Holy Week Message, part 2: Jesus Knew ALL

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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.”

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Five Different Groups Addressed from Matthew to Revelation

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Now, it is of the utmost importance, in your study of the Bible, that you all become fully aware and learn of this very important fact...The Fact that from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation 5, FIVE, different groups or classes of people are addressed.

And 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."

The words of the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 15:24 and Matthew 10:5-8, should be self explanatory. Christ definitely declared that He Himself was sent ONLY to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and instructed the twelve apostles, just as definitely, to go NOT in the way of the Gentiles; but rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.

The LORD Jesus Christ, was sent to Israel with a two-fold message; that is, to present "the Kingdom of Heaven" to the Nation with its rulers, and to offer salvation to individual Israelites.

In Matthew 8:12, Christ called the Israelites, both saved AND unsaved, "the children of the kingdom." In John 8:37 He said to the unsaved Israelites, "ye are the seed of Abraham." In Acts 3:25 Peter addressed the unsaved Israelites as "the children of the covenant." In Luke 1:16 and Luke 1:80 we read that John the Baptist appeared to Israel. In John 1:31 we read that John the Baptist baptized with water THAT Christ might be made manifest to Israel, (NOW you know why baptism was introduced, but this has NOTHING to do with the Body of Christ). In Acts 11:1-8 we learn that some of the twelve apostles contended with Peter because he preached to an uncircumcised Gentile, about seven years after Christ died. From all of this and many other Scriptures, we should know the significance of the statement, in Romans 15:8, that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the Circumcision, and should know that, from Matthew 1:1 to Acts 11:18, God's order was "to the Jew only." However, in Acts 11:18 we read that God did something for the Gentiles.

Some of the messages in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts, were addressed to unsaved Israelites, or Jews, and some of them were addressed to saved Israelites or Jews. Surely we must consider this if we would intelligently interpret and apply these Scriptures, right? For, if we don't we will just continue in the confusion that has resulted in all of the denominations of today.

In Galatians 1:11-18 we learn that the Apostle Paul was chosen by the Risen Christ, by a special revelation from heaven, to preach the Grace of Christ to heathen. The Apostle Paul tells us of his call to go to the Gentiles, in Acts 22:17-21, and Romans 15:16. In many respects the Gospel of Grace message that Paul proclaimed to Gentiles, not under the Law, differed from the Gospel of the Kingdom messages that Christ and the Twelve proclaimed to saved and unsaved Israelites. Therefore, to preach many of the messages of Matthew, Mark, Luke and the first nine chapters of Acts to the Gentiles not under the law, is to pervert God's Gospel of Grace to Gentiles.

In applying the truth of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and the truth in the first nine chapters of Acts to Gentiles, whether saved or unsaved, we must keep in mind the particular group of people that is addressed in the Scriptures we are studying. Many messages which the LORD's servants proclaimed to backslidden Israel are not intended by God to be included in the salvation message of Christ for Gentiles, not under the Law. We should keep in mind the statements, concerning these Gentiles, in many different verses, for instance read the second chapter of Ephesians, as well as Ephesians 4:18. In these verses we learn that the Gentiles, to whom the Apostle Paul preached the Gospel of the Grace of God, were strangers from the covenants, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, alienated from the life of God, and dead in trespasses and sins.

Surely any preacher who preaches to such people, "bring forth meat for repentance," the message which the LORD gave to John the Baptist for Israel, is out of the will of God. A dead man alienated from the life of God, could not bring forth fruit. But he could be made alive without doing anything. Ephesians 2:4-8. Romans 6:23.

Ok, so, so far we have dealt with the first three classes of people...unsaved Israelites who were under the Law, saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ, and unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law. Now, here are the fourth and the fifth classes.

Group 4

1 Corinthians 3:2-3

"I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to hear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

Group 5

Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 4:13-14

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." And, "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, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."

These Scriptures should convince any student of the Bible that Paul would never have written to the carnal Corinthians what he wrote to the faithful saints in Ephesus. Let us note the last three verses of Hebrews 5, which we quote:

Hebrews 5:12-14

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their sense exercised to discern both good and evil."

Here in this portion of scripture we are told of the two classes, within the Body of Christ: members of the Body of Christ who could take only the milk of the Word, God's truth for babes; and those who were of full age who could understand the deep things or the meat of God's Word.

