"Christian" Showoffs!

By Pastor Bill Taylor

A publication of My Father's House, inc. Volume 12/ Issue 2

Prophecy: Which of you are ready to see more than you see now? Who of you are ready to do more than you’re doing now? Are there any among you who are ready to be more than you are now? Are you content to be what you are? Are you content to do what you do? Are you content to see only what you already see? There’s no growth unless you look for more. You must look for more of My love than you have; more of My light, more of My wisdom, more of My strength, more of My faith. You attain to fullness by being discontent about lack. What fills up the lack is when you take hold of the more. I’m looking for a people who aren’t content to be what they are, to do what they do, to see what they see. I’m looking for a people who want more of everything I have. And I’m telling you, I have much more to give, saith the Lord. (Prophecy delivered at “My Father’s House”)

 That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the Truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who’s the head -- Christ -- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Eph4:14-16) In today’s service everyone has shared something edifying, which is the way church ought to be. When you’ll fight the battle of faith to take hold of the Spirit, you’ll receive useful things to strengthen each other. I was edified by, “Therefore I’ll divide Him a portion with the great, and He’ll divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Is53:12) The Lord gave Jeffrey an excellent revelation in showing Jesus will divide the spoil with the strong means with the “overcomers;” those who’ve overcome the evil one. (Rev12:11) I write to you, young men, because you’ve overcome the wicked one. I’ve written to you, young men, because you’re strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you’ve overcome the wicked one. (1Jn2:13,14b)

We were also edified by, “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly.” (Lk22:44a) Suffering causes our prayers to become more effectual, and this verse Kim shared is a revelation of that. For example, a fast is a kind of suffering that can make your prayers more fervent but there are other sufferings in the Lord that are much stronger than the discomforts of a fast and it’s certain that when a supplicant is truly agonizing his prayers won’t be superficial. I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what’s lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church. (Col 1:24) When you enter into Christ’s sufferings on behalf of His church, how could your prayers not be heard? That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. (Phil 3:10) Jeremy’s sharing was also right in line with what the Lord gave me to preach in today’s sermon which is an example of the unity of the Spirit in the believers that we’re all attached to the same Head, Jesus. When each of us is taking hold of faith in Christ to do our part in the service, our divine unity becomes apparent where you can see our supernatural connection to Christ in the things each is sharing. (Eph4:16)

Being confident of this very thing, that He who’s begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:6) Many so called “believers” who aren’t doing anything themselves to grow up in Christ presumptuously think the Lord will perfect them. They haven’t considered; Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it’s God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Phil 2:12,13) God will complete the work He’s begun in us only if we’ll work out our own salvation with Him. Elie’s sharing exposes the problems in much of the “church” at large. They’ve no wisdom. They’ll take one verse (like Phil 1:6) and interpret it wrongly because they don’t consider the other verses (like Phil 2:12,13). Obviously they don’t have the Spirit who leads us into all Truth. (Jn16:13) Even the things they think are true are only part of the Truth, and having part of the Truth is like a half truth and a half truth is a lie! What most so called “churches” have these days is half truths, so they’re “churches” of lies. For example, some “churches” teach because Jesus said, “It’s finished!” (Jn19:30) there’s nothing left to do. That this isn’t true is proven by many scriptures; I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what’s lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church. (Col 1:24) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (Col 1:28,29) Why is Jesus working in Paul and what’s he laboring for if the work is already finished? When Jesus said, “It’s finished” He was speaking of the atonement and the part He had to do in His incarnation. As Paul said – I’ve fought the good fight, I’ve finished the race, I’ve kept the faith. (2Tim4:7) Jesus didn’t mean everything was finished. For example, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Eph5:25-27) Jesus is still very much involved in washing His bride so that work isn’t finished. It’s easy to see these false “teachers” don’t have the Truth. Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. (1Tim1:7) They misinterpret the scriptures. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. (2Tim2:15) They need to be ashamed. Instead of rightly dividing the Word, they twist it. Paul has written to you speaking of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. (2Pt3:15,16) Such “teachers” are hirelings who scratch itching ears. For the time will come when they’ll not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they’ll heap up for themselves teachers; and turn their ears away from the Truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2Tim4:3,4) “Ear scratchers” are hired to please men, not God. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I wouldn’t be a bondservant of Christ. (Gal 1:10) God has promised to complete His work in the true believers, but it’s the Lord who works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Phil 2:13) This means He’ll complete the work by working in us! So we’ll be participating in the work if Christ’s really in us. And one way He works in us is to help us pray earnestly which means at times He’ll lead us into sufferings. (Lk22:44) Who could better call us to a voluntary suffering for the sake of God’s Kingdom than Jesus? If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Mt16:24) When Jesus leads us He’s doing what He did Himself in choosing the road to Golgotha. All His life Jesus knew the cross was His destiny! Then He took the twelve aside and said, “We’re going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. He’ll be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked, insulted and spit upon. They’ll scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He’ll rise again.” (Lk18:31-33) We see the same Jesus in Paul. Now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Act20:22-24) To see God move in power, you must let Jesus lead you into things, including sufferings, that will cause you to pray earnestly, because it’s earnest prayer God responds to and gives the victory. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it wouldn’t rain; and it didn’t rain on the land for three years and six months. (Jms5:16,17)

False “christianity” always exposes itself. False “christians” and “churches” do things real Christians can see are contrary to the Word. They’ll do things the Pharisees did and many things Jesus preaches against. The majority of “believers” today are in false “christianity” because they don’t know the Word! To the law and to the testimony! If they don’t speak according to this Word, there’s no light in them. (Is8:20) Many letters we receive from those reading our Glory of His Grace books illustrate these problems. When Jesus sends out the seventy He says, “Greet no one along the road.” (Lk10:4) Concerning the Pharisees, He says, “They love greetings in the marketplaces.” (Mt23:6,7a) I read 50+ letters daily. A percentage will contain good “thank yous” and testimonies. Through these God confirms our ministries are bearing much fruit. But far too many letters begin with unnecessary greetings which are a waste of time to read. In order to help the needy brethren we must quickly find out what’s being requested or what your purpose is in writing us. To help us do that you should get to the point quickly and state your needs briefly. (See our Glory of His Grace “The Children’s Bread.”) Everyone involved in “My Father’s House” ministries is an unpaid volunteer. We all work secular jobs to “make a living” and help with the ministries after work. We aren’t a “large church” with a paid staff but we’re genuine Christians, led by the Spirit, to lay down our lives for Christ. In order to do this we must budget our time wisely. We won’t waste time on the silly questions many “pharisaical” types or immature “believers” pose. For example, “Where did Cain get his wife?” Of course the answer is he married a sister. After he begot Seth, the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters. (Gen5:4) It wasn’t a sin to marry a sister when the only women available were sisters. But such questions have nothing to do with morality or Christ-like living. They’re inconsequential to salvation so why waste our time with them? Furthermore, we’re forbidden by God to get involved in useless discussions. Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing they generate strife. Avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they’re unprofitable and useless. (2Tim2:23;Tit3:9) Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into things which he hasn’t seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, which all concern things which perish with the using -- according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. (Col 2:18,22,23) Too often such questions come from people who like to showoff their intellectual “skills.” Pride is the root. “Knowledge puffs up.” (1Cor8:1)

