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Sending Up Treasures to Heaven

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

You’re going to spend your life and energy doing something. Should it not be that which holds eternal value? Isn’t everything else waste? Why waste your time and energy in this brief life on temporal trinkets and pursuits? Riches

There’s no heavenly treasure to be gained by giving to political causes.

Sending support overseas? Did you know there is a priority laid out in God’s Word as to where we are to give? First, we should only fund full-counsel Christ-centered ministries. Then, we are given instructions on the geographical scope. Read Acts 1:8 and note that we are first and foremost responsible to help that which is in our Jerusalem (immediate local-city/state/country), then out a bit to Judea, Samaria, and only then to the uttermost parts of the earth.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8 

The first priority of support is that which is in your immediate surrounding – Acts 1:8.

One writer notes writes: “Misguided ‘Christians’ who AREN’T SEEKING GOD are putting their tithes and offerings into the FAKE, COUNTERFEIT churches (buildings, religion) instead of giving to the REAL TEMPLE, the REAL BODY of Christ where it is needed.”

God won’t reward you for supporting His enemies-He will judge you for doing so! Discern (2 John 10-11; 2 Chronicles 19:2).

DISCERNMENT: IF a man isn’t preaching some serious volumes of literal BIBLE and doesn’t yet have a proven track record over a long period of time, proving himself, I’m not giving to it. “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;” (1 Thessalonians 5:12)

Are you supporting the WORK of Christ or some mere man’s “church” enterprise?

CLUE: Modern wolves repeatedly invite their gullible prey to give them money to perpetuate their circus act they call “church” and yet can never be heard calling people to come in repentance and faith before a holy God through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ! Run!

“You go to a ‘church’. You are encouraged to contribute financially. The Bible backs up this concept. But if you don’t ask yourself the next question, ‘give to what’?, you may well be propping up a false gospel.” Jeffrey Siegfried

Personally I do not and will not in any way support non-King James Bible ministries, nor OSAS heresy ministries, or judaizers devils, or calvinistic heretics, etc. These are bad FRUITS and Jesus says “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20; Romans 6:22; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 7-11, etc.)

SUNDAY MORNINGS: Did he preach Christ? The cross? Hell? Repentance? Holiness? The return of Jesus? If not, run! The Apostate Modern Church: SO much about raising money for man’s “building projects” and little or nothing about Christ! Hint: They are raising more money to entertain more goats!

EVERY believer should support Christ’s work-in a discerning manner.

True servants of Christ do not minister for the money. No, in fact, because they are true to God they are usually broke. In spite of the lack, they preach the LORD’s Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Among the earliest followers of Christ, we see New Testament Christians giving only to ministers and the poor CHRISTIANS – and never to dogs, to cancer research, the lost, or any other worldly cause. “Let the dead bury their dead.” (Luke 9:60) Think. Act wisely. Be biblical. God is watching and will judge according to what we do (Matthew 25:40, 45-46).

“Now concerning the collection FOR THE SAINTSSSS, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

THE EARLIEST followers of Christ are our example and they gave to the body of Christ, not the lost! Divine priority! (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; Galatians 6:10, etc.) “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. … Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” (Matthew 25:40, 45)

The earliest Christians gave to the needy Christians, not the world.

“But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” Romans 16:25-26 

“Let the dead bury their dead.” (Luke 9:60) The lost will help the lost in most cases. The lost will not help the righteous. God is all wise saints. Let’s humble ourselves and simply obey, follow the wisdom of His Word.

In Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35 we see the earliest saints of Christ helping the CHRISTIANS in their own locale, then, we see them sending support specifically to the poor CHRISTIANS in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). Galatians 6:10 tells us the LORD’s priorities for our giving: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Christians and authentic Gospel ministries in America need our support saints. Many of the calls for donations overseas are fraudulent scams disguised as Christian. Muslims and other thieves prey upon the giving nature of God’s people. Yet. believers must be wise and harmless:

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Do you spend more time in “church” than in the Bible itself? Wow! Red flags flying!

Beware of the Self-Righteous

It seems we should beware of self-righteous false watchmen and pastors who pat themselves on the back by saying things like “I don’t take any money from the ministry. I work and make my own money.” Then they spurn the pastoral watchmen who give people the opportunity to do what Jesus taught us to do – to “give.” (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35).

Don’t buy this so fast. They may sound noble until you look closer at the whole counsel of God’s Word which defies such a notion and exposes these who assert such.

