How to Become a Child of God - Pastor David

There are NOT many ways to become a Christian; there is just ONE way. A sinner may become a Christian in one day, in one hour, yea in a very few moments.

Christmas: True Timing of the Birth of the LORD - Pastor David

Super Bible Facts, pt. 10 of 10 - Pastor David

We can never understand the Bible until we learn from the Word of God and by the Spirit of God that the Dispensation of the Grace of God, the Dispensation of the Mystery, did NOT begin with Peter and Pentecost, but with Saul after his name was changed to Paul. The realization and application of this most important truth, will cause us to begin to understand the truth of Ephesians 4:13-14.

Child of God and the Law of Moses, pt. 3of3 - Pastor David

The Fruit of the Spirit, which is to be manifested by the Child of God who walks in the Spirit, is the very same love, joy, meekness, temperance, long-suffering, gentleness and goodness, DEMANDED in the Sermon on the Mount. Galatians 5:22-23.

Child of God and the Law of Moses, pt.2of3 - Pastor David

Righteousness is the requirement of God and the need of the sinner to have the approval of God. When the sinner receives righteousness as a gift from God, he likewise receives God into his life in the person of the Holy Spirit, and he can therefore fulfill the righteousness of the Law of God by walking in the Spirit. Romans 8:4.

Super Bible Facts, pt. 9 of 10 - Pastor David

Ephesians 2:1-9 teaches that no Gentile did or could commit the unpardonable sin. Very important to understand! Learn more, watch the video

Super Bible Facts, pt. 8 of 10 - Pastor David

There is a difference between the Grace of God IN a dispensation and The Dispensation OF the Grace of God. Ephesians 3:1-3. Surely we should know the difference between a sinner praying for mercy and seeking salvation....and the Ministry of Reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, in which the LORD and His Ambassadors are seeking the sinner and beseeching him to be reconciled to God.

Super Bible Facts, pt. 7 of 10

Moses, Samuel, David, Joel, Amos, and the rest of the prophets of Israel knew nothing, said nothing, and wrote nothing, concerning the Dispensation of Grace and the Dispensation of the Mystery which the RISEN Christ revealed, first, to the Apostle Paul. Ephesians 3:6-11, Colossians 1:24-27. Learn more, click the link

Super Bible Facts, pt. 6 of 10 - Pastor David

When we teach Hebrews 13:8, that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and for ever, we must empha­size that this refers particularly to His eternal Deity, BUT, that He changes as to His form and ministry. Click the link

Happy Thanksgiving from Lion and Lamb Ministry

Happy Thanksgiving Day everyone...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Super Bible Facts, pt. 5 of 10 - Pastor David

According to most authorities, Matthew was written before 40 A.D., before Cornelius was converted; whereas John was written about 95 A.D., nearly 20 years after the Apostle Paul died: AFTER the saints were thoroughly indoctrinated with the Pauline Grace message. Read More, click the link

Super Bible Facts, pt. 4 of 10 - Pastor David

Note this Bible fact in Matthew 15:24....I am not sent BUT unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Did you know that Jesus said this? And Matthew 10:5....These twelve Jesus sent forth and commanded them, saying, GO NOT INTO THE WAY OF THE GENTILES, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.

Body of Christ, Bride of Christ, and Israel - Pastor David

The Bride of Christ and The Mystery, the Body of Christ, belong to different operations in the overall plan of God. Both are formed by Christ, and both are based on the redemptive work of Christ, but there are many differences, leading to the conclusion that they are in fact completely different.

Child of God and the Law of Moses, pt.1of3 - Pastor David

The Galatians DESIRED, as crazy as THAT sounds, to be under the Law. Galatians 4:21. There are multitudes just like them in the congregations today. The Apostle Paul said concerning those who preached the Law to the Children of God at Galatia...I would they were even cut off which trouble you. Galatians 5:12. He also said...Let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9.

Super Bible Facts, pt. 3 of 10 - Pastor David

The purpose of these video, and the corresponding written, messages is to put together for members of the Body of Christ, members of the Lion and Lamb Ministry, and whoever may happen to watch or read them...these SuperFacts...in order to help you in your Bible Study. Here is the second set of 10 Super Bible Facts, with TWO bonus SuperFacts

Super Bible Facts, pt. 2 of 10

Click Here to watch the VIDEO on this message

Once again the purpose of these video, and the corresponding written, messages is to put together for members of the Body of Christ, members of the Lion and Lamb Ministry, and whoever may happen to watch or read them…these “Super-Facts”...in order to help you in your Bible Study. Now, as stated in Super Bible Facts, part 1, I want to reiterate here, that you all become fully aware that the messages from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation FIVE different groups or classes of people are addressed.

Once again, here they are:

1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.

2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.

3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.

4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.

5) To those who were of full age, called “the faithful in Christ Jesus.”

For an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to go and, watch or read, on our website, “Super bible Facts, part 1”.

Now I believe if you will keep these five different groups in mind, you will derive both blessing and benefit by carefully studying this first set of 10, (because we have 10 sets of 10) “Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) There is not one line concerning the Old Testament in the Book of Genesis. The Testament (Covenant), made OLD by the death of Yahweh Yahuwshua, The LORD Jesus Christ, was established about 2500 years after Adam left the garden of Eden. Hebrews 8:9-13. Exodus 20. Romans 5:20. Galatians 3:19. There is no reference to that Covenant in Genesis.

2) Abram (Abraham) was not a Jew. God called “Abram” in uncircumcision when he was 75 years old. Genesis 12:1-15. He was circumcised and became “Abra­ham” 24 years later. Romans 4:8-12. Genesis 17:6-16. The gospel was preached to uncircumcised Abram 430 years before the Law was given at Sinai. Galatians 3:8-17. Therefore, Abraham did not live under the reign of, or Dispensation of Law.

3) The word “Jew” is found for the first time in Esther 2:5, about 470 B.C., or centuries after Abraham was circumcised. “Jews” is found the first time in 2 Kings 16:6, about 624 B.C. The word “Jew” is found about 300 times in the Bible; the word “Christian”, 3 times. The Jews are called “Judah” or “Juda” about 812 times in the Bible.

4) When the word “Jew” or “Jews” is used in the New Testament Scriptures, it generally refers to Jews by religion, and the leadership, rather than to the descendants of Judah. John 2:13; John 7:11; John 11:55; John 19:42, and Galatians 2:14.

5) In Esther 8:17 is recorded the fact that Persian Gentiles became “Jews”. This, of course, refers to religion and not to race. The Gentiles thus were known as “proselytes.” The males were circumcised. Some of the devout Jews from every nation under heaven on the day of Pentecost were proselytes. Acts 2:5-10.

