My mentors, pastors, brothers and sisters in Christ, I came across an interesting article and am pondering its relevance from a variety of angles. Although not the intent of the author, there are seven categories of “church” mentioned here, and this is a numerical parallel against the seven mentioned churches in Revelation. The author has taken a strong stance against the compromise by the churches of America but this also is an indictment against all churches. Please read no further if biblical truth without sugar-coating is likely to offend. Nonetheless, my question is: What church is yours? Without further ado:
The Concept Many Have of "Church"
The church is an important and indispensable part of the teaching of the New Testament (Matt. 16: 18, 19; Acts 2: 47, KJV.). To "be added to the Lord" is tantamount to being added to Jesus' church, where salvation is enjoyed (cp. Acts 2: 47, 5: 14, I Cor. 12: 13, Gal. 3: 26, 27, Eph. 1: 22, 23; 2 Tim. 2: 10). A number of commands given to the Christian depend on involvement in the local church for execution (Acts 20: 7; I Cor. 16: 1, 2; Eph. 5: 19; Heb. 10: 24-31).
There is a very professionally presented magazine today called Outreach that is designed to boost local church attendance. You choose one of their attractive "impact cards" and they will target mail them for you, as I understand their service. My interest in Outreach is from the standpoint of what appeals to people in America today, as is reflected in their appeals to the public at large (I am not endorsing, recommending, or in agreement with their appeals, in the subsequent cited cases). The appeals of Outreach are working, therefore, I know they offer what people want. Consider a few testimonials:
"All I can say is, praise God! It works! We have had between 50 and 100 visitors from our first Outreach marketing and three people came to Christ" (a Community Church in Overland Park , Ks). "Two years ago we had about 100 people coming to services. We now believe we have about 1, 300 people who call New Life their church family" ( New Life Free Methodist Church ). "Our three Outreach marketing mailings have helped our church grow from 70 to more than 160" (a Community Church in Cleveland , Oh). (To read more about the Community Church , click on "The Community Church Movement.")
What I want to do in this material is examine a few of their appeals and see what people today think about the church. At the conclusion of this article, I want to suggest a scriptural appeal for contrast and for your consideration (all quotations are taken from Outreach, Spring 2001 edition).
The casual appeal. One of the successful impact cards offered by Outreach reads as follows: "Do you remember being dragged to church as a child? Well, things are different now. For one thing, you've grown up, but church is different too - blue jeans, live band, real talk for real people…." Another cards reads, "Image is everything - or is it? (Name of church) doesn't think so. We care more about who you are than what you wear or where you've been…." (this card has a picture of a "cave man" with long wild looking hair). As an amateur sociologist and historian, I am observing the statement of the casual movement being no restraint and hanging loose. It blends well with the "God is one of the boys image." The Christian, though, is to reverently approach God (Heb. 12: 28).
Fun appeal to children. It is not uncommon today in many American families for the children to make many important decisions for the family. Hence, professional marketers are now appealing to children. One impact card reads: "…Come enjoy games, crafts, music, drama and great Bible-based activities. The two week program also includes a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, a camp-out, and a musical/drama presentation starring YOUR KIDS!" And your parents can come to."
Beloved, Jesus discouraged those who personally followed him for the wrong reasons (cp. Jn. 6: 26, 27). Religion today often appeals to the selfish "me generation" by offering fun and games. When children are targeted, what kind of attitudes and concepts do you think they will have of "church" as adults? (Cp. Deut. 6: 6-9; Eph. 6: 4.)
The appeal to the "new church." It should now be obvious to the most undiscerning that religion is undergoing great change in America . The change, alas, is basically centered around the "me generation" philosophy of "give me, entertain me, and placate my every whim." Consider this popular impact card: "A new kind of church! If hard pews, boring sermons and rusty hymns have zapped your interest in church, then you've been waiting (your church's name supplied). You'll find electric music, sizzling drama, powerful messages and high-voltage programs for everyone. A new kind of church - shocking, isn't it?" Such an appeal for a "new church" is radically different from the simple worship and mission of the First Century church, the church Jesus established (I Tim. 3: 15; Eph. 5: 19, Jn. 4: 24).
De-emphasis on human responsibility. It is understood that man can not of his own merit save himself (Tit. 3: 5). However, to access and appropriate God's saving grace, man must respond to the requirements of God and participate in God's will. This is what the Bible calls "salvation by grace through faith" (Eph. 2: 8). God supplies the grace and man renders the obedience (saving faith, Jas. 2: 14-26). Many growing religions today, however, play down man's responsibility. Consider the following impact card being used to increase the attendance in local churches: "If we could get to heaven by being good people, then Jesus wouldn't have needed to die. Now I'm not working my way to heaven and hoping for the best…." No, we cannot "work our way to heaven," but we must "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" (Phili. 2: 12).
The unconditional acceptance appeal. "These Christians I met blew my mind…," reads another impact card. "They didn't even seem to notice the way I looked on the outside. I expected judgment, but what I got was acceptance. I know now they accept me because God accepts me. Don't get me wrong, I haven't traded in my tattoos for a tie or anything. But that doesn't really matter - I'm accepted just the way I am." (There is a picture of a guy with tattoos over his exposed body on the front of this impact card.) More and more, religion today is changing to fit society rather than requiring man to change to comply with God's requirements. Hence, we are witnessing a cheapening of religion and religious values.
The positive message appeal. Still another popular impact card being used with success today reads as follows: "You won't feel like you've been sentenced to prison when you visit ________. We are a church for people who have given up on the traditional church but not on God. You'll find energetic music, exciting dramas, great kids' and teen programs, and real-life messages. So get rid of that ball and chain and come see how much church has changed." (This impact card has a picture of a man in a prison suit with a ball and chain.) Another similar appealing card reads: If in the past the guilt-ridden, hypocritical church experience has sent you running, come check out _________. We're out to change the way you think about church. You'll find upbeat music, positive messages and genuine people….We won't 'scold' you, 'judge' you or 'pick-pocket' you…."
Too many have come to view the preacher as simply a public relations man whose job it is to make the audience feel good about themselves and the gospel as a pep talk[1]. When people become weak and selfish, they want "smooth things" taught them and the people become "worthless" because they have no challenge to repent of their sins and improve their lives (Isa. 30: 10; Jere. 23: 16, 17). Biblical preaching involves "reprove," "rebuke," and "exhort" (2 Tim. 4: 2).
The appeal to fun and frolic. When many think of worship and religion today, they think in terms of "where is the party and the food?" "Its party time! Join us at North Park Church …., we are hosting a free BBQ and community carnival and, for the adults, a special concert. We'll close the day with a short celebration service featuring a message from an NFL Pro linebacker and a special puppet show for the kids. Please join us for this fun and exciting day…."
Concerned reader, the church belonging to Jesus has never engaged in the social, secular, and carnal gospel that is offered by these impact cards. Yes, this appeal is working because it is appealing to the carnal and base desires of the "unconverted." "Religion" is being lowered and dragged down and people are not being helped but encouraged in their selfishness. It is also apparent from the testimonies offered to show such appeals are working that the new Community Church religion that is based on unity in diversity is prospering. To help us to contrast what the biblical appeal is, please consider the following:
"You are cordially invited to hear the gospel preached in its ancient purity, simplicity, and relevancy. Come learn of sin and how to contact the sin forgiving blood of Jesus. Kingsway Methodist Church seeks only to worship God in spirit and in truth and to engage in the acts of worship that please and adorn God. The music will be congregational, spiritual, and vocal only, just as it was rendered in the First Century Church . The atmosphere shall be God honoring and conducive to the reverent worship of the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth. Modest dress by males and females will be required because the LORD commands that we cover our nakedness - If in doubt, more than less covering is ideal.[2] Following the service, there will be a question/answer period to allow you to question our teaching and further explore the teaching of God's authoritative book, the Bible. (2 Cor. 4: 2; Matt. 26: 28, Acts 2: 38, I Jn. 1: 6-10; Jn. 4: 24; Eph. 5: 19; Heb. 12: 28; Acts 17: 11.)"
Do you see the difference in the appeal? What is your view of the church? (You may read more about the church Jesus built by clicking on, "Jesus' Church")
Due acknowledgement is given to http://www.bibletruths.net/Archives/BTAR161.htm for the above article, first accessed 8th Dec 2009.
[1] Be very wary of wolves in sheep’s clothing who dare to be ministers or in positions of public leadership yet dare not uphold scripture and instead, pander to popular vote. Do you pander to popular vote? – EK.
[2] This line inserted by EK.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
In the last days, churches will become more worldly, and the world will become more churchy
I am very disturbed that many amongst us have embraced a "seeker-sensitive" philosophy. This bait-then-switch tactic is outrightly deceptive but wrong at many levels especially when it is a push for compromise. God is not pleased if our numbers increase because of compromise. A tumour will grow, then destroy the body it is growing in. All we need is a little leaven for this to start, and it has started in many churches thanks to the apostate teachings of Rick Warren. I am very concerned that many amongst us have embraced this wrong teaching, because such wrong teachings have made christian "rock" music a golden calf in the church. Such wrong teachings also say that it is ok to compromise scriptural moral standards in order to get people "into the church" then somehow try to preach the gospel to them, but in doing so we have already sabotaged the power of our witness and testimony.
God grieves while the Devil laughs.
But because of such wrong teaching, some amongst us feel that its fine to have questionable activities as long as we throw in some scripture into it. And thus, we are having a steady increase in activities that have no respect for God and His Word, but instead encourage self-glorification through sporting events, but also events that encourage drinking and worldliness. I am very concerned about the current moral decay and the moral decay that will come with the continued opening of such a pandora's box. As Christians, we are charged to be salt and light. Yes, we are charged to be hot, and on fire for the Lord. If we lose our saltiness, the bible says we should be thrown out, to be trampled underfoot. Scripture also says that if we are anything but hot, it is better to be cold because the lukewarm will be spat out.
But how many of us sit on the fence? How many of practice a modern syncretism trying to be a "cool" Christian? The bible states if you are friends of the world, you are enemies with God. So what is your choice? Do you subscribe to Christian "rock"? Does your church practice speaking in "tongues" in a manner that contradicts the guidelines of scripture? Does your church chases "healing services"? Does your church preach a word-faith heresy of the name-it-and-claim-it nonsense? Does your church preach a prosperity gospel, in that God wants to make you rich and successful and being a Christian is a stroll in the park? Does your church condone its males dressing up like riff raff and its females dressing up like sluts? If any of these apply, then alert your church leaders, and if they don't listen, you better find a real church - cast not your lot with these workers of iniquity.
God grieves while the Devil laughs.
But because of such wrong teaching, some amongst us feel that its fine to have questionable activities as long as we throw in some scripture into it. And thus, we are having a steady increase in activities that have no respect for God and His Word, but instead encourage self-glorification through sporting events, but also events that encourage drinking and worldliness. I am very concerned about the current moral decay and the moral decay that will come with the continued opening of such a pandora's box. As Christians, we are charged to be salt and light. Yes, we are charged to be hot, and on fire for the Lord. If we lose our saltiness, the bible says we should be thrown out, to be trampled underfoot. Scripture also says that if we are anything but hot, it is better to be cold because the lukewarm will be spat out.