Did the apostle Paul and the early church take up collections? Answer: Yes. See 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. To refuse to allow God’s people to give is a sin and out of the order of God established from Genesis to Revelation. In Exodus 35, God’s people gave so much that the LORD had to tell them to stop. Would to God we had that problem these days. It’s quite the opposite in this late hour unless you look at the masses of gullible dupes who empty their pockets on the end time wolves who are making merchandise of them (2 Peter 2:1-3).

–—  Nearly half of Jesus’ parabolic teachings deal with stewardship. Remember, in the temple Jesus never told the Jews to remove the treasury (coffers where people have the privilege to give). No, in fact, He sat right next to it in order to watch how people were giving and neglecting to give (Mark 12:41-44).

Giving is instituted by the One who gave all and on record for us from Genesis to Revelation. It’s the givers privilege to give (1 Chronicles 29:14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Acts 20:35). Also, God forbid that those called out by God to do His work shut up the blessing by not allowing their audience – those they feed – to contribute and thereby lay up treasure in Heaven while warding off the false god of mammon (Matthew 6:19-24).

Where we give is important.

Barry Bugh says it correctly when writes: “Sow…where you see fruit.” And saints, the building based local churches are not fulfilling the Great Commission our Master gave us and therefore are producing bad fruit. As usual, as we see throughout biblical history, God is calling a remnant out from among the apostate system.

It seems that church going people feel they need to pay their dues to the country club, entertainment center they call the “church building” and it’s associated organization.

If you are born again and abiding presently in Christ, you have “mansion” in glory awaiting you! (John 14:1-6) Did you know that you also have an “account” in Heaven? Now, what’s in that “account”? Is it empty or full?

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

Paul, Christ’s apostle, wanted to see the heavenly accounts of God’s people full!

God is not going to reward you good for not contributing to that which He stated is most important.

Saints let’s support REAL ministry and no longer fund the bureaucratic religious frauds of the apostate modern church world.

Are we going to be biblical? WHAT does 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 establish? What does Galatians 6:6 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18 say? Do you know what the LORD told us for His church in these passages? Read God’s Word and get in the know – ledge.

The LORD instructs us to give to, to support the ministry(ies) that are feeding us His Word.

“Let him that is taught in the word communicate (give) unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Galatians 6:6 

The LORD instructs His people to “lay up treasure in heaven” and He brings to us the places to sow, to lay up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

It’s all in God’s Word … The fact that wolves have made merchandise of the biblically illiterate, including us in the past, does nothing at all to negate or diminish aught from the clearly stated will of God. In this late hour, as the remnant is being delivered out of the deceptions of these wolves, it is not the will of God that they cease giving but rather that they re-appropriate that giving to where there is true New Testament, Great Commission fruit being born. Why should the LORD further suffer through our lives by cheating His true work out of the fuel needed? Was it His fault that we were deceived and funded false ministries in the past? This is an ugly picture saints. Let’s not abandon to abuse (throw the baby out with the bath water).

Think with me for a moment ….. Some love the fact that tithing is not a New Testament teaching? Why? Is it because they can now spend all their money on self? Many of these cease all giving and go back to spending all their money on the false god of self. They will spend and waste dollar on top of dollar on trash and entertainment and give little or nothing to God’s work while they soothe themselves in the knowledge that tithing is not a New Testament teaching. Yet, 100% of what we receive is from God. Jesus commands us to give. What about putting God (not self) first place in every part of our lives – including stewardship of the monies He allows us to bring in?

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

In all things God must be “first” Jesus says (Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 3:9-10).

Saints, may our LORD bless each of us to have His wisdom concerning giving back to Him. May He bless us not to lean to our own understanding, but to fully trust in what He told us in His Word (Prov. 3:5-6).

The unchanging God will never contradict His holy Word and will only lead His children in accordance to it.

Please allow me to exhort you in the matter of your giving – according to the all-wise Counsel of the Most High.

Speaking of previously funding false prophets, one sister writes:

“Yep! Been there done that as many have! We need to continue to give but we need to truly know where the monies are going! Investigate before you give.” Darlene T.

Is it a sin for people doing God’s work to give the ongoing opportunity for others to give/donate? No. – “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.” (Mark 12:41-44) Jesus never told them to remove the treasury/coffer/place of opportunity to give. No, instead He sat right next to it in order to watch people giving and how they gave. He never rebuked the idea of coffers, only the misuse of them such as when He drove out the money changers (Matthew 21; John 2).

First of all, giving should be a joyful event. Our hearts should rejoice to release God’s money back into His work.

