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
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.
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Because You Care Page | The 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 | Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Let Him be Your Fear [podcast] | Why We Need Not Fear Death | Fear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]
Abiding
Overcoming Temptation [podcast]
The only way to come out on top of temptation, of successfully putting it under foot, is via the crucified life.
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7
Reading Romans 6 each morning, prayerfully, will guarantee the resurrection life and power of Christ reigning in your life.
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24:16
What leads up to actually committing a sin?
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15
FFK = Fight. Finish. Keep.
“The time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8
As an ambassador for Christ, Paul was nearing the end of his mission on earth and said he had “fought,” “finished” and “kept.”
IF YOU DON’T FIGHT YOU WILL FALL, YOU WILL FAIL! With God, failure is never final unless you don’t get back up.
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Memory truth.
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Repenting afresh.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
You must choose daily to “FIGHT the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for theprize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude 1:20
Prayer: LORD, imbue in my innermost being the resolve to know You, to walk with You, to love You supremely as the first loveof my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Satanic Serpents and Hedges | Deliverance | Devils | Holy Ghost Baptism | Off the Chain | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ.
Abiding
Weeping Men Win Men [podcast]
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest, eternal reward) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalms 34:18
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalms 51:17
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (desperate for God): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
The words “mourn” and “mourning” appear 96 times in God’s Word. Ever heard a message on it?
“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:9-10
“Excellent message/podcast! Thank you. Makes me think of Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted.” We mourn as God shows us our evil wicked flesh. And see how much we are not like Him. As He begins to transform us into the image of Christ, all of the sudden, we begin to be filled with the compassion of Christ. And we see through the eyes of Jesus that the lost are without a shepherd! And need Jesus. Anyone who calls themselves a Christian and has not died to self will never have the eyes of Christ because they are still looking through the lens of self.” Karen Cochran
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
“Sowing in tears suggests a time of hardship or distress, possibly due to famine, exile, or personal trials. The imagery of sowing is often used in Scripture to represent the act of investing or laboring in faith, even when circumstances are difficult. This can be connected to the Israelites’ return from Babylonian exile, a period marked by sorrow and uncertainty. The tears symbolize the pain and suffering endured during such times, yet they also imply hope and trust in God’s promises. The act of sowing, despite tears, indicates faith in a future harvest, a theme echoed in Galatians 6:9, which encourages perseverance in doing good.
will reap with shouts of joy
Reaping with joy signifies the fulfillment of God’s promises and the reward for faithful endurance. The transformation from tears to joy highlights the redemptive power of God, who turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). This phrase assures believers that their labor and suffering are not in vain, as God will ultimately bring about a joyful harvest. The joy of reaping is not just personal but communal, reflecting the collective celebration of God’s people when His promises are realized. This concept is seen in the return of the exiles to Jerusalem, where their restoration was marked by joy and thanksgiving. The imagery also points to the eschatological hope found in Revelation 21:4, where God wipes away every tear, and eternal joy is established. The phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), illustrating the ultimate sowing in tears and reaping in joy.”
“Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy – This is either a maxim which they gather from their own history, or it is a fact which they are now witnessing. We see the benefit of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God; we have now a sweet return for our bitter tears. Or, We have sown in tears; now we reap in joy. We are restored after a long and afflicting captivity to our own country, to peace, and to happiness.” Adam Clarke
“126:5, 6 The first year after their return would be especially difficult. There would be no crops to harvest right away. They would have to make a fresh start by planting their crops and waiting for harvest time. It would be a period of austerity, of doling out the meager food supplies as frugally as possible.
There would be a certain sorrow or frustration about sowing the seed for that first crop. Here is a farmer whose barrel of grain is low. He can use the grain to feed his family now or he can sow most of it in hope of an abundant supply in days to come. He decides to sow it, but as he dips his hand into his apron and scatters the seed over the plowed land, his tears fall into the apron. He is thinking of his wife and children, of the skimpy bowls of porridge, of how sacrificially they will have to live in the days till harvest. He feels as if he is taking food out of their mouths.
But a cheering word goes out to the returned exiles:
He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. So they go forth and sow the seed. Their present anguish will be more than compensated by the joy of bringing their sheaves of ripened grain to the barn.
The principle applies also, of course, in the spiritual realm. Those who live sacrificially for the spread of the gospel may endure present privation, but what is that compared to the joy of seeing souls saved and in heaven worshiping the Lamb of God forever and forever?
It is true also in the matter of soul winning. Someone has wisely said, ‘Winners of souls are first weepers for souls.’ So our prayer should be:
Let me look on the crowd as my Savior did,
Till my eyes with tears grow dim.
Let me view with pity the wandering sheep
And love them for love of Him.”
—Author unknown” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Psalms 2:8
You are the LORD’s—”Ye are bought with a price”
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Many who were bought by the precious blood of Jesus are now serving mere men – they are serving men who are building their own kingdom instead of Christ’s kingdom.
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
JESUS did not come and die on the cross and rise again from the dead to make you a “good church member” or so you could squander your one life on politics. “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). If you are not actively seeking His face for and participating in executing His Great Commission mandate, you are out of the will of God (Matthew 28; 18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47; Book of Acts). Read that again. Share.
All who committed to Christ are absolutely committed to His stated will—the Great Commission.
“Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60
Jesus repeatedly declares to us the commission He’s sent us on and for which we shall all give personal account.
“Go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60
All who committed to Christ are absolutely committed to His stated will—the Great Commission.
