Apologetics Coordination Team
is now affiliated with
Moriel Ministries International
Great Discernment Tools!
Screwtape Legacy
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
The book by C.S. Lewis called "Screwtape Letters" was
a clever idea in exposing a number of tactics of the enemy. Those
principles are still at work today in many churches. Following is
a list of some of the things the enemy wants to see in churches and Christians
in order to bring them down.
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Bradford Pear Christianity
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I was driving along and noticing that spring has sprung
here in North Carolina. One of the first trees to bloom is the Bradford
Pear. I began to notice how that tree has proliferated almost everywhere
and then my wife looked up the information on this tree on the web. As
she began to read the facts about this tree and its proliferation I began
to see an allegorical parallel to what is going on in much of Christendom.
But before I get into what the Bradford Pear can show us about the churches,
I need to present the facts about the tree.
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The Lord's Prayer, Our Prayer
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Matt.
6:9-13 This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as
we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from the evil one."
This model prayer that Jesus
taught the disciples to pray contains many important precepts. It
should probably be called "The Disciple's Prayer". It starts with
a very important concept in the first verse.
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The Fallacious Arguments of Neo-Universalists
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
The new Universalists are not as vocal about their
Universalism ideas but are far more deadly to the Church as they are not
rejected like classic Universalists were decades ago. The new Universalists
would include Emerging Church leaders like Brian McLaren, Leonard Sweet,
Spencer Burke, Alan Jones and others like Wycliffe, Society of Biblical
Literature, World Christian Gathering of Indigenous Peoples, Richard Twiss,
Daniel Kikawa, Terry LeBlanc, Rick Warren, Henry Nowen, YWAM, Tony Campolo,
Robert Schuller, George Otis Jr., and even Billy Graham.
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The future of apologetics and discernment
ministries
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I admit that I am very skeptical
about the future of discernment and apologetics ministries. I don't see
the next generation coming up to replace those who have stood for the truth
for so long. Fortunately many apologists have gone to be with the Lord
but who will replace them? I don't see replacements coming up who will
take the place of those who have been fighting the fight the years. I run
a web site where I collect articles and materials from all over the world
and present them in a sort of Reader's Digest format so that people can
come to one place to get the latest information on heresies in the churches
as well as research past ones. What I've seen in the last couple of years
is that the production of regular materials is declining to the point where
it's becoming difficult to find one article for my site to post every day.
Of course I write my own articles but don't have enough time to write an
article on a daily basis. I am very concerned because of the tsunami of
false ideas from the enemy in the churches. At the same time, unfortunately,
I see a lot of younger people who don't even recognize anymore that something
is wrong.
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You can also view this DVD online here.
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Church History & The Core Doctrines
by Sandy Simpson
This 4-DVD set is a combination of a condensed study
on Church History and the Discernment Toolkit series which deals with the
core doctrines of the Church and how to use them to discern error.
The Church History DVD takes a different approach to Church History in
that it does not celebrate the Catholic Church but rather exposes it as
false Christianity. It covers World religions, false Christianity
and finally a study of the true remnant Church through history following
the story of the many martyrs who stood up for true Biblical faith.
Go
here for further
information.
The "Weight of Glory"
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which
is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight
of glory; (KJV)
This is both an incredible source of hope for Christians
who are downtrodden, and a source of escalating heresy in many churches.It
is critical that we understand what Paul was talking about when he wrote
the phrase “weight of glory”.Jacob Prasch has repeated this phrase
in his teachings over the years … “A text, out of context, in isolation
from co-text is always a pre-text."A huge problem today is that individuals
and movements tend to yank verses out of their context and build a cult
of heresy around them.This is called eisegesis or plugging your own ideas
into the Scriptures instead of exegesis, gaining understanding and interpretation
of the Bible by studying it in context and in the scope of the whole written
Word.
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Did God Put "Eternity In Their Hearts"
or "The World In Their Hearts"?
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
In the introduction to Mike Oppenheimer's and my book
"Idolatry In Thier Hearts" I exposed the fact that Don Richardson pulled
the phrase "Eternity In Thier Hearts" to use as his book title from it's
context in Ecc. 3:11. He did this to support his thesis, which actually
contradicts the second part of that verse, where it states that man cannot
fathom what God has done. Richardson, rather, sets forth what has become
the foundation for the false teachings of the WCGIP, YWAM, a number of
Bible translation societies and the Emerging Church ... the propostion
that men from Gentile cultures have always been seeking God and that Gentile
cultures were already worshipping the true God before missionaries came
with the Gospel.
But as I further investigated this verse I found that
Richardson even ignored the true meaning of the FIRST half of the verse
in favor of a few translations that use the phrase "eternity in their hearts".
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Christians who “turn away”
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Jeremiah 3:10-11 And yet for all this her treacherous
sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly,
saith the LORD. And the LORD said unto me, “The backsliding Israel hath
justified herself more than treacherous Judah.” (KJV) Israel had turned
away from the Lord and had gone after the gods of Canaan, namely Baal
and Asherah. Because Israel had prostituted herself with false gods
in worshipping the polytheistic gods that started at Babel, God had declared
He was divorcing Israel and would send them into exile until they again
returned to the true God. But Judah prided itself in doing what God had
commended as they had Jerusalem and the Temple. They disdained Israel
for setting up altars to Baal and Asherah poles on high hills. Yet
God was not fooled by Judah’s pretence. In the KJV it says they
were not worshipping God with their whole heart but “feignedly”.
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Prophets for profit
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
2 Cor. 2:17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word
of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with
sincerity, as those sent from God.
There are many false teachers on TV these days who peddle
the word of God for profit. They make promises of healing that do
not come true by claiming if they are given a financial gift the person
will receive healing and riches. When what they promised does not
happen the person is blamed that they did not have enough faith. This often
destroys the faith of people who fall into the traps of these snake oil
salesmen. I have no problem with people charging for their materials
if they cost to be produced, even though it is hoped that when a person
cannot afford to pay for books and DVDs they will receive them free of
charge. But the charges levied on people for conferences and speaking
engagements is often excessive. A minister of God can ask for support
and deserves it if they are being diligent in their study and proclamation
of the Word. But experiences and feelings often come with a price
today and that is not right.
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"Mistake" or "Sin"?
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Today we often hear the word "mistake" coming from
pulpits, and especially in defense of false teaching and false prophesy.
"Cut him some slack! He just made some mistakes". "We all make
mistakes, so don't judge lest you be judged." We even hear the word
"mistakes" being substituted for the word "sin" in many presentations of
what I have termed "Gospel Lite" today. So is it proper to substitute the
word "mistake" for the word "sin"? We'll look at the problem of one
word "mistakenly" being used for the other.
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Holy Ghost IGNORED!
by Sandy Simpson
This 3-DVD set is a message based on this
movie review.
"Holy Ghost Reborn" is the second film in the "Holy
Ghost" series released by Bethel Church in Redding, CA. Tim Wirth
and I reviewed the first "Holy Ghost" film and that review is freely available
on YouTube here:
Holy
Ghost Movie Expos"
Reviewed
by Tim Wirth & Sandy Simpson
A
Simply Agape Project Production
I am sorry to say this but Bethel is clearly a cult
of Christianity holding to most of the teachings of the Latter Rain and
Word of Faith. They have demonstrated repeatedly a manipulative atmosphere
targeting young people in particular while preaching rank heresy.
This new film is a continuation of those false teachings and practices.
I pray for the young people in that church that they will come to know
Jesus Christ as their Savior and thus come to know the true Holy Spirit.
This 3-DVD set is only $30. plus s/h. for US.
Holy
Ghost IGNORED! Part 4 - Addendum with Tim Wirth & Sandy Simpson
This "Holy Ghost IGNORED! Part 4 - Addendum is part of
a 3-DVD series by Sandy Simpson reviewing the film "Holy Ghost Reborn".
This addendum features a number of false teachings of Bethel Church in
Redding, CA that I was not able to include in the 3-Part series. Get
the whole thing! It is very important to see what has become the "new"
Christianity.
Go here for further
information.
Servant Authority
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
The world system has always been a "top down" structure,
starting at the apex of the pyramid and going down to the bottom. In kingdoms
we have the king at the top, then the princes, common people, slaves. In
a democracy we have the President at the top, the VP, the Sec. of State
on down to the citizens. In business we have the CEO at the top, upper
management, lower management, office workers and the janitors. Unfortunately,
sometime in the third century, the church started to have a top down structure.
This is also when the church began to be in error. The church of Rome began
to have a "top down" structure that started with the pope, then cardinals,
then bishops, then priests, then the people. Well, what about that?
Eph 4:11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets,
some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, This
all sounds like a "top down" structure. But the problem is that people
have not seen an important fact about these gifts of the Spirit -- man
looks at function and title, God looks at aim and goal! Read on.
Eph. 4:12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the
body of Christ may be built up. These are not gifts given for title or
to give people job descriptions. They are given because there are people
out there who need our help! The church needed the Apostles. They were
the ones who were the foundation of the church. They were the ones who
saw Jesus in the flesh and were taught by Him personally. They wrote the
New Testament Scriptures. Though the gifts of apostle and prophet are different
today than in biblical times, the gift of evangelism, pastoring, teaching
and others are still the same. A person who is an evangelist does not just
have a title so he can rule over people. The reason that he has the gift
to be an evangelist is so that he can tell others the good news. Why do
we have pastors? Are they supposed to rule the church and get everyone
to support them and bow to their demands? No. They are to serve the church
by helping people to come to a fuller knowledge of Jesus Christ, to equip
the saints to become more like Jesus every day.
The true structure of Christianity is symbolized as an
inverted pyramid!
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Overtake you like a thief
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness,
that the day would overtake you like a thief; How serious will it be for
a person to be overtaken in that day like a thief overtakes a household
when he slips in and steals? Will it just be a surprise for those
who claim to be Christians who will get a slap on the wrist by the Lord
but still proceed to heaven? Will they simply lose rewards but still
gain the ultimate reward? What is this darkness that the brethren
are not in? 1 Thessalonians 5:3-5 While they are saying, Peace
and safety! then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor
pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you,
brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;
for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night
or of darkness;
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Generic and Specific
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
In my article Blasphemizing
the Bible I give a number of examples of how a lot of modern Bible
translation societies are putting the names of supreme beings in the
Bible in the place of God or YHWH. In this article I'm going to examine
two of the excuses they make for making those substitutions in the Bible
in many hundreds of different languages today.
(1) They claim that God has many different names and therefore
they think they are justified in putting the names of various gods of various
cultures in Bibles, as long as they are considered supreme beings.
(2) The second excuse they give is that the names of the
gods they are placing in the Bible are generic terms for God, like the
words God, Theos, Dios and Elohim. By generic I mean a word that
can be used for any deity whether of the one true God or other false gods
who claim to be God.
I will go through both of these excuses and show that
they are both unbiblical, therefore the Bibles they have translated with
names of other gods in them, or names they claim are generic, prove that
they have blasphemized those Bibles.
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The Ugly Side of Diaprax
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
There has been a concerted effort by the false teachers
from many movements inside the church such as Word of Faith, New Apostolic
Reformation (NAR)/Latter Rain, World Gathering on Indigenous People and
Emerging Church among others to diaprax people into thinking that the church
has been ineffective until they came along with their new and improved
ideas on how to take over the world. This is always a feature of
the Hegelian Dialectical process put into action by praxis, thus diaprax.
In order to form a new paradigm or worldview the leadership of these movements
must vilify orthodox Biblical Christianity.
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Deluded!
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
There are so many "Christian" leaders out there that teach
delusional teachings. These teaching are dangerous and can lead a
person to shipwreck their faith.
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Healer?
Heal Thyself!
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
A good subtitle for this article might be "Practice What
You Preach!" There is no doubt that God can and does heal people
today. But the false doctrines of the Word-Faith Movement about "declaring"
healing, "name-it-and-claim-it", etc. have been proven to be lies by the
very people who sell this deceit. If you don't know about where these
famous "faith healers" go when they need healing, you may be surprised.
Why couldn't they heal themselves when they purported to be able to heal
others by virtue of their superior faith? What happened to the extraordinary
faith they claimed to have, enough faith to heal and be healed? Since
they are the ones who taught that all you have to do is claim the healing
that is in the Atonement (Is. 53:5) why did they not do so? Don't
their deaths prove that what they were preaching was a lie and pragmatic
witchcraft rather than biblical relality?
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Gods Attitude toward the Supreme Beings
of the Nations
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
It is quite clear from Scripture that YHWH does NOT consider
the supreme beings of the nations to be Himself, the One True God.
This is in opposition to the teachings of Don Richardson, Daniel Kikawa,
Richard Twiss and many others promoting the World Christian Gathering of
Indigenous People movement, Emergent Church and Liberal theologies.
I have proven this time and time again in my articles on the subject but
I am going to consolidate the information from the Bible in this article
by studying the false gods named in the Bible. I am sure I will not
be able to cover every instance of supreme beings mentioned in the Bible
but I (1) want to deal with some of the major ones (2) show you where they
are found in the Word, and (3) prove that they were the supreme beings
of those nations named by the patriarchs, prophets and Apostles and that
they were not monotheistic gods but polytheistic in the tradition of Babel
where the false religion of polytheism first took root through the worship
of Nimrod and Semiramis.
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You need to "nip it in the bud"!
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I am writing this article to address a subject that
I have often observed. It is the fact that if you do not get the
leaven out of your church the leaven will become the leadership.The Bible
teaches quite clearly that if you let the leaven in you will leaven the
whole lump.
Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole
lump of dough.
We see this often in the case of many Christian
movements that have allowed a small error to exist in their churches and
have not dealt with those issues. It then ends up metastasizing into
worse and worse problems as time goes by.
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The New Panentheistic "God" Of Christendom
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Now, I bet you read the title of this article and thought
I had misspelled the word "pantheism". Just so that those of you
who write to me advising me of words I have misspelled in articles (and
I do often) I want to tell you that I am using the term "panentheism" as
coined by Karl C. F. Krause. You can read more about this word and
concept in an excellent book called "A
Time Of Departing" by Ray Yungen.
There is a new "God" being promoted in the Third Wave,
New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Word of Faith movements whose teachers
are regularly seen on TBN, Daystar, SkyAngel, CBN and other "Christian"
TV networks. Some of those teachers even have, what would be considered,
a fairly typical statement of faith or doctrinal statement they endorse.
But by what they teach they end up promoting a false unbiblical view of
God, especially through their actions and experiences. The whole
phenomenon of "slain in the spirit" and all the antics that go with it
are brainwashing an entire generation of Christians to put their faith
in another Jesus, another Spirit, another Gospel. This new "Jesus"
and "Holy Spirit" is clearly pantheistic or panentheistic in nature.
Though some of these teachers would claim to be believing in the God who
is One God in Three Persons, by what they teach they deny the very revealed
character of God from Scripture.
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What Should I Say?
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
booklet.
How do you answer an invitation to attend a meeting where
you know nothing about the speaker or what will be done there? What happens
if they want to announce the meeting at your church and invite everyone?
What do you say to a person who tells you that you dont have the Holy
Spirit even though you are a Christian? What should you do if you think
something is wrong, or your conscience is bothering you about something
that was said or done? The answer?
Go to the Scriptures!
The Bible has all the answers to your questions. This
little booklet is an attempt to deal with a few of the typical statements
you will hear from people who have become involved in the Third Wave revival
movement. By Third Wave I am referring to teachers, prophets and any
meeting associated with the Toronto Blessing, Brownsville Assemblies
of God, Rodney Howard-Browne, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley,
Marilyn Hickey, Joyce Meyers, Bethel Church, Lakeland and many others who
appear on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the 700 Club on TV.
Hopefully the statements and answers in this booklet will
set you off on an investigation of your own in the Word. If you need help,
and you have access to the Internet, you can visit my web site called Deception
In The Church that deals with these issues and has the articles mentioned
in this booklet.
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Luring People To Destruction
By The Unscrupulous Use Of The "Gospel"
Message
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Phil. 1:14-18 Because of
my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak
the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. It is true that
some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of
the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely,
supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But
what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether
from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
If you see what I see in this passage, this argument cannot
be used for people like Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and the hundreds,
even thousands of Third Wave ministers today who are not merely envious
and self ambitious, but are also teaching outright false doctrine. Paul
was not talking about heretics in this statement, but "brothers in the
Lord" who preach the Gospel with wrong motives. Third Wave teachers not
only have wrong motives, they also have the wrong message. This argument
cannot be used for people like Hinn, even if they manage to preach enough
of the "Gospel" for people to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord, because
they are also teaching and practicing heresy.
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One of Satans Final Masquerades
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for
Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Satan often disguises himself with the purpose of
deceiving people. One way in which I believe he is putting on a masquerade
is by appearing as Mary to millions of people worldwide.
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Attack Of The Enemy
On The Churches
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
So much heresy is entering the churches these days.
As you would suspect, sometimes it is due to a pastor attending a conference
or reading a book and becoming diapraxed with unbiblical ideas. He
then starts to weave those ideas into his messages and begins to invite
speakers to the church who expound on those ideas. Then when confronted
by someone in the church who has reservations about the new stuff being
taught, they are told to not talk about it and just go along with the program.
If that person does not they are ostracized, slander behind their back,
and often told to leave (which is what they should do in any case).
But my observation is that it is not only the pastor who
causes unbiblical changes to influence a church. Often the pastor
is blissfully unaware of influences coming into his church. They
often come in through (1) the worship team (2) womens groups (3) bookstore
(4) childrens programs (5) interdenominational prayer efforts and (6)
relief and mission organizations. If unchecked this type of infiltration
is much more subtle and can become deeply rooted.
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Marks Of False Religion
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive
through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men,
according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according
to Christ.
In context Paul is especially addressing, though perhaps
not to the exclusion of other false religion, what had become the false
religion of the Pharisees and Jewish leadership. There were many
Jewish so-called Christians making the rounds among the fledgling early
churches who were trying to get the Gentiles to come under the Law from
which Christ had purchased their freedom. John Gill states this case
well in his commentary.
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Universalism in the World
has Permeated the Church
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
The current fad of interfaith solidarity and unity
is simply a thin guise of inclusivism, Universalism and pluralism.
Universalism is defined by Dictionary.com as: The doctrine
that emphasizes the universal fatherhood of God and the final salvation
of all souls. (Source)
Universalism is a religion and theology that generally holds all persons
and creatures are related to God or the divine and will be reconciled to
God. (Source)
Pluralism is defined as: The doctrine that reality
is composed of many ultimate substances. The belief that no single
explanatory system or view of reality can account for all the phenomena
of life. (American Heritage Dictionary, (Source)
Inclusivism is: "Inclusivism posits that even though
the work of Christ is the only means of salvation, it does not follow that
explicit knowledge of Christ is necessary in order for one to be saved.
In contrast to pluralism, inclusivism agrees with exclusivism in affirming
the particularity of salvation in Jesus Christ. But unlike exclusivism,
inclusivism holds that an implicit faith response to general revelation
can be salvific. God expects from man a response proportional to the light
given. Saving faith is not characterized so much by its cognitive content
as it is by its reverent quality." (Ken Keathley, None Dare Call It Treason:
Is an Inclusivist a Paul Revere or a Benedict Arnold? (Ken Keathley, Assistant
Professor of Theology and Philosophy New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary,
(Source)
We deal with these old heresies brought forward to
modernity, these ideas that all men have have a relationship with God that
will cause them to be able to avoid judgement in our book on the teachings
of the World Gathering on Indigenous People movement called Idolatry
In Their Hearts. The idea that all men who worship a god are
worshipping the true God, YHWH, has bubbled up to the very top of our societies
and religions, and even Christendoom, and should sound a warning alarm
to true Biblical Christianity. Instead, as usual in our day, most
Christians are asleep at the wheel while Universalists claim that you can
pray to a god like Allah and be praying to the true Trinue God, YHWH.
I also dealt with the fact that Allah is not YHWH, both in our book and
in the article Is Allah The Same As YHWH?.
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What We Need Is A Reverse Paradigm Shift!
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I'm going to warn you now. I am going to let you
in on some information tonight that is going to radically change your world
view. You are likely going to experience the beginnings of a reverse
paradigm shift and after tonight there will be no way to go back the way
you came. You will be faced with choices that you may never have
known you had. You will be faced with a new way of looking at things
that is going to cause you to rethink everything that is being taught in
the Emerging Latter Rain churches. It is going to be radical because
the basis for this message doesn't come from Jesus Christ visiting my room
last night bodily, but from His holy written Word. So buckle down
your seat belts, you're likely in for a bumpy ride!
Matt. 7:15-23 "Watch out for false
prophets. They come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious
wolves. By their fruit 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 fruit you will
recognize them. "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter
the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is
in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy
in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?
Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!
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product information.
False Teachers Revisited
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I often receive requests to present updated false teachings
and false prophecies by the myriad of heretics out there. We do try
to keep up with all the latest. But I have to remind people that
those we have exposed as false on our site have not repented of what they
have already done in the past, which is why they are still on our site.
So what they are doing now has no relevance as to whether or not they are
now to be considered a true Biblical teacher. If and when they repent,
that is renounce their false teachings and false prophecies, make restitution
to those they have deceived, and begin to teach sound Biblical doctrine
we will give you that information. As of now NONE of the people we
have exposed have repented of their Latter Rain, Word of Faith teachings,
heretical practices or their false prophecies. But in the interest
of helping you to respond to a person who inquires by saying: "Those articles
are old and you need newer materials" well, here is some newer stuff you
can add to the pile. For you and me this really makes no difference,
but for those who are living in deception perhaps it might demolish one
of their arguments against the truth.
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Testing The Spirits
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Sometimes I really wonder why someone who claims to be
a Bible believing pastor, for instance, refuses to listen to the truth.
It frankly boggles my mind. I don't know if it is as a result of
the postmodern paradigm or just that they have no love of the truth left.
I don't know how that can happen in a truly regenerate person. You
would think that the Holy Spirit would confirm the truth to them, first
in their conscience, and finally through the written Word. But these
days it is a miracle if it gets that far. I don't know if their conscience
has been so seared that they don't hear the Spirit or if they just don't
want to know the truth because then they would be responsible for it.
I know that I cannot know their motives or the reasons why they reject
truth and refuse to talk about false teaching, but I do know one thing:
we are called as true believers to test the spirits. We must do this
even if the result is not to our liking or befuddles us as to the reasons.
1 John 4:1 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.
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Questions for Those Who Claim the "Supreme
Beings"
Of the Nations Are the True God
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I have some questions for those of the World Christian
Gathering of Indigenous People (WCGIP) adherents such as Don Richardson,
Daniel Kikawa, Richard Twiss (deceased), Terry LeBlanc, Danny Lehman, Aloha
Ke Akua, YWAM as well as many in the Emergent Church (EC) ... the questions
arise from their claim that the "supreme beings" of the nations are all
the True God, YHWH, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You can
read more on this subject in our book "Idolatry
In Their Hearts" or in the WCGIP
section of my site. My main question for them is this: When did ANY of
the Patriarchs and Prophets in the Old Testament and the Apostles or Jesus
Christ in the New Testament EVER claim that the "supreme beings" of the
nations were Elohim/YHWH, the one True God? Let's look at some examples
in the form of questions and you can check out the source links as well.
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How To Discern, Test & Judge Rightly
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
In running a web site with
thousands of articles, 1-2 million hits per month from all over the world,
and hundreds of e-mails per week, I have come to realize, with time, that
there is a terrible problem in Christendom today. The problem stems from
an existential subjective view of the world that has filtered into the
church from secular society, but also from the teachings of heretical wolves
who have taught an entire generation of churchgoers completely unbiblical
methods of discernment or to get rid of any discernment altogether.
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We need a firm foundation to weather the
storm of false ideas
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye
do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. (KJV)
Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words
of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house
on the rock.
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
1787 Joseph Funk & Robert Keene
A house built on the rock will stand. The Rock is
God and in particular, Jesus Christ. Therefore His written Word is
the teachings of the His Holy Spirit and a Rock we can depend on.
Anyone who wants to prove anything theologically, historically, scientifically
or anything else needs to start with correct information. If you
start with a faulty foundation, as you build your arguments, they begin
to fall apart because they are not supported in God"s truth. If you
want to build on a firm foundation, you need to start the process by a
careful study of God"s Word in context of the verse and according to the
whole counsel of God"s Word. The Bible is the best commentary on
the Bible.
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Karma (by any other name)
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
According to Wikipedia:
"Karma means action, work or deed; it also refers to
the principle of causality where intent and actions of an individual influence
the future of that individual. Good intent and good deed contribute
to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute
to bad karma and future suffering. Karma is closely associated with
the idea of rebirth in some schools of Asian religions. In these
schools, karma in the present affects one's future in the current life,
as well as the nature and quality of future lives - or, one's samsara.
With origins in ancient India, it is a key concept in Hinduism, Buddhism,
Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Ching Hai and others."(emphasis mine)
Mirram-Webster defines it this way:
the force created by a person's actions that is believed
in Hinduism and Buddhism to determine what that person's next life will
be like: the force created by a person's actions that some people believe
causes good or bad things to happen to that person
Given the definitions of "karma" above, this same idea,
usually without the reincarnation aspect in Christian circles, has been
taught for decades in New Thought movements such as the Positive Thinking/Positive
Confession teachings of Norman Vincent Peale & Robert
Schuller, the Word of Faith ideas of Essex Kenyan, Kenneth
Hagin, Kenneth
Copeland and Benny
Hinn, the mixture of Eastern Mysticism and Christianity by Korean false
teachers such as the "force of faith" Paul
Yongii Cho, and newer renditions and fusions by people like Joel
Osteen, Joseph
Prince, T.D.
Jakes (recently agreeing with Oprah Winfrey who teaches karma on her
WHO network), and others such as Ernest
Angley, John
Bevere, Markus
Bishop, Juanita
Bynum, Morris
Cerullo, Kim
Clement, Paul
Crouch, Creflo
Dollar, Jesse
Duplantis, Marilyn
Hickey, Brian
Houston, Rodney
Howard-Browne, Larry
Huch, Bishop
Eddie L. Long, Clarence
McClendon, Joyce
Meyer, Myles
Munroe, Steve
Munsey, Mike
Murdock, Rod
Parsley, Peter
Popoff, Fred Price, Oral
Roberts, R.W.
Shambach, Robert Schuller, Karl
Strader, Robert
Tilton, Paula
White, Ed
Young and many others.
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His Name, The Only Name
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Zechariah 14:9 NIV The LORD will be king over the whole
earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.
The reason I wrote this article based on
Zech 14:9 is that I was reminded of how many so-called Christians, who
are influential in the churches, are promoting the worship of God in the
names of other gods.
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Replacement Theology On Steroids
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
So, as you can see, the root of this teaching is that
Israel no longer holds the distinction of being the tree from which the
Root of David (Jesus-Rev. 5:5, 22:16) came. They are no longer the
"natural branches" (Israel-Rom. 11:21) on to which Gentile Christianity
(the wild shoots-Rom. 11:17 or wild branches-Rom. 11:24) are grafted in
(Rom. 11:17-24). According to Replacement Theology, Christianity
has now become its own branch apart from Israel (the natural branch) that
produced the Root and all the promises of the Bible to Israel have been
taken away from them and given to the Gentile Church. This is why
you hear so many false teachers taking verses out of context from the Old
Testament and willy-nilly applying them to the Gentile Church. This
methodology has been going on for decades in liberal churches and has been
popularized by many false teachers on TV. But the fact is that Replacement
Theology is utter false doctrine. It denies promises made to Israel,
some of which have already been fulfilled and some which are yet to come
to fruition. But when you add the fact that the Inclusivist WCGIP proponents
are now saying that God planted hundreds of different trees, cultures all
over the world, that are not connected to the natural branch, tree and
Root, you have what can only be termed Replacement Theology on steroids!
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Those Who Do Not Lead Christians to Maturity
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
The Scriptural definition of maturity is to learn to discern
truth from error so that the Christian will no longer be double minded,
blown about by every wind of teaching and by the schemes of crafty people.
But the problem today is that so few Christian teachers are feeding their
flock's solid food. They are serving up milk and, because of that,
people are starving. Yet they often don't even know they have been on a
starvation diet. Amos 8:11 "The days are coming," declares the
Sovereign Lord, "when I will send a famine through the land - not
a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words
of the Lord."
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"... and all liars"
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Lying is a problem for all people (Ps. 116:11).
We are all sinners (Rom. 3:23). Those of us who are Christians are
"sinners saved by grace" (Eph. 2:8) indwelt by the Holy Spirit in our "new
self" (Col. 3:10). But we still live in our "old self" which we must "put
off" (Eph. 4:20-25) by taking up our cross daily and following Christ (Luke
9:23). The difference between unbelievers and those who are truly
born again is that believers no longer "practice sin" (1 John 3:9, see
my Bible study on 1 John!) They have the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom.
8:11) who convicts them when they lie (John 16:8). True believers then
repent (1 John 1:9) and go on to "practice righteousness" (1 John 2:29)
with the Lord's help. The unregenerate, the false brothers, or those
who have fallen away (Gal. 5:4, Mark 4:17), practice lying. They
practice a lifestyle of lying because their consciences are seared (1 Tim.
4:2) and the Holy Spirit, when convicting them, cannot break through the
hardness of their unrepentant hearts (Eph. 4:17-19, Heb. 3:13).
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Four Books That the Enemy Has Used To Corrupt
Christianity
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
The four books that have changed the church by giving
an introduction to the false teachings of the New Apostolic/Latter Rain
(NAR), the Emerging Church/Contemplative/Catholic Mysticism (EC), pragmatic
Church Growth (CG) methodologies of C. Peter Wagner, Robert Schuller and
Peter Drucker, and the teachings of the World Christian Gathering on Indigenous
People (WCGIP) are as follows:
Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deer, Celebration
of Discipline by Richard Foster, Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren &
Etnerity In Their Hearts by Don Richardson.
These four books were widely read by Christians
from virtually every denominational background before their ramifications
and the movements they would spawn were known. They lay error alongside
truth so were considered not to be a threat to churches. Therefore
these books then became part of the consciousness of many Christians and
churches, thereby laying the basis for the introduction of the modern day
false teachings of the NAR, EC, CG and WCGIP that have become part of the
landscape of Christendom today.
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Night Marchers and UFOs on the Big Island
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
With the resurgence of the old religion of Hawaii and
the continual invocation of Pel and other "deities" for years in the secular
culture and even in churches with regards to worshipping 'Io, is it any
wonder that those beings are beginning to manifest again? In a story
called "Night
Marchers" on the Kawaihae site and in a YouTube
video on the same subject, eyewitnesses claim all kinds of sightings
that they think are the warriors, ancestors and demi-gods of Hawaii coming
back. Interestingly the
first book the Hawaiian Heritage site recommends in its "Suggested
Reading" list is "Perpetuated
in Righteousness" by Daniel Kikawa that we reviewed in our book "Idolatry
In Their Hearts" by Sandy Simpson and Mike Oppenheimer. Since Kikawa
claims that 'Io is the True God and one that the Hawaiians worshipped in
secret, we have to wonder if Kikawa also thinks 'Io is showing up in these
night marches? Since YWAM, Aloha Ke Akua and Hilo New Hope participated
in worshipping 'Io at the "edge of Hale-ma'uma'u Crater" it sounds like
they have all been inviting the old "gods" to return to Hawaii.
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"They Will Believe
The Lie"
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I am doing a Bible study right now on what I would call
"renewing our minds". It is based on this verse:
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able
to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect
will.
The only way to renew our minds is to believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, confess our sins, and be saved, then to study the written
Word and allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to teach us. Our minds
are corrupted by virtue of the sin nature and what we have learned in life
because our filters are off. I gave an illustration of straining coconut
to make coconut milk. If you use a 1 inch screen everything will
pass through. Even if you use a quarter inch screen you will get
mostly coconut meat in your milk. You have to use a fine screen in
order to separate the milk from the leftover. Our filters are off
and the first thing God begins to do is correct our worldview, because
if your worldview is off you will not understand God's reality. We
need to learn to see things from His perspective. This is why I started
this study by going back to an original problem.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 The coming of the lawless one
will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays
of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the
ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because
they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends
them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so
that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted
in wickedness.
This has always been an interesting passage to me for
a few different reasons. What is "the lie" that is talked about here
in verse 9 and 11? What are the ways that "wickedness deceives those
who are perishing" and how long has this been going on or does this only
begin to happen at the coming of the lawless one? In what way does
"the lie" cause those who do not believe the truth to "delight in wickedness"?
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Updated!
The First Nations Movement
Deceiving The Nations!
4-DVD Series
Critical Missiological Issue!
The "Indigenous People's" (IPM) or "First Nations" movement
is an unbiblical movement teaching heresies and doctrines of demons. It
is being spread worldwide by YWAM, Don Richardson, John Dawson, Richard
Twiss, Terry LeBlanc, Daniel Kikawa and many other adherents. The
IPM or World Christian Gathering On Indigenous People is full of the false
teachings of the Third Wave, New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), Word-Faith,
Dominionism, Latter Rain and many other false theological systems.
But it does have it's own distinctives that are driven by the works of
Daniel Kikawa, Richard Twiss, and Don Richardson in particular. They
are teaching Christians to "redeem" their cultures by worshipping their
former gods, pretending they are YHWH.
Go here for ordering information.
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The First Nations Movement 4-DVD
Set
The
First Nations Movement DVD 1
(1) Perpetuating Nations' Myths - Mike Oppenheimer
(2) 11 Reasons To Reject This Movement, Part 1 - Sandy
Simpson
The First Nations Movement DVD
2
(1) The Fingerprints Of God? - Mike Oppenheimer
(2) 11 Reasons To Reject This Movement, Part 2 - Sandy
Simpson
The First Nations Movement DVD
3
(1) The New Indigenous "Christian" Religion - Sandy
Simpson
(2) Did God Put Eternity In Their Hearts? - Sandy
Simpson
(3) The Missionaries Brought A Foreign God - Sandy
Simpson
(4) Catholic Syncretism - Sandy Simpson
The First Nations Movement DVD
4
(1) "Monotheism" In Ancient Cultures - Sandy Simpson
(2) The History Of The Knowledge Of God - Sandy Simpson
"Christians" Who Try To Poke Holes In Sola
Scriptura
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this article: "Christians"
Who Try To Poke Holes In Sola Scriptura
There are a number of the leadership of the Emerging
Church (EC) who do not believe that the Bible is the highest authority
for the Christian faith. Most do not believe that the Bible is inerrant
in the original manuscripts and many do not acknowledge that the Bible
is our highest revelation. Yet this is a core doctrine over which
true believers and false brethren must separate. Those who try to poke
holes in Sola Scriptura make excuses like (1) we need to reinterpret the
Bible through the lens of postmodern culture and religion (2) the Bible
never uses the words "Sola Scriptura" therefore it is not a Biblical concept
(3) there is new revelation for the church through the Holy Spirit apart
from what is written and the precepts of the Bible and (4) the Bible just
doesn't address our postmodern situation therefore we cannot rely on it
for the truth and answers for our problems today. I will prove that
all the above arguments, and more, from EC leaders and others is exactly
what they are teaching. I will give you quotes from their teachings,
videos and books. The postmodern church and its "movements" are abandoning
Sola Scriptura in their rush to be like the Roman Catholic Church, which
takes its authority from a mix of Scripture and tradition.
"As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and
interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, "does not derive her certainty
about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture
and Tradition must be accepted and honored with EQUAL sentiments of devotion
and reverence." (Roman Catholic Catechism, Given October 11, 1992, the
thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council,
in the fourteenth year of my Pontificate. Page 31).
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Updated DVD!
The Question Of Dominion
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this article: The
Question Of Dominion.
I am writing this article as an apologetic against
the Third Wave, Latter Rain, Word of Faith and Reformed Theology teachings
that the Church is to rise up and take over the systems of government,
businesses and every other aspect of life. "See, the problem is, is that
Satan has had too much of his way in our society because he has a government!
And the only way to overthrow a government is with a government.
