The Bible Believers Sunday Service

THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: The Last Adam

Published

8 minutes ago

September 6, 2026

Geoffrey Grider

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The First Adam Brought Sin And Death, But The Last Adam Jesus Christ Came From Heaven To Save Every Lost Sinner Who Believes The Gospel

There is perhaps no more chilling indictment of modern Christianity than watching pastors, worship leaders, theologians and Christian entertainers spend decades preaching about Jesus Christ, singing His name and building careers upon His church, only to eventually announce that they no longer believe the Bible, no longer believe in God and no longer consider themselves Christians. Former Pentecostal pastor Timmy Gibson is merely the latest name added to a rapidly growing procession that includes Joshua Harris, Jon Steingard, George Perdikis, Bart Campolo, Audrey Assad and others who once stood before crowds as representatives of the faith they now renounce. But their departures do not diminish Jesus Christ or disprove the word of God—they expose the terrifying difference between religious profession and biblical salvation. A huge difference as you’ll soon see.

“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:45 (KJB)

You can preach Jesus without knowing Him, sing about the cross without trusting it, build a church without being born again and spend an entire lifetime inside Christianity without ever coming to Christ as a guilty sinner in need of a Saviour. The first Adam made us sinners and brought death upon the human race, but the last Adam—the Lord from Heaven—came to save sinners through His shed blood, death, burial and resurrection. If you came to Jesus for healing, happiness, success, acceptance or religious experience, but never came as a lost sinner trusting His finished work, then you came for the wrong reason. On this Sunday Service, we clear away the clutter and present you Jesus, high and lifted up.

The Bible Believers Sunday Service: The Last Adam

The Last Adam, Or The Supremacy of Jesus Christ Over Sin, Death, Religion and the Ruin of Adam

Main Text

“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” 1 Corinthians 15:45–49 (KJB)

Central Truth

Every person is born naturally in Adam, under sin and sentenced to death. The sinner who believes the gospel is spiritually placed in Jesus Christ, receiving righteousness, eternal life and the promise of a glorified body. This is why you must be born again, your first birth is no good.

“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.” John 3:3 (KJB)

The first Adam brought the human race down into death. The last Adam raises believing sinners into everlasting life. Jesus Christ is not one religious option among many—He is God’s final, complete and exclusive answer to everything Adam destroyed.

I. The First Adam Was the Beginning of the Natural Creation

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7 (KJB)

Adam was created:

Directly by God.
In the image of God.
Without sin.
With dominion over the earth.
With the ability and responsibility to obey God.
As the representative head of the human race.

Adam was not born into the world; he was created by God. Every other naturally conceived human being descends from him and consequently bears his fallen image.

“And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:” Genesis 5:3 (KJB)

Adam was originally created in God’s image, but after the fall he produced children in his own fallen likeness. Humanity inherited more than Adam’s physical characteristics; it inherited his sinful nature and sentence of death.

Application

Our fundamental problem is not our environment, education, economic condition or lack of self-esteem. Our problem is that we are members of Adam’s fallen race.

II. The First Adam Brought Sin and Death Into the World

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12 (KJB)

Adam’s disobedience brought:

Sin into the world.
Death upon mankind.
Condemnation before God.
Separation from God.
Corruption into creation.
A sinful nature upon Adam’s descendants.

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:19 (KJB)

We do not become sinners merely when we commit our first sinful act. We commit sinful acts because we were born with a sinful nature inherited through Adam.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23 (KJB)

Application

Education may refine Adam’s descendants. Religion may restrain them. Government may regulate them. Psychology may analyze them. But none of these things can remove a sinner from Adam and place him into Christ.

The sinner does not need renovation—he needs regeneration.

III. Jesus Christ Is the Second Man and the Last Adam

“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” 1 Corinthians 15:45-48 (KJB)

Jesus is called:

The second man because He is the beginning of a new humanity.
The last Adam because there will never be another representative head or another divine plan of salvation.

There was a first Adam, but there will never be a third Adam. Jesus Christ is God’s last, complete and eternal answer.

The contrast between the two Adams

The First Man Adam	The Last Adam Jesus
Came from the earth	Is the Lord from Heaven
Became a living soul	Became a quickening Spirit
Was tested in a garden	Submitted to God in a garden
Disobeyed concerning a tree	Obeyed unto death upon a tree
Brought sin	Bore our sins
Brought condemnation	Provides justification
Brought death	Gives eternal life
Produced a fallen race	Creates one new man
Returned to the dust	Rose bodily from the dead
Bears the earthly image	Gives believers the heavenly image

Jesus Christ did not come merely to repair Adam’s old creation. He came to become the Head of an entirely new creation.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJB)

IV. The Supremacy of the Last Adam Is Revealed in His Obedience

Adam was given one prohibition and disobeyed. Jesus Christ faced every temptation and remained completely obedient to His Father.

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:19 (KJB)

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8 (KJB)

Adam’s disobedience was counted against his race. Christ’s perfect obedience and finished sacrifice are counted for those who believe. We are not saved through our obedience to God. We are saved through faith in what Jesus Christ accomplished through His obedience.

Religion says, ‘Obey so that God may accept you.’

The gospel says, ‘Believe on the One whose obedience has satisfied God completely.’

