WHAT ABOUT JUDAS? [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

The Son of Perdition Exposed

Dear eternal security adherent:

You cannot take one verse or passage and make a conclusion without the whole of Scripture agreeing. Judas was chosen, sent out by Christ to preach Christ’s Gospel, raise the dead, and heal the sick (Matthew 10:1-8), and was promised a throne in Heaven (Matthew 19:28) and died and went to Hell for betraying Jesus (Acts 1:25). He followed Christ and then departed from the Son of God. Jesus says that one can believe and then “fall away” (Luke 8:13). Are you going to call the Son of God a liar? Are you going to tell God He can’t eliminate transgressors from His own kingdom? See Revelation 21:8. Since when do you tell God what to do?

The truth about Judas is a death nail and nightmare to the calvinist and OSAS/eternal security adherent.

If “once saved always saved” is true, then what about Judas?

“That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL, that he might go to his own place (Hell).” Acts 1:25

How did Judas fall away from the LORD? Can we let the One he fell away from answer that important question? “Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL.” (Acts 1:25) Note here that Judas did not fall because he was predestined to fall by some divine pre-selection, but because he made the deliberate and ongoing personal decision to live in sin against a holy God. The idea, as supposed by the Calvinistic mindset, that the Almighty chose Judas to transgress and betray the Son of God is obliterated by numerous Scriptures, including James 1.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

This statement of divine authority clearly and forever establishes that the LORD never leads a person to sin. The LORD may turn the unrepentant transgressor over to be deluded, but that is only after that hardened offender has intentionally lived in contempt against His holiness (2 Thess. 2:10-12). The glorious grace of God, provided through Christ’s costly sacrifice, is not a license for sin. Divine grace is rather the blessing of God for His people to enable them to fellowship with Him and to please Him fully and be fruitful in His holy kingdom. The Savior’s grace is supplied in ample and sufficient supply to those who truly choose to love and serve Him.

First and foremost, Judas was not chosen before time to betray the Son of God, but rather was one of Christ’s twelve, chosen to love and to serve Him. The LORD did not foreordain that Judas would fall but rather He simply foreknew that Judas would fall. Judas was selected to be one of only twelve men Christ would pour His life into (during His 3.5 year ministry on earth) in order to lay the foundation of the New Testament Church. I believe that it is highly offensive to a holy God for any person claiming to be His to indict Christ for purposefully bringing into His ministry a man who was a devil (originally, when chosen). The fact that Jesus “knew from the beginning who…should betray him” in no way alleviates God-given free will. Judas never lost the divinely-given freedom of choice – to choose and to continue to decide whom he would serve.

“But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus KNEW from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.” John 6:64

“Jesus knew…who should betray him.” Such divine foreknowledge does not affect the moral choice He granted to every man to exercise himself for or against the LORD (Rom. 6:16). The cult of calvinism denies the foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:2). Just because God foreknew everything, in no way means He tampers with any one person’s free will (James 1:13-15). Faith is always a choice and a privilege. There are those who believe and those who “believe not.” Believing and rebelling in unbelief is a divinely-granted choice and each brings its own reward from the One who made man with the ability to choose. Those who exercise their faith toward the LORD please Him and those who don’t, displease Him (Romans 1:16-18; Hebrews 3:12-15; 10:34-39; 11:6). In the case of Christ’s original twelve, eleven chose to initially and continually trust Christ through much tribulation and one freely chose to betray Him.

“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” John 6:70-71

Of Judas, Christ told His twelve: “One of you is a devil.” Was Judas a devil because God created him to be a devil or because he “by transgression” fell from grace and became a devil? Nowhere does the Word tell us that Judas was from the beginning a devil but rather that Christ knew from the beginning (in His divine foreknowledge) that Judas would betray Him. Jesus says here that “one of you is a devil.” At the time of this statement, Judas had already betrayed Christ in his heart and was therefore a “devil.” The fact that he was a devil at that point does not mean he was always a devil.

The Almighty “inhabiteth eternity” and therefore knows all – past, present and future (Isaiah 57:15). Such divine foreknowledge (all-knowing) does not affect the free will He granted to every man to exercise either for or against Him.

How could Judas always have been a devil if he was Jesus’ “own familiar friend” and sent forth by Jesus Himself to represent Him in ministry? Satan entered Judas at the end of Christ’s ministry which proves he was not always an agent of the devil or a devil from the beginning but rather that he became Christ’s enemy by his own deliberate choices.

“The betrayal of Jesus by Judas didn’t just happen incidentally or accidentally. Satan had been working on Judas for a long time. By this tragic event recorded in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit wanted all to know what an opportunity this man Judas had thrown away. The OSAS (once saved always saved) false teaching is no different. It did not just happen. Satan sold a lie and many, like Judas, will throw away the greatest opportunity that the Lord had given them (Luke 22:3-4). Judas went his own way and not God’s way.” CB

Let’s peek into the scenario on the very night before our Jesus was crucified and observe how things unfolded:

“Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. THEN entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.” Luke 22:1-6

“THEN entered Satan into Judas” –It was only “then” –after the religious leaders sought to kill Jesus that Satan entered into Judas. This proves that Judas was not always a devil or traitor.

