This is such a hot potato in the Christian world, but I still feel a strong leading to counteract "hyper grace" or "cheap grace" Before you shut me down or zone out: I am fully behind & in agreement with the fact that we are saved by grace and not by works so that no one can boast. This subtly false doctrine of "Once Saved Always Saved" is deeply ingrained in Denominations, Bible Schools & Seminaries & individual Pastors & Christians alike to the point they shut it out for further investigation & start crying & screaming: "Heresy", "False Doctrine", "False Teacher" or worse (as I have experienced) https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/free-grace-is-not-cheap-grace But what do you do with Scriptures like these & a multitude of similar ones: Romans 11:19-22 NKJV You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. Hebrews 6:4-5 NKJV For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. It is a bit the same in you teach on demonic deliverance, Pre-Tribulation Rapture, Believe in speaking Tongues or Miracles for today, or not use the Authorised KJV Bible. You will get heckled, accused, branded & judged by Christians who are supposed to have the fruit of the Holy Spirit in them. Why do so many react angry without willing to actually read & study for yourself the facts and then come to your conclusion. For a more detailed & deeper study on this topic please see link below: https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/once-saved-always-saved 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫 𝟔:𝟗‑𝟏𝟎; 𝐆𝐚𝐥 𝟓:𝟏𝟗‑𝟐𝟏; 𝐄𝐩𝐡 𝟓:𝟓‑𝟔). Jesus Himself said that 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭 𝟕:𝟐𝟏), 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭 𝟕:𝟐𝟑). 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐰 (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭 𝟕:𝟏𝟑‑𝟏𝟒). The parable of the ten virgins shows that 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐢𝐥 — 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝, 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐟𝐮𝐥 — 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭 𝟐𝟓:𝟏‑𝟏𝟑). 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬; 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. And regarding the claim that “𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝”: 𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏:𝟏𝟑 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, “𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝, 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝” (𝐄𝐩𝐡 𝟒:𝟑𝟎). 𝐀 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬; 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐱 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 — 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧, 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐨𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐀 𝐰𝐚𝐱 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝/broken (𝐑𝐞𝐯 𝟓–𝟖). 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 (𝐉𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏:𝟏𝟎) 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 (𝐑𝐨𝐦 𝟏𝟏:𝟐𝟎‑𝟐𝟐). 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 (𝐑𝐞𝐯 𝟑:𝟓). 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞. 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 — 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥, 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 (𝐇𝐞𝐛 𝟑:𝟏𝟐; 𝐇𝐞𝐛 𝟏𝟎:𝟐𝟔‑𝟑𝟏). 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 — 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧. Little wonder the Lord gave this sobering warning to believers: “𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡?” (Luke 18:8). It echoes His earlier declaration that “𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝” the Narrow Road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13–14). 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 — 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 “𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐽𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑠” 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 — 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝? Most people have been taught: “You’re saved no matter what… grace covers everything.” But Jesus never taught that. The apostles never taught that. Scripture does not support that. What you’ve been told and what is written are not the same. SIN MUST BE OVERCOME YAHUSHA’S OWN WORDS SIN IS NOT TOLERATED Jesus did not die so people could continue in sin. He came to destroy it in you. John 5:14 “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you.” John 8:11 “Go, and sin no more.” He did NOT say..... “Go… keep sinning, I’ll cover it.” CONTINUING IN SIN..... REJECTION OF HIM Matthew 7:21–23 “Not everyone that says to me, Master… shall enter the kingdom… Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.” Key truth..... These people believed in him They did works in his name Yet he REJECTED them Why? They practiced sin (lawlessness ). SIN IS LAWLESSNESS (NOT JUST “MISTAKES”) 1 John 3:4 “Sin is the transgression of the law.” So let’s be clear.... Sin is not vague Sin is breaking Jesus’s commandments If someone teaches the law is gone, they are removing the definition of sin. HIS DEATH DOES NOT COVER WILLFUL SIN This is where most deception enters. Hebrews 10:26–27 “If we sin wilfully after receiving the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins…” Read that again carefully AFTER knowing truth CONTINUING in sin = NO covering remains That destroys the “once saved, always saved in sin” doctrine. GRACE IS NOT PERMISSION TO SIN Romans 6:1–2 “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? THE LORD FORBID.” (clarifies NO) Romans 6:16 “You are servants to whom you obey… whether of sin unto death…” Grace is.... Power to overcome sin (allotted time to overcome your sins) Not permission to stay in it TRUE BELIEVERS STOP SINNING (They seek change) 1 John 3:6 “Whoever abides in him does not continue in sin.” 1 John 3:9 “Whoever is born of Elohim does not practice sin.” This doesn’t mean perfection overnight It means you are no longer living in sin as a lifestyle, you are allowing his spirit to convict and change your habits ect... WITHOUT HOLINESS — NO ENTRY plain and simple Hebrews 12:14 “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” Revelation 22:14–15 “Blessed are those who do his commandments… Outside are sinners…” The Kingdom has a boundary... Those who overcome sin → ENTER Those who remain in sin → OUTSIDE WHY THIS TRUTH IS HIDDEN Because it removes control systems. If people believe... “I’m saved no matter what I do”.. Then.... No repentance No transformation No fear of judgment That creates powerless believers, vain worshippers and false security.... Scripture teaches... Repent Turn Overcome Walk as Jesus walked WHAT JESUS ACTUALLY CAME TO DO...... Matthew 1:21 “He will save his people FROM their Sins ” Hard Truth here..... Not.... “in their sins” But.... FROM their sins TRUTH If you continue in sin.... You are not covered You are not abiding in him You will not enter the Kingdom If you overcome sin.... You are walking in him You are transformed You inherit life... Jesus himself showed you how to walk righteously and told you to follow in his footsteps. Sin was never in his..........footsteps.... and as we grow it is removed from ours. Our footsteps change our path....from the broad road to the narrow.. “Once saved always saved. I believe in Jesus and am saved by faith alone, so it doesn’t matter how I live because I’m going to heaven no matter what I do.” That is one of the devil’s greatest lies used to lead fake Christians to hell. You cannot follow Jesus while willingly returning to the very sin He calls you to repent of. The Bible never teaches that being “saved” means you can keep living in sin while convincing yourself you still follow God. You’re deceiving yourself and following the devil. Jesus will not lead you into sin, so if you truly follow Him, you will live holy. Those saved by grace don’t continue in sin. (Romans 6:1–2) Those who know Him keep His commandments. (1 John 2:3–4) Those who claim to have fellowship with God but walk in darkness are lying. (1 John 1:6–7) Those who live in sin are of the devil. (1 John 3:8) Without holiness, you will not see God. (Hebrews 12:14) People say: “Once saved always saved.” “I can still follow Jesus while living in sin.” “Nothing can separate me from God.” But Scripture warns that some will depart from the faith. You cannot depart from a faith you were never part of or walk away from Christ if you never followed Him. These warnings are directed toward believers, not unbelievers. It warns believers about developing an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God and about their hearts being hardened and deceived by sin. It says we are partakers of Christ if we hold our confidence steadfast unto the end. God does not force anyone to stay with Him. You have free will. You can remain faithful to Christ, or you can walk away and return to sin. That’s why the Bible repeatedly warns believers not to fall away, not to be deceived by sin, and to endure to the end. A relationship with Christ is not proven by how you start. It is proven by how you finish and whether you remain faithful to Him until the end.