It won't happen otherwise. So therefore the government of the church
has to get into place in the extended church just like we do have it very
well in place, we haven't reached our goal yet ..." (Transcript of
C. Peter Wagner, Arise Prophetic Conference, Gateway Church, San Jose,
CA, 10-10-2004) Wagner has substituted the "government of the church" for
the coming government of Jesus Christ in the Millennial Kingdom.
Wagner is "Kingdom Now" while the Bible teaches "Kingdom Come". What I
wanted to do with this article is put the issue of dominion to rest by
studying the definition the Bible gives to dominion and ruling authority.
When we look at the subject we can easily ascertain what is going on today
and what God requires of the Church.
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Shepherd Or Hireling?
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on the article: "Shepherd
Or Hireling?"
The Bible lays out the definitions of both an overseer
(under shepherd) and a hireling. John 10:11-13 I am the good
shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that
is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth
the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth
them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling,
and careth not for the sheep. (KJV) 1 Tim. 3:1-3 Here
is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer,
he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband
of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able
to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,
not a lover of money. (NIV) Titus 1:7-13 Since an overseer
is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless, not overbearing, not
quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest
gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is
self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to
the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage
others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. For there are
many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of
the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining
whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach - and that
for the sake of dishonest gain. Even one of their own prophets has said,
"Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." This testimony
is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in
the faith. (NIV) A hireling does not really care about being a watchman,
but is more concerned with protecting his reputation, position and income.
A true watchman will guard the flock against wolves from within (Acts 20:30)
and without (Acts 20:29) no matter the cost to his reputation, position
or income. Following is a little quiz you can take to see if you are a
true Biblical under shepherd as a leader in your church, are becoming a
hireling, or are one now.
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Testing Music In The Church
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on these articles: Testing
Music In The Church, Testing
Music In The Church-Part 2, and Worship
Song Ratings.
Too many churches today are allowing music to be used
in their services that is not glorifying to the Lord and can actually be
a hindrance to the teaching of sound doctrine. Pastors and leaders should
be using their leadership role to test what is being played and sung in
their churches. Though some are quick to test preaching and teaching from
their pulpits, many ignore the music being used in the same services. This
is a tragic mistake. Music is a powerful medium. It is something that effects
deeply the body, mind and emotions. It is a proven fact that music often
stays with a person far longer than what is taught or preached. Songs roam
around in our heads, especially if the melody appeals to us. What is often
overlooked is the serious impression music makes on people, and the teaching
they are getting over and over again as they allow the song to repeat in
their minds and on their lips. Music teaches things much more subtly yet
sometimes far more effectively. That's why the lyrical content of music
in the church, as well as its effect on the spiritual lives of those who
perform and listen, should be vigorously examined by the leaders of the
church. This is a 2-DVD set.
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Examine Yourselves & Hold On!
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on the articles "Examine
Yourself To See If You Are In The Faith" and "Hold
On!"
2 Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether
you are in the faith; test yourselves.
Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you - unless,
of course, you fail the test?
People who call themselves followers of Christ or "Christians"
and claim they are born again must believe certain things. If they
do not then they fail the test of faith. They can claim they are
born again all they want and "once saved, always saved" but if they fail
the test of faith there is no eternal security. Only God knows who
will be saved, from beginning to end, because of His foreknowledge and
omniscience (Rom. 8:29, 1 Pet. 1:2). God did not make an arbitrary
judgment about who would be saved and who would not. His Spirit is
given to those He foreknew, when convicted of sin by His Holy Spirit, would
choose to believe and commit themselves to Jesus Christ. We are not
God and we do not have His omniscience. Therefore, according to Paul,
we must be sure our belief system is in the right place once our eyes have
been opened to the Truth. I am not saying we do not have assurance
of salvation, but our assurance comes not only because of His Atonement
and promises of salvation but from our continuing in the Faith, which is
always the Biblical criteria. Those who would be Bible teachers must teach
according to the whole counsel of God's Word. Let me be clear. There
is only one way to salvation. That is by grace alone through
faith alone in Christ alone. I will deal with a few of those issues
following, but it is important to recognize that being saved is not just
a matter of believing that Jesus lived, or that He was a man, or simply
giving mental ascent to His existence in whatever form.
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"Blasphemizing" The Bible
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I am going to go over an article I wrote back in 2006
in preparation for the book I wrote with Mike Oppenheimer called 'Idolatry
in Their Hearts'. This book is an apologetic against the false teachings
of the World Christian Gathering on Indigenous People movement, the Emerging
Church and the New Apostolic Reformation which got their ideas from the
book "Eternity in Their Hearts" by Don Richardson. At the time that
book came out no one really saw the dangerous ideas Richardson was promoting.
All they would have had to do was look at the two subtitles of that book
to understand the implications. The first subtitle in the 1981 edition
read: The Untold Story of Christianity among Folk Religions of Ancient
People. Those who read this book found some interesting cross-cultural
ideas but apparently missed the false premise of the book starting with
the subtitle. How could Christianity be "among folk religions" where the
Gospel had not been preached (Rom. 10:14-15)? At that time Christians who
read the book were apparently satisfied that, though there was some questionable
material present, it made for an interesting discussion on how to do cross-cultural
ministry. The subtitle it has today, which was first published in 1984,
is as follows: Startling Evidence of Belief in the One True God in Hundreds
of Cultures Throughout the World. This should have been a red flag
for many Christians but then, who reads subtitles? But how could
the "One True God" be known to Gentiles who did "not know God".
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Resources For Pastors
including
"Good English Bible Translations"
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
I was talking with a pastor after a Wednesday night service
and he mentioned that I said I had done an article comparing English Bible
translations. He called me up later and asked me to come back and
present the contents of that article I sent out in about 2002 to my mailing
list for the Pacific Waves Newsletter which, unfortunately, I can no longer
afford to publish and mail. However an archive of past issues of
that newsletter can be found here.
In that article I detailed a number of good and bad resources for pastors
including Bible translations, concordances, commentaries, Bible dictionaries,
etc. I present an edited version of part of that article on this
DVD, particularly dealing with English Translations of the Bible.
Translation is a very detailed endeavor and should only be undertaken by
those with a proper education in that subject and a sound doctrinal background.
I read a few books on that subject and it helped me understand the complexities
involved. Hebrew is a rich language so it is hard to distill one
Hebrew word down to one English word. Greek is a very technical language
and it is also not easy to translate. This is why it is imperative
to use the good English translations out there for comparison along with
a good concordance and Bible dictionary.
Go here for
ordering information. Only $10. plus s/h. for US.
A TALE OF TWO KINGDOMS
Kingdom Now or Kingdom Come?
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
There are two kingdoms being taught in many churches today.
Teaching about one of the kingdoms is on the decline while the other is
being promoted all over the place. I am warning Christians that they
need to check out who is using the word "kingdom", the books they have
been reading and recommend on building "the kingdom", the people they have
been hanging out with at conferences, and what they mean by "the kingdom".
Go here for more
information or click on the "Add To Cart" below. Only $10. plus s/h.
for US.
BIBLES STUDIES IN DISCERNMENT
by Sandy Simpson
Bible studies in Galatians, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians,
1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Jude with a focus on applying timeless discernment
priciples to our modern times.
Go here for
more information or click on the "Add To Cart" below. The price is
$18. per book plus s/h.
BIBLES STUDIES IN DISCERNMENT
Companion CD!
by Sandy Simpson
Contains the PDF text to the book BIBLE STUDIES IN DISCERNMENT
plus extra studies by Sandy & Juanita Simpson covering many issues
of apologetics and discernment.
Go here for more
information or click on the "Add To Cart" below. The price is $10.
per cd plus s/h.
A Whole Lot Of Wishful Thinking These Days!
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD series is a teaching based on this
article.
In this DVD series I want to detail a number of beliefs
people have these days that have no basis in Scripture. I am going
to roam all over the map, so to speak, and try to give fairly short answers
on a number of topics and also give you useful links to articles that will
help you deal with any particular issue. It is truly amazing how
many false ideas people cling to without giving a thought to what the Bible
has to say on the subject.
Only $20. plus s/h. for US. Go here
for ordering details.
Signs Of Apostasy In The Churches In The
End Times
by Sandy Simpson
This 2-DVD series is a teaching based on this
article.
There are many signs of the great Apostasy, or falling
away (2 Thes. 2:3) indicating we are living in the end times (Mt. 24: 3-14)
I am going to go through some indications of the Apostasy in the churches
as a follow up to the signs of the times in the world.
Only $20. plus s/h. for US. Go here
for ordering details.
The Responsibilities of a
Good Shepherd
by Sandy Simpson
This CD is a message based on this
article.
Gohere for ordering
details!
What's Up With Christian Bookstores?
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Go here
for ordering details!
The ElijahList
The biggest promoter of false
prophecies in cyberspace!
2004-2007
by Sandy Simpson
This 2-DVD set is a message based on this
article.
Go here for ordering
details!
The ElijahList
The biggest promoter of false
prophecies in cyberspace!
2008
by Sandy Simpson
This 2-DVD set is a message based on this
article.
Go here for ordering
details!
The Extreme Prophetic
by Sandy Simpson
This DVD is a message based on this
article.
Go here for
ordering details!
Emerging Church CD & Free DVD
All the links to resources
and articles we have on the Emerging Church on one CD.
by Sandy Simpson
(The Emerging Church only is downloadable!)
When you purchase the "Resource
Tools - Emerging Church" CD for $10. plus s/h you will also receive
a brand new free DVD called "The Emerging Church" that features Gary
Gilley, Ray Yungen, Joanna Michaelson, Mike Oppenheimer and Sandy Simpson.
Go here for ordering details!
From Church To Emerging Church DVD Series
by Sandy Simpson
The issue of the Emerging Church and it's introduction
into many churches and mission organizations has reached a critical point.
Many do not undersand what is being leavened into churches by the EC leadership.
Many would be shocked to know their belief systems involve Universalism,
New Age, defense of postmodernism, Interfaithism, and many other false
doctrines. In order to reach out to this generation the EC leadership
is proposing a whole new "map" to deal with what they perceive is a lack
of understanding on the part of the churches on how to communicate.
EC proponants believe the "scripture" for today is evolving and must change
in order to reach postmoderns.
Go here for ordering details
on this 2-part DVD series!
Idolatry In Their Hearts
Landmark Book!
by Sandy Simpson & Mike
Oppenheimer
Does having eternity in your heart mean that you know
God and are His child? Could Gentile cultures understand the Gospel from
the stars? Did God create man's cultures? Has God always been in the process
of redeeming cultures from the time of Babel by placing in them a true
revelation of Himself? Is there the worship of YHWH in all cultures and
religions through the names of supreme beings? Have all cultures
always had a way to make things right between them and God? These questions
and many more are answered in this book that addresses the false teachings
of The New Apostolic Reformation regarding missiological methods as being
carried out by many agencies including the World Christian Gathering on
Indigenous People, YWAM, and many Bible societies.
Go here for ordering
details.
The New Apostolic Reformation - What is
it and where is it going?
Every Pastor Needs This!
by Bill Randles, Arnold
Fruchtenbaum, Jacob Prasch, Mike Oppenheimer, Orrel Steinkamp, Gary Gilley,
Dave Hunt, Sandy Simpson and others.
This is a 6-DVD expose of
the NAR and it's leadership of C. Peter Wagner, Cindy Jacobs, Chuck Peirce,
Dutch Sheets, Bill Hamon, Jack Deere and others.
Go here for ordering details!
Lessons In Forgiveness
Great Study!
by Sandy Simpson
Through the years I have been
presented with many opportunities to forgive. Sometimes the situation was
so severe that it took me some time to forgive and start the process of
healing for myself, and eventually for others. I learned that a Christian
needs to forgive other people even if they have not repented of their sins.
That can be really hard if we let it be hard. But if we give our burdens
over to the Lord, He will carry them and that frees us up to treat other
people with love, compassion, and be in the right frame of mind and heart
to set them up for reconciliation with Jesus Christ. That does not mean
we tolerate their sin. We simply forgive them for what they have done to
us, whether perceived or real, and move on to looking for ways to redeem
them. We can then present to them the "truth in love" even when we have
to rebuke them.
Go here
for ordering information.
by Sandy Simpson
was written to help believers
to realize the absolute necessity of growing to maturity in Christ. Many
churches are urging Christians to push aside discernment in favor of experience.
It is our hope that this book will inspire many believers to fight the
good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith (2 Tim. 4:7).
Go here
for ordering details.
The New Apostolic Reformation - What is
it and where is it going?
Companion Book!
by Sandy Simpson
is now available in book form. This is the DVD script
plus commentary by Sandy Simpson. The commentary of the DVD series is not
in the book, but there are many more quotes available than in the video
series. Good reference material. Also available on CD-ROM.
Go here for ordering
details.
Letters To The Church
Timely!
by Sandy Simpson
is a fitting manual for the Revelation Christian.
All the precepts are in the seven letters in Revelation 1:9 - 3:22 to help
us keep the faith, stay in sound doctrine, and reach out to those who are
perishing. I hope and pray that this book will help
the reader to be an "overcomer".
Go here
for more details and how to order!
DISCERNMENT TOOLKIT
Demolish Arguments!
by Sandy Simpson
Want to be able to see your way through to clear biblical
discernment? Want a set of tools that will allow you to disciple your loved
ones so they will stand firm in the Faith? Want to sort out many of the
false arguments and teachings that have invaded the churches? Then
DISCERNMENT
TOOLKIT book is for you!
Go here for more
details and how to order!
DISCERNMENT TOOLKIT
DVD Study Series!
by Sandy Simpson
is taken from the book but includes a lot of footage
of false teachers and false prophets. It covers the core doctrines, how
we can use them to test, and examples on the DVD that can be paused for
discussion. Also includes a teacher guide and links to resources
on the web. This 3-DVD series is available now!
Go here for ordering
details!
SPIRIT OF TRUTH OR SPIRIT OF ERROR?
Important Video Information
On Benny Hinn!
by Sandy Simpson, Mike Oppenheimer
& Jacob Prasch
features tons of video showing
the teachings and prophecies of Benny Hinn. This is a proven tool
to keep people away from heresy.
Go here for more
details and how to order!
LIVING WATER 2003
Discernment Conference
Featuring Bill Randles, Gary
Gilley
& Ray Yungen
3-DVD Set
Go here
for information!
DISCERNMENT 2001
Conference
Featuring Dave Hunt, Duane Magnani,
Mike Oppenheimer, Jacob Prasch, Jewel Grewe & Bill Randles
6-DVD Set & 2-VHS Sets
Go here
for information!
THE EMPTY PULPIT
Highly Recommended!
by Mike Oppenheimer
What is Christianity? What significance does the cross
have? Are there teachings that can wreck our faith? We live in an age unlike
any other in the history of man. To follow the Lord among the unique challenges
we must understand Scripture and live by it. Available for $20- includes
shipping. Apologetics Coordination Team HIGHLY recommends this
book. It deals with many crucial issues for the Church today.
Go here
to order the book by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, P.O. Box
860683, Wahiawa, HI 96786.
|
Articles
on rightly handling the Word of Truth.
(1) The
Doctrines That Cannot Be Compromised by Mal Couch PH.D., TH.D.
and Russell L. Penney Dr., 1996
Paul's response to doctrinal errors in the church. "Sound in the
faith" (Titus 1:13) means "healthy" in faith. Thus we speak wholesome words
of Christ to create strong and robust and healthy believers. What about
those who are weak and sickly in their profession of faith? We should rebuke
those who are infected with bad principles and practices, like the physician
removing the causes of disorder; and with rebuke, admonition and censuring.
THIS IS ULTIMATELY FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE CORRECTED. (John Gill - TITUS,
p. 351)."
(2) Accusers
of the Brethren or Good Bereans? by Debra Bouey, 1995
"It would seem that anyone who wishes to discuss the current movement
proceeding forth from the Toronto Airport Vineyard in the light of the
whole counsel of the Word of God has indeed become, at best, a "Pharisee",
and, at worst, the enemy. There have been numerous references throughout
a variety of Vineyard venues, both at Toronto, Anaheim and elsewhere, condemning
anyone who calls into question biblically any of these bizarre manifestations
taking place presently."
(3) Is
It Right? To Judge, To Expose Error, & To Call Names? by E.L.
Bynum, 1996
"Yes, it is right to expose error and to name those who are in error.
It is right to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered
unto the saints" (Jude 3). It was once delivered and it has never been
recalled for revision. We had better beware of "false teachers ... who
privily shall bring in damnable heresies " (II Pet. 2: 1). Faithful messengers
will warn the sheep of these heretics, and identify them by name. It is
not enough to broadly hint of their identity, for the young lambs will
not understand and will be destroyed by the wolves. "
(4) God's
Word: Our Guard and Guide? by Dave Hunt, 1997
"The fruitful man in Psalm 1 meditates upon God's Word "day and
night," and not from a sense of duty but because it is his "delight." In
his heart and on his mind continually, God's Word guards and guides him.
How essential this is! Common sense and logic are helpful. However, without
God's Word (which transcends human wisdom) to guard and guide us, we are
susceptible to temptation and error, especially when the latter is presented
convincingly "in the name of God" by those looked up to as Christian leaders."
(5) Discernment
of False Doctrine by Dean & Laura VanDruff, 1997
"God has truly "not lead" most of His children "into to temptation",
and those who have fallen He has "delivered from evil". But I suspect this
will change in the end, and many are unprepared. Satan will be given permission
to "sift us like wheat", and many will fall when the Beast unleashes his
lies about God in the last days. These are sobering times."
(6) Scripture
Twisting by Daniel B. Wallace, Th.M, Ph.D., 1996
"Evangelical Christians base their lives on the Bible. We believe
that the Bible is God's Word and that it is therefore authoritative for
us in matters of faith and practice. The Bible indicates the great truths
of who God is, how we can relate to him, how we can understand ourselves
and the world. In short, the Bible contains the words of life. Believers
use it to guide them in discerning God's will, from the monumental to the
mundane. We read it to gain hope as well as to glean truth. It affects
our beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. In short, the Bible is our pipeline
to heaven: without it, we are adrift, unprotected in a hostile place. "
(7) The
Authority of the Bible by Patrick Zukeran, 1996
"No book can match the Bible when it comes to prophecy. Understand
that I have only touched the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of
additional proofs for the Bible, yet I have only mentioned a few. I hope
this study (will arouse) your interest to further study the Word of God."
(8) Sinners
In The Hands Of An Angry God by Jonathan Edwards, 1741
The sermon that brought repentance and revival in 1741. Compare it
to what is being preached today in the "counterfeit" revival. "Therefore,
let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to
come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great
part of this congregation. Let every one fly out of Sodom: "Haste and escape
for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be
consumed."
(9) The
Bible: Sound Doctrine by Paul Becker, 1997
"For many years people have jumped on the band wagons of "new ideas"
as they follow various pied pipers. "For the time will come [is NOW HERE,
ed.] when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own
desires, because they have itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers
and turn their ears away from the truth." (2Tim 4:3-4)"
(10) Bibliology:
The Doctrine Of The Written Word by J. Hampton Keathley
III, 1997
"In the dumbing down we have witnessed in America with its happy-clappy
kind of Christianity so prevalent today, we are witnessing a growing anti-intellectualism
in the church. For many of the present generation, experience has become
more important than truth, but experience without truth is the menace and
misery of a mindless Christianity, and one of the issues we face is that
God's truth is found for us in the Bible. So not only have we been faced
with a battle for the inerrancy of the Bible, but for the need to return
to the Bible as God's holy Word as the foundation of our faith and experience.
Let me conclude with these words from the Savior: John 8: 31-32. Jesus
therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide
in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free." In praying for the disciples
and for those who would believe after them (the church) He was praying
that they might be protected from the evil influences of the world, the
Savior said these vital words: John 17:16-17. They are not of the world,
even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is
truth."
(11) Obedience
To God (Uzzah's Disobedience) by Sandy Simpson, 1998
"The first obedience we should show is confessing our sins, believing
on the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, and making Him the Lord of
our life. The second obedience is to serve Him the way He wants
us to serve Him. Worship without obedience is futile. In fact it makes
the Lord angry. Getting excited and zealous for the Lord without obedience
to God by living in accordance with His law and the doctrine of Scripture
is futile and meaningless, and in fact, dangerous. There's a famous hymn
that says it all: "When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word,
what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides
with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for
there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus. but to trust and obey."
(12) Rebuttal
To John Piper's Defense Of The Term "Christian hedonism" by Deception
In The Church, 1998
"The following is a summary of John Piper's use of the term "Christian
hedonism" from his books "Desiring God" and "Future Grace". I will
rebut each item as they appear in his official defense of his attempt to
coin the phrase "Christian hedonism".
(13) Judge
Not? by Jacob Prasch, 1998
Judge not? What does the Bible say?
(14) Experience
Or God's Revealed Truth? by Oswald Chambers, 1927
"Be ruthless with yourself if you are given to talking about the
experiences you have had. Faith that is sure of itself is not faith; faith
that is sure of God is the only faith there is."
(15) Leaven
In The Bread by Sandy Simpson, 1999
"It's time to expel the leaven from among us and separate ourselves
to God."
(17) Why
We All Need The ABC's by J. Hampton Keathley III, Th.M., 1999
"We live in an anti-intellectual, anti-authority society, especially
when it comes to religious matters. Ours is an existential (based on human
experience, empirical) society devoted to the warm fuzzy feel good, self-centered
mentality that is so characteristic of the New Age movement which has bombarded
the countryincluding much of the church. As a consequence, the terms doctrine
or theology are not very popular in Christian circles. In fact, they are
often denigrated or belittled. We hear statements like, We don't need
to know all that theological or doctrinal stuff. We just need to know Jesus.
Or, Well, I am not a theologian and never expect to be. I just love Jesus.
But knowing and loving Jesus in truth is dependent on the teachings of
the Bible. Doctrine is simply another name for teaching and theology means
the knowledge of God. Often the term theology is used in a general way
to refer to other areas of study that relate to the knowledge of God. Biblical
theology is simply the truths of God's Word that give us the knowledge
of God, of man, salvation, sanctification, the church, or life and life
abundantly."
(18) Bible
Versions by Jacob Prasch, 1999
"Modern Translations have been criticised by many believers, and
the book by Gail Riplinger (New Age Bible Versions) has caused a stir in
the Church. Is there a sound foundation to these complaints?" We
are not going to take up a lot of space on this web site with this fruitless
and divisive issue. This article articulates our view on Gail Riplinger's
book which has needlessly caused all kind of division in the church over
issues that turn out to be non-issues. Also, read this article called
"Why
Respond To Gail Riplinger". One of the biggest apologetics against
other Bible versions other than the KJV is based on the argument that there
are, for instance, translation errors in the NIV. However, there
are also translation errors in the KJV.
So where does that leave us? If you want to really study the Word,
by all means study the original languages and make use of all
good translations! Read this article "The Biblical Position on
The KJV Controversy" by John MacArthur. For those of you who may be reading
this and are KJV-Onlyites, here are the kinds of "Scriptures" you ought
to be railing against, such as the "World
Scripture" and also this "Good
As New" Bible! One good balanced series to read by Gary E. Gilley
is The
Bible Translation Debate (Part 1) and The
Bible Translation Debate (Part 2). Following are some other good articles
to read on this subject:
-
The Conspiracy Behind
The New Bible Translations by Daniel B. Wallace, Ph.D., Associate
Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
-
Why So Many Versions
by Daniel B. Wallace, Ph.D.
-
Why I Do Not Think
The King James Bible Is The Best Translation Available Today by
Daniel B. Wallace, Ph.D.
-
The Majority Text
And The Original Text: Are They Identical? by Daniel B. Wallace,
Ph.D.
-
Some Second Thoughts
On The Majority Text by Daniel B. Wallace, Ph.D.
-
Dave Hunt's Q&A
On KJV-Onlyism as cited by A Voice In The Wilderness
-
James
R. White "Alpha And Omega Ministries" web site dealing with KJV-Only
issues - also contains an excellent PowerPoint presentation you can use
in your church
-
Is The KJV THE Version of The Bible We Must Use Today?
a Complete Analysis by E.L.
-
King James Only Movement
at Feild Guide To The Wild World of Religion, 4/23/12
-
The
New Age Implications of The Message Bibles As Above, So Below
by Warren Smith, 12/5/12
-
The
Truth About KJV Only: The Mormon, Ecumenical, Homosexual, and Neo Nazi
Agendas by Jacob Prasch, 11/7/15
(19) The
Five Basic Doctrines compiled and written by Sandy Simpson, 1999
A thorough examination of the five core doctrines of the Church and
how they compare to the teachings of other religions, cults and the Third
Wave false teachers. This is a paper you will want on file as a reference.
It also forms the basis for the Deception In The Church web site
apologetics.
(20) The
Letters To The Seven Churches compiled and written by Sandy Simpson,
1999
A Bible study of Revelation 1:9 3:22, the letters to the seven churches.
This study is especially timely for all Christians today.
(21) The
Untouchables: Are 'God's Anointed' Beyond Criticism? by Hendrik
H. Hanegraaff, Viewpoint, Christian Research Journal, Fall 1991
"During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ exhorted His followers
not to judge self-righteously or hypocritically. Is this necessarily what
Christians do when they question the teachings of God's 'anointed' preachers
and evangelists? Many teachers who claim such anointing would say so, and
many more of their followers
commonly reply to all manner of criticism: 'Touch not God's anointed.'"
(22) How
To Try The Spirits an excerpt from A.W. Tozer's book "Man: The
Dwelling Place of God."
You can access Part
1, Part 2,
Part
3, and
Part
4 here. You can also order the book
here.
(23) Beyond
The Limits by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times Newsletter,
1999
"Recently a number of Christians have claimed that the Holy Spirit
is falling upon people and causing them to do strange and unusual things.
Although Bible-believing Christians readily acknowledge the miracle-working
power of a supernatural God, the question is: Can such bizarre and grotesque
displays actually be the work of the Holy Spirit?"
(24) The
Crucified Life by Jacob Prasch, 1999
"People do not readily believe any more; they have seen too much
hypocrisy and falsehood. The one thing that can still convince unbelievers
of the truth of the gospel is a crucified life."
(25) The
Sea Of Subjectivity by Jewel van der Merwe, Discernment Ministries
Newsletter, March/April 1999
"When we leave the parameters of the Word of God, we drift onto
The Sea of Subjectivity. In this Sea, spirituality becomes relative to
whatever new revelation or vision that comes forth."
(26) Christian?
... How Dare You?! by Greg Hartman, 11/08/99
A series of articles that answer objections to exposing false teachers
... questions such as: What's
The Problem?; Would
Jesus Ever Humiliate People?; Who
Asked You To Judge All The Televangelists?; Isn't
Your Cure Worse Than The Disease?; Aren't
You In Trouble For "Touching The Lord's Anointed?
(27) Judge
With Righteous Judgment by Craig Branch, Watchman Fellowship,1995
"A very discouraging and destructive trend has been growing in the
body of Christ. The world has formed people into its mold rather than the
minds and lives of people being transformed by God's word. Too many Christians
have adopted pragmatism or substituted feelings and experience in place
of the truth of God's word."
(28) Biblical
Reasons For Leaving A Fellowship by James R Buchan, Vanguard Magazine,
1999
"In the area of doctrine, I feel the Biblical teaching is that the
Christian definitely needs to leave in situations where foundational truth
is incorrect or ignored. Staying where a false gospel is preached will
do us no good."
(29) Avoid
Scripture Twisting: Eight Basic Rules Of Bible Interpretation by
Watchman Fellowship,1995
A good set of guidelines for correct Biblical interpretation.
(30) "Touch
Not the Lord's Anointed" - Is the Command for Today? by Thomas
Williamson, Th.M, Ph.D., 1997
"It is clear that to touch the Lord's anointed is to commit an act
of physical violence against the one anointed by God. It does not refer
to those who verbally attack and criticize a preacher and his doctrine.
Such verbal attacks
may be quite wrong and sinful, and in some cases they may be commendable
and necessary (see Jesus criticizing the Pharisees in Matthew 23, Paul
criticizing Peter in Galatians 2:14-21, Paul versus the Judaizers in Galatians
5:12, Philippians 3:2, etc.) but they are not covered by the idea
"Touch not the Lord's anointed." A Baptist perspective.
(31) A
Desperate Need For Correction by Dave Hunt, 1998
"Correction is one of the most conspicuously absent yet essential
ministries in the church today. There are those who seek to avoid cor-rection
by hiding behind a misapplication of Christ's words, "Judge not, that ye
be not judged" (Mt 7:1). It is conveniently forgotten that these words
were spoken by the same One who warned the Jews to "judge righteous judgment'
(Jn 7:24), told us to judge the fruit of prophets (Mt 7:16) and promised
His disciples that they would sit on thrones judging Israel (Mt 19:28)."
(32) To
Judge Or Not To Judge: The Rights And Wrongs Of Biblical Discernment
by G. Richard Fisher, 1996
"Proper discernment is our privilege and right. The work is worth
the effort and the reward will be not only the favor and blessing of God
but our ability to truly enrich the lives of others."
(33) God's
Word And The Imaginations Of Men by Ed Tarkowski, 1999
Contains three articles: The
Realities Of God Versus Man's Imagination, Man's
Imagination Builds Self-Exalting Structures, As
In The Days Of Noah.
(34) Please
Contemplate This by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call Newsletter, 03/00
"Have you ever found the biblical gospel in any of the
classic or modern contemplative materials? Could there
be any significance in the fact that this movement
practically died out after the Reformation, only to be
revived today! How does one discern whether or not the
God being "heard" through the subjective, experiential mode of communication
is truly our Lord speakingespecially if the authority and sufficiency
of His Word is downplayed, even rejected?"
(35) A
Critique of Experiencing God: A Biblical Analysis of the Popular Book by
Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King by Rev. Gil Rugh and the Pastoral
Staff of Indian Hills Community Church
"In recent years, more than a million people have been influenced
by the popular book, Experiencing God, written by Henry T. Blackaby
and Claude V. King. Many hold that this book has finally given Christians
the principles they need to experience God as they never have before. But
do the teachings of this book accurately represent what the Bible says
about experiencing God, or are its teachings in serious error? To help
answer this question, Gil Rugh and the Pastoral Staff of Indian Hills Community
Church have written, A Critique of Experiencing God: A Biblical Analysis
of the Popular Book by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King. By pointing
out many startling and alarming statements within Experiencing God, this
analytical review shows how the teachings of Blackaby and King depart from
traditional Christianity in the areas of the nature of Scripture, the person
of Jesus Christ, and how Christians can know God. " The above
is a .pdf file. In all fairness to this issue, I want to give a counterpoint
here with an e-mail
I received from a pastor objecting to some of Rugh's arguments against
using "Experiencing God". It also includes a response he received
from Blackaby's organization that answers to rumors that have been going
around about Blackaby's alleged involvement in the Third Wave movement.
(36) Warnings
Of Deception In The Bible by Hughie Seaborn, 1999
"The Bible is replete with warnings as to what will take place in
Christendom during the 'end time' or the 'end of
the age'. It speaks of a time of increasing deception and false
teaching as the enemy of our souls makes a last
desperate bid to thwart the purposes of God. It describes the types
of people who will deceive, and be deceived.
It also describes the types of doctrines that will be preached and
how those doctrines will be received by a great number of professing Christians."
(37) Does
Romans 16:17 Demand Separation On the Basis Of Doctrine? by David
W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, 6/10/00
"There are two different interpretations of Romans 16:17-18 today.
One understands it to be a warning about the sin of divisiveness. The other
understands it to be a warning about those who teach false doctrine. Which
is correct?"
(38) Should
Christians Make Judgments? by Ed Vasicek, 6/00
"Sometimes the "L" word (label) is a good word. The "D" word (discernment)
is not only a good word, but is even a measurement of spiritual maturity.
Truth is meant to be put to work, and you can't use it if you are afraid
to get specific with it! Become a person of discernment! Gullibility is
for squares."
(39) Proving
All Things - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 by The Watchman Expositor, Vol.
16, No. 1, 1999
"This scripture is arguably the most important passage in the Bible
for realizing the authority of the Bible in determining doctrine and equipping
Christians for salvation. Understanding what this passage teaches, and
the way in which some alternative religions attempt
to reinterpret the passage, is vital to all evangelical encounters
with members of new religions."
(40) Accountability:
The Way To "Touch" God's Anointed by Clete Hux, The Watchman Expositor,
Vol. 10, No. 3, 1993
"Christians are to be accurate and balanced when giving criticism.
When a person or group that claims to be Christian and yet seriously departs
from the historical biblical doctrines of orthodox Christianity, one cannot
stand idly by in silence. (Matt. 18:15-16). To not speak out would be dishonoring
to God and unloving, not only to Christians, but also to the propagators
of the error. When the Word of Faith (WOF) movement's leaders, who through
their own revelation knowledge, bring extrabiblical doctrines into the
church, one must be prepared to respond correctly in accordance with God's
revealed will in scripture. Watchman Fellowship is not the first to call
attention to the unorthodox doctrines of the WOF movement, sometimes known
as the Positive Confession movement. Scores of scholars for years have
spoken out. Those include Dr. Walter Martin, a charismatic theologian,
and D. R. McConnell, also a charismatic and author of the recent book,
A Different Gospel. Michael Horton, a well-known Christian
author, has addressed the doctrinal issues in his book, The Agony
of Deceit, as well."
(41) Come
Ye Out From Among Them by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Morning By Morning,
June 27, pg. 181, Published 1984
"Come ye out from among them; be ye separate" (2 Corinthians 6:17).
(42) God
Never Violates Our Freedom Of Choice by A.W. Tozer, Renewed
Day By Day, July 5
. . . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17 The fact of our creation as freewill beings
goes to the heart of the false revivals we see upon the church today.
Would the Holy Spirit force people to do things against their will?
Uncontrollable laughter, shaking and other purported Spirit induced phenomena,
when seen through the prism of freewill, become a moot point. God
does not force salvation or any other thing on His creation. We are
free to choose and are to be in our right minds while making those choices
at all times. This is because there is a being that roams around
like a lion seeking whom he may devour. If anything eclipses our
God given freedom to choose, you can be sure that the source is not God.
(43) The
Wisdom Of God In The Face Of Tribulation by Ed Tarkowski, 7/00
"Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is
stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Seeing we are going to live
lives of trusting Him for all eternity, now would be a good time to cooperate
with the Holy Spirit's work in us to to make us individuals who trust their
God to the fullest. Thus, God can turn tribulation to do us good in the
end in spite of what we will have to go through."
(44) The
Dangerous Dake Bible available at Inner-City Christian Discernment
Ministry, 2000
"As a former member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Ann Arbor,
I became familiar with the Dake study Bible and I was urged to save up
my money to purchase one. It is in 1,000's of homes and Finis Dake's
books have helped form the beliefs of many Pentecostal and Charismatic
teachers on the scene today. Dake was called a great Bible Scholar
by the late Lester Sumrall and Benny Hinn has been known to use Dake "insights"
in some of his more outlandish teachings. I trust you will benefit from
this Real Audio tape. If you enjoy this teaching (and I am sure you
will) I urge you to visit the PFO web site and order this cassette and
their other fine materials." Access the tape in RealPlayer format
here.
(45) Is
It Right To Judge? by Franklin G. Huling, M.A., 8/00
"The question Is it right to judge? is one that puzzles many sincere
Christians. A careful and open-minded
study of the Bible makes it clear that concerning certain vital
matters, it is not only right but a positive duty to
judge. Many do not know that the Scripture commands us to
judge."
(46) A
Guide To Testing The Spirits by Tom Smith, 8/26/00
"This document was put together, as a guide to help in some simple
testing of these matters. This is by no means any substitute for studying
and becoming familiar with the scriptures, but it is intended to be a guide
for a new Christian, or a quick summary or reminder for a Christian
who has studied scripture for a number of years. I also do not claim
that what is in here is complete - it is only intended as a guide."
(47) A
New Decalogue - Thou Shalt Not Disagree by A. W. Tozer, Renewed
Day By Day, June 25
"A new Decalogue has been adopted by the neo-Christians of our day,
the first word of which reads, "Thou shalt not disagree"; and a new set
of Beatitudes too, which begins "Blessed are they that tolerate everything,
for they shall not be made accountable for anything."
