Advice From the Apostle Paul: Do Not Tolerate False Gospels (And from Jesus, Peter, John, & Jude)

Advice From the Apostle Paul: Do Not Tolerate False Gospels

(Colossians 2:8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 

(Galatians 1:6-12) 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. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

(2 Corinthians 11:2-4) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 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 Thessalonians 2:4 & 6-8 ) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

(And Advice from Jesus, Peter, John, & Jude)

(Matthew 7:13-23) Enter ye in at the strait 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. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to 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: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

(2 Peter 2:1-3 & 18-19) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

(1 John 4:1-3) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

(Jude 1:4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Book of Jonah: When we Stray From His perfect Will

 

The Book of Jonah: When we Stray From His perfect Will 

Have you ever known God was calling you to do or not do a specific task, but refused?  Were you thinking the same thing I was as I typed those last words.  Jonah.  Remember how he refused to go to Nineveh?  Did God protect him when he disobeyed God’s instructions?  Nope.  When a storm brewed aboard the ship he tried to use to escape God, his fellow sailors tossed him overboard (after he admitted the storm was directly due to God’s anger toward him).  The book of Jonah tells us that the Lord “had prepared a great fish” specifically to punish Jonah’s insubordination.  While we may not go through something so dramatic and smelly, it is clear by this example that God will allow bad things to happen when we stray from His perfect will.  Of course, God also had mercy on Jonah after he humbly spent three days in prayer repenting of his sins.  Only then did God allow the fish to vomit Jonah out alive.

I love what Jonah says in 2:8 "They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. " The amplified version puts it this way, “Those who regard and follow worthless idols. Turn away from their [living source of] mercy and lovingkindness." That really perfectly sums up all of our stories.

If we are honest, we can all admit that there have been numerous times in our lives we purposely chose to disobey God’s voice.  I am including myself here.  In essence, we are making an active choice to separate ourselves from God and hinder our prayer life.  Just as God was gracious to Jonah after he repented, He will show the same kindness to us.  Yet, why put yourself in a rebellious situation in the first place?  We are always full of excuses, aren’t we?  I know I shouldn’t take this job, but I need the money.  I know I shouldn’t date him/her, but I’m lonely.  I know I shouldn’t watch this program, but it’s a good storyline.  I know I shouldn’t drink alcohol or do drugs, but I’m depressed.   I know I shouldn’t have relations outside of marriage, but God didn’t answer my important prayer.  And the list of justifications goes on and on.

Would you expect a boss to keep you on the job if you kept stealing?  No! Nor should you expect a holy God to turn the other way when you willfully choose to do the wrong things.

Not only are we breaking God’s heart by our disobedient actions, but we are also choosing to walk by sight rather than faith.  We do not truly believe in Romans 8:38 or Jeremiah 29:11 when we choose to earn money in a dishonest or immoral fashion.  For example, serving alcohol at a bar, even when you do not drink the alcohol is still wrong.  Or selling ungodly entertainment items, cigarettes, marijuana, occultic items, or other products you know God hates, is displeasing to our Holy God. Handing someone else these items you know God is against should bother your conscience.  That's why after just 5 days, I had to quit a job working for a library in 2017; every time I checked out a book to a patron on witchcraft, violence, or sexual immorality, it literally made me sick to my stomach.  We needed the money, but pleasing God is always worth more than money.  

When any of us accepts such a job that is morally compromising, we are stubbornly saying we do not believe God will supply all of our needs.  When we date someone completely out of line with our morals, we are saying we do not believe God will bring us the right mate in His perfect timing.  We are acting like Sarah when she stepped outside of God’s will by asking Abraham to marry Hagar.  She did not have faith enough to believe God would grant them a son through her womb (see Genesis 16).

I would like to add that God may still use us when we make poor choices.  We should still show love to people and attempt to be a Light for Him.  However, if you choose to work at a location that sells items God says to avoid, do not expect your testimony to be effective.  Instead, you will mostly come across as a hypocrite and others will not take your Christianity seriously.  That does not mean you cease attempting to produce the fruits of the Spirit and become rude and unkind.  Showing love towards others is always the best choice before, during, and after our moments when walk outside God’s will.  Overall, the best scenario is to repent and start over, but do not add insulting behaviors to your list of rebellions.   

