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The “More Blessed” Life

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

The “more blessed” life is the cross life our LORD calls us to.

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

These are the words of the Messiah – who gave His life to purchase His church. And dare we say the eternal Word was “more blessed” as a result, as He brought back His alienated fallen race? (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 

To lose our lives, to abandon them to Christ, is to gain them everlasting. Those living the more blessed life, are giving their lives over to the LORD daily, as Jesus instructed and in preference to Christ, their “first love.” (Revelation 2:4-5) They choose Him over themselves as Romans 12:1 declares to us to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

“He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he can never lose.” Jim Elliott

Lose, forsake it all to gain it all.

Our lives are not our own. We’ve been bought with the highest price. – “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Do we begin to realize, to understand the Gospel? – to understand the price God chose to pay to buy us back to Himself out of the world, out of a life of sin, out of separation from Him?

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

The way we “glorify God in our body” is to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) This is how we are to be crucified with Christ our LORD and thereby raised up into new life, the life of “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17)

Let’s look at and memorize our theme verse again:

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

Perhaps many times we view the above statement in terms of giving money or aid to someone in need or to the work of Christ. Yet it seems that more important than giving some thing or some money, etc., is the giving over of our lives to the LORD. And, when our lives are given over to our Maker, our Savior, all we have will be His and giving will be the result of this crucified, raised up disposition (1 Chronicles 29:14; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

Those who give their life over to the One who gave them life are “more blessed” than what they could ever otherwise be.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

In fact the cross life is the “more blessed” life Jesus is speaking of – the life that is dead, buried, and raised up with Christ (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). The resurrection is the healing, the wholeness! The life that isn’t “crucified with Christ” doesn’t get blessed with resurrection life and power. Only when the self-life is “crucified with Christ” can the blessing of the resurrection life of God be realized.

Of this, one writer notes:

“Healing is the resurrection. Wholeness, holiness, completeness, entireness, perfectness, undividedness are all words that describe those that are dying and RISING again with Christ.

The religious person, the legalist, humanly moral person are all divided. They are not whole or holy. They cannot be holy even if they, like the Pharisees, are strictly moral.  They do not know undivided unconditional love. Even the tax collectors can do conditional love said Jesus in Matt 5:38-48. They are moral hypocrites. ‘Depart from Me. I never knew you.’ And they never knew Him.

The law says if you sow good deeds you will reap blessing.  Grace says if you sow your old self into death you will reap the resurrection life and power of Christ. Thus, the Bible has redefined the meaning of sowing and reaping in the New Testament.”

The resurrection healing, wholeness, comes to those who are truly “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12)

The LORD our Creator has designed/set things up so that we ourselves can only personally be fulfilled if and when we are walking in His perfect will and meeting the needs and desires of others.

It is the “mind of Christ” to give our lives over to the LORD Jesus and others. This disposition runs counter to all the self-centered notions and philosophies taught among sinful men, including the recovery-addicted false church world.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5

The above passage is a great one to read every morning this whole week. If you do so in sincere prayer to the LORD, your life will never be the same.

We cannot and will not be fulfilled by worldly riches or pursuits but only by obeying God and fulfilling the needs of others

“But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:6-8

The LORD requires that all who will follow Him (and go to Heaven), must lay aside their own will. Jesus cried “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”(Luke 22:42) The daily cross is some Jesus mandates and all who truly know and are following Him are learning that daily cross by simple submitted obedience and the enablement of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-14).

True repentance means laying our lives down at His feet and being dead to self which means we have NO personal agenda! (Romans 6)

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30

Regrettably, most who claim to be saved have not the slightest desire or clue as to what truly following Christ really is. This is because they are trusting what their pastor has told them instead of searching the Holy Scriptures to see what the Judge of their eternal souls says.

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

Today, write Philippians 2:3-5 on an index card and begin to read it daily, to meditate upon it, and assimilate into your mind, thoughts, actions, and life.

Your life is going to change now. God is going to begin undergirding your thoughts and life, orchestrating His perfect will as He conforms you to the image of Jesus Christ.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29

Get out of your own world disciple of Jesus. Embark on this cross journey. You are Jesus’ servant and student. Look around you. Anticipate the needs and legitimate desires of your mate, your children, your family, your friends, and those you don’t yet know. If you will help with the business of others, God will take care of yours.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Crying out with John the Baptist….