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-7 (KJB)

V. The Last Adam Defeated What the First Adam Released

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21–22 (KJB)

Adam brought death, but Christ conquered death through His resurrection.

“Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.” Romans 6:9 (KJB)

Jesus Christ is supreme because:

His blood satisfies God’s judgment against sin.
His cross defeated the power of sin.
His burial demonstrates that He truly died.
His resurrection conquered death.
His righteousness justifies the believer.
His Spirit seals the believer.
His life guarantees our future resurrection.

Application

Christianity does not rest upon religious feelings, alleged healings, visions, tongues or supernatural experiences. It rests upon the historical death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. If every feeling disappears and every circumstance turns against us, the empty tomb remains empty.

VI. A Sinner Must Change His Position, Not Merely His Behavior

Every person occupies one of two spiritual positions:

In Adam: condemned, spiritually dead and awaiting judgment.
In Christ: justified, spiritually alive and possessing eternal life.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (KJB)

A person is not placed into Christ by:

Being raised in church.
Attending Bible college.
Becoming a pastor.
Building a congregation.
Preaching sermons.
Baptizing converts.
Performing supposed healings.
Speaking in tongues.
Feeding the poor.
Living a respectable life.

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJB)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJB)

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:7 (KJB)

A minister can spend decades talking about Jesus without ever trusting Jesus Christ’s finished work as the payment for his own sins. Religious activity can give a person a reputation, an audience and a career. It cannot give him eternal life.

VII. The Only Saving Message Is the Gospel of Christ

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJB)

A sinner must understand:

I have sinned against a holy God.
My sin has earned death and judgment.
I cannot save myself through religion or good works.
Jesus Christ died as the payment for my sins.
He was buried and rose bodily from the dead.
God will save me when I place my faith in Jesus Christ alone.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJB)

Application

A person may originally enter a church because he is lonely, sick, frightened or searching for answers. But unless he eventually recognizes himself as a guilty sinner and trusts Christ’s finished work, he has not believed the saving gospel.

Jesus did not die merely to improve Adam’s children. He died to save them and place them into Himself.

**VIII. When People Come to Jesus for the Wrong Reason**

Many people are invited to “come to Jesus” because He supposedly will:

Heal their bodies.
Restore their relationships.
Guarantee success.
Fulfill their dreams.
Give them an emotional experience.
Solve all their earthly problems.
Make them prosperous and happy.

But those things are not the gospel. Jesus confronted people who followed Him for material benefits rather than because they believed who He was.

“Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” John 6:26 (KJB)

When the expected healing does not come, the emotional experience fades or life becomes painful, a false convert may conclude that Christianity has failed him. In reality, he may never have trusted the gospel at all. He came for benefits from Jesus without first coming to Jesus as a sinner needing a Saviour.

Teaching Statement

If you came to Jesus only to obtain a better life, but never trusted His shed blood as the payment for your sins, you came for the wrong reason.

IX. Timmy Gibson and the Tragedy of an Empty Pulpit

Timmy Gibson reportedly spent approximately thirty years teaching and preaching, including seventeen years leading a church he founded. He now says he no longer believes the Bible or Christianity and publicly identifies as an atheist. Freedom From Religion Foundation

His story should not cause us to question the supremacy of Christ. It should cause us to question what passes for conversion and ministry inside modern Christianity.

Gibson’s background emphasized supposed healings, tongues, spiritual experiences and personal transformation. But none of those things proves that a person ever trusted Christ’s death, burial and resurrection as the payment for his sins.

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16 (KJB)

An important rightly divided distinction

We cannot infallibly see Gibson’s heart or declare from his present atheism alone that he was never saved. Biblically, there are two possible conditions:

A lost religious professor: He preached about Jesus but never personally trusted the gospel.
A saved but ruined workman: He once trusted Christ but later abandoned sound doctrine, shipwrecked his testimony and became disqualified for Christian service.

Salvation and service are not identical. A saved man can destroy his ministry, lose his reward and become a castaway without becoming spiritually unborn.

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJB)

Here “castaway” concerns being rejected or disapproved for service and reward—not losing eternal salvation.

“If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 (KJB)

Application

Never place your confidence in a preacher’s personality, longevity, church size, education or supernatural claims. Preachers can fall, institutions can collapse and religious experiences can be exposed as counterfeit. Jesus Christ remains exactly who the Bible declares Him to be.

“Let God be true, but every man a liar.” Romans 3:4 (KJB)

X. The Last Adam Must Have the Preeminence

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18 (KJB)

Jesus Christ is supreme over:

Adam and the entire human race.
Sin and condemnation.
Satan and spiritual wickedness.
Religion and human philosophy.
Every preacher and religious institution.
Death and the grave.
Heaven and earth.
The present creation and the world to come.

A fallen preacher cannot diminish Christ. An atheist cannot dethrone Him. A skeptic cannot disprove Him. A false church cannot replace Him. The last Adam has conquered death and will reign until every enemy is beneath His feet.

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” Philippians 2:9 (KJB)

Closing Challenge

The final question is not:

Were you raised in church?
Were you baptized?
Did you have an emotional experience?
Did you speak in tongues?
Did you once answer an altar call?
Did you become a preacher?
Did people believe that God was using you?