In 1 Peter 2:2 we learn that the new born babes should have the milk of the Word. Note this verse, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."

Now, you must keep in mind at all times, the saints in Corinth were just as much saints as were the saints in Ephesus. The difference was, the saints at Corinth were carnal and unable to take the strong meat which we find in the Apostle Paul's messages to the Ephesians and Colossians. Of course the "full-age" saints will feed on the milk as well as on the meat. But strong meat belongeth to saints of full age and carnal saints must limit themselves to a milk diet.

A love for religion, ritualism, or sectarianism (denominations), will keep a saint carnal just as much as a love of the world. Read that sentence over and over again. The Corinthians were sectarians. The Ephesians and Colossians accepted the Divine Truth of Ephesians 4:3-6 concerning the One Body, the One Lord, and the ONE BAPTISM.

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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

The MYSTERY of the Gospel, Part 1...Modernists and Liberals - LLM

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While there are many evangelical and evangelistic Postmillennialists, the majority of Christians are Premillennialists. BOTH groups believe in the complete and absolute inspiration of the Bible and therefore in the virgin birth and eternal Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and both believe that the Faith in the redemptive work of the LORD Jesus Christ will save sinners from the wrath of God, and that all who deny the Deity and virgin birth of Christ and do not accept by the Faith His vicarious expiation for sin are eternally and irrevocably lost.

Premillennialists believe that the Messianic kingdom, proclaimed by Christ and His apostles to the nation Israel, has been postponed, but that God has only temporarily abandoned His kingdom program. HOWEVER, these covenants WILL be fulfilled after this parenthetical Body of Christ period, this present Dispensation of Grace, has been brought to the climax of Ephesians 4:13, where it says, “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.”

Most Premillennialists believe that between the moment members of the Body of Christ experience the blessed hope of Titus 2:13 and the day that Christ shall come to earth as the Son of man to redeem Israel, there will be on the earth that time of trouble called in the Bible “The Great Tribulation,” out of which Israel shall be saved. Then will follow the restitution of all things spoken by God’s prophets. Acts 3:21. We’ll discuss this much more later in this series of messages.

Let's talk about MODERNISTS or LIBERALS

Many of the seminaries and pulpits of the so called evangelical denominations have fallen into the hands of the Liberals or Modernists. In their pride, self-righteousness, and spiritual blindness, they do not seem to understand that a “Christian infidel” is an impossible paradox. The Society of Atheists in New York City thank the Modernists in the churches for propagating their Christian agnosticism; for doing so much, from within organized Christianity, to increase the number of infidels, agnostics and atheists

“The only way to accurately identify a religious liberal or Modernist is to test their doctrine against the Word of God. This is the acid test. 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." MANY false prophets are gone out into the world. There are literally millions of false prophets today. 1 John 4:2 continues by stating, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." Many people misunderstand this Scripture. It is not an all- inclusive test; but rather, a starting point. Think about it, every Roman Catholic believes that Jesus Christ came in the flesh; but then they worship Mary, teach a works salvation, require the seven sacraments to be saved, trust men (priests) to forgive their sins, and follow a host of other manmade traditions not found in the Word of God, The Bible. So when we test a person, we should START by asking them what they believe concerning The LORD Jesus Christ.

There are many actual Christians are SO deceived by the liberals and modernists, (who are really unbelievers), that they quote and defend the jackals, supporting them in Christian schools, so that some truly born again Christians COMPROMISE until it is hard to tell the dirty child of God, from the wolf in sheep's clothing. For example, there is Dr. Nels F.S. Ferre, who says it is wrong to worship Jesus, and to follow the Bible. Well this heretic says that Jesus may have been the illegitimate son of a blond German soldier and Mary who was a harlot. But then get this...this man is advertised as "an evangelical," and has been welcomed at Southern Baptist Seminary and other "Christian" institutions, as was Dr. George Buttrick, who was the most outspoken opponent of the virgin birth, the blood atonement and inspiration of the Bible. There was also Dr. Elton Trueblood and many others who were actually unbelievers.

Remember this, Christian, 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ".
There is no way a man can be saved and DENY the very precious blood of Christ that saves. These men are deceptive, and will say that the blood of Jesus is very important; but, the truth is that they believe Christ's blood is only REPRESENTATIVE of His death. These are the type of modernists which we need to avoid and expose. And THESE are the liberals and modernists that have taken over this nation’s seminaries.
By the Word of God ONLY, members of the Body of Christ need to determine whether their denominational creed, Pastor, Preacher, or whoever and whatever, are truly of God. Again, the Word of God is the ONLY method by which to test these things. Therefore, in our next message of this series we will have for you some questions that you can ask.

