Abiding

What to Look for when Submitting to Elders [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

Wolves vs True Disciple-Elders

The purpose of elders in Christ’s body is to assist in your growing in Christ and never to use you for their own self-serving agenda to make merchandise of you, to exploit you to build their ministry busine$$. See Philippians 3:18-19 and 2 Peter 2:1-3.

WOLVES tell people to “come back next Sunday. Come to ‘church’ every time the doors are open.” Their goal is repeat customers.

TRUE DISCPLES of Jesus tell people to “Get into God’s Word daily—read, study, memorize, and meditate upon His words—all day every day (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1; Luke 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17, etc.). Walk with the Savior, magnify your coming KING (Colossians 2:3-10; 3:1-14). Stay in God’s Word. Repent regularly, confess all sin (Luke 13:3; 2:38; 3:19; 17:30, etc.). Live the life of a true disciple of Jesus daily—a crucified, buried, and raised up life of prayer” (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27, 33; 18:1, etc.).

The desire the true disciple labors for the body of Christ be matured, prepared to minister, and ready for the soon return of Jesus (Ephesians; Colossians). Their prayerful desire is that men would truly serve the LORD fruitfully on His stated terms and conditions – His Word (John 15; 2 Timothy 2).

In Hebrews 13:7 and 17 we see 2 things of great important:

v7 – true elders speak the pure WORD of God to you.

v17 – “they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” They watch and pray for your eternal soul, instructing you only in the Word and do it in the fear of God, knowing they shall give personal “account” to God for such.

The vast majority of today’s false pastors aspire to build their church busine$$ (2 Peter 2:1-3). Their pray and goal is not that Christ’s saints be rooted, grounded, and established in Christ and equipped for the work of the ministry (Colossians 2:3-19; Ephesians 4:11-12). Getting you to bring your carcass and coin each week is their plan. They are not watching for your eternal soul nor feeding you the pure Word or getting you into it for yourself (John 21:15-17; Hebrews 13:7, 17).

Elders are to protect the flock of God from wolves who come to mislead and extort, and make merchandise of God’s people.

Titus 1:9-14

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

Elders are to “preach the word” of God and also to “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2

“Preaching the Narrow Way is not Legalism, Correction is not Persecution, Warning is not Condemnation, and identifying false teachers is not Slander! But the Devil sure wants you to believe these lies because he wants to destroy you! It’s sad, but most church leaders today spread this kind of thinking and do more to help the Devil than they do to guard the sheep. Hirelings!” Wayne Voss

Leading by Example

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul’s Example of protecting “the flock of God.”

Acts 20:25-32

“And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”

God’s Elders are to charge their understudies:

Paul instructed Timothy to:

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELISM, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5

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

Bad things happen when those called to be elders cease from personal evangelism. They are not leading by example in obeying Christ’s Great Commission command.

When’s the last time they led someone to Jesus?

Are you preaching the Gospel to the lost in your daily life?

Elders are ordained obey God “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry.”

God fearing under shepherds equip the LORD’s saints “for the work of the ministry” and not to build their stupid church business (Ephesians 4:11-15). Beware.

They are undergirding your ministering and not just using you to boost their “ministry.” Their whole lives are about Jesus and you – not themselves. Selah.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15

“The work of the ministry” in edifying the saints and evangelism.

From this moment forward, may God bless each of His saints to live and and walk in “the mind of Christ.”

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5

Something to Own

When the topic of “what’s essential for salvation?”, here’s a verse that takes in the 2 necessities. It’s blessing how Acts 20:21 combines, contains brother repentance (first), then faith. This is a go-to verse for the essentials to be saved right.

“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, and FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Acts 20:21

Also the 2 R’s of Salvation:

1. Repentance (Luke 13:3).
2. Receive Jesus (John 1:12).

IF you are not being equipped, prepared, and exhorted to evangelize lost souls, to minister to, to pray for Christ’s saints, you are submitted to a wolf (Ephesians 4:11-12). Let’s read this again:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (maturing, equipping) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12

Such a wolf is not on Jesus’ mission, he’s on his own mission, doing his own bidding, building his own church busine$$. Jesus came to be upon His “Father’s business” and sent us to do Their mission also – the Great Commission (End of Matthew and Mark, etc).

