A Blockbuster Bible study

This could be the most important sermon you may ever hear. As this critical message is being read, Satan may try to cause your mind to wander, to think of other things. He may try to stop you from reading this message through distractions, such as barking dogs, children, telephones, or neighbors knocking at the door. He may tell you to look through your Bible while you are reading this message, causing you to miss some of it. It may come into your mind to get up in the midst of this crucial message and walk away. Satan may try to get you to think "This is not true; I don’t want to read any more!" Know this, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS COME NIGH UNTO YOU-Lk 10:9. We trust that it is God’s will for you to read this entire message and to concentrate on every single word. Bring your thoughts into captivity and please pay close attention.

If you knew a certain person was not saved, yet was absolutely positive they were, how would you approach them? Again, how would you approach them? The Scriptures show us Jesus had the same situation. He told many they were not right with God, yet they would not receive what He said. Why was this? What tremendous power of deception clouded their minds so effectively that even Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, could not convince them that they were headed to hell?

Is this message being presented to you, because you may be heading towards hell, even as those that Jesus spoke to? They were positive that Jesus Christ was wrong. Are you equally positive that you are saved—yet are not? We hope and pray, through God’s Word in this message and by the power of God, the veil of deception—that Satan may have blinded your mind and feelings with—can be overcome, and you will truly recognize that you may be on the road to everlasting torment. It can be very difficult to show the "self-righteous" that he is doomed to hell (if he does not repent). It is not an easy task to show the person who does not drink, smoke, or take drugs; who outwardly displays a form of love, who seems to keep the Ten Commandments, that he is going to perish. Jesus said, I AM NOT COME TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS TO REPENTANCE-Mt 9:13.

Some believe they are serving God by being a "prayer warrior." Others say they are serving Jesus through their secular job (which does not glorify Him in any way), simply because they trust in Jesus. The Bible shows some are so positive they are saved that they argue with Jesus at the judgment. They try to show Jesus Himself that they are saved. They appear to say they accepted Him as their Saviour. They prophesied, cast out devils, and did wonderful works, all in His name—yet they are cast into the lake of fire. It is written, MANY WILL SAY UNTO ME IN THAT DAY, LORD, LORD, HAVE WE NOT PROPHESIED IN THY NAME? AND IN THY NAME HAVE CAST OUT DEVILS? AND IN THY NAME DONE MANY WONDERFUL WORKS? AND THEN WILL I PROFESS UNTO THEM, I NEVER KNEW YOU-Mt 7:22,23. Are you going to be one of these people?

Soon the Rapture will come. Many are positive they are ready, yet Jesus said, WHEN ONCE THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE IS RISEN UP, AND HATH SHUT TO THE DOOR, AND YE BEGIN TO STAND WITHOUT, AND TO KNOCK AT THE DOOR, SAYING, LORD, LORD, OPEN UNTO US; AND HE SHALL ANSWER AND SAY UNTO YOU, I KNOW YOU NOT WHENCE YE ARE (yet even then, these are so positive they are saved that): THEN SHALL YE BEGIN TO SAY, WE HAVE EATEN AND DRUNK IN THY PRESENCE, AND THOU HAST TAUGHT IN OUR STREETS. BUT HE SHALL SAY, I TELL YOU, I KNOW YOU NOT WHENCE YE ARE; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YE WORKERS OF INIQUITY-Lk 13:25-27.

The Bible also tells about the ten virgins (or ten Christians). All had their light shining, but five lamps went out. Then Jesus came, AND THEY THAT WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE: AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT. AFTERWARD CAME ALSO THE OTHER VIRGINS, SAYING, LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US. BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, I KNOW YOU NOT-Mt 25:10-12. Will you heed God’s warning before it is too late? Did you know that Jesus said, WHY CALL YE ME, LORD, LORD, AND DO NOT THE THINGS WHICH I SAY?-Lk 6:46. Jesus sternly warned the religious leaders and let them know they were disobeying God, but they did not receive His words-ref Mt 15:1-3,14. Are you the same? Are your ears dull of hearing? Have you closed your eyes?

Know ye not that many think they are saved? As it is written, MANY THERE BE WHICH GO IN THEREAT (hell)-Mt 7:13; MANY WILL SAY TO ME IN THAT DAY, LORD, LORD-Mt 7:22; MANY BE CALLED-Mt 20:16; MANY ARE CALLED-Mt 22:14; MANY, I SAY UNTO YOU, WILL SEEK TO ENTER IN-Lk 13:24; and MANY are bidden-ref Lk 14:16. But know this, of the many that think they are saved, FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT-Mt 7:14. Many that are positive they are saved shall hear these terrifying words: I NEVER KNEW YOU-Mt 7:23. Indeed, there be FEW CHOSEN-Mt 20:16; FEW ARE CHOSEN-Mt 22:14. Many shall be rejected-ref Lk 14:16,24. Many become offended, because of the Word-ref Mt 24:10; 13:21, and many become deceived-ref Mt 24:5. The love of many waxes cold-ref Mt 24:12. Many who begin to walk with Jesus, turn back-ref Mt 24:10-12; Jn 6:60. Many seem to have committed the unforgivable sin, yet appear to be positive they are saved-ref Jn 10:20,21; Mt 12:25-32. Many die before their time because they partake of communion unworthily-ref 1 Cor 11:30. Many sin and have not repented-ref 2 Cor 12:21.

Are you the same as those that are positive they are saved yet will perish to hell? These are Sunday school teachers, preachers, elders, and deacons. They are church workers and those who have never served the Lord. They are people that said they were Christians, yet they perish to hell. Will you be among them? Have you judged yourself by feelings or by "all" of the Word of God? Have you judged yourself honestly? Do not think you can enter heaven your own way or through your church (whether it is a good or bad church). Is a thief able to enter heaven another way? Are you STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL-Phili 1:27? HE THAT IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME-Mt 12:30.

Just as SATAN...DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD-Rev 12:9, AND THE NATIONS-ref Rev 20:8,10, could he have deceived you?-ref Jn 8:44.

If you were to ask most people that believe they are Christians (yet are not) if they are following God, they will usually say yes. They may often indicate they have denied themselves for Jesus but work jobs that do not glorify Jesus. They frequently watch TV in place of reading their Bible and may even smoke. They seldom or never go out and win souls, nor do they serve God faithfully, yet they say they are following Jesus. Oh, how blind these people are! yet they say they are living for Jesus. They live in lies and comprehend it not. Is this you? There are none so blind as those that will not see the truth.

    Some examples of spiritual blindness:
    There are some who say they are not called to hand out tracts.
    They may say they are not called to go door-to-door witnessing, or to drive a bus for the church, or many other things.
    They may even detest certain biblical preaching as well as some of God’s preachers.
    Then they may say, "But I know I am saved, I am positive."
    Oh, how blind, how spiritually blind some people are! The god of this world has blinded them. The light that is in them is darkness, and how great is that darkness-ref Mt 6:23. THAT DARKNESS (or Satan) HATH BLINDED HIS EYES-1 Jn 2:11. These people are going to hell, yet they rest secure in a false hope. Many stand in the churches and praise God—Whom they do not know—yet the god they know is masquerading as an angel of light-ref 2 Cor 11:14 NIV. HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR-Rev 2:29.
    Others may say they love Jesus, yet despise Bible studies that are full of His Word. The Word is Jesus. To despise or reject any of His Word is to despise and reject Jesus.
    Often these deceived Christians—who are positive they are saved—prefer to hear "love preaching." They may like storytelling, vain jangling, and lots of explanations on what the Word means, but not the Word itself. "Don’t preach so much of the Word," one might say. They often do not desire the pure teaching of "the Word," as Jesus and the apostles taught, with "power." Should you not love God’s Word in this message, which we trust is motivated by His Spirit, then how can you say you love God? Indeed, some lie to themselves. TRUTH IS PERISHED-Jere 7:28. Some cannot even be honest with themselves. As it is written, THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD (they profess to be saved); BUT IN WORKS (by their actions or by their fruits) THEY DENY HIM-Titus 1:16. Satan has their thoughts under his control. Satan has taken them captive. They have difficulty acknowledging the truth. They are snared by the devil, who has taken them captive at his will-ref 2 Tim 2:26. If they say "You can never show me that I am not saved," they may be right. Jesus Himself was unable to convince many they were not saved. They did not believe Him.

Some may say, God answers my prayers. He has healed me." Does the Bible ever say this is how we know we are saved? No, it does not. Satan seemingly heals many people around the world: by this and other false miracles, he deceives the minds of multitudes-ref Mt 24:24. There are testimonies of miraculous healing from many who do not believe Jesus Christ exists. Oh, how clever and subtle Satan, the serpent, is-ref 2 Cor 11:3!

There was a gentleman who was a leader of a certain Christian businessmen's group. Although he held this position for a time, he was not even saved. But praise God, it appears he finally did get saved. Nevertheless, while he was in this position of leadership, he went through all "the motions" of being a Christian. He did what appeared to be all the right things, and he was positive he was saved, yet he was in spiritual darkness. Then God had mercy on him and brought him out of the false light into "the true light." Are you in that same false light?