The question is:

Have you, as a guilty and helpless sinner, placed your faith in the shed blood, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the complete payment for your sins? The first Adam cannot save you. Religion cannot save you. A pastor cannot save you. Your experiences cannot save you. Your good works cannot save you. Only the last Adam can take a condemned child of Adam and make him a redeemed, justified and eternally secure member of the body of Christ.

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 (KJB)

The first Adam brought us into the grave. The last Adam came out of the grave—and everyone who trusts Him will come out as well.

Pastors, Evangelists and Christian Teachers

Person	Former Christian Platform	Public Renunciation
Timmy Gibson	Pentecostal/Evangelical preacher for approximately 30 years; founded and led a church for 17 years	Now identifies as an atheist and says he reached the point where he no longer believed anything he had been preaching from the Bible. Source
Joshua Harris	Bestselling author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye and former senior pastor of Covenant Life Church	Announced in 2019: “By all the measurements that I have for defining a Christian, I am not a Christian.” He described it biblically as “falling away.” Source
Bart Campolo	Evangelical preacher, author, founder of Mission Year and son of prominent evangelist Tony Campolo	Stopped believing in God and became a secular humanist, later serving as a humanist chaplain. Background
Dan Barker	Ordained minister, missionary, evangelist and writer of Christian songs and musicals	Publicly left Christianity in 1983 and became a leading atheist activist and co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Biography
Jerry DeWitt	Pentecostal evangelist and pastor of two Louisiana churches	Publicly acknowledged his atheism in 2011 and subsequently became an atheist speaker and author. Interview
Teresa MacBain	Southern Baptist background and United Methodist pastor	Announced from the stage of an American Atheists convention in 2012 that she was an atheist while still technically serving as a pastor. NPR profile
Ryan Bell	Seventh-day Adventist pastor and seminary instructor	Conducted a public “year without God” and concluded that he did not believe God existed. NPR interview
Paul Maxwell	Theologian with a Ph.D., author and former contributor to John Piper’s Desiring God ministry	Announced in 2021, “I’m just not a Christian anymore,” saying that leaving Christianity felt good and that he was happy. Source
Mike Aus	Lutheran pastor and church planter in Texas	Publicly declared himself an atheist, left Christianity and founded Houston Oasis as a secular alternative to church. Houston Chronicle
Charles Templeton	International evangelist, contemporary and close associate of Billy Graham	Rejected biblical authority, left evangelism and ultimately identified as an agnostic. His divergence from Billy Graham became one of the most famous apostasies of the twentieth century. Historical account
Gretta Vosper	Ordained United Church of Canada minister and author	Publicly identified as an atheist or “post-theist” while controversially continuing to lead a congregation. Profile

Christian Music Figures

Person	Former Christian Platform	Public Renunciation
Jon Steingard	Lead singer and songwriter for the Christian rock band Hawk Nelson	Announced in 2020 that he no longer believed in God after years of privately doubting the message he was publicly singing. Good Morning America
George Perdikis	Co-founder and original guitarist of the Newsboys	Said that by 2007 he had “renounced Christianity once and for all” and declared himself an atheist. Source
Audrey Assad	Dove-nominated Catholic/Christian singer whose music became prominent in contemporary worship circles	Announced that she was no longer a Christian or practicing Catholic. She continued to believe in an undefined spiritual reality influenced by Taoism and Zen Buddhism. Interview
David Bazan	Frontman of Pedro the Lion, originally known for explicitly Christian indie music	Publicly chronicled his loss of Christian faith and rejection of the beliefs that had shaped his music. Christianity Today interview
Derek Webb	Founding member of Caedmon’s Call and longtime Christian singer-songwriter	Released an album documenting his departure from Christianity and currently describes himself as agnostic, although he does not call himself an atheist and continues engaging Christian ideas. Recent profile

Entertainment and Media Figures

Person	Former Christian Platform	Public Renunciation
Rhett McLaughlin	Member of Rhett & Link; formerly a Cru missionary, worship leader and creator of evangelistic productions	Publicly announced that he was no longer a Christian and has continued producing annual accounts of his deconstruction. 2025 update
Link Neal	Rhett’s longtime partner; also formerly served with Cru as a missionary and worship leader	Announced alongside Rhett that he was no longer a Christian. He has described himself in agnostic terms while occasionally expressing openness or praying during personal difficulty. 2025 update
Seth Andrews	Fundamental Baptist and Christian-radio personality for approximately ten years	Became an atheist and founded The Thinking Atheist, using broadcasting skills developed in Christian radio to advocate against Christianity. Back

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THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: Spiritual Wickedness In High Places

Published

7 days ago

August 30, 2026

Geoffrey Grider

SHARE NOW THE END BEGINS:

We are surrounded by antichrists who are working overtime to prepare this coming world for the arrival of the kingdom of the biblical Antichrist

America in 2026 is not suffering from a shortage of religion, it is drowning beneath a flood of counterfeit Christianity. From the halls of political power to the stages of celebrity megachurches, another Jesus is being preached, another spirit is being received, and another gospel is being embraced. Donald Trump’s spiritual adviser Paula White traffics in prosperity theology and bizarre spiritual theatrics, Kathryn Krick fills auditoriums with people shaking, trembling and falling backward, modern “apostles” sell impartations and supernatural activation, deliverance ministers convince saved believers that they are inhabited by devils, and New Apostolic Reformation prophets dream of conquering America’s Seven Mountains through political power.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13 (KJB)

We see how New Age manifestation, Kundalini-style experiences, prophetic fortune-telling and the commercial sale of the “anointing” are all being baptized in Christian language and presented as movements of the Holy Spirit. But Paul warned us that our battle is not against flesh and blood; it is against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places. These are evil days, the deception is accelerating, and the command of Scripture has never been more urgent: redeem the time, put on the whole armour of God, preach the word, test every spirit and, having done all, to stand. On this Sunday Service, we equip you for battle.

