CONTINUATION OF HOME PAGE

Subject In This Section

• Site Purpose
• Double minded. How easy it is for Satan to divide people’s minds

1. What a New Born Again Christian Can Expect.
2. All Are Tested. Life is a Test.
3. Read Your Bible. Life is a Test.
4. Water Baptism (after repentance) by Full Immersion is a Command. Water baptism before repentance and trusting in Christ means nothing.
5. The Battle Ahead. Persecutions. Life is a Test.
6. Eph 6:10–17. Spiritual Warfare.
7. Love Not the World. Sound Doctrine. Itching Ears.
8. Eternal Security or no?
9. Deceitfulness of Riches.
10. Important Summary. Guidelines for a Christian.
11. Why Was Satan Created. The Millennium and the End of the World.
12. Satan’s Ministers.
13. Verses Some Do Not Want to Hear but Need To. Conforming to Jesus
14. Excuses for Not Following Jesus.
15. Facts you may not want to believe regarding today’s churches, and perhaps you.

SITE PURPOSE

     TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST–Lk 19:10. TO FEED (HIS) LAMBS; FEED (HIS) SHEEP–ref Jn 21:15–17. As God in His mercy enables us—to humbly, freely, and truthfully present the gospel clearly with sound bible teaching—so that people might EXAMINE THEMSELVES TO SEE IF THEY ARE IN THE FAITH–ref Mt 10:8; 2 Cor 13:5; Titus 2:1. To exhort people to REPENT–ref Mk 1:15; Lk 13:3; to believe on and receive JESUS CHRIST by FAITH, as their ONLY HOPE of SALVATION–ref Mk 1:15; Eph 2:8–10; Gal 3:26; and afterwards to be BAPTIZED by FULL IMMERSION–ref Ro 6:4; Col 2:12; IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST–ref Mt 28:19. To encourage people to faithfully READ–ref Col 4:16; 1 Thes 5:27; STUDY–ref 2 Tim 2:15; and OBEY THE GOSPEL–ref Heb 5:9.
     JESUS CHRIST (THE WORD–Rev 19:13); GOD’S ONLY BEGOTTEN SON–1 Jn 4:9; WHO CREATED ALL THINGS–Col 1:16; is the CENTER and FOCUS of this website and ministry.Click here to go to top of page.

DOUBLE MINDED. DOUBLE HEART. SPLIT MIND. BEING LIKE A WAVE DIVIDED MIND

(One of the most thought provoking messages you may ever hear)

HOW EASY IT IS FOR SATAN TO TRAP A CHRISTIAN INTO DIVIDING THEIR THOUGHTS AND CAUSING DIVERSIONS.

     What is a double mind? It is a mind that is centered on Christ and something else. The mind goes back and forth. Decisions made with a double mind or double heart are often bad decisions.

     We are in the worst Bible–teaching generation in the history of the world–Rev 3:14–22. Some of the teaching is centered on what Jesus did to save you and his overwhelming love for you. However, very little teaching is centered on what you must do to be saved other than simply believe and say a prayer. The subjects of both repentance and water baptism by immersion are rarely mentioned. The subjects of life is a test; growing in faith; obedience to God’s Word; faithfully reading your Bible; following Jesus; denying self and double– mindedness are even more rare.

     Denominational theology often replaces God’s word in this lukewarm church age. If a person is a baptist they believe the Bible teaches certain things. If a person is from a pentecostal background, they believe the same Bible teaches some subjects differently. Denominations, in some cases, actually bend certain scriptures to fit what they believe, rather than changing their beliefs to what the Bible actually teaches. It is an example of the power of Satan to deceive many born again Christians so completely that they are unaware of this and are unable to break free. Example, many Christians are positive they will be raptured. Yet the Bible clearly teaches that many of these will not be raptured.

     Regarding double–mindedness, consider a mother or father. They have children. Now their life is often centered around their children. Yet the Bible clearly states that Jesus to be the center of a Christian’s life. This would include being in God’s Word faithfully. So many parents compromise their walk with Jesus. They think they put Jesus first, but, in reality, their children come first. Anyone that puts their Creator second, and something else first, is not worthy of Jesus. They can expect to be left behind. But are they preparing to be left behind? No. Satan has convinced them in their thoughts they will be raptured. Again, consider carefully, the Bible clearly teaches most that believe they are saved and will be raptured—will not be found worthy.

     It is a rare Christian, indeed, that Satan has not been able to deceive at least in some way, from the best theologians to the new babes in Christ. This includes the most famous evangelists and preachers on television and radio to those in the smallest churches. This is not the age of no compromise Christianity, yet the Bible teaches we are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus (His word) every day.

Before getting to the list of double–mindedness, consider the following carefully with regards to yourself, if you believe you are saved.

1 Cor 7:23–YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE; BE NOT YE THE SERVANTS OF MEN.
1 Cor 6:20–FOR YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD’S. Did you catch that? You belong to God. You no longer belong to yourself.

     When you go to a store and buy something, it then becomes your possession. Whatever you wish to do with it, you may do—it belongs to you.

     If you say yes to Jesus, you become the bought and paid for possession of Jesus Christ. The price he paid to make you his possession was His bloody, sacrificial death at Calvary. Your first responsibility is to get to know and understand the one that purchased you. This means you are to hear and read the words of the one that redeemed you. Few people do this. He has your life all planned out, which means your desires are to be crucified, and your will is to be whatever His will is for you. You are born again, renewed, converted, changed. Thus you are to deny yourself and follow Jesus Christ. Few will do this. Those few that do, will forever be with Jesus. Those many that resist doing God’s will, will find themselves in the lake of fire—eternally separated from God. They were bought by the blood of the Lamb, but they refused to follow and obey Him. If you receive the forgiveness of your sins through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, but then afterward rebel against following and obeying Him—your eternal punishment will be far worse than if you had not said yes to Christ.

      This is one reason why multitudes of people that believed they would be raptured—will be rejected. Will you be among them? Click here to go to top of page.

(1) WHAT A NEW BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN CAN EXPECT
LIFE IS the TEST
THERE IS A BATTLE RAGING INSIDE YOU FOR YOUR SOUL.
Following is some very good information and advice for all real Christians.

INTRO

Eight times in the Bible, God reveals you are here to be proved or tested.
Twice it says to prove or test yourself.
There are times when you may feel like you are being pulled apart. It may seem like a chain is pulling you away from God, while another is pulling you toward God.

