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There are churches on every corner, yet the truth is

Back not being taught. There is a famine in the land: Amos
8:11, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I
Cover will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a
of thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.”
Track America is the most churched nation on the earth, yet is
spiraling toward total wickedness and depravity.
Something is dreadfully wrong….. Wherefore come
out from among
them, and be ye
Romans separate…
2:12
And be not conformed to this world…

3 My morals were pretty good compared


 It wasn’t all
   We all have to live in
Through a series of I started seeking the Lord from the heart. James 4:8,
events
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye double-minded.” The Lord had started dealing with me on many things, my life
and what was truly important.
I guess I wanted it both
Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
ways
filled.” Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and
all these things shall be added unto you.”
But I was a stubborn, stiff-necked
Chasing after the things of the world to please my SELF.  Deuteronomy 31:27
4 I Took A Hard Look At My Life

I had quite a bit of head knowledge concerning the Bible, but my personal life did not stack up.
You see there really wasn’t much difference in my life and that of an unbeliever. I called
myself a Christian, but watched the same television shows, rented the same movies, listened to
the same music, read the same magazines, and was mostly absorbed in the same
God revealed
thoughts/ambitions to me
(money, career,that my life
possessions, was
self). No, unacceptable.
there wasn’t much differenceI at all.
myself,
was notfor
living Him! I thought I was a good Christian!

God was not the priority in my life, I just worked Him in around all the stuff I was doing. If
there was a good show on television, then the Bible wouldn’t get read and the prayers
wouldn’t be offered. I guess you could say that I was willing to serve God on my terms but
God must be your life’s priority!

was so BLIND that I didn’t realize that was the extent of the relationship.
Mark 12:30, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

5      
I often prayed for things I wanted or for God’s blessing on the things I had already decided to
do. You see I wanted God to serve me – although I didn’t perceive it that way. I had attempted
to elevate myself above God just like the devil did (Isaiah 14:12-14). I essentially wanted God
to serve my selfish desires. I also expected God to be there in times of crisis.
I am ashamed to say that I could give an exceedingly

long listfrom
of mya life lived for SELF.
failures I was least among
           
            
           
         
           
            
                    

   
            
               

6 I Took A Hard Look At My Life

I spent quite a bit of time in the secular churches but was spiritually blind or worse – just self-
serving (rebellious). Anyway, much of my deceived life might have been characterized as
carnal/worldly and lost. I had been a Deacon (equivalent) in a two churches (poor at best).
There were times in my life when I was so close to understanding what it trulyWhilemeans Living
in to serve
Oh, I knew who Jesus was and
the Lord, but was blinded by my own worldliness, never quite seeing clearly,sinfulne
never really
comprehending, and certainly
For obvious reasons never fully
I was a lukewarm committing.
disciple (Revelation 3:16 – waiting to be vomited out of
the Lord’s mouth), a most miserable person. Not comfortable in the world, yet ssnot totally
committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Certainly I have had huge doses of false doctrine (catering
to my worldliness) from the television preachers, books, music and Christian fads. There were
also several secular churches with their easy believism, worldliness, and false doctrines. Even
so I realized that my relationship with Christ was my personal responsibility (Philippians 2:12,
2 Corinthians 13:5). I would have been better off
James 1:8, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Than lukewarm
deceived
7 I Took A Hard Look At My Life

I had so much blindness in my life, that even though I was aware of many of my faults, rather
than correct them, I rationalized or compromised them away. Others
Why? Becauseare Idoing it!
just wasn’t
willing
“…But to give
they up my sinfulness,
measuring themselves butbydidn’t really consciously
themselves, see itthemselves
and comparing that way. Iamong
also played
the game of comparing
themselves, my 2
are not wise.” life to others aroundForme or ato the majority
time, my at church
life or Sunday
suited
school. I fit in with them and we all fit in with the world.
Corinthian
I tried to get victory over some of the sin in myme.life. The successes were always short lived,
because I never corrected my lifestyle – the source of the sin. I had never really
It was not until I died to my sinful life (let go, forsook, released), totally committed Repented!
to God,
and continually filled my mind with God’s Word that I achieved the true victories.
I had essentially believed the parts of the Bible that I was willing to follow and had a form of
godliness – denying the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). My old life: Titus 1:16, “They
profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient,
and unto every good work reprobate (worthless).” Professing rather than
following