Here’s an example in the genre of “I know something you don’t know.” “Dear Pastor, did you know there’s nothing you can do that’s bad enough to make God hate you? Neither is there anything you can do that’s good enough to make Him love you?” He loves you because He made you. This writer thinks he knows something but he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. (1Cor8:2) To say you can’t make God hate you is a “church” fable (Tit1:14) contrary to the Scriptures. The devil would love for you to believe this lie. If it were true then it wouldn’t matter whether you do good or bad since God would still love you and save you! The heretics who make up these lies and the fools who repeat them think they’re very clever but it’s obvious they haven’t read their bibles. I’ve hated the assembly of evildoers, and won’t sit with the wicked. I’ve hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the LORD. (Ps26:5;31:6) David is a prophet and if he hates evildoers so does God. “The testimony of Jesus Christ is the Spirit of prophecy.” (Rev19:10) As Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb13:8) so is God the Father. The boastful won’t stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. (Ps5:5;11:5) All their wickedness is in Gilgal, for there I hated them. Because of the evil of their deeds I’ll drive them from My house; I’ll love them no more. (Hos9:15) The scriptures irrefutably prove God’s love can change to hatred because of what you do. Jesus says, if you’re a true believer the Father loves you because you’ve done something that made Him love you; you’ve received Jesus. (Jn16:27) So now because He loves you, the Father will answer your prayers. (v23) Those who wickedly teach such things as there’s nothing you can do to make God love or hate you are working for the devil to nullify the fear of God. Don’t fear those who kill the body but can’t kill the soul. But rather fear Him who’s able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Mt10:28) In other words, don’t do something to make God hate you or He’ll kill you and send you to hell. Behold, the fear of the Lord, that’s wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. (Job28:28) Satan loves foolish “christians.” In their ignorance, they’re easy prey. He can tempt them into many sins and thereby bring reproach upon all Christianity. For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Rom2:24) Satan can never preach anything that would encourage men to fear God. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. (Ps19:9a) The fear of God causes men to turn from sin. The wicked sin because they don’t fear. An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There’s no fear of God before his eyes. (Ps36:1)

God extends love and grace even to His enemies, but His love toward them can change. In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned Himself against them as an enemy, and He fought against them. (Is63:9,10) If you persistently refuse to receive God’s love, eventually He’ll turn against you. If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It’s better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It’s better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. (Mt18:8,9) How can you think God loves someone He’s casting into hell? Contemporary “churches” are filled with these foolish and demonic doctrines. But Jesus is made unto us wisdom. (1Cor1:30) True Christians aren’t fools! So what are these fools except false “christians” who don’t know Christ or God’s Word? Instead of studying the Scriptures diligently to really know God (2Tim2:15) they gullibly believe every heretical teacher who seems “nice” or clever to them. (2Tim3:6,7)

Many letters we receive contain entire paragraphs that are completely irrelevant. The writer, for example, may give us an extensive physical description of himself including race, profession, hobbies, height, weight, hair color, etc. Such people don’t understand, Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we’ve known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. (2Cor5:16) Others may confess many “salvation scriptures” in an attempt to convince us they’re real Christians. This actually proves they aren’t Spiritual. If they were, the Holy Spirit would teach them such displays are unnecessary. If you’re trusting the Lord to touch our hearts concerning your needs, you wouldn’t feel compelled to try to convince us yourself by “showboating.” Excessive repetition of basic salvation scriptures isn’t edifying to busy ministers who’ve been established in these Truths before many of you were born. To have to read the same scriptures dozens of times a day is a useless and bothersome interference with our God given work. Excessive quoting of commonly known scriptures is carnal showing off. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Eph4:29) Some people have a good memory and can “parrot” many scriptures but that doesn’t mean they understand them. Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. (1Tim1:7) If you aren’t led by the Spirit to do and speak what’s truly helpful then your words are idle and useless even though they may be scripture. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they’ll give account of it in the day of judgment. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I’m the vine, you’re the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (Mt12:36;Jn15:4,5) “Believers” who do this all sound alike; repeating scriptures by rote with no anointing. It’s obvious they’re trying to impress others not help them. To those of us who are laboring in love to meet real needs and deal with important Spiritual concerns such carnal “showoffs” are a waste of time. He who’s not with Me is against Me, and he who doesn’t gather with Me scatters. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Lk11:23;Eph5:15,16) Being forced to read so much irrelevant rhetoric hinders us from dealing with the important issues. And when scriptures are used selfishly to showoff your religion instead of imparting helpful wisdom to the listeners, they don’t fulfill: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Pr25:11)

In cataloguing the sins of the Pharisees Jesus says they, “Love.. greetings in the Marketplace.” (Mt23:7) But when He sends out the seventy, He says, Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. (Lk10:4) If you have an important work to do there’s no time to waste, so don’t get involved in useless and prideful greetings” is what He means. Paul says, “Avoid foolish contentions and strivings about the law.” (Tit3:9) Such things waste time and are always motivated by pride. Too many so called “christians” are showoffs. Their “religion” is just another way for them to indulge their pride.

Here’s an actual letter we recently received. We must abide in Him. The Bible says, “You’re all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:26) Some of us are Jews, some Gentiles, some slaves, and some free but we’ve all been baptized into Christ’s body by one Spirit, and we’ve all received the same Spirit.” (1Cor12:13) Jesus and the people He makes holy all belong to the same family. That’s why He’s not ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters. (Heb2:11) Now as the church submits to Christ so wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish but holy and blameless. (Eph5:24-27) Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord won’t count against him. (Rom4:7,8) It wasn’t through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he’d be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. etc, etc. This letter continues for several more pages quoting scripture after scripture with no real point. Every morning I read my bible for an hour or more and have good devotions with God. Now I’m working. Why do you need to interrupt my work to read numerous scriptures you, not the Holy Spirit, are laying upon me? Are you Christ? Are you God to me? Obviously not or you wouldn’t be wasting my time. The devil is a waster! Sharing such scriptures at such a time is out of place. If you were really baptized into the same Spirit we are, you’d let us work and not hinder us with your religious foolishness. Jesus doesn’t cast out Jesus. (Mt12:25) The Holy Spirit doesn’t give me a work to do then send people to interfere with and interrupt that work!

The error in Job’s comforters was even if what they spoke was “scripture,” they were out of place and not rightly applied in Job’s situation. You’re not Spiritual just because you can quote scriptures – any child can repeat things he doesn’t understand! You’re Spiritual when the words you speak are the right words at the right time to bring edification, comfort, correction, or help to the listener. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. (Pr24:26) Without love even quoting the written “Word of God” can become idle words that profit nothing. (1Cor13:3) Apart from Jesus you can do nothing. (Jn15:5) This means without Jesus you can’t even quote scripture in a useful way. He that gathereth not with Me scattereth. (Lk11:23) If you’re “showing off” then your religion is to be seen of men and that’s your reward. (Mt6:2) Religious pride makes you a problem to the true brethren not a help. But you forgers of lies, you’re all worthless physicians. How then can you comfort me with empty words, since falsehood remains in your answers? How have you helped him who’s without power? How have you saved the arm that has no strength? How have you counseled one who has no wisdom? And how have you declared sound advice to many? To whom have you uttered words? And whose spirit came from you? (Job13:4;21:34;26:2-4) Those who speak wrongly of God arouse His wrath. And so it was after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you’ve not spoken of Me what’s right as My servant Job has. Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I’ll accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you’ve not spoken of Me what’s right.” (Job42:7,8) Endless repetitions of things real Christians already know, with no particular purpose or point are a sinful waste of time. It’s hard to believe how many people send us salvation tracts. Can you imagine sending the apostle Peter or Paul a salvation tract? What foolishness to think an experienced apostle needs a salvation tract. If the Spirit is leading you might share such things with the lost, but to send it to us is like giving ice to an Eskimo in winter. It’s not the Spirit of the Lord prompting you to do this, but vanity! The Lord has delivered true believers from vanity! (1Pt1:18)

Proud “christians” see themselves as the center of a universe in which everyone else is just a satellite who they expect to give them their full attention in every foolish thing they wish to do. In reality, Jesus is the center of all things and we’re all little satellites who should be spinning round Him and serving Him. In following Christ we minister God’s grace to those He appoints us to and to minister effectively we mustn’t be distracted by even the personal desires of those we’re helping. For example, many inmates who are near their release dates will ask us about halfway houses. But at “My Father’s House” we have no relationship with, nor any information concerning halfway houses. Occasionally we may help someone who we’ve grown to know well through prolonged correspondence and who’s shown himself truly worthy to be a member of “My Father’s House” to get established in our church – but for the most part we’ve nothing to offer concerning these things. Also don’t ask us to send our books or gifts to your family, girlfriends, or such. Unless they ask us for the Glory of His Grace themselves we won’t send it to them. It costs us over $1 per issue to publish and mail each Glory of His Grace book and that adds up to thousands of dollars per month. This is a very expensive ministry for a church our size and we can’t afford to waste our time and money mailing books to people who may not even want them just because you “hope” they’ll read them and “get saved.” You talk to your family. You send them a Glory of His Grace book. They’re more likely to receive from you who they know than from us who they may consider strangers. Also don’t ask us to contact family members – we don’t have the time, man-power or resources to get involved in such things, nor can we send them Christmas or birthday gifts, etc. on your behalf. It seems that many who write us requesting such things live in a fantasy world where they believe we’re a wealthy church with unlimited resources. The reality is, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. (Lk9:58) We spend the money other churches use for their fine buildings etc., on our charities. Often members of our church have let their own bills temporarily go unpaid in order to help the needy. Recently the accountant of one “My Father’s House” member advised him not to claim the lawful deductions to which he was entitled for contributing to the church. “The IRS won’t believe you give that much and they’ll audit you for sure,” he said. Many of our children donate their entire allowance and whatever earnings they receive from doing neighborhood chores, to the ministries. We aren’t a rich church sharing of our abundance but more like, We make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we’d receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we’d hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. (2Cor8:1-5) Because we’re ministering by the direction of the Lord we must carefully guard our resources to do His work. If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. We’re to help those who have real needs, not just anyone who wants a handout! (1Tim5:16) Also don’t ask us to help you with legal work – it’s not our calling. Don’t expect us to answer obscure theological questions. The Lord is your teacher and almost anything you really need to know is already covered in one of our Glory of His Grace books or it soon will be. Keep reading and praying and God will answer you.

