Ephesians 2:8 '…For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God…' NASB (New American Standard Bible)
Throughout my years of being on social media and online teaching my lessons, I’ve noticed one question that has been repeated every couple of weeks.
The question is:
Once that I have been saved, am I saved forever, or can I lose the saving that I was given?
This question is repeated every few weeks, even by pastors today.
Let’s go to God’s Word and find out what He tells us in His Word.
I am first drawn to a verse found in His Word, where God tells us about being saved.
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
We are told in God’s Word that we are saved through FAITH, by the GIFT that God has given to us.
BY HIS GRACE.
Well, if we didn’t do anything to get SAVED … how can we possibly do anything to be UNSAVED?
I would say this may possibly be the shortest lesson I’ve taught over the years.
If we ‘BELIEVE’ that God saved us, we are SAVED.
If we CHOOSE to NOT BELIEVE that God saved us, or if we CHOOSE to BELIEVE that we can lose being saved, we are still SAVED, EXCEPT in our own minds … but according to God, WE ARE SAVED, IT IS HIS GIFT TO US.
In a way, this goes back to the differences in Salvation and Sanctification. Every one of us human beings are offered Salvation … we attained that forgiveness when Jesus Christ died on the cross for ALL mankind and for ALL sins. We are clean and pure, forever.
Sanctification is what we do throughout our lifetime. Every time we listen to a powerful, gut wrenching Christian song about our FAITH or Jesus, we strengthen our FAITH in Him. Every time we open our Bibles and we READ the words that He has given us, we are strengthening our FAITH. Every time we are in a group of people, and we begin speaking about the powers we have found through God, we are strengthening our FAITH.
Every time we publically post a word mentioning Jesus, we are strengthening our Faith and every time we have a Bible study with others, we are strengthening our FAITH.
We are strengthening our FAITH, we are sanctifying our BELIEF In Him, but we haven’t affected our SAVING one way or the other.
Here is some OT Scripture for you:
Isaiah 14:27 ‘…Yes, the Lord Almighty has decided what he will do. Nobody can change it. He is ready to show his power. Nobody can stop it…’ EASY
Isaiah 46:10 ‘…From the beginning, I say what will happen at the end. Long ago, I spoke about future things that have not yet happened. I say this: My purpose will not change. I will do everything that I want to do…’ EASY
Proverbs 16:9 ‘…People make plans for what they will do, but it is the Lord who leads them in the right way…’ EASY
Proverbs 19:21 ‘…You may have lots of ideas about what you want to do. But it is the Lord’s plans that are important…’ EASY
Numbers 23:19 ‘…God is not human. He does not tell lies. He does not change his thoughts. If he promises to do something, it happens…’ EASY
Mankind changes our minds, but God on the other hand, He never changes His mind. What He says, WILL happen, ALWAYS.
God offered each one of us a GIFT, we have a choice, we can accept His GIFT, or we can turn it down … but the fact will always remain, that God offered us that GIFT.
He is NEVER going to take His GIFT back from us once we’ve accepted it.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
Romans 10:9 ‘…that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…’ AKJV
Jesus, as we finish this group of lessons, I want to thank You for what is written in Your Word. I ask that more people would find the hunger to just open their Bibles and read for themselves the truth that You have given us. I love You Jesus. Amen.
The Bible verses we’re going to use this morning are:
We ended our lesson last Wednesday talking how we are shown the very moment when God made a pivotable change and He decided to offer Salvation to the Gentile nation, the entire world.
Pick up your Bible and from Genesis 12:1 through Acts 8:40, nearly three quarters of the Bible, was written about ONE God trying to convince ONE people to love Him, and that group of people never fully believed in the power of the Triune God, they never fully relied on Him.
In Acts 9, Jesus brought Himself down to this earth and He confronted a man on his way to Damascus to capture Jewish believers who were members of the group called, the Way.
At that moment, God CHOSE, He made a CHOICE.
God CHOSE Saul of Tarsus who was later recognized as the apostle Paul, to teach us what He wanted for us to know.
The apostle Paul wrote thirteen (13) epistles, that our man-made churches today, don’t use very often, if at all.
I myself, I am going to make the choice to choose and believe what these pastors, priests, churches and their denominations have forgot to teach us.
I’m going to choose to follow Jesus’ CHOICE.
I am going to choose NOT to listen to what these man-made religions, all predetermined by Satan himself, because Satan doesn’t want us to know the truth that God wants us to HEAR.
So rather than focus on what Satan wants us to hear, let’s search the Word of God and look for what He wants for us to HEAR.
We HEAR, beginning in Acts 9, of a change made by God.
To me, the most powerful verse in the entire Bible, the Word of God.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
Acts 9:15 is Jesus speaking to Ananias, a Jewish believer living in Damascus. Jesus was telling Ananias to go to Saul of Tarsus and baptize him because he (Saul) was the CHOSEN vessel that He was going to use to spread the name of God to the entire world …
‘…Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’
That includes everyone on the face of the planet.
The majority of Christendom today celebrates Easter Sunday, the moment Jesus was resurrected from His tomb and before most of those churches empty from that Easter morning service, they will preach from the four synoptic gospels (MMLJ), the book of Psalms or from the book of Proverbs.
They leave Jesus’ death and return back to the stable to repeat everything all over again, instead of moving forward and following God’s steps they return and follow their own misinformed trap keeping them from attaining God’s Glory of Everlasting Life in His Presence.
Thousands of people today won’t read or believe the words written by the apostle Paul, but instead they will read and believe words written to a different nation.
Rather than believe in the words of God, so many have formed their own interpretation, and they spread the lies onto the ears of hundreds of thousands of individuals that cannot blame anyone but themselves because these people won’t open the Word of God for themselves and HEAR what God is wanting to offer to each one of us.
The book of Acts was written by Luke, the same Luke that wrote one of the gospels that so many in this world hold dear to themselves.
We can read in the book of Acts, so many places that show how God CHOSE Saul / Paul to teach us.
Acts 13
vs46 ‘…Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles…’
vs47 ‘…For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth…’ AKJV
Maybe just as important is another verse found in Acts 13.
Acts 13:9 ‘…But [a]Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him, looked steadily at Elymas…’ AMP (Amplified Bible)
FOOTNOTE
[a] Saul was the apostle Paul’s Jewish (Hebrew) name. As his ministry to Gentiles began he became known by his Roman (Latin) name, Paul.
I am going to list six entries found in Acts stating how Paul was chosen to teach the Gentiles.
