The Judge

The Judge is standing at the door!

John 5:22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,...

John 5:25–29

[25] “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. [26] For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. [27] And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. [28] Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice [29] and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

John 5:45–47

[45] Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. [46] For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. [47] But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

The Lord standing at the door of The Church (and heart of people) reveals His desire to commune with us in Truth and Love. Yet in many congregations and denominations He has been excluded and left outside knocking to be allowed in to teach and guide us. In John Chapter 4 Jesus declared that the Father seeks worshipers who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

John 4:23–26 [23] But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. [24] God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” [25] The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” [26] Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

Today many who are saved don't grasp biblically many doctrines clearly taught by our Lord and His Apostles; therefore they walk as weak "Christians" lacking understanding of who they are in Christ Jesus, His authority delineated to them as believers and the blessed assurance of Salvation by walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh. (Read Romans 8)

Acts 2:42 -- And they devoted themselves to the Apostles' Teaching and The Fellowship, to The Breaking of Bread and The Prayers.

Additionally, he sternly warns those who would mislead one of The Little Ones who believe on Him by causing them to sin-- Matthew 18:6 "but whoever causes one of these Little Ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

Don't drown yourself in sorrow but instead look to Jesus "The Author and Finisher of our Faith".

After reading The Great Chapter of Faith (Hebrews 11) we encounter the following exhortation:

Hebrews 12:1–2 [1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a Cloud of Witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance The Race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, The Founder and Perfecter of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured The Cross, despising the shame, and is seated at The Right Hand of The Throne of God.

Skipping ahead a few verses we encounter this most magnificent of declarations in Holy Scripture:

Hebrews 12:11–17 [11] For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

[12] Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, [13] and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. [14] Strive for peace with everyone, and for The Holiness without which no one will see the Lord. [15] See to it that no one fails to obtain The Grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; [16] that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. [17] For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit The Blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

This declaration is magnificent because we realize that if we are being disciplined by God then we are His Children and Heirs to His promises!

Now a personal warning to those who would daily live like The Devil (in rebellion to God):

Galatians 6:7–9 [7] Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. [8] For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Likewise in Romans 8 we see clearly the stark contrast of Spirit living vs fleshly(carnal) thinking(living): [2] For The Law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. [3] For God has done what The Law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of The Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [6] For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. [7] For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. [8] Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Having begun reading this treatise let's delve right in to the heart of the matter at hand -- that is that we are called by God to examine ourselves and test the genuineness of our faith. For proof let's read God's Holy Word:

2 Corinthians 13:5–6 [5] Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! [6] I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.

The notion that I prayed and asked "Jesus into my heart" and I don't doubt if I am walking in saving faith is not only unbiblical but a devilish scheme from The Father of Lies to try to subvert God's Will on earth by deceiving humanity. "By their fruits you will know them" declared the Lord. What type of fruit are others receiving from you? Examine the fruit in your life. Read Galatians Chapter 5.

Matthew 7:15–20

[15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [16] You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. [18] A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Is Jesus Lord of your life? Do you walk humbly before Him and submitted to the Father's Will?

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter The Kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.

2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 [9] The coming of The Lawless One is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, [10] and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, [12] in order that all may be condemned who did not believe The Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

John 3:35–36 [35] The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. [36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

2 Timothy 2:19–21 [19] But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” [20] Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. [21] Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

John 8:31–36 [31] So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, [32] and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” [34] Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. [35] The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. [36] So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Are you free? Heed the Lord's advice and rebuke to His Church as we so plainly and clearly read it in:

Revelation 3:1–3 [1] “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. [2] Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. [3] Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

This group of believers thought they were alive in God but had fallen asleep in faith and God actually considered them dead! He called them to remembrance what they had received from Him (Salvation) and told them of their need to repent and come back to Him in love.

As we also now realize that in Christ our Lord we would be known by our Fruit -- that is Godly, Spirit grown fruit that brings praise to God in Heaven. But if not that tree would be cut down and thrown in The Fire that is never quenched! Let's read the Lord's very words in Matthew 7:15–23: [15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [16] You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. [18] A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. [21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter The Kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven. [22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ [23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Wow! What awful condemnation to those who walk after their flesh (lusts) and carnal thinking - instead of eternally experiencing separation from God's mercy and grace I beg of you to turn to the Lord with your whole heart and He will forgive you and adobt you as His child! Psalm 86:5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Ephesians 1:3–7 [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, -- Continuing in Revelation 3:4–5 [4] Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. [5] The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of The Book of Life. I will confess his name before my Father and before His Angels.

For some who hold to the teaching that you can live sinful lifes practicing sin this should be a most sobering warning: "I will never blot his name out of The Book of Life"... that intimates that those who do not conquer will have their name blotted out. Disagree with me if you must but don't despise the Word of the Lord -- read the following:

Exodus 32:33 But the LORD said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book.

