slave2Messiah

it's coming...soon!

2008-07-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

To the 3 people who actually read this blog, I will be updating it very soon (okay, I'm exaggerating, 2 people, including myself).

Working title: "Lord, help me! I'm saved!"

Must the Gospel be Heard?

2008-06-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

There are many who say that one can "preach the Gospel without words." Well, can the Gospel message be conveyed to the point where it saves a man...without words? What saith the Scriptures?

Romans 10:17 is the favored passage among many who claim that in order for someone to be saved by the Gospel, they must have heard it preached to them. "God has ordained His means by which men may be saved. Those means include the public preaching and hearing of the Gospel. Without this action, the Gospel does not save. That is why it must be preached."

Does Scripture, this one in particular, agree with such a claim? If a group goes out and pantomimes or dramatizes the Gospel, without speaking the message itself, isn't that enough? Can't people "get" what they mean and walk away changed by their performance? Haven't they done enough by simply putting the message into a form that's more entertaining and most likely less threatening than a man standing on a soap box in the town square preaching his heart out? Won't they be saved just the same by watching the play?

The short answer is, no. How can I claim such a thing? Well, let's look at what the Bible says.

Romans 10:17
"So then faith is by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

Breaking this one statement down and analyzing the Greek text, we will see why the physical act of preaching the Gospel is essential for saving anyone.

First, let's look at the word faith. In the Greek text, it is literally "the faith." This of course refers to the faith that Paul has been expounding for the last 10 chapters. It is the faith that saves. It is the faith that justifies one before God, atones for one's sin, and it is the same faith that all the saints of old had: the faith in the One who does the saving, Christ Jesus, the Lord.

Second, this faith, the only true and saving faith, comes by (or literally, through) "hearing." Interestingly, this word "hearing" is the same Greek word used in v.16 for "report." It implies something heard from someone else. It is the act of hearing the report of another. So, saving faith comes through the act of hearing another person's report.

Jesus often said, "he who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 4:9). And He also spoke of those who "having ears, hear not" (Matt. 13:13-15; Mark 8:18). There are those who may "hear" the Gospel preached, but never "hear." Only God can "grant them ears to hear" with understanding. Left to themselves, they will not have the understanding necessary to receive it and be saved. This is especially true when the Gospel preached is foreign to the Gospel of the New Testament.

That is why Paul specifies what must be heard that empowers men to be able to hear and receive the faith that saves. They must hear "the word of Christ." Or, quite possibly, "the word concerning Christ." The Gospel message is about Jesus Christ. The One and only Jesus Christ is the one who saves. It cannot be a message of hope in self-fulfillment or self-improvement. It must be the good-news message about Jesus Christ and Him only. That is the message that must be preached, that is the message that must be heard, and that is the message that saves.

Fourth, and finally, let's look at the word used to define what the powerful message is: the "word" of Christ. This is not the Greek word "logos." Typically when the phrase "word of God" is used in the New Testament, the Greek word "logos" is employed. Not here. Instead, God the Holy Spirit breathed out the word "rhema."

This word has a very unique meaning. Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary defines it as "that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word." Other listings in this definition include:

any sound produced by the voice and having definite meaning
a series of words joined together into a sentence (a declaration of one's mind made in words)
an utterance
subject matter of speech, thing spoken of.

These words are quite clear: it means something verbally spoken, audibly, with the intent of another person hearing what is being said. That simply cannot occur with a video, pantomime, pictures, etc. Paul made no mistake in the words he chose. He elaborates in 1Corinthians 1:21,

"God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe."

In this passage, Paul describes what the lost world demanded of Gospel preachers: signs and wisdom. Both of these would be public happenings for a crowd to see and hear. But, Paul says, God's wisdom is to have the Gospel preached so that men will either be saved or condemned by its hearing.

It is the wisdom of God to have a public, verbal, proclamation of the Gospel, to the point that when the Gospel is rightly preached, the power of God in it gives men the ability to hear it with understanding and be saved to the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

So, next time someone says to "preach the Gospel without words," ask them how that is even possible, since Scripture clearly says otherwise.

Boycott Godtube.com...

2008-02-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

...for omitting Congressman Ron Paul from their list[s] of presidential candidates, being informed of their omission, and STILL not posting anything of his candidacy on their site.

RonPaul2008.com

TBN, at it again...

2007-12-28T06:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a good example of why the "prosperity gospel" is not only foolish and unbiblical, but dangerous.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/wayoflife/12/27/prosperity.preachers.ap/index.html

A Good [brief] Point...

2007-12-12T18:29:00.000-08:00

While watching a video on Stoplight, Mr. Shepard makes a very good point.

The government seems to dislike the idea that abstinence programs deserve your tax dollars for support. Why is that? As the video points out: abstinence would produce healthier children [physically, emotionally, maybe spiritually]. These healthy children who do not have pre-marital sex would not contract incurable diseases, have children to support with their minimum wage jobs, or [God save us] have abortions so that they wouldn't have to support the child.

How many businesses would that eliminate??? How many billions of dollars in revenue would be lost??!! Think of it! The Dept. of Health would have to be re-vamped [or done away with]. NO more condom ads! NO more abortion clinics! NO more welfare! NO more health programs funded by your tax dollars which only produce more illness than real health!

In short [as the video states so wonderfully]: If kids are taught and follow abstinence, they would be healthier.

And healthy kids don't need liberals! :)

Evolution or Homosexuality?

2007-11-27T05:48:00.000-08:00

It's time to choose: evolution or homosexuality. Which one will it be, America? You can't have both.

Why? Simply put, they are conflicting ideas. Evolution [if my public education has taught me anything] is the theory that states "survival of the fittest" and that species "evolve" in order to continue in existence. Now, micro-evolution is a valid fact: organisms adapt and change certain qualities in order to survive in their environment. I absolutely agree with that, and science does as well. [Macro-evolution: one species changes enough over a period of time to become a different species = FALSE!]

But what about homosexuality? The same public school system that teaches "survival of the fittest" also indoctrinates our children to believe that homosexuality is "normal." This cannot be so. It's illogical, un-ethical [for MANY reasons], and down right un-evolutionary! Darwin would be rolling over in his grave if he weren't a paramecium by now [my attempts at evolutionary humor stop here :)].

So if evolution is true, and the species does what is must to survive, then the human race must be doomed. The "normalcy" of homosexuality forbids us to continue as a race. And for those who need further reasons why, let me say this: homosexuals CANNOT bear children. If A + B = C, you can't get C with two A's or B's!

So what of our precious children caught in the federalized schools? They are indoctrinated [against the will of the parents, mind you] to believe that homosexuality is normal. They are forced to accept homosexuality, and in some circles are even encouraged to experiment with it for themselves, no matter what age they are [I don't have a link here because I would simply become too infuriated while reading any]. What people do in the bedroom has been pushed to the forefront of academia on the level of reading, writing, and arithmetic [Math, by the way is a perfect argument against relativism].