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 

Jesus came and empty Himself (Philippians 2). The Son of God withheld nothing. Christ gave all. He poured out His whole heart and life to please His Father and to bless fallen mankind (Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Acts 3:26). God bankrupted Heaven to redeem us.

The measure of your spiritual maturity and state can clearly be seen in how you are given over with reckless abandon to the LORD and to serving others.

Why would God raise up someone who is already alive, alive to self, in self? He will not. It takes the cross to liquidate the old man – a laying down of our own lives, our will, our agenda, our way. God only raises up, resurrects those who are willingly dead and buried with Christ. Those live in the dead and buried posture, are being raised up in the power of God, blessed, and mightily used of Him! There is no other way for us – just as there was no other way for Jesus to redeem the world without the cross and buried. He defeated sin, Satan, and death by dying and being raised up! (Romans 8:11; Hebrews 2:14-15, etc.).

Here’s the “remnant” of Christ described:

“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: 32 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.” Isaiah 37:31-32

Note in the passage above that the remnant escaped from that which claims to represent the LORD while subverting His truth – “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19) God is calling out His remnant to lay down our lives and in doing so there will be a separation, a coming out of the cross-less apostate modern church world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). If it’s a cross-less gospel, it’s a false gospel. The redemptive cross of Christ and the one He commanded we take up, are at the center of the original Gospel message. This is how we know who is true and false.

Being Jesus’ Disciple

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

Jesus instructed us to “Remember Lot’s wife.” Genesis 19 records the escape from Sodom, from divine judgment upon the inhabitants. As she was obeying the command of the angels not to look back, while she was escaping judgment, Lot’s wife looked back and perished. She was judged with the wicked and make no mistake, this is exactly was our LORD wants us to “remember.” Many today, like Lot’s wife, were saved and yet then they turned back to the old, to the evil, to the fires of eternal judgment that were once behind them. Now they face those same fires of damnation and the torment will be even “worse with them than the beginning.” (2 Peter 2:20-22) They’ve turned back to what they were delivered from and are perishing.

“Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” Luke 17:32-33 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus’ name and ask You to forgive me for my self-idolatry, my heart rebellion, my uncleanness, and ever other sin I’ve committed against You. LORD, I know You are holy and ask You to make me holy as You are holy. Please set me apart unto Yourself and grace a broken, contrite heart of flesh. Here and now I lay my life in Your hands. I am crucified with Christ. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. Thank You this moment Jesus for washing me clean of all sin in Your precious blood LORD Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s learn God’s Word together, one truth at a time. Sign up here to receive the Moments with Our Master email which is sent out for your edification, learning, and discernment.

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How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast]


Please don’t balk till you read these 3 verses. This is indefensible to the sane mind! “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs 18:13)

Satan loves to borrow from the authentic. This is so he can attempt to borrow credibility from the real and he pawns off, he promulgates his counterfeits. This is why one of his fake “bibles” is called the “New King James Bible.” The Word “Berean” immediately evokes the truth of the disciples there who stood on God’s written Word and compared everything to it to prove it was true or false (Acts 17:10-11). In 2016 the Berean Study Bible (BSB) was introduced. Sounds good, right? Not! There are 4 verses we use to acid test “bibles”: Matthew 17:21; Acts 8:37; Romans 8:1; and Colossians 1:14

As usual, this BSB was taken from the known corrupted manuscripts instead of the Textus Receptus from which the KJB comes from. In the BSB, typically, we find:

  • Matthew 17:21 was removed and so was Acts 8:37,
  • Romans 8:1 was chopped in half, and
  • The blood of Jesus was removed from Colossians 1:14.

Many times I hold people’s feet to the fire on Colossians 1:14 and ask them if they truly believe they are washed in Christ’s blood and if they believe they could be saved without His blood (Hebrews 9:22). Then when they agree that our LORD’s blood is the only way they could have been and are saved, I ask them how they could possibly agree with, condone the removing of His precious blood and bring in Revelation 22:18-19.

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6

People are constantly bragging about “their” translation they love and swear it’s the best. So, all you have to do to blow up their little deception is to go online and find that version and go to the following 3 verses: Matthew 17:21, Colossians 1:14, Romans 8:1

Keep in mind that the King James Bible uses the word “fornication” and not “sexual immorality” like the new versions which can be manipulated and redefined by sinful men. Let’s use the King James Bible saints, not a cheap counterfeit.

