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By Paul Proctor

I garnered a lot of email from my last article about the coming Rapture of the Church. Some received my commentary with joy, excitement and expectation, others with shock, anger and contempt. Amid the many diverse messages that found their way to my inbox, some generous and some not, I gained a bit of clarity as to the state of the perceived church that I think is important to pass along.

I discovered that many of those who call themselves Christians apparently don’t want to be delivered from this fallen world. Their goal instead is to make it a better place in which to live by forming alliances, organizations, ministries and networks to help them build a sort of Heaven on Earth.

If our little speck on the globe, by the grace of God, becomes a little more tolerable for a time through the courageous and benevolent efforts of the brethren, then praise the Lord; but should that be our primary objective? If we become fixated on this world and how we might change it for the better, do we not do so at the expense of the world to come and those who, as yet, have no hope or desire beyond the flesh?

Shall we Christianize the old to make it homier for our family, friends and countrymen or point to the new? Where is our focus – on the horizontal here and now or the vertical to come?

Is there any scriptural directive calling us to renovate the Land of the Lost into a facade of faith so that it will appear to be Christian owned and operated when our Lord returns, even though it is clearly stated four times in scripture that Satan is the “prince of this world?”

Considering that Christians become better disciples and experience their greatest spiritual growth under hardship and persecution, wouldn’t the seemingly honorable goal of making this a “better world,” in reality, be as counterproductive as trying to make soldiers out of recruits by turning their boot camp into a day spa? What is the eternal value in this?

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” – 2nd Corinthians 2:10

We criticized Jim & Tammy Bakker 20 years ago for sweet-talking their followers out of millions of dollars to build the infamous Heritage U.S.A.; but aren’t local churches around the country today doing much the same thing to finance pleasure palaces and amusement parks full of worldly music, theater, dance, recreation and refreshments, catering to almost every appetite imaginable; and even worse, marketing it to the rest of the world as “evangelism?” It is no wonder that so many from the postmodern church have a hard time believing in the Rapture. With a kingdom like this in the works, who needs Heaven?

As if that wasn’t enough, several notable evangelicals, including Rick Warren, have now signed on to the pagan left’s environmental agenda by joining the Global Warming Initiative. Even though many conservatives found it somewhat strange and out-of-character, Warren’s liberal tendencies didn’t come as all that much of a surprise to those of us who, for years, have rebuked him and warned others of his Purpose Driven pretense; theories, techniques, philosophies and practices that have been liberal all along.

But because Warren’s sensory-saturated customer base has lost sight of what it means to be a conservative and a Christian, they didn’t see it coming. Their wisdom, discernment and Biblical convictions were “pyromarketed” away with The Purpose Driven Life; so now, rather than question, object or protest the consensus on a new-found environmental “stewardship” program that he and his cronies are peddling, many, I suspect, will simply fall in line behind his leftward march toward U.N. compliance, thinking they do the Will of God because they do the will of Warren.

The obvious question Christians ought to be asking is: What does environmentalism have to do with eternal life? Nothing, unless you believe that Heaven is the third planet from the Sun and that it can only be saved with human hands and worldly wisdom.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” – 1st John 2:16-17

Other Christians take a more aggressive approach toward a “better world” by affirming the Commander in Chief’s call to send soldiers into combat overseas to change it militarily, one country at a time, into whatever he and his supporters think it ought to be. Consequently, only a Remnant of believers remain to “occupy” this world as “strangers” and “pilgrims;” following a risen Christ, Who saves souls, to a Promised Land their eyes have never seen, while everyone else unites to save the planet.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul…” – 1st Peter 2:11

Compare today’s earth-centered values with those of the Apostle John who wrote:

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” – 1st John 2:15

And the Apostle Paul who said:

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

I find it particularly disturbing that Christians who have been called out of this evil world by the Lord they claim as their own, have so dismissed the Word of God and His command to “Come out from among them and be ye separate” that they’ve fallen madly in love with it; becoming seduced and entangled in its affairs, calling it a “ministry,” a “career” a “pastime” or their “patriotic duty” as if that somehow justifies their love of this life.