When you truly love God, you should want to do your very best to please Him.  I want so much to make my Lord happy, that when I know I am failing, it causes me to weep.  I want to please my Maker and Friend.

I will end by reminding us all (me too) to really think twice when making important decisions.  Money, pleasure, entertainment, or peer pressure should never out-weigh your love for God or His love for you.  Even if you are at a place where you feel God has let you down or you feel ignored by God that does not mean your feelings are reality.  It is often very difficult to wait patiently and allow God to do what He is planning to do in His perfect timing.  Getting ahead of God and going against His will rarely produce positive results.  The consequences usually come when we choose to follow our own will instead.   I am not speaking of unintentionally going against God’s will (which can be easy because God can be confusing), but I am speaking of blatant rebellion. 

So, when you think about going against God's will, think of Jonah.  And if you have disobeyed and suffered the consequences, also think of Jonah.  Repent, do what God asked you to do, and you very well may be vomited out of the fish created because of your rebellion. And when God sets you free from the circumstances your stubborn actions caused, praise Him for His mercy and His grace!   

This entire book of Jonah is long to post, so please read the short 4 chapter book on your own.  Here is a brief excerpt: 

(Jonah, Chapters 1-2) Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah... saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me."

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken...

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. "Why hast thou done this?" For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them...

And he said unto them, "Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you..."

 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging... Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, And said, "I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice... The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord."

And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

Joel 2:28-29: Does God still speak to people today? Written by my Husband & Me

 

Joel 2:28-32: Does God still speak to people today? Written by my Husband (Mel) & Me

Does God still speak to people today? Many churches teach that God only speaks through the Bible and not personally to anyone. However, God's Word says otherwise. According to the Bible, God has given spiritual gifts to His church for the equipping of the saints.

This passage is from the prophet Joel.

(Joel 2:28-32) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 

In Acts 2:16-20, Peter repeats these same words verbatim. Both Joel and Peter agree on this statement from God. Note these words say ALL flesh, both genders, all ages groups, and includes maids and servants. The gift of prophesy is not exclusive to only young, rich, white, or males.

Many churches misuse scripture to justify their position, however, there is not one verse in the entire Bible that states the gifts of prophecy will cease. The gifts of the Spirit will continue until the Lord returns. 1 Corinthians describes the beautiful gifts of The Holy Spirit.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-12) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

Many people will not allow God to speak to them because they don't have the faith to believe it. Their churches have taught them that God only speaks through His Word and have stifled God's Spirit.

Search out Scripture and use discernment. God wants a clean vessel He can speak through. If someone says, "God told me..." but their lifestyle does not reflect Biblical principles, you can usually dismiss them, even if they seem "spiritual." Remember, even the Devil can quote scripture (see Matthew 4:1-11) and masquerades as an angel of light (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). All experiences must line up with the Word of God or they should be rejected. However, even if someone who seems to be walking with the Lord tells you God spoke to them, it is still okay to ask God for confirmation.

(1 John 4:1-3) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.

God speaks to both of us in dreams, visions, and words. He shows us prophecies as well as gives as personal messages. And yes, we just said it is okay to ask for confirmation from God from anyone who says they hear from God, and we are not so arrogant that we think we are the exception to that Biblical rule. With that said, we have received many confirmations from the headlines in the media, we have the same or similar words/visions/dreams on the same night, as well as others experiencing similar things we have seen that show the prophesies God have revealed to us are from Heaven. Yet, we still believe it is okay for you to confirm God's Truths to you as well. While strangers often see the fruits of our messages, people we personally know are doubters because what God shows us often conflicts with what they want to believe outside of Biblical boundaries, they think they are the spiritual authority over us, and/or they have false dreams that contradict what we have seen, so they dismiss us. Therefore, be prepared for those who think they know you the best to be the most skeptical. It truly does not matter, however, as we only need God's approval to share what is revealed and we know it is not our power, but from the Holy Trinity that we hear and see things before they happen. Our goal is to help others and glorify God, not uplift ourselves.

(Matthew 13:57) But Jesus said unto them, "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house."

If you choose to follow God with all your heart, mind, and lifestyle, He can speak to you as well. Pray to the Holy Spirit for His gifts. Be ready to obey whatever He tells you do to be ready to receive His gifts. If you need to get rid of something hindering a closer walk with Jesus, then you must get rid of it before He will use you. Also be prepared to be obedient to share what He tells you to share, even when it is difficult and you very well may be rejected. Also, ask for discernment for your experiences to be able to determine what is from God, what is from Satan trying to play God, and what is from your own imagination. Again, it is okay to ask God for confirmation on what you receive that may be from the Holy Spirit.