IF you are going to dare still argue to defend the fake news new “bibles” after being told that the BLOOD of Jesus is removed from Colossians 1:14 and Matthew 17:21 is removed and Romans 8:1 is chopped in half…. I have no more responsibility to communicate truth to you according to (Matthew 7:6; Titus 3:10-11; Revelation 22:18-19; Proverbs 30:5-6). You are not a man of truth.

You have to wonder if professing Christians actually know and take this severe warning seriously by the crass attitude we see concerning the fake “bibles” which deliberately butchered God’s words and changed major doctrines (Revelation 22:18-19). Where O where is the holy fear of God?

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

Compare to the KJB which came from the Textus Receptus manuscripts which make up 98% of all manuscripts in existence and agree with each other. The underlying manuscripts are most important. When you compare these 3 verses you immediately see if their version is accurate. There’s more to it though because apparently some of the fake “bibles” use both sets of manuscripts. Yet, usually the fake “bibles” come wholly from the corrupted manuscripts and comparing these 3 verses reveals such.

The new versions of the Bible are rooted in rebellion no matter what the sales pitch they put on gullible minds. They are man’s thoughts and philosophies inserted into God’s (Isaiah 55:8-9). Total rebellion. Read Revelation 22:18-19. They are cursed at the root. The Holy Ghost is our Teacher not the Hebrew, Greek, or supposed, self-appointed “experts.”

90% of the time you will find that their “bible” version came from the corrupted manuscripts.

Personally, I cannot endorse what are clearly Satan’s CORRUPTIONS, cheap substitutes, and counterfeits of God’s Word and therefore cannot recommend them. I definitely encourage any and all believers, no matter the maturity level, to read the King James Bible.

Bible Versions Category

Support | STORE | Podcasts | H.O.T. Bible Study [podcast] | Bible Agnostics Exposed | How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast] | WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T UNDERSTAND THE KJB? [podcast] | New American Standard Version “Bible” NASV Catastrophe Exposed | The Audacity of Defending the New Versions | Do We Have God’s Word or Do You Need to Know the Original Languages? [podcast] | Bible Versions Category |

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How do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]


Scripture vs Subjectivity/Human Reasoning

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8

There are many people pretending to be representing Christ. Many pretend to speak for God but how do we know who is truly “of God” and who is “not of God”? Jesus gave us the answer to this important question because He desires His people to be protected by proper discernment. He has warned us repeatedly to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know (discern) them by their fruits. … And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 7:15-16, 24:11).

Jesus says to use that we shall “know” (discern) others “by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20)

“You’re taking things out of context” is what unrepentant heretics throw at you when you state the Word. And they say “rightly divide the word of truth,” using it out of context for their own self-serving agenda because they don’t like what the plain truth of God states in His written Word. They are clearly “not of God” according to Christ who also said “by their fruits” we are to “know” (discern) others (Matthew 7:16, 20).

Here’s the clear proof that most of the “church” is not Christ’s church, not His people at all. They falsely claim to be, as did the Jews of Jesus’ day. Memorize John 8:47  – who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God.”

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

Simply put: We know who is truly “of God” and who is “NOT of God” by how they treat God’s Word.

True Heaven bound disciples of Jesus follow God according to the Bible (Psalms 119:105). All others follow a false god they concocted in their own deceived imagination (John 8:47).

One of the examples in this late hour of those who pose a threat to believers is the New Apostolic Reformation movement which has produced and sent forth an army of false prophets. Their false insinuations and claims include that their prophetic words, visions, apostles, prophets, and prophecies are equal to the divine authority of Holy Scripture. More on the New Apostolic Reformation Cult and its false teachings and false prophets is here.

When you or I or any other mere human claims to be hearing from the Holy Spirit, such is purely subjective and must be tested against the Holy Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). THAT’s WHY we have the written Word – to protect us from being misled from the “MANY false prophets” who are deceiving “MANY” as Jesus forewarned would be the case (Matthew 24:11). Final divine authority is the written Word, not some mere sinful man or woman posing as God’s voice.

The LORD gave us His Word in order that we could know Him who is “the truth” and not be “led away (from God) with the error of the wicked” by following “cunningly devised fables” (John 14:6; 2 Peter 1:16; 3:17).