Acts 14:27 ‘…And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles…’ AKJV
Acts 15:2 ‘…When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question…’ AKJV
Acts 15:12 ‘…Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them…’ AKJV
Acts 21:19 ‘…And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry…’ AKJV
Acts 22:21 ‘…And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles…’ AKJV
Acts 26
vs16 ‘…But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee…’
vs17 ‘…delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee…’
vs18 ‘…to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me…’ AKJV
Paul wrote in several different verses and several different books where he had been chosen to teach the Gentile nation.
Romans 1:13 ‘…Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles…’ AKJV
Romans 11:13 ‘…For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office…’ AKJV
Romans 15:16 ‘…that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost…’ AKJV
Galatians 2:2 ‘…And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain…’ AKJV
Galatians 2
vs7 ‘…but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter…’
vs8 ‘…(for he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)…’ AKJV
Ephesians 3:1 ‘…For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles…’ AKJV
1 Timothy 2:7 ‘…Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity…’ AKJV
2 Timothy 1:11 ‘…whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles…’ AKJV
2 Timothy 4:17 ‘…Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion…’ AKJV
Rather than many following God’s lead, they have instead decided to follow their religion and break their own, new trail.
Jesus came to this earth, and He hated the man-made religion of that day … what do you think God would feel towards how religions today have taken so many souls hostage?
An important verse that I use at the beginning of every lesson is Romans 10:9.
Romans 10:9 ‘…that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…’ AKJV
Repeat the words that we can find in the Word of God.
Abandon the words your church is pushing onto you. Read your Bible and find the words that God wants you to HEAR.
Share your findings with those around you so others can also find the correct path to Salvation and not the false lies that are spread by man-made churches.
Our promise is found in Ephesians 2:8.
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
Today’s pastors, priests, churches or their denominations will NEVER be able to save you, ONLY God can give us Life.
Accept God’s GIFT and LIVE.
I love ALL of y’all.
I’ll be back next Wednesday.
I am InHIM.><)))o>
Jesus, we love You Father. Keep us ALL safe and protected in Your arms. Amen.
So, over the past months since the election, here in the United States of America, this world has been through quite a lot.
Without me getting out the old newspapers and writing down what has happened, I’m going to just list a few things that I remember.
First, a man, running to be the president of this country, had attempts on His life, twice.
Second, we found out about the use of the ‘autopen’ by the previous administration was used to sign very important papers. As of yet, there has not been a conclusion as to who exactly was running this great country of ours and about the only thing we do know for sure, the ‘autopen’ was very frequently used instead of the man that was elected to be our previous president.
And third, Charlie Kirk was assassinated while debating at a university in Utah. From his death, thousands of individuals bought and read a Bible for the first time in their lives. People began going to churches searching for God.
This is what this posting today is going to focus on, maybe my own opinion, but maybe it is shared.
My opinion, is that very few of the people rushing to these man-made religions in America today, are ever going to hear anything other than, where the offering basket is located in the building they’re attending.
To continue, very few of these man-made religions, themselves know how to find God. They’ll preach on Sunday mornings how God loves them, and He is looking out for them but the actual words that God gave us, from inside our Bibles, His Word, they’ll never be addressed or even looked at by most of these churches today.
And even if a Bible is opened, the message that will be read will be words that were written for earlier generations of people. The words that Jesus CHOSE for us to learn from, the words beginning in Acts 9, will never even be mentioned in these services.
Jesus was crucified and killed for the forgiveness of OUR sins … ALL mankind and ALL of his sins. God in heaven did this for you and me.
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
Here is an easier English version of this same verse:
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…When you believed in Jesus, God saved you because he is very kind. You could not save yourselves, but that is God’s gift to you…’ EASY
To those people that just bought themselves copies of the Holy Bible so they could find Jesus, you don’t need a man-made religion or a man-made building holding a weekly service, to find God.
All you need is the Bible that you purchased. Your Bible is the Word of God. Your Bible has been given to you so that you could learn what God wants from you.
I tell people, you don’t need to spend your money and purchase a Bible either, Bible apps are available online for free.
The app I use is Biblegateway … you can download it on your phone, computer or tablet, by typing in: biblegateway.com into the search engine you use on the internet.
As of this morning, there are 64 different versions of the Bible in English on Biblegateway.
I have 2 favorites that I use every day.
AKJV (Authorized King James Version)
EASY (EasyEnglish Bible)
I very often have to use the EASY version so I can understand what has been written in the AKJV. The AKJV is written using very old English words, but I enjoy hearing God speak to me in the AKJV.
I tell people, open up any verse found in the Bible that you feel comfortable with the most, then keep changing through the different English versions of that verse. Eventually you will find a version that is perfectly written the way that you speak. Use that version when you read and study God’s Word.
Now there are those that will claim the Bible must only be read in the King James Version … I simply ask these people (I call them the ‘Bible police’), where they find that written in God Word where He tells us to only read the King James Versions. They can’t tell me that because it’s not in the Bible, in fact it isn’t even found in any King James version either, it’s a man-made rule; apparently, God didn’t see the importance in such a rule for us today.
The verse I always use to prove my point on this matter, is found in 2Timothy.
2Timothy 2:15 ‘…Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…’ AKJV
Almost always, one of these ‘Bible Police’ will read this verse as follows:
Study to show yourself approved to God.
Correct interpretation, but that isn’t what is written in God’s Word. These so-called Bible Police are changing the words to fit how they talk … actually, that is the same thing that these other 60 versions in English are doing.
They use different English words to help the reader understand what has been written from the original Greek.
To return back to an earlier thought I touched on, a few paragraphs back, Jesus WAS crucified, He WAS resurrected from His tomb and after forty days and nights, He WAS ascended back up into heaven to be with His Father.
In Acts 9, we are shown a change in God’s plan for mankind. From Genesis 12:1 up to Acts 9, God had only focused on His Chosen people, the Israelites (the Jewish nation).
After the Jews refusal to believe that Jesus was the Son of God, God made the largest CHANGE found in the entire Bible.
God decided that He would offer His Salvation to ALL mankind, Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews).
Acts 9:3 ‘…And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven…’ AKJV
That LIGHT was Jesus Christ confronting Saul of Tarsus, as he traveled to Damascus to capture believing Jews, that the Orthodox Jews hated.
God CHOSE Saul of Tarsus to teach the entire world what He wanted us to know.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
This is Jesus speaking to Ananias in a dream about how He wanted Ananias to Go to whom He, Jesus had CHOSEN.
The book of Acts is not doctrine.
But the book of Acts allows us to see and recognize the change that was made by God.