     Life is that test that will determine if you will fully believe the Bible, totally repent, and completely surrender to Jesus or not.
     If you do surrender to Christ, life becomes a test to see if you will grow through God’s Word, continue steadfast in the faith and follow Jesus (God’s Word) to the end, even the death of the cross. The very foundation to following and believing Christ is spending time in God’s Word. Thus, Satan will put in your thoughts and emotions every obstacle possible to keep you from the Word of God. With nearly all, Satan succeeds, and most do, indeed, perish. Apart from time in God’s Word, there is no trust; and without trust in Christ and obedience to His Word, failure is certain, and the lake of fire is unavoidable. Most people think things will turn out all right. One hundred percent of the people in hell (which is nearly all people) can tell you, they don’t. Partial repentance is eternal damnation.

     You can expect to be tempted in ways you will never anticipate. Situations will arise, persecutions shall come, hardships, financial problems, and the unexpected may all happen. It is not uncommon that unsaved wives or husbands, friends and relatives will leave and not want to be around those that follow Christ. It is written: Lk 6:22,23–Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

     Expect your thoughts, emotions, and flesh to struggle, as God calls you to die to yourself more and more. He calls you to follow Jesus, to conform to His image, and to do the works He has called you to do.

     Life is a test. For some, jail time and beatings may lie ahead, and even death, because of their faith in Christ. Before you would die for Christ, you must learn to die to yourself. Few are willing to do this.

     Life is a test to see if a person will follow Jesus no matter where it leads, and no matter what a person may have to go through. It is a test to see if a person will love God and the brethren no matter what. It is written: 1 Jn 4:19–We love him, because he first loved us. Life is the test that will prove if a person’s faith and love is geniune or not. It is a test to determine where each person will spend eternity.
     What you may have just read is seldom taught anymore in the pleasure–filled, fun–type, wide gate, lukewarm christian atmosphere that exists in most places. It is an atmosphere that does not teach the fear of God, or if it does, it teaches fear means only reverence, not God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints. It does not teach to tremble at God’s Word–Ps 89:7; Isa 66:5. Today’s wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked church does not teach its members to fast–Mt 9:15, and many other such things as the Bible commands in both the old and new testaments.
     Most of today’s churches have an atmosphere that does not lead the self–centered to repent. It is an atmosphere that does not lead people to be ready for the rapture. Most do not even suspect, until it happens, that hell, the Great White Throne judgment, and then the lake of fire is their future.

     Want proof that many that call on the name of the Lord will perish? Click here and examine yourself. Click here to go to top of page.

(2) ALL ARE TESTED. LIFE IS THE TEST

     Adam and Eve were tested. Satan tempted Eve, and Eve tempted Adam. They fell and perished–ref Gen 3:1–24. Why did they perish? because they would not obey God’s Word.
     The children in the wilderness were tested. They were baptized. They drank of that Rock, which was Christ–1 Cor 10:1–12, but most perished. They obeyed God for a time, but then turned aside.
     Jesus Christ, Himself (Who is come in the flesh), was TEMPTED in every way JUST AS WE ARE—yet without sin–ref Heb 4:15 NIV. The temptations come as tests.
     The apostles were tested. One turned aside and perished.
     God says to you, 1 Cor 10:12–Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

     Humanity is being tested. Billions that are currently in hell were tested. They were given a chance to trust in and follow God, but they chose to follow other things. Just a few have chosen to follow Jesus and obey the Scriptures, and they are now with Christ where there are no tears anymore.
     Now “YOU” are being tested. Hopefully, you have repented and asked Christ to save you from your sins. Now there is a battle ahead, and the outcome of that battle will determine where you spend eternity. Will you believe, obey, and follow the Bible—or will you follow your personal desires, your misled friends, your wife or husband, or some misguided clergy or another gospel?–ref 2 Cor 11:14,15. Satan is a master at putting thoughts that run contrary to the Bible in your mind, just as he did with Jesus.
     Satan can test you and set up situations to tempt you to go in a wrong direction; however, he cannot tempt you beyond what you can endure–ref 1 Cor 10:13. Perhaps you have an unrepented desire. That is something Satan can try and use to cause you to fall. That is why the Bible commands you to DENY YOURSELF, AND PICK UP YOUR CROSS daily AND FOLLOW JESUS–Lk 9:23.
     If you do not desire to be in God’s Word now, then you would be most miserable in heaven where God’s Word dwells. Jesus is the Word. If you do not dwell in the Bible now, how can you think you are dwelling in Jesus and are saved? If you will not obey what God tells you to do now through His Word, then why would you obey him when you are in heaven? THIS LIFE IS YOUR TESTING GROUND to see if you will obey God and to see if you will be accounted worthy–ref Lk 21:36. Chances are good your church will not tell you these things. Click here to learn how life is a test. Click here to go to top of page.

(3) READ YOUR BIBLE. LIFE IS A TEST. WILL YOU OBEY?

Ro 10:17–So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. It is written:

     People that claim to be a christian, but do not read and obey God’s word, are like a three–dollar bill—phony.
     Expect one of your first temptations to be things that will hinder you from spending MUCH time in God’s Word. It can be anything from a job to personal desires, to people demanding your time. You sit down to read your Bible and unexpected neighbors knock on your door, or your children won’t leave you alone, or someone calls you on the phone, or you have strong thoughts to clean the house, or do something or go somewhere. Something on your handheld device grabs your attention. God tells you that His Word is more necessary than your NECESSARY FOOD–Job 23:12. Only through God’s pure Word can you grow in faith–ref Ro 10:17. Little time in God’s Word—little faith, and hell will open its mouth to receive you. Let no day go by, for any reason, in which you do not hear or read God’s Word. recommend at least 5 or more chapters. Bible studies can come later. For now, READ YOUR BIBLE. Do not be misguided by reading a few verses here and some others there, which seems to produce no faith christians. Begin with John’s Gospel. Read it 3 times. Then read the whole New Testament 3 times (Matthew through the Revelation). Then read the entire Bible 3 times.
Listening to the Gospel on CDs is good also, but reading it is even better. If the Word of God is not your foundation, then you have no foundation or hope. Click here to go to top of page.

(4) WATER BAPTISM BY FULL IMMERSION IS A COMMAND

It should be done as soon as possible after believing on Christ.

     Ro 6:3–6–Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
     7–10–For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

     The next area Satan may attack you is water baptism. There are slightly over 100 verses in the Bible dealing with this subject. You have need to be baptized by full immersion, if you have repented and believed or trusted in Jesus Christ with your whole heart as your only hope of salvation. Baptism is to be done IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST–Mt 28:19,20.
     Water baptism by sprinkling and for infants is Satan’s counterfeit. It is nothing but a smoke screen that gives people that are biblically illiterate a false hope. An infant cannot repent, have faith, believe on Christ, or understand about Christ, which is required before being baptized God’s way. It is impossible to be baptized into Christ, if you do not believe in Christ–ref Gal 3:27.
     If you attend a church that does sprinkling baptism, or baptizes infants, or baptizes people before they believe in Christ and repent, depart quietly. Do not return lest you be tempted with false doctrine. If the blind lead the blind, they both shall fall into the ditch–Mt 15:14.

