WHAT Happened to the Cross?

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]

Going to Church – Never Hearing Christ’s Cross Message

Beloved, where O where is the message of the cross that Christ and His holy apostles taught as an essential component of the original Gospel?

The offense of the cross is gone, vanquished from the midst of that which claims to be Christ’s church. Instead of “holding forth the word of life,” and “striving together for the faith of the gospel,” self-serving moral cowards have replaced the message of the cross with entertainment and ear-tickling messages that pander to the selfish, sinful, and base nature of unregenerate men (2 Timothy 4:2-4). The message of Christ’s propitiatory cross (where His redeeming blood was shed) is absent from most messages and local churches. These “enemies of the cross of Christ” have also denied Him in refusing to peach the daily cross He commanded must be taken up if one will truly know and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24; John 12:24-25; Philippians 3:18-19).

The daily cross Jesus taught, the crucified life, is a non-negotiable and essential component and command of the original Gospel.

These essential and core Gospel doctrines have been replaced with messages about how to become financially rich, how to cope, how to be a better husband or wife, better parenting, how to be happy in this fleeting life, etc. (Philippians 2:16). The message we see today, that has replaced the Gospel of Christ’s cross, was long ago foretold (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-7). This soul damning message is all about self and serving the god of self and sacrificing Christ on the altar of that which pleases self. But the LORD’s apostle Paul spoke of much different things to the body of Christ as we abide in Christ in this brief journey on earth (Hebrews 13:14). Paul speaks to us about standing fast in the unity of the Spirit and the faith – in the original Gospel – and enduring persecution and suffering.

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” Philippians 1:27-30

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“What a shocker to learn there is no good thing in me! But I was always seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus. I just didn’t understand dying to self was how I would find that relationship I was seeking. I am grateful to Him for showing me your ministry and for showing me what a wretched person I am. If I didn’t truly see the truth of my heart I would not have a deeper and richer relationship with Jesus. I desire that more than anything in my life! More of Jesus and less of me!” Karen

REPLY:

Definitely sister….. and oh what a relief it is when we can just be shown, admit, and realize that we are nothing and He is our everything! Whew! Then we begin to cease trying to be something we are not and allow Him to be our righteousness, our life, our peace, the One who resurrects us up out of that death and burial posture right boom.

Regrettably, many are indoctrinated to believe that going to their “church” equals fellowship. But honest Bible students know that the cross message, central, inseparable from the original Gospel, is nearly if ever taught or even mentioned in the vast majority of apostate local churches. Such was foretold (2 Timothy 3:1-7, 13; 4:2-4, etc.).

After church goers boast about their “church” or “pastor,” I usually ask them if they can explain and are they walking in the daily cross, the crucified life. Silence. Then I ask them how many Scriptures they are learning, memorizing from the King James Bible. “Are you anointed and overflowing with the Holy Ghost?” Dead silence. The simple fact that they are not being equipped but rather exploited is clear proof of epidemic apostasy in that which calls itself the “church.”

Many go to church, few go to Christ and obey Him by going to the cross with Him (Romans 6; Galatians 2:20). Therefore, in the end, so very many go to hell instead of Heaven – all while being convinced they are saved. Read the future scene in Matthew 7:21-23 and 25:40-46. “Depart from me” is coming. | Will You Hear “Well Done” or “Depart from Me”? [podcast]

God never told you to “go to church” but rather commanded that you repent and go to the cross – to deny yourself daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23-24).

Most will go to a “church” and become part of that social club but “few” will go to the cross – live the crucified – life (Matthew 7:13-14). And there you have the Heaven bound remnant which Jesus says will be “few.”

The prophet Isaiah described the “remnant” as those in Christ’s cross…. taking root downward (death and burial) and bearing fruit upward (resurrection)!

Isaiah 37:31
“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:”

Perhaps “escaped of the house of Judah” speaks of escaping Babylon, escaping the false church, the “many false prophets,” the mere false prophets and false professors – as in “Come out of her my people…” (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; Revelation 18:4 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).

“I would rather go to the cross of Christ where Jesus is than go to church where you wonder where Jesus is.” Karen Cochran

Anyone not learning the cross – to be “crucified with Christ” – has fallen away, is in darkness, is being misled.

Jesus did not come and die to forgive our sins so that we could go back and live in them. He died to “taketh away the sins of the world” (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29), to separate us to Himself and away from, free from living in sin. Prayerfully read Romans 6 each morning this week.

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

And in the ensuing verses, the Holy Spirit in Paul reveals that it’s the crucified life – to be dead and buried with Christ – that ensures God’s victory over all sin!

Jesus did not die to give His people a license for sin. Such is the teaching of “ungodly men” who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).

YOU and I can’t win with God unless we do it HIS way beloved. Die. Now (Colossians 3:3). Depart from the frauds who have refused to preach the cross – the crucified life. And ask God to forgive you for patronizing, for bidding Godspeed to those “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:3, 18-19; 2 John 10-11). You are guilty of funding the enemies of Christ. Grave sin.

Sometimes we just have to camp out in Psalm 51, crying out to the LORD till He delivers us (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1-3). You MUST “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7). Never back off, never cower. Just die, lay down your life – death and burial – and Christ will raise you up in His victory (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

WHERE O WHERE is the cross in the modern church? WHERE? It’s up to you and me to preach it saints!

You cannot claim to be “led by the Spirit” and not live and preach the cross!

IF you’re not doing your life God’s way – the cross, the crucified life – you will not make it. Either die the death or get ready to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire with all other rebels. You are of the pitifully foolish priesthood of Cain, of Saul, of Judas, and every other betrayer of the Son of God. Repent now. Lay down your life and follow Jesus. Or perish.