Here’s the same account from the Gospel of John:

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.” John 13:1-2

Judas’ betrayal of the Son of God did not come in an instant. His hardened heart of unbelief was a process (Hebrews 3:12-15). Judas’ backsliding and heart-hardening sin was of his own doing. Like every individual, Judas made decisions in his brief earthly life which had and have eternal consequences. His refusal to believe and obey and continue to experience relationship with Christ, came through hours, days, and months of unbelief which hardened his heart. Such unbelief gave way to the infiltration of Satan (John 6:70-71; 13:2; Hebrews 3:12-15).

“And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.” John 13:2

Please re-read the above verse and ask the essential question who it was that put into Judas’ heart to betray Jesus. Was it God or Satan? Note: “…the DEVIL (not the LORD) having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.”

“God cannot be tempted with evil.” James 1:13

The enemy was able to “put into the heart of Judas…to betray” Christ due to Judas’ choice to live contrary to Him. The same potential remains true for all this side of eternity.

Like every believer in the Son of God, Judas was predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ and to be glorified with Him, yet his free will was never tampered with or removed (Romans 8:29-30). Many of those who have espoused an unbiblical grace do so because they have elevated certain Scriptures above other Scriptures and yet “All (not just some) scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). One of the erroneous beliefs of Calvinism is that it elevates and aggrandizes Romans 8:29 above Romans 8:13. This is the classic reason for the belief of false doctrine – conclusion of a matter without a full investigation and faith in the full-counsel of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17).

“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…For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Romans 8:13, 29-30

God loves all people and has predestined each to be washed in the blood of and conformed to the image of the Son of God and to be glorified with Him eternally. Yet, He leaves that ultimate choice up to the individual. The God who is love has provided sufficient and glorious grace for each to love and obey Him and to overcome. His grace truly is sufficient to those who exercise their faith in Him. Every blessing of the saint was provided through Christ’s one and perfect sacrifice on the cross (1 Corinthians 1:30-31; 2 Corinthians 1:20).

Just because a father desires and leads his son or daughter to become a doctor, does not guarantee that such will happen. The fact that the LORD, who is love, desires for all those created in His image to be with Him eternally, does not guarantee that will be the case (Matthew 7:13-14; 25:41).

“…Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15

The Reason Hell was Created

Those who choose to believe Him and are doers of His Word will be with Him eternally in Heaven (Revelation 2-3). Each individual is the servant of the one he chooses to serve – self or Jesus (Romans 6:15-16). Those who freely choose to betray Christ as Judas did by not loving and serving Him in deed and in truth, will spend eternity with the rest of God’s enemies in a place called hell which will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10-15).

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41

The original divine intent for this horrid place called “hell” was the divine justice of “everlasting punishment” for the devil and his angels (those who depart from the LORD due to their iniquity (Matthew 25:46). The purpose for Hell did not include one precious eternal human soul spending forever there. Yet, because men have free will and some will choose to live contrary to the divine Judge, they must be imprisoned eternally as rebels (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

There are a few different schools of thought in the Calvinistic camp. Some tout the teaching they call “the perseverance of the saints” while others term their belief “once saved always saved.” In each case those who have been taught these doctrines of mere men violate the biblical truth that men have free will and never lose the free will to choose while on earth. Any time one removes the Bible truth that God never forces men to do His will, they inevitably err.

“All Scripture” Must be Considered

“All (not some) scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine…” 2 Timothy 3:16

The one who believes in and teaches a no-responsibility salvation, does not adhere to “All scripture,” but rather isolates a certain verse or two here and there to make his point. This is the way heresy and false doctrine is propagated in the church world. “All Scripture” must be taken in context with the whole of the Word of God in order to apprehend the mind of Christ (2 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 28:10; 1 Corinthians 2:13). Error is inevitable when clear Bible truths are excluded (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29; 1 Corinthians 2:13). “Precept upon precept; line upon line” learning is essential to sound biblical doctrine (Isaiah 28:10).

Judas, a man selected by the very Son of God to hold the highest office in the Church (Apostle), and promised an eternal throne, “by transgression FELL.” See Matthew 19:28. The Bible tells us that Judas was a man who was Christ’s “own familiar friend, in whom I trusted” (Psalm 41:9). Jesus not only chose Judas as one of His twelve, but “trusted” him so much so that He made Judas the treasurer of His ministry. Dare we insinuate that Jesus Christ, the very Righteousness of God, chose a devil or an evil man to be part of His ministry? Judas was originally fit for the ministry and “friend” of Christ’s, before He chose to turn from Christ. Judas Iscariot is now in “his own place (Hell)” because he refused to endure to the end or continue abiding in relationship with Christ. This very disciple of Jesus neglected to cultivate the soil of his heart and chose to live in disobedience to the clearly known will of God. Judas, like all believers, never lost his ability to choose life or death (Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 30:19; Isaiah 1:19-20, etc.).

The life of Judas is a nemesis to those who pervert, twist, and maul the true grace of God revealed in Holy Scripture. The grace corrupters are forced to downplay the apostleship of Judas and his relationship with Jesus in order to make their unconditional eternal security teaching palatable. For this same reason, they must overplay the prophetic fulfillment of the son of perdition (means utter destruction), not acknowledging that such a divine foreknowledge did nothing to remove Judas’ free will. Concerning this, Wayne Jackson writes:

“Another important fact that must be recognized is that foreknowledge does not demand predetermination. God foreknew that Judas, exercising his own free will, would betray his Son. These passages, therefore, reflect Heaven’s foreknowledge, but not a predetermined action over which the betrayer had no control. Even Presbyterian scholar Albert Barnes, in commenting on John 13:18, wrote: ‘It does not mean that Judas was compelled to this course in order that the Scriptures might be fulfilled…’

A further illustration of this principle is seen in the fact that Christ was delivered up to death by the determinate counsel and the ‘foreknowledge’ of God (Acts 2:23), and yet the ones who were involved in the Savior’s crucifixion were held accountable for their evil deed (23b; cf. 36-38).