6) Abram was declared righteous 430 years before The LORD made the Covenant (now Old) with Israel. Galatians 3:16-19. Abram, in uncircumcision, believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6. Galatians 3:6. Romans 4:3. James declared that Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac. James 2:21. HOWEVER, that was YEARS after he was justified by Faith.

7) Abraham was not an Old Testament saint. Neither was his son Isaac, nor his grandson Jacob (Israel), nor any of the twelve sons of Israel, including Levi, Judah and Joseph. None of these were Jews by religion, although circumcised.

8) The Book of Romans (especially Romans 1) tells how God cast away the Gentiles, right about the time Abram was called out. Romans 11 relates how Israel was cast away right about the time that the Apostle Paul was sent to the Gentiles. The temporary casting away of Israel brought reconciliation for Gentiles and the Reign of Grace for the human race. This was AFTER Acts 13.

9) Nothing is said about the SABBATH during the 2500 years between Genesis 2:2 and Exodus 16:23. God gave no SABBATH to Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Not one of these fathers was under the Law. Abram found rest in a Person, NOT in a day. Abram had the Faith in God but no God given religion. He was circumcised 24 years after he was justified by The Faith.

10) The LAW was added 430 years after God preached the Gospel of Grace to Abram, till Christ fulfilled and abolished the Law. Galatians 3:17-19. 2 Corinthians 3:11-13. The LAW entered 2500 years after sin entered the world by Adam. Romans 5:20 and Romans 5:12. Therefore the “Law” DISPENSATION was both parenthetical and temporary. Galatians 3:19. Hebrews 8:7-13. The Law, which was contrary to man, was nailed to the cross. Colossians 2:14.

More Super Bible Facts, another 10, are coming in our very next video and written message! So, watch for it…

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Super Bible Facts, pt. 2 of 10 - Pastor David

The purpose of these video, and the corresponding written, messages is to put together for members of the Body of Christ, members of the Lion and Lamb Ministry, and whoever may happen to watch or read them…these “Super-Facts”…in order to help you in your Bible Study. Here is the first set of 10 Super Bible Facts.

Super Bible Facts, pt.1 of 10 - Pastor David

Now, before we can present the first in this series on Super Facts, you must become fully aware and learn of this very important fact...that from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation FIVE different groups or classes of people are addressed. Here they are...

Book of Revelation Series: The Churches - Pastor David

Revelation Series: Section 1: The Churches - Pastor David

The Revelation Series, Section 1: The Churches, is an examination of the churches or assemblies of Revelation 2 and Revelation 3 , and that in fact they are NOT the Body of Christ. But future assemblies of Jewish believers that will be HERE, on earth, after The Harpazo, after the Body of Christ has been caught up to meet The LORD in the air. The letters to these assemblies, when read carefully, differ immensely from the Pauline epistles. The Revelation Epistles are addressed to servants and speak of works and judgment, while the Pauline Epistles are addressed to SONS and Daughters and speak of our standing IN Christ, as His Body, by GRACE. And it was to the Apostle PAUL, not tp the 12 Apostles, that the Mystery was shown and explained.

Therefore, The Ecclesia, The Church of the Dispensation of Grace, is the BODY of Christ, and cannot be Israel, or the Wife, OR The Bride. For we are part of the BrideGROOM. We are IN Christ. This is the MYSTERY that was withheld, and hid IN God, from ALL of the prophets, and revealed to the Apostle Paul. We are even NOW forever connected to the GROOM, IN Christ and He in us.

The Child of God and Taking Hold of Eternal Life

First the Question: The Galatians DESIRED, to be under the law. Galatians 4:21. There are multitudes just like them in the congregations today. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now...

The Child of God and Taking Hold of Eternal Life

Click Here to watch the VIDEO on this message

The believer’s standing before God is perfect, because CHRIST, by one offering, hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14. “He that believeth on the Son is not condemned.” John 3:18.

On the cross of Calvary our LORD Jesus Christ became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, and when the sinner, by the Faith, accepts that work, his relationship is forever established. The same LORD is now the believer’s Advocate, at God’s right hand, to maintain his fellowship with God. 1 John 2:1-2.

Certainly there are many Christians who know very little about true fellowship with God, although they are children of God. This relationship has been established because of Faith in the finished work of the LORD Jesus Christ. They have salvation, BUT experience very little of the true joy of salvation.

What the member of the Body of Christ must come to know, is that we have been blessed “with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. “All are yours: And we are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23.

Through the Faith in the LORD Jesus Christ we have BEEN:

“Delivered from the wrath to come” 1 Thessalonians 1:10

“Delivered from the power of darkness” Colossians 1:13

“Delivered from the fear of death” Hebrews 2:15

“Delivered from the law” Romans 7:6

“Delivered from this present evil age” Galatians 1:4

Through the Faith in this same LORD Jesus Christ we have BECOME:

“Partakers of the Divine nature” 2 Peter 1:4

“Partakers of His holiness” Hebrews 12:10

“Partakers of His sufferings” 1 Peter 4:13

“Partakers of the heavenly calling” Hebrews 3:1

This is because we are partakers of Christ. Hebrews 3:14. Christ is our righteousness, our holiness, and our redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30.

The Christian’s spiritual resources are unlimited, but very few Christians ever learn how to possess their possessions.

Beginning as a newborn babe in Christ, the believer is exhorted to add to his faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love; and thus to grow in Grace and in the knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-7; 2 Peter 3:18.

“That ye might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10.

Our God would have us abstain from the very appearance of evil. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” So that we may be vessels, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s Service. 2 Timothy 2:19-22. As sons of God, we are called to Salvation, Separation; Service.

Christ said, “Occupy till I come.” Every member of the Body of Christ should be constantly occupied WITH Christ and FOR Christ.

Read about the LORD Jesus and Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was occupied FOR Jesus. Mary was occupied WITH Jesus. Christ said, “Mary hath chosen that good part.” Luke 10:42.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Child of God and Taking Hold of Eternal Life - Pastor David

There are many Christians who know very little about true fellowship with God, although they are children of God. What the member of the Body of Christ must come to know, is that we have been blessed...with ALL spiritual blessings in the heavenlies IN Christ. Ephesians 1:3.

The Child of God...Saved by Grace and Falling from Grace

First the Question: Many Christians know very little about true fellowship with God, although they are children of God. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now...

The Child of God...Saved by Grace and Falling from Grace

Click Here to watch the VIDEO on this message

“Will a Child of God fall from Grace if he or she continues in sin?” Is there in the Word of God the answer to this question?

