Do Grace Preachers Teach Legalism?

Posted on June 20, 2022 by jimfloyd12

What is Galatianism?

Recently, I have encountered people on YouTube teaching that various grace pastors are promoting and teaching Galatianism. These YouTube teachers and preachers, in my view, are touting hyper-grace, anti-progressive sanctification, anti-correction from God for believers, and anti-preaching of things to do or not to do as believers. What really is Galatianism? Is there room for believers to grow or to be told to apply themselves to be more mature in their faith? Are there scriptures on right and wrong things for believers? Will God at times chasten, rebuke, or teach his children? Is a pastor a legalist if they preach God’s given instructions? For answers to all that, let’s go to what the Bible says.

I) Actual “Galatianism“

Galatianism is essentially an attempt to be justified (saved) by law-keeping. The Galatian believers addressed in Paul’s epistle to the Galatians were saved. They had been bewitched or tricked into following the Judaisers, thinking that they needed to keep following the demands of the law to finish being made perfect (fully justified). However, they were fully justified in God’s sight by way of His Son Jesus Christ. What wasn’t perfect was their maturity in Jesus Christ. What wasn’t perfect was their development of character and practice. This affected their day-to-day Christian walk. Some call this progressive sanctification, but the YouTube teachers I have run into have basically demonized that concept altogether and instead lump everything onto initial justification. They would contend that a believer can never be out of practical fellowship with the Lord or ever need chastening. They would say we are forgiven in Christ. Which, indeed, we have forgiveness in Christ, but that doesn’t mean believers lack the capacity to grow.

Read what Galatians says.

Gal. 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 

Gal. 2:4  And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Gal 2:21  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Gal. 3:1-3  O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 

Gal. 3:24-27  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 

Gal 4:4-10  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.  But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 

Gal 5:1-5  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.  For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 

This “yoke of bondage” referred to law-keeping as a means of justification before God. This is not what grace preachers have been teaching. If I tell people to admit their sin to God and move on, letting His cleansing continue, then I am not suggesting they keep the law for salvation, as they are already justified. This means they were and are declared righteous in God’s sight. They will always be positionally righteous in Him. It is, however, God’s will for their lives as believers. If I tell people to do things the Bible instructs, then it isn’t legalism. It is simply conveying God’s truth.

2) Progressive sanctification and growth

Is there then a place for practical and progressive sanctification? Perhaps a better question is, should Christians receive instruction on how to grow in their faith as a believer?

Keep in mind the following things. For a believer, there is justification, sanctification, and glorification. For all three of these, they are positionally true for all believers the moment they believe. Believers, then, are sanctified or set apart to God for service the moment they believe. This, however, does not mean that they are instant super Christians who never fail to serve the Lord. Believers are seated with Christ above, yet we still have the flesh and will one day receive our glorified bodies to match our glorified new inner man which was created the moment they believed the gospel. With sanctification, there is the concept that a believer needs to apply himself to learn. A believer can mature in areas of service.

Most occurrences of the words “sanctify” or “sanctification” in the New Testament refer to the initial setting apart of believers for service for the Lord. Though there are a few instances of ongoing sanctification in practice. Beyond that, there are very clear scriptures as to Christian growth.


“Sanctification”
I Thess. 4:3-4 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2 

“Sanctify”
1 Thess. 5:23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Heb. 13:12  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

“Sanctified”
Acts 20:32  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Acts 26:18  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Rom. 15:16  That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

1 Cor. 1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1 Cor. 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Tim. 2:21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. (practical element)

Heb. 2:11  For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Heb. 10:10  By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Heb. 10:14  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Heb. 10:29  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Jude 1:1  Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:


Christian growth/living example verses

Heb. 5:12-13  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

1 Pet. 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Eph. 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

2 Pet. 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2 Pet. 1:5-10  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

1 Thess. 4:11  And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

2 Tim. 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Rom. 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Eph. 4:22  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Col. 3:8-9  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

James 1:21-24  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 

Psa. 1:1-3  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

I Jn 1:5-9  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Hyper-grace teachers tend to turn I John 1:9 into verses for the lost. However, it speaks to a believer about admitting sin and moving forward in the Christian walk, restoring practical fellowship.