     Water baptism is called the baptism of (or as a result of) repentance–Mt 3:11; Acts 19:4. Mk 1:4–John did…preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Water baptism done before a person is conscious of sin and before a person repents has no meaning. For it is written: Lk 3:7,8–Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves…(or make excuses).
     Water baptism is intended for those that repent and believe with all their heart in Jesus Christ as their only hope–ref Mk 16:16. If a person does not believe with all their heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, then water baptism is not to be given–ref Acts 8:36,37.

     Water baptism is to be done only by full immersion. It is written in Ro 6:4 and Col 2:12–Therefore we are “buried” with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Col 2:12–“Buried” with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Baptism means water. Note “buried” in water. John the baptist baptized people by immersing (or burying) them in the water, and then the person comes out of the water into the newness of life.
     According to scripture, rather than denominational or church doctrine, we ask the question: When does one receive the Holy Ghost? What is written?
     Gal 3:2–Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? It is clear the Holy Spirit is received by faith.

     Question: WHEN is the Holy Spirit received by faith?
     It is written: The people asked Peter, what shall we do? Peter responded first with Repent, and be baptized (was second) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost–Acts 2:38. Water baptism is to follow believing (or having faith) in Jesus Christ and repentance.
     1–You must believe in and have faith in Jesus Christ–Jn 7:39; Gal 3:14. However, the Holy Spirit is not yet received. He is received when you obey God’s command to REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU–Acts 2:38. If a person will not obey this first and most simple and basic command to be baptized by full immersion, they remain without God’s Spirit.
     2–You must repent, and then you are to be baptized by being buried in the water. It is then, (when you come out of the water) that you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by faith–Acts 2:38. In a world that teaches all sorts of confusion regarding this subject, this is God’s word, not some denominational theology that bends and twists God’s Word.
     When a person comes out of the water, they come out into the newness of life. Sin should seem much more sinful to you, but also you should find you have more strength to resist sin. Let it be made clear—water baptism is meaningless unless a person has faith in Jesus Christ and repents.
Thus, it is faith that saves us; however, the gift of the Holy Ghost is received by faith at the time of coming up out of the water into the newness of life. When did the Holy Spirit light upon Jesus?–ref Mt 3:16. When he came up out of the water.
     Thus, it is written: 1 Pe 3:21–THE LIKE FIGURE WHEREUNTO EVEN BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (NOT THE PUTTING AWAY OF THE FILTH OF THE FLESH, BUT THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD,) BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. There is no answer of a good conscience toward God, when a person willfully disobeys this first and simplest of God’s commandments following faith and repentance. Water baptism is not works, it is obedience. Repentance—now that indeed seems like a lot of work, but it is not classified as work. It is a requirement that must be met to be saved.
     The faith that saves is the same faith that prompts us to obey God’s commands, which includes water baptism. No faith or make–believe faith—no obedience. Real faith—obedience. Refusing full immersion baptism, as God commands, reflects that the person’s understanding of God’s word is actually blindness to some degree; thus, disobedience to God’s word follows with excuses. Obedience to God’s Word is a result of faith–ref Ro 16:26.

     Just to make sure no one misunderstands. This is not baptismal regeneration, but salvation (and receiving the Holy Spirit) by faith with repentance at the time of obeying God’s command to be baptized God’s way, even as Jesus was.
     This is why Satan fights water baptism, God’s way, with all sorts of false teaching and ideas, such as infant baptism, sprinkling baptism, baptism before believing or faith, baptism before repentance, or even saying water baptism has no meaning and is not needed.

     If you have repented and believe on Jesus Christ, it is written, Acts 22:16–And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
     Acts 2:41–Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.
     If you gladly and humbly receive God’s word you are to be baptized—period.
     Gal 3:26,27–For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
     Lk 7:29,30–And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, (or acknowledged that God’s word was right) being baptized with the baptism of John.
     But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel (or word) of God (or rejected Jesus) against themselves, being not baptized of him. (Reject God’s Word—no baptism.)

     Jn 3:5,6–Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (not the water of the womb). That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

     Full immersion baptism is a command of Jesus himself–Mt 28:19,20. Note God’s word.
     It is written: Received ye the Spirit…by faith?–Gal 3:2. Thus, the question—when is the Spirit received by faith?
     It is written: (1) Repent and (2) be baptized “every one”—shall receive the…Holy Ghost–Acts 2:38.
     Born of water and of the Spirit–Jn 3:5,6.

     (1) Believeth and (2) baptized shall be saved–Mk 16:16.
     Been baptized—have “put on Christ”–Gal 3:27.
     Come out of the water from being baptized—a person comes out into the “newness of life”–Ro 6:4 (or, we may say, is now born again).
     Baptism doth also now “save us”—by the answer of a good conscience…–1 Pe 3:21.
     Three that bear witness in earth—Spirit, water, blood–1 Jn 5:8.
     A person rejects God’s Word (which is Jesus)—being not baptized (God’s way)–Lk 7:29,30.
     Once again, the message is clear. Salvation occurs when you receive the Holy Spirit, not before. Telling a person that they are saved simply by saying a sinner’s prayer is not scriptural, even though it is pleasing to the itching ears of a sinful, unrepentant generation.
     The Holy Spirit is received by faith if repentance is present, and it occurs as the person is coming out of the water into the newness of life. So it is written, and so it is.

     Mk 16:16–He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Some would reason that being baptized was not mentioned in second part. This is because there is no such thing as being baptized for those that believe not. A person cannot be baptized into one to whom they do not believe.
     For an indepth Bible study on water baptism using nearly all the Bible verses–CLICK HERE. Click here to go to top of page.

(5) THE BATTLE AHEAD. PERSECUTIONS. LIFE IS A TEST

     Beware, there is a battle ahead. Some people that love you may think you are crazy. Wives may turn against husbands and vice versa. Persecutions, temptations, sufferings, problems and the unexpected lie ahead. There is a war to be fought against all sorts of temptations: unrepentant desires, self–centeredness, pride, lusts, cares of this life, pleasures, riches, and wrong thinking. Our faith (or trust in God) will be tested to see if it is real–ref 1 Pe 1:7. Life is a test. Most people who come to Jesus do not realize the intense fight that lies ahead for them. You have become a prime target of Satan. There should be times when you feel like you are being pulled apart. God is pulling you toward Him, but Satan is trying to pull you back to sin and worldiness. Your faith will be tested; however, God promises the following. 1 Cor 10:13–There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
     Many of the Epistles address this very thing (note Eph 6). There are battles to be fought against the powers of darkness. Satan can be expected to use tactics against you that will catch you off guard. Satan will try to get you to return to the way you were before you repented. He succeeds with most. We can expect that what seems to be impossible situations will all of a sudden happen. God is with us through it all. Life is a test. Our biggest battle is with our self, including our fears, our desires, our plans, our self–centeredness. Remember, REPENTANCE is necessary. The more we deny self and pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus as God commands, the more successful we should be against Satan’s devices. We are to fight the good fight of faith. Faith only comes from hearing and reading God’s Word. Looking back is a tool Satan uses. Our past hurts and rejections can all of a sudden pop up in our thoughts. Satan’s power to tempt you and deceive you, and to be able to set up situations you seem trapped in seem to be beyond most people’s understanding; for he deceives the whole world–ref Rev 12:9. Remember, the battle rages in our thoughts, flesh, emotions, and unrepentant personal desires. Ultimately, a person’s heart will decide whether or not he will follow Jesus steadfast to the end. Satan uses false religions, your devotion to a certain church or person, or things, or money, lusts, cares of this life, pleasures, pride, wanting to be loved, wanting to be someone special, fear, worries, rejection, hurts, anger, unforgiveness and even love. Satan may use your best friend, your spouse, your relatives, and even your children to try to turn you back from following Jesus. Click here to read about the spiritual battle that awaits all who desire to follow Jesus. Click here to go to top of page.

(6) EPH 6:10–17

     Satan put in Eve’s mind that God did not mean what He said. Expect the same to happen to you. If we look at the world and love this world, we can expect to fall. If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and obey His Word, we can expect to stand firm. The Bible has much to say about this fight; yet few churches teach anymore on this spiritual warfare we go through.

     Eph 6:10–17–Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of “His” might.
     Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (or schemes) of the devil.
     For we wrestle (or struggle) not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (or authorities), against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness (or spiritual forces) in high places (or heavenly realms).
     Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand (or stand your ground) (in the day when the evil comes), and having done all (or everything), to stand.
     Stand (firm) therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod (or fitted) with the preparation of the gospel of peace;      Above all, taking the “shield of faith,” wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts (or flaming arrows) of the wicked (or huge, uptight knots in your stomach that are pushing you to do wrong).
     And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
     The fiery darts are those overwhelming thoughts and pressures you feel that tempt you to do contrary to God’s Word. They tempt you to sin. They stir up your emotions. They are so strong, they are difficult to resist; but resist you must by faith. Fear God, and depart from evil.
     For one of the most in–depth Bible studies online concerning Spiritual Warfare–CLICK HERE. Click here to go to top of page.

(7) LOVE NOT THE WORLD

SOUND DOCTRINE
ITCHING EARS

     1 Jn 2:15–17–Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Pv 3:7–Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil, for indeed, GOD IS GREATLY TO BE FEARED IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAINTS–Ps 89:7.

     Regretfully, we are now at the time when God’s Word reveals the churches will be lukewarm, even wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. They will be spit out. No lukewarm Christian will be Raptured or go to heaven–ref Rev 3:14–22.

     It is written: 2 Tim 4:3, 14–For the time will come (which is now) when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth (NIV). This is a prophecy of the times we are in right now. Much (but not all) of the preaching on the radio, TV and in most churches is another Gospel.

     Some preach a prosperity Gospel. They take a few verses out of context and create a whole new Gospel which, in some cases, is based on vanity. It is a vastly different Gospel than one of repentance, humbleness, brokenness, fearing God, trembling at His Word, sell all that thou hast, denying oneself and picking up your cross daily and following Jesus. Many are deceived by these so–called Christian ministers that gather around themselves many others with like beliefs.

     Some teach a “name it and claim it” Gospel. You can have what ever you desire by speaking it. Again, it is another Gospel. There are so many “other Gospels” in this generation, who can count them?

     Don’t be a person that settles for lukewarm teaching, whose preaching is carefully given so people will not be offended. God’s Word, if preached as Jesus and the apostles did, will indeed offend people, but that is the way it is to be taught. It should bring people to their knees in repentance. It wins real souls. Watered–down, lukewarm, candy–coated, “feel good” preaching can make a person think they will go to heaven, but it leads to hell, as many have already found out the hard way. There is no repentance in hell.

     What do we recommend? Turn off the TV, the radio. Get into God’s Word, lest you be led astray. Don’t be misguided by getting into studying the Bible this or that way. Straight Bible reading, as outlined on this site, will not lead you astray.

     If you become well–grounded in the Bible and have good understanding (few do), when listening to most TV preaching (not recommended), you may want to cry. Humbleness, meekness, brokenness, repentance, fearing God, trembling at God’s Word, forsaking all for Christ, the judgments, hell and the lake of fire, the narrow way and strait gate—are seldom taught any more. Today’s modern, Laodicean, lukewarm, “feel good” Gospel, and wide gate and broad way teaching is another Gospel that masquerades as the real thing; and those that follow it will perish–ref Rev 3:14–21; Mt 7:13–29. Click here to go to top of page.

(8) ETERNAL SECURITY OR NOT

     Hear the Word of God: 2 Pe 2:18–22–For when they speak great swelling (or boastful) words of vanity, they allure (or appeal) through the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who were clean escaped (or who have become saved) from those who live in error (which is the unsaved).
     While they (the unsaved) promise them liberty (or freedom), they themselves are the servants of corruption (or depravity): for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.)
     If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
     For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness (or been saved), than, after they have known it (or been saved), to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
     But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed, (back) to her wallowing in the mire (or mud). This and many verses assert that life is a test, and a person can be saved, but lose their faith and turn back to sin and perish. A person stands firm by faith. No faith, no longer standing, but has fallen.

     There are many God–fearing, soulwinning, anointed ministers that love God and the brethren, and are full of faith that believe in eternal security, and many others that believe otherwise.
     This doctrine nullifies some of God’s Word. If Satan can never cause a person to turn from God and perish, then life is no longer a test, and God’s warning to the believers should mean nothing. 1 Pe 5:8,9–Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
     It cannot be disputed that the Bible clearly and concisely states a person stands by faith. However, many people that once repented and even served God, do return to sin and do lose their faith, and no longer continue in God’s Word at all. They do, indeed, fall.
Click here for an indepth study on this subject. Verses that appear to support both positions are given and then puts them together for the final conclusion. There is no contradiction. Click here to go to top of page.

(9) DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES

     Beware, lest the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, the pleasures of this life, and the lust of other things tempt you, and you go astray–Mk 4:19; Lk 21:24. Are you seeking for riches now that will pull you away from God—or are you seeking God so you may have rewards beyond our earthly understanding for eternity?

     Lk 12:16–21–And he spake a parable…saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought…What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

     Lk 16:19–31–There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And…the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father,…send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith…, They have Moses and the prophets (or, we may say, the Bible); let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

     Lk 18:18–25–And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said…, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
     22–Now when Jesus heard these things, he said…, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. How could a rich man learn to trust in Jesus for all things, when he had riches?

     Gaining the whole world now for a few years is not worth losing your soul and being tormented for ever and ever–ref Mt 16:26. Click here to go to top of page.

(10) IMPORTANT SUMMARY

Guidelines for a Christian

     If you choose to follow Jesus, not in word but in truth, you can expect your old friends and even some relatives will not want to be around you, especially when you witness to them. God’s Word reveals your old unsaved friends should be put away as you seek fellowship with those of “like” faith.
     2 Cor 6:14–18–Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
     As you grow in faith, more difficult problems will confront you. If you forsook all, there may be extended periods of time when you will have little to eat. As you continue to grow, you can expect false accusations, perhaps legal problems, perhaps your property confiscated, and, for some, even jail on false charges. There may be times when the ministry that God gave you will prosper, but then it goes downhill, and it seems like God has abandoned you. You might even cry out “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me”–ref Ps 22:1; Mt 27:26. You are learning the fellowship of His suffering–ref Phil 3:10. You need to LEARN to live by faith, not by sight. Life is a test to see if you will be accounted worthy.

     Life is first a test to see if you will surrender to Jesus or not. For those that do, it is a test to see to what degree you will follow Jesus. Will you be willing to follow Him even to being crucified on a cross or having your head chopped off? The key to being able to endure such hardships is trust. The key to trust is faithfulness in reading and studying His Word. If you have little time for God’s Word, you are not on a path to heaven. While Bible studies such as are on this site may be helpful, they never should replace your personal reading of God’s Word.
     Don’t let Satan hinder you by reading just a little now and then, and a few verses here and there. If you do that, all you can expect to be is a now and then Christian, which will not be found worthy.
     If you want to memorize God’s Word, concentrate mainly in the beginning with verses or chapters dealing with sin, repentance, salvation, following Christ. Do not replace Bible reading with memorizing. You can add memorizing to Bible reading without decreasing in reading.
This last church age we are now in is called Laodicea–ref Rev 3:14–22. God’s Word makes it clear that the teaching and committment to God of most is lukewarm as well as wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.
     To find a truly sound, Bible–teaching church that teaches God’s WORD and sound doctrine, rather than a few verses with lots of commentary, stories, and a few jokes, at times, is very difficult. If you are a member of a lukewarm congregation, expect you will be just like them. The lukewarm professing Christians do not get Raptured–Mt 7. Ultimately, God’s will for you should be to understand the meat of God’s Word. Many do not know what this is. It is PERFECTION–Heb 6:1. Throughout your walk with Jesus, examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. Loving the brethren is a key.
     If you have an angry or accusing type of attitude, repentance is very needful.
     If you are good at looking at other people’s faults and judging others, this is sin.
     If you are sometimes contentious, this is sin.
     If you sometimes go about questioning others with a hook or trick questions, you are in serious spiritual trouble. This is a clear sign of self–centeredness and pride that has not been repented of. This is not love. Without the love of God in your heart, you are NOTHING. Woe unto them that pass over the LOVE OF GOD–ref Lk 11:42. Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. Don’t go about examining or criticizing others. Look at yourself and repent. Click here to go to top of page.

(11) WHY WAS SATAN CREATED?
THE MILLENNIUM AND END OF THE WORLD

     Why was Satan created? It was to do exactly what he is doing. As it is written: Rev 12:9…SATAN, WHICH DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD.
     Satan’s subtle, deceptive, deceitful, seemingly hypnotic powers exceed any beast of the field God has ever created–Gen 3:1. Click here for the Bible’s teaching on the devil.

     Eve was tested. Satan was responsible for deceiving Eve.
     From the beginning, this was the test. It was between God’s Word of truth which is the Bible, and Satan’s word of deceit in our thoughts.
     Your test is the same. Will you believe and obey the Bible, or will you believe and obey the thoughts you have in your mind, which you do not believe are from Satan? Your heart will choose what you believe, and the end result will be heaven for a few, and hell for most.
     The children in the wilderness were tested. Satan put doubts in their mind about God and Moses. Very few followed Moses steadfast to the end, even though God performed great miracles through him.
     Every person, including you, is being tested. Satan puts lies in people’s thoughts, anger and hatred in people’s hearts, doubt and deception in people’s minds.
     God gives us truth through His Word. Satan makes people think God’s Word is untrue. Remember Satan told Eve–HATH GOD SAID? and ultimately Eve chose to believe the voice of Satan rather than the voice of God. She perished and took her husband with her.
     Satan has deceived the whole world into believing he does not even exist by putting lying thoughts in our mind.

     The bottom line is this. The Bible (which is truth) versus the lying thoughts we have in our mind from Satan (which are not true). Our heart will make the decision by what we believe and follow, and the end result will be heaven for a few, and hell for most. Most churches and ministers are not God’s churches and ministers even though they preach about Jesus. Their understanding of God’s Word is deception.

     For those that know Satan exists, all underestimate him to some degree, even though God’s Word tells us about Satan. Isa 14:12–15–How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

     Do you underestimate your enemy the devil as nearly all do? Some even believe they can stomp Satan under their feet, even though the Bible teaches contrary to this. It is written: 1 Pe 5:8,9–Be sober, be vigilant; (be self–controlled and alert) because your adversary (or enemy) the devil, (prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour). Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. This is not the age of people being firm in the faith.

     The devil has powers to deceive, to create situations and allusions that can make a person that follows Jesus even want to die—consider Job. He has powers to make a person positively believe things that are not true. He is a master at making people do things they should not do. Even David was tempted of the devil and sinned. Even Solomon, who followed God, was tempted by Satan and turned aside at the end.

     Why does one Bible–believing denomination believe some things a bit differently than another? One is right, and one is wrong. One has believed some lying thoughts from the devil on a doctrine, and one did not. Both see a few verses differently. Jesus was the only one tempted by the devil, but did not sin.

     Hard to believe, but true. Satan and the demonic realm are almost constantly putting thoughts in everyone’s mind, testing, probing trying to find something that a person’s heart agrees with to cause them to sin. Often it is little things that can lead to bigger things. Most of those thoughts go totally unrecognized even by a Christian as they are so used to it. A person may just be sitting, relaxing, but his thoughs are constantly thinking about something. Is it God’s Word, or are the person’s thoughts from the demonic realm? Thoughts are often: go here, buy this, try that. Or they may be about someone you dislike, something someone did to you, or an unpleasant childhood. As already alluded to—your mind is constantly thinking, sometimes about things that get you angry or upset. About everyone does indeed underestimate the devil and the demonic realm. The power of the demonic realm to make a person positive they are saved when they are not, or positive there is no life hereafter, or positive the Bible is not God’s Word is enormous. The power of the demonic realm to make a person believe they are in the right church when they are in a biblically unsound church or denomination is almost lock proof. Some may say they are this denomination or that denomination. They have no concept of what it means to follow Christ or holiness, and not the slightest understanding of biblical love and the meat of God’s Word—perfection.