This is such a hot potato in the Christian world, but I still feel a strong leading to counteract "hyper grace" or "cheap grace" Before you shut me down or zone out: I am fully behind & in agreement with the fact that we are saved by grace and not by works so that no one can boast. This subtly false doctrine of "Once Saved Always Saved" is deeply ingrained in Denominations, Bible Schools & Seminaries & individual Pastors & Christians alike to the point they shut it out for further investigation & start crying & screaming: "Heresy", "False Doctrine", "False Teacher" or worse (as I have experienced) https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/the-danger-of-hyper-grace https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/free-grace-is-not-cheap-grace But what do you do with Scriptures like these & a multitude of similar ones: Romans 11:19-22 NKJV You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. Hebrews 6:4-5 NKJV For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. It is a bit the same in you teach on demonic deliverance, Pre-Tribulation Rapture, Believe in speaking Tongues or Miracles for today, or not use the Authorised KJV Bible. You will get heckled, accused, branded & judged by Christians who are supposed to have the fruit of the Holy Spirit in them. Why do so many react angry without willing to actually read & study for yourself the facts and then come to your conclusion. The teaching / message below is quite long for a blog, but for those who want to dig deeper please go ahead and be a "Berean". If it is to long or to complicated for you which I can understand then click on the links below: https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/the-danger-of-hyper-grace https://youtu.be/JCSWyl0YNy4 Most people have been taught: “You’re saved no matter what… grace covers everything.” But Jesus never taught that. The apostles never taught that. Scripture does not support that. What you’ve been told and what is written are not the same. SIN MUST BE OVERCOME YAHUSHA’S OWN WORDS SIN IS NOT TOLERATED Jesus did not die so people could continue in sin. He came to destroy it in you. John 5:14 “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you.” John 8:11 “Go, and sin no more.” He did NOT say..... “Go… keep sinning, I’ll cover it.” CONTINUING IN SIN..... REJECTION OF HIM Matthew 7:21–23 “Not everyone that says to me, Master… shall enter the kingdom… Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.” Key truth..... These people believed in him They did works in his name Yet he REJECTED them Why? They practiced sin (lawlessness ). SIN IS LAWLESSNESS (NOT JUST “MISTAKES”) 1 John 3:4 “Sin is the transgression of the law.” So let’s be clear.... Sin is not vague Sin is breaking Jesus’s commandments If someone teaches the law is gone, they are removing the definition of sin. HIS DEATH DOES NOT COVER WILLFUL SIN This is where most deception enters. Hebrews 10:26–27 “If we sin wilfully after receiving the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins…” Read that again carefully AFTER knowing truth CONTINUING in sin = NO covering remains That destroys the “once saved, always saved in sin” doctrine. GRACE IS NOT PERMISSION TO SIN Romans 6:1–2 “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? THE LORD FORBID.” (clarifies NO) Romans 6:16 “You are servants to whom you obey… whether of sin unto death…” Grace is.... Power to overcome sin (allotted time to overcome your sins) Not permission to stay in it TRUE BELIEVERS STOP SINNING (They seek change) 1 John 3:6 “Whoever abides in him does not continue in sin.” 1 John 3:9 “Whoever is born of Elohim does not practice sin.” This doesn’t mean perfection overnight It means you are no longer living in sin as a lifestyle, you are allowing his spirit to convict and change your habits ect... WITHOUT HOLINESS — NO ENTRY plain and simple Hebrews 12:14 “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” Revelation 22:14–15 “Blessed are those who do his commandments… Outside are sinners…” The Kingdom has a boundary... Those who overcome sin → ENTER Those who remain in sin → OUTSIDE WHY THIS TRUTH IS HIDDEN Because it removes control systems. If people believe... “I’m saved no matter what I do”.. Then.... No repentance No transformation No fear of judgment That creates powerless believers, vain worshippers and false security.... Scripture teaches... Repent Turn Overcome Walk as Jesus walked WHAT JESUS ACTUALLY CAME TO DO...... Matthew 1:21 “He will save his people FROM their Sins ” Hard Truth here..... Not.... “in their sins” But.... FROM their sins TRUTH If you continue in sin.... You are not covered You are not abiding in him You will not enter the Kingdom If you overcome sin.... You are walking in him You are transformed You inherit life... Jesus himself showed you how to walk righteously and told you to follow in his footsteps. Sin was never in his..........footsteps.... and as we grow it is removed from ours. Our footsteps change our path....from the broad road to the narrow.. “Once saved always saved. I believe in Jesus and am saved by faith alone, so it doesn’t matter how I live because I’m going to heaven no matter what I do.” That is one of the devil’s greatest lies used to lead fake Christians to hell. You cannot follow Jesus while willingly returning to the very sin He calls you to repent of. The Bible never teaches that being “saved” means you can keep living in sin while convincing yourself you still follow God. You’re deceiving yourself and following the devil. Jesus will not lead you into sin, so if you truly follow Him, you will live holy. Those saved by grace don’t continue in sin. (Romans 6:1–2) Those who know Him keep His commandments. (1 John 2:3–4) Those who claim to have fellowship with God but walk in darkness are lying. (1 John 1:6–7) Those who live in sin are of the devil. (1 John 3:8) Without holiness, you will not see God. (Hebrews 12:14) People say: “Once saved always saved.” “I can still follow Jesus while living in sin.” “Nothing can separate me from God.” But Scripture warns that some will depart from the faith. You cannot depart from a faith you were never part of or walk away from Christ if you never followed Him. These warnings are directed toward believers, not unbelievers. It warns believers about developing an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God and about their hearts being hardened and deceived by sin. It says we are partakers of Christ if we hold our confidence steadfast unto the end. God does not force anyone to stay with Him. You have free will. You can remain faithful to Christ, or you can walk away and return to sin. That’s why the Bible repeatedly warns believers not to fall away, not to be deceived by sin, and to endure to the end. A relationship with Christ is not proven by how you start. It is proven by how you finish and whether you remain faithful to Him until the end.

Grace Forgives Sin... It Never Authorizes It. A gospel that excuses Sin is not the Gospel of Christ. Grace lifts us from Sin; it does not leave us in it. The same Grace that pardons also transforms. "If your version of grace allows you to live comfortably in Sin, it is not Biblical Grace." "Grace is God's power to overcome Sin—not man's permission to continue in it." Titus 2:11-13 New King James Version For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/the-danger-of-hyper-grace https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/once-saved-always-saved