Some heretics and “critics” write us lengthy letters promoting their personal “beliefs.” We don’t read or answer such letters. It’s file 13 for them. Jesus has taught me, “It’s not right to give the children’s bread to the dogs.” (Mk7:27) If I don’t have time for lengthy correspondences with righteous believers how much less for critical fools and proud troublemakers. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing they generate strife. (2Tim2:23) We have our own church brethren to reprove or correct us – men approved by God, tested and commended to our consciences. We don’t receive “correction” from strangers who God hasn’t made known to us, and whose fruits are unproven. In calling me to write and publish the Glory of His Grace, Christ has shown me how to deal with the many “freaks” who want to have their say about things they disagree with. Jesus doesn’t let them distract or interfere with our fruitful works. See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Eph5:15-17)

Don’t ask us for mission statements, catalogues of services etc. We aren’t advertising for members. “No-one can come to us unless the Father draws him.” (Jn6:44) If you’re serious about serving God and want to become a member of “My Father’s House” request our Glory of His Grace, book “When The First Are Last.” It contains our introduction statement. Your best preparation for coming to us is to read much of the Glory of His Grace books prayerfully. Most so called believers aren’t dedicated enough to Christ to be a part of “My Father’s House.” Some have come and tried to hang on for a while but if they’re not ready to forsake all for Jesus they soon leave. God will “call your bluff” at “My Father’s House.” Many who’ve said they were ready to give up everything to follow Jesus, after they came to us, soon proved themselves liars.

We don’t advertise our ministries or the helps we offer – word of mouth worked for Jesus and it gives us all we can handle too. Jesus often forbid those He healed to even speak of being helped so He wouldn’t be overrun with carnal seekers but could save Himself for those who were sent by God. After raising Jairus’ daughter, her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what happened. (Lk8:56) Then they brought Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. (Mk7:32-36) Those people who disobeyed Jesus in this will answer to God in the Judgment. Their actions caused much inconvenience to Jesus in His not even being able to enter the towns. Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction. It’s because of the excessive publicity Jesus couldn’t enter the cities. Then the multitude came together again, so they couldn’t so much as eat bread. (Mk1:44,45;3:20) You do us and God no favor if you publicize our ministries to people who aren’t really of God or who aren’t being led to us by God. Foolish “do gooders” who aren’t led by the Spirit in putting our name on chapel bulletin boards etc. have contributed to our suspending ministries when excessive publicity generated demands that exceeded our abilities to meet them.

Often people try to pervert our charities to meet their personal desires. It’s a sad fact that our willingness to help the needy in certain areas causes us to become “targets” for everyone who has some special want. We offer a few free services and soon we’re besieged with requests for visitations, unusual commentaries, or to contact ex-employers, or call someone’s mother. Many men ask us for female “penpals.” It’s not going to happen! We don’t permit the women in “My Father’s House” to correspond with male inmates. Our female brethren are only permitted female penpals. If God’s church isn’t to be a “house of merchandise” (Jn2:16) how much less a “dating service?” To those men who write trying to convince us it’s God’s will for them to find a fine Christian wife first we ask, are you really worthy of a Godly wife. God’s going to reward a fine Christian woman with a truly Spiritual man who’ll be a blessing to her. Are you a Godly enough man to bless such a woman? If you were you wouldn’t be seeking one! You’d trust the Lord to supply what’s needed in His time! But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: it’s good for them if they remain even as I am; I suppose therefore this is good because of the present distress – (is prison a present distress?) that it’s good for a man to remain as he is: Are you bound to a wife? Don’t seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Don’t seek a wife. But I want you to be without care. He who’s unmarried cares for the things of the Lord -- how he may please the Lord. But he who’s married cares about the things of the world -- how he may please his wife. There’s a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who’s married cares about the things of the world -- how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. (1Cor7:8,26,27,32-35) It’s not a sin to marry “in the Lord” meaning a true believer, but Paul says if you do you’ll have “trouble” in the flesh.” (v28) Why don’t you “female seekers” quote these scriptures? In “My Father’s House” our singles are too busy serving the Lord to be “pursuing spouses.” If God brings a marriage about here it’s by His Spirit, not carnal maneuverings. Don’t ask us to help you with this. We won’t answer such letters.

We also receive numerous questions concerning “divorce.” Here’s a reply we wrote on this subject. “If the unbelieving (spouse) departs let her depart.” (1Cor7:15) and “Art thou loosed from a wife seek not a wife!” (v27) Adultery isn’t always caused by divorce which is why Jesus says: “Whosoever shall put his wife away (divorce her) saving for the cause of fornication (she’s already had illicit sex) causes her to commit adultery.” (Mt5:32) But if she’s already committed adultery, divorcing her just recognizes the fact and doesn’t cause the sin. The word “adultery” means “mixing things.” In today’s wicked world many people were mixing things up long before they divorced. If a married ex-wife were to divorce her present spouse to come back to her previous husband that would only make things worse. If a man divorces his wife and she marries another, then divorces the second husband the first husband may not take her back because she’s been defiled. (See Dt24:1-4) Concerning the letter of the law, where there’s been adultery divorce isn’t a dissolution of a marriage, but a recognition that the marriage has already been broken by the act of unfaithfulness. Therefore Jesus says “Except for the cause of fornication” divorce leads to adultery. But where there’s already been adultery divorce doesn’t cause the sin. And you aren’t in sin if you remarry in the Lord under such circumstances as having been divorced from an unfaithful spouse. Divorce is also acceptable to God when there’s been life threatening physical abuses from a spouse. Was marriage given to save life or to kill? (Mk3:4)

A marriage can only be as good as the Christianity of the partners. If the Bible requires brethren to dwell together in unity (1Cor1:10) how much more a Christian husband and wife. Applicable scriptures include (Eph5:22-29) “Wives submit to your husbands in the Lord, and husbands love your wives.” (1Pt3:1;Eph5:25) Also husbands dwell with the wife with understanding, giving honor to the weaker vessel. (1Pt3:7) This means take time to listen to her and understand what’s going on with her. Let her have her way when possible. Don’t expect too much too fast. She’s not as strong as you so protect her. Be willing to sacrifice yourself for her as Christ did for the church. (Eph5:25)  Selfishness is the greatest enemy to a sound marriage. Love is the greatest ally. Hold fast to the Head, (Col 2:19) Christ, and all will work out.