It is written, ENTER YE IN AT THE STRAIT (or narrow) GATE: FOR WIDE IS THE GATE, AND BROAD IS THE WAY, THAT LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION, AND MANY THERE BE WHICH GO IN THEREAT: BECAUSE STRAIT IS THE GATE, AND NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND "FEW" THERE BE THAT FIND IT-Mt 7:13,14. Of the multitude that enter the gate and the way, only a very few find the narrow way that leads to life. THE DESOLATE HATH MANY MORE CHILDREN THAN SHE WHICH HATH AN HUSBAND-Gal 4:27. Many more go to hell than go to heaven. Satan has far more people that follow his deceptions than Jesus has that follow Him in truth. Jesus said, WE SPEAK THAT WE DO KNOW, AND TESTIFY THAT WE HAVE SEEN; AND YE RECEIVE NOT OUR WITNESS-Jn 3:11. Nicodemus had this same problem, as recorded in Jn chapter 3. He was one of the "religious leaders in Jerusalem," yet he was unsaved at that time.

Jesus tells us, EVERY ONE THAT DOETH EVIL HATETH "THE" LIGHT, NEITHER COMETH TO "THE" LIGHT, LEST HIS DEEDS (his attitudes, the intents of his heart, his deepest secrets) SHOULD BE REPROVED (corrected and made known). BUT HE THAT "DOETH" TRUTH COMETH TO THE LIGHT, THAT HIS DEEDS MAY BE MADE MANIFEST (made known), THAT THEY ARE WROUGHT "IN" GOD-Jn 3:20,21. Should your evil heart say, "I don’t believe these things," then know this, HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON (His Word) SHALL NOT SEE LIFE; BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM-Jn 3:36.

"You" are in a battle. It is a battle between truth and error-ref 2 Pe 3:17, between God’s Word-ref Gen 2:17 and the words of Satan-ref Gen 3:4, which come into your thoughts-ref 2 Cor 10:5 and influence your feelings. Satan puts in your mind that what is wrong is really right, and what is right is really wrong. In this battle, your eternal destiny is at stake, also what you believe and why you believe it. Your heart is being tested; your faith is also being tested to see if it is genuine-ref Deut 13:1-3,6,8-10. Two of Satan’s principal weapons are: our feelings and our own thoughts (or what we think are our own thoughts). God’s gives us His Word to guide us-ref Ps 119:11.

A totally Spirit-led life is only attained by a very few, THOSE WHO BY REASON OF USE HAVE THEIR SENSES EXERCISED TO DISCERN BOTH GOOD AND EVIL-Heb 5:14. These have read and studied the entire Bible many times. They have a good and honest heart and are doers of the Word. They are full-time servants of God-ref Ja 1:22; 1 Jn 2:6.

Do you feel you are being judged? Do you not know you shall, indeed, be judged by God’s Word?-ref Jn 12:48. Do you not know God’s sheep shall judge angels?-ref 1 Cor 6:3. HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL JUDGETH ALL THINGS-1 Cor 2:15. The Scriptures give us many ways to "know" if a person is saved or is an illegitimate son. BY THEIR FRUITS (or lack of fruits) YE "SHALL KNOW" THEM-Mt 7:20. By their love, ye shall know them-ref Jn 13:35. By the Word, ye shall be judged-ref Jn 12:48. His Spirit bears witness with our spirit-ref Ro 8:16.

If it offends you to be judged by "the Word" now, then what calamity shall befall you in "the day of judgment"? Wouldn’t you rather know your true spiritual condition now, so you can be corrected, humble yourself, and become as a little child? Wouldn’t you rather repent and be baptized now, so your soul does not perish to hell? Would you rather trust in a lie—falsely believing you are saved?—or trust in God’s Word, which may reveal you are not? Wouldn’t you rather know the truth, so you can be set free from Satan’s deceptions? Will you believe and do as your heart dictates? or believe and do God’s Word?

There are many clergy as well as laymen in Bible-teaching churches, even fundamental churches, that are on their way to hell. On the surface, they have repented of their sins. They have been baptized by being buried with Jesus in baptism-ref Ro 6:4; Col 2:12, (and not as an infant-ref Acts 8:36,37). They appear to have received Christ by faith; they are preaching the Gospel to multitudes. Some are on the radio and television. They have given their lives to preach. They teach Sunday school, knock on doors for Jesus, hand out tracts, sing in church choirs—yet they still perish.

They hold positions of importance in the church-ref Mt 23:2; they do many wonderful works-ref Mt 23:5; 7:22; they say, "LORD, LORD," and serve in the name of Jesus Christ-ref Mt 7:21,22. They dress in such a way that people think they are important-ref Mt 23:5; they are acknowledged by others as godly men-ref Mt 23:7; people call them "Rabbi, father, master, reverend, preacher, teacher," perhaps, even "spiritual"-ref Mt 23:7-10; 2 Cor 11:15. They are exalted as men of God, even as holy men-ref Mt 23:6; they pray beautifully and make long prayers-ref Mt 23:14; they travel long distances to save or convert a soul and do convert people-ref Mt 23:15. They tell people what to do or give counsel-ref Mt 23:3; they pay tithes on everything-ref Mt 23:23; they are very exact on obeying even the smallest commandment in the Scriptures-ref Mt 23:24, and they are ever studying the Scriptures-ref 2 Tim 3:7. They do have a degree of love for God-ref 2 Tim 3:4; they have a form of godliness-ref 2 Tim 3:5; they prophesy in the name of Jesus Christ-ref Mt 7:22 and cast out devils in the name of Jesus Christ-ref Mt 7:22. They appear to be holy on the outside-ref Mt 23:25; they outwardly appear beautiful-ref Mt 23:27; thus, they appear to be righteous unto men and look like they are saved. People are not aware they are unsaved. Indeed, men are persuaded they are righteous-ref Mt 23:28. They are transformed as the ministers of righteousness and appear to be ministers of Jesus Christ-2 Cor 11:15; they do wonderful things and say wonderful words-Mt 23:29,30; they commend past men of God-ref Mt 23:29, and say how they follow God-ref Mt 23:30. They may be lukewarm for Jesus or even "appear" to be hot for Jesus-ref Rev 3:16; 2 Cor 11:15. Indeed, they may even have big ministries and have need of nothing-ref Rev 3:17. These people certainly appear to be saved: but God’s Word says they are not.
Could you be like some of these people? They "know not" that they are going to perish. They are never able to come to the knowledge of the truth-ref Rev 3:17; 2 Tim 3:7.

Outwardly, these religious people and leaders appear to be saved. Indeed, they are positive they are saved, even though Jesus Christ tells them they are not. But know this, the Lord said, I HAVE REFUSED HIM: FOR THE LORD SEETH NOT AS MAN SEETH; FOR MAN LOOKETH ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKETH ON THE HEART-1 Sam 16:7. Some of these misled, (so-called) Christians, might say, "See, the Lord knows my heart." Indeed, He does, as He says, THE HEART IS DECEITFUL "ABOVE ALL THINGS," AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT?-Jere 17:9. That bears repeating: THE HEART IS "DECEITFUL" "ABOVE ALL THINGS," AND DESPERATELY "WICKED." Your heart can and does deceive you. Your guide for self examination must be God’s Word—all of it. Have you been deceived by a deceitful, wicked heart?

God gives us a picture of what is on the inside of the deceived religious leaders: they say one thing and do another-ref Mt 23:3; they do things that are not right-ref Mt 23:3; they are lords over others and lack humbleness before the Lord-ref Mt 23:4; they have pride and are not childlike before the Lord, they desire to be noticed-ref Mt 23:5. They do not deny themselves and submit to God and His Word, nor do they resist Satan as they ought-ref Mt 23:5,6. They try to look saved, like men of God-ref Mt 23:5. They love worldly things and recognition. They do not want to be rejected by men, family, or friends-ref Mt 23:6. Do any of these things, so far, fit you?

They want people to think they are important-ref Mt 23:7; they exalt themselves-ref Mt 23:12, but they are spiritually blind. They cannot see the true light. They do not understand-ref Mt 23:13. They are over-confident—even positive of their relationship with God—but they are very unsaved-ref Mt 23:12,13. They mislead others-ref Mt 23:13; people follow them and perish-ref Mt 23:15; they are blind and unsaved but do not know it-ref Mt 23:16; their understanding of spiritual things is distorted, yet they do not see it that way-ref Mt 23:16-18. They omit righteous judgment, mercy, and faith-ref Mt 23:23; inside they are greedy and overindulge-ref Mt 23:25; their heart is not right with God-ref Mt 23:25-28. Inside there is uncleanness and sin, they are spiritually dead, they are hypocritical and sinful-ref Mt 23:27,28. Do any of these fit you? Could you have misjudged yourself and your relationship with Christ? How can we know these people are not saved, when they outwardly appear so righteous?