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Faith of Jesus Christ...VERY Important Message!

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"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. But now the righteousness of God without the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference" Romans 3:20-22

“....knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST, that we might be justified by THE FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall NO flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:15-16

“But the scripture hath concluded ALL under sin, that the promise by FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST might be given to THEM THAT BELIEVE.” Galatians 3:22

“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.” (Phil. 3:9)

Why is this important?

Because it is NOT OUR faith in Jesus which justifies us, but the Faith OF Jesus Christ in us which justifies us.

In other words, it is HIS Faith at work in us and in our hearts which produces righteousness and the God kind of life. And what is most important about this is the implications it has for us and our faith.

First of all, it explains why The Faith is a GIFT and why we are saved through Faith by Grace and not as a work of our own. It is not our faith which justifies, but the Faith of Jesus given to us, which resides in us. Since it is not our faith that justifies, but the Faith of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ, whose Faith is now at work on the inside of us, we are not called upon to believe God out of our own miserable resources or self generated faith or mental efforts, or our attempts to believe.

We are only enabled to believe God through and because of the Faith of Jesus Christ as working in us. It is Jesus' Faith upon which we are dependent and upon whom we rely. It is upon His Faith, which is perfect and never fails, upon which we can rest and fully trust, because we know His Faith is sufficient for every need and greater than every obstacle.

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Gospel: Peter's Gospel and Paul's Gospel and The Difference. Part 2 – LLM

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QUOTATIONS FROM PETER'S AND PAUL'S EPISTLES

Now let us compare Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 with Peter's statement in 1 Peter 3:18. Ok, here’s the Holy Spirit through Paul, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all, that which I also received, how 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.”

And now the Holy Spirit speaking through the Apostle Peter, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”

Believers are saved by the Gospel set forth by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. But, in my judgment, there is no more definite, true statement of the Gospel, in any of Paul's messages, than we have in 1 Peter 3:18. This is one of my favorite verses in preaching to the unsaved. Then think of 1 Peter 2:24 and 1 Peter 1:18-20. In these verses we learn that we are redeemed by the precious shed blood of the LORD Jesus Christ, because the LORD Jesus bare our sins in His own body on the tree. Then in 1 Peter 5:10 we learn that it is Peter who calls God, “the God of all Grace.”

With that said, it is true that there seems to be quite a difference between Peter's message to the Gentiles in Acts 10:34-35, and Paul's message to the Gentiles, in Romans 4:4-5. Note the difference:

Here is Peter in Acts 10, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and work­eth righteousness, is accepted with Him.” Acts 10:34-35

Now here is Paul from Romans 4, “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

Then look, we have Peter continuing in his message to Gentiles to say that Christ died and was raised from the dead and whosoever BELIEVETH on Him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:39-43)

Every Spirit‑taught Christian knows that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins; and that Christ's blood was ONCE shed for the remission of sins and that there is no remission of sins, or redemption, for one single person apart from the Faith in the shed blood of the LORD Jesus Christ. Period! (Romans 5:10; Matthew 26:28; Colossians 1:14; Colossians 1:20-21; Ephesians 1:6-7.)

But because we know that the Faith in the shed blood of the LORD Jesus Christ is the ONE and ONLY way for the sinner to be saved, are we to say there is only one Gospel in the Bible, and that the meaning of Galatians 2:7 is that Paul and Peter preached the same Gospel to different groups? Those, who DO say this, think they have proved their assertion by Galatians 1:9, ”If any man preach any other Gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

In the verses immediately preceding this ninth verse the Holy Spirit led Paul to write that the PERVERTED Gospel, a mixture of law and Grace, was NOT another Gospel. So from these verses there are sincere faithful servants of the LORD who teach that there is no Gospel in the Bible other than 1 Corin­thians 15:1-4, the fact that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and raised again; all in fulfillment of prophecy. (Acts 13:29-30) (Luke 18:31-35).

These sincere brethren seem to think they must dogmatically and uncompromisingly contend for one and only one Gospel in contending earnestly for the Faith once‑for‑all delivered unto the saints. There is such a thing as being sincerely wrong...having zeal without knowl­edge. If these brethren are wrong, it is because they have very much limited the word “Gospel.”