On the subject of women participating in church services, here’s what Jesus gave us. Women in the church aren’t to “boss” men, or hold authoritative positions over men, since Man is the head of the woman. (1Cor11:3) Nor are women allowed to be distractive or interrupt in the church but to show all submission. (1Cor14:34,35; 1Pt3:1-6) However this doesn’t mean women can’t prophesy, share testimonies, pray or do such things as are generally allowed in an orderly fashion when the brethren minister to one another in the church, else the covering would be of no effect. Paul tells us a properly covered woman can pray or prophesy in the church which certainly means she can participate in other edifying activities. (1Cor11:5) Although Paul says he doesn’t allow a woman to teach or usurp authority over a man, (1Tim2:12) that doesn’t forbid a woman from sharing a teaching. But it does forbid her from operating in the office of a teacher over men, where she’d be authoritative, such as being able to censure those who disobey. Rather she can suggest a wise course of action or relate an experience of her own and leave the men to consider it themselves. Keeping silence in the church applies to not interrupting, but doesn’t forbid a woman to speak when asked to or given a turn to share etc. Keeping silence is generally a good instruction for men too, except it’s permitted men to judge or make comments on prophecies which would be inappropriate for women to do. (see 1Cor14:29,30) since it would violate the command concerning submission. Remember Phillip had four virgin daughters who prophesied. Certainly they were permitted to do this in the church. For you can ALL prophesy one by one… For God isn’t the author of confusion but of peace. (1Cor14:31,33)  

Since we receive hundreds of letters, it’s a waste for you to showoff your bible knowledge or preaching skills when you’re writing us. We’re too busy to pay any attention to such things in the flood of daily correspondence. Also, we have our own church congregation, devotional times, and worship services where God supplies what we need of His Word and instruction. We aren’t novices. The generalities of Christianity are well known to us. When the Holy Spirit works with us He does it in ways that are specific and personal through people we know are “approved” of God. Many of us have been “tested” in ways you couldn’t imagine and have been well proven in the sight of all our brethren to be of God. We’ve earned the right to reprove and rebuke each other. Believers we’ve never met and whose fruit is unknown to us don’t have that right! God has prepared us and appointed us to teach you. You’re not called to teach us. If all you have is the common knowledge things of Christianity then whatever you’re trying to share we already know.

Concerning personal testimonies, we’ve heard thousands and most aren’t much different from each other. You ran away from God and got in trouble but now you see the light! It’s not uncommon for criminals who’ve been “saved” to think they can have a ministry going from church to church and telling their testimony of how evil they were and how God changed them. Many have asked to come to “My Father’s House” to share with our youth. If you think relating your experiences will turn our young people away from a life of crime you grossly underestimate our children. Our young people aren’t interested in crime or even hearing such testimonies. Our children have been raised in the “training and admonitions of the Lord.” (Eph6:4) They’ve been home schooled so they’ve not been corrupted by fraternizing with the children of sinners and worldly false believers. Don’t be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1Cor15:33) (see our Glory of His Grace book “Hearts of the Children”) They don’t play computer games. They don’t watch network TV but only wholesome movies previewed by their parents. They’ve plenty of godly friends in the other children in our church and they participate actively in our services and outreaches. When they come of age they easily find work and are always commended as model employees, trustworthy and well behaved. They know God because they’ve been raised by real “Spiritual” Christians. You who want to help the youths by turning them away from crime – go to the Baptist-type “churches.” Maybe their worldly children will be benefited by your sad experiences. But concerning real Christians, I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. (Rom16:19) Real Christians aren’t interested in such testimonies. We and our children love God – not the world. Don’t love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father’s not in him. For all that’s in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – isn’t of the Father but is of the world. (1Jn2:15,16) Also, how much good did hearing such testimonies do you when you were unsaved? Fools have to learn the hard way! If they don’t hear Moses and the prophets they won’t hear anyone. (Lk16:31) Christian ex-criminals with such testimonies are a dime a dozen. Too many actually seem proud of what they were when they ought to be ashamed and if they were ashamed they wouldn’t like to talk about it. Those who do are often just showing off! We’ve received some very nice thank you letters and a few very special testimonies that are edifying and useful but you must be led by the Spirit. Normally it’s presumptuous, selfish, and inconsiderate to send us testimonies that are overly long. Others have needs. If you take too much of our time you hinder us from helping someone else. Since we’re totally occupied serving the Lord we don’t have “spare time” like many of you. To be helpful, your correspondence must be precise. Get to the point and express your requests quickly. Also write your name, address and DC# clearly on your letter and the order blanks – not just your envelope. Writers who stick to the necessities and let the Spirit lead redeem the time (Eph5:16) and actually help us help them. Letters that are considerate, brief, and to the point also cause us to be more inclined to want to help. But showoff religiosity gets in the way. “Showoffs” can’t be real brethren because they obviously don’t know the Spirit. Love doesn’t parade itself. (1Cor13:4) Of course, when believers are new in the Lord and just learning the things of God, we don’t expect perfection!

Another error that’s common among carnal “christians” is using scriptures to convince us to do something they want. For example, many quote “Give and it shall be given unto you,” (Lk6:38) and then ask us to give them something. Or, “You have not because you ask not.” (Jms4:2) (Mt7:7) then ask us for something. The true interpretation of these scriptures is Jesus is telling you to give to others, not tell us to. Also Jesus is telling you to ask God! James adds, You ask and don’t receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. (Jms4:3) When you ask us without asking God or you ask selfishly are we to be impressed? Those who do this don’t even understand the scriptures they’re trying to use to convince us. How could we be influenced by such foolishness? Of course, if you ask God, He may send you to us – that’s acceptable! (2Cor8:5) Another commonly abused scripture is, “When I was in prison you visited me.” (Mt25:36) Then the writer requests us to visit or to come to his prison to preach. For over 20 years I did preach in the prisons. But now the Lord has me too busy with other ministries to do that. It’s possible Jesus might send someone from “My Father’s House” to preach to you but not because an inmate writes us – it would have to be a chaplain who is himself convinced by God we ought to come. We can only go when the Lord sends and where the Lord opens doors. You have to pray us in, not just invite us. If you don’t have the authority to make what you’re requesting happen we won’t waste time responding.

Instead of obeying the scriptures false “christians” use them to influence others for selfish reasons! Often they’ll talk about the brotherhood of Christ trying to establish themselves as brethren we should help in their time of need. The foolishness is we’re already helping! We know these scriptures better than you do, and that’s why we minister! Do you think you need to convince us of scriptures we knew and were acting upon before you even heard of us? Such “brethren” use the scriptures to serve their own selfish desires instead of taking them to heart in their own lives. If you’d find someone you can help, then God would help you. If you’ll find someone to give to, God will give to you. (Lk6:38) God moves upon hearts to help those who help others and He does it by His Spirit where no one has to argue one into helping them. 

I received a letter recently from a man who claimed to be benefited by Charles Stanley’s ministry but what he’s “learned” is one of the greatest heresies in the false “churches.” Stanley and the S. Baptists like to tell people they have something the bible says true believers have without first determining if people they say “have it” are true believers. For example, If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart God has raised Him from the dead, you’ll be saved. (Rom10:9) So the heretics say if you’ve done that you’re saved. “The bible says it, so just believe it!” But there are severe problems with such a “one verse” approach to salvation. If “salvation” were as simple as this verse alone seems to make it, God wouldn’t have given us so many other scriptures on the subject. For example, He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who doesn’t believe will be condemned. (Mk16:16) Since Jesus says water baptism is necessary to salvation you’d better include it among the things you must do to be saved. (see our Glory of His Grace book “Baptism and Salvation.”) Also, to believe in your heart means to have a “genuine faith,” for we’re saved by grace thru faith! (Eph2:8) But “saving grace” is defined as, For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Tit2:11-14) James says, “Faith without works is dead.” (2:20) This means if after saying you’ve believed in Jesus’ resurrection you don’t “behave” accordingly your faith is bogus. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who’ve fallen asleep. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (1Cor15:20,22,23) So believing in Christ’s resurrection means I believe I’ll also be raised if I belong to Him. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Gal 5:24) So to belong to Christ I must crucify my flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you’ll die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you’ll live. (Rom8:13) Thus to believe in my heart He was raised (Rom10:9) in a way that saves me I also must believe in such a way as I can put to death the deeds of the body as Paul says. “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Phil 3:10-11) After speaking of the necessity of water baptism to salvation Jesus says, And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they’ll cast out demons; they’ll speak with new tongues; they’ll take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they’ll lay hands on the sick, and they’ll recover. (Mk16:17,18) (For evidence confirming the validity of these scriptures see our Glory of His Grace book, “The 1^st Resurrection and Mark 16.”) So the true believer must not only be baptized in water but even enter into supernatural works by faith in Christ. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works I do he’ll do also; and greater works than these he’ll do, because I go to My Father. (Jn14:12) Also, This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You’ve sent. Whoever abides in Him doesn’t sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. (Jn17:3;1Jn3:6) If you’re still sinning you don’t know Him and if you don’t know Him you don’t have eternal life. Thus it can be a heinous lie to tell someone they’re saved based on Rom 10:9 alone when all these things required in so many other scriptures are also essentials to salvation. (And the scriptures can’t be broken. Jn10:35) Concerning confession; If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus (meaning confess He’s your Head-Lord!) and believe in your heart God has raised Him from the dead, you’ll be saved. (Rom10:9) But the bible also says, To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess (confess) to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. (Tit1:15,16) So “confessing the Lord Jesus” only “saves” when the heart is pure. Again there are so many scriptural necessities pertaining to a true salvation that standing on Rom 10:9 alone isn’t only insufficient but extraordinarily foolish. God gave us all these other verses to lead us to the whole Truth about Salvation. If Rom 10:9 by itself were enough these other salvation verses wouldn’t have been written. The Truth is Rom 10:9 by itself is incomplete. That’s why God has given us so much more on the subject so we can see the whole Truth concerning salvation! It’s obvious many who believe they’re “saved” based on Rom10:9 alone aren’t saved at all. Many who are standing on Rom10:9 don’t believe in their hearts but only in their heads, so they don’t even qualify for salvation according to Rom10:9. Many “confess” the Lord Jesus, but don’t obey Him as Lord so their actions contradict their words. The fact that they don’t obey Him as Head means when they confess Him as Lord they’re merely giving lip service to something their heart doesn’t believe. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. (Tit1:16) So such “believing” is false and they’re deceived about their salvation. And false teachers who tell people to “Just believe!” on the basis of one scripture are agents of deception. Another example, Stanley may tell his students “You’re seated in the heavens in Christ Jesus, because the bible says so, (Eph2:6) just believe it!” Fact is the people he’s speaking to usually show no evidence of actually being seated in the heavens. Those who are truly seated above in Christ have a distinctly different mindset from ordinary people. “For we have the mind of Christ!” (1Cor2:16) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col 3:1,2) The true saints are raised with Christ in their thought life. Their hearts are with Jesus and His purposes – they aren’t worldly minded! Yet the heretic Stanley says, “You have it because the Bible says you have it,” even if you’re still worldly minded.