The Bible Believers Sunday Service: Spiritual Wickedness In High Places

Spiritual Wickedness In High Places

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15–17 (KJB)

America in 2026 is not suffering from a shortage of religion; it is drowning beneath a flood of counterfeit Christianity. From the halls of political power to the stages of celebrity megachurches, another Jesus is being preached, another spirit is being received, and another gospel is being embraced. Donald Trump’s spiritual adviser Paula White traffics in prosperity theology and bizarre spiritual theatrics, Kathryn Krick fills auditoriums with people shaking, trembling and falling backward, modern “apostles” sell impartations and supernatural activation, deliverance ministers convince saved believers that they are inhabited by devils, and New Apostolic Reformation prophets dream of conquering America’s Seven Mountains through political power. New Age manifestation, Kundalini-style experiences, prophetic fortune-telling and the commercial sale of the “anointing” are all being baptized in Christian language and presented as movements of the Holy Spirit. But Paul warned us that our battle is not against flesh and blood; it is against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places. These are evil days, the deception is accelerating, and the command of Scripture has never been more urgent: redeem the time, put on the whole armour of God, preach the word, test every spirit and, having done all, to stand.

Central Truth

The greatest spiritual danger facing America in 2026 is not Christianity disappearing—it is biblical Christianity being replaced by a counterfeit supernatural religion that uses the name of Jesus while preaching another gospel, imparting another spirit and following another Jesus.

**I. Recognize The Real Battlefield**

Paul does not say that believers wrestle against politicians, preachers, institutions or other human beings. Behind the visible conflict is an invisible spiritual battle involving organized powers of darkness. The people caught up in deception are not the ultimate enemy. The enemy uses deception, pride, money, political power, religious spectacle and counterfeit manifestations to corrupt their minds.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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;” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJB)

Application

Our weapons are not political power, emotional excitement or supernatural demonstrations. They are the word of God, prayer, sound doctrine and the preaching of the gospel of the grace of God, and the Kingdom of God.

II. Understand The Threefold Counterfeit

Satan’s masterpiece is not always an open denial of Christianity. It is a counterfeit version containing:

Another Jesus
Another spirit
Another gospel

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:3,4 (KJB)

“For such are 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.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (KJB)

Application

The counterfeit will not necessarily look dark. It may look powerful, patriotic, prosperous, compassionate and intensely spiritual. The question is not, “Did something supernatural just happen?” The question is, “Does it agree with the rightly divided word of God?”

III. Expect Seducing Spirits Inside Religious Movements

Truth

Paul warned that the latter times would be characterized by people departing from sound doctrine and giving themselves to supernatural deception.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” 1 Timothy 4:1 (KJB)

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5 (KJB)

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13 (KJB)

Application

A seducer may also be deceived. Not every false teacher consciously believes he is serving Satan. Some have mistaken emotional manipulation, psychological suggestion or another spirit for the Holy Spirit.

Sincerity does not convert error into truth.

IV. Test Every Spirit And Every Teacher

Truth

The Bible never commands believers to accept a supernatural manifestation simply because someone attaches the name of Jesus to it.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 (KJB)

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20 (KJB)

“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.” Acts 17:11 (KJB)

Five Questions Of Discernment

Does it agree with the written word of God?
Does it agree with Paul’s doctrine for the Body of Christ?
Does it glorify Jesus Christ or the “anointed vessel”?
Does it produce understanding and self-control or confusion and bondage?
Does it direct people toward Scripture or make them dependent upon experiences?

V. Never Accept Manifestations As Proof Of God’s Approval

The supernatural is not automatically divine. Satan possesses the ability to produce counterfeit signs, wonders and manifestations.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9,10 (KJB)

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:24 (KJB)

Rightly Divided Context

Matthew 24 and 2 Thessalonians 2 point doctrinally toward the coming time of Jacob’s trouble and the appearance of Antichrist. But they establish an essential principle: supernatural power does not authenticate the person exercising it. Antichrist will possess signs and wonders—and they will be satanic.

Application

Shaking, screaming, trembling, falling backward, strange bodily movements, supposed glory clouds and claims of miraculous healing prove nothing by themselves. The word of God judges the experience. The experience must never judge the word of God.

VI. Reject The Rise Of Modern “Apostles” And Spiritual Elites

The apostles and prophets were foundational offices. A foundation is laid once; it is not repeatedly reconstructed by every generation.

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:20-22 (KJB)

The biblical apostles possessed unmistakable credentials:

“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” 2 Corinthians 12:12 (KJB)

Application

The New Apostolic Reformation has created an elite hierarchy of modern apostles, prophets, spiritual fathers and “anointed vessels.” These personalities claim special revelation, issue decrees, transmit impartations and demand submission to their spiritual authority.