8 I Was Spiritually Negligent – Lazy!

For the longest time I allowed others to tell me what to think. You know what the Bible says
and what I should believe. I later found out that these people were very religious but knew
little about what the Bible really says – just their compromises. I also listened to the television
preachers - Big Mistake!
It occurred to me that I had never
They teach damnable heresies! (2 Peter 2:1)
They love money! (1 Timothy 6:10) actually read through the Bible!
Can you imagine allowing your eternal destination to be solely in the hands of what others
tell you when God specifically says that you will be personally accountable and will stand
before him on your own merits? We are talking eternity here
Matthew 16:27, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels;
and then shall reward every man according to his works.”
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and
they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation,John 5:29.
The Great White Throne Judgment – Revelation
20:11-15

9 I Was Spiritually Negligent – Lazy!

I started to read through the Bible many times. My worldliness and the things I was doing
would always eventually choke out the effort (Matthew 13:7). After all, the Bible is hard to
understand right? Well it did occur to me that one day I would stand before God and be quite
embarrassed to reveal that I had never actually read through the Bible – but I certainly found
time to do the things I wanted to do. We will be judged by this
And some of our own – Matthew 12:36-37
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth notWord!
my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I
have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48
I made a commitment to read through the Bible and this time I did it! I cannot describe how
helpful and meaningful the experience was. I realized much of the error that I had been fed by
various preachers over the years. I learned so much!
John 8:31, “Then Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word,
then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Well I did continue in His Word and found the truth and it did set me free as follows...
10 2 Timothy 3:16 Why Read The Bible?
John 1:1,14, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory
as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.”
1 Peter 1:25 Jesus is the Word!
Psalms 1:1-3, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the
John 8:51, “Verily, ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the
verily, I say unto scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he
you, If a man keep meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers
my saying, he shall of water, and that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall
never see death.” not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

            
 
                  
Luke 11:28, “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.”
Luke 21:33, “Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away.”
Woe to them who say they believe every word but have not read every word

11 Blindness
One of the things I discovered was that I had been spiritually blind. As I read through the Bible
my mind would wonder – I was easily distracted. I found myself questioning what I had just read
due to lack of concentration. At times it was a bit of a struggle.
2 Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe
not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto
them.”
I had lived for myself and was far from God – but was
Jesus saidreligious!
it best, Matthew 13:15, “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of
hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear
with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal
them.” I had justified and compromised quite a bit
I had allowed many idols in my life (things put before God) such as television, money, and
over
possessions. Psalmstime
money
115:4-8, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They
have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear
not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they,
but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto
them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” Our idols are more But still
worshipped
sophisticated

12 I Had Idols In My Life! There’s going to be

some explaining to
I knew certain things were destroying me, but I couldn’t seem to givedo! them up. I knew the
television was doing a tremendous harm to my walk with the Lord, but couldn’t imagine life
without it – it’s always been there. I also took great pleasure listening to my 60s/70s rock music
and the radio. These things were idols and I was an
Some might say idolater.
that idols are little statues. Actually an idol is anything that has a hold on you
and comes between you and God. The television constantly took my time and attention (focus)
off of God. The television filled my heart full of all manner of evil and wickedness – no wonder
I had no victory over sin. The TV mocked every thing sacred and Holy in God’s Word.
A typical day/night of TV viewing may include: Foul language, adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, lying, homosexuality,
covetousness, maliciousness, deceit, insolence, rebellion, disobedience to parents, gambling,
spite, pride/arrogance, wickedness, gossip, boasting, blasphemy, false accusers, incontinence,
unthankfulness, gluttony, mischief, scheming, selfishness, traitors, unmerciful, lovers of selves
– I think you get the idea.      
 
