I’ve shared a book from Google Play Books

The Pursuit of God with Study Guide, A. W. Tozer.
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=kHIYAgAAQBAJ

ReadandPray

There are nails in that cross! (Thomas Watson, “The Beatitudes” 1660)

There are nails in that cross!

(Thomas Watson, “The Beatitudes” 1660)

“If anyone would come after Me, he must deny 
 himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” 
    Luke 9:23

Self-denial is the highest sign of a sincere Christian. 
Hypocrites may have great knowledge and make large 
profession—but it is only the true-hearted believer who 
can deny himself for Christ.

Self-denial is the foundation of godliness, and if this 
foundation is not well-laid, the whole building will fall. 
If there is any lust in our souls which we cannot deny
—it will turn at length, either to scandal or apostasy. 
Self-denial is the thread which must run along through 
the whole work of piety. 

A man must deny self-esteem. Every man by nature 
has a high opinion of himself. He is drunk with spiritual 
pride. A proud man disdains the cross. He thinks himself
too good to suffer. Oh deny self-esteem! Let the plumes 
of pride fall off! Let us shake off this viper of pride! 

A man must deny carnal self. This I take to be the 
chief sense of the text. He must deny fleshly ease. 
The flesh cries out for ease. It is loath to put its neck 
under Christ’s yoke or stretch itself upon the cross. The 
flesh cries out, “Oh! the cross of Christ is heavy! There 
are nails in that cross which will lacerate, and fetch 
blood!” We must deny our self-ease, and be as a deaf 
adder, stopping our ears to the charmings of the flesh! 
Those who lean on the soft pillow of sloth, will hardly 
take up the cross. 

This self-denying frame of heart is very hard. This is “to 
pluck out the right eye.” It is easier to overcome men and 
devils, than to overcome self. “Stronger is he who conquers
himself, than he who conquers the strongest walled city.” 

SELF is the idol, and how hard it is to sacrifice this idol,
and to turn self-seeking into self-denial! But though it is 
difficult—it is essential. A Christian must first lay down 
self—before he can take up the cross.

Alas! how far are they from self-denial—who cannot deny 
themselves in the least things; who in their diet or apparel, 
instead of martyring the flesh—pamper the flesh! Instead of 
taking up the cross—take up their cups! Is this self-denial— 
to let loose the reins to the flesh? Oh Christians, as ever you 
would be able to carry Christ’s cross, begin to deny yourselves. 

“Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or
father or mother or children or property, for My sake, will
receive a hundred times as much in return and will have
eternal life!” Matthew 19:29. Here is a very choice bargain!

ReadandPray

Evil is all around

THE FLOOD GATES OF EVIL OPENING MORE AND MORE
(By the will of God and for His Glory)
A LETTER TO A JEWISH FRIEND ON THE FENCE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Steve,
From that halftime showing, in boldness and the flesh, dedicated to the Prince of Darkness, unseen and tragically unknown nor believed to be as real, we who studied it are not surprised at it’s revelations to those who know it’s meaning, and confusion apart from enjoyments of “THE SHOW” which tragically infests the inner lost man/woman, in a supernatural unconscious way, further insulating the condition of the soul as LOST IN SIN which also is not believed, and moves the lost into deeper darkness and a temporary exhilaration which if not shattered by THE TRUTH OF YESHUA (Jesus Christ), will lead to eternal company with the Prince I set forth above, forever in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15)
The Gospel in a nutshell:
Jesus Christ, God the Son, conceived by the power of God through the Spirit of God, without sin nor sin nature, was born of a virgin, began His ministry at about 30, being Emmanuel, God with us, as prophesied in the Old Testament, God and perfect man, lived His whole life in the will of God, in sinless obedience, and served God His Father 3 years, loved the lost, was crucified for our sins, died, was buried, rose again the third day according to the scriptures, never to die again, and is the Savior of all believing sinners which belief is appointed by Almighty God by His unmerited grace through faith given us to believe, recognize our sinful state and the living consequence of death in that way (Hell and the Lake of Fire forever; Rev.20:11-15) and desire to live our new life in God for the Glory of God.
Yeshua said to the religious rulers (and by inference all the lost sinners on earth) :
John 8:43-46 King James Bible
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
John 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (commit= practices sin which is the case with all unsaved whose “lifestyle” incorporates sin until God convicts them (if that be their destiny to be chosen by God to *repent ) (*a change of mind about sin and God and salvation from sins and judgment by the finished work of Yeshua and belief through the true Gospel I outlined above)

What followed from our nations highest office is no surprise ! Equating “Christians” with ISIS; and a reprimand we should not get on our high horse as a nation. For the blood of death is on the hands of Jesus followers was the inference, thus it is not an uncommon thing to see others doing what they do but what we should do is look at our self and say: “there but for (Obama) goeth “I”)

But Jesus was far from encouraging anyone to do harm to those who did not believe in Him. In fact He died on a cross of shame that the world of all kinds of lost could be saved through His blood sacrifice and resurrection from the dead.

