Holy Week Message, part 2, Jesus Knew ALL - Pastor David

In part 1 of the Lion and Lamb Ministry Holy Week Messages, we learned that the LORD Jesus Christ is NOT divided, and that He is the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd. And, NOW we learn that...

JESUS KNEW ALL

“But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all. And needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man.” John 2:24-25.

To know all is to be omniscient. Let us read the Apostle Peter’s words to the LORD Jesus, “And he (Peter) said unto Him, LORD Thou knowest all things.” John 21:17. Then woman at the well said to the LORD Jesus, “I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” John 4:25. Note Christ’s reply, “...I that speak unto thee am he.” John 4:26.

That sinful woman learned that day that Christ needed not that any should testify of woman; for He knew what was in woman. Christ saw Nathanael under the fig tree. But because it was NOT with physical eye-sight, Nathanael cried, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God.” Christ assured Nathanael that He would see greater things. John 1:46-51. In John 13:1, Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of the world, “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”

JESUS KNEW FROM THE BEGINNING

“But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.” John 6:64. “For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.” John 13:11.

THE CHIEF SHEPHERD AND SIMON PETER

“This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, LORD; thou knowest that I love thee, He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea LORD; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, LORD, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:14-17.

Here the chief Shepherd was instructing one of His under-shepherds to feed and tend His lambs and to feed His sheep. The LORD’s Pastors are expected to feed the LORD’s sheep and lambs. Those who are Faithful in this will receive a crown of glory when the chief Shepherd shall appear.

Then the shepherd has another duty; he is to keep the wolves out of the flock. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” Acts 20:28-29. It’s a shame that MANY of today’s Pastors and Preachers are, in fact, the wolves!

The LORD Jesus pictures Himself as the good Shepherd in Luke 15:4, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”

Then remember the words of the Shepherd-King in Luke 12:32, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Remember, right here the LORD is addressing the Apostles BEFORE His death and resurrection, and BEFORE the direct revelation given to the Apostle Paul concerning the Body of Christ.)

Simon Peter became a Faithful shepherd. He was Faithful unto death. John 21:18-19, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.”

WHAT CHRIST KNEW ABOUT THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

In John 4:5-26 is recorded a most interesting story of a sinful woman of Sychar of Samaria. Before the story, we read in John 4:4, “And he must needs go through Samaria.”

Now we see why He must needs go through Samaria. The Savior was wearied with His journey and He sat at noontime on Jacob’s well. “There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.” John 4:7. The woman was surprised that Jesus should have asked her for a drink “for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” John 4:9, “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, ‘How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.’” Then the LORD Jesus talked to that poor sinful woman about water that would satisfy her soul. He called it “living water.” John 4:10. “’But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’ The woman saith unto him, ‘Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.’” John 4:14-15.

Here we think of 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a Faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Note also Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” The LORD Jesus Christ came to be the Shepherd seeking lost sheep. He came into the world to save sinners.

Almost any person will say, “I am a sinner,” because all of us ARE sinners. But only the LORD Himself can convince the individual that he is not only a sinner, but a LOST sinner. The sinner will not be much concerned about salvation until he realizes that he is LOST.

The LORD went right to that woman’s conscience after He had her interest and attention. He will now get right at her sin. “Jesus saith unto her, ‘Go, call thy husband, and come hither.’ The woman answered and said, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said unto her, ‘Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.’ The woman saith unto him, ‘Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.’” John 4:16-19. Another moment or two and she learned that she was in the presence of the Messiah, the Christ.

Note what she did, “The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, ‘Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?’ Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.” John 4:28-30. Note also John 4:39, “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, ‘He told me all that ever I did.’”

She knew that the Messiah could tell all things. Now the Messiah had read her sinful heart. But here we have the confirmation of John 3:17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” and 2 Cor. 5:19, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE: ANOTHER SINNING WOMAN

In John 8:1-11 we have another interesting story of Jesus and a sinful woman, “Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? (Now, right here let me point out the trap. The Law that is referenced for this stoning is found in Levitcus 20:10, and here’s what it says, "And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer AND the adulteress shall surely be put to death." NOT just the woman involved but the man also!)

“This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers, hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, LORD. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

Here we have in action the truth of John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” and John 3:17-18, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he bath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

What did the law say? “Stone her to death.” Christ was without sin. He could have thrown the stone that would have meant the woman’s death. The law was the ministration of condemnation and death. 2 Cor. 3:7-9. Under the law she deserved death. For every one under the law the law meant bondage. “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20.

