because every true disciple, by biblical definition, has truly repented, has laid down his life in this world and is daily denying self, taking up the cross and following Jesus. And, the result is resurrection grace and joy!
No, in this observation of the great joy that fills the heart of the true saint, I didn’t say or hint of loving this world – but rather in loving the LORD, truly (1 John 2:15). Yet, having a clear conscience and deep inner peace granted by God Himself, is essential to the fulfillment that glorifies Christ (Psalms 23).
Those in Christ will suffer and mourn and weep in this life and yet, in the end
“Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:20
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms 30:5
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
In Christ’s kingdom, there’s the need to “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.” Here’s the passage:
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10
There are death, burials, and resurrections in our lives. There can’t be the resurrection (mirth) till there’s first the death, and burial (the mourning). The following passage from 2 Corinthians 4 gives us the rhythm of the cross life in the divine economy. Pouring prayerfully over these divinely-inspired words is sure to be instrumental in bringing about God’s will in our lives.
“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
Only through the cross lifestyle can the disciple experience practically the riches of Christ.
Let us “taste and see that the LORD is good” as we forego on our own idea of feasting, excessive celebration in the things of this world, and get down low in worshipful humility, allowing God to bring us upward into His lavish chambers of fruitful delight, a foretaste of glory divine!
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalms 34:8
In Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon is in no way saying that celebration is wrong and yet, allowing God to fill our hearts with the joy and occasions of celebration is infinitely sweeter than perpetually avoiding pain and mourning in order to seek out celebration.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11
Throughout Israel’s history, they rebelled and suffered greatly. The celebration of the people of God followed great suffering, as God liberated them. When the LORD set Israel free, releasing them from the bondage of enemy nations, from Babylon, they “were like them that dream”, and instructed by Him to be fruitful to His glory.
Psalm 126
“A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion (set them free), we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
“Turned – Brought the captive Israelites out of Babylon into their own land. Dream – We were so surprised and astonished.” John Wesley
God’s people would later become unthankful, unholy, and overly indulge in “the house of mirth.” They were therefore allowed to be led back into the slavery, under the bondage the enemy.
Those whom Jesus saves are required by Him to “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)
The believer is to live an abiding life with Christ, bearing the fruit that testifies to such (John 15). The Bible is full of warnings concerning falling away (Luke 8:13). If falling away were not possible, no such warnings would exist in Holy Writ.
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape (eternal judgment), if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” Hebrews 2:1-3
On a personal note: In the past, I could never and have never been possessed by the deep satisfaction and fulfillment that now fills my life as I choose to do things GOD’s way, and not my own. The cross is God’s way. Every disciple reading this, who is learning that cross truth, can certainly concur!
“Better is the end (resurrection) of a thing than the beginning thereof (death and burial): and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
Surely the resurrection is better, more pleasurable than the death and burial, the dying, and yet the resurrection cannot occur without the death and burial first happening.
Adam Clarke on Ecclesiastes 7:2:
“It is better to go to the house of mourning – Birthdays were generally kept with great festivity, and to these the wise man most probably refers; but according to his maxim, the miseries of life were so many and so oppressive that the day of a man’s death was to be preferred to the day of his birth. But, in dependently of the allusion, it is much more profitable to visit the house of mourning for the dead than the house of festivity. In the former we find occasion for serious and deeply edifying thoughts and reflections; from the latter we seldom return with one profitable thought or one solid impression.” Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke on Ecclesiastes 7:4:
“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning – A wise man loves those occasions from which he can derive spiritual advantage; and therefore prefers visiting the sick, and sympathizing with those who have suffered privations by death. But the fool – the gay, thoughtless, and giddy – prefers places and times of diversion and amusement. Here he is prevented from seriously considering either himself or his latter end. The grand fault and misfortune of youth.” Adam Clarke
“I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way.
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say
I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And not a word said she;
But oh, the things I learned from her
When sorrow walked with me”
by Robert Browning Hamilton
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:20-26
Beloved of God, may we no longer run from the pain associated with the dying to self. Instead, let us embrace it, for therein in our own demise is the supreme reign of Christ.
Concerning our dying and the resulting heavenly treasure, one writer notes:
“In the cross there’s:
. . . freedom from self comes forth.
. . . new creation comes forth.
. . . new perspective comes forth.
. . . transformation by a renewed mind comes forth.
. . . glory (or “weight of glory”) is realized.
. . . immunity to (or resurrection immunity to) pain is realized.
The only real way to escape pain is to embrace it. It only gets worse when one uses human ways to numb it or escape it, pass it on or put it off on someone else.”
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” Joel 2:12
Sodom and Gomorrah | The Cross Life | Joy Comes After the Mourning
Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Bridegroom is Calling His Bride | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]
Abiding
Either Crucify the Flesh or it will Crucify Christ out of Your Life [podcast]
Fight the temptation or die the death?
Where’s the victory come from?
The Cross – something counterfeits intentionally evade (Philippians 3:18-19). The cross is how we know who is real and who is fake. Refusing to take up the cross means one has denied Christ. This would account for the vast majority of men in ministry today. They are cross-less.