So, if homosexuality is normal, and I mean ethically and biologically normal, then evolution cannot be true. It can't be "survival of the fittest" anymore, since those fittest for survival are the ones who will reproduce [naturally]. If evolution is true, then homosexuality can't be normal.
So which one is it? The public education system seriously needs to get its story straight [no pun intended]. If they want to teach that humanity evolved from lower life forms and became more adapted so as to survive, then they need to declare homosexuality as abnormal behavior since it would wipe out the species [if they are going to address sexuality at all, which they have no right to do!]. If they are going to teach that homosexuality is normal, then evolution must go.

But then, they are left with no explanation of how we got here. Unless......yeah, like that'll ever happen! If the public schools ever were allowed to reach the level of scholarship of their predecessors [those of the 1700-1800s in America], they'd be smart enough to know that there is a God who created all things, for His glory, and then they'd be stuck with the same problem of homosexuality: it's just plain wrong.

What Kind of Preacher are You?

2007-10-09T14:37:00.001-07:00

To all the pastors who will ever read this [and they are most likely slim to none]:

What kind of preacher are you? To whom can you be compared? What do people think of when they hear you preach the things you do? Below is a text that would serve every pastor well to live up to...

Mark 6:14-15
14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
15 Others said, That it is Elijah. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

This passage speaks of Jesus, the one whom we follow and are to imitate [1 John 2:6]. Especially as ministers of the great Gospel, we are to present ourselves in every way to be like Christ. So, for preachers, what kind of preacher are you?

Do people see you like these people saw Jesus? These were lost people who spoke this way about Jesus. they spoke with reverence for Him simply because of the way He preached. He preached with authority [Matt. 7:28-29]. He knew that of which He spoke intimately and was zealous for the glory of God in His preaching. We should all be this way.

The people confused Him for one of the "prophets of old." If you read the prophets of the Old Testament, they did not play games or speak sheepishly. They boldly proclaimed: "thus saith the Lord!" And they could do so because they had been with God intimately and were commanded to speak in such a way.

Why are we any different? Why is it that so many Sundays men will stand and "chat" about life issues instead of boldly proclaiming the Word of God? Why must we do this? The only reason i have is that we are too deep in humanism in our thinking and have spent far too little time actually studying the Bible and being alone with our Great God and Father.

We do not exist to please men! Don't preach that way. Jesus didn't preach to please men or to make their lives "better." He preached to change people from lost sinners who hate God into saints who live only to glorify Him with their every being.

So don't shy away from proclaiming the Word of God, unless you do not know it. In such case, do not preach at all. Be humble enough to confess your failure to know thy God. Silence is better than a lie.

So before you step up that platform to perform your act of worship, prepare yourself with the Word of the Lord, and speak only what He has given. Speak it boldly and clearly, as you ought [Eph. 6:19-20; Col. 4:3-4]. Maybe then people, even the lost, will respect the office of the pastor once again. And maybe, just maybe, we will be considered men who speak as the prophets of old, and truly follow in the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Where to Find Jesus

2007-06-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

It simply amazes me how many contemporary preachers can find Christ in every place except the Bible!

The Only Reason Why The Bible is the Word of God

2007-06-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I had originally titled this blog "The Bible is Not the Word of God..." [those three little dots mean there's more to the story] However, there are some who might be confused as to where I stand on Scripture. Let me declare as plainly and clearly as I can: I FULLY BELIEVE THAT ALL SCRIPTURE IS THE WORD OF GOD [2 Tim. 3:16-17]! However, the only reason I believe that is because of Scripture's content.

Simply put, the Bible is not the Word of God unless it has Christ as its subject. It cannot be the Word of God and not have Christ as its subject. One could say that without the Scriptures, there would be no Christ. And that is true [Acts 17:1-11; Rom. 1:1-4, 15:4; 1 Cor. 15:3-4] However, if there were no Christ, there would have been no Scriptures [2 Pet. 1:21; Rev. 19:10b]. How could one prove Him to be the promised One without a promise given? How could He fulfill prophecy without the prophecy being given? Without Christ, there is no Bible. Without Christ, the Bible is mute, blank, and powerless. The Bible testifies to Christ. No Christ, no Bible. And, no Bible, no Christ.

Yes, my emergent friend, only by preaching the Bible will you ever preach Christ! The Apostle Paul preached Scripture when he preached Christ to those on Mars Hill even if he didn't say "turn to Genesis chapter 1" or "Exodus 20" [Acts 17:16-34]. Christ may not be "found" outside the Holy Scriptures, for only they were given by the very breath of God [2 Tim. 3:16].

The very word "testament" means something that shows proof or evidence [and yes, I am aware that the word also means "covenant"]. That is to say, the Old Testament is the old testimony of Christ, and the New Testament is the new testimony of Christ. The former being in shadow and mystery [Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:1-12], the latter being the complete revelation Jesus Christ [Eph. 3:11; Heb. 1:1-4].

Men can read aloud the text of Scripture, say what it clearly, plainly says, and still not be preaching the Word of God. It is only "the Word of God" when THE Word, Jesus [John 1:1-4; Rev. 19:13], is preached as its content. Otherwise, you make the Word null and void since you have robbed it of its purpose. The Bible was written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit [2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21], therefore the purpose of the Bible is to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment [John 16:8-11]. And this purpose cuts men to their heart [Acts 2:37] and will either drive them to the cross, or drive them to their stones [John 8:12-59; Acts 7]!

Consider this, were the Pharisees persecuted for their preaching? Did Saul [whose name was Paul] get stoned for simply quoting the Old Testament? Did Jesus face opposition when He merely read the scroll of Isaiah [Luke 4:16-30]?

If you read the accounts in the Gospels and the book of Acts, you will clearly see it is only when Christ Jesus is presented as the subject of Scripture that persecution and opposition begin. Those using the Scriptures to testify to Him were the ones being persecuted and put to death.

Jesus said that the Scriptures testify to Him [John 5:39]. Granted, the Scriptures do not testify to Him only, but He is found in every word [Luke 24:27, 44-49; John 1:45; Gal. 3:24]. Paul even went so far as to say that the history [and yes, it is actual history] recorded in the Old Testament serves as an allegory to Christ [Gal. 4:21-31]. And not to mention all of prophecy [1 Pet. 1:10-11; Rev. 19:10b]! When any man stands to declare the Word of God, if Christ is not his subject, then the Word of God is not being preached!

Think of the testimony of Luke 24:45. It says that Jesus "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." Before Christ, man could not rightly understand all that was written in the Law, Prophets, or Writings. To be sure, he had the Word of God before him, but until the coming of Jesus, all was but a mere shadow [Col. 2:16-17; Heb.10:1]. Christ is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets [Matt. 5:17], that is, all of Holy Scripture.

All this being said, every preacher and minister of the Word should tremble greatly. You do not handle a mere book of life-principles by which to live! You do not read accounts of moral examples to emulate!