Those who have forgotten, and are not obeying Christ’s Great Commission command, clearly reveal that they have forgotten and departed from Christ. Matthew 7:21
“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:3-4
“It seems the remnant is sensing the urgency of responding to God’s call as they see the hour is late. They are seeing the need to invest in things that are lasting and eternal not temporal. Satan knowing his time is short is coming down with great fury and wrath and will manifest himself with great intensity (Revelation 12:12). As we are beginning to see, Satan wants to take as many souls with him into the eternal flames as possible. Be awakened to the Great Commission that the Lord has called us to (Matthew 28:18-20). Win souls to Jesus so they can be in Glory with Him forever and not burning in the eternal flames of fire from which there is no escape.” Karen Cochran
The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers 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
Jesus’ compassion that HE puts in us immediately causes them to respond to Him… endears them to Him as their hearts are crying out for Him and His mercy. Amen.
ARE THOSE not engrossed in the Great Commission mandate of Jesus, wasting their one life on earth? Read that again and repent. Obey God. Read the end of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Then Acts. Now.
Let’s roll saints! Ministry updates.
“People are more sold out and supporting politics than surrendering to Jesus Christ and supporting sharing the Gospel. Temporal over eternal is wrong every time.” Dana Phyllis Carter
IF you are not participating in the the “Father’s business,” the Great Commission, it’s because you are full of your self, evil hearted, self-centered….. and in need of true repentance before it’s too late—which will always bring forth the fruit of obedience, of good works, of Great Commission action (Matthew 3:7-10). Repent now and when you do, for real, you are going to scamper, hasten, to fervently seek the face of the Almighty and be all about HIS business, not your own. The reason you’ve been doing your own business and not His, is because you do not know Him (Matthew 7:21). The Great Commission mandate is seen here Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 2:49; 24:47, 49; Book of Acts.
When God matters to you, when you love Him, truly, His work, His mission matters to you.
IF you claim to be saved and aren’t doing YOUR part in the Great Commission…. it’s time to repent. Anyone not doing the mission of Christ is lukewarm at best.
The true remnant body of Christ is about the “Father’s business” of edifying the saints and winning the lost—not their own or any other business. While on earth Jesus said “I must be about my Father’s business” and those who are truly following Him are doing the same (Luke 2:49).
May all who are godly pray for increase in order to increase Christ’s kingdom and not their own standard of living in this fleeting sinful world but rather their standard of giving to His work so others can be saved and the saints of Christ equipped, nourished, fed, fruitful and blessed (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28).
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18
The Great Commission is the Father’s Business and all who are known of Christ are participating. Notice how if you are truly a member of Christ’s bride, you are busy about HIS business—“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revlation 22:17).
All of God’s people are LOSERS …. We lose, we give up our own lives in this world to gain HIS—resurrection life now and forever.
As God is stripping us through the daily cross life, the persecutions, the fruit-bearing resurrection victory is going to transpire in our lives!
“As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:36-37
“I welcome His stripping. Throw me in the fire of affliction dear Lord. Because the more of His resurrection life is breathed into you the more you want!” Karen Cochran
The Great Commission: Jesus is Holding YOU Accountable to participate with the other members of His remnant body.
Weeping Men also Protect Others, Protect Christ’s Body
Here’s the passage—please read this carefully:
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:18-21
The 3 Ways God’s People Participate in Christ’s Great Commission
1. Praying for Christ’s labourers (Matthew 9:35-38).
2. Witnessing, sowing and communicating the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).
3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (Matthew 6:1-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).
YOUR PRAYER
Father, in Jesus’ name, please grant Your people that heart of flesh to be “moved with compassion” upon those who do not yet have You as their Great Shepherd. Break me dear LORD, please. Use me for Your glory in this last hour as we are on the precipice of Your return dear LORD, Master Jesus! In Jesus’ name.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the Word | Compassion in Light of Christ’s Soon Return | Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of Christ | Christ’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the Lost | Kindness is a Soul Winning Weapon | Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher Warning
Abiding
Book of Psalms | Alexander Scourby [video]
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Bible Books Narrated | 100’s of Christ-centered Podcasts | The Book of James Narrated [podcast] | The Book of Revelation Narrated [podcast] | Colossians Overview [podcast] | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Rusted Gold and Fire Untold [podcast]
Overcoming Temptation [podcast]
Weeping Men Win Men [podcast]
Book of Psalms | Alexander Scourby [video]
“Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Unbelief” [podcast]
“Evolution is a Fairy Tale for Grownups” … “The Greatest Hoax Ever
Mexico Mission Update Part 28
The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]
NLT New Living Translation EXPOSED
Sorcery, Pharmakeia
Run that Ye May Obtain [podcast]
“I have Espoused you to one Husband” [podcast]
Godly Integrity [podcast]
“Your Redemption Draweth Nigh” [podcast]
Satan Hates Soul Winners With A Passion
Off The Chain! Mood Drugs Exposed [podcast]
Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast]
Satan Hates Soul Winners With A Passion
Loving not our Lives unto the Death [podcast]
“Evolution is a Fairy Tale for Grownups” … “The Greatest Hoax Ever
NLT New Living Translation EXPOSED
Answered Prayer? WHY?
Off The Chain! Mood Drugs Exposed [podcast]
The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]
Godly Integrity [podcast]
Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth
Word Faith Detox
Hypocrites or Disciples?
The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]
Run that Ye May Obtain [podcast]
Mexico needs Missionaries [podcast]
Overcoming Temptation [podcast]
Weeping Men Win Men [podcast]
Book of Psalms | Alexander Scourby [video]
-
America8 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved