SPIRITUAL FORNICATION

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SPIRITUAL FORNICATION

I wanted to write something very important regarding fornication that many people might not be aware of because they never stopped to think about it or never heard it preached. Whenever you have sexual intercourse whether married or not you must realize that “everything that is of that person now becomes part of you” and vice versa. This includes not only the natural but the spiritual! Becoming one flesh is two becoming one. So every person you have had sexual relations is a part of you. How fragmented has your soul become? Why do you compare one relationship with another relationship you once had? This is spiritual influences at work. That should be alarming to some people.

If this happens with consensual sex imagine the effects of rape, sodomy, physical abuse, etc. How many people are on antidepressants, drink alcohol or do drugs to try to bring relief to alleviate physical symptoms of a spiritual problem without knowing it is spiritual! This is why psychology falls short as it helps with “coping mechanisms” but not spiritual problems. I have counseled woman that were raped, men that were sodomized and I can tell you that if left untreated spiritually other symptoms can develop such as bi-polar, schizophrenia, etc. We were born with ONE MIND not multiple person disorders.

How is it that a personality changes quicker than you can turn a light switch on or off! It is spiritual influences at work through the thoughts and mind of the afflicted.

Luke 8:26–40 (NKJV)

Demons are Cast into Swine

Matt. 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20

26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

30 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”

And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.

32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.

34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.

38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.

All of creation was created by spirit and so everything has spirit. So every unclean or demonic spirit someone might have can become a part of you through sexual relations. Think about marriage vows of covenant and for better or worse, richer or poorer, health or sickness these are all things through two flesh becoming one flesh as well as the challenges of this world.

The attacks of the adversary/devil are real because marriage is a covenant ordained by God. So let it be no surprise that the prince and power of the air is going to try to break your covenant of marriage. Now imagine that you had previous sexual relations with someone other than your current spouse. What are you potentially bringing to this marriage in the spiritual realm and transferring to your current spouse?

1 Corinthians 6:16–20 (NKJV)

16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Think of the spiritual attractions that become a part of you through sexual relations. Why do people tend to leave one partner/spouse to only find another one of the same spirit? That is because that spirit is now in them from the previous sexual relations. Just think of the spiritual rebellion of the 60’s when FALSE PEACE was propagated and sex, drugs and rock’n roll was promoted. Are you seeing Woodstock? It was really spiritual rebellion called a “peace movement”. See it for what it is and not for what people call it.

Galatians 5:19–21 (NKJV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Eventually those spirits in that person get stronger and have more influence, power and “self interest” seeking personal gratification over covenant marriage relationship. What you might have thought was just casual has now taken root to destroy you and others.

2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (NKJV)

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

18  “I will be a Father to you,

and you shall be My sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”

Now please hear my heart. It is not my intentions to condemn anyone only to point out what is spirit and truth. You may get divorced 5 times and remarried 5 times without truly knowing what is working in the background which is spiritual. The Lord does NOT approve of divorce and remarriage unless your FIRST spouse is dead and your future second spouse is not divorced with his or her spouse still alive. 1 Corinthians 7

I often use this analogy for men but it can be used for women also. Let’s say a man sees three eighteen year old women who are identical triplets in bikinis and on a scale of physical attraction from 1 to 10 they rate a 15. Now you look at triplet number one, then number two, but when you look at triplet number three you say to yourself “what I wouldn’t do to spend 30 minutes in bed with her”. Tell me knowing that all three triplets are identical are the first two ugly? What is there about the third triplet that put those thoughts in your mind? Could it be a lustful spirit. What would happen if you went forth and had sexual relations with her knowing the transference of spirits though sexual relations?

I could give you ministry testimony after testimony about this so I will just make a simple statement for you to understand the spiritual side. Whenever someone is feeling “lonely” the devil will tempt you with LUST masquerading as LOVE. Whenever you are lonely seek the Lord for His companionship and love! Spirits play “piggy back” so going to a night club or adult entertainment club can bring these spirits home with you! They will attempt to attack the whole household.

Colossians 3:5–6 (NKJV)

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

Please consider this thought which some will say I am over spiritual. Everything starts in the spiritual realm and manifest in the natural/physical realm. I will give you a quick testimony for insight. I was asked to join another Christian to meet and pray for an older gentleman who struggled with his faith and emotional feelings. This man always stated that he had a hard time urinating. So when I met the man at his apartment I asked if I could pray for him. He said yes. The Lord had revealed to me that this man was sexually violated so the defilement of the spirit in him was causing this problem with urination. I laid hands on him and prayed for him and the unclean spirit came out and the man jolted as it left him. I then said Lord a house swept clean that is not filled invites seven fold unclean spirits. Lord fill him with your Holy Spirit. The following week the person I went with to pray for this older man told me that the older man told him that he had been sexually abused. I said yes I know that is why I prayed the way I did and now he is free to share testimony with you of the Lord setting him free. He is no longer bound by an unclean spirit.

I wanted to share this with you so you can see how the spirits effect the natural/physical. Ladies and gentleman you only get one body and have one soul and surely you don’t want to go through torment from unclean spirits.

The human soul will never be satisfied with “HUMAN” love as it was created for GODLY LOVE. You need to repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness, cleansing by His blood and be baptized in water and the Holy Spirit. This true repentance, cleansing and baptism of the Holy Spirit will begin cleansing and sanctification of your soul and allow the Love of Christ Jesus to dwell within you. Divine heavenly love that no mortal can provide you. Then by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit you will walk by the spirit of God not fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16–21 (NKJV)

Walking in the Spirit

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV)

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Matthew 19:5–6 (NKJV)

5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

I hope this article has been helpful to you see the significance of the spiritual affects of fornication. Fornication is of the spirit realm which manifests in the natural realm. So when you worship false gods, seek palm readings, tarot cards, horoscopes, astrology or ANYTHING other than the Lord Jesus for spirit and Truth you are worshiping evil spirits and performing spiritual fornication against the Lord Jesus. This would include many traditional holidays which are pagan holidays worshiping false and evil deities.

May the Lord bless you. If you know someone that could benefit from this article please share. I could give many other examples but I believe you will see the overall significance.

SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

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SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

Without spiritual discernment you will end up doing what many try to do within the church. You will try to bring redemption to the ungodly spirits in a person that needs deliverance because you do not discern the spirits. There is no redemption for unclean spirits. Thus the people remain captives and your efforts are futile. It takes discernment of The Holy Spirit and power of The Holy Spirit to cast out unclean spirits not the wisdom of man.

This is no different that the woman with the blood issue seeking physical wellness and healing. The carnal man can not heal or deliver someone from what is spiritual.

1 Corinthians 2:14–16 (NKJV)
14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Acts 16:18 (NKJV)

18 And this she did for many days.

But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

SUPERNATURAL PROVISIONS

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SUPERNATURAL PROVISION

This is going to sound blunt but you just have to speak in truth no matter the sting.

There is a vast difference between the brethren helping in our needs than begging.

Even when the brethren helps with those needs are you yourself willing to grow in faith and trust in the Lord for His provisions verses the provisions from the brethren. When someone falls we help them up to their feet but we can’t walk for them, they must walk themselves. When Peter said arise and walk it still took faith for that person even though healed to arise and walk. Jesus continually said, your faith has made you well.

So it is with faith, rendering greater faith, glory going to glory, trust growing into deeper trust and revelations of God’s continual and growing love in us.

When you ask over and over and over again that is begging and unbelief in God’s sovereignty and the truth of His Word. Even though you are tested, perplexed on all sides doesn’t mean God is not true to His Word. Miracles happen through us from Christ within us, just as much as God performing miracles out of His love directly to us.

These matters always bring back to my mind “many are called but few are chosen”. If you are chosen for a specific calling then the Lord will provide and hardship and persecution is the normal way of life. Yes I know what the word says about if you see someone in need we are to provide but when you constantly lean on the brethren you have made the brethren your lord and not Jesus Christ.

Go back to the Old Testament and read the cries of the prophets, the Psalms of David and how they petitioned the Lord not the brethren. If you want revelations of God’s supernatural provision it must come from Him by you seeking Him! He is the author and finisher of your faith not the brethren.

Look at the original sin and how Satan temped Eve. He presented it as “lack” God holding back! You are in a spiritual war but you rely on physical provision, but you need spiritual provision which renders the natural.

