WHAT Happened to the Cross?

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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]

Abiding

The Cross and the Throne of Grace [podcast]

“Hid with Christ in God”

The safest place in the universe is in the cross of Christ: “your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Our place of protection is in the love walk with the LORD where we express our love for Him in obedience to Him. Jesus commanded that we deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Him. We are full of troubles and so it should be easy to relinquish all to Him!

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1

In Christ alone is our rest from the toil of this life.

“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please bring me to the end of sinful self. Rebuke and remove the foolishness of this heart! I love You LORD and thank You that I am crucified with You today and that You are raising up this life for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]

What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean? Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). […]

THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth. “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13 “But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15 Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that […]

Abiding

“I Will Uphold Thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness” [podcast]

One source notes:

“‘I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ is a famous promise from the Bible found in Isaiah 41:10 (KJB). It is a comforting verse offering reassurance against fear, with ‘the right hand of my righteousness’ symbolizing God’s divine power, justice, and support.”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Help Me Jesus!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. … For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13

“When we are in the fire of affliction it’s easy to feel afraid and wonder if God is there. Many of the great men of the Bible became discouraged and broken. But the secret was they took it to God in all honesty! In Job 3 he expressed a desire to die. But yet he said in Job 19:25 ‘For I know my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:’ David said in Psalm 56:9 ‘When I cry into thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ And we know Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, etc. all had moments of despair and suffering, but the Lord continued to uphold and encourage them. Their faith did not waver even in the midst of doubt and confusion!” Karen Cochran

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

“in thy presence is fulness of joy”

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11

“at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”

"Blessed are the Poor In Spirit" [podcast]

Jesus’ longest recorded message to His people stands on the foundation of the very first words our Savior uttered in this sermon on the mount. The foundational truth of the entire sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) is found in the very first words of our LORD when unveiling this elaborate, far-reaching, and profound message to His disciples of all ages. Here are His first words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 Note, “poor in spirit.” Not poor financially or religiously. The two should be mutually exclusive. The Greek word translated into English as “poor” is PTOCHOS. It […]

The Book of Revelation Narrated [podcast]

Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which […]

Articles

Diminishing Returns or Divine Blessings? [podcast]

The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast]

Could our diminishing returns could be due to our refusal to put God first which would mean we are putting His work, His agenda, His stated will and mission – the Great Commission – first?

“The beginning of Haggai’s prophecy finds Israel returning to the land after 70 years under Babylonian oppression (God’s punishment for the sins of Israel’s leaders). Now, a new and younger generation of God’s people are working to rebuild God’s earthly dwelling place, the temple. Long before Haggai’s prophetic ministry, God had promised that when his own presence dwelled among his people, the life-giving power of God would flow from him into their land (Deut. 28:1-14, Haggai 1:1-4). So, in hopes of experiencing God’s promises after a long season of exile, the people begin to rebuild.

Unfortunately, the temple rebuilders quickly become distracted from the project at hand. They stop working on the temple to build their own houses (Hag. 1:1-4). Meeting their immediate needs takes priority over rebuilding God’s temple. But this priority doesn’t work out well for them in the end. Haggai points out that no matter how much they sow in their fields, the returned exiles are reaping less and less. Every day, their rations get thinner, and they feel just a little thirstier (Hag. 1:5-6). Haggai says their diminishing returns are a result of their failure to prioritize rebuilding the temple, the place of God’s presence (Hag. 1:10-11). But he also promises that if they recommit themselves to the temple project, all the blessings and life they hope for will return (Hag. 2:7-8, 18-19). This new generation listens to Haggai and starts making plans for the project’s next phase.”

The rebuilding of the temple in the days of Haggai the prophet is equivalent to the Great Commission work Christ sent us, His “ambassadors” to accomplish as we look for His soon return (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Who is it that gives men the “power to get wealth”? The LORD. Why does He do such? – “that he may establish his covenant.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

“And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. 19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 8:17-20

Does God still keep His Word to bless those who put Him first with what He grants them the ability to bring in?

If a person chooses to repent of poor stewardship and conform to God’s Word, will the LORD not give that person grace to do the impossible? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Mark 10:27) Are you on your own with your finances? Or, are you dying to human reasoning and excuses and simply obeying the LORD? When we do simply obey Him, we can expect that He will undertake the cause and begin to do things that are miraculous. We see this throughout history, especially as recorded in Holy Writ. Remember the widow who had only a handful of food left to feed herself and her son? Remember who when she obeying the LORD that she was abundantly blessed? (1 Kings 17:10-16) The fact that some wolves have utilized this passage to garner gains for themselves, in no way negates the divine authority in and of this passage of truth. Will the LORD still bless? Has He changed or is our sin hindering His blessings? (Isaiah 59:1-2; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:9)

“Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” Haggai 1:9

The people of God were experiencing diminishing returns due to their refusal to simply put God first in their lives, hearts, and therefore finances. The LORD blew on their finances and scattered them because they were not putting Him and therefore His work first – but rather their own lives and money were first. Repentance required (Revelation 2:4-5). Read Haggai 1. It’s a very revealing chapter.