The frequent rationalization, ‘I can’t help what I do; I was predestined to do it,’ is a false notion, but one that finds ready acceptance in a modern world that seeks to escape from personal responsibility. The Scriptures teach that men will give an account on the day of Judgment for their own conduct (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10) – not for actions thrust upon them by God. The very idea of such is an affront to the Almighty.” (Notes on Luke and John, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1954 Edition, p. 320).

Judas made volitional decisions. The LORD sovereignly created man with free will – the ability to choose the way he will go. Judas made choices to deny Christ and betray the Son of God. There was no divine influence whatsoever upon Judas to make him sin. We know this because “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”

The unchanging, eternal God had nothing to do with Judas turning away from Him and to sin. God is love and God is holy and He leads no man into sin and to imagine such is to lie against the truth (James 3:14). The Almighty told us that He is “…not willing that ANY should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Of God the Word tells us:

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men.” Titus 2:11

Sin Separates – God Is Holy

“That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL, that he might go to his own place (eternal Hell).” Acts 1:25

The wages of sin is still death (separation from the Lord (Romans 6:23). Even before Adam and Eve fell by their own transgression, the angel Lucifer, who apparently held the highest office in Heaven among His angels, was cast down for his sin of pride (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Luke 10:18).

Was Judas without free will? Was he helpless? Was Judas’ sin forced upon him by the foreknowledge of God? Or was it volitional? Did Judas make a choice to betray Christ? Was Judas, as the Calvinist asserts, a pawn of the evil dealings of a wicked deity? What god does the Calvinist serve since he refuses to gain his theology from the one true God who gave us His precious written Word?

“Then Judas, which had betrayed him…Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood…went and hanged himself.” Matthew 27:3-5

Judas chose to sin and therefore fell from grace. Concerning this matter, Wayne Jackson writes:

“Some would suggest that Judas was but a helpless pawn, unable to resist the invasion of Satan into his life. That certainly is not the case, as even Judas himself conceded. He never pled: ‘I could not help myself; Satan made me do it!’ Rather, he confessed: ‘I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood’ (Matthew 27:4). It is a remarkable oddity when modern man, twenty centuries removed from the event, can profess to know more about the situation than the culprit himself!”

SIN SEPARATES – God told His own covenant people: “But YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

Of His own people who had gone back into sin after being brought out of Egypt (type of salvation through Christ), the LORD said: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book” (Exodus 32:33).

Not only is divine grace not a license to sin, New Testament believers are under greater responsibility to live unto the LORD than Old Testament saints were (Hebrews 10:26-29). This is such an elementary truth of Scripture that it boggles this believer’s mind that there would be those who call themselves Christian teachers and theologians who will not teach this truth and give notion that unholy living will enter the gates of His holy Heaven! What treason is this!

Like Lucifer, Judas is a prime example in all of history that the all-knowing God forces no one of His children to continue to serve Him. Judas betrayed Christ and never repented so went to “his own place” – the place justly and divinely reserved for all who turn back from following the LORD and do not return in repentance. In contrast, Peter betrayed Christ and returned and is now in eternal glory where he will forever reign with His LORD and Savior.

Judas kissed the Gate of Heaven, the very Son of God, then turned and marched deliberately into eternal Hell, where he will forever be.

Perhaps Judas expected the Messiah to come the first time as a conquering King. Like many of the Jews, he had misguided expectations, which caused his heart to misfire as the Savior came the first time as the suffering servant and sacrificial Lamb (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Christ will return the second time as the conquering Warrior and “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19) Judas failed to discern the difference between the first and second coming of the Messiah as many in Israel did. This led to unfulfilled expectations. Like all false teaching and believing, this may have had a profound and negative effect on Judas. Jesus came as a suffering Servant the first time but will come as the conquering King the second time.

The LORD is a merciful and loving Savior (Psalm 86:5, 15). Jesus wanted to restore Judas to a right relationship with God. Christ even called Judas His “friend” in the Garden of Gethsemane all the way to the point of being taken to be crucified having been betrayed by the son of perdition (Matthew 26:49-50). Having been betrayed by Judas for a small amount of money, Christ still held out hope of redemption for him, but Judas refused the divinely-extended grace and betrayed Heaven’s King for a small amount of earthly money.

“Now he (Judas) that betrayed him (Jesus) gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore (why) art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” Matthew 26:48-50

Jesus called Judas “Friend” all the way to the end. There is a significant truth here. In this perhaps we see that God’s love will pursue us all the way to Hell if we choose, after knowing Him, to betray Him and refuse to turn back to Him in repentance. Might this indicate that one is not separated from God’s love and the opportunity to repent until he leaves the earth? Romans 8:38-39 is written to those who are truly “sons of God” and are living according to the Holy Spirit and not the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:1, 5; 13-14). It is when one is abiding in the presence of the LORD that he has assurance and is secure in the love of God and not separated from Him who is love.