13 I will set no wicked thing
before my eyes. Ps 101:3 Idols Taking pleasure in the sins that put
Jesus on the cross

Those who commit the sins (incomplete list) on the previous page will not inherit the kingdom
of Heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). But you do not actually have to commit them to be guilty…
The Bible says you are guilty even if you take pleasureAS SEEN
in them that do these things. (Romans ON TV
You are 1:32)
guilty even if you just think about doing these
things. Matthew 5:27-
There is just no way that you can put all the evils broadcast on
30in your life. So how can
TV into your heart (Matthew 15:18-19) and have any victory over sin
you hope to please God based upon God’s written will for us contained in the Bible?

It’s spell
The television has suchover people
an incredible hold is scary!
on people An
that it idol
always that
amazes mespeaks.
to what length
people will justify (compromise) not giving it up. At a very minimum it does not glorify God
and is a waste of precious time. 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high
thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ.” We will justify what we choose not to overcome.

14 Idols Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Looking back it’s hard to believe – every day and night I would watch the television and take
pleasure in the very sins that nailed Jesus Christ to the cross. I struggled against sin and lustful
things yet I continually filled my mind with them – it is what I became – no victory.
2 Timothy 3:4, “…lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;”
2 Thessalonians 2:12, “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had
pleasure in unrighteousness.” Totally deceived of my own
To believe the truth is to live within the truth. When something is true and has meaning and is
condition
worthwhile and important to you, you build your life around it. I had said I believed the Bible,
but at best I only followed parts, as previously stated – a form of godliness. You cannot live a
dual life – God has the right to expect your total devotion to Him – and does!
How foolish to think you struggle against sin and lusts but yet continually put such things before
your eyes. Woe to them who take pleasure (entertainment) in unrighteousness.
Hebrews 12:4, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
Proverb 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Psalms 86:11,
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”

15 Romans I Had Idols In My Life Romans 13:14

So8:8
what’s wrong with the music? The rock & roll that I listened to was born out of rebellion
and that’s just what it induced in me. It appealed to the flesh and the words mocked God and
glorified sin. The musicians themselves referred to it as the devil’s music. As a matter of fact
the devil use to be an anointed cherub that was associated with music (Ezekiel 28:13-14). The
devil has perverted music styles to draw men from God just as he corrupts everything else.
They brought their music into the church!
Many who came into the church did not forsake their old sinful lives and brought the things
they enjoyed with them. They Christianized the things of the world and called it Godly.
Christian rock (contemporary) is not of God and is just as rebellious as the other. Does this
shock you? Do a little research into the lives (fruits) of the performers. Look at the motivation
of the industry (money) and who owns it. Many congregations rock & sway to praise bands
and say they are glorifying God, but are really just entertaining themselves. Ask preachers if it
doesn’t draw in the crowds. True worship is from the heart not projected on the wall as sing
In the along or a multi-media audio/video presentation. It shouldn’t make your
flesh not flesh want to move to the beat. It is a melody sung to God for His glory.
the spirit!
16 I Had Idols In My Life
Man has always been trying to improve on the things of God. The church has 2000 years of
unauthorized improvements – known as “doctrines and traditions of men.” Rock & Roll praise
bands are just the latest in a long list. The style of music appeals to the inner inhibitions and is
emotionally driven. The pagans have used this drum centered rhythm for thousands of years to
lower inhibitions and summon demons. It’ll bring in the
The justification is to attract the lost in appealing ways in hopes of winning them to Christ.
crowds!
Discernment (Hebrews 5:14) in these organized churches is quickly fading or intentionally
repressed. Those who have been exposed to secular Rock & Roll should understand the fruit of
such things. Romans 3:8, “And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm
that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.”
People say they enjoy the music and it makes them feel good. It plays to the emotions. Praise is
supposed to be directed to God for His glory, not to entertain. 1 Corinthians 1:29, “That no flesh
should glory in his presence.” God is looking for genuine praise. If you sing about thankfulness
– are you thankful? If you sing about God’s righteousness – do you live a life that honors that
righteousness? God is looking at the heart not the emotions. If you sing about loving Him – Do
you obey (John 14:15) Him?