Another valuable verse found in the book of Acts is:
Acts 13:9 ‘…But [a]Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him, looked steadily at Elymas…’ AMP (Amplified Bible)
Footnote
[a] Saul was the apostle Paul’s Jewish (Hebrew) name. As his ministry to Gentiles began he became known by his Roman (Latin) name, Paul.
I used the Amplified version because of the FOOTNOTE that is found attached with the verse.
Jesus CHOSE Paul to teach mankind what God wants us ALL to know.
Paul wrote thirteen (13) letters … from Romans through Philemon. These thirteen books are for us today, in the 21st century.
To LEARN from and to FOLLOW.
You are welcome to follow me in my weekly lessons on what God wants from us to have Everlasting Life in the presence of Jesus Christ in heaven.
I post a lesson every Wednesday, and some weeks, (like today), I post a short lesson on Monday’s and Friday’s.
You don’t need a man-made religion to teach you what God wants you to know; you simply need to READ what God has already given to us in His Word.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
Romans 10:9 ‘…that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…’ AKJV
Jesus, as we continue studying Your Word, allow us to see the words You want us to HEAR. I love You Jesus. Amen.
The Bible verses we’re going to use this morning are:
Matthew 1:5-6; Jonah 1:1-2; Jeremiah 1:18-19; Ezra 1:1-3; Malachi 1:1; Matthew 15:24, 10:5-6; Mark 6:2; Luke 18:34; John 12:16; Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8, 8:1, 9:15, 13:9; Romans 11:11.
If we were to continue looking at the books in the OT, we can see who the books were originally written to.
So, in our last lesson, I used three (3) OT books, Deuteronomy, Joshua and Judges. The next book in the OT is the book of Ruth.
Ruth was a Moabite woman that married a Jewish man. Her husband died and she lived with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth remarried Boaz, a Jewish man from Bethlehem.
Ruth and Boaz were ancestors in the family lineage of king David and Jesus.
Matthew 1
vs5 ‘…Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse…’
vs6 ‘…Jesse fathered David the king…’ NASB
King David is the author of most of the book of Psalms which precedes the book of Proverbs which was written by David’s son, Solomon.
The Book of Psalms was written for the congregation of Israel, primarily for use in public worship. It served as a hymnbook for the nation, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon, where Levites would lead the people in praise. While many psalms were written by individuals, like David, the collection as a whole was intended for communal use in expressing praise, lament, and other emotions to God. [1]
After the book of Proverbs, God sent prophets to the earth to warn the nation of Israel how they were disobeying His commands.
An old story in the Bible, Jonah was sent by God to Ninevah to warn them how bad they were against Him.
Jonah 1
vs1 ‘…The word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying…’
vs2 ‘…Arise, go to Nineveh, the great city, and cry out against it, because their wickedness has come up before Me…’ NASB
But Jonah, being a Jew, was taught from childhood to stay away from the Gentile nation because they were nothing but evil.
Jonah fled and bought a ticket to sail on a ship going to Spain so he could stay away from the people of Ninevah as well as God.
I’m sure you know the story of Jonah. He ended up in the belly of a great fish for three (3) days and nights, representing Jesus being buried after His death on the cross.
Two (2) books after Jonah is the book of Nahum who God also sent to the land of Ninevah.
God sent Jeremiah to warn His Chosen people of a people that were coming to defeat them.
Jeremiah 1
vs18 ‘…For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land…’
vs19 ‘…And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee…’ AKJV
But the Jews did not listen to the warnings by Jeremiah and the other prophets. In fact, the Jews took Jeremiah prisoner and put him in a cell under the castle walls where he was discovered by the Babylonian soldiers when they captured their city. King Nebuchadnezzar and Babylonians defeated and took captive, God’s Chosen people because they wouldn’t obey God’s commands.
Over the years, the original generation taken by the Babylonians had all died out, king Cyrus the great, a Persian king, freed the remaining Jews from Babylonian captivity and allowed them to go back to their homeland.
Ezra 1
vs1 ‘…Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying…’
vs2 ‘…Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah…’
vs3 ‘…Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem…’ AKJV
The book of Ezra was written for the Jews to remember their past; it was meant to remind them of their history. Nothing was written for the Gentile in these OT books.
The last book in our Bibles found in the OT, is Malachi.
Malachi 1:1 ‘…The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi…’ AKJV
The book of Malachi is just another book written for the Jewish people. After the book of Malachi, God remains quiet with His Chosen people for 400 years until the beginning of Jesus,’ earthly ministry.
Jesus earthly ministry is recorded in the gospels of MMLJ. Even though in our Bibles, the gospels are considered the beginning of the New Testament (NT), Jesus and the apostles only spoke to the Jewish people.
The four (4) gospels (MMLJ) are not intended for the 21st century Gentile.
Jesus tells us Himself He ONLY came for the House of Israel:
Matthew 15:24 ‘…But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel…’ AKJV
When Jesus sent His twelve disciples out to practice teaching His lessons, He instructed them to ONLY go to the house of Israel (the Jews).
Matthew 10
vs5 ‘…These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not…’
vs6 ‘…but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel…’ AKJV
Many times, when Jesus taught, He went and taught at the synagogues. Gentiles were NOT admitted to even enter the gates meant ONLY for the Jews and their worship.
Mark 6:2 ‘…And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands…’ AKJV
Our man-made churches and their religions have done a great injustice to ALL mankind, teaching them lies and beliefs they want the people to believe in, but they could simply preach what has been written in the Word of God and itself would show each one of us the truth that God wants us to HEAR.
Jesus, at the last supper meal with His disciples, before He was taken prisoner to be crucified, Jesus told us what we needed to HEAR.
Matthew 26
vs27 ‘…And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it…’
vs28 ‘…for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins…’ AKJV
Jesus was telling His disciples that He was giving His blood up so that sins would be forgiven.
Jesus was saying to His disciples that He was going to leave them.
On three different occasions, Jesus told His disciples and the followers that were following Him, that He was going to be killed and three days later He would be brought back to life.
These three occurrences are recorded in three of the different gospels, but in Luke there is a verse written how the apostles, they did not understand what Jesus was telling them.
Luke 18:34 ‘…And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken…’ AKJV
And in John, it is written how they did not understand at first, until Jesus had been crucified and after His resurrection before they clearly understood.
John 12:16 ‘…These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him…’ AKJV
MMLJ couldn’t teach of Salvation because they never understood these things themselves.
After Jesus left His disciples, they were without a leader, they didn’t know what to do. Jesus after His crucifixion on the cross told the apostles to go into the entire world and preach about His life, but the apostles didn’t leave Jerusalem.
Matthew 28:19 ‘…Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…’ AKJV
Just before Jesus ascended up into heaven, He told His disciples to wait for the Helper that His Father would send for them, and then they should go to the entire world, Jews and Gentiles and teach them the things that they had learned from and about Jesus.