The Greek word “Charis”, in the New Testament Scriptures, is translated “Grace” 128 times. Another form of the same Greek word, “Charisma,” is translated “Gift” 18 times. The word “Charis” is translated in the New Testament Scriptures, “Favour” six times. This same word is translated in 2 Cor. 1:15, “Benefit”; in 1 Corinthians 16:3, “Liberality”; in 1 Peter 2:20, “Acceptable”; in Acts 25:9 and Acts 24:27, “Pleasure”. In Ephesians 1:6 the believer accepted (is “Graced”) in the Beloved; the Greek verb is “Charitu”.

The word “Grace” is not found in Matthew and Mark; only once in Luke; and only three times in The Gospel of John, all three occurrences in the first chapter. The word “Grace” is found 79 times in Paul’s Epistles. Inasmuch as the word “Grace” is used 22 times in the Epistle to the Romans and the other form of the Greek word “Charisma” is used several times in that same Epistle, we surely are justified in calling The Book of Romans “the Grace Epistle”. Moreover, we can truly say, that Paul was Christ’s “Grace” messenger, although it was Peter who called God, “the God of all Grace”. 1 Peter 5:10.

In that wonderful chapter of Romans 5, where we have the comparison and contrast between the first man, who brought sin and death, and the Second Man, who brought righteousness and life, the climax is reached in that blessed Divine truth: “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (superabound).” Romans 5:20.

Thus we learn that God’s grace is altogether sufficient for man’s sin, man’s sins, and for the sins of the whole world, by and through the death of the Second Man. And by careful study of Romans 5 and Romans 6, Almighty God would have us learn that His super-abounding Grace, through The LORD Jesus Christ, can save the believer not only from the wages of sin, but also from the dominion of sin.

Many have been the controversies between different groups of Christians as to “falling from Grace”. Whether this particular expression has been used, or “the perseverance of the saints,” or “once saved, always saved,” or “the eternal security of the believer,” or “the apostatizing of the saint,” or “losing Salvation,” the arguments generally have been on this one question, “Can one continue in Grace and also continue in sin?” In the Epistle to the Romans, ten times The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul said, “God forbid.” The literal translation is better, “let it not be.”

“Let it not be” that the believer shall continue in sin that Grace may abound. Romans 6:1-2. “Let it not be” that a believer shall sin because he is not under the law, but under Grace.” Romans 6:15.

But here we do not have the answer to the question, “Will a believer fall from Grace if he continue in sin?” Is there in the Word of God the answer to this question? And, whom would you consider the more miserable: the Child of God who insists that once in Grace always in Grace and yet continues in sin, or the Child of God, who, because he has continued in sin, has lost all hope, has given up in despair, and insists that he has fallen from Grace and lost his Salvation. Let’s admit that both are miserable and perhaps should be. But what saith the Scriptures?

“FOR THE GRACE OF GOD THAT BRINGETH SALVATION HATH APPEARED TO ALL MEN, TEACHING US THAT, DENYING UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY LUSTS, WE SHOULD LIVE SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY AND GODLY IN THIS PRESENT WORLD; LOOKING FOR THAT BLESSED HOPE, AND THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF THE GREAT GOD, OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST; WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US, THAT HE MIGHT REDEEM US FROM ALL INIQUITY, AND PURIFY UNTO HIMSELF A PECULIAR (acquired) PEOPLE, ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS.” Titus 2:11-14.

Here we learn The LORD Jesus Christ’s purpose in giving Himself for us. “That He might redeem us from all iniquity.” “Purify unto Himself a peculiar people.” “Zealous of good works.” And we learn that the Grace of God that brought us this Salvation through Christ, would teach us how to live.

The sinner saved by Grace is to live a righteous life, a life of good works. For such a life, God’s Grace is sufficient. Hear what the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul says about it “And God is able to make all Grace abound toward us; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:8.

And for the believer’s infirmity and temptation, God again speaks in the same Epistle: “My Grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Cor. 12:9. Coupled with God’s Grace is God’s faithfulness, and again we have the promise: “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 of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

In a message through the Apostle John, the sinner saved by Grace has his word from the Holy Spirit: “These things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1.

In the light of these Scriptures, and many others, we say emphatically to Romans 6:1…“shall we continue in sin, that Grace may abound?” No! And we say emphatically to Romans 6:15…“shall we sin, because we are not under the law; but under Grace?” No!

Now, we certainly do not want to limit the possibilities of the Grace of God IN the life and FOR the life of any believer. And while we know that the Word of God clearly teaches that God’s Grace is sufficient for every trial, every temptation and every God given task, and is sufficient to keep the believer from sinning, yet we also know that no believer always does what is right, and always refrains from doing what is wrong.

So, question arises…Are we positive in our assurance that the Grace of God delivers from condemnation every Child of God who fails to do right and is guilty of doing wrong? YES!

Wrongdoing is sin. Failing to do right is sin. The wrong-doings and failures of some believers are far more numerous than those of other believers, and perhaps the sins of some believers are worse than those of others. But we have to agree that all Children of God do continue in sin to some extent; and perhaps we further agree that there is a difference in being overtaken in sin and willfully committing a sin; and we know that if we sin willfully after we have “received the knowledge of the truth, that there remaineth no more SACRIFICE for sins.” Hebrews 9:26.

Thank the LORD Jesus Christ, there does remain Forgiveness!

For not one of us believes that God’s Grace is not sufficient for His full pardon, cleansing and forgiveness for believers who sin, Whether, the sin be willful or otherwise. According to the Word of God, every Child of God needs that cleansing and forgiveness, whether willfully sinning or not. Now some would argue that at the moment of Salvation all of your sins, past AND future, were forgiven, and you were cleansed by the Blood of Christ, and His Righteousness was put to your account. Once, and for all. And to that I say AMEN! And yet we cannot ignore the plethora of Scripture such as 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” And this, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John wrote to “My little children” 1 John 2:1. That’s Children of God, not unbelievers. So, we can see this is NOT for forgiveness unto Salvation.

Now comes this question…Where do we have in God’s message of Grace the statement, that if a Child of God sins, he will fall from Grace? THEN, if the believer who sins does fall from Grace, and by thus falling, loses his Salvation, which, in the beginning was BY Grace, this begs the further question…How many sins, and just what kind of sins, must the believer commit in order to lose his Salvation, or fall from Grace? And that leads to…There must be a line over which the believer must step in order to lose his Salvation. See where this leads…to NO GOOD, that’s where! This propaganda propagated by Priests, Pastors, and Preachers (not all, so save your emails), is nothing less than Priestcraft! A methodology to keep you needing the Priest and NOT thinking you need the LORD Jesus Christ!