Matthew 10:1-5 – THE ORIGINAL TWELVE DISCIPLES OF JESUS

All John Calvin’s 5-point TULIP teaching stands or falls on Judas. The Calvinist loses his whole argument if Judas was truly saved as the Bible clearly shows he was.

To those who seek to justify Satan’s “eternal security” . . . “once saved always saved” heresy by saying Judas was never saved, I would ask: “So Jesus, the Son of God, chose out a devil to the highest office in His kingdom as one of His twelve original apostles? Jesus sent a devil to preach His Gospel, to cast out devils, to heal the sick, and raise the dead? Read Matthew 10:1-8. Jesus promised Judas a throne in Heaven but Judas wasn’t His child? See Matthew 19:28.

Jesus promised Judas an eternal throne in Heaven, undeniably (Matthew 19:28).

Let’s look a little deeper into Holy Writ to find out what really happened with this most dastardly character named Judas Iscariot.

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and JUDAS ISCARIOT, who also betrayed him. These TWELVE (not eleven) Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go…” Matthew 10:1-5

**According to the Holy Bible here in this passage found in the Gospel of Matthew, who were the original “twelve disciples” or apostles of the very Son of God elected and chosen and sent forth to represent Him and do His work, spreading His Gospel to the world? Let’s enumerate who these twelve special men of God were whom the infinite and eternal and Almighty God – Jesus Christ of Nazareth – specifically chose to represent Him:

1) Peter

2) Andrew

3) James

4) John

5) Philip

6) Bartholomew

7) Thomas

8) Matthew

9) James

10) Labbaeus

11) Simon

12) Judas Iscariot

These twelve men were elected and answered the call to the highest office of the church – apostleship. Can there remain any doubt whatsoever that according to the historically accurate record and documented account of the life of Jesus Christ that Judas Iscariot was one of His twelve chosen original disciples and that He sent Judas and the other eleven forth to preach His Gospel and do His ministry?

“He (Judas) Was Numbered With Us”

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he (Judas) was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” Acts 1:15-18

Jesus Christ had died and rose again completely propitiating for man’s sins. He had instructed His apostles not to go forth yet but to wait in Jerusalem until they received the fullness of the Holy Ghost which they would need to do His work (Luke 24:49; John 16:7; Acts 1:4-8). This would be the actual birth of the New Testament Church! Here they are, gathered together waiting for the promise of their Savior (Acts 1:4-8). Wow! While the 120 disciples gathered to await the promised Holy Spirit, the apostle Peter stands in the midst and of all things, is Spirit-led to speak of this prophecy found in the Old Testament that Judas would betray the Son of God. He says that such a prophecy “must needs have been fulfilled.” It had to be fulfilled, not because God foreordained and wanted Judas in Hell or because the God of Heaven needed a pawn to use then destroy, but rather because the LORD Almighty cannot lie and knows the end from the beginning (because He alone is all-knowing). He knows all things past, present and future, yet such infinite knowledge does nothing to influence or alter the God-given moral and volitional nature and decision-making process of any individual. Such a notion paints the picture of an evil being, which must be Satan and not God who “is love” (1 John 4:8) To attribute such evil and iniquitous intent to the Almighty is a blasphemous atrocity at best. To claim that He would create any person just for the purpose of exploiting and then damning that person to an eternity of conscious torment, would be completely unbiblical and a wicked accusation to make against the LORD who “cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). Of Him the Word says “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity…” (Habakkuk 1:13). Such is the doctrine of the devil and his agent John Calvin and many today who mislead others to worship at the alter of a false god (2 Timothy 3:13).

Forget John Calvin and any other heretic in church history – What does the Holy Bible say concerning this matter of Judas Iscariot?

Note here in Acts 1 (shown above) that the apostle Peter says that the “Holy Ghost” through king David had hundreds of years before foretold the betrayal of Christ – “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9). This was going to be fulfilled, not because God is ruthless or had it in for Judas – No! But rather because His foreknowledge and understanding is perfect and “infinite” (Psalm 147:5) Now that’s a case for the sovereignty of God and not (the very opposite) that He would create a human being, a man in His own image – Judas or any other person – just to mislead, relegate and damn him to eternal suffering. How erroneous, ludicrous and evil a thought!

Take close notice of verse 17 here in Acts 1 – “He (Judas) was numbered with us (the original twelve), and had obtained part of this ministry.”

Judas:

1) “was numbered with us” – one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

2) “had obtained part of this ministry” – all twelve (not just eleven) were appointed and sent forth by Christ to represent Him and do His ministry work.

Another of the original twelve is speaking here – Peter. Peter was a firsthand eyewitness. He was present with Judas and the other ten when his very ears heard and eyes beheld the Son of God promise an eternal – everlasting throne in Heaven to each of the “twelve” of them, which includes Judas Iscariot – “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones (not 11), judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).

Judas wasn’t kept and Jesus specifically and irrefutably promised him an eternal throne in Heaven – Matthew 19:28. “TWELVE” not eleven~!

At the time of this divinely-given promise, it is more than abundantly clear that Judas was eternally secure, otherwise Christ would have never given this promise to the “twelve” which includes Judas Iscariot (Matthew 19:28). It is only after this that Judas allowed iniquity in his heart and by his own deliberate will fell by his own iniquity (Acts 1:25; Heb. 3:12-15).

