Have you ever heard, "GOD is for you."? Have you ever though about the meaning of that statement? Who is GOD really for?

Join us on this episode as we delve into the truth that GOD is for GOD.

11 On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain.
12 The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.
13 Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?”
14 He said, “No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?”
15 The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
(Joshua 5:11–15 NASB)

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The title of this episode comes from a quote I heard from Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church ( https://wochurch.org/ ). I was listening to one of his sermons when he mentioned how the church, in his opinion, has not done a good job of preparing us for desperation. The statement has been with me ever since.

Christianity in much of the world, more and more of it each day, is being looked down upon with hostility toward it growing. Most Christians in the world know and accept this treatment particularly because they are following in the steps of the LORD JESUS, who HIMSELF was treated with contempt and hostility. Most Christians do not have the freedoms that the western church, epically those in the United States, have and enjoy. Because they have "skin" in the game the blood of JESUS is so much more precious. Sadly that means we who live in the western church and especially the United States have become apathetic towards the idea of suffering or being desperate for the grace of GOD to sustain and carry them. We have indeed turned our backs on GOD and HIS SON JESUS.

This episode we take a hard look at being desperate to be with and in the presence of JESUS CHRIST the LORD. Are you seeking the freedom that awaits on the other side of this life with JESUS? Are you desperate to run this race following in the steps of CHRIST? Are you prepared/made a firm decision to follow CHRIST regardless of the circumstance? With all my being....you should! Are you the unbeliever desperate to flee from the wrath to come and be with and in the arms of your Great GOD and Savior JESUS? Then watch and listen to find out how.

The Scriptures that are mainly used for this episode are: John 16:33, Romans 5:1-9, 1 Peter 4:12-19, 1 Peter 5: 8-11


12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
(1 Peter 4:12–16)

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS. Amen.

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One of the most common misconceptions about being a devoted faithful follower of CHRIST JESUS the LORD is we are always full of gloom and doom...there is no joy or fun in our lives. It is either that or those who do have "fun" are having fun according to the world standards. Sadly, there are way to many "Christians" who engage in that behavior. The world simply says, "your one of us". How horrible!

The title of this episode comes from a quote made by Pastor David Gallamore of Rock Springs Baptist Church ( https://rockspringsbaptist.com/ ) Ever since I heard him say it from the pulpit that statement has been with me. Why, because it is so very true. Truly in this world we are going to be persecuted (if you desire to live godly) and have tribulation. But for those who truly follow CHRIST JESUS our eyes are on HIM and in HIM we have joy!

Indeed, there is fun in the Christian life! Want to know the secret (it shouldn't be one though)? Take time to watch (listen if your on a podcast platform). and find out.

As always, if you have questions, comments or have a topic which you would like discussed be send me a message. I cant promise we will address it, but it will be looked over and prayed over.

The main Scriptures used in this podcast are:
Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 1:4-8, 1 John 1:1-4, Ephesians 5:15-21

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We are kicking off our seventh season of "That They May All Be One" and it is an exciting time for us! This season the LORD has placed on my heart eighteen episodes covering a wide variety of topics and issues. We are also for the first time going to be doing one to two short videos each week bringing even more current content! This season is a return to the very first Scripture the LORD placed on my heart many years ago - Jeremiah 1:7, "everywhere I send you you shall go and all that I command you you shall speak." Every topic is one the LORD has placed upon my heart and I know it is important for believers and the church. Amen. Lastly, this season is special as it is the first time the LORD has granted for me to have a completely separate office devoted to CHRIST, this ministry, study and prayer. Praise be to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for entrusting this gift. I know, "To whom much is given much is required." May the LORD bless and use it for HIS glory, praise and kingdom. Amen.

The first episode comes from the gospel of Luke:
51 When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; (Luke 9:51)

The LORD JESUS had just confirmed to the disciples HE was indeed the CHRIST. But, HE was also beginning to share that the mission of the CHRIST was not to come in and overthrow the Romans, but to suffer, die and rise again. The LORD JESUS had set HIS face like flint towards Jerusalem to finish the mission the FATHER sent HIM to accomplish - salvation for the lost for all the people GOD had given HIM! JESUS knew what awaited HIM in Jerusalem and for the joy set before HIM HE pressed on. How much more should we, HIS slaves, unworthy of even being called unworthy, deny ourselves and follow HIM where HE leads!

The church has never been in more need of realignment than today. The last dying gasps of the evil one are more and more diabolical and deceitful! HIS time is short and he is full of wrath. The church, especially the western church, is in desperate need to not feel comfortable...but alarmed, repenting and urgently seeking the LORD'S face! In short, we must be like our KING JESUS following in HIS steps - resolved to finish HIS works and be with HIM where HE is and see HIM as HE is! Amen!