3) Discipline/Correction

The flesh is still present for believers, and believers can, moment by moment, technically choose right or wrong. They have no permission to do wrong, but each person has to choose to obey day in and day out. So, then are there any earthly consequences for choosing wrong?

Job 5:17  Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

Prov. 3:11  My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Prov. 22:15  Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Heb. 12:5-7  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Are there any instructions as to what to do or not to do? Are there any stated consequences?

I submit the following examples and there are many more.

Rev. 2:14  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Rev. 2:20  Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Heb. 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Heb 10:29-31  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

The passage above was directed at eternally saved believers.

1 Cor. 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.

1 Cor. 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

1 Cor. 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Col. 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Obviously, God has a problem with things like fornication and the like. He wants us to glorify Him in all we say and do. Walking in the former lifestyle only brings shame to a believer, and ultimately it profanes the name of the Lord who bought us. Why would God, our heavenly Father, not be grieved by that? Why would he not want us to get it right if we ever stumble into those things mentioned?

4) Problems with a justification centric only hyper grace view

Hyper-grace sounds appealing to someone who formerly came out of legalism. However, we must be balanced and honest with what the scriptures teach concerning God’s will for believers in their Christian walk. The danger comes in at least two respects that I will highlight.

The first is that this type of hyper-grace preacher will do away with the concept of getting right with God as outlined in I John 1:9. They would leave a believer to simply go on through life without ever really addressing how their sin impacts their Savior.

The second thing is that they have been willing to throw actual grace preachers under the bus, so to speak, using false accusations based on a flawed understanding of what Galatianism really is. This is especially egregious because they will have to stand before God one day and give an account for the slander they have spread against men of God who are simply trying to proclaim the full Word of God. I pray that anyone tempted to follow these teachers take a pause and think again about choosing to follow amateur YouTube preachers who often have no church accountability for their doctrine and actions.

We must keep in mind that, while these hyper-grace teachers want to avoid God’s correction, God is a kind and loving God full of mercy and patience. He is the only one able to discern perfectly what is needed in any given circumstance. His desire is the best for us. If He corrects us, it is for our ultimate good. He would be hateful to us not to correct us when we sin.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Psa. 145:8  The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Please do take time to consider the following messages from a few of the grace preachers that have been under attack:

Tom Cucuzza

How Much of the Bible is For Us Today? – YouTube

Dr Ralph Yankee Arnold

A Christian is not to be Antinomian or Legalistic | Dr. Ralph Yankee Arnold | – YouTube

Posted in Bible, Christian living, doctrine, Free Grace, Hyper grace | 7 Comments

Beware of King James Only Extremism

Posted on July 15, 2021 by jimfloyd12

There are many divisive topics in churches, but one that consistently resurfaces is the “King James Only” or “KJVO” Bible version debate. To me, the problem stems from going to extremes that the Bible does not itself go to. KJVO proponents will go so far as to say that the King James 1611 Bible is a perfect preservation of the original Hebrew and Greek texts into English. Along those lines, people may argue that a person cannot be saved through any other translation. They say the KJV, not the original, is the new standard. Some may even argue that the KJV is now to be used for translations into other languages, rather than the originals. Recently, I have heard some say that to say the KJV is not perfect is to deny the infallibility of the Word of God itself. Does the Word of God itself promise a perfect preservation of the Bible into English?


Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about the preservation of the written Word.

Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Nothing here is tied to an English or other translation of the written word. But God’s truth stands. What He has said lasts forever.

Matthew 24:35 – Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

God’s words are not constrained by time as neither is He. His words endure whether spoken or written.

Psalms 119:89 – LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

God’s truth is established. It is not earthly.


Psalms 12:6-7 – The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  

I have observed that these are common go-to verses for KJVO support, but the context of the passage is not really about the written Word or translations. It is a contrast to the ungodly. It is necessary to know the whole context of the passage and not pull out “proof” texts that sound different when standing alone.