“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” – 2nd Timothy 2:4
“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” – John 12:25

After a rather long and heated volley of email messages with one enraged conservative over the misguided priorities of contemporary Christians and the sheer vanity of it all, I finally brought our correspondence to a close with this.

I wrote: “Jesus said ‘my kingdom is not of this world.’ Where is YOUR kingdom?” I asked; “Is it here on Earth or is it in Heaven?”

He refused to answer.

“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever amen.” – Galatians 1:3-5

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Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Waste | Stewardship | GivingLet Him be Your Fear [podcast]Why We Need Not Fear DeathFear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]

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Articles

Are You a Follower of Jesus and Considering Moving to Mexico? [podcast]


Could the LORD be shaking off the dust of His holy feet against America?

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14

HAPPENING NOW:

Just handed a tract to a man named Ruben. He said “Thank you. I’ve been searching and was thinking of visiting the JW (Jehovah Witness) church near me. Thank you.” Then a conversation ensued. He was informed that that JW and Mormons are cults. Ruben was given the law to convict, and saving Gospel, and exhorted to pray in repentance today and receive Jesus for the remission of his sins. He was told by way of testimony and the Word that Jesus is exactly Who he was looking for.

We exchanged numbers and will be meeting again soon. Please pray for this man. He’s in ripe mode if you will….. ready to repent and receive Jesus, Heaven’s Treasure, Salvation! Would you like to pause and lift Ruben in prayer?

*** Saints, as your brother in Christ, let me encourage you to dare pray something like this today if you are inclined: “Dear LORD, I am all Yours. You created me. You came and died for me. I am Yours. Please put me on Your planet, just exactly where You want me, and use me dear LORD! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Saints the JW and Mormon cults are here in Mexico. There are few if any Christian missionaries.  “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36  But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

I don’t believe any American would regret moving to this great country. The peace and tranquility are off the charts. If you need someone to talk to, let me know.

One thing is certain, you will be immediately spoiled by the preciousness of the Mexican people and their acceptance of the message of Christ! You will minister to no one who won’t say “gracias.”

Mission Mexico

Are you printing out your supply of JESUS tracts to pass out daily? Never leave home without your supply of the Gospel of Jesus to share with others. Download Jesus tract PDF with one click here – English and Spanish

Jesus [tract] Read, Download it Here

“Love this Jesus Tract! The other day, at the home we minister in (retirement home), Tom asked me to read this to the people as they usually follow along. Half way through it the reality of what Jesus did for me and all of us, on the cross hit me and the tears began to stream down my face. I could no longer read it. This tract is so filled with the truth and how much God loves us, even in spite of how wicked we are, how could anyone not be convicted?” Karen Cochran

“As this sanctification process happens in our hearts we will see more and more of Christ’s light shining in our hearts. Proverbs 4:18: “But the path of the just is the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” As we surrender daily, as we die to ourselves, as we die downward and are buried with Christ, Jesus’ resurrection life (newness of life) will shine brighter and brighter in our hearts! Until that perfect day when we shall be taken up into glory to be with our Savior forever. Then God’s glory will fill our hearts and the heavens! Until now let the Daystar arise in our hearts each day so His light can shine forth into this lost world. We are to be the light shining Christ’s light into this broken and dark world! Jesus alone is the Answer! His resurrection light! Glory hallelujah!” Karen Cochran

FEEDBACK

“Amazing you would post this! It does seem the Lord is going to move us. We have begun to clean out and get rid of stuff. Years ago Tom built a patio and recently tore it down. We own the trailer we live in but not the property. It seems he has begun to clean outside and me inside. Without really knowing why. Yesterday we looked at each other and said, we are doing all this because God is moving us! As of this moment that is all we know. I still have my mom and Dad to help so it’s all His timing. But right now we are preparing! Here we are Lord send us! Isaiah 6:8.” Karen Cochran

Francisco repented and received Jesus! As our LORD would have it, our paths crossed by divine ordination. Francisco was preached to and gladly received a Jesus tract. Upon showing him the prayer of repentance and faith on the back, he immediately raised his hands to pray. It caught me off guard, in a good way, and so he was instructed to pray in repentance and faith… as he was led, and he did, out loud, acknowledging that he has sinned against God and then calling on our LORD Jesus to forgive, save, wash away his sin.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. … 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

Beloved Francisco was showed and encouraged to download the Reina Valera Spanish Bible onto his devices and wake up to seeking God in His Word and prayer first thing each morning (Matthew 6:33). He was given the idea also of reading the Proverb of the day each morning.