2 Peter 1:16-21

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 

17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

19 We have also a MORE SURE WORD of prophecy (the written Word); whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Word of God is sure and steadfast as is its Author who is eternally perfect and unchanging in His divine nature. Our faith is not based on mere fables or stories, but rather on the Word of the very One who created and sustains all life in His vast Universe (Colossians 1:16-17).

“The apostasy is here. Everyone is a Christian until it gets biblical.” F.

You wanna know who is really “of God” and who is “NOT of God”? John 8:47  – memory truth.

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

Every person who is “of God” has their conscience captive to His Word. Any person who is casual about God’s Word instead of fervently attentive, is “not of God.” When the true follower of Jesus hears Scripture, they hearken, are comforted, corrected, edified, etc. They love God and therefore change to conform to the Word. His words are the highest authority of their lives.

Is God’s Word your final authority or not?

IF God’s WRITTEN Word is not the final authority of your personal life, we have nothing in common – you are not saved. Jesus says you are “NOT of God” (John 8:47).

LOTS of biblically-illiterate guys hanging out on social media arguing using subjectivity, lies, and false notions when they should be diligently studying and speaking only the Word. The problem is not only “lack of knowledge” but also the pride that underlies their refusal to be teachable (Hosea 4:6).

The godly man will own the truth – he will surrender and allow it to own him – even when it is correcting him (Proverbs 1:5; 15:32; Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.).

IF you refuse to allow God’s Word to correct you, you are “not of God” (John 8:47).

The righteous declare with Christ’s apostle Paul to “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

IF you don’t love God enough to voraciously study His Word, you do not love Him!

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

We know who is truly “of God” by their resolved, unwavering love for God’s Word.

Those who preach the Word of God continue sending a whole slew of ungodly men packing! These ungodly men who vainly believe they are of God, prove their rebellion by their refusal to be corrected by God’s Word (Romans 3:4; Matthew 7:6; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Titus 3:10-11; 2 John 7-11).

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 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 3:15-17

IF it is discovered that God’s written Word is not your absolute final divine authority, you will be rebuked and sent packing if you don’t repent. You are “NOT of God” (John 8:47). Time to clean house! Time to flip the tables of the hypocrites.

The only way to be rooted and grounded in Christ is to be an ardent student of His Word. There are no shortcuts and all who are not rich in His Word will be misled for not loving Jesus enough to prayerfully, daily pour over, learn, apply, and walk in His Word.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:6-10

We are “complete in Christ” and Christ is revealed to us in His Word (John 5:39-40, etc.).

IF you are living by human reasoning instead of strictly by God’s written Word, you are a lost soul in need of repentance. Repent now and when you do, the proof will be that God’s Word will become the authority of your life (John 8:47). Those who truly repent are in Christ and live by His Word and nothing else.

There are so very many people today acting like they know Jesus while His Word is not the final divine authority of their lives – which clearly proves they have either never repented or have since backslidden and are lost!

“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

Satan is able to master the lives of those who “received not the love of the truth. … for this cause God shall send them strong delusion.”

Not getting into God’s Word will cost us everything. Those who do not love God’s Word, clearly prove they do not love Him.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6

Many modern “pastors” are little more than those who entertain goats/counterfeits and we know this because they are not fervent but rather casual about the Holy Scriptures and most of them use fake “bibles.”

“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

Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep (John 21:15-17). Christ never instructed Peter or anyone else to merely hold church services. Of course believers are to gather and yet, when we gather, what’s most important is feasting on God’s word (Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 2:42, etc.). Instead though, today most gatherings called “church” are little more than an hour of empty entertainment, void of the fear, the holiness, and the Word of God.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly) in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

Hireling wolves aren’t getting people into the Word for themselves because they want people to need, to depend upon THEM instead of God so they can build their own brand, church, club! They are using people, building a busine$$ on the gullibility of their prey! (John 21:15-17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2-4; 1 Peter 4:11).

Sink or swim! Get into God’s Word daily for yourself and stop trusting entirely on your Sunday morning gathering – which if you attend such, should be just one of many times you are fellowshiping with God and His people in a week’s time frame and not an end in itself -which inevitably it becomes!

After Pentecost, the birth of the New Testament church, the earliest believers are seen in temples (Jewish church buildings) for a time. They are also seen fellowshiping “house to house.”