“The love of many” is waxing cold already due to iniquity abounding (Matthew 24:10-13). And things haven’t even gotten started in this sprint to the finish, in this wrapping up of all things, and we already have people falling out, falling away. And it’s because they’ve been doing their own thing and not God’s – which is the cross, the crucified life. These are the patronizers of the “MANY false prophets” Jesus warned us about (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 1 John 4:1, etc.).

“The Mind of Christ” is the Cross of Christ! Read Philippians 2.

It’s one thing to speak of the biblical reality, the absolute necessity of personal holiness, and yet we must give our hearers the divine solution which is Christ, the cross!

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that THROUGH DEATH he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” Hebrews 2:14

There is no conquering without dying! Jesus conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave by dying. It was only then that the Father raised the Son of God from the dead! No grave could hold Christ from being raised and no man or devil or power can hold down the dead and buried disciple from being gloriously resurrected in and by the power of God!

“The enemy thought that the cross would bring death to Jesus and God’s kingdom. But, it was actually the power of God to destroy his (Satan’s) kingdom and set the prisoners free in Christ. Hallelujah! The cross is the gospel working in the lives of the redeemed! Rom. 1:16” Jon Crane

“Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:8

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4

God will not raise up anyone who is not dead and buried with Christ (Romans 6).

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11

Holiness is not manufactured, is not achieved in the flesh, by the self-will of mere men. No. Holiness is the very nature of the LORD and is the work of God in the life of the yielded, the crucified saint (Isaiah 6:3; Romans 6-8; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

YOU don’t press into the presence of God because HE controls that, not YOU. You DO press into the cross – the death and burial of the self-life – and He reciprocally raises you upward. Now is the hour to cry with our beloved brother John the Baptist – “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Please do it Jesus! “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

“It seems the more you get of Jesus the more you want … And the less you want of yourself.” Karen Cochran

There’s only one way to be “Hid” safely from the firestorms of this life – the firestorms of strife, hatred, persecution, affliction, lack, etc.

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Until we die, door nail dead – in other words, die and be buried, stay dead, stay buried – we shall continue to take on and be harshly affected by the fiery darts of the enemy coming at us from all about us.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 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 4:7-12

Holiness is NOT the way to Jesus.
Jesus is the way to holiness!

Pharisee preachers work from the outside in (Matthew 23).
God works from the inside out! (Colossians 1:27)

No one can be holy to the LORD until they are raised up into that holiness out of death and burial (John 12:23-25; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

^“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.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-11

“Downward mobility is the way of the Cross. Whatever brings you down is progress. Dying and rising with Christ.” Hilario Guerra

A popular praise song says things like “There’s an army rising up.” Yet, we must make sure that “rising up” is preceded by a going down deep into the death of Christ – the cross, the crucified life. Thereafter shall be resident in us the resurrection life, glory, and power of GOD and not our own futile, fleshly, self-will.

Only after the fact that Jesus saves us – as only He can do…. we “work out” not work for our salvation He granted us with fear and trembling.

“…work out (not for) your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

Holiness is essential and holiness come from God into His submitted saints (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16). God is “Holy, holy, holy” and holiness in us is His work that is wrought, it’s brought about through our submission to Him, to His cross message where we are dead and buried and raised up by Christ into that holiness (Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.).

The contrasting Outward and Inward – the counterfeits and the authentic disciples of Jesus – who trust HIM, not self.

“Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the OUTSIDE of the cup and of the platter, but WITHIN they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is WITHIN the cup and platter, that the OUTSIDE of them may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful OUTWARD, but are WITHIN full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also OUTWARDLY appear righteous unto men, but WITHIN ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” Matthew 23:24-28

Done Deal! Settled Reality!

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

IF you’ve been taught that submitting to God is anything but dying to yourself, being crucified with Christ, you’ve been misled.

Satan hates the cross that defeated him on Calvary. He wants to prevent you from experiencing the victory of Christ – the victory Jesus died and rose again to give you (1 Corinthians 15:57). This is why he has conquered the vast majority of “Christian” leaders today. You will know who the fake ones are by the fact that they do not directly and continually put the cross that Christ mandated in your face! As if that wasn’t clear enough, let me say it another way: If the preacher(s) you listen to aren’t calling you to die the death, on the authority of Christ’s Word, such a man is 100% a fraud.

There can be no resurrection until there is a death and burial. The divine economy is a cross economy. Die or lose all. Die and be buried and win all. The only way up is down in Christ’s kingdom. Are you doing it HIS way? If it’s not death to self via the daily cross life, you are doing your own way, you are walking the way of Cain, Saul, Judas, etc.

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

Doing life your own way – or any other way – than the cross, the crucified life, makes you a liar, a rebel. God has not changed, nor will He.

This is even more reason to realize that there is no shortcut to the crucified life – daily. Let us cease looking for an alternative. There is none. Get down low, today. Confess your sins to the Almighty, asking for His anointing on your life to be dead and buried so that Christ is reigning! Boom. Devil going down hard! Do it.

Satan is only defeated by the cross! Christ did it and ordained that you enforce that defeat of sin and Satan in your own life! He set the example! Christ conquered death by dying – which was essential for Him to be raised again in absolute victory of sin, death, hell, and the grave (Hebrews 2:14-15; Colossians 2:14-19)!

“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

We do “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians:2:4-6

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

He Purchased You with His Own Blood!

YOU are now Christ’s new creature and YOUR life is over concerning being relegated to the dictates of flesh, and so is all the misery, the shame, the guilt, heartaches, and the dismal darkness your sin brought upon you (Romans 6:23). It’s time to celebrate! You are a child of the KING! And He’s coming to get you – to bring you to His forever paradise called the New Jerusalem. Check it out in Revelation 21. You must stay the course. You must do things HIS stated way heretofore! This is how you “endure to the end” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13).