     Consider, if you can. When Jesus returns at Armageddon, the following takes place.
     Rev 20:1–3–And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, AND SET A SEAL UPON HIM, THAT HE SHOULD DECEIVE THE NATIONS NO MORE, TILL THE THOUSAND YEARS SHOULD BE FULFILLED: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

     Then all of a sudden, in an instant, all those thoughts disappear. All of a sudden, everyone loves the Jews. Everyone has only good thoughts about each other. Everyone loves Jesus. Everyone loves their spouse and children. Everyone is at peace with each other. Thoughts of getting ahead are gone. The world is at peace for the first time since the creation.
     All of a sudden, no one is concerned with, “Oh, what am I going to do, how am I going to do it,” or “someone help me, I am afraid.”
     Perhaps, a husband and wife are arguing, or children are mad at their parents. All of a sudden, they all have thoughts of peace, not contention. All this will happen in an instant, as Satan has been bound.
     There will be 1000 years of peace as Jesus reigns and rules from Jerusalem.
     And after that he (Satan) must be loosed a little season. And as soon as Satan is released, those wicked, evil thoughts reappear. There is a final rebellion and war once again. Then the heavens and earth pass away.

     Rev 21:1–8–And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

     And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

     But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

     Please, please consider the consequences of not denying yourself and following Jesus as it is written. The end result is so terrifying that words cannot describe it. When you die, you go to a place called hell, also called the pit. It is a waiting place of torment where you will be tormented in the flame–Lk 16:24. Finally, you will be delivered up to the Great White Throne Judgment—the Judgment of the Damned. All there are damned, because they refused to trust in and follow Jesus Christ, Who had offered them salvation, but they chose to follow their own ideas–ref Rev 20:11–15. Once a person is judged, they shall receive either a few or many stripes, which shall add to their eternal torment–Lk 12:47,48. Then they are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death–Rev 20:14.

     Then, for time without end, many (nearly all people) will be tormented, never any hope of escape, never any hope of the agony and burning to cease. There shall be screaming, wailing, and gnashing of teeth–Mt 13:42. The Devil, ANTICHRIST, and False Prophet will all be there–Rev 19:20. As people choose darkness now and reject Jesus, Who is light, they shall be in the lake of fire which is a place of total darkness–Jude 13; 2 Pe 2:17; Jn 3:19; Mt 22:13. CLICK HERE for details about hell and the lake of fire. CLICK HERE for audio about hell (under Audio Sermons click MP3, then click sermon #13).

     Jn 3:19–And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. People, knowing the terror of the Lord, we are trying to persuade you–ref 2 Cor 5:11. Your mind cannot comprehend the torment, agony, horrifying suffering, and hopelessness of what lies ahead for you and for all that reject following Jesus. He went through the most brutal suffering, torment and pain one can imagine, and then died on the cross to pay for your sins. That, friend, is love. Then He arose from the dead. To follow that love means persecutions and testing now to prove your faith genuine, but then after you have stood firm to the end you will forever be with Jesus in a place of splendor, which words cannot adequately describe. There is an eternity for all. Where you spend it will be the result of the test you are currently going through right now. Be forewarned—lukewarm Christians will perish.

     1 Jn 2:22–Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?

     Eph 6:10–18–Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (or schemes, or devices) of the devil.
     For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
     Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Click here to go to top of page.

(12) SATAN’S MINISTERS

     Satan has power to put thoughts in your mind that contradict the Bible. He has power to make you believe the Bible does not mean what it says. Satan is the father of lies–Jn 8:44. Most of the clergy of this world masquerade as the ministers of Christ but are really the ministers of Satan, but they do not know it. It is written: 2 Cor 11:13–15–For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants (or ministers) masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve (NIV). Some of the ministers on radio, TV and online are preaching deceitful doctrines of prosperity, “name it and claim it,” and many other such things contrary to sound Bible doctrine. They allure to the lusts of the flesh.

     1 Jn 4:2,3–HEREBY KNOW YE THE SPIRIT OF GOD: Every spirit (or person) that confesseth that JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH IS OF GOD: And EVERY SPIRIT (or person) that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 2 Jn 7–For MANY DECEIVERS are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist. Note: Deceived people seldom recognize they are deceived, nor do they recognize who the deceivers are.
Does your priest, minister, rabbi, friend or you confess this? He should confess it occasionally without being prompted in any way or asked, unless he is a FALSE CLERGY. Click here to go to top of page.

(13) VERSES SOME DO NOT WANT TO HEAR BUT NEED TO HEAR
CONFORMING TO JESUS

(This list below combines the verses and abbreviates them)
CLICK HERE For entire list of Scriptures written out and Faith That Saves.

     The Gospel that is being preached in most churches is one of no committment, no sacrifice, no forsaking anything, no denying oneself, no following Jesus daily, no conforming to Jesus, no decreasing so Jesus can increase in their lives. Many say a sinner’s prayer, but there is no real understanding of sin, of godly sorrow and what it means to repent and hate every evil way.

     Once a person does repent and receives Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit begins trying to conform that person to the image of Christ. Those with little or no faith, who will not follow Jesus or humble themselves, will eventually fall away and be left behind. Life is that test. It is written: Jn 3:30–He must increase, but I must decrease. Do you fast at all? Do you fast yearly? Do you keep the speed limits and stop at stop signs and feel bad if you don’t? Do you tithe? Do you fear God? Do you pray over your food in public, or are you embarassed? Is what people think more important to you than what God thinks? If a born again Christian in need of help would go to the home of most professing Christians, would they find the door slammed in their face? Such is the love of today’s so–called Christians. 1 Jn 4:20,21–(He that) Hateth his brother, he is a liar: 1 Jn 2:9–11–(He that) Hateth his brother is in darkness,…and knoweth not whither he goeth.

     The torture Jesus went through is far beyond what is is portrayed in most churches. He was marred worse than any man. His beard was ripped off His face. His flesh was ripped off His back and bones laid bare from the scourging. The pain and suffering He endured was beyond comprehension. He became so weak, He could not carry His cross. Nails were driven through His hands and feet. He was hung on a cross as a spectacle. People mocked and laughed as He suffered hour after hour. His face was so disfigured that He no longer looked like a man. It is amazing He could even speak.
     The full hatred of Satan toward God, Who had created him, came gushing forth through the unsaved. Mankind does not want God to reign over them.
     Here is God, come to this earth in human form, to save mankind from the lake of fire for their sins, yet He was treated with hatred and contempt beyond understanding, then He died. And what were some of the words Jesus said as He was in agony and His life was slipping away? He said, FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO–Lk 23:34.