Jesus said something that should stop is in our tracks: “You nullify the Word of God for the sake of your tradition.” (Matthew 15:6 ) Those words were spoken to Pharisees, but I don't think the warning ended with them. Every generation has traditions. Every generation has assumptions. And sometimes we inherit teachings without ever stopping to ask, "Is this actually what Scripture says?" Many of us were taught, "The Law was nailed to the cross." Yet Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law (Torah)" (Matthew 5:17). We were told His feasts are merely "Jewish holidays," while Leviticus 23 calls them "My appointed times." We were told the "Old Testament" no longer applies, but Paul wrote that "All Scripture is inspired by God and useful" (2 Timothy 3:16). At the time, the New Testament had not even been compiled. He was speaking about the Scriptures they already had, the Law (Torah), the Prophets, and the Writings. Little by little, layer upon layer, traditions can settle over the Word. And after enough generations, people begin to assume those traditions are Scripture itself. But something beautiful is happening. All over the world, people are opening their Bibles again. They're asking questions. They're reading slowly. They're testing what they've inherited. Not with a rebellious spirit, but with a desire to know what Yehovah actually said. This isn't about trying to earn salvation. It's about loving truth enough to follow it wherever it leads. Jesus didn't come to start a new religion. He came to call people back to His Father's ways. So maybe we should all ask ourselves: Have I been reading Scripture through someone else's lens? Have I accepted things simply because I inherited them? Am I willing to let the Word correct me, even if it costs me traditions I have held for years? Sometimes returning to the ancient paths doesn't mean learning something new Sometimes it means remembering what was there all along.

When the Bible Uses the Same Word, Does It Always Mean the Same Group? One of the most common mistakes in Bible interpretation is assuming that every time the word "saints" appears, it must always refer to the Church. The Bible never tells us to make that assumption. Instead, God commands us to "rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15 The Scriptures reveal that God has people who belong to Him in different periods of history. The question is not whether they belong to Christ, but when they live, under what circumstances they serve Him, and what God's program is at that time. Let's allow Scripture—not tradition or assumptions—to identify them. FOUNDATION: LET THE BIBLE DEFINE ITS OWN TERMS A basic principle of sound Bible study is this: Never define a biblical term by assumption when Scripture defines it by context. The word "saints" simply means holy ones or people set apart unto God. It does not automatically identify the Church in every passage. For example: Israel is called holy unto the LORD (Deuteronomy 7:6). Church believers are called saints (Romans 1:7). Revelation repeatedly speaks of saints during the Tribulation (Revelation 13:7; 14:12). The identity of the saints must therefore be determined by the context, not merely by the word itself. EXAMINATION OF THE CHURCH AGE SAINTS The New Testament reveals something unique about believers in this present age. Paul writes: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body..." —1 Corinthians 12:13 Church Age believers are not merely individual followers of God. They are collectively called: the Body of Christ the Bride of Christ one new man the temple of the Holy Ghost This was not revealed in the Old Testament. Paul calls it: "The mystery...which in other ages was not made known..." —Ephesians 3:3-6 Their hope is also unique. "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds..." —1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 They are also assured: "For God has not appointed us to wrath..." —1 Thessalonians 5:9 The Church therefore has a distinct identity, calling, and hope. EXAMINATION OF THE TRIBULATION SAINTS After the Church is no longer seen on earth, Revelation introduces another group repeatedly called saints. Who are they? The Bible tells us. They come out of the Great Tribulation. "These are they which came out of great tribulation..." —Revelation 7:14 Notice that Scripture identifies where they come from. They refuse the Beast. John describes those who remain faithful during that terrible period. "...which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark..." —Revelation 20:4 This immediately places them inside the Tribulation period. They are known for endurance. The Bible says: "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." —Revelation 14:12 John is describing believers living under conditions completely different from those described in Paul's Church epistles. Many are martyred. John sees: "...the souls of them that were slain for the word of God..." —Revelation 6:9 These saints pay for their testimony with their lives. They reign with Christ. After Christ returns: "...they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." —Revelation 20:4 They share in Christ's kingdom after faithfully enduring the Tribulation. COMPARISON: SAME SAVIOUR, DIFFERENT SETTING The difference is not in the Saviour, but in the time, context, and God's revealed program. Scripture describes the Church Age saints and the Tribulation saints with different characteristics because they live in different periods of God's prophetic plan. The difference is God's revealed program in different periods. The Church is identified as the Body of Christ, formed by the baptism of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Tribulation saints are identified by Revelation as those who come out of the Great Tribulation, refuse the Beast, suffer persecution, and reign with Christ (Revelation 7:14; 20:4). The Bible gives each group its own identifying characteristics. Confusing them causes confusion throughout Bible prophecy. Keeping them in their proper context allows every passage to fit exactly where God placed it. WHY THIS MATTERS Many prophecy debates begin by assuming that every believer mentioned in Revelation must be the Church. But Revelation itself never calls these believers the Body of Christ. Instead, it repeatedly identifies them by their Tribulation experience. Likewise, Paul's letters never describe the Church as believers who must face the Beast, reject his mark, or come out of the Great Tribulation. Rather than forcing both groups into one category, let each passage speak for itself. That is exactly what 2 Timothy 2:15 commands us to do: "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." CONCLUSION The Bible presents one glorious Saviour, yet it also reveals different groups of believers within God's unfolding plan. The Church Age saints are members of Christ's Body, united by the Holy Spirit, saved by grace through faith, and looking for the blessed hope. The Tribulation saints are believers who come to faith during the Great Tribulation, remain faithful under severe persecution, refuse the mark of the beast, and reign with Christ after His return. Recognizing these distinctions does not divide God's people—it helps us understand God's Word as He has revealed it. Scripture becomes clearer when we allow the Bible to define its own terms and respect the context of each passage.

Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant sits on the Persian Gulf, inside a region that was once connected to the ancient Elamite world. Elam was located in what is now southwestern Iran. Its political centre was around Susa, in modern Khuzestan, but Elamite influence stretched farther south at different points in history, through Fars and toward the Bushehr region. Daniel places Susa directly inside Elam: “And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam.” Daniel 8:2 Bushehr was not the capital of biblical Elam, and I’m not going to pretend it was just to make the prophecy sound cleaner. It was, however, connected to the broader territory and Persian Gulf world once controlled by Elam. That makes Jeremiah 49 hard to ignore. “Thus says the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds… And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD. But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 49:35–39 Elam was famous for its archers. The bow wasn’t a decorative detail. It represented the weapon behind the nation’s strength, security and reputation. God said He would break it. Naturally, people read “the bow of Elam” and think about Iran’s modern military power, especially its missiles and nuclear program. God declared that Elam’s military strength would be broken, its people scattered and its rulers removed. Whether the weapon is a bow, a missile or something capable of levelling a city, the point remains the same.. the thing a nation believes makes it untouchable can be broken in a moment when God moves against it. Bushehr itself is also commonly misunderstood. It is a nuclear power plant, not one of Iran’s primary uranium-enrichment sites like Natanz or Fordow. Its main reactor was built with Russian assistance and is intended to generate electricity. That doesn’t make it harmless. A civilian nuclear reactor still contains radioactive fuel. It depends on cooling systems, electricity, trained operators and functioning infrastructure. A direct strike or prolonged loss of power could create a disaster that wouldn’t stop at Iran’s borders. This is where the subject becomes more serious than another dramatic prophecy headline. Jeremiah’s words had an ancient fulfilment. Elam was conquered, its military strength collapsed, its rulers disappeared and its people were scattered. Yet the prophecy doesn’t stay buried in ancient history. Jeremiah ends it by saying: “But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.” That phrase, “in the latter days,” is the reason I don’t believe we should dismiss the passage as something with no possible connection to modern Iran. There is another part of the story that rarely gets mentioned. Centuries after Jeremiah spoke judgment over Elam, Elamites were standing in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost: “Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites…” Acts 2:9 They heard the wonderful works of God proclaimed in their own language. Think about that. A people marked by judgment in Jeremiah were later among the first nations to hear the gospel preached after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God broke Elam’s bow, but He didn’t forget Elam’s people. That may be the most important part of the entire prophecy. Iran’s government can threaten Israel. Its leaders can fund terrorism, build missiles and pursue military power. God can deal with rulers and weapons whenever He chooses. The Iranian people are a different matter. There are men and women throughout Iran calling upon Jesus Christ under a government that would rather silence them. They are not the enemy. They are souls Christ died to save. Jeremiah 49 doesn’t give us permission to cheer for innocent people to be killed in a nuclear catastrophe. It reminds us that national power is temporary, human rulers are accountable and no military weapon can stand once God decides its time is over. Could Bushehr somehow become part of a future fulfilment involving Elam? It is possible. Can I prove Jeremiah was specifically describing that nuclear plant? No, and neither can anyone else. What I can say is that the ancient land of Elam is once again part of a nation whose power rests heavily upon weapons, missiles and nuclear ambition. Jeremiah said that Elam’s chief strength would be broken, its people scattered, its rulers removed and its future restored. That is enough to make us pay attention! https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-iran

ARE THESE REALLY THE SAME TRUMPET? The Bible uses the word "trumpet" in many places—but does every trumpet announce the same event? One of the easiest mistakes in Bible study is assuming that similar words always describe the same thing. If two verses mention a trumpet, many immediately conclude they must be speaking about the same trumpet. But the Bible never teaches us to build doctrine on shared vocabulary alone. Instead, God commands us to compare Scripture carefully, study every passage in its context, and rightly divide the word of truth. Before asking, "Do these verses use the same word?" we should first ask, "Do they describe the same event?" Let's allow the Bible—not assumptions—to answer. FOUNDATION — WHAT IS THE REAL QUESTION? The debate is not whether both passages mention a trumpet. They do. The real question is: Does the Bible identify the "last trump" of 1 Corinthians 15:52 as the seventh trumpet of Revelation 11? If Scripture never makes that connection, then neither should we. God's Word warns us to study carefully. 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Rightly dividing means allowing every passage to speak within its own context before combining it with another passage. WHY CONTEXT ALWAYS COMES FIRST Words by themselves do not establish doctrine. For example, Scripture mentions many different kings, baptisms, judgments, resurrections, and trumpets. The surrounding context tells us which one is being discussed. The phrase "last trump" simply means the final trumpet in the event Paul is describing. Likewise, the "seventh trumpet" is the seventh trumpet within Revelation's series of trumpet judgments. Although both passages mention a trumpet, that alone does not prove they are identical. The context must decide. BIBLICAL EVIDENCE — LET EACH PASSAGE SPEAK The Last Trump Paul writes about the resurrection of believers. 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 "Behold, I show you a mystery... In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump..." The entire chapter discusses: resurrection immortality victory over death Paul expands on the same event. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God... Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds..." Notice the emphasis. The Lord Himself descends. The dead in Christ rise. Living believers are caught up. Paul ends by saying, 1 Thessalonians 4:18 "Comfort one another with these words." The purpose is comfort and hope for believers. The Seventh Trumpet Now compare Revelation. Revelation 11:15 "And the seventh angel sounded..." Immediately the passage speaks about God's kingdom. A few verses later Scripture says, Revelation 11:18 "And the nations were angry, and your wrath has come..." The context is completely different. It focuses on: God's kingdom judgment wrath rewarding God's servants destroying His enemies Instead of comforting believers, it announces divine judgment upon the earth. COMPARISON — WHAT DOES THE BIBLE ACTUALLY SAY? LAST TRUMP OF GOD 1 Corinthians 15:52 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 Called the trump of God The Lord Himself descends Dead believers are raised Living believers are caught up Ends with comfort for the saints SEVENTH TRUMPET Revelation 11:15–18 Sounded by the seventh angel Announces God's kingdom Declares His wrath Introduces judgment Occurs within Revelation's trumpet judgments Notice what Scripture does not say. It never states: "The last trump is the seventh trumpet." "The trump of God is the trumpet of the seventh angel." "These are the same event." Those conclusions must be assumed—they are not explicitly stated in the text. CONCLUSION — WHAT SHOULD WE CONCLUDE? The comparison teaches an important principle of Bible interpretation. Similarity of language does not automatically mean identity of events. When two passages describe different settings, different purposes, different participants, and different outcomes, we should be cautious about combining them simply because they share one word. The safest approach is to let each passage speak for itself before drawing conclusions. That is exactly what it means to rightly divide the Word of Truth. APPLICATION — WHY THIS MATTERS This study is about more than prophecy. It teaches us how to study the Bible. Many doctrinal errors begin when verses are connected by assumption instead of context. Every believer should develop the habit of asking: What does the passage actually say? Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What is happening in the context? God's truth becomes clearer when Scripture is allowed to interpret Scripture instead of our assumptions interpreting Scripture. The trumpet for snatching the saints from the earth is not the same as the last trumpet Those who hold to a mid-tribulation rapture teach that the seventh trumpet of Revelation 11:15 and the last trumpet of 1 Corinthians 15:52 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16 are identical. Those who teach a pretribulation rapture identify them as separate events. What difference does it make, and how can we know the truth? In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is writing to believers concerning the transition from this life to eternal life. Our mortal bodies will be transformed into immortal, incorruptible bodies, prepared for the eternal kingdom of God. Verse 52 says, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Paul addresses the same subject to the Thessalonians, and specifically connects it with the rapture of the church. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). There is no question that God has revealed these things to us and that He intends for us to be encouraged and instructed by them. The question is whether these trumpets are the same. If they are the same, then the rapture of the church happens in the middle of the tribulation period, and saints need to be prepared to endure those trials. If they are not the same, then we need to know when the last trump will sound, so that we can be prepared for it. In order to find out whether they are the same, we can compare the events they are associated with. Events 1 Corinthians 15 1 Thessalonians 4 Revelation 11 Trumpet sound v. 52 v. 16 v. 15 Dead saints raised v. 52 v. 16 Living saints changed v. 52 v. 17 Death overcome by victory v. 54 v. 14 Jesus descends from Heaven v. 16 Not until Rev 19:11 Kingdoms of the world taken over by Christ v. 15 Wrath of God on dead v. 18 Rewards given to saints v. 18 Intended result v. 57-58 – thanks, victory, faithfulness until then v. 18 – comfort now, presence with Christ then v. 14,17 – woe on earth, thanks in Heaven It is clear that the first two passages (Corinthians and Thessalonians) fit together, but the third doesn’t appear to have any correlation in either the events described or the intended results. The argument connecting them has to depend on the meaning of the word last in 1 Corinthians 15:52. The Greek word eschatos can mean either “last in point of time” or “last in point of sequence.” This trumpet sounds before the wrath of God descends, yet Revelation 6:17 speaks of the wrath of the Lamb as having come, and the seventh trumpet doesn’t sound until Revelation 11:15. The trumpet of 1 Thessalonians is given in a moment, whereas Revelation 10:7 indicates that the seventh trumpet will be sounded for a number of days. Even though the seventh trumpet is the last one described in Revelation, Matthew 24:31 indicates there is yet another trumpet which will sound “after the tribulation of those days,” when Christ returns to the earth, which parallels with Revelation 19. In summary: 1- Both 1 Thessalonians & 1 Corinthians were written long before Revelation, so Paul could not have referred to the last trumpet in Revelation 11 2- Paul’s writing was distinctly in reference to the church and the closing of the church age at the rapture (which can also be translated as “carrying off or snatching away”) 3- The trumpet in Thessalonians & Corinthians sounds before the wrath of God descends, yet Revelation 6:17 speaks of the wrath of the Lamb as having come already 4- The trumpet in Thessalonians & Corinthians is given in a moment, but in Revelation 10:7 the 7th trumpet seems to last for days 5- Even though the 7th trumpet is the last one described in Revelation, Matthew 24:29 indicates there is yet another which will sound “after the tribulation of those days”, when Christ returns to the earth, which paralles with Revelation 19 6- The trumpet that summons the church is called “The Trumpet of God”, but in revelation are angelic trumpets 7- Numbers 10 instructs that there are different kind of trumpet blasts, indicating different signals for different groups & tribes, so in regards to the rapture & end-times 8- Five differences in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 1- For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven 2- With a shout 3- With the voice of the archangel 4- And with the trumpet of God 5- And the dead in Christ will rise first