So then we must ask…Who is sufficient, besides God, to fix that line; and where in His message of Grace has He fixed that line? The stupid judgment that some Child of God who is guilty of wrongdoing has fallen from Grace so far that he has fallen away from Salvation, does not make it true. NOW, what saith the Scriptures…

“Whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from Grace.” Galatians 5:4.

The Child of God who knows that he is saved by Grace, knows positively that he is not Justified by The Law of Moses; and therefore he is not fallen from Grace; therefore we must apply some Scripture other than this verse. For here we have, rather, the teaching that some of those who would condemn their erring brothers and would teach them how to keep from falling from Grace, by doing this or refraining from doing that, might themselves be guilty of falling from Grace by the preventive they are offering to others!

Look, Salvation is not for sale. Every Child of God should know this fact. Salvation can neither be purchased nor earned. No man deserves Salvation or is worthy of saving. In God’s message of Grace no truth is more clearly taught than the fact that Salvation is never because of man’s good works or religious endeavors. The Child of God is saved to DO good works, UNTO good works, to be zealous of good works, to maintain good works. But…NEVER by, or on account of, or because of, good works, or any works. “IF BY GRACE, THEN IT IS NO MORE OF WORKS.” Romans 11:6.

"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Romans 4:4-5. And then, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.

Salvation is the gift of God. But, what must the sinner do to obtain that gift? The answer is, “through faith” And even the faith is God’s gift. It is by Grace. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing (itself), comes by the Word of God." Romans 10:17. And thus we call out for salvation, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" Romans 10:13, and as the Apostle Paul told the Philippian Jailer "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" Acts 16:31.

There is a big difference with Almighty God between working sinners and working Saints. And it is not for us to criticize or change God’s saving message of Grace because someone, who claims to be saved by Grace, is not denying ungodly lusts and living soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. The believer’s inconsistent behavior does not change the truth concerning God’s Grace Message of Salvation. It is the man who tries to supplement the Grace of God with works as the means of Salvation, who frustrates the Grace of God. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, “I do not frustrate the Grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:21.

A sinner is saved wholly, solely, altogether without any “if” or “and” or “but”, by the Grace of God, by Faith in the redemptive work of Christ. This is true whether or not the believer does right or wrong. You may condemn your fellowman now and say that his life proves that he does not believe, because he does not live the Christian life. You may be right; you may be wrong. However, “Who can lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?” “Who is he that condemneth?”

“There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1. Now, remember, every sinner saved by the Grace of God, should appropriate, by the gift of Faith, the super abounding Grace for a consistent life of godliness, and, as James has written, he should show his faith by his works; but it is unscriptural and untrue to say that any man can be saved by Grace + works.

Works can never be the factor in Salvation, but invariably the fruit; and, there should be, in every Child of God’s life, the fruit. But, alas, the fruit does not save him. The Grace that saved him will enable him to BEAR fruit; but he is saved by Grace without fruit.

There is perhaps no clearer message of Grace in all the Word of God than Romans 3:24-25, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood..."

Then, who is the happy man mentioned in this bit of Good News: “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Romans 4:8. If that happy man is the man who never does wrong, then that is no happy man! He feels jipped! But, the man who is Justified without a cause...Justified...declared righteous? How? Without a cause! That is pure Grace. And pure Grace is the sinner’s only hope.

It is not man’s work; it is Christ’s work; the death, burial and resurrection of that Perfect Man who was delivered for our offenses and raised again for our Justification. From first to last, “Salvation is of the Lord.” Jonah 2:9.

The Child of God who would try to pay for Righteousness or Salvation through the works of the Law or religion, after he has been saved by the Grace of God, is little better than the religious person who would NOT receive Salvation as the free gift of God, but prefers to work for it.

However Christians, genuine or counterfeit, may use or abuse God’s Grace, no matter if some may give up in despair because they feel they have fallen from Grace by continuing in sin, or if others claim that they cannot fall away from God’s Grace, if once saved, even if they do continue in sin, let us not be guilty of preaching another gospel, a message of Grace and religion mixed.

Neither let us endeavor to mete out the judgment to those who are unwilling to be taught how to live by the Grace of God. Rather let us always teach and preach to ourselves, as well as to others, that Salvation first, last, and all the time, is by Grace and Grace alone, and every man who is in that matchless Grace, and trusting in the Work and depending upon the Worthiness of The LORD Jesus Christ, is SAVED, and should day by day manifest his life in Christ, by a spiritual walk, and testimony.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

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Child of God: Saved by Grace and Falling from Grace - Pastor David

Will a Child of God fall from Grace if he or she continues in sin? Is there in the Word of God the answer to this question??

The Child of God as Ambassador for Christ

First the Question: Will a Child of God fall from Grace if he or she continues in sin? Yes or No?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now...

The Child of God as Ambassador for Christ

Click Here to watch the VIDEO on this message

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” 2 Cor. 5:20. THIS is The Body of Christ’s Commission!

There is no doubt that the member of the Body of Christ needs much training along Bible lines in order to work successfully with sinners in an effort to bring them to Christ; but the all-important thing is to believe in the terrible consequences of sin, the awful penalty awaiting the sinner at the Great White Throne judgment, and to know from personal experience that The LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is an almighty Savior from sin and its consequences. Both here and hereafter.

Such knowledge should create within the heart of every Child of God a passion for lost sinners, an earnest and sincere desire to see them brought to The LORD Jesus Christ, and washed in His blood.

A man said to me once, “If I believed what you do about eternal punishment and that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ could save sinners from the sorrows of the second death, I would use every ounce of strength in my being to tell every sinner in this town the story and then move to another place and do the same thing.”

The sinner knows that the Child of God is not in earnest about these eternal issues. Many Children of God never seriously take the message of salvation to sinners. It is UNBELIEVABLE, the wasted moments, hours, and days of God’s people, while millions on this earth are perishing without the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

And, regardless of what you might think, even many of your neighbors have never heard the Gospel of Grace before. They might be aware of other sentiments CALLED “The Gospel”, but it would AMAZE you to know the number of people who have sincerely never heard the True Gospel.

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at THINE hand” Ezekiel 3:18. The Apostle Paul said, “For the love of Christ constraineth us” 2 Cor. 5:14. Also, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” 2 Cor. 5:11. He likewise said, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise” Romans 1:14. If this Hebrew Christian, Paul, was debtor to the Gentiles, surely WE are debtor to the Gentiles AND also the Jews.