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Hebrews 2:9
But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

And the COMMANDMENTS of YESHUA (JESUS CHRIST) are crystal clear:
Matthew 22:
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
The Koran has no such command. On the contrary: SEE: http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Quran/023-violence.htm
Israel in the cross hairs:
The demolition of Israel has been underway and is gaining strength. The political assassination of Bebe is in progress. God knows and His will will be done! The courtship of Iran ongoing. What are the consequences of “The friend of my enemy is my enemy”?

We know this is a time of testing

ATTENTION. WE KNOW WE ARE IN A TIME OF GREAT TESTING

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18) (HERE IS FAITH!)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Faith enables the believing soul to treat the future as present and the invisible as seen.

***The future as present!
Thus our Lord promised He would come again and receive us unto Himself. That we believe DAILY.  (His imminent call to come up; one truth of a multitude He keeps)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
1 Peter 5:8-9

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 32:8

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Hebrews 2:1

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:6

THE SACRED NAME CULT ADVANCING

I am concerned about  sinner’s glorifying their sin, posing  as an angel of light, serving up death to all who think they were saved by Jesus Christ!

Many of our brethren have fallen into the lair of these wolves in sheep’s clothing who make a market of brethren who do not have a firm footing in the truth of our English bible.

At FIRST, these deceivers offer videos that attract large audiences on topics such as The Blood Moons and the Rapture suggesting God may (high probability!) remove His Bride at a future date coinciding with Jewish Feast days (the ceremonial Law Christ completed at the cross). And to insure their ruse they also say (He can come anytime) but the emphasis is always on THEIR studies and their star gazing and predictions of the Future and they amaze multitudes who become followers and contributors to their coffers.

  THEN SOME OF THEM BEGIN THEIR SACRED NAME GAME!  And some offer what they say is the authentic Hebrew Bible with the only name that saves IN HEBREW.  And they warn their following that once they have seen their OFFERING and the name they say is the only sacred name, that their following must use the Hebrew name of Jesus Christ ( or else!!! is inferred) ) and study from the “Bible” they offer as implied saviors of their flock!

We are told by our Lord, who can come for us at any MOMENT (imminency of His promises to His bride) TO PREACH HIS RETURN . COMFORT BRETHREN WITH TRUTHS!  NOT SPECULATIONS! And certainly we are told:

PRAISE THE LORD GOING INTO THE LIONS DEN!  OR ANY OTHER TROUBLE GOD HAS APPOINTED FOR HIS GLORY!  HE WILL BE WITH US IN ALL CONDITIONS! HE ALLOWS WHAT HE ALLOWS FOR US AND WE MAKE THE MOST OF IT FOR JESUS SAKE. (The Gospel can be shared marching to the PRISON CELL  as well!!! Paul converted most all the Prison guards in his last days in that COLD ROMAN dungeon!)

WE LOOK FOR JESUS CHRIST: NOT Antichrist nor what man can do to us in whatever ways GOD PERMITS!!!  (Our God is in CONTROL)

 “So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 1:7).

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:20).

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Phil 4:5).

“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess 1:10).

“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thess 5:6).

“That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Tim 6:14).

“Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13).

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Heb 9:28).

“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the Day approaching” (Heb 10:24-25).

“For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Heb 10:37).

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door” (James 5:7-9).

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7).

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 1:21).

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev 3:11).

“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Rev 22:7).
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev 22:20).
“Don’t let your heart be troubled ……..” John 14:1-3
Chaim

Is Romans 7:14-25 describing a believer or an unbeliever?”