God’s Word shows us, in Mt 23:23,34, that they may not receive correction from God’s true servants. Strife may occur when the Holy Spirit speaks through a servant of God to show them the error of their way. They may argue with God’s servants when shown why they are not right with God. They nearly always appear over-confident in their relationship with Jesus Christ-ref Mt 7:21-23; Mt 23:2,7-10,16. They may, in some cases, even persecute those that God has sent to them to try to help them-ref Mt 23:34. These people who are not saved—but are sure they are—will not see their own walk with Jesus (or lack of walk with the true Jesus) in the same light that the spiritual, "God sent" Christian will see it-ref Jn 8:43. Jesus told the over-confident, unsaved people they were going to perish, but they couldn’t understand. Indeed, by these fruits ye shall know them. By the way they receive correction, or by their lack of willingness to change, by these fruits you shall know them-ref Mt 7:16,20; Mt 23.

God’s servants are not perfect. They make mistakes, but they repent and are forgiven. But those that claim to see, who are confident in their own righteousness, do not change and repent from their deceit; they are blind and cannot see the error of their way. The darkness has blinded their eyes. It is written, THE FOOL RAGETH, AND IS CONFIDENT-Pv 14:16. Behold, the blind teacher of the Bible is confident; as it is written, AND ART CONFIDENT THAT THOU THYSELF ART A GUIDE OF THE BLIND, A LIGHT OF THEM WHICH ARE IN DARKNESS-Ro 2:19. It is written, AND MAKEST THY BOAST OF GOD-Ro 2:17. Yet do not some speak against God’s few, true servants that are proclaiming the Word boldly, as God directs-ref Mt 23:24?

But know this, if you have chosen a church where the clergy are not truly born-again and being led by God’s Spirit, how shall you escape the damnation of hell? For it is written, IF THE BLIND LEAD THE BLIND, BOTH "SHALL" FALL INTO THE DITCH-Mt 15:14. Indeed, when the blind are confronted with the truth, they may be "offended"-Mt 15:12. Could you be following a stranger’s voice and not know it? It is written of God’s true servants, A STRANGER WILL THEY NOT FOLLOW, BUT WILL FLEE FROM HIM: FOR THEY KNOW NOT THE VOICE OF STRANGERS-Jn 10:5. However, the confident (so-called) Christian, who is unsaved, will not believe the truth. Why? because they are not His sheep. MY SHEEP...THEY FOLLOW ME-Jn 10:27. How do Satan’s followers sometimes react to this kind of correction, to this kind of preaching? MANY OF THEM SAID, HE...IS MAD; WHY HEAR YE HIM? THEN THE JEWS TOOK UP STONES AGAIN TO STONE HIM-Jn 10:20,31. What is your reaction, as these words may be showing you that you are not right with God? Repent. Beware THAT THE SHAME OF THY NAKEDNESS DO NOT APPEAR; AND ANOINT THINE EYES WITH EYESALVE, THAT THOU MAYEST SEE-Rev 3:18. You need to want to know the truth with all your heart. You need to be willing to humble yourself and become childlike to receive. How can someone with a "you can’t tell me" attitude ever hear God? Are you willing to receive correction? Are you willing to get on your face in humbleness before God and seek the truth with a good and honest heart?

Does Satan tell your mind you are saved, and you accept it as truth as Eve did? Has blindness so engulfed you that you can’t even distinguish the thoughts Satan puts in your mind from the Word of God and truth? In the battle between truth and error, have you accepted error as truth, just as Eve did in the garden? God told her she would surely die, if she ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil-ref Gen 2:17. Satan told her she would not surely die-ref Gen 3:4. She chose to believe Satan’s lie. She chose error rather than God’s true Word. Have you done the same? Eve couldn’t see it that way until it was too late. Are you the same? The statement, "I don’t see it that way" is a favorite among deceived, "so-called" Christians. Never, never, examine yourself by thoughts and feelings, for your heart is deceitful above all things-Jere 17:9. Your ways will take you to hell-ref Pv 14:12. Examine yourself (by the Word)-ref 2 Cor 13:5. Examine yourself with an honest heart. Satan distorts God’s Word in people’s minds, and they often say, "That is your interpretation."

Satan is usually so successful in deceiving an unsaved person that it doesn’t even enter their mind that they are going to perish. When a true servant of God suggests this to them (by God’s Spirit, through the Word) it may offend them greatly. They may say to themselves, "How dare they think I am unsaved!" This appears to be what happened, when Jesus told the people they did not know His Father. Jesus told numerous people and religious leaders that they were going to perish. One of many examples is given, in Jn 8:43,44-WHY DO YE NOT UNDERSTAND MY SPEECH? EVEN BECAUSE YE CANNOT HEAR MY WORD. YE ARE OF YOUR FATHER THE DEVIL.

But today’s blind preaching is often just reversed, telling the hearers, believe you are saved—no matter what. God forbid. Indeed, THE PASTORS ALSO TRANSGRESSED AGAINST ME-Jere 2:8, and the people say, I HAVE NOT SINNED-Jere 2:35. Indeed, CONFUSION COVERETH them, for they "HAVE SINNED"-ref Jere 3:25. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO RECEIVE CORRECTION-Jere 5:3. They are sure they are saved-ref Jere 5:2, but THEY KNOW NOT THE WAY OF THE LORD, NOR THE JUDGMENT OF THEIR GOD-Jere 5:4. The clergy speak in error, AND MY PEOPLE LOVE TO HAVE IT SO-Jere 5:31. Indeed, the multitudes who think they are saved, yet are not, walk IN THE COUNSELS (or thoughts)...OF THEIR EVIL HEART-Jere 7:24. They hold fast deceit-ref Jere 8:5. THEY ARE NOT VALIANT FOR THE TRUTH-Jere 9:3. THROUGH DECEIT THEY REFUSE TO KNOW ME (they refuse to receive correction and get saved)-ref Jere 9:6. They have WALKED AFTER THE IMAGINATION OF THEIR OWN HEART (their own thoughts)-Jere 9:14; in ERRORS-Jere 10:15. It is written, MANY PASTORS HAVE DESTROYED MY VINEYARD-Jere 12:10. Humble yourself and fear the Lord. Tremble at His Word. Indeed, so many who claim to be followers of Jesus, their work is THE WORK OF ERRORS...THEY SHALL PERISH-Jere 51:18.

It is written, GIVE GLORY TO THE LORD YOUR GOD, BEFORE HE CAUSE DARKNESS, AND BEFORE YOUR FEET STUMBLE UPON THE DARK MOUNTAINS, AND, WHILE YE LOOK FOR LIGHT, HE TURN IT INTO THE SHADOW OF DEATH, AND MAKE IT GROSS DARKNESS-Jere 13:16. Beware, IF THEREFORE THE LIGHT THAT IS IN THEE BE DARKNESS, HOW GREAT IS "THAT" DARKNESS!-Mt 6:23.

Is your heart so set, or is it such a "wayside" heart (ref Mt 13:19) that you are unable to distinguish that the thoughts and feelings—telling you that you are saved—may be from the father "of lies," Satan?-ref Jn 8:44. Does this sermon make you uptight, upset, or mad? On the other hand, some are so engulfed by Satan’s lies that even God’s Word has little effect on them. It is as if they are dead, or as a stone, reprobate. When God’s truth is presented, they may simply smile, and say, "Oh yes, I know all this. I agree, but that isn’t me. That does not apply to me." What a surprise they have coming at the judgment, as they are cast into the lake of fire. They may scream, "Lord, Lord, we accepted you as our Saviour. Don’t you know us?"

What is really happening? When you are unsaved, Satan often puts in your mind that you are saved. He convinces you of it. If you have fallen away from the Lord, he may also tell you that you are saved. Thus, you don’t seek to repent and return. You don’t seek the narrow way, which few find-ref Mt 7:14.

    When you truly become saved, then Satan lies to you and tells you that you are not saved. He tries to convince you of it. At times, there are doubts in nearly every believer’s mind. Satan wants you to go back TO THE WEAK AND BEGGARLY ELEMENTS-Gal 4:9; to WALLOWING IN THE MIRE-2 Pe 2:22. For the most part, those who are spiritual Christians (full-time servants of God that are of full age-ref Heb 5:14) are nearly absent of all doubts. If you are positive you are saved, then most likely, you are deceived. Satan has, in all probability, deceived you and covered up his deception in your mind and feelings so that you are unable to correctly discern your true destiny. Are you examining yourself by all of the Word-ref Mt 4:4? or by thoughts and feelings? Are you a "church pew" Christian, a church entertainer, a Sunday school teacher but not a "knock on the door" soul-winner?
    God’s Word shows us, when we are born-again, we become a changed person. A conversion takes place. There are many things to look for that give an indication whether or not one has really been born-again (or converted), or if no conversion has taken place. There are also many things to look for that reflect whether or not a person is still standing by faith.
    Usually if one professes faith in Jesus Christ (God in the flesh), has repented and been baptized as the Bible commands, yet no change has taken place, it is because there is sin in their life. Listed here are a few of the items God’s Word gives to help us examine ourselves. WE ARE OF GOD: HE THAT KNOWETH GOD HEARETH US; HE THAT IS NOT OF GOD HEARETH NOT US. HEREBY KNOW WE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR-1 Jn 4:6.

    1. Repentance means to give up the old and put on the new, to be converted. One sign we can look for that a person has "not" become a converted, born-again Christian is they do not give up drugs, alcohol, ungodly parties, smoking, astrology, and all willful sin. WHAT SHALL WE SAY THEN? SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN, THAT GRACE MAY ABOUND? GOD FORBID. HOW SHALL WE THAT ARE DEAD TO SIN, LIVE ANY LONGER THEREIN?-Ro 6:1,2.
    2. Another good sign that a person has not been converted is they "do not" thirst to read the Bible and attend Bible studies-ref 1 Pe 2:2,3.
    3. Another indication that a person has not become a converted, born-again Christian is no change of attitude is evident. They do not love other Christians. They are not humble and will not allow Jesus to reign over them. They resist obeying part or all of the Bible-ref 1 Jn 3:14,18,19.
    4. Another clue we may look for that a person may not be saved is they resist attending (on a regular basis) a good, Bible-teaching, soul-winning church that emphasizes Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism by full-immersion—buried with Jesus in baptism—after believing on Jesus. Note, the life of the pastor should reflect Jesus-ref Acts 2:46; Heb 10:25.
    5. Another evidence that a person may not be saved is they are ashamed of Jesus. Perhaps, they do not hand out tracts or testify of Jesus. They speak more of worldly things than Jesus to their friends, relatives, fellow workers, and strangers-ref Ro 10:10,11; 1 Tim 6:12; Eph 2:10; 1 Jn 4:5.
    6. Another sign a person has not been converted is their conversation has not changed. Jesus is seldom in their thoughts. They may continue to use filthy language. Their heart is in the lusts, desires, and pleasures of the flesh. They want to "please self." They may be deeply involved in the cares of "this" life or the deceitfulness of riches-ref Ps 10:4; 1 Jn 4:5,6; Ro 8:5-7,13; Phili 3:18,19; Eph 4:22-24; Ps 71:15.
    7. Another indication that a person is on their way to the second death is they are laying up treasures on this earth. They love this world and the things therein. They are also a friend of the world. This world seems to have a hold on them like a magnet. They may have their mind set on buying a new car, house, business or land-ref Ro 8:6,7; 1 Cor 3:1-4; 1 Jn 2:15; Ja 4:4; 2 Cor 7:10; Ja 1:27; Mt 6:19-21; Lk 14:33; Phili 3:8.
    8. Another evidence that a person is still walking after the flesh is they are not willing to put away unsaved friends. They listen to the counsel of the unsaved and may date the unsaved. They are involved in partnerships with the enemies of the cross and fellowship with those that profess to be Christians but live in disobedience to the Scriptures-2 Cor 6:14,15,17; 2 Thes 3:14; Ps 1:1.
    9. Another indication that a person may not be a "new man in Christ Jesus" is they do not become selective in their television viewing and radio listening. Such things as sex on television, soap operas, murder mysteries, witchcraft, and perversion they may enjoy. They may like rock music with lyrics about sex and perverted things. They may refuse to turn off pornographic videos. Pleasing the flesh may come first. Obeying God may come last-ref 1 Cor 10:21; Ps 101:3; Pv 19:27; Pv 4:27.
    10. Yet another clue we may look for that a person is not walking with the Lord as he ought is their prayers are not being answered. They may not pray in the name of Jesus Christ. They may not pray over their meals at home and even more so in public. They may not have a consistent prayer life with Jesus Christ. Yet we do know that the unsaved often have prayers answered by the god of this world to deceive them-ref Pv 3:6,7; Phili 4:6; Jn 14:13; Mt 24:24.
    11. Another item we may look for that reveals a person is not where they should be with the Lord is they do not greatly fear God and tremble at His Word. Their view of God may not be in accordance with the Scriptures. They may have zeal for God but not according to knowledge. Their fear of God might be nothing more than rules taught by men. They may say they love God, but the fear of God may not be before their eyes-ref Ps 66:16; Acts 13:16,26; Pv 14:2; Mt 10:28; Isa 29:13; Ps 147:11.
    12. Another item we may look for that indicates a person is not a converted, born-again Christian is they do not welcome and love other light-burning, fruit-bearing Christians. They may reject those sent to them by God. They may profess to love God with their lips, but their actions, fruits, and deeds suggest otherwise. They may look down on or despise certain born-again television evangelists, pastors, or people-ref Mt 10:40; Lk 10:16; Jn 13:20; 1 Jn 3:14; 1 Jn 4:20,21.
    13. Another good indication that a person is not letting Jesus reign over them is they will not receive correction from a spiritual, born-again Christian that God sends to them. It is written, CORRECTION IS GRIEVOUS UNTO HIM THAT FORSAKETH "THE" WAY-Pv 15:10; ref Pv 8:33.
    14. Another sign that could reveal a person is not following Jesus is they do not understand (or discern) who is really saved and who is not. They may be very judgmental of other born-again servants of God-ref Mt 23:13,15; Mt 7:1-5.
    15. Another indication that a person has not passed from death to life is they have not become childlike before God. They have not humbled themselves. They may like storytelling-type preaching as much (or more) than Scripture-filled preaching, guided by the Holy Spirit-ref 2 Cor 12:12; Ja 4:6; 2 Tim 4:2-4.
    16. Another sign we may look for that a person is on their way to hell is they do not love their enemies, neither do they pray for them. It is written, DO GOOD TO THEM WHICH HATE YOU, BLESS THEM THAT CURSE YOU, AND PRAY FOR THEM WHICH DESPITEFULLY USE YOU-Lk 6:27, 28; ref Mt 5:44.
    How are you faring, so far, in examining yourself by "the Word?"
    17. Another item we can look for that could reveal a person is deceived and going to perish is they haven’t denied themselves (their feelings and evil thoughts). They are not bringing their wrong thoughts into subjection so they are in harmony with the Scriptures-ref Lk 9:23; 2 Cor 10:5. If you would ask the average "professing" Christian, "Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?," they may answer, "No, but I am a Christian." If you are not a disciple of Christ, then you are not a Christian. If you do not let Jesus (the Word) reign over you then you are not truly saved. To be a disciple or Christian is to deny self and yield to Jesus Christ—to all His Word—and to do the works that He has for you to do. For, FAITH, IF IT HATH NOT WORKS, IS DEAD, BEING ALONE-Ja 2:17.
    18. After truly receiving Christ by faith, repenting and being baptized (by full-immersion), a person often begins to have doubts if they are saved. It is one of Satan’s devices. Usually, if no such doubts occur, it may be an indication they were never saved-ref 2 Cor 10:5.
    19. Another evidence that suggests a person is not born-again is they are sure that Satan cannot deceive them. Anyone who believes they can never be deceived by Satan is "already" deceived-ref Rev 12:9; Job 20:2,3; 32:18-20; 33:3,4; 38:1,2; 2 Tim 4:10,14; Rev 20:8,10.
    20. Another sign a person is not born-again (but is very deceived) is they refuse to admit they are a sinner, or refuse to acknowledge certain sins they are involved in. They may say "I am not a sinner, I’m saved." Perhaps, they have forgotten the publican, who said, GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER-Lk 18:13. He went down to his house justified (saved). Paul tells us, BUT WHAT I HATE THAT DO I...O WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM-Ro 7:15,24. Was not the first epistle of John written to the brethren? Yet he told them, IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES, AND THE TRUTH IN NOT IN US. IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR, AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US-1 Jn 1:8,10. Thus, we are unsaved. Jesus taught us to pray, AND FORGIVE US OUR SINS-Lk 11:4. If you sin, that makes you a sinner. This is confirmed in Ja 4:8 (which is written to the "brethren"). James says, CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YE SINNERS. The Scriptures make it emphatically clear: any person (including so-called Christians) that cannot admit they are a sinner are deeply deceived and on their way to the lake of fire. The darkness they are in has blinded their eyes, so they cannot comprehend the truth. Repent, so you can believe.
    21. Another clue that a person may not be saved is hard (or straightforward), Spirit-led, Scripture-filled preaching may drive them away-ref Jn 6:60.
    22. Another sign that a person may not be saved is they have never suffered persecutions as a result of teaching and obeying the Word. Now there are those who suffer persecutions for preaching the Word falsely, such as cults. Therefore, persecutions for teaching the Word are not proof a person is saved, but a lack of persecutions are a sign the person is not saved. ALL THAT WILL LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION-2 Tim 3:12.
    23. Have you been chastened of the Lord? Another sign a person is not saved is they are not chastened of the Lord. 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? BUT IF YE BE WITHOUT CHASTISEMENT, WHEREOF "ALL" ARE PARTAKERS, THEN ARE YE BASTARDS, AND NOT SONS-Heb 12:6-8.
    As we proceed through these signs, they do not prove a person is saved, they may, however, show that a person is not saved.
    24. Another sign a person may not be saved is they do not fast unto the Lord. If the person claims to have been saved for a long time yet does not fast unto the Lord something is not right. You may fast for one day a week, or (once a year) for perhaps seven days at a time or more, such as, ten, twenty-one, or even forty days. For it is written, THE CHILDREN OF THE BRIDEGROOM....THEN SHALL THEY FAST-Mt 9:15. When fasting, it certainly is to be in accordance with the Scriptures.
    25. Examine yourself by God’s Word. Examine your love for God’s people. Examine your fruits. If a stranger came to your house—a poor man in vile raiment who was hungry and cold, yet was truly born-again—would you invite him in and let him sleep on your living room floor? Would you give him food and clothing? Or would you say that you couldn’t take in this stranger, because it might offend your wife and children. After all, he might steal you blind. If you would not invite this born-again stranger in, who was dirty and poorly clothed, neither would you invite in Jesus. And if you would not invite this poor person in and help him, then don’t mislead yourself into believing you shall enter heaven, for INASMUSH AS YE DID IT NOT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE, YE DID IT NOT TO ME-Mt 25:45; ref Ja 2:15-17; 1 Tim 5:10; Heb 13:2. To be truly born-again is to have God’s love flow out to others through your deeds.
    26. Another evidence that a person is not following God is they do not serve Him. Perhaps cares of this life, a job, pleasures, lusts, or the deceitfulness of riches hinder you from serving God. Know this, that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD-Ja 2:20. THEN SHALL YE RETURN, AND DISCERN BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, BETWEEN HIM THAT SERVETH GOD AND HIM THAT SERVETH HIM NOT-Mal 3:18. TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GRANT TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE-Rev 3:21.
    27. Another indication we are not going to be chosen is that we have not forgiven those that have sinned against us. All bitterness needs to be forsaken. IF YE FORGIVE NOT MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES-Mt 6:15.
    29. Another sign that a person is not being led by the Spirit of God is they do not exhibit the fruits of the Spirit under pressure, hardships, and the most difficult conditions. BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE: AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW. AND THEY THAT ARE CHRIST’S HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH THE AFFECTIONS AND LUSTS-Gal 5:22-24.
    30. And finally, another sign that a person will not reign with Jesus Christ is they are not walking as Jesus walked. HE THAT SAITH HE ABIDETH IN HIM OUGHT HIMSELF ALSO SO TO WALK, EVEN AS HE WALKED-1 Jn 2:6. A true, converted Christian is to be conformed to the image of Jesus-ref Ro 8:29. The true Christian should be a reflection of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Examine yourself by God’s Word to see if you are really saved. Worldly and lukewarm "Christians" perish.