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (the Word) and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47 

Jesus told Peter to “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Perhaps more like “Go feed them” as Jesus and His apostle did. They went to the people (Matthew 9:35-38; Acts 1:8; 8:4; 10:38, etc.), and not “Go get them to come to you for their weekly entertainment and so you can fleece them with your church membership program and system you’ve set up to catch unsuspecting souls.” Gathering together is God’s will and yet, being corralled to be preyed upon is something about which we see warnings throughout God’s Word.

Corralling and entrapping unsuspecting souls is one of the schemes, devices used by beguilers. In my opinion, this is what the apostate modern church world has become – a baited trap, a stage performed on by pied pipers who use music, bands, and story-telling to seek to capture, to ensnare souls.

“For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.” Jeremiah 5:27-28

Those who allow themselves to become indoctrinated and ensnared in this system become “twofold more the child of hell” and continue this campaign of evil for generations (Matthew 23:15).

“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:2-4

PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, I come to You now solely on the basis of Christ’s perfect sacrifice for my sins. Please forgive my sin of self-idolatry and spiritual adultery where I have not put You first but had other false gods before You. In this very instant, right now, I repent. I turn back to You dear Jesus and ask You to wash my sins afresh in Your precious blood. I love You LORD Jesus and from this moment forward, I am relishing, worshiping, loving, obeying, and seeking Your holy face relentlessly. Please fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and use me dear LORD. Also, please give me the deep desire for more of You and for a photographic memory of Your words. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Word of God

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Mug Shots and Mercy Moments! [podcast]


The LORD Delights
in those who Trust in His Mercy
and not their own Merit-less, Sinful State

As an eternal memorial of the mercy of God in Christ, Jesus showed mercy to a man who was likely a lifelong criminal sinner.

After rebuking the other thief for his unbelief, the penitent thief on the cross next to Jesus asked our LORD to remember him.

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43 

So, if the Son of God freely forgave and took to glory the repentant, seeking criminal next to Him on the cross, why would anyone believe He’s changed? Who is it that would deny that Christ would and is doing the same today?

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

WHEN you see people get arrested… it’s likely that God is setting them apart so He can save, so He can transform them. Pray for them. Jail is death and burial…. which must precede resurrection. Jesus is coming and eternity is all that matters!

—- We all get various spam emails and see ads for many things, including background checks. NEVER MIND mere man’s “background checks” … How does our background check out with Him? Isn’t that all that matters? The Almighty has the full version of the “background check” of our whole lives – including every thought and motive of our hearts (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13). And He’s the only Judge before whom we shall all stand to give account ….. WHO do you fear? … David cried “Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” (Psalms 17:2) In other words David was only concerned about how the LORD viewed him and had no concern for what mere sinful men thought or said about him. ….. The apostle Paul wrote:

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:33-37

“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” Psalms 147:11

According to Psalms 147:11, just WHO did your Maker and Judge say that He takes “pleasure in”?

  • “them that fear him”
  • “those that hope in his mercy”

Those who truly fear God will repent to be saved and will continually repent as needed (2 Corinthians 7:9-10; 12:21, etc.). “Repent” is the very first word of the Gospel (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30, etc.).

UNTIL, as an individual, you begin to realize just how wicked you really are, you will never begin to appreciate what our KING and Savior did on that cross!

Concerning your initial thoughts when you see that mug shot, examine yourself for a moment by answering the following questions:

  • Do you hold out mercy and understanding for yourself while harshly judging others in your attitude, never knowing the shoes they walk in?
  • Do you understand that Jesus promised that His children will be accused of “all manner of evil against” them “falsely” and instructed them to “rejoice” when this happens? (Matthew 5:10-12) Do you rejoice at persecutions?
  • Do you know that Psalms 17:2 says our “sentence” ultimately comes from the LORD and not mere men?

Holding out mercy for others is important. Having a mercy-filled disposition is godly.

NO MATTER how hurt or mad you may currently be with someone, remember, Jesus died to save that person and is not willing that such a person perish (Luke 9:56; John 3:17; 2 Peter 3:9).

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

“Refusal to pray because of the guilt of your sins is like refusing to take you bath because you are dirty. Pray.” Augustine Mario

Bible Hint: God says that if you want mercy, you must show mercy. In many cases, in eternity, things will reverse completely as the Bible teaches. Many of those in positions of authority in this brief life will be in hell for eternity (Ezek. 21:26; Lk. 16:19-31; Rev. 5:10; 20:4, 6, etc.). Many who are judges today and send people to prison, will themselves be submitted irrevocably and eternally to the prison of fire by the Judge of their eternal souls. as As they sat in their high seats (benches) and hundreds and even thousands of times sent souls to jail, they themselves ignored their own need to repent before a holy God and Judge against whom they has grossly sinned.