Jesus Christ came to set the captive free. Christ did not come to throw stones at sinners. He came to judge hypocrites and un-clothe the self-righteous. And, undoubtedly we have noted in the Four Gospels that Christ never said an unkind word to any sinner who was willing to confess and receive pardon.

To another sinful woman, who was very penitent and sought Christ and His pardoning Grace, He said, “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. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:47-48. That woman learned the truth of Romans 5:20, that “where sin abounded Grace did much more abound.”

Christ never once winked at sin, or condoned sin, or minimized sin in any way. When His enemies wanted to condemn Him, they said, “And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Luke 15:2. In reply to this charge, the LORD told one of the greatest stories in all the Bible, the Parable of the Prodigal Son. We shall deal with this in a future message, but for now read Luke 15:20, “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

Now the words of Christ to the prodigal daughter, “She said, No man, LORD. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” John 8:11. Carefully note the words, “Go, and sin no more.”

We say that God saves us first from the penalty of sin and then from the practice of sin. “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin live any longer therein?” “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under Grace? God forbid.” Romans 6:2-15. “My little children, 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. “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” 1 John 2:8-9.

We read in Romans 8:1-4, that in Christ Jesus the believer is without condemnation by the Law of the Spirit of life. And in Christ Jesus and by the same law he is enabled to walk in the Spirit and fulfill the righteousness of the law.

ANOTHER COMFORTER

There is perhaps more said in the Gospel of John concerning the Holy Spirit than in all the thirty-nine Books of the Old Testament Scriptures. Before we look into John 14 and John 16 to study something of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, let us note John 7:38-39, “He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

“The Holy Spirit was not yet, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” Now note John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” And again Acts 1:5, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

Here we have the information that while Christ was on earth, the Holy Spirit did not begin the work He was to do, as outlined in John 14 and John 16. The LORD’s disciples had not yet been baptized in the Holy Spirit when Christ was with them in His resurrection body. Most assuredly the disciples of the LORD Jesus entered into a new experience on the day of Pentecost. About four years before that time some of them had heard John the Baptist say, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” Matthew 3:11.

We learn in John 17:25 that the world knows not the Father. We learn in John 1:10 that the world knows not the Son. And we learn in John 14:17 that the world knows not the Holy Spirit. We quote John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

In Galatians 3:14 and Ephesians 1:13, we learn that the believing sinner receives the Holy Spirit by believing the Gospel, by receiving Christ, by going by Faith to the cross of Calvary. As eternal life is the free gift of God, so is the Holy Spirit. Note Galatians 3:2-3, “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of Faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

We read this statement in Romans 5:5, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Then again in 2 Cor. 1:21-22, “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” Here we learn that the Holy Spirit is God’s gift. The believer does NOT have to labor for, or agonize for the Holy Spirit any more than he has to work for Salvation, which God declared “not of works,” “it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

We also learn that the believer is ANOINTED! The word “Christ” means “anointed.” The moment the believing sinner receives Christ, he is an anointed one with Christ. And note in 1 John 2:27, “But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth IN you.”

If the Holy Spirit is not in the individual’s heart, he is not saved, he is not a Christian. Strictly speaking it is doubtful if it is Scriptural to ask for a fresh or new anointing. It is altogether unscriptural to teach that in this reign of Grace the believer receives the Holy Spirit with him when saved and in him when he is sanctified by a second definite Divine work.

Sinners saved by the Gospel of the Grace of God TODAY do not have to wait three minutes. The very moment the believing sinner accepts Christ he is sealed by and with the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:14 and Ephesians 4:30). He is blessed at the same time with ALL spiritual blessings in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:3). How foolish for a believer to be looking for a second blessing when he has been blessed with ALL spiritual blessings in Christ.

The problem is that so many of God’s Children barely read the scriptures and don’t know how to use what they’ve received!

The Comforter was to come from the Father to abide in and with the disciples of Christ forever. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was on earth to bear witness of the Father. The Holy Spirit was to come to bear witness of the Son to testify of Him. He was to teach the disciples ALL things and to bring to their remembrance the things Christ had spoken to them in John’s Gospel and the others. But undoubtedly the deep things, recorded in John, were less understood by the apostles than His utterances in the Gospels.

Note again John 16:12-14, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall NOT speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify ME: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

Here we can learn the important work of the Holy Spirit and how helpless would have been the disciples of Christ without Him. Let us note something more of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts and the Epistles:

“And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” Acts 5:32.

“As they ministered to the LORD, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” Acts 13:2.

“Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.” Acts 20:23.

“And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” Romans 8:23.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 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. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:14-17.

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13.

