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Grounded in the Truth

Looking piercingly into my eyes, as if he was seeing right through me, staring a hole through my heart, this God-fearing man, possessed with holy conviction, sternly declared…..

“You preach this Gospel JUST LIKE it’s written young man, you understand me!”

This word went through me like a lightening bolt from Heaven… further instilling in me the fear of God. As a young man, newly saved, I was blessed to be charged just as Paul charged Timothy to preach only God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:1-4).

The world has never more needed men like this man who boldly charged me to preach the Word – just like it’s written.

ANYONE else ever had a man like this bless your life? Like Paul charged Timothy to “Preach the Word”, this man charged me! He lit me up.

If you aren’t engrossed in God’s Word today, you aren’t being prepared to be mightily used of God.

The last thing the world needs is another coward “minister” of death who refuses to preach repentance and hell, the holiness of God, the judgment of God, the cross, and the return of Christ! If he doesn’t use the King James Bible, he’s in darkness. Get a clue.

IF YOU DARE speak for God, it must of necessity be the WORD of God – letting God speak for Himself by speaking Scripture! Otherwise, you will be a false teacher, misrepresenting Him.

Memorize: Psalms 19:7; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 4:11 and Isaiah 8:20.

ATTEMPTING to talk someone into getting saved will NEVER work. Let’s cease such and let God speak for Himself saints.

“Lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

God’s Word is divine and eternal and converts sinners to Himself. Our own futile explanation is no patch on the words of Holy Scripture!

Divine truth is eternal, just like the One who spoke it. God’s Word “liveth and abideth for ever.”

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

This is YOUR hour to seek God and ask Him to use you! (Acts 1:8)

We can win the argument and lose the soul if we don’t wisely, lovingly speak the Word of God into the hearing of the precious eternal souls we encounter. “HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) Yes we do this in God’s love and yet we do it in obedience to the LORD who commands His people to “Preach the word.” (Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:2).

“He that SPEAKETH truth (as opposed to hiding, withholding it) sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” Proverbs 12:17

Some who espouse a false love foolishly believe that loving others means hiding, withholding the truth from them. Yet the Bible informs us that such withholding of the words of God comes from a cowardly “enemy” who is “deceitful.”

“Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6

Jesus says “Love your enemies” and by His life at times we know that the best way to “love” is to openly, harshly rebuke them. Compare Matthew 5:44 with Matthew 23.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; … 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” Matthew 5:44; 23:15

To withhold truth is devilish hatred!

Dear pastor, minister: IF you aren’t quoting and reading Holy Scripture (King James Bible) to your audience you have NO BUSINESS – NONE, ZERO – play acting like you’re ministering! Period! Repent and step down now until you are so full of God and His Word that’s ALL that flows from your life and lips! (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 4:11)

“No one ever went to hell for hearing the truth. For rejecting the truth, yes. For hearing the truth, never!” Phil Butler

Jesus sent no one to seminary – and NEVER will! Repent, learn the Word and walk in the Holy Ghost! THAT’s the divine prescription!

As is seen in the lives of the prophets and holy apostles of Jesus, authentic men of God are known in that they have no mercy on false doctrine. Rather, they plundered, dismantled and destroyed it with divine truth (Acts 17; Book of Galatians; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, etc.). No, rather true men of God are men of holy conviction and “earnestly contend” against falsehoods! (Jude 3)

The true disciple has deep conviction. His conscience is captive to the Word of God which is the final authority of His life and therefore ministering. He says with Paul “Let God be true and every man a liar”! (Romans 3:4) The authentic disciple will be castigated by persecutors. He will be told that has a religious spirit, is judgmental, and is a legalist. Jesus says to “Rejoice.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

YOU can only be turned over to a “strong delusion” by God if you do not choose to love and devour and obey His truth! (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) And you will be if you are not “valiant for the truth.” (Jeremiah 9:3)

“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

ANY minister or ministry that is not constantly calling you to repentance, to humble yourself, to lay down your life in this world, to live the crucified life, is misrepresenting Christ and is false. Run!

Men who are known of the LORD “HATE every false way.”

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:104

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128

Those who preach anything except the original Gospel given us in the Word of God, are “accursed.”

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

Fake Ministries are Everywhere: WHEN you hear people in “ministry” continue to hem haw and use words such as “I think,” etc., you should lose interest real quick. You know they are not in the Word and so you know it’s a fake ministry and they have no business pretending to do “ministry” for Jesus. “Preach the WORD.” (2 Timothy 4:2) We all have a Bible and so there’s no excuse and real kingdom ministry is simply putting forth God’s Word. Peter wrote: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God;…Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11). God’s Word is the recording of the very “thoughts of HIS heart” and He’s not confused, amen? (Psalms 33:11; 1 Corinthians 14:33) Yet, the vast majority of “ministry” that goes on today is a lame, laughable excuse for kingdom ministry!

Un-repentant, sin-justifying compromisers want to act like we don’t have a Bible – to deny that God, the Judge, has spoken. So these children of Satan attempt to shut down the messengers of truth! Steam roll them with God’s Word and authority saints! SMH What ever we read in the Bible is from the JUDGE and if you don’t believe that, you are “not of God” according to Christ (John 8:47).

ARE YOU diligently and daily devouring, learning, and only preaching the WRITTEN Word of God? If not, cease all your false “ministry.” (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:2; 1 Peter 4:10-11, etc.). God has not sent you but you have sent yourself. If you don’t repent you perish as a false prophet (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Hence the following WARNING:

“They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.” Ezekiel 13:6

“Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.” Jeremiah 14:14

Speaking of earnestly, contending against the many false teachers today who add to, take from, twist, and preach anything except the Holy Scriptures …. Wolves patty cake with you because they want your money and could care less about your eternal soul (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy:2-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

3 Strikes and You’re Out!

Recently, a local pastor quoted from and endorsed 3 heretical extra-biblical authors/books. First he quoted from and endeared his audience to a psychology based book and he was confronted about it. Then, a month later, with total disregard to truth and the warning the LORD gave him, he quoted 2 obvious heretics in one message. This showed that he is in darkness, refusing to repent:

  1. The 5 Love Languages (psychobabble)
  2. Norman Vincent Peale (Christ-denying heretic)
  3. Mother Teresa (antichrist, works-based heretic who openly admitted she didn’t know the LORD – and spent her earthly life championing the cause of a false religion/cult)

Regrettably, so far, this “pastor” has refused to repent for selling out Christ for His very enemies. The man “bid Godspeed” to heretics and if he doesn’t repent, will perish with them (2 John 7-11; 2 Chronicles 19:2; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.). Those who in any way endorse an enemy of Christ will be going to the same hell as they are guaranteed (2 John 10-11).

YOU have no ministry other than to lay down your life – to be dead and buried – and only then will jesus raise you up and use you! Jesus will only conduct His ministry through obedient, crucified vessels! (2 Corinthians 4:10-12)

In other words, instead of pointing people to the unmatched books of the canon of Holy Writ – Genesis, Colossians, Ephesians, John, Matthew, Revelation, etc., (which he never does), this “pastor” pointed them to the rebellion of mere sinful men – to their failed human methods in books that are based on the antichrist rebellion of self-love.

“Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.” Jeremiah 7:8

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

Make no mistake: ANY man who is teaching ANY thing except the Holy Scriptures is “accursed” and the very enemy of Christ – hell bound sure as you are breathing this moment (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.). Nothing could be clearer from Scripture.

The refusal to simply teach the Word of God and get others into it is evidence, the fruit of evil-hearted men – wolves in sheep’s clothing – who refuse to truly turn their own lives over to the LORD in repentance, and how they remain in darkness as they look elsewhere – outside of God’s Word. Were we not warned?

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

EVERY DIVINE Fix is in the 66!

Where are you looking?

Any person pointing people to other sources, especially those which are not Scripture-rich, are false teachers. They are denying Christ – and denying He gave us all we need in His Word. Scripture reveals to us that all spiritual wholeness comes from God’s Word/the Bible, Holy Spirit, and people of God.

The divine solution for all things pertaining to God and our own salvation and wholeness, is given to us in the 66 glorious books of the canon of Holy Scripture, God’s Word, the Bible! “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” are contained in the “exceeding great and precious promises” of Holy Scripture (2 Peter 1:3-4).

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

Why Did God Give Us His Word? What 4 divine purposes are given in 2 Timothy 3:16 for the written Word?

“Do you understand me?!” 

Forcefully, in the holy fear of God, an older, true man of God deeply infused my bosom with the holy fear of God and mandate to preach only the Holy Scriptures. By now, I’m sure this blessed man God used that day is with the KING. I met this man at a weekend Christian conference in Florida. During our conversation about Jesus, as we sat fellowshipping, this God-fearing man looked over at me and with great, holy sternness and piercing eyes of fire, looking me straight in the eye, declared “You preach this Gospel just like it’s written young man! Do you understand me?!”

Whew! Well, as a young Marine, I knew how to take a commandment! He didn’t have to repeat himself! I knew as sure as I was breathing that the Almighty was speaking to me!

Beware of the flesh-flattering, the sin-coddling devils! Are you one of them?

God is watching you. You are 100% accountable to preach the whole counsel of His Word – regardless of what you think will be the results of the lack thereof. Die to self. Take up the cross. Lay down your life! Repent and preach the gospel or stop feigning to be a follower of Christ (Mark 8:34-38, etc.). Who do you live and preach to please – God or mere sinful men? (Galatians 1:10)

In your ministering, are you accommodating/pleasing God or sinful men? (Galatians 1:10) The answer to this question proves whether or not you are a true or false prophet! (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

Whose Life is God Using You to Shake Up and Bless?

Gentlemen, may God infuse us with His holy boldness to fearlessly preach and plunder the works of darkness in this late hour! (Jude 3; Ephesians 5:11; Proverbs 28:1; Psalms 94:16

Notice the second part of this verse and how those who do not use the sword, the Word, the declared judgments of God to expose, to plunder, to attack the enemies of God will be “cursed.” THIS IS WAR. “FIGHT the good fight.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” Jeremiah 48:10

ANY man who is afraid to offend you is a compromised moral coward (Galatians 1:10; 4:16).

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26

ANY person who speaks the truth is controversial. Jesus was very controversial. Read the Gospels. Why was Christ controversial? Because some hate the truth and attack the messengers of truth. A very few love the truth and few love Christ who is “the truth” and from which truth proceeds – divinely transmitted and recorded from Genesis to Revelation. If you are not controversial – causing uproars among the unrepentant – you are not speaking the truth and are unlike Christ. The truth is pure and divine. The problem is not the truth but rather the dark, unrepentant hearts it lands on and rebel instead of repenting (John 8:47; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).

When Jesus spoke things happened! When true men of God speak today, things happen. God’s men are set apart in contrast with the epidemic of spineless moral cowards we call “pastors” today.

Darkness and Light will Always Clash and Light Always Wins!

The kingdom of God is a kingdom of conflict – “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12)

WHO did Jesus tell us is “of God” and who is “NOT of God”? Memorize John 8:47 (King James Bible)

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

Jesus told us exactly who is “of God” and who is “not of God.” Jesus told us that those who shut off God’s Word – who are not eagerly seeking to learn it and live by it, are “not of God.” (John 8:47)

There’s no such thing as a follower of Christ who doesn’t hold God’s written Word as final authority for all manner of life and faith.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The LORD tells us that when a person doesn’t choose to love the truth, He will personally turn them over to “strong delusion” and that’s “after the working of Satan” himself (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Here is that all-important Bible passage:

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 

Quality, not Quantity

WHO do we seek to please?

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

In our humanity, we tend to judge everything by numbers – the mere number of people who are responding positively, repenting and obeying God. This is unlike the LORD. Jesus preached, desiring all to repent and believe upon Him and yet He also told us that only a “few” would. Jesus is not after everyone because, whether you like it or not, everyone doesn’t want Jesus.

Jesus is not a liar and He told us that His flock is “little.”

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and MANY there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

NO, we do not seek to be controversial yet we are of Christ who is “the truth” and whose written Word “is truth,” and when we speak it, there will be conflict – dark hearts who do not wish to change, to get right with God, will rebel.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

Those who truly turn their hearts to the LORD will without exception see His holy face, in His Word. Any person who is not in God’s Word does not love Jesus and is rather rejecting Him for the false, futile god of self.

There are 4 types of soils God’s Word falls on. The condition, the state of heart soil is the choice, the decision of the individual (Luke 8:11-15).

Do You Love the Truth?

Who did Christ tell us is “of the truth”?

“Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” John 18:37

 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130

God’s Word is Unchanging – and Anyone not Building their Life on it is Doomed to Eternal Damnation

Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:19-29.

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31

The individual who we truly, authentically be Christ’s, will non-negotiably declare from his heart “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.” (Romans 3:4)

God said it

I believe it

That settles it!

WHEN we lay down our lives, we are truly hid in Christ, we fear NO mere man!

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Receiving and Giving the Truth

ANY ole dead fish can float downstream. It takes a live one to swim upstream. Stand in and speak the truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

When God’s Word is in us, God’s Word will flow through us. Here’s a rich passage from Proverbs 22 I believe you are going to fall in love with:

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21

When we get into God’s Word, God’s Word gets into us!

God’s Word is Final Authority

God’s written Word “is truth” and without exception, every individual who is truly in Christ, lives by His written Word and final authority for all matters of faith and doctrine (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, etc.).

Got saved? You better be continuing in the truth or you will fall away:

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, IF IF IF ye continue in my word, THEN are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

THOSE who put aside the Word of God damn their own soul:

“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46

The Duty of Believers is to Imbue Other Saints with God’s Word – Get Them into it!

“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” Isaiah 8:16

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16

When you see a man who is not getting others into God’s Word and I will show you a fraud who is not in God’s Word himself and is getting people trusting in himself! Is this not what we observe in the modern church world among those men posing as Christ’s representatives?

YOU GOT a King James Bible? Preach that only! Cease all additions and subtractions.

Puddle Jumping and Philippians!

On a short flight, a puddle jump flight, a dear fellow Marine who was an earnest believer, got me into Scripture memory. God richly bless that brother in Christ! This dear brother took up his duty as an “ambassador” for Christ by getting me into God’s Word (2 Corinthians 5:20). Before boarding that brief flight our unit was taking, this blessed minister of Christ lovingly and firming told me that I was going to memorize Philippians 4:13 on that flight, without exception. Man, that first and short memory verse took the whole hour and a half flight to memorize! I read it over and over and over out loud out of the King James Bible until it began taking root in my memory and heart. – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Beloved of God, IF GOD is doing a work in you, and you are acquiescing, it cannot and will not be stopped!!! “Abide” in Him! (John 15:1-6)

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Since that day, by the leading and grace of Jesus, I’ve hand written on index cards and memorized volumes of Scripture from God’s Word.

As I experienced and millions of other believers have discovered, that first verse is the hardest to memorize and then the ensuing verses become easier. It’s kind of like the mind needs the rust or cob webs knocked off.

I want to exhort the reader to always use the real Bible, the King James Bible – which is much easier to memorize and has nothing missing or diminished.

When we are learning and we know God’s Word, the LORD will be able to use us in a much more powerful fashion (2 Timothy 2:21).

Under the bless-ed weight of the true original Gospel, men are convicted, broken, and crushed to repentance! (Matthew 21:44; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:4; 2 Corinthians 4:20; James 4:8-10, etc.)

YESSSS JESUS!!!!! Beloved of God, IF GOD is doing a work in you, and you are acquiescing, yielding and abiding, it cannot and will not be stopped!!! “Abide” in Him! (John 15:1-6)

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

AS you learn the Word and walk in the Spirit – GOD is going to use you!

“Let thine heart RETAIN my words.” Proverbs 4:4

PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of my LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here and now I ask You to grant my heart Thy holy fear and lead me into the memorization and meditation of Thy truth, just as You prescribed and commanded in Your Word. I love You Jesus and know that I can only get to know You better through Your Holy Spirit and Word You graciously gave us in the Bible. Grant my mind to be photographic in memorizing Your Word. In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask, amen.

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Abiding

It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]


“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3

One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10

“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

6  By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

7  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2

“Hated”

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

“Ye shall Laugh”

“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.” Luke 6:20-22

“Through  much Tribulation”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

“To Make them White”

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33  And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34  Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35  And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35

“Made white … the wise shall understand”

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

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7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]


What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?

Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?

1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).

This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).

Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6

2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).

He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).

Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14

3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).

This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).

Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28

4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).

Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).

Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.

5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).

Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.

Application to us:  We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)

Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.

Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).

7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).

This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.

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Abiding

Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]


The Cost of Discipleship

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11

Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33  

EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES

By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

And the fifth:

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12

Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.

If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26 

We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.

Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:

“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”

“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”

In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.

“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37

Of this Adam Clarke wrote:

“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”

Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:

“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES

In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.

As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”

To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.

You are no longer your own. You are bought with the price of Christ’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You now and forever are a part, a member of the eternal family of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:14-15).

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named,” Ephesians 3:14-15

Jesus Addressed the Excuses

Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).

“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62 

Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.

“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28 

The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).

Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.

So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).

Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.).

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33 

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7

Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms

Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5 

May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.

“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5

“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68

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