I lost jobs, health, friends, family and even professing Christians in my journey with the Lord! Stand up in spirit and truth like I had to do! Speak to the Devil in Spirit and Truth like I had to. “Devil you come to steal, kill and destroy but I tell you the Lord God can out bless anything that you steal and the Lord Jesus is my provider so while you may continue to steal and use others to keep me from my provisions my Lord is able to out bless anything you can take!”

I have also been in such poor physical health because of the enemies attacks. I couldn’t breath well at all. Walking 10 feet was about all I could do and I would have to rest for 30 minutes. This was terrible as I was alone with no family, friends or church family. One day I had enough! I said Devil you can’t take my breath away from me! I have the breath of life dwelling in me! Go now in the name of Jesus! I don’t even know where the strength came from as I was so weak but I shouted it out as loud as I could. My breath was restored and healing began in my body.

Stop living from defeat, stop being carnal in thought and put on the armor of God. You feel like you are alone and abandoned that is where the Lord brings all of us eventually so we can become totally dependent upon the Lord.

How do you think Job must have felt when even his wife told him to curse God! You are on a battlefield not a playground. If you don’t engage in the battle defeat will be your portion.

Job 2:9–10 (NKJV)

9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

I will tell you this I believe every true saint will experience the fullness of what is written which includes suffering, hardships, abandonment, false accusations and the like. The bible bears witness all the way from Genesis through Revelations what a life in Christ resembles. We are no different than the saints that were before us.

Could this be how people go astray? They make the brethren their lord even without knowing it. How will you overcome when you can no longer buy or sell food when the Antichrist comes if you are a beggar in the Kingdom of Heaven?

I still believe in a fire by night, cloud by day and fresh manna from heaven. I believe in fish and bread being multiplied and I believe when we are thankful for what we have and are good stewards of what we have the Lord provides the increase.

Unbelief is not righteousness, it is doubt, lack of faith and it relies on our own ability which we do not have. It is only by God’s ability, His love, mercy and grace.

Psalm 37:25 (NKJV)

25 I have been young, and now am old;

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,

Nor his descendants begging bread.

Tuck in your shirt, tighten your belt, straighten your cap, put on your boots, hold your head up and stand up firm in the Lord not shaken tossed to and fro.

We are not living in the Garden of Eden we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death!

Ephesians 6:10–20 (NKJV)

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The great commission included “take nothing with you” meaning total dependency upon the Lord. Your current “lack” is an opportunity to grow in Christ but you must believe in His Word and that Jesus is true to His Word.

Please read 1 Thessalonians 3

May you be strengthened in Spirit and Truth and may you continue to grow in Christ Jesus our hope and glory.

PROBING SPIRITS

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PROBING SPIRITS

I would like to share some insight on demonic probing spirits which lead to deadly spiritual bondage and even potential spiritual death which is separation from the Lord. Let me start out by saying the Lord is omniscient, all knowing and speaks by divine revelation through His servants, or at least this should be the norm. Don’t believe the twisted lie that only the Lord knows the heart because while it is true, the truth is the Lord reveals the heart to His faithful servants. What that statement reveals is someone who doesn’t hear the voice of God! It also goes to show that they preach to the mind/head and not to the heart in Spirit and Truth. The Lord is faithful to reveal to HIS servants the hearts of people. How else do you set the captives free! Psychology and motivational speaking will not deliver someone from spiritual bondage. The darkness is exposed and eliminated by light and Truth and the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is not unusual for a true servant of the Lord Jesus to get a true word of knowledge which may lead to prophetic utterance or simply revealing the word of knowledge. So the Lord may prompt a servant of the Lord Jesus to ask a question, but they will never continue to keep asking question after question. The initial question usually will lead to more revelations from the Lord about what is going on. Continued questions from someone who claims to be or acts spiritual is not needed from someone who hears from the Lord.

Here is an example. I was in Florida during my ministry travels and a local church was going to have a public event under a tent to preach and pray for people. I asked the pastor if he minded that I minister as the Lord led me. He said no problem as I met him about a year earlier so he knew me.

There was a couple under tent that needed ministry. The man was a really nice guy with “biker apparel” and a really gentle spirit. He wanted prayer for arthritis. The Lord did not have me to pray for him because the Lord revealed to me that He wanted another church member to start praying as he was held back because of leadership. I called over to him, his name was Jay. Jay, the Lord told me your palms are sweaty and you feel like praying. He said yes, well it’s your time. Come pray for this man as the Lord wishes.

When Jay finished I told the couple, especially the woman that I would be right back to pray for her as I was being called. I went outside the tent to see what was needed and I turned towards the woman before re-entering the tent. I stopped and asked the Lord what is her needs and what would you like to do for her. The Lord spoke to me and said she had been beaten badly by a man and raped.

I went to the couple and asked them if they would follow me outside of the tent so I could pray for her. They followed me where it was more private. I said to the woman the Lord has revealed what He would like me to pray but I have a question first, may I whisper it into your ear. She said okay. I said tell about the time you were beaten and raped by a man. She began to sob and tears flowed down both cheeks as I held her in a godly hug. She immediately said I have never told anyone but God about that. This verified to her that the Lord had spoken to me thus her faith and trust was NOT in me but of the Lord Jesus. I said well here is the good news. Jesus is going to set you free! I said here is the word of the Lord. You are not defiled, you are not unworthy, you are not unloved. You didn’t ask or deserve for this to happen but you suffered great hurt and pain from an ungodly person. The Lord says your heart is still pure in His eyes. I said Lord reveal your love, your mercy and compassion touch her oh Lord as only you can. The woman was set free! The light exposed the darkness!

I followed up in about a week at the woman’s home and she had reconciled with members of her family. Her boyfriend now understood why his girlfriend wouldn’t get close to him not in the form of sexual intimacy but conversational intimacy, as in getting to know one another. I was blessed by her testimony.

I am very reluctant to share testimony like this because I don’t want people to look to me as they should look to the Lord. I am only sharing this because what the Lord gave me was by divine revelation not by a probing spirit. A probing spirit would have asked how was your relationship with your dad, your mom, your siblings, etc. How about this or how about that.

What that probing spirit is trying to do if find a spiritual wound that it can create a sole tie! By creating that sole tie that spirit manipulates you into confiding more and more which is that demonic spirit probing for more openings such as bitterness, unforgiveness, etc. Eventually they will say well the Lord told me this, the Lord told me that or I have a prophesy for you. What they are doing is putting themselves between you and the Lord Jesus and making themselves Lord over you! They make you dependent upon them and not the Lord Jesus.

Here is another problem. While in Florida I was fasting and interceding for a local church which was under spiritual attack FROM WITHIN! When I called the pastor and told him I was interceding he blew me off saying he’d been ministering for 12 years and it was nothing new. He never even asked me what the Lord revealed. That was probably good because the demonic spirits were in His elders and they were big tithers. I was on my seventh day of fasting when a person I was staying with was talking to a friend on the telephone. I walked up to the person I was staying with and I said mute the phone. They didn’t mute the phone so I said it again with more reverence. Mute the phone. So they muted the phone. I said the person you are talking to is telling you about all of their physical illnesses, all their family problems, all the things their children and friends say about them and they are repeating those spiritual assignments on you! If you have any unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, etc. the devil is searching for it so he can stir up those emotional feelings up and bind you and create a stronghold.

I know personally growing up in a house filled with abuse sometimes you only associate with a relational friend or people who have been abused. In friendship you counsel one another. While this appears to be good it falls short for so many because a coping mechanism has been substituted for deliverance.

Let me explain. I lived this so I understand first hand. I was accused of many lies and abuse because the person that accused me had truly been abused but not by ME! So the pain and trauma that person had was real and now I was the problem because I was the closest male figure and all that toxicity, poison, hatred, anguish fell upon. I grew up in that from my siblings as they would take their anger and hurts upon me from growing up in abuse. So this woman went to other woman and falsely accused me of being the perpetrator and those people knew me but believed her BECAUSE they had been through similar things. Now here is the vital point, she really believed I was the one. What was the real problem was the one who perpetrated the hurt was from her family and dying. She couldn’t forgive him or reconcile so all that pain had to come out. It led me to thoughts of suicide because I deeply cared for this person. So I cried out to the Lord, Lord if this is how you chose to set her free and while it is costing me personal relationships with people I love then give me your grace so she may be set free and I may bear her pain. Lord whatever it takes get that toxicity out of her.