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

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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)

Freedom, part 1: Believe to Be Free - Pastor David

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"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant (or slave) of sin. The servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son, therefore, shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed."

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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)

Holy Week Message, part 1, Division Because of Jesus - Pastor David

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"On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him." John 12:12-16

A DIVISION BECAUSE OF JESUS

In the days when Christ was here on earth there was a divi­sion among the people because of Jesus. There was even a greater division after His death and resurrection in the days of the Apostles. There is a still greater division in the world today be­cause of Jesus.

Let us read the following Scriptures...

“Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? So there was a division among the people because of him.” John 7:41-43.

“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.” John 9:16.

“There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” John 10:19-21.

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” Luke 12:51-53.

“He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” Luke 11:23.

In the John 7, from which chapter we quot­ed the first Scriptures, note the statement concerning the division because of Jesus:

“AND THERE WAS MUCH MURMURING AMONG THE PEOPLE CONCERNING HIM: FOR SOME SAID, HE IS A GOOD MAN: OTHERS SAID, NAY; BUT HE DECEIVETH THE PEOPLE.” John 7:12.

“Much murmuring”, “Some said”, “Others said.” And you know this is still going on today. Who were right, the some who said or the others who said? Some said, “Christ is a good man.” Others said, “Nay, Christ deceiveth the people.” Note in Matthew 27:63 that the “others” continued in their attitude toward Christ, “Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.” Matthew 27:63.

To them Christ was a deceiver. To them Christ performed miracles by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, here note Matthew 11:19, “The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.”

They called Him a blasphemer, because, being a Man, He made Himself God. John 10:33.

Today intelligent Jews join with Christians in declaring that the LORD Jesus Christ was a good Man. How good? Better than all the rest. There was a time when prejudiced and ignor­ant men declared that Jesus of Nazareth was deluded. They said He was not mentally sound, therefore, He made some false claims. But today, intelligent Jews, Christians, and non-Christian Gentiles are all agreed that Jesus Christ was the most intelligent man that ever lived on earth, as well as the greatest human bene­factor that the world has ever known.

What is the verdict then? The “some” who said, “Christ is a good Man,” were right. How about the statement of the “others”: “Nay, He deceiveth the people”? Did Christ deceive the people? If Christ really deceived the people, did He thereby prove that He was a good Man? In other words; could a man really be both a good man and a deceiver, especially if he continues month after month, and year after year, to deceive the people?

From the beginning of His earthly ministry until His death, and again after His resurrection, the LORD Jesus Christ claimed that He was God manifest in the flesh, that He was in the beginning in the God-Head, that He came down from heaven, that He had glory with the Father before the world was. Christ received worship as God. Christ proved His claim to Deity by His supernatural power, by His miracles, ACCORDING to the Scriptures.

If Christ declared that He was God from the beginning, that He had glory with the Father, that He came down from heaven, and if He really was NOT what He claimed, then surely He de­ceived the people. Such a deceiver could not be called a good man.

So, we must decide by common sense logic that Jesus Christ was both God and good, OR, He was not God and good. The Modernists who have crept unawares into the Christian church are far more inconsistent than were the Jews who took up stones to kill Christ when He was here on earth. They stoned Him, “because He made Himself equal with God.” John 5:17-20. In John 19:7, we learn why they had Christ crucified. Because He claimed equality with God.

Pay attention, the foolish MODERNISTS who have slithered in among church members, join with religious Jews in expressing great admiration for the man of Galilee, and dote much on the ideal Man, Jesus, with His ideal philosophy and His interpretation of God and true religion. They eulogize Him, quote Him, praise Him, and preach Him to Jews and Gentiles. But with all this they ever SEEK to make Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all the Apostles, LIARS, by saying that Jesus was a very good man, but that He was not born as the Bible de­clares He was born; that He did not come down from heaven; that He did not have Divine authority to forgive sins. He was not God, the Son. He was not God’s foreordained sin-bearer. His body was not raised from the dead. He is not now the resurrected Jesus at God’s right hand, as the Bible claims. And, that Salvation is not by Faith in the shed blood of the LORD Jesus Christ, but by charac­ter, by good behaviour, by actually imitating Jesus, by trying to live up to the RELIGION of Jesus. THIS is an ABOMINATION to God, and contempt for Christ!

Surely you and I agree that these pretenders, who call themselves Modernists, are only Christianized agnostics. They are far less consistent than were the Jews, who in the first century also denied the eternal Deity of the Son of God, and took a decided stand against Him, declaring that He was worthy of death.