But how many of us sit on the fence? How many of practice a modern syncretism trying to be a "cool" Christian? The bible states if you are friends of the world, you are enemies with God. So what is your choice? Do you subscribe to Christian "rock"? Does your church practice speaking in "tongues" in a manner that contradicts the guidelines of scripture? Does your church chases "healing services"? Does your church preach a word-faith heresy of the name-it-and-claim-it nonsense? Does your church preach a prosperity gospel, in that God wants to make you rich and successful and being a Christian is a stroll in the park? Does your church condone its males dressing up like riff raff and its females dressing up like sluts? If any of these apply, then alert your church leaders, and if they don't listen, you better find a real church - cast not your lot with these workers of iniquity.
Friday, 11 September 2009
Ye Shall Be Sorrowful... the World Shall Rejoice
Ye Shall Be Sorrowful... the World Shall Rejoice
By David J. Stewart (http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer's%20Corner/ye_shall_be_sorrowful.htm)
John 16:20, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy."
What a needful passage of Scripture in these dark hours of history! Jesus said that Christians would be sad and sorrowful while the sinful world rejoices. How can any born-again believer truly be happy living in the midst of such a filthy, sexually degenerate, murderous, unthankful, arrogant, greedy, selfish and sick-minded world? You can't, which is why Jesus said we'd be sorrowful and weep.
The Bible Teaches that the World Hates Christians
Jesus said that the sinful world would HATE US, and they do. John 15:19, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” The more one takes a stand for God and truth, the more hated and persecuted that person will be. If you are a professed Christian and you are popular with the heathen world, it is only because you are not truly serving the Lord. The Bible teaches that God-fearing, Christ-honoring, sin-hating, soul-winning, Bible-preaching Christians WILL BE hated by the world.
Jesus never sinned even once in His entire life (2nd Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15), yet the Jews cried out for Barabbas (a murderer according to Mark 15:7) to be set free and they wanted Jesus crucified to death. This is how the world reacts to God and truth—rejection. The world shows no mercy for the Christian; but they have sympathy for the wicked. This is why still today we see murderers go free and innocent men imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. The world is evil. The abortionists cry out, “Crucify the babies”; while God's children cry out, “Please release them.” Will you choose Barabbas or Jesus?
Luke 6:22, “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.” Any true Christian who loves the Lord Jesus Christ WILL BE PERSECUTED... 2nd Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” The world doesn't mind a cowardly believer who never raises a Gospel flag, never speaks a word against sin, laughs at their sick jokes, and follows Jesus from afar off. 2nd Corinthians 4:3, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.” Most believers today are HIDING the Gospel by their Christless life. Mark 4:21, “And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?”
When a faithful Christian man works in a heathen workplace, he will have no choice but to either take a stand against sin or else compromise and partake of men's evil thoughts, dirty jokes, pornographic smut, dishonest ways and slanderous gossip. We ought not curse in God's name as the heathens do. We ought not indulge in pornographic smut as the wicked do. We ought not go to strip-clubs as the godless do. We ought not divorce as the wicked do. We ought not live like the sinful world. We ought not commit fornication as the heathens do. We ought not go to Sin City Las Vegas as the wicked do. We ought not tell dirty jokes as the sinful world does. We ought not gossip and slander people as the wicked do. We belong to Jesus Christ. Our Christian faith is being tested every moment of every day. A faith must be tested.
Taking a Biblical Stand for God
A Christian who is right with God cares—which causes them to hate abortion, homosexuality, drunkenness, adultery, immodest clothing, Harry Potter's witchcraft, the vile American sex-culture of fornication, and other evils which provoke the judgment of God (Romans 1:24-32). “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil” (Psalm 97:10a). Something is very wrong with a professed Christian who doesn't get upset over the wicked condition of this sin-cursed world. While the heathen world rejoices in their selfish and self-centered lives, delighting themselves in the pleasures of sin and making merry in their Christless lives; born-again believers are crying out to God for the Pretribulation Rapture to come. Death for the Christian means life in Heaven; but death for the unsaved person means eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire. Ecclesiastes 11:9, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” Go ahead, live it up, if you dare; but your day of reckoning with God is fast approaching.
John the Baptist loved God and righteousness. John's heart was saddened by the sin he saw and the destroyed lives. John was angry over sin and it showed in his preaching. When Herod began an adulterous affair with his brother's wife, John had a few words to say... Mark 6:18, “For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.” It was this remark that cost John his head. John wasn't beheaded for preaching the Gospel, he was beheaded for preaching against adultery, Herod's adultery. Yet the average sissy-britches minister behind the pulpit nowadays wouldn't dare preach against adultery or other popular sins in our vile American society today, lest he end up living homeless in the wilderness as John the Baptist did. You know, there was a reason why John lived in the wilderness.
Weeping Over the Apostasy of Our Time
It's tragic that so many professed Christians are silent concerning the hellish Catholic religion. It is apostasy for America's preachers to speak kindly of the Pope. The Pope is not the vicar of Heaven; THE POPE IS THE VICAR OF HELL!!! Shame on any preacher who speaks of Catholicism in a positive light. The Catholic Church came straight out of the pits of Hell.
Apostasy abounds everywhere nowadays. Few people have genuine faith in the Word of God and Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Most people who profess a belief in God are as lost spiritually as can be. They are hellbound in their sins.
I have a Catholic neighbor that is stubborn like a mule. He is a good man as far as sinners go, but he is religious without truth. I have witnessed to him on numerous occasions, but he prides himself in sticking to the teachings that his grandparents and parents taught him. He is idolatrous and smiles with arrogance when he tells me that he follows the Catholic Church over the Bible. He's about 50-years old. One day he will split Hell wide open and find out that God's Word is true and the Catholic Church lied to him. He is going to die in his sins without Christ. He adamantly believes that he is going to Heaven because of his faith AND GOOD WORKS. Adding anything to faith alone in Jesus is a false gospel and a guaranteed road to hellfire (Ephesians 2:8-9). I am saddened that he is going to Hell. He rejoices and drinks beer like water. He is living it up, like he's never going to die. I am praying for his salvation and won't give up on him, but he has given up on himself. He's a key figure in his parish, St. Jude. I love Catholics as people; but I hate the cult of Catholicism!
We read in Proverb 28:4, “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” I guarantee you that the pastors who are endorsing Obama's presidency are the same rascals that DON'T believe that the King James Bible is the inspired and preserved Words of God. No Christian who believes the Bible and loves the Lord Jesus Christ would ever support a U.S. president who wants to expand adoption rights for homosexuals, legalize same-sex marriage, confiscate citizen's guns, expand global abortion programs, and further the United States as a Communist nation. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. America is heading for imminent moral, economic and spiritual destruction! The average American is so ignorant of what's really going on that they can't even form a proper opinion. Most people are stuck on one issue or another. The big picture is that American has already gone to Hell.
Who'd of thought we'd see a day in the United States when churches would march in pro-abortion rallies, when a church would call an ordained lesbian to be their pastor, when churches would support tyranny, when a pastor would say gay is ok, when religious leaders would praise the demonic Pope, and we'd hear of abortion contests over the radio. Of course we're sad as Christians, and there's something very selfish and wrong with you if you're oblivious to all this. I know of professed Christians who live in their own little bubble, and never do anything for God, and never reach out to the poor, nor preach the Gospel. It's all about them. They're like the rich man in Luke 16:19-31, planning for their future retirement and the wonderful time they're going to have. Proverb 27:1 says you may be dead by sunset.
Christians Who Think Like the Devil
Would to God that we had more believers today who would be willing to lose all for the sake of preaching the truth. When you take a stand for God, I mean with the truths of God's Word, expect all the demons of Hell to attack you and those around you. Satan always attacks the weakest link in any chain. Satan wanted to sift Peter as wheat for a good reason (Luke 22:31)—because the Devil knew that Peter was ignorant concerning the Scriptures. When Jesus announced to His disciples that He was to be crucified in Jerusalem, Peter swore that he'd fight 'til the death to prevent it from happening to protect Jesus. Peter thought he was doing a good thing, but Jesus absolutely needed to go to the cross to pay for the sins of mankind. Peter was ignorant concerning the Scriptures and; thus, vulnerable to Satanic influence.
In response to Peter's comment, here's what Jesus said to him in Matthew 16:23, “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Although a born-again Christian, Peter had adopted some Satanic thinking in his mind. Many believers today have allowed their minds to become filled with demonic thinking; such as, the false teaching that divorce is permissible under certain circumstances, the heresy of religious Zionism, the lie that wives needn't obey their husbands, the heresy of deliverance healing, the fraud of speaking-in-tongues, the lie of infant baptism, the heresy that salvation can be lost, the lie that God wants us all to be financially rich in this world, and other demonic teachings.
These are the false doctrines that the Apostle Paul warned liars would sneak into the church. There are many such false doctrines in churches today, that are rooted in manmade traditions and not God's Word.
Ye Shall Be Sorrowful... the World Shall Rejoice!
Jesus said that we would be sad and sorrowful in this world; while the sinful world parties and rejoices in their sinful ways. John 16:20, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” Please notice that Jesus said one day our sorrow will be turned into joy when He returns. Praise God!
Again in John 16:22 we are told, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” Notice what Jesus said... “and your joy no man taketh from you.” It is people that often take our joy away. Jesus said this. I've heard some people say, “No one can make you unhappy except you.” That is not always true. Jesus said that people will rob our joy sometimes. It's inevitable. Oftentimes people do make us unhappy—slandering us publicly, turning other people against us, stealing from us, hurting us any way they can, playing mind games or just being mean because they can. Misery loves company and miserable people don't want anyone else to be happy. There are some very mean and rotten people in this world, who will hurt you just because they can. And there are some very sweet and decent people. Jesus said that when He returns, NO MAN will ever take our joy away again.
Until that wonderful time comes Jesus gave us John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” People may rob us of our joy at times, but they can't take away our peace of knowing that our name is written in Heaven, and that the Lord will one day return and make everything right, and no one will ever hurt us again. Jesus said to BE OF GOOD CHEER in knowing that He has overcome the world, i.e., we have the blessed assurance and divine promise that one day Jesus is going to make everything right. Revelation 21:4, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Amen and amen!
“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1st John 5:19).
By David J. Stewart (http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer's%20Corner/ye_shall_be_sorrowful.htm)
John 16:20, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy."
What a needful passage of Scripture in these dark hours of history! Jesus said that Christians would be sad and sorrowful while the sinful world rejoices. How can any born-again believer truly be happy living in the midst of such a filthy, sexually degenerate, murderous, unthankful, arrogant, greedy, selfish and sick-minded world? You can't, which is why Jesus said we'd be sorrowful and weep.
The Bible Teaches that the World Hates Christians
Jesus said that the sinful world would HATE US, and they do. John 15:19, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” The more one takes a stand for God and truth, the more hated and persecuted that person will be. If you are a professed Christian and you are popular with the heathen world, it is only because you are not truly serving the Lord. The Bible teaches that God-fearing, Christ-honoring, sin-hating, soul-winning, Bible-preaching Christians WILL BE hated by the world.
Jesus never sinned even once in His entire life (2nd Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15), yet the Jews cried out for Barabbas (a murderer according to Mark 15:7) to be set free and they wanted Jesus crucified to death. This is how the world reacts to God and truth—rejection. The world shows no mercy for the Christian; but they have sympathy for the wicked. This is why still today we see murderers go free and innocent men imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. The world is evil. The abortionists cry out, “Crucify the babies”; while God's children cry out, “Please release them.” Will you choose Barabbas or Jesus?
