Are You Willing to do the Math and Find Out what Your Fruit Reveals?
=== JESUS CHRIST DID NOT COME TO DIE TO MAKE YOU RICH IN THIS SINFUL WORLD AND ANYONE TEACHING THAT IS A FALSE TEACHER. NO, IN FACT, HE STERNLY WARNED AGAINST BEING RICH IN THIS TEMPORAL WORLD DUE TO IT’S JEOPARDIZING OF YOUR ETERNAL SOUL. JESUS TOLD US TO LAY RICHES UP IN THE COMING WORLD AND IF WE DIDN’T, WE WOULDN’T BE WITH HIM IN THE NEXT WORLD (HEAVEN, NEW JERUSALEM). READ MATTHEW 6:19-24 AND LUKE 12 AND 16 AND 1 TIMOTHY 6.
“And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for (consistent with) repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:7-10
God not only looks on the heart – He inspects the fruit, the good fruit which can only come from a true, abiding relationship with Him (John 15:1-6). Even though the “O” word is forbidden and intention hidden by the lame modern church, OBEDIENCE is always found in the life of the abiding, Heaven-bound saint (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:14; James 1:22; 1 John 2:3-6; 5:3; Revelation 2:26, etc.).
“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 7:19
TODAY IS NO DIFFERENT THAN THE DAYS IN WHICH THE PROPHET HAGGAI SPOKE BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SUPPOSED TO KNOW HIM. GOD’S WORK LIES UNDONE TODAY DUE TO THE SELF-SERVING, SELF-ABSORBTION AND SELF-WORSHIP OF MANY OF THOSE WHO CLAIM TO KNOW HIM.
Haggai 1 is the record of God’s severe rebuke of His people who dwelled in their luxurious ceiled houses while His kingdom went un-built. Have you read that chapter lately?
Do we not see the same thing today? Those claiming to be saved and good church attenders will follow along with the church program as long as it doesn’t require change – true repentance – the laying down of their lives without reserve. But today the local churches (nearly all of them) are manned by spineless moral cowards who refuse to die to self themselves much less teach what Jesus taught about such being a condition for following Him (Luke 9:23-24).
“HOW MANY BOAST AS FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST, YET NEVER GIVE NOR DENY THEMSELVES OF EVEN AN IOTA OF ANYTHING, AND REBEL AGAINST IT IN ALL GREED AND SELFISHNESS TO THIS DAY. THEY’D RATHER INVERT THE CROSS THAN BEAR ANY BURDEN TO CARRY IT.” KEITH HARGRAVE
Diminishing returns were coming to the people of God in Haggai’s day for neglecting building His house – doing the Great Commission. Check out this intriguing portion of Holy Scripture:
“Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? 5 Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. 6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. 7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. 8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. 9 Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house. 10 Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit. 11 And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.” Haggai 1:4-11
Has anything changed? No. – “There is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
ARE YOU WILLING TO TEST YOUR LIFE AS IT NOW IS IN ORDER TO PREVENT A SURPRISE LATER?
The root sins of Sodom were “pride, fulness of bread (earthly wealth), and abundance of idleness.”(Ezekiel 16:49-51) Doesn’t that sound like the Laodicean’s who had forfeited their place with God and were going to be spewed – sent to hell?
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 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 (undone): 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:15-19
If Christ said they had to “repent” it is because they were in danger of hell fire. This command to repent clearly means that they were not ready to meet Him. Why not? Why did Jesus say they were going to be rejected (spued)? – “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)
IF in your mind you rate people by what they have or don’t have in this fleeting sinful world, you are deeply deceived and in utter need of repentance and the washing of water by the Word of God. You are carnal minded (Romans 8:5-6).
What about the once “rich man” who refused to render aid to Lazarus? See Luke 16:19-31.
What was Jesus Christ’s stated reason that the once rich man went to hell? WHY did God send Him to hell?
“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime (earthly) receivedst thy good things (he was rich before), and likewise Lazarus evil things (Lazarus was poor on earth): but NOW he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” Luke 16:26
If you deny that there is a direct correlation between the way we spend our money and our true spiritual state, you are denying Christ and calling the Son of God a liar.
The crux here is – Give now or burn forever. Yes, give your life now or it will soon be too late. If your life were given over to Christ (essential for salvation), your trinkets and treasures would be Christ’s and you would freely and generously give them to those individual believers in need and to the work of the Gospel. The reason you don’t freely give them now is that you are not given over to the LORD truly and therefore not ready to meet Him. You have not truly repented by the Bible definition and the greedy, hoarding, covetous fruit your life bears clearly testifies to such a lost state (Matthew 3:7-10).
“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” 1 John 3:7
You must choose: Which life would you rather suffer in? – This one or the next (eternal one)? Is it time to pluck out the eye and cut off the hand of soul-damning covetousness, greed, hoarding, and self-worship? (Mark 9:43-49)
Who Are You Rich Toward? – God or Self?
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:15-21
Those who don’t give to the work of Christ and the body of Christ in need do not do so because they are too busy serving the god they really serve – sinful self (Philippians 3:18-19).