Note this law of the Jews in Leviticus 24:16, “And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.” If Jesus Christ was not God, as He claimed time and time again, were not the Jews right when they said to Pilate, “Then Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” John 19:7? Leviticus 24:16 was the law to which the Jews referred when they spoke the words of John 19:7.

Even the thinking Jews today believe that Jesus Christ was too good to have been a blasphemer. They should accept Him then as God: for God He was. Remember what Thomas said when he was fully convinced “And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My LORD and my God.” John 20:28. Christ did not say, “Thomas, you are mistaken. I am a very good Man, but I am not LORD and God.” He received the worship. And remember His own words in Luke 4:8, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the LORD thy God, and him ONLY shalt thou serve.”

The pseudo-Christians claim to believe in the historical Jesus. The historical Jesus is the Bible Jesus. So when they decide on the authority of the Bible Record that Jesus was a good man, they must, if intelligent and consistent, acknowledge that by the same Record He was and is God. “JESUS CHRIST THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TODAY, AND FOR EVER.” Hebrews 13:8. “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:17.

HOUSEHOLD DIVIDED

Note again Luke 12:51, “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division.”

Look all about on every side, and see not only nations, cities, and communities divided because of Jesus, but families. If we could only know what is going on in homes where some members of the household are for Christ and some are against Him. Yes, there has been, and there is, a division among the people because of Jesus.

In the eternal ages there will be a division among the people, because of Jesus. Some will spend eternity with the LORD and His redeemed in glory. Some will be in perdition suffering the sorrows of the second death. Christ declared, “he that is not with Me is against Me.” Luke 11:23.

IS CHRIST DIVIDED?

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judg­ment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1 Corinthians 3:3. “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it” 1 Corinthians 11:18. “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1 Corinthians 12:25.

Note God’s will; that there should be no “schism”; no “divi­sion.”

What a pity! Christ’s Church so divided that the Apostles asked “is Christ divided?” Since that day divisions and subdivisions have increased, until today there are more than 300 branches of the Christian Church. The LORD said, “that there be no schism (division) in the Body.”

Ephesians 4:3-7, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One LORD, one Faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ”

Now, take a look at Romans 12:4-5, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Then note again Christ’s prayer in John 17:21 and John 17:11, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou host sent me.”, AND, “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou host given me, that they may be one, as we are.”

ONE NEW MAN

When we believers reach heaven perfect unity will prevail, and there we shall learn that God’s purpose in this age is ex­pressed in Ephesians 2:15, “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.”

One in Christ. In one Body of which Christ is the Head. Again note Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Now look at 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been made to drink into one Spirit”

As the unbeliever looks on and beholds the division, sectarianism, and lack of unity among Christians, he is asking, “Is Christ divided?”

THE OMNISCIENT CHRIST: I KNOW MY SHEEP

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:14, and John 10:27.

We read these words in 1 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The LORD knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

The LORD knoweth them that are His. The good Shepherd knows His sheep. He said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:11, and John 10:15. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28.

The LORD Jesus knows who is saved and who is unsaved. But God wants the believer to KNOW that he is saved, “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.

We read something more about Christ the Shepherd in Hebrews 13:20-21, “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” And in 1 Peter 5:4, “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

So we learn that the LORD Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd.

***

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)

Are We Chosen by God? - Pastor David

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Quite frequently we hear a Child of God quote Romans 8:28, especially when some sorrow or disappointment has been experienced. But it is interesting to note the “FOR” that CONNECTS this verse with the three verses that follow. Note Romans 8:28 and the three verses that follow, Romans 8:29-32:

“AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. FOR, (there it is), WHOM HE DID FOREKNOW, HE ALSO DID PREDESTINATE, TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, THAT HE MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN. MOREOVER WHOM HE DID PREDESTINATE, THEM HE ALSO CALLED: AND WHOM HE CALLED, THEM HE ALSO JUSTIFIED: AND WHOM HE JUSTIFIED, THEM HE ALSO GLORIFIED. WHAT SHALL WE THEN SAY TO THESE THINGS? IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US” ROMANS 8:28-32.

Here we note that God had, and has, a purpose. Note the words of Acts 15:18: “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” Surely if God is omniscient, He knows all things. God not only knew the end from the beginning, but God had a secret, or hidden, purpose from BEFORE the foundation of the world.

Note Ephesians 3:9, Ephesians 3:11, and Ephesians 1:12. “And to make all men see what is the dispensation (fellowship) of the Mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God. According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.”