The completed word of God is replaced by an endless stream of “God told me,” “I decree,” “I saw,” “I sensed” and “the Spirit revealed.” The 7 Mountains Mandate of the New Apostolic Reformation, something promoted by Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA, is actually the coming kingdom of Antichrist during the time of Jacob’s trouble and the Great Tribulation.

“And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.” Revelation 17:9 (KJB)

VII. Expose The Counterfeit Deliverance Industry

The saved believer is not waiting for an apostle to complete his deliverance. He is already complete in Jesus Christ.

“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:10 (KJB)

Christ has already triumphed over the powers of darkness:

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15 (KJB)

The believer’s body is inhabited by the Holy Ghost:

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 (KJB)

The believer has been sealed:

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13,14 (KJB)

Application

Deliverance ministries frequently teach saved people to interpret sin, temptation, trauma, sickness and emotional problems as indwelling demons. This creates fear and dependence upon the deliverance minister. Paul does not tell Christians to search for ancestral spirits, identify family curses or undergo repeated exorcisms. He tells them to reckon the old man dead, renew their minds, mortify the deeds of the body and walk in the Spirit.

VIII. Reject The Sale Of Anointing, Impartation And Prosperity

Simon attempted to obtain spiritual power through money:

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” Acts 8:18-20 (KJB)

Paul warned about ministers who connect money with godliness:

“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:5,6 (KJB)

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJB)

Peter warned that false teachers would turn believers into merchandise:

“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:3 (KJB)

Application

When laying on of hands, prophecy, deliverance, healing or access to the “anointing” becomes connected to money, donations, expensive conferences or obedience to a personality, the ministry has entered the territory of Simon the sorcerer.

IX. Reject Christianized New Age Manifestation

New Age manifestation teaches people to use thoughts, declarations, visualization, vibrations or spiritual laws to create their desired reality. Biblical prayer does not command reality. Biblical prayer submits to the will of God.

“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” James 4:13-15 (KJB)

Application

“Speaking things into existence” is not biblical faith. Only God calls “those things which be not as though they were.” We ask, trust and submit. We do not “manipulate the universe” with words, energies, frequencies, declarations or vision boards.

X. Reject Seven Mountains Dominionism And Political Messianism

The Church is not commanded to conquer the world’s institutions and establish the kingdom before Jesus Christ returns. The Body of Christ possesses a heavenly citizenship and waits for its Saviour.

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:20,21 (KJB)

Jesus said:

“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” John 18:36 (KJB)

Paul instructed Christ’s soldiers:

“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4 (KJB)

Application

Christians may vote, serve and speak against evil, but America is not the kingdom of God, Donald Trump is not a messiah, and political victory is not spiritual revival. Jesus Christ will establish His kingdom at the Second Advent. The Church’s present commission is to preach the gospel, teach sound doctrine and call sinners out of the world—not conquer the Seven Mountains and Christianize the world.

XI. Put On The Whole Armour Of God

Paul’s answer to spiritual wickedness is not deliverance theater, spiritual mapping, apostolic decrees or political domination. It is the whole armour of God.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:14-18 (KJB)

The Armour Applied

Armour	Counterfeit It Defeats
Truth	Lies, false prophecies and private revelation
Righteousness	The sin excused by supposed anointing
Gospel	Another gospel and political salvation
Faith	Fear, superstition and dependence upon manifestations
Salvation	Doubt, bondage and repeated “deliverance”
Word of God	New Age practices and doctrines of devils
Prayer	Self-willed declarations and manifestation rituals

XII. Redeem The Time By Preaching The Word

Paul’s answer for the last days is not to chase signs. It is to preach the word.

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (KJB)

We redeem the time by:

Studying the King James Bible rightly divided.
Preaching the gospel of the grace of God.
Exposing false doctrine with Scripture.
Refusing to participate in counterfeit manifestations.
Warning believers without becoming consumed by personalities.
Standing in the truth when the majority follows experience.
Making full proof of the ministry God has given us.

Closing Challenge: Mark Them, Avoid Them And Stand

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17,18 (KJB)

The command is not to admire them, experiment with their manifestations or remain silent for the sake of religious unity. We are commanded to identify doctrine contrary to Scripture, warn the brethren and avoid those teaching it. The war is real, the battle hot, and the time short, and Christian, are we ever in a fight. The answer to spiritual wickedness in high places is a Bible-believing, gospel preaching, rightly dividing Christian who has put on the whole armour of God—and, having done all, refuses to move, standing firm in the strength of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church

HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

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THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: Paul The Prisoner, The Ambassador In Bonds

Published

2 weeks ago

August 23, 2026

Geoffrey Grider

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The Ambassador In Bonds: Paul’s Roman Chains Became A Platform For Preaching The Gospel Of The Grace Of God To Gentiles, Jews And Kings

Paul did not call himself the prisoner of Rome, the prisoner of Caesar or the victim of an unjust legal system; he called himself “the prisoner of Jesus Christ” and an “ambassador in bonds.” Rome may have forged the chain, but God determined what the chain would accomplish. Paul’s imprisonment carried the gospel into palaces, courtrooms, military barracks and prison cells that might otherwise have remained closed to him. He did not ask the Church merely to pray that his chains would fall off; he asked for utterance and boldness so that he could continue preaching while wearing them. That is the testimony believers desperately need in 2026—a faith that does not collapse when it becomes uncomfortable, unpopular or costly. We do not seek persecution, but neither do we soften the gospel, conceal our convictions or surrender our testimony merely to escape the consequences of standing for Jesus Christ.