You serve a new Master – the Savior and no longer self. And in doing so, you deny the self-life daily, take up the cross that frees you, and walk with Heaven’s conquering KING of all kings.

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

If you are truly born again, please be exhorted to repent afresh and begin obeying the Word of God instead of worshipping at the altar of self. The cross – crucified life – is the only way we can be separate from the flesh and world and savor the things of God, not men, not self! (See Galatians 6:14.)

“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Matthew 16:23

The biblical definition for enduring to the end is to live the crucified life now till you are with Christ.

“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

PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to die on that cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world. Let my heart never ever forget, never cease to weep for the price that my LORD Jesus paid to purchase myself and Your body back to Yourself! Please begin a fresh, a deeper work in me right now LORD. Father, break me! Let my life be poured out for Your glory dear LORD Jesus. I love You Jesus. Please fill me afresh with Your Holy Ghost and use me to spread Your glorious Gospel. We know You are coming soon! Unite our hearts to fear Thy name LORD. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

No Cross, No Growth

The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast]

Will You Hear “Well Done” or “Depart from Me”? [podcast]

Apostasy

Jesus Answered Questions with Questions [podcast]

“AVOID FOOLISH QUESTIONS”

Could it be that one way to “avoid foolish questions” is to ask questions when questioned?

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition REJECT; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11

One of the best ways to “avoid foolish questions” is to answer them with questions. Read that again.

All questions that come to us are not evil and yet, as we see with Jesus’ religious enemies, some questions do come from evil hearts with ungodly motives.

“For we are not as many, which corrupt (twist, adulterate) the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

Jesus used the art of asking questions and so should you. This will revolutionize the way you interact with others, if done correctly. And, this should never be used from a heart that is not pure in the eyes of God. The disciple must beware of the evil that lurks within his own heart (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18, 24, etc.).

“Asking questions was central to Jesus’ life and teachings.”

Jesus used this method of answering questions with questions in order to shift the burden of proof, expose the motives of his critics, and force his listeners to think deeply.

One commentator notes:

“How many times did Jesus ask questions?

In the Gospels Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers three. Asking questions was central to Jesus‘ life and teachings.”

The Big Question is … What’s behind the question?

WHERE is the questioner seeking to lead this conversation?

We should pray for discernment to know whether there is evil intent or the noble desire for answers behind the questions asked of us.

Questioners with evil hearts ask questions in order to get themselves off the hook or deny what the Bible plainly states. This some do to distance themselves from the conviction of conscience the truth is causing them. And if you buy the package, if you take the bait, they will suck you in and devour you.

Beware of the enemy’s tactics.

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (schemes, tactics).” 2 Corinthians 2:11

“Jesus frequently asked the Pharisees questions. He challenged them. Most of the time He answered questions with questions! He called them out! Which angered them greatly. Jesus was skilled in the art of asking questions! I could learn much from a study of questions Jesus asked.” Karen Cochran

ALWAYS GIVE GOD’S ANSWER AND NO OTHER (1 Peter 3:15): Beware that when God’s Word is spoken, those who love darkness rather than light, those who are unrepentant will divert from the Word by asking you questions off of the WORD itself in order to divert the conviction from their unrepentant hearts (John 3:19-21). STAY with the Word – whether they like it or not (Isaiah 55:11). You owe no man an answer other than to give them what God says – what the LORD stated in His unchanging Word (Mark 13:31). Jesus tells us that such men as will not hear His Word, are “NOT of God.” And, that if they were “OF GOD” they’d be humbly, astutely looking for and hearing HIS Word (John 8:47). Memorizing the words of Jesus recorded in John 8:47 will put your discernment miles ahead. I underlined the key words:

“He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are NOT OF GOD.” John 8:47

When you give rebels the answer of GOD from HIS WORD, they will attack you – the mere messenger. They are not there to learn. They’ve made up their minds and are sticking with their rebellion. Always remember, their issue is with the LORD and not with you.

You see, unrepentant men do not like the answer God gives to their questions. They are looking only to justify sin, not repent and confess it as the LORD requires. So their questions are aimed at finding a way to justify their sin – to justify their refusal to truly repent, lay down their lives in this fleeting world, and follow Jesus for real. That’s the crux of the matter.

Isn’t that exactly what the pharisees (false teachers/religionists) did to Jesus?

“Let GOD be true and EVERY man a liar.” Romans 3:4

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105

Give God’s answer and no other. You owe no one an answer to anything else, except what God says about it. Refuse to allow rebels to lead you around by the nose with their deflections and questions.

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

JESUS ANSWERS QUESTIONS WITH QUESTIONS

Getting a taste of how Jesus dealt with evil hearted religious folks is going to greatly develop your ability to navigate the hate-filled attacks against Christ and you by truth-haters. This will help you as you earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints in the original Gospel recorded on the pages of Holy Scripture (Jude 3-4).

Jesus questioned His questioners and so should you! You serve the LORD Jesus and are not obligated to answer every question that comes your way. Sometimes, you have to stay in control in these situations. I say this specifically referring to conversations you will have with rebels. They have nothing good in their hearts and in many cases, have no heart for the truth, just like the religious frauds of Christ’s day.

Personally, I’ve seldom seen so much evil as when I refuse to answer questions from those who seek to misdirect the conversation away from the Word of God. Often detractors use mere human reasoning, or anything to manipulate and twist and get the emphasis off of what the Word itself clearly states (Mark 7:6-9). This is a tactic they use in order to promulgate their false belief, justifies their sin, and that contradicts Holy Scripture. Such was the case in this recent attack and conversation – Preacher Viciously Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]

Jesus is THE BOSS and He’s Your Boss! Follow Your Boss. Follow the Example of Your Boss! We learn from our Boss by beholding what He did. And, our Boss, the KING of all kings, asked questions to questioners.