Let us note the “Gospel” in several verses of Scripture:

Matthew 24:14, “And this GOSPEL of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

Now, Acts 20:24, Colossians 1:5, and Colossians 1:23, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the LORD Jesus, to testify the GOSPEL of the Grace of God.”...“For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the GOSPEL; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the GRACE of God in truth.”...“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the GOSPEL, which ye have heard, and WHICH WAS PREACHED to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.”

In these Scriptures we read of “the Gospel of the Kingdom” and “the Gospel of the Grace of God.” Are these two Gospels identical? The LORD Jesus, about 33 A.D., declared that the end would come when "the Gospel of the Kingdom" had been preached as a witness among all nations. About 25 years later the Aposlte Paul left Ephesus to end his course in preaching “the Gospel of the Grace of God.” About 67 A.D. Paul declared that he had FINISHED his course. (2 Timothy 4:7.) A little later his earthly career ENDED. About the time Paul declared that he had ENDED his course he wrote that the Gospel HAD come into all the world and was preached to every creature which is under heaven.

But now, understand this, when Christ said, in Matthew 24:14, the end would come, He was OBVIOUSLY NOT referring to the end of PAUL's earthly ministry. The end to which Christ referred in Matthew 24:14, did NOT come when Paul's Gospel had been preached in all the world. You see, Israel's tribulation is the chief subject of Matthew 24. And the end of the Age, in THAT chapter, must be the end of an Age different from this present Age of Grace.

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Gospel: Peter's Gospel and Paul's Gospel and The Difference. Part 1 - LLM

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In 1 Corinthians 4:1-3 we learn that the servants of Christ are instructed to be faithful stewards of the Mysteries of God. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 these servants are told to speak the same thing, to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment; not to be divided.

Hi everyone and welcome to part one of what looks like it will be a nine or ten-part message series on the difference between the Gospel committed to Paul and the Gospel committed to Peter and the Eleven, and that they are NOT the same. Ok, let's get going...

The LORD's stewards are NOT perfectly joined together in the same mind concerning the meaning of the Apostle Paul's statement in Galatians 2:7; and they certainly do NOT speak the same thing in explaining the meaning of this verse. On the contrary, some of the LORD's servants not only differ with other stewards of the Mysteries of God concerning the meaning of Paul's statement in Galatians 2:7, but they are very ungracious in their attitude toward those who disagree with them. They permit themselves to be stirred to indignation and disgust, if not contempt and hatred, against those who do not accept their exegesis. I just finished reading an article put out by the Reformation Theology people, that expressed what I have just written.

If any intelligent Christian should read Galatians 2:7, and some “theologian” should not interfere with his thinking, what would that Christian decide after reading, “but contrariwise, when they saw that the Gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me (Paul), as the Gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter?” That Christian would surely decide the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians that the LORD had committed unto him (Paul) “the Gospel of the uncircumcision,” and unto Peter, “the Gospel of the circum­cision.” If there is any purpose to language, that Christian would decide that “the Gospel of the uncircumcision” and “the Gospel of the circumcision” are NOT one and the same Gospel. In the Greek the genitive is used. The word is “of” and not “to”. The Gospel “of” the uncircumcision. The Gospel “of” the circumcision. You follow?

The servants of the LORD, who happen to be Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers, who insist that the Apostle Paul meant to say that the same Gospel that the risen Christ authorized him to preach to the Gentiles He gave to Peter for the Jews, are the very same men who insist that Peter and his associates, who were Christ's apostles before Paul was converted, went all over Asia and Europe preaching to Gentiles, after Paul was converted. In Galatians 2:9 they agreed to go to the Jews. If they agreed to go to the Jews and then went to the Gentiles, they did not do what they agreed to do. These Preachers and Teachers acknowledge that they get their ideas as to the evangelization of Gentiles by the twelve apostles from “church history”, and NOT from the Bible.

Moreover, this is important, it is a fact that the same Bible teachers, who teach that the Apostle Paul and the twelve apostles preached the same Gospel, (Paul to the Gentiles and the other apostles to the Jews), teach that Peter and James set forth God's program for this age when they uttered the truth of Acts 15:14, “Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name.” But, is this God's program for this age? NO! This program was publicly stated by Peter and James in the city of Jerusalem about the very same time these two men and Paul agreed on their DIFFERENT min­istries, as recorded in Galatians 2:9, ”And when James, Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the Grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.”