Acts 1:8 ‘…But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.…’ AKJV
But the apostles had lost their leader, and they never left Jerusalem.
Acts 8:1 ‘…And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles…’ AKJV
In Acts 7 we can read of the stoning death of Stephen by the Sanhedrin. This was the final chance that God gave to the Jewish people, to be His Chosen people that He desired to be saved for eternity. But His people never fully accepted and trusted God.
In Acts 9, God made the most pivotable change found in the entire Bible.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
And our man-made churches today in the 21st century, they never read us this verse in Acts 9.
We could easily shift the blame onto these churches, onto the pastors, priests and thousands of different denominations throughout this world, but the problem is within each one of us.
People will just not open their Bibles today and read for themselves what the Word of God actually says.
God gave this world Saul of Tarsus, to teach every individual what God wanted us to know.
Here is another valuable verse found in Acts.
Acts 13:9 ‘…But [a]Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him, looked steadily at Elymas…’ AMP (Amplified Bible)
FOOTNOTE
[a] Saul was the apostle Paul’s Jewish (Hebrew) name. As his ministry to Gentiles began he became known by his Roman (Latin) name, Paul.
The apostle Paul, CHOSEN by Jesus Christ after he had been crucified, resurrected and ascended; He didn’t want us Gentiles to replace the Jews and become God’s chosen people, to take over their customs and insert their beliefs into our lives. Jesus CHOSE for ALL mankind to be given the opportunity of Salvation, if we simply believed.
Romans 11:11 ‘…I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy…’ AKJV
Here is the verse taken from the Amplified Bible.
Romans 11:11 ‘…So I say, have they stumbled so as to fall [to spiritual ruin]? Certainly not! But by their transgression [their rejection of the Messiah] salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous [when they realize what they have forfeited]…’ AMP (Amplified Bible)
The ONLY way any individual will be saved from a future of Torment and Destruction is for each one of us to open our own Bibles and READ the truth that God wants us to know from His Word.
Man-made churches and religions are not going to save us when God determines that this earth is complete. Their pastors and priest are without power.
Only God can save us.
Keep your Bibles open and continue to read the words He wants for each one of us to know.
READ THE WORD OF GOD.
I love ALL of y’all.
I’ll be back next Wednesday.
I am InHIM.><)))o>
Jesus, bless the person that has taken the time to find You. Bless them Jesus with ALL of Your Glory. Allow them to speak the TRUTH so others might be able to find what You have been trying to offer us for a very long time. I love You Jesus. We ALL love You. Amen.
I woke up yesterday morning, and posted a lesson on my thirteen (13) sites and then I began watching some videos online.
I found a video of Charlie Kirk and a pastor Jack Hibbs … this video began speaking of the Rapture and how the word Rapture is NOT in our English Bibles, however the words ‘caught up,’ are.
You all, every one of you need to listen to these words.
This morning, we are going to try and define the difference between Salvation and Sanctification.
So, right from the beginning, we know that Salvation is a one time thing, it happened as soon as Jesus died on the cross for our sins, ALL mankind throughout ALL time and for ALL of our sins, every one of them.
And then Sanctification is a lifelong process that occurs after the fact that we have already received Salvation.
Salvation is secured … Sanctification is what follows throughout our lives.
So, as I am sitting here at my desk, I have two (2) physical ‘red letter’ Bibles opened so I can find the exact words that came from Jesus’ mouth.
I have a HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) and a NKJV (New King James Version) opened as I write this lesson.
So, let’s begin by defining the word Salvation, in our dictionary there is the typical definition of the word Salvation and then there is the Theology definition.
According to the normal, everyday definition of Salvation is: the preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss.
And in Theology, the definition is: deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.
Jesus, in His willingness, He gave up His life for you and me, He willingly died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.
Not Jesus’ sins … but rather, yours and mine, our sins, us human beings are the ones that sinned. Jesus died on the cross for you and me, for ALL of us.
In the Word, Jesus tells us that He chose to give up His life so we could be forgiven for our sins.
Matthew 20:28 ‘…even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many…’ AKJV
Matthew 26:28 ‘…for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins…’ AKJV
Jesus died on the cross for us, so we could attain everlasting life.
Just for a moment, think of all the different religions today that claim you need to do something so your sins are forgiven … these people should really open and read their Bibles because in His Word we are told that ALL of our sins have already been forgiven.
Our Salvation is attained through our FAITH, our FAITH in Jesus Christ.
This next verse was not found written with ‘red letters.’
Ephesians 2:8
‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
‘…When you believed in Jesus, God saved you because he is very kind. You could not save yourselves, but that is God’s gift to you…’ EASY
For myself, I don’t need the above verse to be written in ‘red letters’ for me to believe … the verse alone gives me the strength that I believe it because it is in God’s Word.
Sanctification is everything that follows our Salvation, and since Salvation was by the death of Jesus Christ, Sanctification is everything in our walk with Jesus.
So, let’s begin by finding the definition of Sanctification.
The definition of Sanctification is: the action of making or declaring that something is holy.
According to google.com: Biblically, Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God’s purpose, becoming holy, and growing more like Christ.
This is the ongoing, lifelong process of growing more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It involves the renewing of our minds and understanding the Bible … allowing Scripture’s convictions to shape your life … and increasing our love for God’s Word.
Every time we OPEN up our Bibles and read we are increasing our love for Him.
Every time we OPEN up our mouths, and we speak about Him to others, we are growing.
Every time we publically preach behind a pulpit, or we post on a social media site a lesson or we exhibit on Facebook and go LIVE with a Bible study we are renewing our minds and understanding His Word, we are growing the way that God wants for us to grow so we can help and edify those that may not be as well off as they could be.
We are working the way that Jesus has shown us to reach out to others and assist them so they to can find and grow in Jesus.
In the book of Hebrews, we are told that us followers of Christ, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, we are shown of the importance when we teach what He wants for this world to know.
Hebrews 10:10
‘…By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all…’ AKJV
‘…Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body once and for all…’ GNT (Good News Translation)
For our sins to be forgiven, we must have FAITH and BELIEVE what we are told in the Word of God.
Jesus spoke these words Himself, words from His own mouth about being sanctified.
John 17:19 ‘…And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth…’ AKJV
Jesus asked God the Father, to give us a helper to assist us in this human life that we live in. Jesus came to this earth to live this same life as us. He knows the difficulties that we each face each and every day.
But like I said, Jesus asked that we would be given a helper to help us make it through this life we have in front of us.
The Holy Spirit is here to be with us, every day, all we have to do is ask for Him to stay with us.
The Holy Spirit can be with us all the time, if we let Him in. All we have to do is take down our defensive walls that we have built up around us to protect us and keep us safe, and if we BELIEVE and allow Him in, He can protect us with the walls of protection that He has for us.
We gain our strength in Him when we pray aloud to Him.
We gain our strength in Him when we OPEN our Bibles, and we seek His Message that He has given us.
We gain our strength in Him when we OPEN our mouths, and we share His Message with others that we meet. When we are not afraid of what stands in front of us, when we are not ashamed of the words we are about to voice aloud to others.
Salvation we have already been given. Jesus made our Salvation possible when He died on the cross for our sins.
Sanctification is what us as individuals are going to work at for the entirety of our lives.
When we wake up in the morning and we thank God for another day, when we ask that He’d USE us for the betterment of other human beings that are around us.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell among our daily lives we grow in the environment that He has put in front of us.
The only thing we can do is allow Him to direct us in our walk with Him.
Spend time throughout your day in His presence and allow Him to expand your ability to edify that individual that He wants for you to reach out and touch.
I love ALL of y’all.
I am InHIM.><)))o>
Jesus, thank You for a powerful message this morning. Thank You for allowing me to have friends that point me in the direction to find these messages that might need be emphasized differently. Jesus thank You for allowing me to have Your Words that You desire for us all to know and understand. I love You Jesus. Amen.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
Romans 10:9 ‘…that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…’ AKJV
Jesus, I am about to embark on a group of lessons that I am taking from Your Word. Help those Father that read these lessons, that they might be able to see ONLY the words that You have given us to see, and they can attain the strength to leave the beliefs of this world, alone and left as the lie that they are. Use me Jesus so I can keep my focus on ONLY what You want for me to portray. I love You Jesus. Amen.
The Bible verses we’re going to use this morning are:
I began writing this group of lessons back in July of 2025; here in the United States, we were very near to celebrate Independence Day.
There are people in this world, all around this globe, that had better begin to realize, that God has told us in His Word, that life as we know it, one day is going to come to an end. This earth is going to be made new and the old dirt and evil ways that are so prevalent today in our lives, are one day going to be done away with.
People of this world have got to open up their Bibles and read the words that God has given us and forget about man-made religions and man-made beliefs that have been taught to us for generations.
These man-made religions and beliefs are never going to save any one of us from Everlasting Torment. It is ONLY through the promise made by God, our Father in heaven, that is capable of making such a promise to us and keeping that promise that He made.
We are able to read of His promise in His Word that we have been given by Him.
So, let’s begin our study this morning and ONLY focus on the words that God has given to us and forget about what has been made up by mankind, okay?
In ALL Bible studies, the participant should study the words that have been written in the Word of God, not simply playing with the beliefs from pastors and priests, their churches or their denominations.
It is either going to be God’s Word that is going to save us, or it is going to be our own misinterpretation of what God has actually said for us to listen to in His Word.
Here is a very basic, explanation of what I am trying to say.
There are many people that call themselves Christians, and in their own minds, the ONLY version of the English Bible that should be read is the King James Version (KJV).
I have to ask the question, where does God tell us that in His Word?
Where is it written that we are to only read from the KJV translation?
I haven’t been able to find it written anywhere in the Word of God, written in any version, in fact it’s not even in the KJV version itself.
The majority of the time, I’ll call these people, ‘the Bible police,’ they don’t read exactly what has been written in the Word.
They instead prioritize what they believe should be written and they believe what they want to believe in.
In fact, the Bible, when it was first assembled it was in three different languages, Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
The very original Bible was translated from these three (3) original languages, written in the Greek language and found on Jewish scrolls.
I hate it, especially when one of these ‘Bible police,’ start reading from the Bible, aloud to a group of people.
Here is just ONE example:
2 Timothy 2:15 ‘…Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)
Most times, these self-proclaimed Bible police, change the words as they read …
‘…study to show that you’re approved to God…’
Interpreted correctly, but those are not the words that are written in the original translated script.
Another words, they are translating the original translation into their own translation.
That is exactly what is done in the other English versions found in print today that they so demonically criticize.
Here are just a few other versions of 2 Timothy 2:15 in English.
‘…Do your best to win full approval in God’s sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God’s truth…’ GNT (Good News Translation)
‘…Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth…’ AMP (Amplified Bible)
‘…Do your best to win God’s approval as a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed and who teaches only the true message…’ CEV (Contemporary English Version)
But rather than us finding ourselves tied up and strangled over the correct version interpreted, let’s set our focus on just what God has given us in this one verse found in His Word.
In this verse in 2 Timothy, Paul wrote that God is telling us to study the Word, so we don’t have to be ashamed of what we are teaching.
The apostle Paul is writing warning us to be sure we are teaching what is correct and directly from the Word of God.
Not our interpretation of the Word of God, but rather, what are the words that are found in the Word of God.
For too long, generation to generation, this world has been taught the words that were meant for ONLY the Jewish Israelite, the Old Testament (OT) individual.
People, for generations, have been taught that the words, ALL the words found in our Bibles are meant for us to obey.
This is simply not true.
For generations, people obeyed and fought for their right to portray the ten commandments. People fought and argued the ten commandments needed to be kept in our courthouses. Some people wanted the ten commandments hung up in our public schools throughout the country.
Here is writings that are found, exactly written in the Word of God.
Romans 2
vs14 ‘…For when Gentiles who do not have the Law instinctively perform the requirements of the Law, these, though not having the Law, are a law to themselves…’
vs15 ‘…in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them…’
vs16 ‘…on the day when, according to my Gospel, God will judge the secrets of mankind through Christ Jesus…’ NASB (New American Standard Bible)
In vs16, when the apostle Paul writes: ‘my Gospel,’ he is wanting us to not look at the gospels that were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (MMLJ), but rather, he wanted us to keep our focus and look at the Gospel that he was given by Jesus Christ, Himself (1COR 15:1-4).
1 Corinthians 15
vs1 ‘…Now I make known to you, brothers and sisters, the gospel which I preached to you, which you also received, in which you also stand…’
vs2 ‘…by which you also are saved, if you hold firmly to the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain…’
vs3 ‘…For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…’
vs4 ‘…and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…’ AKJV (Authorized King James Version)
If we read our Bibles, with our minds closed and not open to HEAR God’s Message, we are studying an interpretation instead of studying the Word of God.
This has been going on for too long, too many generations of people have been incorrectly taught how to HEAR and BELIEVE, God’s Word.
When God emphasizes in His Word, who He is talking too, He is not telling us to insert our own interpretation, or fill in the space with a desired people we intentionally want to include into the conversation.
God is telling us His Word.
Deuteronomy 1:1 ‘…These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab…’ AKJV
Moses spoke to Israel (to the Jews), not to the Gentiles in the 21st century.
Joshua 1
vs1 ‘…Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying…’
vs2 ‘…Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel…’ AKJV
God chose Joshua to go to the children of Israel, not the Gentiles in the 21st century.
Judges 1:1 ‘…Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them…’ AKJV
After Joshua died, the children of Israel asked their God for advice, the Gentiles didn’t ask.
These are just three (3) consecutive books found in the OT, showing the children of Israel and their God. Nothing is written how the Gentile nation was included or how they could be accepted in, it was strictly God and His Chosen people (Israel, the Jews).
As we continue reading in our Bibles, the Word of God, the entire OT plus the four gospels written by MMLJ and the 1st eight chapters in Acts, have ALL been written to and ONLY for the Jewish people.
Nothing was written to the Gentile person, especially in the 21st century.
After Jesus death on the cross, after His resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Jewish nations failure to still believe in ‘their’ God, God made the most pivotable change found in the entire Bible.
In Acts 9:15, God decided to offer His Salvation to the entire world, every man, woman and child walking on the planet earth.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
This is the crucified, resurrected and ascended Jesus speaking to Ananias, a Jewish believer living in Damascus, where Jesus is telling Ananias to go to Saul of Tarsus because he (Saul), is God’s CHOSEN vessel to teach this entire world what He (God), wants this world to know.
Why is this Message not preached every Sunday morning?
We are going to conclude this morning’s lesson; I’ll be back here in a couple of days to get back on schedule (Wednesday), where we will pick back up where we left off.
I love ALL of y’all.
I am InHIM.><)))o>
Jesus, keep the hunger in Your people, so they will return next week. Keep Your Message on ALL of our minds and keep us always thinking of You. We love You Jesus. Amen.
Here is a little testimony for you, there have been several struggles that have happened to me throughout my lifetime. Struggles that I’ve had to recently face up to and acknowledge that they actually did take place.
Not only has one of these struggles been about what I’ve been taught about religion and religious beliefs, even though those things will never be forgotten by me, but what haunts me the most, are the things that I taught and what I preached for several years.
Since I’ve had my eyes opened, I’ve found it difficult, on a few different occasions, to settle on what has been taught in the man-made religions, that are found throughout this world, today.
Here is a Bible verse for you:
John 3:16 ‘…For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…’ AKJV
For many past years, I have struggled because even today I remain known as WHOSOEVER InHIM.
I claim that I am a whosoever.
This verse, in the gospel of John, is maybe the one verse that is most recited inside Christendom today. More people know that one verse than any of the other verses found in our Bibles, and yet, that one verse will not save us today in the 21st century.
Today, we are living in a different ‘dispensation’ from when John wrote that verse.
Here the apostle Paul tells us about this new dispensation that has been set-up by God.
Ephesians 1
vs6 ‘…to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved…’
vs7 ‘…in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace…’
vs8 ‘…wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence…’
vs9 ‘…having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself…’
vs10 ‘…that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him…’ AKJV
God CHOSE that there needed to be a change. Back 2000 years ago, God set a new standard for us, mankind.
Here is an easier English version for you to read, so you might be able to understand more clearly what was written in the King James version.
Ephesians 1
vs3 ‘…We praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us in very many ways. Because we belong to Christ, we enjoy all the good things that come from heaven. God blesses our spirits with those good things…’
vs4 ‘…Before God made the world, he chose us to be his people because of Christ. He chose us so that we would please him. Because we belong to Christ, God accepts us as completely good. This shows how much he loves us…’
vs5 ‘…Long ago, he already decided to accept us into his family as his children, because of Jesus Christ. He chose us to belong to him because it made him very happy…’
vs6 ‘…As a result, we praise him, because he is great and he has been so kind to us. He has given us so much because of his Son, whom he loves very much…’
vs7 ‘…When Christ died as a sacrifice on the cross, he paid the price to make us free. Because of Christ’s death on our behalf, God has forgiven our sins. God is so very kind that he has done all this for us…’
vs8 ‘…Even more than that, God has shown how wise he is. He understands what we need…’
vs9 ‘…He has let us know his great purpose, which had been a secret before. That plan would make him very happy. It would be possible because of Christ…’
vs10 ‘…God will make that plan happen when the time is completely right. At that time, he will bring everything together so that Christ rules all of them. That includes the things that are in heaven, and the things that are on earth…’ EASY
Just READ His words and focus on what we are being told.
From vs4 … He chose us so that we would please Him.
Can’t you see what God is telling us … we are being told?
God didn’t choose us because we make our tithes every week to a man-made religion.
God didn’t choose us because we attend every function in our man-made religion.
God didn’t choose us because we deserved it … He chose us because we would please Him.
Because we belong to Christ.
Long ago, God already knew what He was going to do.
He chose us to belong to Him because it made Him very happy.
John 3:16 can’t save us today because it doesn’t make us remember what He did for us.
From vs7 ‘…When Christ died as a sacrifice on the cross, he paid the price to make us free. Because of Christ’s death on our behalf, God has forgiven our sins. God is so very kind that he has done all this for us…’ EASY
I hate it when I hear false teachers preaching, telling their congregations about what they need to do, so they can stop sinning or how they need to ask for God’s forgiveness, Jesus already gave up His life so our sins would be forgiven.
All people need to do is OPEN their Bibles and READ the words that God has given us in His Word.
It’s so easy, stop listening to what you’ve been incorrectly taught and listen to Jesus tell you in HIS truth, what He wants you to know.
I’ve been on vacation this past week, and I’ve had the opportunity to sit back and observe what is actually going on, around us, or me, anyway.
Not judging anyone, I simply wanted to observe what is going on and happening around me.
Two males holding hands as they walk by, and two young females (girls), walking, holding hands … in the public, without any hesitation or inhibitions about being seen in the public eye.
It seems it is normal for some people to wear clothes out in public, clothes that other people wouldn’t wear in their own homes, alone, in private. There’s nobody timid anymore.
I think a very major problem that has occurred in this world today, has been caused mostly because of the man-made religions, because of the false sermons that have been taught and preached over time, to ‘their’ congregations.
The people that make up all of these ‘congregations,’ are searching for God but these man-made churches are teaching their own made up, man-made beliefs that are unable to save anyone.
Their has been so many false messages taught that people have become aware of the lies.
It has got to the point today, where most of these man-made churches, no longer read from the Holy Bible, instead these religions preach words to make the newcomer feel good about themselves.
What is sad, there is not enough preaching about what Jesus CHOSE and who He CHOSE to teach us, and what words He wants us to HEAR.
Just over the past couple of months, since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, hundreds of thousands of young kids, desiring to find Jesus and adopt Him into their lives, have been taught false messages by these man-made religions.
Hundreds upon hundreds of Bibles have been purchased by these kids that desire to find God … the problem is that they are going to these man-made churches that are NOT preaching what Jesus wants us to HEAR, instead these religions are teaching all of these newcomers that are looking for a relationship with Jesus, they are being led astray and told what these religions want them to believe in.
I can ONLY pray for these kids so they could find the correct direction You want them to follow, Jesus.
I’ve taught for years, if you are searching to find Jesus in Scripture, begin in the book of Acts. God made a change in Acts 9.
Read and move forward after the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus when He walked this earth.
The book of Acts is not theology, but the book of Acts allows us see the change in God’s plan.
Paul wrote thirteen epistles between Romans and Philemon.
Books that Jesus decided were the books that our generation were to FOLLOW.
FOLLOW Jesus’ lead and allow Him to direct you down the path He wants you to FOLLOW.
This was a fantastic vacation for me and my family, I got to spend time with two of my grandkids at Disney World in Orlando, Florida … a time I will never forget.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
Romans 10:9 ‘…that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…’ AKJV
Jesus, as I am about to leave for a vacation with my grandkids, reach out and protect us, and keep us safe in Your presence. Comfort us Jesus and let us know that we are in Your presence. As I leave with my family, allow those that I teach every week, to remain in Your Word, let them know they are being comforted and watched over by Your redeeming love. Guide them Jesus and keep them all safe in Your arms. I love You Jesus. Amen.
The Bible verses we’re going to use this morning are:
Luke 24:13, :16; John 20:15-17; Revelation 1:7; 2Timothy 2:15; Philippians 4:6-7; 1Corinthians 11:1; Acts 9:3, :15.
This morning’s lesson, I hope will wake up some of those individuals that think they are following in Jesus’ footsteps, because their man-made religion tells them they are walking the right way.
WAKE UP … are you following your pastor, your priest, your church and its denomination, or are you FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST?
I heard a music video this morning that got me visualizing the words that we have been given in God’s Word.
Do you know, the image that we have of Jesus Christ in our minds, does not mean that is the ONLY way that Jesus will look to us on that day when we will finally be able to see Him.
Remember back in our Bibles, after Jesus rose from His tomb and walked on the road to Emmaus, the two disciples didn’t recognize Him.
Luke 24:13 ‘…And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs…’ AKJV
Luke 24:16 ‘…But their eyes were holden that they should not know him…’ AKJV
Remember from our Bibles the story of Mary Magdeline at Jesus tomb on His resurrection morning?
John 20
vs15 ‘…Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him, hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away…’
vs16 ‘…Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master…’
vs17 ‘…Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God…’ AKJV
God’s Word tells us that there will be many times that we will see Jesus standing right in front of us and we will not recognize His face … because we are looking for the face that we have memorized in our minds.
But in the book of Revelation, we are told that ‘EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM.’
Revelation 1:7 ‘…Behold, he cometh with clouds; and EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen…’ AKJV
STOP relying on your church to save you … STOP relying on a man-made religion to be there for you, they will be fighting to save themselves … STOP relying on your human pastors and priests to save you, they too, will be fighting to stay afloat … JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY ONE THAT WILL BE ABLE TO SAVE YOU.
The other night as I laid in bed before I went off to sleep, I thought of the importance in 2Timothy 2:15.
2Timothy 2:15 ‘…Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…’ AKJV
STUDY your Bibles and LISTEN to the words that God has given us … STOP relying on your man-made religions, your pastors, your priests, your churches and their denominations … instead:
PUT YOUR TRUST AND FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.
Philippians 4
vs6 ‘…Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God…’
vs7 ‘…And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…’ AKJV
No where in the Bible are we told we should be stuck in a time warp, keeping our focus between Jesus’ earthly ministry teachings and resurrection Sunday.
We are taught that we are to FOLLOW in His footsteps.
1Corinthians 11:1 ‘…Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ…’ AKJV
The apostle Paul is trying to teach us to FOLLOW him, just like he is FOLLOWING Jesus Christ.
After Jesus’ crucifixion, His resurrection from the tomb and His ascension up into heaven, Jesus returned to this earth to guide those of us that desire to FOLLOW Him.
In a revelation, Jesus confronted Saul of Tarsus.
Acts 9:3 ‘…And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven…’ AKJV
In a revelation, Jesus spoke and directed Ananias to move.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him (Ananias), Go thy way: for he (Saul of Tarsus) is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
Jesus didn’t step foot on the planet earth … that event will occur at Jesus’ second coming. These events in the book of Acts, are of Jesus reaching out to each one of us trying to get us to FOLLOW Him.
Jesus, in His power and might, He is trying to pull us ALL towards and into His presence. Jesus can use music … He can use places around us … He can use people that we may not normally desire … it doesn’t matter what we think, the ONLY thing that matters is what Jesus wants to do.
STUDY the Word that God has given us. READ about His love that He has for each one of us. FOLLOW in His footsteps and allow Him to use you where He needs you to be used.
I’ll be back in a couple of weeks, but right now, in the presence of God … ask Him to guide and protect you from the evil that is found in this world, everywhere today, all around us.
I love ALL of y’all.
I am InHIM.><)))o>
Jesus, thank You for the strength you have given me, to share the message that I was given this morning through a music video. Allow others Jesus to find that same message today in everything that they will do. I love You Jesus. We ALL love You. Amen.
ps … just in case you are wondering, the music video was Bam Brubaker.
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
Ephesians 2:8 ‘…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…’ AKJV
Romans 10:9 ‘…that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…’ AKJV
The other day, my wife and I were sitting at a table waiting to order our meal in a local restaurant, as we waited for the waitress to take or order, I found an article that I had saved onto my phone a few days earlier. The question asked in the article was: should I leave a church that teaches incorrect doctrine?
That is going to be our focus this morning, I ask that you would remain in His presence with me as we open our study on that very subject.
Jesus, walk with me this morning and keep this lesson aligned with the words You are trying to get out into this world. Use me this morning so others can HEAR the words You desire to be heard. I love You Jesus. Amen.
The Bible verses we’re going to use this morning are:
Acts 9:3, 9:15; Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5, 10:11; Matthew 26:27-28; Luke 16:27-31; 2 Timothy 3:16, 2:15; Acts 13:50-51.