“The LORD loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Our LORD tells us that all that we have comes from Him and what we give Him came from Him (1 Chron. 29:14). We will be brought into accountability before His Holy Throne of Judgment concerning our stewardship of every penny He gave us, and “To whom much is given, much shall be required.” (James 4:17) We should proceed with fear and trembling in this matter. It is no small one.

Where are Christians to Give?

So many times, we have all heard Christians say things like: “It doesn’t matter where I give. God is going to bless me anyway. He handles the rest after I give.”

BE NOT DECEIVED: God is not going to violate His own Word by blessing those who are funding His enemies. By giving to a ministry or local church that is not fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission command to teach and preach His Word to saint and sinner alike, you are bidding God speed (helping, condoning) His enemies. See 2 John 7-11. To think that God doesn’t watch exactly where you give – to fruit-producing or fruitless ministries – is naive and untrue.   

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse…” Malachi 3:8-11 

His “storehouse” is not a physical building, but rather the place where His original Gospel is truly being obeyed and furthered in His love – where His Word of truth is being proclaimed and upheld with all boldness. 1 Peter 2:5 says the body of Christ is a “spiritual house.” 1 Peter 5 says to “Feed the flock of God.”

We must carefully place every dollar we give – into rich Gospel soil. The LORD holds us accountable for how and where we give – and what it promotes. For the disciple of Christ, the only ministries that qualify are those which are authentically carrying out the Great Commission Christ gave – holding forth the original Gospel unwaveringly. Christ’s Gospel program consists of building up the saints, preaching the Gospel and seeing people saved, water baptized, and filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:37-39, 3:19, etc.). See what the early Church did in the book of Acts for a view of what the Original Gospel of Christ really is. God is good.

Saints, untold thousands of Gospel workers are in lack right here and now in America. Thousands of called men of God have had to go back to their secular work, due to the lack of giving among those who claim to know Christ. In light of these facts, How can the true child of God possibly give revenues to already well-funded, secular organizations?

When we truly begin to aggrandize divine truth, we will then begin supporting only those who truly endeavor to preach all of it (full-counsel) fearlessly and cease from funding the ministries of hireling false prophets who allow most of their ministry revenues to be absorbed on things other than that which is at the core of importance in the divine economy, like the true building up of the saints – getting them into the Word for themselves, and winning lost souls.

Concerning the work, workers and building up of God’s kingdom, the Bible instructs us in Ezra 6:8 – “forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.”

The reason all of God’s people are to give to His authentic work is “that they (His servants) be not hindered.” (Ezra 6:8)

The Almighty who is all-knowing and all-just, is going to bring to light the pain suffered by those He called to serve Him and yet were “destitute” (Heb. 11:37). Today some in our midst are without basic necessities and/or funds to operate their divinely-inspired and called ministries. This is directly due to the disobedience of those who possess the ability to give to help sustain their lifestyles so they can continue to further the eternal Gospel (all get rewarded for eternity). Saints, God is going to judge us according to how we spend every dollar and punish the disobedience. Much eternal treasures remains to be laid up in your account. See 2 Corinthians 9:6-10.

Authentic, born again saints must cease from funding worldly organizations, ministries or causes that are not divinely inspired, eternal works, according to the original Gospel. Those causes and works which align with the mission and mind of Christ are to be funded joyfully by His true disciples. They will always involved the very first Word and command of the Gospel – “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt 3:2; 4:17; Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 3:19)

We should also refrain from supporting any entity furthering the cause of their own organization/denomination, or the leader(s). Jesus is the KING of the eternal kingdom and He alone will be reigning when all men are laid low (Is. 2:17-18; 42:8). In our giving, we must make certain that every dollar is put to use to the end person in need and not to be absorbed into some religious bureaucracy (denominational, etc.). Of course, we must keep in mind that the Bible says in both testaments that “the workman is worthy of his hire” and those who do the most important work -the Gospel – are to be well taken care of so they are not hindered in their work (Matt. 10:10; 1 Tim. 5:17-18)

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

HIS CAUSE

Jesus told us He came on a mission from the Father to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:10), and instructed us to “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:60) The Son of God says here plainly to “let those that are of the world fund and further their own fleeting cause, but you my people, do all that you can to further my eternal Gospel, to rescue the perishing from eternal damnation in the lake of fire from which there will be no escape.”

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:12

Make No Mistake: There are and will be souls in hell due to the lack of obedient and charitable giving of those today who call themselves by the name of Christ and yet disobey Him in not giving their lives and revenues to His work (Matt. 7:21). The disobedience of withholding has tied the hands of God’s workers and greatly hindered their ability to do what the LORD has sent them to do in the care of souls and winning the lost.