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

The better you know the Holy Trinity and what the Bible truly teaches by reading it on your own, the more you will know and understand what is and what is not from God. God will never tell you to do anything immoral, illegal, or unscriptural. Know God. God will never give you a message that is self- serving, that only bring you attention and honor. He will tell you How much he loves you in some beautiful ways, but He will not give you messages with the goal of fame or fortune. The messages are (for you or someone else) usually for correction, warnings for future events, insight on what someone else may be going through spiritually or physically (but God is not a gossiper, this is so you can pray) a word of encouragement, or (as I just said) to let you know you are a beloved child of the King. Choose to live a holy life, study His holy word, and The Holy Spirit very well may choose to use you for His glory!

Hosea 14:1-9: Hope for The Backslider

 

Hosea 14:1-9: Hope for The Backslider

You and I know that God's salvation is a free gift that we do not have to earn, but too often, God's beautiful gift of grace is abused, and people do not think they need to be responsible for their actions. However, God's Word is very clear that grace is not an excuse to sin.

(Romans 6:1, 2, & 6) 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? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

When one uses grace as a reason not to live a Holy life, they are in danger of backsliding away from their salvation. Not every mistake we make automatically causes us to lose our salvation, of course, but living in habitual sins we refuse to get rid of and repent from, will risk losing our place in paradise with God. It is open rebellion that keeps us separated from a Holy God.

(Revelation 20:12 & 21:8) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

There are many verses in the Bible that speak of the backsliding Christian, and also many verses that offer hope for those who have fallen away from the Truths of Jesus Christ. I am going to let the Holy Word of God tell you the story with just a few of these scriptures.

The verses in Hosea were written for the rebellious people of Israel, but we can all apply it to our lives. The hope here is that God will heal all who have backslidden away from Him and wants them to return to His ways of holiness.

(Hosea 14:1-9) Return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity... and turn to the Lord: say unto him, "Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves [confession] of our lips." 

[And God will answer,] "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him... His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree... They that dwell under His shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine..."

[And they will say], "What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard Him, and observed Him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found."

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Both 2 Peter 2 and Hebrews 6 give great picturesque examples of what it means to backslide. It is a very devastating thing when one has known the Truth of the Bible and even lived according to the ways of Jesus Christ, but for whatever reason, be it peer pressure or blaming God for the bad things that happen, they have chosen to give up on God and backslide back to the world, to do those things they know go against Biblical principles. Peter described it so boldly by saying when we choose to turn away from God and go back to the world, we are like a dog eating his own vomit!

(2 Peter 2:20-22) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Hebrews 6:6 should be a huge eye opener for a reason not to go backwards in our walk with the Lord. I know that verse shakes me to the core!

(Hebrews 6:6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Our hope is in 1 John 1, notice the first 5 words. God is so very gracious to always respond to our sincere prayers of contrition.

(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

You can find more hope for the backslider in Jeremiah 3. Again, notice that one must first acknowledge their sins. It is a beautiful passage of scripture that lets us know that God wants so deeply for us to return to Him (2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord... is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.).

(Jeremiah 3:13-15) "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God... and ye have not obeyed my voice," saith the Lord. "Turn, O backsliding children," saith the Lord; "for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family... And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."

Finally, let's look at God's words to the church in Ephesus,

(Revelation 2:4-5) "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Without a change of heart and allowing yourself to become and stay a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.) we absolutely risk losing our salvation, having our "candlestick" removed from "out of his place" if we refuse to do what we know is right in the eyes of God.

I will leave you with more hope and good news:

(Revelation 2:7) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh [destroys sin] will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

In other words, true repentance of sins will lead to eternal life with the Holy Trinity in Heaven!

You can read more on this subject in a blog written by my husband, "Backsliding Unto Perdition," https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/07/backsliding-unto-perdition-written-by.html

And also, what I posted a few days ago, "Ezekiel 18:23-33: When the Righteous Turn Away From Righteousness": https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/ezekiel-1823-33-when-righteous-turn.html

And there are also these links to writings I have posted before, but here they are again on further writings on backsliding: 

"What bribes have we taken to crucify Jesus all over again?" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/what-bribes-have-we-taken-to-crucify.html  

"The Slow Backslide" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-slow-backslide.html

Daniel 5:1-31: We Will All be Weighed on the Scales

 

 

Daniel 5:1-31: We Will All be Weighed on the Scales

Originally written in June 2023.