The only people who are truly following Christ are those who are doing it HIS way – and His stated way is the cross, the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24). There is no other way to follow Jesus.
If we don’t crucify the flesh, the evil deeds of the body, the flesh will crucify Christ out of our lives. Pray and read Romans 6 each morning this week.
Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan by dying and not by first rising up (Hebrews 2:14). This is how we also are brought forth into His victory by Him – through our own weakness. Let’s give our ear to hear Christ’s apostle Paul:
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
It’s interesting that the vast majority of pastors today insist that it’s impossible to stop sinning and be delivered – as if Jesus failed, didn’t provide a perfect redemption that dealt with past, present, and future sin and complete victory through it all (1 Corinthians 15:57-58; Titus 2:11-14).
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:31-32, 36
Victory and our place with Christ are contingent upon our continuing in His truth, abiding, remaining in Christ after He saves us (John 15:1-6).
They have no faith in the overcoming grace of Christ but instead treat it like a license to justify their sin, as they pretend to be trusting God by grace and faith… yet they never make the connection that Jesus came to redeem us and establish us with Him in His holiness as we look with joy for His soon return (Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16, etc). | Walking in the Full Victory of Christ!
The cross is surrendering. Don’t try harder, just die deeper!
The reason so many don’t take sin seriously and sit under sin-justifying wolves in sheep’s clothing, is because they do not fear nor take God seriously. Then they attack the true messengers of Christ who are declaring that God is holy and His requirement is non-negotiable: that anyone who will know and be with Him eternally cut off occasion for all sin as Jesus commanded in Mark 9:43-49 KJB. They talk about grace but only in the respect that their sins were initially forgiven, yet never in respect to divine grace being the divine influence and enablement in their daily lives to overcome all that displeases Him – as they worshipfully with great gratitude deny self, take up the cross and follow, abide in Jesus (Titus 2:11-14; Luke 9:23-24; John 15:1-6, etc.).
Death, Burial, Resurrection – You go down and God raises you up, daily. That’s the Gospel re-enacted in your daily life. There’s no other way to walk with, to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24).
“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
Once He shows you this cross revelation it’s over for your sin and Satan! This is the way we “Taste and see that the LORD is good” beloved (Psalms 34:8). The divine economy is a cross economy which cannot be short circuited. There are no shortcuts.
The safest place in His Universe is for us to be “HID with Christ in God.” How does such occur? (Colossians 3:1-4)
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
The more His Word runs rich in your spirit, soul, and mind, the richer, the more cutting and divinely blessed your praying is going to become.
We are crucified with Christ today saints. Christ alone is reigning supreme in us, raising us up out of that death and burial posture. In Jesus’ Name, the “old man” is dead and buried and Christ now lives and reigns in His resurrection power in our lives through us! (See Ephesians 4:22-24.)
Say, pray, memorize Galatians 2:20 beginning right now. Let it be the original Gospel anthem of your life from this day forward.
“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
Becoming prayerfully and steadily saturated in the cross message, concept, and application, is the only thing that brought a consistent victory over sin to this disciple.
In the divine economy, the death and burial guarantees the resurrection!
When we His people are dead and buried, His resurrection power is guaranteed. Nothing could stop the resurrection of Jesus Christ when the stone was rolled away! And nothing can stop the resurrection power of Christ working in His saints as they lay down their lives in this fleeting world!
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25
Must Take a Ruthless Stand
Concerning the necessity of a ruthless perspective toward the flesh via the cross, we must recognize that the flesh is a terrorist which means it cannot be negotiated with.
Yet there must be forged in us a ruthless perspective, toward our perception of the “never-going-to-die” flesh, a veritable terrorist with which you cannot negotiate or give place to. It will not die until forced, therefore the disciple must take a ruthless posture toward it – showing no mercy to the enemy of God! See Romans 6, 8; Galatians 5.
Never ever underestimate the depth of the deceit that is in the fallen human heart, human nature 1 (Corinthians 10:12; Hebrews 3:12-14; Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9).
We must allow no mercy for what God calls sin…the iniquities, the relentless evil within. It must be honestly dealt with, and perhaps we can observe that there are onion-type layers of evil, of deceit that we are buried in from which only God calls us and brings us forth (Proverbs 8:13; Psalms 97:10; Mark 9:43-49).
While Satan and his masquerading ministers seek to diminish the violation and penalty of sin, Jesus exponentially heightens our awareness of sin’s offense against a holy God when He warns us to cut off the hand and pluck out the eye that cause us to offend Him (Mark 9:43-49).
There is nothing in existence more important to stay safe from than HELL. That’s exactly what Jesus Christ taught. Read Mark 9:43-50 in the King James Bible (new versions have butchered that passage).
Rom 7. The cross must be applied with no respect to the evil desires, the sinful dictates of the flesh.
Our outlook toward the flesh should be “kill or be killed.”