Psa 12:1  To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 

Psa 12:2  They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. 

Psa 12:3  The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 

Psa 12:4  Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? 

Psa 12:5  For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. 

Psa 12:6  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (This is in contrast to those that “puff” at the faithful. God’s words instead are pure.)

Psa 12:7  Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. 

(“Keep them” refers to the faithful. Look back at verse 5, which relates to the safety the Lord will provide. The “faithful” is what this passage is talking about. KJVO advocates often say, “Keep them,” which refers to the words that God spoke and that were written. And they extrapolate that, therefore, the KJV is the preserved pure Word of God and that it is also as perfect as the originals. That strikes me as a lot to assume simply based on a verse taken out of the passage that has a different context.)

Psa 12:8  The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. 

Again, this passage is about the faithful being surrounded on every side by the wicked and God providing them safety even in their midst. His words are pure, whereas the wicked speak words of impurity. Using this for Bible translation arguments is a gross feat of eisegesis. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines eisegesis as: “the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one’s own ideas.” That process has to take place for someone to come up with the notion that fallible men who are not inspired can make a perfect translation from Greek and Hebrew into 1611 English.

Matthew 5:18 – For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

This one is also used frequently by KJVO advocates. But it has nothing to do with Bible translations. What it says is true. God’s plan will be carried out.

Nowhere in any of these verses is it promised that God’s written Word will be made available to all people in all languages. The “law” is not the same as “God’s complete written word.” Basically, what God says stands.

The KJVO advocate has to reach a verse such as Psalm 33:11 , which says, “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” They will then reason that God’s written word must be perfectly preserved in all languages for all generations to come. But the application of this is that the counsel of the Lord is applicable to all. It is forever established and profitable. This compares well to other verses already mentioned.


As seen, there is not much to hang a KJVO hat on. There certainly are not enough actual Bible references to declare with any scripture-backed authority that the KJV is as perfect as the original texts. Beyond that, there is no reason for people to insinuate that those who realize the KJV isn’t perfect are saying the Word in its original languages isn’t infallible.

Here are some issues with the King James Version (KJV). There are no reasons at all to avoid using it; rather, there are reasons to see that it is simply a very good attempt by men to translate the Bible. The KJV uses archaic words. It uses words like “unicorn” and “satyr”. It employs words that are no longer in use today. It likely misinterprets some words, such as “Easter”. The directive behind it made it clear that it was a revision of several already existing English translations, none of which were exactly perfect either. I believe the KJV is a good product, but it is not the only decent translation. If the KJV were perfect as a translation, there could not be even one mistake. Notice that Jeremiah 49:1 in the 1611 says: “why then doth their king inherit God.” But the KJV revision later corrects it by saying “why then doth their king inherit Gad.” There is a big difference. The former doesn’t even make sense. And, as is the nature of translating work, it can be refined and perfected over time. KJV 1611 readers should be able to understand this, as the 1611 KJV was an attempt to improve upon the earlier Bishop’s and Tyndale translations. Even the KJV translators themselves didn’t claim they had achieved perfection. Their preface to the reader made it clear that they understood the progression of work on making better translations.

The problem is that people are often not diligent enough to study and compare scripture with scripture. In doing so, it is often helpful to look up original tenses and word meanings. There is no perfect way to make complex languages like Hebrew and Greek transition into English. The English language lacks the same complexity or the full range of words for a direct, perfect translation. Sometimes the translators used a word that was somewhat close to the root word’s meaning, such as “repentance” from the root “metanoia.” This doesn’t mean that one has to fret that they cannot trust the KJV, etc., but they do need to know that it is wise to let clear passages clarify unclear passages and to take a look at the meanings of words, especially when English didn’t have an exact equivalent. The worst thing one can do is eisegesis and make it out as if the Word is saying something it isn’t saying. Being diligent in study is a good way to avoid letting any translation fool you into something God didn’t say. For example, if anything contradicts the clear truth of the gospel or makes it confusing, then examine other comparable passages, the extended contexts, and word meanings more closely. Don’t rely on the wisdom of men but rather allow the Scriptures to speak. You don’t have to become proficient in Greek and Hebrew, but you do need to be disciplined enough to look at the whole picture.

With all that said, I personally still prefer the KJV. I have memorized verses from it, and it has a good flow. There is a benefit to the difference between words like “thee” and “ye,” etc. When studying, though, it isn’t that I couldn’t occasionally look at other English translations. Remember, you never base whole teachings or doctrines on one word here or there. Scripture must agree with itself on doctrinal matters.

The bottom line is that we can be thankful not only for God’s word, but also for translations into English that make it much more accessible and easier to understand for those of us who don’t read and write in Greek and Hebrew. Don’t let people shame you into thinking you are an enemy of God’s Word if you do not agree that the KJV is perfect in and of itself. Don’t put God’s stamp of perfection on the best efforts of men. Rather, let God’s perfection stand as it will anyway for all time. That is what we are to stand on.

Posted in Bible, Bible Basics, Bible translations, doctrine | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

A Call for Kindness and Compassion

Posted on June 18, 2020 by jimfloyd12

The days are commonly filled with agitation and strife. The world grapples with COVID-19, political unrest, and the general curse of sin. Believers in Christ are also often drawn into stressful encounters and situations as a result of these things. Many have noticed a decline in public civility. There is an increase in rudeness, as well as growing displays of frustration and impatience. Some are in terrible straits. In my local community, some lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and then lost everything else except their own lives to local flooding. Given all these things, there is a real need for the truth. However, for believers, kindness and compassion must also be displayed first to each other and to those afflicted around us. Regardless of whether someone is struggling with COVID-19 or feelings of oppression, all people are afflicted by the curse of sin in some way.

Notice what our mindset and course of action should be as believers.

Eph. 4:29-32 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Believers ought not say anything that goes against the purpose of edifying those who hear it. Remember that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Put away those things listed that accomplish evil things. Rather than that end, be kind. Treat each other, even if you disagree on a topic, with tender-heartedness. We should forgive each other because Christ forgave us. He had great compassion on us by way of the kindness displayed to us in His Son Jesus Christ.

God is a compassionate God.

Psalm 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Psalm 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

Psalm 112:4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

Psalm 145:8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

If God is our example, and He has forgiven us, shouldn’t we also be slow to anger and have great mercy toward others? James 1:19-20 gives us the direction: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

Be quick to hear out another person. Do not be quick to judge. Do not quickly blast someone out of pride. Do not snap at someone because you have let yourself soak in frustration like a sponge. Show them you care first before speaking. Plan what you say so that it benefits them. Model Christ in your conduct toward them.

Think of Christ’s example.

Mark 6:34  And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Many times, He had compassion on the multitudes, as well as on the individuals He healed. Jesus was here because God cares. We also need to care about each other and the lost.

Remember the things that are revealed as God’s will for us in this.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

There are real needs out there, but will we do what we each can to help meet them? Sometimes that love requires some real-world action and sacrifice on our part.

Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

The world is full of falsehood and false teachers, but we need to have compassion for one another to make a difference. People can be rescued.

Finally, think on this passage.

Col. 4:2-6  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

There is certainly an open door for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. With so much despair and turmoil, there is a longing for a remedy. The world will offer its cures and reforms, but why not offer people something that will remedy their sin curse for all of eternity? Why not offer hurting believers some true rescue from the clutches of deception? Let us walk wisely, knowing the time is short. Let us have grace come out of our mouths as much as is possible. We represent Christ, and He is the key.

Posted in Bible Basics, Christian living | 10 Comments

A God so Loving

Posted on March 22, 2020 by jimfloyd12

A profound thought struck me recently in a discussion with a friend. Isn’t it entirely incredible that the creator God of the universe loved me so much that He sent His only begotten Son to the cross for me, despite His knowledge of my sin and failures (past, present, and future)? Despite all that, He did it anyway. Not only that, but He loved the whole world of mankind just that much. (Jn 3:16) Christ would have to live perfectly, then bear reproach, ridicule, mockery, shame, humiliation, and excruciating physical pain. He had to lay down his physical life all for the redemption of those who offend Him so much so often. Think about that. Would you do all that for anyone? Much less for people who sin against you. Would you be that sacrificial and pure in unconditioned love?