After two surgeries, I was finally declared cancer-free!  It has been a very painful ordeal physically, but also has been a test for me emotionally and spiritually.  I was asking God why I had to go through all this pain and fear.  Whether from my own mind or from the Holy mind of God, I felt very clearly that I was told I was being weighed.  I knew it had nothing to do with the literal weight of my body, but that God was telling me I was being tested. I knew, as with Belshazzar in Daniel 5, that I was being weighed to see how I would fare the trials coming my way. My circumstances were obviously different than Belshazzar, but the concept of being tested by God is the same. My physical trials have been tests of my faith.  I was weighed and tested to see if I would "honor the God who holds [me in] His hand." For this test and all the others that will surely come, I never want to be found wanting/lacking in faith or integrity.     

(Daniel 5:22-30 ) “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven... But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. “Here is what these words mean. Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting...  That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain. 

I believe the Bible when it states we will all stand before God and be judged for our actions (Revelation 20:12-13 - And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.).  That time will host the biggest scales of them all (see also Matthew 16:23) However, for the theme of this particular blog, I am just going to focus on the scales associated with physical, emotional, and spiritual trials.

Did God give me cancer? Probably not, but how I dealt with the diagnosis of the disease these past three months was a test of my spiritual character. Did I pass with flying colors? No!  I felt anger, confusion, and self-pity with all I had to go through.  Yet after much prayer and self-examination, I ultimately decided that if all the pain and suffering I was experiencing could bring glory to God, it was worth it. I would trust God. And like Job, I would not curse God and die, but bless God and live! Even if I had been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, instead of stage 1, I was and am determined I will always declare:  

(Job 13:15) Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. 

In 2006 I had a dream that an angel of the Lord was handing me a beautifully intricate gold candlestick.  He said to me, "Through the fire, you will be refined pure as gold."  At the time, I was facing persecution at my job and was eventually forced to resign. I have faced more hardships since then. Facing cancer and two very painful surgeries has been probably my second biggest test (the biggest was in 2014).  I suspect the evaluations of my faith will continue throughout the rest of my life.  I want to be refined and made better, not melted down and deemed unusable.

(Zechariah 13:9) And I will... refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. 

So how do we keep the scales from tipping us right off of them?  We focus on the Holy Words of God! Jesus never promised us an easy life, but He did promise to hold our hand through it all.  If we can remember God will never leave us, it gets easier. 

(John 16:22) [Jesus said,] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  

The hard times will come to us all, no one is exempt.

(Matthew 5:45) For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

However, if we refuse to become bitter and trust God in the processes, these difficulties will only make us stronger. 

(Acts 14:21-22) They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples... strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 

The words from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 have become my new theme: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

For I am learning more and more that the name of Jesus will be best glorified when I am weak. 

Bottom line is that we will all be weighed on the scales more than once.  As for me, I am willing to be weighed and sent through the fire if it means the name of Jesus will be glorified. 

Although I am in the process of healing from cancer surgery, I still have an on-going neurological disorder that was once thought to be Multiple Sclerosis, but now none of the 3 neurologists I have seen can seem to come up with any kind of diagnosis, and therefore no treatment plans.  Even as I face the weakness with which this condition continues to plague me, I want to always have the same attitude as the apostle Paul:

(Philippians 4:11-13 ) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

And because Jesus Christ gives me strength, may His name be exalted and praised!

From this day forward may my prayer always and sincerely be:

(Psalm 139:23-24) Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Ezekiel 18:23-33: When the Righteous Turn Away From Righteousness

 

Ezekiel 18:23-33: When the Righteous Turn Away From Righteousness

Just as with all my writings, this is not my theology, it is from the inspired Word of God. So please carefully and prayerfully read through all scriptures posted.  There are a lot of verses to read, but I want to make it clear what the Bible says, and I wanted to back it up with as many verses as I could think of. 

It is never my goal to be intentionally antagonistic, but to show all my readers what the Bible really says.  The book of Ezekiel is a good start for this topic.