— CONCERNING THE MODERN COUNTERFEIT WHO HAS ONLY A MERE “FORM OF GODLINESS”YET DENIES THE “POWER” OR AUTHORITY OF CHRIST TO REIGN OVER HIS INDIVIDUAL DAILY LIFE AND DECISIONS (2 TIMOTHY 3:5). ……—- THEIR FANCY COFFEES ARE MORE IMPORTANT TO THEM THAN IS CHRIST. DO SOME MATH: $3.50 X 30 DAYS PER MONTH = $105 PER MONTH AND THEY GIVE LESS THAN THAT TO CHRIST’S WORK. THEIR SPORT DRINKS, JUNK FOOD AND SOFT DRINKS, THEIR MUST-HAVE NEW APPLIANCES AND AUTOMOBILES, AND HOUSING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE LOST SOULS JESUS BLED TO SAVE. DO THE MATH – $50-150 IN CABLE TV OR SATELLITE AND GOD’S WORK GETS A MERE TIP IF ANYTHING. YET THEY CLAIM TO KNOW HIM WHO SAID THAT HE CAME “TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” (LUKE 19:10) MANY OTHER EXAMPLES CAN BE USED HERE. WASTE, WASTE, WASTE! WASTED LIFE AND WASTED SUBSTANCE. WITHOUT HESITATION, THESE DECEIVED SPRING FOR ENTERTAINMENT, UNNEEDED VEHICLES, CLOTHING, AND JUNK FOOD. THEY SPEND MORE MONEY ON PET FOOD THAN ON CHRIST WHO GAVE THEM THAT MONEY (1 CHRONICLES 29:14; JAMES 1:17). WITHOUT INVITATION THEY IMPULSE BUY WITHOUT HESITATION. THEY SEE THE BAG OF CHIPS AND HEALTH-DESTROYING SOFT DRINKS AND GRAB THEM. THERE’S NO HESITATION AND YET, WHEN THEY ARE PRESENTED WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE TO THE ONLY ETERNAL WORK IN THE EARTH – THE WORK OF THE ONE THEY CLAIM TO BE SERVING – THEY SPURN THAT PRIVILEGE. YET, AS THEY WATCH DIVINELY CALLED OUT GOSPEL WORKER STRUGGLING TO EXIST, THEY SCOFF AT AND ACCUSE THOSE FEW LABORERS OF JUST BEING “IN IT FOR THE MONEY.”
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
If our treasure is in the things of Christ, it’s because that’s where our hearts are – and vice versa.
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?
God addresses rich Christians, instructing them to be generous, and yet He makes it clear that no disciple of Christ should desire to be rich or pursue the riches of this fleeting world. He warns that great peril and the danger of eternal damnation lie in such a trap. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-17. | Riches
The LORD gives instruction to the rich Christian men in (1 Timothy 6:17-20).
Alan B. notes:
“God never said being rich was a sin what He did say was The Love Of Money was the sin. It is not how much you have it is what you do with it. Are you using it for God”s purpose or your own? When we use it for the purpose of God’s needs and his sheep you are using what you have for His purpose. KJV Acts 20:35 – I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Matthew 25:40 says ‘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.'”
Eternal hell awaits the wicked who like the “certain rich man.” Why? Well he previously had the opportunity to help righteous and poor Lazarus and yet refused. There was no do over. He got no second chance but rather went straight to hell the instant he died (Luke 16:19-31). He has a person right under his nose to help as many of us do today. He chose to be rich unto himself and not “rich toward God.” (Luke 12:15-21)
Someone might be thinking “You mean I’m going to hell if I don’t give? How dare you insinuate such!”
Please allow me to correct you so there’s no misunderstanding: Not only am I insinuating it, I am telling you that you are absolutely bound for hell if you have not given your life to Christ. If your life was given over to Christ, the fruit of your life would clearly reflect a God-fearing stewardship of your time and talents. You’d already be giving to His work and to those in need.
At this point, your temporary treasures are being spent on yourself – the god you really serve. – “For where your treasure is, THERE will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Remember that like the once rich man in Luke 16 who died and went to hell, in the end not one soul will be afforded the opportunity to do a redo – to give their way out of hell.
In Luke 16 Jesus told us the story of a “certain rich man” in order to warn us before we follow that man’s wicked ways and go where he went.
That now eternally tormented, previously rich man, would do anything to go back and give his life and treasures to Christ but it’s too late. His destiny is signed, sealed, delivered. He even begged to have someone go preach God’s Word to his five brothers so they wouldn’t come to that horrible place of fiery incarceration. His window of grace is gone but ours isn’t.
Just what earthly possession, treasure, or money is worth going to eternal damnation over?
The way we are currently stewarding the monies in our possession is a direct reflection of the true priorities of our heart.
Concerning those who have rejected the Messiah for the god of mammon, one sister in Christ notes:
“They worship Mammon, a very real demon who seduces them through their flesh, sad!” Angela A.
Warning and Description of the American “Christian”
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.” Luke 6:20-25
After reading these words from Jesus, should Christians be living lives of lavishness or minimalism in this fleeting life?
Are we here to be entrenched in this worlds goods or to spread the Good News of Jesus and to teach His Word to all men (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15). As those He has found and saved and made new creatures in Christ, whose “ambassadors” are we to be? (2 Corinthians 5:17-20) If we are Christ’s “ambassadors,” why would we gather things to ourselves in this sinful fallen world when He Himself did no such thing while He walked this earth?
In God’s kingdom there are goers and senders. If your primary calling from God is to work and make money, that means you are a sender of the “few” “labourers” Jesus told us to pray for God to send out (Matthew 9:35-39). That’s why you have a job or a business –“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, THAT he may have to give to him that needeth.”(Ephesians 4:28) That is, that he may have money to give to needy Christians and to Christ’s work which is always in need of support.