Then note 2 Timothy 1:9 and Ephesians 1:4-5. “God Who hath saved us and called us with an Holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and Grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”

So, God’s Word tells us very definitely that God purposed in Christ BEFORE the world began that which He has revealed in the Epistle to the Ephesians. Look at Ephesians 1:9: “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself.”

God has made known the secret of His will. Then all Children of God should diligently search the Scriptures and learn that now REVEALED Divine secret. The sons of men in other ages and generations did NOT have this wonderful privilege; for God did NOT choose to disclose His eternal purpose to them, “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but NOW is made manifest to His saints.” Colossians 1:25-26.

Now go to Ephesians 3:5 and Ephesians 3:8, “Which in other ages was NOT made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; UNTO ME, who am less than the least of all saints, is this Grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches, or rather un-traceable riches, of Christ"

God wants all members of The Body of Christ to see this glorious truth...NOW, and to know the hope of His calling and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:17-18.

Again in Ephesians 1:11, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. An inheritance, being predestinated according to God’s purpose."

We should know, and be well studied in, God’s revealed secret, the Mystery of His will, His eternal predestinated purpose. And if we honestly endeavor to walk worthy of our calling, as members of the Body of Christ, and constantly endeavor to make others see the Dispensation of the Mystery, we can know and say positively, that all things work together for good for such Children of God who love God and are the called according to God’s purpose. For....for what? “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29.

Now, look at the questions in Romans 8:31: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” What blessed truth to know. BUT, what appalling ignorance among Children of God concerning God’s purpose and grace given us in Christ before the world began. Most of the Children of God in this age and generation, are as ignorant of this glorious Divine Truth as were the sons of men in other ages and generations to whom it was never revealed.

Perhaps you have observed that the Children of God who are opposed to the Doctrine of Eternal Security actually HATE the Doctrine of Predestination, for the two truths are inseparably connected. No Child of God should ever hate the Word of God. And every Child of God who really knows and believes the truth concerning God’s predestinated purpose believes in the eternal security of the believer.

“All things work together for good.” Note it, “for good.” To whom? To those who are the CALLED according to God’s purpose. And note the good things that God has on deposit for those who are called according to His purpose, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ: According as He hath CHOSEN us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” Ephesians 1:3-4

We can never appreciate either of these facts until we know both of them, namely, that those who are blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ, were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Ephesians 1:5.

When we learn these facts then we will begin to comprehend “with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with ALL the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:18-19.

How many Children of God are filled with all the fullness of God? How many Children of God even know what is MEANT by the fullness of Christ in Ephesians 1:23: “Which is His Body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all?”

Note the climax of the wonderful Mystery of God’s will. The magnificent purpose and grace given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Ephesians 4:12-13 says: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of The Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect Man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

We shall come to the fullness of Christ in the unity of faith. There is ONE Faith. Ephesians 4:5. God will permit no Child of God to see this glorious profound truth until that Child of God will receive the truth from the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures, that there is but ONE Body, even as there is but one Head of the Body, that there is ONE baptism (and it is NOT water), for this dispensation, even as there is but ONE Spirit. Children of God have been blinded by sectarianism, denominations, and traditions of men, and have made very little earnest effort to keep the unity of the Spirit on the basis of the seven-fold unity of Ephesians 4:3-7. Therefore, they could not obey Ephesians 3:9 even if they wanted to!

The present Divine program concerning the Body of Christ the hope and calling of its members was not prophesied by the men of old. Therefore the Apostle Paul speaks of this distinctive ministry as “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8. “Unsearchable” means “untraceable” and has the meaning of “un-prophesied,” NOT made known to other ages and generations.

So the Body of Christ, and the heavenly position and possession of members of this Body, were NOT prophesied; but they were PREDESTINATED, “According as He hath CHOSEN US in Him BEFORE the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Having PREDESTINATED us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Ephesians 1:4-5.

“Moreover whom He did PREDESTINATE, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:30.

So, we see that all the way from foreknowledge to glorification, Salvation is of God, and is by His Grace from beginning to end, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” 2 Timothy 1:9

However, there is also the human responsibility!

Note Romans 10:13-14, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” “How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

And 1 Corinthians 3:8, “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.”

WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US, THAT HE MIGHT REDEEM US FROM ALL INIQUITY, AND PURIFY UNTO HIMSELF A PECULIAR PEOPLE, ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS.” Titus 2:11 and Titus 2:14.

How often have we heard, “How are we to reconcile the ‘predestination’ message, with the ‘whosoever’ message?” Look, they are BOTH the TRUTH of GOD! They are both Bible doctrines. JUST preach them, and teach them, and let the Holy Spirit do the reconciling!