NO!!! You are to read the Holy Book as THE testimony of Jesus Christ, from cover to cover! You are handling the Word of God who is the Son of God. He alone is its author, subject, and interpreter!

As pastors, elders, teachers, and even students of the Bible, we must be diligent to find Christ on every page! If we cannot, then maybe we are not as familiar with Him as we think. Only through the lens of Jesus can any man rightly read the Scriptures. Do not treat the Bible as if it is God's self-help manual, designed to make you righteous without Jesus Christ; for that is the scheme of Satan. His greatest work was convincing the world that there can be such a thing as Christless Christianity.

Woe to any man who stands with a Bible in his hands, opens it up, reads the words, and then informs people how to improve their sex life, bank account, or social morals! Do you not know the One of whom that Bible speaks? Do you not know that He is its chief message, and that He is the only One to whom it does testify throughout? If your preaching/teaching does not center upon Christ Jesus, then please, keep your seat in silence.

The Bible does speak to every aspect of life [2 Tim. 3:16-17]. But it does so wholly based upon Jesus. Let me explain [to unintentionally quote Paul Washer]: Why must I be a good husband? Because Christ has died! Why must I teach and train my children? Because Christ has died! Why must I be a good steward of my finances? Because Christ has died, yea, He is risen again!

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 [ESV]
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified

SOLUS CHRISTUS via SOLA SCRIPTURA!

coming soon...

2007-03-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

For anyone who actually reads this blog, i will be updating it very very soon. In the mean time, check out this awesome FREE Bible software program:

InstaVerse

Dead Jesus & Sons?

2007-02-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

Just a thought about the "evidence" in the so-called "documentary" about the Lost Tomb of Jesus:
Way of the Master Radio's discussion of it here.

Since the Apostles and Disciples of Jesus Christ believed and preached His resurrection, why would ANYONE of them bury Him in a tomb and MARK IT?!

Anybody else see the stupidity here? Simple logic makes this ossuary illegitimate.

[By the way, i LOVE how people will argue the validity of the Gospels, but NOBODY argues against the validity of the writings of Paul, simply so that they can say "look how he hated women and contradicted the true message of Jesus."]

Seekers With Felt Needs

2007-02-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

John 6:22-68

How did Jesus deal with "seekers" who had "felt needs?" Well, in this text, among many others, we see exactly how He responded to them. And for many an "evangelical," it's nothing like you would think.

We hear the term "seeker-sensitive" [a term that i believe is finally dying out], and for those who know the Scriptures, immediately we think of the One who seeks those who are NOT seeking Him [Luke 19:10]. We also think about how absurd the notion is that there are lost people who are actually seeking Christ [Why is that absurd? Read Romans 3:9-18]. They may be seeking A Christ, but they are not seeking THE Christ who is real, the One who will condemn them in His coming [Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16]. They are seeking a false Christ: one who will only love them and accept them [usually "as they are"], one who does not require them to be holy or righteous [or, dare i say "perfect" Matthew 5:48], and definitely not one who has any harsh word to say about them.

No, they do not want the Jesus of the Bible. They want an idea of Him, but not the real thing. They want a Jesus who will help them "self-improve" by telling them how to have a better marriage, business, children, relationships, or how to stay off drugs and alcohol. But they don't want the Jesus who is LORD and Master [Jude 4], and they search out those false teachers who will fashion a Jesus in their own image to suit their sinful desires. Yes, self-improvement is a sinful desire...God is the ONLY One who can improve you in any way [since He made you in the first place], and you must turn to Him for such a thing.

This is idolatry, plain and simple [Exodus 20:4; Acts 17:16-31]. And woe to those who preach a Jesus who is ANY different than the One handed down to us through the Scriptures [Galatians 1:8; 1 Timothy 6:3-5]. That includes preaching only half the message [i.e. - "Jesus loves you..." without mentioning that He is also here to change who and what you are, because who and what you are makes God hate you - Psalm 5:5-6].

So, how did Jesus deal with "seekers" with "felt needs?" Simply put, He rebuked them! [Keep in mind that a rebuke need not be shouted or spoken in anger.] Look at the text, John 6:22-68. This multitude were genuinely seeking to find Jesus. But which Jesus were they seeking? The text tells us, they wanted the Jesus who fills their stomach [v.26, Jesus' own words no less]. They didn't want the Jesus who was being attested to as the Son of God by miraculous signs [v.26]. Jesus then rebuked them for seeking Him in order to be filled [v.27].

Jesus confronted their ill-conceived notions about the works of God. They genuinely wanted to "work the works of God" but they knew not what those works are. Jesus corrected their thinking [i might add, not by having another meal with them, nor by being "friendly," but simply by preaching the TRUTH - v.28-29]. Even in this seeking to do the work of God, they wanted their needs met by asking Jesus to perform a sign, specifically relating to food [v.30-31]. Jesus did not accommodate them! He again corrected their thinking [v.32-40]. And, He even told them that they did not believe and told them why they didn't: God the Father had not given them to Christ [v.36-40].

Then, these "seekers" go on to grumble that they didn't get what they wanted out of this Jesus [v.41-42]. Jesus again rebuked their thinking with the truth about their unbelief [v.43-58]. What's more, He was telling them about God's sovereignty in coming to faith in Him in PUBLIC [v.59]! He was in the synagogue declaring the hard truth about "election" to those who were unbelievers!

Didn't Jesus know better than to teach doctrine to the un-churched [again, He's not addressing Pharisees, but simply "a crowd"]?! How dare He do such a thing?! - Oh what blasphemy can be produced in the mind of one who thinks his method of doing God's work matters not!

Again, back to the PUBLIC house of teaching where Jesus was confronting these "seekers." His own disciples found what Jesus was saying hard to accept [v.60]; almost to say, "Jesus, you can't be teaching those kinds of things to unbelievers, they will be offended by it and not want to believe in You." Jesus rebuked them as well [v.61-65]. He reminded them that their flesh is good for nothing, but that the word He was speaking was the Spirit and life and only by it will anyone have life [v.63; Romans 10:17; Galatians 3:2-5].

And now, verse 66:

"As a result of this, many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore."

Jesus turned people away! The words He spoke were too difficult for them to bear, so they walked away from Him [even those who were called "His disciples"]. And what did Jesus do about them? He let them go. And, He even asked the twelve if they wanted to leave Him as well [v.67]. Peter's reply is gold!

verse 68:

"Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life'."

Peter understood that Jesus' words were hard to bear [not hard to understand, but hard to accept], and yet there is no other to whom we can turn. THIS Jesus is the only One with life eternal in His words.

How dare we preach, present, or represent any other Jesus but He, the one of whom we have just read?

Will we turn people off? Yes.

Will we turn people away? Yes.

Will we preach another Jesus or declare another Gospel that will draw them back? Me Genoita! No, not ever!!!