True believers are to be possessed with the exact vision and passion of the One who came to shed His very own blood for all/our sins on that wooden cross. He was raised again 3 days later. We are to use every possible resource He gives into our hands to further His unaltered cause – preparing men to meet Him/the care of souls. On top of all this, Christ our LORD promised unending eternal rewards for every penny we give to His work in this life. He instructed us to lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven and not on earth, and He told us that where we put our treasures is exactly where our hearts will to/follow/be (Matt. 6:19-21). Where ones money flows, ones heart goes. The certain recipe for backsliding, is to not give to the furtherance of God’s Word. One of the quickest ways to have a revival in your own heart is to write a check to the work of Christ. Do it now and the LORD promises to reward you.

Remember, we should Let the dead (unsaved) do the work of the dead – and we as the living, should do the work of the living (those made alive by Christ).

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” Proverbs 11:24-26

“I believe GOD WILL hold Christians ACCOUNTABLE for sinking HIS MONEY into man-made ORGANIZED RELIGION rather than helping poor, struggling families!!! THOSE who SINK GOD’S MONEY into CHURCH BUILDINGS OBVIOUSLY are NOT SEEKING GOD to know HIM by his HOLY SPIRIT!!! I believe that those who put tithes into a “religion,” a “church building,” are a SIGN that they are LUKE WARM CHRISTIANS!!!” A.

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Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of Christ | Stewardship | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]Fruit Abounding to Your Account!Parable of the Talents [podcast] | Proving Jesus Matters [podcast]Money, Material Wealth, and RichesRusted Gold and Fire Untold [podcast]

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Abiding

LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]


Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

The First Lie and the Fall of Man

“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” ~ Genesis 3:1-5

Have you ever wondered what the first lie ever told was? Who told it? Why was it told? What was the result of it? Can the fruit be seen and felt today? Can its effects be traced throughout history and even into the future?

According to the Genesis account, the Garden of Eden was the sanctuary of the Most High, where He communed with the first man and woman He had made in His very own image. The Garden was a sinless, guiltless sanctuary of unimaginable relational bliss between the LORD Almighty and the man and woman. The Garden of Eden was the place of pure truth and love—a place where lies were not even suspected.

Enter Satan.

Enter the lie.

Enter the seduction.

Enter no fear of God.

Enter stolen restraint.

Enter sin.

Enter the fall of man.

Enter alienation from the Creator.

Garden Scene—The First Lie

Do you think this first lie may hold some insight into the work of Satan and his war against God and His treasured people today?

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…(Now here’s what the woman said:) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (Now here’s what Satan said:) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” ~ Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3-4

In the book of origins (Genesis) where every major biblical doctrine is rooted (has its beginning), there can be found the keys and answers to life. Mankind’s Maker, his beginning, his ultimate enemy, temptation, sin, the resulting fall, and the redemption of man are revealed in the first chapters of this all-important first book of the Holy Bible.

Perhaps there could be no greater occupation than for the student of Scripture to undertake, pour over, pray over, and dismantle the first three chapters of the book of Genesis. In this endeavor, he will gain insight into the origins and purpose of creation, pitfalls facing mankind, divine restoration, and the keys to living a victorious life in harmony with his Creator.

Sin entered the human experience through the temptation and fall of the first man (Rom. 5). By this the enemy gained a foothold and has warred with that sole creation made in the image of the Maker Himself. But it is sin that is man’s problem, not circumstance or self-esteem nor any other diagnosis. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (See Jer. 17:9.)

Someone has wisely stated: “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.”

From the very beginning, Satan has tempted man to believe that breaking the commandment of His Maker was not to be feared or avoided and could not harm him. The temptation for man is if he is going to determine truth on his own terms and how it fits his own lifestyle, or repent and humbly accept and obey what God says.

Cain was a religionist. He refused relationship with the LORD because he chose to do things his own way instead of God’s (Gen. 4:1-7). In his pride, Cain wanted to make up his own rules – he was lawless. Religion is where men have created a god in their own image and follow those teachings which render obedience to that false god. The most deceptive and evil form of religion is that which is close to the truth and uses Bible Scriptures out of context to make up that doctrine which circumvents obedience to the plain truth of God. (See Jesus rebuke the Pharisees in Matt. 23.)

Who are we going to believe and trust? Whose report will you believe? Since the LORD and the devil stated something in direct opposition to each other, we know that one of them is a liar. As He gave the first man and woman the option, so the LORD gives us the choice to trust and obey Him or not to obey Him. Each of us will decide who it is that is going to be a liar in our hearts—the Almighty, or Satan.

God said (Gen. 2:17): “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.”

Satan said (Gen. 3:4): “And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.”

The lie of the ages began in the very cradle of creation. The aim of the enemy of all souls was the first man and woman who were uniquely created in the image of the One who made all things. Adam and Eve were the subjects of Satan’s deadly lie—the first lie ever told. Apparently, this cunning enemy understood that if he could cause the man and woman to take things into their own hands and violate the instruction of their Maker, they would be ushered out of His Garden (presence) and forfeit their place with Him.

Mankind’s enemy led him to believe that he could violate the instruction of his holy Maker and still remain within His approval. Like Adam and Eve, it is readily observed that men naturally internalize this philosophy as “I can sin with no fear of consequences.” Is it possible that this lie is still leading men and women to believe that they “shall not surely die” if they live in direct opposition to the LORD?

Concerning this most insidious and destructive lie of the serpent, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible states:

‘YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE’…The first lie proposed by Satan was a form of antinomianism (lawlessness), denying the judgment of death for sin and apostasy. One of the basic sins of humankind is unbelief in God’s word. It is believing that somehow God does not really mean what He says about salvation, righteousness, sin, judgment, and death. Satan’s most persistent lie is that unrepentant, deliberate sin and rebellion against God will not necessarily bring separation from God and eternal condemnation.”

As he did with the first man and woman, the adversary tells us “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4).

Escaping the judgment of a holy God has long been the vain imagination of depraved men, fueled by the enemy of all righteousness who has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10).

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” ~ Ecclesiastes 8:11

“Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.” ~ Psalms 10:13

Question: “Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?

Answer: “He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.”

The hearts of those who are not in fellowship with the LORD say “The LORD will not ‘require it’ of me. He will not bring me into accountability for my life in this world. After all, He has not done anything to me for my wrongdoing thus far. I am okay in my sins; God will just overlook them.”

Lucifer’s lure capitalizes on the sinful nature of men, preying upon his desire to be his own god, controlling his own destiny. Somehow, according to this revelation and others, it is within man’s makeup to believe that because his Creator is not presently executing tangible judgment for his sin, he believes that God is not going to judge him at all. So, unregenerate man goes on sinning with reckless abandon, not realizing that that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment lies just ahead.

The first man and woman bought into the first lie that claims there is no consequence for violating the command of the one true God. Such self-deception is no new thing. Since the first man and woman, people have sought to define right and wrong on their own terms instead of simply acknowledging what the LORD says. As the first couple found out, it is a losing endeavor to determine truth by how it fits one’s lifestyle instead of by God’s non-negotiable counsel given us in His Word (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16). Defining truth on one’s own terms is buying into the lie of the ages presented to every man by the evil one who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

When men seek to redefine truth on their own terms, they unwittingly create a god in their own image—one who accepts them in their sins with no judgment. They then migrate to pastors and teachers who will tickle their itching ears with smooth messages void of the full-counsel revelation of Holy Scripture (Jer. 5:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).

After Adam and Eve, it was their son Cain who sought to make up his own way to God on his own terms. He failed. To Cain and to all who seek through religion, whether self-styled or organized, the Almighty would ask: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door” (Gen. 4:7).

The LORD says to Cain “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” This simply means “If you will do things the way I prescribed, will I not fully accept you as I did your brother Abel?” Cain hardened his heart and refused to do things God’s way by offering the type of sacrifice God requires. Due to his own choice to rebel against the Most High he became so filled with the enemy that he killed his own brother (Gen. 4).

This is a classic example of how the enemy led this man Cain to believe that he could make up his own rules, violating the holy Creator and still escape His just judgment. Like Cain, millions of faithful religionists today have a mere formula of godliness while denying the power of a truly surrendered life to the one true God who sent His only begotten Son as the only sacrifice for the sins of men (2 Timothy 3:5).

When he was able to successfully persuade the first man to violate the command of the LORD, Satan gained access to authority over the man by the sin of the man (Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7). Jesus re-gained that authority for His highest and prized creation and all those who come into relationship with Him experience the abundant blessings that come along with being saved by His precious blood (Jn. 10:10; Rom. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” ~ John 3:16-17

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please unite my heart to fear Thy name and keep it from falling prey to this same lie that led to Adam and Eve’s fall. Quicken my heart in the fear of the LORD. Please teach me that there are many harsh consequences for disobeying You, by not doing what You say, by sinning against You. Convict my heart of sin, and I beg You to make my conscience extremely sensitive to Your conviction and leading. Change my heart, O LORD. Grant me a heart of flesh that delights to live in Your presence and do Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSASAccounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] | Eternal Security Exposed | Sealed?The Return of Christ | Lie of the Ages [podcast]10 Questions about Eternal SecurityIs Salvation Eternal?The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast]

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“They that were Scattered Abroad went every where Preaching the Word” [podcast]


When persecution hit Jerusalem where the body of Christ was dwelling….

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4

“Persecution hit Jerusalem in a few significant periods: first, in the years following Jesus’s death, when the early Christian church was persecuted by Jewish authorities led by Saul (Acts 8:1-3).”

Remember, God allowed great persecution in Jerusalem in order to get His people to scatter to the ends of the earth.

“Jesus promised his disciples three things: that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” – GK Chesterton

“And he said unto them, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

This was right after the beloved deacon, servant of the LORD Stephen was murdered. See Acts 7:51-8:4.

Believer’s Bible Commentary 

Acts 8:1

“A new era begins with the words, “At that time.” Stephen’s death seemed to trigger a widespread assault against the church. Believers were scattered throughout … Judea and Samaria.

The Lord had instructed His followers to begin their witness in Jerusalem, but then to branch out to Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth. Up to this time their witness had been confined entirely to Jerusalem. Perhaps they had been timid about branching out. Now they are forced to do it by persecution.

From the human standpoint, it was a dark day for the believers. The life of a member of their fellowship had been laid down. They themselves were being chased like rabbits. But from the divine standpoint, it was not dark at all. A grain of wheat had been planted in the ground, and much fruit would inevitably result. The winds of affliction were scattering the seeds of the gospel to distant places, and who could estimate the extent of the harvest?”

In light of this biblical revelation, do we really think the LORD wouldn’t be allowing persecution to hit America in order to scatter His people across His earth in order to reach the billions who are unreached? The answer is obvious.

“Acts 8:4
They that were scattered – went every where preaching – Thus the very means devised by Satan to destroy the Church became the very instruments of its diffusion and establishment. What are counsel, or might, or cunning, or rage, or malice, against the Lord, whether they are excited by men or devils!” Adam Clarke

Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:

“8:4-8 The dispersal of the Christians did not silence their testimony. Everywhere they went they carried the good news of salvation. Philip, the “deacon” of chapter six, headed north to the city of Samaria. He not only proclaimed Christ but performed many miracles. Unclean spirits were driven out and the paralyzed and lame were healed. The people gave heed to the gospel, and, as might be expected, great joy resulted.
The primitive church obeyed the explicit commands of Jesus Christ:
It went out as Christ had gone (Jhn_20:21; cf. Act_8:1-4).
It sold its goods and gave to the poor (Luk_12:33; Luk_18:22; cf. Act_2:45; Act_4:34).
It left father, mother, houses, and lands to go everywhere preaching the Word (Mat_10:37; cf. Act_8:1-4).
It made disciples and taught them to work and obey (Mat_28:18-19; cf. 1Th_1:6).
It took up its cross and followed Christ (Acts 4; 1 Thess. 2).
It rejoiced in tribulation and persecution (Mat_5:11-12; cf. Acts 16; 1Th_1:6-8).
It left the dead to bury their dead and went and preached the gospel (Luk_9:59-60).
It shook the dust from off its feet and moved on when men refused to hear (Luk_9:5; cf. Act_13:51).
It healed, exorcised, raised the dead, and bore lasting fruit (Mrk_16:18; Acts 3-16).”

“The Communication of thy faith”

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon 6-7

We are merely passing through saints. This is not our home.

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

“New Creatures” …. given by God the “ministry of reconciliation” …. Christ’s “Ambassadors”

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

The body of Christ, each member, does our part in Christ’s Great Commission.

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

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:13-15

“Romans 10:14-15: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!’ The LORD saved me because someone preached the gospel to me! And I instantly knew that was what was missing in my life! How would I have known if I had not heard?” Karen Cochran

The body of Christ alone bears the Good News…. that in light of each of us being lost souls, sinners…. God sent His only begotten to die, be buried, and raised again from the dead for our justification! See Romans 4:25; 5:6-8, etc.