Following is an example of the power of Satan to blind people’s minds: Jn 16:2-THE TIME COMETH, THAT WHOSOEVER KILLETH YOU WILL THINK THAT HE DOETH GOD SERVICE. Has the god of this world blinded your mind so much that, although you may be on the road to hell, you are still positive you are saved? Satan was able to so deceive Saul, the king of Israel, that he ordered the deaths of eighty-five priests of the Lord God-ref 1 Sam 22:18, and then, a short time later, said to someone else, BLESSED BE YE OF THE LORD-1 Sam 23:21. Don’t underestimate Satan. He deceiveth the whole world. Has he deceived you?

A true Christian should be a soul winner-ref Pv 11:30; he has put off the lusts of the flesh-ref Ro 8:1; he sets no wicked thing before his eyes-Ps 101:3. If he watches television, he has become selective in what he watches. He has denied himself, so that he serves the Lord full-time-ref Lk 9:23; his desires are those of Jesus-Phili 2:13; he walks by faith, not be sight-ref 2 Cor 5:7. His entire walk with Jesus reflects the fruit of the Spirit. He, by reason of use, has his senses exercised to discern both good and evil-ref Heb 5:14. He has gone on from the doctrine of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment—towards perfection-ref Heb 6:1,2.

Should someone suggest to him he is not saved, his attitude would not (I repeat) would not be malicious, bitter, uptight or hard. He would not be offended. His attitude would be one of wanting to receive correction, wanting to know (through God’s Word) if he had indeed strayed from God’s strait gate and narrow way-ref Ps 143:8. But on the other hand, when an unsaved person is told they are not saved the reaction could be a bit different. They may either react with indifference (apathy) or become uptight or offended. Sometimes this tense or uptight attitude is reflected by a sharpness in their voice—although they often try to control it. They have not learned to correctly discern the feelings they experience and thoughts that come into their mind.

Nevertheless, a spiritual Christian can often sense their uptightness. Their spirit does not bear witness with the spirit of the unsaved. What do you feel right now?

Do you claim to have been saved for ten, fifteen or more years, yet you are not serving the Lord full-time? Can you discern between your feelings and the Word of God? Do not deceive yourself, God is not mocked-ref Gal 6:7. Do you know you are called to walk even as Jesus walked?-ref 1 Jn 2:6. You are called to do His good pleasure, not yours-ref Phili 2:13. You are called not to please yourself-ref Ro 15:1, and to finish His work-ref Jn 4:34.

Are all your deeds wrought in God? Are you still living for your fleshly desires? Do you say, "I want that new car, or house, or furniture; I plan to go here or there; I will do this or that"? Those are the kinds of words Satan spoke in Isa 14:12-14. Has he deceived your mind and feelings? Are you positive you are following God in heaven? Could you be deceived? Could you really be following the god of this world-ref 2 Cor 4:4? Have you not read that Satan masquerades as an angel of light-ref 2 Cor 11:14 NIV? He puts in your mind and feelings that you are following Jesus, when you are really following an angel masquerading as Jesus. Are you so deceived that you do not realize there are demon spirits or spirit guides that pretend to be Jesus? Has Satan so completely blinded your eyes and deceived your heart that any good spiritual Christian can see—from your fruits and sense from your spirit—that you are heading toward hell, yet you cannot see it?

You may even say, "I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I know Him." Yet the one you "feel" or "think" you know may really be "another Jesus." The way a person can be sure who he is following, is not, again, is not by his feelings or thoughts, but rather by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (the complete Bible)-ref Mt 4:4. To be a follower of Jesus, a person is to pick up his cross daily and follow Him. He is to deny himself, even forsake all that he has, to follow Jesus. A follower of Jesus is to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. He is to be a soul-winner. Anyone that thinks otherwise would be obviously following another Jesus, for the Holy Spirit cannot contradict the Word.

As a result of this message, it is hoped that a few might see the true light and realize they have been following the wrong light. Hopefully, you might want to commit to Jesus Christ shortly. But beware: a day or so later Satan may move in, saying, "This is nonsense. You've been saved a long time. Don’t go and get re-baptized. Forget it, and don't pay any attention to that message. They are the ones that are deceived!"

Are you living for this world or for God? Are you serving the world daily or God? I repeat, are you serving God daily? Are you regularly witnessing to people? Are you feeding on God's Word every day? When was the last time you personally led a soul to Jesus? Don’t you know that you are to deny yourself and pick up your cross "daily" and follow Jesus-ref Lk 9:23? Is your mind set on the things of this world? Do you think more of a worldly job than winning souls? God forbid. Do you watch television, or read the newspapers, or books more than you serve God? Is your mind more on Jesus or on the world? Don’t you know that to be carnally minded (or worldly minded) is enmity or hatred with God-ref Ro 8:7?

Are you one of those misled persons that are not serving God daily, yet say you are abiding in His will? Do you lie to yourself and say, "I am walking in Jesus’ footsteps"-ref 1 Jn 2:6, yet you are serving the world and think of worldly things a great deal? Have you not read, you cannot be My disciple (saved), if you do not forsake everything-ref Lk 14:33? Have you not read?-HE DIED FOR ALL, THAT THEY WHICH LIVE SHOULD NOT HENCEFORTH LIVE UNTO THEMSELVES, BUT UNTO HIM WHICH DIED FOR THEM, AND ROSE AGAIN-2 Cor 5:15. God forbid, you should lie and say, "I am living totally for Jesus," but you are not. God forbid that you should speak lies, such as, "I am singing in a church, and I teach a Sunday school" or "I drive a bus, thus, I am living for God." Don’t you realize to follow Jesus is to deny "all" your worldly desires, ambitions, and forsake everything-ref Lk 14:33? Go and serve Jesus-ref Lk 9:60. Wake up, anoint your eyes with eyesalve that you may see-ref Rev 3:18. You are not called to serve mammon (money), the world, or your own desires but to serve God. You are called to be His servant. IF ANY MAN SERVE ME, LET HIM FOLLOW ME; AND WHERE I AM, THERE SHALL ALSO "MY" SERVANT BE: IF ANY MAN SERVE "ME," HIM WILL MY FATHER HONOUR-Jn 12:26. Listen, O vain man, this is God speaking directly to you. THEN SHALL YE RETURN, AND DISCERN BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, BETWEEN HIM THAT SERVETH GOD AND HIM THAT SERVETH HIM NOT-Mal 3:18.