Our Lord was skilled at asking precise questions that drove to the heart of a situation, centering everything on HIS kingdom and never acquiescing to the sinful whims and manipulations of unrepentant men.

Some of Christ’s most profound questions came as a response to those who were questioning Jesus. The following is a list of some of the questions Jesus used in questioning His questioners. This is not an exhaustive list of every question Jesus ever asked and is on record in the Bible. In order to help the reader, I’ve underlined and hi-lighted the words which indicate questions for the reader to capture the essence of how our LORD answered questions with questions. I’ve included also the questions Jesus asked His own disciples. Some of these questions are noble and most (from His enemies) are hostile. As you will see, those questions from Christ’s enemies are obviously inherently evil. I’ve highlighted with yellow where the LORD specifically cites them for such, calling to the reader’s attention the heart motives of those asking the questions. Jesus interrupted their attempted deflections, cover-ups. He called them out on it. Here’s the interaction:

Matthew 9:14-15 – 14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them (a question), Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Matthew 15:1-3 – 1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Matthew 15:33-34 33 – 33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? 34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
Matthew 17:24-26 – 24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Matthew 21:16 – And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
Matthew 26:6-10 – 6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. 8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? 9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. 10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
Mark 2:5-11 – 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
Mark 4:10,13 – 10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. .. 13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
Mark 4:38,40 – And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? … 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mark 7:17-18 – 17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. 18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also?Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
Mark 10:2-3 – And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
Notice in this exchange below how Jesus is, as always, in charge, in control and therefore answers the questions of these hypocrites with questions and puts them to work – because He knew the hypocrisy of their hearts and what was behind their foolish questions.
Mark 12:14-17 – And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny (Jesus puts them to work), that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
By Jesus telling these men that they did err, were in error, because they didn’t know the “scriptures, neither the power of God” which comes from proper relationship with Him, He was in part directing them to get into the Word where the answers are found. Mark 12:18, 20-24 – Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, … 20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. 21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. 22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. 23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
Luke 2:48-49 – And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
Luke 6:1-3 – And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; 4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
Luke 10:25-26 – And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Luke 10:29,36 – But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? … 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Luke 12:41-43 – Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Luke 18:18-19 – And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
As Jesus “taught the people … and preached the gospel”…. wicked religionists hurled questions with evil intent, questioning Christ’s authority. As His custom was, Jesus answered them with a question.
Luke 20:1-4 – And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? 3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
John 8:3-10 – And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. (notice Jesus’ response to their question here – He didn’t answer it verbally but with this action) But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?“

"Avoid Foolish Questions" [podcast]

God’s Word does not instruct us to “avoid questions” but rather “avoid foolish questions.” “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15 What Does Christ’s Great Commission Call Us to do? “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 The dire need of the salvation of eternal souls necessitates that we walk in God’s wisdom in these final of days before our […]

Preacher Viciously Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]

There’s no doubt that every Christian sins and yet, does that mean we have the approval of God to continue in that sin? Does the LORD require that we confess all sin to Him in repentance? IMAGINE people who claim to be following Jesus attacking you for exhorting them USING Scripture to rid their lives of all sin (2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Titus 2:14; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Revelation 19:7-8; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4; Ephesians 5:25-27; Ezekiel 18:30; Isaiah 30:9-10, etc.). “Looking unto Jesus”, “striving against sin”, seeking to “Be ye holy” is not works salvation, it’s the […]

Hypocrisy, Persecutions, and Afflictions [podcast]

Ministry work always comes with “much contention.” There is a devil and he has human agents. Jesus will settle every score, will balance every scale. He’s coming soon. “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God WITH MUCH CONTENTION.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2 ATTN REBEL: Attacking the mere human messenger of God’s Word does nothing to remove your personal responsibility to your Maker! All you’re doing is bringing eternal rewards and rejoicing to that blessed messenger you […]

The Persecution Podcast [podcast]

“Think it not strange” in 1 Peter 4 simply means to not be surprised. If you love the LORD you will want to hear all He says in His Word, including the reality of persecutions for Christ’s sake (John 8:47). Any man posing as a leader among God’s people and isn’t preaching regularly on the reality of Christian persecution, is absolutely an ear-tickling wolf! Run! Part 1 Below Part 2 Below Part 3 Below Part 4 Below Sounds like our LORD is saying that WHATEVER, WHOEVER we lose in this life due to following Jesus, God […]

Angry Street Preacher Warning

Should we Preach “Stop Sinning” or “Repent”?

The Question of Stopping Sin

WHAT COMES FIRST: A) Stopping all sinning, OR B.) Being regenerated (born again) by coming to Jesus in true repentance (laying down your life-the cross)?
What is the Bible’s Prescription for total victory over all sin?
What is the biblical approach to lost sinners?

There is a whole generation of street preachers who are going to the streets to tell lost sinners to “stop sinning”! Is this the biblical approach? While it is a blessing that men go to the streets to reach the lost, it’s also of the utmost importance that we are walking in divine truth in our approach and in our disposition. Approaching Sinners with Compassion

——-HOW COULD A LOST SINNER POSSIBLY “STOP SINNING” before being born again? He simply can’t. Was “stop sinning” the message of Christ and His apostles? Was that the totality of why God sent His only begotten Son to die for us?