2 Chronicles 15:12–13 [12] And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, [13] but that whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.

Many forget they have entered into Covenant with The Lord of Hosts and are required to strive to enter in The Narrow Door: Luke 13:22–30 [22] He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. [23] And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, [24] “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. [25] When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ [26] Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ [27] But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ [28] In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. [29] And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. [30] And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Here we now come to the Apostle's Paul Holy Spirit inspired admonition to exercise their faith:

Philippians 2:12–16 [12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. [14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as Lights in The World, [16] holding fast to The Word of Life, so that in The Day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

2 Timothy 3 [1] But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. [2] For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. [6] For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, [7] always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. [8] Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose The Truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding The Faith. [9] But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. [10] You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, [11] my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. [12] Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, [13] while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. [14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

James 2:17–20 [17] So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. [18] But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. [19] You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! [20] Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Many will speak of “believing” but in reality do not know the Lord of Heaven and Earth because in life they deny Him by their actions…

Here we can plainly see that for some their faith has been placed in a “God” they have imagined; because they believe they can live outside of God’s commands (His Rule as King over their lives) and He will still welcome them with open Hands… I shudder to think of their terrible surprise when they hear the following words:

Matthew 7:23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

How terrible a judgement for those who were workers of iniquity yet named the Name of the Lord believing themselves saved but actually never submitted to the Master's will and authority.

In the only chapter of Jude we read the following: Jude 3–4 [3] Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common Salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for The Faith that was once for all delivered to The Saints. [4] For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Please read the whole chapter in full context but it seems necessary for me to point out the following text at this time: Jude 8–13 [8] Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. [9] But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” [10] But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. [11] Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion. [12] These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; [13] wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of Utter Darkness has been reserved forever.

"Twice dead"; how is that possible unless they were once made alive by the Spirit of God?

The Apostle Peter by Divine Inspiration declares in 2 Peter 2:1–3 [1] But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. [3] And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

"Even denying the Master who bought them" -- who is this referring to? Let's read ahead a few verses:

Read 2 Peter 2:15–22 on your Bible and for the sake of space I will comment on verse 20 specifically: "After they have escaped the defilements of the world through the Knowledge of our Lord and Savior" -- seems very clear to me these people Peter speaks of were believers who have fallen away from the faith.'

1 Timothy 4:1–3 [1] Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times Some Will Depart from the Faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, [2] through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, [3] who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

James 5:16–20 [16] Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. [17] Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. [18] Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. [19] My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, [20] let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

As we just clearly read in God’s Holy Word in verse 19 the declaration “My brothers” means that if a believer among you backslides from God who is The Truth (Read John 14:6) and another brother is able by God’s mercy and grace to restore in right fellowship the wayward soul; then that person is forgiven and saved from God’s Holy Wrath since their sins are covered under the Blood of Jesus shed at Calvary for the remission of sin. As the Bride of Christ we are required to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.

Let’s read James 1:26-27 to receive more Biblical confirmation: [26] If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. [27] Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Of course Jesus is our Advocate and His Precious Blood daily cleanses us as we come to Him humbly in our walk in this present age - yet we understand the difference that those who decide to not forsake their sins and practice sinning habitually without seeking deliverance from besetting sins will be judged by God… Big difference! Where are you standing now? On Solid Rock or sinking sand… Read Matthew 7:24-27

For further proof from God’s Word on the necessity of obedience let’s read:

James 1:19–25 [19] Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. [21] Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the Implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. [24] For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. [25] But the one who looks into The Perfect Law, The Law of Liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

1 John 1:7–9 [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. [8] If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

And let’s continue reading John 2:1–6 in your Bible to see that we must keep His Commandments not as a works based religion but in demonstration that we have been saved by grace and God’s Holy Spirit lives in us, we are His Holy Temple; therefore He empowers us to live a life of holiness (set apart for God) that is pleasing to our Lord and Master.

Further reading in John 14 reveals to us that our love for God will be demonstrated by the fact that we keep His Commandments and they are not grievous — {1 John 5:3 For this is The Love of God, that we keep His Commandments. And His Commandments are not burdensome.}

John 14:15–24 [15] “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, [17] even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. [18] “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. [19] Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. [20] In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. [21] Whoever has my Commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” [22] Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” [23] Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. [24] Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

At this juncture I will like to declare that a great many preachers in America and around the world have been deceived by The Serpent into teaching that you can get to Heaven holding on to your sins and through this horrible lie many professing believers have been deceived. God only knows how many were expecting to see The Pearly Gates of the Heavenly City instead were welcomed into an infernal pit of gloom and darkness were all who enter must cast off any hope of redemption since; “just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27).