Luke 6:22, “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.” Any true Christian who loves the Lord Jesus Christ WILL BE PERSECUTED... 2nd Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” The world doesn't mind a cowardly believer who never raises a Gospel flag, never speaks a word against sin, laughs at their sick jokes, and follows Jesus from afar off. 2nd Corinthians 4:3, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.” Most believers today are HIDING the Gospel by their Christless life. Mark 4:21, “And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?”
When a faithful Christian man works in a heathen workplace, he will have no choice but to either take a stand against sin or else compromise and partake of men's evil thoughts, dirty jokes, pornographic smut, dishonest ways and slanderous gossip. We ought not curse in God's name as the heathens do. We ought not indulge in pornographic smut as the wicked do. We ought not go to strip-clubs as the godless do. We ought not divorce as the wicked do. We ought not live like the sinful world. We ought not commit fornication as the heathens do. We ought not go to Sin City Las Vegas as the wicked do. We ought not tell dirty jokes as the sinful world does. We ought not gossip and slander people as the wicked do. We belong to Jesus Christ. Our Christian faith is being tested every moment of every day. A faith must be tested.
Taking a Biblical Stand for God
A Christian who is right with God cares—which causes them to hate abortion, homosexuality, drunkenness, adultery, immodest clothing, Harry Potter's witchcraft, the vile American sex-culture of fornication, and other evils which provoke the judgment of God (Romans 1:24-32). “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil” (Psalm 97:10a). Something is very wrong with a professed Christian who doesn't get upset over the wicked condition of this sin-cursed world. While the heathen world rejoices in their selfish and self-centered lives, delighting themselves in the pleasures of sin and making merry in their Christless lives; born-again believers are crying out to God for the Pretribulation Rapture to come. Death for the Christian means life in Heaven; but death for the unsaved person means eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire. Ecclesiastes 11:9, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” Go ahead, live it up, if you dare; but your day of reckoning with God is fast approaching.
John the Baptist loved God and righteousness. John's heart was saddened by the sin he saw and the destroyed lives. John was angry over sin and it showed in his preaching. When Herod began an adulterous affair with his brother's wife, John had a few words to say... Mark 6:18, “For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.” It was this remark that cost John his head. John wasn't beheaded for preaching the Gospel, he was beheaded for preaching against adultery, Herod's adultery. Yet the average sissy-britches minister behind the pulpit nowadays wouldn't dare preach against adultery or other popular sins in our vile American society today, lest he end up living homeless in the wilderness as John the Baptist did. You know, there was a reason why John lived in the wilderness.
Weeping Over the Apostasy of Our Time
It's tragic that so many professed Christians are silent concerning the hellish Catholic religion. It is apostasy for America's preachers to speak kindly of the Pope. The Pope is not the vicar of Heaven; THE POPE IS THE VICAR OF HELL!!! Shame on any preacher who speaks of Catholicism in a positive light. The Catholic Church came straight out of the pits of Hell.
Apostasy abounds everywhere nowadays. Few people have genuine faith in the Word of God and Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Most people who profess a belief in God are as lost spiritually as can be. They are hellbound in their sins.
I have a Catholic neighbor that is stubborn like a mule. He is a good man as far as sinners go, but he is religious without truth. I have witnessed to him on numerous occasions, but he prides himself in sticking to the teachings that his grandparents and parents taught him. He is idolatrous and smiles with arrogance when he tells me that he follows the Catholic Church over the Bible. He's about 50-years old. One day he will split Hell wide open and find out that God's Word is true and the Catholic Church lied to him. He is going to die in his sins without Christ. He adamantly believes that he is going to Heaven because of his faith AND GOOD WORKS. Adding anything to faith alone in Jesus is a false gospel and a guaranteed road to hellfire (Ephesians 2:8-9). I am saddened that he is going to Hell. He rejoices and drinks beer like water. He is living it up, like he's never going to die. I am praying for his salvation and won't give up on him, but he has given up on himself. He's a key figure in his parish, St. Jude. I love Catholics as people; but I hate the cult of Catholicism!
We read in Proverb 28:4, “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” I guarantee you that the pastors who are endorsing Obama's presidency are the same rascals that DON'T believe that the King James Bible is the inspired and preserved Words of God. No Christian who believes the Bible and loves the Lord Jesus Christ would ever support a U.S. president who wants to expand adoption rights for homosexuals, legalize same-sex marriage, confiscate citizen's guns, expand global abortion programs, and further the United States as a Communist nation. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. America is heading for imminent moral, economic and spiritual destruction! The average American is so ignorant of what's really going on that they can't even form a proper opinion. Most people are stuck on one issue or another. The big picture is that American has already gone to Hell.
Who'd of thought we'd see a day in the United States when churches would march in pro-abortion rallies, when a church would call an ordained lesbian to be their pastor, when churches would support tyranny, when a pastor would say gay is ok, when religious leaders would praise the demonic Pope, and we'd hear of abortion contests over the radio. Of course we're sad as Christians, and there's something very selfish and wrong with you if you're oblivious to all this. I know of professed Christians who live in their own little bubble, and never do anything for God, and never reach out to the poor, nor preach the Gospel. It's all about them. They're like the rich man in Luke 16:19-31, planning for their future retirement and the wonderful time they're going to have. Proverb 27:1 says you may be dead by sunset.
Christians Who Think Like the Devil
Would to God that we had more believers today who would be willing to lose all for the sake of preaching the truth. When you take a stand for God, I mean with the truths of God's Word, expect all the demons of Hell to attack you and those around you. Satan always attacks the weakest link in any chain. Satan wanted to sift Peter as wheat for a good reason (Luke 22:31)—because the Devil knew that Peter was ignorant concerning the Scriptures. When Jesus announced to His disciples that He was to be crucified in Jerusalem, Peter swore that he'd fight 'til the death to prevent it from happening to protect Jesus. Peter thought he was doing a good thing, but Jesus absolutely needed to go to the cross to pay for the sins of mankind. Peter was ignorant concerning the Scriptures and; thus, vulnerable to Satanic influence.
In response to Peter's comment, here's what Jesus said to him in Matthew 16:23, “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Although a born-again Christian, Peter had adopted some Satanic thinking in his mind. Many believers today have allowed their minds to become filled with demonic thinking; such as, the false teaching that divorce is permissible under certain circumstances, the heresy of religious Zionism, the lie that wives needn't obey their husbands, the heresy of deliverance healing, the fraud of speaking-in-tongues, the lie of infant baptism, the heresy that salvation can be lost, the lie that God wants us all to be financially rich in this world, and other demonic teachings.
These are the false doctrines that the Apostle Paul warned liars would sneak into the church. There are many such false doctrines in churches today, that are rooted in manmade traditions and not God's Word.
Ye Shall Be Sorrowful... the World Shall Rejoice!
Jesus said that we would be sad and sorrowful in this world; while the sinful world parties and rejoices in their sinful ways. John 16:20, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” Please notice that Jesus said one day our sorrow will be turned into joy when He returns. Praise God!
Again in John 16:22 we are told, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” Notice what Jesus said... “and your joy no man taketh from you.” It is people that often take our joy away. Jesus said this. I've heard some people say, “No one can make you unhappy except you.” That is not always true. Jesus said that people will rob our joy sometimes. It's inevitable. Oftentimes people do make us unhappy—slandering us publicly, turning other people against us, stealing from us, hurting us any way they can, playing mind games or just being mean because they can. Misery loves company and miserable people don't want anyone else to be happy. There are some very mean and rotten people in this world, who will hurt you just because they can. And there are some very sweet and decent people. Jesus said that when He returns, NO MAN will ever take our joy away again.
Until that wonderful time comes Jesus gave us John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” People may rob us of our joy at times, but they can't take away our peace of knowing that our name is written in Heaven, and that the Lord will one day return and make everything right, and no one will ever hurt us again. Jesus said to BE OF GOOD CHEER in knowing that He has overcome the world, i.e., we have the blessed assurance and divine promise that one day Jesus is going to make everything right. Revelation 21:4, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Amen and amen!
“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1st John 5:19).
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out by Pastor Jack Hyles
Numbers 32:23, "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out."
Most preachers with evangelistic fervor have preached from this text. The normal interpretation is that overt sins will be found out and that the day will come when sins will be uncovered.
This is a Bible truth, but not the primary teaching of this passage. The Israelites were about to cross over Jordan and enter into the Promised Land. The tribes of Rueben and Gad came to Moses and asked special permission. They asked if they could stay on the east side of the Jordan where the land was fertile and was very suitable for the cattle and sheep possessed by these two tribes. They said, "Bring us not over Jordan."
Moses realizing that God had commanded them to drive out the enemy from Canaan refused to grant this permission. He said, "Shall your brethren go to war and ye sit here?" He would not let them avoid the battles on the west aside of the Jordan in order to enjoy the luxury of the fertile land on the east side of the Jordan.
The problem was resolved by the men agreeing to cross over Jordan and fight. They would build sheepfolds for their cattle and cities for their families. The wives, children and cattle would remain on the east side of the Jordan while the men crossed the Jordan to fight the battle. The agreement was that when the battle was over the men would return to their families and cattle. Moses accepted this plan but warned them that if they did not go forth to battle, if they did not cross the Jordan River, if they did not fight, God would punish them. He said, "Be sure your sin will find you out."
Some of the members of the tribes of Gad and Rueben are still alive today. In fact, America is full of these loafers who say, "We are tired of fighting. Let us relive our victories in the wilderness. It is time for us to rest and enjoy the fertile plains on the east side of the Jordan." Oh, these people still go to church. They just don't want to fight. To be sure, on Sunday they must be fed. They want sermons to feed their souls. They eat the fat and drink the sweet. They crowd the table for the best wine. They tuck their spiritual napkins around their necks and say, "Feed me, Pastor! Feed me! Feed me!" but they do not want to fight. The battle rages on the other side of the Jordan and while the fighting is going on they want to stay on the east side and "feed the sheep." They love their conferences, their worship services, their sevenfold amen and their anthems. They even love their Bible studies and deeper-life conferences, yet they never turn a hand to do anything in the battle. They gird no armor, grasp no sword, hurl no spear, throw no stones, shed no blood, render no sweat and weep no tears.
If a church has no invitation, they shriek in horror, yet if all the converts who came forward were theirs, there would be no need for an invitation. If the church canceled all its visitation program, they would be angry, but they never show up for one. If the church never baptized any converts, they would classify the church as being dead, but they never lead a convert to the baptistery.
These goldbricks talk about being crucified with Christ, yet they have no scars in their hands, no spear in their side, no jeering mob, no angry critics, no thorns on their brow. They have no pain. They suffer no heartache. They do not want to be called fanatics, and yet they glibly talk about being crucified with Christ.
This crowd of deserters often know much about the Bible. They often know truths that God doesn't even know, and they find things in the Bible that God didn't put there. They can tell you all the types concerning what the beasts stand for; they can tell you the symbolic meanings of the leg on the beast, the foot on the leg, the toe on the foot, the nail on the toe and the polish on the nail. They want victories with no battles and crucifixion with no pain.