Will we meet their physical needs in order to lead them to Christ? Scripture does not mandate this, nor exemplify it, and neither should we. Neither Christ nor the Apostles had to earn the right to be heard, they simply preached. The Gospel need not earn one's approval to be heard! If they are deaf to it, then they are deaf to God [Mark 4:9-12].

Christ came to preach the Gospel to man [Luke 4:43]. We should show compassion on the lost and love them indeed [Matthew 9:36], but not to seek to fulfill their wants and their needs as they see them. Their greatest need [as is ours!] are the words of eternal life that are preached in Jesus Christ alone.

So What Was the Purpose of Christmas?

2007-01-04T22:34:00.000-08:00

In my attempt to actually watch the "Purpose of Christmas" special that aired on Fox News Channel, i have yet to find the video anywhere on the web. It's as if the presentation has vanished from cyberspace.

However, i did manage to hear a few clips of it via Way of the Master Radio the other day, and what i heard put my eyes to the Bible, my pen to the paper, and my heart to the floor. Simply put, the "special" was devoid of the true Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ, was the typical Rick Warren man-centered "feel good" talk, and left many a believer wondering which Bible he had been reading.

So, in an attempt to get the word out about what Rick Warren says is the "purpose" of Christmas, below is my critique of what i heard in light of Scripture. The quotations are direct from the audio of the sermon. [click here to hear it: Way of the Master Radio] The Scripture references come from the NASB and i have added emphasis where it is appropriate.

Rick Warren: The Purpose of Christmas

"God likes to party...Angels throw a party in heaven when someone accepts Christ...when someone turns from their self-centeredness..."

"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10 (NASB)

First of all, the phrase "God likes to party" doesn't sit well with me, simply because America's view of "party" is mostly equated to a drunken frat boy acting like an idiot. Secondly, notice that there is no mention of "partying" in heaven in this verse [as i was also taught at a young age] and that there is joy over the one who repents!

"You exist because God loves you...On the cross, Jesus stretched out His hands and said, 'I love you this much.' And it's for all people...God says, 'I love you.'"

"Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made." Isaiah 43:7 (NASB)

"For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man." 1 Cor 11:7 (NASB)

Can someone please tell me where it is written [in Scripture!] that man was created so that God could love him? Man exists so that he will glorify God! God seeks His own glory above all else. He is jealous and zealous for it. See Exodus 20:3-5, 34:14; Isaiah 42, 48:11. God will get the glory due His name!

Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34; Luke 23:34, 43, 46; John 19:26-30

On the cross, Jesus never spoke the words "I love you." [i know, i'm being too "literal", but just go with me...i do have a point] In fact, He never said those words to any human being, unless you count the times He said to His Apostles "I have loved you." The context of Christ saying that He loved anyone is when it is directed to God the Father or to believers!

If you search the Scriptures, you will find that the phrase "God loves you" does not appear, especially not in an evangelistic sense. The only times the love of God for men is mentioned is in reference to His love for believers, i.e. - the Church. Seriously, look it up for yourself. Nowhere in the book of Acts do any of the Apostles tell anyone, "God loves you" when preaching the Gospel.

Someone might say, "But God does love everyone and they need to hear that." Two things i have to say in response to that: 1. Scripture never makes the claim that God loves everyone, at least not in the same way...just ask Esau, and 2. the lost will never understand the cross [i.e. - the love of God] unless they first fear Him and realize their utter wickedness.

Rom. 8:28-39, 9:13; 2 Cor. 5:18; Gal. 1:4, 2:20; Eph. 2:4, 5:2; Titus 2:14; 1 John 4:10-11, 19; all of these passages, and there are many more, speak of God's love for the Church; they do not speak of God's love [that is, in and through Christ] being given or spoken of to unbelievers.

"The Bible says God made you to love you...God is love...God is so full of love and love isn't worth anything unless you bestow it on something."

[In a nutshell, Warren also claims that the universe itself was created for us, so that God could make us, so that He could love us]

John 1:1-14, 3:35, 15:9, 17:23-26
"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24 (NASB)

To claim that God had to create the universe, so that He could create man, so that He could have someone to love ultimately denies the preexistence and deity of Christ.
God the Father loved and had perfect fellowship with God the Son before He spoke anything into existence! Repeat: GOD DID NOT MAKE MAN SO THAT HE WOULD HAVE SOMEONE TO LOVE, TALK TO, FELLOWSHIP WITH, ENJOY, WATCH, ETC.!!!

"God is not mad at you...He's mad about you."

4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You. 5 The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. 6 You destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. Psalm 5:4-6 (NASB)
"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." John 3:36 (NASB)
Deut. 28:58-63; Psalm 11:5; Rom. 1:18, 2:5, 3:5-6, 5:9, 9:22, 13:4; Eph. 2:3, 5:6; Col. 3:6; 1 Thess. 1:10, 2:16; Heb. 3:11, 4:3; Rev. 6:16-17, 11:18, 14:10, 19, 15:17, 19:15

All of these verses [and i'm sure there are several more] speak of God's hatred, anger, and wrath toward...sinners. He not only hates sin, but the Bible says He hates sinners.
Christ died to assuage the wrath of God for those who believe. That's what the word "propitiation" means [1 John 4:10]. It literally means an appeasement. And, 1 Thess. 1:10 speaks of Christ saving us [the Church] from the wrath to come.
Wrath is a term used for "burning hate" that abides on all the sons of disobedience, the unrighteous, and the unbelievers [see above verses].

"[the angel's message begins with] don't be afraid...God's message to people is 'don't be afraid of Me.'"

Warren also mentions "over 365 'fear-nots'" in the Bible without reference to their context. Usually, it is either the LORD telling a person not to fear an earthly enemy, or it is an angel telling the person not to fear him [the angel]. Why, probably because angels are not to be worshiped and they [like God] desire that men fear the LORD instead [Rev. 14:7, 19:10].

Lev. 25:17; Deut. 6:2, 13,24, 8:6, 10:12, 20, 13:4, 14:23, 17:19, 28:58, 31:12-13; Josh. 4:24, 24:14; 1 Sam. 12:14, 24; 2 Kings 17:25, 28, 34, 39; 2 Chr. 19:7, 9; Job 1:9, 28:28; Psalm 9:20, 15:4, 19:9, 22:23, 25:14, 33:8, 18, 34:7, 9, 11, 40:3, 102:15, 103:13, 17, 111:10, 115:11, 13, 118:4, 128:1, 147:11; Prov. 1:7, 29, 2:5, 3:7, 8:13, 9:10, 10:27, 14:26-27, 15:16, 33, 16:6, 19:23, 22:4, 23:17, 24:21; Is. 8:13, 11:2-3, 33:6; Jer. 5:22, 24; Jonah 1:9; Mal. 3:16; Matt. 10:28; Luke 1:50, 12:5, 23:40; Acts 5:5, 11, 13:16, 26, 9:31, 10:2, 19:17; Rom. 3:18, 11:20; 2 Cor. 5:11, 7:1, 11, 15; Eph. 5:21; Phil. 2:12-13; Heb. 4:1; 1 Pet. 1:17, 2:17 [and many more]

Ok, so we see there are a lot of passages in Scripture that clearly state that we are to fear God. He desires if not demands that we fear Him. And if you actually study the Hebrew and Greek terms for "fear," you will find that it is not just "respect." It is not mere "reverence." It means real, actual, cowering, fear.
We are supposed to know the LORD well enough to fear Him. We must fear His awesome power, His awesome grace, and if you are an unbeliever, you must fear His holy wrath against you!
Fear of the LORD is always presented as a good thing! Warren's claim here is in obvious denial of what Scripture really says.