Now let God's people permit the Holy Spirit to lead them and to help them use a little common sense in answering this question, “If God's pro­gram, as described by Peter and James, was to visit the Gentiles and take out of them a people for His name, did Peter and James have a part in God's program when they agreed to go to the Jews?”

Remember, it was Peter and James who agreed to go to the Jews at the time they declared that God's program was to visit the Gentiles and take out of them a people for His name. Peter and James, by going to Jews, could not help God to take out from the Gentiles a people for His name. Compare Acts 15:14 and Galatians 2:9. Also Acts 15:14 with Ephesians 2:15-18.

Now keep in mind that the very same Bible preachers, and teachers, who teach that there are not two Gospels in Galatians 2:7, but the same Gospel to be taken by different apostles to different groups, also teach that God's program for this age was declared by Peter and James, in Acts 15:14. They ALSO agree that the decision of Galatians 2:9 had the sanction of the LORD. Surely we must all be agreed that the LORD could not use Peter and James to visit the Gentiles, if He sent them to preach to the Jews. Did they go to the Jews, as they agreed in Galatians 2:9, or did they go to the Gentiles? In answering this question read Galatians 2:11-14. In these verses we learn that because of James and other Israelites, the Apostle Peter would not have fellowship with saved Gentiles. Do you believe that the LORD would send to the unsaved Gentiles James and Peter, when James would not permit Peter to eat with saved Gentiles? Ha, I don’t think so!

Now strange as it may seem, the very same Bible preachers, and teachers, who teach that God's program is Acts 15:14 and that Peter and Paul preached the same Gospel, teach that at the time James and Peter declared that God was visiting the Gentiles to take out a people for His name, God's order was, “to the Jews first and also to the Gentiles,” in harmony with Romans 1:16. They say that this explains why the Apostle Paul, before and after the declaration of Acts 15:14, went to the Jews before he went to the Gentiles. BUT! This explanation cer­tainly clashes with their explanation of Galatians 2:7, and Galatians 2:9. If God's program was to visit the Gentiles and the Apostle Paul was to go to the Gentiles, why did Paul go to the Jews first? Why did Paul go to the Jews at all, if Galatians 2:7 means that Peter was to go to the Jews with the same Gospel that Paul was to preach to the Gentiles? Why do Bible preachers and teachers, who are bitterly opposed to other servants of the LORD who insist that Paul was given a distinctive ministry and message for the Gentiles, (like I do), diligently search church history to prove that Peter and his fellow apostles went to many different countries to preach to the Gentiles when they explain Galatians 2:7-9 to mean that the Apostle Peter was to go to the circumcision and the Apostle Paul to the uncircumcision?

There is something radically wrong with such thinking that these preachers and teachers are putting forward, if it can be called “thinking” at all!

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Christian and The Power of Prayer to the God of Heaven - LLM

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“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1
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Christians not only have the privilege of praying to The Almighty God, Who is their Father; but they are commanded to pray to Him. God’s children prosper spiritually just in the degree they obey this most important command.

So many problems and schisms of the Body of Christ could be solved today, if God’s people would give themselves to prayer. How many defeated Christians there are, because of the neglect of prayer!

“He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers:” 1 Peter 3:12.

Is it not wonderful 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 ears of the Reigning God, Who is Willing, Faithful and able, Who has never yet made one mistake, are open unto the praises and petitions of His children.

“Pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.

“We know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26.

It is recorded of The LORD Jesus, the Son of God, went up into the mountain to pray, and that He continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 9:28, Mark 6:46, and Luke 6:12. Therefore, If the Holy Son of God prayed as He did, how about us? Men ought always to pray and not to faint!

The members the early Church “gave themselves continually to prayer” Acts 6:4.

Christians are told to “pray without out ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:7.

“Pray always” Colossians 1:3 and Ephesians 6:18.

“Continuing instant in prayer” Romans 12:12.

“Give yourself to prayer and fasting” 1 Corinthians 7:5.

“Pray lest ye enter into temptation” Luke 22:46.

“Pray for one another” James 5:16.

“Be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer” 1 Peter 4:7.

“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God”Philippians 4:6.