17 I Had Idols In My Life

Many things can be idols in your life such as money, possessions, family members, hobbies,
collections, etc. Your life in Christ must be at a place where you can walk away from
everything – nothing has a hold on you. God must come first!
1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of moneyis the root of all evil: which while some coveted
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Luke 12:15, “And he saith unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s
life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Luke 14:26, “If a man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children,
and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”
Nothing can take precedent over
Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the
other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other…”
TRUE Believers will forsake all to follow - Luke 18:28-30
Live for self and die, die to self and live
e!

Romans I Had Idols In My Life

18
Lets be 8:6
real honest here – Television, radio - most popular music, money, possessions, and
much of what we desire are “things of the world” or “flesh.” They do not glorify God, but they
certainly do interfere. We must die to our wants and yield to
I John 2:15-17, “Love not theGodworld, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is of the world, the lust of the flesh, and the
lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world
passeth away, and the lust thereof: But he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Mark 4:19, “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other
things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Do not be entangled
2 Timothy 2:4
Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things, are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Would TV or radio really be good to think on?
19 I Took A Hard Look At My Life Cry Out!
             
            
               
John 8:34, “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is
the servant of sin.” That would mean sin is
Sin had been my lord. I served it through all my selfish desires. I had to repent. It was as if
God showed me all the wickedness in my life (as He sees it). I truly repented and wept. To
repent you must totally forsake sin – your old life. You cannot hang on! You cannot bring it
along with you to serve Christ and you cannot look back. Totally let go
Isaiah 55:6-7, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him, while he is near: Let
the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the
Lord, and he will have mercy on him.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26
Proverb 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and
forsaketh them shall have mercy.”           


20 Repentance
Repentance is a changing of mind about one’s sin, one’s relationship with God, and about Jesus
Christ. It is sorrow for sin – a heart determined to forsake sin. Sorrow and regret for past sins is
not sufficient. The old wicked nature and sinful lifestyle must be abandoned. Repentance focuses
on what must be released and forsaken (sins) prior to what may be gained (mercy and grace).
John the Baptist taught repentance in preparing the way for Christ: Mark 1:3-4, “The voice of
one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John
did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
Jesus taught repentance: Luke 5:32, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and
believe the gospel.” (also Mark 2:17)
Christ’s disciples taught repentance: Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be
baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive
the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Mark, 6:12, “And they went out and preached that men should repent.”
Jesus said: Luke 24:47, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his
name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

21 So What’s It All About?

To truly identify with Christ I had to be willing to put aside all my selfishness – the things I
wanted to do or accomplish, and totally yield to God and to His will for my life. This meant great
personal sacrifice on my part. Luke 9:24, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but
whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” I had rebelled against God in
seeking my own desires in life. I had to completely die to my old sinful life and these selfish
desires. This is referred to as being “Born Again”
John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This is a must!
Most understand following Christ as a list of do’s and don’ts. This cannot be and will only create
religious people. You will be trying to follow Christ in your own strength and have merely a
shallow outside appearance. This is where the Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders) failed so
miserably. They were hypocrites – ACTORS! They looked good on the outside but inside were
vile and wicked – far from God.
Jesus said, Matthew 23:25-28, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make
clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of
22 them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto
whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's
bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within
ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” What the Lord is saying is that there must be a change
of heart. When the heart is changed, the outward actions will follow. If the heart does not truly
change, you will never have the motivation to truly live for God Purifieth yourself, even as
he is pure- 1 John 3:3
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.” You have God’s   nature!
Romans 6:4, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was
raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of
life.”
The Lord regenerates (renews) us. We have new desires and affections. We serve from
the heart, not out of compulsion. Our greatest delight is to know and do God’s will. You now
hate sin as God hates sin and your desire is to serve God in righteousness.
Hebrews 10:16, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord,
I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them
Only God can do this – this is true conversion

23 God creates the new nature in you – the desire to serve and obey him. Without this new nature
you’re just religious – a hypocrite (phony), an actor – DECEIVED!
2 Corinthians 3:3-6, “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ
ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone,
but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that
we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for
the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” My desire is God’s
Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
will!
Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
The Old Man must die: You must be born again
Romans 6:5-8, “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be
also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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. For he that is dead is
freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:”
You must no longer serve
sin!