You are a bearer of this Good News beloved of God. No one else can be—except those who are HIS. With the love, joy, and peace of Jesus emanating from your heart, take off that lampshade and unleash that beautiful smile and let the world around you know of Christ’s love for them! He proved this love by dying on that cross for them! (John 15:13)

“The love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14

Evangelism – God’s way!

Authentic (Spanish)

The 3 Ways God’s People can Participate in Christ’s Great Commission

1. Praying (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 (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).

The writing is on the wall for the wicked false professors.

IF you aren’t participating in the Great Commission, you are a lost soul/counterfeit.

In light of the fact that Jesus gave us His Great Commission command, what did Jesus tell us in Matthew 7:21? What was His warning to us in light of judgment to come?

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the WordCompassion in Light of Christ’s Soon ReturnStriving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of ChristChrist’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the LostKindness is a Soul Winning Weapon Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher Warning

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“THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED” [podcast]


“God … commandeth ALL men every where to repent.”

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31

WHEN’s the last time your favorite preacher preached on the essential doctrine of REPENTANCE? Be sure of this – Christ’s true remnant is preaching repentance. Are you preaching that men must repent to be saved and ready for judgment? (Acts 17:30-31) If not, you are in need of repentance – before it’s too late. The lack preaching repentance is the fruit, the clear evidence that someone is not walking in the original Gospel of Christ but rather “another gospel” – a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9)

With No Exception Christ’s True Body is Preaching that God Commands ALL Men Everywhere to Repent.

ALL who do not preach that men must repent to be saved are preaching “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) Chamge my mind with Scripture!

Jesus commands His people to preach repentance. Did you know that? Oh and is there something else we are to preach? Yes. See if you catch it here in Jesus’ mandate to us:

“And that REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED in his name among all nations.” Luke 24:47

“Repentance and” what? – “repentance AND remission of sins” are to “be preached.” 

Not just “repentance” but also “remission of sins.”

The whole message of repentance includes remission of sins (Luke 24:47). Are we preaching the whole or half the Gospel message Jesus commanded us to preach? See Acts 20:20, 27, 32.

Of necessity, the kingdom of Christ, “among all nations,” all peoples, must be preached and that Gospel begins with “repentance and remission of sins.”

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

WHAT Gospel is to be preached by Christ’s disciples? – “this gospel of the kingdom.” And what must be preached as a necessity to enter Christ’s kingdom? Let us ascertain such.

God is unchanging. He gave us His Great Commission command to accomplish. Many are distracted and wasting their lives and resources on that which is not the Great Commission command Christ gave us and expects us to be fulfilling.

“I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know (discern) and try (test) their way.” Jeremiah 6:27

Today we have a less than neutered version of Christ’s Great Commission command…. It’s not even a faint resemblance of what Christ mandated. This is clearly the fulfillment of the great falling away from the faith of the Gospel foretold in Scripture. Jude 3

PREACHING and TEACHING the Gospel of repentance is the ONLY way men can be free from sin, cleansed, washed, and refreshed (Acts 3:19). REPENTANCE always precedes REFRESHING.

“REPENT ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of REFFRESHING shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19

By definition the band aid preaching of today has never dealt with the root of the issue and that means the issue will never go away. Nothing less than repentance from God’s people and obedience to his Great Commission command is going to change this nation.

Self-righteously screaming at people is not what we see Christ or His apostles and earliest followers doing. Such is ungodly. Yet in conversation, in any communication about Christ’s kingdom, the law to convict of sin and the divine call to repent should be included, along with believing on the LORD Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 16:30-31; 20:21; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:7-10; Revelation 22:17, etc.).

God’s people are being called to be obedient to His Great Commission command. Jesus and His holy apostles never went around, set up clinics, and answered questions. They simply obeyed the Lord and preached His Gospel so that people could be saved into this Kingdom… His Father’s business.

BREAKING: THIS here is all that matters saints…… Jesus is coming and wants to be glorified in forgiving all sin and changing lives….

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Kingdom news is the only Good News and everything else is going to hell. Are you behind the KING and His work He sent us to do – so that He can forgive all sin and change lives?

This dear brother has been asking us lift him in pray for a while now. Thank God and that you answered that call to lift our brother in prayer. We all know that only God Himself can break us and separate us to Himself, away from the sin that otherwise has a death grip on our lives. Here’s what our dear brother sent this morning:

“Praise report…The Holy Spirit broke me down…and for the 1st time in 42 years I’ve left nothing on the back burner, I’ve left nothing in reserve … it’s not Jesus and…it’s not Jesus but…. No, it’s just Jesus … that cross of my salvation. I’m free indeed!

Thank you brother! I’m truly being made free for the first time… I’ve wasted years holding on to temporary sin…. but no more! The Holy Spirit has been flowing, even today at work! Thanks again brother …. pray for my strength and endurance. I preached it yesterday and people gave up drugs and all sin afterwards (they came to real repentance). Jesus has been so good to me! I can never thank Him enough for his life…” Chris

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19

The Betrayal

This generation of “preachers” has betrayed God and their fellow man. They will set up gathering to answer questions but unlike Paul on Marrs Hill, refuse to preach repentance. And, the professing “Christian” church today loves it. Think about it…. for example, Turning Point USA has over 270,000 monthly supporters and aren’t even preaching the Word of God. That means no one is getting saved or even convicted of their sins. THAT is not the Great Commission Jesus mandated that His people fulfill. Teaching and preaching His Word and preaching repentance sums up our LORD’s Great Commission command to us – and for which He is holding us 100% fully accountable. See Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47.

Jesus died for our sins, for the sins of the world so that repentance could be preached and souls be saved into His eternal kingdom family. He commanded that repentance be preached. No one can or will do this except His own people. And, He gave “the promise of the Father” to His people to empower them in this mission – the baptism with the Holy Ghost (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Read this closely:

“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:46-49

The professing “church” in America wants to restore America – so they can go back to living their lukewarm hell bound lives in peace (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16). They don’t want to repent and do things God’s way. Beware of the prevalent false gospel which is any varation from the original Gospel given us by our LORD on the pages of His Holy Word (Galatians 1:10). We are to earnestly contend against this grace-perverting false gospel and the “ungodly men” who peddle it.

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4 

NOTHING good happens until we get honest and repent. “Times of refreshing from the presence of the LORD” come only to those who repent (Acts 3:19). They are the only happy people on this earth and will forever enjoy the splendor of eternal glory with their soon coming KING (Revelation 21). Boom Jesus!

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 Christians vocabulary!! In th emodern church, it’s all about God accepting you the way you are without any requirements to repent and die to self.”

LOTS of miserable people in this fallen world. Why? Read the paragraph above again (Proverbs 13:15; Revelation 3:15-16). Remember what Jesus says to the lukewarm?

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and MISERABLE, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17

Letting the truth be known.

People cannot be forgiven of their sins, set free, refreshed, blessed, etc., until they repent and so “how shall they hear without a preacher?” See Romans 10:14. How shall those living in sin hear the message of Gospel, to repent, unless the true body of Christ communicates this message?

Anyone not preaching sin and repentance is not preaching the original Gospel but rather is walking in “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).

Preaching the essential of repentance eliminates easy believism. Anyone preaching a “salvation” without the necessity of real repentance that brings forth fruit, clear proof of that repentance, is preaching a false gospel (Matthew 3:7-10).

WE’VE helped no one till we have delivered God’s Word to them and they repent.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3  

No true disciple of Jesus should ever lay his head down to rest after a day wherein he hasn’t plundered the gates of hell by the declaration of the original Gospel of Jesus which begins with the non-negotiable divine command to “repent” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).

WHAT to preach?

Repent (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).
Receive Christ (John 1:12).

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

Were we saved by our own merit or good works? No.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7

“How beautiful that He canceled our debt. How merciful and Holy!” Susan Harrison

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“We were the guilty ones! And God’s justice says we deserve punishment! But in God’s infinite love for us Jesus died and paid the price for us! Jesus Christ was our only hope for us to be reconciled back to the Father! The plan for our salvation was established! Alleluia!” Karen Cochran

Fresh Repentance

May God bless each of us to come to fresh repentance and remission of our sins:

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12

“O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. 2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.” Hosea 14:1-2

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 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 4:6-10 

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, admitting I have been living for my own evil glory. I am a sinner. I’ve committed the sin of idolatry, having myself first instead of You. I admit here and now before You that I have been committing the damning sin of spiritual adultery. I have claimed to know You and yet refused to uncompromisingly adhere to Your Word. Here and now, right now if never before, I repent and ask You to forgive my sins and to wash me afresh from my sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ my LORD. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit, my life, right this moment and ask You dear LORD to fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to preach Your glorious message of repentance to those around me so that they can receive the forgiveness of all their sins and walk in the times of refreshing from Your holy presence dear LORD. I love You Jesus. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. In Jesus’ Name amen.

Support | STORE | | PodcastsTop 12 Missing Essential Doctrines in the Modern Church World! [podcast]Repentance and FruitLoving not our Lives unto the Death [podcast]

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