Biblical truth tells us that we are born in sin, we have a fallen nature and it’s only the cross that causes overcoming – not denying we have a fallen nature or telling ourselves or others to stop sinning. First and foremost, a human being “must be born again” and then and only then would the topic of overcoming sin even matter. Paul speaks of the fallen nature in Romans 7 and then tells us how we overcome and dominate that old nature in Galatians 2:20 and 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 9:27, etc. The Holy Spirit tells us how to overcome and grants that victory through the daily cross Jesus told us to take up to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). Denial is a smokescreen – the cross is the divine truth and solution to total victory.

EVEN the saved saints of Christ can’t overcome sin without coming to the cross afresh “daily,” as Jesus taught. So where does that leave the lost?

The LORD’s stated priority for His people is that they “abide” in Christ and when they do, all sin will be put away from their lives. As is obvious from the lack of biblical references, His foremost will is not that we stop sinning, which is impossible outside of a true, repentant abiding fellowship and daily communion with Him in His cross. See John 15:1-16. Listen closely to this:

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:5-6

Please pour prayerfully over this above passage beloved saint. Jesus came to put away sin and He does this exclusively through the abiding relationship He ordained us to live with Him. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.”

So, don’t seek to wrestle with your temptation and sins, just repent and seek the face of the LORD – this is the biblical prescription. The only reason a child of God sins in the first place is that he has distanced himself from the LORD – his fellowship with Christ is not as it should be and he is in need of repentance and to have Jesus back as his “first love” (Revelation 2:4-5). Memorize Psalms 27:4, 8; 63:8; 1 Chronicles 16:11b.

God gave His Son in order to give us a relationship with Him first and foremost (John 17:3). Only AFTER He finds and saves us, He grants us the blessed privilege of an abiding relationship with Him through which the fruit of holiness and much more is born (John 15:1-16).

Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery (salvation) THEN He told her to “go and sin no more.” In 2 Corinthians 5:11 Paul said he persuaded men but not by telling them to stop sinning. He never used those words, nor did the other apostles, especially not when addressing lost souls. Jesus told the woman He FIRST forgave to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:10-11). That’s as close as it gets to the message of “stop sinning” and notice what came first and foremost – forgiveness which represents redemption, regeneration, being born again. When Jesus said (commanded) “go, and sin no more,” inherent in that command existed the power to do as He said. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

Go read John 8 and notice how Jesus does and does not treat this sinning woman. He never condemns her which is unlike the self-righteous street preachers today who yell at lost souls and tell them to stop doing something they can’t possibly stop doing until after Christ saves them which comes with a changed nature whereby we “might be partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). It was never the LORD’s design for His people to tell unregenerate lost sinners to stop sinning. Such a privilege which includes living out of a clear, blood-washed conscience is exclusively the gift of God to His own children (Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:9). Anyone who has a basic knowledge of the fallen nature of sinful mankind, and has truly experienced regeneration themselves, should understand this. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 comes to mind as being central in this discussion.

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE: go, and sin no more.” John 8:10-11

For you and I, unworthy to be redeemed and forgiven ourselves, should never take up the self-righteous standpoint of condemning sinners – in attitude or in action. See Titus 3:5-7.

We should ask: What is the underlying motive of going to the streets and telling other men to stop sinning? Is there self-righteousness and pride under-girding this? Is self-righteousness and pride being fostered due to this activity?

The only begotten and sinless Savior, the only man to ever walk the earth sinless, was “moved with compassion”, not hatred, when He beheld lost souls (Matthew 9:35-38).

Also, are we placing a stumbling block in the way of sinners when we bring our own mean-spirited disposition of condemnation to them? What does James 1:20 tell us?

It was only AFTER He forgave this woman caught in adultery that He instructed her to “go, and sin no more” which is a picture of our need to be born again, forgiven, first and foremost. Then the divine ability is present in us by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin. Never before. 1 John 3:6 says: “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” Only those who know and are able to abide in Him are blessed to please God and overcome. Those who live in sin “hath not seen him, neither known him.”

If it were even possible, God could care less if lost souls in futility attempted to stop sinning (an impossibility) when they don’t even know Him. Jesus came that men could repent and know Him and then and only after that fact will He give them His grace to overcome sin. Note whom our LORD tells us are those whom He blessed to overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil:

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5

Never lose site of the fact that it’s only “whatsoever is born of God” that “overcometh the world.”

It would be wise to cease the ridiculous “stop sinning” protest and just preach from a heart of true concern, letting God’s holy Law convict the sinner and bring them to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Win them (Proverbs 11:30). Why don’t we get them saved the Bible way – by Christ alone – and HE (not you!) will give them the divine grace and power to overcome sin! I mean WHY did Jesus even come to die if sinners could stop sinning BEFORE He saved them? Isn’t it time for us to learn the true Gospel? It is unwise to think that Jesus yelled at and condemned the rank sinners. No, He didn’t condemn them but rather was “moved with COMPASSION upon them” (Matthew 9:35-38). God will scale the fish (get them to stop sinning) once you and I allow Him to bring them in the boat! In Matthew 4:19 Jesus says to His own disciples: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” Matthew 4:17-20

When men repent, they are born again and become Christ’s fishermen for souls. They follow Him and He teaches them to win souls. Listen to this:

“And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Luke 5:10

Notice “thou shalt catch men” – that is, get them in the boat. Yet not only is the LORD Jesus the sole Savior (the One who saves) but also the One who sanctifies or scales the fish after He catches (saves) them into His kingdom.

Read the Gospels and please tell me where Jesus ever blasted a regular sinner? Was He not “moved with COMPASSION upon them”? Read Matthew 9:35-38. Was our sinless LORD and Savior not the only One who had the right to condemn sinners and yet He didn’t? Jesus DID condemn the rich and the religious, but never the rank, everyday unsaved heathen. We need a fresh, thorough reading of Scripture. One of the many benefits will be that we see more clearly and cease following the grudge-filled dispositions of other mere men who are possessed by an unwarranted anger at sinners. Memorize James 1:20. Do we not have the need to come away with Christ and to be settled at His feet, listening, following His example? Do we need to reconsider ceasing to follow the willingly misled street preacher posse who are following the evil ways of false teacher Charles Finney?

God bless us to live out of the same unmerited mercy and compassion He showed by coming to die for us “while WE were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8).

—– IT’S a blessing to preach the Word of God on the streets or anywhere people are for that matter …. yet it’s not a blessing to have hatred in our hearts toward those for whom Jesus died and was raised again. Is that what won you to Jesus? Is hatred from condemning “Christians” what wins lost sinners into Christ’s kingdom? Never. Yes, preach the Word and only the Word and yet God is the Judge, not me or you! See 2 Timothy 4:1-4. We must never confuse our place in the LORD’s kingdom economy and realize that we are but servants and are called by Him to be humble in disposition (Colossians 3:12-14, etc.). We have NO righteousness of our own (Romans 7:12). Christ is our ONLY righteousness, period and end of story (2 Corinthians 5:21). He has and still today shows His “great mercy” upon us, unmerited by anything of our own. Check this out: “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” (Ephesians 2:3-5).

PREACHING DIVINE JUDGMENT, HELL, AND THE LAKE OF FIRE ARE BIBLICAL AND YET DOING IT WITH HATE IN OUR HEARTS FOR THOSE SINNERS WE ARE HARSHLY CONDEMNING, IS SIN (JAMES 1:20; 4:8-9, ETC.).

WHY WOULD WE VIEW AND TREAT LOST SINNERS JESUS WANTS TO SAVE AS OUR ENEMIES? DID THEY SIN AGAINST US?!??!??!!! ARE WE “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY,” OR IS THE LORD ALONE “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY”? see ISAIAH 6:3; REVELATION 4:8. ARROGANCE. SOUL DAMNING SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS.

The fact that the LORD is “angry with the wicked” does not mean that He gave mere sinful men (us) the permission or instruction to go angrily yell at and possess hatred toward the lost. Beware of those who run around with hatred in their hearts toward the lost and misuse Psalms 7:11 as a license to do so.

There are those who misuse Psalms 7:11 to justify their own self-righteous hatred for sinners.

“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.” Psalms 7:11-12

This passage must be taken in conjunction with the whole of Holy Scripture. There is no hint of an instruction for us to be angry with the wicked in Psalms 7:11. It merely says God is angry with them and wants sinners to turn to Him before it’s too late (v. 12).

When John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostle Peter preached “Repent,” it was just that – “Repent.” They didn’t say “Repent and stop all sinning.” Why? Because stopping sinning is not possible until one repents. It’s only then that the new creature in Christ can “bring forth fruit” meet for (consistent with) their repenting (Matthew 3:7-10). It was only AFTER Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery that He commanded her to “go, and sin no more,” right? Yes. First, He forgave her which repents salvation (John 8). Of necessity, in the divine economy, repentance is a gift from God and comes before a holy life. Such divine order must be kept intact, or the original Gospel will be perverted (Revelation 22:18-19).

Today, we have a whole cult of street preachers who somehow justify hating sinners. When they say “Repent and stop all sinning,” it’s with no concern in their hearts that those sinners repent. In the inflection, the attitude of their voice, it seems apparent that they desire those sinners they’re yelling at to go to hell and feel self-righteous by harshly reminding them of such a horrible, irreversible fate. When Jesus called men to “Repent” it was in utter concern of heart that He did so, weeping, longing, and desiring for those precious eternal souls to be saved because He is “not willing that ANY should perish” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) … “The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Today some among us want to call down fire from Heaven to destroy lost souls who are currently in rebellion. This is what Christ’s own disciples did in their early days of immaturity. Listen to Jesus please:

“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Luke 9:49-56

Jesus rebuked His 12 when they possessed this unwarranted, hateful disposition toward others.

“I think of the sweet lady and my sister and one of my best friends telling me about Jesus! They knew this wonderful person who knew everything they had ever done! Could this be the Messiah? They told me about Him in concern for my soul, in concert with the one they trusted! How this must break God’s heart! It breaks mine! See how Satan operates? The counsel of hell goes something like this: ‘If compassion is working for true preachers let’s send out false preachers to confuse and anger the masses!’ Thank you for sharing this brother!” CK

Stop Sinning? How?

Where’s the compassion with these sign-waving, yelling preachers who never actually WIN souls… but rather just condemn them by telling them to do something they cannot possibly do – stop sinning?

Knowing Christ is what pleases God, not just trying to stop doing the mechanics (transgression, actual act) of sin.

The main point of this post is to confront the “stop sinning” protesting. Even if a rank sinner or backslider possibly could stop sinning …. that would not please God. “The LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). It’s about relationship says Christ (John 17:3, etc.).

So, they walk away thinking God just wants them to perform?

That’s not the biblical approach brother. We must study closer Christ’s and His apostle’s interaction and instructions in this matter.

Yes, and the Word tells us to WIN souls … what is being addressed in this post is how many of the street preachers are not even intending to WIN those souls… but rather simply yelling at them, hurling condemnations.

The law is to be used to convict the sinner, not signs telling them to stop sinning. Sinners are sinners “by nature” (Ephesians 2:3) and it’s the Law that convicts them, not us.

MODERN STREET PREACHERS BUSTED! In light of the biblical prescription for holiness – the cross – those who go on the streets and tout their ridiculous “STOP SINNING!” signs are seen to be completely in the flesh. And that’s what they are – of the flesh. And, that’s exactly why these unholy men are standing on the streets demanding that sinners do the impossible – STOP SINNING! Jesus says, “Come unto me” and His apostles and church say “Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Here’s the whole verse: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

The LORD told us that as we follow Him He’ll make us to become fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). When God saves a soul, He makes them a saint and it’s only then that they can overcome sin through an abiding relationship with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; John 15).