He has sent out into the “plenteous” “harvest” a “few” “labourers.” (Matthew 9:35-39) Are you personally supporting Jesus’ “labourers”? No, the question is not “Are you giving to your local church because they convinced you that they are the storehouse?” Most of your money given there is a waste and actually helps the wolves who run those church businesses. You are fueling the devil’s agents in most cases by doing so (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; 2 John 7-11). How do we know they are wolves? Simple: They are not fulfilling Christ’s New Testament edict and purpose to preach the Gospel to the lost and teach all men God’s Word – in other words, get them into God’s Word for themselves, daily (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; 1 Timothy 4:6, 16, etc.).
WE SHOULD STOP FUNDING THE WOLVES WHO ARE CHRIST’S ENEMIES AND USE THEIR POSITION AND PLATFORM AND PERSONALITIES TO BRAND THEIR OWN MINISTRY BUSINESS. HAS ANYONE EVER BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE MARKETING TERM “BRANDING”? IT’S WHERE A COMPANY CREATES A NAME, LOGO, AND SLOGAN THAT IT BRANDS (BURNS) INTO THE MINDS, THE PSYCHE OF THE PEOPLE IN ORDER TO GET THEM TO PATRONIZE THEIR BUSINESS.
YEAH, YOU SEE, THEY REFUSE TO USE THE MONIES GIVEN INTO THEIR COFFERS TO SIMPLY PUT FORTH CHRIST’S KINGDOM WORD AND TO PREACH CHRIST ALONE LIKE THE EARLY CHURCH DID (ACTS 5:42). INSTEAD THEY HAVE TO PUT THEIR OWN PERSONAL NAME OR MINISTRY’S NAME ON IT IN ORDER TO GET GLORY FOR AND TO THEMSELVES! RED FLAG! READ PSALMS 74 AND SEE HOW THEY HAVE CAST DOWN CHRIST’S NAME AND ENTHRONED THEIR OWN NAME/“ENSIGNS”! NOTICE HOW THESE INDIVIDUALS AND MINISTRIES REFUSE TO RELEASE A PENNY OF THOSE MONIES TO ANYTHING THAT DOESN’T PROMOTE THEIR OWN CAUSE/NAME. WAKE UP AND STOP FUNDING CHRIST’S ENEMIES LEST YOU BE ETERNALLY JUDGED WITH THEM! (2 PETER 2:1-3)
Then, Satan’s children, who claim to be saved, will accuse Christ’s true servant of being in it for the money. If this wasn’t so foolish it would be a roll on the floor screaming hilarity! As a called-out servant, if I was in it for the money I wouldn’t be in it because there is no money!
YOU MUST SEE YOUR WORKING AND GIVING AS A VITAL MINISTRY TO THE LORD’S BLESSED KINGDOM. IT IS JUST AS EQUALLY VITAL AS THOSE WHO GO AND DO THE WORK. THEY CANNOT DO SUCH IF YOU DON’T DO YOUR PART.
It is YOUR privilege to give of what God gives you. You need to give in worship to the LORD more than those few good ministries need the money. Concerning the Philippians believers giving, Paul the apostle said “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (Philippians 4:17) You see, you have an “account” in Heaven and to refuse to give the opportunity to give would be to cheat God’s people about of riches in their eternal “account” where Jesus commanded us to lay up treasure! (Matthew 6:19-21)
WHO DO YOU THINK WINS WHEN CHRIST’S CALLED-OUT SERVANTS ARE LEFT STARVING AND CAN’T PAY BASIC BILLS? IS GOD GLORIFIED OR HAS SATAN TRIUMPHED TO DISTRACT AND INCAPACITATE ONE OF JESUS’ “LABOURERS”? THE ANSWER IS OBVIOUS. WHOSE FAULT IS THAT? IT’S THE FAULT AND SIN OF THOSE WHO ARE BEING FED BY THAT MINISTRY.
We must not waste the monies God is putting in our hands on temporal comforts and trinkets. We must change our way of living and demonstrate that we are content to know Him and need no excessive stuff, things, trinkets to satisfy us. He is our satisfaction.
Nothing’s ever enough to American “Christians.” They are in big trouble spiritually and have no idea.
“WE LIVE IN A SMALL CARAVAN IN A CARAVAN PARK. WE DRIVE A VERY OLD CAR AND DO NOT OWN MUCH IF ANY FURNITURE. ARE WE HAPPY? YOU BET WE ARE.” MARIE J.
Ever notice how happy the African children are? Why? After all they have one toy to share between a whole village of children. Why are our electronic-inundated children so unhappy?
You must see your money as being a provision from God and a tool to further Christ’s Gospel by funding His workers.
WITHOUT YOUR MONEY FUELING THE GOSPEL WORKERS GOD HAS SHOWN YOU, THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO WHAT HE HAS CALLED THEM OUT TO DO AND YOU WILL BE PERSONALLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR SUCH.
Your calling may be to work and that means you are earning money that is to be firstly given to “honour” of the One who gave you the ability to earn that money.
“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
Holy Father, please bless us to have the joy of giving once again, in Jesus’ precious Name, amen!