    One of Satan’s lies is to tell you that you are totally serving and following God when you are not. We admonish you to consider, right now, repenting and being baptized and begin serving the Lord Jesus Christ in truth.
    Put away a dishonest heart that may say, "This Word of God is not for me." Repent, right now. Forsake saying, "I am serving God full-time," when you are not. Jesus said "Follow Me." What did He mean? Matthew straightway left everything to follow Jesus-ref Mt 9:9; so did Peter-ref Mt 4:19,20, and so did multitudes. When Jesus said, "Follow Me," He didn’t mean to make excuses, like, SUFFER ME FIRST TO GO AND BURY MY FATHER-ref Lk 9:59. He meant now; follow Me and forsake all. If you are not a full-time worker for Jesus Christ and a soul winner, yet you say you are following Jesus and walking even as He walked, then you are very dishonest within yourself. Are you working a worldly job but say you are walking as Jesus did? Have you not read in the Scriptures how Jesus was upset with the apostles after His resurrection? They went fishing. Peter went back to his old occupation. What did Jesus say to him? LOVEST THOU ME MORE THAN THESE (the fish, your job)-ref Jn 21:15? Peter said, THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE. Jesus said, in essence, if you really love Me more than your job, your work, more than these fish, then feed My lambs-ref Jn 21:15, and follow Me-ref Jn 21:19. Look at the fish burning on the fire. Look at the souls perishing. Oh, can’t you see? Are you blind? Has Satan so beguiled and deceived you? Fish for men’s souls. Leave the things of the world. Follow thou Me-ref Jn 21:22. Follow Me daily-ref Lk 9:23.
    Don’t deceive yourself. Repent now. You need to begin walking in the light as He is in the light (not as you may have in the past)-ref 1 Jn 1:7. And do not say, "I can’t just leave everything, you don’t understand," for these words will condemn you; Jesus tells us, leave and forsake everything, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. Indeed, walk by faith, not by sight-ref 2 Cor 5:7. Repent, forsake the way you have been going. Turn from Satan’s lies that he puts in your mind and trust the Word, trust Jesus. If you trust Him to save you, then trust Him to sustain you as you follow Him. Repent now.

How much do you really love Jesus? May we tell you how much? Consider those who have brought you the Word. The world considers born-again Christians (us) as the scum of the earth. Look at any truly born-again preacher. The amount you love the least of these "My brethren," is this not the amount you love Jesus?

Again, the amount you love the dirtiest, ugliest, and poorest born-again Christian in the world, is it not the amount you truly love Jesus? The amount you love (what some may consider) the worst of the born-again preachers, is it not the amount you love Jesus?

It is written, IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND HATETH HIS BROTHER, HE IS A LIAR: FOR HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER WHOM HE HATH SEEN, HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD WHOM HE HATH NOT SEEN?-1 Jn 4:20. INASMUCH AS YE DID IT NOT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE (born-again Christians), YE DID IT NOT TO ME-ref Mt 25:45.

How can you truly and sincerely say, you love God with all your heart, yet not have a burden to win souls? Have you not read?-HE THAT SAITH, I KNOW HIM, AND KEEPETH NOT HIS COMMANDMENTS, IS A LIAR, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM-1 Jn 2:4. Some of His commands are: follow Me daily-ref Lk 9:23; feed My lambs-Jn 21:15; and preach the Gospel-Mk 16:15. God forbid, if you would lie to yourself and say, "Simply going to church, teaching a Sunday school once a week, and singing in the church choir is fulfilling God’s commands." Repent of a dishonest heart.

And if you would say, these commandments are not for me—yet believe you are saved—know this, IF THEREFORE THE LIGHT THAT IS IN THEE (in you) BE DARKNESS, HOW GREAT IS THAT DARKNESS!-Mt 6:23. We may say, if a person is positive they are saved, even after God’s Word shows them they are not, then the darkness that they are in is very, very great. It would appear that they have little chance of getting saved. HE THAT WALKETH IN DARKNESS KNOWETH NOT WHITHER HE GOETH-Jn 12:35. The person that is positive he is saved, yet is not, simply cannot see it. IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, AND WALK IN DARKNESS, WE LIE, AND DO NOT THE TRUTH-1 Jn 1:6. The person that walks in darkness is not a doer of the Word (or of the truth). The darkness blinds the eyes of the unsaved, and they do not realize they are going to perish-ref 1 Jn 2:11.

The Scriptures seem very clear, the most difficult person to get saved is the one that is convinced he is already saved but is not. The most difficult person to get saved seems to be the lukewarm Christian, who occasionally serves God, but will perish. It is written, I WILL SPUE THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH-ref Rev 3:16. The person who is cold toward Jesus may listen to God’s Word. But the lukewarm Christian is so deceived—so convinced he is saved—that the chances he will see are very remote. The so-called Christian that is a good, moral person (who sometimes can’t even admit he is a sinner) is being held captive by Satan’s lies. Indeed, all our righteousness is as filthy rags-ref Isa 64:6.

Note, "accepting" Jesus Christ as your Saviour is not in the King James Bible. Rather, Jesus accepts you, because you humble yourself and become as a little child. Examine yourself.

Repent so you can believe-ref Mt 21:32. Give up fear so you can believe-ref Lk 8:50.

Are you rebellious or stubborn? I Sam 15:23-REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT. If you are rebellious or stubborn, Satan can misuse Scripture in your mind to deceive you; your heart may accept (or agree with) the wrong thoughts, as Satan misuses Scripture to answer you. You do need to die to yourself. Can a person who has denied self (ref Lk 9:23) react badly to situations? Can a dead person react to situations? It is written, THE PEOPLE THAT DOTH NOT UNDERSTAND SHALL FALL-Hos 4:14.

A judgmental attitude often comes from those that are positive they are saved but are not. They may judge another man’s servant-ref Ro 14:4, or judge God’s sheep. One might say, "I disagree with his preaching, it is negative" and thereby condemn himself by judging how God is leading another. Indeed, the person becomes a judge-ref Ja 4:11.

One may say, "I don’t think God is leading them (another Christian) that way." He may disagree with the way a preacher is doing something. "I don’t think he ought to be on television, or radio, or knocking on doors." God forbid; those who speak such things judge themselves. It is they who are wrong, and it is they whose heart is not right. They need to repent of this wickedness. They do not understand the holiness of God. They may speak against their own preacher, or perhaps against other anointed ministers of the Gospel, or other brothers in Christ. Judging your brother is an indication that you are not dwelling in God’s will-ref Jn 4:11,12.

Judge no man of what he eats or drinks, or of an holy day, new moon, or Sabbath days. Neither look down on the poor regarding his clothing, or speak evil of your brethren, or be a talebearer-ref Ro 14:3; 1 Cor 4:3; Col 2:16; Ja 2:1-4; 4:11. However, remember, Paul did openly point out false doctrines that were creeping into the church, or being taught by the brethren-ref 1 Cor 15:12-19; 2 Tim 2:16-18.

Jesus Christ may have been the most "negative" preacher, yet He spoke the truth. Today’s lukewarm, deceived church (ref Rev chapter 3) is a "love preaching" church that never wishes to offend anyone. God calls them blind-ref Rev 3:17. Most would not like preaching the way Jesus did. One came to Him for help and He called her a dog-ref Mt 15:26. He said to Peter, "Get thee behind Me, Satan"-ref Mt 16:23. He told the scribes and Pharisees they were hypocrites and were as graves-ref Lk 11:44. Jesus went into the temple and drove out the money changers-ref Jn 2:14,15. He lashed out against the preachers of His day-ref Lk 11:29-52. Jesus offended people with His words, as it is written, KNOWEST THOU THAT THE PHARISEES WERE OFFENDED?-Mt 15:12.

Today’s so-called Christians have a different view of Jesus that is so unlike the Jesus of the Bible, it can cause one to marvel. Indeed, how misled people are today. They are positive they are saved, yet will perish forever unless they repent. Why? Because their heart is so deceived, they cannot even examine themselves honestly—as a little child with humility.

Paul exposed the deeds of Hymeneus and Alexander, in 1 Tim 1:20, and delivered them unto Satan. How negative is this? Paul, by the power of the Holy Spirit, pronounced blindness upon a man that was hindering the Gospel, in Acts 13:11. But today’s so-called blind Christians look for preaching that is pleasing to their itching ears rather than the truth-ref 2 Tim 4:3. If you despise negative preaching—such as the way Jesus preached—then you despise Jesus. How, then, can you claim to be saved? EXAMINE YOURSELVES (by the Word), WHETHER YE BE IN THE FAITH; PROVE YOUR OWN SELVES-2 Cor 13:5. JUDGE YE WHAT I SAY-1 Cor 10:15. JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT-Jn 7:24.

A skilled surgeon can easily determine during surgery if another surgeon is legitimate or not. An English teacher can easily note if another is proficient in speaking the language. The apostles could recognize where others were in their walk with Jesus. So likewise, can a true spiritual Christian by reason of use, discern whether another person is really saved or not. The deceived person, however, will not be able to discern the truth. By thirty or more ways, God’s Word has demonstrated how a spiritual Christian can (by God’s mercy and wisdom) discern many things about those that profess to be saved but are not. Indeed, BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20.

This is confirmed in God’s Word, as Paul wrote, THAT I MIGHT KNOW THE PROOF OF YOU, WHETHER YE BE OBEDIENT IN ALL THINGS-2 Cor 2:9. Was Paul judging these matters? Indeed he was. As it is written, HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL JUDGETH ALL THINGS-1 Cor 2:15. Was Jesus judging if the religious leaders were saved? Indeed, He was. Did Stephen judge those that were not saved, in Acts 7:51? He told them, YE DO ALWAYS RESIST THE HOLY GHOST. But can a carnal person make correct judgments? Often they can not even judge themselves correctly. They could not judge even the smallest matters.