So when wounded people who are not set free by the Lord Jesus tell someone they know how they feel and that you understand their pain, you validate the lies, the hurts, the pains and self vengeance and deny deliverance. YOU FORTIFY THE DEMONIC STRONGHOLD. A truly saved person who is under the lead of the Holy Spirit will NEVER validate demonic strongholds! These statements are not gender specific as we are dealing with spirits of darkness not human gender.

While I am on this topic let me clearly state I don’t care who comes to you, if they point out your sins WITHOUT POINTING YOU TO THE CROSS OF CHRIST AND THE FINISHED WORK OF CALVARY IT’S FROM THE DEVIL! The Devil is the accuser of the brethren! If you have sin then you need to repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness and cleansing as you should. It would be wise to remember Job’s friends accused him of having sin but Job was righteous and the Devil was testing Job’s love and devotion for the Lord Jesus.

Now what I have told you about probing spirits is true. I will also tell you that most of the time it is from a Jezebel spirit. Remember Jezebel has false prophets and Jezebel likes to prophesy and speak over and into as many lives as that spirit can. What they end up doing is becoming Lord over you without you even realizing it. Now you seek them for counseling, encouragement and false revelations. They become your LORD! There are many characteristics of the Jezebel spirit, false humility, false compassion and even crying tears to appear sorrowful. The list goes on.

I could go on with much more but I believe what I set out to share is a good foundational basis for you to think about. Remember the woman that was beaten and raped. She said she never shared it with anyone but the Lord. As Christians the Lord Jesus is our first, foremost and the only one who can set captives free!

(Isaiah 61)

I can’t stress this enough. What I share is for spiritual edification not for self glorification. Please seek the Lord and share all of your heart with the Lord. The good, the bad and the ugly. Jesus is strong enough and more than capable enough to deal with it and bear your burdens.

I hope this posting will assist you in discernment and reinforce that put your trust only in the Lord Jesus not in the wisdom of humanity. If the Lord leads to share, please feel free. There are millions of captives that need to set free!

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

God bless you.

NO SALVATION WITHOUT OBEDIENCE

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NO SALVATION WITHOUT OBEDIENCE

I have been seeing many online postings on social media with statements that obedience is NOT necessary for salvation so the Lord has me writing this post to expose this lie. Let me start by saying that you can be saved by grace through faith but you will not be born again without obedience which is denying yourself, picking up your cross and follow Christ Jesus. Salvation and being born again are supposed to be together not separate. Salvation through repentance is not merely admitting of your sin but also your rebellion to follow Christ Jesus according to His Word and commands. In order to do that we must be born again!  What we have in much of the church is likely just “white washed tombs” and without the Holy Spirit you have not be delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus.  See other post that expounds on this:  https://abidingbread.com/2025/04/15/salvation-unto-being-born-again/

To fully understand this we must go back to the “Father of Faith”, Abraham. We must also understand what TRUE repentance is because that is not preached much these days. Without obedience the crucifixtion of Christ is made into a mockery and there would be NO salvation without the obedience of Christ Jesus!

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

Phillipians 2:5-11 NKJV

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,

11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

How was faith and righteousness imputed/accredited to Abraham? Secondly is sacrifice better than obedience? Third, what is true repentance?

Let us read scripture to understand how Abraham became the “Father of Faith” and how it was imputed/accounted to him. You should understand that obedience is the prerequisite to faith, repentance and righteousness. Even Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient to the point of death! No one could take Jesus’ life but He freely laid it down in obience to the Father’s will. If Jesus was NOT obedient there would have been NO Propitiation for sin and thus NO SALVATION without His death and resurrection! Are we to believe obedience is NOT necessary for salvation but Jesus had to be obedient unto death/crucifixtion for the propitiation for our sins so that we may obtain salvation through Christ?

Jude 2: 14-26 NKJV

Faith Without Works is Dead

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.

24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Hebrews 11:8 NKJV

Faithful Abraham

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

So in the book of Jude we see very plainly that obedience is required to have faith! Jesus’s ways and truths are to be applied and established in every TRUE believer. Without obedience there is NO true faith.

Here is another principle and fact that is not preached today. Whenever the Word of God or the Holy Spirit reveals/speaks to you, you are at the place of decision to be obedient or deny the Holy Spirit/Word of God. This is a form of judgement through either obedience or disobedience in that your free will is being tested whether to apply, conform and obey the Word/Voice of God.

1 Samual 15: 22-23 NKJV

“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
He also has rejected you from being king.”

True repentance is not only acknowledging your sins but also FULLY submitting to the Lord Jesus in Spirit and Truth. You acknowledge your need to submit, obey, adhere, and turn away from your sinful life and follow the Lord Jesus and the Word of God. You must allow the Lord Jesus to guide you, lead you, correct you and teach you by dying to “self” as well as your beliefs on what is right and wrong by submitting and following Jesus as LORD and Savior. Many preachers purposely omit LORD!

Matthew 16: 24-26 NKJV

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God

Romans 6:15-23 NKJV

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!

16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were 5delivered.

18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I hope this has provided insight and truth to you and that you seek the Lord for His Spirit and truth. I could litteraly spend hours adding more scripture from Psalms, Proverbs, Hebrews and more but I will leave that to you. Let us remember that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and let us seek the Lord Jesus in ALL of our ways and let the Lord’s Word be lamp unto our feet and keep us on His path of righteousness. May the Lord bless you.

RAPTURED IN CHRIST JESUS

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RAPTURED IN CHRIST JESUS

Let me start off by saying that the revelations I received today I could write a book as these revelations and principles apply all through the Word of God and biblical history. These revelations are already written and contained in the Holy Scriptures. We must pursue the wisdom of God and not the teachings and wisdom of men/women. This statement is not meant to be offensive but it is the truth. That is why we meditate on the Word of God and not just read the Word of God. It is the Holy Spirit that gives revelations of God’s Word and by His grace and Spirit we can receive revelation of His Word. The Lord gave me much more but what I have written here is what started the Spiritual Revelations to flow. I pray you will receive revelations in Spirit and Truth.

While the title of this posting includes the topic of the rapture there is much more needed to reveal to render understanding regarding the rapture. I will bring to you what the Lord has revealed to me in Spirit and Truth but I won’t have time to expound and completely address some of those points at this time. Otherwise I would have to write a book instead of a short story. I ask you to seek the Lord on matters that I do not expound on but I will give you thoughts to consider in your time with the Lord.

Today as I was meditating with the Lord I was once again was troubled in my spirit about the lack of love, faith and trust in the Lord and the Truth of His Written Word that I read online and have seen in the church. These virtues of the Lord Jesus should be as a three stranded cord the scriptures tell us about. This is why I am so troubled by what I read online in peoples statements as when ONE virtue falls short it compromises all of the virtues of Christ Jesus. So I began to go back to the beginning which was Genesis as any “detective” searching for truth would do. In my Spirit I was called to the fall of humanity. In my spirit it was as if I was there personally which is possible with the Lord regardless of anyone’s belief or lack of.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV)

12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Let’s begin:

Jesus told Adam about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam later told Eve about this same knowledge. They were told if they partook of the forbidden fruit they would die.

Genesis 2:16–17 (NKJV)

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Now pause there for a moment. Eve had not yet been created yet as we know in scripture. We do not exactly know how long Adam was alive before Eve but we can determine it was for some time before the Lord said it was not good for the man to be alone.

Genesis 2:18–23 (NKJV)

18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

23 And Adam said:

“This is now bone of my bones

And flesh of my flesh;

She shall be called Woman,

Because she was taken out of Man.”

Now that we have established God’s divine order of man before woman lets expound on how the Devil got to Adam. We know the devil came to Eve and made the fruit appealing to her not only naturally but spiritually because the true word of God was twisted, manipulated, and lies and deception were spoken denying the truth about the forbidden fruit causing DEATH. The devil is the father of lies, he is a lying spirit so his words had spiritual powers of deception.

When Eve later presented the forbidden fruit to Adam he partook of the forbidden fruit. Now let’s look at how crafty and cunning the serpent really is. The devil perverted the LOVE OF GOD. You may not see it yet but you will. The serpent presented the fruit as sensual love which is NOT godly love. What did Jezebel do when Jehu arrived, she adorned herself to appear sensual. What happened to Sampson with the sensuality of Delilah? Does this sound familiar!