"What is sin? Sin is an attitude that says, 'I'm gonna be my own god...I know better than God does'...It's saying, 'I know better what's best for me.' It causes guilt, fear, worry, boredom, fear of death, worry about what others think of me. Salvation is God saying, 'I want to set you free from fear of death, guilt; I never meant for you to live with those negative emotions."

"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." 1 John 3:4 (NASB)
"But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin." Romans 14:23 (NASB)

Sin is not "bad feelings" or "negative emotions!" For the full treatise of what sin is, what it did to us, what a sinner is, and why we are sinners, read all of Romans. There, Paul deals with the nature of sin: rebellion against God [not just an "attitude" of being self-centered], he deals with the cause of sin: our sinfulness inherited through Adam's rebellion, and he deals with the punishment of sinners: the fiery wrath of God which is just in condemning us because we sin with the knowledge of doing wrong and are rightly condemned by His holy Law!
The Beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, did not suffer humiliation, torture, and a bloody death so that we could be set free from "negative emotions!!!!!" What kind of "good news" is this? It's telling people that God loves you enough to make you happy? Or at least feel that way? This is not good news at all, it is simply a pep talk that most businesses give their employees so that they will feel better about themselves and be more productive.

Warren also claimed that the "good news" of Christ is threefold: "1. God loves you, 2. God is with you, 3. God is for you."

i have already dealt with the "God loves you" aspect above, so it doesn't need to be repeated. However, i will deal with the latter two promises that Warren claims to be for all men.
Matt. 1:23, 28:20; Acts 18:9-10; Heb. 13:5

All of these verses must be taken in their proper context. The quotation from Isaiah in Matt. 1:23 refers to the physical presence of the LORD on the earth in the physical person of Jesus Christ. It can also mean that God is with us in the favorable sense. However, one must realize that the New Testament teaches that God is only with a person if he is a believer.
The other "with you" passages are clearly written to those who believe and are called and chosen of God: Matt. 28:20, Jesus is speaking to His disciples who had repented and put their trust in Him; Acts 18:9-10, Jesus is again speaking to His Apostle Paul [a repentant believer]; Heb. 13:5, the author clearly has the elect of God in Christ in mind [see Heb. 1:1-2, 2:1-4, 3:1, 4:1-3, 6:1-12, 10:19-25, 12:1-8].

"31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised , who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED." 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39 (NASB)

Warren again takes a promise delivered to the Church and assumes that it applies to all men everywhere. This passage in Romans may seem to be a general declaration that God is in favor of all men everywhere. However, if you read that one little phrase in this very passage, you will see who Paul is talking about when he says the word "us." It is God's elect [v.33].
And, even if that term could be twisted to mean all men everywhere, there is still a serious problem with that interpretation. Romans 8:28-30 describe in detail this same group [God's elect] as being "those who love God...are called according to His purpose [yay purpose!]...whom He foreknew...He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son...He also called...He also justified...He also glorified."
Does that sound like every man who ever lived or is living now? If so, you have a very twisted view of the character of Christ Jesus and the nature of the atonement. Those who have God's favor, whom God says He is "for," are those whom He has saved! That would be the Church. It appears that one of the problems with Warren's "gospel" is that it sees very little [if any] difference between those who are "Christians" and those who are not. The Bible disagrees profoundly!

And finally, the PEACE outline of what Christ did while He ministered on earth:

"Provide Hope"

What kind of hope if not the hope of salvation from the very wrath of God against us which Warren did not mention [1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Pet. 1:3-22, 3:14-15]?

"Equip Servant Leaders"

The apostles and the men appointed thereafter were indeed servant leaders, empowered by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The "equipping" Jesus did was sending the Holy Spirit upon them to do His work [Acts 2].

"Assist the Poor"

While Jesus "assisted" the poor, and as should we, it was by means of preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God and what He requires of man [Matt. 5-7]. Also note the situation of giving money to the poor vs. worshiping Christ in Matt. 26:6-13. There is a priority. One cannot minister to the needs of the poor when he does not rightly know the One in Whose name he does such things.
While i will not say there is a direct relation, it's interesting to note that it was Judas Iscariot who was constantly concerned with caring for the poor as opposed to rightly knowing and worshiping the Lord [John 12:1-8, 13:29].

"Care for the Sick"

While caring for those who are sick is a noble thing, when Jesus did so [miraculously, might i add] it was not simply to show compassion, but rather to prove who He is. These were signs to the unbelieving crowd that affirmed His message of being the Messiah and Savior [Matt. 9:1-8, 10:1-15; 14:14; John 9:3, 11:3-4].

"Educate the Next Generation"

The only "education" that the next generation received from Christ was the knowledge of the Gospel: who Christ is [the holy, sinless Son of God - Matt. 16:13-17; John 20:31; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 1:14-22], what He came to do [save sinners from God's wrath by dying on the cross and rising from the dead - Rom. 3:23-25, 5:10-11; 1 Thess. 1:9-10; Heb. 2:17; 1 John 4:10], and what we must do as the result [repent and believe - Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46-47; John 3:18, 36].
And as an additional note, it is parents who are to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of the LORD [see my previous post: "Where Are All the Grownups?"]

i write this not to condemn Rick Warren, but rather to defend what the Scriptures say and compare [or rather, contrast] with what Warren has presented as the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ. What he says is very man-centered and man-pleasing. Without mentioning the holiness of God [not just saying "nobody's perfect," but really establishing the high holiness of God], without mentioning His wrath against sinners [yes, the Bible is very clear that God hates sin and sinners] and their need for a Savior, and without commanding the hearers to repent and believe so that they can be forgiven [not just have a "changed life" but so that they can have the righteousness of Christ presented to God on their behalf so that His wrath against them is quenched], Warren has presented a false gospel that is foreign to the New Testament [Gal. 1:8]. Please take this to heart and search out the things which i have written. Seek for yourself the truth of the Word of God and you will find that Warren's message does not match up well enough with Christ's message.

Isaiah Wouldn't Be Popular With A "Seeker-Friendly Church"

2006-12-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

"Therefore in that day the LORD God of hosts called you to weeping, to wailing, to shaving the head, and to wearing sackcloth.

Instead, there is gaiety and gladness, killing of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die.'