Romans 7:14–25 is a passage that has caused some confusion among Bible students because of the strong language Paul uses to describe himself. How can the greatest of the apostles characterize himself, and by extension, all Christians, as “unspiritual,” a “slave to sin” and a “prisoner of the law of sin”? Aren’t these descriptions of unbelievers? How can Paul describe himself in these terms if he is truly saved? The key to understanding this passage is Paul’s description of the two natures of a Christian. Prior to salvation, we have only one nature—the sin nature. But once we hear the gospel and examine our lifestyle (heart) and are broken. God is calling us to repent and come to Christ,(Heb.4:7 Today if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts.) Our brokenness will lead us to seeking and crying out to Him,thus if we truly have believed; we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), but we still abide in the old flesh which has the remains of the sinful nature within it. These two natures war constantly with one another, continually pulling the believer in opposite directions.The desires of the believer’s spiritual nature pull him in the direction of God, while the flesh in which he lives pulls him to do evil. He wants to do one thing but has something within him that does the opposite. So how do these evil desires differ from those of an unbeliever? Simply put, the believer hates the evil flesh in which he lives and desires to be freed from it, whereas unbelievers have no such desire. So strong is Paul’s desire to live godly and so frustrated is he that his flesh wars against his spirit that he finally cries out in desperation, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Of course, the answer is Jesus Christ our Lord (verse 25). One day believers will be completely freed from the body of death in which we live when we are glorified with Christ in heaven, but until that day we rely on the power of the Spirit who indwells us and gives us victory in the ongoing battle with sin.In this passage, the apostle Paul puts into practical language the fact that he is a redeemed sinner who still has a carnal body, the flesh that wars against the indwelling Spirit. In another place the apostle says, “That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). The personal pronouns in these passages are not just an artifice but a statement of reality and the honest evaluation of a man who examines himself in the light of who he is and who our Lord Jesus is and comes to the conclusion that he is a wretched man in need of deliverance. This is not the deliverance from the penalty of sin—that was paid for on the cross—but deliverance from the power of sin.As a faithful teacher, the apostle Paul in Romans 7:14–25 uses his own experiences and what he has learned through them to teach other believers how to use God’s provision and our position in Christ to overcome the struggle with our carnal nature. Praise God that we have such a (Gal.5:16-26) wonderful thesis that not only truthfully exposes the struggle between the spiritual nature and the flesh in which it resides, but most importantly presents us with the tremendous hope and confidence in our salvation: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). I strongly recommend A sure guide to Heaven by Joseph Alleine or A.W. Tozer for more guidance.

I’ve shared a book from Google Play Books

The Pursuit of God with Study Guide, A. W. Tozer.
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=kHIYAgAAQBAJ

Where is your heart? What do you treasure?

MATTHEW 6:16-24

“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.”

There are three subjects brought before us in this part of our Lord’s sermon on the mount. These three are fasting, worldliness, and singleness of purpose in religion.

Fasting, or occasional abstinence from food, in order to bring the body into subjection to the spirit, is a practice frequently mentioned in the Bible, and generally in connection with prayer. David fasted, when his child was sick. Daniel fasted, when he sought special light from God. Paul and Barnabas fasted, when they appointed elders. Esther fasted, before going in to Ahasuerus. It is a subject about which we find no direct command it the New Testament. It seems to be left to every one’s discretion, whether he will fast or not. There is great wisdom in this. Many a poor man never has enough to eat, and it would be an insult to tell him to fast. Many a sickly person can hardly be kept well with the closest attention to diet, and could not fast without bringing on illness. It is a matter in which every one must be persuaded in his own mind, and not be hasty to condemn others, who do not agree with him. One thing only must never be forgotten. Those who fast should do it quietly, secretly, and without ostentation. Let them not “appear to men” to fast. Let them not fast to man, but to God.

Worldliness is one of the greatest dangers that beset man’s soul. It is no wonder that we find our Lord speaking strongly about it. It is an treacherous, harmful, enticing, and powerful enemy. It seems so innocent to pay close attention to our business! It seems so harmless to seek our happiness in this world, so long as we keep clear of open sins! Yet here is a rock on which many make shipwreck to all eternity. They “lay up treasure on earth,” and forget to “lay up treasure in heaven.” May we all remember this! Where are our hearts? What do we love best? Are our chief affections on things in earth, or things in heaven? Life or death depends on the answer we can give to these questions. If our treasure is earthly, our hearts will be earthly also. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be.”

Singleness of purpose is one great secret of spiritual prosperity. If our eyes do not see distinctly, we cannot walk without stumbling and falling. If we attempt to work for two different masters, we are sure to give satisfaction to neither. It is just the same with respect to our souls. We cannot serve Christ and the world at the same time. It is vain to attempt it. The thing cannot be done. The ark and Dagon will never stand together. God must be king over our hearts. His law, His will, His precepts must receive our first attention. Then, and not until then, everything in our inward man will fall into its right place. Unless our hearts are so ordered, everything will be in confusion. “Your whole body will be full of darkness.”

Let us learn from our Lord’s instruction about fasting, the great importance of cheerfulness in our religion. Those words, “anoint your head, and wash your face,” are full of deep meaning. They should teach us to aim at letting men see, that we find Christianity makes us happy. Never let us forget that there is no religion in looking melancholy and gloomy. Are we dissatisfied with Christ’s wages, and Christ’s service? Surely not! Then let us not look as if we were.

Let us learn from our Lord’s caution about worldliness what immense need we all have to watch and pray against an earthly spirit. What are the vast majority of professing Christians round us doing? They are “laying up treasure on earth.” There can be no mistake about it. Their tastes, their ways, their habits tell a fearful tale. They are not “laying up treasure in heaven.” Oh! let us all beware that we do not sink into hell by paying excessive attention to lawful things. Open transgression of God’s law slays its thousands, but worldliness its tens of thousands.

Let us learn from our Lord’s words about the “single eye,” the true secret of the failures, which so many Christians seem to make in their religion. There are failures in all quarters. There are thousands in our churches uncomfortable, ill at ease, and dissatisfied with themselves, and they hardly know why. The reason is revealed here. They are trying to keep in with both sides. They are endeavoring to please God and please man, to serve Christ and serve the world at the same time. Let us not commit this mistake. Let us be decided, thorough-going, uncompromising followers of Christ. Let out motto be that of Paul, “One thing I do.” (Phil. 3:13.) Then we shall be happy Christians. We shall feel the sun shining on our faces. Heart, head, and conscience will all be full of light.Decision is the secret of happiness in religion. Be decided for Christ, and “your whole body will be full of light.”

Do we know what it is to work for Christ?

Commentary by J.C.Ryle

MATTHEW 11:1-15

It happened that when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to him, “Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?”

Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”

As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king’s houses. But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

The first thing that demands our attention in this passage, is the message which John the Baptist sends to our Lord Jesus Christ. He “sent two of his disciples and said to him, “Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?”

This question did not arise from doubt or unbelief on the part of John. We do that holy man injustice, if we interpret it in such a way. It was put for the benefit of his disciples. It was meant to give them an opportunity of hearing from Christ’s own lips, the evidence of His divine mission. No doubt John the Baptist felt that his own ministry was ended. Something within him told him that he would never come forth from Herod’s prison-house, but would surely die. He remembered the ignorant jealousies that had already been shown by his disciples towards the disciples of Christ. He took the most likely course to dispel those jealousies forever. He sent his followers to “hear and see” for themselves.

The conduct of John the Baptist in this matter affords a striking example to ministers, teachers, and parents, when they draw near the end of their course. Their chief concern should be about the souls of those they are going to leave behind them. Their great desire should be to persuade them to cleave to Christ. The death of those who have guided and instructed us on earth ought always to have this effect. It should make us lay hold more firmly on Him who dies no more, “continues ever,” and “has an unchangeable priesthood.” (Heb. 7:24.)

The second thing that demands our notice in this passage, is the high testimony which our Lord bears to the character of John the Baptist. No mortal man ever received such commendation as Jesus here bestows on His imprisoned friend. “Among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer.” In time past John had boldly confessed Jesus before men, as the Lamb of God. Now Jesus openly declares John to be more than a prophet.

There were some, no doubt, who were disposed to think lightly of John Baptist, partly from ignorance of the nature of his ministry, partly from misunderstanding the question he had sent to ask. Our Lord Jesus silences such cavilers by the declaration he here makes. He tells them not to suppose that John was a timid, vacillating, unstable man, “a reed shaken by the wind.” If they thought so, they were utterly mistaken. He was a bold, unflinching witness to the truth. He tells them not to suppose that John was at heart a worldly man, fond of king’s courts, and delicate living. If they thought so, they greatly erred. He was a self-denying preacher of repentance, who would risk the anger of a king, rather than not reprove his sins. In short, He would have them know that John was “more than a prophet.” He was one to whom God had given more honor than to all the Old Testament prophets. They indeed prophesied of Christ, but died without seeing Him. John not only prophesied of Him, but saw Him face to face. They foretold that the days of the Son of man would certainly come, and the Messiah appear. John was an actual eye-witness of those days, and an honored instrument in preparing men for them. To them it was given to predict that Messiah would be “led as a lamb to the slaughter,” and “cut off.” To John it was given to point to Him, and say, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

There is something very beautiful and comforting to true Christians in this testimony which our Lord bears to John. It shows us the tender interest which our great Head feels in the lives and characters of all His members. It shows us what honor He is ready to put on all the work and labor that they go through in His cause. It is a sweet foretaste of the confession which He will make of them before the assembled world, when He presents them faultless at the last day before His Father’s throne.

Do we know what it is to work for Christ? Have we ever felt cast down and dispirited, as if we were doing no good, and no one cared for us? Are we ever tempted to feel, when laid aside by sickness, or withdrawn by providence, “I have labored in vain, and spent my strength for nothing?” Let us meet such thoughts by the recollection of this passage. Let us remember, there is One who daily records all we do for Him, and sees more beauty in His servants’ work than His servants do themselves. The same tongue which bore testimony to John in prison, will bear testimony to all his people at the last day. He will say, “Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” And then shall His faithful witnesses discover, to their wonder and surprise, that there never was a word spoken on their Master’s behalf, which does not receive a reward.

 

What did Jesus mean? By the sign of Jonah.

MATTHEW 16:1-12

The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can’t discern the signs of the times! An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”

He left them, and departed. The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.”

Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’ Don’t you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

In these verses we find our Lord assailed by the untiring enmity of the Pharisees and Sadducees. As a general rule these two sects were at enmity between themselves. In persecuting Christ, however, they made common cause. Truly it was an unholy alliance! Yet how often we see the same thing in the present day. Men of the most opposite opinions and habits will agree in disliking the Gospel, and will work together to oppose its progress. “There is no new thing under the sun.” (Eccles. 1:9.)

The first point in this passage which deserves special notice, is the repetition which our Lord makes of words used by Him on a former occasion. He says, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” If we turn to the twelfth chapter of this Gospel and the 39th verse, we shall find that He had said the very same thing once before.

This repetition may seem a trifling and unimportant matter in the eyes of some. But it is not so in reality. It throws light on a subject, which has perplexed the minds of many sincere lovers of the Bible, and ought therefore to be specially observed.

This repetition shows us that our Lord was in the habit of saying the same things over again. He did not content Himself with saying a thing once, and afterwards never repeating it. It is evident that it was His custom to bring forward certain truths again and again, and thus to impress them more deeply on the minds of His disciples. He knew the weakness of our memories in spiritual things. He knew that what we hear twice, we remember better than what we hear once. He therefore brought out of His treasury old things as well as new.

Now what does all this teach us? It teaches us that we need not be so anxious to harmonize the narratives we read in the four Gospels, as many are disposed to be. It does not follow that the sayings of our Lord, which we find the same in Matthew and Luke, were always used at the same time, or that the events with which they are connected must necessarily be the same. Matthew may be describing one event in our Lord’s life. Luke may be describing another. And yet the words of our Lord, on both occasions, may have been precisely alike. To attempt to make out the two events to be one and the same, because of the sameness of the words used, has often led Bible students into great difficulties. It is far safer to hold the view here maintained, that at different times our Lord often used the same words.

The second point which deserves special notice in these verses is, the solemn warning which our Lord takes occasion to give to His disciples. His mind was evidently pained with the false doctrines which He saw among the Jews, and the pernicious influence which they exercised. He seizes the opportunity to utter a caution. “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Let us mark well what those words contain.

To whom was this warning addressed? To the twelve apostles–to the first ministers of the Church of Christ–to men who had forsaken all for the Gospel’s sake! Even they are warned! The best of men are only men, and at any time may fall into temptation. “Let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.” If we love life, and would see good days, let us never think that we do not need that hint, “take heed, and beware.”

Against what does our Lord warn His apostles? Against the “doctrine” of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. The Pharisees, we are frequently told in the Gospels, were self-righteous formalists. The Sadducees were skeptics, freethinkers, and half infidels. Yet even Peter, James, and John must beware of their doctrines! Truly the best and holiest of believers may well be on his guard!

By what figure does our Lord describe the false doctrines against which He cautions His disciples? He calls themyeast. Like yeast, they might seem a small thing compared to the whole body of truth. Like yeast, once admitted they would work secretly and noiselessly. Like yeast, they would gradually change the whole character of the religion with which they were mixed. How much is often contained in a single word! It was not merely the open danger of heresy, but “yeast,” of which the apostles were to beware.