The fires of eternal damnation shall forever feed upon the hopeless souls who leave this earth without having received and walked in (to the end) the mercy of the Almighty which He offers all men through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

THE SINS THAT SHOULD CONCERN US MOST ARE OUR OWN SINS! why then do we wrongly judge others in our attitudes when the one who needs Jesus most is us? To his friends who wrongly judged him, Job said: “But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?” (Job 19:28)

Hell’s Mug Shots are Forever!

The Word of God tells us that anyone living in sin, upon death, is going to hell, immediately upon death. Luke 16:19-31; Hebrews 9:27; Ezekiel 33:12-13, etc Those who are born again and abiding in Christ will be with Him immediately upon death (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23). You have to be born again to be in Christ.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

The Bible establishes the inherent sinfulness of all men and that would include you, my friend.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one … For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:10, 23

May the only final law enforcement Judge who sits atop the Highest throne in the supreme court of the Universe show us our own mug shot today – the fact that we ourselves are completely guilty of sinning against Him and that we are in utter need of the One who came and bled that we might be forgiven.

The Bible establishes that the whole world – every human being, without exception – is “guilty before God.” (Romans 3:19)

Those whose mug shots we often see of those caught for their sinful activities and whose sins are made public are just like you – sinners! Just because our sins aren’t known to the mass public does not make them any less a violation to the holiness of our Maker and Judge. If you have ever stolen anything, lusted or hated in your heart, you are no less a sinner than the mug shot guy or girl.  The only difference here is that they have been caught and are in jail for a temporary time in this brief life. When you die your doom or bliss is sealed. Don’t wait friend – turn to the Good Shepherd today. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

“Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.” 1 Timothy 5:24

God sees/knows ALL sins. He knows ALL of the sins you have committed in your heart and then those you committed in action. Nothing escapes Him.

Do you realize that if you die in sin that you will spend eternity in the lake of fire?

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15

Will your mug shot be forever posted for all to see as you sizzle in the flames of eternal damnation?

Getting Off the High Horse

Here’s a Bible passage to prayerfully each morning this week:

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

The LORD delights in His people and wants them to see things the way He sees them (Romans 12:2). His first desire is to restore and show mercy and He does so when the sinner repents.

All is recorded in Heaven (Hebrews 4:13). God sees ALL your sins and will pull the curtains back and roll the tape of your life on Judgment Day. Every single thought and deed of your life is on file with God. He made provision to remove and desires to forgive all. If  you die without His forgiveness, you will face the Almighty on Judgment Day in the Supreme Court of the Universe as a guilty sinner who refused to be pardoned. In trembling ruins you will stand shameful and without excuse before a holy God.

Put your own face in that mug shot! Admit to your own sins! Own up to your vile thoughts, meditations, lusts, adulteries, fornications of heart! And then begin praying for God to show mercy on others as He has shown upon your own filthy soul! Beg Him for a pure heart so that you can see Him! (Matthew 5:8; Proverbs 20:9)

Why do you self-righteously and arrogantly boast as if you have no need for divine mercy this very hour?

“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9

If you will be in Heaven eternally, you had better get in touch with your infinite need for divine mercy (Matthew 5:20; 21:31).

Let’s ask: Where are “the eyes of the LORD”? – “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3

What does God behold? – “beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3

What did Jesus tell us is going to be “covered”? – “nothing.”

“Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. “ Matthew 10:26

Word to the wise – You better get off that high horse or the flames of eternal damnation shall forever feed upon your helpless, conscious corpse!

It’s time to dismount from the high horse of pride and mount the lowly donkey of humility. God is going to eternally bless the lowly, humble souls who live to celebrate His Majestic, blessed only begotten Son who bled for our sins. Don’t miss this eternal celebration and bliss!

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10

Back to the Mug Shots….

The thieves on the crosses that flanked our blessed Savior were mug shot criminals! What is your view of them? What is your view of mug shot criminals today?

When is the last time you lifted the mug shot person in prayer? What about the flashy story on TV about some evildoer? Did you pray for them?

What is your very first thought concerning mug shots you see in print in your mail box or on TV or the internet?