(48) Bible
Or Babel? by Dr. David Allen, Vanguard Magazine, Issue 12, 8/00
"In just nine verses, at the beginning of Genesis chapter 11, the
inspired writer tells a story that stands as a warning for all time the
story of the rise and fall of the Tower of Babel. A literary tour de force
and the inspiration of numerous canvases, it is its message that chiefly
concerns us today."
(49) How
Many Gospels Are There? by Tony Pearce, Vanguard Magazine, Issue
6
"Gnosticism dressed up as New Age presents no moral challenge to
repentance and faith as authentic Christianity does. Therefore it can fit
in well with the permissive immoral lifestyle adopted by our age and ceaselessly
propagated by the mass media."
(50) Time
To Leave The Playpen by Andrew Gould, 10/00 "When I hear the
phrase that was so unloving, sometimes I want to scream!"
(51) The
Call To Discipleship by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call Newsletter,
11/00
"Christ didn't say, "Follow someone or some church claiming they
represent Me." He said, "Follow me ... Learn of me" (Jn 1:43; Mt 11:29).
We go to His Word to learn of Him. Each of us is expected to know it thoroughly.
Yet many who think of themselves as Christians scarcely study the Bible
seriously, expecting the pastor and Bible teachers to do that for them
"
(52) Watchmen
Who Are Not Watchmen by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 1/01
"We need people who are bible based, and who operate valid discernment
ministries to alert the church and give understanding to the many, as Daniel
predicted by the Holy Spirit would rise up."
(53) MOVING
THE GOALPOSTS - The Unfolding Tragedy of the New Evangelicalism by
Alan Morrison, Diakrisis, 2/00
"At one time there was just one orthodox, biblical view on a number
of issues which were part of the fundamentals of the faith. These were
generally agreed on, throughout the entire evangelical constituency. But
all that has gradually changed. We have arrived at a situation now in which
people who all profess to be evangelicals can have a wide variety of opinions
on what were, at one time non-negotiable, essentially fundamental matters.
How have professing evangelicals got into this situation? It has
happened because people have "moved the goalposts" -- changed the rules
which determine what is truth and what it isn't. In this 17,000 word article,
based on two lectures, we ask 1) In which areas have the goalposts been
moved? 2) What are the motives for moving them? 3) Is there
any action we can take to restore those goalposts to their original situation?"
(54) TBN's
Bible Code - The Bible Code Or Babel Code? by Mike Oppenheimer,
Let Us Reason, 3/00
"This is all mysticism and Gnostic interpretations. It takes us
away from the clear interpretation and applicational teaching of the Bible."
(55) "Judge
Rightly" Is Not Some Guy's Name! by Bob Enyart Live, Inc., Copyright
1997 - 2000 All Rights Reserved.
"An absurd question has stymied the Church. Should Christians judge?
Of course believers should judge. To not judge is to be indecent, not to
mention inhuman. The only kingdom in which there is no judging is the plant
kingdom. For of living things, vegetables do not judge. In the animal kingdom,
though, judgment is a must, and members of the Kingdom of God must do the
most judging. "
(55) The
New Powerless Gospel by Sandy Simpson, Deception In The Church,
4/19/01
"I have been challenged lately to think again about what the Gospel
message is all about. This has come as a result of hearing what I
consider to be, at the very least, "gospel lite" and at the most no gospel
at all being presented by a number of neo-evangelicals, Third Wavers and
outright heretics. The interesting thing is that many seem to
be preaching the same message. What is most intriguing is that
false teachers like Benny Hinn, ecumenicals, and even some preachers I
would consider to be orthodox in their theology are preaching a "gospel"
that is very similar. The question is: Is this new gospel message really
the Gospel at all?"
(56) Biblical
New Testament Prayers by Sandy Simpson, Deception In The Church,
5/7/01
"With all the talk about "praying the Jabez prayer" making the rounds
in so many churches, I thought it was time to revisit a short section I
wrote in a booklet called "What
Should I Say". It talked about biblical New Testament prayers.
These are prayers that the apostles and Christians prayed. Since
Christ and the apostles are our foundation, we ought to be emulating what
they prayed and not some guy who prayed a prayer in the Old Testament that
was never meant to be a model prayer. If you are interested in a
model prayer then go to the Disciple's Prayer (most often called the Lord's
Prayer) in Matthew 6:9-13."
(57) The
Importance Of Sound Doctrine by A.W. Tozer, The Best Of A.W.
Tozer, pg. 174-176, taken from Man, The Dwelling Place Of God
"It would be impossible to overemphasize the importance of sound
doctrine in the life of a Christian. Right thinking about all spiritual
matters is imperative if we would have right living. As men do not
gather grapes of thorns nor figs of thistles, so sound character does not
grow out of unsound teaching."
(58) A
Cross-less Christianity, A Christless Christianity by Mike Oppenheimer,
Let Us Reason Ministries, 5/01
"All of Christianity begins and centers upon the person of Jesus
and his work on the cross. It was Paul who said the cross was everything
to him. He had a greater education, knowledge, and revelation than any
other apostle, even of those who knew Jesus personally in the flesh, having
been called before him. Yet all he wanted to know was summed up in one
saying, Jesus Christ and him crucified."
(59) Pragmatism
Goes To Church by A.W. Tozer, "God Tells The Man Who Cares",
from The Best Of A.W. Tozer, 1980, pgs. 254-256
"...this philosophy of pragmatism has had and is having a powerful
influence upon Christianity in the middle years of this century."
(60) Naming
Names: A Biblical Approach by Kevin Reeves, 2/02
"In these last days the proliferation of false teachings assaulting
both the Church and Scriptural integrity requires a closer look at how
those promoting such doctrines should be dealt with. While no one with
a genuine desire to follow Christ should eagerly want to accuse another
of error in ministry, the prophets of the Old Testament, our Lord Jesus
Himself, and the apostles make it clear that many will come in the name
of the Lord who profess to follow Him, yet by their teachings actually
deny or present a different image of God than what is demonstrated in the
Scriptures."
(61) Bible
Studies at Biblical Studies Foundation
Excellent resource for all kinds of Bible studies all the way from
the ABC's For Christian
Growth to studies on Bible characters, theology and many other areas
for Christian growth.
(62) Servant
Authority by Sandy Simpson, 10/99
"The church does not have the same system as the world. No lords,
no kings, no dictators. Our only King, Lord and Master is Jesus Christ.
The rest of us are servants -- slaves."
 (63)
Mistake
Or Sin? by Sandy Simpson, 3/13/02
"Words have meanings. Third Wave false teachers are currently
in the process of redefining both the English language and the truths of
God's Word, and calling it "new revelation" and a "paradigm shift".
Let's all be careful that we don't take a paradigm shift into foolishness
and accept new revelation that drags us further into sin."
(64)There
Is A Finality In The Biblical Revelation by A.W. Tozer, Renewed
Day By Day Vol. 1, April 16
"Whoever, for whatever reason, denies the finality of the biblical
revelation and insists upon a continuing revelation having the same authority
as the sacred Scriptures has shut himself out from the name of Christian!
He is simply not a Christian in the scriptural and historic meaning of
the word."
(65) The
Biblical Basis Of Division by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries,
2002
"There are cases where biblically we must divide. The Holy Spirit
is the spirit of truth, not of error, and He is the spirit of holiness,
not immorality. And where apostasy, with its twin pillars of heresy and
immorality is found, Gods true people will not be found. There are cases
where divisions are permissible (howbeit not necessarily desirable), but
we must exercise the greatest caution not to equate personal
differences with doctrinal differences or attempt to ascribe a biblical
motive for something where none exists."
(66)
How
To Discern, Test & Judge Rightly by Sandy Simpson, 7/30/02
Let me start this article
by telling you what methods are being used for "discernment" today that
have no biblical support, then I will move on to the ways in which the
Bible does tell us to test teaching, prophesy and actions.
(67) Recognizing
False Teachings - A Seldom Taught Aspect of Spiritual Warfare
by Greg DesVoignes, Battle Lines, Christian Research Ministries, 8/02
One of the least paid
attention to parts of prophecy are those which have to do with false teachers
and doctrine.
(68) Anti-spirits
& False Teaching by Shirley Ann Miller, From the book, "Anti-Spirits
and False Teaching" and Lampholder Ezine series on "Mind Control ", Lampholder
Publications, 2002
Remember: Always investigate the source and test the spirits "...to
see whether they are of God...(1 John 4:1).
(69) Strange
Fire & False Anointing - How To Protect Yourself From Wolves
by Jeanette Haley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries, 8/02
Finally, ask the Lord to give you a love for the truth. Ask Him
to give you a fixed heart. And pray you never, ever fall prey to any kind
of delusion.
(70) THE
TEACHING OF THE LORD TO THE GENTILES BY THE TWELVE APOSTLES (also known
as DIDACHE) Translated by J.B. Lightfoot, Adapt. and mod. (c) 1990,
ATHENA DATA PRODUCTS
This is not Scripture, but is a historical document on the teachings
of the twelve apostles. Noitce that apparently they had "televangelists"
in the first and second centuries who plied people for money. Pay
attention to what is said about false prophets, especially the following:
"And whosoever shall say in the Spirit, Give me silver or anything else,
ye shall not listen to him; but if he tell you to give on behalf of others
that are in want, let no man judge him." Obviously we are to test false
prophets, but if they are found to be true then we don't judge them.
This does not mean that we do not test, discern and judge all prophesy
according to the Scriptures as the Bereans tested Paul, but it means that
we must accept true prophesy and stay away from false prophets who ask
for money and lie in the name of the Lord."
(71) Exposing
Doctrinal Errors: Heresy Hunting or Biblical Mandate? at Truth
Watch New Zealand, originally produced by the Christian Research Institute
(CRI)
We would, therefore, do well to heed Scriptures explicit warnings
to be on guard for false teachings (Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:16;
2 Timothy 1:13-14; Titus 1:9; 2:1), and to point them out to brothers and
sisters in Christ (2 Timothy 4:6).
(72) How
To Recognize A Good Church by Mike Lloyd, based on a study by Richard
W. De Haan, Truth Watch New Zealand
Within the Christian community there is a wide divergence of opinion,
division, and even fierce competition among the different groups. Subsequently,
many believers are confused about which church is the right one to belong
to and which church being closest to the truth is therefore worthy of their
support.
(73) Don't
Touch the Lord's Anointed! by Chris Good, Truth Watch New Zealand,
10/02
"Don't touch the Lord's anointed" is a common cry levelled against
people who are trying to uphold Scripture by testing their leaders' teaching
and practice against the Word. However, if this is a valid defence - why
do we never see the Apostle or other leaders of the New Testament churches
resorting to this argument? Is it possible that this phrase is being misused
to justify an authoritarian leadership?
(74)Blasphemy
against the Holy Spirit? by Chris Good, Truth Watch New Zealand,
10/02
A common criticism levelled against those
who seek to test modern claims to prophecy, miracles and healings by God's
Word is that we are in danger of 'blaspheming against the Holy Spirit'.
This is a very serious charge, which (if true) would mean that such people
cannot be saved! Indeed, many are so intimidated by this charge that they
bury any doubts, relying on the claimant's self-proclamation for proof
of the validity of the claims, rather than testing it by the Word.
(75) Do
not judge, lest you be judged! by Chris Good, Truth Watch New Zealand,
10/02
There are a lot of accusations going around
in Christian circles about people "judging" other people and not being
"tolerant". Often the passage above (Matt. 7:1-3) is cited to support those
bringing new teachings and practices into the church. Indeed, in our post-modern
age - the greatest sin is "intolerance" and it seems this is also increasingly
the
case in many churches. Anyone who wants to critique something is instantly
dismissed as 'judgemental' (so much for tolerance then!).
(76) What
Is The True Gospel? by Al Dagar, Media Spotlight Ministries
When Jesus came He proclaimed what He called the Gospel of the Kingdom.
The English word gospel means good news. It derives from the Greek
euangelion (Eng., evangel). In the Bible the Gospel is the good news
of the Kingdom of God and of salvation to eternal life, received by faith
in Jesus Christ on the basis of His expiatory death, His burial, resurrection,
ascension and coming again.
(77) Apologetics
And The Dying Of Reason by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries,
12/02
What is it and how do we incorporate it in our lives.
(78) Discernment
by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/02
The watchman ministry inside the church and the importance of discernment
in the times we live in.
(79) Watchmen
Arise by Steve Mitchell, Answers For India, 12/02
An article that will encourage those who pursue the rejected spiritual
practice of discernment.
(80) Marriage:
A
Biblical Illustration Of Our Faith Commitment To Jesus Christ For Salvationby
Sandy Simpson, 1/26/03
Marriage is used as a metaphor of our relationship to God many times
in the Bible. Let's look at the picture God wants His people to see
about their relationship to Him, and His relationship to them.
(81) Cheap
Grace vs. The Pearl Of Great Price - An Expose Of Easy-Believismby
Alan P. Medinger and Regeneration, In Plain Site, 1995
Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance,
baptism without discipline, communion without confession, absolution without
personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without
the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. - Dietrich
Bonhoeffer
(82) Those
Who Are Born Again by the Holy Spirit Continue In The Faith -- The Easy-Believism
"Converts" Do Not by Brother Robinson, Santa Clarita Bible
Baptist
There is a heresy that is being taught that says a person may "get
saved," live a Christian life for a certain length of time, and then "get
lost" again. Others teach that a person may "get saved" and live
a Christian life for a time and then go back to his old ways. He
goes back to sins and cannot be distinguished from a lost person.
This school of thought affirms that such a person will still go to heaven
when he dies because he is still saved (even though "carnal"). Let
us look at the Scriptures which make it very clear what the truth is concerning
this matter of salvation.
(83) What
Constitutes "Saving Faith"? by Sandy Simpson, 1/30/03
There are many who claim to be saved today. Ultimately only
God knows who is saved (eternal security) and we can have assurance of
salvation through a commitment to holding on to faith (conditional security).
But what constitutes a saving faith?
(84) Bible
Study - The Second Letter of Paul to Timothy by
Juanita Simpson, 3/03
This is a wonderful six part series on 2 Timothy. What do
we stand for as Christians? Should we name names?
(1)
A Spirit of Power, Love and Self-discipline - II Tim. 1:1-12
(2)
A Soldier, an Athlete, and a Farmer - II Tim. 1:13 - 2:7
(3)
A Workman Approved of God - II Tim. 2:8-21
(4)
Godlessness in the Last Days - II Tim. 2:22-3:9
(5)
Learning and Preaching Sound Doctrine - II Tim. 3:10-4:5
(6)
Deserted but not Alone - II Tim. 4:6-22
(85) Beware
The Counsel Of Gamaliel! by Dr. Peter Masters:
SWORD & TROWELL, The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Issue: 1995, No. 3.
Fellow believers--be warned and beware of the counsel of Gamaliel!
(86) The
Lord's Prayer, Our Prayer by Sandy Simpson,
2000
But this prayer is more
than an outline. It is not some thing we are to repeat mindlessly
to get what we want from God. It is a prayer that should be at the
very heart of our faith in the Lord. We show our complete worship
and submission to our Father. We ask Him to meet our needs.
We don't just expect Him to forgive us but we also forgive others.
We ask Him to protect and deliver us from the evil one. We are completely
dependant on Him for everything.
(86) The
Blessed Three-in-One: The Christian Doctrine of the Trinity Proven from
Scripture by Alan Morrison, 2003
The doctrine concerning
the Trinitarian nature of God is probably one of the most misunderstood
teachings of the Christian faith. This is hardly surprising. Firstly, the
doctrine is rarely preached on and therefore there is a great deal of ignorance
about it. Secondly, because of its seeming complexity and difficulty to
be adequately comprehended, people assume it must be an invented teaching
with no biblical references. Thirdly, because it is such a vital teaching
the very heart and revelation of true divinity and deity it is especially
vulnerable to attack. In this brief paper, it is not our purpose to concentrate
on the historical controversies. There is a great deal of theological and
historical literature already devoted to this. Our main concern here is
to redress the rejection of Trinitarian teaching by many sincere Christians.
(87) Tares
(Darnel) by Ed Tarkowski, STAND & COMFORT Newsletter,
#44 (Vol 3 No 11)
Some are obviously darnel, while with others, it takes time to make
the distinction. This I know for sure: the One who planted the good seed
which bears fruit will come back to harvest His wheat, and not one grain
of darnel will be found in the barn.
(88) The
Role Of Women In The Church by Sandy Simpson, 7/03
If men were exercising true biblical authority over their daughters
and wives in love, the debate over the role of women in the Church would
not be such an issue. If women today were submissive to their husbands,
we would not have many of the problems we have today in the Church.
(89) Admit,
Commit & Submit by Sandy Simpson, 7/03
A study in the difference between the biblical Gospel and what is being
preached in many churches today.
(90) Thou
Shalt Not Judge? by Paul Proctor, 7/25/03
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy
are deceitful. - Proverbs 27:6
(91) Exposing
Error: Is It Worthwhile? by Harry A. Ironside
Exposing error is most unpopular work. But from every true standpoint
it is worthwhile work
(92) Why
Halfway Christianity Will Not Work by Dean & Laura VanDruff,
Acts 17:11
God likes the Gospel. It is one of His favorite things, His favorite
melody, His overarching theme, what He thinks is really cool. It is nonsense
to carnal men, but the very power of God to those who are being saved.
It is oft fussed over in theory, like the tombs of the prophets decorated
by the "Sons of Satan" in Jesus' day, but rarely tried. Will you, really?
It works.
(93) Measuring
The Mixture by Dr. Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline,
Vol. 8, No. 3, 2003
The Gospel is the core
of the Church's message; the Church is to proclaim the true, pure Gospel
recipe with no additives, no deletions, no distortion, no reversal.
Each individual Christian (together, the Church) must "measure the mixture."
That means each Christian must know the Gospel--know it well enough to
realize when something is not right. Even if it is unpopular and
viewed as arrogant presumption, we must post the warning signs of clear
biblical teaching. We must, in loving and humble obedience to Christ,
always be measuring the mixture!
(94)For
The TRUTH by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 9/03
How important is the truth in a time of deception?
(95) Are
You Tithing? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 9/03
What does the New Testament REALLY teach on the tithe and money.
(96) God
Would Save Us From Spiritual Delusion by A.W. Tozer, Renewed Day
By Day, September 23
THERE ARE AREAS OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHTand because of thought then
also of life, where likenesses and differences are so difficult to distinguish
that we are often hard put to escape complete deception!
(97) The
Truth And Nothing But The Truth by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason
Ministries, 9/03
Truth is a rare commodity these days. In a world filled with opinions,
lies and deceit, the truth is often overlooked and ignored. Relative truth
has become a fixation in our society and it is no different for those seeking
to
be religious or spiritual; it has become their friend.
(98) Use
And Misuse Of Scripture by Gary Gilley, 9/03
Those who desire Gods approval must handle accurately, or literally,
cut straight, the word of truth. They diligently study the Bible
in order to interpret it correctly and then apply it properly.
(99) God
Doesn't Want Your Sacrifices - He Wants Your Obedience!
by Sandy Simpson, 2/9/04
1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight
in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the
LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the
fat of rams.
(100) The
Vanishing Gospel by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call Newlsetter,
2/04
And to attract those thus corrupted, many of the largest and fastest-growing
churches mimic the world in "seeker-friendly" and "youth-oriented" services
that exploit sensuality and compromise the truth.
(101) Sixteen
Facts Everyone Should Know About Israel by Jacob Prasch,
Moriel Ministries, 2004
If you are a Christian you need to stand by Israel, and support
Israel as much as possible. God's ancient promise in Genesis 12:3 is still
very much in effect: "I will bless those who bless you, and the one who
curses you I will curse." And God, speaking to Israel, promises, "Behold,
all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonoured; those
who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. You will seek
those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, those who war with
you will be as nothing and non-existent " (Isaiah 41:11-12).
(102) Tithing
by Chris De Wet, Moriel Ministries, 2004
There is a lot of confusion taking place with regard to Bible doctrines
today. One of the topics, is the question on tithing. Where did it originate
and what does it mean today? Read Part
1 & Part
2.
(103) Let's
Take A Look At The "Judge Not" Argument For A Moment! by Sandy
Simpson, 6/3/04
It's very interesting to me how Christians are quick, these days,
to pull out the old "judge not lest you be judged" excuse when they are
angry at you for warning people away from their favorite false teachers
and false prophets by name. They come down on those who test the
spirits (1 Jn. 4:1), discern truth from error (Phil. 1:9-11, Prov. 3:21)
and judge rightly (Jn. 7:24) when those are ways in which God has told
us we ARE to judge. They use the "judge not" ploy to make themselves
look like they are holier-than-thou and above the fray, and in so doing
they are already in violation of Matt. 7:1 because they are judging those
they say are being judgmental hypocritically. But think about the
ways in which we all tend to judge in a whole variety of unbiblical ways
every day.
(104) The
Overseer - A Study In Titus 1:6-11 by Sandy Simpson, 6/25/04
There once was a shepherd who loved his flock of sheep. He
fed them and watered them. He bathed them and tended to their hurts.
The only trouble is he did not build a protected fence around their home.
He had a habit of going to sleep at night leaving no one to guard them.
They had always been safe in the past, but one night wolves came.
In the morning when he woke up many of the sheep were missing or dead.
That day he built a fence and made sure there was always someone there
to guard the sheep at night.
(105) Building
Up The Body by Gary Gilley, Think On The Things, July 2004
One of the most insightful of recent books concerning the church
is actually written by an unbeliever. Alan Wolfe, a social scientist,
has been observing the changing American religious scene for years.
Last year he shared his research in The Transformation of American Religion.
The message of his book is that religion in the United States is being
transformed in radically new directions. [1] Wolfe claims,
Talk of Hell, damnation, and even sin has been replaced by a nonjudgmental
language of understanding and empathy. Gone are the arguments over doctrine
and theology. More Americans than ever proclaim themselves born again
in Christ, but the Lord to whom they turn rarely gets angry and frequently
strengthens self-esteem. [As a result] the faithful in the United
States are remarkably like everyone else. [2]
(106) Losing My Discernmentby
Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 8/31/04
A new song the church is singing.
(107) The Diminishing
Message Of The Cross by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries,
8/31/04
Welcome to a new era of rock stars, movie stars and their producers.
(108) Seeds,
Soil & Fruit by Sandy Simpson, 9/19/04
Some seeds have been genetically altered. Something has been
added to the seed to produce a certain result. What has been added
is indoctrination, brainwashing, diaprax, false prophecy, false apostolic
edicts, false anointings. These additives produce seeds that will,
in turn, grow bad trees, producing bad fruit, which in turn produce more
bad seeds as the process renews itself over and over again.
(109) The
Old Cross Versus The New Cross by Annonymous
The old cross slew men; The new cross entertains them.
(110) Unity
In Gospel Living by Brad Smith, 11/04
A message on Philippians1:27-30.
(111) LaHaye:
New End Times Thriller Teaches 'Ridiculous' Views - Tyndale Defends
Choice to Publish Hanegraaff's Preterist Series by Jenni Parker
and Jim Brown, December 3, 2004
(AgapePress) - A best-selling Christian author is criticizing his
publisher for putting out a new fictional series by another writer whose
stories postulate that the rapture occurred long ago and Revelation's prophecies
have already been fulfilled.
(112) Preaching
Is Dead by Anton Bosch, Discernment Ministries Newsletter, November/December
2004
This is a .pdf file.
(113) The
End Of The World by Bill Randles, Believers In Grace Ministries,
11/04
A meditation on Isaiah 24 by Pastor Bill Randles. Read Part
1 & Part
2.
(114) Paul's Mars
Hill Approach by Mike
Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/1/04
What did Paul actually do to proclaim
the gospel on Mars Hill?
(115) Love
for an Offensive Gospel by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things,
November 2004 - Volume 10, Issue 11
What would provoke an evangelical, evangelistic-minded church to
so alter the gospel message as to gut it of, as Carson says, its historical
and biblical sense? Almost certainly their motivation is a noble
one the desire to see people get saved. But they fear that very
few will respond to a gospel which calls sin sin and identifies unbelievers
as ungodly, rebellious enemies of God.
(116) The
Duties Of Christian Leadership by Sandy Simpson, 1/12/05
Christians, and especially Christian leadership, are called to be
salt and light in a dark world.
(117) Getting
Glory for Godor for Ourselves? by A.W. Tozer, Renewed Day By Day,
January 22
I THINK THAT WE OUGHT TO BE MATURE enough to confess that many have
been converted to Christ and have come into the church without wrestling
with that basic human desire for honor and praise. As a result, some have
actually spent a lifetime in religious work doing little more than getting
glory for themselves!
(118) True
Vine, True Fruit -- False Vine, False Fruit by Sandy Simpson, 2/2/05
There is one true Vine, that is Jesus Christ. Those attached
to this Vine, who have a connected relationship to the Vine through obedience,
will be branches that bear true fruit.
(119) Maturity
Training by Sandy Simpson, 01/05
At the core of maturity in Christ is the issue of
training to be able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong.
But in todays churches this issue has not only been downplayed, but actually
swept aside.
(120) Unity
Of The Faith & Maturity by Sandy Simpson, 02/05
Those who are mature in Christ are those who are reaching
unity in the Faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. Those who are
not mature strive for ecumenical or interfaith unity thinking that they
are growing in the Lord, and it is usually a point of pride to them. But
they have mistaken what Paul was talking about. Unity in the Faith is talking
about coming to a common understanding and practice of the core truths
of the Faith as taught to us in the Bible through Jesus Christ and the
Apostles.
(121) The
Reign Of King Asa by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 02/05
The reign of King Asa, Gods warning to good men.
Gods warning to good women. Gods warning to all of us, but especially
Gods warning to good leaders and to good pastors.
(122) The
Biblical Definition Of Worship by Sandy Simpson, 3/05
In many churches around the world the concept of "worship"
has been redefined and narrowed to mean the time when Christians come together
to sing songs, raise their hands, dance around, and get all excited about
the Lord together in church. For most of the younger postmodernist
relativistic generation the concept of "worship" has become a thing you
do once or twice a week to absolve yourself of guilt. The more you
can work yourself into a state of bliss in feeling like you are really
achieving a state of "worship" by letting yourself go in the music and
rhythm of the "worship" time, the more you can justify what you are doing
the rest of the week when you are not "worshipping" God. This "worship"
then becomes an excuse and justification process whereby Christians can
rid themselves of the guilt of not obeying the Lord in their lives.
This is not to say that true worship is not done in the time now called
"worship". It can be a time of worship, but worship without obedience
is no worship at all.
(123) Expository
preaching necessary for true revival, Stephen Olford says by Jeff
Robinson, SBA Baptist Press, May 9, 2002
Anointed expository preaching is absolutely necessary
if the church is to experience true revival, Stephen Olford recently said
at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
(124) What
We Need Is A Reverse Paradigm Shift! by Sandy Simpson, 3/30/05
I'm going to warn you now. I am going to let
you in on some information tonight that is going to radically change your
world view. You are likely going to experience the beginnings of
a reverse paradigm shift and after tonight there will be no way to go back
the way you came. You will be faced with choices that you may never
have known you had. You will be faced with a new way of looking at
things that is going to cause you to rethink everything that is being taught
in the Emerging Latter Rain churches. It is going to be radical because
the basis for this message doesn't come from Jesus Christ visiting my room
last night bodily, but from His holy written Word. So buckle down
your seat belts, you're likely in for a bumpy ride!
(125) Should
Biblical Churches Be Christocentric? by Sandy Simpson, 4/1/05
Should biblical Christian churches be Christ-centered
(Christocentric)? Should the doctrines of the Father (Patriology)
and the Holy Spirit (Pnematology) also be equally emphasized? Can
a church be Patriocentric or Pnemacentric and be biblical?
(126) Study
In Ephesians by Sandy Simpson, 4/05
This is a ten part study in Ephesians. Click on
the following links to go to a particular study:
(1) Predestination
And The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:1-14
(2) Jesus
Christ Rules & The Problem Of Sin And Salvation
Ephesians 1:15 2:10
(3) A
Building Of Peace
Ephesians 2:11-22
(4) A
Mystery Revealed
Ephesians 3:1-13
(5) The
Prayer & The Calling
Ephesians 3:14-4:10
(6) Why
Were The Grace Gifts Of Servant Leadership Given?
Ephesians 4:11-13
(7) Put
On The New Self
Ephesians 4:17-32
(8) Dont
Be Deceived
Ephesians 5:1-20
(9) Submission
& Love
Ephesians 5:21-6:9
(10) Put
On The Armor
Ephesians 6:10-23
(127) Have You
Been Saved by the Gospel? by Mike
Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 4/26/05
Do you really understand the gospel
of grace or have we come another way to Christ?
(128) A Departure
from Sound Doctrine by Mike Oppenheimer,
Let Us Reason Ministries, 4/27/05
What the church is now facing in epidemic
proportions.
(129) Current Interpretations
of the Bible that are wrong by Mike
Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 6/6/05
Modern interpretations from by the
trends of our day.
(130) Prophecies
Of Jesus Christ As Messiah by
Evidence for God from Science
Prophecies of Jesus Christ and their
fulfillment.
(131) The Disappearing
Doctrine Of The Evangelical Church by
Mike Gendron, Proclaiming The Gospel Ministries, 9/16/05
This newsletter is often used to correct
the false doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church but in this issue we will
address the disappearing doctrine of the Evangelical Church. Many professing
Christians now think it doesn't really matter what you believe, as long
as you label it Christianity. Their only test for becoming a Christian
is a simple acceptance of Jesus as a historical figure. In our post-modern
church, doctrine is out and tolerance is in. We are told that for the sake
of unity, doctrine should not be tested or contested. We are not supposed
to draw any definitive lines or declare any absolutes. Doctrinal and moral
issues which were once painted black and white, are now seen as gray. The
state of the church is now in a state of confusion.
(132) Philippians
Study by Sandy Simpson, 10/01/05
Ten study series on the book of Philippians!
(133) Explain
Or Explain Away?by Sandy Simpson,
10/25/05
A proper balance of Biblical teaching, as demonstrated by the Apostles,
is to both explain God's Word (good hermeneutics, exegesis) and
to explain away false teachings of any particular passage (polemics
and/or apologetics).
(134) Men With No Reputation
On Earth by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 12/16/05
Those whom God recognizes are doing His work.
(135) "Every
man did that which was right in his own eyes." by Sandy Simpson,
1/1/06
This article is a warning to all those who think they can rewrite
Christianity in their own image. Think again!
(136) The
Necessity of Separation from Heresy by Jewel Grewe, Discernment
Ministries, Discernment Newsletter, Volume 17, Number 1, January/February
2006
This neo-evangelical repudiation of separation, and its resultant
seduction into heresy, is indicative of the condition of the Church in
the last days. Jude 18 warns that there will be mockers in the last time
who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. Paul prepared Timothy for
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after
their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables (2 Tim. 3-4). The sinful nature of man wants to justify sin,
even to the extent of finding false teachers to teach ear-tickling fables.
1 Peter 1:13 advises believers to gird up the loins of your mind, be sober,
and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the
revelation of Jesus Christ. Peter further admonishes that the end of all
things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer (vs. 4:7).
(137) Earnestly
Contend by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, 01/04/06
Hundreds of fulfilled prophecies prove Gods existence, that the
Bible is His inerrant Word, the Jews His chosen people, and Jesus of Nazareth
the promised Messiah who died for our sins, has resurrected, and is coming
again. Yet prophecy is neglected by most Christian preachers and writers.
No wonder that the last-days apostasy warned of in Gods Word is now
upon us with a vengeance!
(138) How
to Avoid Heresy by Discernment Research Group, Herescope, 01/05/06
Neo-evangelicalism relies upon marketing strategies to spread its
leaven. For over a century American consumers have been trained by advertising
to buy anything new a new detergent, a new vacuum cleaner, a new style
of dress, a new car, a new computer. In the same way, New Evangelicalism
has advertised all of its doctrines, methods and teachings as new. There
is therefore a very simple, easy way to avoid the heresies of neo-evangelicalism.
(139) Is It
Right:To Judge, To Expose Error & To Call Names? by Pastor
E. L. Bynum, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Lubbock, Texas, 1/06
Many today believe that it is wrong to expose error and to name
names. Liberals have always seemed to believe this, but in recent times
it has been widely espoused by evangelicals and charismatics. Now we are
seeing the same fatal error being declared by those who profess to be Bible
believing fundamentalists. Those who are faithful in exposing error according
to the Bible are now being widely denounced, and are accused of being unloving
and unkind. We intend here to present the teaching of the Bible on this
vital subject.
(140) Deviant
Worship by Mark Minnick, Frontline, March/April 1997, Vol 7 N 2
This is the age of the "designer church," the "fellowship community,"
the "family worship center." But is all that calls itself "worship" acceptable
to God? What is the benchmark of true worship? Is it sincerity? A positive
experience? A good feeling? A full auditorium? Or is there an objective
standard by which we can measure what pleases God in this regard?
(141) Pastors Who
Compromise Their Call by Steve Cornell, Senior Pastor, Millersville
Bible Church, 2/06
Scripture speaks with clarity and directness about sin and salvation;
godliness and ungodliness; heaven and hell. You are welcome to reject such
teaching or to try to make it a matter of personal interpretation, but
one day you will answer to God for offering a revision of His truth. There
is a great need today for pastors who refuse to compromise their call to
speak the truth in love.
(142) Satan's
Six Strategic Assaults on the Christian Faith by Mike Gendron,
Proclaiming the Gospel, Jan/Feb 2006
Some evangelical leaders have been joyfully announcing there is
a great spiritual revival taking place in our country. However, a closer
and more discerning look reveals there is a countless mfiltration of
deceivers masquerading as messengers of Christ who are counterfeiting
the Christian faith. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as
an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14). These legions of liars are all part
of Satans insidious assault on the only true faith. Satans ultimate goal
is to thwart Gods harvest of lost souls by holding them captive with his
fatal lies. His relentless attacks are strategically aimed at six targets:
The Supremacy of Gods Word, The Sufficiency of Gods Son, The Singularity
of Gods Gospel, The Sovereignty of Gods Grace, The Security of Gods
Children, The Sanctity of Gods Church
(143) The
Trinity tract produced by Calvary Chapel, 2006
The doctrine of the Trinity explained in simple terms. A good
tract to give out on the subject. For a more detailed explanation of this
doctrine, read The Five Basic Doctrines here.
(144) The
Prayer Of Faith by Derald Skinner, Calvary Chapel, 2006
The prayer of faith is answered because God has promised to answer
our requests when we start (the following).
(145) Touch
Not The Lords Anointed? Give Me A Break!! by Michael C. Gaudiosi
- The Berean Radio Network, THE NOBLE BEREAN: Volume Seven March 2006
IN DEFENSE OF THE TBN ELITE I recently received an e-mail from a
very angry person. What did I do to set off their anger? What did I say?
Well, My guess is because it was due to one of my previous newsletters
in regards to TBN. Thats right! I had the complete audacity to dare speak
against the great spiritual giant TBN! I would like to share this e-mail
with you and give my reply in this newsletter, considering the fact that
this person did not want a reply from me (as you will see at the end of
the e-mail). So hold on to your hats, here we go!
(146) From
Traitor to Hero? Responding to the "Gospel of Judas" by Albert
Mohler, Friday, April 07, 2006
Informed Christians will be watchful and aware when confronting
churches or institutions that present spurious writings, rejected as heretical
by the early church, on the same plane as the New Testament. The
verdict of Athanasius, one of the greatest leaders of the early church,
still stands: "Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from
these, for concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said,
'Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.' And He reproved the Jews, saying,
'Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me.'"
(147) Do you Love
or Hate the truth? by Mike Oppeneheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries,
5/20/06
Where do you stand on what is taking place?
(148) Holding
Pastors Accountable by Steve Camp, 6/06
Though elder-rule is a good biblical concept, the term can be misleading
and doesn't accurately represent the Scriptural heart of biblical leadership.
Rule too many times suggests unquestioned authority, religious despotism,
or spiritual heavy-handedness. However, the office and title of elder is
quite different; it is one of servant-leadership.
(149) The
Current Downgrade in the Doctrine of the Atonement by David H.