QUESTION ASKED:

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). You think it’s wrong to tell a man you must turn from sin, if you to turn to God?

REPLY:

Hi brother. No, that is not wrong. That is correct … yet it’s not correct or seen in Scripture where Jesus or the apostles or early church told lost souls to stop sinning. That is no different than telling a bear to stop going to the bathroom in the woods … sinners are that way “by nature” (Ephesians 2:3), and until their nature is changed, which only God can do, they cannot possibly stop sinning. Even if they could it’s not enough because “ye must be born again” or receive “the washing of regeneration” which is where God makes His new child a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). It’s only then that “all things are made new” and that person is now in Christ’s kingdom, granted His grace and Spirit and enabled to live pleasing to Him…not before. There is no salvation without regeneration which is synonymous with being “born again” (John 3:3, 7; Titus 3:5-6).

COMMENTS FROM STREET PREACHER CONFRONTED FOR TELLING SINNERS TO “STOP SINNING” BEFORE THEY GET SAVED OR IN ORDER TO BE SAVED:

“Then why does Jesus condemn people in the Bible? Why would God command them to cleanse themselves? Is repenting a work? Is ‘cleanse your hands you sinners’ a work? Is surrendering a work? See James for details…His sacrifice requires our obedience. Who are you to say I or Finney are not in Christ? How do you judge that righteously?”

REPLY:

See what you think …. food for thought if nothing else ….

The Gospel command begins with one word – “repent” and God changes the hearts of men AFTER that fact. Standing up and preaching, “Stop sinning” is not the way the LORD and His apostles and early church approached sinners. They have to have a regenerated spirit before they can stop sinning. we must allow God to clean the fish He uses us to catch.

The Gospel doesn’t begin with “stop sinning” but “repent.” There are no verses that say sinners are to stop sinning before or in order to get saved. There are none, friend.

One must be in Christ to stop sinning or else He came in vain. I pray God opens your eyes to this truth …. Finney was a false teacher.

Charles Finney: False Teacher

I didn’t say you aren’t in Christ. Finney taught falsely and yes, I said it … standing on two feet – on the Rock of divine authority – the Holy Scriptures. The fact that you are reacting to Finney being called out is concerning.

“Finney told sinners to present THEIR righteousness to God. But in the gospel God does some presenting too. He has presented Christ as a propitiation, Romans 3: 25. Finney insisted that Christ ‘could not … obey as our substitute,’ yet he repeatedly said that Christ’s death was vicarious.” Charles Finney, Lecture 8, “Obedience to the Moral Law” p. 364

Eternal life was earned by Christ, not on our merit.

Many of those in street preacher circles today are largely influenced by his false teachings. The initial obedience is repenting, according to the record of Scripture, not the futile attempt to stop sinning. One’s nature must first be changed by the LORD.

Stop sinning by your own will? No one can stop sinning until God saves them. And no sinner can cease being a sinner in their spiritual state until the LORD makes them a new creature in Christ, regenerating them (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Titus 3:3-7).

Yes, repentance is an essential and it precedes the fruit of good works after they are saved, not before.

“He that WINNETH souls is wise” (Prov 11:30), not he that condemningly yelleth at them.

You say, “BUT, BUT, BUT Jesus said, ‘Go and Sin No More’!”

“Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11 KJV).

NOTE THE ORDER lest you put forth an imbalance as some are doing. Jesus FIRST forgave the woman and THEN and only THEN did He tell her to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). God first has to do a work – the work of regeneration – in men, before they can fulfill His will and please Him.

You are not winning souls for Christ when you first demand that sinners stop sinning. When Jesus saw the lost multitudes, was He moved with condemnation and contempt or with compassion? See Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus harshly rebuked the rich and the religious, but never the rank heathen. If we are going to be biblical, we must approach sinners with compassion and allow the law to convict them … “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).

Angry Street Preachers

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Yes the LORD commands His people to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Yet we should ask whether or not His desire is for His people to tout to others that they are “sinlessly perfect” or does His Word rather reveal that His people are to be dependent upon Him through the humility of Christ and crucified life He ordained us to walk in? Did the apostles walk around telling people they were sinlessly perfect? No. Didn’t Paul confess his own utter poverty of spirit outside of the saving, present grace of Christ? Yes. (Romans 7:18, 24, […]

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Mission Mexico Part 48

THE NEXT 20,000 JESUS TRACTS ARE NOW BEING PRINTED!

Money for the next 20,000 JESUS tracts as come in!

“On it’s way via Paypal. Happy to be able to help supply those, and that you have provided a way and members of our family to distribute them…so, can I say also: GONE FISHING for the Lord.

As I am no longer physically able to go fishing in person, thank you for finding and equipping those who are. As we all work together in THE FAMILY OF GOD, for the final round-up. Praying for a huge round-up, and that each and every tract sends the Holy Spirit right into their hearts and souls. Bless you Brother Todd.

I always loved Acts 16:31 – Then I pray that those who were touched, then spread it to their families and friends, so that “You and your household may be saved.” Crystal

Below is one picture and part of the ministry of beloved brother Jaime and his 2 sons who are pastor. They live near Mexico City. More coming on their ministering, which we are now blessed to serve, support.

As “labourers TOGETHER with God“, saints “WE” are now supporting pastor Jaime’s ministry work in another part of Mexico.