Firstly, it’s time to get a clue! Do you know how many false arrests go on in this nation? Staggering! Do you know how many false imprisonments go on in our injustice system? Staggering!  Do you know that many Christians are in jail right now serving sentences as a result of persecutions and false evidence fabricated against them in order to jail them? Many of the LORD’s most blessed patriarchs of Christ were jailed! Joseph, several of the prophets, John the Baptist, Paul, etc.

God does not forget people in this earth’s jails but he does forget those who left the earth outside of a relationship with Christ – those who chose to “forget” Him. They will forever be vanquished into the fires of damnation (Psalms 9:17; 50:22).

Concerning this matter, Mark McIntosh writes:

“Sometimes it’s BETTER to be in a PRISON and be found by JESUS and TRULY REPENT of our SINS than to be free in a world where your SOUL is in BONDAGE and hell is pending! Repent and BE FREE INDEED …. in jail, prison or in society … it doesn’t matter where … AMEN?”

But just what if that next person in a mug shot you see is truly guilty? Are they beyond God’s hand to redeem and forgive? Is God’s hand shortened? (Isaiah 59:1-2) Is God’s Word lying when it tells us that Jesus is alive and well at His blessed Father’s right hand and able to save from the uttermost to the uttermost? (Hebrews 7:24-25) Where is your faith? Repent of such evil thinking that is emanating from an uncircumcised heart! (Mark 7:20-23)

Think like a disciple of Christ, friend. Memorize Romans 12:1-2 today!

Are you still so very blinded by your own sin that you join the depraved hearts of the world’s sinners in condemning criminals? The reality is, that in the “Holy, holy, holy” eyes of the Almighty, you are in need of no less mercy that the vilest of criminals in this fleeting life (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

What did Jesus do to the two criminals who were at each of His blessed sides while He hung for YOUR sins? He gave both of them the full privilege to be saved into His eternal kingdom of bliss and praise God one of them received Him!

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

Looking for Mercy!

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

Do you realize that gutter prostitutes and the vilest of criminals in this world have a better chance at going to Heaven than self-righteous religious people who pastor churches, cast out devils, speak with tongues, serve in their church, sing in the choir, go on missionary trips, and do many wonderful works in Christ’s name?

The Son of God says to the religious leaders of His day:

Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots (whores, prostitutes) go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31

Who did the LORD tell us will receive the full strength of undiluted judgment upon their own heads?

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against (triumphs over) judgment.” James 2:13

Did you catch what James says here?

Read it again and answer this:

  • Who will receive to themselves “judgment WITHOUT mercy”? – Those who “shewed no mercy” to others in their thoughts and out of their mouths!

Some self-righteous soul may still be saying “But, but, but that criminal did this or that…” … Jesus died for unholy criminals like you and me! He found and saved your wretched soul didn’t He? Does He love that mug shot soul any less?

My advice to you is to genuinely surrender to Christ, to die to self completely, to cry out to Him to break you to the core of your being. Then, you will cease sitting in the seat of the scornful, and truly be able to be used of Him. Get low or to hell you also will go (Psalm 1). Whatever you do, read Psalm 51 and take special note to every word this time!

God’s Word tells us that those who will be saved are “looking for the MERCY of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” They do not stand in their own self-righteous, filthy, sinful rags but rather they stand looking to the LORD for His blessed mercy!

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the MERCY of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21

Just what are believers to be “looking for” in light of the fact that we shall all meet our Maker soon? – “mercy”!

Live and Preach this – The Pharisee and the Publican

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

The only one of these two guys who was justified and ready to survive the holy wrath and judgment of God was the one who cried from his needy heart “God be merciful to ME a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)

If you are being convicted by the truth and the Holy Ghost of God, it’s time to repent and truly turn to the LORD and be broken, crying out to the LORD for His mercy upon your own wretched, self-righteous and evil heart before it’s too late.

Read Psalm 51 and beg the LORD to forgive you as you cry out to Him to search YOU, to cleanse YOU … it’s only “THEN” that He can use you.

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

Just because the mass public doesn’t know about YOUR sins doesn’t mean that your sins are hidden! The LORD saw your evil thoughts, lust, covetousness, and hatred! God saw you do it! What shall you do?

Peace with God

***We must make sure we are walking in the “true holiness” that is only possible by the mercy of God shown to us through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:23-25). Please beware of the false holiness that is being taught all around us. True or Feigned Holiness?

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