     Jesus took the sins of all that would believe on Him and forgave them. He took away their sins. Then He says to all that would believe on Him—IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOW ME–Mt 16:24. Jesus goes on to say that you are to love Him totally and completely, and the proof of that love is your faithfulness in obeying His commandments–Jn 14:15. And what is one of those commandments: it is to read, or hear and study and obey His Word. Jesus is telling those that call on Him for the forgiveness of their sins—obey Me, obey My commandments, and be willing to suffer even as He did in this world, and if you hold fast to the end through all you will also have to endure, you will reign and rule with Him.
     If you call on Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins, but then shrink back along the way, you will be beaten with many stripes; thus, your eternal torment will be far worse in the eternal lake of fire.
     Every person that calls on Jesus will be tested, and tested in many ways as Jesus was tempted. Only those very few that through faith survive these tests will reign and rule with Christ. Anyone that loves mother, or father, their children, or relatives, or wife or husband or anything of this world more than they love Jesus is not worthy of Him. It is written: Mt 10:37,38–HE THAT LOVETH FATHER OR MOTHER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME: AND HE THAT LOVETH SON OR DAUGHTER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME. AND HE THAT TAKETH NOT HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOWETH AFTER ME, IS NOT WORTHY OF ME.
     Those that call upon the name of the Lord will find that Jesus has their future good works ordained that they should walk in them–Eph 2:10. That plan is usually revealed little by little. The first test of faithfulness is water baptism, and being in God’s Word faithfully. Any person that does not put God’s Word first and all other things second is not worthy of Jesus. The Bible is GOD’S WORD speaking to you.
     However, today’s church is so blind that its followers will be rejected (spewed out). Today’s church does not understand a total, uncompromising committment of love and obedience to Christ (Who is the Word). Do you fully understand that a person’s faithfulness regarding being in God’s Word and obeying God’s Word is vital? It is the difference between eternal life or death.

     1 Cor 6:20–FOR YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD’S.
     1 Cor 7:23–YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE; BE NOT YE THE SERVANTS OF MEN.
     Do you comprehend, when you say yes to Jesus, you have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb? You are now the property of Jesus. He has called you, redeemed you, purchased you, saved you. You no longer belong to yourself, but you belong to Christ–1 Cor 6:19.

The following are some verses of Scripture that reveal what God’s will for you is. These are easy teaching for those that love God. These are hard teachings for those that want to hang on to part of their life, and this world, and put Jesus second.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY REGARDING HOW A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE?

     Phil 2:5–Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

     Ro 12:2–And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.
     Ro 8:29–…Be conformed to the image of his Son.

     Lk 9:23,26,59; Mt 16:24; Mk 8:34–(Whosoever will) Come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. …whosoever will save his life shall lose it.
     Mk 2:14–And as he passed by, he saw Levi…at the receipt of custom. (Jesus said)…Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
     Mk 10:27–30; Lk 18:28,29–Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
     Mt 10:38–He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

     Lk 14:33–Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple .

     Mk 8:36; Lk 9:23–26–For what does it profit…if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
     Lk 16:13–No servant can serve two masters: …Ye cannot serve God and mammon (or money).

     1 Jn 2:6–As followers of Christ we are also so to walk, even as he walked.
     1 Jn 4:17–Because as he is, so are we in this world.

     Ro 12:1–It is written…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Do you understand what was just said? Your reasonable service is to allow your body to become a living sacrifice. This means me, myself, and I are to be 100% totally committed to Christ to be used for His purpose at any time and in any way He chooses, even torture and the death of the cross. This message was to Christians in general. Why does Christ call this a reasonable sacrifice? Because He gave everything to save you, now you must be willing to give everything for Him. To follow Christ is to surrender all. Jesus does not ask more of you than He gave. Many Christians have been called to this suffering, but the make–believe Christianity of today, of no sacrifice, is another Gospel that leads to eternal damnation.

     Mt 16:25; Mk 8:35–Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake (and the Gospel) shall find it. Christians in many countries are losing their lives for Christ right now. Are you willing to? That will be the true test of a Christian during the TRIBULATION. If you would not pass that test now, do not expect to be with Jesus.

     Phil 2:8–…He (Jesus) humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. The true test of a Christian is not saying you are a Christian as many think. It is following Jesus no matter what the cost.

     Acts 20:23,24–Regarding persecutions, consider Paul. He said that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy.

     Heb 12:1–Let us lay aside every weight (or obstacle), and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Note, God has set before us the race, the course we are to travel. Our life is no longer to be “my will be done,” but THY WILL BE DONE–Lk 11:2. If we choose to follow Jesus, our life no longer belongs to ourself. As it is written: YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN–1 Cor 6:19. There are few people, indeed, that are ready to give up their plans, their hopes, and walk even as Jesus did; and there are very few churches that would dare to teach this, as they might lose most of their congregation.
     2 Tim 2:20,21–If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. This is talking about purging yourself from such things as the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, the pleasures of this life, and the lust of all sorts of things, and any and all things that would hinder you from obeying God’s Word.

     2 Cor 5:15–(Christ died for those that) should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them.
     Titus 2:12–…To follow Christ is to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts,…live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

     For followers of Christ, it is written:
     Lk 12:22–Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. It is also written:
     2 Cor 10:5–Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. It is also written:
     Phil 4:8–Whatsoever things are true,…are honest,…are just,…are pure,…are lovely,…are of good report;…think on these things.

     Mt 10:37–He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:..he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me… How many could honestly say they love Christ more than their children, or their best friends, or their mother and father? Very few indeed. Nevertheless, God’s Word will judge each of us. His Word cannot be broken. If a person truly understands in their heart what Christ did for them personally to save them from their sins, and that this life is the testing ground that will determine where they spend eternity, they should love Christ above all. However, so few can acknowledge how sinful they really are. Most may just say, I am not so bad. I am a lot better than most. As it is written: Lk 7:47–WHEREFORE I SAY UNTO THEE, HER SINS, WHICH ARE MANY, ARE FORGIVEN; FOR SHE LOVED MUCH: BUT TO WHOM LITTLE IS FORGIVEN, THE SAME LOVETH LITTLE.

     Lk 9:26; Mk 8:37,38– …For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed. Are you ashamed to tell your relatives about repenting and God’s grace? Are you ashamed to pray over your food in a restaurant? Are you afraid to let your light so shine before men at work or wherever you go?