Some may be tempted to question God’s goodness at times of struggle and hardship. But remember His love. In these current times, the world wrestles with pandemic outbreaks and panic, lacking hope; yet, above it all, there is a wondrous, loving Savior. This Savior provides salvation from something far more important than physical distress. He has secured the cure for our death sentence of sin. This penalty results in a sentence of eternal damnation and separation from God forever. Go back to his love. God, not willing that any should perish, sent His Son to seek and to save. (2 Pet 3:9, Lk 19:10) And praise the Lord, He has been successful. He stands now with open arms, offering this deliverance freely to us upon the merits of Christ. No standing in line is needed. There is no waiting list to receive this cure. Simply accept it by faith.  It is based on His gracious love after all, not our merit.

Think of the tragedy of not accepting this free gift. Use the current world situation as an illustration. So often, upon the realization of need, people run to the stores for goods, only to find that they are too late. Don’t wait too long to realize your need for the Savior and accept His salvation by faith. (Acts 16:31) You only have this lifetime to accept it, and you do not know how long that will be. The matter is far more urgent than any earthly concern.

For believers, know that your God loves you now and forever. His love is undying. Walk with a motivated assurance and spring in your step, knowing that you are redeemed and no matter what happens, you have hope. Believers have the calm assurance that one day we will be with our Savior. We will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2) No matter what comes about in this fallen world, ultimately due to the curse of sin, we can look to fix our minds upon our loving Savior and conquer any situation. We are already conquerors in Him who loved us. (Rom 8:37)

Let peace then reign in your life. Do not be cast about here and there by fear and doubts and worry, but rather heed God’s Word. The Bible mentions this principle in Isaiah 26:3-4  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:. Christ has taken away the power and sting of death itself (Isa 25:8, I Cor 15:55, Heb 2:14, 2 Tim 1:10) and is constantly there to make intercession for us. Likewise, He can always help with our infirmities (global pandemics included).

Scriptures for inspiration:

Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Heb 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Christ has conquered sin and death, motivated by love. Will you be motivated by the same love and show it to others? Please remember that God is so loving, and His continual love is shown to us who don’t deserve it. Today, if you have not trusted Christ as Savior, then receive His cure by faith.

I wish you blessings in Christ,

Jim Floyd

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In Defense of the Trinity

Posted on November 3, 2019 by jimfloyd12

In order to stand for the faith, there come times when it is necessary to defend key truths. Some say today that there is no such thing as the Trinity and that Jesus and the Father are one in the same. These same people would have The Father dying in Jesus’ spirit body on the cross. Of course, it should be readily apparent that this is a wrench in all of theology. The Bible paints a different picture. I would like you to consider support for the Biblical Triune God.

For starters let’s consider my doctrinal statement:

“There is one triune God who is eternally existent, all powerful, all knowing, and the creator of the heavens and the earth. The three persons of the Trinity are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

While the Bible does not use the specific word “trinity”, it does clearly teach the three distinct persons and their roles. Each is fully God. Yet the persons themselves are distinct. (Please see the excel file link at the end)

Consider I John. Toward the end of the book, three mentioned in heaven and they are tied together.

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

(The “Word” there refers to Christ.)

1 John 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

The Bible makes distinctions between the person of the Father and the Son. He testified of His Son, not Himself (person).

1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

It is clear that he who accepts the Son accepts the Father also but remember the person of the Son came in the flesh. It was not the person of the Father coming in the flesh.

Matthew 28:19 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Here is such an example. Why list all three if there are not three persons? Also consider:

2 Corinthians 13:14 – The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen. ([The second [epistle] to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, [a city] of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.])

The grace of Christ, love of the Father, and communion of the Holy Spirit are all listed above.

Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Here, it is seen that all three persons are in action. Christ (The Son) being baptized, the Spirit descending, and the person of the Father saying He is well pleased.