In my travels I have witnessed many spiritual manifestations and I can tell you this, the HOLY SPIRIT is NOT CARNAL and will not appear or manifest as sensual love! I have seen false mimicking spirits that are sensual and not the Holy Spirit. There was an old song and the lyrics said something like this. “I’m hooked on a feeling and I am high on believing” and that is what this false manifestation spirit does. People are under the illusion and deception that this is the Holy Spirit and it is from the Devil! Okay like I said I won’t go to far on this but it needed to be said.

Let’s get back to the fall in the garden. Adam had divine/agape love for God but when Eve came Adam loved the Eve also, in fact it was Adam that called her woman. When Eve presented Adam with the forbidden fruit she presented it just as the devil presented it to her, sensual because Eve had already fallen. What was presented to Adam by Eve was sensual love because she had already fallen. Not all love is the same there is only one form of Godly love. Just because a man is attracted to a woman doesn’t mean the man has godly love for that woman and it’s the same with a woman loving a man. Intimacy with your spouse should NEVER be put above or before your intimacy and love with the Lord!

This is why in 1 Corinthians 7 Paul expounds of husbands and wives and loving as Christ loves his church. I suggest you read this whole chapter so you will understand that Paul is addressing the original sin from the garden of Eden. Now Eve was deceived but Adam was NOT deceived. Now ladies do not take this as offensive but several years ago the Lord spoke to me and said to me as I was meditating, “I did not come back as the second Eve, I came as the second Adam.” Ladies please hear what I am about to say because this is a controversial subject today regarding divine order. Adam was Eve’s spiritual covering. In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul talks about if one spouse is not of the faith/believing and the other spouse is of faith/believing, then that spouse is the covering for the unsaved/unbelieving spouse. So before Adam fell, Adam was a “covering for Eve”even though she had fallen. When Adam fell the covering was removed, thus both fell. So IF the Lord came as the second Eve that would have meant Adam would not have been restored and the divine order needed to be restored. By coming as the second Adam everything that preceded after Adam could be restored. The original created order needed to be re-established.

So men build up your wives in the ways of the Lord and wives build up your husband in the ways of the Lord and stop letting the Devil destroy your marriage. Stop blaming one another and get Christ Centered, and put Christ first and foremost in your marriage honoring and adhering to God’s Covenant of Marriage. Paul is addressing the original sin and it is Paul who said the mystery of iniquity/lawlessness was given unto him. Paul is talking about how Adam fell by loving Eve more than God. So whatever a man or woman follows is what they worship. Adam chose to worship Eve, it was sensual love and not Agape love. This is why a spirit of “lust” masquerades of love. Jesus told the woman at the well the time was coming and was here now that HIS people would worship in Spirit and Truth. Adam fell from Truth, he knew the truth but denied the truth. What you follow whether right or wrong is what you worship in spirit. If you are following lies, what spirit are you worshiping? God’s Spirit is Truth! Shortly I will tie this all together from the book of Genesis all the way to the topic of the rapture.  Bear with me a little longer.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NKJV)

7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

Now let us look at the exchange Jesus had with Peter when the Lord asked Peter if Peter loved the Lord.

John 21:15–18 (NKJV)

Christ Speaks to Peter

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”

Peter had to be restored to Godly love verses brotherly love. Brotherly love in retrospect is no different than Adam choosing Eve over the Lord. Adam’s love for Eve superseded the love for God! It takes Godly love, the very love of Jesus and nothing short of it to overcome this world. Jesus himself makes reference to this:

Revelation 2:4–5 (NKJV)

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Now let’s share the initial revelation the Lord gave me.

Let’s start from a parents perspective. When a parent tells their child don’t touch the stove top because it is HOT you hope that they will listen to you. What is really challenged is love, trust and faith. Let’s go further. This child has never touched the stove top before thus your initial warning DO NOT PARTAKE/TOUCH requires the virtues of trust, faith and love. What does a child do that has never experienced touching a hot stove? They test the theory for themselves. Is mom and/or dad telling me the truth? The child’s disposition is I need to see and know for myself. So they touch a hot stove and get burned.

Now take that concept back to the garden with Adam and Eve. The Lord tells them not to partake of tree of knowledge of good and evil or they would die. So ask yourselves as you reflect on this “What is death” where death never was before! Adam and Eve didn’t know what dying/death was they were supposed to have loving faith and trust that the Lord loved them to tell them NOT TO PARTAKE. Just as you told your child not to touch the stove. This was an advantage the devil, had he knew what it was to be “kicked out”! The devil knew they would be “kicked out” and die. So the devil presented sensual love to Eve who in turn presented sensual love to Adam. Love for each other is NOT the same as true love for the Lord! Now let’s look at what Jesus tells us the two greatest commands are, and don’t reverse the order like so many preach!!!!

Matthew 22:37–40 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Now let’s take this further. What did Noah warn the people of, the imminent flood. What is a flood where there is no rain! Same principle applies here also! This is why the Lord gives us this warning:

Matthew 16:4 (NKJV)

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.

If you need a sign you don’t have love, faith and trust in God’s Word. It’s no different than mocking Jesus on the cross and saying if you are the King of the Jews remove yourself from this cross. That is Satan speaking through a man. It was the will of the Father for Jesus to go to the cross. “GIVE ME A SIGN!”

The sign of Jonah is dying to yourself just as Jesus spent three days in the tomb! Paul fasted three days after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus and this was before Paul received the Holy Spirit.

How many plagues did Pharaoh have to go through which were “signs” and yet Pharaoh hardened his heart! Once again imagine death in a place that knew no death. A flood in a place that had no rain. Now we can go to the rapture.

How many believe that it is as the Word of God states in Matthew 24? Why do they not conform to God’s Word and Spirit and Truth. Why do they not believe what is written? Why do they take other scriptures out of context to validate false belief? What does Jesus tell us, let’s take a look.


Matthew 24:4–26 (NKJV)

The Tribulation

Mark 13:5–23; Luke 21:5–24

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.

26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.


Now I pose this question to you having read what the Lord inspired me to write why is there so much controversy regarding a rapture? It’s because people don’t believe God’s Word so they twist things to their own belief verses what the Word of God clearly says and the pick a couple of scriptures out of context so they can believe the lies Satan has inspired.

Just as what happened to Adam and Eve so it is today. When you don’t want to believe what the Word of God says you make yourself as god and create your own plan of salvation, not God’s way to be saved and overcome the world. It’s an escape mentality not an overcoming in spiritual and truth given by the Word of God and Spirit of the Lord. I can boldly tell you if you have difficulty believing any of the written Word of God that doesn’t mean it is not true. You need to believe even if you don’t understand, TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART.

James 1:5–8 (NKJV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Now please take these matters to the Lord if needed. I believe many will receive witness from the Holy Spirit. Given what you have read I have a warning. Many are not prepared for the great tribulation such as the world has never seen before. When things get difficult many will likely turn away and get bitterness falsely believing the Lord Jesus didn’t love them because of the false teachings and beliefs of other people and preachers. But above all SEEK THE LORD! If we knew everything faith would not be necessary, we would be as god which is the original lie of Satan. There are also times the Lord is protecting us because we are not prepared or totally strengthened in a certain matter or issue. He even told his disciples this when Jesus told them He would send the comforter/Holy Spirit.

The problem is what Jesus address time and again, Faith verses unbelief! Jesus told many throughout the scriptures their faith has made them well. Jesus Himself was concerned about His second coming with the following statement, please take it to heart:

Luke 18:8 (NKJV)

8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

TAKE HEED OF ANY UNBELIEF IN GOD’S WORD OF TRUTH

INCLUDING MATTHEW 24 & LUKE 21

Matthew 17:19–21 (NKJV)

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

John 20:29 (NKJV)

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Romans 3:4 (NKJV)

4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words,

And may overcome when You are judged.”

My closing statements. I was once in a bible study with two pastors and a group of people and the two pastors were going through the book of Revelations. I don’t claim to be a biblical scholar in any means but if someone is just going to read the bible I can do that on my own. I want spiritual meat not fluff.

In all honesty it wasn’t much more than reading it word for word verses giving revelation of meaning. One pastor and I use that term lightly and with hesitance said: We need to tell people about what is going to happen with the great tribulation and revelations so they will come to Jesus and be raptured out before any of this happens. The other pastor made no comment and just continued to read the bible like it was a comic book, NO MEAT just entertainment.