Linden, Action International Ministries, 6/06
The gospel is fading in our consciousness and understanding. It
is ordinary and commonplace. It is our assumed treasure (we would all sat
that!) but it is still the object of our neglect. When I say the gospel
slipping, Hebrews corrects me to state the issue more sharply, that it
is we who are slipping not the gospel. The gospel is the dock to which
we must be tied. The dock is not floating away from us; we are drifting
away from it. There is only one place to drift when we stray from the sacrifice
of Christ, and that is into hell itself. Such is the warning of Hebrews.
We are presented with this great salvation that must not be ignored, as
in Hebrews 2, OR it is the consuming fire when the Lord will judge His
people, as in Hebrews 10. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands
of the living God, Hebrews 10:31. Yet the gospel is that Christ by the
grace of God fell into the hands of God for us. On the cross He faced the
consuming fire our sins earned for Him.
(150) Imputation
by Warren Doud, Grace Notes, 6/06
Imputation is a wonderful principle of the Plan of God, and you
have been involved with imputation since the day you were saved.
(151) Discernment
in an Age of Deception - Defining the Believer's Biblical Call to Judge
by Bob DeWaay, Critical Issues Commentary, Issue 94 - May / June 2006
Many times, after publishing an article that disputes the claims
of someone's published work, I am asked if I had talked to the person privately.
There are those who claim that debating ideas in the public arena should
not happen unless there was a prior Matthew 18 process of adjudication.
It is my position that Matthew 18 does not apply to the public interaction
of theological ideas. In this paper, I shall examine various New Testament
passages that explain what we must and must not judge.
(152) Scriptures
For Our Times by Berit Kjos, Kjos Ministries, 7/06
God's people have always tended to drift toward earth-based religions
(various blends of pantheism, polytheism and monism) whenever apathy dimmed
their desire for Biblical truth. But never before have occult beliefs and
practices been promoted as shrewdly as today--nor have God's people been
more ignorant of their dangers or more vulnerable to their lures. As deception
spreads, let us heed God's Old Testament warnings as well as His New Testament
prophecies.
(153) Today's
Christianity: Let Us Entertain You! by Michael C. Gaudiosi - The
Berean Radio Network, THE NOBLE BEREAN: Volume Eleven - July 2006
There is no mention in the New Testament that Jesus or the apostles
ever tried to make the Gospel appealing to the masses by entertainment,
or to make it a more positive, feel-good message. They never used gimmicks,
games or free giveaways. If you want to see a great example in the Bible
of how people reacted to Jesus preaching, read John chapter six. He lost
a lot of so-called followers because they considered His preaching of
the truth as a hard saying which was not positive, or what they wanted
to hear! Jesus was not concerned about offending people or if His numbers
would drop (which of course they did!).
(154) Another
Perspective For Your Consideration by Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries,
8/2/06
In this piece Im going to present a brief synopsis of a point of
view that has become all too common in the evangelical community today
concerning those of us in the field of discernment being critical of anothers
ministry.
(155) Redefining
Jesus? by Chris Lawson, Spiritual Research Network, Newsletter,
August 2006
More than any other time in history, the world today is filled with
false ideas and concepts of who Jesus Christ really is. What Paul the Apostle
called another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel is plaguing
the world with full force as people on all six continents and every walk
of life have redefined Jesus.
(156) Quoting
Heretics: The New Trend for Christian Authors by Ingrid Schlueter,
Slice of Laodicea, 8/3/06
Either these people do not read the material they quote, which is
absurd, or they don't care that they are quoting someone who long ago left
the Christian faith of the Bible. When cardinal doctrinal issues are at
stake, I do not ever want to favorably quote someone to make a point. What
about those who like the quotes Dr. Jeremiah uses from Sue Monk Kidd in
his book, Life Wide Open and who decide to pick up her book, Dance of the
Dissident Daughter, where Kidd details her journey from being a Baptist
Sunday School teacher to a proponent of goddess spirituality and pantheism?
Does he have no responsibility for whom he quotes? The answer to that is
yes. We all do.
(157) Modern Macabees
by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 8/21/06
Those who defend the temple and rescue people.
(158) The
Rot of Religion...the idolatry of self-love by Steve Camp, 8/28/06
Self has always been the most destructive and dominating plague
to hinder true Christianity. Self-love (self-righteous pride) is the cancer
of the church and sadly, much the hallmark of modern faith. An unfortunate
example of this would be Robert Shuller's toxic tome, "Self...The New Reformation"
which represents much of this move away from biblical Christianity (towards
the focus on self) and, therefore, away from the worship and glory of the
Lord Jesus Christ and sacrifical service to others. The two great commandments
of "Love the Lord Thy God" and "love thy neighbor..." has now been eclipsed
with this third hell-inspired commandment: "love thyself."
(159) The
Prophetic Calling of Every Believer by Bob DeWaay, Critical Issues
Commentary, Issue #95, July/August 2006
We need to return prophecy to the members of the church. Every member
of the congregation, whether in a position of leadership or not, has access
to the authoritative Scriptures and may bring forth valid implications
and applications from them. Together, as we prophesy, we benefit from edification,
exhortation, and comfort. The lost are convicted of their sins while the
saved grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
(160) God
of Jacob, God of Israel - Part I by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call
Newsletter, 8/06 - See also God
of Jacob, God of Israel - Part II "Has The Church Replaced Israel?"
If everlasting, concerning Israel, doesnt mean everlasting, then
how can we trust the promise in John 3:16 of everlasting life to those
who believe on Christ? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of
Israel, is the only true God. The Messiah promised to Israel by Jewish
prophets of God came 2,000 years ago. He is the Savior of all who believe
on Him as the one who, in fulfillment of what the Hebrew prophets foretold,
died for the sins of the world, rose from the dead, and ascended to the
Fathers right hand. He is coming in power and glory to punish the world
for its abuse of His people Israel and to rule the world from Davids throne
in Jerusalem. Let us stand firm on the truth of Scripture and preach the
true gospel of God, to the Jew first, then to the Gentile.
(161) Spot The Wolf
by Anton Bosch, 10/06
Read Part 1, Part
2, Part 3 and Part
4. One of the e-mails I get all too frequently and that really breaks
my heart is when people tell me how their leaders have disappointed them,
broken their trust and, far too often, abused them emotionally, financially
and spiritually. The very men who should have protected the sheep turn
out to be wolves amongst the sheep devouring and destroying. Every time
this happens my blood boils and I weep for those sheep who have been led
to the slaughter and scattered by unscrupulous thieves and robbers.
(162) Trying
The Spirits by J.C. Phipot, Preached at Zoar Chapel, Great Alie
Street, London, on Thursday evening, August 1, 1844
There are two evils in the human heart, which, when thoroughly ripened
and brought to a head, become, the one, gross superstition, and the other
open infidelity; superstition crediting everything, however false; infidelity
believing nothing, however true. These two opposite evils, being closely
bound up in the heart of every man by nature, assume various shapes and
gradations in different persons; and do not, in every individual, reach
the same height, or attain to the same development. And, indeed, one of
these evils will be usually more marked in some individuals than the other;
the bias of some being more to superstition, and the bias of others, more
to infidelity. Generally speaking, the weaker the mind, the more superstition
preponderates; and the stronger the mind, the more docs infidelity prevail.
(163) The New Testament
Gospel Without Paul by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Minsitries,
9/06
There is a movement today (mainly coming from the sacred name camp
and law keepers) telling us that God did not choose Paul, and that his
gospel is false. The reason they have arrived at this conclusion is because
they are mostly law keepers who do not understand the covenants, nor understand
the differences in the Mosaic and the new covenant based on the grace of
God and the work of Yeshua (Jesus) on the cross. There have always been
attacks on the Bible and its acceptance. In the early church about A.D.
140, a man named Marcion instituted the first real controversy. He rejected
the majority of the New Testament He believed God rejected Paul and accepted
Peter. He threw out Matthew, Mark, and John and made a canon of his own
consisting of Luke which he rewrote. There are others today who want to
rewrite the Bible, add other books (Gnostic books) or reject some that
we already have. There are at least 86,000 quotations from the early church
records tha believed Pauls writings were part of Scripture. These are
found in several thousand Lectionaries that are church-service books. After
nearly 1900 years of the canon being established these rebels are causing
a lot of confusion.
(164) Tithing
- Is It Taught In The New Testament And Does It Really Matter If It Is
Or Isn't? by Philip Powell, CETF, Volume 12.3, Issue 37, September
2006
Tithing was an Old Testament practice to support the theocratic
governance of Israel. It is impossible to honestly duplicate it as a means
of financing the New Testament church or Kingdom of God. It is not taught
in the New Testament and those who try to teach it today end up like the
hypocritical pharisees.
(165) The
Role Of Women by Juanita Simpson, 10/06
In
conclusion, I think that we have been brought face-to-face with some of
our problems as men and women in these passages. Men have been put in authority
by God, both in the home and in the church. But men don't always take their
God-given authority seriously and live up to it, as Adam failed to protect
and correct Eve. Men have the primary responsibility of prayer at home
and in the church, but that is often neglected too. Women are more easily
deceived and so should be very discerning and come under the leadership
of their husbands and church leaders. Women can also be very disruptive
in church meetings and need to learn when to be quiet. Another problem
is that women can be used by the enemy to distract men from worship and
from holy living. Men need to keep their eyes on the Lord and women need
to be careful not to entice them to evil. Col. 3:1-5
What
role do dreams play in the Christian experience?
(167) ...
and all liars ... by Sandy Simpson, 11/05/06
There is a lesson for all true believers in recent events.
Have nothing to do with deeds of darkness perpetrated by false brothers.
Reject heresy. Mark and avoid false teachers.
(168) To judge
or not to judge: The rights and wrongs of biblical discernment
by G. Richard Fisher, 1996
It seems clear, since Jesus Himself said, "Judge not," (Matthew
7:1), that we cannot "judge." At first glance it appears that Jesus not
only forbids judging others, but that He catches Himself in a glaring contradiction.
Verse 1 seems obvious, "Judge not," yet in verses 6, 15-16, we are to judge
"swine," "dogs," and the "fruit" of false apostles. How do we reconcile
this apparent contradiction?
(169) Dangerous
Christianity - In Pursuit Of Biblical Christianity by C. Stephen
David, 1/19/07
Dangerous Christianity presents a God who is always loving, gives
whatever people ask, blesses everyone, forgives whenever people sin, gives
good health and wealth, offers peace and joy. Now thats true! However,
the other undeniable aspects of Gods character - such as holiness, justice,
discipline and judgment are ignored in their Christianity.
(170) Artificial
Milk - Weaning Evangelicals Off The Word by T.A. McMahon, The Berean
Call, 2/07
Apostasy is rampant within the evangelical church today. At least
thats my perspective as one who has observed religious trends and developments
for three decades. Read Part
1, Part
2 & Part 3.
(171) Stand
Up For Jesus by Walter Martin
When we see idolatry, we are supposed to be provoked. When
we see evil, we are supposed to get exercised about it. If you can
calmly walk through this upholstered cesspool of earth; if you can see
evil, filth, degeneracy, and hear vile language; if you can see the corruption
of the media and the perversion of the gospel; if you can see the multiple
forms of idolatrythe worship of things and of the creation more than the
Creator; if you can see this today and you are not provoked about it, then
you are not in touch with God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is
provoked by evil, and he stirs up the Church so that we may do something
about it.
(172) Is It
Right To Judge? by Franklin C. Huling, MA, Fundamental Evangelistic
Association
THIS QUESTION- "IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE?" is one that puzzles many
sincere Christians. A careful and open minded study of the Bible makes
it clear that concerning certain vital matters, it is not only right but
a positive duty to judge. Many do not know that the Scripture commands
us to judge. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded, "Judge righteous judgment"
(John 7:24). He told a man, "Thou hast rightly judged" (Luke 7:43). To
others, our Lord asked, "Why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?"
(Luke 12:57).
(173) The
Compromising Church Of America by Michael C. Gaudiosi - The Berean
Radio Network, THE NOBLE BEREAN: Volume Seventeen February 2007
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the simplest message man has ever
heard! Really, its true! The Gospel is so simple! Here it is, in simple
plain to the point words of the apostle Paul: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For
I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried,
and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Thats
it! Jesus died for our sins, according to the scriptures, was buried and
rose again on the third day according to the scriptures. How hard is that?
Jesus Christ shed His blood and died on the cross to bring reconciliation
back between God and man that was lost by Adam in the Garden, because of
one three letter word: SIN, and has given us eternal life and kept us from
going to a place of everlasting torment, and separation from God called:
HELL! Simple, isnt it? But, like most everything, man has complicated
it by trying to put his own spin on God!
(174) What
Does The Bible Say About Lawsuits/Suing? by John MacArthur, The
Freedom And Power Of Forgiveness, 2007
The Bible instructs believers not to go to court against one another.
(175) How
to Identify Terrorists in the Church by John MacArthur, Wednesday,
May 02, 2007
Within the church . . . who are Satan's Al-Qaeda? What are their
motives? Are spiritual terrorists out to destroy church doctrine at large
. . . or might they be specifically targeting your faith and the faith
of your family? Listen to Part
1 & Part
2.
.
(176) Devoted To Prayer: Wrestling
With God In Ernest Prayer by Virginia Stem Owens
Christians have always interpreted the splitting of the temple veil
during the crucifixion as symbolic of their liberation from the mediated
presence of God. Henceforth they were free to approach Him directlywhich
is almost like telling someone he is free to stick his head in the lions
jaws. For once you start praying there is no guarantee that you wont find
yourself before Pharaoh, shipwrecked on a desert island, or in a lions
den.
(177) The Baptism
Of Boldness by Walter Martin, Posted 5/6/07
Though Wlater Martin has passed on his legacy of of standing for the
truth remains. Watch this video to get back to what the Gospel is
all about.
(178) Another
Jesus? A Different Gospel? A Different Spirit? by Rita Sanders,
March 25, 2007
These are the days of great and maybe final deception! I am eternally
grateful to Almighty God for granting me repentance and leading my family
out of the deceptive and self-centered gospel of greed being promoted in
the pulpits of the churches today. Today's believers are replacing the
call to "deny themselves" with the desire to pursue "their best lives now".
We have ignored the command to "test the spirits" because of the perverted
use of "touch not My anointed" by today's pulpiteers.
(179) Hank
Hanegraaff's Conference on Preterism and Replacement Theology,
Essay written by C.C. (LTW Research Team), Thursday, June 07, 2007
It is obvious to any thinking Christian that Hanegraaffs Exegetical
Eschatology is nothing more than the use of his presuppositions to cloud
the natural meaning of the holy Scriptures. If I were a teacher in Hank's
position, I believe I would have trouble sleeping at night doing such a
thing to Scripture interpretation.
(180) The
Ongoing Need for Discernment by Prof. Johan Malan, Middelburg,
South Africa, Discernment Newsletter, Volume 18 Number 4, July/August
2007
We should be involved in a contrary movement of increased righteousness
and holiness, while discerning the signs of Christs soon return. Fellow-believers
should be assisted to correctly understand biblical doctrines. That is
the only way to become discerning Christians who will not be deceived by
the many wrong doctrines of our time.
(181) Does
the Bible call for UNITY in spite of DOCTRINAL differences? by
John MacArthur, 6/07
Are believers who hold to DOCTRINAL PURITY divisive, intolerant,
unloving and ungracious? False teaching will always cry intolerance
because it can only survive when it doesnt get scrutinizedFalse doctrine
cries the loudest about UNITYListen carefully when you hear the cry for
UNITY because it may be the cover of false doctrine encroachingIf ever
we should follow 1 Thessalonians 5 and examine everything carefully, its
when somebody is crying unity, love and acceptance. Audio
file.
(182) Designing your
own Christianity by Pastor Steve Cornell, 6/07
Those who reject major themes of the bible have no reason to believe
any of it. The God they believe in is a creation of their own imaginations.
He is a custom designed deity to fulfill their own desires. But, why do
such people feel compelled to hold to selective forms of Christianity?
Why not reject it entirely and embrace something else? Perhaps they attend
their designer Churches and listen to their appointed teachers to pacify
their guilty consciences. How sad to pacify what God is willing forgive
and cleanse. But such forgiveness would require a savior who saves sinners
and this is just too much for proud of hearts to accept.
(183) The Near-Beer Gospel - The Search for
Pale Substitutes by Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 12.,
No. 4, July/August 2007, Assessing Current Teachings, Issnes and Events
with Scripture
In this issue I am going to highlight two examples of how the church
is unwittingly calling for pale substitutes from the faith once for all
delivered to the saints. Each of these examples will be drawn from two
movements, which are seemingly separated far from each other. But it is
my belief that they both represent the same basic error, that the church
itself can manufacture a Near Beer Gospel either apart from or in addition
to the unchangeable word of God. In both cases the church has been shorn
of God's actual glory as Sampson of old. The first of these could be called
the "marketing and therapeutic" movement. In it's quest for cultural acceptance
and numerical success, they have marginalized the "word of God" and imported
marketing methodologies as the focus of ministry. Work the system and you
will be numerically successful. It seems to me to echo the first half of
Jesus reply to Satan when tempted in the wilderness. Rather than, man cannot
live on bread alone, it has the feel of yes! we can live on bread alone,
rather than every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. At the other
end the spectrum, God's authorized word has been succeeded by a succession
of new words from God at the hands of thousands of newly restored so-called
prophets. Thus, the scriptures languish and are called by Tommy Tenney
"old love letters." In the one the trust is in the new technology and tools
of the culture. In the other the trust and dependence is upon a continual
flow of so-called oracles from God at the hands of those who struggle to
claim less than 50% accuracy. The above analogy of Near-Beer calls for
some explanation. First Near-Beer. Near-Beer was originally a term for
malt beverages containing little or no alcohol (one half of one percent
or less by volume), which were mass-marketed during the Prohibition in
the United States. Today the term "Near- Beer" has been revived by some
people to refer to modern versions of non-alcoholic beer. By the use of
this analogy I am suggesting the current evangelical church can be illustrated
by the Near-Beer phenomena. Its all about substitutes which only give
the appearance of the real thing.
(184) A
Roadmap To Apostasy by Mike Gendron, interview with Jan Markell
of Olive Tree Ministries, 6/30/07
What are the tell-tale signs? What can one do? Is it too late to
stop this engine now on a slippery slope? Around the world it follows a
pattern that goes in stages outlined by Mike.
(185) Berean
Behavior: Naughty or Noble? by Sherry Neese, July 17, 2007
Bereans in the trenches, Bereans in broader ministry, and shepherds
we are all on the same battlefield. Discouragement, Satans favorite
weapon, lurks around every corner. We need to work as a team, praying for
one another and valuing each other and if necessary, correcting one another,
following the biblical procedure for correction and refrain from engaging
in gossip. Then and only then will we see the flocks protected from wolves
and the Word of God held in high esteem as did our Berean ancestors.
(186) Discernment
and the Watchman by Mike Oppenheimer, 6/07
Just as 1 Peter 3:15 commands us as Christians to always be ready
to give a defense of your faith to those outside (apologetics) the church,
Jude 3 to defend it within the Church (polemics). Jude had to have been
aware of Peters proclamation because his book extends off of Peters second
epistle on the false teachers who were beginning to come into the church.
(187) Preterism - Is
it an intentional lack of understanding of tprophetic scriptures?
by Mike Oppenheimer, 8/08/07
What are the different views in eschatology and why is preterism
the least biblical?
(188) Transforming
The World Within by Herescope, 9/1/07
In this day of evangelical fervor over changing the outward world,
which is called "transformation," the truth of the Gospel -- the transformation
of the inner man -- is neglected. This outward focus on dominionism always
supplants the inner workings of the Holy Spirit upon the heart and conscience.
What folly! What arrogance! True transformation of the inner man (Romans
12:1-2) is inextricably connected with the Cross. J.C. Philpot, in the
excerpt from his sermon "Crucifixion with Christ" below, begins by noting
that this is a mystery:
(189) How
To Smell A Rat by Anton Bosch, 9/10/07
A toddler will eat anything. It does not matter if it is nutritious
or poison, it has no ability to discern between food and poison. As Christians
mature in the faith they should learn to discern between spiritual poison
and spiritual food. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age,
that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). The problem is that the vast majority
of modern-day Christians are either not born again or have been kept
in a perpetual state of babyhood, and are thus unable to discern the difference
between truth and error. Because of this, and because we have a new generation
of church-goers who do not know the Bible, false teachers have multiplied,
and millions believe anything these preachers say.
(190) Novelty and Change Will Lead Them
by Orrel Steinkamp,The Plumbline, Volume 12, No. 5, Sept/Oct 2007
There exist today hundreds of people in Christian think tanks and
agencies whose whole view of ministry is to promote and induce cultural
change into the church. It is called contextualization or transformation.
But transformation is basically inducing change into the Christian church.
Pastors who are properly trained in transformation and contextualization
principles are known as transformational pastors. Pastors are also called
to be "change agents." For further reading on this topic, please refer
to my earlier newsletter, entitled "Transformation Thinking for Dummies."
The overriding feature of seeker-sensitive and transformational activities
is to change the church to resemble the culture as closely as possible
and thereby insure survival and success in today's changing society. There
is more to it than outward appearances. Seeker-sensitive churches low key
their doctrinal statements, lest they scare away the seekers. Although
doctrinal stances do not officially change, the week-by-week teaching exhibits
the church as fellow travelers in the culture. The process of transformation
calls not only for change but perpetual, ongoing change; in order to entice
an ever-~hanging seeker population. Forgotten entirely these days, is the
fact that God's people are meant to be a leaven within the culture, a pocket
of resistance to the foibles and ethos of the flesh. However, I suspect
there are still some seekers left who expect to find something unique and
noticeably different at church than in the world at large.
(191) Was Jesus God
on earth or just an anointed man? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason
Ministries, 9/25/07
The cults deny that Jesus was ever God before he added a human nature
to His deity. The word faith movement teaches that His deity was left in
heaven and He came to earth as only a man and was anointed. Because the
Spirit rested upon him he was given power, and it can rest on us and we
can do all the same miracles he did. They forget that he had NO sin- was
perfect and was God before he was born and was God while on earth.
Not even the apostles who were given the authority directlly duplicated
his miracles.
(192) Looking For
A Church (According To David Foster) by The Berean Call, 9/26/07
It is instructive to consider a recent list of questions purporting
to help believers find a good church.
(193) A
Desperate Need For Correction by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, 1998
Correction is one of the most conspicuously absent yet essential
ministries in the church today. There are those who seek to avoid cor-rection
by hiding behind a misapplication of Christs words, Judge not, that ye
be not judged (Mt 7:1). It is conveniently forgotten that these words
were spoken by the same One who warned the Jews to judge righteous judg-ment
(Jn 7:24), told us to judge the fruit of prophets (Mt 7:16) and promised
His disciples that they would sit on thrones judging Israel (Mt 19:28).
(194) Preterism
by Mike Oppenheimer, 10/07
What are the different views in eschatology and why is preterism
the least biblical?
Preterism
pt.1- Is it a intentional lack of understanding the prophetic scriptures?
Why Preterism fails pt.2 - Mt.24 - this generation-
Has the majority of Bible prophecies already taken place?
(195) John Piper Giving license for immorality
while claiming he is not? by Sandy Simpson, 10/27/07
Not one word about Christians confessing or repenting of sin in
Gutsy Guilt by John Piper. Yes Christians still sin (1 John 1:8). But the
point in any true biblical exegesis of this subject is that Christians
no longer practice sin (1 John 3:9) but rather practice righteousness (1
John 3:7). Those practicing sin better test themselves to see if they are
in the Faith (2 Cor. 13:5). We as believers have the sacrifice of Christ
for sin but we must still confess our sins and He is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (which was
spoken in reference to Christians) (1 John 1:9). This article is a perfect
example of what Jude calls giving Christians a license for immorality
and illustrates why 5-Point Calivinists are deceiving believers on issues
like continued sexual immorality.
(196) Cracking
"the Code" of Preterism - A Review of Hank Hanegraaff's "The Apocalypse
Code" and a Refutation of Preterism by Bob DeWaay, ISSUE 100, May/June
2007
May we continue to flee to the word of God for comfort, encouragement,
and preparation for what is yet to come. For the coming of Christ does
not consist of Rome destroying Jerusalem, but rather the return of the
risen King to consummate human history and set up His eternal Kingdom.
Since our King is returning to repay the wicked and rescue His people,
we are called to be both prepared and faithful in light of this reality.
We must cling to the blessed hope of being resurrected to be with the risen
King forever. Until this great and terrible Day arrives, may we live
as ambassadors for the Gospel, pleading with the world to Be reconciled
to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). For, indeed, the end of all things is near
(1 Peter 4:7).
(197) "This
Generation" and it's Preterist Exegetical Misuse by Bob DeWaay,
ISSUE 100, May/June 2007
Our range of meaning study has concluded that genea is used more
often in the New Testament as a qualitative term than a chronologically
quantitative one. Our study in particular of the gospel of Matthew shows
that Matthew uses it in that way. We have also shown that taking the usage
in Matthew 24:34 to be within that same range of meaning makes perfect
sense in that context and fits with what we know about Bible prophecy from
other passages. Therefore, the typical preterist interpretation is contrived
and fails to consider the preponderance of evidence in the New Testament
for the meaning of genea in such contexts.
(198) Shepherds
Abiding In The Field by Herescope, 12/18/07
The shepherds to whom the Lord's Angel appeared announcing the birth
of our Saviour were engaged in a most humble occupation. They were keeping
watch over their flock by night, a serious responsibility. Sheep are not
by nature easy to care for. They are silly and stupid, prone to wander,
and incapable of helping themselves. Especially they are susceptible to
danger in the night when the nocturnal predators come out searching for
an easy snack. It is under the cover of darkness when so many things can
go wrong. If a shepherd would slack off on his night watch by dozing, he
could awaken to a disaster where it would be too late to rescue his flock.
Sheep were, after all, the livelihood of these shepherds and an essential
source for food and clothing for their families.
(199) Unbiblical
Ideas About Angels by Marsha West, News With Views, 12/21/07
Why is post-modern Christianity sorely lacking in discernment? Because
a large number of Christians don't read and study the Bible. As a result
they have no clue what God says about mysticism or anythinng else! Additionally,
many Christians have no interest in attending a church where they'll hear
expository teaching from the pulpit. What they prefer is to hear the pastor
preach on is their "felt needs." Moreover, Christians spend their free
time reading best-selling books and novels while God's Word goes largely
ignored. So, is it any wonder the Church lacks discernment?
(200) "Hold Firmly Till The End"
by Sandy Simpson, 1/10/08
The Bible is repleat with examples of both those believers who stood
firmly to the end, and those that did not. There is nothing sadder
than to observe a believer in his or her twilight years wander away from
the faith after having served the Lord.
(201) Where
Are the Elders Who Guard the Flock? by Bob DeWaay, 1/29/07
This past weekend I received a call not unlike many dozens of previous
communications from Christians concerned about unbiblical practices being
introduced into their local churches. This particular one expressed a committed
Christians concern that their large evangelical church was introducing
mysticism and eastern practices under the guise of youth ministry. This
church had even created a shrine of sorts in the church basement for young
people to practice this mysticism. The caller had researched this subject
for several months, documented her churchs new practices and described
why the practices were dangerous and unbiblical. Confident that her findings
would help correct the churchs direction, she brought her research to
the church leadership, only to be mollified and warned about having a bad
attitude. In response she asked the leaders to compare these practices
to
Scripture, but to no avail. The story is all too common; why does it continue
to happen?
(202) A
Bible for Kitty! by Michael C. Gaudiosi, The Noble Berean, Volume
Twenty Eight January/February 2008
A BIBLE TRANSLATION FOR EVERYONE Even for your kitty cat! No, I'm
not joking, this is real folks! There is a Bible translation for Lolcats,
conveniently titled the Lolcat Bible. Translated by The LOLCat Bible
Translation Project.
(203) Have We
Lost Our Fear Of God? by Forgotten Word Ministries, 2/10/08
Have we lost our fear of God? I believe we have. This
is such a simple matter. Why not let the Word of God speak for itself!
The following verses are just SOME of the many verses pertaining to the
fear of God and the consequences of not having a fear of God. Read
the following Scripture verses and then look them up so that you can see
the context each was written in. You should have NO DOUBT in your
mind and heart after this quick study about the "FEAR OF GOD"! It's
time to get back to the truth.
(204) I Never Heard That
by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 2/08
What you will not hear is the gospel presented clearly or fully ...
What you will not hear is the denial of the flesh and picking up ones cross
... What you will not see practiced is discipling people to grow mature
in the Faith ... They do not teach that following Jesus will include loss
or suffering ... What you will not hear is teaching on living a life of
contentment ... What you will not hear is correcting brethren who are teaching
false doctrine ... What you do not hear is encouraging the use of discernment
and judge what is false ... What you will not hear is a rebuke for false
prophets and teachers ... What you will not hear is naming names of those
who are the false teachers ... You will not hear teaching on the deity
of Christ nor the Tri-unity ... What you will not hear is teaching on separation
instead of unity ... What you will not hear is teaching how to witness
to people of other faiths (the cults and other religions).
(205) Personal "Prophecy" In The
Bible? by Sandy Simpson, 2/08
The reason for this article is my contention that the modern day
"prophetic movement", better known as the Latter Rain, Third Wave or New
Apostolic Reformation, is promoting and practicing divination (personal
prophecy) rather than what the Bible defines as true prophecy.
(206) Legalism, Cultism,
and the Abuse of Gods Authority by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason
Ministries, 2/26/08
Loyalty is good if it is based on truth, unquestioning loyalty to
any person or church leadership is the mark of what a cult is made of.
When you have people that follow what the one behind the pulpit says without
checking the Scriptures to see if he is speaking the truth, disaster is
soon to follow.
(207) Gospel
Lite - Tastes Great; Less Filling by Phil Johnson, PyroManiacs,
3/3/08
The defining principle of historic evangelicalism was an unwavering
devotion to the gospel. But the broad movement that calls itself "evangelical"
today no longer stands for any clear point of view and can't seem to find
consensus on even the most basic of gospel truths. How did that happen?
(208) Uncivil
War by Jackie Alnor, Apostasy Alert, 3/8/08
"Goats and Sheep" "Wheat and Tares" "Mixed Multitude" The
Bibles terms for professors vs. possessors of salvation. That is the sorry
state of the church of Jesus Christ in the world today. The lines are being
drawn and people calling themselves "Christian" are beginning to join ranks.
Many on both sides of the salvation line have predicted a civil war in
the church it seems to be manifesting before our eyes, but theres nothing
civil about it.
(209) Three
Kinds Of Faith by Michael Penfold, WebTruth, 3/12/08
The Lord Jesus constantly drew attention to the fact that it is
quite possible to look, sound and act like a Christian without ever actually
being one.
(210) Toward The
Prize by Dave Hunt, 9/30/07
An indictment of the acceptance of psychology, the promotion of self-love,
and huminism that have crept into the Church through the teachings of people
like James Dobson and Robert Schuller.
(211) The Gospel Entrusted To The
Saints by Sandy Simpson, March 31, 2008
We have a precious Gospel message to share with others. It
is the Good News that saved us and brought us peace. We now have
the hope of eternal life with Christ when before we were hopeless (Eph.
2:12). This new life should and will motivate us to share that Good
News with everyone. But sometimes true saints lapse into a lukewarmness
of complacency (Rev. 3:16). I have done that myself at times.
It is time for the remnant, those who have not joined the Apostasy, to
reach out to the world with the truth and love of the Gospel message of
Jesus Christ. But we must adhere to the teachings of Jesus Christ
and the Apostles to be effective.
(212) Is This About Us
or About Him? by Steve Muse, Eastern Regional Watch, 4/08
In this March 2004 Commentary, Steve Muse shares the
importance of testing the words, visions, and fruit of those who claim
to be prophets of God.
(223) The Atonement Wars
by Orrel Steinkamp, The Plumbline, Volume 13. No.2. May/June 2008
"...There was but one way to bring about the desired salvation which
would be in harmony with God's character, the law of God, the nature of
sin and the needs of man. This one way was by the substitutionary blood
atonement of the incarnate Son of God." (Robert A. Morey, Studies in the
Atonement, p.9)
(224) Three Common Errors Common Among False
Teachers by Mike Gendron, Proclaiming The Gospel Ministries, 6/19/08
Since we are now living in the age of religious tolerance and ecumenical
unity, there are some people who will immediately call this article unloving
and divisive. Others will ask "What right do you have to judge another
religion?" The answer is given in Scripture. All God-fearing people are
called to make right judgments, judgments that have already been established
by the objective principles of God's word (John 7:24). There may
be nothing more important than warning people who are being deceived about
their eternal destiny. If we do not lovingly confront them with God's Gospel,
they may never know how to escape the eternal fire of God's punishment.
Clearly, the most unloving thing we can do is to ignore them and let them
continue down the road to destruction. For this reason, I am
always willing to offend people with the offense and exclusivity
of the Gospel in the hopes that God may grant some of them repentance leading
to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim. 2: 25). Let us look at three fatal
errors of false prophets and how to handle them.
(225) Invincible
Gospel and the Modern Evangelical Lie by Richard Bennett, 6/08
Our DVD on the Invincible Gospel and the Modern Evangelical Lie
I had great difficulties as a Catholic priest in listening to some Evangelists
giving a salvation message. I address this topic in the DVD called "The
Invincible Gospel and the Modern Evangelical Lie." While I have tried graciously
in this presentation to present the Gospel as God's gift and not man's
doing the response has not been great. On the contrary I think things are
becoming worse. In fact, the way that 'the gospel' is often presented is
that it looks as if man is sovereign and not God! Kindly watch this DVD,
and refer it to others for comments and responses. Thank you, Richard Bennett
(226) Why False Teachers Have So Many
Followers
by Sandy Simpson, 7/28/08
The reason why false teachers, who deny one or more of the core
doctrines of the Faith, gain so many followers is that they are saying
what the world wants to hear.
(227) Why is
it important to believe Jesus is coming back again physically?
by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 8/8/08
According to the Bible, to say Jesus will or has already come again
spiritually is the spirit of antichrist. If anyone claims he has shown
up in their home or at their meeting they are denying that He will appear
in glory, the same way and in the same place that he left- AS HE PROMISED
(acts 1:11). If Jesus does not come back the way He promised in Scripture
then we cannot trust the Scripture on what it says about anything about
Him.
(228) God's
Purposes by Anton Bosch, 8/12/08
What does the Bible reveal about Gods ultimate purpose in his dealings
with mankind? What is the theme that runs from Genesis through Revelation
and that transcends both testaments?
(229) Can we do greater
works than Jesus? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries,
9/15/08
What John 14:12 does not say: It does not say greater signs (miezon
semeion). It does not say greater miracles (miezon dunamis) power. It does
not say greater wonder (miezon teras). It does say greater works (Gr. miezon
ergon) ... Even when the apostles were alive all the Christians could not
do signs and wonders as the apostles did, so we certainly cannot do them
today.
(230) "Until the
Day..." by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, October 31, 2008
Didn't the Lord in "the great commission" command His disciples
to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature? Has that
command ever been revoked? Absolutely not. It still holds for every Christian
today. But which gospel should one preach? The gospel has been so perverted,
compromised, and Catholicized that the power of God unto salvation has
been taken out of it for fear of giving offense. Would those in hell thank
us for sparing them the offense that would have taken them instead to heaven?
Do we withhold the gospel from the unsaved for selfish reasons? Are some
of us ashamed of the narrow gate that the gospel forces us to present to
those who prefer the broad road to destruction? The Word of God is clear:
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD
shall be safe" (Proverbs 29:25). Time is short and eternity is forever.
We need to reexamine our hearts and begin to live as though we really believe
this.
(231) The
Death Of Absalom by Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries, 11/10/08
This was a terrible situation: Hebrew was not fighting Philistine,
Hebrew was not fighting Canaanite, Hebrew was not fighting Amalekite
Hebrew was fighting Hebrew. There was the war between Israel and
Judah, and the war in the last chapter of the book of Judges, which was
a civil war that broke out when a mans concubine was gang-raped, and her
body hacked up and sent throughout the nation. That was the worst
of all the wars in Judges. Here we see it happening again.