Another heresy Stanley teaches is “believers” have been set free in Christ (Gal 5:1) so you don’t have to “get” free you just have to “believe” you’re free. Yet Jesus says, “If you abide (continue) in My Word, you’re My disciples indeed. And you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” (Jn8:31b,32) So “believers” who don’t abide (continue) in His Word can’t get free until they come to know the Truth that comes from abiding in God’s Word. The Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is there’s liberty. (2Cor3:17) That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Gal 3:14) To really be free you must continue in Christ’s Word until you actually receive His Spirit. He who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He’s given us. (1Jn3:24) If you’re not keeping His commandments you’re not abiding. And if you’re not abiding in Jesus you don’t have His Spirit and without Christ’s Spirit you’re not free no matter what any heretic like Stanley tells you! Another of Stanley’s followers told me he believed when you get “saved” you don’t have to feel anything, because if you’ve “confessed” the Lord Jesus (Rom10:9) the Bible says you’re saved, so it must be true and if you just say, “The Bible says it, so I believe it!” it doesn’t matter what you feel! He tried to support this fallacy with some of the demented reasonings so common in the Baptist-type churches, like “Salvation is a free gift so you can’t lose it since you didn’t pay for it.” That’s a favorite Baptist deceit used to defend their “Once Saved/Always Saved” heresy, but it exposes their foolishness, and fools have no wisdom. “Jesus is made unto us wisdom.” (1Cor1:30) So they also don’t have Jesus. Wisdom replies, “How many birthday gifts you received “freely” as a child do you still have?” The Truth is there’s no relation between something being free and whether or not you can lose it. You can lose anything you don’t take care of, which is why the scriptures teach us to value our salvation and protect it diligently. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure. (2Pt1:10a) So this Stanleyite said, “If someone told you they put ten thousand dollars in your bank account it might not make you feel any different!” My answer is I’d feel a lot of joy when I consider all the needy people I could help if someone actually put ten thousand dollars in my bank account. And if you really believe you’ve received salvation; forgiveness and an inheritance with the saints in glory, not to mention your escape from hell, it will fill you with joy too. But these are just two examples of the many silly arguments you’ll find circulating in the false churches. People don’t get such things from God! They “learn” them from the bibs (bible ignorant believers) they’ve been hanging around. Don’t be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and don’t sin; for some don’t have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (1Cor15:33,34) False “believers” learn these lies from their carnal “brethren” and they think they’re very clever when they repeat such foolishness. But it’s all pride. Professing to be wise, they became fools. (Rom1:22) “They glory in their shame.” (Phil 3:19) It’s all about showing off!

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. If anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. (1Cor8:1,2) You don’t always have to “feel” you have something to know you have it but at some point there must be a real evidence, a confirmation that it’s there. For example, consider Stanley’s deception that you don’t have to “feel free” but just believe you’re free, concerning a believer’s liberty in Christ. This liberty is available to the true saints but the scriptures don’t tell us to just believe we have it. What they tell us is because the promise is ours in Christ we must fight to attain it. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. (1Tim6:12;Eph6:10-12) First we must continue in Christ’s Word until His Truth sets us free. (Jn8:32) The Truth sets us free by showing us what’s available in Christ so we can overcome in the fight of faith and attain Christian liberty, but when we get free, we must be diligent to stay free. Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Gal 5:1) You don’t automatically possess something just because the Bible promises it to you. Although God has promised it’s yours, satan would like to keep you from receiving it. So it can really only be yours in the sense that the promised land was given to the Jews. It’s promised and God says it’s yours for the taking but you won’t possess it until you wrest it from the enemy by a genuine faith that overcomes. A genuine faith is a living faith that has works. (Jms2:17) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, you’ve been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it’s tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1Pt1:6,7) What heretics like Stanley are telling people is “relax, everything’s already yours.” But what the scriptures are saying is the enemy must be defeated before you can enter into the reality of what God’s given you. So if you really believe God is with you get into the battle and fight the good fight of faith until you overcome the flesh, the devil, the world and take hold of the reality of God’s promise. To actually enter into Christian liberty you must break free from everything that’s been enslaving you. Don’t you know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you’re that one’s slave whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? (Rom6:16) To be free from sin you must first reckon yourselves to be dead to sin, (v11) and then suffer the crucifying of your flesh. Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who’s suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; (1Pt4:1) But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you’ll live. (Rom8:13b) Christian freedom isn’t automatically yours. Only overcomers actually receive the promise because it’s given in Christ but only to those who have a living faith. So the false “church” and heretics like Stanley are deceiving “believers” into thinking they’re free when they’re still in bondage instead of teaching them how to use their Spiritual weapons to overcome the enemy and get free. For the weapons of our warfare aren’t carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2Cor10:4,5)

“Fight the good fight of faith,” Paul says, “Lay hold on eternal life.” (1Tim6:12) “You already have eternal life!” heretic Stanley says, “There’s no fight, just believe you have it.” He who hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and won’t come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. (Jn5:24) A heretic looks at one scripture like this (Jn5:24) and interprets it wrongly. Stanley’s interpretation is proven wrong by Paul’s words; “Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life.” (1Tim6:12) The scriptures can’t be broken. (Jn10:35) Therefore both Jesus’ words (Jn5:24) and Paul’s (1Tim6:12) must be equally true. Because the Scriptures can’t be broken when the Bible is interpreted correctly no scripture can contradict another. As a true believer in Jesus if you obey His Words and overcome your flesh you’ll enter into His promise of eternal life. (Jn5:24) In this case “Eternal Life” doesn’t mean immortality, but it means the Godly kind of life that leads to immortality. (See our Glory of His Grace book “Eternal Living”) You have the promise of eternal life on the condition you possess a genuine faith in Jesus; obeying His Word and honoring the Father who sent Him, but you won’t actually experience the Jesus life until you fight the good fight of faith to enter in! When Paul says to “lay hold on eternal life” (1Tim6:12) he means to get so permanently established in the Christ life that attaining to immortality is a certainty. I’ve fought the good fight, I’ve finished the race, I’ve kept the faith. Finally, there’s laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who’ve loved His appearing. (2Tim4:7,8) Paul fought the good fight till the end of his life and so must you. Those who love His appearing are those who are preparing for His return. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it hasn’t yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He’s revealed, we’ll be like Him, for we’ll see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He’s pure. (1Jn3:1-3)