Scriptures used in this episode (other than those mentioned) are:

23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
25 “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
(Luke 9:23–26)


57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.”
58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”
60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim e

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Well, it is a sudden end to Season 6 of “That They May All Be One”…but for very purpose of declaring the praises of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

The main message I always want people to hear is the gospel, the very best news ever! Regardless if you are a non-believer or a believer (especially a believer) the gospel is great amazing eternal news!!!!

This last episode of season 6 I make a comparison of planning a vacation to seeking the Kingdom of GOD.

Take time to watch or listen…it could save your life!

Philippians 3:10–14 (NASB95): 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Luke 14:26–30 (NASB95): 26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
28 “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?
29 “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ “

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This discipleship episode deals with a soap box topic of mine. I hear this so much it is just plain irresponsible for a believer to act this way, especially if they claim to love the LORD JESUS.

You might think from the title I don’t like books. You would be wrong. Granted I don’t’t have as much time to devote to reading other materials. Nor do I posses the reading ability of my wife. However, there are several authors whom I have been blessed of the LORD to read and learn from.

No, what I am in reference too here is when I engage with, or I hear other believers engaging with believers or non-believers in theological topics. There is nothing wrong with thoughtful or even challenging doctrinal discussions. Indeed, we are call to be able to give an account of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3). My soap box is believers should never have to say, “well if you just read this book then you will understand.” Or if you are witnessing to someone and they ask you to go over and explain the gospel to them you tell them, “if you read this book it will explain it.” As a believer you should be able to discuss your position (especially the gospel) from the Scriptures based on your own study. Here are the three things I listen for in any encounter regardless-less if I am in the conversation or not:

1. What do you believe?
2. Why do you believe it?
3. Can you personally explain it without having to get another involved - save only the Bible?

If you are unable to answer these three questions - you have no reason to be in a theological discussion - save to learn.

***This does not mean you should not share the gospel. Even if you feel you don’t have the correct wording do not let that hinder you. Indeed, it will be the SPIRIT of GOD who gives you words and insight.***

Please do not give me your books! Just speak to me from the Scripture so I know you are one who desires to make much of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

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A couple of videos ago I did the topic of Church Membership. I looked at is it Scriptural to have membership in a local congregation based on a formal process which has at its core an individual (s) sign a document stating they adhere to the polity of that congregation and/or denomination.

What we found, by Scripture alone, is there is nowhere where a formal process is required or even necessary. Indeed, the setting up of a formal process and declaration could and often does lead to hypocrisy. I, for one, have had this occur to me several times. As an evangelist called and appointed by GOD and confirmed by the unsolicited commissioning of the local church (Pastor, deacons by prayer and laying on of hands) I have had numerous times where churches will say they will pray for me but can’t support me because I don’t belong to their denomination.

Well, the question could and should be asked, “why church then?” Why should we gather together as a “church” if membership is not a necessary issue? There are many reasons why. In this video I examine but a few. Yes - it is extremely important to gather together in a local congregation!!!!! Make no mistake, if you say you’re a follower of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and have no desire to be with other saints…there is a problem!

Join with me now as we examine why church.

A special shout out to a brother and sister in CHRIST who provided the new A/V equipment! The sound is amazing! I praise the LORD JESUS for putting in their hearts to minister to UCJ in this way! Praise the LORD JESUS!

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Sadly, I had to change my original video/podcast discipleship video to a current issue which I have no choice but to talk about.

I try to avoid the current gossip or latest, “did you hear” issues that surround pastors of the faith. I believe it unwise and unfruitful to speak on matters which you may not have all the information. However, in this situation, I have too as it involves United In Christ Jesus and its relationship with Alistair Begg and his ministry Truth For Life. If you visit the website, you will notice on the right sidebar there is Truth for Life app. Also, if you look at my recommendation page -

https://thattheymayallbeone.org/shane-recommends/

- you will notice there are only two men of GOD whom I recommend for people to listen too. Because of this affiliation I believe it necessary to share where UCJ stands and what its affiliation with Truth for Life will be.

Recently, Pastor Begg had some comments of his, from a few months ago, resurface. He was speaking on his recent book and some advice he gave to a person about attending a gay wedding. These comments immediately drew the ire of numerous Christians. Later Pastor Begg was asked if he would repent of his words. Here is an article with his reply:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/alistair-begg-im-not-ready-to-repent-over-gay-wedding-advice.html

As I was praying on how to write this up and do this video the Word of GOD which I believe has the most direct impact on this situation is the following:

Matthew 7:15–20 (NASB95): 15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

You may be wondering if I am now calling Pastor Begg a false brother. The answer is no. But, I do ask you to listen to this entire program as I will be mentioning, by name, a heretical ministry, which is on the opposite end of the spectrum of Pastor Begg or John Piper.

I will warn you of Bethel Church and all of their affiliates and the danger they pose to any believers walk with the LORD.

Next week we will return to our normal discipleship video podcast. Until then grace and peace. Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

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