One of these AWOL's came to me in Toccoa, Georgia, one time, looked at me through spooky eyes and said, "Dr. Hyles, you strike me as being a very deep Bible teacher. Do you know what the horse' in Revelation 19 stands for?" I said, "Yes, I do." She excitedly asked, "What?" I replied, "A horse." She looked through dejected eyes and said, "It mentions that the horse is a white horse. Do you know what the spiritual significance of that color white is?" I replied, "Yes." She excitedly said, " I knew you would! I knew you would! I knew you would! What does the word 'white' mean?" I replied, "That's the color of the horse." All across America these loafers are causing trouble in soul-winning churches. Practically every faithful, soul-winning, Bible preacher is hounded by these hoards. They gravitate to committees and shun soul winning as though it were a plague. If a preacher fights sin, he is a legalist. If he leads as Moses did, he is a dictator. If he loves souls, he is shallow. If he has zeal, he possesses wild fire.
These Monday-morning quarterbacks never make a tackle, never complete a pass, never kick a field goal, never block a kick, never make a first down and never win a game. They simply sit in the stands and cheer those who run off sides, are guilty of unnecessary roughness and boo the one who makes the touchdown. These modern Korahs would think the parting of the Red Sea too spectacular. They would have the sensationalism of Joshua making the sun stand still. They would suggest that the feeding of the 5,000 was carnal and certainly would classify Pentecost as an emotional experience not worthy of the morning worship service. These Diotrophes grow nurseries of weeds, sow spiritual crab grass in the aisles of all the soul-winning churches in America. They are watch-gazers during the invitation. They are notoriously against the bus ministry. They oppose being scattered abroad everywhere, and if 3,000 got saved today, it would be no Pentecost, it would be a holocaust.
They are termites who eat away at the foundations of our churches. They are buzzards circling the field to pull at the carcass of new converts. They; are parasites who live on other's toil. They are polecats who spray their odor on every church member who gets close to them. They are serpents who shoot deadly venom at every soul-winning church and pastor in America and cockroaches who infest every member of the church on whom they can crawl.
The truth is no Christian has a right to be at peace during the war. No Christian has a right to stay on the east side of Jordan and enjoy the luxury of the fertile plains while the rest are fighting on the west side.
Should I be carried to the skies, On flowery beds of ease, While others fight to win the prize, And sail through bloody seas?
No, I must fight if I would gain, Increase my courage, Lord! I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word.
Am I to receive and never give? Am I to eat and never feed! Am I to wear and never clothe? Am I to drink and never offer a cup?
Ladies and gentlemen, there is a war on! On which side of the Jordan do you dwell? We, like the Israelites, are to cross the Jordan and fight the battles until the battle is over and we can return to our families and see the face of our Saviour and hear Him say, "Well done."
Most preachers with evangelistic fervor have preached from this text. The normal interpretation is that overt sins will be found out and that the day will come when sins will be uncovered.
This is a Bible truth, but not the primary teaching of this passage. The Israelites were about to cross over Jordan and enter into the Promised Land. The tribes of Rueben and Gad came to Moses and asked special permission. They asked if they could stay on the east side of the Jordan where the land was fertile and was very suitable for the cattle and sheep possessed by these two tribes. They said, "Bring us not over Jordan."
Moses realizing that God had commanded them to drive out the enemy from Canaan refused to grant this permission. He said, "Shall your brethren go to war and ye sit here?" He would not let them avoid the battles on the west aside of the Jordan in order to enjoy the luxury of the fertile land on the east side of the Jordan.
The problem was resolved by the men agreeing to cross over Jordan and fight. They would build sheepfolds for their cattle and cities for their families. The wives, children and cattle would remain on the east side of the Jordan while the men crossed the Jordan to fight the battle. The agreement was that when the battle was over the men would return to their families and cattle. Moses accepted this plan but warned them that if they did not go forth to battle, if they did not cross the Jordan River, if they did not fight, God would punish them. He said, "Be sure your sin will find you out."
Some of the members of the tribes of Gad and Rueben are still alive today. In fact, America is full of these loafers who say, "We are tired of fighting. Let us relive our victories in the wilderness. It is time for us to rest and enjoy the fertile plains on the east side of the Jordan." Oh, these people still go to church. They just don't want to fight. To be sure, on Sunday they must be fed. They want sermons to feed their souls. They eat the fat and drink the sweet. They crowd the table for the best wine. They tuck their spiritual napkins around their necks and say, "Feed me, Pastor! Feed me! Feed me!" but they do not want to fight. The battle rages on the other side of the Jordan and while the fighting is going on they want to stay on the east side and "feed the sheep." They love their conferences, their worship services, their sevenfold amen and their anthems. They even love their Bible studies and deeper-life conferences, yet they never turn a hand to do anything in the battle. They gird no armor, grasp no sword, hurl no spear, throw no stones, shed no blood, render no sweat and weep no tears.
If a church has no invitation, they shriek in horror, yet if all the converts who came forward were theirs, there would be no need for an invitation. If the church canceled all its visitation program, they would be angry, but they never show up for one. If the church never baptized any converts, they would classify the church as being dead, but they never lead a convert to the baptistery.
These goldbricks talk about being crucified with Christ, yet they have no scars in their hands, no spear in their side, no jeering mob, no angry critics, no thorns on their brow. They have no pain. They suffer no heartache. They do not want to be called fanatics, and yet they glibly talk about being crucified with Christ.
This crowd of deserters often know much about the Bible. They often know truths that God doesn't even know, and they find things in the Bible that God didn't put there. They can tell you all the types concerning what the beasts stand for; they can tell you the symbolic meanings of the leg on the beast, the foot on the leg, the toe on the foot, the nail on the toe and the polish on the nail. They want victories with no battles and crucifixion with no pain.
One of these AWOL's came to me in Toccoa, Georgia, one time, looked at me through spooky eyes and said, "Dr. Hyles, you strike me as being a very deep Bible teacher. Do you know what the horse' in Revelation 19 stands for?" I said, "Yes, I do." She excitedly asked, "What?" I replied, "A horse." She looked through dejected eyes and said, "It mentions that the horse is a white horse. Do you know what the spiritual significance of that color white is?" I replied, "Yes." She excitedly said, " I knew you would! I knew you would! I knew you would! What does the word 'white' mean?" I replied, "That's the color of the horse." All across America these loafers are causing trouble in soul-winning churches. Practically every faithful, soul-winning, Bible preacher is hounded by these hoards. They gravitate to committees and shun soul winning as though it were a plague. If a preacher fights sin, he is a legalist. If he leads as Moses did, he is a dictator. If he loves souls, he is shallow. If he has zeal, he possesses wild fire.
These Monday-morning quarterbacks never make a tackle, never complete a pass, never kick a field goal, never block a kick, never make a first down and never win a game. They simply sit in the stands and cheer those who run off sides, are guilty of unnecessary roughness and boo the one who makes the touchdown. These modern Korahs would think the parting of the Red Sea too spectacular. They would have the sensationalism of Joshua making the sun stand still. They would suggest that the feeding of the 5,000 was carnal and certainly would classify Pentecost as an emotional experience not worthy of the morning worship service. These Diotrophes grow nurseries of weeds, sow spiritual crab grass in the aisles of all the soul-winning churches in America. They are watch-gazers during the invitation. They are notoriously against the bus ministry. They oppose being scattered abroad everywhere, and if 3,000 got saved today, it would be no Pentecost, it would be a holocaust.
They are termites who eat away at the foundations of our churches. They are buzzards circling the field to pull at the carcass of new converts. They; are parasites who live on other's toil. They are polecats who spray their odor on every church member who gets close to them. They are serpents who shoot deadly venom at every soul-winning church and pastor in America and cockroaches who infest every member of the church on whom they can crawl.
The truth is no Christian has a right to be at peace during the war. No Christian has a right to stay on the east side of Jordan and enjoy the luxury of the fertile plains while the rest are fighting on the west side.
Should I be carried to the skies, On flowery beds of ease, While others fight to win the prize, And sail through bloody seas?
No, I must fight if I would gain, Increase my courage, Lord! I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word.
Am I to receive and never give? Am I to eat and never feed! Am I to wear and never clothe? Am I to drink and never offer a cup?
Ladies and gentlemen, there is a war on! On which side of the Jordan do you dwell? We, like the Israelites, are to cross the Jordan and fight the battles until the battle is over and we can return to our families and see the face of our Saviour and hear Him say, "Well done."
Saturday, 5 September 2009
I've come across one too many incidents where church members blindly follow their leaders. Anyone who questions anything, even if out of genuine concern or reasonable need to know immediately becomes branded as judgemental, harsh and might even be threatened with ex-communication as they are not loving and a threat to church unity. I received an e-mail update from a site that I frequent at times, because this site does have good material, and I felt this update was good enough to be posted here.
Full acknowledgement to www.GotQuestions.org for the Question and Answer that follows:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Question: "Should Christians judge the teachings of their leaders?"
Answer: As Christians, we are commanded against following teachers blindly, but are told rather to “Test everything; hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The apostle Peter warns us in 2 Peter 2:1-3 that there will be false teachers in our day just as there were false teachers in his day. Among their false teachings is a denial of the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross to take away sin, which is a common theme among cultists today. Another characteristic of false teachers is the greed which motivates them in everything they do. Paul offers a similar warning to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29-31, calling the false teachers “savage wolves” who mercilessly attempt to destroy the faith of the sheep and draw them away from the Shepherd. Paul warned them continually, pleading with them night and day to be on their guard against such deceivers.
From these passages, we see clearly that we are to distinguish between true and false teachers. How then are we to do that? First, as Paul instructs the Ephesians, we are to “no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). Rather, we are to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” and we do this by “the knowledge of the Son of God” (v. 13). The knowledge of Christ can only be obtained through the Word of God, and it is by that Word that we distinguish between the true and the false.
In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus offers some critical advice in discerning who is a false prophet: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruits you will recognize them.” Plainly stated, is the teacher’s life marked by a progressive conformity to the likeness of Christ? Is the teacher bearing the fruits of the Spirit? Just as only good trees produce good fruit, so do only true teachers of Christ display the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), whereas false prophets and teachers di splay the acts of their sinful natures (Galatians 5:19-22). By these fruits, we recognize true and false teachers.
Secondly, does the teaching that is being presented conform to the message as proclaimed by the early church and the Apostles? As Paul writes to the church in Galatia: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” These are harsh words indeed that Paul has for the false teachers, but eternal condemnation is what they store up for themselves until the day of God’s wrath (Romans 2:5-6).
The apostle John tells us in his first epistle (John 4:1-6) how we are to discern which spirits are from God. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”
It is of utmost importance that Christians are well-grounded in the Scriptures so that they are able to discern which teachers speak from God and which are false in their proclamation. Only then can we reject what is false and “hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We should not be dependent or even subservient to our church leaders. The onus is on us to study God's Word well, so that we might even keep leaders in check. To know God's Word, it is essential that your bible is not corrupt. If you are of an English-speaking background, only the authorized King James Version is trustworthy.
May the good Lord guide you in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Full acknowledgement to www.GotQuestions.org for the Question and Answer that follows:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Question: "Should Christians judge the teachings of their leaders?"
Answer: As Christians, we are commanded against following teachers blindly, but are told rather to “Test everything; hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The apostle Peter warns us in 2 Peter 2:1-3 that there will be false teachers in our day just as there were false teachers in his day. Among their false teachings is a denial of the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross to take away sin, which is a common theme among cultists today. Another characteristic of false teachers is the greed which motivates them in everything they do. Paul offers a similar warning to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29-31, calling the false teachers “savage wolves” who mercilessly attempt to destroy the faith of the sheep and draw them away from the Shepherd. Paul warned them continually, pleading with them night and day to be on their guard against such deceivers.
From these passages, we see clearly that we are to distinguish between true and false teachers. How then are we to do that? First, as Paul instructs the Ephesians, we are to “no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). Rather, we are to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” and we do this by “the knowledge of the Son of God” (v. 13). The knowledge of Christ can only be obtained through the Word of God, and it is by that Word that we distinguish between the true and the false.
In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus offers some critical advice in discerning who is a false prophet: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruits you will recognize them.” Plainly stated, is the teacher’s life marked by a progressive conformity to the likeness of Christ? Is the teacher bearing the fruits of the Spirit? Just as only good trees produce good fruit, so do only true teachers of Christ display the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), whereas false prophets and teachers di splay the acts of their sinful natures (Galatians 5:19-22). By these fruits, we recognize true and false teachers.
Secondly, does the teaching that is being presented conform to the message as proclaimed by the early church and the Apostles? As Paul writes to the church in Galatia: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” These are harsh words indeed that Paul has for the false teachers, but eternal condemnation is what they store up for themselves until the day of God’s wrath (Romans 2:5-6).
The apostle John tells us in his first epistle (John 4:1-6) how we are to discern which spirits are from God. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”
It is of utmost importance that Christians are well-grounded in the Scriptures so that they are able to discern which teachers speak from God and which are false in their proclamation. Only then can we reject what is false and “hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We should not be dependent or even subservient to our church leaders. The onus is on us to study God's Word well, so that we might even keep leaders in check. To know God's Word, it is essential that your bible is not corrupt. If you are of an English-speaking background, only the authorized King James Version is trustworthy.
May the good Lord guide you in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Salvation is of the Lord
They smiled and shook hands, exchanging greetings.
Smiling visages are like painted veneers, in that both mean to portray and hide something at the same time except the former costs less and is usually well practiced in church. But the sadness in their eyes betrayed them. Scars that would qualify for honorary doctorates from the university of hard knocks, some poorly healed, others still bleeding. It was an existence driven by the painful mundane bolstered by much anger derived from hopeless cynicism, waking another morning hoping to be in heaven, or maybe, hell.
Anything but this cursed life on earth.
"Have you read it, the 23rd Psalm?" the Brother pipped.
"It was read on my wedding day years ago", he replied.
"It's no coincidence I asked you to read it last week. Do you want the Lord as your shepherd? Do you want to be saved?" challenged the Brother.
"Well, I am a Christian because I believe that if I help myself God will then help me. Aren't I saved because of this?" he stated.
"No, you are going straight to hell if you think you can help yourself. Brother, the Bible says that God loves You and sent His Son Jesus to die for you. The Bible also says that to be saved, you need to acknowledge your sin before the Lord Jesus for which you are condemned. Ask Him to forgive you, ask Him to save you because He died on the cross for you. And He will, if you simply believe that He alone can save you. Salvation is a gift, it is not obtained by works, or rites, or rituals, or speaking in tongues, or giving money to the church, or any such non-biblical garbage. Do you want this gift brother? Do you want to be saved?"
The cloudy sadness in his eyes lifted, a glimmer of hope shone through those dark, tired portals of his heaving soul. "I want to believe, I want to be saved, tell me how I can be saved", he gasped, like a drowning man.
"Pray with me brother, say these words sincerely to our Lord Jesus, mean what you say, it is not the prayer, but it is your crying out to Him, and He will save you", the Brother replied. "Repeat after me now brother. Lord Jesus, I am a sinner, and for my sins I am condemned. But You suffered and died on the cross, shed your blood for me. Please forgive my sins, please save me, please remember me. Thank you for your mercy and grace, amen."
"Brother, you are now saved. What you did not earn by good works, you cannot lose by bad. But now that you are saved, your life can be transformed by the Lord. For this to happen, you must read your bible, do as it says to draw closer to the Lord. Here, take this material. It will help with your bible study. If you have questions, ask me".
Two grown men hugged that day, because a brother long lost is now found.
"Thank you Lord Jesus, for saving us, for saving me" the Brother prayed silently. "I should die a million times and even so it is insufficient to pay the debt I owe you. That you would allow me now to share the gospel that others might be saved humbles me. It reminds me that I am a sinner, condemned to hell except that You saved me, and made me something, when I am nothing. Thank You Lord Jesus".
Tears were the only thing that betrayed him. Perhaps, two brothers long lost were now found.
Smiling visages are like painted veneers, in that both mean to portray and hide something at the same time except the former costs less and is usually well practiced in church. But the sadness in their eyes betrayed them. Scars that would qualify for honorary doctorates from the university of hard knocks, some poorly healed, others still bleeding. It was an existence driven by the painful mundane bolstered by much anger derived from hopeless cynicism, waking another morning hoping to be in heaven, or maybe, hell.
Anything but this cursed life on earth.
"Have you read it, the 23rd Psalm?" the Brother pipped.
"It was read on my wedding day years ago", he replied.
"It's no coincidence I asked you to read it last week. Do you want the Lord as your shepherd? Do you want to be saved?" challenged the Brother.
"Well, I am a Christian because I believe that if I help myself God will then help me. Aren't I saved because of this?" he stated.
"No, you are going straight to hell if you think you can help yourself. Brother, the Bible says that God loves You and sent His Son Jesus to die for you. The Bible also says that to be saved, you need to acknowledge your sin before the Lord Jesus for which you are condemned. Ask Him to forgive you, ask Him to save you because He died on the cross for you. And He will, if you simply believe that He alone can save you. Salvation is a gift, it is not obtained by works, or rites, or rituals, or speaking in tongues, or giving money to the church, or any such non-biblical garbage. Do you want this gift brother? Do you want to be saved?"
The cloudy sadness in his eyes lifted, a glimmer of hope shone through those dark, tired portals of his heaving soul. "I want to believe, I want to be saved, tell me how I can be saved", he gasped, like a drowning man.
"Pray with me brother, say these words sincerely to our Lord Jesus, mean what you say, it is not the prayer, but it is your crying out to Him, and He will save you", the Brother replied. "Repeat after me now brother. Lord Jesus, I am a sinner, and for my sins I am condemned. But You suffered and died on the cross, shed your blood for me. Please forgive my sins, please save me, please remember me. Thank you for your mercy and grace, amen."
"Brother, you are now saved. What you did not earn by good works, you cannot lose by bad. But now that you are saved, your life can be transformed by the Lord. For this to happen, you must read your bible, do as it says to draw closer to the Lord. Here, take this material. It will help with your bible study. If you have questions, ask me".
Two grown men hugged that day, because a brother long lost is now found.
"Thank you Lord Jesus, for saving us, for saving me" the Brother prayed silently. "I should die a million times and even so it is insufficient to pay the debt I owe you. That you would allow me now to share the gospel that others might be saved humbles me. It reminds me that I am a sinner, condemned to hell except that You saved me, and made me something, when I am nothing. Thank You Lord Jesus".
Tears were the only thing that betrayed him. Perhaps, two brothers long lost were now found.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Another awesome article from www.jesus-is-savior.com
Satanic Theology
Misguided religious student is brainwashed by Satan!
I received the following letter from a Catholic seminary student named Katrina January of 2006...
Dear Mr. Stewart,
As I was doing a web search relating to God and Evil for my Theology class at my university, I came across your article on Harry Potter and how evil he was. You use the quote from Voldemort teaching Quirrell, "There is no good and evil; there is only power, and those too weak to seek it." This is what the BAD guy is teaching his followers, similar to something the Devil would tell his followers and those he wished to control. No child reading Harry Potter would take advice from Voldemort as he is pretty much the equivalent to Satan himself. If anything, Harry Potter books teach kids to take a stand against evil and do the right thing.
You criticize Harry and his friends for learning and using "witchcraft" which are their natural powers. Jesus used his natural powers to help those who needed him, as Harry does with his powers. Like Jesus, Harry does not use his natural gift to harm others, although he could, just as Jesus could have chosen to use his powers negatively if he wanted to.
Allowing children to use their imagination and pretend to be magical is not harmful. If they are like Harry Potter, they will be pretending to use their magic against evil.
The Bible may say witchcraft is wrong, but I am pretty sure the witchcraft they are referring to is "black magic" not the magic Harry and his gang are using to fight from preventing evil from being reborn (much like your belief in the antichrist). Your pilgrimage fighting Harry Potter as the bringer about of the "Anti-Christ" is much like Harry's fight to prevent the evil Voldemort from reentering the world of the living.
Perhaps if you took the time to read the Harry Potter series, you would see Harry faces many of the same hardships as Jesus Christ did. Such as: people expecting him to be invincible and save everyone from evil, and those taking his word that he is trying to help them as being false.
Jesus preached acceptance of others, and that comes from learning where others are coming from. Just because somebody is a Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan or Hindu does not make them a bad person. Labeling them as a bad person because they don't necessarily believe your view on God would justify them classifying you as a bad person. Jesus is the only judge, live YOUR life the way you see fit without criticizing the life styles of others.
I myself consider myself to be Agnostic, but I attend a Catholic University and have friends that are everything from gay, straight, bisexual, Hindu, Buddhist, "Born Again" Christians and even Wiccans. All of these people are important to me, and are outstanding people in general. If your God is too blind to see beyond the front to see the good in everybody, maybe he isn't such a great God.
Your Truly,
Katrina
Katrina has adopted a form of "Satanic theology" in her head.
Talk about misguided, this young woman certainly is brainwashed by Satan. First of all Katrina, you completely fail to see (or refuse to see) what is wrong with Harry Potter. Although it is clear that Voldemort is the "bad guy" in the Harry Potter series, HARRY POTTER himself is highly exalted as the GOOD GUY. And what does the good guy, Harry Potter, saturate himself with? WITCHCRAFT!!! Galatians 5:19 and 20 clearly read "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, WITCHCRAFT..." Witchcraft is of the Devil. 1st Samuel 15:23 identifies witchcraft as a SIN. Katrina says:
"Perhaps if you took the time to read the Harry Potter series, you would see Harry faces many of the same hardships as Jesus Christ did."
Yes Katrina, but JESUS DIDN'T USE WITCHCRAFT to defeat evil, He used the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Harry Potter never mentions Jesus, the Bible, or the Holy Spirit. Harry Potter is a warlock (a male witch) who has been trained in the Hogwart's School of Witchcraft to perform spells, magick, and other forms of demonism. You are woefully wrong Katrina to compare the Saviour, Who used Holy Spirit power; to a witch (Harry Potter), who uses demonic power. What in the world are they teaching you in religious seminar?
Katrina also says:
"You criticize Harry and his friends for learning and using "witchcraft" which are their natural powers. Jesus used his natural powers to help those who needed him, as Harry does with his powers."
You are greatly deceived Katrina. Jesus spiritual power is the Holy Spirit; whereas Harry Potter's spiritual power is Satanic. If you believe for one moment that witchcraft is a "natural power," then you are completely ignorant of the truth. Witchcraft is NOT a natural power; but, rather, is invoking the powers of Satan. For you to even compare the power of Christ with the power of witchcraft is blasphemy. It is abundantly clear to me Katrina that you are a child of Satan yourself and need salvation. Katrina says:
"Allowing children to use their imagination and pretend to be magical is not harmful."