In the same manner, the worst battles that we as Christians will have to
fight will not be against unbelievers; rather, they will be part of civil
war. The worst battles are against your own kind, where believer,
as it were, raises his sword against believer. Now, I am of course
not referring to a physical sword, like the Puritans used, but rather to
the spiritual sword, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
Fighting Canaanites, Philistines, no problem; fighting Moslems, Freemasons,
Roman Catholics, no problem. But what happens when brother fights
brother or, in this case, when father fights son?
(232) Willful
Ignorance by Discernment Research Group, November 23, 2008
We live in a time of great apostasy when many choose to ignore or
disbelieve the simplicity of the Gospel of Salvation, the message of the
Cross. Many of the new heresies are intricate, complex, always evolving,
and emerging with new theologies, philosophies, terminologies, eschatologies,
ecclesiologies, etc. These false teachings puff up people with pride in
their human knowledge and lead them to ever learning, and never able to
come to the knowledge of the Truth (2 Timothy 3:7).
(233)
Two
Lessons From Jonah by Sandy Simpson, 11/24/08
We just finished as study
in the book of Jonah in our Bible study groups. As we studied through
that true story I became aware of an application for Church leaders today.
(234) Remember
Lots Wife by Anton Bosch, 11/27/08
This is one of the shortest
verses in the Bible: Luke 17:32 Remember Lots wife.
(235) The
"Jesus" the World Loves by McMahon, T.A., December 2, 2008
Pray that we who truly
know Him would not drift from Him because of "another Jesus" conjured up
by the world, our own flesh, or the devil. Pray also that the Lord will
enable us to reflect the true character of Christ in our words and deeds;
that He will help us to show the world the true Jesus, who, being God,
came in the likeness of man, was treated as though He were sin itself,
and satisfied the divine justice of God by dying upon the Cross, thus providing
salvation for all of mankind.
(236) A
Storm out at Sea by Prof. Johan Malan, Middelburg, South Africa
(Dec. 2008)
This is a typological
depiction of the entire church of Christ in its nightly voyage across the
sea of life. The meeting between Jesus and His disciples in the fourth
night watch reflects on the future meeting between Christ and His church
at the rapture, when the storms of life will finally come to an end for
believers in Jesus.
(237) Good
Apologetics by by Dr. Martin Erdmann, posted at Herescope, 9/08
For those desiring to
hear some good instruction on biblical apologetics, we refer the reader
to 4 audio seminars posted online. These four lectures were delivered back
in September 2008 by Dr. Martin Erdmann.
(238) Pastoring
With Both Eyes Opened - Part 1 by Gary Gilley, 12/08
These simple instructions,
if followed, would greatly reduce the friction found in many churches and
thus enhance the ministries of those churches. Yet many churches
and their leaders behave as if God never anticipated such problems and
has nothing to offer in way of solution. Read Part
1 & Part
2.
(239) False
Spiritual Warfare Teachings: How the Church Becomes Pagan by Bob
DeWaay, Ciritcal Issues Commentary, November/December 2008
A pagan is anyone who
lacks special revelation from God. And had God not spoken in the manner
described in Hebrews 1:1, 2, everyone in the world would be a pagan. This
is to say that each of us would have to guess about the nature of the spiritual
world we live in and develop techniques in order to contact or manipulate
our world. We would wonder how we could manipulate the "gods" to better
our situation. We would create a class of shamans with special abilities
to contact and manipulate the spirits. That is what every pagan culture
looks like.
(240) Religious
Deception by Prof. Johan Malan, University of the North, South
Africa, 2/09
The kingdom of darkness
infiltrated the Christian church with a view to adulterating it by proclaiming
a counterfeit Jesus, a counterfeit spirit and a counterfeit gospel.
(241) Are
there spiritual gifts or have they ceased? by Mike Oppenheimer,
Let Us Reason Ministries, 3/09
Read articles Part
1 & Part 2.
(242) What
is the Trinity doctrine? by Walter Martin, YouTube video, 3/09
In this YouTube video,
Walter Martin proves that what God has revealed about Himself in His word
we can understand.
(243) Be
careful what you buy in Christian bookstores by Marsha West, Renew
America, 3/19/09
For hundreds of years
orthodox Christianity has held that the Bible is the Word of God, inspired
by the Holy Spirit, by supernatural power, and that every word in it is
true. (2 Tim 3:16) Thus, Scripture has the power, or right, to command
how people of faith live their lives. Then theological liberalism rears
its ugly head and attempts to undermine established truths. The theological
liberal pretends to be a Christian ("progressive Christian" is preferable)
as he or she blatantly and unapologetically undermines the Divine authority
of the scriptures in matters of faith and life. As a result of the onslaught
of liberal influences, the Church is in dire straits!
(244) Exposs on
Beth Moore by Personal Freedom Outreach, 5/09
Beth Moore is a popular
author at LifeWay Christian bookstores and a fan-favorite within the Southern
Baptist Convention and churches. But there are serious issues with Moore's
false teachings, her lack of discernment, and more. Personal Freedom
Outreach has produced three, in-depth articles on Beth Moore that should
be read by pastors, laymen, Southern Baptist Convention officials, and
the folks at LifeWay bookstores.
(245) Spiritual
Songs by Pastor Larry DeBruyn, 5/15/09
Worship songs that teach
and admonish must do so with lyrics containing the word of Christ which
glorifies the Lord and promotes one-anothering in the local body of Christ.
Absent their conveyance logos truth, reasonably discerned as revealed in
the Holy Scriptures, the only basis of appeal of the music is in the mystical
realm.
(246) Avoid
Sleep! by Herescope, 5/18/09
As he that watcheth doth
sleep, in order to some end; so he who keepeth the spiritual watch must
set himself designedly to avoid sin, upon a prospect of Christ's coming,
and the uncertainty of [the timing of] it.
(247) Christians
Who Try To Poke Holes In Sola Scriptura by Sandy Simpson, 5/18/09
There are a number of
the leadership of the Emerging Church (EC) who do not believe that the
Bible is the highest authority for the Christian faith. Most do not
believe that the Bible is inerrant in the original manuscripts and many
do not acknowledge that the Bible is our highest revelation. Yet
this is a core doctrine over which true believers and false brethren must
separate.
(248) Religious
Excitments - The Sights, Sounds, and Spectacles of Spurious Spirituality
Part 1 by Pastor Larry DeBruyn, 5/30/09 Also read Part
2, Part
3, & Part
4
... how many people really
attend church to worship God? I remember reading where A.W. Tozer once
questioned how many people would attend church if the only attraction was
God.
(249) Recession:
What? Me Worry? by Albert James Dagar, 6/21/09
How should believers cope
with recession?
(250) Letters
from Heaven by Prof. Johan Malan, 6/09
There are seven letters
in Revelation 2 and 3 which the Head of the Christian Church, Jesus Christ
Himself, directed to the entire church of all centuries, through the mediation
of His servant, John. The letters are undated and therefore timeless writings
to all followers of Christ the faithful and the wayward ones. The letters
contain precious promises and loving encouragement to those who persevere
in the right way, but also clear reprimands and serious warnings to all
who started to err and subsequently departed from the truth. Many of the
latter have completely lost their way.
(251) Are
you Hindu yet? by Jonathan Falwell, World Net Daily, 8/22/09
I don't want to think
about our nation further abandoning the biblical principle of salvation.
But the fact is that Ms. Miller may have a point. In fact, as she noted,
65 percent of respondents in a Pew Forum survey last year said they believe
that "many religions can lead to eternal life."
(252) Defining
the Believer's Biblical Call to Judge by Bob DeWaay, 9/9/09
Many times, after publishing
an article that disputes the claims of someone's published work, I am asked
if I had talked to the person privately. There are those who claim that
debating ideas in the public arena should not happen unless there was a
prior Matthew 18 process of adjudication. It is my position that Matthew
18 does not apply to the public interaction of theological ideas. In this
paper, I shall examine various New Testament passages that explain what
we must and must not judge.
(253) Why
The Heathen Rage by Bill Randles, Believers In Grace Ministries,
9/25/09 - Read Part
1 & Part
2.
Why do the heathen rage
and the people imagine a vain thing? The Kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His
Messiah saying let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords
from us(Psalm 2:1-3)
(254) What
is heresy? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 9/25/09
Heresy can be defined
as any departure from Christian orthodoxy, the faith that was once for
all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
(255) Discernment
Ministry - A Biblical Defense by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things,
October/November 2009 - Volume 15, Issue 6
These men understood,
as we must today, that the faith once for all delivered to the saints
is worth defending. We must not allow the objections of those who
lack the courage or the insight to fight for truth to cause us to cower
from this important God-given obligation.
(256) In
the Church: The Lordship of Christ in Control
by A.W. Tozer, Renewed Day
By Day, October 26
THE NERVOUS COMPULSION
TO GET THINGS DONE is found everywhere among us and right here is where
the pragmatic philosophy comes into its own.
It asks no embarrassing
questions about the wisdom of what we are doing or even about the morality
of it.
(257) Concerned
to Discern by Pastor Larry DeBruyn, 10/31/09
As could be agreed upon
by most believers, Christians have the right, even the duty, to evaluate
and hold accountable to Holy Scripture professing evangelical Christians
who, for reason of their manifest beliefs and behaviors, appear to be departing
from the faith.[1] Jude told his readers to "contend earnestly for the
faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). To shirk
this responsibility means that believers are being disobedient to the faith
once for all delivered. To all Christians the Spirit gives His anointing
which places upon them the responsibility to discern the "spirit of truth"
from the "spirit of error" (1 John 4:6; 2:20-21, 27).
(258) The
Evangelical Immune System Is Switched Off! by Orrel Steinkamp,
The Plumbline, Vol. 14, No. 6, November/December
The current version of
evangelicalism appears to be terminal.
(259) "Feelings
Driven" Christians by Larry DeBruyn, 11/12/09
If its to survive, faith
must be sourced outside ourselves, therefore it cannot be be based upon
how we might feel or think at a paticular point in time.
(260) A
Dangerous Philosophy: Success Is Everything by A.W. Tozer, Renewed
Day By Day, November 14
THE PHILOSOPHY OF PRAGMATISMbasically,
the doctrine of the utility of truth, is having a powerful influence upon
Christianity in the latter half of the twentieth century.
(261) Are
We Going Full Speed Backward To Paganism? by Lottie Beth Hobbs,
11/09
Go, go go! Todays frenzied
society tends to revere speed and motion. Without a doubt, people are on
the go - philosophically as well as physically - but activity is not necessarily
accomplishment; and direction is far more important than speed.
(262) The
Manhattan Declaration a response by Alistair Begg, 11/23/09
In accord with others
who have chosen not to sign, my reservation is not with the issues themselves,
or in standing with others who share the same concerns, but it is in signing
a declaration along with a group of leading churchmen, when I happen to
believe that the teaching of some of their churches is in effect a denial
of the biblical gospel. I wonder whether it might not have been more advantageous
for evangelicals to unite on this matter, rather than seeking cooperation
with segments from Rome, Eastern Orthodoxy and the Latter Day Saints.
The necessary co-belligerence, as far as Im concerned, can never be rooted
in a Gospel other than that which has been given to us.
(263) Is
It Time For a New Reformation? by Ken Ham, 1/3/09
Take one look around
our world. A need for a new reformation is evident, both for our culture
and for the church. We must return to the Bible as our absolute authority.
(264) Macro
and
micro apologetics by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries,
2/1/10
The necessity for ongoing
apologetics to be conducted inside Biblical churches by those who are called.
(265) A
Whole Lot Of Wishful Thinking These Days
by Sandy Simpson, 2/5/10
In this article I want
to detail a number of beliefs people have these days that have no basis
in Scripture. I am going to roam all over the map, so to speak, and
try to give fairly short answers on a number of topics and also give you
useful links to articles that will help you deal with any particular issue.
It is truly amazing how many false ideas people cling to without giving
a thought to what the Bible has to say on the subject.
(266) Three
Strikes & Youre Out by MorielDanny, 2/10/10
Show me a person, group,
or organization embracing an extreme mistreatment of one or more of the
foundational issues discussed above and we will find these behaviors at
the root cause of the problem. Paul explained to Timothy that unfaithfulness
to the everyday admonitions of Gods Word is what leads to deception where
the greater foundational truths are concerned.
(267) Did
Peter teach in Acts 2:38 that one must be baptized first to be saved?
by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 2/17/10
We can resolve much of
the confusion in Peters first sermon by understanding the JEWISH background.
Acts 2 is addressing law observant Jews that are gathered together to observe
the Jewish Feast of Pentecost (verse 1). There are no Gentiles (non - Jews)
present; Peter addressing them says, v: 22 Men of Israel, v: 36 Therefore
let all the house of Israel know. Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this,
they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do? He is addressing Jews, as a NATION,
not individuals. The NATION of Israel was under divine judgment for rejecting
Jesus.
(268) Will
people die during the Millennium when Christ is ruling on earth?
by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 2/17/10
After the Judgment of
separating the sheep from the goats, the saved go into the Millennial period
(Mt.25) the unsaved (goats) go into the fire, which is judgment. There
are two kinds of believers that will enter the Millennium. Those who have
come back with Christ (1 Thess. 4:14b) who are made eternal, been transformed,
and have glorified bodies. And those that are mortal that lived through
the Great Tribulation and survived (sheep). Those mortals will become the
non immortal race of man on earth which those who were made like Christ
in the resurrection will co rule and reign over (Rev.20:6). Isaiah states,
"There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath
not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but
the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed" (Isaiah 65:20).
During this Millennial period a 100-year-old person will die as a child,
if saved they will live to the extent of years (likened to Adams day),
v.22 for as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people.
(269) Was
Cain's sacrifice rejected because it was not like Abels, one of blood?
by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 2/25/10
God had ordained the
means of how man will approach Him in his sinful condition. The implication
is that they were taught to continually sacrifice for sin. We can assume
that Adam and Eve would have passed it on to their children Cain and Abel.
(270) Do
you love God? by Paul Proctor, 3/4/10
Frankly, I believe most
Christians dont have a clue what Jesus definition of love is. I have
alluded to it in previous columns, but it clearly needs to be addressed
again to correct the confusion being taught in many churches today.
(271) 95
Theses for a New Millennium by TruthWatch, 4/16/07
When will the Church
dare to defy the World? Truth Watch NZ calls for a 21st Century Reformation.
On 31st October 1517 Catholic theologian Dr Martin Luther pinned his famous
95 Thesis to a church door in Germanys Wittenberg, sparking a reformation
across a Europe then dominated by the Roman Catholic Church. Luther was
branded a heretic by the church he sought to reform. Out of the conflict
that followed emerged the protestant churches, new democratic nation states
and unprecedented freedom for evangelical Christians. On the 489th anniversary
of Luthers proclamation Truth Watch believes another reformation is needed!
(272) A
Whole Lot Of Wishful Thinking These Days
by Sandy Simpson, 2/5/10
In this article I want
to detail a number of beliefs people have these days that have no basis
in Scripture. I am going to roam all over the map, so to speak, and
try to give fairly short answers on a number of topics and also give you
useful links to articles that will help you deal with any particular issue.
It is truly amazing how many false ideas people cling to without giving
a thought to what the Bible has to say on the subject.
(273) Which
Jesus do you worship? by The Pilgrim, Defending, Contending,
March 14, 2010
False idols of who Jesus
is come in all shades and styles, but theres nothing thats created more
false idols of who Jesus is than mans own heart. Unfortunately, most people
have created a Jesus of their own liking, fashioned in the recesses of
their carnal minds (or created by some religious leader that theyve submitted
their lives and entrusted their souls to) and thats the Jesus they serve
and worship. Ironically, these false idols of Jesus bear a striking resemblance
to those who created them (and their desires), but very littleif anyresemblance
to the Jesus of the Bible.
(274) What
is the gospel and what would be considered changing it? by Mike
Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, 3/23/10
The Bible warns about
adding or subtraction. If one adds healing or speaking in tongues or baptism
to the gospel for ones to be saved they are changing the gospel message.
If one communicates the gospel can be learned through nature, the stars
or the pyramids they have mislead where it is found and how it is given.
The gospel is preached and it is about Jesus according to the Scripture:
It is received by hearing and believing it - by faith. There is no other
work included. Paul and the apostles preached the cross, Jesus Christ
and him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). it is the preaching of the cross that
contains the power of God unto salvation, because only by believing the
finished work of Jesus on the cross can save us from our sins. 1 Cor. 1:18:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.
(275) Charles
Spurgeon: Those who bury the Gospel with trash at Apprising Ministries,
3/28/10
The following excerpt
is from Under Constraint, a sermon preached Sunday morning 28 April 1878
at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London.
(276) Divination
Is Forbidden By God by Chris Lawson, Spiritual Research Network,
4/7/10
Divination: any attempt
to foretell the unknown by occult means. It is very clear that the God
of the Bible strictly forbids all forms of divination. This includes
all forms of mediumship, channeling, witchcraft [Wicca], occultism, psychic,
fortune telling, tarot cards, reading tea leaves, etc. Divination
is forbidden by God because it unlocks the door to the world of the demonic
and spiritual deception.
(277) Reflections
on a Reasonable Faith by The Berean Call, 4/12/10
A false idea exists in
both the world and in the church that faith and reason do not go together
when, in fact, one cannot exist without the other. When God called out,
"Adam, where art thou?" it was not Adam's physical location He was asking
about but his moral and spiritual relationship with his Creator. "What
happened to that relationship we once had, Adam? I miss it and am grieved."
As a bumper sticker says, "When you feel far from God, guess who moved?"
(278) Who
Can We Trust? by Mike Ratliff, 4/15/10
I have been in many separate
discussions with friends over that last several weeks and months pertaining
to the seeming escalation of growing apostasy all around us. Some have
lamented that it seems that there is no one who can be trusted anymore.
I made the comment last night to a friend that it was becoming increasingly
more difficult to trust the fruit of those who minister for money or whose
livelihood depended upon popularity. This is really nothing new. Our Lord,
in His Sermon on the Mount, told us to beware of false prophets who come
to us in sheeps clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
(279) What
is the Spirit of Antichrist? by Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason
Ministries, 4/19/10
John is the only writer
that gives the term antichrist and describes this topic in detail in his
letters 1 and 2 John. Though this is not the only way to describe the false
Christ working, it is insight into what His spirit will teach.
(280) The
Gospel Of Self by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 4/19/10
An interesting trend
is occurring in our society today. The long held Judeo-Christian belief
that human beings should concentrate on a God-centered focus for living,
is now being replaced by the view that self-centeredness should be the
ultimate goal for man. Is there any way to help understand this strange
phenomenon?
(281) Jeremiah's
Prayer by Sandy Simpson, ACT, 4/26/10
I am writing this article
as an encouragement to those Christians who use discernment, especially
the discernment/apologetics ministries. This passage was an encouragement
to me so I would like to pass along what the Lord showed me. Jeremiah's
prayer is reflected in our own prayers to the Lord when we find ourselves
under heavy attack from the enemy and from his servants.
(282) The
Importance Of Understanding Scripture by Chris Lawson, Spiritual
Research Network, 6/16/10
A simple definition of
Hermeneutics is the branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation,
especially of the Bible or literary texts. The following article seeks
to explain why a proper understanding of Biblical Hermeneutics is important.
We will look at the qualities we should seek and bring to our Scripture
reading and what we ought to leave behind. We will also look at some
of the hindrances to proper exegesis [interpreting Scripture]. We
will then seek to explain Paul the Apostles reasoning in 2 Corinthians
3:16-18, and how this passage shapes our hermeneutical goal of reflecting
the glory of Christ, by His Spirit, through us. But we all, with
open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into
the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
(2 Cor. 3:18) When we as believers in Christ manifest the fruit of
the Spirit of God (Gal. 5:22-23), we are progressively being transformed
(Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18) into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This
is the goal of the Christian walk (Eph. 4:22-23; Col. 3:10).
(283) The
Works-Salvation Delusion by The Berean Call, 5/29/10
Any attempt to merit
salvation by our works is not just futile--it is impossible: "For whosoever
shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of
all" (James 2:10). Worse yet, it is a denial of the infinite penalty that
God imposed, a rejection of God's "unspeakable gift," and a repudiation
of what Christ accomplished for us. It used to be that most evangelicals
would agree. This is no longer the case as the apostasy gathers momentum
in these Last Days. Recently, a Pew Forum survey of more than 40,000 Americans
found that 57 percent of those who said they were evangelicals believed
that Jesus is not the exclusive way to heaven. Since Jesus is the only
one who provides divine accomplishment, all that remains is the futile
delusion of human achievement for salvation.
(284) The
Days of Noah and Lot by Bill Randles, June 27, 2010
Jesus warned us that
the end of days would be just as it was in the time leading up to the flood
and also as in the last days of Sodom and Gommorah. The saying, the Days
of Noah and of Lot, has a specific meaning in scripture. We can identify
the end of time by what scripture says about those times. The days of Noah
have seven characteristics, according to Genesis 4-6 . God tells us that
those times were marked by; rapid advances in technology, a disregard for
marriage, a population explosion,a radical increase in corruption and violence,
the general rejection of the call to repentance,the loss of distinction
between the line of Seth and that of Cain, and open communion between Humans
and fallen angels.
(285) The
Shack Author Says: "The God of Evangelical Christianity is a Monster."
by Lighthouse Trails Research, June 30, 2010
This past Friday night,
author and researcher Ray Yungen attended a lecture at Concordia University
in Portland, Oregon to hear The Shack author William Paul Young. The name
of Young's talk was "Can God Really Be That Good?"
(286) The
"Unlovely" Ministry by Marvin Fieldhouse, 7/9/10
The minister or Christian
worker who has those unlovely things called convictions is a person who
seems to always be in trouble with someone. Any preacher who professes
to be standing true to the whole counsel of God and who is not out of joint
with all that God has an argument with, is not a true preacher of righteousness.
On the one hand a Christian must needs be a "savour of life unto life,"
and on the other, "a savour of death unto death." He must build up and
edify on the right, while tearing down and destroying on the left. The
ministry of exposing error to men's hearts is the one Jesus had. The world
cannot hate a convictionless Christian, because he cannot, does not, and
will not testify against it that the works thereof are evil. But to expose
evil and correct those who love sin--this takes a man of conviction, who
is absolutely delivered from himself.
Updated!
(287)
The
Tribulation by Mike Oppenheimer, 8/10
Why
the tribulation did not happen in 70 AD! Pt.1- Answering the the claims
of Preterists.
The
Tribulation according to the Book of Revelation Pt.2 - A look at the
prophetic events during this short time period.
Did
Jesus come in 70 AD? Pt.3 - Did Jesus return as Preterists claim- Are
we in the Millennium now?
Did
Jesus return in 70 AD as Preterists claim Pt.4 - The literal interpretation
of prophetic Scripture for accurate fulfillment.
(288) Christianity
Today's Anti-Christianity Today by The Berean Call, 8/10
Galli is "pretty happy"
driving down the road to hell? God is a Crazy Fellow? God is a Drama Queen?
I have two suggestions: 1) Send your reaction to Galli's article to the
founder and honorary chairman of CT, Billy Graham, noting what seems to
be the ultimate degeneration of what he started, and 2) Pray for Mark Galli,
that he will repent. "[Regarding the wicked] there is no fear of God before
his eyes" (Ps 36:1).
(289) Four
Ways Christians Are Being Deceived by Proclamation, Invitation
& Warning, written about 1990, Posted on this site about 1998, updated
6/19/10
The Lord put that and
similar verses in his Word to warn us of a reality of world history: Global
deception. And even those who profess to be Evangelical Christians are
susceptible to the Serpent's lie. "In the latter times some shall depart
from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
1 Timothy 4:1. Four ways that Christians are being deceived in our day
are: The Repackaged Lie, Blurred Distinctions, Unequal Yoking, Following
Gurus.
(290) Excerpts
from The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
Bonhoeffer was surrounded
by lukewarm pastors and cultural "Christians" who supported Hitler. To
most people in the established German Lutheran church, security and wealth
had become more important that God's precious Word and faithfulness to
Him. In prison, Bonhoeffer was separated from those who, like him, trusted
God. Compromise was not an option, so He put all his trust in God. (Of
course, so did Moses, Joseph, David, Paul and many others whose faith deepened
when totally separated unto God alone). These Scriptures remind us of such
tests and triumphs: "...the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked
one." 1 John 5:19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own.
Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world,
therefore the world hates you.... If they persecuted Me they will persecute
you... for they do not know the One who sent Me." John 15:19-2
(291) Discernment
Is Essential by Sandy Simpson, 8/29/10
I want to offer a concrete
suggestion on how to stem the tide of leaven coming into the churches.
I do this in light of criticism often leveled at discernment ministries
that they are only interesting in criticizing. Though we as believers
are to use discernment and be critical of false teaching, comparing everything
to the ultimate authority in the life of the believer, the written Word,
you will find that most discernment and apologetics ministries do a very
good job of offering both Biblical true teaching and practical suggestions
on how to implement it. What I am going to suggest to you is something
some churches are doing but I would like to see every church do ...
(292) The
Two Mysteries by Pastor Bill Randles, 9/1/10
The very essence of Biblical
spirituality is this, God had to come down to us, in the flesh, God became
a man, to save us from sin. The very antithesis of Biblical spirituality
is this Mystery of Iniquity, this principle of man ascending up unto God's
class. The polarization of Christians along these lines is upon us, and
the choice is becoming increasingly stark! In closing, Jesus poses a question
which I believe is directed to the last generation of believers, that on
the one hand, to some incurs serious heart searching, but on the other
hand, to the "new breed," the question is almost irrelevant in the light
of the great and mighty "revival" of signs, wonders and power sweeping
the earth. The question is: "Will the Son of Man find faith when He comes
to the earth?"
(293) Redefining
Jesus Christ: The Biblical Jesus Versus The Counterfeits by Christopher
Lawson, Spiritual Research Network, 9/3/10
More than any other time
in history, the world today is filled with false ideas and concepts of
who Jesus Christ really is. What Paul the Apostle called "another Jesus,
a different spirit, and different gospel" has plagued the world.
The purpose of this article is to point us back to the Bible and back to
the Biblical Jesus!
(294) Fuller
Seminary Found The World A Fickle Mistress by John MacArthur, 9/12/10
[A] new kind of modernism
is pushing Christians onto the down-grade. Why is it that biblical Christianity
in modern times has been so vulnerable to doctrinal compromise and worldly
influence? A fascinating historical account of the fundamentalist/evangelical
movement in microcosm is found in Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary
and the New Evangelicalism, by George Marsden. Tracing the history of one
influential institution, Marsden recounts in detail how Fuller Seminary
compromised and ultimately abandoned its commitment to biblical inerrancy.
(295) Relationships
and Religious Agendas by Paul Proctor, News With Views, September
15, 2010
Have you ever tried to
reason with a religious agenda? Its hard to do, isnt it? You can quote
Gods Word until youre blue in the face, but those who have fully invested
themselves into it will not be easily swayed even when it doesnt square
with scripture. Often, what comes into play is a mystical mindset and performance-based
pride involving a passion or vision. Persuaded with sentimental stories,
tender tears and a charming demeanor, a misguided group can, over time,
become spiritually deaf, dumb and blind to anyone and anything outside
that vision, including Gods Word following along with a misplaced faith
in someones persona, position or personal experience. This happens in
the Church today because Christians have largely relegated all things scriptural
over to leaders for interpretation having made ministers into magistrates
and pastors into priests relying on professionals to perceive Gods Will
for their lives rather than prayerfully reading and studying His Word for
themselves like the Bereans of Acts 17 who received the word with all
readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things
were so.
(296) Haters
of the truth by Mike Oppenheimer, 9/23/10
The truth entered a world
of darkness.
(297) Which
religion is true? by Matt Slick, CARM, 9/23/10
Jesus said, "I am the
way, the truth, and the life, and now comes the Father but by me," (John
14:6). Instead of looking at thousands of religious systems and finding
internal inconsistencies, facts that contradict the belief systems, or
try and determine whether or not each is falsifiable, let's take a look
at Christianity. Why? Because Jesus said that he alone was
the way to God the Father. If Jesus is right, then all other religions
are false since all other religions don't agree with what Jesus said.
(298) Regarding
the Pre-Trib Rapture argument that the Church is not mentioned after Revelation
4:1 by Sandy Simpson, 10/10/10
I am not going to start
a debate on the whether Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Pre-Wrath, Post-Trib or other
Premillennial Rapture scenarios are Biblically correct. They all
have a basis in Scripture. Pre-Tribers, however, sometimes try to
come off as if they have a corner on the market of truth. But one
of their arguments for a Pre-Trib rapture is not correct. I have
heard the argument time and again ... that a proof of a Pre-Trib Rapture
is that the "Church" is not mentioned after Revelation 4, therefore proving
that since the Church is not mentioned the Church is no longer on earth.
(299) The
Watchman by Scottish pastor Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)
He must remember that
he is a watchman; and, having seen danger pressing on, he must not hesitate
to make it known. He must speak his message of forewarning and rebuke,
sparing no arrows, and neither smoothing down nor hiding any form of sin,
but laying his finger upon every sore, and beseeching men to turn from
their ungodliness. The evils around him press upon him sadly; the coming
evils are foreshadowed upon his spirit, and, therefore, he lifts up his
voice like a trumpet.
(300) Dangers,
Toils and Snares by Allistair Begg, Truth For Life, 11/8/10
How are things going
these days? Is everything running as planned, or does it feel like youre
just barely hanging on? Maybe youre lonely, facing illness, stressed over
problems at work, or maybe youre just overwhelmed with a never-ending
stream of challenges. As you survey the landscape around you, all you can
see are more troubles on the horizon. Thankfully, we dont have to face
these twists and turns alone. In this series of messages, Alistair Begg
considers some of the most common dangers, toils, and snares that we encounter
in our daily lives, and he shows us how a knowledge of Gods character
and the Gospel will give us the tools we need to overcome both common and
uncommon challenges with a Biblical attitude. This is a series
of messages on this subject in MP3 or CD format.
(301) What
is the activity we call "discernment" really all about? by Better
Than Sacrifice Ministries, 11/21/10
What is discernment? Even
as I mention that word, a multitude of Bible passages leaps into our minds:
Ezekiel the watchman (Ez. 3; 33); Jesus warning of the false christs and
false prophets that will arise (Matt. 24); the Jews at Berea who searched
the Scriptures daily to find out whether Paul was teaching them the truth
(Acts 17); Paul telling the Thessalonians to test all things; hold fast
what is good (1 Thess. 5) and instructing Titus to reject a divisive
man after the first and second admonition (Titus 3); Peter warning about
false teachers who will secretly bring in destructive heresies (2 Peter
2). And many, many more all helpful to us in various ways.
(302) New
NIV Bible Still Draws Criticisms Over Gender-Related Passages at
Understanding The Times, 11/27/10
An update to the popular
NIV Bible that sought to resolve problems over gender-inclusive language
found in the controversial TNIV Bible is still drawing criticism from evangelicals.
(303) Doctrinal
Truth Bears The Image Of Christ by Ken Silva, 12/3/10
There are many modern
professing Christians who would be quick to very, very fervently profess
their love for Christ and his Word, that would also be just as quick to
reject any fervent defense of doctrinal truth. They would say they love
the Word, because they read it everyday; yet they simply see no need or
urgency to passionately defend the truth that the Word of God contains.
(304) Here
is Your God! (Audio Series) by Allistair Begg, 12/10
If you travel to India,
youll encounter a culture that is governed by the worship of hundreds
of deities. Western society is no different, although our gods and idols
tend to be much more subtle. But what are these gods and idols? Are they
real? How do they measure up to the God of the Bible? Any agent of the
treasury knows that the best way to identify a counterfeit is to study
the real thing. The same is true with God: we can identify false gods best
by studying and knowing the one true God. In this series of messages, Alistair
Begg examines the character traits of God that He reveals to us in the
Bible and through the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ. Learn how the
true God differs from the false idols we all set up in our hearts and how
a relationship with this God should impact every aspect of our lives.
(305) The
Spirit Of Truth by Herescope, 12/13/10
In these days of error,
it is most necessary that the children of God, who would not be entangled
in the snares of the enemy, should be well grounded and established in
the Truth*; and this by the teaching and testimony, work and witness of
the blessed Spirit. For want of this heavenly instruction, how many who
are weak in the faith or ignorant of Satans devices are caught with some
new view, some novel interpretation of a text, some subtle, plausible explanation
of a passage in which, could they see into the real intention of a passage
of the writer or speaker, they would at a glance perceive some abominable
heresy couched.
(306) Billy
Graham: "Some People Are Born Christians" by Ken Silva, Apprising
Ministries, 12/23/10
Some people are born
Christians, at least so says renouned Southern Baptist evangelist Billy
Graham according to the former President George W. Bush's book "Decision
Points".
(307) Naming
Names by Spirit of Error, 12/25/10
One of the criticisms
I hear most is that it is wrong for me to name names of people who promote
false teaching unless I first go to those teachers in private to address
my concerns with them. The implication is that no one should listen to
me if I havent followed the proper order going to the teacher first,
then going public. False teachers, themselves, often promote this idea
to shield themselves from criticism. But this is a misuse of the teaching
on church discipline found in Matthew 18:15-17. Heres an article I wrote
about this subject three years ago.
(308) December
24th Show: Discernment Ministries vs. Apologetics Ministries: Is there
a difference? by Jackie Alnor, Apostasy Alert, 12/27/10
Over the next several
years, ministries that followed Hunts lead, recognizing the prophesied
apostasy in the church via ecumenism with Rome, became labeled as discernment
ministries. The view that the false teachings in the church were
propelling the visible church toward a unification into a global false
religious system was not seen as a valid paradigm by the academic type
of apologists. So the latter tended to marginalize the former and look
down their noses at those who believe we are in the end times. That idea
just isnt very scholarly to them.
(309) Witnessing
with Bible Prophecy by Jackie Alnor, Apostasy Alert, 1/2/11
The natural outcome of
recognizing the signs of the times for the Christian should be the urgency
to share the gospel with others. It is inconceivable to think about the
looming wrath of God being poured out upon those we love who will be left
behind if they do not receive the free gift of salvation before the rapture.
(310) Does
It Really Matter What You Believe About God? by Ken Silva, 2/2/11
Does it really matter
what someone believes about God? That is an extremely important question,
and what Ill do now is to give you a sound answer by turning to the Bible
to see what the Lord has to say the subject. Another vital question we
should be asking today is: When is the church visible going to stop letting
the world tell it how to live?
(311) Be
Watchful! by Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Many in these days of
easy profession are likely to prove tares, and not wheat; hypocrites with
fair masks on their faces, but not the true-born children of the living
God. Christian, do not think that these are times in which you can dispense
with watchfulness or with holy ardor; you need these things more than ever,
and may God the eternal Spirit display his omnipotence in you, that you
may be able to say, in all these softer things, as well as in the rougher,
We are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
(312) Is
the Trinity taught in the Old Testament by Mike Oppenheimer, 3/1/11
From the beginning God
introduces himself to man as Elohim. In Gen .1:26 God (elohim) said let
us make man in our image, according to our likeness those engaged in
this conversation were all the same in nature and image. God could not
have been speaking to any heavenly creatures because none of them possesses
a divine nature like his. We know later there were Divine Persons. Each
person of the Godhead can think and communicate with the other. This verse
shows independent thought and cooperation within a plurality of his being.
This means whoever elohim is speaking to has the same power as him.
(313) Beck's
Bogus Beliefs by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 3/1/11
Glenn
Beck, the television and radio talk show host who is best known for his
conservative political views, isn't someone whom we would normally address
in our newsletter. Our concerns are usually directed at individuals, programs,
or organizations that promote spiritual or theological views contrary to
the Word of God. Beck, of late, seems to be making himself at home in that
realm, and he's attracting many who call themselves Bible-believing Christians.