This continues to happen here with these precious people. They are so hungry for Christ and only need someone to show, to lead them to Him. Several times when instructed to go home and pray in repentance and faith, they overtly lift their hands and hearts and begin praying right on the spot – which demonstrates that they’d been waiting eagerly to hear the message of Christ’s Gospel!

“HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

Ensuing his repentance toward God and faith toward our LORD Jesus (Acts 20:21), the discipleship began. We’ve already been communicating and he’s got the Born Again book in Spanish with three more of the ministry books which will be sent to him this week.

Mission Mexico


The life being lived with any other purpose except to please God and serve others, is a wasted, hell bound life.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16

Remember, flights back and forth from Texas to Mexico are only a 2-3 hour flight.

The Great Commission Jesus Gave Us

Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry UpdatesThe Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Great Commission

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Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?

“The truth is that while Christ dwells in the believer’s new nature, He has strong competition from the believer’s old nature. The warfare between the old and the new goes on continually in most believers.” AW Tozer

The law of God is “holy, and just, and good.” (Romans 7:12)

The holy law of God and the depraved nature of fallen mankind could not be further apart – the righteousness of God inherent in His law vs the “old man,” the iniquitous fallen nature of mankind (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Nothing but a caustic reaction, explosion could be the result of the 2 colliding (Romans 7). One or the other must reign.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17

In what tense did the great apostle speak in when addressing this “old man” that wars against the Spirit in us?

“O WRETCHed man that I am! (presently) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24

Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the cross, burial, and resurrection grace of Jesus (Romans 6:3-10; 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). Read Romans chapters 6-7 each morning this week.

It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.

“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 7:18

No, the apostle wasn’t admitting to living in sin but rather that that “old man” – the flesh – was present and must be crucified with Christ daily. Is that not exactly what Jesus taught?

“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

I believe Romans 7 applies to both before and after one is saved …. Because if the saved person departs from the daily cross walk, that same “old man” will take center stage. “O wretch man that I AM (present) (Romans 7:18) ….. we are born again children of God, saints of the Most High and yet that potential to evil, that “old man” must be crucified and “put off” by the daily cross so the “new man” can reign with Christ in this life and eternity. What Paul calls the “old man” must be “put off” and so we can conclude that there IS an “old man” to be “put off” otherwise no such instruction would have been given. We are not to deny the “old man” – the sinful bent – but rather to crucify it (Romans 6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9).

Charles Pray writes: “So many want to hide their sins, especially those who like to appear Holy on the outside while inside they are dark, unholy ministers of the flesh. They have become a product of their own desires. Dear Lord, please bring them back to their first Love–Jesus! Amen.”

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

What to “Put Off” and What to “Put On”

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation THE OLD MAN, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on THE NEW MAN, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off THE OLD MAN with his deeds; 10 And have put on THE NEW MAN, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:9-10

“When we embrace the crucified life we are given overflowing rivers of new life! New life is breathed into us. Walking in the flesh only makes our soul sick with sin! And sin kills and destroys! (Romans 6:23). Rotting us from the inside out! But the way of the cross brings life to our flesh! (Proverbs 3:8, 4:22). Our flesh meaning our whole spirit, soul and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. We cannot be a whole person until we are completely given over to the Lord! And this can only happen through the cross. When we are dead and buried and raised up in the newness of life Jesus offers us, then the joy of the Lord will fill our hearts!” Karen Cochran

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesBecause You Care Page | Bible/Word of GodThe Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Mission Mexico Elvita Dejected then Blessed [video]

“Wow! God is sure blessing this ministry! And given you the heart of a servant. As I listened to these stories and saw all the pictures all I heard was Jesus! This whole Mexico Mission is all about Jesus! Not Todd but Jesus. Hallelujah!” Karen Cochran

Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul | The JESUS tract in English and Spanish

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry UpdatesThe Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Great Commission

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