A spiritual Christian can often discern immediately that a person is not saved, just by the Spirit bearing witness: although the unsaved person can not perceive such a thing. The unsaved person, who believes he is saved, might say to the spiritual Christian, "I believe you are saved." But the spiritual Christian could perceive that the false Christian is not saved, yet the false Christian would not understand how. It is written, THE SPIRIT ITSELF BEARETH WITNESS WITH OUR SPIRIT (that we are saved), THAT WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD-Ro 8:16.

We are to reprove, rebuke, exhort with the Word-ref 2 Tim 4:2. Yet those who are positive they are saved, but are not, will seldom be able to endure sound doctrine-ref 2 Tim 4:3. For CORRECTION IS GRIEVOUS UNTO HIM THAT FORSAKETH THE WAY: AND HE THAT HATETH REPROOF SHALL DIE-Pv 15:10. A SCORNER LOVETH NOT ONE THAT REPROVETH (or corrects) HIM-Pv 15:12.

Jesus spoke God’s Word and many turned away from His teaching. MANY...OF HIS DISCIPLES...WENT BACK AND WALKED NO MORE WITH HIM-Jn 6:60. They could not accept His Word. Jesus told the rich man, SELL THAT THOU HAST-Mt 19:21. He also left Jesus. HE WENT AWAY-Mt 19:22. The father of lies (Satan) convinced them they did not have to obey the words of Jesus, or that the sacrifices they would need to make in order to follow Jesus were not worth the end result—heaven.

It is God’s Word verses Satan’s lying thoughts in our mind. Satan tells the unsaved that they are saved. He convinces them, and they choose to believe their own lying thoughts rather than God’s Word. Indeed, they may examine themselves by God’s Word, but not honestly. God’s Word may enter their heart distorted or it is snatched away-ref Lk 8:12. Yet know this, unless you forsake all that you have you cannot be a disciple of Jesus, you cannot enter heaven-ref Lk 14:33.
Can you understand? Any thought that contradicts God’s Word is not of God, but is of the world, even of the devil. Can you comprehend that you are deceived many times by Satan? Can you understand that the uptight feelings you get when doing God’s will are not of God but are of the adversary (the accuser and deceiver)? Do these feelings mislead you, even beguile you into doing things which contradict the Scriptures?

In is written, THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; BUT IN WORKS THEY DENY HIM. In their fruits they deny him, in their actions and attitude in light of the Word they deny Him-ref Titus 1:16. They profess to be saved, yet Satan has blinded their minds. They have accepted Satan’s lies in their mind and in their feelings as truth. So did Eve. Satan told her, ye shall not surely die. She sinned, she died. ANOINT THINE EYES WITH EYESALVE, THAT THOU MAYEST SEE-Rev 3:18.

To illustrate the blindness that can envelop those who do not know Jesus, the following are some statements made by unsaved people that appear absolutely confident they are saved. To the best of our understanding, these are exact quotes. Are any of these words (which the adversary put in their minds and hearts), similar to thoughts you have in your mind?

You cannot trust your feelings. Again, you cannot trust your feelings. Your ways are not God’s ways-ref Isa 55:8. Satan is the father of lies-ref Jn 8:44. A person that is not truly saved, but positive they are, listens to Satan lies. Thus, even when God’s Word confronts the person, who "only thinks" he is saved, he cannot acknowledge the truth. AND BECAUSE I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, YE BELIEVE ME NOT-Jn 8:45. But God’s true, born-again, converted, fruit-bearing, "steadfast in the faith" Christian hears God’s words-Jn 8:47. But oh, how few there are.

Those that listen to Satan’s lies in their minds and feelings cannot recognize it is Satan lying to them. These unsaved—that are absolutely positive they are saved-ref Jn 8:33—cannot recognize God telling them they are not right with Him. As it is written, YE...HEAR THEM NOT (God’s words), BECAUSE YE ARE NOT OF GOD-Jn 8:47. Are you so different from these people? What voice are you listening to? If you believe God is leading you to remain in a dead church, or a church where the minister’s and congregation’s fruits are bad, then you are listening to Satan’s voice. If you think you are saved, but don’t like preaching on judgment, the fear of God, sin, hell, serving God, and telling the truth (even if it is negative), then you are following the wrong voice, and you are deceived.

More often than one might believe, Satan (the god of this world) tells people to stay in or go to a church that is full of unbelievers and may also have an unsaved preacher, priest, or rabbi. The Scriptures clearly say, come out of her "My" people. But the god of this world tells the person that God wants them to stay in that church, to help those who have been misled or for other reasons. The god of this world tells the deceived (so-called) Christian, in both his feelings and thoughts, to go to or stay in that church. There is a conflict: the Word of God verses our thoughts and feelings. Will God contradict His Word? No, never! but the god of this world does (as he did with Eve).

Unsuspecting, deceived, misled people listen to Satan’s lies and are positive it is God. Satan masquerades as God in their feelings and minds: their deceived heart follows the lie. The Scriptures are your guide. Every thought and feeling must, I said, must be examined in light of God’s Word. Thus, it is by the written Word of God that we know what thoughts are of Satan (the god of this world). It is thoughts and feelings verses God’s Word. Can you receive this?

This is why God tells us to bring our thoughts into captivity (into obedience). Obedience to what? to the Bible. The Bible is our guide. Again, the Bible is our guide. Yet misled and unstable people, who are sure they are saved, wrest (or twist) the Scriptures to their own destruction-ref 2 Pe 3:16. They may say, "That is your interpretation. I don’t see it that way." Unfortunately, they will see it correctly at the judgment, but then it will be too late. Receive God’s truth now, while there is still time.

The Bible tells us, FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD-Ro 8:14. To be led by God’s Spirit, is to be in obedience to the written Word of God. Usually, those who are positive they are saved, are being led by a god, but it is not the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is the god of this world-ref 2 Cor 4:4, masquerading as God in their minds-ref 2 Cor 11:14 NIV. Because of a wayside, stony, or thorny heart, these misled Christians do not compare their thoughts with the Bible as they ought. In addition, the god of this world distorts and wrests the Scriptures in their minds and feelings. One example might be, Acts 2:38-REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE. A misled person might say, "I don’t believe that means exactly what it says." Another might say the same about repentance or faith in Jesus Christ. God’s Word tells us, BUT I FEAR, LEST BY ANY MEANS, AS THE SERPENT BEGUILED EVE THROUGH HIS SUBTILTY, SO YOUR MINDS SHOULD BE CORRUPTED FROM THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST. FOR IF HE THAT COMETH PREACHETH ANOTHER JESUS, WHOM WE HAVE NOT PREACHED, OR IF YE RECEIVE ANOTHER SPIRIT, WHICH YE HAVE NOT RECEIVED, OR ANOTHER GOSPEL, WHICH YE HAVE NOT ACCEPTED, YE MIGHT WELL BEAR WITH HIM-2 Cor 11:3,4.

Note, the serpent may have beguiled you through his subtilty. You may have been following another Jesus—one that contradicts the written Word in some way. You may have received and been following another spirit, the spirit that pretends to be God. You may have been following another Gospel. You may have been reading the Bible, but the words that you hear are not what God is truly saying. Can you receive this teaching? Could these words be talking about you? Are you not aware that Satan deceiveth the whole world?-ref Rev 12:9. Thus, the whole world is following the god of this world, yet they do not know it. Billions of people are positive they are following the true God. The Bible said, Satan deceiveth. People turn after Satan-ref 1 Tim 5:15, but they don’t know it. Satan lies to their minds, telling them they are really following the God of heaven. Remember, our thoughts and feelings must be judged in light of God’s Word. The devil takes people into his snare-ref 2 Tim 2:26. Satan deceives the nations-ref Rev 20:7,8. Are there blinders on your eyes, or are they coming off?

It is written, WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU, THAT YE SHOULD NOT OBEY THE TRUTH?-Gal 3:1. WHO DID HINDER YOU?-Gal 5:7.

A man of God was told, in a certain situation, EAT NO BREAD, NOR DRINK WATER, NOR TURN AGAIN BY THE SAME WAY THAT THOU CAMEST-ref 1 Ki 13:9. When he was tempted by the king, he did not yield. But then the adversary devised a very cunning subtle scheme. Another prophet came to him saying, I AM A PROPHET ALSO AS THOU ART; AND AN ANGEL SPAKE UNTO ME BY THE WORD OF THE LORD, SAYING, BRING HIM BACK WITH THEE INTO THINE HOUSE, THAT HE MAY EAT BREAD AND DRINK WATER. BUT HE LIED UNTO HIM. SO HE WENT BACK WITH HIM, AND DID EAT-ref 1 Ki 13:18,19. Shortly after, because he was beguiled by the adversary and disobeyed the commandment of the Lord, he was slain by a lion. Has Satan beguiled you as he did the prophet?

AND THERE CAME FORTH A SPIRIT, AND STOOD BEFORE THE LORD, AND SAID....I WILL BE A LYING SPIRIT IN THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS....BEHOLD, THE LORD HATH PUT A LYING SPIRIT IN THE MOUTH OF ALL THESE THY PROPHETS-1 Ki 22:21-23. But Zedekiah (the king)...did not believe the words of Micaiah (the prophet of God), which were true, but chose to believe the prophets that had the lying spirit. Have you chosen to believe the lying spirits? How can you know which are true and which lying? Are you positive you are going to be in heaven, yet you will be in hell? As we have already covered, receive God’s Word with a meek, honest, and obedient heart, and do not believe or obey lying thoughts.