The issue is not about children's imaginations Katrina, it's about the wicked sin of witchcraft being presented to children as something "good" to fight evil; when in reality, witchcraft is just as evil as all evil. Witchcraft is evil, it is demonic, it is of the Devil. Only a fool would defend witchcraft.
Katrina goes on to say:
"The Bible may say witchcraft is wrong, but I am pretty sure the witchcraft they are referring to is "black magic" not the magic Harry and his gang are using..."
"Pretty sure?" You're in a religious college and the best you can come up with is "pretty sure?" You've got to be kidding? Are you so foolish that you'd actually buy into Satan's lie that there is such a thing as "white witchcraft?" There is no such animal. You speak of "good magic" Katrina, but subtly leave out the word "witchcraft." Harry Potter is going to a school that teaches WITCHCRAFT! The godless author, J.K. Rowling, didn't use the term "good magic" in her books, she used the term "witchcraft." It is an abomination unto God Almighty. ALL witchcraft is of the Devil. You are greatly deceived Katrina. I would highly suggest that you enroll in a different religious school that actually teaches the Bible, because you are throwing your money (or your parent's money) away. It doesn't surprise me that you see nothing wrong with witchcraft in a Catholic University because I've never met one Catholic who actually read the Bible. Instead, they just accept the traditions of the Catholic church as Gospel truth, which it certainly is not.
Katrina foolishly continues by saying:
"Jesus preached acceptance of others, and that comes from learning where others are coming from. Just because somebody is a Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan or Hindu does not make them a bad person. Labeling them as a bad person because they don't necessarily believe your view on God would justify them classifying you as a bad person. Jesus is the only judge, live YOUR life the way you see fit without criticizing the life styles of others."
Wow! You're really messed up kid. I dare you to show me what you just said from the Word of God, because it's not there. Jesus never told us to accept the wicked. Yes, we are to love all people; but God actually commands us to SEPARATE from unbelievers (2nd Corinthians 6:14-17). I see that you're not using any Scriptures to back up your foolishness, further proof that your Catholic college doesn't teach you the Bible. But I'll use some Scriptures to prove you're totally wrong. Furthermore, you are misquoting me entirely. I dare you to show me anywhere on my website where I say Muslims, Buddhists, Wiccans, or Hindus are BAD PEOPLE. I never said no such thing. I don't attack people Katrina, I attack their lies and deceptions which are hurting other people. I attack false teachings and false religions, which blind men's eyes from the saving truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are making false assumptions.
Here's the most ridiculous statement Katrina made:
"If your God is too blind to see beyond the front to see the good in everybody, maybe he isn't such a great God."
You're right Katrina, Jesus Christ is my God; but He is a Great God and a Wonderful Saviour, and you are woefully foolish to slander Him. You are greatly deceived on this matter. You're failing to decipher between people's good qualities and false religion. There are some very nice Wiccans, Catholics, Buddhists, and Muslims in the world, and I have met quite a few of them; but, what does that have to do with false religion? The Word of God condemns false religion. According to 1st John 2:22, anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is Anti-Christ, and a LIAR...
"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." -1st John 2:22
Every sincere Muslim is a liar, and an Anti-Christ. I didn't say it, God said it. Muslims outright deny that Jesus is the Christ. In fact, Wiccans also deny that Jesus is the Christ. Get mad at God. Now, if you don't believe the Word of God Katrina, then you are hopelessly lost and on your way to Hell when you die. If you die in your sins Katrina, without Christ as your Saviour, then you will burn in Hell forever for rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Again, get mad at God because He said it...
"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction..." -2nd Thessalonians 1:8,9
This is Who my God is Katrina, Jesus Christ. I want to repeat Katrina's statement again:
"If your God is too blind to see beyond the front to see the good in everybody, maybe he isn't such a great God."
Romans 3:10-13 declares, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one ... there is none that doeth good, no, not one ... Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips." By nature, ALL people are sinners. We have all come short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). VINE'S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF GREEK NEW TESTAMENT WORDS says concerning the word "glory" in Romans 3:23, "...the word denotes the manifested perfection of His (God's) character, especially His righteousness, of which all men fall short." Hence, all humanity falls short of being perfect like God. There is no good in man when compared to God. Even our good (self-righteousness), Katrina, is as filthy rags in God's sight (Isaiah 64:6). But you say that God sees the "good in everybody." No Katrina, God sees a bunch of wicked sinners who deserve to burn in Hell. Yet you make allegations against God that He is "blind" to the good that YOU SEE in people. God loves all people, but He demands that we repent and turn to Christ.
I will use Wicca as an example. I hate Wicca with a passion. Why? Because it teaches damnable heresies which, according to the Word of God, will lead it's followers into Hell forever. John 3:36 proclaims that anyone who does NOT believe on Jesus Christ as Saviour is condemned ALREADY, and the wrath (anger) of God rests upon that person. So according to John 3:36, every Wiccan is ALREADY condemned and on their way to Hell if they don't repent and get saved. God's wrath is upon them daily (Psalm 7:11). I love people; therefore, I am compelled to tell them the painful truth which they despise to hear. Wicca is of the Devil, he DOES exist! If Wiccans want to get mad at me, go ahead; but I love them enough to tell them the Truth of God's Word. Yet, they call me hateful, which is a lie of the Devil. Now you, Katrina, condemn me for not being "acceptant of others." You said:
"Jesus preached acceptance of others..."
But you are being crafty in your words Katrina, when you use the term "others," by implying that Jesus also accepted false religions. Jesus NEVER accepted false doctrines or heathen religions. Jesus uncompromisingly preached the Truth, without apology. Jesus ripped and scathed the religious hypocrites of His day. You are doing what so many unsaved people do Katrina, ignorantly quoting only portions of the Bible, taking them out of context. God will accept anyone who comes to Him through Jesus Christ, but no one else (John 14:6). Wiccans are NOT accepted by God because they refuse to come through Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 declares that salvation is only found in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul said in Galatians 1:9, "...If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." The Bible defines the Gospel in 1st Corinthians 15:1-4 as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In so doing, Jesus Christ shed His blood to take away our sins. This is what Christ did to pay for our sins. Anyone who teaches anything else is CURSED according to the Bible. Therefore, the Buddhists are cursed. The Hindus are cursed. The Catholics are cursed. The Lutherans are cursed. The Seventh Day Adventists are cursed. The Jehovah Witnesses are cursed. The Mormons are cursed. The Baha'is are cursed. Wiccans are cursed. Atheists are cursed. Humanists are cursed. Taoists are cursed. Freemasons are cursed.
The Greek and Russian Orthodox are cursed. Charismatics are cursed. Why? Because they all preach ANOTHER GOSPEL that does not teach faith alone in Christ Jesus, apart from ALL works. We read in 2nd John 1:9-11, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." Ephesians 5:11 commands us to EXPOSE the works of darkness, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." ALL believers are commanded by God to EXPOSED the works of darkness.
In conclusion. You said you are agnostic Katrina, having little faith in religion; yet, ironically, you are taking a class on theology," as you stated. I don't have much faith in religion either, but I do place 100% of my faith in a single Person--The Lord Jesus Christ. I do realize that there is some human "good" in all people, but that good becomes as filth when compared to the holy righteousness of God. I believe we should love all people, but love sometimes requires us to speak the unpleasant truth. You are angry with me Katrina because I am speaking out against false religion. I love lost sinners enough to warn them of the judgment and Hell to come. Yet you arrogantly say:
"If your God is too blind to see beyond the front to see the good in everybody, maybe he isn't such a great God."
What you're clearly saying is that God should accept false religion. You are clearly saying that Christians shouldn't criticize anyone else's religion, even if it is a false religion that teaches damnable heresies contrary to God's Word. Yet God calls them cursed (Galatians 1:9). It is obvious that you do NOT know God, yet you are taking a theology class to study God. This is tragic! I would suggest you quit the class and read through the King James Bible instead. We learn about God from the Word of God, not from a theology class (John 1:1-3; Revelation 19:13). Sadly Katrina, you have been brainwashed with Satanic theology. Only through Jesus Christ can anyone be saved; therefore, we must WARN everyone about false religions which are leading the masses into the Lake of Fire. If you disagree Katrina that Harry Potter is woefully evil, it is only because you do NOT believe the Word of God...
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves." -Matthew 23:15
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." -Revelation 20:15
Misguided religious student is brainwashed by Satan!
I received the following letter from a Catholic seminary student named Katrina January of 2006...
Dear Mr. Stewart,
As I was doing a web search relating to God and Evil for my Theology class at my university, I came across your article on Harry Potter and how evil he was. You use the quote from Voldemort teaching Quirrell, "There is no good and evil; there is only power, and those too weak to seek it." This is what the BAD guy is teaching his followers, similar to something the Devil would tell his followers and those he wished to control. No child reading Harry Potter would take advice from Voldemort as he is pretty much the equivalent to Satan himself. If anything, Harry Potter books teach kids to take a stand against evil and do the right thing.
You criticize Harry and his friends for learning and using "witchcraft" which are their natural powers. Jesus used his natural powers to help those who needed him, as Harry does with his powers. Like Jesus, Harry does not use his natural gift to harm others, although he could, just as Jesus could have chosen to use his powers negatively if he wanted to.
Allowing children to use their imagination and pretend to be magical is not harmful. If they are like Harry Potter, they will be pretending to use their magic against evil.
The Bible may say witchcraft is wrong, but I am pretty sure the witchcraft they are referring to is "black magic" not the magic Harry and his gang are using to fight from preventing evil from being reborn (much like your belief in the antichrist). Your pilgrimage fighting Harry Potter as the bringer about of the "Anti-Christ" is much like Harry's fight to prevent the evil Voldemort from reentering the world of the living.
Perhaps if you took the time to read the Harry Potter series, you would see Harry faces many of the same hardships as Jesus Christ did. Such as: people expecting him to be invincible and save everyone from evil, and those taking his word that he is trying to help them as being false.
Jesus preached acceptance of others, and that comes from learning where others are coming from. Just because somebody is a Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan or Hindu does not make them a bad person. Labeling them as a bad person because they don't necessarily believe your view on God would justify them classifying you as a bad person. Jesus is the only judge, live YOUR life the way you see fit without criticizing the life styles of others.
I myself consider myself to be Agnostic, but I attend a Catholic University and have friends that are everything from gay, straight, bisexual, Hindu, Buddhist, "Born Again" Christians and even Wiccans. All of these people are important to me, and are outstanding people in general. If your God is too blind to see beyond the front to see the good in everybody, maybe he isn't such a great God.
Your Truly,
Katrina
Katrina has adopted a form of "Satanic theology" in her head.
Talk about misguided, this young woman certainly is brainwashed by Satan. First of all Katrina, you completely fail to see (or refuse to see) what is wrong with Harry Potter. Although it is clear that Voldemort is the "bad guy" in the Harry Potter series, HARRY POTTER himself is highly exalted as the GOOD GUY. And what does the good guy, Harry Potter, saturate himself with? WITCHCRAFT!!! Galatians 5:19 and 20 clearly read "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, WITCHCRAFT..." Witchcraft is of the Devil. 1st Samuel 15:23 identifies witchcraft as a SIN. Katrina says:
"Perhaps if you took the time to read the Harry Potter series, you would see Harry faces many of the same hardships as Jesus Christ did."