Also, to be clear, I do not want anyone to think I am suggesting we are saved by our works. If you read my blogs, you know I believe Jesus' death on the cross, our salvation, and grace are free gifts we do not have to earn. My point here is to encourage you to treat these precious gifts with the utmost care and not neglect them, because they and your soul can be lost.

I will begin with the Old Testament. Ezekiel was a mighty prophet who saw things as far into the future as the end of days of this planet as well as had many visions of God and heaven.  

(Ezekiel 18:24 & 26) But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. 

Pretty clear cut, don't you think? A man who heard directly from God tells us when the righteous, or the Christian, turns his back on God and intentionally chooses to sin, he will loose his salvation - die in his sins! This is not speaking of minor offenses, of course, but as Ezekiel says, "abominations," or rebelliously refusing to do what you know is right in the eyes of God. 

The good news is when we sincerely repent from our sins, they are blotted out by the blood of Jesus: Ezekiel 18:27-28- Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  

Makes sense to me: righteousness cancels out sin, but rebellious sins cancel out righteousness. Do you choose eternal death or eternal life? 

Now let's look at the words of Jesus:

(John 15:1-6) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit... I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 

The key word here is "abide", it shows one has already made a decision to choose Jesus. According to dictionary.com, The definition of the word abide is "to remain; continue; stay."  Therefore, Jesus is telling us that if we leave our fellowship with Him (cease abiding with Him) we will be "cast forth... into the fire and burned."  He is speaking of the fire in Hell. In other words, if you give your life to Christ and become a Christian but then refuse to follow the ways of Jesus by leaving your morals behind, you are no longer bearing good fruit, and you will be cast away.  Jesus does not say that you can stay grafted into the vine no matter what, and that you will be eternally secure. No, if you make the choice to leave, you will be cast off.

The more you abide in Jesus: read the Bible, pray more than just when you are asking for a favor, and worship Him with a contrite heart, the more it will be clear what He expects of you.  The more you will understand His character and His will and you will want to do what is right: Romans 2:4...the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.  The Holy Spirit will convict you of your sins and testify to your spirit what must be done to see the face of God for all eternity: (Romans 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Let's go again to the words spoken by Jesus:

(Matthew 7:21-23) Not everyone that saith unto me, "Lord, Lord", shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to 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: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 

This is about someone who is calling himself a Christian, otherwise why would he be calling out to the Lord and prophesying, casting out demons, etc. But Jesus says that even if you call on Him and work for Him, you can still be in danger of losing your salvation if you are doing all these things while living in sin.  No, eternal life with Christ is not automatic just because you use the name of Jesus or work for Him; you must keep the sin out of your life, or He will tell you to "depart from" Him.  In other words, He will send you to hell.

Peter paints another clear picture of what backsliding looks like:

(2 Peter 2:20-23) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

That's saying that if after you have knowledge of Jesus and knew what was right, but walked away from holiness, it is worse than not ever making a decision to follow God in the first place.  You would be like an animal retuning to filth because you chose to go back in sin and wallow in a filthy lifestyle, refuse to give up what you know God hates, and/or chase after a false religion you know goes against what Jesus taught.

These verses in Hebrews shake me to my core:

(Hebrews 6:1-6 KJV) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment... or it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Wow!  Once you have repented (chosen salvation) and then turn your back on God's holy ways, by your sinful actions, you are nailing Jesus to the cross again!  If that doesn't disturb you, nothing will.  That is so important, I am going to repeat part of that again using the Amplified version:

(Hebrews 6:4-6 AMP) For [it is impossible to restore to repentance] those who have once been enlightened [spiritually] and who have tasted and consciously experienced the heavenly gift and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted and consciously experienced the good word of God and the powers of the age (world) to come, and then have fallen away—it is impossible to bring them back again to repentance, since they again nail the Son of God on the cross [for as far as they are concerned, they are treating the death of Christ as if they were not saved by it], and are holding Him up again to public disgrace.

The next scriptures are speaking of the end times. 

(2 Thessalonians 2:3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 

My argument here is a simple one: the term "falling away" would not even be used if falling away from your salvation was not possible.  In other words, before the beginning of the tribulation, a large number of people claiming to be Christians will fall away from their walk with the Lord and lose their salvation. 