But someone must actually DO HIS work and it’s the LORD alone who calls them out. There are goers and senders (Romans 10:14-15). And those around those divinely called-out ones are to rejoice to be blessed to support them – because they are doing GOD’s work. In fact the Bible says we are to honor His servants “for their work’s sake.” Why? – Because it’s God’s work, not man’s.
“And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13
“Woe unto you that are rich!” (Luke 6:24)
ALL Americans are “rich” in God’s eyes. This is the richest country in world history. Woe be unto us! – if we refuse to be generous and continual in our giving.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Those who have and are learning the joy of giving as Jesus taught, always rejoice to be able to give out of what He has given them and even long for more to be given them so they can give more to His work.
It has been perhaps rightly state that “Those who give the least complain the most.”
The SELF-preservationists complains with a contrary attitude toward those called out to minister. The self-serving, unrepentant church goer does not want his little personal party interrupted. So he figure that the Gospel worker should leave the post God put him on and go out and earn his own money – never realizing that if we are truly the LORD’s all we have is HIS and not ours (1 Chronicles 29:14). The counterfeit reasons that he’s too busy spending his money on self’s pleasure and status in this sinful world, and refuses to live a minimalistic lifestyle in order for Christ’s Gospel workers to be able to do His work in furthering His Gospel by winning lost souls and teaching them God’s Word. “You are inconveniencing me” he reasons in his mind. “You are taking away from my self serving creature comforts. God forbid that anything my depraved heart so desires be kept from me. When I see something I want, I just buy it or put it on credit. And I don’t appreciate people asking for money (for a ministry work).”
“ACTUALLY WHEN I USED TO BE ONE OF THOSE FANCY COFFEE DRINKERS THEY USED TO COST CLOSER TO FIVE DOLLARS PER CUP. I STILL DRINK COFFEE BUT AT HOME NOW.” MELANIE G.
Coffee is a blessing, from God it seems. Yet does having a nice hot cup of coffee in the morning have to cost $3-5 per cup per day? That’s a considerable amount of money per month. 30 days in a month x $4 is $120. Many who waste God’s money on such give far less to the work of Jesus. God is calling us to repent. This is pure rebellion.
Your money is not really yours – it’s God’s.
What are you doing with His money for which you shall give account?
“ALL things come of thee and of THINE own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14
There are a myriad of ways “Christians” today waste God’s money. God forbid that they have to be humiliated by driving a 10 year old car. God forbid that the style of their dish washer or refrigerator is outdated. God forbid that they have to be deprived of any luxury item their little hearts desire!
I know of a ministry that was derailed due to a lack of about $300-400 per month. There was support but not quite enough which means that God was leading others to help support that ministry and yet they refused. They were too busy wasting God’s money in this sinful world – embellishing themselves with even more shoes, clothes, fancies accessories, expensive meals, etc. These refused to do their part in supporting Jesus’ work due to their waste on self and they will give account for those servants of Christ who cannot do what He called them to do due to their disobedience. Those greedy people who claim to know Christ and yet refused to lay down their lives in this sinful world will stand to give account for the souls that went to eternal damnation due to not being able to hear the Gospel through the LORD’s servants who had to leave their post.
These type people want to over spiritualize things when they are called to truly lay down their lives in this fleeting world. Yet, the same folk do not hesitate to call a number or do an internet search to buy some frivolous accessory that has no eternal value. God forbid that they be bothered with the opportunity to support Christ’s work.
They want to live in denial of the obvious fact that if those God-called Gospel workers aren’t being provided for (financially supported), they cannot do Christ’s work and that means souls will be hell due to their rebellion. In other words, they defend their right to live their lives on their own terms all the while deceiving themselves into thinking God will save them in the end.
As a kingdom disciple, you must see this as your part in fulfilling the Great Commission for which you shall give account before the Almighty on Judgment Day.
Covetousness is idolatry of self – the worship of self instead of the Savior. This is a soul-damning sin. See below:
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7
Of being minimalistic and appreciative, one sister notes:
“I learned that being with the Lord I have all I need. He has blessed me with all things. The most important thing to me – what I want most is to hear Him say – is ‘well done my good and faithful servant.’ With what He has given me I invest in his kingdom. So thankful for the life He has given me.” Lisa V.
You know as I read this sister’s words it occurs to me that we just push ourselves further from Christ and from knowing Him more intimately by crowding and cluttering our lives with more stuff. The Bible says that the LORD Jesus is our “exceeding great reward.”(Genesis 15:1) If we have Christ, we have all! If we truly have Christ reigning in our lives, we do not covet stuff but are rather content.
“Let your conversation (your way of life) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
God is able!
QUESTION:
“Isn’t giving supposed to be from a cheerful giver out of what he personally purposes in his heart?”
REPLY:
Yes, and yet there is great jeopardy in not using what He gives us for His glory … the servant who buried/wasted his talent went to hell – “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (hell).” Matt 25:30 ….. Not giving, hoarding, clearly indicates/reveals where someone’s heart is and that they are serving mammon, not God and are therefore not saved. ….. this is the case with most who claim to be saved. They have not laid down their lives and this is obvious in that they have time, money, energy, and all the wherewithal to go lusting after this world’s trinkets and spend all they have to get them …. and yet do not find it in their unrepentant hearts to lay down their lives and give. They are lost while thinking they are saved. Laodicea. This is not small matter. It reveals they are lost and as sure for eternal damnation as if they were already there. We cannot factor our Christ’s clear teachings due to Paul’s….. perhaps the way to reconcile this paradox (seeming contradiction) is to observe the audience each is speaking to. 2 Cor. 9 is written to the church at Corinth where true believers where being addressed and incentivized to give and lay up treasure in Heaven. Jesus taught this also (Matthew 6:19-24). The Son of God also clearly taught that eternal hell awaited those who are not generous with what HE puts in their temporal possession. This is Jesus’ teaching. It seems severe because so few truly forsake their lives in this world. Yet this is exactly what Jesus taught and He clearly stated that eternal hell is the finality of this self-serving, lukewarm, disobedient, rebellious lifestyle. They must repent and when they truly do, all they have will be His …in their minds and distribution of it.
Jesus taught that the way we steward His resources that He puts in our hands is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts (Matt. 6:19-24).
Anyone not purposing to give at all into Christ’s eternal kingdom by helping the poor and funding His work, seems to reveal their lost, apostate (backslidden) state….. “Ye shall know (discern) them by their fruits” Matt 7:16, 20
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.: 2 Timothy 4:2
Apostasy
SINLESS PERFECTIONISM: WHOSE Righteousness are You Trusting? [podcast]
Salvation, justification, overcoming sin all come by way of the mercy of God, the divinely enabling grace of God, and the cross, the daily crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 3:24-26; 4:4-5; 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; 3:1-3; Titus 3:5-7, etc.). It does not come by mere self-determination or self-will.
Don’t strive. Surrender.
Beware of the sinless perfectionism mob.
Beloved, God found us, in our sins, and saved us into His eternal kingdom! (Romans 5:6-9; 1 John 4:19). We didn’t find Him. He found us!
Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen mankind (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Psalms 39:4-5).
“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. … 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:18, 24
“It’s actually freedom when we embrace the Bible truth of how wretched we are! We don’t have to hide it or try to be better than we are! Jesus can now reign on the throne of our hearts and not self!” Karen Cochran
Realizing our own utter helplessness, hopelessness, and depravity and taking up the cross is the only the safe place with God right, the cross, the bowing to Him to take full control…. See Matthew 5:3; John 3:30.
All self-righteous religious hypocrites are going to hell (Matthew 21:31). May God save, forgive, and cause us, to bless us to be His authentic disciples. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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.
The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent!
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.
Touting our own supposed righteousness is a dangerous undertaking. Lifting ourselves up will result in being brought down low, with no exception.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
All I have to do to find the man most in need of God’s saving grace and mercy, is to look in the mirror (Romans 7:18, 24; James 1:23-24). As long as we neglect to look in the mirror, honestly, we will continue to be self-righteous as were Jesus’ most evil enemies, the religious frauds, the pharisees of His day (Matthew 23). Are we pharisees or humble, broken, honest disciples of Christ? (Matthew 18:3-4)
“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
There is NO righteousness outside of Christ (Romans 7:18, 24).
Every single day is the opportunity to overcome – yet this will only happen as we choose to do things God’s way – the cross. Romans 6-8; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc. Sinless Perfectionism Exposed
The no sin nature people are missing the cross. The Mike Desario’s, the Charles Finney’s, and the Jesse Morrell’s of the world peddle the no-sin-nature heresy and also do not preach the cross, the crucified life. They rag on endlessly about “stopping all sin” but never mention the crucified life which is the only divine prescription for overcoming sin (Romans 6, etc.). That alone makes them false, peddlers of “another gospel.” (Galatians 1:6-9) This is why they can’t understand this. They do not realize that God gave us the solution to this sin bent (iniquity), this inherent in fallen man sin – and that answer is the crucified life which is at the heart of the original Gospel.
“True holiness” comes exclusively from the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet this is not just our position in Christ, it must also be the practical reality of our lives lived (Ephesians 4:24). The holiness of God, “true holiness,” requires the “daily” cross Jesus commanded which separates us from self and sin (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 9:27, etc.). Sin is overcome exclusively via oneness with Christ in an abiding relationship (John 15, 17) and not by mere self-effort alone – which is antichrist. The point established in the whole of Holy Scripture is that we are beholden to the Savior, the LORD Jesus, and must be honest about our wretchedness outside of a present abiding relationship with Him (Romans 7:18, 24) whereby the fruit of holiness is produced. There’s a slew of self-righteousness being promoted as “holiness” today through wolves who’ve digested the false teaching of devils like Mike Desario and Charles Finney and those who peddle these doctrines.
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and 
upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (not self): 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
After being attacked and accused of being a Roman catholic, Baptist heretic…. the response to the accuser was as follows:
Thanks for the attack, the persecution. I do rejoice (Matthew 5:10-12). I am certainly anything but Catholic or Baptist. Now, to examine what you wrote ….No one is a more staunch exposer of Rome, nor a more critical exposer of the eternal security Baptist, protestant lie (the ministry has 3 landmark books exposing OSAS – over 1,000 pages total) ….. So what you are saying here is a lie, bearing false witness, instead of dealing with the Scripture truth of these things. There is no cross in this sinless perfectionism movement, and the cross is the only way to overcome all sin – by the resurrection power of Christ (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 4:10-12). Also, there is no grace (divine enablement) or faith in your message, but rather only rote mechanical obedience as if people are earning their own way. This alone makes your message errant, not according to the whole counsel of Scripture. | Eternal Security Exposed | Catholic Church Exposed
You offer some truth here and yet this sounds like Mike Desario, Charles Finney falsehoods, the no-sin-nature, sinless perfectionism heresy.