Yes Katrina, but JESUS DIDN'T USE WITCHCRAFT to defeat evil, He used the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Harry Potter never mentions Jesus, the Bible, or the Holy Spirit. Harry Potter is a warlock (a male witch) who has been trained in the Hogwart's School of Witchcraft to perform spells, magick, and other forms of demonism. You are woefully wrong Katrina to compare the Saviour, Who used Holy Spirit power; to a witch (Harry Potter), who uses demonic power. What in the world are they teaching you in religious seminar?
Katrina also says:
"You criticize Harry and his friends for learning and using "witchcraft" which are their natural powers. Jesus used his natural powers to help those who needed him, as Harry does with his powers."
You are greatly deceived Katrina. Jesus spiritual power is the Holy Spirit; whereas Harry Potter's spiritual power is Satanic. If you believe for one moment that witchcraft is a "natural power," then you are completely ignorant of the truth. Witchcraft is NOT a natural power; but, rather, is invoking the powers of Satan. For you to even compare the power of Christ with the power of witchcraft is blasphemy. It is abundantly clear to me Katrina that you are a child of Satan yourself and need salvation. Katrina says:
"Allowing children to use their imagination and pretend to be magical is not harmful."
The issue is not about children's imaginations Katrina, it's about the wicked sin of witchcraft being presented to children as something "good" to fight evil; when in reality, witchcraft is just as evil as all evil. Witchcraft is evil, it is demonic, it is of the Devil. Only a fool would defend witchcraft.
Katrina goes on to say:
"The Bible may say witchcraft is wrong, but I am pretty sure the witchcraft they are referring to is "black magic" not the magic Harry and his gang are using..."
"Pretty sure?" You're in a religious college and the best you can come up with is "pretty sure?" You've got to be kidding? Are you so foolish that you'd actually buy into Satan's lie that there is such a thing as "white witchcraft?" There is no such animal. You speak of "good magic" Katrina, but subtly leave out the word "witchcraft." Harry Potter is going to a school that teaches WITCHCRAFT! The godless author, J.K. Rowling, didn't use the term "good magic" in her books, she used the term "witchcraft." It is an abomination unto God Almighty. ALL witchcraft is of the Devil. You are greatly deceived Katrina. I would highly suggest that you enroll in a different religious school that actually teaches the Bible, because you are throwing your money (or your parent's money) away. It doesn't surprise me that you see nothing wrong with witchcraft in a Catholic University because I've never met one Catholic who actually read the Bible. Instead, they just accept the traditions of the Catholic church as Gospel truth, which it certainly is not.
Katrina foolishly continues by saying:
"Jesus preached acceptance of others, and that comes from learning where others are coming from. Just because somebody is a Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan or Hindu does not make them a bad person. Labeling them as a bad person because they don't necessarily believe your view on God would justify them classifying you as a bad person. Jesus is the only judge, live YOUR life the way you see fit without criticizing the life styles of others."
Wow! You're really messed up kid. I dare you to show me what you just said from the Word of God, because it's not there. Jesus never told us to accept the wicked. Yes, we are to love all people; but God actually commands us to SEPARATE from unbelievers (2nd Corinthians 6:14-17). I see that you're not using any Scriptures to back up your foolishness, further proof that your Catholic college doesn't teach you the Bible. But I'll use some Scriptures to prove you're totally wrong. Furthermore, you are misquoting me entirely. I dare you to show me anywhere on my website where I say Muslims, Buddhists, Wiccans, or Hindus are BAD PEOPLE. I never said no such thing. I don't attack people Katrina, I attack their lies and deceptions which are hurting other people. I attack false teachings and false religions, which blind men's eyes from the saving truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are making false assumptions.
Here's the most ridiculous statement Katrina made:
"If your God is too blind to see beyond the front to see the good in everybody, maybe he isn't such a great God."
You're right Katrina, Jesus Christ is my God; but He is a Great God and a Wonderful Saviour, and you are woefully foolish to slander Him. You are greatly deceived on this matter. You're failing to decipher between people's good qualities and false religion. There are some very nice Wiccans, Catholics, Buddhists, and Muslims in the world, and I have met quite a few of them; but, what does that have to do with false religion? The Word of God condemns false religion. According to 1st John 2:22, anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is Anti-Christ, and a LIAR...
"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." -1st John 2:22
Every sincere Muslim is a liar, and an Anti-Christ. I didn't say it, God said it. Muslims outright deny that Jesus is the Christ. In fact, Wiccans also deny that Jesus is the Christ. Get mad at God. Now, if you don't believe the Word of God Katrina, then you are hopelessly lost and on your way to Hell when you die. If you die in your sins Katrina, without Christ as your Saviour, then you will burn in Hell forever for rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Again, get mad at God because He said it...
"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction..." -2nd Thessalonians 1:8,9
This is Who my God is Katrina, Jesus Christ. I want to repeat Katrina's statement again:
"If your God is too blind to see beyond the front to see the good in everybody, maybe he isn't such a great God."
Romans 3:10-13 declares, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one ... there is none that doeth good, no, not one ... Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips." By nature, ALL people are sinners. We have all come short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). VINE'S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF GREEK NEW TESTAMENT WORDS says concerning the word "glory" in Romans 3:23, "...the word denotes the manifested perfection of His (God's) character, especially His righteousness, of which all men fall short." Hence, all humanity falls short of being perfect like God. There is no good in man when compared to God. Even our good (self-righteousness), Katrina, is as filthy rags in God's sight (Isaiah 64:6). But you say that God sees the "good in everybody." No Katrina, God sees a bunch of wicked sinners who deserve to burn in Hell. Yet you make allegations against God that He is "blind" to the good that YOU SEE in people. God loves all people, but He demands that we repent and turn to Christ.
I will use Wicca as an example. I hate Wicca with a passion. Why? Because it teaches damnable heresies which, according to the Word of God, will lead it's followers into Hell forever. John 3:36 proclaims that anyone who does NOT believe on Jesus Christ as Saviour is condemned ALREADY, and the wrath (anger) of God rests upon that person. So according to John 3:36, every Wiccan is ALREADY condemned and on their way to Hell if they don't repent and get saved. God's wrath is upon them daily (Psalm 7:11). I love people; therefore, I am compelled to tell them the painful truth which they despise to hear. Wicca is of the Devil, he DOES exist! If Wiccans want to get mad at me, go ahead; but I love them enough to tell them the Truth of God's Word. Yet, they call me hateful, which is a lie of the Devil. Now you, Katrina, condemn me for not being "acceptant of others." You said:
"Jesus preached acceptance of others..."
But you are being crafty in your words Katrina, when you use the term "others," by implying that Jesus also accepted false religions. Jesus NEVER accepted false doctrines or heathen religions. Jesus uncompromisingly preached the Truth, without apology. Jesus ripped and scathed the religious hypocrites of His day. You are doing what so many unsaved people do Katrina, ignorantly quoting only portions of the Bible, taking them out of context. God will accept anyone who comes to Him through Jesus Christ, but no one else (John 14:6). Wiccans are NOT accepted by God because they refuse to come through Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 declares that salvation is only found in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul said in Galatians 1:9, "...If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." The Bible defines the Gospel in 1st Corinthians 15:1-4 as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In so doing, Jesus Christ shed His blood to take away our sins. This is what Christ did to pay for our sins. Anyone who teaches anything else is CURSED according to the Bible. Therefore, the Buddhists are cursed. The Hindus are cursed. The Catholics are cursed. The Lutherans are cursed. The Seventh Day Adventists are cursed. The Jehovah Witnesses are cursed. The Mormons are cursed. The Baha'is are cursed. Wiccans are cursed. Atheists are cursed. Humanists are cursed. Taoists are cursed. Freemasons are cursed.
The Greek and Russian Orthodox are cursed. Charismatics are cursed. Why? Because they all preach ANOTHER GOSPEL that does not teach faith alone in Christ Jesus, apart from ALL works. We read in 2nd John 1:9-11, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." Ephesians 5:11 commands us to EXPOSE the works of darkness, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." ALL believers are commanded by God to EXPOSED the works of darkness.
In conclusion. You said you are agnostic Katrina, having little faith in religion; yet, ironically, you are taking a class on theology," as you stated. I don't have much faith in religion either, but I do place 100% of my faith in a single Person--The Lord Jesus Christ. I do realize that there is some human "good" in all people, but that good becomes as filth when compared to the holy righteousness of God. I believe we should love all people, but love sometimes requires us to speak the unpleasant truth. You are angry with me Katrina because I am speaking out against false religion. I love lost sinners enough to warn them of the judgment and Hell to come. Yet you arrogantly say:
"If your God is too blind to see beyond the front to see the good in everybody, maybe he isn't such a great God."
What you're clearly saying is that God should accept false religion. You are clearly saying that Christians shouldn't criticize anyone else's religion, even if it is a false religion that teaches damnable heresies contrary to God's Word. Yet God calls them cursed (Galatians 1:9). It is obvious that you do NOT know God, yet you are taking a theology class to study God. This is tragic! I would suggest you quit the class and read through the King James Bible instead. We learn about God from the Word of God, not from a theology class (John 1:1-3; Revelation 19:13). Sadly Katrina, you have been brainwashed with Satanic theology. Only through Jesus Christ can anyone be saved; therefore, we must WARN everyone about false religions which are leading the masses into the Lake of Fire. If you disagree Katrina that Harry Potter is woefully evil, it is only because you do NOT believe the Word of God...
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves." -Matthew 23:15
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." -Revelation 20:15
www.jesus-is-savior.com
I highly recommend the site: www.jesus-is-savior.com
As a sample of the goodies that can be found there, I have copied and pasted an article from it here:
How to Go to Heaven
According to the Word of God
It is very simple to be saved and takes only a minute to explain. Please let me show you how to go to Heaven from the Bible, God's Word...
1. Man is a sinner.
* Isaiah 53:6, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
* John 3:3, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
* Romans 3:10, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."
* Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
2. There is a price on our sin―eternal death in Hell.
* Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
* Romans 5:12, "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."
* 2nd Thessalonians 1:8, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."
* Revelation 20:15, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
* Revelation 21:8, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
3. Jesus paid that price by dying on the cross and shedding His blood.
* Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
* John 3:16, "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.
* 1st Timothy 1:15, "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."
* 1st Peter 1:18-19, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ..."
4. By faith in Jesus Christ ALONE we can be saved.
Salvation is NOT found in a religion or good works, but in a Person... The LORD JESUS CHRIST!
* John 11:25, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
* John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
* John 6:40, "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."
* Mark 1:15, "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
* Acts 26:18, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
* Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
* 1st Corinthians 3:11, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
* Galatians 3:26, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."
HERE IS HOW YOU CALL UPON THE LORD
Do you admit that you are a GUILTY sinner under the condemnation of God's LAW, deserving of Hellfire?
Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God (God in the flesh) who died upon the cross, sacrificing His precious blood to pay for your sins?
All you need to do to be saved is to BELIEVE upon the Lord Jesus Christ.
Perhaps you'd feel comfortable praying a sinner's prayer as did the publican in Luke 18:13... "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."
Dear Jesus,
I admit that I am a sinner, deserving of Hell. Please forgive me of my sins and take me to Heaven when I die. I now believe upon You alone, apart from all works and religion, as my personal Savior. Thank you. Amen.
Just as you were born physically to your parents, you were born spiritually into the Family of God when you believed on Jesus! (John 3:3). Please understand that we are not saved because we pray a prayer; but because we believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. It is certainly appropriate to ask the Lord in prayer to forgive and save us; but it is our faith which prompted us to pray the prayer. You could just as easily believe in your heart upon the Lord to be saved, and not pray at all. Salvation is of the heart, as we read in Romans 10:10, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness..."
You do NOT have to be baptized or doing anything to go to Heaven other than trust upon the Lord as your Savior. Romans 4:5 proclaims... "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." The only sin which can prevent a person from being saved is UNBELIEF. Thus, unbelief is the only sin which a person needs to repent of to be saved. What a wonderful Savior!
Please send us an e-mail and let us know if you have just received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior! We would like to rejoice with you. If you would like to find a good church where you live, CLICK HERE.
Kindest regards,
David J. Stewart
As a sample of the goodies that can be found there, I have copied and pasted an article from it here:
How to Go to Heaven
According to the Word of God
It is very simple to be saved and takes only a minute to explain. Please let me show you how to go to Heaven from the Bible, God's Word...
1. Man is a sinner.
* Isaiah 53:6, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
* John 3:3, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
* Romans 3:10, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."
* Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
2. There is a price on our sin―eternal death in Hell.
* Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
* Romans 5:12, "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."
* 2nd Thessalonians 1:8, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."
* Revelation 20:15, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
* Revelation 21:8, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
3. Jesus paid that price by dying on the cross and shedding His blood.
* Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
* John 3:16, "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.
* 1st Timothy 1:15, "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."
* 1st Peter 1:18-19, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ..."
4. By faith in Jesus Christ ALONE we can be saved.
Salvation is NOT found in a religion or good works, but in a Person... The LORD JESUS CHRIST!
* John 11:25, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
* John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
* John 6:40, "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."
* Mark 1:15, "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
* Acts 26:18, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
* Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
* 1st Corinthians 3:11, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
* Galatians 3:26, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."
HERE IS HOW YOU CALL UPON THE LORD
Do you admit that you are a GUILTY sinner under the condemnation of God's LAW, deserving of Hellfire?
Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God (God in the flesh) who died upon the cross, sacrificing His precious blood to pay for your sins?
All you need to do to be saved is to BELIEVE upon the Lord Jesus Christ.
Perhaps you'd feel comfortable praying a sinner's prayer as did the publican in Luke 18:13... "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."
Dear Jesus,
I admit that I am a sinner, deserving of Hell. Please forgive me of my sins and take me to Heaven when I die. I now believe upon You alone, apart from all works and religion, as my personal Savior. Thank you. Amen.
Just as you were born physically to your parents, you were born spiritually into the Family of God when you believed on Jesus! (John 3:3). Please understand that we are not saved because we pray a prayer; but because we believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. It is certainly appropriate to ask the Lord in prayer to forgive and save us; but it is our faith which prompted us to pray the prayer. You could just as easily believe in your heart upon the Lord to be saved, and not pray at all. Salvation is of the heart, as we read in Romans 10:10, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness..."
You do NOT have to be baptized or doing anything to go to Heaven other than trust upon the Lord as your Savior. Romans 4:5 proclaims... "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." The only sin which can prevent a person from being saved is UNBELIEF. Thus, unbelief is the only sin which a person needs to repent of to be saved. What a wonderful Savior!
Please send us an e-mail and let us know if you have just received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior! We would like to rejoice with you. If you would like to find a good church where you live, CLICK HERE.
Kindest regards,
David J. Stewart
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Genuine Faith vs Dead Faith
Some people have raised the idea that if I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior and that He died and was resurrected on the third day so that my sins were paid for in full once and for all', that is enough to be 'saved'. Others may believe that they must do good deeds to be saved. One thing I would like to clarify from a Christians perspective of what is the difference between genuine and dead faith.
The most important thing to emphasize is that we now live under grace. What this means is that the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ is completely independent of our deeds. Putting it simply, salvation comes purely and only from the Lord. No matter how many good deeds with do, it cannot save us. It is only by the blood of Jesus that was shed for us that we may receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Grace, however, is not a ticket which allows us to be disobedient to God and keep on deliberately sinning thinking that He will forgive us on the day of Judgment.
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." (James 2:14-19)
Anyone can believe in Jesus Christ. Congratulations...but so does Satan! It is only through Christ that we are saved. 'Good deeds', however, will automatically stem from a person's life if their faith is genuine. Think about it, if we proclaim to be Christians and still continue to willfully live a sinful life, how can such faith be shared with others so that they too may come to know Christ? Can a person living in darkness pull someone else that is also in the darkness into the light? It is impossible for the blind to lead the blind! Putting it simply, all words/theory and no action is DEAD faith!
My dear brothers and sisters, genuine faith comes from more than just 'believing' in God. As the process of sanctification begins when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior in our lives, The Lord guides us on how to live our lives through His Word and His Holy Spirit given to us. As Salt and Light on this earth, our lifestyle is one that glorifies our God. We would have the fruits of the Spirit evident in our lives including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
If our faith was one without these fruits evident, wouldn't our faith be as good as dead?! The non believers would certainly not look to Jesus if that was what a Christian was like! My dear brothers and sisters, what type of faith do you have? Is it one that would be able to show others the path that leads to eternal life or one that is fruitless.
My friends, do not be a 'Christian' that has the mindset of just believing in Jesus and having no desire to live to please God. It's no good to have such thinking, "Oh I believe in Jesus so I'm saved, I'll just worry about my own life and live comfortably minding my own business." Rather, be a genuine Christian that actively seeks the Lord and wholehearted willing to serve Him and do His business! If you feel that your relationship with God in the past has been stagnant but now have an earnest desire to come back to Him, examine yourself, confess and repent of any sin, then ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you carry your cross, read and meditate on His Word daily, ask Him to grant you opportunities to serve Him and live your life fruitfully for Him in whatever situation/opportunity you are placed in. With such mindset and desire, the Lord will surely grant you such opportunities to serve Him, whether it may be in your workplace, going out with your friends, at home, at school/college/uni etc. Expect to see God work through you to touch others as you live your life for Him. Amen!
The most important thing to emphasize is that we now live under grace. What this means is that the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ is completely independent of our deeds. Putting it simply, salvation comes purely and only from the Lord. No matter how many good deeds with do, it cannot save us. It is only by the blood of Jesus that was shed for us that we may receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Grace, however, is not a ticket which allows us to be disobedient to God and keep on deliberately sinning thinking that He will forgive us on the day of Judgment.
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." (James 2:14-19)
Anyone can believe in Jesus Christ. Congratulations...but so does Satan! It is only through Christ that we are saved. 'Good deeds', however, will automatically stem from a person's life if their faith is genuine. Think about it, if we proclaim to be Christians and still continue to willfully live a sinful life, how can such faith be shared with others so that they too may come to know Christ? Can a person living in darkness pull someone else that is also in the darkness into the light? It is impossible for the blind to lead the blind! Putting it simply, all words/theory and no action is DEAD faith!
My dear brothers and sisters, genuine faith comes from more than just 'believing' in God. As the process of sanctification begins when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior in our lives, The Lord guides us on how to live our lives through His Word and His Holy Spirit given to us. As Salt and Light on this earth, our lifestyle is one that glorifies our God. We would have the fruits of the Spirit evident in our lives including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
If our faith was one without these fruits evident, wouldn't our faith be as good as dead?! The non believers would certainly not look to Jesus if that was what a Christian was like! My dear brothers and sisters, what type of faith do you have? Is it one that would be able to show others the path that leads to eternal life or one that is fruitless.
My friends, do not be a 'Christian' that has the mindset of just believing in Jesus and having no desire to live to please God. It's no good to have such thinking, "Oh I believe in Jesus so I'm saved, I'll just worry about my own life and live comfortably minding my own business." Rather, be a genuine Christian that actively seeks the Lord and wholehearted willing to serve Him and do His business! If you feel that your relationship with God in the past has been stagnant but now have an earnest desire to come back to Him, examine yourself, confess and repent of any sin, then ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you carry your cross, read and meditate on His Word daily, ask Him to grant you opportunities to serve Him and live your life fruitfully for Him in whatever situation/opportunity you are placed in. With such mindset and desire, the Lord will surely grant you such opportunities to serve Him, whether it may be in your workplace, going out with your friends, at home, at school/college/uni etc. Expect to see God work through you to touch others as you live your life for Him. Amen!
Thursday, 25 December 2008
It's Christmas yet again
It is during Christmas that we formally and usually corporately commemorate the virgin birth of Jesus at church, but how many of us "celebrating Christmas" actually do this?
Too many of us succumb to the commercialism and focus on self, family, friends, sales, gifts, blah blah blah which can be good in their proper place and time. But when all these distract us from formally being grateful to God for His love towards us, we have failed. To call it Christmas and not even have the slightest acknowledgment for Jesus as Savior and Lord of mankind is akin to not inviting me to a birthday party thrown for me and inviting someone else as guest of honor, except much worse.
Now, why do people spell Christmas as Xmas? If your name is Christopher, do you spell it as Xopher? No, of course not. Those ignorant and uninformed misspell names on purpose. People hate and spit on Christ so much that not only do they desecrate the commemoration of His first descent to Earth, they also scratch out His name, reducing it to an "x". This is true blasphemy.
Christmas Day is a reminder to us all of what Jesus Christ did during His time on the earth approximately 2000 years ago. Jesus did not come to be served, but rather, to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Christmas in the commercial world has somewhat been based on Christian principles in the aspect of 'giving'. We all love it when we receive gifts from friends and loved ones. However, there is one particular gift that I would like to mention that we all have received, that is, if we choose to accept it. This my friends, is the gift of salvation. 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. This is truly the greatest gift and the reason why Christmas should be celebrated.
This Christmas, accept the gift of salvation, then share this gift of salvation. If not, nothing else matters.
Too many of us succumb to the commercialism and focus on self, family, friends, sales, gifts, blah blah blah which can be good in their proper place and time. But when all these distract us from formally being grateful to God for His love towards us, we have failed. To call it Christmas and not even have the slightest acknowledgment for Jesus as Savior and Lord of mankind is akin to not inviting me to a birthday party thrown for me and inviting someone else as guest of honor, except much worse.
Now, why do people spell Christmas as Xmas? If your name is Christopher, do you spell it as Xopher? No, of course not. Those ignorant and uninformed misspell names on purpose. People hate and spit on Christ so much that not only do they desecrate the commemoration of His first descent to Earth, they also scratch out His name, reducing it to an "x". This is true blasphemy.
Christmas Day is a reminder to us all of what Jesus Christ did during His time on the earth approximately 2000 years ago. Jesus did not come to be served, but rather, to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Christmas in the commercial world has somewhat been based on Christian principles in the aspect of 'giving'. We all love it when we receive gifts from friends and loved ones. However, there is one particular gift that I would like to mention that we all have received, that is, if we choose to accept it. This my friends, is the gift of salvation. 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. This is truly the greatest gift and the reason why Christmas should be celebrated.
This Christmas, accept the gift of salvation, then share this gift of salvation. If not, nothing else matters.
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