How many times has this thought entered into your mind?
Every church I’ve visited, in person, they’ve all preached about the exact same message. They all read from MMLJ. Every Easter morning they celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the cross and by the end of the service, they return back to Jesus’ earthly ministry, His works, His earthly teachings to the Jewish nation, and then eventually throughout the year they will end up back in the stable at Jesus’ birth and working their way right back up to His death on the cross, then to His resurrection from His tomb and the entire cycle is repeated all over again for another year, on and on again, this has been going on for nearly 2000 years.
That is NOT what the Word of God teaches us, instead that is exactly what Satan wants for this world, he wants us to remain corralled up into a corner so he can control us, but the Word of God does not tell us to stay in one place, over and over again.
When Jesus, the ascended Jesus left heaven to come to this earth and confront Saul of Tarsus:
Acts 9:3 ‘…And as he (Saul) journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light (Jesus) from heaven…’ AKJV
Found in that same chapter, a few verses down, Jesus spoke to Ananias in a vision:
Acts 9:15 ‘…But the Lord said unto him (Ananias), Go thy way: for he (Saul of Tarsus) is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…’ AKJV
Jesus didn’t just ascend up into heaven and sit there until His Second Coming back to rule this earth that we live in.
Jesus didn’t just confront Saul to keep him from capturing more Jewish believers and taking them back to Rome, He confronted Saul to be the teacher of the entire world. This is back around 33 AD, almost 2000 years ago.
It is 2025 and the majority of the entire population found on this earth has been manipulated by a force that wants to destroy all of mankind.
This force doesn’t want us to get the luxury that he once had but foolishly gave up because of his greed. I am talking about Satan. He once had a life in the presence of Jesus, and he gave it all up because of his greed.
He doesn’t want us to have what he, so foolishly, threw away.
Don’t let him have his way. READ your Bibles for yourselves and HEAR the Message that God is telling us in His words, from His mouth, written by His pen for us to see.
So, the question that was asked in this article was basically should we stay in a church that teaches the wrong doctrine.
There are two (2) possible replies: Yes and No.
A percentage of people debated said YES, we should stay to hopefully spread the correct doctrine so people could change their minds and be saved.
And of course there was the remaining amount of people that shouted NO, we should move on and not allow ourselves to be trapped and caught up in their foolishness.
But be wise, don’t follow their teachings and their thoughts and beliefs that mankind has to offer you. Seek the advice from God Himself and let Him instruct you the way He wants you to handle this and any situation that you are confronted with.
In the Word of God, Jesus instructed His disciples on this subject in three (3) different gospels.
Matthew 10:14 ‘…And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet…’ AKJV
Mark 6:11 ‘…And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city…’ AKJV
Luke 9:5 ‘…And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them…’ AKJV
Luke 10:11 ‘…Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you…’ AKJV
Jesus is telling His disciples, if people will not accept the true Message, shake off the dust and move onward.
At the last supper meal, Jesus told His disciples that it was His Blood that He was shedding, so mankind’s sins could be forgiven.
Matthew 26
vs27 ‘…And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it…’
vs28 ‘…for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins…’ AKJV
Jesus is telling them it was His death that was going to save ALL mankind, NOT His earthly ministry or His earthly teachings or miracles.
There was another time when Jesus told us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
Luke 16
vs27 ‘…Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house…’
vs28 ‘…for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment…’
vs29 ‘…Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them…’
vs30 ‘…And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent….’
vs31 ‘…And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead…’ AKJV
In this parable, Abraham told of Moses and the prophets, that they would teach.
God didn’t send us a Moses or the prophets today to teach us, but God DID give us His Word today to teach us.
I remember a saying I heard, years ago, about an acronym for the word BIBLE: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
Find the answers for the questions that are going to arise by the words that have been written in our Bibles.
Don’t get yourself caught up with reading parts of the Bible that are not meant for us, another words, don’t just set your focus on the interpretations that your pastor, your priest, your church or its denomination want you to hear.
Jesus CHOSE Saul to teach us what He wants for us to know … read his thirteen (13) writings, Romans through Philemon.
The entire Bible has been given to us, so we could learn from.
2 Timothy 3:16 ‘…All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…’ AKJV
But notice, the word not used in that verse is the word FOLLOW.
Scripture has been given to us to help us through this life we are living in, but we must be wise enough to know what has been written and to whom.
2 Timothy 2:15 ‘…Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…’ AKJV
The above verse is a verse I use to justify the many different English versions of the Bible.
There are those that, in their own minds, they feel the KJV should be the ONLY version of the English Bible read … a question I have for them is where is that written (another words: what Book, Verse and Chapter is that found in)?
And most times these ‘Bible Police’ (I call them), if they were to read 2 Timothy 2:15 they will say:
Study to show yourself approved by God
Correct interpretation but those are NOT the words written in the King James.
They are the translation by the reader … that is the same thing that is done in the hundreds of other English translated Bibles.
I’m not saying all of these other translations are correct, I’m simply saying the KJV is not the only version we can study from.
But more importantly from that verse in 2 Timothy is the part we are shown of ‘Rightly Dividing The Truth.’
We are to be wise enough, so we know which writings are meant for us and which ones were meant for other people, at other times, in earlier and later days.
We are to be wise enough to know the difference.
The apostle Paul never wrote about shaking the dust off and moving forward, but Luke wrote about Paul shaking the dust off from his feet.
Acts 13
vs50 ‘…But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts…’
vs51 ‘…But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium…’ AKJV
So, wrapping this morning’s lesson up, I am confident that God is telling us to move onward, away from the false doctrine and keep our eyes focused on what God has shown us to keep our eyes focused on.
I also must admit, it was from my prayers and my hunger that has allowed the Holy Spirit to come into my life and OPEN my eyes so I could see the words that God has given us in His Word.
That Holy Spirit is available to anyone that desires for the ONLY correct advice that can be given.
I’ve spoken with other pastor friends, and there has always been the same response: Jesus is the One that saves … the Holy Spirit is the One that directs us to Him.
Keep your Bibles ALWAYS open and continue to study the words that God wants for each one of us to see.
Now I am going on a vacation with my grandkids this upcoming week, I was going to take my computer with me and post this next Wednesday, but I’ve had a change of heart.
I’ve decided to go without any electronic equipment, and I am going to focus entirely on my grandkids … I will be back somewhere around the 25th or the 26th with my next lesson.
I love ALL of y’all.
I am InHIM.><)))o>
Jesus, thank You for a powerful lesson this morning. Thank You for using me, I hope others find the words that You have intended for us all to see. I love You Jesus. Amen.