Your prayers and support are the fuel. “Ask and ye shall receive…” Matthew 7:7

God is good. | Mission Mexico

Brother Mark was miraculously, by divine appointment approached by this beloved brother – Jaime and his wife Luisa who were in town celebrating their wedding anniversary. Brother Jaime is a pastor and their whole family serves our LORD. Their 2 sons who are pastors also. This couple was having a Bible study when they met Mark. They loved the JESUS tract and so brother Mark called me and I brought over nearly a whole box of them to this beloved couple (appr 1200). Jaime and Luisa were thrilled and it looks like this may be another case where we are blessed to support the LORD’s people in doing His work!!!! They were intent on staying connected and so we exchanged contact information. God is moving saints.

Jaime, Luisa, and there 2 sons live in a city outside of Mexico City. The Gospel of Jesus is spreading all over Mexico! They have a church and also a ministry outreach to the broken!

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

Genuine Gospel, Great Commission ministries give the members of the body of Christ the opportunity to obey Jesus by laying up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Notice in this passage that Jesus commanded His people to lay up treasure, in Heaven, not on earth.

Would you like to pause and lift Saul in prayer?

Concerning the love offering that came in to print the new batch of 20k JESUS tracts….

“My heart is filled with some much joy that you will be ordering these Jesus tracts. God is so very good! I am praising God for this sister in Christ and her love for Jesus! We are team Jesus! And for the Mexican people’s humble and meek spirits to be so open to the gospel that can save their soul from hell! Look up for our redemption draws near! Very soon we will see our Savior face to face!” Karen Cochran

“Glory to God brother! What wonderful news to hear that support and supply has been furnished by the Lord Jesus Christ through his disciples and blood bought people 🙏 who love the LORD 💞” Jon Crane

Saints, we’re not going to beg or try to manipulate anyone but rather just give out of what we have – and that Gospel fuel comes from Heaven via Christ’s saints …. to the poor and needy, who need God’s love and Word and in some cases, something to eat and a cold water, etc

No doubt that it’s easy to declare on social media that we love and stand for our LORD. And every disciple should! Yet who are we proclaiming Christ to, today, in our real life? Who are we tract-ing? Who’s hearing the Gospel of Jesus through us?

“He that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

I wonder what Jesus would do in the life that looks up to Heaven today by faith and says “Please prepare and send me dear LORD Jesus! Let’s roll Jesus!”

Brother Juan, an elder in Christ, continues daily ministering our LORD’s Gospel, meeting and exhorting, feeding, and sending forth more Gospel laborers for Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; Ephesians 4:11-12). We are super blessed saints, to support our brother Juan and a growing list of Christ’s disciples here in Mexico. Here’s another one. Brother Alejandro. Juan writes: ‘Praying for my brother Alejandro; he wants to serve God and others. Amen.'” Juan the Evangelist

Mission Mexico

“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 24:14

Here’s our brother Juan speaking in this video below:

Recently, brother Mark told me that he never feels more at peace than when he is spreading our LORD’s Gospel, handing out Gospel tracts and communicating with people that Jesus died for their sins ….

Our LORD is using each of His beloved saints, daily, and for His eternal glory.

And it’s just begun.

The LORD is perfecting that which concerns your life in Him.

“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalms 138:8

“Praise Jesus for the word of God growing in the hearts of the people. Daniel 12:3. You guys are God’s shining stars who bring the gospel of hope to the people. Praying!” Karen Cochran

A few days ago, sister Maria called to let me know she was out of JESUS tracts and so I was blessed delivered another 2,000 JESUS tracts to her.

41,000 in print and over 35,000 distributed thus far in Mexico. Getting ready to be 61,000 JESUS tracts in print. Hundreds going out daily.

Brother Juan ministers all day long as he travels between towns and interacts with numerous people…. every day. Christ’s Gospel message flows from this brother like a river. He also ministers to hundreds at a local jail/prison. Thank you for lifting our brother in prayer and for considering supporting. Jesus is coming saints. Let’s roll. Recently brother Mark delivered another box of 2,000 JESUS tracts to Juan.

We are boots on the ground supporting our LORD’s saints, Gospel laborers, here in Mexico (Matthew 9:35-38). Your prayers and support are the fuel of Heaven (Philippians 1:19).

See more Gospel action here at Mission Mexico

LAST WEEK: I answered the knock at my door today and there were appr. 10-12 well dressed (uniforms) health care canvassers going through this neighborhood. Each of them readily received the spoken Word and JESUS tracts. Absolute success in sowing the message of our LORD Jesus’ Gospel. 100% reception. God is good.

As usual, here in Mexico, there was complete desire to hear the words of Jesus and no negative resistance whatsoever. These beloved souls eagerly listened and heard (in Spanish) Jesus’ Gospel preached …. that hell is forever, that Jesus died for our sins, and to please repent and receive Jesus Christ today…. all while pointing to the prayer of repentance and faith on the back of the JESUS tract. God is good yes.

God’s people are obediently and with His love and great joy planting the seed of His Word in the hearts of men today. 1 Peter 1:23; Isaiah 55:11; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Your prayers coveted for the fruitfulness and supply of this ministry outreach. “We preach Christ crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Would you like to pause and lift a prayer for a young man named Gonzo? He’s seen the fruit of the Holy Spirit in several of Christ’s saints here and is wanting to get right with God.

It’s a blessing that with your prayers, love, and financial support, you are declaring that “The People of Mexico Matter for Christ—He died to save them!”

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

IF YOU WANT TO PLEASE SATAN …..

MAKE SURE you do NOT support authentic evangelistic ministries that are literally, actually getting Christ’s Gospel to the lost souls of this world.

The apostle Paul did “the work of an evangelist” and instructed us to do the same.

“Preach the word … But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2, 5

Our KING is coming saints, King JESUS!

Let’s roll beloved of God!

in Christ

todd

More Mexico Mission Action here.