I said to the first pastor telling him that the tribulation and book of revelations is NOT THE GOSPEL! You two are trying to get people raptured but I am already raptured. I got looks like I had six heads or something. I said yes I am raptured, I was delivered from the kingdom of darkness and I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I am in this world but I am not of this world so I don’t need to be raptured I am already home in Spirit and Truth! I was next in line to lead a bible study and my bible study was “who’s voice do you listen too”. After my bible study they closed it down for the saints to lead study and only the pastor could lead the study. That was okay with me as my time there came to a close as TRUTH was rejected so someone’s ministry could be built and NOT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

Galatians 2:20–21 (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Galatians 6:14–15 (NKJV)

14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

If this post has blessed you please feel free to share. I had never before seen origin sin in 1 Corinthians 7 as I was more focused on Covenant but today the Lord showed me how loved failed in the garden and in 1 Corinthians 7 was the original sin. Thus in the end of the age and the coming of the Lord Jesus is the “MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB”. That in itself should help you see 1 Corinthians 7 in a different perspective.

Please feel free to read my other articles which will help you with this article if you struggle with what I have said here they may help broaden your understanding.

https://abidingbread.com/2025/04/12/the-greatest-perverted-virtue-of-christ-jesus/

https://abidingbread.com/2025/04/10/the-new-testament-church-through-the-life-of-apostle-paul/

https://abidingbread.com/2025/04/15/salvation-unto-being-born-again/

https://abidingbread.com/2017/02/06/love-faith-trust-2/

TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

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TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

Today the church has a total misconception of what a disciple is and has totally taken the word disciple out of biblical context and meaning. I will start with a simple question. Who discipled the disciples? It was the “incarnate” Christ Jesus. Nothing has changed, even today it is Jesus who disciples every born again follower of Christ Jesus.

Yes we can have bible studies to edify one another and share in activities but you are not actually building spiritual disciples. I also believe in the five fold ministry offices and the gifts of the Holy Spirit working together in edifying the saints, however spiritual discipleship is from the Holy Spirit and true discipleship comes from the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit bares witness to Jesus and Spirit and Truth.

The incarnate Christ Jesus “chose his disciples” but how and what did he say to them upon meeting them.

Matthew 4:18–20 (NKJV)

18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

Matthew 16:24–26 (NKJV)

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

The biblical definition of a disciple is someone who follows Jesus. It is not a church program, some other book, small group or even bible study. Bible study is great but that is not TRUE SPIRITUAL discipleship.

Disciple. Someone who follows another person or another way of life and who submits himself to the discipline (teaching) of that leader or way1

You can’t teach someone to follow Christ Jesus they have to want to. Just as all of the disciples did in the Word of God.

Be careful who you listen too and only submit to the Lord Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith! Just as the incarnate Christ Jesus discipled HIS disciples every true born again believer is also discipled by Jesus. The Word of God tells us this very clearly!

A man or woman can’t disciple you in things of the Holy Spirit they must be received directly from the Lord by the Holy Spirit. That is why whatever they teach or preach must bear witness with the Holy Spirit in you! It is also why people are led astray and don’t grow or mature in Christ Jesus. There are to many voices and you should be listening to the Lord’s voice.

This may sound strange to some of you but when someone comes to me and speaks things regarding the Lord or needs for prayer I hear two voices simultaneously. I hear theirs and I hear the Lord’s.

Now before you call me crazy and that’s okay because it is the norm. I want you to think about this simple principle. When someone is speaking to you and you are listening through your human ears which is external but the Lord speaks to us internally by the indwelling Holy Spirit so you can hear two conversations simultaneously. This is why when scripture has been spoken out of context, twisted or manipulated the Holy Spirit automatically speaks to us from within and contradicts what was spoken by the full counsel of God’s Word utilizing other scriptures. Scriptures do NOT contradict other Scriptures!

This is also why so many people are led astray! Jesus makes it very clear! My people hear MY VOICE and follow me!

John 10:27 (NKJV)

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

Just as sanctification is a work in process so is discipleship from the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself said to His disciples it is better if he went so the comforter would come.

John 16:7–15 (NKJV)

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Look at the power of those statements. Look at the items in bold text and underlined. So the disciples still had things to learn but at that time could not bear them until The Holy Spirit would come. The Holy Spirit will guide us in ALL TRUTH, tell you things to come, glorify the Lord Jesus, He will take what is of Jesus and declare it to us!

It is Jesus and only Jesus who makes disciples! No man can teach the things of the Spirit of God! Let’s see how the Apostle Paul speaks on this.

2 Corinthians 5:16 (NKJV)

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

1 Corinthians 2:11–16 (NKJV)

11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Today’s church has lost the true understanding of discipleship. I am not against bible studies or small groups but let us remember God is Spirit and those who are His worship in Spirit and Truth! Don’t settle for someone merely reading the bible from the pulpit and assume they are of the Lord Jesus. Their preaching must bare witness with the Spirit of God in you! Mixing lies with truths or taking scriptures out of context is not of God and I don’t care what seminary you go to it can not make you a preacher only the Spirit of God can make a man a preacher.

For those of you who are cessationist and do not believe in spiritual gifts or the office of Apostle or Prophet I ask you this one very simple question. When did the disciples become Apostles and why did Jesus say it would be better if He left so the Holy Spirit could come. The simple answer is they were not Apostles until Pentecost and they themselves received the Holy Spirit. They needed the Holy Spirit. Let me be clear! Just as many will come falsely in the name of Christ so it is with all five offices of Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher and Evangelist. There are very few but that doesn’t mean they do not exist no more than to say Christ Jesus doesn’t exist because there are false christ.

Ephesians 4:7–16 (NKJV)

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” 9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Why would Paul mention line 14 if this were not possible. Why would Paul later in his epistles talk about the great apostasy if it was not possible.

Matthew 24:4–5 (NKJV)

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

Paul met the resurrected Christ and became an Apostle after the resurrection and Pentecost! See my article on the New Testament Church by The Life of the Apostle Paul. (https://abidingbread.com/2025/04/10/the-new-testament-church-through-the-life-of-apostle-paul/)

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

The Just Live by Faith
Romans 1:16–17 (NKJV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Let me be clear I am not against fellowship and bible study but each of us is accountable for our spiritual growth and not just head knowledge. I have said this time and again. You can not and must not separate the Spirit of God from the Word of God and that is exactly what Satan is doing in a lot of these discipleship structures within the church structure.

Shepherd the Flock

1 Peter 5:1–4 (NKJV)

1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

1 Helm, P. (1988). Disciple. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 629). Baker Book House.

A WARNING FROM THE LORD – IMMINENT AND SUDDEN DEATH COMING

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A WARNING FROM THE LORD – IMMINENT AND SUDDEN DEATH COMING

This is a Word From The Lord Jesus: My Spirit will once again be as it was in the days of Ananias and Sapphira when they were struck dead and also as it was in the days of Moses when the earth opened and swallowed them up and sent them to the pit. Take heed, for it is I says the Lord who gives life and takes life!

The Lord Jesus has a warning to those who are wolves in sheep’s clothing and masquerade as angels of light. He has a warning for all those who oppose the Lord Jesus in Spirit and Truth. Soon, my tolerance will come to an end and I will no longer allow these wicked people to defile my sanctuaries and lead my sheep astray! I will bring imminent and sudden death upon them!

LYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acts 5:1–11 (NKJV)

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Numbers 16:25–40 (NKJV)

25 Then Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.” 27 So they got away from around the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the door of their tents, with their wives, their sons, and their little children. 28 And Moses said: “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will. 29 If these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me. 30 But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord.” 31 Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. 33 So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly. 34 Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up also!” 35 And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense. 36 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 37 “Tell Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, to pick up the censers out of the blaze, for they are holy, and scatter the fire some distance away. 38 The censers of these men who sinned against their own souls, let them be made into hammered plates as a covering for the altar. Because they presented them before the Lord, therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel.” 39 So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers, which those who were burned up had presented, and they were hammered out as a covering on the altar, 40 to be a memorial to the children of Israel that no outsider, who is not a descendant of Aaron, should come near to offer incense before the Lord, that he might not become like Korah and his companions, just as the Lord had said to him through Moses.