(314) "Examine
yourselves to see whether you are in the Faith" by Sandy Simpson,
ACT, 3/3/11
2Co 13:5 Examine
yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do
you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you unless, of course, you fail
the test? People
who call themselves followers or Christ or "Christians" and claim they
are born again must believe certain things. If they do not then they
fail the test of faith. They can claim they are born again all they
want and "once saved, always saved" but if they fail the test of faith
there is no eternal security. Only God knows who will be saved, from
beginning to end, because of His foreknowledge and omniscience (Rom. 8:29,
1 Pet. 1:2). God did not make an arbitrary judgment about who would
be saved and who would not. His Spirit is given to those He foreknew,
when convicted of sin by His Holy Spirit, would choose to believe and commit
themselves to Jesus Christ. We are not God and we do not have His
omniscience. Therefore we must be sure our belief system is in the
right place once our eyes have been opened to the Truth. I am not
saying we do not have assurance of salvation, but our assurance comes not
only because of His Atonement and promises of salvation but from our continuing
in the Faith, which is always the Biblical criteria. Those who would teach
must teach according to the whole counsel of God's Word. Let me be clear.
There
is only one way to salvation. That is by grace alone through
faith alone in Christ alone. I will deal with a few of those issues
following, but it is important to recognize that being saved is not just
a matter of believing that Jesus lived, or that He was a man, or simply
giving mental ascent to His existence in whatever form. The Bible
gives this as the only criteria to be saved: Ac 16:31 31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
shalt be saved, and thy house. (KJV)
(315) Hold
On! by Sandy Simpson, 3/7/11
1 Tim. 4:1-2 But
the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from
the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with
a branding iron ... (NASB) If we are to pay attention and obey
the written Word we must listen to what the Holy Spirit says. It
is not I who wrote the above. I am simply reminding Christians that
in the end times some will fall away from the Faith. Clear and simple.
This is why the Lord reminds those who claim to be His followers that we
need to hold on till the end. The word for "hold on" is katecho meaning
hold, hold fast, keep, possess, stay, take, have, make. The Bible
tells believers to hold on and keep what they have till the end.
But what are we to hold on to?
(316) Standing
for the Gospel It is a Small Price to Pay by Roger Oakland, Understand
the Times International, 3/16/11
According to the Scriptures
and the events that we see happening around us, we are living in the last
days. The Bible states that the last days will be perilous. Websters Dictionary
defines the word perilous to mean dangerous, grave, threatening, unsafe,
and unhealthy. Does this not describe the world today? "This know also,
that in the last days perilous times shall come." 2 Timothy 3:1 There will
be many deceivers during this time. The blind will be leading the blind.
There will be wolves in sheeps clothing that desire to devour the sheep
and drive them to market. These wolves may know they are wolves, or they
may not. They are under strong delusion. The world is under strong delusion
as well.
(317) The
Solomon Syndrome by Roger Oakland, Understanding The Times, 3/28/11
Recently, a number of
circumstances have happened impacting my walk with Jesus Christ. This has
forced me to search my own heart and try to understand my own behavior
as well as the attitude and behavior of those who are attacking me. I have
come to the conclusion the best way to do this is to study the Scriptures.
All of us know Christian leaders who were once respected and used by God
as faithful servants. How is it possible then, you may ask, that someone
who started out dedicated to Christ and His Word and taught the Word, can
end up being trapped in a state of delusion? How can such a person be convinced
that he or she is above the Word of God and does not need correction?
This malady that permeates and infects Christian leadership in our world
today is what I call the Solomon syndrome. Great leaders are only great
if they faithfully follow Jesus and abide in His Word. Often great leaders
become great deceivers because they end up following Satan and their own
flesh. Because they have large followings, they are looked up to as great
men of the faith. Further, while they have led many astray, they may or
may not know they have done this because they are convinced they are Gods
agents.
(318) Battle
of the Mind - Part 1: Strongholds by Anton Bosch, 4/7/11
This series was produced
in 2004. Since then, many people have commented on the help it has been.
I have re-edited the articles and am publishing them again, in the hope
that more people will be helped by these thoughts.
(319) 40
Irrefutable Signs of the Last Generation by Dr. Noah Hutchings,
Date: April 19, 2011 Host: Vic Eliason Guest: Usama
Dakdok
Dr. Noah Hutchings is president
of Southwest Radio Ministry in Oklahoma City. He has written more than
100 books and booklets covering many Bible related themes. He has traveled
to many places around the world in his lifetime and his 40 trips to Israel
and the Middle East helps to make him uniquely qualified to speak on the
issue of signs related to last-days events. While Dr. Hutchings doesnt
set specific dates for Christ's return, Christians cant ignore the fact
that 40 is the biblical number of probationary judgment. In light of that,
Dr. Hutchings uses his time on Crosstalk to explain how hes been able
to document 40 signs that he believes point to the last generation that
will see the return of Christ; signs that are relative to today's world.
Listen: RealAudio
| Windows Media
| MP3
(320) The
Old Rugged Cross by Crossroad, 4/23/11
To a world bent on social
unity and moral laxity, the cross stands as a divisive and humiliating
obstacle. Attempts to minimize its offense through laws and intimidation
have bullied both secular and church leaders into continual compromise.
Public crosses are demolished or hidden; Bibles are forbidden in schools,
the traditional days for celebrating the resurrection have been renamed
"spring break;" and countless corporations and government agencies ban
cross-shaped pins or jewelry. Even Jesus Himself has become a popular target
for media mockery and ridicule!
(321) What
Have We Become? by Paul Proctor, News With Views, April 27, 2011
The command from Jesus was so simple: Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15) How complicated
is that? The world is right outside our door; and yet, look at the church
today and what those claiming to be His disciples and witnesses are actually
conveying to that world just in the latest headlines alone:
'Church Sucks' But Come Anyway?
Many Born-Again Christians Hold Universalist Views
Utah church offers free Korans in Easter gesture
Worst place to Celebrate Easter Is in Church, Says Pastor
Nashville-area church offers drive-thru prayer
Church's 'Dance Your Shoes Off' video goes viral
Survey Reveals Decade-Long 'Erosion' of Traditional U.S. Congregations
'A Massive Shift Coming in What it Means to Be a Christian"
Is it any wonder there is so much confusion about Who Jesus is,
what He did and what He taught and that so many frustrated Bible believers
are wandering from church to church these days looking for someone to simply
preach it and teach it as it is written?
(322) Does God
continue to give us new Revelation, new words to Scripture? by
Mike Oppenheimer, 5/4/11
You are not led by the Spirit to challenge the word as true or disobey
it. You are led by the Spirit to accept it and live it.
Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep
My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make
Our home with him."He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and
the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.(John
14:23-24) So to show you love the savior means you keep, believe, obey
his word (which is written for us), not anothers. It is then we can be
fruitful and have the joy that he wants to give in our lives.
(323) Living in an age
of lies by Mike Oppenheimer, 5/10/11
We are in the time of lying, in both politics and religion. The
lie is told so easily and boldly and the truth is told so weakly and inefficiently.
We have been fed lies portion by portion, piece by piece for so long that
the lie has become as the truth. And no one wants to believe lies have
encompassed the way the church conducts her practices.
Updated! (324) Battle
of the Mind by Pastor Anton Bosch, Herescope, 5/15/11
(Anton's Note: This series was produced in 2004. Since then, many
people have commented on the help it has been. I have re-edited the articles
and am publishing them again, in the hope that more people will be helped
by these thoughts.) Read Part
1,
Part
2, Part
3 & Part
4.
(325) The forgotten command
of Discipleship for personal growth, multiplication and health of the church
by Mike Oppenheimer, 6/14/11
We are to be Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught
(Titus 1:9). Paul explains Gods preservation process for the church is
to continue, The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses,
commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2
Timothy 2:2). The modern church has a problem: few are able to teach, few
are faithful men.
(326) This Is A
War Breifing by T.A. McMahon, 6/15/11
It is imperative that everyone who follows Jesus Christ understands
that we are in a war. It's a war that is spiritual, but it may have physical
consequences. If you're not aware that you are in that kind of war, you
very likely have already been taken captive. If you are a pacifist in this
war, you have been at least effectively neutralized. Neutrality is capitulation.
There is no fence-sitting as the battle rages. Jesus said that he who is
not with Him is against Him (Matthew 12:30). So, if we are indeed in a
war, what's it all about? It's a war for the hearts of humanity--and the
adversaries are God and Satan.
(327) Critical
To Know Your Bible by Ken Silva, 6/16/11
Sadly, by the way we live todayand the ease in which a rapidly
increasing number of serpentine deceptions are slithering into the mainstream
evangelical campwe are demonstrating that theres far too much of our
opening text within the visible Christian church today. Take for example
the sinfully ecumenical Emergent Church aka the Emerging Church; this was
from its evil inception a rebellion against the proper Christian spirituality
of sola Scriptura and has now with its postmodern form of Progressive Christian
theology raised a barrier up against the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(328) Back
To BasicsRob Pue Commentary on VCY America, 6/16/11
Rob described how Christians reflect far too many of the worlds
values. This is most obviously seen in todays seeker-friendly church
movement. However, if seeker friendliness isnt what the Bible calls
us to, what is our responsibility as Christians? Are there some basics
we can begin with that we need to get back to? Find out what Crosstalk
callers had to say as well when you review this timely edition of Crosstalk.
(329) Is
The Trinity A Philosophical Contradiction? by Jacob Allee, CARM,
6/20/11
Many people who reject the biblical doctrine of the Trinity do because
of confusion and misunderstanding. They think we are saying the Bible teaches
that God is one person and God is three persons at the same time and in
the same way. If that was actually what we were saying then the Trinity
would indeed be a logical contradiction. However, when properly understood
that God is one being who exists as three persons, and we understand
the difference between the words being and person, then there is no
logical contradiction in the Trinity. The fact of the matter is that God
is simply a different kind of being than human beings, containing more
persons in His existence than humans. Some will say but there is nothing
else like this to which we can point! We as Christians say Amen. There
is no one like our God! It is exactly for this reason that we should not
try to explain God by comparing Him to things in this world, because there
is nothing to which He can be compared.
(330) Testing
the Ego For Discernment by End Time Delusion, 6/25/11
Ever since his resounding victory over man in the Garden of Eden,
the enemy has recognized that the best place to attack is at the weak point
in human nature mans sense of pride and ego. The more Satan can inflate
mans sense of pride and attack his sense of humility, the more victories
will be won in his name.
(331) The
Value of Our Souls What Price Are You? by Lighthouse Trails,
6/27/11
In our last article, How Much Does the Gospel Weigh?, we examined
the idea of placing a value on the Gospel. We saw how the prophet Zechariah
had predicted centuries before that the price man would place on Jesus
would be weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:13).
All of this was predicted and then happened about five hundred years later
as if God was making a profound statement on how Jesus, who was despised
and betrayed by man for so very little, from Gods perspective had immeasurable
value. What Jesus did for us at Calvary cannot be measured by monetary
value; in fact, as we have seen, the Gospel becomes the standard by which
everything else is valued and measured. Now, for the moment, lets turn
our thoughts to ourselves, and again using the idea of placing a value
on something, examine our value, both from mans perspective and Gods
perspective.
(332) Seduction:
A Primer for Persecution? by T. A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 7/1/11
For the last three decades, Dave Hunt and I have addressed many
trends and teachings that have influenced the evangelical church, particularly
in the United States. Our concern has focused primarily on unbiblical beliefs
and practices that were turning Christians away from the Word of God. Twenty-five
years ago, we wrote The Seduction of Christianity, a rather controversial
book that was motivated by feedback from those who had read Dave's earlier
books and had watched the film documentaries to which I had contributed
in the early eighties. Some dealt specifically with religious cults (Cult
Explosion, The God Makers, etc.). Responses from Christians who read those
books and watched the films, however, alerted us to the fact that the cult
beliefs that we identified were also being taught in their churches, which
were being influenced by leading Charismatic and Word/Faith teachers. Those
same false teachers were also spreading cultish doctrines throughout the
country on Christian television networks.
(333) The
Warning by Roger Oakland, 7/26/11
There is a pattern we find throughout the Word of God. God
always warns before He brings judgment on sinful man. God is merciful and
never reacts quickly without giving sinners a chance to repent. While He
hates sin, He has often allowed men to carry on even if they do not respond.
However there are always consequences of sin. The Bible states that
the wages of sin is death. Often sin is exposed publically, and others
are reminded to get right with God.
(334) SENSUAL
or SPIRITUAL? - Dance and Worship by Pastor Larry DeBruyn, 8/12/11
Its difficult to get people to come to church said A.W. Tozer,
when the only attraction is God. So churches now offer enticements. Driven
by the wants and needs of the audience, people come to church for therapy.
Expository preaching from the Bible is down, but entertainment is up. Welcome
to the church of Me.
(335) "Are
We Fundamentalists?" by Dr. Peter Masters, 8/14/11
THERE ARE NOW TWO KINDS OF EVANGELICAL.... The old is the authentic,
biblical position. The new is far off the track, not in its basic
view of salvation, but in its readiness to compromise with doctrinal error
and worldly ways. The new is selling the faith for earthly respect and
recognition... and churches are being ruined.
(336) Only
Scripture by Pastor Anton Bosch, 8/31/11
One of the non-negotiable essentials of orthodox Christianity has
always been the completeness of Scripture. By completeness we mean that
the Bible (66 books) is the complete and final revelation of God to man.
Nothing is to be added to the Scriptures, nothing is to be taken away from
it, and nothing is to be placed above, or next to it (in authority or priority).
The Bible stands on its own, is complete, and is the final measure by which
every other doctrine, statement, creed or revelation is to be judged.
(337) The Less Than
Truthful "Truth Project" by T. A. McMahon, 9/1/11
In summary, The Truth Project, in our view, is akin to a troop support
ship with a mixture of supplies aboard that need to be carefully scrutinized.
More importantly, if the ship's compass is off even a few degrees, the
vessel will not reach its intended port. TTP has some excellent content
along with some erroneous teachings, but its "intended port" of transforming
the world is not on the course set by the Scriptures.
(338) Touch
Not Mine Anointed by Kevin Reeves, 9/1/11
Perhaps the single biggest factor hindering acknowledgment and genuine
repentance of false doctrine is the unwillingness for believers to relinquish
the superstar status of their spiritual heroes. And how many times had
our [church] leadership supported this by telling us not to name names?
It was the one thing above all others that tied my hands and put a gag
in my mouth. Although I was told to go ahead and speak to whomever I wanted
to within our group, such presentations were always followed up with appropriate
damage control by the leadership. And I was forbidden to breach the unwritten
hyper-charismatic code and expose people like Kenneth Copeland during the
times I filled the pulpit ...
(339) Defending Apologetics
by Sandy Simpson, 9/7/11
Why is it that "Christian" leadership, when documented as having
taught false teachings or having done unbiblical things publicly and then
those things are exposed publicly, have a conniption fit? They berate
those who want to warn them and others not to teach falsely and want you
to contact them personally or want to have a private meeting to talk about
it. But then if you do contact them personally or have a meeting
all you meet with is "attitude" and nothing gets changed. What is
the use of that? Why do people who may have been true biblical teachers
turned false teachers assume they have the right to air what they do in
public but those who refute do not have the same rights?
(339) An
Examination and Critique of Claimed Visits to Heaven and Hell by
Justin Peters, Worldview Times, 9/21/11
These accounts are extra-biblical and often unbiblical. They
divert attention away from the true power of God, the Gospel (Rom. 1:16),
and emphasize subjective experiences. They may be motivational in
a superficial sense but they are not capable of convicting people of their
sin and need of the Savior. In the words of hymn writer John Keith,
"How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord is laid for your faith in
His excellent Word. What more can He say than to you He hath said?
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?" What more can He say to
us, dear friends, than what He has already said?
(340) Dangers,
Toils and Snares: End Time Warnings by Jenn Lawson, 9/26/11
The 2011 Women on the Watch Conference entitled Dangers, Toils
and Snares in the End Times was held in the middle of the southland on
the border of Orange County and Los Angeles county, in the city of Cypress
in mid-September. One would expect thousands of women to show up,
but it was a small turn out with about 200 people. Speakers with
pre-Christian backgrounds in the New Age/New Spirituality movement, witchcraft
and the occult gave their testimonies and warned about how these things
have not only crept into Christian churches, but are boldly and blatantly
being accepted by many undiscerning people who attend these churches.
This begs the question - Are Christians being deceived and falling away
from Biblical truth?
(341) Is Your Eschatology
Showing? by T. A. McMahon, 10/10/11
What does the Bible say regarding the living out of a Premillennial
eschatology? First of all, the doctrine is characterized primarily as a
believer's "blessed hope": "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:12-13).
Verse 12 indicates what our lives should be like as we are "looking for
that blessed hope": "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world;" John, the beloved, and likely the last of the apostles to go to
be with Jesus, gives us this exhortation, which no doubt he himself lived
out: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what
we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him
purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:2-3).
(342) The
Tragedy of Self-deception by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things,
August/September 2011 - Volume 17, Issue 4
The fact that we are easily self-deceived should surprise no Christian
for, as the inspired prophet Jeremiah wrote centuries ago, The heart is
more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick, who can understand
it (Jere 17:9)? Jeremiah quickly adds, I, the Lord, search the heart and
I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according
to the results of his deeds. (v.10). However, this deceitful heart, which
each of us inherits as a result of the fall, leaves us in a bit of a quandary.
How are we supposed to function so as to walk authentically before the
Lord? If even the best and most sincere can be deceived by their own hearts,
then how can we have confidence that any of our actions, thoughts or motives
are pure? How can we be sure that we are not deluding ourselves no matter
how hard we try to live in integrity?
(343) Spiritual
Warfare by Berit Kjos, 10/24/11
We don't hear much about spiritual warfare these days. Most churches
seem to ignore the reality of Satan and the depravity he inspires. God's
warnings about compromise with a corrupt world simply don't fit the new
image of Jesus as a gentle, tolerant, pluralistic helper. Read Part
1, Part
2, Part
3 & Part
4.
(344) The Day Christ
Was Born by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, 12/1/11
Regardless of the day, Christ's virgin birth into this world as
a babe was an event of such stupendous proportions that Paul declared:
"great is the mystery..." (1 Tm 3:16)!
(345) Never
Trifle With False Doctrine by J.C. Ryle, 12/12/11
The whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, must be our rule of
faith nothing added and nothing taken away. Finally, let us draw a broad
line of distinction between those things in religion which have been devised
by man, and those which are plainly commanded in Gods word. What God commands
is necessary to salvation. What man commands is not. What man devises may
be useful and expedient for the times; but salvation does not hinge on
obedience to it. What God requires is essential to life eternal. He that
wilfully disobeys it ruins his own soul.
(346) What has become
of apologetics and why do it? by Mike Oppenheimer, 12/24/11
Apologetics is to be a defense of the faith; it is about the gospel
and anything that pertains to the Bible. Basically it is answering objections
and challenges to the word and the one way to God made through Jesus Christ.
We are told by Peter But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always
be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope
that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15)
(347) The
Symptoms of Seduction by Spirits by Discernment Research Group,
1/18/12
The warning is plain. There are false voices, impressions, experiences,
prophecies, and signs and wonders that cleverly counterfeit themselves
to be authentic-experiential encounters with the afterlife. These spiritual
experiences can seem genuinely real, perfectly timed and intimately personal
as they speak to our needs and comfort our hearts. But even as they may
seem to meet our emotional and spiritual needs, we must acknowledge our
vulnerability to spiritual deception and therefore measure these experiences
by the full counsel of Gods Word, all the while knowing that such encounters
are unprecedented in and therefore unsanctioned by Holy Scripture, which
reveals to human hearts the true work of the Holy Spirit (See John 5:39;
15:26).
(348) Judge not, that ye be not judged.
by William MacDonald, One Day At A Time, 1998
People who know little else about the Bible often know this verse
and use it in a most bizarre way. Even when a person is criticized for
unspeakable wickedness, they piously gurgle, Judge not, that ye be not
judged. In other words, they use the verse to forbid any condemnation
of evil.
(349) President
Obama and the Bible by Michael Youssef, One News Now, 2/4/12
Many of us who are biblical scholars have watched Mr. Obama's use,
or should I say abuse, of the Bible with dismay.
(350) Churchianity,
Christianity or Christ by Mike Oppenheimer, 2/20/12
Our faith is to be toward our savior, our walk is with our savior;
our life is about our savior Christ Jesus, who is God. He came to rescue
us from a fallen world, that had death and evil as the result of the fall
which has become the natural way of life. Christ taught what is right or
wrong from the Old Testament and gave us further teachings as our New Testament.
Christianity is about Jesus, the living savior, the first to rise from
the dead and live eternally. This is what Paul meant by We preach Christ
crucified and yet he would tell the church I fear, lest somehow, as the
serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted
from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Cor. 11:3)
(351) Why
stories of trips to heaven are unscriptural by Justin Peters, 3/1/12
Video on the subject of people claiming they went to heaven.
(352) Do The Truths Of Ezekiel 13 Still
Apply Today? by Sandy Simpson, 3/1/12
God is going to bring down the false global religion that is already
here consisting of ecumenism, interfaithism and false teachings and prophecies
of all kinds, just as He promised to break down the whitewashed wall the
false prophets built up to deceive Israel. God will ultimately protect
both His Church and those who actually belong to it who have not been turned
aside by myths and false teachings. Do you think this chapter still applies
or is it ancient history? Let me illustrate how these timeless truths
apply just as much today as to when God had repeatedly told Israel they
were headed for captivity if they listened to the counsel of false prophets.
God has warned us ahead of time that we of the end times churches will
see a falling away and many will be deceived.
(353) Beware
Of Angels From The Dark Side by Marsha West, 3/28/12
Angels fascinate people. For years weve been inundated with
books, calendars, stationery, folklore, jewelry, knickknacks, lunch boxes,
tattoos, even cherubic trash containers. People cant get enough
of angels! Stories of angelic encounters abound on the Internet.
You ask, Do you have a problem with angels? Well, yes. And herein
lies the problem. The messengers are not necessarily angels of light
as people have been led to believe. Many angel enthusiasts have actually
met heavenly visitors from the dark side. Even self-professed Christians
are deceived. How can this be? Shouldnt Christians be able
to discern whats real and whats counterfeit? Not necessarily.
Biblically illiterate Christians are easy to fool.
(354) Spiritual
Abuse and the Book of Galatians by Barb Orlowski, 4/4/12
Therefore, though Galatians initially looks like it is dealing with
legalism in the Christian churches there, what Paul was correcting was
a far deeper probleman entirely erroneous belief that was fraught with
the potential to undermine the true Gospel of Christ. Once the reader of
the Book of Galatians grasps what the main issue at stake was, then this
book will hold a far richer understanding. From that key perspective, the
idea of church leaders changing Christian beliefs today, by adding or
subtracting from the true Gospel message, can be followed with interest.
The need is to question if there is anything that would lead a follower
of Christ away from sole reliance on him as Savior and Lord. This would
gauge if a belief system is sub-Christian and, therefore, would need to
be condemned.
(355) Refute
False Doctrine Or Adapt It by Ken Silva, 4/5/12
Unfortunately, today too much of the church visible is not willing
to refute those who oppose sound doctrine and instead has become more like
Peter was before back in Mark 8:33. This would lead to a most startling
rebuke from our Lord; Who clearly told His disciple that he actually held
a view that originates from Satan Get behind me, Satan! For you are
not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.
(356) Old
or Just Sensitive? - The New (Age) Music in the Churches Today
by Pastor John Shipman, 4/10/12
Im a forty year old but one would think Im eighty years old! That
is if you listen to worship in todays churches. Gone are the days of lovely,
Word inspired hymns. No, it will not attract the young crowd! See why I
am feeling old? The well-dressed choir has been replaced with head-banging
young children, jumping up and down. The song with words that you can hear
and understand has changed into a blur of noise with screams that hurt
my ears (Old Gump!)
(357) Concerned
to Discern by Pastor Larry DeBruyn, 4/16/12
As could be agreed upon by most believers, Christians have the right,
even the duty, to evaluate and hold accountable to Holy Scripture those
who profess the evangelical faith but who, for reason of their manifest
beliefs and behaviors, appear to be departing from the faith.
(358) Heaven
by Anton Bosch, 4/16/12
Most people, whether Christians or not, have some ideas about a
future life that could be called heaven. Many of those ideas are misguided
or plain wrong and sadly, even reasonably well taught Christians may have
wrong ideas of what heaven is all about. In a recent Time magazine article,
the author said that many Christians are beginning to understand that heaven
really is about making this earth a better place. I think he is right
that is what many people believe. But they are wrong. We cannot make this
earth into heaven. Unfortunately, that is the agenda of much of the church
today. They believe that the purpose of the church is to create heaven
on earth and they work very hard to change the various structures of this
world.
(359) The
Gospel Test: Do Your People Really Know the Good News by The Berean
Call, 4/27/12
Imagine waiting outside the doors of the sanctuary of any evangelical
church in America with a video camera and a microphone at the end of the
Sunday morning service. Your mission? To interview 10 random members of
the congregation with a simple question, "If I were not a Christian and
you were to explain the gospel to me what would you say?"
Updated! (360) Outcome-Based
Conversion: By Man's Machinations or God's Ministration? by Larry
DeBruyn, 5/4/12 - Read Part
1, Part
2 & Part
3.
In America over the last two centuries, no event has become more
associated with the evangelical-fundamentalist movement than the altar
call. In evangelistic campaigns, revival crusades, and many church services,
the altar call is synonymous with winning souls to Jesus Christ, or calling
backslidden believers to repent and return to the Lord.
(361) Discernment
Detractors: Calling Good Evil by Warren Smith, 5/17/12
While our Adversary furiously attempts to undermine the importance
of discernment by ridiculing it, we are not ignorant of his devices (2
Corintians 2:11).
(362) Don't
Be Fooled By Deluded Deceivers by Ken Silva, 5/24/12
Since God cannot change, the spiritually mature should see that
the point is still the same: Its one thing to say you belong to God, but
its quite another to have the life to back it up. You dont think that
the Pharisees had any good works; of course they did, but they loved the
approval of men, just the same as Rick Warren and Rob Bell and Joel Osteen
and Pope Benedict XVI seem to today. I exhort you, dont be fooled by deluded
deceivers any longer because this is what the Lord says to those who are
...
(363) Isaiah 1:18 speaks
to us today by Mike Oppenheimer, 6/5/12
God invites unreasonable people to reason with Him. It is God that
initiates the conversation.
(364) As
Iniquity Abounds by ApostasyWatch, 6/7/12
There can be little doubt that we live in a culture in which iniquity
abounds. Much of the visible church here in the west is busily engaged
in a great culture war, attempting to stem the tide of evil that has enveloped
our nation. We are told that every political election today is the most
important of our lifetime. If only we will elect the right leaders and
expel the evil doers from positions of power, our nation will be restored
to its former greatness. The church has come to believe that engaging the
culture in this manner is what being salt and light is all about. I believe
we have greatly missed the mark.
(365) The
Authority Of Scripture by William Webster, 6/12/12
Jesus clearly taught that Scripture is inspired by God. He regarded
it as truthinfallible, inerrant, historically reliable, authoritative
for living, and an all-sufficient rule of faith.
(366) Resources For Pastors
by Sandy Simpson, 6/17/12
This article was originally written and published in my Pacific
Waves Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 - March 2002 sent out to hundreds of
pastors and church leaders in Micronesia. It contains recommended
resources as well as those that are not recommended.
(367) The
Spirit of Error by J.C. Philpot, 6/27/12
Whether we set forth truth or whether we expose error, and we can
scarcely do the one without at the same time performing the other, the
Word of God must ever be the grand armoury whence we take the weapons of
our spiritual warfare. This is both apostolic precept and apostolic practice.
"Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Eph. vi. 17).
"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet. iv. 11).
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the
pulling down of strongholds" (2 Cor. x. 4).
(368) The
Watchman by Horatius Bonar, 7/29/12
"Some one, then, must undertake the ungracious task of probing and
laying bare the evils of the age; for men must not be allowed to congratulate
themselves that all is well. If others will not, he will.
(369) Was
Paul a Pragmatist? by Pastor Larry DeBruyn, 8/3/12
All of the aforementioned, and more, seek justification from a statement
in the Bible where Paul wrote, I have become all things to all men, that
I may by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22b). Contortedly, contemporaries
interpret this verse to provide apostolic endorsement to do anything to
reach anyone. Such a ministry motif is pragmatism, a belief that legitimates
any practice so long as it achieves the presumed result of saving some.
To the pragmatist, the end justifies the means.
(370) Vain
Imaginations - Speculative Ideas and Enthusiastic Visionary Ramblings
by J.C. Philpot, 8/8/12
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to
the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation
of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13.) "Be sober," adds the Apostle, or,
as the word might be translated, be "watchful." Sobriety in religion is
a blessed gift and grace. In our most holy faith there is no room for lightness.
The things which concern our peace are solemn, weighty matters, and if
they lie with any degree of weight and power on our spirit, they will subdue
that levity which is the very breath of the carnal mind.
(371) The
Evils Within the Church by Horatius Bonar, 8/17/12
His voice (Jude) is that of Elijah or John the Baptist. It is the
voice of one crying in the wilderness. He speaks to the declining churches
of his day. He speaks to the Church of the last days. It is against the
evils within the Church that he specially warns. What a picture does he
draw of error, licentiousness, worldliness, spiritual decay, and ecclesiastical
apostasy! Who could recognize the image of the primitive Church in the
description he gives of prevailing iniquity? The world had absorbed the
Church, and the Church was content that it should be so
(372) Can
Liberal Christianity Be Saved? at The Berean Call, Douthat, New
York Times Online, 7/14/12
Today, by contrast, the leaders of the Episcopal Church and similar
bodies often dont seem to be offering anything you cant already get from
a purely secular liberalism. Which suggests that perhaps they should pause,
amid their frantic renovations, and consider not just what they would change
about historic Christianity, but what they would defend and offer uncompromisingly
to the world.
(373) Judge
NotJudge All Things by Cornelius R. Stam, 9/1/12
Away, then, with the use of such passages as II Timothy 2:24 and
Matthew 7:1 merely as excuses for irresponsibility and for the criticism
of those who seek to stand true to God and His Word. Let us rather consider
prayerfully all that God says about judging, that we might truly please
and honor Him.
(374) Question:
We are trying to stand to defend the faith and have come across people
believing in the evidence of gold dust, jewels from heaven.... If we stick
to the Word-based miracles onlyis that limiting God? by The Berean
Call, 9/2/12
Gods servants are not validated by the most amazing miracles. To
the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah:8:20To the law and to
the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them.). Some point to Acts:16:20And brought them to
the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble
our city,, which reads, And they went forth, and preached everywhere,
the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.
Please note, however, the signs confirmed the word. The word
remains the focus. There may be all sorts of wonderful signs, but if the
word is deficient, the signs are of no value.
(375) When lies become
more abundant than the truth by Mike Oppenheimer, 9/20/12
What is a lie? It is like darkness to the light. A lie does not
contain the truth no lie is of the truth (I Jn 2:21). Light does not contain
darkness, they are not a mixture. A lie distorts the truth and makes it
into something other than its nature. Truth is often understood as the
opposite of what is false; more accurately it is the absence of falsehood.
It takes integrity and courage to tell the truth, especially in place of
an opposition. The truth can hurt but it will always yield good fruit when
it is accepted and adhered to. It takes integrity to tell the truth. Unfortunately,
in our day, lies are more common than the truth. There is a raging battle
of truth against lies.
(376) Why should You believe
the Bible is the source for all we need to live and grow for a spiritual
life? by Mike Oppenheimer, 10/7/12
It is written, is a common used phrase in the Old Testament. So
when we come to the New Testament it would be expected for Jesus to constantly
state it is written, along with "Have you not read as well as numerous
other statement that referred to looking to the Scripture. He did not mention
anything else to look to. Even after His resurrection when he met his disciples
He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was
still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in
the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He
opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures
(Luke 24:44-45). The Scriptures alone were pointed to verify who he was
what he said and what he would fulfill. Read Part
1 & Part 2.
(377) The
Bible Literacy of Teenage Believers by The Berean Call, 10/13/12
Youth ministry researcher Chap Clark says, Im convinced that the
single most important area where weve lost ground with kids is in our
commitment and ability to ground them in Gods Word. As a result, Barry
Shafer says, The church today, including both the adult and teenage generations,
is in an era of rampant biblical illiteracy. Duffy Robbins takes this
one step further when he says: Our young people have become incapable
of theological thinking because they dont have any theology to think about.
And, as Paul warns us, this leaves us as infants, tossed back and
forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching
(Ephesians:4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,
and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;).
(378) What
is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis? by GotQuestions?.org,
10/22/12
Answer: Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in
Bible study. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based
on a careful, objective analysis. The word exegesis literally means to
lead out of. That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions
by following the text. The opposite approach to Scripture is eisegesis,
which is the interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical
reading. The word eisegesis literally means to lead into, which means
the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever
he wants.
(379) Testing
the Genuineness of our Faith by Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Untested faith may be true faith, but it is sure to be small faith,
and it is likely to remain little as long as it is without trials. Faith
never prospers so well as when all things are against her: Tempests are
her trainers, and bolts of lightning are her illuminators.
(380) Evangelicals
Rejecting God's Word by The Berean Call, 10/30/12
I believe fundamentalist defection has more to do with a spiritual
heart condition rather than home schooled kids being unable to defend YEC
in college. It wasnt a matter of bad science being challenged by unanswerable
evidence. It was a matter of an unconverted heart.
(381) Spiritual
Warfare by Berit Kjos, Crossroad, 11/4/12
Read Part
1, Part
2, Part
3 & Part
4.
(382) The
Gospel as the True Armor of God Deliverance from Demons as Transfer of
Dominion by Bob DeWaay, Critical Issues Commentary, 11/8/12
It is not where demons are in relationship to us; it is where we
are in relationship to Christ that is the worldview of the Biblical writers.
Those who have believed the gospel are transferred from one spiritual domain
to another. But while we physically reside in this world, we are surrounded
by spiritual forces of darkness. My thesis is this the gospel is the
armor of God in which we must stand.
(382) A Trip To Hell? by Sandy
Simpson, 11/8/12
I am writing this article to expose yet another trip to hell story
making the rounds on the web. There is a PowerPoint presentation
about it and people who get it are being urged to forward it to ten more
people. Before I get into commenting on this story, which is quoted
in full from the PowerPoint, I need to help you understand how to discern
these types of stories. One of the most important ways is to compare
what is said with what the Bible teaches, both in the actual account of
hell we have there as well as comparing it to what the Bible teaches doctrinally
and about Jesus Christ. The full text of the PowerPoint is in red
while my comments are in black.
(383) Raping
Old Testament Narratives To Promote False Teaching by Dr. Orrel
Steinkamp, 11/17/12
This title is purposefully alarming in order to get the attention
of the reader. Perhaps a little less volatile word could be abuse. Rape
or abuse is to take something by force that is not yours for the taking.
It is abuse when Scripture is mislabeled and misapplied. Violence is done
to the message and meaning of Scripture
(384) Confronting Abusive Leaders
from Chris Lawson, Vimeo video, 11/29/12
Are abusive leadership tactics and "the fear of man" pressing you
down into submissive silence?
(385) Judge
Not! ... and you will not be judged by Philip Powell, CWM, 12/6/12
Judge Not or Do Not Judge is an often-quoted verse of the Bible
by Christians, pseudo-Christians and non-Christians alike. This is especially
true in the todays neo-pagan, politically correct Western world, where
judge not has been elevated to the status of the golden rule. Similarly,
the second half of the verse of Scripture, from which this phrase comes,
seems to have been re-hashed into a get out of jail free card type idea.
But does this verse, Matthew 7:1, say, or mean: Do not judge AND you will
not be judged?
(386) The Queen James
Bible, the Gay Bible by Matt Slick, CARM, 12/22/12
The Queen James Bible, also known as the gay Bible, is a new assault
on biblical orthodoxy and sexual purity. This is to be expected in a world
of moral relativism and sexual perversions. the 1769 King James Bible
has been reproduced with only a very few select verses altered. Those verses
are listed below and analyzed. I hope that you will see that the Queen
James Bible is a perversion of the original text and is the result of obvious
prejudices against the truth of God's word.
(387) Postmodern
Infiltration: The Neoevangelical Heretical Idea by Herescope, 12/28/12
Separation is not a passive activity. In these perilous times, believers
are called upon more than ever to be on guard against the seductions of
heretical teachings and their teachers. It is a defensive posture that
requires standing firm on the Word, and continually filtering every teaching
through the lens of the whole counsel of Scripture. To avoid heresy requires
active resistance on the part of the believer. Sometimes a believer must
physically flee from temptation and its circumstances.