“Night and day praying” 1 Thessalonians 3:10.

“Evening and morning, and at noon will I pray” Psalm 55:17.

“Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” 1 Timothy 2:1.

“The prayer of the upright is His delight.” Proverbs 15:8.

“What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have, if we pray to Him?” Job 21:15.

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22.

“THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED.” 1 Peter 3:7

“Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalm 66:18.

“When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”Mark 11:25.

“Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.” I John 5:14.

“If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.” John 16:23 and John 14:13.

When Stephen was dying he said, “LORD Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:59. But on the authority of the LORD Jesus, prayer should be directed to the Father, in the name of the Son.

May God help us to always be faithful in prayer.

Here are a few examples of answered prayer from the Old Testament Scriptures.

Genesis 20:17 ; Jonah 2:1 ; Numbers 11:2 ; Nehemiah 1:4 ; 1 Samuel 1:27 ; Nehemiah 2:4 ; 2 Kings 6:17 ; Ezra 10:1 ; 2 Kings 19:15 ; Daniel 6:11

May God help us to hear afresh the words of the Lord Jesus Christ as we look all about at the abounding sin and the powerless congregations, torn apart by demonic influence, remember, “This kind goeth not out but by PRAYER and fasting.” Matthew 17:21 and Matthew 9:29.

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Christian and God's Word, The Bible - LLM

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Christian and Eternal Security in Christ- LLM

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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!

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Spiritual Warrior: The Christian, and, Satan: the Adversary - LLM

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This is the instruction that God has given unto the saint: “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” Ephesians 6:11 . The Christian who fails to recognize the power, subtlety, devices, and wiles, of Satan will suffer defeat at his hands.

The Apostle Paul said concerning Satan, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” 2 Cor. 2:11 . He wrote to this same congregation these words, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” 2 Cor. 11:3 .

The Apostle Peter wrote: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith” 1 Peter 4:8.

The same Holy Spirit, who dictated to these two servants when they wrote, also used the Apostle James to say these words: “Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” James 4:7 .

Years ago I heard an evangelist pray to God in these words, “O Lord, rebuke and defeat for us his satanic majesty.” Then after I had studied the Scriptures I realized why he used the title. I could then understand what Paul meant when he said “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers be transformed as the ministers of righteousness” 2 Cor. 11:13-15 .

Jude records the fact that “Michael the archangel when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke thee” Jude 9 .

The Lord Jesus Christ, of course, could say with authority, “Get thee behind me, Satan” Luke 4:8 . “Get thee hence Satan” Matthew 4:10 . But every human being UNLESS equipped with the spiritual armour of God and protected by the power that is in Christ Jesus, is just as helpless in the hand of Satan as is a little mouse in the claws of a cat. If Michael could not rebuke and defeat Satan, surely no human being can.

A while back I spoke to a group concerning Satan one evening and the pastor’s six‑year‑old girl was on the front seat. Much of the message went into her little heart. The next morning when her mother went to the door to call her from bed, she saw the little girl shaking her fist and mumbling with a very serious expression on her face. After the mother had stood for a moment she said, “What was mama’s little girl saying?” The little girl replied, “Mama, I was just saying, if the devil bothers me today, I am going to knock the ‘stuffin’ out of him.” Some poor Christians are trying to do this, but he is too much for any of us. The task is too great. Only Divine power can defeat the supernatural power of “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” Revelation 12:9 .

The whole world lieth in this one. 1 John 5:19

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke of the sinner as being the house of the strong man (Satan), and said that He alone could bind the strong man and take his house. Matthew 12:26-33 . The moment the Word is preached to the sinner, Satan tries to cause the seed to fall by the way side and then he devours the seed. Mark 4:15 . It is Satan, as the prince of the power of the air, that controls the motives, desires, thoughts, acts, and words of the unsaved of this world, make NO mistake about that, and learn to recognize it. Ephesians 2:2-3 .

It is Satan, as the god of this age, that blinds the minds of the poor unbelieving lost sinners, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine into their hearts. 2 Cor. 4:4 .

Now pay attention, Satan has RELIGIOUS children, and sows them as tares among the wheat, the Children of God. Matthew 13:38 . John 8:44 . It is quite often difficult to tell a cultured, moral, religious, agent of Satan, tare in the congregation FROM the wheat.