The LORD’s Plan to Feed, Protect, and Bless His Saints and to Spread His Good News

It’s interesting and telling to compare the distribution of goods/resources/funds among the earliest believers and the way things are done today. Read Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. Today, as was so often foretold, the merchandising wolves are living ‘high off the hog’ when the Bible clearly instructs leaders never to “greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”(Deuteronomy 17:17)

Of course, the Bible teaches that those whom God has called out are to be provided for (1 Cor. 9:1-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18) and yet, today we have lavish wolves flaunting their multi-million dollar homes in gated communities (insulated from the little guys/the poor). This has nothing to do with and blatantly contradicts the lifestyles of Jesus and His holy apostles. This makes you wonder if those who enable these wolves have even read the Gospels! A second grader knows this is wrong.

Most of us have funded wolves only later to see the light of their greed later. So, should we stop obeying God by giving to further His work? Is it time we understand the LORD’s balance in these things?

Does the Almighty have or need American money in Heaven? No.

The LORD has a plan and following that plan (instead of our own) will result in glorifying Him and seeing many blessed.

***The true disciple of Jesus is not looking for the next trinket to waste his money on, but rather is about His Father’s business of putting that money toward God’s eternal kingdom! (Matthew 6:19-24)

Some who are greedy in heart, serving the god of mammon, do not like biblical teachings on stewardship. They will lash out against the messenger, when those demons that control them are enraged. There are more than 2,500 verses on stewardship in God’s Word and over half of Jesus parables are on stewardship so anyone endeavoring to disclose/teach the full counsel of God cannot dodge that topic.

Many today who name Christ as their Savior are saying in their hearts: “I have more important things to fund than YOUR work LORD! After all, the things in my life, to make me feel more comfortable in this fleeting world, are very important. Jesus, please don’t bother me any more concerning funding YOUR work. I have vacations to go on. I have to get a bigger, nicer car so that I, I, I, look better to mere men. I HAVE to run out and see the newest movies, buy the latest fashions, subscribe to magazines from the world to help me me me be in the know, eat out 20 times monthly, put more money in the bank for MY security, get a bigger house to make myself feel better …”

Which World are You Rich In?

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

Praise God for those who give to the work of Christ! It is regrettable though that many of those who see God’s work and receive of Him through it as they see those workers of the LORD doing HIS work, do not contribute and do not agree with God that HIS workers “ARE worthy”of financial reward so they can be sustained and furthered in doing HIS HIS HIS work. Many are saying with their inaction that Christ’s workers are NOT worthy of their hire. They are saying “LORD, I know You said that Your servants ARE due financial reward so they can keep doing YOUR work, but I am too busy to take a moment to help, I am too strapped financially, after all, I have the cable TV bill to pay, I have to pay my mortgage, my rent, for food, daily coffee, golf, and for many other essential things. I really don’t think that Your work is important. Winning souls to Your eternal kingdom for who You bled and rose again is not important to me. I am too busy being entrenched in and loving this present sinful world. So, Your kingdom, Your work, and Your people will have to wait till I have so much money that I can keep doing these important things that are important to ME in this life and also throw a token tip your way.”

When is the last time you read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18? Do you know what the LORD is teaching us in these important passages? How can we expect to be blessed of Him if we ignore His instructions?

It is clear that God will bless those who agree with Him – in heart, mind, and in action. We will find amazing, supernatural blessings in our lives if we will put Jesus “first” in our stewardship, in our finances (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 3:10-11). Did He not promise to bless us if we put Him first which means putting His work as a top priority?

The “double honour” financial reward is due to called out Gospel workers and that’s the instruction of the One who has called out and set those workers apart to do (1 Timothy 5:17-18). That money should be there and that’s why God says that those who labor in His Word – learning and feeding His sheep – are to receive “double honour” so that they do not have to be interrupted in doing HIS work.

Jesus says that what we do with our monies is a direct reflection of who we truly love, worship, and serve – self or the Savior. “For where your treasure is THERE will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-24)

Who has God put in your life to feed you HIS Word? What does the Bible say to do to those who feed you God’s Word? (Galatians 6:6)

Is God calling you to get into agreement with His revealed mind? Is He calling you to count His work as a high priority in your life? Will He not open His windows of blessings upon your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11) Will His kingdom blessings now be added to your life if you truly and practically put Him first? (Matthew 6:33) Will your barns not be “filled with plenty”?

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

If you are upset, I am sorry. I sure hope this never has to be said again other than in the general teaching of the full-counsel of God which includes the important topic of stewardship.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: ⁹(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. ¹⁰Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) ¹¹Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Do you begin to realize what is at stake here? Do we begin to understand the implications of sinful omission? Do we begin to realize what great rewards we are forfeiting?

Aren’t the bank accounts that are connected to the work of the LORD worthy to be filled in order to supply for His work to be done?

Are you doing your part to fund those who are truly fulfilling a New Testament purpose?

Is the feeding of the LORD’s people important to you? Do unreached precious souls for whom Christ bled and rose again matter?

Jesus says “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) Are you personally interested in Christ and His sheep? Are you concerned that His sheep will be fed (nourished) and that more souls will be won to Him before it’s too late? What work or labor in this fleeting, sinful world could possibly be more important than that of the LORD’s business? Are you prayer for His laborers and supporting the work of Jesus? (Matthew 9:35-38)

Do we fit into that last day’s prophetic category of those who have a mere “form of godliness” yet deny the power, the divine authority of God to reign in our daily lives? Are we “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” and are we those who are “lovers of their own selves, covetous …”? May the LORD rebuke and change us now! (2 Timothy 3:1-8)

God is able!

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