Concerning this fight of faith, if the little things are the easiest to receive then the biggest prizes are the most difficult. Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I’m taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” So he said, “You’ve asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I’m taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” (2Kng2:9-10) “Immortality” is certainly the grandest, and most valuable prize. The false church however thinks immortality is the easiest prize of all and they have it already. “Just confess you believe in Jesus!” The Truth is attaining to immortality will be the hardest thing you ever do. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Mt7:14) Attaining everlasting life is the biggest fight of all and it will cost you everything. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. So likewise, whoever of you doesn’t forsake all he has can’t be My disciple. (Lk9:24;14:33) If you’re a true believer the fight to attain to the resurrection of the just (immortality) will go on all your life. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I’ve suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I’ve already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I don’t count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. (Phil 3:8-15) The battle to attain to the resurrection of life is the big one and you must endure to the end if you want to win. For you have need of endurance, so that after you’ve done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, and He who’s coming will come and won’t tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we aren’t of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (Heb10:36-39) The weapons we must use to win this battle aren’t carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that rises up against God. (2Cor10:4,5) And those weapons which include fasting and fervently praying with the understanding and in the Spirit (tongues), have to be used! (1Cor14:15) Also the armor of God; the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, must be “put on.” (Eph6:13-17) You won’t win this fight unless you actually use your Spiritual weapons.

The erroneous idea that believers have everything already is similar to saying the resurrection’s past. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who’ve strayed concerning the Truth, saying the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. (2Tim2:17,18) Saying the resurrection is past overthrows faith because there’s nothing you can do to attain to the resurrection if it’s already past, even as saying believers already have such things as God has promised they may receive by faith means there’s nothing more to do to acquire these things if we have them already, so the faith to attain stops working, and when faith stops working it’s overthrown. Believing we have it already when we haven’t fought the fight of faith to take hold of the promise is faith without works. Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (Jms2:21-24,26) Believing you already have something you should be striving to acquire is death to diligence. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you’ll never stumble. (2Pt1:10) Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and won’t be able. (Lk13:24) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Heb12:14) Believing we have what we haven’t fought to attain is Laodicean. Because you say, “I’m rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing” -- and don’t know you’re wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. (Rev3:17) It produces carelessness, and lukewarmness, to believe we have something already without any confirming evidence. To believe we have liberty or eternal life or Christ in us when we don’t are among the worst of lies in the contemporary “churches.” Believing you have what you don’t is the deadliest kind of presumption! Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you’d have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.” (Jn9:41)

“Therefore,” I say to you, “whatever things you ask when you pray, believe you receive them, and you’ll have them.” (Mk11:24) When you first see a promise in God’s Word and ask God for it even though you “believe you receive” you may not immediately see the manifestation. For example, when you don’t “feel healed” immediately after praying for a healing. But because the Word says it’s yours and you believe it’s given to you by God therefore you must stand in faith for the promise to manifest. The fight of faith is to behave as though you’re healed even though your symptoms may seem contrary. If you really believe you’ve received, you know you’re healed in spite of the symptoms so you don’t believe the symptoms. The problem with Stanley and his heretical bunch is there’s no “sight” of faith without the fight of faith. Without the fight of faith, you’ll never see the manifestation of the promise. (Rom8:24) By presumptuously believing you’ve already got it in such a way that you do nothing to attain you’ll never receive the reality of the promise.

If you were blind, you’d have no sin; but now you say, “We see.” Therefore your sin remains. (Jn9:41) The idea that feelings don’t count is true in the sense that you must go by what God’s Word says and not by contrary feelings when you’re in the fight of faith but if you win the fight you’ll have the proper feelings. During the fight to attain a healing you may feel symptoms but when you’ve won the fight the symptoms will disappear and you’ll “feel” healthy. Similarly, when we’re learning to be led by the Spirit, there are times we may not feel like the Spirit is with us but the promise of the Spirit’s leading is true. So the fact that we don’t feel Him mustn’t stop us from believing He’s leading. Even when we don’t “feel” Him, we must do what we believe is right and have faith He’s leading us. Also, we can pray, fast, or do whatever may be helpful to break thru until the fact that we don’t feel the Spirit turns into the reality that we can actually perceive His presence. To divorce feelings from Christianity would render meaningless such scriptures as, We know we abide in Him (Christ) because of the Spirit which He’s given us. (1Jn3:24) If you can’t perceive the Spirit or have a true evidence of His presence then how can you know you abide in Christ? If you’re just to believe you have the Spirit without any evidence everything John is saying in this verse becomes meaningless. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (Act9:31b) How can you walk in the “Comfort of the Holy Spirit” and not feel it? John says we know we’re abiding in Jesus because we can tell we have the Spirit. But if you’re just to believe you have the Spirit without any proof what’s the sense of John saying such things? “No proof” proves you abide in Christ? Why would John bother us with such nonsense? It’s because I have real feelings and evidences of the Spirit that I know I abide in Christ! Having the Spirit is an experience! Experiences are perceptible. I can feel the Spirit right now and how much He’s offended with these false teachers and their lies. Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. (1Tim1:7) False teachers teach things they’ve no experience in. They may read the bible and quote many scriptures but they have only theoretical explanations of what the Scriptures mean. Having never experienced these things themselves, their understanding is erroneous. They impute wrong meanings or they believe what they’ve read in commentaries when the commentaries themselves may be wrong. So lacking experience whatever knowledge they have is second hand and second rate. Intruding into those things which he hasn’t seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. (Col 2:18) They don’t “hear God.” (Gal 3:2) They’re not “Taught of God.” (Jn6:45) What they teach they get from man not from God. (Gal 1:1,11,12) They think they know something when they know nothing yet as they ought to know. (1Cor8:2) They don’t rightly divide the Word. (2Tim2:15) False teachers develop heretical doctrines by “breaking the scriptures.” (Jn10:35) They proudly parrot any verses that seem to agree with their erroneous interpretations while ignoring any scriptures that contradict them. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing Spiritual things with Spiritual. (1Cor2:13) They also like to defend their heretical interpretations with faulty human reasonings like the Baptists saying concerning once saved/always saved, “You didn’t pay for your salvation so you can’t lose it.” (see pg19,20) But God is exposing their foolishness, For it’s written: “I’ll destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” (1Cor1:19) They delight in receiving “doctorates” of theology because “higher education” is esteemed among men, while Jesus says “What’s highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Lk16:15) Being “educated” by men makes them “intellectual” not Spiritual. They pretend to be experts in God’s Word while actually they serve satan. (2Cor11:13-15) A true Christian can demonstrate he has the Spirit. He’s an inseparable part of my life and I have continual evidences of His presence. Look at Stanley’s people and you won’t find any evidence the Spirit’s in them. They’re taught to believe He’s there without evidence because they twist scriptures like, “Blessed are those that don’t see and believe.” (Jn20:29) which concerns believing in Jesus without seeing but not without other evidences of His abiding such as, I’ve a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father’s given Me to finish -- the very works I do bear witness of Me, that the Father’s sent Me. (Jn5:36) (see our Glory of His Grace books True Faith I and II) Jesus says, “If you abide in Me and My Words abide in you, you’ll bear much fruit.” (Jn15:5,7) But these Baptist-taught believers are bearing no fruit! “We’re not saved by works so fruit doesn’t matter,” they say. But fruit matters to Jesus. Without it you’ll be cut off like a dry branch. (Jn15:2,6) And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which doesn’t bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (Mt3:10) Almost everything the Bible says these false “christians” argue against. They twist the scriptures to make them seem to mean things different from what God intends. They’ve a devilish interpretation of the gospel! Their “churches” are filled with people who claim to have what they don’t have. “We don’t need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit because we get the Holy Spirit when we get saved. When we get Jesus we get everything,” they say. But they think they’re saved when actually they’re still lost. It’s proven they don’t know Jesus because they don’t stop sinning. Whoever abides in Him doesn’t sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. (1Jn3:6) The disciples were “saved” when Jesus commanded them: not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you’ve heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you’ll be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Act1:4,5) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. (Act1:14) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Act2:1-4) When Philip went to Samaria many people were “saved.” When they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. (Act8:12) But they didn’t receive the Holy Spirit until; The apostles who were at Jerusalem heard Samaria had received the Word of God, so they sent Peter and John to them, who when they’d come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (Act8:14,15) The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from the initial believing unto salvation; and water baptism. Jesus baptizes believers in the Spirit after they’ve received Him and shown themselves to be obedient to Him. We are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him. (Act5:32) The few exceptions are like Cornelius when God had to prove His acceptance of the gentiles to the Jewish believers. (Act10:44,45) But the Baptists ignore the scriptures concerning the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. They reject Jesus’ Words and being disobedient to Him they receive neither Him nor the Holy Spirit, while they falsely claim to have both. Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. (1Tim4:1-2) So the “churches” are filled with proud “believers” who like to showoff their “religious” knowledge, but what they have is; “Doctrines of men that make the Word of God of no effect.” (Mt15:6,9) These “proud” Pharisees aren’t taught of God. They have no fresh revelation and do no mighty works. They study much but rarely pray except to be seen of men. (Mt6:5) They don’t have the hearing of faith. (Gal 3:2,5) Most of what they think they know is falsehood. Many Baptists teach “tongues” are “of the devil,” actually blaspheming the Holy Spirit. In their wickedness they forbid members of their “churches” to speak in tongues in direct contradiction to, Don’t forbid to speak with tongues. (1Cor14:39b)