But the LORD of hosts revealed Himself to me, 'Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you until you die,' says the LORD God of hosts."

Isaiah 22:12-14

This text speaks volumes as to what the Church ought to be doing these days. Instead of the "mega-church" people-pleasing "outreach," the Church should be mourning her sins. They crucified the Lord of Glory, Jesus Christ. It is our sin that required His suffering and death. The Father would not be appeased without His death on our behalf.

Unworthy, unlovable, sinful creatures we are. Yet, God in His unfathomable love put to death His own Son in order to redeem for Himself a people made up of liars, thieves, murderers, adulterers, fornicators, blasphemers, and God-haters [Romans 5:6-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11].

The sensuality and hedonistic festivities of the modern church, all done in the name of evangelism, are nothing more than the local church attempting to become a socialite headquarters that spends more time making you feel good [especially about who you are, because "God loves you just the way you are..."] rather than having an accurate knowledge of who God is [holy, sovereign Lord of all creation], what we are [vile sinners who are nothing but rebellious against Him], and how hot His wrath really does burn against sinners!

Take this passage from Isaiah and compare it to what you see your local churches doing these days:

"And the dogs are greedy, they are not satisfied [there's never enough people attending church or its events, so they must make it bigger and better]. And they are shepherds who have no understanding [they have unbiblical theology and methodology, some who are genuinely misled]; they have all turned to their own way [pragmatism leads to self-reliance; if they're creative enough or have the freshest ideas, they run with it, regardless if it's ], each one to his unjust gain [numbers increase, tithes and material possessions increase, not to mention a "name that they are alive"], to the last one.

'Come,' they say, 'let us get wine, and let us drink heavily of strong drink [enough is never enough, and it is through sensual pleasures that they attract the lost and keep them...lost]; and tomorrow will be like today, only more so [they see no judgment from God coming to them for their actions; most likely because they have refused to preach and teach God's judgment against sin and have become numb to it]."

Isaiah 56:11-12

When the local church [especially the pastors] finally wake up to the reality of God and the real reason why Christ died [not to make us "better people" but to purchase a people for His Father and MAKE THEM RIGHTEOUS!!!], then will they cease the pageantry and MTV-style "evange-tainment" [sans nudity, although most of the mega-church types talk about sex more than any other topic, and sans curse words...uh, in most churches anyway].

At the end of the day [this one is for you pastors], you must ask yourself one question:
"Did i have fun, or did i glorify the LORD my God?"

[Yes, i can already hear those who will argue: "but Christianity can be fun too!" But the "fun" that comes from being a Christian is the joy flowing from doing all you do to the glory of God the Father - 1 Corinthians 10:31 - and having to resort to entertainment in order to find joy means you have a seriously low, and i would say blasphemous, view of who God really is.]

updated Rick Warren = Anathema...'nuff said

2006-12-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

For your proof, read these:

http://www.extremetheology.com/2006/12/rick_warren_cla.html

http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/archives/2006/12/pdl_transformin.php

http://www.extremetheology.com/2006/12/did_rick_warren.html

http://www.extremetheology.com/2006/12/missionaries_fo.html

http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/archives/2006/12/rick_warrens_to.php

And that's just the recent stuff. If you actually read the "Purpose-Driven Life" AND read the Bible [!], you'll see just how man-centered, self-help it really is. And, you'll see how non-Christian it really is. [By that i mean: without Christ's substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection as the penal substitution for God's people to assuage His righteous wrath against them, without repentance, and without Biblically defined faith (the book repeats the mantra-like 'prayer' that apparently earns one salvation).]

Read your Bible!

Esteem Thyself?

2006-10-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Romans 7:14-25

In his book Hard To Believe, John MacArthur addresses today's self-esteem gospel:
"Jesus set the standard as total self-denial. In Luke 14:26, a great multitude was following Him and He turned and spoke to them: "If anyone comes to Me" - meaning those who wanted to be His true followers - "and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." Self-hate? What a powerful truth! . . . Following Jesus is not about you and me. Being a Christian is not about us; it's not about our self-esteem. It's about our being sick of our sin and our desperation for forgiveness." [emphasis added]

It's almost heart-breaking to hear a youth parent say "our youth don't like each other...They don't get along." To which other parent heads nod in agreement. Further still, to receive a phone call saying "I think the reason our kids don't get along with each other is because they don't like themselves. They have self-esteem issues..." The reason it's heart-breaking is because not one month ago, the issue of "self-esteem" was addressed by the senior and associate/youth pastor. Both parties simply quoted a statistic: the better kid feels about himself, the worse he does. Being content with oneself means little or no seeking improvement.

In the Christian world, this is devastating to the Gospel call to repent! Telling people [especially teenagers bent on rebellion] that they're wonderful and fine just the way they are equals death. Death to evangelism, death to repentance, and death to biblical ministry: the process of making disciples who are less like themselves and more like Christ!

The Apostle Paul, unquestionably the most influential Christian and one of the most godly, Christ-like men who ever lived, did not believe in nor preach/teach self-esteem to anyone! Yes, in his letters to churches, he lifted them up in encouragement, and every Christian should do the same. "Edify, stupid! Edify!" But of himself, he saw no need to be esteemed. Paul saw himself in light of God's Word that stood against him. "O wretched man that i am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" [Rom. 7:24]

When we see ourselves as sinners, lost, depraved, unworthy creatures, then will we appreciate and cherish the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul did that himself in verse 25, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord..." His appreciation for the Gospel came from his disapproval of himself through God's eyes.

If Christians would stop reading self-help garbage and start reading the Bible [go figure!], this issue would not exist. Parents would have a right understanding of themselves and pass that wisdom to their children. No, parents should not crush their children's spirits, but should edify, exhort, and encourage them to fall on Jesus Christ for mercy, recognizing themselves for the sinners they truly are.

in Christ alone...

The Difference Jesus Makes

2006-10-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest article from Ray Comfort about his trip to New York City with The Way of the Master series. The last few lines will hopefully make you realize that Jesus DOES make the difference. If you can meander through life with no confrontation about Him, you may not have Him.

http://www.livingwaters.com/columns_ray/

What God Doesn't Know...

2006-10-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 2-4

[Disclaimer: In this blog, i have used the term "whore" to describe the severity of the condition of the Church in America. If you are offended by this term, i apologize, but it must be said.]

As in any adulterous affair, the one committing the indiscretion usually makes good to cover up her infidelity in hopes that her husband will not become wise to it. She makes excuses, hides the little favors she receives from her lover, keeps their conversations and rendezvous in the secret places of her heart. Slowly her husband becomes more aware of her unfaithfulness. He finds a note here, an article of clothing there, or simply notices that she has become more closed off to him day by day. He reaches out to her with loving arms and sweet words, but they are shoved away because she has ceased to love the one that chose her to be his bride forever. His heart is broken and yet he loves her still. He is willing to do anything to keep her, even die for her.