(388) Can
A Goat Be A Sheep? by Rick Frueh, 12/30/12
This is a dangerous and eternally diabolical situation. How many
church members are not born again? How many preachers are hirelings? How
many churches are offering factories? How many church members go prayer
less and without ever once witnessing for Jesus? I do not say these things
from high atop a pinnacle myself. But how can we remain silent when precious
souls are being deceived? They are not being led into Mormonism, or the
Watchtower, or Christian Science, but let us be painfully frank. They are
being led into a cult just as insidious as the ones we love to identify.
And because these churches are considered mainstream, their deceptive practices
can be even more subtle and eternally dangerous. It will only get worse
as time goes on.
(389) 2012 Was
Not The Apocalypse! But When Is It? by Sandy Simpson, 1/1/2013
When asked by a number of people if the Mayan prediction was going
to come true for the end of the world to occur on 12/21/12 my answer was
What makes you think the Mayans could predict the end of the world if
they could not even predict their own demise? Likely they simply
ran out of space in the scribbling of their calendar on their cave walls.
But is there any reliable source of information about when the Apocalypse
will occur? Yes there is. The Bible prophecies have been accurate
all through history so it is our only source of reliable prophecy regarding
the end times. If you want information on how close we are to the
end you need look no further than what Jesus told His disciples when asked
that very question in Matthew 24.
(390) Rapture
Already by Pastor Larry DeBruyn, Guarding His Flock Ministries,
1/4/13
As such, Christians should not attempt to fill in any void of knowledge
regarding the afterlife by engaging in occult activities (Leviticus 19:31)
or paying attention to the reports of the OBE or NDE experiences of others
because curiosity can kill the Christian and we walk by faith, not by
sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Seeking voices other than the Prophets regarding
matters of the afterlife betrays a heart of unbelief. By His words and
His works, the Prophet (Jesus) has informed us about all we need to know
of Heaven and how to go there when we die. So in conclusion, I would ask
us, who name the name of Christ and have put our faith in and given our
allegiance to Him, are His promises not enough? If the answer is negative,
then maybe we need a heart, or should I say . . . faith check-up. After
all, Jesus counseled His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye
believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive
you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)
So we see that in the face of death, Jesus words are sufficient.
(391) The gospel
and the kingdom of God by Mike Oppenheimer, 1/8/13
Jesus Christ must return to establish His authority and rule on
earth for His kingdom to officially commence. To do this He separates the
sheep from the goats (Mt.25), removes those who do evil and came against
his people. Then the faithful church will rule and reign under his leadership
which will be centered in Jerusalem.
(392) The Demise of Biblical Discernment
by T. A. McMahon, The Berean Call, Volume 28, Issue 2, February 2013
In last months issue of this newsletter we exhorted our readers
to discipline themselves to read the Word of God daily. The emphasis was
on developing a habit, the best and most necessary habitone that every
believer should have. Of course, we encouraged reading the Bible as a basis
for living ones life by what it teaches, which is the only way that one
who is born again spiritually can mature in the faith. Yet, here is the
simple truth that too many Christians have missed: if we dont read Gods
Word for ourselves, we cant truly know its instructions. If we dont know
Gods instructions, we cant follow Him, and we therefore cant do what
pleases Him. Tragically, many if not most Christians
havent considered that simple truth. Their spiritual
beliefs tend to be a collection of things theyve heard (sermons, radio,
TV, books, movies, etc.) mixed with what they may or may not have gotten
from the Bible. They have been spoon-fed rather than getting their spiritual
meals directly from Gods Word.
(393) The
Bible: Too Low, Too Human, Too Safe? at The Berean Call, 1/18/13
More than once I have been accused of being a bibliolater , a person
who idolizes the Bible, who has excessive reverence for the letter of the
Bible. Im sure many other Christians have been accused of this as well.
In my experience, this charge tends to be leveled against those who affirm
the infallibility or inerrancy of Scripture; it may also be leveled against
those who affirm the sufficiency of Scripture. People who level such a
charge are objecting to what they see as a woodenness of faith and practice
that stems from an understanding of Scripture they deem too literal.
(394) The
Mission of Creating "the Third Testament" as "part of the 'I AM' that we
are" - An excerpt from Tamara Hartzell's new online book: "Reimagining"
God: Turning the Light off to Look for "Truth" in the Corner of a Dark
Round Room, 1/21/13
A mission that seeks to continue the work of Scripture and even
recreate it is astounding. And yet it shouldnt be surprising at all
given that people in todays shifting Christianity quite openly would rather
make it up as they go along instead of believe and obey God and His Word.
If they just make up scripture as they go along then they can thus justify
todays preferred make-it-up-as-you-go-along process of self-regulation,
right?
(395) Who
Shapes Our Conscience and defines RIGHT or WRONG in today's corrupt culture?
by Crossroad, 1/21/13
What determines our values in today's fast-changing world? Who imprints
its values on our conscience? Do parents? Teachers? The Media? Or
our omnipotent God? It depends! In former times, the Christian conscience
played a leading role in American schools and families. Parents who trusted
God treasured His Word and taught it to their children. With His Word imprinted
on their conscience, they would know whom to follow when faced with a challenge.
We live in a new era! The Bible-trained conscience has largely been replaced
by contrary guidelines that twist, scorn or deny God's truth. Some still
point to a conscience, but most people redefine it to match today's cultural
values and personal inclinations.
(396) Babylon
Rising and Canon in Crisis by Pastor Larry DeBruyn, 1/27/13
Lewis Sperry Chafer (1871-1952), the first president of Dallas Theological
Seminary, once reportedly said that all heresy is either the Bible plus,
or the Bible minus. The work of radical higher criticism, as it has affected,
even determined, the liberal view of the Christian faith since the late
1800s, has seen to it that theres a lot of Bible-minus ideology amongst
professing Christians now-a-days, even among so-called evangelicals. Now
however, voices are emerging which advocate a Bible-plus view of Holy Scripture.
(397) Marinated
Christianity by Rick Frueh, 2/2/13
For two thousand years Christianity had marinated inside a cauldron
of earthly culture and that process has eventually made this remarkable
faith appear innocuous and unremarkable and even culturally assimilated.
While the first community of faith seemed to humbly eschew the pleasures
of the culture, this new breed seemed to embrace them. And while the earliest
followers of Jesus remained humble even under the severest of persecutions,
this modern day church fights fire with fire and complains loudly at the
appearance of even what would seem to be a harmless secular slight against
them. No longer would they pray and fast for their enemies and trust Jesus
to take care of them. Now they would do verbal, legal, and political battle
with those in darkness.
(398) Jesus
is the Way by Crossroad, 2/3/13
Jesus is the Way -- the only way -- through the pain, fears, losses
and challenges of our times! What's more, He is the only Way to a
victorious life with God today and forever.
(399) Those
Who Resist by Kevin Reeves, 2/15/13
These are critical days for the body of Christ. We are in the epoch
of church history spoken of by the apostle Paul as perilous times (II
Timothy 3:1). What makes the danger all the more imminent is that not much
of the church believes it. Many of us have owned the glorious but erroneous
vision of an end-times remnant walking in unconquerable power, transforming
entire societies. The result has been nothing short of catastrophic. How
soon we forget. Every cult in the world has sprouted from the fertile soil
of deception, always initiated by a drastic move away from the primacy
of the Word of God into the nebulous, self-defining atmosphere of experience.
At New Covenant, our desire to accumulate otherworldly wealth (i.e., supernatural
power) had ushered us into a contrived system of personal spiritual elevation
much like such active cults as Mormonism and the Jehovahs Witnesses.
(400) God's
Help for Hard Times - Biblical Keys to Overcome Pain, Fear and Hardship
by James L. Morrisson with Maria Kneas, 2/17/13
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind." (Romans 12 :2) In order to deal with pain and hardship,
we must think Scripturally instead of thinking the way that the world does.
The theme of transformation runs throughout the New Testament. God does
not want us to stay where we are. He wants us to change -- radically. Change
is often difficult and can be painful. But it is what God wants and expects
of us.
(401) Add-Ons:
Augmenting Scripture With Diverse and Strange Doctrines by Herescope,
2/18/13
It is an age-old deception. Adding to the Scripture is one of the
easiest ways to deceive believers. Why? Because error is cleverly brought
in as "new information" that it is claimed will "illuminate" the Word and
enrich the life of a believer. Sola Scriptura is being challenged by many
new modes of augmentation. Adding to Scripture with supplemental "diverse
and strange doctrines" is a form of heresy.
(402) Discernment
Detractors: Calling Good Evil by Warren Smith, 05/12
While our Adversary furiously attempts to undermine the importance
of discernment by ridiculing it, we are not ignorant of his devices (2
Corintians 2:11).
(403) The
Doctrine of Church Discipline by Pastor Daryl Hilbert, 2/24/13
There is a battle to be waged in the Christian life. The war has
been won by our Champion-Savior, but there are myriads of skirmishes that
must be fought in the battle with sin. Do not grieve if you find yourself
always in the midst of skirmishes with sin. Rather fret, grieve, and awaken
if you hardly ever hear the trumpet sound and you have no bruises to show
for your worth as a soldier in the Kings army.
(404) Hungering for
truth or succumbing to the lies which only bring deception by Mike
Oppenheimer, 2/25/13
Is everyone in the world becoming deceived? Deception can now be
found in every facet of life at various degrees. The military, businesses,
food, the news, school education, the church. Yes the place you may gather
for worship may not be as safe as you thought. We need to guard our heart
with all diligence in these days. Read Part
1 & Part 2
(405) Setting
Aside the Power of the Gospel for a Powerless Substitute by David
Dombrowski, 3/6/13
If I were to say to you that much of the church today has set aside
the power of God, would you be shocked? After all, we live in a time where
having the power of God in your life is a major theme preached from pulpits
across the country. And book after book, sold in massive quantities, pour
off the presses promising a special connection or intimacy with God that
will revolutionize your life and make it more dynamic. Yet, I believe I
can prove that in fact, the power of God is being laid aside, and I will
tell you how.
(406) Backsliding
From the True Jesus by Prof. Johan Malan, 3/16/13
The world is under strong pressure to turn their backs on the true
Christ of the Bible in order to advance a multireligious receptiveness
to the appearance of the false Christ of all faiths. The coming Messiah-King
of the deceived world will be the Antichrist, the great adversary of the
true Christ. An increasing number of people are positively inclined towards
his coming, and are completely ignorant of the fact that they were deceived
by the devil to engage in paving the way for the appearance of a false
prince of peace for all of humanity.
(407) Radical
Music for Radical Times: Has Christian Music Gone Too Far? at The
Berean Call, 3/25/13
TBC: In finding "refuge in the lyrics of current gospel music" the
Church is bypassing the real refuge. Old and now mostly forgotten composer
Ira Sankey wrote in 1885, "The Lord's my rock, in him we hide, a shelter
in the time of storm." He was simply pointing to our true refuge. Psalm:1:1-2
[1] Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
[2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate
day and night. tells us, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel
of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the
seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in
his law doth he meditate day and night." Not all modern music is without
merit, but for those who "push the envelope," they compromise with the
world and in doing so very likely shortchange their listeners, leading
them away from the Rock which is our refuge," our "shelter in the time
of storm."
(408) Kabbalah,
Cahn, and Hebrew Mysticism by David James, 4/1/13
Jonathan Cahn has over 1,700 of his messages available through the
Hope of the World website. The descriptions of many of these messages are
quite revealing about his approach to handling the Word of Godwhich appears
to be mystical at its core:
(409) The
Error Of A-Millennialism by Andrew Robinson, 4/4/13
Augustine is the Charles Darwin of the Church, who abandoned biblical
literalism in favour of allegory, and pioneered a survival-of-the-fittest
theological system which centred on the Church as the New People of God.
He believed Israel was finished and that all unfulfilled Old Testament
prophecies were to be reinterpreted spiritually or allegorically in favour
of the Church. Consequently, references to Israel, Zion and Jacob, with
their attendant promises, no longer referred to the Jewish nation.
(410) The
Death of Reason and the Return of Jesus by Jacob Prasch, Moriel
Ministries, 4/7/13
Due to this suspension of reason, the stage is being set for Jesus'
warning that "For this reason" He will come at an hour when He is not expected.
(411) Does the Bible
allow lying? Is it ever permissible? by Mike Oppenheimer, 4/11/13
The Scriptures expressly condemn lies calling the Devil the Father
(originator) of them to man (John 8:44). It was Satan who first distorted
Gods instructions to Adam and Eve. By having them disobey it affected
not just them but all of us through history.
(412) Four
Items Of Interest: News announcements from Discernment Ministries
by Discernment Ministries, 4/13/13
News update on Dr. Martin Erdmann Interview, Discernment Ministries
Newsletters online, Warren Smith's website and Pastor Anton Bosch.
(413) The
Need for Discernment by Mike Gendron, 4/18/13
When asked, "What will be the signs of your return?', the Lord Jesus
mentioned several signs, but he repeated one sign three times. There will
be false teachers, false prophets and false Christs who will deceive even
the elect if possible (Mat. 24:4,11,24). Knowing this we must examine everything
carefully so that we can hold fast to that which is good and abstain from
every form of evil (1 Thes. 5:21). We need to identify and expose religious
leaders who are servants of the devil carrying out his goal is to deceive
the world (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
(414) Overcoming
Obstacles to Trusting in the Lord by Maria Kneas, 4/21/13
How can we increase our trust in God? One way is to identify some
of the obstacles to trusting so that we can deal with them. We can ask
God to: (1) make us aware when we fall into these ways of thinking or reacting,
(2) deal with things in our hearts that are fertile ground for these hindrances,
and (3) give us practical strategies, and grace, to overcome these problems.
(415) The Real Spiritual
Warfare taking place by Mike Oppenheimer, 4/23/13
The invisible world is not a separate supernatural realm, it is
not a realm of evil spirits. It is the same dimension we live in except
the spirits are invisible to us, both God's and Satans angels use it.
They (fallen angels) have influence on mens minds who are darkened by
sin. They influence us in writing, in art, in education and especially
in spiritual matters since this when people come closest to the truth.
The warfare is not about finding what demon is doing what as modern teachers
of spiritual warfare are tecahing, but it is found in the church just as
the Bible warned it would be.
(416) Understanding
the Mixture by Jacob Prasch, 4/28/13
Can you explain Gods reasoning behind Leviticus 19:19?
(417) Biblical
Literalism by Crosswise, 5/2/13
Its time the Church, most especially the Emergent and hyper-charismatic
wings, came back to true Biblical Literalism - instead of engaging
in eisegesis, thereby taking Scripture out of proper context in order to
fit ones own interpretation. Teaching congregants how to apply proper
exegetical principles will alleviate this sort of thing and bring forth
Biblical literacy. Any subjective experience or thought must be measured
against the literal, plain sense of the Bible, and, if not found to be
congruent with Scripture, it must be rejected as not of God.
(418) Going
against God "just for fun" by Marsha West, RenewAmerica, 5/2/13
Christian take Paul's instructions to heart and daily put on the
full armor of God to protect against the rulers of the darkness of this
world.
(419) Shepherds
Or Wolves? by Roger Oakland, 5/3/13
If you belong to a church that has a good shepherd who teaches the
Word and follows Jesus, support him in every way. However, we must always
remember that a shepherd is just a man. I have known cases where shepherds
have gone astray and they didnt even know it. This is because they are
human. If you know a shepherd like this pray that God, by His grace, will
open his eyes.
(420) Making
Christ's Last Command Our First Concern by Mike Gendron, 5/8/13
There are few things that should be more exciting to Christians
than being used by God to draw others to Himself. Those who know and love
their Savior will not be content to attend church and hear the Word preached;
they will have a compelling desire to share it with others. Everything
we learn from God's Word should make us more committed to making Christ's
last command our first concern.
(421) In
Him All Things Hold Together - A Look at Colossians 1:16-17 by
Dr. Bruce K. Alcorn, 5/14/13
It does not take much of an imagination to understand that major
problems would arise if God no longer held together those forces He used
when He made our atoms, our molecules and our cells. If the electrons stopped
orbiting around their nuclei we would be in deep trouble just like we would
be if the earth stopped orbiting around the Sun.
Updated! (422) The
Serpent seed - Teaching "from the Serpent" by Mike Oppenheimer,
5/23/13
One of the most deceptive doctrines that has slithered into the
church is the serpent seed teaching. First popularized by William Branham
and currently held by Arnold Murray of the Shepherds Chapel and his followers
that have adjusted some of its meanings. Read Part
1, Part 2, Part
3 & Part 4.
(423) Has
Bible Prophecy Already Been Fulfilled? by Thomas Ice, 5/27/13
Like many of the arguments presented by preterists, they appear
to have some initial merit when looked at by the biblically uneducated,
but upon closer examination prove to be without merit. Preterists falsely
built upon the misguided assumption, that they attempt to "prove" from
various prooftexts, that Bible prophecy had to have its fulfillment within
about 40 years of Christs first advent. There are many implications, both
theological and practical, that would require a major adjustment to the
Christian faith if they are right. Since their arguments are incorrect,
so are the implications that flow from such thought. Because of the recent
spread of Preterism, pastors and teachers need to be prepared to defend
orthodox eschatology from this attack. Those who believe that Christ came
in a.d. 70 will certainly not be found looking for our Lord's any-moment
return when He does rapture the church without any signs or warning before
this blessed event. Are we looking back at the past or forward to the future?
Maranatha!
(424) How close are
we to the Second Coming? by Sandy Simpson, 5/27/13
Matt. 24:34 "I tell you the truth, this generation
will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." This
verse from Jesus' famous exposition on the destruction of the temple and
what would happen to precede the end times and His return has intrigued
many through the generations. But it is not until this generation
that it's meaning has become clearer.
(425) Shepherds
Or Wolves? by Roger Oakland, 5/28/13
The Bible provides a model for leadership. The model is quite simple.
Jesus Christ is the good shepherd. The good shepherd is in charge of the
sheep. Christians are sheep who belong to the flock. Unlike what some religious
groups teach, the sheep should have personal access to the good shepherd.
There is one mediator between God and man. We dont need a priest to intervene.
(426) Risky Things to
ask your Pastor by Mike Oppenheimer, 6/3/13
I have been watching a biblical change take place that is not beneficial,
and can bring harm to the pastor member relationship. Unfortunately there
were patient, caring pastors that have changed their attitude toward sheep
that ask questions that may be uncomfortable to them. There are an increasing
number of pastors that want only smooth sailing in their ministry without
any rocking the boat. If you ask them hard questions they will either look
at you as a trouble maker or shut down their relationship they have with
you. That is not how they are to treat the sheep that are under them. Those
who have this leadership position are to be just as accountable as any
other member, not less. We should all be equals in the body of Christ.
Pastors are not to be like politicians that go around and kiss babies and
schmooze with everyone and not really be involved in their lives. Pastors
are part of the body; and though they have a different position they are
to be there for you, really there.
(427) Making a Fable
into Jesus; A different way to present the Gospel, or a different gospel?
by Mike Oppenheimer, 6/19/13
Nonetheless, we have what some are calling the Superman gospel.
It is what is called a recontextualization. Instead of concentrating on
the gospel message from the Bible - our need to be forgiven for sin, they
find correlations from another story (in this matter, the movie) and use
it to illustrate the person of Jesus. Once you remove the integral parts
for the gospel to be proclaimed, you can shuffle the pieces around and
fit anything into the self-made mode, even portions that are not from the
Bible. One is reduced to banter as they post modernize the message for
an audience that is not be receptive to biblical truth.
(428) Superman:
Flying to a church near you at The Berean Call, 6/19/13
TBC: This isnt a new development. Jerry Siegel and Joseph Shuster,
both Jewish, were the creators of Superman. Supermans original Kryptonian
name was Kal-el, which borrowed Hebrew names which can be taken to mean
"voice of God." Siegel and Shuster were borrowing the terminology and themes
of Scripture for their own use from the beginning. Furthermore, we see
continuing evidence of the (marketing) world using the church for material
gain (2 Peter:2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words
make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not,
and their damnation slumbereth not.). This is indeed one more example of
shepherds fostering "showtime for the sheep."
(429) Don't Defile True Doctrine
by Allistair Begg, 7/14/13
God's altar was to be built of unhewn stones, that no trace of human
skill or labor might be seen upon it. Human wisdom delights to trim and
arrange the doctrines of the cross into a system more artificial and more
congenial to the depraved tastes of fallen nature; instead, however, of
improving the Gospel carnal wisdom pollutes it, until it becomes another
gospel and not the truth of God at all.
(430) Entertaining
Blasphemers by The Berean Call, 7/18/13
We are increasingly concerned with a number of reports seen regarding
evangelical churches inviting false teachers into their services. For example,
singer Joel Hemphill, writer of the popular song Hes still working on
me, has for several years emphatically denied the deity of Christ. His
revelation, according to his own statement, was progressive. "Along with
many other things that He told me, He said for me to study the Scripture,
as He was going to reveal Himself to me in His word. This seemed strange
as I was forty-six years old, had been saved since I was ten, had been
a minister of the Gospel since the age of nineteen and thought I had a
pretty good grasp on who He was. I was Mistaken!"
(431) Replacement
Theology: Disdaining God's Character by David Ettinger, Zion's
Fire, 7/25/13
For most of Church history, the place of Israel in Gods present
and end-times scenario has been controversial, divisive, and egregiously
flawed. It was the Catholic theologian Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430),
better known as St. Augustine, who spread the teaching that though God
had chosen the Jews as a special people, their dispersion by the Roman
Empire in A.D. 70 was a fulfillment of prophecy. Augustine believed that
God allowed the Jewish people to survive this scattering as a warning
to Christians regarding the consequences of disobedience to God. Subsequently,
Augustine began to question those portions of the Bible relating to Israel
and erroneously surmised that those passages were allegorical rather than
literal. He concluded, for instance, that the thousand-year kingdom of
which Revelation 20 speaks cannot be literal, but rather spiritual. The
kingdom of God, he declared, is in the hearts of faithful believers,
but was never intended to find its fruition in actuality a physical kingdom
on the earth over which Christ will rule.
(432) Christians
Are Exhorted To Judge by Mike Gendron, 7/29/13
Many Christians are unaware of their responsibility to judge and
test all things. Paul exhorted: "I pray that your love may abound still
more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve
the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until
the day of Christ" (Phil. 1:9-10). Christians need to take judgment seriously
in this life because of the great responsibility that awaits us in the
future.
(433) Can
Christians Be Spiritually Deceived, and How Can They Avoid it?
by Roger Oakland, 8/4/13
If our battle is not against flesh and blood, then why is it that
when we are in conflicts here on this earth that flesh and blood always
show up? What are the reasons for this? Is it possible for believers to
be agents for darkness and not even know it? Is it possible for entire
organizations to be misled because they have not kept their focus on Jesus
Christ and His Word? How is it possible for believers and even leaders
to believe they are following Jesus, when instead they are following man?
(434) How
To Do An Exegesis by Moriel Ministries, 8/7/13
Correct biblical exegesis is the second most vital aspect of studying
and understanding God's Word second only to illumination of The Holy Spirit
and prayer.
(435) A
Cleavage in the Church by Sarah Leslie, Discernment
Ministries Newsletter, July/August 2013
Recently Charisma magazine of all places!
published an article by a female writer, Jennifer LeClaire, who asked
a very simple and bold question: Why Do So Many Born-Again, Spirit-Filled
Women Show Off Cleavage in Church? (7/25/13).
(436) Paine
& Ware - A false eschatology that is plainly heretical, potentially
cultic and ultimately lethal by James Jacob Prasch, 8/14/13
In the last several weeks Moriel has received
multiple inquiries and flat out expressions of serious concern regarding
the eschatological paradigm of Paine & Ware. The source of this teaching
(which we can only conclude to be erroneous and dangerous) on the important
subject of the return of Jesus is the hypothesis postulated by Frank Paine
and Arthur Ware in the last century derived from their writings Restored
Vision and Miracle of Time.
(437) Today's
21st Century "Christianity" - No Bible Required! by Paul Proctor,
8/19/13
This may come as a shock to most Christians,
but if you do a search of the less contemporary translations of Scripture,
the word feelings is virtually nonexistent. Where it does appear, it
is cited as more of a superficial, even negative attribute than a positive;
and yet, as we watch and listen to many from todays churches, be they
leaders or laymen, not only do we see a clear fixation on feelings, both
physical and emotional, we notice that those feelings have by and large
become a replacement for faith. In fact, if you substitute the word feelings
wherever you see the word faith in those older Bible versions, it will
become clear to you what motivates and guides the average Christian today
point being: most of us are not following the Living Word of God by faith,
were simply following our feelings and calling it faith.
(438) The
Error of Replacement Theology - Part 1 by Andrew D. Robinson, CWM,
8/20/13
As we move ever closer to the return of the
Lord Jesus, Scripture teaches us to anticipate an escalation of opposition
against Israel from the international community. Zechariah speaks particularly
of the rise of the nations against Jerusalem (the heart of the Middle East
conflict), a development that is well advanced and which will climax after
the Rapture. Tragically, many Evangelicals, to their shame, have joined
ranks with the enemies of Israel, in what must be one of the ugliest and
most pernicious partnerships ever witnessed in the history of the Church.
It defies belief to see so-called Bible believers arm-in-arm with unbelieving
Catholics, Quakers, Muslims, (Islamists), Humanitarians, Secularists, Politicians,
and a host of other lobby groups, in drumming up support for their virulent
anti-Israel cause.
(439) Spiritual
Warfare by Crossroad, 9/1/13
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not
war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal
but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments
and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing
every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready
to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians
10:2-6
(440) Does
the Bible teach that there was a pre-Adamic race? by Matt Slick,
CARM, 9/26/13
No, the Bible does not teach that there was
a race of people before Adam.
(441) Doctrines
of Demons by Anton Bosch, 9/27/13
Every Christian needs to devote more time
to knowing the Lord Jesus better, yet thousands have been deceived into
studying fiction, the hallucinations of perverted minds and the doctrines
of Devils, rather than having eyes for Jesus only.
(442) Can
Christians Be Spiritually Deceived, and How Can They Avoid it?
by Roger Oakland, 9/29/13
If our battle is not against flesh and blood,
then why is it that when we are in conflicts here on this earth that flesh
and blood always show up? What are the reasons for this? Is it possible
for believers to be agents for darkness and not even know it? Is it possible
for entire organizations to be misled because they have not kept their
focus on Jesus Christ and His Word? How is it possible for believers and
even leaders to believe they are following Jesus, when instead they are
following man? These and other questions intrigue me. Only the Bible has
the answers. And though, I am sure, not all of these questions will be
answered fully in this life, we can gain the vital insights that we need
from the Word of God. The book of Revelation, which has often been ignored
for a lack of understanding, will prove to be more and more insightful
in these last days before Jesus returns.
(443) Panentheism
and the Trinity by Crosswise, 10/2/13
Panentheism is an English word derived from
Greek roots: pan = all, en = in, the, from theos = God. This
is in distinction from pantheism, meaning all God, or all is God.
Before more fully defining panentheism, well briefly review the Christian
Trinity in order to compare and contrast.
(444) Sin
is at the heart of what is wrong in your life by Marsha West, Renew
America, 10/9/13
In today's pop culture it's all about a person's
"felt needs." So if a minister's message fails to meet those perceived
needs, disgruntled consumers, like the aforementioned Beth, go looking
for a church where sin is swept under the rug. Pastor Brent Riggs reminds
us that "Sin is the essence of everything bad, wrong, ruined, spoiled,
messed up and broken in your life. Therefore, you should be educated about
it."
(445) Biblical
Signs Of A Work Of God adapted from Jonathan Edwards, 10/17/13
I will now show positively what are the sure,
distinguishing scriptural evidences and marks of a work of the Spirit of
God. By these marks we may judge any operation we find in ourselves or
see among people without danger of being misled. In this I shall confine
myself wholly to those marks that are given us by the apostle John in the
fourth chapter of his first epistle.
(446) Walking
with God Selected excerpts from a message by J.C. Philpot, Preached
at North Street Chapel, Stanford,
on Lords Day Morning, Jan. 23, 1859
The Lord will perfect His work; what He has
begun, He will carry on and complete. And as salvation is all of his grace,
it opens a way of escape for every sinner sensibly in his own conscience
condemned by the law, and reveals a mode whereby God can not only save
him, but be eternally glorified thereby in the Son of His love.
(447) Did
Jesus have a physical body when He resurrected and will He return in this
body? by Mike Oppenheimer, 10/20/13
In the Old Testament The Angel of The Lord
(known as the covenant maker) appeared as a Christophany, as a man. Jesus
took up a actual human body of man in the New Testament through the virgin
conception. He, the Son of God became a man. He took up a human nature
to house His deity, the Son of God became the son of man. Jesus rose with
the same body but it is glorified, He is unable to die now (Rev. 1:18).
This will be the body we will have, as he is the firstfruits to eternal
life in the body (1 Cor.15:20). He is now as Scriptures states in his high
priestly ministry in his body making intercession (1 Tim.2:5). And He will
return in this body with Gods glory, as Scripture states every eye will
see him (Rev.1:7) they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with
great power and glory (Mark 13:26; Mt.24:30;26:64) He does not return
as spirit, nor does He exist only as Spirit but He has added a human nature
to His deity since He was incarnated on earth. Thus God became man but
is not limited to the body. So Jesus keeps His humanity and at no time
discarded it, either in death or in resurrection.
(448) Impressions
from Strange Fire by Anton Bosch, 10/24/13
Here are the impressions I have gained from
John MacArthurs strange Fire Conference. Please note this is not an exhaustive
critique of which, I am sure, many will be appearing on the internet
for and against. I simply want to convey the broad strokes as I saw it.
(449) The
Accuser of the Brethren - Overcome and Cast Down by J.S. Philpot,
preached on Lord's Day morning, August 15, 1852
Look not then to any other quarter for help
or hope; but trust wholly and solely to the Lord, who can bring you through
every trial and difficulty, and give you to live in His glorious presence
for ever.
(450) Who
is blamed for bringing sin into the world? by Mike Oppenheimer,
11/4/13
Read Part 1 - Who
is blamed for bringing sin into the world?, Part 2 - Who
and what comes first? - 2 Thess.2 and the apostasy and rapture
and Part 3 - The Devil is
in the details - On the antichrist
(451) Come
Back to the True Living Water by David Dombrinski, 11/10/13
Jesus is that well of living water, offered
freely to whosoever will invite Him into their lives and hearts to be Lord
and Savior. To the unbeliever, He is the invitation, let him that is athirst
come (Revelation 22:17). To the new believer, He is that new life where,
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians
5:17). But to those who have known Christ for awhile, even a long while,
He is the reminder to come back and be refreshed again to the only water
that shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life
(John 4:14). When we partake of that water, it does us much good. And when
we share that water with others, it does no harm to our neighbor. It is
the only water that is clean and pure and flows from the throne of God.
(452) Sola
Camouflage by Anton Bosch, 11/12/13
Camouflage is not only used by the armies
of this world but also by the armies of Satan to hide its agents in plain
sight. Here in Hollywood (un)reality and movie stars, gangsters and politicians
hide behind big shiny crosses around their necks. One of the best ways
to detect the deception is the size of the cross the bigger the cross,
the bigger the deceiver. In addition to symbols that used to belong to
Christians, they also use language to hide their true nature. Sayings like
god bless and we are praying for you are all part of a clever ruse
to lull the non-suspecting into believing the individual can be trusted.
(453) The
Critical Value of the Bible by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 11/15/13
Those of us who have been Christians for a
number of years can sometimes lose sight of the critical value of the Bible
in our lives. Im not referring to those whose walk with the Lord could
be characterized as lukewarm at best. Im thinking more of those who consider
themselves to be Bible-believing Christians, who attend and participate
in a Bible-based church, who enjoy fellowship with committed believers,
and who generally see the fruit of the Spirit in themselves and in their
families. As great as those things might be, however, they can also dull
to some degree (call it a creeping complacency) ones awareness of how
miraculous and necessary the Scriptures are. What I have in mind for this
article is to underscore some things about the Bible that perhaps weve
heard before and some things of which we may not have even been aware.
The goal is to refresh our thinking and our thankfulness for Gods supernatural
communication to mankind. Read Part
1 & Part
2.
(454) Another
Gospel? by Harry A. Ironside
THE SOLEMN FACT IS THERE IS NO OTHER GOSPEL.
Every pretended substitute is but a Satan-devised delusion meant to turn
men away from the strait gate which alone leads into the narrow way, and
make them contented as they crowd down the clear side of the broad way
to eternal perdition.
(455) Good
News, Bad News (Audio) by Allistair Begg, 11/19/13
Committing to follow Jesus is not a guarantee of an easy, trouble-free
life. On the contrary, believers are to expect unjust suffering and be
prepared to respond rightly. Alistair Begg demonstrates from Genesis 40
that the godly response is not to give up or seek revenge, but to trust
God and care for others, even in the midst of personal struggles.
Listen to Part
1 and Part
2.
(456) Selfie
Scriptura by Herescope, 12/6/13
[(Selfie: high tech, publicly-displayed self portrait, Oxford Dictionary
word of the year 2013). (Scriptura: Middle English and Latin scr?pt?ra,
writing. See script, -ure). Literally: self scripture.]
(457) Can Satan,
the devil be saved? by Matt Slick, CARM, 12/6/13
... there is no atonement for the angelic realm. Heb. 2.16-17, "For
assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant
of Abraham. 17Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things,
that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining
to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." Therefore, since
the Bible tells us that there is no help to angels which means or is no
atonement for them, then fallen angels, the devil included, cannot be saved.
(458) Wicked
Idolatry by Rick Frueh, Following Judah's Lion, 12/9/13
If this raises a lot of money watch for more preachers to put out
their own Bibles. Today we have the Jimmy Swaggart Bible, the John MacArthur
Bible, the Max Lucado Bible, the Schofield Bible, the Ryrie Bible, the
Dake Bible, the Joyce Meyers Bible, the C. S. Lewis Bible, the Henry Morris
Bible, and many, many more who added their name to Gods Word and profited
by their sale.
(459) The
Work Crew of the Churchthe ministry of discernment by Barbara
Wilhelm, 12/15/13
On todays stage ministries engaged in biblical discernment are
often beleaguered and harassed as being critical and judgmental. Yet the
Bible holds the ministry of discernment to be one of the finest tools in
establishing and maintaining biblical purity.
(460) Taking
Care of God's Flock by Chris Lawson, 12/20/13
Christian maturity is about obeying our LORD Jesus Christ personally,
obeying His message of righteousness on a daily basis, obeying Christ's
doctrine, and being willing to defend God's truth regardless of the cost.
It is only when Christians are able to discern between good and evil and
practically live out a godly Christian life that they will be fully equipped
and useful "for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Our hope and prayer
is that the following articles will help you be a more discerning Christian,
that you will mature in your faith properly, and that you will be equipped
so that you can help instruct others. There is absolutely no reason for
biblical compromise and spiritual dullness, even in an age of apostasy
and deceit. God has given us His Life, His Son, His Spirit, and His Word
- what more do we need?
(461) Should
we use genderless terms when referring to the God of the Bible?
by Matt Slick, CARM, 12/22/13
No, we should not use genderless terms when referring to the God
of the Bible. The Bible tells us that every word is inspired. Everything
that God has given us is there for a reason. If we adopt the politically
correct ideology and impose it upon the Bible regarding the use of the
masculine, feminine, or neuter pronouns, then what is to stop others from
altering other words in Scripture that don't suit their politically correct,
gender equality perspective as they relate to things such as male eldership
(1 Timothy 2:12-13)?
(462) Question:
Are you familiar with Randy Frazee [co-editor Max Lucado] and his book
called The Story? by The Berean Call, 12/25/13
Question: Are you familiar with Randy Frazee [co-editor Max Lucado]
and his book called The Story ? Our church is promoting it for small
group study and I have a few concerns. Would appreciate any information
you may have. Response: We have been going through a copy of
The Story for some time. When someone condenses the Bible into
what they perceive are the important parts, what becomes quickly apparent
is the truth of Pauls inspired statement that all scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness... (2 Tm 3:16-17). What
some deem to be unimportant often contains the most pertinent details.