We get dozens of letters from inmates who say, “If I’d only known the Truth you’re teaching before, I wouldn’t be in this place.” Most were deceived by the once saved/always saved lie. Because they thought they couldn’t lose their salvation, they continued in sin until they were imprisoned. Now many are putting their sin away, but if they’d have known the Truth earlier they might have avoided imprisonment and be serving God at home with their families. We can thank the Baptists for much of the overcrowding in our prisons.

We also get letters from inmates who are looking for employment in “My Father’s House.” First, even the pastor of “My Father’s House” isn’t paid. All the members are self supporting volunteers. (Ps110:3) For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we weren’t disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we don’t have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone won’t work, neither shall he eat. (2Th3:7-10) If the pastor isn’t “paid” at “My Father’s House” we’re certainly not going to “hire” you. And if the time comes we do need anyone in a paid position it will surely be one who’s been among us for many years and is proven by God to be faithful. Degrees from bible schools, resumes, etc., mean nothing to us. Happily we’ve had several ex-inmates join our church and none have had any difficulty finding secular employment. 

I’ve been to Haiti seven times on mission trips. I’ve noticed one of the first things many “missionaries” do when they move to a third world country is open up a “Bible School.” They charge tuition to poor “believers” who are hoping to get some “church” employment. What they usually get is a “diploma” no-one recognizes that says they’re a preacher. They also get a false hope that because they now have a piece of paper saying they’re a “preacher” they might get a job some where in a church. In reality there are few such jobs. You don’t become a paid preacher in God’s true church because you have a diploma. It’s a false hope to think you’re going to make a living or get a church started because you’ve got a diploma. You get a real church started because God calls you or you get a false church started because the devil calls you, and in the short run the devil usually pays best. Satan and his servants are pretty good at starting heretical “churches” by appealing to the flesh and itching ears in false believers. (2Tim4:3,4) But the vast majority of those who attend “bible schools” are deceiving themselves if they think they’re going to get paid employment in the “churches.” The few people making a living because of Bible Schools are usually the ones running them! Most bible school graduates end up thinking they’re “preachers” when they don’t have the gifts or the fruit of the Spirit, they don’t have the power or anointing of God and they don’t even really know God. Paul, an apostle, not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead. But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me isn’t according to man. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood. (Gal 1:1,11,15,16) Unlike Paul, everything the false “preachers” know they get from men. Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who’s saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. (2Tim1:8,9) God doesn’t make you a “preacher” because you went to bible school. That’s according to your “works” and not according to “His own purpose.” It’s the false “church” who does that. Have you not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made for yourselves priests, like the peoples of other lands, so that whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams may be a priest of things that aren’t gods? (2Chr13:9) Under the Old Covenant you had to be “born” into God’s priesthood. But anyone who brought the required sacrifice could become a priest of Jeroboam’s idolatrous “golden calves.” Likewise in Jesus’ true church you can’t just “decide” to become a preacher. True preachers are gifts Jesus gives to the church. And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. (Eph4:11) Jesus must call you, equip you and present you to the church. You can’t call yourself or properly equip yourself. If Jesus doesn’t call you, He won’t equip you and you’ll be a false preacher not a true one. False preachers love to be recognized. They love, Greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called, “Rabbi, Rabbi.” (Mt23:7) It’s common among those who are contending for a position in the “church” that they’ll quote many scriptures and do religious things to impress people. They’re “showoffs” because of their selfish ambitions. Unlike, It shall be in that day that every prophet will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies; they won’t wear a robe of coarse hair to deceive. (Zec13:4) Today’s want-to-be’s buy suits and ties and style their hair to “look like a preacher.” I don’t wear suits when I preach, just ordinary dress. I’m not a preacher because I look like one, but because I’m anointed by God. It doesn’t matter what I look like. (2Cor5:16) What matters is I bring forth the fruit that proves the tree is good, and because Jesus has called me and equipped me by grace I do. But these deceivers spend their money and energy trying to impress people that they’re preachers when there’s no Jesus in them. Although “bible schools” flourish in many places where poor people see preaching as a way to make a living what can we say about the “missionaries” who run such schools? Are they accomplishing anything? Are their graduates planting vibrant new churches? Is the Holy Spirit working with them? “He who believes in Me,” as the Scripture has said, “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” Most assuredly, I say to you, “he who believes in Me, the works I do he’ll do also; and greater works than these he’ll do, because I go to My Father.” (Jn7:38;14:12) In the early days of “My Father’s House” we were visited by a “bible school missionary” who seemed serious about serving God, but everything he did failed. No-one learned to be led by the Spirit in his bible school. The students became friends who tried to encourage each other, much like fraternity brothers. But all we saw was failure after failure. One of his associates pastored a church in the Caribbean until they threw him out. Another pastored in New England until that church threw him out. This “missionary” came to the U.S. to visit his family for a few weeks and when he returned to his Philippine church all the “believers” had dispersed. There was no church left! Now with Jesus there’s often a crucifixion (apparent failure) before a resurrection. But with these men there was no “resurrection.” Their ministries didn’t come back. Their bible school didn’t teach them to know God or be led by the Spirit it just taught them some scriptures and commonly believed doctrines many of which weren’t even true. Like “you’re free, just believe it!” No, you’re potentionally free, but you must now fight the fight of faith to enter in. Few bible schools teach you how to do that!

Spiritual feelings can be profound and even life changing. They’re among the graces we receive from God by faith. But there are occasions when the feelings may not be there and God’s Truth is what holds us together. You know God is with you if you’re with Him, because He says so. (Mt28:20) For He Himself has said, “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I won’t fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb13:5,6) There’s a way of interpreting “we don’t live by feelings” which is right, but there’s a way which is wrong. When we don’t have “feeling” we have the Word. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Act17:11) If we’re obedient to the Word we’re being led by the Spirit even if we don’t feel like it because the Spirit and the Word agree. (1Jn5:7)