The prostitute however makes herself available to any and all who pay the right price. She sells herself to whom she pleases, or to the one who pleases her. She may claim to be faithful to one, but no matter what price he pays, she will always seek after another and another. Her lust will never be satisfied. She will constantly follow after anyone who seems worthy of her time or shows her even the slightest interest. She parades herself around with revealing garments, exposing that which is supposed to be sacred. Over time, it becomes apparent that she is indeed a whore. Her appearance that was once pretty has become distorted and ugly. Her usefulness to her suitors becomes cheap as she sells herself for less and less. She is no longer a woman and definitely not a bride. She is an object. She is dead inside and will soon also be dead outside.

i have just described two kinds of "Church" in America. The first is the true Bride of Christ. There are times when she [through her individual members] has wandered away into another's arms. Her Husband [Christ] calls her back. He reminds her the price He paid for her, and she repents. She comes home to Him and clings to Him even tighter than before. She is amazed at His love for her so much that she does not wander anymore. Her home is with Him, and her adultery is over.

The second "Church" is the one that is becoming more common that we are willing to admit. Bearing witness to this, i give just a small example: i have seen and heard those who claim to be Christians who lovingly cling to the satanic holiday known as Halloween. They reminisce about parties where men dressed as women and how they decorate their children's bedrooms with ghosts, vampires, and even a coffin! They seem to be lovers of death and yet claim to be alive in Christ! [For you nay-sayers out there, do some research about the history and meaning of Halloween and you'll see that no Christian should like this holiday.]

But on a larger scale, the modern "church-growth, purpose-driven, mega-church" movements have fallen into the second category. "There is no fear of God before their eyes" [Rom. 3:18]. They talk all about God's love and forgiveness as if that's all He says about Himself. They do not know the God of the Bible, for He is a jealous God who punishes sinners for their sin [Ex. 20:5]. They do not preach the full counsel of God [Acts 20:20-21, 27]. Their congregations seek preachers who will not pierce their hearts with the Word [Acts 2:37; Heb. 4:12] because it sounds "negative" or "confrontational."

They want unrepentant sinners to feel welcome and comfortable in their congregations, mostly because they are unrepentant themselves! God has raised up men to lead the Church onward in His statutes and to openly declare His Word, but like Israel, they have killed the prophets He sent them [Jer. 2:30]. They sought men [and women] who would tell them only what makes them feel good and tickles their ears [2 Tim. 4:3-4]. They want someone to tell them a good story on Sunday, leave them alone the rest of the week, and never confront them with the holiness of God. For when one is confronted with the holiness of God, he is destroyed [Is. 6:1-5].

God wants to destroy us! He wants to do so either in His wrath [Rom. 2:5] or His grace [Rom. 9:15-16; Eph. 2:8-9]. So which one will you be? Are an adulterous bride who must come home to her Husband, repent, and be made pure and clean by the Word [Eph. 5:26-27]? Or are you simply the whore, unrepentant and a lover of your sin that God hates so much?

A Reminder

2006-09-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a reminder of what Christianity gets you in this world:

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51859

Baaaaa....

2006-09-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Jude 3

Who is supposed to evangelize? Are we supposed to let the pastors/teachers/elders do it? Is this job of evangelism reserved for one who is spiritually gifted in this area? Are we supposed to just leave a tract or Bible somewhere in hopes someone will eventually read it and be saved?

The answer to these questions is found in Jude. If you notice his audience to whom he is writing, this is no "church at ________" nor is it to a specific pastor. His audience simply reads: "To those who are called, beloved of God the Father and kept for Christ Jesus." Now, i don't know about you (if anyone IS actually reading this), but i can claim all those traits about myself. i have been CALLED by God to salvation, being BELOVED OF GOD so that He sent His Son to die for my sins and cause me to be KEPT FOR/BY CHRIST JESUS.

That's me. i am a saint of God because of Christ Jesus and the Gospel that was "once for all delivered." As such, this letter may as well read, "TO ANY CHRISTIAN." If you are indeed saved by the grace of God through your faith in Christ Jesus, this letter from Jude is for you as well.

He writes to us beseeching us to "contend earnestly for the faith." Later in this letter (v.20-23), we are instructed to build ourselves up in the faith, have mercy on those who doubt (while hating the garment stained by sin), and to "save others by snatching them out of the fire."

These instructions are given to the flock! This is not an audience of pastor/shepherds to whom he is writing! This is a command/exhortation given to us all, saints! If you are in Christ Jesus, you have a job to do, like it or not (though you better like it or else you have a great need to "examine yourselves to see whether or not you are in the faith" - 2 Cor. 13:5). Every believer everywhere has this great responsibility to do the most earth-moving thing...TALK!

Peter and John said to the religious council in Jerusalem, "for we CANNOT but speak what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20) What holds you back, O Christian? Did Christ really do a work in you? (Phil. 1:6; Heb. 12:2) Did your soul get snatched from the fires of hell and God's impending wrath? (Rom. 5:9; Eph. 2:1-10) Are you indeed a new creation? (2 Cor. 5:17) Do you have a hope within you? (1 Pet. 3:15) Then why aren't YOU saying something about it? Why do you rely on someone else to tell your family, friends, neighbors, passers-by about this Jesus who you supposedly love and by whom you have been supposedly redeemed?

Stop inviting your friends to church and start telling them about Jesus! THE CHURCH WILL NOT SAVE THEM!!! Look at the Pharisees and Sadducees. They were in "church" more than anyone else and what did they do with this Jesus? They crucified Him! They are the greatest testimony that religion (yes, that includes going to church) cannot/will not save anyone. Only the Gospel saves people, and if you truly believe, why haven't you said something about it? Peter and John couldn't help themselves. Paul faced down torture numerous times if only to save a few! (2 Cor. 11:24-27)

So what excuse do you have? Not trained? Did you forget the Gospel? Do you fear man rather than God? (Matt. 10:28) Then GO! Get off the computer, take your Bible (blow the dust off if necessary), read it and pray earnestly for God to empower you to speak to someone/anyone (especially those of your own family) about this Jesus you claim, and then do it! God be with you in your service of His holy Good News!

Ashamed of Jesus?

2006-08-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

In lieu of posting an original of my own this week, i would recommend the following article by Ray Comfort on evangelism:
http://www.livingwaters.com/articles_ray_archive/articles_ray_05-08-22_ashamedofJesus.shtml

When Jerusalem falls...

2006-08-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Luke 21:20-28, 34-36

On August 22, 2006, the president of Iran has promised something "big." His aim is at Jerusalem and his mission is the total annihilation of Israel while ushering in "Armageddon." Read about it here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,207597,00.html (this link should still be there)

Now, i will not say that when/if this attack occurs the Great Tribulation has begun. However, the events that follow will demand the Church's attention. Should Iran make good on their word to "light up the sky" over Jerusalem, the world will take notice an action. That event, plus the missile dilemma in North Korea and the recent "next 9/11" plots going on all add up to just one thing: paving the road for the one-world government and its leader, antichrist.

i cannot say how this will occur, who will be antichrist, or what "religion" will be ushered in by the false prophet. However, i can say with absolute certainty (because of the word of Christ Jesus) that whatever events take place, WE MUST WAKE UP! The Church (especially in America) has been lulled to sleep by false teachers, false gospels, and even false messiahs for decades. When will our slumber end? Will it take the blast of the trumpet to arouse us from our sinful state? i most certainly hope not, for then who will stand before the LORD Jesus?