***

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)

Seventh Trumpet Sounds, part 1: Revelation 11:15 - Pastor David

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The Seventh Trumpet in Revelation 11:15 is NOT the "last Trump," of 1 Cor. 15:51-52, and it is NOT the "last Trump," absolutely either, but ONLY relatively; for it is only the last of the particular series of seven seen in Revelation.

FURTHERMORE, this trump of Revelation 11:15 is NOT called "the last": nor is it necessary for US to CALL it the last...and if we DO SO we are in error. However, the Trump in 1 Cor. 15:51-52, IS called The Last. It is the Trump which shall close our connection with the earth; and therefore there is a true sense in which it is OUR, (members of the Body of Christ), last Trump. The Trump of 1 Cor. 15:51-52, is the same that is mentioned in 1 Thess. 4:16.

Watch this important video message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iEavUQqTd4

***

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)

Judas' Betrayal: Predestinated or Not? - Pastor David

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The question has often been asked, “did God predestinate the fate of Judas?” If by this we mean “did God arbitrarily foreordain that Judas could not believe and be saved”, we are sure that no one who knows the God of the Bible would believe in such predestination. We DO believe the statement of Acts 15:18, “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.”

This question has been asked because of the words of Christ in John 17:12, “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the SON OF PERDITION (Where else is this phrase found in the Bible); that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”

A few preachers have coupled this Scripture with Romans 9:15 and Romans 9:21-23 to prove that the fate of Judas was foreordained. We quote the verses in Romans 9, “For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have com­passion (Romans 9:15). “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.” (Romans 9:21-23).

Again, concerning Judas we read in Acts 1:16 and Acts 1:25 these statements, “Men and brethren, this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might GO TO HIS OWN PLACE (hmmm, what does that phrase mean? But that’s a separate message)”

Here we learn that the Scriptures foretold the infamy and destiny of Judas the traitor. In the light of 1 Timothy 2:4 and many other such Scrip­tures, we know that God certainly did not influence Judas to betray the Lord Jesus and refuse His gift of eternal life. Note the words of 1 Timothy 2:4, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Now there is not the slightest suggestion in any Scripture that Judas was a saved man. In fact, the very contrary is taught. In John 6:64-65 we read, “But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.”

Here we learn that Judas, with the others, was an unbeliever, and then the Lord Jesus adds in John 6:70-71 these words, “Jesus answered them, Have not I CHOSEN you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.”

Here we learn that Judas is called a devil. Therefore it is altogether contrary to sound doctrine and plain Scriptural teaching to say that Judas was a saint and became a sinner, losing his salvation. Such a position is taken by some Christians who teach AGAINST the doctrine of the eternal security of the believer.

***

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)

Profaning the Name of the Lord: Origin of Saturn Worship, Genesis 4:25-26 - Pastor David

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So, yeah, wow, is there a LOT of confusion surrounding these verses in Genesis…“And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: (Now here comes the confusing part...) then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.” Genesis 4:25-26

So again, "Then began men to call upon the name of the LORD." Genesis 4:26. Now, if this refers to Divine worship it is not true. What was really BEGUN here was the profanation of the Name of the LORD. They began to call something ELSE by the Name of the LORD. The majority of the ancient Jewish commentators supply the omission of what is implied by the words "their gods"; basically saying that they called the stars and self made idols, which were their gods, by The Name of the LORD...and then worshipped them.

The Targum of Onkelos explains it like this, "then in his days the sons of men desisted from praying in the Name of the Lord." The Targum of Jonathan says, "That was the generation in whose days they began to err, and to make themselves idols, and surnamed their idols by the Name of the Word of the Lord." Then there is Kimchi, Rashi, and other ancient Jewish commentators who agree with this. Rashi says, "Then was there profanation in calling on the Name of the Lord." Jerome says that this was the opinion of many Jews in his days. Maimonides, in his Commentary on the Mishna (a constituent part of the Talmud), in A.D. 1168, in a long treatise on idolatry, gives the most probable account and that is of the origin of idolatry in the days of Enos. And, actually the name Enos agrees with this idolatry; for his name means frail, weak, sickly, incurable. The sons of men, as "Enosh", are so called for a similar reason (Job 7:17; Job 15:14. Psalm 9:20; Psalm 103:15. Daniel 2:43).

And think about this...If Jonathan, the grandson of Moses, became the first idolatrous priest in Israel (Judges 18:30), is it any wonder that Enos, the grandson of Adam, introduced idolatry among mankind. And then what ungodliness did Enoch, the seventh from Adam have to prophesy about in Jude 14-15, IF purity of worship was begun in the days of Enos, instead of profanation in calling the false gods by the Name of the Lord? Surely this is sufficient evidence that this profanation of the Name of the Lord was the reason why Enoch was raised up to prophesy against it.