24 2 Timothy 2:11 Dying to “SELF”

Ephesians 4:22-24, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation (life) the old man,
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And
that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
When you think about it, selfishness is the root of most sin. If we truly put God first and others
second, our lives would radically change (James 4:1-4). That is why Jesus said we must die to
ourselves. 2 Corinthians 5:15, “And that he died for all, that
shouldthey
not henceforth
which live live unto themselves, but unto
them, and rose again.”
him which died for
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not
I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I
live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself
for me.”
Colossians 3:2-3, “Set your affection on things
things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your
with Also John
life isChrist
hid in
God.” 12:24-25
25 Losing your life for Jesus:
Take
Matthew 10:39, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake
shall find it.”
Matthew 16:25, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life
for my sake shall find it.” Live for self and die!
Mark 8:35, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for
my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.”
Luke 9:24, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for
my sake, the same shall save it.” Die to self and live!
Luke 17:33, “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his
life shall preserve it.”
John 12:25, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall
keep it unto life eternal.” Your will or His will
A point is being made here! We are to put aside our desires, ambitions, and
control of things, and yield totally to God – lose our life. In doing so we will find it and
secure it eternally! Jesus gives life more John 10:10

26 Denying and Forsaking: Jesus often said: Come, Follow

Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his Me!
disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Repetitive verses –
Mark 8:34, “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto
them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow
me.” We are talking about sacrifice here!
Luke 9:23, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily, and follow me.” crucify the flesh (self-will) with its passions and desires
Take This is why there are few on the
Luke 14:27, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:33, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot
be my disciple.” Overcoming sin (& Satan)
Commitment
Nothing candaily
take priority over God:
!
Luke 14:26, “If a man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children,
and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”
See 10:37
Stop seeking rights, privileges, reputation, ambitions, interests, and your own way Matthew
 

27 What Now?
God had changed my heart and changed my desires. I no longer wanted to serve myself but
wanted to live for and obey God alone. We must be zealous for
Having put aside all myHim! opposition to God and
to
totally yieldingHim, I now had to conform to
His
1 Peter 2:21-22, “Forimage.
even hereunto were we called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving
us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his
mouth. 1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his
1 Peter 1:16, “Because it is own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins,
written, Be ye holy; for I am should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye
holy.” were healed (set free).”
Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Colossians 2:6, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.”
1 John 2:6, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
Luke 6:40, “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his
master.”
28 I Had Been Deceived
I had been associated with various secular churches over the years and had been exposed to all
sorts of doctrinal error and worldliness. I am going to address the most widespread and grievous.
Matthew 24:4, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive
you.”
Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of false Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the
prophets, which come to you in sheep’s midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening serpents and harmless as doves.”
wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Matthew 10:16
Mark 13:6, 밊 or many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (saying they believe in
Jesus); and shall deceive many.�All things examined in the light of God’s
2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For suchWordare false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an
angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers
of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.�
Could be a minister, Sunday school teacher, church friend, or radio/TV personality. 