A GROUP OF leading Australian clergy, including Archbishop Julian Porteous and Bishop Glenn Davies, have written and affirmed a new Christian creed to clarify and emphasise the unchanging Christian belief in sexual integrity. There are currently more than 20 different “pride flags“, promoting radical political agendas and fringe sexual philosophies such as “LGBT”, “transgender”, “drag feather” and “genderflux”. The new website to explain and promote The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity explains the symbolism of its flag: Flags are powerful symbols of unity, visibility and common conviction. The cross of Christ, being the most recognisable Christian symbol on the planet, serves in this logo both to clearly differentiate male and female, and to unite them. It is from His cross that Christ reaches out in love to a diverse world in need of redemption. The blue and red closest to the cross follow the colours of the Australian national flag. We encourage churches, Christian schools, Bible colleges, ministries, mission organisations and other Christian groups who affirm the creed to display its logo on their websites as a clear statement of their fidelity to biblical truth. Creeds have been necessary since the early Centuries after Christ founded this global movement to clarify and affirm long held doctrines of the Church. They are deemed necessary after false teaching and heresies develop, taking some Christians away from orthodox doctrine. The signatories to The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity have identified heresies abounding in the area of human sexuality which need correcting. As a modern creed, Christians from many denominations and religious groups were involved in its development. This creed affirms the timeless teachings of the Church regarding sexual integrity, and that articulates God’s glorious design for sex and marriage as revealed in Holy Scripture. In the 2020s have seen an avalanche of lawfare and political activism against Christian preachers and institutions, deliberately designed to silence and censor traditional Christian beliefs, particularly in the area of sexuality. The drafters of The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity hope that it can be used to help legally protect Christian congregations, educational institutions, ministries, mission organisations as well as individuals from vexatious litigation and legislation intended to restrict the teaching and exercise of Christian beliefs. They additionally explain their vision for the Creed to serve as a clear means for Christian organisations to publicly demonstrate their support for authentic virtue by posting the Creed’s logo on their website, as this publication now does in its footer on every page The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity and its logo have been created for free use by Christians from every nation under Creative Commons licence.

2 Peter 2:4-7 New King James Version For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to [a]hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked The passage builds a case using a series of three historical examples to prove that both ungodly behaviour and rebellion will face divine judgment, while the righteous will be delivered: The Rebel Angels: God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them into dark chains of judgment. The Ancient World: God did not spare the ungodly pre-flood civilization, but brought a flood that wiped them out while protecting Noah (a "preacher of righteousness") and seven others. Sodom and Gomorrah: God reduced these deeply corrupt cities to ashes, but rescued righteous Lot. All our posts combined in one regarding the deception that seems to overtake the West & even churches: https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/australia-just-crossed-a-terrifying-line https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/4352a6bd https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/faith-family-and-freedom-in-the-age-of-collapse https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/the-apostacy-of-liberal-western-christianity https://www.harvestministriesnz.com/post/australia-this-hate-bill-can-end-free-speech

Vance Havner was an American Southern Baptist minister, evangelist, and author. Over a ministry career spanning more than seven decades, he became widely recognized for his concise preaching style, commitment to biblical authority, and focus on revivalism. Not every threat to the Church arrives with hostility and persecution. Some come quietly, clothed in familiarity, carrying just enough truth to avoid suspicion while slowly dulling conviction, weakening discernment, and shifting hearts away from Christ. The enemy's most effective work is often done not by attacking the gospel from outside, but by subtly diluting it from within. This is why believers must remain rooted in Scripture, humble before God, and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The answer is not suspicion of one another, but vigilance over our own hearts. Let us hold fast to the truth, love holiness, and ensure that what grows among us bears the unmistakable fruit of Christ. 📖 “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." - Matthew 7:15 "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard!" - Acts 20:29-31 "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 Not every danger announces itself. Not every lie sounds outrageous. Not every deception wears a frightening face. From the very beginning, Satan has worked through counterfeits, not obvious contradictions. He doesn't always attack the truth head-on—he mixes error with truth until people can no longer tell the difference. That is why deception is so dangerous. It often appears harmless, reasonable, and even religious. The Bible's Warning Jesus taught that while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat (Matthew 13:25). The enemy didn't burn the field or uproot the crop. He planted something that looked similar, hoping it would remain unnoticed until it had done its damage. That same strategy is still at work today. The devil doesn't need everyone to reject God's Word. He only needs people to accept just enough error to distort the truth. The Bible warns us that false prophets come "in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Their appearance may seem harmless, but their teaching produces destruction rather than life. Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Truth Mixed With Error Is Still Error A counterfeit only succeeds because it resembles the genuine. That is why believers are repeatedly commanded to test what they hear against the Scriptures rather than accepting every message simply because it sounds convincing. Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." God never asks us to follow personalities, popularity, or persuasive speech. He calls us to measure everything by His Word. The Difference Is Revealed by the Fruit Jesus said a tree is known by its fruit. False teaching may attract crowds, stir emotions, and promise what people want to hear, but it cannot produce the fruit of God's truth. Matthew 7:20 "By their fruits you shall know them." Discernment is not about being suspicious of everyone. It is about loving God's truth enough to recognize what does not agree with it. A Message to the Lost The greatest deception is believing that being religious is enough to be right with God. The Bible declares that salvation is not found in ceremonies, good works, or human effort. It is found in one Person—the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 If you have never believed the gospel, don't trust in religion or your own goodness. Trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone. God offers eternal life as a free gift to all who believe His Son. The enemy seeks to blur the truth, but God's Word speaks with perfect clarity. Don't follow what merely looks right—follow what God has revealed in His Word.