Think of the passion for souls that dominated the life of this man who said, “I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren” Romans 9:3. The Apostle Paul believed that eternal darkness awaited every man who failed to receive through The LORD Jesus Christ, the gift of Eternal Life. He tried in his day to reach every sinner he possibly could with this message. How full was his life! Which begs the question: What are YOU doing?

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” 2 Cor. 5:20. AGAIN, THIS is The Body of Christ’s Commission!

“For we are laborers together with God” 1 Corinthians 3:9

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” Romans 10:15.

Saul asked this of Christ, “What wilt thou have me to do?” Acts 9:6. In contrast, the Apostle Peter said concerning the Apostle John, “LORD, what shall this man do?” To this Jesus replied, “What is that to thee? Follow thou me”

Therefore, if no other Child of God assumes his or her responsibility, remember the Savior, is saying to YOU, “Follow thou me” There are nearly a billion souls who have never heard the gospel story. What are YOU going to do about it? RIGHT Where you live...

Some day we are going to look into the face of The LORD Jesus Christ, our Savior, and give an account of what we did with the Life He gave us. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” 2 Cor. 5:11. “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at THINE hand” Ezekiel 3:18. “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men” Acts 20:26.

May the LORD from this moment on have your life and mine fully dedicated to Him. Will you say to Him now, “Here, Lord am I, send me” WOW! that we might measure up to the Apostle Paul’s standard.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

{jcomments on}

Child of God as Ambassador for Christ - Pastor David

Regardless of what you might think, even many of your neighbors have never heard the Gospel of Grace before. They might be aware of other sentiments CALLED...the gospel, but it would AMAZE you to know the number of people who have sincerely never heard the True Gospel of the Grace of God.

The Child of God is NOT of this World

First the Question: What is the Commission of The Body of Christ today? Is it 2 Cor. 5:18-20, OR, Matthew 28:19-20?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 10-17-2012

Question: Even as The LORD Jesus Christ is not of this world, the Child of God is NOT of this world either. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! In Colossians 3, God explains to the Christian the meaning of Christ’s words in the seventeenth chapter of John, that the Christian is ‘IN THE WORLD’; but is ‘NOT OF THE WORLD’. Every Christian should read Colossians 3 at least one thousand times, and then by God’s all-sufficient Grace and almighty power, try to obey the command, “be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.” Now, out of the 744 responses we received to this question, 95.5% of those that responded got it right! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look in depth at…

The Child of God is NOT of this World

Click Here to watch the VIDEO on this message

Just before the LORD Jesus closed His ministry on earth He said to His disciples, “if the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. if ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:18-19). “I have spoken unto you that ‘IN ME’ ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Then Christ said concerning His disciples, in His prayer to His Father, “THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, even as I am not of the world.” (John 17:16). Meditate on that verse for a few moments and try to grasp what the LORD is saying.

It would seem from these words of the LORD Jesus Christ that Christians would know that the term ‘worldly Christian’ seems to be paradoxical. Note how the world is described in 1 John 2:16, “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 Forever.” Therefore Christians are instructed, in 1 John 2:15, “love not the world, neither the things in the world: if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” “The friendship of the world is enmity with God, whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4).

The unsaved person is said to walk ‘according to the course of this world’. (Ephesians 2:2). God thus instructs the saved person: “be not conformed to this world.” (Romans 12:2).

In Colossians 3, God explains to the Christian the meaning of Christ’s words in the seventeenth chapter of John, that the Christian is ‘IN THE WORLD’; but is ‘NOT OF THE WORLD’. Every Christian should read Colossians 3 at least one thousand times, and then by God’s all-sufficient Grace and almighty power, try to obey the command, “be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.” There is no higher spiritual truth in the entire Bible than in Colossians 3, which begins, ”if ye then be raised with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, NOT on things on the earth, Put to death therefore your members upon the earth”. After mentioning some of the sinful habits that are to be put away, these words of warning are added: “for which things’s sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” (Colossians 3:6).

Note in this same Epistle to the Christians, or saints, what the LORD’s spiritual leaders wished for all of the Christians, and that for which they prayed fervently: “that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12)…“that ye might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that ye might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10).

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Child of God is NOT of this World - Pastor David

In Colossians 3, God explains to the Christian, the Child of God, the meaning of the words of Christ in John 17, that the Christian is IN THE WORLD, but is NOT OF THE WORLD.

The Child of God and the Security of Salvation

First the Question: Even as The LORD Jesus Christ is not of this world, the Child of God is NOT of this world either. True or False?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 10-15-2012

Question: Can you, after truly BELIEVING in the LORD Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior, LOSE your Salvation and standing IN Christ as a member of the Body of Christ? Yes or No?

Answer: NO! A Christian should be confident that the same sufficient grace of the same almighty Savior, that saved his soul, will keep him until the day of redemption. “Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall at appear, we shall be like Him: for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2. Now, out of the 767 responses we received to this question, 91.5% of those that responded got it right! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look in depth at…

The Child of God and the Security of Salvation

Click Here to watch the VIDEO on this message

A young man waited around recently in a meeting to talk with me. The first question I put to him was, “Are you saved?” He replied, “I hope so.” I said, “Do you hope that Christ died for your sins?” He said, “I know He did.” Then I asked, “Do you hope that you believe on Him?” He said, “I am sure that I do.” I then read to him these words from the Word of God: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth Him that sent me, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, and shall not come into judgment; but is passed out of death into life.” John 5:24.

“Do you truly believe?” I asked the young man. “I most certainly do”, was his reply. Then said I, “Are you saved?” He said, “I can only say ‘I hope so.”’ I said “Forget what YOU say, but what does the Word say? Read it for yourself.” “Heareth…believeth…hath everlasting life.” “Does it say that if you hear and believe you have the right to hope that some day you might be saved?” “No,” he said, “hath everlasting life.” Then, I said, “why do you not believe it and have the assurance?” He said, “I wish I could.”

Dear friends of the Lion and Lamb Ministry, dear Christians the world over, do not dishonor the LORD Jesus Christ, by doubting his Holy Word.

Satan causes many unsaved religious people to feel that they are perfectly safe and that all is well with their souls; while on the other hand he brings doubt and fear into the minds and hearts of many true believers who are really saved, but who are untaught in the Word of God. Many such believers when asked the direct question, Are you a Christian? or Are you saved? reply…I believe so…I think I am, or, I hope to be saved when I die.

Many Christians are being taught by ignorant teachers to do all kinds of things to keep from losing their salvation. Others depend very largely for their assurance upon their feelings of their faithfulness in service. The Bible speaks of believers as those: “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, Wherein ye greatly rejoice.” 1 Peter 1:5.