Additionally, we read during The Lord's Sermon on the Mount, the following statement that stands in stark contrast to the majority of modern progressive teachers today:

Matthew 5:17–20 [17] “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. [19] Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [20] For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Wow! Did you read that and just go - wait a minute I thought The Law was fulfilled in Christ at His Cross?! Yes! And we still have to obey Him - God's Amazing Grace is not an excuse to sin!! Study Romans Chapter 6.

Romans 6:1–4 [1] What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? [2] By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? [3] Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.'

Let's reason together - Jesus came to fulfill The Law and He did. In addition he gave us additional commandments and took the external observance of some in the The Ten Commandments and made them internal as well. For example; To those who lust with for another person He declares that person has committed adultery in their heart and for those who hate someone he declares that person to be a murderer. (Read Matthew 5)

A person would be right in saying no one can keep all the commandments and then be perfect and save themselves. Only Jesus of Nazareth lived a perfect life and never sinned! But understand this; that now as born again believers and followers of The Messiah, His Holy Spirit empowers us so we may live a life that is pleasing to God our Father by faith in the Son of God and His finished work at the Cross. We will delight in God's Law! (Read Psalm 119 in its entirety) Psalm 119:97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.

Still doubt? Let's read: Psalm 19:7–14 [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; [8] the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; [9] the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. [11] Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. [12] Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. [13] Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. [14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Galatians 2:15–21 [15] We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; [16] yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. [17] But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! [18] For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. [19] For through The Law I died to The Law, so that I might live to God. [20] I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. [21] I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through The Law, then Christ died for no purpose.

We don't keep God's Holy Law to be saved but because we are and we delight in The Lord!

Hebrews 8:10 declares: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Those born of the Spirit of God delight in God and His Holy Law as the Son did during His time as the Son of Man on earth. Yet he clarified that He was Lord of the Sabbath therefore demonstrated what the day of rest for us should look like and merely an outward religious keeping of a day nothing was accomplished for God's Glory. He also fulfilled the Ceremonial Laws that we no longer keep since they were all pointing to His earthly sacrifice as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the World. In regards to Laws about what we can eat not eat he declares the following:

Mark 7:18–23 [18] And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, [19] since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) [20] And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. [21] For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, [22] coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. [23] All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Reality today is that many people instead of reading God's Word and allowing His Holy Spirit to teach them they instead hire "Ministers" to teach them selectively what they want to hear... "If the blind lead the blind will they not both fall into the ditch".

Matthew 15:12–14 [12] Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” [13] He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. [14] Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

I pray and hope you are not offended at God's Holy Word but instead you humble yourself as I have and accept the clear teaching found in Holy Scripture from time immemorial to everlasting!

Matthew 11:4–6 [4] And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: [5] the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. [6] And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

There are many of our Lord's sayings that are hard to accept today because of our permissive culture and how must of us were raised but let's accept that we need to align ourselves with God's Holy Word and not the other way around! At this point some of you may be ready to give up reading but please don't. Continue!

John 6:60–66 [60] When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” [61] But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? [62] Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? [63] It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. [64] But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) [65] And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” [66] After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

In Matthew 24:10-13 The Lord declares the following about the end times:

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” KJV

Beloved, God is greater than your sin and weaknesses! Therefore He is able to give you victory over them since He already defeated sin and death nearly 2 thousand years ago in Calvary on Golgotha's Hill! Praise God forever and ever!! Amen!!!

Going back to John 6 -- the Lord tells The Twelve Disciples:

John 6:67–69 [67] So Jesus said to The Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” [68] Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, [69] and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Additionally, we recognize that in order to know God He first calls us to himself and reveals to us by His Holy Spirit His Holy nature and character so we can see ourselves in His True Light in full recognition of our sinful nature and complete need for total redemption.

Matthew 16:15–17 [15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” [16] Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [17] And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."

Continuing our study let's go even deeper into God's Holy Word:

In Titus we read that leaders in God’s House (Church) must be able to manage properly and holding God’s Holy Word in its rightful place - at the very center of everything that is taught for the benefit of all who listen and obey.

Titus 1:7–11 & 13–16 [7] For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, [8] but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. [9] He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. [10] For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. [11] They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. [13] This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, [14] not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. [15] To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. [16] They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

“Rebuke them sharply”… Wow! When was the last time you heard your preacher teach this? I wonder why modern day “Christianity” has deviated so far away from God’s Holy Word as their standard for living when in Peter we read the following for confirming our calling and election:

2 Peter 1:3–11 [3] His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, [4] by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of The Divine Nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. [5] For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, [6] and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, [7] and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. [8] For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. [11] For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So here again we read that followers of Jesus may fall if they are neglectful in confirming their calling and election — interesting since so many in the modern evangelical circles seem to have an all too casual approach to their faith and seem to be asleep when it comes to Biblical doctrines of Holiness and Sanctification.