Now with that said...know this...Saturn, Baal, Molech, and Nimrod (who can be found in Genesis 11), are identical in their myths and worship. Albeit Nimrod was an actual man, whereas the others are either fallen angels or high level demons, in any case they are ALL false gods. Throughout the Old Testament, beginning and during the conquering of Canaan in Numbers 25, and then persisting through the exile to Babylon, the LORD God warned and scolded the people of Israel for their worship of the hosts of heaven, and Saturn, Baal, and Molech, AND for making cakes to the “queen of heaven” (the wife of Baal) and weeping for Tammuz (their son). Ancient Israel’s fondness and devotion for the false god Saturn (et. al.) is well documented within the Word of God.

In Amos we read, "Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves." Amos 5:26-27. And then the Holy Spirit thru Stephen in his address to the leaders of Israel said, "Then GOD turned, and GAVE THEM UP to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets (Amos), O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan (Another name for Chiun, the false god represented by the planet Saturn), figures WHICH YE MADE to worship them..." Acts 7:42-43.

So we see that all the way back in the wilderness, and most likely prior to that in Egypt, some of the Israelites were worshipping the false god Saturn with the Black Cube, Saturn's star, the 6 pointed star, today commonly known as the star of David or the Seal of Solomon. David had no star! Solomon is another matter, as Solomon later in life went whole heartedly after the worship of this false god Saturn. Also they were taking up the tabernacle of the false god Moloch, causing their innocent children, as a process of Moloch worship, to be burned alive...this known in Scripture as passing thru the fire. Hence the LORD actually had to put this in the Law. Leviticus 18:21.

LORD willing, now you all have a better idea of how and when idolatry was introduced to humans.

***

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)

The Blasphemous Mass of Romanism - Pastor David

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Just before the Lord Jesus gave up His spirit upon the cross, He cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). His sacrificial work of redemption was done. The Greek verb here is in the perfect tense. It implies a process, but views that process as having reached its consummation and existing in a finished state.

In other words, the saving work of Christ was completed on the cross and continues in a state of completion. The verse can be translated: "It has been finished and stands complete" (John 19:30).

Roman Catholicism misrepresents, and blasphemes against, the finished work of Christ on the cross by saying that the sacrifice of the cross is continued in the Mass. Roman Catholicism claims that "God Himself wishes that there should be a continuation of the sacrifice" And so, Christ "has offered and continues to offer Himself as a victim for our sins"

According to Roman Catholic theology, at over 120 million Masses each year there is: An Immolation

As we have seen in our video "Witchcraft and the Mass", Roman Catholicism teaches that at each Mass, through the words and actions of the priest, Christ is immolated, in other words, made present, in His victim-hood upon the altar in the appearance of bread and wine. This, says the Roman Catholics, is "no mere empty commemoration of the passion and death of Jesus Christ, but an actual, true, and proper act of sacrifice, an unbloody immolation, a most acceptable victim"

This doctrine, is blasphemous, and terribly misrepresents the present resurrected and glorified state of the Lord Jesus Christ. Shall the living One who holds all power over death be continually presented in His death? Clearly not. Furthermore, the Bible makes no mention of an unbloody immolation. Scripture teaches that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). No blood, no propitiation.

Then there is, A Re-Presentation. Roman Catholicism teaches that at each Mass, Christ "offers Himself a most acceptable victim to the Eternal Father, as He did previously upon the cross." In the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest petitions God, "Look with favor on your Church's offering, and see the Victim whose death has reconciled us to yourself." The Roman Catholics explain that the priest is praying that "the Body and Blood of Christ may be the acceptable sacrifice which brings salvation to the whole world."

This re-presentation of Christ in His victim-hood, allegedly occurring millions of times each year at the Mass, misrepresents the accepted work of Christ. and is UTTER BLASPHEMY. But that's Romanism for ya.

***

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)

War in Heaven, Part 9: Mark and Image of the Beast - Pastor David

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Revelation 13:17, “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

The word for "mark" used here is charagma or brand. In ancient writings, generally known as the Papyri, charagma is always connected with the Emperor, and sometimes contains his name and effigy, along with the year of his reign. It was necessary for buying and selling. It is found on all sorts of documents, making them valid; and there are many on "bills of sale." Charagmais therefore the official seal; and this brand will be received by the great majority rather than suffer the torture of a violent death.