The sinner is saved by the power of God through The Faith; and receiving the salvation, he becomes a Christian. The Christian is kept by the same power; by the same God; through the same Faith. Let us refer to three verses in the Epistle to the Romans and emphasize the expression “much more”…“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. MUCH MORE then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, MUCH MORE, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” Romans 5:8-20.

Certainly if God loved us when we were the children of wrath, when we were His enemies, out in the world in sin, serving the devil, He will not love us any less, now that we have become His children. Looking moment by moment to our Father for grace and strength and guidance, we should walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. We should seek to please Him in thought, word and deed; that is, we should act like God’s children. But we are His children by Faith in Christ Jesus. By grace are ye saved. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform (further perfect) it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.

A Christian should be confident that the same sufficient grace of the same almighty Savior, that saved his soul, will keep him until the day of redemption. “Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall at appear, we shall be like Him: for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2.

Let us always remember that it is the Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. When you believed the gospel of salvation, “Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.” Ephesians 1:13-14. And furthermore God clearly states that this sealing is “unto the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30. “For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5.

Can you not rest, as the Apostle Paul did, in the gracious promises of the faithful God? Paul said, “in hope of eternal life which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Titus 1:2. Therefore he had always sweet and blessed assurance.

Paul was willing to rest his soul in the One who died for him, and who had taken His seat in heaven, where He ever liveth to make intercession for His saints, and who is, therefore, “able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God, by Him.” Hebrews 7:25.

It was this same Christ who declared to His disciples in the John 10, that He was the Good Shepherd who would give His life for the sheep. In this chapter He said: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29. Eternal life is eternal life. It is not life for a few months, for a few years. It is life that is forever. And remember Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” John 6:47. When He entered heaven once for all, He obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12.

Eternal life never depends upon our faithfulness in service; it is the gift of God to believers. Romans 6:23

Our desire always should be to be faithful in service for Him who has done so much for us, and who said, “If any man serve me, him will my Father honor.” But at the same time we should say at all times, “And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God, by faith.” Philippians 3:9. We are not righteous in God’s sight, because of our righteous acts, but because of the acts of Christ, the Righteous. We should live righteously because we are on the way to heaven. But we are not on the way because we live righteously, but because we are righteous by The Faith in the One who was made sin on the cross of Calvary that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:21. We are not discounting the value of good works, but want to impress upon your mind and heart that the believer is justified without works. Christians should always maintain good works.

In Exodus 12 is recorded the story of the Passover. The children of Israel were instructed to slay the lamb and sprinkle its blood above their doors and thus escape the wrath of God when He came that night in judgment upon all the firstborn males of Egypt. God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

“Under the blood” was the only place of safety that dark night. No one was safe because he felt all right, or felt safe.

How many thousands of poor deluded sinners there are today on the road to perdition, to suffer forever the sorrows of the second death, who FEEL all right. They are apparently not the least disturbed about their spiritual welfare or their eternal destiny. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

The story has been told of two Hebrew boys, the firstborn sons, who were delivered that night in Egypt. Their fathers had been very careful to see that the blood was placed where God had told them. Therefore, the two boys were perfectly safe and in no danger of judgment. But, according to the story, there were two entirely different scenes in the two homes. The boy in one home went peacefully to sleep, having absolute confidence in God’s promise and the assurance that he would rise to see another day. In the other home, the boy spent a sleepless and restless night and continually had to be reassured by his father as to the faithfulness of God and his own security under the blood. When the morning came he was just as much alive as the other firstborn, but he was worn in mind and body, and he was ashamed because of his lack of trust and confidence in the almighty Deliverer. Both boys were equally safe, but they were by no means equally certain and assured. So it is with Christians today. Are you not safe, sheltered under the precious blood of Christ?

It is dishonoring to God for any true believer to doubt his salvation!

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father.” Romans 8:15. “The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16. And joint‑heirs with Christ. Is it not blessed to be saved for time and eternity? Let us remember that “Jesus having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end.” John 13:1.

Do you doubt that God will hear and answer the prayer which Christ made for His own: “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou has given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory?” John 17:24. We believe our Savior. And because we believe Him, we are going to say with Paul: “I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39.

If you have really surrendered to the Son of God and are trusting in His finished work, if you have thrown yourself on the Grace and merry of God for your salvation, in other words, if you have committed your way unto the LORD and you are also trusting in Him, remember that he will bring it to pass. Do not say, “I think I am saved,” “I hope I am saved,” “I believe I am saved:” But say, “I know I am saved.” God says so. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God:” 1 John 5:13.

If you know that you believe, then you know that you are saved. Why? Because God’s Word says so. And, “He, that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.” 1 John 5:10.

Now, bow and thank God for your assurance!

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Child of God and the Security of Salvation - Pastor David

It is dishonoring to God for any true believer to doubt his salvation! Eternal life never depends upon our faithfulness in service; it is the gift of God to believers. Romans 6:23

The Child of God and the Two Natures Within

First the Question: Can you, after truly BELIEVING in the LORD Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour, LOSE your Salvation and standing IN Christ as a member of the Body of Christ? Yes or No?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 10-12-2012

Question: Can a Child of God reach, through a SECOND work of Grace, the state of sinless perfection? Yes or No?

Answer: NO! Christians have tried all kinds of religious schemes and joined all kinds of fanatical movements to get rid of their sinful natures. Many of them have deceived themselves, but no one else, into believing that they have been successful. There are some who claim for themselves that they have reached, through a second work of grace, the state of sinless perfection. Such a doctrine and position is not only contrary to Scripture, but contrary to the experience of any and every Christian. Now, out of the 734 responses we received to this question, 88.5% of those that responded got it right! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look in depth at…

The Child of God and the Two Natures Within

Click Here to watch the VIDEO on this message

When the sinner becomes a Christian, he receives a new nature from God; He or she is now a NEW direct creation of God, he becomes a partaker of the Divine nature. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name” John 1:12.Because the Christian does not lose his old sinful nature, he is soon conscious of warfare within.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary one to the other; so that ye may not do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17. Christians have tried all kinds of religious schemes and joined all kinds of fanatical movements to get rid of their sinful natures. Many of them have deceived themselves, but no one else, into believing that they have been successful. There are many who claim for themselves that they have reached, through a second work of grace, the state of sinless perfection. Such a doctrine and position is not only contrary to Scripture, but contrary to the experience of any and every Christian.