1 Peter 1:2 – Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Note the roles of the foreknowledge of God the Father, the sanctification of the Spirit, and the blood of Christ.

Speaking to the disciples, Jesus Christ has this to say:

John 14:26 – But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Father sends the Comforter (Holy Spirit) in the name of Christ (The Son) for the purpose of teaching and reminding them of what Christ taught them.

The three persons were involved in creation. The Bible says it this way.

Genesis 1:26 – And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

(Who is “our” referring to?)

John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word (The Son), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John.

God sent someone named John the Baptist to testify of His Son.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word (The Son) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (Here we have grace mentioned again in terms of Christ.)

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

Here, a difference is mentioned. One person is the Father, and the other is the Son. Now catch this. If you make the person the Father the same as the person the Son, then you do away with the meaning of the “only begotten”. The Son Jesus Christ had to be the perfect sacrifice. He was precious in God the Father’s sight and His only son. This gives special significance to His sacrificial death.

Remember the love of God the Father that was displayed in His Son.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Note, it doesn’t say God the Father came Himself into the world. Rather, He sent the person His Son into the world. He was to be the Lamb provided by the Father to take away the sins of the world. This was required to reconcile us to God.

John 10:30 I and [my] Father are one. (This means both persons are God. This is key for refutation of those who try to deny Christ’s deity.)

36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Have you accepted the Son?

John 5:19-23 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:26-29 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (God the Father wasn’t giving himself a commandment. And yet this again shows Christ as God because He had the power to take up His life again.)

John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

John 14:1: Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Joh 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

Joh 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. (It should be clear there are two persons mentioned here.)

Joh 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the

John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

See also John 17; 20:16-17; Colossians 1:13-23

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (This is a mention of the third Person)

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Here is a link to a file I had started for one of my adult Sunday lessons. I have illustrated the Trinity and listed verses under the heading of each Person of the Trinity, illustrating their uniqueness, ministries, attributes, and functions.  This is not intended to be a 100 percent exhaustive listing, but it is a great start and plenty for the sake of illustration.

trinity (1)

God bless,

Jim Floyd

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Biblical Separation Concerning the Gospel

Posted on January 26, 2019 by jimfloyd12

Some have raised the question about ministry philosophy and if I would preach or teach on a lordship stage or platform. Here are my concerns that would factor into my decision. The stakes are high because the gospel’s clarity hangs in the balance.

I. Be concerned with who promotes you.

Sometimes, people with a bad reputation can promote you. However, that can be more of a curse than a blessing. Consider this account of the apostle Paul and Silas.

Act 16:16-18 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Paul was an apostle of God and did not need a recommendation by an unclean spirit. This girl was known for her soothsaying abilities, which were enabled by a demon working within her. Paul wasn’t thinking, ok, you go that way and tell the town to trust me, and I’ll go over there and preach the gospel. Rather, he was grieved and ended it. He paid for his good decision. They were mistreated and placed in prison. Yet Paul had the opportunity later to minister and witness effectively.

Consider those who are known for most of their time in ministry for false gospels. Do you suppose that they lend credibility or a curse to your name if you teach the truth? I, for one, do not want to be endorsed by known lord-shippers. I want to be endorsed in ministry by people known for their clear presentation of the gospel. This would include websites, conferences, or churches.

II. Be concerned with who you lend credibility to.

This happens not only through what we say, but also through what we do. I had this concept clarified to me in my life while at a previous church. I came to realize that the church I was attending did not share the same view on the gospel or its clarity. There were lordshippers, and Calvinists, and Arminians, and maybe a few here and there that may have understood grace, but leadership was against grace as I see it. That and many times, preachers coming in as guest speakers, messed up the gospel. I came to realize that the more I was respected for discernment and gospel clarity, the more my presence alone there was recommending the church that was fine with clouding the gospel. Some could think, well, Jim goes there, and Jim seems to understand the gospel, so I’ll go see for myself what they have to say. In a church of five hundred, they may hear me teach and understand, but they are more likely to hear all the rest and not hear the truth. It would be like swimming upstream while everyone else swims downstream. It is not worth it. I realized that my teaching in a Sunday school class there would resolve the problem. It was time for me to leave. The pastor told me I would never find a place like the one I was looking for. However, in two years’ time, God provided a church that was clear on the gospel and the doctrine of grace. Now I can preach (on occasion) and teach every Sunday with the confident backdrop and support of a biblical pastor and a Bible-believing, gospel-preaching church. It has been a miraculous life freeing deliverance from the constant spirit-squelching of the other place. Instead of, “listen to me (in effect) not these guys,” it had become, listen to us as we all teach you the same clear gospel. There is more power in the unity of one voice. This speaks to the strength and wisdom that come from true unity.