     Num 15:39–Remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them. …Seek not after your own heart and your own eyes.

     Mt 6:19–21–Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,…But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
     Lk 12:33,34–Sell that ye have,…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
     Mt 19:21–Go and sell that thou hast,…and come and follow me.
     Things that are preventing you from obeying God and following Jesus, cast them away. As mentioned previously: Mt 16:26–For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

     1 Jn 2:15–17–Love not the world,
     neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
     For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
     And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
     What do you love as much as Jesus? Is it some possession, perhaps your car, perhaps some person, perhaps your house, perhaps some food, or your job, or some sport, or perhaps sex outside the bounds God has set? Is your mind stayed on Jesus, or on something else?
     Eph 4:17,18–Walk not…in the vanity of (your) mind, Having the understanding darkened.
     Heb 12:3,4–For consider him…lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

     1 Cor 7:22,23–Are you Christ’s servant, or your own servant? Ye are bought with a price.

     CLICK HERE for more teaching on this subject.

     Nine times in the Bible those that are born again are referred to as the “children of God.” Do you act like you are a child of the living God, or do you behave more like you are a child of this world? With only a few exceptions, it is difficult to tell today’s Christians from their unbelieving neighbors that live next door.

     Ro 8:6–9–THE MIND OF SINFUL MAN IS DEATH, BUT THE MIND CONTROLLED BY THE SPIRIT IS LIFE AND PEACE;
THE SINFUL MIND IS HOSTILE TO GOD. IT DOES NOT SUBMIT TO GOD’S LAW, NOR CAN IT DO SO.
THOSE CONTROLLED BY THE SINFUL NATURE CANNOT PLEASE GOD.
YOU, HOWEVER, ARE CONTROLLED NOT BY THE SINFUL NATURE BUT BY THE SPIRIT, IF THE SPIRIT OF GOD LIVES IN YOU. AND IF ANYONE DOES NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE DOES NOT BELONG TO CHRIST (NIV). Click here to go to top of page.

(13) EXCUSES FOR NOT FOLLOWING JESUS

      EXCUSES: Lk 9:59–62; Mt 8:21,22–But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, (follow Me) Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

     EXCUSES: Mt 8:21,22–And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

     EXCUSES: Lk 14:16–20–They…began to make excuse. I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: …I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: …I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

     Lk 14–34,35–Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

     Doing nothing leads you to hell, the Great White Throne Judgment and, then, the eternal lake of fire.
     Hoping it will all turn out all right leads to hell.
     Hoping you will go to a better place takes you to hell.
     Religion and denominations take you to hell.
     MANY CLERGY STAND OVER THE DECEASED AND SAY HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE. DID YOU EVER HEAR ANY CLERGY SAY THE DECEASED WAS IN HELL? YET THE BIBLE WHICH CANNOT LIE STATES, ONLY A FEW WILL BE–WITH CHRIST–Mt 7.
     If a person does not deny himself, and pick up their cross daily and follow Jesus now, they will not be with Jesus later.
     Only faith that would stand the test of dying for Christ will take you to heaven. Did your church ever tell you this? Faith that denies Christ under pressure is no faith. Little faith is not pleasing to God.
     Recommended–reading: Lk 16:19–31. Click here to go to top of page.

(14). FACTS YOU MAY NOT WANT TO BELIEVE REGARDING TODAY’S CHURCHES, AND PERHAPS YOU.

     You cannot follow the world and–Jesus, and go to heaven–ref Jn 9:23,24; Ja 4:4; Lk 9:23,24; 11:34,35; Jn 10:27. Many that believe in God and kn–w they a–e saved, will perish–ref Mt 7:14,21–27. Faith that saves will stand the test of hardships, persecutions, and even their head chopped off. Life is the test to s–e if YOU will hear/read & obey the Gospel–Exo 20:20, 2 Cor 8:8. Adam and Eve were tested, the Israelites in the wilderness were tested, Jesus was tested, and YOU ARE BEING TESTED.
     Jesus tells TODAY’S CHURCH and people, that its teaching and condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—but they do not know or understand this. Lukewarm Christians –ha–l be spit out and perish, except they repent–Rev 3:13–21; 2 –im 4.
     Today’s so–called “great preaching” in the pulpits, on the radio, TV, and in crusades makes a person feel good. There is laughing, entertainment, and teaching that makes people confident they are ready for heaven, but they are not. Some believe this is the best church age ever, but the Bible indicates it is the worst. Anything less than a total committment of love and obedience to Christ is lukewarm or cold and the lake of fire lies ahead. Jesus is the Word.
     Some may say, I want to hear that GOD loves me and is not willing that any should perish, but don’t tell ME “I” must repent–Lk 13:3; deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow Jesus (or follow the Bible)–Lk 9:23. Don’’t tell me about sin, or I need to forsake everything–Lk 14:33; and live for Christ–2 Cor 5:15. Don’t tell me I can’t do whatever I want–Gal 5:17; and I am to conform to the image of Christ–Ro 8:29. Don’t tell me I must be born–again and transformed, and my mind must be renewed–Jn 3:3; Ro 12:2.
     Many may say: No way am I going to forsake my plans, my dreams, my hopes, my desires and surrender all for Christ. My church does not teach this, nor do I want to hear it.
     Don’t tell me I should leave my church because it does baptism by sprinkling–Ro 6:4; Col 2:12, or it is against Israel, or doesn’t teach repentance, prophecy–Rev 19:10, soon–coming Rapture, Tribulation, judgments, or the lake of fire. If the blind lead the blind both perish.
     Rev 3:20 shows Jesus standing outside of today’s church (His church) knocking on the door. Will you open the door of your heart and let Jesus (God’s Word) come in? There is a vast difference between what Jesus taught versus the watered–down, sugar–coated Gospel, jokes & storytelling that deceives people today. This is not the age of revival—it is the age of falling. What profit is there if you gain the whole world, but perish for eternity? Click here rest of list.
     “Real” born again Christians LOVE GOD’S WORD, the BIBLE. They should be humble, broken, and fear God. Does this fit you? Examine yourself–2 Cor 13:5. A true, newborn Christian craves God’s Word so the Spirit of God can grow in them. Are you claiming to be saved, but that craving to study the Bible is absent? –1 Pe 2:2,3. Is your Bible collecting dust? Are you ashamed or afraid to speak of Jesus or the Bible, or to pray over your meals?–Mk 8:38.
     You need to trust in Christ, humble yourself, repent, be baptized by full immersion–Acts 2:38; Ro 6:4; Col 2:12; Mt 28:19.
     The proof a person is saved is their fruits, their desire to study God’s Word, their love for the brethren. To follow Jesus is to follow His Word. Click here to go to top of page.