29 I Had Been Deceived Satan’s Lie: You can sin and not
Jesus told a parable about the wheat and the die!
tares (Matthew 13:24-30) and explained it to his
disciples (Matthew 13:37-43). “The field is the whole world; the good seed are the children of
the Kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is
the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; the reapers are the angels. – Matthew 13:38-39”
The wheat and the tares are mixed right now!
The reason its deception is because it comes from unexpected sources and fools/misleads
you. There are two types of deceivers, those that are doing it intentionally and those who are
deceived but continue to spread the deception. Both are equally guilty. Perhaps you are one.
You spot them by their fruit or message (very tricky at times). This is why you must read
and know the Word of God. Love the praise of men – John 12:42-43
The Hireling - This is someone who is really serving themselves. The ministry is their
career. They don’t want to rock the boat (politic/compromise), just keep everyone happy.
Their messages will not offend. They are concerned with attracting new members and building
structures. They answer to church boards and influential church folks. John 10:12-13.
They let the wolf get the sheep.

Things I Had Been Told – Easy Believism

30 Most churches/organizations that I have been associated with have what they refer to as the
“Sinner’s Prayer.” This is a quick little vow (not a magic formula) that one is suppose to repeat
to gain instant salvation. It is usually based upon selected scriptures from the Bible that at the
very best gives an incomplete message of what it means to identify with Christ. Often
repentance (Christ’s message) is totally left out with no obligation to change your life and live
completely for Him (Mark 1:4, 6:12, Luke 5:32, 13:3,5, Acts 2:38). The formula does not give a
complete scriptural portrayal/ message of salvation (dying to self – new creature in Christ,
genuine repentance & forsaking all sin, not conforming to the world, denying oneself for Christ,
obeying Christ’s commandments, righteous life, endurance, making God the priority of your
life, etc.). This is probably because most of the adherents do not believe these things to be
necessary for salvation, thus the worldly condition of many churches. It is just presumed that
devotion and a changed life will follow later. Scriptures are selectively picked from biblical text,
often out of context to convey a simplified message that many may recite yet have no
understanding of what is required and rarely a truly changed life. Many are willing to say the
prayer but few are willing to walk the walk (Colossians 2:6, 1 John 2:6). Biblical faith demands
and produces costly and radical changes in one's life. Its essence is supreme commitment to
Christ. New memberships or changed
31 Things I Had Been Told – Easy Believism
I understand that all must come to a decision point in our life regarding Christ (as I did). This
begins by seeking the Lord (understanding who He is – Deuteronomy 4:29); knowing your
sinful condition and need for Him (great heartfelt sorrow); and counting the costs (are you
willing to commit?, Luke 14:28-33). Crying out to God should be from the heart not a
formula. To say that we must expeditiously facilitate the process denies the individual of the
truly necessary process of seeking God and realizing their need for Him. Salvation is truly a
personal thing between the individual and God (and is the result of giving your life to Him).
This cannot be effectively pushed (pressured) to facilitate a “quick” conversion. If pastors
would teach/preach (1 Corinthians 1:21) the truth, God would convict hearts and draw men
unto Him, as He will. Many churches measure success by the number of
decisions, often creating twofold more the child of hell (Matthew 23:15)
by producing disciples that are unchanged and deceived of their
condition.
Churches should be most concerned with changed lives but this does not seem to be the
case. In the past, I led many people in the sinner’s prayer, but noticed that nothing changed
in their lives (this did cause me to examine my own life and God’s Word).

32 Is Salvation Really That Easy? A quick prayer, maybe commitment will follow.
Belief in God is so much more than mere head knowledge – ascertaining the facts about Jesus
and who he is. The devils believe in God – they’ve seen Him. They are doomed because their
actions are in rebellion (opposition) to Him. The wicked will not enter heaven.
James 3:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe,
and tremble.” Quick prayer and then permanently on the
Luke 13:23-24,narrow
“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto
path?
them, Strive to enter in at the strait (narrow) gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter
in, and shall not be able.” Why are many not able to enter? They all
Matthew 22:14, sought!
Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and
“For many are
broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go
called, but few are
in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth
chosen.”
unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Few? But I was told…..
Doctrines (teaching) of men - Matthew 15:14, “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the
blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

So What About God’s Grace?