1 Corinthians 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

If you are oil and they are water, then it is a bad mix. It is like dissonance in music. Is that pleasing to the ears or not? Is it great to have grace as one option in a dissonant chorus of LS, LS, and then some more LS? To me, the gospel is pure and precious. Why not let it shine without the confusing surroundings? The god of this world is already at work anyway. Does the head of the church (God) need his church members to cooperate with the pawns of the god of this world to get the gospel out?

Do God’s ways match with the way of the god of this world? Shouldn’t servants of one have unity with one side or the other? (Not both).

Rom 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

2 John 1:7-11 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

III. Mark and avoid

There comes a time for Biblical separation from those who do not teach the gospel truth but rather perpetuate lies about Christ or the gospel itself. What I am talking about is gospel destructing error.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

The concept of “marking and avoiding”, to me, includes not participating in their ministry. I am not allowed to care if it seems ok, like a radio ministry, or a simple website, or whatever. Rather, just avoid them. I don’t need them to get the message out. It is going out, and lord willing, will continue to go forth from a good testimony if I continue to be careful not to let any tarnish that good testimony. It is bad enough to live with the flesh, like the apostle Paul mentions in Romans 7, let alone if I bring in associations with those who teach or preach error. Ecumenism will only make it harder to keep a good reputation.

More verses on separation:

Concerning unbelievers

2 Cor 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Titus 3:10-11 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Concerning erring believers

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

IV. Be careful not to make the cross of Christ of none effect.

False gospels and ecumenical compromises do this.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

We do NOT need wise and cunning words of men. The gospel has power of itself.

1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Who is begotten through a false gospel? How does that go with truth?

V. Walk with the wise or the foolish?

Which is better? To walk in ministry with those that are true and clear and discerning on things concerning doctrine or to walk with those that do not understand?

Proverbs 13:20 – He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

VI. Some desire money and or success.

1 Timothy 6:3-6 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Could it be that some seek to “minister” for gain? What profit is it if they teach untruth? What good is it if we, in ecumenical ways, “help” them out? Why should we think these types of people can help us in any way?

1 Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

VII. What is your name worth?

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

VIII. Some things have a leavening effect.

Matthew 16:11-12 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Mark 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Luke 13:21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Galatians 5:6-9 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

IX. It is not ONLY about the gospel.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The disciples were charged with teaching all things that Christ had commanded them to teach. The apostle Paul made sure that he was not considered a castaway. He certainly preached Christ and Christ crucified, but he also taught much about Christian living and did nothing to tarnish, in any way, his own testimony. Paul talked about running the race set before him. However, to do that, one must lay aside weights that beset and slow progress. Compromise and gospel confusion do just that. Cooperation in ministry with those currently known for lordship salvation only slows you down. Why not be free and clear of all that mud?

At the bema seat, do we think that God will just say, “Well, how many did you lead to salvation?” or will He try all of your works to see what sort they are? What sort do you suppose it to be if your witnessing was done through compromise, holding joint events with false teachers, taking recommendations from false teachers, sharing platforms with false teachers, etc.?

God blesses the purity of the gospel, so why not serve it up with a backdrop of soundness and truth as much as possible? Remember, the goal isn’t just to see how many will be saved but to teach them and see all believers come to maturity.

Please, everyone, before you rush ahead with gospel or ministry endeavors, pause to consider God’s will concerning the whole picture, all things considered.

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