If Judas Iscariot, one of Christ’s very twelve, was not unconditionally eternally secure, then why would anyone else be since there is “no respecter of persons with God” (Romans 2:11)? Did Judas not lose out? Yes! It’s too late for Judas but not for us (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Some look at this topic through the heretical glasses of Calvinism which is diabolical. So, they force things, force interpretation based on believing the OSAS/eternal security/perseverance of the saints doctrines of devils.

So, Jesus sent out a devil to preach His Gospel, to heal the sick, to raise the dead, etc.? Read Matthew 10:1-8. Jesus prayed and selected a devil to the highest position in the church and called him an apostle? You going to indict Jesus, bearing false witness against the Son of God?

Now let’s look at Acts 1:18 in this revealing and detailed passage about the apostle Judas –“Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” How did Judas fall from grace after being chosen by Jesus Christ as one of His very twelve original apostles and sent forth to heal sick people, cast out devils and preach His eternal Gospel? The Bible tells us here that Judas “purchased” his own destiny which means he deliberately brought it into his own bosom by his own resolve to reject (after possessing) and live outside of a relationship with the LORD. He simply reaped what he sowed (Galatians 6:7-8). This word “purchase” here is strong and even more clear evidence that Judas made full provision for and utilized his full faculties and expended the energies he was given to do what he did in betraying the Son of God. The wages of sin is still death and Judas reaped spiritual and eternal death (separation from God in Hell) for his sinful betrayal of the Messiah and refusal to turn back to the LORD before it was too late, which he was free to do even to the end.

If someone jumps off a building, was that what was supposed to happen? Was that God’s will? No, it was the will of the one who chose to jump. Judas went to Hell because he rebelled against the only Savior, not because God wanted him there. Judas refused to repent and turn back to the LORD after being given ample opportunity to do such.

We have record that Judas was quite right with God but was in the end left out of the eternal blessing of Heaven. Of the apostle Judas, the Word says – “For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry” (Acts 1:17). This forever settles the issue and silences the critics who argue (without basis) that Judas was never right with the LORD. Judas Iscariot certainly was chosen to the highest office in the Church and as an integral part of the very ministry of the Son of God and yet turned against Him, betraying Him to death for a small sum and forfeiting his place in the eternal kingdom of God after being promised it (Matthew 19:28). Such a clear example alone makes it more than abundantly clear that falling from grace is utterly possible as the remainder of Holy Scripture unmistakably testifies to.

Holy Father please grant our hearts grace to be convicted and repentant that we be never hardened through the deceitfulness of sin! (Hebrews 3:12-15)

Judas’ End

“That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL, that he might go to his own place (eternal Hell).” Acts 1:25

Judas is in Hell. Here’s further proof. Prophetic of Judas betraying the Son of God, Psalms 55 gives us some insight:

“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me (from the outside) that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But it was thou, a man mine equal (insider), my guide, and mine acquaintance (“mine own familiar friend” Ps 41:9). 14 We took sweet counsel together (Matthew 26:23), and walked unto the house of God in company. 15 Let death seize upon them (all betrayers including Judas), and let them go down quick (alive) into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. … 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction (eternal Hell): bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.” Psalms 55:12-15, 23

In the booklet The Eternal Security Teaching, J. L. Stauffer offers these thought-provoking words concerning Judas Iscariot:

“It should be noted that the statements that our Lord made about Judas being a devil, were made toward the close of His ministry. Note some Biblical facts:

1. Christ chose twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot. No intimations are made at the time of choosing the twelve that Judas was not a true believer the same as the others. See Matt. 10; Mark 3; Luke 6. Reference to Judas Iscariot as the traitor is made by several writers of Scripture, long years after the incident of his death to distinguish him from the other Judas. It is a mark of identification and in itself throws no light upon the character of Judas Iscariot when he was chosen by our Lord. We have a similar designation regarding ‘Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin,’ which throws no light upon Jeroboam’s character at the time the prophet Ahijah brought him the message from the Lord. (I Kings 11:26:40.)

2. If Judas was a ‘devil’ from the beginning as some claim, then you have the startling fact to face that our Lord chose a devil as an apostle.

3. Our Lord foreknew who should betray Him from the beginning, but Judas had the same teaching, call, environment, and opportunity to make good as did the others. Divine foreknowledge does not interfere with the free will God gave every man.

4. If Judas was a devil from the beginning, then such terms as were prophesied of him are hard to reconcile with the other teachings and principles of the Master. ‘Yea, mine own familiar friend in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me’ (Psa. 41:9). Would Jesus, knowing Judas was a devil, trust in him or call him His ‘own familiar friend?’ A ‘devil’ is an adversary and enemy; but if, as some eternal security teachers think, Psalm 55 is a prophetic Messianic psalm of which Ahithophel turning traitor to David was a type of Judas turning against the Lord, then we have a second witness from the Psalms that ‘it was not an enemy that reproached me.’ It was ‘a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company’ (Psa. 55:13-14). Certainly this language does not describe one who was a devil from the beginning, as eternal security teachers affirm.

5. If Judas was a devil, while the other eleven were ordinary men, then you have another contradiction; viz., Satan casting out Satan, because the apostles (Judas included) were sent out two by two to heal the sick, cast out devils, and preach the Gospel. There is no intimation in the Gospel records that Judas was a misfit on this missionary journey. Other emissaries of Satan, when they tried to cast out a demon by the use of the name of Jesus, were not at all successful. (See Acts 19:13-17.) Christ made it clear that Satan does not cast out demons. See Matt. 12:25-26; Luke 11:15-18.