33
Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly,
in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity
(sin), and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” 
God’s grace is the power or ability to live righteously, pure, and holy before Him. To live
according to His will for your life (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 13:20-21).
Be Righteous
John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name.” (Also 1 John 5:4-5, Revelation 12:10-11)

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
1 Thessalonians 1:5, “For the gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in
the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance;…” Grace is not given at the
of
expense
Jesus’ blood does not cover your unholy lifestyle!
holiness
34 Any doctrine of grace that takes away the fear of sinning is a false gospel. The message must
lead you to God, not away. If a doctrine enables you to sin lightly and to ask forgiveness
cheaply, without the deep sorrow and extreme hatred for sin that true repentance brings, then
you can be sure it is deception from Satan. Some Ravening wolves in
The grace that brings sheep’s salvation is not for those
clothing
wickedness
continuing in and Guard your heart!
sinfulness!
Romans 6:15-16, What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?
God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are
to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed
from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin,
ye became the servants of righteousness.” Take Heed! That no
Have you been deceived about man deceive
grace?
Jude youbefore of old ordained to this
1:4, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were
condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the
only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” They are
everywhere!

35 What 
The majority of churches today teach that we cannot defeat sin and that Christ’s precious blood
covers continued sinfulness. Of course to defeat sin one must be willing to totally submit to God
and He gives you the ability. The problem is that most are not willing to give all to Christ.
Hebrews 10:26&29, “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the
truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye,
shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the
blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite
unto the spirit of grace.” God is not mocked! - Galatians 6:7
Galatians 2:17, “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found
sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.”
Romans 6:1-2, “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?”

Jesus came to set the 1 John 3:5, “And ye know that he was
manifested to take away our sins; and in him
captives free! Luke 4:18  is no sin.”

36 A Few More Words About - Sin

Make no mistake about it, sin is what separates us from God and is why we have all the
problems we do today – including sickness and death. Sin is mankind’s fundamental problem.
Isaiah 59:2, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins
have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Let him that nameth the name of Christ depart
From iniquity (sin) – 2 Timothy 2:19
Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants
ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
Wolves keep you in bondage. God’s messengers draw you closer to
Him!
Romans 6:22-23, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your
fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God
is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Read Romans
6:9-13
Jesus told many to – “go and sin no more.” (John 5:14, 8:11). God does not instruct you to do
something that you are unable to do. Jesus makes you free – John 8:36
Romans 6:18, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
37 Do You Love Jesus?
We know God loves us because he sent his son to die for us (John 3:16). How do we show love
to God? John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my
commandments.”
John 14:21, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he
that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
1 John 2:3-5, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
Liar,
and the truth is not in him. But whosoever keepeth his word, in him verily is
theLuke
love of God perfected;
11:28, “But hehereby
said, we know
Yea we areblessed
rather, in him.” are
(Alsothey
1 John 5:2)hear
that
the word of God, and keep it.”
Hebrews 5:9, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them
that obey him;” James 1:22, “But be ye doers of the word, and
not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

38 Things I Had Been Told – Christianized Sinners?

A couple of the churches that I had been associated with believed that once one repeated the
sinner’s prayer that they were not only saved but could never lose their salvation no matter what
horrible things or prevailing attitudes they had from then on. The doctrine is called, Once Saved
Always Saved or Eternal Security. In other words you could live in sin and still be in right
standing before God (have eternal life). This doctrine is in such opposition to what the Bible
Guess
says what
that I never – he
believed did!
it. This sounds like something
It’s documented the devil
in Genesis would
3:1-4. Thecome
devilup with.
told Adam
and Eve that they could disobey God (sin – rebel) and still live. Nothing new – Ecclesiastes 1:9
1 John 3:8-9, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the
works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed
remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” The message
should draw
If you sin – you’re of the devil’. Jesus came to set you free, not
you closer to
keep you in sin. Nowhere in the Bible does God justify sin! God.