Devil’s in the pulpits raise money to build their own kingdoms, names, ministries, “church” buildings, etc…. instead of investing that money into the Great Commission.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

JESUS came and died and was raised again from the dead to make no one a good church member. Are you being used, exploited, played by today’s wolves who falsely pose as representative pastors for Christ.

True elders of Christ will have these following earmark characteristics, fruits….

Elders true to the LORD are preaching the blood of His cross and the cross, the crucified life Jesus mandates for your personal life in order to follow Him (Colossians 1:20; Matthew 16:24-25; Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14, etc.).
They are feeding Christ’s sheep with HIS pure WORD, the Holy Scriptures (Jeremiah 3:15; John 21:15-17; Hebrews 13:7).
They watch for your soul – and that’s not giving a sermonette on Sunday mornings (Hebrews 13:17).
True elders are maturing and equipping YOU for the WORD of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16).
They get YOU into God’s Word for yourself, daily (2 Timothy 2;15).

In some cases, the ones arguing to define fellowship as coming to their “church” are the ones who profit from such—when they aren’t even fulfilling the duties of an elder. The fruit of their congregations aren’t living as cross-centered and Bible-based disciples of Jesus who labor daily in the “Father’s business” which is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 2:49, etc.).

The elders laboring in the early church at Jerusalem, equipped the saints who were healthy in Christ. That’s why when persecution broke out in Jerusalem “they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

Most church-attending “Christians” today can’t even pass out one Gospel tract weekly and have no conviction of this sin of rebellion—of not obeying Christ’s Great Commission mandate. Why? Obviously they are under false leadership (Isaiah 9:16; Hosea 4:9, etc.).

There are many “elders” vying for your submission. Yet many do not biblically qualify. Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

TYPICAL modern church deceit.

Gateway church has HIRED a new hireling wolf who calls his wife the “co-pastor”. (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2)

YOU know when a church is false when their “search committee” looks for the CEO type instead of a real elder who is biblically sound. They are doing nothing but looking to build their church busine$$. They don’t even know about the qualifications for an elder such as 1 Timothy 3 and they don’t care. Counterfeits. And these phony CEO pastors go from one gig to another, scaling upward their earthly career$ and portfolio$ to their own destruction and that of their gullible prey (Luke 6:39). It’s all a big game to them – at the expense of searching souls. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Judgment Day is on the way. Repent now or perish irrevocably in the lake of fire, world without end!

Hebrews 13:7 and 17 give us earmarked characteristics to look for in submitting to elders. 1. They must preach the pure written Word to you (v. 7). 2. They must watch for your soul by prayer, correction, admonitions, exhortations, equipping for the work of the ministry, feedings, etc. (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).

Never put yourself under an elder or elders who aren’t preaching the Word to you and getting you into it for yourself (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17; 4:2-4). See Hebrews 13:7.

How is he watching for your soul if he isn’t getting you into God’s Word for yourself and helping you to hear the voice of God via His written Word and Holy Ghost? (Psalms 119:105; John 14:26; 16:13-14, etc.). See Hebrews 13:17.

Also, never place yourself under any man or men who care more about you attending their “church” and submitting to their illegitimate authority than they do about you getting into the Word and bearing the cross daily, and living a life of prayer, every day (Luke 9:23-24).

IF a pastor/preacher is not preaching the crucified life, he is preaching “another gospel” and such proves that he is “accursed” and is not living the cross life (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 11:3-5; Galatians 1:6-9; 2:20, etc.). This means he’s one of “the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.).” (Philippians 3:18-19)

100% there’s no possibility one could be taking up the cross in his own personal life and not being resurrected to preach that cross. Read that again and consider which preachers you know who are preaching the crucified life, the cross Jesus and His holy apostles preached.

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

Knowing God is the reason He sent His only begotten Son—to bring us to Himself in a relationship. One of Satan’s tricks is to get the elders to intercept that heart affection worship.

“It has always been about Jesus. Before Christ came to save us from our sins, the Bible was pointing to Jesus. Now after Christ came, we still look to Jesus. It has always been about knowing and trusting in Jesus. Before He came people just did not know His name, but now we do!” Serena Wagner

Christ’s True Ministers are Servants and not Celebrities

Sadly, it’s more than obvious to see that most people in ministry today have over indulged themselves in flattery, in extortion, in exploitation, and in taking advantage with their ministry position. Did our LORD Jesus not warn us of this very thing? They have made themselves celebrities and charlatans instead of servants.

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12

Living for Jesus in the body of Christ is not in sum total about elders, bishops, or pastors as the “many false prophets” would have you think (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 1 John 4:1). No. Christ’s eternal kingdom is all about Jesus and no other. Elders are ordained of God to help us walk with HIM, to worship and glorify and obey Jesus Christ. Elders are not an end in and of themselves but rather a type of a moon reflecting the light of the sun, the SON. Read John 1; Colossians 1-2; Hebrews 1; Revelation 1.

In short, wolves in sheep’s clothing are those who use their position to elevate and enrich themselves instead of Christ (Matthew 7:15; Philippians 3:18-19; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Bidding Godspeed (partaking in, endorsing, supporting) to the false church system means being eternally judged, damned with them. See 2 Peter 2:1-3.

“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11

Seminaries Slammed!| Today’s False Church System

Clear Proof that Jesus' Flock is a "Little Flock" [podcast]

“Fear not, LITTLE FLOCK; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 You know, looking around us at this fallen world, namely in this late hour, it’s becoming ever more and more clear just how “little” the “flock” of the LORD is. Question: But how do we know who’s truly part of our LORD’s eternal “flock”? Answer: Didn’t Jesus tell us “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Let’s widen the scope on this passage where Jesus tells us that His flock is little: “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; […]

The Purpose of Elders in Christ's Body [podcast]

There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.). “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus […]

The Prophesied End Times Conspiracy of False Leaders [podcast]

“For THE LEADERS of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16 The phrase, the saying “Birds of a feather flock together” is biblical. Of these final days, Jesus warns us: “And MANY false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive MANY.” (Matthew 24:11) Jesus warns us to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) ANY forecasted supposed spiritual revival that is not centered on the nail-scarred risen Savior, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, is absolutely “another gospel”, a false light, […]

The High Treason of False Leaders [podcast]

PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach “Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28 Did you catch what the apostle Paul did to prepare the church to meet Christ? Preach WARN Teach Letting God Speak for Himself “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15 Bible truths/words you never hear from wolves: Repent, obedience, the cross – crucified life, holiness, judgment, eternal Hell, the lake of fire, being spotless and ready for Christ’s […]

Pastors According to Mine Heart

“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15 PASTORING is not occupying a physical building as a real estate manager! By biblical definition and under the anointing of “the Great Shepherd of the sheep”, PASTORING involves feeding, tending to, exhorting, correcting, encouraging, teaching, equipping, warning, comforting, and nourishing the sheep of Christ for whom He died and rose again from the dead (John 21:15-17; Hebrews 13:7, 17, 20). Pastoring involves instruction and perpetual preparation in light of the soon return of the Savior (Ephesians 5:25-27; Colossians 1:28; 1 […]

Clear Proof Most Pastors Today are Wolves

WOLF PROOFING YOUR LIFE! Have you been a church member for years and yet still don’t know the Word of God? If so, what does this reveal? One of the things it proves is that you are sitting under a wolf in sheep’s clothing who is building his church business enterprise at your expense (2 Peter 2:1-3). To see in detail how wolves in sheep’s clothing operate, read Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34, and Matthew 23. “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16 The Holy Spirit in […]

Abiding

5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast]

THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat.

The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way.

We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:4; 13:12; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:37)

There are the 5 sins listed here that kept God’s people out of His blessings. We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen (1 Cor. 10:1-13), that Israel and these sins are “examples” (vv. 6, 11) to all NT believers. God destroys those who go back on Him after knowing Him (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridden out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy (Heb. 12:14). As taken in order from 1 Cor. 10:6-10, here are those 5 sins:

Lust
Idolatry
Fornication
Tempting Christ
Murmuring

This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from them as we grow today to know and love our Savior more fervently. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).

Committing the sin is one thing (1 John 1:8-10, right) and refusing to repent of it is yet another. Refusing to acknowledge, repent, confess, and cease is what snares the soul and ousts us from Christ (Proverbs 28:13).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

If the Holy Spirit has quickened any offences of your heart, simply L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer, Forgiver, Cleanser, and Transformer of lives.

WHATEVER it takes – those who choose to get real with God will sever themselves from anything and anyone who causes them to sin. This is what Jesus says about sin and hell:

“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:43-50

NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:

Fornication Defiles

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

1 Corinthians 10 completely destroys the OSAS / eternal security argument.

Notice the word “OUR” in verses 6 and 11. This is directly spoken to warn NEW Testament saints that they are going to hell if they live and die in sin.

Case closed.

1 Corinthians 10:1-12

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were OUR examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also LUSTED.

7 Neither be ye IDOLATERS, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us TEMPT CHRIST, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither MURMUR ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Eternal security is a false teaching. 1 sin separated Adam and Eve from God and “The wages of sin is (still) death” because God is Holy (Rom 6:23, etc.). Moral coward counterfeits hate, despise the Gospel essential of the cross, the crucified life. They want Jesus to save them to Heaven but not from sin. These are the sin-justifying, grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 4).

The divine declaration that “The wages of sin is death” which means separation from God, appears throughout Scripture (Romans 6:23).

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.” Proverbs 19:16

Die or death always means separation.

OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..

The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

Eternal Security/Once saved always saved is a lie from hell.

PEACE with GOD

The Myth of Eternal Security [podcast]

“For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.” Psalms 73:27 BAD NEWS FOR CROSS-LESS COUNTERFEITS WHO HIDE BEHIND THE “ETERNAL SECURITY” SHAM: YOU WILL BE ETERNALLY SECURE WHEN AND IF YOU ARE WITH JESUS IN ETERNITY, NOT BEFORE! Can’t leave Christ after He saves you? Think again… dear one who continues to search for a way to justify your sin, for not truly repenting and laying down your life in this fleeting sinful world and overcoming (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27, 33; 17:33; 19:27; Titus 2:11-14; , etc.). All […]

Clear Proof that the Bible is the Only Sacred Holy Book on God's Planet [podcast]

There is only one holy book and name in the earth, the sacred name of Jesus Christ who is the grand subject of all of Holy Scripture (Philippians 2:9-11). God left us with His Word so we can know Him and not be deceived by the “MANY false prophets” He promised would come and deceive many just before His return (Matthew 24:11). God gave us His Word to protect us (2 Timothy 3:15-17). “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the […]

Can a Believer be Cut Off After being Saved? [podcast]

Paul reminds us Gentiles believers of how God “cut off” His own people, the Jews, when they rebelled against Him, and that He will also “cut off” any of us who do not continue in His goodness and severity (Romans 11:20-22). Any person who rejects this truth is a grace-perverting, sin-justifying fraud who has made a fake god in their own image due to the refusal to truly repent. “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches (Jews), take heed lest he also spare not […]

Abiding

“The Unalterable Basis of an Open Heaven is a Grave” [podcast]

Concerning the raising up process of the Gospel of God, T. Austin-Sparks wrote:

“The unalterable basis of an open heaven is a grave, and a crisis at which you come to an end of your own self-life. It is the crisis of real experiential identification with Christ in His death.”

Though we entered into His death upon initial salvation, accepting and experiencing that death is still a daily choice, an individual decision to be made on an ongoing basis. One’s choice to continue to persevere, following Christ as He clearly prescribed, will determine his eternal destination (Luke 9:62; 19:13; 21:19; Romans 6:16; Galatians 6:7-9).

The insidious circumventing of the cross can come in many clandestine ways that are masked with pious outer garb. Today, while refusing to utter the full counsel of the One they claim tobe representing, smiling and charismatic men stand in sheep’s clothing, promising heavenly life to those who live in sin. They only prosper due to the volitional biblical illiteracy of the masses. Ignorance of the truth is a choice with eternal consequences (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:24-25

Of seeds, one source notes:

“Seeds do not technically ‘die’ when planted; rather, they germinate, transforming from a dormant state into an active, growing plant. While the outer shell breaks and the original form changes, the embryo inside remains alive.”

Just as nothing in hell could have held Jesus in that grave, NOTHING in hell can hold down the crucified saint! The divinely volcanic resurrection life of Christ bursting forth in the life of the crucified consenting disciple will be utterly unstoppable!

“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 (make alive, raise up) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11

The true disciple is always “delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:11). He has “crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). He is daily putting to death “the deeds of the body” and being “raised up” by the power of the same Holy Spirit “that raised up Christ from the dead” (Romans 8:11, 13). He rejoices in “Christ Jesus” and has “no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).

“I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31)

“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. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake … that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you” 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12.

The disciple who is dead and buried with Christ is “dead to sin” (Romans 6:2). There are tell-tale symptoms in one whose self life has not been terminated, put to death. When we justify the sinful things we do, and call those who point them out “legalistic,” it is symptomatic of a life that is not crucified with Christ. The Bible says, “Lie not against the truth” (James. 3:14). If we argue against the truth when we are shown it, we are manifesting rebellion. The “corn of wheat” must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The one whose life is laid down does not make excuses when he realizes that he harbors sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more sanctified and dwelling in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.

Prayer: LORD Jesus, I am crucified with You. I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God. Here and now I lay my life in Your holy hands, this moment. Please use me now and here forward in the Father’s business of the Great Commission as we eagerly look for Your soon return. I love You LORD Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Little Pet Disciple?

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 GOD will remove His presence from you in a heartbeat if you allow pride (James 4:6-10). Memorize and live 1 Corinthians 10:12 now. —- As the LORD told Esther, so He tells you and I – “If you will not DO what He told you to do, I will replace you!” We are to serve God on His terms, not ours – or, He will replace us with someone who will. We need Him – He doesn’t need us – and, we are not irreplaceable! – “For IF thou altogether holdest […]

Is the Crucified Life Essential for Going to Heaven? [podcast]

Jesus taught that the Heaven bound disciple must have root in himself, must “endure to the end”, must have a long term, an eternal perspective (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 4:17; Luke 8:13). The Cost of Discipleship “And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 […]

Judgment to Come Necessitates the Crucified Life [podcast]

“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 In light of “eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:2), the apostle speaks here of his preparation for it. Paul knew that eternal damnation awaited him if he dared not keep under his body, to crucify the deeds of the body to “bring it into subjection” by the daily crucified life. Keeping under our bodies speaks of a continual essential. Keeping under means subduing the old man by crucifying it daily. “For […]

Abiding

Faith with Humility: When Love Replaces Judgment [podcast]

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Galatians 5:6

Recently I ran across a sobering title for a video by a pastor. It read:

“They have the gospel backwards: Why are Christians so mean?”

Have you memorized Matthew 5:44 in the King James Bible?

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:14

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

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The Cardinal Characteristic of Knowing God [podcast]

The word “love” appears 311 times in God’s Word. It’s one thing to know the Bible. It’s another thing to know the God of the Bible. “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 This is why He created you – to know Him. “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 The disciple has nothing more important […]

To Walk in Love is of the Highest Priority to the LORD [podcast]

If we die without His love we will not be with Him above. Jesus loved us and all His enemies, even under to death – for our, for the redemption of the world. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth (displayed) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8 Our promised we, His people, will be persecuted […]