However, there is victory in Christ for every fully yielded believer

The Apostle Paul has well described the believer’s experience in these words, “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Romans 7:22-23. Notwithstanding this warfare, he exhorts his fellow saints in these words, “Let not sin therefore REIGN in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” Romans 6:12. It is one thing for sin to dwell in the believer; it is another thing for sin to reign in him. The believer is urged to be constantly on his guard, to be sober, vigilant, prayerful, yielding himself moment by moment to the Lord.

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” “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 of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

This does not mean that the Christian will lose his salvation, but he can fall into sin, if he does not do that which he is commanded to do, which is...“Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” Romans 6:13. He is likewise commanded, “Submit yourselves unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4. It is because of this great fact that God instructs us, “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11. For said Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16.

There is victory for the Christian in the Lord, and this victory comes by walking in the Spirit. All who thus walk fulfill the righteousness of the law by manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Against such there is no law. Romans 8:4. Galatians 5:22. “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8.

In previous messages we have dealt with the Christian’s conflict with the world and the devil, but we are here dealing with an enemy which in this life never leaves us nor forsakes us, but which will hinder, defeat and disgrace us unless we are ever and always yielded to the LORD, and can truly say, “The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me and Who gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

When we are born of our parents we inherit a nature of sin which abides with us as long as we abide on this earth. When we are born of God we receive a Divine nature. We are born from above. With such Divine power we can put to death the deeds of the flesh. The old man came to an end at Calvary, as we see from Romans 6:3-6. Believers died with Him, this is a SUPER important point. But the believer must constantly put off the old man and put on the new. “That ye put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man...And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:11-14.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Child of God and the Two Natures Within - Pastor David

When the sinner becomes a Christian, he receives a new nature from God; He or she is now a NEW DIRECT creation of God, he becomes a partaker of the Divine nature. John 1:12. However, because the Christian does not lose his old sinful nature, he is soon conscious of warfare within.

Child of God and Prayer - Pastor David

Is it not wonderful and amazing, to think that a way has been provided whereby creatures here on this earth can really communicate with the Creator, who is all powerful and all wise; with the Great God who is a loving and compassionate Father of redeemed sinners, sensitive to all of their needs?

The Child of God and The Word of God, The Bible

First the Question: Christians not only have the privilege of praying to The Almighty God, Who is their Father; but they are COMMANDED to pray to Him. True or False?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 9-28-2012

Question: The Christian cannot grow spiritually, cannot defeat Satan, cannot please God, cannot escape heresies; unless the Christian diligently, systematically, and prayerfully, studies the Holy Word of God, the Bible. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! We are born by the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23. James 1:18-21. 2 Thess. 2:13. We grow by the Word of God. 1 Peter 2:1-2. We are built up by the Word of God. Acts 20:32. We are separated by the Word of God. John 17:17. We are clean through the Word of God. John 15:3. We are to go everywhere and preach the Word of God. 2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 8:4. Now, out of the 932 responses we received to this question, only 93.2% of those that responded got it right! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look in depth at…

The Child of God and The Word of God, The Bible

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“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth:” 2 Timothy 2:15. “We are His workmanship.” Ephesians 2:10.

As we stated in a previous article, we are not ready to work FOR God until we are sure that we are first the workmanship OF God, “created in Christ Jesus”. “God hath chosen you unto salvation through belief of the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13; “Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17. The sinner saved by grace is the workmanship of God. To be saved by Grace is to be Born Again, “not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”

There are times when some seem fearful that the Word of God will be destroyed; but the Psalmist said: “Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven.” Psalm 119:89. Truly the Word of God liveth and abideth forever. Men and generations may change in their attitude toward God’s Word, but His Word never changes. By this Word of God, we are Born Again, and become new born babes. “As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2.

Some young Christians, as well as old ones, are unceasingly active, but growing very little, because they are not regularly and systematically studying the Word of God.

One of the signs of a healthy Christian is a real appetite for the Word of God, an appetite satisfied by constantly feeding upon that Word. Jeremiah said, “Thy Words were found, and I did eat them, and Thy Word was unto me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart.” Jeremiah 15:16.

Hundreds of times in the Bible do we find the expression, “The Word of the Lord.” “God spake all these things.” Surely the Word of God is life giving and powerful, and “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. Hebrews 4:12.

The moment doubt creeps into the heart as to the plenary inspiration of God’s Holy Book, the moment the individual begins to question the infallibility, accuracy or integrity of the Word of God, the moment Holy respect for God’s absolute authority begins to wane; what follows is that if faith and obedience are not restored, “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25

The Psalmist said, “I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalm 119:162.

“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12.

The ignorance of the Word of God among Christians is appalling!

Think of the wonderful privilege that we have today with the complete revealed Will of God, bound in one volume, with every help imaginable; and yet how few Christians are taking advantage of their opportunity.

I heard a great line a while back that rings so true, “The Church today needs more teach and less preach.” Careful and prayerful Bible students are not easily swept off their feet with false doctrines into Satanic and fanatical cults. “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.” Hebrews 13:9.

God’s instruction to the saint is, “Try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1. Well how can we try them unless we know the Scripture which is “given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Every Christian should be like those at Berea, who “were more noble than they at Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11.

If you want to be a sower for God, remember, “The sower soweth the Word” Mark 4:14. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17.

There is no substitute for the Word of God. God has not promised to bless our logic and eloquence; unless they convey to the human heart His own eternal Word. Nor has He promised to save souls by human philosophies and schemes. The seed is the Word of God, “the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” 2 Timothy 3:15.

When the Son of God was tempted by the devil He used the Sword of the Spirit, “It is written.” Luke 4:4; Luke 4:8-12. So every Christian in his conflict against the Devil is instructed to use the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17. But how can you if you don’t know it!

Remember then, Christian, you cannot grow spiritually; you cannot defeat Satan; you cannot please God and get the greatest joy in your Christian life in service and victory; you cannot escape heresies; unless you diligently, systematically, and prayerfully study God’s Holy Book.

“How sweet are Thy Words unto my taste! Yea sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103.

So we are born by the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23. James 1:18-21. 2 Thess. 2:13.

We grow by the Word of God. 1 Peter 2:1-2.
We are built up by the Word of God. Acts 20:32.
We are separated by the Word of God. John 17:17.
We are clean through the Word of God. John 15:3.
We are to go everywhere and preach the Word of God. 2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 8:4.

“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” 1 Peter 1:24-25.

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

“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth; for thou bast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2.

“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” Psalms 119:140.

“Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” Psalms 119:161-162.

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

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16.