(2 Timothy 4:4; 7-8) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

There are many more verses I can list where it says in the Bible that all people will be judged according to their works. That Truth alone shows we are not automatically eternally secure.  If so, there would be no reason for God to judge our works.  Finishing the course and keeping the faith means the same as abiding in the vine.  In order to obtain the crown from Jesus, you must not let go of your righteous ways or give in to sin.

Here are a few more verses on obtaining crowns from God, our judge. Note when you read all these verses that they state you must endure to the end in order to receive the crown.  No where does it say the crown of righteousness will be given to every single person that says some version of the sinner's prayer.  There are conditions that must be met! In the below verse, Paul makes it very clear that even he could be cast away from heaven if he falls into sin.

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

(Philippians 4:1) Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 

(2 Timothy 2:5) And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 

(James 1:12) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 

How do we know we are in Jesus?  See the word "abide" again?

(1 John 2:4-6) He that saith, "I know Him", and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

The message of these verses is clear: stand fast in the Lord, strive for holiness, endure temptation, and you will receive a crown of righteousness.  Stray away from the Lord and holiness, and you will be cast away.

(Luke 13:23-24) Then said one unto Him, "Lord, are there few that be saved?"

 And He said unto them, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

When you read through all of Revelation chapters 2-3, it is clear there are consequences for falling away. One example is below; your light can be removed from Heaven if you willfully backslide, leave your first love, Jesus Christ.  However, the really good news is that if you repent, God will always take you back!

(Revelation 2:4-5) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

The last verses can be the easiest way to sum up that our salvation is not eternally secure.  Note the list of sinful actions does NOT say, "If you call yourself a Christian you can do all these things and still go to heaven." No! It says, if you commit the sins listed, you will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  There are no exceptions to that rule. You must daily repent of your sins, and strive to be holy as the Lord is holy, or you will not have eternity with the Father - not my words, this is scriptural (see below verses)!   

(In a few days, I will be posting my writing, "Hosea 14:1-9: Hope for The Backslider," but here is a preview of it if you want to read it now: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/hosea-141-9-hope-for-backslider.html )

(1 Peter 1:14-17) As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.

(Hebrews 12:14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. 

(Galatians 5:19-21) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

(Revelation 21:7-8) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Jeremiah 7:27-28 & 20:8-10: Even When They Will Not Listen, Keep Your Fire

 

Jeremiah 7:27-28 & 20:8-10: Even When They Will Not Listen, Keep Your Fire

As a Christian, sometimes the hardest thing to do is not to give up on spreading the True gospel message and praying for other people. We can feel very alone and isolated when so few of our family, friends, co-workers, and even fellow Christians believe the way we do. When others find every opportunity to make a jab at our expense, and even sometimes go out of their way to turn a conversation into an insult about our holiness beliefs and other Biblical viewpoints, it is very difficult not to give up wanting to speak the Truth. You will wonder, "Am I making a difference?" And you will ponder, "What's the point of standing up for my beliefs if no one listens?" We can cling to our own ego of wanting to be accepted and liked by the world more than wanting to cling to pleasing God.

Did you know that the Bible tells us if we refuse to share the True message of the Bible (not some watered-down version), and the people we know go to Hell, we are responsible? Yet, on the other hand, if we warn them and they refuse to listen, we can wash our hands clean of their wrong choices. Pretty serious responsibility when you look at sharing the message of holiness from that angle.

(Ezekiel 33:8-9) When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Whether speaking casually to people you know, sharing a message over the Internet, or preaching behind a pulpit or on a street corner, you will ask yourself, "How often do any of my words help others think about God and holiness differently? Does anyone read their Bible more because of my encouragement? Has anyone considered giving up even one sinful habit or unbiblical viewpoint because they listened to what I reminded them what is in God's Word?" When you see little to no fruits of your labor, you will want to give up. Out of a desire to and be liked rather than be ignored, you will want to be silent about what the Bible says concerning issues that are shutting believers and nonbelievers alike out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