Hebrews 10:26–39 [26] For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, [27] but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. [28] Anyone who has set aside The Law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. [29] How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of Grace? [30] For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” [31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. [32] But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, [33] sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. [34] For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. [35] Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. [36] For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. [37] For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; [38] but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” [39] But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Verse 31 follows a description of those who have clearly been saved and entered into The Blood Covenant with the Lord (they were sanctified) yet somehow they will receive a worse punishment that those previously mentioned because they kept on sinning willfully —- they have outraged the Spirit of Grace — God will repay them in kind when they fall into His Hands on Judgement Day.

Read what the Lord Yeshua declared to His disciples Matthew 10:28–33: [28] And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. [30] But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. [32] So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, [33] but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

1 Peter 4:5 “but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge The Living and The Dead.”

In Matthew 10 and in 1 Peter 4 we come to the realization the Jesus is The One who will judge all who trample underfoot His precious peace offering made at His Cross to redeem His people from their sins and to save them from the Wrath of God.

Understand that it is not the Lord's will that any be lost but that all would acknowledge their sin (broken God's Holy Laws) and He has demonstrated His love by taking our punishment on the Cross already and we need not be found guilty if we would believe Him and submit to Him in love and righteousness. To this point let's read what God's Holy Word declares to us through the Apostle Peter:

2 Peter 3:8–13 [8] But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

[11] Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, [12] waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! [13] But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

The very fires of hell are burning with fire provided by the Lord as just payment for those who reject His will and rule as Sovereign King and Lord.

As The Apostle Paul further declares by Holy Spirit guidance we read in his letter to the Galatians:

Further reading illuminates the fact that a “time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching”; but instead hire ministers to teach only what they want to hear… a soothing word… a word of no consequence to their daily sins they hold dear and excuse away as no big deal. What a terrible and fearful thing it will be for those who “Fall into the Hands of the Living God”.

2 Timothy 4:1–5 [1] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: [2] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [3] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. [5] As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Even our Precious Lord and Savior when giving John His Seven Letters to the Churches in "Asia Minor" (Modern Day Turkey), which we understand today applies to God's Church on earth at present time not just in history, he gives precious promises to those who overcome but also dire warnings to those who do not repent.

Let's read in Revelation 2:4–5 [4] But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. [5] Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

In addition to all we have gleaned from God’s Holy Word we have the following warning from John the Baptist:

Luke 3:7–22 [7] He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. [9] Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” [10] And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” [11] And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” [12] Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” [13] And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” [14] Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” [15] As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, [16] John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [17] His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” [18] So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. [19] But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, [20] added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison. [21] Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, [22] and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

For a more complete review let’s see now see it from Matthew Chapter 3: [1] In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, [2] “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [3] For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” [4] Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. [5] Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, [6] and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. [7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. [9] And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. [10] Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [11] “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [12] His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” [13] Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. [14] John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” [15] But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. [16] And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; [17] and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Have you been touched by Holy Spirit conviction yet of your need to repent and believe? I pray you will trust God to save you from your sins and empower you to live a life during your earthly pilgrimage in such a manner that you may “confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10–11)

In Acts Chapter 2 we hear Peter proclaiming on The Day of Pentecost, full of God’s Holy Spirit, the following to those who realized what John’s baptism of repentance was all about and their need for Messiah’s sacrifice to bring them into a right relationship with God our Father in Heaven:

Acts 2:36–41 [36] Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” [37] Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” [40] And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” [41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

All these Jews knew about God’s Holy Spirit that had rested at times on Kings and Prophets as direct evidence of God in Heaven operating personally in the lives of the Children of Israel but now they would know God in the Flesh (Immanuel) - Jesus the Messiah, The Son of God. {1 John 2:2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.}

Acts 3:18–26 [18] But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. [19] Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, [20] that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, [21] whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. [22] Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. [23] And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ [24] And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. [25] You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ [26] God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Turning from wickedness is a blessing granted by God to those whom he blesses with repentance!

2 Timothy 2:24–26 [24] And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, [25] correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Corinthians rebuked by Paul respond through Titus that they mourned and grieved and had repented:

2 Corinthians 7:8–13 [8] For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. [9] As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. [10] For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. [11] For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. [12] So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. [13] Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

I pray this message has blessed you in believing that God alone can save you and that you must turn to the Lord with your whole heart and he will forgive you, fill you with His Spirit and keep you in the Palm of His Hand until we see each other in His Heavenly Kingdom.

But for you who fear my Name, The Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Malachi 4:2 found in the BIBLE

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