The Lord Jesus is telling His people to “come out of the sanctuary/synagogue of Satan” for it shall be for them as it was with Sodom and Gomorrah. Do not look back when the Lord calls you out!

Revelation 2:9 (NKJV)

9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 3:9 (NKJV)

9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Please notice that Revelation 3:9 states they will come to you! This means you are not a part of them or have fellowship with them!

2 Corinthians 6:17–7:1 (NKJV)

17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Come out and cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God. You have defiled not only your flesh but also the Spirit by being under the teachings of false prophets. Get out from among them and have no fellowship with them as you repent ask for forgiveness from the Lord and ask the Lord to lead you in HIS righteousness and Truth.

THE TWO WITNESSES

Revelation 11:1–6 (NKJV)

1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.

I pray you hear, understand and obey the Words of the Lord in this post and come out of Babylon and worship the Lord in Spirit and TRUTH!

The Fall of Babylon the Great

Revelation 18:1–8 (NKJV)

1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.

THE GREATEST PERVERTED VIRTUE OF CHRIST JESUS

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THE GREATEST PERVERTED VIRTUE OF CHRIST JESUS

I know that what I am about to state might be shocking to many of you. As there are many Virtues of Christ Jesus. That being said there is one Virtue that is MOST mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.

The most perverted Virtue of Christ Jesus is LOVE. Stop to think a moment about this statement and I will follow up with clarifications as the other VIRTUE’S FLOW FROM THE HEART OF GOD. I am NOT disputing, putting aside or downplaying ANY of the other Virtues or the need for ALL OF THE VIRTUES. I am merely expounding on how the devil operates and distorts the Virtue of Love above all else. I would like to tell you that while I was hopeful to limit this post to a few pages it is impossible to do so as the love of Christ Jesus is larger than life itself!

The Truth of God and God’s Word will always STAND above all but it is the LOVE of God, Christ Jesus that NEVER fails.

Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:8–10 (NKJV)

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

1 John 4:18–19 (NKJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

John 3:16–21 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” Hate is the opposite of God’s love yet hate comes from a perverted and defiled love as “men loved darkness”.

 

John 14:15 (NKJV)

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Matthew 22:37–40 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Not everyone desires or seeks out TRUTH, but what every does seek out is LOVE. In the above passage you CANNOT put the second commandment BEFORE the first commandment. Note the statement: this is the “first commandment” but what is mostly preached today is the second commandment. This is understandable as a tactic of the devil! What people need is a true living encounter and revelation of the Love of God through us but not the love of self! See when you put yourself before God you exalt self and that is the works of the devil and a ministry of works!

I once had someone tell me they felt called to preach but had not yet done so yet, but the desire was there. I said well praise the Lord you feel called, blessed are you that you have not yet preached. This opened up that person’s thought to ask me why they were blessed by not preaching yet. I said in order for true preaching to be done the fullness of Christ’s love must be manifest in you in order to be revealed through you and the Lord Jesus is still working within your heart to bring your calling to completion before you actually preach. Perverted love is not a VIRTUE OF CHRIST! I am not calling that saint perverted what I am implying is they were not fully prepared for ministry and fully sanctified.

Matthew 6:23 (NKJV)

23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

I believe what Matthew 6:23 describes that if even one part of your body, mind, soul is not right there is still darkness. I believe the Apostle Paul statements apply that he died daily and also how the flesh wars against the Spirit and the Spirit wars against the flesh. I am hoping the Lord will have me write a separate post about that subject. Our whole being of mind, soul/will, heart must be totally submitted to the Lord and John 15 the vine dresser states this very well. Are you letting the Father prune you to purge away what is not of Him so that the Father can place more of Him in you! Just look at the journey/spiritual walk of Apostle Paul all the way from salvation/born again to boldly proclaim He was crucified with Christ Gal 2:20 and that even the world was crucified unto him Gal 6:14.

1 John 2:15–17 (NKJV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust (perverted love) of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Sanctification is NOT imputed it is a working process of the Holy Spirit. God’s love must be revealed and only God’s love that is why David’s cry was for a pure heart so divine love may be revealed and not the love of this world or the lust of the flesh! I for one WOULD NOT want, desire or to be held accountable for people led astray by a false or perverted reflection of the Love of Christ as The Love of Christ Jesus is the foundation for all other Virtues of Christ Jesus.

Psalm 139:23–24 (NKJV)

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 51:6 (AMP)

6 Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.

David’s cry was to be searched in his inner depths and that if anything was not of the Lord Jesus that the Lord would reveal it so David could deal with it, repent of it and be totally and completely restored in Spirit and Truth!

This is why people confuse their testimony with preaching in the bible. I often hear, well the bible says we can do it but has the Lord prepared you and asked you to do it? A testimony is not preaching! Many are called but few are chosen. At least the person that asked me about preaching knew enough to wait upon the Lord to be commissioned! Sanctification is a process, not imputed. This person was going through the process of sanctification in preparation for preaching. Didn’t the Apostle Paul mentor and prepare Timothy before Paul commissioned Timothy. Today preaching is like get saved and immediately operate in the gifts and start preaching! That is not discipleship OF/OR by the Holy Spirit! Your pastor can not commission you only the Lord can commission you as it is the HOLY SPIRIT operating through you that ministers not a human being. That is precisely what the Lord did in the book of ACTS! I have often pondered this profound thought. This is why Jesus said to His disciples if they have heard you they have heard me. Jesus said this because it was Jesus in them there was nothing of themselves.

Luke 10:16 (NKJV)

16 He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”

How is it that the demons know who Christ is in us, but professing Christians do not know who Christ is in us?

Acts 19:15 (NKJV)

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

2 Corinthians 5:16 (NKJV)

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

Romans 8:16–17 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

1 Corinthians 2:15–16 (KJV 1900)

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Discernment 101, look for Christ Jesus in all things! First and foremost discern by the Holy Spirit for God is a Spirit. If you still struggle with discernment the Holy Scriptures are your source. “Be it according to your Word”, “It is Written”. The goal is to be led by the Spirit! An example of discerning by the Holy Spirit would be Elizabeth and Mary when they were pregnant and John the Baptist “leaped” in the womb in recognition of Jesus in the womb of Mary! Same principle, Spirit to Spirit.

It takes the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the Holy Spirit as Jesus said when the comforter came it would bear witness and testify of HIM, only HIM.

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

So either they don’t have the Holy Spirit or are not relying/listening for the Holy Spirit and that is why they don’t know us by the Spirit. The greatest tragedy and deception is believing that anyone who calls themselves a Christian is a true born again Christian.

Matthew 24:5 (NKJV)

5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

Let’s get back to the topic of God’s love and how the virtue of God’s love is perverted by the devil. I mentioned earlier about the necessity for sanctification to be a preacher but this applies to all of the five fold ministry offices. Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher and Evangelist. The Heart and Love of God needs to be manifested by the power of the Holy Spirit having nothing of the flesh or fallen nature. If any of the flesh is intermingled the message or Word of the Lord is not pure. This would include any thing that is NOT SPIRIT AND TRUTH! So man’s wisdom, false beliefs, opinions, metaphors, psychology and all things pertaining to this WORLD and not the Kingdom of Heaven is perverted love! We must be lovers of TRUTH and nothing short of the TRUTH. I will add this brief comment for anyone that may feel anxious about what I have stated so far. If you are truly led by the Holy Spirit do not worry about what you will speak because it will be revealed to you at the time it is needed.

Mark 13:11 (KJV 1900)

11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

This is total obedience and dependency in the Holy Spirit. I wish preachers that prepared sermons were more open to the Holy Spirit while preaching so when the Lord wishes to give a word of knowledge or prophecy for someone who might be in attendance they would stop the message and deliver that word or prophecy. As I proof read that last sentence I need to add that if they are truly preaching under the unction and power of the Holy Spirit they would have been open to hear any word of knowledge or prophecy. They can always go back to the message but we must all remember it is the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit that ministers and we should always be open to hearing the voice of the Lord at all times, even if it comes through a donkey!

1 Peter 2:4–6 (NKJV)

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

So you see how the Virtue of God’s Love gets perverted! That person that said they had a calling but didn’t understand why they were not already preaching and the Lord spoke to me to tell them you have done well as the Lord is preparing your heart for the ministry but not yet commissioned you! He was being built up to be a SPIRITUAL HOUSE, A HOLY PRIESTHOOD to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ! Anyone who has not gone COMPLETELY through this process is not TRULY revealing Jesus Christ and not ready to be preaching!

