The sins that should concern us the most are our own sins!
Biblical Example of a Transgressor being Saved from Death – Restored
1 Corinthians 5 – sin
2 Corinthians 2 – repentance and restoration
So after the fornicator in the Corinthian church was turned over to Satan by the body of Christ, he repented and was restored to fellowship with Christ and His people (1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2). And here was Paul’s follow-up instructions:
“Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.” 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
“Concerning restoration of a sinning saint and the necessity of repentance (James 5:19-20) …. the apostle Paul taught this to the Corinthian church, instructing them to godliness in rebuking a certain man caught in fornication and I bet that man is still singing the praises of God in heaven to this day! This is a divinely ordained and mandated function of the body of Christ (James 5:19-20). That the church in Corinth was obedient to Christ in cutting off the man in fornication that brought about godly sorrow leading to repentance and eventually restoration and eternal glory!” Jon Crane
Saints, when someone returns to Christ, we must rejoice as does God and love them, pour Heaven’s healing oil on them, celebrate the return of the prodigals!!!! (Luke 15)
Luke 15 contains 3 amazing parables illustrating the restorative love of our Father in Heaven who sent His only begotten Son to procure us back to Himself. That’s the Home where we belong! Read the parables of the sheep, silver, and son in Luke 15.
WHEN you witness a brother or sister becoming weak, having a fault, or committing sin, GOD’s call for you is to help them be brought to repentance and restored to Him and not to run them through with the rusty sword of your own self-righteous judgment (Galatians 6:1-2; James 1:20; Romans 8:33-34).
“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.” Romans 8:33-34
The curse of Ham occurred when he wrongly uncovered the nakedness of his father (Genesis 9:22)… When we expose the sin of another unduly, without warrant, God may bring this curse on us….. Are we not called to help them overcome? Let’s not stone them beloved but rather humbly lift them, help them up (Galatians 6:1-2).
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
“he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death”
Restoring those in sin is the duty of the members of Christ’s body and “shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8
WHETHER you like it or not, God is NOT willing that ANYYY perish-not one!
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Aren’t you glad today that God is not willing that you perish?
If God is so good and gracious and “ready to forgive”, should that be our own disposition toward the fallen?
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalms 86:15
“We may be assured that perfect chastity will not be attained by any merely human efforts. You must ask for God’s help,” one writer once observed. Then he wrote: “After each failure ask for forgiveness, pick yourself up and try again. For however important chastity may be, this process trains us in habits of the soul which are more important still. It cures our illusions about ourselves and teaches us to depend on God. We learn on the one hand that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments … We shall of course be very muddy and tattered children by the time we reach home. But the bathrooms are all ready, the towels put out, and the clean clothes in the airing cupboard. The only fatal thing is to lose one’s temper and give up. It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us: it is the very sign of His presence.” Mark Joseph
Romans 7:18 “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”
Romans 7:24 “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
How should we handle the matter with a sinning Christian? Fortunately, Christ himself left an example that His followers can imitate, for one of His disciples committed a deed far more wretched than adultery — he actually denied even knowing Jesus (Mk. 14; Lk. 22; Jn. 18).
It would certainly have been appropriate for Christ to ask for and receive Peter’s resignation as a disciple — he could certainly not be expected to turn the world upside down for his Master after such a tawdry display of disloyalty. Yet his Master, understanding human nature as He did, reacted differently.
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
Note here that Jesus told Peter “when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Peter was told, in advance of his transgression, to build up the saints of God, his “brethren“, when he was restored!
In so doing, our LORD set an example for how leaders should treat people who fall, should they be repentant as Peter was. And while there clearly is Biblical justification for removing pastors caught in adultery, radio talk show hosts whose work happens to minister should be held to the same standards all Christians are: the standards of forgiveness, eventual restoration and a firm reminder like the one Jesus gave another caught in adultery: “Go and sin no more.” (Jn. 8:11)
Church discipline serves to bring the transgressor to repentance and restore his faith in God (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2:5-11).
IF we are still judging instead of restoring believers who are weak or stumble into sin, the Word tells us we are not mature in Christ yet (Galatians 6:1-2).
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual (mature in Christ), restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2
PASS IT ON.
This article was originally written by Mark Joseph.
It has been modified by myself…todd tomasella
For a topical study of deeper proportions on this subject, see The Blood of Jesus.
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay: Born Again: What is It?
Sign up for free email devotional HERE … The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
God Himself personally sends a “strong delusion” to all who do not love His truth so that they WILL believe lies. He greases their pole to hell. That’s how personally He takes it when people call Him a liar by not believing His Word.
“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
Notice “of God” and “NOT of God”
“He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are NOT OF GOD.” John 8:47
How do We Know Who is "of God" and Who is "Not of God"? [podcast]
Scripture vs Subjectivity/Human Reasoning “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8 There are many people pretending to be representing Christ. Many pretend to speak for God but how do we know who is truly “of God” and who is “not of God”? Jesus gave us the answer to this important question because He desires His people to be protected by proper discernment. He has warned us repeatedly to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but […]
Return and Discern [podcast]
THE LORD IS DOING A WORK TODAY IN THE HEARTS OF HIS PEOPLE – BLESSING US TO BE POOR IN SPIRIT, HUNGERING FOR MORE OF HIM, AND PURE IN HEART (Matthew 5:3, 6, 8 ). It’s all in spite of our own failings and sin and because of His great mercies which are renewed every morning – GREAT is His faithfulness (Lamentation 3:22-23). Discernment is only granted by God when we truly repent which means we lay down our lives in this fleeting world and follow Jesus for real (2 Corinthians 3:16-18). WHEN we earnestly seek the face of the […]
The Essential Doctrine of Repentance
The Biblical Statement on the Essential Doctrine and Necessity of Repentance – in Life and in the Dispensing of the Original Gospel Message. Though nearly never heard in today’s apostate modern church world, according to Christ’s unchanging original Gospel, repentance is an absolute necessity. Karen Cochran observes: “It doesn’t seem the word repent is part of the Christian’s vocabulary! In the modern church, it’s all about God accepting you the way you are without any requirements to repent and die to self.” Note that in modern churches, “Christian” radio, media, books, the word “repent” is rarely if ever heard. Yet […]
THIS MORNING: Brother Mark brought brother Juan to meet our new brother Jose Patron!
Jose was given a stack of JESUS tracts after he said he wanted to evangelize.
Brother Juan passes by where Jose works for work daily and so that connection and fellowship is being put in place.
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9) – and what God has us doing is supporting His beloved “labourers” who are “few”! (Matthew 9:35-38)
A FEW DAYS AGO: Sister Maria called for more JESUS tracts. She ran out as she is distributing hundreds per day. So our dear sister, thanks to you who are praying and supply…. was given a new jacket to keep her warm (pictured), food and drink to bring home for her living quarters, a fresh supply of JESUS tracts, some cash (Mexican pesos), and some Scripture that she as usual read out loud and devoured as I brought them up on my cell phone from the Spanish Bible (Reina Valera). God is good saints. May He be glorified in all you are doing to see the beloved people of Mexico reached with His bless-ed Gospel! You are refreshing His beloved saints.
LORD willing, I will be meeting again with our dear brother Juan this week to refresh him in fellowship etc.
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27
Mexico: The Land where the Gospel of Jesus is Freely Received
“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8
As we truly follow Jesus He makes us fishers of men.
“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17
This was the sweetest couple ever as you can tell by the picture. They were overjoyed to receive the preaching of our LORD’s Gospel and were told how to be saved – repentance and faith in Christ, and showed the prayer on the back, etc. They were directed to the prayer on the back and exhorted to pray in repentance and faith and receive eternal life. When asked they said they’d welcome your prayers for them.
On the streets today in Mexico ministering our LORD Jesus’ Gospel to many. As usual the name of Jesus was preached in Christ’s love and it was readily, eagerly received by most who thanked us for giving them the Gospel. SMH. It’s no even fair!
A man name Jose was ministered to, received the Word, and prayed in repentance and faith to be saved! Would you like to lift our new brother in Christ in prayer? Jose Patron is his name and we are connected and he’s already been given more Scripture and added to the Spanish WA group.
Jose just sent me a voice recording saying Thank you to Mark and I for ministering Jesus’ Gospel to him and that he wants to do the same thing we are doing, minister to others our LORD’s Gospel.
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
“The food looks healthy. Just this morning I was thinking that it is unfathomable, in my mind, to comprehend what the Lord is doing in Mexico. I watched the video of Mark passing out Jesus tracts and everyone was so receptive. That stuck in my mind, because I recently watched a video of a man preaching the gospel on a train. Zero response! Everyone kept looking at their phones and never once looked up. This is the true state of America. We have need of nothing and especially not Jesus. Rev 3:17. As opposed to the precious people of Mexico who know they are poor in spirit and are in need of the Lord to save them. They know something is missing in their lives. When Mark was passing out those Jesus tracts people were very happy and joyful to receive them, here they are rejecting the Savior.” Karen Cochran
We went to a colonia, to a street where no one was outside at the moment, Brother Mark said “God sent us this way for a reason, for someone.” 30 seconds later we came upon Jose! Boom.
Then came the Gospel explosion!
Upon ministering Christ’s Gospel to him, Jose Patron excitedly shared with brother Mark and I about how God had saved him from dying. He simply needed the opportunity to repent and be saved – and that’s exactly what JESUS did. Thank you for lifting our beloved brother Jose in prayer.
Jose just sent me a voice recording saying Thank you to Mark and I for ministering Jesus’ Gospel to him and that he wants to do the same thing we are doing, minister to others our LORD’s Gospel.
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
Gospel blessings abounded on the streets in Mexico ministering our LORD Jesus’ Gospel to many. As always the name of Jesus was preached in Christ’s love and it was readily, eagerly received by most who thanked us for giving them the Gospel.
It’s no even fair to have the privilege to minister to the beloved Mexicans! SMH.
A man name Jose was ministered to. He received the Word, and prayed in repentance and faith to be saved! Would you like to lift our new brother in Christ in prayer? Jose Patron is his name and we are connected and he’s already been given more Scripture and added to the Spanish WA group.
Jose just sent me a voice recording saying Thank you to Mark and I for ministering Jesus’ Gospel to him and that he wants to do the same thing we are doing, minister to others our LORD’s Gospel.
Thank you for lifting the salvation of the people of Mexico in your prayers. | Mexico Mission
“I love this brother! May God continue to provide and increase his fruit in the lives of the disciples in Mexico, in the Philippines, in Pakistan, in Kenya, in all his earth for his glory! Amen.
I was reading Psalm 8 and John 10. Beautiful beyond understanding is God’s love poured out in Christ Jesus toward us who hear his voice!
Much love to the body of Christ in Mexico and throughout the whole world. Jesus is coming!
“EVERY person you meet, or stand next to in line, is an opportunity to share the Good News. Do not miss the opportunity to bring another into the Kingdom.
I thank God everyday that this happened to me 5 years ago.” Targeted Christian Girl, RN
Let us be blessed to preach Christ’s Gospel this day.
Upon having the Gospel of Jesus preached to her, beloved Laura informed me that she is a born again saint!!! After fellowshipping she took a stash of JESUS tracts. Would you like to pray for sister Laura?
After receiving the ministry of God’s Word, Antonio was asked if he wanted you to lift him in prayer. He eagerly accepted and is glad you will pause to lift his life to the LORD in prayer. | Mexico Mission
ON THE TOPIC OF MEXICO
The Mexican people never handed their country over to the government so that the government can take it away the government cannot take it away because
Historically and presently the Mexican people find a way to circumvent the government. They never let the government have control and therefore the government can’t take their freedom away – because the people recognize their freedom coming from God.
The tax money of the people is a large way that the government controls the people they are empowered by the riches of the people through taxes in order to control and exploit them endlessly. Your tax money fuels your slavery….
Mexican people have a very healthy dis-trust for government. This is unlike many Americans. Many Americans it seems, haven’t learned that the promises candidates make before an election, will nearly never carry them out when elected. It seems the “We’re going to release the epstein files” was a mere ruse to cover those secret files. “It’s all a big club, and you’re not in it.” George Carlin
Thank you for praying for this man, Juan. He received ministry today and is in need of being saved.
The concept of a “daily cross life” with Jesus is the way of living that involves submitting ourselves to Christ daily, perpetually, and living in sacrificial service to God and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). This is based on the Bible verse Luke 9:23, which says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:23-24).
In short, the cross gets you, me, out of the way so Christ can reign. Selah.
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
How do we walk in victory after Jesus saves us? By participating in the daily cross life.
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
HOW could we possibly, vainly believe we are going to overcome the sins that prevent us from eternal glory without the daily crucified life? Not going to happen.
The cross is essential—the crucified life. Read Romans 6 in prayer each morning.
Death and burial must precede resurrection. There will be no resurrection in your personal life—no divine raising you up out of sin and into victory—until you lay down your life, until you die.
The Bible says we have been FOOLS:
“Thou fool, that which thou sowest(plant)is not quickened(made alive), except it die:” 1 Corinthians 15:36
How could we have ever believed that God is going to raise us upward into His victory, out of sin, until we died? I can tell you why—it’s because we weren’t honestly studying and obeying His Word for ourself but rather following false teachers (Philippians 3:18-19).
“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
“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.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:11-13
The original Gospel is a cross Gospel. Any gospel that does not have the cross front and center, is “another gospel,” a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Reading Romans 6 prayerfully each morning is a blessing.
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I love You and thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to die for my sins and the sins of the whole world. We are not worthy but You bought us with the very life blood of Christ, back to Yourself from a life of sin, to be Your sons and daughters. Please forgive all my sins afresh LORD. Into Your holy, mighty hands I now submit my spirit. Bless this life to be crucified with You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NOTHING – NO MAN, NO DEVIL CAN STOP THIS! Just as no man, no devil could possibly stop the resurrection of Christ, no entity or army can stop the resurrection life of Christ in His saints, as they submit to their own death and burial. Resurrection follows! “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 […]
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Cons and Crooks who Do Not Preach the Cross [podcast]
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 Those who do not preach the cross prove that they believe the cross is “foolishness.” The know that many will leave if they were to preach the crucified life. And they are in it for the money, the acceptance of mere men, not Christ. Make no mistake, the Holy Ghost through Paul warned us specifically about this generation of counterfeits, these “evil men and seducers” who “wax worse and worse.” (2 Timothy 3:13) […]