Mt 7:21-23

39 Confusion? Always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Theologians love to debate how one is saved, when one is saved, if salvation can be lost, how
much sin is too much, if you know for sure your saved, if you have fallen away can you come
back, about a gift (salvation) being free and not requiring anything, ARRRGGGG – Its all so
confusing and unnecessary. Usually people just want to know how little they can do and still
be OK, or how much compromise is allowed. They want a security without a commitment –
A Savior and not a Lord, plain and simple.
Dont Be Deceived!
If you truly love the Lord (Jesus) and He is THE focus of your life and you obey Him and keep
His commandments and cleave to Him while enduring to the end, then you will be saved – no
doubt. If you do not do this (or continue therein) then you have reason to fear and be troubled.
God’s
desire: New Testament
Deuteronomy 13:4, “Ye shall walk Mark 12:30, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy
after the Lord your God, and fear God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
Him, and keep His commandments, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this
and obey His voice, and ye shall is the first commandment.”
serve Him, and cleave unto Him.” Nothing has
We now have the ability to accomplish this
changed!
40 How About The Deceived? Living For Themselves
Luke 6:46, “And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Matthew 7:21, “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.”
They thought they were saved! Maybe they trusted in man’s doctrine
Proverb 14:12
rather than God’s truth! Seek God!
1 John 1:6, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do
not the truth:” We have to get things
Hebrews 10:38, “Now the just shallright - now!
live by faith: But if any man draw back, my soul shall
have no pleasure in him.” Read Romans
8:13
Luke 9:62, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and
looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Hell is just

41 Simplicity In Christ
2 Corinthians 11:3, “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.”

God Hates Sin All men Man could not defeat

are sin by himself
sinnersproviding the atonement
God in His great love & mercy Jesus willingly came and laid down his life thus
for our past sins; an
sent His Son (Jesus) to die for
our sins - paying the price example for us to follow (sinless life); and gave
those who would follow him (make him as Lord of
We commit ourselves to him totally – love their lives) power to overcome sin and become
the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, righteous (only through him). Luke 6:40
soul, and strength. We cleave to him - he is
our life. We serve and obey him out of love Our service to him produces fruit in our lives
(we want to – from the heart) not out of
which is a measure of whether we are
fear, for personal gain (reward) or any
abiding in him. Finally we must endure to
other reason. (Follow the Bible)
the end. Love is key!

42 A Really Good Example

John 15:1-11, “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. Now ye are clean (pruned) through the word which I have spoken
unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide
in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 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. If ye abide in me, and my words
abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father
glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so
have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in
my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things
have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Can it be any clearer than O throu Jesu
this!
The branch depends on the vine for everything
nly
Your gh s! not
in Him or your
43 Some present God as having unconditional love and accepting of bad behavior (2 Peter 2:1-6).
Of course there are conditions! – There is a lake of fire that multitudes will be cast into (it
wouldn’t exist without conditions). You must repent and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord.
You must love and follow him otherwise you are just an unrepentant rebellious sinful person –
perhaps deceived on top of that! God proved His love by sending his Son (John 3:16) and
continues to by being longsuffering toward you that you will not perish but come to
repentance (2 Peter 3:9). How will you
respond? Seek His
Keep His Commandments Kingdom!
Repen
LOVE t! Forgive
Others
Faith
Ob Trus Sin No More Be Holy
ey
44 Conclusion Seek God until God knows who are His
2 Timothy 2:19
So who am I? Just a humble servant of the Lord God Almighty. I love and care for you (Jude
1:22) so much that I am distributing this testimony to provide you with the truth in hopes of
steering you from the broad path that leads to the second death.
Perhaps you think I am Extreme? That’s OK, I’m use to that (Luke 6:22, 2 Timothy
3:12). Everything I have told you is in the Bible. I challenge you to take the time and read it for
yourself and prove me wrong! Many reading this will scoff at the things I say. Of course that is
what the religious folks did to Jesus until they killed him. The Bible says that few will be
willing to deny themselves and take up their cross and head out on the narrow path. Particularly
when they can find plentyof preachers that tell them they do not have to.

2 Timothy 4:3, “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
their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (Also Jude 1:18, 2 Timothy 3:1-7)
Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom You can never be too close
of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” to God