1 Peter 1:16 (NKJV)

16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV)

15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

In Hebrews 12:14 ask yourself this question. If we ourselves do not have holiness we will not see the Lord, so how will others see the Lord in us without holiness? Now do you understand how the Virtue of Love is perverted. When ANY VIRTUES OF CHRIST JESUS are perverted, twisted, or not present the TRUE CHRIST JESUS is not being revealed. Now do you understand that PERFECT LOVE casts out all fear! Do you understand what Paul says if I do all these things without love. It was NOT Paul’s love it was Christ’s love in him!

Here is another scripture to emphasize what I have been saying.

1 Corinthians 11:27–32 (NKJV)

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

If a partaker of Christ should examine themselves shouldn’t an Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist and every saint. If you are unworthy to partake you are unworthy to represent the TRUE JESUS CHRIST.

THE GREATEST GIFT

1 Corinthians 13:1–13 (NKJV)

— 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

This leads me to another point concerning ministry and being led by the Holy Spirit. I once had someone tell me that they “took authority” over demons in a person. So I asked, did the Holy Spirit tell you to do that? They said no but the bible tells us we can. I said to them all you did was stir up a hornets nest you do nothing good at all for that person! That is nothing more than Simon the sorcerer in action. Luckily you were not harmed! While I would like to only put one or two scriptures about Simon the sorcerer I believe the whole context is necessary as you will see Simon’s confession of faith but how twist, manipulated and ungodly it really was and how people thought it was from God! This happens much more today, false manifestations and demonic spirits performing signs and wonders fooling people. Even the spiritual gifts can be perverted! Read Exodus and the magicians at work. I use this analogy at times. If I am a police officer and I put you in hand cuffs, do I not have the power to remove those handcuffs? If Satan afflicts you cannot Satan stop the affliction in front of people to appear to be God? TEST THE SPIRITS!

Acts 8:9–25 (NKJV)

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

1 John 4:7–11 (NKJV)

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 (NKJV)

10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

When a preacher or Christian tells a sinner God loves them where they are at, this is a lie from the Pit of Hell. If you love God you love the things God loves and hate the things God hates. When you preach a statement like that the devil uses it! Think about that statement: God loves me in my sin! I must be okay with God! THE LAMB WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. THIS WAS BEFORE MAN WAS EVEN CREATED AND THUS BEFORE SIN, NOT WHILE IN SIN. Let’s look at how the Apostle Paul address sin.

Romans 5:8–11 (NKJV)

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Where does it say that God loves you where you are at in sin? When you say such a statement, is the Crucifixion, death, resurrection and glorification of Christ even need if God love’s me in my sin. Why did the Father “turn away” from His Son Jesus when sin was placed upon Him. Light has no fellowship with darkness. Why were Adam and Eve removed from the Garden? While you are in sin you are separated from God and the wages of sin is death. You are DEAD to Christ. To say that Jesus loves you where you are at is like saying there is redemption for the devil. Please chose your words carefully and do NOT repeat slogans or traditional phrases from modern day seminary slogans or the teachings of men. PREACH THE WORD AS IT IS WRITTEN. Our Heavenly Father does NOT embrace sin he detests it!

Matthew 27:46 (NKJV)

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Psalm 22:1 (NKJV)

1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?

So you may wonder what I stated and how it applies to Jesus saying He is the Way, The Truth and The Life and doesn’t mention love in this statement and how it applies to my statement of love being the most perverted Virtue.

Here it is: Not everyone desires truth but everyone desires to be loved! Meditate on that for a moment and while meditating on that ponder the thoughts that the devil uses to pervert the love of Christ Jesus.

Why is there LGBTQ+ and transgenderism? Why are their abortions? It is all because of perverted love! I am not saying they don’t believe in love or actually love someone of the same sex. I am saying the love they have and believe is perverted love and not Godly love in Christ Jesus. I am not putting down anyone I am trying to lift them up by revealing truth. Putting yourself above an unborn fetus is love of self and that is of the devil.

The woman at the well was married five times and living with a man. She was looking for human love when she needed Divine and Holy Love in Christ Jesus. That is what Jesus offered her at the well! Deep inside every human is a place in their heart meant for Jesus to occupy and dwell but through the fall of humanity that spot is empty and void. Satan through the fall utilizes that void in the heart and corrupts it even further and further until a person finally repents and asks Jesus for forgiveness, cleansing, deliverance and they acknowledge and believe that Jesus came in the flesh and has paid the price for our salvation by the atonement through His death, resurrection and ascension into Heaven. Upon full conversion through this repentance the Lord Jesus will give them a heart of flesh and a new Spirit in Him, The Holy Spirit. A true born again follower of Christ and a new creation in Christ Jesus!

Ezekiel 36:26–27 (NKJV)

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Christ’s love was slain before the foundation of the world before sin even entered the world. Christ freely gave His life for us as there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another. It is the love of Christ that strengthens and renews our inner being as we are called to be lovers of TRUTH.

I hope this writing has blessed you. Once again I know it was lengthy but in all honesty I could write a book on this but I believe the foundation has been set. I will likely continue on in another post about worship and love.

May the Lord bless you, encourage you, strengthen you keep you in His love! Please remember love that is not reciprocated is not Covenant relationship or commitment.

1 John 4:19 (NKJV)

19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Perilous Times and Perilous Men

2 Timothy 3:1–9 (NKJV)

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH THROUGH THE LIFE OF APOSTLE PAUL

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THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH THROUGH THE LIFE OF APOSTLE PAUL

If you read and follow the Apostle Paul’s life all the way from the book of Acts through all of his epistles with the open minded view, you will see that Paul is the example of the NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH. Paul was NOT discipled by the incarnate Christ but he encountered the Resurrected Christ Jesus and was discipled by Jesus through The Holy Spirit!

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

I have often posed this question to people and I believe it will help you to understand the principle of examining Paul’s conversion and how Paul walked out his calling with Christ Jesus. So here is my question: “Who discipled the disciples and who disciples the saints today? If you answer is Jesus to the first part of the question I have good news. Nothing has changed! Jesus still disciples today through the Holy Spirit which Jesus proclaimed would come. That is why Paul states who knows the things of God but the Spirit of God, who knows the things of man but the spirit of a man! The great commission is about preaching the Gospel so that they may be born again so the Holy Spirit can disciple them! Satan twists the real meaning and purpose. I’ll tell you if you try to disciple someone who is NOT born again you will get worn out quickly! Do you honestly think even with a hammer you could beat the Holy Spirit into them? Did not they torture Christ trying to beat the Holy Spirit out of Him! You can’t beat the Holy Spirit into someone or out of someone!

Note that Paul fasted 3 days after his encounter and was led into the wilderness after receiving the Holy Spirit. He fasted 3 days symbolic of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ “dying to himself”. He had no outside influences teaching him as Paul went in the wilderness. John the Baptist had no outside influences because he was in the wilderness. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness. Yes, Jesus also went into the wilderness after John the Baptist baptized Him.

There are no excuses ANY truly born again Christian can make about growing and maturing in Christ if they believe in the crucifixion, death and the resurrection of Christ Jesus and are TRULY born again.

Oh, I hear it quoted all the time but hardly ever witness any true spiritual or physical signs or spiritual fruit:

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV)

11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Peter 1:2–4 (NKJV)

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Let each of us be honest with ourselves in our spiritual progress. It grieves the Lord and the Holy Spirit in me when a Christian tells me “I have been doing this for 30 years” and there is little evidence of spiritual fruit, holiness, discernment and true revelations of Christ Jesus. They make it sound as if there is age discrimination in the Kingdom of God! If your last revelation of the Lord is your salvation there is a problem. Jesus doesn’t just “clean you up”, He builds you up in HIS Spirit and Power growing deeper in Him so that you may REVEAL CHRIST and not just talk about Christ.

We all need to be ready for the Lord’s return without spot or wrinkle for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb of God. I don’t know any person that can say they are a Christian and yet not know the Lord Jesus. So why is it Jesus can say depart from me you worker of iniquity “I never knew you”. Well lets reflect on an earlier statement. I’ve been doing this for 30 years! The “I’s” have it! We can do nothing of ourselves as that is what the Word of God tells us. (John 15:5) People are busy building their ministry, being “noticed” and in the spotlight. First, if they even have a ministry it is NOT theirs it is Jesus’ ministry. Second, they are not revealing Christ they are building and revealing themselves using the name of Christ so that makes them false prophets.