(463) Warning
All Churches by The Berean Call, 12/26/13
Over this year, there have been a number of news reports on another
movement in the church advocating for the acceptance of homosexual behavior
and same-sex relationships. Matthew Vines, an openly homosexual 23-year-old
student at Harvard University, posted a video on YouTube of a speech he
gave on homosexuality and the Bible. In the talk, he claims repeatedly
that Gods Word does not condemn monogamous same-sex relationships. Now,
a recent report from the Christian Post highlighted the amount of compromise
happening within the church on this issue. The headline of the article
explains, 50 Hand-Picked Christians Trained To Convince Churches To
Re-Interpret Scriptures Gay Boundaries. Vines apparently hosted a training
conference recently in his home state of Kansas for Christians who want
to convince their churches to accept same-sex relationships.
(464) Three
Kinds of Groups by Crossroad, 1/4/13
A helpful chart comparing Christian, Pluralistic and Dialectic church
groups.
(465) "They Will Believe The
Lie" by Sandy Simpson, 1/16/14
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 "The coming of the lawless one will be in
accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power
through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness
deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love
the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion
so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who
have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." This has
always been an interesting passage to me for a few different reasons.
What is the lie that is talked about here in verse 9? What are
the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing and how long
has this been going on or does this only begin to happen at the coming
of the lawless one? In what way does the lie cause those who do
not believe the truth to delight in wickedness?
(466) Being
Encouraged in Gods Word: Facing the Unexpected by Maria Kneas,
1/19/14
We can ask God to increase our trust in Him and our love for Him.
We can ask Him to make us faithful. We can ask Him to enable us to stand
with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednegoto be determined to be faithful to
our God no matter what happens to us and the people we love. "The LORD
God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds feet." (Habakkuk
3:19)
(467) Denominationalism
- The Sin of Party Spirit Masquerading as Christian Unity that Ultimately
Unites with Apostasy and Unbelief by Jacob Prasch, 1/21/14
When we, the Body of Christ, have unity of The Spirit we only need
a fellowship of fellowships for practical cooperation in things like missions,
Christian education, and charity, not any hierarchical structure other
than the headship of Christ and doctrinal supremacy of scripture devoid
of any organised or institutional monolith. One Faith, One Baptism. Once
a movement fragments doctrinally it is fragmenting spiritually. Theological
fragmentation is symptomatic of spiritual dissolution, and spiritually
dissolution will conversely always result in doctrinal disharmony. When
this happens it is inevitable that the movement morphs into a denomination
that is theocratically held together by a combination of administrative,
legal, and financial priorities and considerations. There is an artificial
unity that is cohesive only by the glue of temporal factors that displaces
and replaces doctrinal and authentic spiritual unity.
(468) Biblical
Discipleship the Scriptures by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things,
January/February 2014 - Volume 20 Issue 1
As we consider the means by which spiritual change, growth and development
takes place we find that the Scriptures constantly point the believer to
the very inspired words it contains. We need not look to extra-biblical
sources such as those found in the Spiritual Formation Movement, among
others. Growth in godliness comes primarily through the power of the Holy
Spirit who enables believers to understand and apply the Word of God to
our lives.
(469) A
Final Response to Phil Johnsons Defense of John MacArthurs False Teaching
That Worshipers of the Anti Christ Taking the Mark of the Beast Can be
Saved by Jacob Prasch, 2/2/14
What John MacArthur does in pneumatology with cessationism, what
he does in soteriology with Calvinism, he now does in eschatology. Like
the Sanhedrin he nullifies direct literal teachings in The Word of God
with the inventions of men. This is John MacArthur. That is what he is,
and that is all he is. Please tell him and Phil Johnson that I said so.
(470) Biblical
Discipleship Prayer by Gary Gilley, Think On These Things, November/December
2013 - Volume 19, Issue 5
The Spiritual Formation Movement has rocked the church. Ancient
disciplines, most often practiced within the monastic movement in the early
centuries of Christianity, have been dusted off, repacked, and resubmitted
to believers as the means for obtaining spiritual growth. There is increasing
discussion about fasting, journaling, pilgrimage, simplicity, solitude,
silence, contemplative prayer, and spiritual direction in Christian literature.
What can be learned from this renewed interest in spiritual formation and
what are the dangers? The last eight editions of Think on These Things
have been written to interact with the history, teachings and dangers of
the Spiritual Formation Movement. I want to now turn from the disciplines
practiced in modern spiritual formation to the biblical alternative to
spiritual formation, as described in the earlier articles. We will examine
the means, or disciplines if you choose, which the Word of God clearly
identifies as ways God has designed for His people to be transformed into
Christ-likeness and to experience intimacy with Him.
(471) Blood
Moon Madness at The Berean Call, 2/24/14
There ARE a lot of prophetic signs being fulfilled in our lifetime.
But there's no Biblical basis for tying the Blood Moons into predicting
the return of Jesus--they mean zilch!
(472) The
New Tolerance Is Cruel by Bill Randles, 3/1/14
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender
mercies of the wicked are cruel. (Proverbs 12:10) Currently, there is
an alternative to the judeo christian concept of love for our fellow-man,
which is called tolerance. It looks like love and perhaps more importantly
to many it actually feels like love, but its not love at all.
(473) Treason
in the Church: Trading Truth for a "Social Gospel" by Berit Kjos
- September 2006
Infiltration and deception have been tools of conspirators through
the ages, and the Church has been a primary target! After all, God warns
us that "the whole world is under the sway of the evil one." (1 John 5:19)
One of his most effective schemes is to redefine God's Word and divert
Christians from His unchanging Truth to man's shifting ideals. For example,
God calls us to serve the poor and fills our hearts with love for the needy.
That's why His true followers around the world have willingly given their
lives to share His truth and love in perilous places. But today's world-centered
church illustrates a different kind of service. Designed to please man
rather than God, it trains its servers to hide the "offensive" truths of
the gospel. Like Rick Warren, it uses the Bible to validate its purposes
but emphasizes organizational behavior rather than Biblical beliefs --
in short, deeds instead of creeds.[3] Behind its noble appearance hides
a postmodern version of the century-old "Christian Socialism."
(474) A
World In RevoltPsalm 2 by Bill Randles, 3/9/13
The first two Psalms go together. Perhaps it isnt immediately apparent,
because in some ways they are completely different, but I believe the Holy
Spirit led those who placed them side by side as the opening of the Psalter.
Read
Part
1 & Part
2.
(475) Faithful
Ministers Versus False and Corrupt Ministers - A Brief Overview with Compiled
Resources by Chris Lawson, 3/21/14
In an age of mass confusion as to what a "Christian Minister" actually
is and does, the following compilation is given in order to help clarify
what the Bible teaches about what a biblical "minister," or "servant" is,
and does, as opposed to what false, corrupt and deceitful ministers are
and do.
(476) Question:
How to Find a Biblical Teaching Church? by Lighthouse Trails, 3/23/14
We have often been asked, How do I find a good Bible-believing
church? There are many believers who are struggling to find one in their
own communities. We usually recommend they make phone calls to potential
churches and ask a few concise questions such as ...
(477) The
Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture by Pastor Larry DeBruyn , 3/29/14
Jesus told His disciple/apostles: When the Helper comes, whom I
will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds
from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify [about
Me] also, because you have been with Me from the beginning (Emphasis added,
John 15:26-27, NASB).
(478) Redeemed
From the Law by Harry A. Ironside, 4/6/14
Audio file.
(479) Measuring
The Experience by Roger Oakland, 4/12/14
While visiting the home of Joseph Smith near Palmyra, New York, the
location where Mormonism originated, I met a Mormon girl at the information
center by the name of Sadie. When I expressed interest in knowing more
about her faith, she gave me a booklet. Later in the day, I read through
the information Sadie had given me.
(480) Four Blood
moons are coming - Significant or not? by Mike Oppenheimer, 4/13/14
For something spoken of in prophecy to be fulfilled all the elements,
the descriptions must be included. This means those points not just found
in one particular scripture but others that also give information on the
same event and time period. If the sun is darkened or the moon turns red
it does not mean fulfillment has occurred unless the other points mentioned
coincide. This is where prophecy teachers get ahead of themselves and make
something out of near nothing. We should be careful not to say this will
be fulfilled or is fulfilled when it is not.
(481) Has
the Genesis Account of Noah's Ark Been Discredited? by The Berean
Call, 4/14/14
Does a Recently Deciphered 4,000-Year-Old Tablet Discredit the
Genesis Account of Noah's Ark? But forget all those images of a long vessel
with a pointy bowthe original Noahs Ark, new research suggests, was round.
Those words highlight the AP article discussing the tablet that just went
on display at the British Museum on January 24. This recent assault on
Gods Word comes from Irving Finkel, the assistant keeper of Ancient Mesopotamian
script, languages, and cultures at the British Museum. According to reports,
Finkel received the tablet a few years ago from the son of an amateur historian
named Leonard Simmons, who had acquired it in the Middle East following
World War II. The cell-phone-sized tablet is also the subject of Finkels
new book, The Ark Before Noah.
(482) We need a firm foundation to
weather the storm of false ideas by Sandy Simpson, 4/15/14
Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and
acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the
rock." "How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your
faith in His excellent word!" 1787 Joseph Funk & Robert Keene.
A house built on the rock will stand. The Rock is God and in particular,
Jesus Christ. Therefore His written Word is the teachings of the
His Holy Spirit and a Rock we can depend on. Anyone who wants to
prove anything theologically, historically, scientifically or anything
else needs to start with correct information. If you start with a
faulty foundation, as you build your arguments, they begin to fall apart
because they are not supported in Gods truth. If you want to build
on a firm foundation, you need to start the process by a careful study
of Gods Word in context of the verse and according to the whole counsel
of Gods Word. The Bible is the best commentary on the Bible. There
are many false ideas floating around out there that have been there, some
from long ago. Those ideas were formed in lieu of Gods Word, not
from it. I am going to give some examples of false ideas in history,
science and theology and show how they could have been avoided if the Bible
had been consulted. Yes, the Bible is accurate for more than just
theology. Keeping it in context we can accurately understand history,
science and a whole host of other subjects.
(483) Why
Is the Church Powerless? by William MacDonald (1917-2007)
Spiritually we are in a shocking condition. The status of many local
fellowships is bad news, and deteriorating by the minute.
(484) Does
the Bible really say we're not to judge? by Marsha West, 5/9/14
Some professing Christians become infuriated when a "watchblogger"
has the chutzpah to report on a false teacher by name, as if naming names
is unbiblical. High-profile leaders and bloggers who mention heretics by
name are often accused of demonizing or judging them.
(485) Discernment
by Acts 17:11 Bible Study, 5/11/14
Are we to "judge" teachings, situations, and even people in the
church? Many Christians are fearful of making judgments, and unclear if
this is the mission and duty of the church. After all: "Judge not!..."
(We will consider hypocritical judgment, or criticism, in a moment.) This
fear of using proper judgment may come from a simple lack of understanding
of God's will, or from superstition (Col 2:18-19), or even from a lack
of the Holy Spirit (Jude 17-19). Scripture is useful for correcting such
conditions (2 Tim 3:16-17).
(486) Those
Who Do Not Lead Christians to Maturity by Sandy Simpson, 5/11/14
Eph. 4:12-14 to equip his people for works of service, so that the
body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and
in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining
to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will 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 people in
their deceitful scheming.
Heb. 5:13-14 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is
not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food
is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish
good from evil.
(487) What
is Redemption? by Dr. Harry Ironside, 5/18/14
The word redemption is one that runs all through the Bible; in
fact, we can say without any suggestion of hyperbole that it is the great
outstanding theme of Holy Scripture. This important truth runs through
the Book like the proverbial red strand that, we are told, runs through
the cordage of the British navy. Everywhere, from Genesis right on to Revelation,
you find God in one way or another presenting to us the truth of redemptionredemption
in promise and in type in the Old Testament; redemption in glorious fulfillment
in the New Testament.
(488) The
End Of The World (re. Blood Moons) at The Berean Call, 5/21/14
TBC: A number of those promoting Blood Moons theories also pushed
warnings in 2012 based upon the Mayan calendar (see: http://www.thebereancall.org/content/question-i-ve-been-astonished-how-s...).
Other dates have also been singled out in recent years with the same results
as seen as in the eclipse occurring in Aprili.e., nothing. In short, these
predictions are based upon unbiblical foundations that cannot stand.
(489) Flocking
to other Christianities at The Berean Call, 5/23/14
That's why scholars took to the "Jesus's Wife" fragment and various
so-called "gospels" like, well, seagulls to trash piles. That's why Taussig
can insist, as the Washington Post put it, that the fragment is "ostensibly
as important as documents that make up the accepted New Testament."
(490) Keep
Thy Heart With All Diligence by David Dombrowski, 5/25/14
It is all too easy in the busy world in which we live today to get
caught up in worldly concerns that would tend to draw our hearts in a different
direction than God intends. A Scripture that comes to mind is the one in
Proverbs that says: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are
the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
(491) Biblical
Discipleship The Transforming Life by Gary Gilley, Think On These
Things, (May/June 2014 - Volume 20, Issue 3)
Other forms of spirituality, both in biblical times as well as today,
may have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion (2:23), but in
the end they are mere detours from the real life found in Christ. Like
the Colossians, Paul was concerned that the Corinthian church was being
led to a spiritual dead-end. He writes, But I am afraid that, as the serpent
deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the
simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:3). Spiritual formation,
mysticism, New Age spirituality and a host of other influences draw believers
today away from the simplicity of Christ. Our Lord would have us cling
tenaciously to Christ Himself, shedding the weights that slow us down and
the sins that so easily entangle us, so that we can run the race set before
us with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter
of faith (Heb 12:1-2).
(492) A Response To To The Larry De Bruyen
Follow Up Article To Mark Mullins On Herescope by Jacob Prasch,
Moriel Ministries, 6/11/14
Here , unlike Mark Mullins, Larry De Bruyen rightly distinguishes
between the Haggadik midrash (based on a hermeneutic employed by Jesus
and Paul) and the Halakik midrash (rejected by Jesus & Paul),
but then muddles the two. The fundamental failure to address the Midoth
of the School of Hillel where Paul was trained in the New Testament (which
Longenecker - his quoted scholarly source insists to be true) would (as
with Mark Mullins) get his paper automatically dismissed by academic peer
review in a scholarly forum or academic institution and contributes to
his convoluted speculations in the issues he labeled as 1 & 2 in his
propositions and conclusions. His conspicuous avoidance of the use
of the very term Midrash where it is found in scripture though ranks as
absurdity.
(493) Is
The Drum Beat Of Rock Music Demonic? by Watchorn Church, 6/13/14
A Scriptural, Musical, & Historical response to the assertions
of Larry De Bruyen with ragards to rock music. Six WMA audio
tracks downloadable.
(494) Christian
Marching Orders by Charles Spurgeon
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to
me in heaven and in earth; go, therefore and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 28:18)
(495) Bright
Hope in Dark Days by Charles H. Spurgeon
The path of the Christian is not always bright with sunshine. He
has his seasons of darkness and of storm. True, it is written in God's
Word, "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace,"
and it is a great truth, that religion is calculated to give a man happiness
below as well as bliss above.
(496) SRN
April 2014 Newsletter (PDF) by Chris Lawson, Spiritual Research
Network, 6/27/14
Gateway to Ghosts, Hauntings and Apparitions (Part 1): Occultism
and the Paranormal - By Chris Lawson
One of Satans Final Masquerades - By Sandy Simpson
Mantra Meditation: A Warning! - By Chris Lawson
Mantra Meditation - By Ray Yungen
(497) What
is inerrancy and why should we care? by Biblical Inerrancy, 7/4/14
These are the professors of some of the finest evangelical schools
in the nation, who are responsible for training the pastors of today and
future generations, and they are saying that they are comfortable with
these verses not being factual. This is an outright departure from the
historic definition of inerrancy.
(498) Biblical
versus Cultural Christianity - Oswald Chambers comment on Modern Christianityat
Crossroad, 9/8/14
Biblical Christianity means being joined to Jesus Christ through
faith in what He did for us at the cross, then allowing Him to live His
life through us, so that others might know Him and see His love. (That
love may include sharing His warnings as well as His promises with those
in need.) The established Church, like Old Testament Israel, has always
tended to drift away from its devotion to God and become just other institutions,
subject to the same human impulses and painful consequences as the rest
of the world. Please dont blame human evils on a "straw-man" or a convenient
cultural distortion of Christianity. Consider some of the differences between
Biblical faith and today's cultural deviations.
(499) Leviathan by Sandy Simpson,
9/22/14
This study is up for interpretation but I find descriptions of leviathan
in the Bible fascinating. This creature that existed, and may yet
exist, is used as a description of the might and power of the enemy.
(500) Worship
More Pagan than Christian? at The Berean Call, 10/15/14
There is a great misunderstanding in churches of the purpose of
music in Christian worship. Churches routinely advertise their life-changing
or dynamic worship that will bring you closer to God or change your
life. Certain worship CDs promise that the music will enable you to
enter the presence of God. Even a flyer for a recent conference for worship
leaders boasted: "Join us for dynamic teaching to set you on the right
path, and inspiring worship where you can meet God and receive the energy
and love you need to be a mover and shaker in todays worldAlongside our
teaching program are worship events which put you in touch with the power
and love of God." The problem with the flyer and with many church ads is
that these kinds of promises reveal a significant theological error. Music
is viewed as a means to facilitate an encounter with God; it will move
us closer to God. In this schema, music becomes a means of mediation between
God and man. But this idea is closer to ecstatic pagan practices than to
Christian worship.
(501) The
Need of Discernment in the last days (DVD series) by Mike Oppenheimer,
10/18/14
We are told in the last days that false prophets will increase,
that deception will be pervasive in the world and IN THE CHURCH. What are
the New spirit movements and methods that are consistently springing up
and entering the church? Discernment is the need of the hour for our survival
and keeping the faith of Biblical Christianity. In this video we use some
of the worst examples to show the dumbing down of the church in discernment,
resulting in deceiving the church. We will learn where and from whom this
originated in modern times. Revelations that contradict the Bible, new
books in heaven, glory services, Dominion goals of the New apostles and
prophets, people claiming to go to heaven, prophetic interpretation of
tattoos and piercings, new age healing, drunken stupors, becoming frozen
and silent. What is passing for revelation and Bible teaching is astounding.
We need to understand what is taking place and stand in the faith to be
victorious. How do we identify it or refute it? How can we protect
ourselves and others. Discernment is a gift that accompanies the Holy Spirit
who is our umpire that keeps us awake to distinguish truth from error.
The Bible tells us to grow in discernment, so that we can mature and help
others who are easily deceived. Being grounded in the core doctrines of
the faith and building on them makes one immune to the many deceptions
that surround us today, this is what this video series is about.
(502) What
Is Christian Palestinianism? with Paul Wilkinson at The Berean
Call, 10/31/14
Program Description: Tom McMahon discusses the dangers of
Christian Palestinianism with Dr. Paul wilkinson of Hazel Grove Full Gospel
Church as they critique Hank Hanegraaff's interview with Dr. Gary Burge.
Listen to the MP3 or read the transcript of Part
1, Part
2, Part
3 & Part
4.
(503) Take
Heed To Yourselves And All The Flock by Dr. Harry Ironside (1876-1951)
Objection is often raised even by some sound in the faith - regarding
the exposure of error as being entirely negative and of no real edification.
Of late, the hue and cry has been against any and all negative teaching.
But the brethren who assume this attitude forget that a large part of the
New Testament, both of the teaching of our blessed Lord Himself and the
writings of the apostles, is made up of this very character of ministry-namely,
showing the Satanic origin and, therefore, the unsettling results of the
propagation of erroneous systems which Peter, in his second epistle, so
definitely refers to as "damnable heresies."
(504) Characteristics
of Cults and Cultic Influences! by Chris Lawson, 11/7/14
Four patterns found in CULTS and CUTLIC movements that can shipwreck
your Christian faith and destroy you and your family!
(505) EXPECTATION
(He is Coming!) by Dr. Harry Ironside
This, then, is our expectation; this is our hope! And the Lord would
have us living day by day in view of the possible fulfillment of the promise
of His coming again. When you get up in the morning, cultivate the attitude
of soul that leads you to say, Christ may come today; and if He were to
come today, I want Him to find me walking in obedience to His holy Word.
And when you go to sleep at night say, Christ Jesus may come tonight,
and I can rest in perfect peace, knowing that when He comes I shall be
caught up to meet Him.
(506) Evangelicals that
promote the mystical power of communion by Mike Oppenheimer, 11/24/14
Lets begin with a general in the NAR of Pierce and Wagner, Ana Mendez
Ferrel who teaches. He told His disciples that the bread was His body
broken for their sins, and the wine was His blood, sealing the covenant
of forgiveness. Even more important, He said His body was real food and
His blood was real drink. If our spirits don't take in their needed food
and drink, is it any wonder we are weak? So then the covenant was sealed
before Jesus went to the cross? Why does anyone listen to this kind of
nonsense that is clearly Catholic teaching. She claims we need to understand
the Jewish feast of the Passover- does she? No one was healed by participating
in the feast, it was a shadow of Christ the genuine light who redeemed
us with his own blood. (ACT Note: This is the same lady who allegedly
climbed
up Mt. Everest and killed the Queen of Heaven and the devil there.)
(507) Howling at the
Moon by Mike Oppenheimer, 12/7/14
The false teaching teaching of blood moons occurring today.\
(508) Watchmen
Who Are Not Watchmen by James Jacob Prasch, 12/10/14
What Ever Happened To Matthew 24? On Your Walls O Jerusalem I Have
Appointed Watchmen; All Day And All Night they Will Never Keep Silent.
You Who Remind the Lord Take No Rest For Yourselves (Isaiah 62:8). The
prophetic watchman of Jerusalem and Judah, then and now: It was Isaiah
who first prophesied God would raise up watchman concerning the forthcoming
events in the history of the Hebrews generally, and their country Judah
specifically, with special reference to their capital Jerusalem, where
the Temple and Holy Ark were located - God's presence with them. As the
events prophetically predicted by Isaiah unfolded we indeed see God calling
the Prophet Ezekiel as the definitive watchman in the scriptural usage
of the word (Ezekiel 3:17, 33:7), and it is Ezekiel that biblically most
demonstrates what a watchman is and what he does. But first we must note
that it is not a term found in the New Testament, it firstly was an office
for the ancient Hebrews. Therefore, although there are without doubt those
functioning as 'watchmen' in the church, in order to grasp their raison
d'etre we must first grasp their Old Testament nature exemplified in Ezekiel
(the only individual specifically called a 'watchman'). We need to understand
some of the differences between Old and New Testament prophets (which despite
the license that cessationists effectively issue themselves to pronounce
passages of scripture not to their liking null and void, still do exist
in the church - eg. 1 Corinthians 12:29 & 14:32).
(509) Fight
the spiritual forces of wickedness -- and win! by Marsha West,
12/11/14
Satanism...religious liberty...beheadings...gender confusion...ecumenicalism.
My tendency is to fret about such things, even though God reminds us in
His Word: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7) Likewise, 1 Peter 5:7
commands believers not to be anxious but to lay all our worries on God
because He cares for us. So is there any question that His people are to
go to Him with the hard things, lay them at His feet, and trust that we
can literally "let go and let God"?
(510) Temptations,
Tests and Triumph - The Victory of the Cross by Crossroad, 12/14/14
"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing
that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3 "...the
Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 13:3
(511) Discernment
or Criticism? by Roger Oakland, 12/16/14
Taking a stand from a biblical perspective with regard to purpose-driven-emerging
Christianity is not very popular these days. Those working towards establishing
the kingdom and getting closer to Jesus through contemplative practices
rooted in eastern mysticism are very outspoken. If you are not in favor
of what they are promoting, you are labeled a hater and against everything.
(512) Certain
Men Crept In by Roger Oakland, 12/24/14
What would Paul and Jude write to the church if they were here today?
Would their message have changed in any way? Based on current trends that
dilute the simple gospel of Jesus and make it into a social-humanistic-psychological-whats-in-it-for-me
gospel that rejects the imminent return of our Lord I dont think
so. Let the book of Jude be a wake up call for us today!
(513) Another
Jesus or the True Jesus Whom Are You Serving? by Roger Oakland,
4/10/09
The apostle Paul was a man with a passion for the truth. While his
ministry clearly focused on proclaiming the saving grace of the Gospel
of Jesus Christ, he was also concerned when he saw the truth being compromised
by Satans subtle deceptive plan. While Paul made every effort to teach
the church at Corinth the truth about Jesus and His death on the Cross
to save them from their sins, false teachers and false doctrines had infiltrated
the church. Obviously some were being led astray.
(514) When
Change is Expressly Forbidden by Danny Ison, 2/13/15
There are those who try to tell us that the warning at the end of
the Book of Revelation applies exclusively to revisions attempted to only
that book of the Bible and not the rest, but as with all things biblical,
our understanding of any principle of the Lord comes from the whole of
Scripture and not by lifting out and highlighting just a single reference.
Moses, Solomon and Paul, at various points of history, provide the foundation
for what is finalized in the last verses of the Bible on behalf of the
whole of Scripture, that Gods entire Word is closed canon and provides
no option for human editing, be it in any form of redaction or embellishment.
And yet something has taken place within the walls of the Church since
the turn of the new millennium for which I can find no previous historic
parallel: openly changing Gods Word in spite of the express mandate otherwise.Some
of the most popular leaders within Christianity have altered Gods Word
in ways that no Christian cult, no rival religion, nor any enemy of the
cross I know of has dared to do. If such distortions of Gods Word had
been engaged in by the usual suspects working against the true Church,
I would characterize it as some kind of desperate attempt to fabricate
their lie to give it an outward appearance of authority. But how one explain
this coming about at the hands and from the mouths of those whom most of
the present-day Churchs membership recognize as their own?
(515) I cant be
deceived because Im a Christian! by Mike Oppenheimer, 2/23/15
The Bible speaks of a certain time at the end of the age where deceivers
will become commonplace and there will be so much confusion that truth
will become rare, few will speak it.Matt 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and
said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you."For many will come in
My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. To those who
believe. Luke 21:8 And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For
many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn
near.' Therefore do not go after them. The word he is not in the original
translation. So we have Jesus warning of mean saying they are Christ (or
christed- anointed) and men saying I am, saying they are God (i.e. the
new age and word faith teachers)
(516) Is there a
rapture? Is there a resurrection? by Mike Oppenheimer, 2/27/15
What is called the rapture (the removal of the believers upwards,
the church meets Jesus in the air) is when the living saints are transformed
to be in immortal like Christ. If you do not believe in the rapture then
you cannot believe in the resurrection, they are both joined together as
the same event, nearly simultaneously.
(517) Disingenuous Hermeneutics
by Sandy Simpson, 2/23/15
I was reminded of a comment by Rev. Gary Gilley made on our 6-DVD
series called The New Apostolic Reformation What is it and where is
it going?. He was addressing proper exegesis versus wrong ways to
interpret the Bible. He said that those who inject their own ideas
and doctrinal methodologies on the Bible, making it into their own image
and to their own liking, are using Fairytale Hermeneutics. I always
liked that definition and will now add one of my own with regards to how
people lie about what the Bible says when it comes to their own preconceived
notions, upholding mistaken Biblical interpretations. When you find
yourself having to make up false definitions and other interpretations
that are not according to the clear teaching of Scripture, you end up being
a type of false teacher. I learned long ago that if you want to teach
the Bible correctly you let it interpret itself. You teach what Jesus,
the Apostles, Prophets and Patriarchs did, with the help of the Holy Spirit
instead of trying to plug in manmade doctrinal systems on top of Biblical
truths
(518) God's Method of Consistently
'Warning' and 'Teaching' (Video) by Chris Lawson, 3/12/15
One of the ways God expresses this is through his consistent warnings
against satanic spiritual deception, false teachers, false prophets, deceivers,
the enemies of Israel, liars, deceivers, spiritism, sorcerers, the tools
of the occult, the enemies of the Church, false gospels, counterfeit "Jesus's,"
false apostles, false brethren, doctrines of demons, the antichrist spirit
that dominates each age and the world's system, Mystery Babylon, end-times
deception the coming personal Antichrist and his false prophet (Rev. 13)
and more.
(519) They will reject
truth and believe The Lie! by Mike Oppenheimer, 3/15/15
John 14:16-17 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you
another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- "the Spirit of truth,
whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him;
but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. This is what
separates believers from the world, keeps them from the world and the enemy
who rules over it, TRUTH. We are kept by the Spirit of truth.
(520) The Danger of
"New Revelation" by Mike Oppenheimer, 3/15/15
Paul writes in 1 Cor. 4:6, that you may learn in us not to think
beyond what is written that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one
against the other. Once someone is allowed to tell people stories like;
Jesus appeared to them in their room or they visited heaven and they were
given new revelation, the rest comes easy. They become as if lost at sea,
adrift with their fantasy revelation that makes them more important. They
have something to say that no one else does because they were chosen.
(521) Those
Who Are Spiritually Deceived Are No Longer Able to Think for Themselves
by Kevin Reeves, 3/18/15
Some may think it is extreme to compare the spiritual deception
and control tactics within the church today to that of the Nazi regime
and the death camps, but we should remember that the church in Germany
in the 1930s was very much like the church is todayhaving a head in the
sand mentality about spiritual deception and turning religious leaders
into super-human heroes who can do no wrong. Perhaps we are not all that
different than Christians in Germany back then. We should not fool ourselves
and think we would never be duped like that.
(522) The
Old Rugged Cross by Crossroad, 3/29/15
"...the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18) To
a world bent on social unity and moral laxity, the cross stands as a divisive
and humiliating obstacle. Attempts to minimize its offense through laws
and intimidation have bullied both secular and church leaders into continual
compromise. Public crosses are demolished or hidden; Bibles are forbidden
in schools, the traditional days for celebrating the resurrection have
been renamed "spring break;" and countless corporations and government
agencies ban cross-shaped pins or jewelry. Even Jesus Himself has become
a popular target for media mockery and ridicule!
(523) Noahs story...will
it become our story? by Mike Oppenheimer, 4/1/15
Noahs story is one of separation as he kept himself and his family
from the defections and corruption of the society he lived in. He gave
a testimony to all those who would ask about the boat he was building,
not doubt being mocked as it was being built. The people watching him do
this year after year for their whole lives until it was completed.
(524) Warning!
Spiritual Deception Abounds! (MP3) by VCY America, 4/8/15
Today more than ever we seem to be bombarded with individuals who
are intentionally attempting to get people to believe lies regarding Christianity,
our Lord and Savior and His word, the Bible. One example is Reverend John
Shuck, who ministers at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Beaverton,
Oregon. Reverend Shuck claims he doesn't believe in God yet defends
his 'Christianity.' He also claims that the Bible is a human product
and that while Jesus may have been a historical figure, most of what we
know about him is legend. To Reverend Shuck, God is a symbol of myth-making
and isn't credible as a supernatural being or force. This is just
one example that Vic presented of people today who, while standing in their
pulpits wearing their religious garb, propose ideas that have nothing to
do with the Bible. The result? A survey of more than 4,000 adults
shows that Americans are conflicted regarding Jesus, the central figure
of Christianity. The survey showed that the idea that Jesus is God
just doesn't register well with 'millennials' (those born between 1984
and 2002). This edition of Crosstalk also mentioned a new Bible that replaces
the name of God with that of rap star Kanye West, Vic retells the story
of The Modernist Preacher Entering Hell and callers share their comments
as well.
(525) Is
the Bible Better on T.V.? with J. B. Hixson and Tom McMahon, 4/11/15
On this program and next week, the subject is the upcoming NBC special
broadcast on Easter Sunday titled A.D.: The Bible Continues . It is a followup
to the series aired on the History Channel and its theatrical spinoff Son
of God , and my guest to discuss this production and the problems with
translating the Bible visually is J.B. Hixson. J.B. is the author, Bible
teacher - hes a Bible teacher and radio host. His ministry is Not By Works,
and can be found at www.notbyworks.org, and you can go on his website to
order his latest book The Great Last Days Deception . Read Part
1 & Part
2.
(526) The
Unseen Foe Behind Rising Evil by Berit Kjos, 5/1/15
We don't hear much about spiritual warfare these days. Most churches
seem to ignore the reality of Satan and the evil he inspires. God's warnings
about compromise with a corrupt world simply don't fit the new image of
Jesus as a gentle, tolerant, pluralistic helper. Since the 18th century's
birth of the "Age of Reason," an increasing number of "enlightened" Western
leaders and influential "change agents" have tried to discredit the Bible
and silence Christian believers. More recently, a vast number of politicians,
media masters and educators have joined the battles against Biblical truth
and morality.
(527) Gods
Desire and A Warning and a Plea by Ray Yungen, 5/5/15
Just what exactly is Gods desire for mankind? Does He want to send
people to Hell? Does He want anyone to live eternally without Him? Scripture
is very clear about this when it says: The Lord is not slack concerning
his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward,
not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(II Peter 3:9) God makes a strong plea to all people, giving them every
opportunity to receive Him. It is Gods desire that none should perish
eternally. Thats why he offered His Son, the Lord Jesus Christthe only
perfect sacrifice for mankinds sin: Therefore as by the offence of one
[Adam] judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness
of one [Jesus] the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
(Romans 5:18) What it comes down to is the preaching of the higher self
versus the preaching of the Cross. The New Age is saying that God is the
higher self in manthat God is just a meditation away.
(528) The
"New Model" Gospel by Dr. Orrel Steinkamp, 5/15/15
For over 50 years at least, a new message to call the unconverted
to Christ has been inching it's way virtually undetected into a dominant
place among evangelicals.
(530) Knowing
Our Triune God by T.A. McMahon, The Berean Call, 5/23/15
The doctrine regarding the Trinity (the three Persons of the Godhead)
isnt something that any finite individual can fully comprehend. The concept
is beyond the grasp of our mortal minds. And yet, God has given to mankind
a great deal of information about the Trinity throughout the Scripturesinformation
that His created beings may and must understand, albeit imperfectly. Although
the term Trinity isnt found in any Bible verse, that which the Trinity
comprises is found from Genesis through Revelation.
(531) The
Necessity of Biblical and Discerning Pastors (MP3) by Chris Lawson,
5/27/15
This audio includes a brief overview of Ephesians chapters 1-3 and
an expositional study of Ephesians 4:11-16. It also serves as a clarion
call to pastors and church leaders to "Prove [test] all things, hold fast
that which is good" (1 Thes. 5:21). Based on Ephesians 4:11-16, the
Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul makes is very clear that pastors are
to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Many pastors and church leaders
in our day, including countless church elders and youth leaders, are not
only not teaching the whole counsel of God, they are allowing many aberrant
and heretical teachings into the Body of Christ. This leaven of false teaching
comes through in sharing speaking platforms with false teachers, the allowance
of false teaching in church book studies, conferences and compromised
bookstores. This study will help church leaders take a closer look at their
own lives as well as the doctrines they profess to believe.
(532) Raising
Up Biblical and Discerning Leaders (MP3) by Chris Lawson, 6/3/15
The Fear of the Lord; Repentance; Dealing with heresy; Revering
God instead of man; Consistent Bible reading; Seeking out Bible teaching
leaders and ministries; Avoiding excesses and extremes; Defining your terms;
Interpreting Scripture with Scripture; Using the Bible and Bible study
tools instead of pop-Christianity books and fads; Defining biblical terminology
in context; Knowing the basic essentials of the Christian faith and teaching
them; Teaching the basics of biblical discernment; Using the proper rules
of biblical interpretation; Understanding what a cult is, what the occult
is, what aberrant means, and what a pseudo-Christian cult is; Finding
out what leads to heresy and why; Educating yourself on the threats and
dangers that are in the church today; Learning what biblical hermeneutics
is all about; Educating your spouse and children in Scripture; Understanding
schools of Interpretation and the dangers of allegorizing and spiritualizing
Scripture; