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“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and IF HE REPENT, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

Though we should forgive from our hearts those who harm us, forgiving seems to be spoken of here as concerning bringing them back into fellowship. It’s one thing to forgive someone in your heart and another thing to continue to spend time and energy on a relationship with them.

Of this passage, John Wesley wrote:

“If he sin against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day return, saying, I repent – That is, if he give sufficient proof that he does really repent, after having sinned ever so often, receive him just as if he had never sinned against thee. But this forgiveness is due only to real penitents. In a lower sense we are to forgive all, penitent or impenitent; (so as to bear them the sincerest good will, and to do them all the good we can;) and that not seven times only, but seventy times seven.”

Wondering about reconciling with someone? You will know when someone should be back in your life when they truly repent and openly confess their sins before the LORD and their offence against you. And, until they do this, you can know they have not repented before the LORD. WHEN they truly repent before the LORD, He will send them back to you to sincerely admit they were wrong. Fruit. 

God requires that we forgive and yet, He also instructed us not to give our pearls to the swine – don’t put yourself in harms way unnecessarily by remaining in fellowship with those who have not truly repented and therefore are under the influence, the control of and operate according to the agenda of their father, the devil – to steal, to kill, and to destroy (Mark 11:25-26; Matthew 7:6; John 10:10).

“Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27

God’s Word commands us to forgive and yet, this is qualified. That’s not all it says.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“Are we to still forgive them even if they never repent to God or apologize to us? What is true forgiveness? The world has their ways but I want to know what it really looks like.”

REPLY:

Yes we must forgive and yet, receiving them back into our lives seems to be another issue.

We must of necessity view all things from the full counsel of God’s Word. Remember: It was the LOVE and MERCY manifested to the unrepentant fornicator which was the goodness of God which led him to repentance, lest he perish irrevocably in hell.

In Luke 17, Jesus seems to teach that we are not to let some offending brother back until they repent. He is not to be shown the LORD’s acceptance until he truly repents and that will always bring forth making amends with those he’s offended (fruit). Offending one of God’s children is punishable by eternal damnation:

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:1-2

This teaching from our LORD seems to coincide with His teaching about not giving that which is holy to dogs (Matthew 7:6). Church Discipline

Forgive unconditionally from the heart yes and yet there’s the Luke 17:1-4 teaching.

PERHAPS we should today consider that God is attempting to protect His children. Following His wisdom, His Word, will do just that (Proverbs 30:5). Those who allow a swine, a heretic, to remain in close range, will again be stabbed in the back by that swine (Matthew 7:6; Titus 3:10). Swine – unrepentant evil doers are to be rejected (Titus 3:10). In this life, there are people you will have to forgive and also, to get out of your life, to keep them at a distance. Beware of the Swine

“Years ago I was hurt by a certain person, and when I found myself in a prayer meeting with that one lady I felt I should ask her for forgiveness if I had offended her someway and the Lord spoke clearly and immediately, saying, ‘Do not cast your pearls before swine’ and stopped me seconds before I asked.” Anita A.

Perhaps we can say that if we forgive too early, we may hurt someone – prevent them getting right with God due to the divine working of repentance not being able to take its full course.

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Repentance is a yielding to the conviction of the Spirit upon our conscience. Repentance is a work of God and yet GOD requires that we hearken to it. Repentance is an absolute work of God and yes He made it an essential (Luke 13:3, 5, etc.). Repentance is the very first word of the Gospel (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31, etc.).

“True repentance is actually speaking of firstly an internal change more than outward expression or external change of behavior.”

The inward change by the working of the Spirit of God will always bring the fruit of that change on the outward (Matthew 3:7-10). In this case that would bring forth the fruit of an apology, readily confessing ones sin, wrongdoing – a leaving of ones gift before the altar until things are cleared up (Matthew 5:23-24; James 5:16).

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 

Repentance is a gift and yet that gift must be received and CAN be rejected:

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will GIVE (it’s a gift) them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 

Remember, when someone sins against God by deliberately harming a one of God’s people, it’s only because their own heart is not right with God.

The consequences for harming one of Christ’s people is severe and will be eternally irrevocably if that sinning soul isn’t brought to repentance. Jesus issues this severe warning:

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 

When a professing believer wrongs you, this is no excuse to retain hatred in your heart toward them even though there’s a separation and before there’s a reconciliation or restoring of fellowship. God will not forgive us lest we forgive others from our hearts (Matthew 6:14-16; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-25).

God is not going to bless our lives unless we are willing to sincerely admit our sins, repent and confess them, and make amends (restitution) with anyone we’ve harmed (Proverbs 28:13). In the divine economy, there’s no such thing as being right with God when you’ve done another person wrong, haven’t repented, and haven’t made amends for what you’ve done. Such a person will be outside of the will and blessings of God until he makes things right with God and man (Matthew 5:23-24; 7:12; 22:37-39).

God will not answer the prayer of any person who does not honor and obey His Word and if a person has an outstanding offense He wants them to clear up these matters (Proverbs 28:9, 13).

The LORD requires that His people “examine” and “judge” themselves.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?   2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine and honest judge yourself and amend your ways or God will judge you.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Divine wisdom and mercy would have the offending, backslidden believer to be restored and He has chosen His people to be His “ministers of reconciliation” in such matters due to desiring that none should perish (2 Corinthians 5:18; 2 Peter 3:9).

When the believer forgives and restores an unrepentant sinning saint, giving that approval, they short circuit the repentance needed in the offending party and without which God will not forgive them. So, they stand in danger of hell fire.

Also, when we restore a departed saint who has not truly repented before God and rendered the fruit of true repentance by sincerely admitting and apologizing to us, we bring a “swine” back into our lives who will certainly stab us in the back again (Matthew 7:6). Jesus instructed us not to do this.

When you allow an offending person back into your life without them having truly repent and show that by their fruits, you have brought a swine in to wreak more havoc.

If you seek to reconcile with someone who has clearly attacked you without their real, sincere repentance before God and confession to you of their wrong doing, it’s just going to be a patch job that will again end tragically. They are still a “swine” until after they hearken to the LORD’s conviction and repent.

Jesus instructed us:

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6

“Wait, the Bible says we must forgive no matter what.”

Good point. Can we seek to sort this out as we seek out the whole counsel of Scripture? Jesus says:

“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” Matthew 18:35 

This is in context with a man who was wronged and humbling asking for forgiveness. Read Matthew 18:21-35 for the context.

Are we to forgive no matter what or are we to forgive freely, unlimited those who truly repent? Perhaps “forgive” in this context below is dealing with restoring that person back to fellowship.

“IF he repent”

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and IF HE REPENT, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

The words of Jesus immediately preceding the above passage are very important….

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:1-2 

The LORD is a God of Restoration!God’s Desire to have Unity Among the Brethren

Subverted Hereticks [podcast]

WHY Christians Sin and the Only Solution

The Miracle Working Power of God Manifesting in Your Daily Life [podcast]

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Bowels of Mercies [podcast]


“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

“Now the end (supreme goal) of the commandment (Word of God, Gospel) is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” 1 Timothy 1:5

Recently a dear brother in Christ who got to reading on the ministry site, sent me an email claiming that I was perhaps being too harsh in some of the expose’s on the site. After I responded, this dear man sent back an apology, asking forgiveness for his own unwarranted harshness towards me.

Whew! Saints this is exactly how we should humbly work out things in the body of Christ, whose love never fails!

Here was the response sent to him:

“Blessings in Christ dear brother and thank you for the iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). Please let me know how can be a blessing to you (Ps 133:1; Eph 4:3).”

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14

WHEN we aren’t concerned about how we are affecting others, it’s because we don’t care for them and are full of self (Colossians 4:6).

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6

“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:” 1 Peter 1:22

“Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.” 2 Corinthians 6:12

“For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:8

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,” Philippians 2:1

“For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon 1:7

“Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:” Philemon 1:12

“Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.” Philemon 1:20

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17

Saints, may our LORD help us to HELP other disciples who are in the same fight as we are in and help them in the LORD’s process of sanctification. Galatians 6:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:24-26 

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Abiding

Kiss Jesus Or be Crushed as His Enemy! [podcast]


Satan’s Pitiful Petty Perverted Pawns have an Expiration Date!

“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” Isaiah 13:9 

Psalm 2 is Prophetic of Christ and of His Return to Take back Possession of His Planet, Earth

The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed

1  Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 
2  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 
3  Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 
4  He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 
5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 
6  Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 
7  I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 
8  Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 
9  Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. 
10  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 
11  Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 
12  Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. 

GOD told us He’s laughing at these luciferians and all their “elaborate plans” to control humanity. Read Psalms 2. Jesus is coming. His enemies will be crushed under His holy, Almighty feet (Romans 16:20).

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:20

The future belongs exclusively to Jesus Christ and His followers. Read the book of Revelation!

“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:44

Jesus is coming back “In flaming fire taking vengeance.”

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

The Coming of the Son of Man

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

Just as Aaron’s rod swallowed up the rods of the sorcerers of Egypt (the world), so shall Christ’s kingdom swallow up the kingdoms of this world! (Exodus 7:12; Daniel 2:44; 7:14) Will you be a part of Christ’s eternal kingdom?  

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Bow now or burn forever.

All who refuse to repent, bowing down to “kiss the Son” of God will perish in their own corruption and be violently vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation, the prison of fire, which will then be “cast into the lake of fire.”

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14-15

“EVERY Knee”

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

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Articles

Mission Mexico Part 31

Jesus is coming saints. Let us pour our lives, prayers, and resources into accomplishing the Great Commission Jesus sent us to accomplish – to teach and to teach His Word, to see people saved and become His disciples (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20, etc.).


 


If anyone wishes to step up and contribute to the next printing of the JESUS tracts in Spanish that are being distributed daily, please do. At this point, the ministry cannot afford to print this next batch. Sad but true.



HINT: There is plenty of opportunity to contribute to Mission Mexico. We are going to continue to feed the poor and minister Christ’s Gospel – regardless of the fumes we are presently operating on. Thank God for those who are praying and supporting. This opportunity to obey God lies in front of each of us. What shall we do?

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

To say that this ministry is under-funded is an understatement.

Mission Mexico – See more here.



Reminder: The people we take pictures of are specifically asked if they’d like Christians in the USA to lift them in prayer. They all agree and are blessed to know you are lifting them in prayer.

“‘Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.’ Jeremiah 1:5

This verse is a powerful reminder that every life has value and purpose to the LORD, given by GOD even before birth. GOD does not work by accident. He plans, calls, and appoints people for His work long before the world ever notices them. Just as Jeremiah was set apart, the hungry, the poor, and the forgotten we serve are known and loved by GOD.

When you give, you are stepping into GOD’s plan to reach lives He already knows by name. Your generosity helps feed bodies and opens hearts to hear the gospel. As Scripture says:

“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” Your support allows us to be those laborers, bringing both daily bread and the Bread of Life to those GOD has already called.” Bill Wegener


You are invited to sign up to give a monthly gift for Mission Mexico 2026. It is much needed. Lots of opportunity. Takes seconds to help.  Support here.



Your prayer this day is appreciated for the beloved people of Mexico.



Would you like to pause and lift in prayer David and Jorge, both who have been ministered to and are in need of salvation. God is good.

“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Psalm 2:8

Jorge wept as he received ministry. He made it clear during this conversation that he fully knows Jesus is coming him to Himself. Several times he said he knows this is God, that we were ordained to meet. He told me he just feels like dying. God is able. Thank you for lifting this young man in prayer.


Thank you for pausing to lift a prayer to our Father in Jesus’ name for the people of Mexico.


“I met Todd and had an encounter with God (got saved); everything happens for a reason. In my case, it was understanding the strength in God’s Word through the Reina Valera Bible.” Daniel, Mexico



“Thank you for sending God’s Word to me. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that!!! This year was very difficult for me.” Arely, Mexico



Because you care, you prayed, you gave….. Cenovio, a homeless man, was treated to the hearing of our LORD’s bless-ed Gospel message, a delicious hot meal, hot coffee, fresh water, and a JESUS tract. It was a super blessed time with this man. Thank God and you!

Would you like to pause and pray for Cenovio?


Sister Teresita in FL has led 3 people to Jesus today …. So far.

Thank you for praying for great fruitfulness with the saints in Florida.

“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Cor 3:9




Thanks for declaring with your prayer and support that the beloved souls of the Mexican people matter!!!! – because they do! Jesus is King and He’s coming saints!





 


Your giving and prayers makes these things possible: This beloved woman (above) received a nice warm meal and cold water last evening. Oh and food for several members of her family.

Mission Mexico is made possible by the prayers and support of God’s people.

Lots of opportunity. Takes seconds to help.  Support here.



***To date the ministry outreach is receiving an average of $1000 total per month to function on. Thank God for those who are supplying prayers and financial support. It is much needed. SGYS supports other ministries in the USA and the Philippines.


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