How many try to impress us with their religious “knowledge.” But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, “Rabbi, Rabbi.” (Mt23:5-7) Assuredly I say to you, “They have their reward.” (Mt6:2) Why do we get so many letters from men who want to tell us everything they know? Why do some think they need to “preach” to us? What purpose is there in sending us “salvation tracts?” God has appointed us to teach preachers yet we need to be taught by babes the “Christian basics?” We’ve known the deep things of God longer than most of you have been “saved.” Are they sharing such things with us because the Holy Spirit tells them we need to be edified or are they doing it because they want to impress us? When I speak it’s not because I want to impress you but to edify you! Why do you want to impress me? Now in giving these instructions I don’t praise you. (1Cor11:17a) Such people must want something from us! Many inmates take course after course from one bible school after another. Some who’ve written us have seven or more “diplomas” from as many bible schools. And the first thing they tell us is how many courses they’ve taken. They’re showing off. It’s their way to “impress” people. Often when I read their letters they sound like there’s no God in them at all. Then I’ll get a letter from a true believer who’s humble and shares a little of his testimony and you can see the mark of God in his life. For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. (2Cor10:18) The first is bragging on himself – look what I’ve done. The second is grateful to God – look what Jesus has done. Concerning the inmates who say “I’m asking you for help because the Bible says ‘ask and it shall be given to you.’” What? Did Jesus say to ask Bill Taylor and it shall be given unto you or did Jesus say to ask God? Don’t you have your scriptures backwards? You’re supposed to ask God and if you ask God He might direct you to me! If you were asking God, God might put it on my heart to help, but when you’re not asking God, why should He or I answer you at all? The fact that the Bible says “Ask God,” is a stupid reason to ask man! And how “impressive” are you when you misinterpret the scriptures to the face of someone who knows what they really mean. So much “religion” today is about impressing others. Greetings in the marketplace, showing off what you know, flying your “christian colors” because to many inmates religion is just another “gang.” Cripps and Bloods! They’re just changing gangs. “I’m changing from a way of life that’s failed me and caused me to end up in prison. I’m switching to this new christian ‘gang’ and I’m going to speak the language of the ‘christian gang,’ dress like the ‘christian gang,’ wear the colors of the ‘christian gang.’ I’m going to talk like ‘christians’ talk and that will make me a brother. Then the ‘christians’ will take care of me when I need help. Because I can get help from my ‘christian’ brothers this way of life will benefit me better than the old because the ‘christian gang’ has more to offer me. Maybe I can even become a preacher and make my living off this ‘christian gang.’ Or maybe you can make “christian jewelry.” “Christian” book stores are filled with scripture candies, trinkets and such.

I could start a line of christian jewelry. “T.S.N.J.” on necklaces and bracelets. “THAT’S SO NOT JESUS!”

Real Christians don’t use scriptures to get others to help them, “Give and it shall be given unto you!” (Lk6:38) so give to me! They obey the scriptures and help others themselves. Real Christians trust the Lord for their needs. It’s false brethren who use the scriptures to get some benefit from others. It’s all about themselves; selfishness, not serving the Lord. They pretend to love Jesus with the true brethren but they don’t even know the Lord. Woe to them! For they’ve gone in the way of Cain, run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They’re clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. (Jude11-13) Jesus doesn’t “know” selfishness. He came to serve not be served. (Mk10:45) If Christ is in you, you’ll be serving also – not seeking to be served.

You’ll never have the blessings of God’s promises until you’ve fought the fight of faith to get them. Fight the good fight of faith to get into the Spirit. Fight the good fight of faith to lay hold on eternal life, (1Tim6:12) lay hold on holiness, lay hold on God’s peace, lay hold on Christ’s healing power, lay hold on Christian liberty. God’s blessings must be gained by fighting for them; overcoming sin in the flesh, overcoming laziness, the things in you that make you sleep when you should be praying. You have to overcome to enter in! (Rev21:7) You have to conquer the deceptions and attacks from the devil, the doubts he tries to throw at you, the troublesome circumstances, the sicknesses, financial needs and distractions, the snares and traps that come from false “brethren.”

I’ve encountered many inmates who are covetous of “better” Bibles. Though they’ve a good Bible of their own they want a special type – like a Dake’s, as though having the Word of God itself isn’t what’s important. It’s the commentaries on the Word they must have. As though the Holy Spirit can’t teach you. (Jn14:26;Mt23:10) There are so many inmates who don’t even have a Bible of their own and these greedy Judas’s are asking us for a second even third Bible. What good will having another Bible do you if you can’t obey the simple commands of Jesus in the Bible you already have? Like, Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. (Heb13:5) In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Th5:18) He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” (Lk3:11) And if you have two Bibles? Many write us asking for legal help, or to contact their families, or for sponsorship to a bible school – or to get a special book. The list is endless. Some send things we didn’t ask for and expect us to return them at our expense. Others commend us for doing things for them their own “churches” won’t. Yet they seem to think their “churches” are basically OK and we’re just like them except we do things others don’t. The Truth is we’re nothing like your “church!” The reason we do things they don’t is we know God and obey Him. Your “church” doesn’t. So nothing your “church” does is of God. And everything we do is of God. Because we have church God’s way we’re completely different from the way those who aren’t led by God have “church.” So why do you want to have anything to do with “churches” who don’t hear and obey God? We’re called of God to do the things we’re doing and these things occupy us completely. We’ve neither the time nor the finances to get involved in anything outside our calling including the numerous special interests carnal believers so often feel are important to them. If we answered every such request we’d have no time or finances to do what Jesus is telling us to do. So we often ignore requests we can’t answer. Even saying “no” to the hundreds of such unsolicited requests would waste too much time and resources. If you’ve asked us for something we don’t explicitly offer and we didn’t answer the answer is “no.” Even God doesn’t answer prayers unless they’re according to His will. Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1Jn5:14) If you’re not asking according to His will God doesn’t hear you. Why should we who have Christ in us be any different? We concentrate our efforts on the requests that are in line with God, the people we can help. We’re a ministry of grace and we’ll have mercy on whom we choose to have mercy. (Rom9:15) We owe you nothing except as the Spirit of God leads us. If we’re able to help you give God the glory! If we choose not to help that’s our choice and our reasons are ours – we owe you no explanation! We’re not a business! You’re not a customer! We’re true Christians who sacrifice our own time and finances to help some needy believers. (Gal 6:10) If we were obligated to help everyone we’d soon be helping no one since everyone is too large a field for anyone but God to handle. (1Tim5:3,4,16) By not helping “everyone” we can continue to help some and God can be glorified in those we’re able to help. We don’t have time to waste. See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Eph5:15-17) I redeem my time! My time belongs to the Lord, to be used for Him. In the past I’ve had to rebuke the church because they were wasting my time. What right do you have to waste my time when I’m redeeming it? When I come to church I expect to have church and I participate. I don’t sit here doing nothing. When you come to church and you’ve nothing to contribute and the whole congregation just sits there doing nothing, you’re wasting my time. I’ve a desk full of work and my time is being used to serve God all day, and now I’m sitting here in church after doing my part while the church does nothing? Isn’t this a sin? It would be sin for me to sit at home doing nothing then why isn’t it a sin to sit in church doing nothing? I’m waiting for you to do your part (Eph4:16) but when you don’t do your part we end up doing nothing. I wouldn’t waste my time on my own I’d redeem it. So why are you wasting my time? Bring your part in and do it so we can redeem the time. And that’s another enemy we have to overcome that even when we’re doing right, false or carnal brethren will often hinder the good work that we’re doing by what they do or refuse to do. Vain correspondences are one of their favorite ploys. The devil will always try to steal our time and he’ll use the foolish “brethren” who don’t redeem their time to steal from us who do. For the most part the “church” at large is incredibly sick! Incredibly distant from Christ and real Christianity. Incredibly proud, selfish, carnal and deceived and that’s why you should be in “My Father’s House” because you know what’s out there. But if you come in here and turn “My Father’s House” into a hypocritical selfish showoff church what’s left? This is the place to have real church. Don’t waste God’s time anymore, let’s really have church! If you’ll seek the Lord diligently every day we’d have real church every day and we’ll grow from faith to faith and enter into even greater things of God until we can see the glory and the power of Christ manifesting in every service. Now let’s fight the good fight of faith to enter in, in Jesus’ Name!

 Prophecy: The true saints are those in whom the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. The great error in false christianity is they impute to themselves the love of God when it isn’t Godly love that’s in them but human love. The great error in all false christianity is selfishness is still in control! And if you’ve stumbled or shown yourselves not to be of the true brethren that’s the error in you. The love of God causes you to seek another’s welfare, not your own. The love of God casts out fear so you wouldn’t be afraid of sickness, or any other problems. The love of God motivates you to do all that’s right in My sight, to lay your life down and not only concern yourselves with your own wellbeing but with your brother’s. In every failure, it’s always a lack of love. In every case the presumption is you’re O.K. when you don’t possess the love described in the scriptures, but you’re in the weak and foolish human love that prefers yourself and loves yourself above your brethren. That love will destroy your soul. Now I admonish you, without love nothing will profit you. And it’s not just any kind of love but it’s the kind of love Jesus and the true saints demonstrate. It’s the love which makes life worth living and the love that makes it a joy for you to get up in the morning because the true saints rejoice to do good to one another, thus saith the Lord. (Prophecy delivered at “My Father’s House”)

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