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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Child of God and the Word of God, The Bible-Pastor David

The Christian cannot grow spiritually, cannot defeat Satan, cannot please God, cannot escape heresies...unless the Christian diligently, systematically, and prayerfully, studies the Holy Word of God, the Bible

The Words of Jesus Christ and the Words of the RISEN Jesus Christ

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There has been, and even today still is, MUCH controversy over the teaching of The Mystery, which the Holy Spirit first revealed to and then taught through the Apostle Paul.

MANY “Christian” Fundamentalists have joined with Modernists in attempting to exalt "the teachings of Jesus" (while on earth) above the Word of God through the Apostle Paul. They ask, "Which should bear the greater weight with us, the words of Jesus, or the words of Paul?"

This is the classic straw-man argument. Because, see, they do not ask this because they truly desire to OBEY these "words of Jesus" and to see them obeyed. NO! For they flagrantly disregard and disobey them, from the Sermon on the Mount to the Great Commission.

With regard to the Sermon on the Mount, they do not subject themselves to the Law of God given through Moses (Matthew 5:17-19). They do not bring gifts to altars of sacrifice (Matthew 5:23-24). They do not give freely to all who ask of them, quite the opposite (Matthew 5:42; Matthew 10:8-9). They do not refrain from laying up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19, and Matthew 6:25-26); And they certainly do not sell what they have and give alms (Luke 6:30; Luke 12:33).

Let's not stop there...then, these hypocrites, while professing obedience to the so called "Great Commission" as "the Church's marching orders", they do not proclaim faith AND baptism for salvation (Mark 16:16); they do not, (they cannot), perform miraculous signs (Mark 16:17,18); they do not give the Jew first place in their ministry (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8), and they certainly do not teach others to observe all things that Messiah on earth commanded (Matthew 28:20).

So why? Why do these hypocritical fundamentalists and modernists set "the teachings of Jesus" (on earth) over and against the teachings of the RISEN Jesus through the Apostle Paul? Well, it is NOT because they are determined to obey Jesus, but because they are determined to minimize that which God has "magnified", and that is, the authority of the Apostle Paul as "the apostle of the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13).

They seek to exalt the teachings of Jesus during His earthly ministry above those of the RISEN Jesus through the Apostle Paul BECAUSE they have closed their ears to the often repeated and Holy Spirit inspired teaching of the Apostle Paul that the glorified RISEN Christ spoke from heaven, to and through him, committing to him "The Dispensation of the Grace of God". THE program for the day in which we live (Acts 20:24; Acts:22:6-10, Acts 22:17-21; Acts 26:12-18; Romans 11:13; Romans 15:15-16; Romans 16:25-26; 1 Corinthians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:16; Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:11-12; Galatians 2:7-9; Ephesians 3:1-9; Ephesians 6:18-20; Philippians 4:9; Colossians 1:23-27; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 Timothy 2:5-7; 2 Timothy 2:7-9; Titus 1:2-3).

But MORE than this, they have forgotten the STERN rebuke the Galatians received for failing to recognize the Apostle Paul's teachings as a message from the RISEN, Glorified, Exalted Christ (Galatians 1:6-12). They have taken lightly Paul's words to the Corinthians, "if I come again I will not spare: since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me" (2 Cor. 13:2-3).

These hypocritical fundamentalists and modernists have, as well, distorted the Holy Spirit's admonition through the Apostle Paul as to His own writings, "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, from such withdraw thyself" (1 Timothy 6:3-5).

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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Words of Jesus and Words of RISEN Jesus - Pastor David

Which should bear the greater weight with us, the words of Jesus during His earthly ministry, or, the words of the Risen Jesus given to and taught through the Apostle Paul? Find out, click the link to learn more

Are You Spiritually Ignorant?

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Please read Romans 10:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Romans 11:25-26

Because of the prayer of Christ on the cross (Luke 23:34), and because Christ’s death had to be AS it was, and WHEN it was, by God’s eternal decree and purpose, (Acts 3:18; Acts 4:25-28; Acts 2:22; 1 Peter 1:18-20), God was willing to forgive Israel’s murder of Christ (Acts 7:51-54) on the ground of ignorance. (Acts 3:12-17). Some of the Israelites did repent. But the rulers and the nation as a whole would not.

Later, from the Nation Israel, God had a remnant according to the election of grace, and “The rest were blinded.” (Romans 11:5-12). Israel stumbled over the Stumbling stone. (Romans 9:32-33). “For they, being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the END OF THE LAW for righteousness to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 10:3-4).

Israelites, with the exception of a few Hebrew Christians, are still blind and still ignorant of God’s righteousness. But a very large percentage of the Gentiles, including millions who are church-members, are just as ignorant as were, and are, the blind Jews. They prefer to endeavor to establish their own righteousness with God, which is impossible, rather than have the righteousness of God established by Christ. (2 Cor. 5:21). This righteousness by the Faith is available for any Gentile or Jew.

Because the rulers of this world were ignorant, they crucified Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:7-8). The natural man, even though cultured and exceedingly religious, is ignorant of spiritual things. They are foolishness unto him. (1 Corinthians 2:12-14; John 3:1-13).

Spiritual things are not revealed to the wordly wise, “the wise and the prudent”; but “unto babes and sucklings.” This is God’s way, (Luke 10:21, 1 Corinthians 1:27-31).

The Divine truth of Romans 11:25-33 is so important for Christians to believe. Read very carefully Romans 11:25-26, “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this Mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”

When religious Christians are wise in their own conceits, the Holy Spirit cannot teach them this wonderful truth, which must be understood, if we are to know what God is now doing and what He will do in another age.

Why does the Holy Spirit say in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, “I would not have you ignorant”? Because He knew that religious sectarians would have their own creeds and programs, and that the truth of God concerning the Glorious Rapture of the Church would or could have no place in them.

Just ask yourself, Why do the majority of the most spiritual Christians NOT obey Ephesians 3:9, “And to make all men see what is the Dispensation of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God”? Because they have more or less of Judaism in their programs, which they cherish more than an obedience to Ephesians 3:9, most Christians will not obey Ephesians 3:9 and Ephesians 1:16-18. Now you know!

Only as we understand the first mystery of Romans 11:25-33 can we begin to understand the Mystery of Christ in Ephesians and Colossians. We must know the truth of Romans 11:30, that Gentiles received God’s mercy because of Israel’s unbelief. Salvation was sent to Gentiles, when and because of the fall of Israel. (Romans 11:11). Israel had not fallen, or been set-aside at the time Peter preached to Cornelius.

If they are not ignorant of the prayers of Ephesians 1:16-18; Ephesians 3:14-19; Ephesians 6:19-20 and Colossians 4:3-4, then they are willfully shutting out the light which comes with receiving the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation for this special Glorious Truth!

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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)