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,” Ephesians 3:1 (KJB)

Every born-again believer is an ambassador stationed inside a foreign and increasingly hostile world, and an ambassador has no authority to rewrite the message of his King. The pressure may presently come through ridicule, censorship, lost opportunities, broken relationships or accusations of hatred and extremism, but Paul’s example teaches us that the commission remains in force even when the ambassador is bound. Governments can imprison the preacher, corporations can remove the platform, and men can confiscate the Bible, but “the word of God is not bound.” The defining question for the Church in these last days is not whether we can preserve our comfort, popularity and safety; it is whether we will remain faithful when those things are threatened. We do not seek the chains, but neither will we abandon the testimony to avoid them, the ambassador may be bound, but the word of God remains forever free. On this Sunday Service, come meet Paul the prisoner, the ambassador in bonds.

The Bible Believers Sunday Service: Paul The Prisoner, The Ambassador In Bonds

Paul The Prisoner, The Ambassador In Bonds

The Lord Jesus began His earthly ministry with this Bible verse showing His connection with the captive and the prisoner:

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:16-20 (KJB)

I. The Position of the Ambassador

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJB)

An ambassador represents another ruler

An ambassador does not speak on his own authority. He delivers the message entrusted to him by his king.

Ambassador: “A minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, at the court of another, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign” – Webster’s 1828

An ambassador lives in foreign territory

The Christian’s citizenship is in heaven, although he presently lives and serves in this world.

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” Philippians 3:20, (KJB)

An ambassador cannot rewrite the King’s message

The world may dislike the gospel, but we have no authority to alter it. Our message remains:

Christ died for our sins.
Christ was buried.
Christ rose again.
Lost sinners must be reconciled to God.
Salvation is by grace through faith, apart from works.

Application

We are not called to make the gospel acceptable to the world. We are called to make the gospel known to the world. We are called to reconcile lost sinners to Jesus Christ. Paul says we have been given the ministry of reconciliation, that’s the mandate for every born again believer.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (KJB)

II. The Prisoner of Jesus Christ

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,” Ephesians 3:1 (KJB)

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” Ephesians 4:1 (KJB)

Rome supplied the prison

Human rulers arrested Paul, Roman soldiers guarded him, and earthly authorities placed him in chains.

Jesus Christ controlled the purpose

Paul did not primarily call himself Caesar’s prisoner. He called himself “the prisoner of Jesus Christ.”

Caesar controlled the prison door, but Jesus Christ controlled Paul’s ministry.

Paul saw the Hand of God inside his problems

Paul understood that nothing could enter his life without passing through the permissive will of God.

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;” Philippians 1:12, (KJB)

Application

Instead of asking only, “Lord, how can I escape this?” we should also ask, “Lord, how can Christ be magnified through me while I am here?”

III. The Bonds of the Gospel

“For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:20 (KJB)

Paul was bound because of the message

Paul was not imprisoned for committing crimes. He was imprisoned because he preached the truth concerning Jesus Christ.

“For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” Acts 28:20 (KJB)

Paul’s chains identified him with Christ

Paul was willing to bear reproach because the Lord Jesus Christ had first suffered for him.

Paul’s chains proved the value he placed upon the testimony

Anyone can speak when speaking costs nothing. Paul continued speaking when the gospel cost him his liberty.

Application

The believer must decide what the testimony of Jesus Christ is worth before persecution comes. Convictions formed under pressure are usually convictions surrendered under pressure.

IV. The Boldness of the Prisoner

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,” Ephesians 6:19 (KJB)

Paul did not ask primarily for release

Paul asked believers to pray for his preaching—not merely for his escape.

Paul did not ask for an easier message

He asked for boldness to deliver the message God had already given him.

Paul understood that courage comes from God

Even the apostle Paul requested prayer. Boldness is not natural personality, religious aggression or political bravado. Biblical boldness is the power to speak God’s truth clearly when silence would be easier.

Application

Our prayer in 2026 should not merely be, “Lord, keep me from trouble.” It should be, “Lord, give me utterance and boldness if, and when, the trouble comes.”

V. The Furtherance of the Gospel

“So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;” Philippians 1:13 (KJB)

Paul’s imprisonment opened new doors

His chains carried the gospel into the Roman palace and before governors, rulers, soldiers and kings.

Paul’s courage strengthened other believers

“And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:14 (KJB)

Paul’s imprisonment did not silence the Church. His courage made other believers bolder.

Paul’s suffering produced lasting fruit

Some of the greatest books in the New Testament were written while Paul was imprisoned. Rome restricted Paul’s movements, but it could not stop his ministry.

Application

God can use one believer’s faithful suffering to strengthen an entire congregation. People are watching how we respond when obedience becomes costly.

VI. The Word That Cannot Be Bound

“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:” 2 Timothy 2:8-11 (KJB)

The preacher can be imprisoned
The Bible can be confiscated
The meeting place can be closed
The believer can be censored
But the word of God cannot be bound

Governments may regulate preaching. Employers may threaten jobs. Technology companies may remove accounts. Families may reject faithful believers. Prisons may confiscate a man’s possessions. But once the word of God enters a heart, no earthly chain can stop its work. This is why our Bibles Behind Bars ministry is so very necessary and vital.

Application

We must never measure the power of the gospel by the freedom of its messenger. God’s word remains powerful even when His messenger is suffering.

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18 (KJB)

“But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:” Mark 10:38,39 (KJB)

VII. The Pattern Believers Must Follow

“Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” 1 Corinthians 4:16 (KJB)

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJB)

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” Philippians 3:17 (KJB)

FUN FACT: In the King James Bible, we see Paul calling ALL believers to “follow him” as he walks out and lives out the Christian life. Next to Jesus Himself, Paul is the only apostle who commands believers to follow his example. But in all modern versions including the New King James Bible, that command is changed from “following” Paul to “imitating” Paul. That’s not right!

Therefore I urge you to imitate me. – NIV
I urge you, then, be imitators of me. – ESV
Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. – LSB
Therefore I urge you, imitate me. – NKJV

Born again believers follow Paul as he follows Jesus, but it is the satanic counterfeits designed to deceive that call people to imitate Christ. The Antichrist is nothing more than an imitation, counterfeit Jesus. The modern version “bibles” are also a satanic counterfeit.

Following Paul does not mean that every Christian must deliberately seek imprisonment. Paul did not seek chains; he simply refused to abandon the truth in order to avoid them.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” 1 Timothy 1:15,16 (KJB)

We follow Paul by:

Knowing Whom we represent, the Lord Jesus.
Remaining faithful to the gospel committed to us.
Refusing to be ashamed of Jesus Christ.
Accepting the possible cost of biblical conviction.
Using every circumstance to advance the gospel.
Praying for boldness when opposition comes.
Remembering that the word of God is not bound.

Practical Application for Believers in 2026

The pressure upon believers may begin with ridicule, censorship, social rejection, professional consequences and accusations of hatred or extremism. In some places, it may eventually become legal persecution or physical imprisonment.

We must distinguish between suffering for Christ and suffering for our own foolishness. Not every controversy is persecution, and not every arrest makes someone an “ambassador in bonds.” Paul suffered because he faithfully preached the gospel and refused to deny the truth.

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” 2 Timothy 1:8 (KJB)

Closing Challenge

Paul’s testimony forces every believer to answer three questions:

Do I understand that I am Christ’s ambassador in a foreign country?
Is the testimony of Jesus Christ worth more to me than acceptance, comfort and personal security?
Will I continue speaking if faithfulness brings consequences?

The ambassador does not determine the message. The foreign country does not determine the message. The King determines the message. We do not seek the chains, but neither do we surrender the testimony to avoid them. The ambassador may be bound, but the word of God is not bound.

Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church

HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

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THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: The Point Of No Return

Published

3 weeks ago

August 16, 2026

Geoffrey Grider

SHARE NOW THE END BEGINS:

The Great White Throne Is Coming, the Books Will Be Opened, and Every Sinner Without Jesus Christ Will Face the Second Death With No Hope of Deliverance or Escape

The Great White Throne Judgment is the last courtroom, the final reckoning and the ultimate point of no return for the unsaved dead. Everyone standing there has already rejected God’s salvation, and no one will leave that throne justified. The books will be opened, every hidden work exposed and every excuse stripped away as sinners are judged according to their works. Death and hell will surrender their prisoners, proving that hell is not the final destination but the temporary holding place of the lost until judgment. After sentencing, they will be cast into the lake of fire, which the Bible calls the second death. There will be no advocate, no appeal, no repentance and no second chance—only the righteous judgment of a HOLY God. This will be the point of no return.

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” Revelation 20:11 (KJB)

This terrifying reality is why we preach the gospel of the grace of God with urgency. During this present Church Age, salvation is freely offered to every sinner who will place his faith in the shed blood, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are not attempting merely to improve society, reform human behavior or make people more religious; we are warning souls to flee from the wrath to come. Every gospel tract, street sermon, missionary journey and personal witness is an opportunity to reach someone before death closes the door forever. The Great White Throne reminds the saved that evangelism is not optional religious activity—it is an urgent rescue mission. The time to believe is now, because there will be no gospel invitation given when the books are opened.

The Bible Believers Sunday Service: The Point Of No Return

The Point Of No Return

I. This Is the Final Judgment of the Unsaved Dead

The Great White Throne takes place after the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ. It must not be confused with the Judgment Seat of Christ, where saved members of the Body of Christ have their service examined for reward.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJB)

The people standing before the Great White Throne are called “the dead.” These are the lost dead of every generation, resurrected to receive their final judgment.

“Small and great” means that earthly position will mean nothing.
Kings will stand beside beggars.
Religious leaders will stand beside atheists.
The famous will stand beside the forgotten.
Every Christ-rejecting sinner will stand personally before God.

Death is not the end. Every lost person will eventually stand before the Lord Jesus Christ. This doctrine is declared in both Testaments.

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45:22,23 (KJB)

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (KJB)

II. There Will Be No Place to Hide

The earth and heaven flee from the face of the One sitting upon the throne. The condemned sinner will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide and no one behind whom he can conceal himself.