Revelation 13:18, “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six”

Now, the words here imply that the calculation is possible but difficult. The task is generally undertaken on the assumption that the problem is to be solved by Gematria, in other words, by reckoning (after the manner of the Hebrews and Greeks, who had not Arabic numerals) a letter as being put for the corresponding number for which it stood. But this is enumeration, not computation; and the vast number of names which have been thus formed forbid us either to increase the number, or to select from it. We believe the clue is to be found in the statement that it is "man's number."

Now, three is the Divine number. Seven is the number of the Spirit. Eight is the Dominical number, and so on. But Six (with its multiples) is peculiarly man's number. It is first mentioned in connection with man, for man was created on the sixth day. Six, therefore, is to man what the "hall-mark" is to silver. It is man's hall-mark; stamping everything which it is used in connection with as pertaining to man. The great defiers of God have been so stamped this way. Goliath was six cubits in height, his spear's head weighed six shekels, and he had six pieces of armor.

Nebuchadnezzar's Image was sixty cubits in height, and six cubits wide; and six instruments of music summoned its worshipers.

The number 666 has, moreover, another remarkable property. It is marked by the triple concentration or essence of six, being the sum of all the numbers which make up the square of six. The square of six is 36; and if you add, 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8, etc., all the way up to 36, it equals 666.

But the great significance of this number is seen when we remember that the secret symbol of the great ancient Pagan mysteries was SSS or 666; and that even today it is the secret connecting link between them and their revival in Spiritism and Theosophy which aim at the union of all religions in one.

The number 666 is expressed in the Greek by the following letters. The first “Chi”, pronounced “KEE” stands for 600, the second, “Xi”, pronounced “ZEE”, for 60, and the third, “Stigma” for 6. Now, the Stigma is not a real letter, but was a mark invented by the Greeks to represent 6. They called it stigma, and it is not without significance that, as associated with man, the word has come to be used in a bad sense.

Stigma is a sign usually made on the body, especially on the forehead and hands, by branding or puncturing, such as on slaves, soldiers, and so on. It was especially used as a symbol of the god whom they served (Leviticus 19:28; Leviticus 21:5; and Deuteronomy 14:1), and was supposed to be protective. This explains the use of the word in Galatians 6:17. The Apostle Paul regarded his wounds and scars received in the service of his Lord and God as not only being marks of his servitude, but marks implying that he was under God's protection. (Also take a look at Isaiah 49:16, Ezekiel 9:4, Exodus 13:9-16). Therefore he says, beware how you trouble me! (this explains why he uses the word "for") Take a look also at Revelation 14:1; Revelation 7:2; and Revelation 9:4.

Food for thought...Chi=600, Xi=60, stigma=6. “Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."
(Revelation 13: 18).
Greek and Hebrew do not have separate numbering systems. Each letter of the Alphabet has a numerical value, so that numbers are written with letters. "Six hundred threescore and six,"
is written in the New Testament Greek with the letters, Chi, Xi, and Stigma. The Greek Chi-Xi-Stigma is Six Hundred, Sixty and Six. It is also an acrostic abbreviation for the crucifix. Acrostic means that each of the number/letters is the initial letter of a word or phrase. Like an Acronym. The three Greek letters of the acrostic, in Revelation 13:18, need to be deciphered. Each letter is an initial in the cryptic abbreviation. The number 666, besides being the number of the Beast, is also an acronym describing an idol (abomination) or image of the Beast. Scripture says this image would be given a spirit (Revelation 13:15).

600 = Chi = khee = Christos = Christ; 60 = Xi = ksee = xulon = cross; +6 = Stigma = st = Stigma = pierced, puncturing, nailed through the hands.

Therefore, 666 = Christ-cross-pierced (image of Christ on cross = crucifix)

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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)

Witchcraft and the Mass of Roman Catholicism - Pastor David

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The Mass of Roman Catholicism misrepresents the finished work of Christ on the cross by saying that the sacrifice of the cross is continued in the Mass. Roman Catholicism claims that "God Himself wishes that there should be a continuation of the sacrifice" And so, Christ "has offered and continues to offer Himself as a victim for our sins"

Roman Catholicism teaches that at each Mass, through the words and actions of the priest, Christ is immolated, in other words, made present, in His victimhood upon the altar in the appearance of bread and wine. To be a sacrificed again and again. Human sacrifices are a staple of witchcraft and paganism.

This re-presentation of Christ in His victimhood, allegedly occurring millions of times each year at the Mass, misrepresents the accepted work of Christ, and is UTTER BLASPHEMY.

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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)