"Heaven is not merely a destination; it is the fulfilment of God's promises." For many believers, heaven is a place we talk about but rarely take time to study. The Bible gives us beautiful glimpses of what awaits those who belong to Christ. Heaven is not an imaginary place—it is a real kingdom prepared by God, filled with His glory, His presence, and His promises. Let us take a journey through some of the things the Bible says are found in heaven. 1. The Throne of God The centre of heaven is not a building, a street, or even an angel. It is the Throne of God. John saw God's throne surrounded by worship, majesty, and glory. Revelation 4:2 The throne reminds us that God is still sovereign. No matter how chaotic the earth becomes, heaven is not in panic. God remains seated on the throne. Lesson: God is still in control. --- 2. Angels Heaven is filled with countless angels who worship God and carry out His assignments. Some serve as messengers, others as warriors, and all exist to glorify God. Hebrews 12:22 The angels continually declare: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty." Lesson: Worship never stops in heaven. --- 3. The Tree of Life The Tree of Life first appeared in Eden but was lost after humanity's fall. In heaven, it appears again. Revelation 22:2 Its leaves bring healing, and it bears fruit continually. What Adam lost, Christ restored. Lesson: Heaven is the restoration of everything sin destroyed. --- 4. The River of Life A crystal-clear river flows from God's throne. Revelation 22:1 Unlike earthly rivers that can dry up, this river flows eternally. It symbolizes God's everlasting life, joy, and satisfaction. Lesson: In heaven there is no spiritual drought. --- 5. Crowns The Bible speaks of rewards prepared for faithful believers. Crowns are given for faithfulness, perseverance, righteousness, and service. 2 Timothy 4:8 James 1:12 These crowns are not for boasting but for laying at Jesus' feet in worship. Lesson: God never forgets faithful service. --- 6. Golden Streets John describes heaven as having streets of pure gold. Revelation 21:21 What people spend their lives chasing on earth becomes pavement in heaven. The value of heaven cannot be measured by earthly wealth. Lesson: Eternal treasures are greater than earthly riches. --- 7. The Book of Life One of the most important books in existence is found in heaven. Revelation 20:12 Those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life belong to Christ and will inherit eternal life. The greatest question is not how much wealth we have accumulated, but whether our names are written in that book. Lesson: Salvation is heaven's most important qualification. --- 8. The New Jerusalem The Bible describes a glorious heavenly city prepared by God. Revelation 21:2 It shines with the glory of God and is unlike anything the world has ever seen. There is no corruption, crime, suffering, or darkness there. Lesson: God is preparing an eternal home for His people. --- 9. The Lamb The greatest treasure in heaven is Jesus Himself. Throughout Revelation, He is called the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 5:12 Every redeemed person and every angel worships Him because He purchased salvation with His blood. Lesson: Heaven is glorious because Jesus is there. --- 10. The Glory of God The glory of God illuminates heaven. There is no need for the sun or moon. Revelation 21:23 God Himself becomes the light of that eternal city. No darkness. No fear. No sorrow. No death. Only the eternal presence of God. Lesson: The greatest reward of heaven is not what we receive—it is who we will be with. --- Final Reflection Heaven is a place where tears are wiped away, death is defeated, worship never ends, and God's presence fills everything. The streets may be golden. The city may be glorious. The angels may be countless. But the greatest joy of heaven will be seeing Jesus face to face. Punchline: Heaven is not merely a destination; it is the fulfilment of God's promises. "And so shall we ever be with the Lord." — 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Enoch – Walked with God and was taken into heaven without seeing death (Genesis 5:24) Jacob – Saw a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:12) Moses – Witnessed God's glory on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24) Isaiah – Saw the Lord seated on His throne, high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1-8) Ezekiel – Saw visions of God's throne and heavenly glory (Ezekiel 1) Daniel – Saw the Ancient of Days and heavenly judgment (Daniel 7) Stephen – Saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at God's right hand (Acts 7:55-56) Paul – Was caught up to the third heaven and heard inexpressible things (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) John the Baptist– Saw heaven opened and received the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 4-22) The Apostle John – Saw the New Jerusalem, the Tree of Life, and the throne of God (Revelation 21-22) Throughout the Bible, God occasionally pulled back the curtain between earth and eternity, allowing certain individuals to glimpse heaven. These encounters remind us that heaven is not merely a concept—it is a real place where God's glory dwells. 1. Enoch Saw Heaven Through Fellowship Enoch's secret was simple: he walked with God. His relationship with God became so intimate that he was taken into God's presence without experiencing death. 2. Jacob Saw Heaven During a Difficult Season While fleeing from home, Jacob dreamed of a ladder connecting earth and heaven. God was showing him that even in uncertainty, heaven remained connected to his journey. 3. Isaiah Saw Heaven and His Own Need When Isaiah saw the Lord seated on His throne, he became aware of his own sinfulness. Every true vision of God's glory produces humility. 4. Ezekiel Saw Heaven in Exile Though far from Jerusalem, Ezekiel learned that God's presence is not limited by geography. Heaven can speak even in the darkest circumstances. 5. Daniel Saw Heaven's Throne Room Daniel's vision revealed that earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but God's kingdom remains forever. 6. Stephen Saw Heaven While Dying As stones fell around him, heaven opened. Instead of seeing defeat, Stephen saw Jesus standing to welcome him home. 7. Paul Saw Heaven and Was Changed Paul's heavenly encounter was so extraordinary that he could scarcely describe it. Yet God used it to deepen his dependence on grace. 