(Galatians 1:10) For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

When I am feeling discouraged about the lack of change I see in people I pray and weep over, and when I do not feel as if any of my efforts I put into sharing the love and True grace of God that must be accompanied by daily repentance (see Luke 9:23) has helped anyone, I get discouraged. I sometimes want to quit writing. However, when I feel as if I have not helped even one person, I first remind myself that only God knows if a person is being challenged and it is NEVER my place to determine if someone is being affected or not.  Also, it is not my job to change people as ONLY the Holy Spirit can do that, but I am called to challenge others and plant the seeds that point them to Jesus Christ. I must also remember that spiritual warfare is very real, and many choose the ways of darkness rather than yield to the Holy Spirit prompting them to change; many stubbornly push away God's tugging upon their heart and soul. Quite I often think of the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah was called to preach repentance to a very obstinate people. In Jeremiah chapter 7, God is very honest with the prophet and tells him that the people will not listen to his message, in verses 27-28 God says, "Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee. But thou shalt say unto them, 'This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.'" God tells Jeremiah to keep preaching the Truth even though He knows Jeremiah will be ignored, ridiculed, and persecuted. Jeremiah did not give up because He loved the Lord and he was willing to please the Lord, even if no one listened and he suffered greatly for it.

In Jeremiah 20, Jeremiah is feeling very discouraged and frustrated with God and with people. In verses 8-9 he says, "For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name." He was determined to give up, but, and I love this verse, He says also in verse 9, "But His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones." And in verse 10 adds, "For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it." Therefore, in spite of being overwhelmed by constant abuse and rejection, the fire to serve God is stronger and he knows he cannot give up and will continue to report God's messages.

Ezekiel was also told very bluntly by God that the people to whom he was called to preach would not listen to him in Ezekiel 3:7, "But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted." Yet, God grants the man of God a gift I know we all wish we had. In verse 9 of the same chapter, God tells Ezekiel that He will make Ezekiel's forehead stronger than flint so he can bear the abuse without fear or bitterness. I literally also pray for a head so strong that I do not care if I am ignored or ridiculed, but that I can preach on in spite of my ego being bruised. So, you see, this writing is meant to encourage me as well!

Again, with the prophet Isaiah, he is warned no one will listen to him. In chapter 6, right after the beautiful scripture where the angel cleanses his lips with coal (verses 5-7), and Isaiah says in verse 8, "Here am I; send me," God lets him know what he has signed up for. In verse 9 God tells Isaiah the people will "...understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not." Then Isaiah asks in verse 11, "Lord, how long?" And God tells Him in verses 11-12, "Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land." It sounds to me as if God is saying people will refuse to listen to all prophets' warnings until the end of time. But Isaiah continued forward in his ministry writing the most powerful and beautiful books in the Old Testament.

In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul also warns, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." This verse, along with all the others I have listed can seem very discouraging and make you want to give up. However, I do not want to discourage you from preaching through your actions and your words. I am not saying that we should assume all are lost to the Truths of the gospel message. I am not saying we should cease praying for individual revival for our friends and family. The word revival essentially means 'an awakening,' and I strongly believe we need never cease praying for those we love to have their eyes opened and ears unplugged.

We preach by action and deed (not just in sermons) because we love the Lord and want to be obedient to Mark 16:15, "And He said unto them, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'" As I often say and write, I teach, not out of a self-righteous heart, but because I also wish that none should perish in a lake of fire. Although it is often tempting to give up, I press forward, choosing to believe that even when it seems as if none if my messages on holiness are getting through, that a seed has been planted. If even one person softens his or her heart enough to let that seed grow, then I have done my job. I want to please God above all and glorify His holy name. To help people understand the great love and mercy of God and then to teach them what the Bible says about walking down the narrow path that leads to Heaven. I pray to stay on fire for God and for you to feel the same urgency that time is short, and we need to keep trying to point people to Heaven.

Bottom line here is not to give into discouragement and doubt but keep on preaching and praying for those you love and for those you don't even know. Luke 19:13 tells us "To Occupy till" Jesus comes. In other words, being a Christian is proactive, and we should continue to work for His kingdom until we die or until the end of the Tribulation. Even when it is emotionally, physically, and even financially difficult. God will provide all you need when your desire is to glorify His name.

Encourage your fellow believers as well in their faith and share with one another when you feel like giving up. Even when others will not listen, remind each other of all those in both the Old and New Testaments that were not well received, including our dear precious Jesus, and know we are not better than they and we are sure to be rejected as well. In John 15:18 Jesus says, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." And yet, in spite of being rejected Jesus was "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). So be encouraged and do not give up! Be like Jesus and be obedient to the will of God in your life and continue to share the Truths about holiness what it takes to walk down the straight and narrow path. Pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the strength to not give in to compromise or fear but press forward and be a light in the darkness!