There is much in all this that calls loudly for the close attention of all professing Christians. The caution of our Lord in this passage has been shamefully neglected. It would have been well for the church of Christ, if the warnings of the Gospel had been as much studied as its promises.

Let us then remember that this saying of our Lord’s about the “yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” was intended for all time. It was not meant only for the generation to which it was spoken. It was meant for the perpetual benefit of the Church of Christ. He who spoke it saw with prophetical eye the future history of Christianity. The Great Physician knew well that Pharisee-doctrines and Sadducee-doctrines would prove the two great wasting diseases of His Church, until the end of the world. He would have us know that there will always be Pharisees and Sadducees in the ranks of Christians. Their succession shall never fail. Their generation shall never become extinct. Their name may change, but their spirit will always remain. Therefore He cries to us, “take heed and beware.”

Finally, let us make a personal use of this caution, by keeping up a holy jealousy over our own souls. Let us remember, that we live in a world where Pharisaism and Sadduceeism are continually striving for the mastery in the Church of Christ. Some want to ADD to the Gospel, and some want to TAKE AWAY from it. Some would bury it, and some would pare it down to nothing. Some would stifle it by heaping on additions, and some would bleed it to death by subtraction from its truths. Both parties agree only in one respect. Both would kill and destroy the life of Christianity, if they succeeded in having their own way. Against both errors let us watch and pray, and stand upon our guard. Let us not add to the Gospel, to please the Roman Catholic Pharisee. Let us not subtract from the Gospel, to please the Neologian Sadducee. Let our principle be “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” nothing added to it, and nothing taken away.

What effect is the sinners prayer having on America?

This is a letter I wrote in response to a topic on alter calls.) I would like to share with you how God used the gospel through radio to save my soul, yet how the radio is leading many people astray. and angering them toward the church with the sinners prayer. Or preachers telling people they don’t see or know, that they are saved and going to Heaven with no change of heart or seeking Christ. Please know that I love moody church and D.L. Moody and am not complaining about you. Actually Joseph Alleine is my all time favorite man of God) I am only sharing with you because I ran across a past discussion you had on alter calls. I believe it was March of 2014. The pastors are leading many alcoholic/addict to believe they are saved and it is giving false hope yet keeping them from seeking change of heart and new birth. In fact as I go into the jails to share how God has changed my life, nearly all of them are just as I was for 30 years, in their thinking. It’s become a nightmare and God is bringing to light the falsehood of this man made tactic that brings glory to the pastor and helps him brag about the number of salvation’s yet no change of heart is taking place. The outcasts and heavily burdened are wanting change of heart because they hate who they are. And believe that God made them to suffer. They do not know his word any better than a majority of those who have been in church all their lives. (My brief testimony http://wp.me/p4o6pG-37) during that time I would listen on television or radio and repeat these words many times in brokenness and despair. You might be very surprised how many people while high on meth or anything else do this or talk about Jesus with others and believe that they ate saved and going to Heaven because a preacher told them they are. The effect that television and radio salvation is having on these people is horrific I call it satans greatest tool. Many  people are now no longer going to seek Him because we already have salvation and all we had to do is repeat those words. Of course we mean it, am I a sinner well yes, remember? You said we all are and no one is perfect. Do I want to go to Heaven well yes, who wants hell? And no; i am not calling you so you can try to sell me something! This is absurd! And evil to lead people into believing God wants them to live in that condition. What makes any man think He can save someone in that state? Did Jesus ever ask someone these questions? He can see the heart, can these pastors have more saving grace than Jesus? Someone with a voice for the outcasts in this society has got to speak up from the pits of hell these pastors are leading us into  with their evil schemes to get more numbers under their belt. The Bible warns repeatedly about false prophets in the last days. I don’t believe all of them are doing it knowingly, I believe many think they are truly saving people. I also believe many “good people” are very active in church yet Matthew 7:22-23 clearly says they are not known by Him. 2 Timothy 3,4 describe this very well and Ephesians 2:1-6 and the New Testament is based on being born again dead to flesh and alive in Christ. What Christ did in my heart saved me from suicide. That is not in my testimony, that is very brief. Please hear the cries from skid row and the jail cells in our country and stop this before it makes more people angry with God and church. Why do you think so many are angry and crying out for change? They want changed hearts because they hate their lives, and they think God only loves the well to do church person, who thinks God loves them because they are not like the alcoholic/addict on the other side of town or in prison. May God give you wisdom to do His will in this matter.