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:13
Kill or be killed – picture yourself being put in a room, locked in with just one opponent. Only one of you will be exiting.
A showdown – conquer or be conquered.
Life or death.
Sink or swim.
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Either the cross will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the cross.
“The Cross = The Signature of Jesus.” A disciple
“WHEN THOU WAS LITTLE IN THINE OWN SIGHT”
The LORD removed Saul from his place of kingship due to the pride found in his heart that previously was not there. We must remain humble before our God and the only way this can happen is the daily cross.
“And Samuel said, WHEN THOU WAS LITTLE IN THINE OWN SIGHT, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?” 1 Samuel 15:17
The Bible clearly teaches us that if we do not obey the LORD, He will replace us. We are not irreplaceable and only pride in the heart of a person would convince him of such a lie.
When Esther was called upon by the LORD to go before her husband, the king of Persia, and intercede for the people of God, she was warned that if she chose not to obey God, she’d be replaced and her father’s house destroyed.
“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
Ruthless simply and only applies to the PERSPECTIVE the believer must take toward the terrorist, the flesh.
There can be no concession, no compromise, no negotiating with the flesh. It must die and that only happens as we submit to the LORD.
The flesh will never be reformed, it is inherently evil, and must be crucified.
Those who’ve been saved and aren’t learning the daily cross, the crucified life, will never grow in Christ. The cross life is at the center of the kingdom economy of Christ. There are no shortcuts. Jesus taught that in order to follow Him, we must “deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23-24). Any person whom Jesus has saved and isn’t learning the daily cross, is not truly following Jesus. Listen to the Lamb:
“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
PRAYER: Holy Father, in Jesus’ Name, please do Your deeper work in me. Bless this life You died for to be truly crucified with Christ. Please make me Your authentic disciple. Cut away, circumcise every falsity, fakery, deceitful thing from my heart – everything that defiles me in Your holy eyes. Use me LORD, please. I love You. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Prayer | Manhood | The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast] | The Cross Victory | Sin – Man’s Core Problem
Abiding
“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World” [podcast]
“All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 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.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:8-14
The true remnant of Christ are known in that they are enduring to the end in the midst of iniquity, abounding and preaching the Gospel of Jesus the King to the world.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, admitting I have been living for my own evil glory. I am a sinner. I’ve committed the sin of idolatry, having myself first instead of You. I admit here and now before You that I have been committing the damning sin of spiritual adultery. I have claimed to know You and yet refused to uncompromisingly adhere to Your Word. Here and now, right now if never before, I repent and ask You to forgive my sins and to wash me afresh from my sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ my LORD. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit, my life, right this moment and ask You dear LORD to fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to preach Your glorious message of repentance to those around me so that they can receive the forgiveness of all their sins and walk in the times of refreshing from Your holy presence dear LORD. I love You Jesus. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. In Jesus’ Name amen.
Here are all the ministry’s shorts (60 sec) videos. Feel free to share and subscribe to the ministry YT channel:
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | 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 of God | Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Let Him be Your Fear [podcast] | Why We Need Not Fear Death | Fear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]
Articles
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?
Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.
“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15). IF we don’t believe upon, know, and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship. The hell bound self-righteous pharisees knew God’s Word yet they refused to “COME” to Jesus – to love, honor, and believe upon Him (John 5:39-40).
“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso
—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15
“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14
LOVE is the governing factor:
“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:
- John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
- John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
- Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
- Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
- They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”
Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20
Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!
“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21
“His commandment are not grievous”
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37
“IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).
Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).
1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10
DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.
If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.
One writer notes:
“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”
IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM. MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”
Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6
“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13
Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?
Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).
After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Uphold Jesus (audio)
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Bridegroom is Calling His Bride | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast] | More on the Sabbath of the New Testament – Jesus!
Recovering Biblical Womanhood [podcast]
Either Crucify the Flesh or it will Crucify Christ out of Your Life [podcast]
“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World” [podcast]
Jesus Promised Judas an Eternal Throne in Heaven but He Chose to go to Hell #shorts [video]
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane
Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]
The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]
THE AMERICAN DREAM DELUSION: Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]
Deliverance from Works-Righteousness or Law-Keeping
Mission Mexico Part 47
“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]
How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]
Jesus Washes the Feet of His Own [podcast]
The Mission of the Spirit of Antichrist [podcast]
The Idiocy of Calvinism
Jesus Paid it All [podcast]
“Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]
THE AMERICAN DREAM DELUSION: Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]
Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]
Jacob’s Ladder: What Does it Mean to Us? [podcast]
Was Jesus the “One and Only Son” OR the “Only Begotten Son”? [podcast]
Church History or the Scriptures? [podcast]
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
Apostasy Dialogues
Deliverance from Works-Righteousness or Law-Keeping
The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]
Antichrist or Christ? [podcast]
“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]
How Has Women Leaving Their Homes Hurt Culture?
Recovering Biblical Womanhood [podcast]
Either Crucify the Flesh or it will Crucify Christ out of Your Life [podcast]
“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World” [podcast]
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles3 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy3 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved