
“You Preach this Gospel JUST LIKE it’s written Young Man, You Understand Me!”
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:
“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:
- The 5 Love Languages (psychobabble)
- Norman Vincent Peale (Christ-denying heretic)
- 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
“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.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Lie Not Against the Truth | Feet Planted! | Becoming Grounded in Christ | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern Church | Peace with God




Articles
Grounded in Grace [podcast]

“What a powerful message! Life changing for sure. It truly blessed me. Every believer should listen to this video! But God! Two little words that I missed. And found this phrase used at least 44 times in the KJB. Those little words takes the focus off us! If it wasn’t for God coming to save our wicked souls we would be doomed forever to burn in hell. Psalm 49:15 “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me. Selah.” We are saved by the grace of God and kept by the power and grace of God. To which none of us can boost! (Ephesians 2:8, 1 Peter 1:5).” Karen Cochran | Grounded in Grace [podcast]
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) : And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
Satan continues to pick off people with the same exact law-keeping deception he snared the Galatians with. They become in unbelief about Christ’s perfect sacrifice and begin to add law to salvation’s equation. This is deadly. Having begun in faith, in the Spirit, they fall away from the faith by trying to help God save them through self-effort, law-keeping (Galatians 3:3; 5:4). Many of those snared are seduced into this by way of the sabbath keeping deception, foolishness.
Being established in the saving grace of God is the only defense against the many deceptions creeping in among God’s people.
When the self-righteous legalist hears someone preach that Christians are saved by grace and not under the old testament law, they react – because they are still trusting self and have not truly repented/surrendered and putting their whole faith in christ. Law and grace don’t mix! You MUST choose! (John 1:17) Either you are saved by Jesus or your own law keeping works. There’s no in-between! It’s time to get into God’s Word, asking Him to give you a NEW Testament clue!
Especially with the upsurge of Judaizers and the law-keeping doctrines they perpetrate, every true born-again believer should pray, seek out, and study to be grounded in God’s saving grace in Christ.
SAINTS, we are saved by the LORD Himself, by His grace and not our own works. People who are still self-righteous, thinking THEY are earning their own justification, get very uneasy when the saving grace of God is preached. They are not yet students of NEW Testament truth. WE MUST have an ever-deepening biblical revelation of God’s justification by grace and faith! Please begin by memorizing Romans 5:1-2. AND, please read Romans chapters 3-5 prayerfully and over and over, this week.
To the Galatians, when Paul said “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump”, he was saying that trying to mix even “a little” law keeping into the equation of salvation Christ alone 100% earned for us, ruins your whole relationship with God (Galatians 5:9). In fact, you don’t have one if you don’t 100% trust Jesus Christ!
Remember when Jesus saved you? He found and saved our wretched soul alllll by Himself!!!!! Right? Please pause and let that soak in. …. In light of this reality, this sheer mercy, how is it that we still strive in the flesh, thinking we are going to earn divine forgiveness, merit His blessings, etc. – “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)
“But God”
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” Ephesians 2:4
After hanging the backdrop (vv. 1-3), reviewing our alienation, our past life of trespasses and sin, how we are now found and rescued—brought back to life from our dead state—by the LORD, the writer now transitions upward.
Of Ephesians 2:4, William MacDonald writes:
“The words, But God, form one of the most significant, eloquent, and inspiring transitions in all literature. They indicate that a stupendous (astonishing, stunning) change has taken place. It is a change from the doom and despair of the valley of death to the unspeakable delights of the kingdom of the Son of God’s love.
The Author of the change is God Himself. No one else could have done it, and no one else would have done it.
“One characteristic of this blessed One is that He is rich in mercy. He shows mercy to us by not treating us the way we deserved to be treated (Psalm 103:10). ‘Though it has been expended by Him for six millennia, and myriads and myriads have been partakers of it, it is still an unexhausted mine of wealth, as Eadie remarks.’
The reason for His intervention is given in the words, for his great love wherewith he loved us. His love is great because He is its source. Just as the greatness of a giver casts an aura of greatness on his gift, so the surpassing excellence of God adds superlative luster to His love. It is greater to be loved by the mighty Sovereign of the universe, for instance, than by a fellow human being. God’s love is great because of the price He paid. Love sent the Lord Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, to die for us in agony at Calvary. God’s love is great because of the unsearchable riches it showers on its object.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1917
Satan attempts to make God out to be an unloving Father. Only mankind is created in God’s image, and He loves us beyond words (Ephesians 2:4-9). He loves us so much so that He gave His only begotten Son to die a horrible yet redeeming death on the cross, raising Him from the dead three days later to fully, completely justify us (John 3:16). God still has a remnant who trust Him and not self (Romans 5:6-8).
Justification
ARE YOU justified by sinful self or the Savior? Good luck flashing those “filthy rags” at the Throne of the Almighty who sent His only begotten Son to die for you! (Isaiah 64:6) You have called Him a liar! (Galatians 2:21) Righteousness comes from knowing and trusting the only One to ever keep the law perfectly and not from trying to keep the law (Galatians 2:16). Though the law be righteous, there is NO righteousness in the law other than repenting of your own efforts and putting your full trust in the only One who ever kept the law! (Romans 10:4) You deserve judgment and hell. You have nothing to offer God except a deeply repentant, honest, contrite, humble heart! (Psalms 34:18; 51:17; Matthew 5:3) You are a guilty sinner and must trash your stupid, ridiculous, laughable religious fig leaves which are a sham at best! True NEW Testament saints are dead to the law (Romans 7:1-4). Law keepers, do-gooders, and moralists are completely self-righteous antichrists who’ve put themselves in place of Jesus Christ as their own savior – denying Christ that place while vainly believing they can earn their own justification before a holy God and Judge of their eternal soul (James 2:10). Anti in the biblical word “antichrist” means “in place of.” Selah (meditate on that) God doesn’t want His children trying to keep the old law but rather to choose to worship, love, trust, and obey Him who is the only One to keep it and then nailed it to the cross and took it out of the way!
Revelation 2:8 “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”
Revelation 3:9 “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”
William MacDonald writes:
“His kindness toward us (2:7)
“His grace in His kindness toward us (2:7)
“The riches of His grace in His kindness toward us
“The exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us
“Now it follows that if God will be disclosing this throughout eternity, then we will be learning throughout eternity, then we will be learning forever and ever. Heaven will be our school. God will be our Teacher. His grace will be the subject. We will be the students. And the school term will be eternity.
“This should deliver us from the idea that we will know everything when we get to Heaven. Only God knows everything, and we will never be equal with Him.
“It also raises the interesting question: How much will we know when we get to Heaven? And it suggests the possibility that we can prepare for the heavenly university by majoring in the Bible right now.
“2:8 The next three verses present as clear a statement of the simple plan of salvation as we can find in the Bible.
“It all originates with the grace of God; He takes the initiative in providing it. Salvation is given to those who are utterly unworthy of it, on the basis of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“It is given as a present possession. Those who are saved can know it. Writing to the Ephesians, Paul said, ‘are ye saved.’ He knew it, and they knew it.
“The way we receive the gift of eternal life is through faith. Faith means that man takes his place as a lost, guilty sinner, and receives the Lord Jesus as his only hope of salvation. True saving faith is the commitment of a person to a Person (Christ).
“Any idea that man can earn or deserve salvation is forever exploded by the words, ‘and that not of yourselves.’ (2:9) Dead people can do nothing, and sinners deserve nothing but punishment.
“‘It is the gift of God.’ A gift, of course, is free …. The gift of God is salvation by grace and through faith. It is offered to all people everywhere.
“2:9 It is not of works, that is, it is not something a person can earn through supposedly meritorious deeds. It cannot be earned, for instance, by:
Confirmation
Baptism
Church membership
Church attendance
Holy communion
Trying to keep the Ten Commandments
Living by the Sermon on the Mount
Giving to charity
Being a good neighbor
Living a moral, respectable life
“People are not saved by works. And they are not saved by faith plus works. They are saved through faith alone. The minute you add works of any kind or in any amount as a means of gaining eternal life, salvation is no longer by grace (Rom. 11:6). One reason that works are positively excluded is to prevent human boasting. If anyone could be saved by his works, then he would have reason to boast before God. This is impossible (Rom 3:27).
“If anyone could be saved by his own good works, then the death of Christ was unnecessary (Gal 2:21). But we know that the reason He died was because there was no other way by which guilty sinners could be saved.
“If anyone could be saved by his own good works, then he would be his own savior, and could worship himself. But this would be idolatry, and God forbid it (Exod. 20:3).
“Even if someone could be saved through faith in Christ plus his own good works you would have the impossible situation of two saviors – Jesus and the sinner. Christ would then have to share the saviorhood with another, and this He will not do (Is. 42:8).
“Finally, if anyone could contribute to his salvation by works, then God would owe it to him. This, too, is impossible. God cannot be indebted to anyone (Rom 11:35).
“In contrast to works, faith excludes boasting (Rom 3:27), because it is non-meritorious. A man has no reason to be proud that he has trusted the Lord. Faith in Him is the most sane, rational, sensible thing a person can do. To trust one’s Creator and Redeemer is only logical and reasonable. If we cannot trust Him, whom can we trust?
“2:10 The result of salvation is that we are His workmanship – the handiwork of God, not of ourselves. A born again believer is a masterpiece of God. When we think of the raw materials He has to work with, His achievement is all the more remarkable. Indeed, this masterpiece is nothing less than an new creation through union with Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passes away; behold, all things have become new (2 Cor 5:17).
“And the object of this new creation is found in the phrase, for good works. While it is true that we are not saved by good works, it is equally true that we are saved for good works. Good works are not the root but the fruit. We do not work in order to be saved, but because we are saved.
“This is the aspect of the truth that is emphasized in James 2:14-26. When James says that ‘faith without works is dead,’ he does not mean that we are saved by faith plus works, but by the kind of faith that results in a life of good works. Works prove the reality of our faith. Paul heartedly agrees: ‘we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.’ (2:10)
“God’s order then is this:
“Faith->Salvation->Good Works->Reward
“Faith leads to salvation. Salvation results in good works. Good works will be rewarded by Him.
“But the question arises: What kind of good works am I expected to do? Paul answers, Good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. In other words, God has a blueprint for every life. Before our conversion He mapped out a spiritual career for us. Our responsibility is to find His will for us and then obey it. We do not have to work out a plan for our lives, but only accept the plan which He has drawn up for us. This delivers us from fret and frenzy, and insures that our lives will be of maximum glory to Him, of most blessing to others, and of greatest reward to ourselves.
“In order to find out the good works He has planned for our individual lives, we should: (1) Confess and forsake sin as soon as we are conscious of it in our lives; (2) be continually and unconditionally yielded to him; (3) study the Word of God to discern His will, and then do whatever He tells us to do; (4) spend time in prayer each day; (5) seize opportunities of service as they arise; (6) cultivate the fellowship and counsel of other Christians. God prepares us for good works. He prepares good works for us to perform. Then He rewards us when we perform them. Such is His grace!” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1918
“Riches” appears five times in Ephesians
Ephesians 1:7 – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
Ephesians 1:18 – “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”
Ephesians 2:7 – “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 3:8 – “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;”
Ephesians 3:16 – “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;”
Ephesians 2:1-10
WHAT GRACE HAS DONE by FB Meyer
“Evidently dead men may walk; that is, they may be dead to the eternal world but alive to this world, which is moving past like the films of a moving picture. The death of the spirit is compatible with much active interest in the course of this world. Behind the shifting scenes of the material is the great enemy of souls. As the Spirit of God works in the obedient, so does the evil spirit work in the disobedient. Note this trinity of evil-the course of this world, the lusts of our flesh, and the prince of the power of the air. If we desire to save men, we must be in living union with the all-conquering Spirit of Christ.
Notice, also, the past tense which describes the finality of Christ’s work, Eph_2:5-6. In the purpose of God we have been raised from the grave of sin and are seated with the risen Lord in the place of acceptance and victory. We were one with Christ when He lay in the grave and arose. In God’s thought we have already taken our seat with the glorified Christ upon the throne; only the pity is that we do not believe this or act as if we had done so. All this is the gift of God’s unmerited love. By grace have we been brought into this position, and by grace are we maintained in it. We are of God’s “making;” such is the Greek word for workmanship, Eph_2:10. We have been created for good works; they have been planned for us and we have only to walk in them.”



Abiding
5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast]

THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat.
The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way.
We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:4; 13:12; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:37)
There are the 5 sins listed here that kept God’s people out of His blessings. We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen (1 Cor. 10:1-13), that Israel and these sins are “examples” (vv. 6, 11) to all NT believers. God destroys those who go back on Him after knowing Him (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridden out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy (Heb. 12:14). As taken in order from 1 Cor. 10:6-10, here are those 5 sins:
Lust
Idolatry
Fornication
Tempting Christ
Murmuring
This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from them as we grow today to know and love our Savior more fervently. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).
Committing the sin is one thing (1 John 1:8-10, right) and refusing to repent of it is yet another. Refusing to acknowledge, repent, confess, and cease is what snares the soul and ousts us from Christ (Proverbs 28:13).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
If the Holy Spirit has quickened any offences of your heart, simply L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer, Forgiver, Cleanser, and Transformer of lives.
WHATEVER it takes – those who choose to get real with God will sever themselves from anything and anyone who causes them to sin. This is what Jesus says about sin and hell:
“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:43-50
NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:
Fornication Defiles
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2
1 Corinthians 10 completely destroys the OSAS / eternal security argument.
Notice the word “OUR” in verses 6 and 11. This is directly spoken to warn NEW Testament saints that they are going to hell if they live and die in sin.
Case closed.
1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were OUR examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also LUSTED.
7 Neither be ye IDOLATERS, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us TEMPT CHRIST, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither MURMUR ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Eternal security is a false teaching. 1 sin separated Adam and Eve from God and “The wages of sin is (still) death” because God is Holy (Rom 6:23, etc.). Moral coward counterfeits hate, despise the Gospel essential of the cross, the crucified life. They want Jesus to save them to Heaven but not from sin. These are the sin-justifying, grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 4).
The divine declaration that “The wages of sin is death” which means separation from God, appears throughout Scripture (Romans 6:23).
“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.” Proverbs 19:16
Die or death always means separation.
OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..
The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
Eternal Security/Once saved always saved is a lie from hell.
Support | STORE | | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSAS | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] | Eternal Security Exposed | Sealed? | The Return of Christ | Support | Lie of the Ages [podcast] | 10 Questions about Eternal Security | Is Salvation Eternal? | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Sound Doctrine for a Glorious Church



Abiding
“The Unalterable Basis of an Open Heaven is a Grave” [podcast]

Concerning the raising up process of the Gospel of God, T. Austin-Sparks wrote:
“The unalterable basis of an open heaven is a grave, and a crisis at which you come to an end of your own self-life. It is the crisis of real experiential identification with Christ in His death.”
Though we entered into His death upon initial salvation, accepting and experiencing that death is still a daily choice, an individual decision to be made on an ongoing basis. One’s choice to continue to persevere, following Christ as He clearly prescribed, will determine his eternal destination (Luke 9:62; 19:13; 21:19; Romans 6:16; Galatians 6:7-9).
The insidious circumventing of the cross can come in many clandestine ways that are masked with pious outer garb. Today, while refusing to utter the full counsel of the One they claim tobe representing, smiling and charismatic men stand in sheep’s clothing, promising heavenly life to those who live in sin. They only prosper due to the volitional biblical illiteracy of the masses. Ignorance of the truth is a choice with eternal consequences (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:24-25
Of seeds, one source notes:
“Seeds do not technically ‘die’ when planted; rather, they germinate, transforming from a dormant state into an active, growing plant. While the outer shell breaks and the original form changes, the embryo inside remains alive.”
Just as nothing in hell could have held Jesus in that grave, NOTHING in hell can hold down the crucified saint! The divinely volcanic resurrection life of Christ bursting forth in the life of the crucified consenting disciple will be utterly unstoppable!
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (make alive, raise up) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11
The true disciple is always “delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:11). He has “crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). He is daily putting to death “the deeds of the body” and being “raised up” by the power of the same Holy Spirit “that raised up Christ from the dead” (Romans 8:11, 13). He rejoices in “Christ Jesus” and has “no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).
“I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31)
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake … that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you” 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12.
The disciple who is dead and buried with Christ is “dead to sin” (Romans 6:2). There are tell-tale symptoms in one whose self life has not been terminated, put to death. When we justify the sinful things we do, and call those who point them out “legalistic,” it is symptomatic of a life that is not crucified with Christ. The Bible says, “Lie not against the truth” (James. 3:14). If we argue against the truth when we are shown it, we are manifesting rebellion. The “corn of wheat” must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The one whose life is laid down does not make excuses when he realizes that he harbors sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more sanctified and dwelling in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.
Prayer: LORD Jesus, I am crucified with You. I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God. Here and now I lay my life in Your holy hands, this moment. Please use me now and here forward in the Father’s business of the Great Commission as we eagerly look for Your soon return. I love You LORD Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates |The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Where to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar Dialogue | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom! | Waste | Stewardship | Giving | Fellowship | Haggai | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts



America11 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
Articles2 years agoChildren being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
Articles8 years agoSelf-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
Apostasy2 years agoSHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True














