8. John Saw Heaven's Final Victory Through Revelation, John saw the throne of God, multitudes worshiping, the defeat of evil, and the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. What Is the Lesson? Those who saw heaven came from different backgrounds—shepherds, prophets, apostles, exiles, and martyrs. Yet they all discovered the same truth: God reigns. Heaven is real. And eternity is greater than our present circumstances. The Bible does not reveal heaven merely to satisfy curiosity but to inspire hope, faith, and perseverance. Punchline: Those who saw heaven returned with one message: God's glory is greater than earth's troubles, and His promises are worth waiting for. Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Answering Those with a Flippant Attitude Toward Hell “I don’t mind going to hell. All my friends will be there.” Is hell for real? Obviously, those who flippantly say such things don’t believe in the biblical concept of hell. Their understanding of the nature of God is erroneous. The slow-witted criminal thinks that the electric chair is a place to put up his feet for a while and relax. It may be wise therefore to speak with him for a few moments about the reasonableness of a place called hell. Reason with him by saying, “If a judge turns a blind eye to the unlawful dealings of the Mafia, if he sees their murderous acts and deliberately turns the other way, is he a good or bad judge? He is obviously corrupt, and should be brought to justice himself. If he is a good judge, he will do everything within his power to bring those murderers to justice. He should make sure that they are justly punished. “Sinners like to picture hell as a fun, hedonistic, pleasure-filled place where they can relish in all the sensual sins that the Bible forbids. But Jesus said that it is a place of torment, where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched (Mark 9:43,44).” “If Almighty God sees a man rape and strangle to death your sister or mother, do you think He should look the other way, or bring that murderer to justice? If He looks the other way, He’s corrupt and should be brought to justice Himself. It makes sense then, that if God is good, He will do everything in His power to ensure justice is done. The Bible tells us that He will punish murderers, and the place of punishment—the prison God will send them to—is a place called hell. “God should punish murderers and rapists. However, God is so good, he will also punish thieves, liars, adulterers, fornicators, and blasphemers. He will even punish those who desired to murder and rape but never took the opportunity. He warns that if we hate someone, we commit murder in our hearts. If we lust, we commit adultery in the heart, etc.” Then take the time to tell him of the reality of hell. Sinners like to picture hell as a fun, hedonistic, pleasure-filled place where they can relish in all the sensual sins that the Bible forbids. But Jesus said that it is a place of torment, where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched (Mark 9:43,44). We tend to forget what pain is like when we don’t have it. Can you begin to imagine how terrible it would be to be in agony, with no hope of relief? Many human beings go insane if they are simply isolated for a long time from other people. Imagine how terrible it would be if God simply withdrew all the things we hold so dear—friendship, love, colour, light, peace, joy, laughter, and security. Hell isn’t just a place with an absence of God’s blessings, it is punishment for sin. It is literal torment, forever. That’s why the Bible warns that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31). God has given His Law to convince men of their sins, and unless a sinner is convinced that he has sinned against God, he won’t see that hell is his eternal destiny. He may consider it a fit place for others, but not for himself. That’s why we mustn’t hesitate to open up the Law and show that each individual is personally responsible for sin, and that God’s wrath abides on him because of it (John 3:36). Ask him to consider why you would say such a thing to him if it wasn’t true. Tell him to examine your motives. You are so concerned for his eternal welfare that you are prepared to risk offending him. Then ask him if he would sell an eye for a million dollars. Would he sell both for ten million? No one in his right mind would. Our eyes are precious to us. How much more then is our eternal soul worth? The Bible speaks clearly about Hell, not to satisfy curiosity, but to warn humanity about the seriousness of sin and the importance of salvation. Many people focus on Heaven, yet Jesus Himself spoke repeatedly about Hell because He wanted people to understand the consequences of rejecting God's grace. 1. Hell Contains Fire Throughout Scripture, fire symbolizes judgment. Jesus described Hell as a furnace of fire where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. 2. Hell Contains Darkness It is a place of separation from God's light, truth, and goodness. The outer darkness represents complete alienation from God's presence. 3. Hell Contains Torment In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man experienced torment and recognized the seriousness of his eternal condition. 4. Hell Contains Regret One of the most painful realities of Hell is remembrance. The rich man remembered his life, his choices, and the opportunities he had ignored. 5. Hell Contains Separation from God The greatest tragedy is not the fire or darkness but being eternally separated from the presence of the Lord. 6. Hell Was Prepared for the Devil and His Angels God never intended humanity to spend eternity there. Hell was prepared for Satan and his angels, but those who reject God's salvation choose that separation. 7. Hell Reminds Us of the Value of Salvation Every warning about Hell points us toward the cross. God's desire is not condemnation but redemption. What Is the Lesson? The doctrine of Hell reminds us that our choices have eternal consequences. God is both loving and just. Because He loves us, He warns us. Because He is just, He will judge sin. The good news is that Jesus Christ came to save sinners and offer eternal life to all who believe in Him. Punchline: The reality of Hell magnifies the greatness of God's salvation. The same God who warns about judgment has provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."