If we keep giving ourselves over to the harlotry of a "feel good" gospel or a "social gospel," what is to stop the LORD Jesus from pouring out His wrath upon us? There are no promises made to America in Scripture. We are fair game to persecution, tribulation, and being trampled in the winepress of His awesome wrath! (Rev. 14:17-20) And even more so since we have whored ourselves to such a pitiful excuse for a Savior: one who only cares about feeding the hungry, helping us fulfill our "purpose," and making us into people who are simply "better off" than we already are...(yes, i know that to care for those in need is PART of being a Christian, but it all means nothing without repentance and faith in Christ Jesus as Savior and LORD)

The Jesus Christ of Scripture is more concerned with your eternal soul being cast into a devil's hell more than He is with your back being clothed or your emotions being balanced! When the end truly does come, how many of us in the Church of the USA will be standing on His right as sheep? How many who think they have faith in Him will be turned away as goats and workers of lawlessness? (Matt. 25:31-46)

In the words of our LORD Jesus Christ: "...Repent and believe the Gospel!" (Mark 1:15)

Where are all the grown-ups?

2006-08-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6:4

Parental controls are the panacea of the day. TV programs are now rated so that parents can "block" content not suitable for their kids. However, what about the shows that they are watching? What morals (if any) do they teach, and are they contrary to what they need?

I've seen many of the contemporary cartoons that are supposed to be "kid-friendly." The sad fact is they are not parent-friendly, or even common sense-friendly. They picture parents and authority figures as stupid or corrupt. They emphasize "magic" and "self." Mostly they are just random acts of stupidity with no value at all. Granted, they are good for a laugh, but what good are they doing to our children?

With all the v-chip/parental controls on TV, parents think they are doing a great service for their children by simply blocking certain ratings. They are most likely doing a disservice to their children by putting them under a false sense of security. Parents should be spending their time WITH their children. Play games, read stories (out of the Bible, what a thought!), teach them about life.

This passage in Ephesians is but one of many in Scripture that instructs parents to teach their children the fear and love of the LORD. If the parents don't, who will? The school system? Not hardly! They teach children everything BUT the Bible, and most of what they teach is in strong opposition to it. Should we rely on the church to teach them? If we want to abandon our responsibility to our own children, then yes. (Don't get me wrong, the church IS a house of worship and teaching for all ages, but Scripture is clear: the parents are the ones responsible to teach their own children the Scriptures.)

With all the distractions of this world swarming around us, why should we not want to take a break from it all and spend time with our precious, God-given family? Why should we shirk our responsibility to teach the next generation?

Or could it be this: we don't want to be responsible to teach them what we do not know for ourselves? It can be intimidating to try and lead a child to the LORD when WE don't truly know Him.

Pray for your children. Pray with your children. Teach them God's Word and to trust in Jesus Christ. Discipline them in the fear of the LORD. Turn off the TV once in a while! Who knows? The less TV they watch, the more their attention span and patience might grow.

Separation Anxiety

2006-08-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

The more one looks at the Word of God, the more he must find that the LORD seems to have a strictness about Him. He has a standard. He has a path to holiness, and it is narrow and hard (Matthew 7:13-14). Unfortunately, many believers (or so-called ones anyway) have a mind that says "don't rock the boat" and "unity at all costs." Those ideas are very much contrary to Scripture.

Looking at this passage alone tells us that there are those from among the brethren that do not adhere to the commands and statutes of Scripture, and those such people ought to be warned first (Matthew 18:15-17; Titus 3:10-11), and if they do not repent, they are to be barred from fellowship with the church, until they do repent (Luke 17:3-4).

It's the truth. Yet most of our churches, especially those in America, are so afraid of "offending" someone. But we must ask this question: "Who should we be in fear of offending more: man, who can kill the body but not the soul, or God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell?" (Matthew 10:28). Wake up, O sleeper! Don't be afraid of standing up for the Truth and risk offending one who is blaspheming the name of Christ! What can he do to you? (Romans 8:31-33)

Is it numbers we fear losing? If so, why? Christ Jesus had only 12 men who were faithful, and they changed the world! Large numbers mean nothing to the LORD our God. The nation of Israel had committed adultery toward Jehovah, and yet He preserved only seven thousand who had not. (1 Kings 19:18) The smaller number were those who would prosper and flourish under His care, all after He purged the sinful ones from among them.

Afraid to "rock the boat?" Just remember this: the last time the boat was rocked, men walked on water! (Matthew 14:22-33) Not only did the boat rock, but the elements were against them (the wind and the waves, v.24). But when Jesus came into the boat, peace came (v.32). And after all was said and done, the men worshiped Him (v.33).

Don't fear offending those who claim to know the truth and yet live to the contrary. And do not fear "breaking fellowship" with them, because odds are there was never any true fellowship to begin with (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).

Spiritual Authority

2006-07-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

Numbers 12

"...Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?"

Throughout Scripture, there is evidence given of God's authority being delegated to men. Adam had it, Moses had it, David, Christ our Lord, Paul, etc. These men were given God's authority on earth to carry out His purposes and plan. The only reason they had authority is because they were in subjection to the LORD's authority.

In this case (Num. 12), there is one of but many instances recorded where rebellion against God's authority is displayed. Unfortunately, it came from within God's own people, through Miriam and Aaron, Moses' siblings.

Miriam was Moses' sister, Aaron his brother and second in command. As such, they had close relations with Moses and saw most of his contact with the LORD. They knew he was God's man. They also knew they were under the same authority of God as His people.

Instead of following their appointed leader through the wilderness, they conceived between themselves a plan to "confront" Moses about his choice of a wife (v.1). They then exalted themselves to Moses' position of authority by claiming that their relationship to the LORD was equal to his (v.2), but it obviously was not the same quality, since Scripture records that Moses was the meekest of men (v.3).

The LORD became angry against Miriam and Aaron. In His divine judgment, He pronounced leprosy on Miriam so that she would be removed from the fellowship of Israel for 7 days (v.6-14). If not for Moses' intervening on her behalf (i.e. - forgiving the one who spoke against him), she would not have been spared (v.13-14).

If only the Church would recognize that those who speak out against God's authority, and rebel against His Word ought to be treated in such a manner (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; Titus 3:10), even if only to maintain the holiness of the Body of Christ, which is our highest endeavor.

Remember...

2006-07-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

Remember...

The last time the Church entertained the world, it was from the blood-soaked sand of the Roman coliseum.