Back in 2011 the Lord spoke to me while I was in my quite time with Him as I recently left a well known international school of ministry because they worshiped false gods and did not even know the true Living God. I was grieving in the Holy Spirit regarding the poor spiritual condition of the church assembly from all of my travels and personal witness as the Lord revealed. The Lord then spoke to me and said of all of the people who went to church only three percent at that time were truly His. If that was in 2011 what is the condition today! I don’t question there is revival but the BIGGER question is what is the spirit behind the revival? The world is being prepared for the coming of the Antichrist so are these revivals of the Antichrist or of the TRUE LIVING GOD CHRIST JESUS. Don’t be deceived as the Word of God clearly states about a great apostasy and falling away! I believe that much of what is called revival is the Antichrist spirit. I won’t speak more on that because you yourselves need a revelation from the Lord and truthfully should always be seeking revelations of Spirit and Truth.

Philippians 3:1–11 (NKJV)

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Now that you have read this far let us reflect on how the Holy Spirit operated through Paul’s life and what requirements it took Paul by the Grace and Power of the Lord through the Holy Spirit to life this life which we are ALL called to live. Even though we are not all called to be Apostles the Lord is no respecter of person and that is why I want you to read, study and think of Paul’s life in Christ Jesus.

Scriptures that come to mind are Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14; Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:11-16 just to name a few scriptures. Paul was able to bring correction to the church, discern unclean spirits, overcome principalities and powers of darkness and much more. Yet Paul did all this while overcoming whippings, beatings, imprisonment, hunger and the like. Paul wrote much of the Epistles from being imprisoned because as he states in Galatians 6:14 he was crucified WITH Christ and EVEN the world was crucified to Paul. This leads to something each us should consider. Is the world crucified to you? If we are “in the world but not of the world” should not the world hate us as it hated Jesus. A better way to describe this would be to think about this statement: I am imprisoned by this world because I don’t belong in this world. I belong with my Creator, Lord and Savior. The WORLD is persecuting TRUE CHRISTIANS because they do NOT LOVE THIS WORLD, THEY LOVE THE FATHER! So while Paul was in prison who put Paul in prison? Who cried out and yelled CRUCIFY HIM when Jesus was on trial.

You know I hear so much Christian “shop talk” about God has a plan for you and it sounds really encouraging as if to puff up ones ego/pride. Yes God has a plan for you and Jesus states it clearly and then Paul states it clearly also.

John 17:14–19 (NKJV)

14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

In verse 15 you find the plan of God for you. The rest of the scripture describes the reasons, preparations and plan of God. Let’s add some more scripture that continues on from verse 19.

John 17:20–26 (NKJV)

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

We see in verse 20 that the purpose Jesus spoke about in verse 15 is so that there will always be a remnant on earth bearing witness to incarnate Christ and His death and resurrection and ascension!

Now let us see how Paul and Peter state the same thing.

Philippians 1:23–26 (NKJV)

23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

1 Corinthians 14:1–5 (NKJV)

1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Before moving on with more scriptures I would like to emphasize the importance of what Paul is TRULY saying as it states in Revelations 19:10. Paul is saying he wishes “even more” or as other translations “above all” that you would prophesy. What is TRUE PROPHECY, this is where the body of Christ misses it! It is not merely giving words of edification or encouragement it is to BEAR TRUE WITNESS OF JESUS CHRIST! This is why so many are deceived because most of today’s prophecy is FALSE and not a true testimony or witness of the Lord Jesus.

In addition because our adversary has blinded the eyes and closed the ears of so many they do not hear true prophecy because they are likely already deceived believing doctrines of men, doctrines of devils, man’s theology and are NOT led, seeking, listening or bearing witness by the Holy Spirit of what is being said!

I don’t care who claims to be speaking, preaching, or giving prophecy if it DOES NOT BEAR WITNESS WITH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT REJECT IT! The spirit that is talking through them is NOT the Holy Spirit. Immediately take it to the Lord! All truth and nothing but the truth as confirmed and witness by the Power of the Holy Spirit! I will back this up with the following scriptures:

Hebrews 4:12–13 (NKJV)

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

When we read Hebrews 4:12 you will understand why when you do not get a witness from the Holy Spirit it is NOT from the Lord Jesus. His Word is living and you should have the indwelling Holy Spirit which is living so when something is preached, prophecied, or any spoken words pertaining the the LIVING WORD you must have an internal witness from the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 16:13–17 (NKJV)

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

In Matthew as stated above you masterfully see the Lord asking them about who do people say I am. This includes what religious leaders say as well as the general population. So if it includes religious leaders it includes your pastors or anyone that proclaims to speak of Jesus. In essence forget what you are hearing or being taught and tell me who am I too you! Simon Peter reveals what the Father revealed to him! This was before Pentecost so why is before Peter had the indwelling Holy Spirit Peter received this knowledge and a professing “Born Again Believer” is unable to bear witness in the Holy Spirit? So how do people get TRULY SAVED? It is by the power and conviction being preached by the Power of The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit convicts and the Holy Spirit adds to the TRUE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.

1 Corinthians 15:45–49 (NKJV)

45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

These scriptures clearly emphasis the difference between human and divine. Jesus is the Second Adam and Jesus is a life-giving spirit! Does your preacher, pastor and any person you listen to bare witness in the Holy Spirit or are you just listening to a bible recital?

I’ll say it again. The devil doesn’t care if anyone can read or preach the bible what the devil doesn’t want is for you to have the resurrected life in Christ Jesus. So the devil tries to REMOVE the Spirit of God from the Written Word and that leave image of the man of dust not the image of the heavenly Man!

When you sit under this type of preaching satan is attempting to drain you of the Holy Spirit getting you into a fallen nature because satan himself is fallen. Also you saints be on alert as you may have many false friends and even your false pastor may be a friend or appear friendly do not be deceived. They are likely attempting to use you because you are following Christ so that it increased the delusion because you sit under this false preacher. The object is for you to bring more Saints so they can be led to the slaughter also. It’s the frog in the pot once again where gradual deceptions lead you astray! When Jesus said His sheep are led to the slaughter He is referring to who you follow and obviously Jesus is not leading you to the slaughter!

A half truth is a lie, a truth told with ungodly purpose is deception and many won’t like this but where there is one lie how many more lies are there? The Holy Spirit is INCAPABLE of lying! There is NO darkness in Christ Jesus! Twisting a lie by stating “that is your interpretation” is deception. There is only one Truth not variations of what is truth. When a leader or anyone will not tolerate correction by the Living and Written Word it is because they are not of the Lord. I say this because the fruit of the Spirit includes meekness and the love of God is not self boastful or prideful.

I don’t care if ANYONE mentions the name of Jesus, God or Father! More importantly, who is your Jesus, God or Father? You see that is why Paul says IF ANYONE COMES WITH A DIFFERENT GOSPEL LET THEM BE ACCURSED!

Galatians 1:8 (NKJV)

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

2 Corinthians 11:1–4 (NKJV)

1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

1 Peter 2:4–10 (NKJV)

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

So how is it today there is so little discernment, so little growth in the Lord so little fruit of the Spirit? Are we to believe there is no power in the Holy Spirit and that Jesus is not able? Lord help us! Each and every day each of us, yes including me should examine ourselves and question ourselves. Am I complacent, am I hungry for righteousness, am I closer to the Lord, as well as other concerns and reflection. Let us read the scripture below in closing and in personal reflection.

1 Corinthians 2:6–16 (NKJV)

6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Well what was intended to be a short one page posting has lead to a lengthy one and I thank you for patience and attention to this posting. As usual when the Holy Spirit inspires me to write the Lord keeps expounding and giving more to write. I don’t mind as I enjoy it and it brings me closer to the Lord. The main thing is I try to convey exactly what the Lord wants me to convey and very often is goes against modern day belief and preaching. That alone should say something to you. Stay encourage in the Lord and if this posting has blessed you please feel free to share as the Lord leads you.

I utilize my blog as many forums will delete my postings, commentary and remarks to postings. At least this way if you are familiar with my blog you can always go there.

God bless you all and may the riches of Christ dwell deeply and firmly within you!