When the LORD Jesus Christ died on the cross he destroyed Satan’s power of death. Hebrews 2:14 . But his final defeat will not come until this same Jesus binds Satan and puts him into the bottomless pit for one thousand years and ultimately casts him into the lake of fire. Revelation 20 .The everlasting fire was originally prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew: 25:41.

Satan can even now cause a saint to lie to the Holy Ghost. Saints, for sins in the flesh, were delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. Acts 5:3 . 1 Corinthians 5:5 . Satan can hinder the most consecrated saint. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 . Satan can make a church officer fall through pride, especially if a novice is appointed to this office. 1 Timothy 3:6 . Many of these cases have come under our observation. We see this all the time.

Notice the language used in this verse, “Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6

If you will read carefully the twenty-eighth chapter of Ezekiel, beginning with the fourteenth verse, and the fourteenth chapter of Isaiah, beginning at the twelfth verse, you will learn that Satan was the anointed cherub of God, perfect in the day he was created, until he fell through pride. All sin began with the “I will’s” of Satan.

There is no use trying to understand or explain the “Why” of Satan. It is a mystery, but it will all work out to the glory of the Son of God. We DO know that Satan is a person, that he was a perfect creature of God, and that he fell from heaven because of his revolt against his Creator. Christ said: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” Luke 10:18 . However, currently, Satan still does have access to Heaven. THAT will be resolved later. Revelation 12:7 .

There was something besides any evil influence from within that tempted The LORD Jesus Christ in the wilderness and offered Him all the kingdoms of the world. Luke 4 . Matthew 4 . Christ had NO evil within to tempt Him. He was holy, harmless and undefiled. The LORD Jesus Christ made no mistake when He acknowledged Satan as the prince of the world. John 12:31 .

Now this is important, The Satan of the Scriptures is quite different from the devil of tradition. Satan is more than evil. He is a person with mighty power. He is the enemy of God and His holiness, of The LORD Jesus Christ and His disciples. As the accuser of the brethren he accuses them night and day. Revelation 12:10 . The saints overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:13 .

Satan afflicts with sickness. Luke 13:16 . Job 2:6-7 . Satan is directly or indirectly responsible for all of the sin, sickness, sorrow, crime, poverty, and death in the world.

He, as the “serpent”, beguiled Eve. He was the first to challenge and criticize the Word of God and to corrupt it, and make NO mistake about it, EVERY destructive critic of this age, in and out of the pulpit, is his agent and servant, as ALL of them down through the ages have been.

Satan entered into Judas, the son of perdition, to betray the Lord Jesus Christ. And he will also enter again the son of perdition, the Antichrist, or man of sin, who is to be Satan’s man. 2 Thessalonians 2:4-9 .

Nothing but the Shield of Faith will enable the Christian to quench the fiery darts of this evil one who is playing havoc with the sleeping saints and the worldly churches of this day, to say nothing of the millions who are lying in heathen darkness. He has struck, with a terrible blow, many of the most useful servants of God in the Body of Christ.

The pastor’s little girl who heard the story of Satan and the story of The LORD Jesus Christ, said to her mother when saying her prayer, “Mother, from now on when Satan knocks at my heart’s door, I’m going to say, Lord Jesus, you open the door.” Only in Christ is there victory over this constant and relentless enemy. So let us read carefully over and over concerning the armour that God has provided for us and let us put it on.Ephesians 6:10-18 .

Satan wanted to sift Simon as wheat. Luke 22:31 . Satan bound with an infirmity for many years a daughter of Abraham. Luke 13:16 . He was on hand when the sons of God went forth to worship God. Job 1:4-6 . He afflicted Job. Job 2:7 . Satan has led many of God’s children into his religious healing schemes in these last days. And let’s never forget, the Antichrist is coming with the power of Satan performing miracles. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-13 .

The Son of God, The LORD Jesus Christ, was manifested to destroy the works of Satan. Let Christ be our refuge, our strength, our Conqueror. He is altogether able to assure victory.

Take a moment and read what is yet to take place on this earth when Satan comes down to reign with the beast and in the antichrist. Revelation 12:7-15 . But now read, and note, Colossians 2:15 and what Christ did to principalities and powers.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle NOT (a regular mistake for most Christians is looking at the person and NOT the evil spirit behind that person) against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the WHOLE armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day (the day that the moment of temptation is on you), and having done all, to stand” Ephesians 6:11-13 .

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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

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)