6. It was not until at the last feast that the devil entered into Judas, although Christ towards the close of His Galilean ministry (John 6:70-71) announced that one of the twelve would betray Him. Christ was omniscient and knew all events that would be connected with His life here on earth. Covetousness, greed, love of money, were doubtless the besetting sins of Judas and despite the warnings of our Lord against covetousness and ‘the deceitfulness of riches,’ these sins got the upper hand of Judas and he finally went to the chief priests, and of his own free will bargained about the sale of our Lord for silver.

7. John 17 does not say that Christ only received eleven apostles from the Father. He chose twelve at the beginning of His ministry that they might be with Him, and Christ was unable to keep one. Not because of a lack of power on Christ’s part, but because Judas was unwilling and this limited Christ’s keeping power. ‘Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them (that thou gavest me) is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled.’ The literal Greek of part of John 17:12 is ‘and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition that the Scripture might be fulfilled.’ This implies that Judas was once saved with the rest, but not fulfilling the conditions for Christ’s keeping perished spiritually. The Scriptures prophesied that there should be a betrayer and God foreknew that Judas would be he, but God did not foreordain Judas to be the betrayer of his Lord. If Judas, against his own will, was foreordained to be the betrayer, then the one who foreordained Judas would be responsible because Judas could not have helped it.

8. Last, ‘Judas by transgression fell’ (Acts 1:16, 17, 25). Judas was a man into whom Satan entered. He was no demon incarnate. If there were no erroneous doctrine to defend, the various references about Judas Iscariot would present no difficulty at all to the eternal security teachers. The Judas episode would be simply a clear case of apostasy from the truth.”

11 Kept – 1 Lost

“That he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him…While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition…” John 17:2, 12

The Father gave eternal life to the twelve whom He had given to Christ. Jesus kept them and they were safe except one who chose not to be kept. The fact that twelve were given Him of the Father and only eleven made it to Heaven is telling.

It is abundantly clear in Scripture that Judas was given to Jesus by the Father (as one of His very own) and then lost due to his own decision to sin in his heart and betray the Son of God (Acts 1:25). Jesus said He kept all except one – Judas. The fact that Judas was one of His and yet was not kept tells us that the LORD doesn’t keep everyone who is at one point His own child. Judas was the LORD’s “friend” (Psalm 41:9) We are “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Man has his God-given personal responsibility to continue in faith in order to be “kept” by Him.

Saint of the LORD, a study of the life of Judas is a lesson for each of us. We are all predestined to be conformed to Christ’s image and to be with Him eternally and do His work, but the LORD leaves it up to the individual as to whom he will choose to serve (Joshua 24:15). Such will determine the eternal destination of each person.

Calvinist Nightmare: The Judas Dilemma | The Very First Apostate | The Truth About Predestination and Sealing

FEEDBACK:

Of Judas and calvinists, Robert Cox writes:

“I want to put this to rest then I’ll be quiet about it bc some of you have been taught wrong and you’ll fight the truth to death. Yes, Judas was saved at one time. Jesus picked him. He performed miracles alongside of the other disciples. He was trusted enough to be the treasurer. Satan entered him at the last supper. He was not predestined to do what he did but God had foreknowledge that he would. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. That’s the example. Not some sinner out in the world that disavows Him.

And one last thing…..Judas could have repented. Peter did and was restored. Judas chose to take his life. He wasn’t sorry that he betrayed Jesus. He was sorry that his plan didn’t work. He felt shame and guilt but he didn’t turn to the only one that can forgive us for that. Feeling sorrow is not the same as being under conviction.

And I ain’t arguing this bc it’s clearly biblical for anyone that wants to see. The rest of you keep believing what you’ve always believed. I ain’t talking to you anyway. Stiff necked people.”

Message Received:

Judas never did repent. His heart was pure evil and this why Satan entered in him.

Reply:

Hi. Well Judas was definitely right with God. He had to be. Jesus would not have otherwise chosen him to the highest office ever in the church and sent him forth to represent Him – to preach and to do His works (Matthew 10:1-8) Yet Judas allowed his heart to be darkened through “the deceitfulness of sin” and so he eventually had “an evil heart of unbelief.” (See Hebrews 3:6, 12-14) It was only then that Satan could enter him. This is the biblical explanation from a full-counsel perspective. The idolatrous calvinist HAS – must of necessity – to scapegoat Judas in order to make his deceitful doctrinal wares fit and palatable.

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Of this post, Nate M. wrote: “This was an awesome study. I am glad I read this because it is such an amazing refutation of calvinism and osas. This just makes it so clear. Great job. I hope many people who are in bondage to the doctrines of calvinism and osas read this and repent of their false doctrine. I pray that they may be set free from the snare of the devil.”

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“Cup Runneth Over” Heavenly Evangelism [podcast]

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you RICHLY (abundantly) in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

WHEN our LORD’s Word is running rich in your spirit via daily deposits, it’s going to overflow from your life—a crucified life that’s truly anointed, filled with His Holy Ghost and Word, a “vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

Beloved of God, we don’t even have to try in our flesh to do ministry.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; MY CUP RUNNETH OVER.” Psalms 23:5

When we are so full and overflowing with His grace and glory via fellowship with our Savior, it’s going to pour out of our lives and it’s going to be flowing from Him—“a pure river of water of life.”

WHEN we are full of Jesus, we’re going to exude and to speak Jesus. His love is going to overflow onto others (Psalms 23:5)!