Know this, many ministers of the Gospel will tell you what your itching ears want to hear. There is a war going on in your mind. It is Satan’s lying thoughts verses God’s Word. But will you know, O vain man, that THROUGH DECEIT THEY REFUSE TO KNOW ME, SAITH THE LORD?-Jere 9:6. AND THEY WILL DECEIVE EVERY ONE HIS NEIGHBOR, AND WILL NOT SPEAK THE TRUTH-Jere 9:5.

Will you justify yourself to show you are really innocent, to show you are not doing wrong? Adam and Eve sinned. Adam said, THE WOMAN...SHE GAVE ME OF THE TREE. The woman said, THE SERPENT BEGUILED ME, AND I DID EAT-Gen 3:12,13. Are you the same? Does God tell you to do certain things in His Word and you disobey and make excuses?

Consider Saul. The Lord told Saul through Samuel, NOW GO AND SMITE AMALEK, AND UTTERLY DESTROY ALL THAT THEY HAVE, AND SPARE THEM NOT; BUT SLAY BOTH MAN AND WOMAN, INFANT AND SUCKLING, OX AND SHEEP, CAMEL AND ASS-1 Sam 15:3. BUT SAUL AND THE PEOPLE SPARED AGAG, AND THE BEST OF THE SHEEP, AND OF THE OXEN-1 Sam 15:9. AND SAMUEL CAME TO SAUL: AND SAUL SAID UNTO HIM, BLESSED BE THOU OF THE LORD: I HAVE PERFORMED THE COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD-1 Sam 15:13. Saul seemed positive he was abiding in God’s will. Saul said, BUT THE PEOPLE TOOK OF THE SPOIL, SHEEP AND OXEN, THE CHIEF OF THE THINGS WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN UTTERLY DESTROYED, TO SACRIFICE UNTO THE LORD-1 Sam 15:21. What better reason could one have for going to the left, just a bit, from God’s command, than to sacrifice to the Lord? Even now, Saul is justifying his actions and seems to be saying, I have obeyed God. But Samuel, God’s prophet, tells him, TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE, AND TO HEARKEN THAN THE FAT OF RAMS. FOR REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT, AND STUBBORNNESS IS AS INIQUITY AND IDOLATRY-1 Sam 15:22,23.

Then Samuel lets him know, because he did this, he was rejected from being king-ref 1 Sam 15:23. Then Saul confessed, I HAVE SINNED...I FEARED THE PEOPLE, AND OBEYED THEIR VOICE-1 Sam 15:24.

Are you equally positive you are abiding in God’s will?
Saul waited for seven days (as had been appointed) for the prophet Samuel to come and offer a burnt offering. But Samuel came not. Then Saul went ahead and offered the burnt offering. And as soon as he did, Samuel came-ref 1 Sam 13:8-10. AND SAMUEL SAID, WHAT HAST THOU DONE?-1 Sam 13:11. Saul then justified himself. He seemed to indicate what he had done was all right, because Samuel came not within the days appointed and because the Philistines were gathered together. I FORCED MYSELF THEREFORE AND OFFERED A BURNT OFFERING-1 Sam 13:12.

SAMUEL SAID...THOU HAST NOT KEPT THE COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD...NOW THY KINGDOM SHALL NOT CONTINUE-1 Sam 13:13,14.

Oh, wicked generation, will you not see? Will you not obey God’s Word? Will you use grace and the blood of Jesus Christ as an excuse to dwell in sin? Know this, NO ONE WHO CONTINUES TO SIN HAS EITHER SEEN HIM OR KNOWN HIM-ref 1 Jn 3:6 NIV.
Oh, the cleverness of Satan!

    A person repents and is baptized but does not repent of certain things. Another repents and is baptized but, at that time, does not believe in Jesus as the Scriptures have said. Both go forth, secure in the "false and deceived" knowledge that they are saved, yet they will perish. They never began in the Spirit.
    Another person gets saved but goes back into sin. He goes back to wallowing in the mire-ref 2 Pe 2:22. He grieves the Holy Spirit (the earnest of the Spirit)-ref Eph 4:30. The person began in the Spirit but in vain-ref Gal 3:3,4. He may continue to believe he is saved, yet will perish.
    Another begins in the Spirit, receives Christ by faith, repents, and is baptized by full-immersion (buried with Jesus), but then loses his faith for a period. He becomes deceived. Later on he seemingly turns back to Jesus but does not repent, or he does not get re-baptized. He did not continue steadfast in the faith unto the end-ref Mt 10:22; Heb 3:6; Rev 2:26; for it is by faith that we stand firm-ref 2 Cor 1:24. He rests secure that he is saved, yet will perish.

The lukewarm church of this latter day generation does not know any better and does not warn him. The church supports his false idea that he is still saved, but the Word of God will judge him, not his church or his feelings.

Still another person begins in the Spirit, but his faith is never made perfect by works-ref Ja 2:22. He does not realize his faith is to be combined with works-ref Ja 2:22, and that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do-ref Eph 2:10 NIV. Several years go by. He doesn’t realize that faith without works is dead-ref Ja 2:26. He doesn’t realize that if the tree doesn’t bear good fruit (fruit ordained by God), in four years thou shalt cut it down-ref Lk 13:6-9. This person also rests secure in the false hope that he shall go to heaven. No one ever told him he needs to rededicate his life to Jesus Christ and get re-baptized. He perishes for a lack of knowledge-ref Hos 4:6.
No one ever told these people that if they ignore God’s calling to serve Him, they are rebelling against God. Apparently, no one ever told them that God’s Word says, ALL HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE MENTIONED...HE shall DIE (or perish to hell)-Ezek 18:24. No one ever told him how Ezekiel strongly proclaims God’s Word, words that condemn those that teach one can live in sin and turn from Jesus, yet go to heaven.

God’s Word to the people and to the church is, ARE NOT MY WAYS EQUAL? ARE NOT YOUR WAYS UNEQUAL?-ref Ezek 18:29. MANY PASTORS HAVE DESTROYED MY VINEYARD-Jere 12:10.

Many millions of people are singing in the churches, going to church, tithing, and even working for the church, yet at the judgment, Jesus will say unto them, "I NEVER KNEW YOU"-Mt 7:23. Will you hear these terrifying words? You can never say as you perish that you did not know, for we have just told you. Indeed, God’s Word—which will judge you in that day—has just told you. I fear for you that refuse to receive correction-ref Jere 5:3. BEHOLD, THE WORD OF THE LORD IS UNTO THEM A REPROACH-Jere 6:10.
Beware, those of you that have NOT HEARKENED UNTO MY WORDS, NOR TO MY LAW, BUT REJECTED IT-Jere 6:19. Beware, lest there be evil in your heart, and you say, "That is your interpretation." God tells us, TRUTH IS PERISHED Jere 7:28. Woe unto you that HOLD FAST DECEIT-Jere 8:5. Woe unto you that are not VALIANT FOR THE TRUTH-Jere 9:3. CURSED BE THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN MAN-Jere 17:5. The pastors of this generation, WALK IN LIES-Jere 23:14. THEY SPEAK A VISION OF THEIR OWN HEART-ref Jere 23:16. They CAUSE MY PEOPLE TO ERR-Jere 23:32. They HAVE PERVERTED THE WORDS OF THE LIVING GOD...IN THE LATTER DAYS-Jere 23:36,20. DECEIVE NOT YOURSELVES-Jere 37:9. Can you receive God’s Word? or will you continue to listen to your feelings and thoughts? Remember, it is your feelings and thoughts versus God’s Word. Did you hear that? It is your feelings and thoughts against God’s Word.

MY PEOPLE HATH BEEN LOST SHEEP: THEIR SHEPHERDS (pastors) HAVE CAUSE THEM TO GO ASTRAY-Jere 50:6. Indeed, in the preaching of the Word the church is wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, and the church "knowest not" these things-ref Rev 3:17. BE ZEALOUS THEREFORE, AND REPENT-Rev 3:19.

    Friend, can you understand how Satan has deceived you? Can you honestly look at yourself by the Word and examine yourself? Will you admit you are not right with God, if that is the case, and acknowledge that you need to (either for the first time or as a rededication) receive Christ by faith, repent, and be baptized by full-immersion? Would you rather end up as Saul who wouldn’t admit the truth?
    Perhaps, you were never saved, just deceived into thinking you were. Perhaps, you didn’t fully repent when you were baptized. Perhaps, you were saved, but never began to serve God (doing the works that "He" ordained) within a certain period of time. Perhaps, you became deceived and turned from your faith, or perhaps, you went back into willful sin after you were saved. It is now time to give your life totally to Jesus, once and for all. Will you do that right now? Will you follow Jesus, even if your husband or wife, mother or father, or your closest friends desert you? Will you follow Jesus, even if it costs you everything you have? Know this, if you will follow Jesus Christ to the end, it may cost you everything you have, but you will gain eternal life.

    FOR WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?-Mt 16:26.

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