Sinlessly Perfect? You Sure? [podcast]
Beware of the sinful self-righteousness masquerading behind feigned perfect obedience. This Sinless perfectionism they are pushing is pure self-righteousness.
I am not your enemy ….. attack if you see fit. Yes, the LORD does say that obedience is essential, it proves that one knows the LORD or is known of Him (Matt 7:21). Good works do not save us – Christ alone saves us. This is a real subtle deception. There is the need to synthesize “ALL scripture” which teaches, that faith, obedience and good fruit do not save us, God does, by HIS sheer mercy.
“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
Sinful self-righteousness has no place in the life of a disciple of Jesus. Matthew 21:31
Self-righteousness was one of the sins of the pharisees and is soul damning (Matthew 23, etc.). Even the publicans and harlots will be in Heaven before the self-righteous religionists (Matthew 21:31).
Obedience is the fruit of saving faith and yet our obedience doesn’t save us. According to this passage, you are under a spirit of witchcraft – to think your own works-righteousness, law-keeping saves you:
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:1-3
Think about this that Jesus says from perhaps a new perspective … “IF you love me, keep my commandments” …. perhaps He is saying “If you don’t love me, don’t bother obeying Me, because that is futility.” Good works/obedience, fruit are borne out of an abiding relationship. It’s about relationship, not earning our own way I know this well as I was out of balance for many years. I am not seeing this as an argument … just discussing, okay?
There is no cross, no crucified life in the message of the sinless perfectionist heretics and therefore they are preaching “another gospel.” (Gal 1:6-9) The cross is the divine solution to sin and is at the center of the original Gospel and that’s the only way to be raised up out of the flesh and victorious over sin, not be mere self-effort. You are kidding no one but yourself if you believe your own good works are at the ground level of your justification before a holy God who sent His only begotten Son to do what we cannot do. – If righteousness comes out of just sheer obedience, law-keeping, then Christ is dead in vain.
“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:21
God is holy and holiness is essential for eternal glory (Hebrews 12:14, etc.). Yet such comes about by the crucified life Jesus prescribed, the cross and the resurrection (raising up) grace of God – not by seeking to be perfect on our own, not after beginning in the Spirit and then vainly attempting to be made perfect in the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3).
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under GRACE.” Romans 6:14
There’s no cross and no grace (divine enablement) in the message of the sinless perfectionists and therefore their message is false. Heretical.
It’s like they seek and are boasting about their own obedience and their own self-willed sinless perfection. Nonsense. Laughable.
Overcoming must be done in and through Christ – in a real, abiding relationship with Him which sinless perfectionist frauds never mention.
Recognizing our own need to be humble, contrite, broken, and fully dependent on the LORD is what we learn in Scripture, not hiding behind sinless perfectionism but rather being authentic, honest, and realizing that without JESUS and being one with Him in an abiding relationship, we can do nothing to please God (John 15:5).
“For without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
It’s better to cease pretending in my opinion, in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. I am not a good person, neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently – that there is “NOOOO good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a new, deeper work in us! (See Romans 7:18, 24.) The Cross!
We are all very imperfect and in present and perpetual need of the LORD’s saving grace which requires a born again and abiding relationship with Christ.
Those who truly follow Christ are to be fully dependent upon Him, not self, or self’s supposed perfect obedience – which is a farce. See Posture of Dependency
Lest someone should erroneously believe there is any justification for any sin, let me say this: Jesus is coming back for “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27), And “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged.”
“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
This is how we can observe the ministry of Jesus and His apostles. The only people they were harsh with were the rich and the religious. They were not harsh with people who sinned and were convicted and contrite, humbled before God, seeking His mercy, repentant. The woman taken in adultery is one such example…..
Stone Casting Qualifications
Jesus never called the woman taken in adultery (John 8) or the woman who had had five husbands and was now living with another man, a whore (John 4). Jesus was not harsh with either of them. What does this say for some of these self-righteous, hate-mongering, arrogant, pharisaical, enraged, embattled, need-to-get-saved street preachers so prevalent today who openly call scantily clad women whores instead of winning them as Jesus did? Perhaps it’s the lust in their own hearts driving them? (See Romans 2:1-3.) We never see Christ needlessly provoking, condemning, screaming at, or yelling at lost sinners. WHERE did Jesus or any of His apostles possess such a hate-filled attitude other than when Jesus rebuked them in their younger years for seeking to call down fire from Heaven? Christ rebuked them with “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” (Luke 9:54-55).
DID Cain murder his brother Abel because of Abel’s sins or his own?
“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” 1 John 3:12
Those who slander others do so because of the wickedness that exists in their own hearts.
No Sin to Deal with?
1 John 1:8-10 should be kept in mind…. synthesized, right? Yes…… 1 Corinthians 2:13
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10
If we are saved by our supposed obedience, we all fall short, right? Should we not rather trust in the perfect obedience of CHRIST? Memorize Romans 4:4-5. This is in no way to excuse any sin, period (Romans 6:1-2).
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
WHO earned our salvation? Jesus.
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
FROM A SINLESS PERFECTIONIST:
REPLY:
May God find us with Christ’s righteousness, not our own …. The righteousness Jesus Christ accomplished at the cross is the only righteousness God honors, all else is “as filthy rags.”
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6
What righteousness does God see us in right now? Is it our own, or Christ’s?
“And be found IN HIM, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Philippians 3:9
Without Christ’s present saving mercy, this disciple is absolutely hopeless, sinful, and doomed. I will trust Christ’s righteousness and not my own!
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
None is righteous by himself, on his own merit and that what sinless perfectionism teaches….. you are being fed by wolves like Finney and Desario…. you didn’t get this in the Bible, by organic personal study… that’s why there’s an imbalance…..
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Apostasy
Jesus Answered Questions with Questions [podcast]
“AVOID FOOLISH QUESTIONS”
Could it be that one way to “avoid foolish questions” is to ask questions when questioned?
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition REJECT; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11
One of the best ways to “avoid foolish questions” is to answer them with questions. Read that again.
All questions that come to us are not evil and yet, as we see with Jesus’ religious enemies, some questions do come from evil hearts with ungodly motives.
“For we are not as many, which corrupt (twist, adulterate) the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
Jesus used the art of asking questions and so should you. This will revolutionize the way you interact with others, if done correctly. And, this should never be used from a heart that is not pure in the eyes of God. The disciple must beware of the evil that lurks within his own heart (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18, 24, etc.).
“Asking questions was central to Jesus’ life and teachings.”
Jesus used this method of answering questions with questions in order to shift the burden of proof, expose the motives of his critics, and force his listeners to think deeply.
One commentator notes:
“How many times did Jesus ask questions?
In the Gospels Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers three. Asking questions was central to Jesus‘ life and teachings.”
The Big Question is … What’s behind the question?
WHERE is the questioner seeking to lead this conversation?
We should pray for discernment to know whether there is evil intent or the noble desire for answers behind the questions asked of us.
Questioners with evil hearts ask questions in order to get themselves off the hook or deny what the Bible plainly states. This some do to distance themselves from the conviction of conscience the truth is causing them. And if you buy the package, if you take the bait, they will suck you in and devour you.
Beware of the enemy’s tactics.
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (schemes, tactics).” 2 Corinthians 2:11
“Jesus frequently asked the Pharisees questions. He challenged them. Most of the time He answered questions with questions! He called them out! Which angered them greatly. Jesus was skilled in the art of asking questions! I could learn much from a study of questions Jesus asked.” Karen Cochran
ALWAYS GIVE GOD’S ANSWER AND NO OTHER (1 Peter 3:15): Beware that when God’s Word is spoken, those who love darkness rather than light, those who are unrepentant will divert from the Word by asking you questions off of the WORD itself in order to divert the conviction from their unrepentant hearts (John 3:19-21). STAY with the Word – whether they like it or not (Isaiah 55:11). You owe no man an answer other than to give them what God says – what the LORD stated in His unchanging Word (Mark 13:31). Jesus tells us that such men as will not hear His Word, are “NOT of God.” And, that if they were “OF GOD” they’d be humbly, astutely looking for and hearing HIS Word (John 8:47). Memorizing the words of Jesus recorded in John 8:47 will put your discernment miles ahead. I underlined the key words:
“He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are NOT OF GOD.” John 8:47
When you give rebels the answer of GOD from HIS WORD, they will attack you – the mere messenger. They are not there to learn. They’ve made up their minds and are sticking with their rebellion. Always remember, their issue is with the LORD and not with you.
You see, unrepentant men do not like the answer God gives to their questions. They are looking only to justify sin, not repent and confess it as the LORD requires. So their questions are aimed at finding a way to justify their sin – to justify their refusal to truly repent, lay down their lives in this fleeting world, and follow Jesus for real. That’s the crux of the matter.
Isn’t that exactly what the pharisees (false teachers/religionists) did to Jesus?
“Let GOD be true and EVERY man a liar.” Romans 3:4
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
Give God’s answer and no other. You owe no one an answer to anything else, except what God says about it. Refuse to allow rebels to lead you around by the nose with their deflections and questions.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
JESUS ANSWERS QUESTIONS WITH QUESTIONS
Getting a taste of how Jesus dealt with evil hearted religious folks is going to greatly develop your ability to navigate the hate-filled attacks against Christ and you by truth-haters. This will help you as you earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints in the original Gospel recorded on the pages of Holy Scripture (Jude 3-4).
Jesus questioned His questioners and so should you! You serve the LORD Jesus and are not obligated to answer every question that comes your way. Sometimes, you have to stay in control in these situations. I say this specifically referring to conversations you will have with rebels. They have nothing good in their hearts and in many cases, have no heart for the truth, just like the religious frauds of Christ’s day.
Personally, I’ve seldom seen so much evil as when I refuse to answer questions from those who seek to misdirect the conversation away from the Word of God. Often detractors use mere human reasoning, or anything to manipulate and twist and get the emphasis off of what the Word itself clearly states (Mark 7:6-9). This is a tactic they use in order to promulgate their false belief, justifies their sin, and that contradicts Holy Scripture. Such was the case in this recent attack and conversation – Preacher Viciously Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]
Jesus is THE BOSS and He’s Your Boss! Follow Your Boss. Follow the Example of Your Boss! We learn from our Boss by beholding what He did. And, our Boss, the KING of all kings, asked questions to questioners.
Our Lord was skilled at asking precise questions that drove to the heart of a situation, centering everything on HIS kingdom and never acquiescing to the sinful whims and manipulations of unrepentant men.
Some of Christ’s most profound questions came as a response to those who were questioning Jesus. The following is a list of some of the questions Jesus used in questioning His questioners. This is not an exhaustive list of every question Jesus ever asked and is on record in the Bible. In order to help the reader, I’ve underlined and hi-lighted the words which indicate questions for the reader to capture the essence of how our LORD answered questions with questions. I’ve included also the questions Jesus asked His own disciples. Some of these questions are noble and most (from His enemies) are hostile. As you will see, those questions from Christ’s enemies are obviously inherently evil. I’ve highlighted with yellow where the LORD specifically cites them for such, calling to the reader’s attention the heart motives of those asking the questions. Jesus interrupted their attempted deflections, cover-ups. He called them out on it. Here’s the interaction:
- Matthew 9:14-15 – 14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them (a question), Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
- Matthew 15:1-3 – 1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
- Matthew 15:33-34 33 – 33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? 34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
- Matthew 17:24-26 – 24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
- Matthew 21:16 – And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
- Matthew 26:6-10 – 6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. 8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? 9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. 10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
- Mark 2:5-11 – 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
- Mark 4:10,13 – 10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. .. 13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
- Mark 4:38,40 – And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? … 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
- Mark 7:17-18 – 17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. 18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also?Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
- Mark 10:2-3 – And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
- Notice in this exchange below how Jesus is, as always, in charge, in control and therefore answers the questions of these hypocrites with questions and puts them to work – because He knew the hypocrisy of their hearts and what was behind their foolish questions.
Mark 12:14-17 – And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny (Jesus puts them to work), that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
- By Jesus telling these men that they did err, were in error, because they didn’t know the “scriptures, neither the power of God” which comes from proper relationship with Him, He was in part directing them to get into the Word where the answers are found. Mark 12:18, 20-24 – Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, … 20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. 21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. 22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. 23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
- Luke 2:48-49 – And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
- Luke 6:1-3 – And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; 4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
- Luke 10:25-26 – And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
- Luke 10:29,36 – But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? … 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
- Luke 12:41-43 – Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
- Luke 18:18-19 – And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
- As Jesus “taught the people … and preached the gospel”…. wicked religionists hurled questions with evil intent, questioning Christ’s authority. As His custom was, Jesus answered them with a question.
Luke 20:1-4 – And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? 3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
- John 8:3-10 – And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. (notice Jesus’ response to their question here – He didn’t answer it verbally but with this action) But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?“
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America
America is Under Divine Judgment [podcast]
Chasing the American dream all the way to hell? Are you bowing before your Maker who came and died to save you from sin and this world? Or, are you bowing before “old glory—the red, white, and blue”?
“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
Every person reading these very words is making his eternal bed in Heaven or in hell.
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16
Those bowed truly before Christ and no idol, are about His “business” which is the Great Commission He gave us! Oh, and He holds you fully accountable to obey, to do it. Read the very end of Matthew and Mark.
If you are not deliberately, integrally involved in the Great Commission mandate Jesus gave His people, you are out of the will of God.
Evangelism! (Mark 16:15-20) Teaching God’s Word (Matthew 28:18-20).
AMERICA’S ENEMY INVASION
In the Bible, we read of how God allowed foreign empires like the Assyrians and Babylonians to invade, conquer, and exile Israel and Judah as a form of divine discipline and covenant judgment for their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and refusal to repent.
One source notes:
“The Theological Framework of Judgment
- The Covenant: God made a conditional agreement (covenant) with ancient Israel. Obedience brought protection and blessing; disobedience brought explicit warnings of national defeat and dispersion (e.g., Deuteronomy 28).
- Using Foreign Nations: Prophets like Isaiah and Habakkuk explain that God sovereignly used ruthless empires (calling Assyria the “rod of my anger”) as instruments of correction against His own unfaithful people.
- The Limits of Judgment: While God used these empires to punish Israel, the Bible notes He also held those invading nations accountable for their own extreme cruelty, arrogance, and subsequent destruction (e.g., Isaiah 10, Jeremiah 50–51).”
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS TO ANY NATION THAT FORSAKES GOD. – “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalms 9:17). America is under divine judgment. See Jeremiah 18.
“The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. 17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:16-17
“At what instant” (marked space in time)
It seems God has His timing in judging nations and history records…..
It is more than obvious that America is not repenting. If that’s the case, what future does America have?
Jeremiah 18:7-10
“At what instant (marked place in time) I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.”
How does He judge?
Does He not lift His hand of protection and allow invaders? Read Jeremiah 5-7. This morning as I begin again reading these 3 chapters, what’s happening in America seems to fit for sure. And no president can save America from the LORD’s judgment. The only hope would be the true repentance of the people.
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS TO ANY NATION THAT FORSAKES GOD. – “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalms 9:17). America is under divine judgment. See Jeremiah 18.
What Bible verse or passage comes to your mind when you think of being possessed by an eternal perspective? How about this one?
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
PRAYER: My Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, please imbue this Your vessel with the eternal perspective Your Word communicates. Bless me to be a consummate soul winning person, with my hands gripping the plow of Your Great Commission command. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Why would we put our hope in a country that belongs to our arch enemy? (2 Corinthians 4:4). As scripture clearly tells us this earth will vanish like smoke (Isaiah 51:6). We are looking for a new heaven and new earth! (Revelation 21). Where God will dwell among us! We will be His people and drink from the fountain of life forever and ever! That is my hope! Not this wicked fallen world!” Karen Cochran
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