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1

As we drink from His heavenly water daily, He’s going to guide our steps—right into divine appointments He alone could have orchestrated!

“Mark 16:15-16. This is a call to action. To step beyond our comfort levels. Not hide in the apostate churches but to go out into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Key word is go!” Karen Cochran

Yes, and one doesn’t even need to schedule special times. If we are seeking God, as His very temples, our lives are brimming over with His power, grace, and love! It WILL happen.

“A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” Jeremiah 17:12

As the divine virtue of Jesus Christ flows into His children …. it’s then Him living in and through them.

“If we intimately know Jesus we share him through our daily lives, our conduct, and by the words of our mouth through proclaiming His Word. If we only know of Jesus, we usually point people to a church in hopes that this will absolve us of our sin of unbelief. The latter: if we remain in this state, it will result in hearing the most fearful words of all, ‘Depart from me, I know not whence you are’ (Luke 13:27). Be the church! Be the living Gospel and not the withered branches of dead religion. ‘Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually’ (1 Chronicles 16:11).” Jon Crane

“The Lukewarm Christian vs the Christian of whom Jesus is their first love: The Lukewarm only care about self. That’s why they don’t share the Gospel. They are in churches that tell them how great they are and tickle their ears. They refuse to lay down their lives and follow Christ who said, ‘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).” Karen Cochran

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Acts 17:28

Recently someone wrote the following:

“The average professing Christian attending church sings over 500 songs and hymns, listens to over 200 ‘Bible’ messages every year and does not share the Gospel with even 1 person.”

“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9

IF my life didn’t have enough of Jesus in it to obediently spill over onto others, I’d be deeply concerned for my eternal soul. The vessels, the lamps of the Heaven-ready wife virgins are filled daily by personal communion with Christ and the Father—His Word and prayer, praise, and fellowship (Matthew 25:1-13).

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” Psalms 107:2

Is Jesus Your “First Love” Today?

“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 the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

If you are not on fire for Jesus today, all you have so far is dead religion.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. … 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:6, 16

The light of Jesus in you is going to shine brighter and brighter through your life as you hunger and thirst for more of Him, crying out with John the Baptist – “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

As long as you are putting logs on the fire, you are going to burn bright for Jesus!

When you cease putting logs on the fire, when you slack at stacking logs on that love fire for and with Jesus, your light is going to dim.

“They shall be filled” – JESUS fills no one who chooses not to hunger and thirst after more of Him (Matthew 5:6).

ALL not hungering and thirsting for more of Jesus have rejected His Lordship in their personal lives.

“There is a glow and a spiritual fragrance about the life of a person who is Spirit filled that is unlike anything found in natural man. The beauty of divine holiness ought to be radiated from all Christians. It is always seen in the lives of those who are truly controlled by the Spirit.” G. Christian Weiss, Insights into Bible Times and Customs

To overflow with the love, the joy of Jesus, you must first be filled with Him, His holy presence – and that’s only given to those who are hungering and thirsting after Him (Psalms 23:5).

May the LORD, as we make Him our Shepherd, cause His river, the bless-ed oil of His holy presence, run over, overflow from our lives onto the lives of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You in repentance—for all my sins, including foolishly attempting to do things my way instead of Yours. In this I have committed the sins of idolatry, unbelief, pride, and rebellion. Please wash me clean in Thy precious blood dear LORD Jesus. Now, please begin Your deep work of cleansing this vessel of every stitch and tainting that defiles me in Your holy eyes. Here and now I submit my spirit, this whole being into Your holy hands and care dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. I am all Yours my dear LORD Jesus.

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Jesus’ Counsel to the Lukewarm [podcast]

Laodicea: How Jesus Instructs the Backslidden to be Restored

Jesus’ Letter to the Church at Laodicea

“And unto the angel of the church of the 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 cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The cross, the crucified life is the cure to the curse of sin—sin dominating our lives.

Romans 6

Inflation is part of the judgment of God upon a wicked people, nation. We see such in Sodom and in Laodicea (Ezekiel 16:49-59; Romans 1; Revelaton 3:14-22).

“It appears that in this scarcity each might be able to obtain a bare subsistence by his daily labor; but a man could not, in such cases, provide for a family.” Adam Clarke

Your money doesn’t go far….. inflation

“Revelation 6 describes the opening of the first six seals, which represent God’s judgment, often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The third seal, broken by a “black horse,” is interpreted to show hyper-inflation and famine, where a day’s wage (a denarius) buys only a quart of wheat. The judgment includes a command to preserve the oil and wine, which some interpret as luxury goods, while essential food becomes scarce and expensive.”

“6:5, 6 In obedience to the third living creature, a rider holding a set of scales came forth on a black horse. This represents famine, which often follows war. A voice in the middle of the four living creatures announced that wheat and barley were being sold at prohibitive prices. The scales were used to weigh the rationed grain and were thus a symbol of famine. The expression do not harm the oil and the wine is difficult. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life. It seems more likely, however, that the luxury items of the rich are contemplated here: historically, even in famine the rich can get some luxuries.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

The only thing needed to go to hell is to not be on fire for Jesus—to be “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:15-16).

Jesus instructed the Laodicean church… to obtain, to “buy of me….

“3:18 The people were counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa_55:1) but received as a gift through faith in the Lord Jesus. Or it may mean genuine faith, which when tested in the fire, results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1Pe_1:7).

Also the people were counseled to buy white garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking, textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee – O fallen and deceived soul, hear Jesus! Thy case is not hopeless. Buy of me.
Gold tried in the fire – Come and receive from me, without money and without price, faith that shall stand in every trial: so gold tried in the fire is here understood. But it may mean pure and undefiled religion, or that grace or Divine influence which produces it, which is more valuable to the soul than the purest gold to the body. They had before imaginary riches; this alone can make them truly rich.
White raiment – Holiness of heart and life.
Anoint thine eyes – Pray for, that ye may receive, the enlightening influences of my Spirit, that ye may be convinced of your true state, and see where your help lies.” Adam Clarke

Warning

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

Coming forth as Purified Gold

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

To “come forth as gold” refers to the finished product, where gold has been purified of all its impurities.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7

“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” Proverbs 17:3

Idolatry is Sin

Putting, having anything or anyone before Christ in our lives is the soul damning sin of idolatry. Such a person has rejected Christ for something, anything else.

One such idol, one such cause today is patriotism for one’s earthly country. See Hebrews 11:14-16.

SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? See Luke 2:49. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5).

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please grant to my heart Your gift of repentance and the deep desire to have Your righteousness, to not be deceived by sin, Satan, or counterfeits and false teachers. Please forgive all my sins afresh, here and now by Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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What were the Real and Root Sins of Sodom? Explosive! DO YOU KNOW WHAT SINS THE BIBLE CITES OF THE PEOPLE OF SODOM WHICH CAUSED DIVINE JUDGMENT TO FALL ON THEM? THIS LIST OF SINS MIGHT SHOCK YOU. EXPOSING THE GATEWAY SINS TO SODOM’S DESTRUCTION Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. According to Romans 1 it seems that sexual deviance, namely homosexuality, is the sin, the final manifestation of evil before destruction transpires. The LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this sin and others and will or is destroying America […]

The Father's Business [podcast]

See the BECAUSE YOU CARE page for live action evangelism pics etc. “The church is not a business. It’s a body. But when that body becomes a business, it’s prostitution.” unknown The only reason I’d not be about the “Father’s business” would be due to being about my own business – a self-serving rebel (Luke 2:49; 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; 19:27). You can know if you are ready for the return of Christ by whether or not you’re calling others to come to Him in light of His soon return. Revelation chapter 22 verse 17. The Great Commission May our LORD […]

Abiding

“You Who are Troubled Rest with Us” [podcast]

Many instill fear in Christ’s saints concerning these last days. Paul says: “You Who are Troubled Rest with Us”

“Rest with us” because Justice is Coming

2 Thessalonians 1:3-10

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

The Judgment at Christ’s Coming

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Divine “vengeance” is coming “vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (v8)

Remember, while He instructed us not “avenge,” He also promised that “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19

We shall rejoice to see the LORD retribution come upon the wicked.

“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 that a man shall say, 11 1 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.” Psalms 58:10-11

The Happenings just before Christ’s Soon Return

Luke 21:25-28

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28

Being Prepared for His Return

Luke 21:34-36

“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

Walking unwavering with and suffering with Christ and His body now – as we look forward to being with Him!

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

The LORD knows all before it happens and He’s not surprised of anything. God is going to use all these things to conform His people to Christ. Remember, all things are not good but God takes them and uses them to conform us to Christ, to be “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29

This truth has never been so relevant saints of Christ and the signs of the season of His return are at hand. He’s coming for you precious one!!!! Rescue mission!!! The Return of Heaven’s KING

May God allow us to preach in such a way as to cause His people to begin to be homesick for Heaven to be with Him.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

I wonder how full our hearts will be as we become nourished up in His Word concerning Heaven. Will our hearts not burst forth and be filled with excitement, overflowing with joy like before we go on a vacation, the anticipation filling our hearts as we eagerly await being with our glorious Savior and Father? Read John 14:1-6 and Revelation 21.

Calling on the name above all names today. He’s the Maker and Controller of His whole universe and He’s coming back soon to retake control of it all – to decisively, violently put down all of His enemies both demonic and human (Colossians 1:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16).

No matter what’s going on – good or bad – WE KNOW that the song is true …. that our “God is so good, God is soooo gooood, God is so good, He’s so good to me…..” … There’s NO way to sing this simple song of praise and not get happy in Jesus! Impossible.

Our LORD Jesus is coming to establish His perfect Government on His earth. Stand by. Occupy. Rejoice. Look up. “Your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28).

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: 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. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

We can be sure that mankind is fallen and cannot solve his own problem – which is sin against His Maker. Only the Prince of Peace, our LORD Jesus, can do so…. and He will (Isaiah 9:6-7).

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

He is going to crush His enemies under His feet (Romans 16:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16; 1 Corinthians 15:25, 27).

PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, please break me, cause me to be truly poor in spirit with a humble, contrite heart of flesh. Please grant a deep compassion in me dear LORD Jesus as You conform me to Your holy image in the crucified life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"Seven Women shall take hold of One Man" [podcast]

Two Types of Believers – the mere professor and the possessor. God created us and sent His only begotten Son that we might know Him. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 THE POSSESSORS “In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.” Isaiah 4:2 The LORD Jesus is “the branch … beautiful and glorious” shall He be and shall be His […]

"To Wait for His Son from Heaven" [podcast]

Waiting for His Son from Heaven “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 I […]

2 Thessalonians Narrated [podcast]

Chapter 1 Greeting 1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that […]