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3 (KJB)

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:11,12 (KJB)

At this judgment there will be:

No defense attorney.
No excuse accepted.
No plea bargain offered.
No opportunity for repentance.
No second chance to believe the gospel.
No appeal from the sentence.

The Great White Throne is the final point of no return.

III. The Books Will Be Opened

“And the books were opened” shows that God maintains a perfect and complete record. Nothing has been forgotten, overlooked or erased. None of it.

Those books contain the record of every:

Sin committed.
Lie spoken.
Evil thought entertained.
Opportunity rejected.
Gospel invitation refused.
Work performed in rebellion against God.

People may hide their sins from family, government, employers and churches, but no one can hide anything from God. All their sin will be paid for, and must be paid for, by themselves for eternity in the Lake of Fire.

IV. The Book of Life Will Be Opened

Alongside the books of works, God opens “the book of life.” This book settles the eternal question. The books demonstrate the sinner’s guilt. The book of life reveals that the sinner never received God’s salvation. The final issue is not whether someone performed religious works, joined a church, received baptism or tried to live a moral life. The determining issue is whether that person belonged to Jesus Christ.

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15 (KJB)

No one standing at the Great White Throne will be justified by works. Their works will determine the measure of their judgment, but works cannot produce salvation. We are all born in the image of Adam, and only the New Birth can, and will, fix that!

“And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:” Genesis 5:3 (KJB)

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:7 (KJB)

V. Hell Will Deliver Up Its Dead

“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” Revelation 20:13 (KJB)

Hell is not the final destination of the lost. It is the present place of conscious punishment where the lost dead await final judgment. At the Great White Throne, hell will surrender its inhabitants. They will be bodily resurrected, brought before God, judged and cast into the lake of fire.

The biblical order is:

The lost person dies.
The soul goes to hell.
The lost dead are resurrected.
They stand before the Great White Throne.
They are judged according to their works.
They are cast into the lake of fire.

VI. The Lake of Fire Is the Second Death

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14 (KJB)

The first death separates the soul from the body. The second death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.

The second death is:

Conscious.
Final.
Irreversible.
Eternal.
The righteous judgment of God against sin.

The lake of fire was not invented by medieval religion. It is the unmistakable teaching of the word of God. Jesus Christ warned about it, and Revelation identifies it as the final destination of everyone whose name is not found in the book of life. In our day, Laodiceans like Kirk Cameron, Rob Bell, John Stott, Brandan Robertson, David Bentley Hart and many others all preach either a universalism salvation or annihilationism, instead of what the word of God so clearly proclaims to be true about the place called Hell.

“We think of God as a just God, he is a just God and we believe that the punishment should fit the crime. Exactly, and so, if the punishment was cruel and unusual punishment that went far beyond the severity of the crime, that would no longer be just. After 10,000 years of anguish and pain and torment and darkness, you’re not one day closer to finding relief. You’re not even one second closer after a billion years. You’re not one second closer to the end.” – Kirk Cameron

What Cameron overlooks is that the sinner has sinned against a righteous and holy ETERNAL God who never dies, so the punishment must be eternal. Cameron’s estimation of who God is is far too small, so he rejects eternal conscious torment as the Bible teaches.

VII. This Is Why We Preach the Gospel of Grace

The Great White Throne explains the urgency of evangelism. We do not preach merely to improve people’s temporary lives. We preach because lost souls are heading toward an eternal judgment from which there will be no escape.

The gospel for the Church Age is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ:

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 (KJB)

Salvation is not found through human works, religious rituals or personal goodness. It is received by believing the gospel and trusting the finished work of Jesus Christ.

This is the ministry committed to the apostle Paul:

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (KJB)

Death will no longer threaten us:

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” 1 Corinthians 15:26 (KJB)

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (KJB)

Application

To the Saved

Remember what Jesus Christ saved you from. Keep it personal.
Stop treating salvation casually, it’s literally life or death.
Pray for lost family members and friends.
Support missionaries and gospel-preaching ministries.
Hand out tracts, witness publicly and preach the gospel plainly.
Never substitute politics, social reform or religious activity for the gospel.

To the Preacher

Preach the whole counsel of God. Tell people about the love of God, but do not hide the wrath of God. Preach heaven, but also warn about hell and the lake of fire. A preacher who refuses to warn sinners about judgment is not showing compassion. Biblical compassion tells people the truth while there is still time to be saved.

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17 (KJB)

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” James 3:1 (KJB)

To the Lost

You are not promised another opportunity. You may dismiss the gospel today, but you will not dismiss the Judge at the Great White Throne.

“For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJB)

Do not trust your works, church membership, baptism, morality or sincerity. Trust the shed blood and finished work of Jesus Christ.

Closing Challenge

The Great White Throne is coming. The books will be opened. Every lost sinner will be found guilty, and everyone whose name is not found in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.

For the saved, the question is: Whom are you warning?

For the preacher, the question is: Are you still preaching the gospel plainly?

For the lost, the question is: Will you trust Jesus Christ now, or meet Him later as your Judge?

There will be no gospel invitation at the Great White Throne. There will be no altar call, no opportunity to repent and no second chance to believe. The time to be saved is now.

The war is REAL, the battle HOT, and the time is SHORT…to the FIGHT!!!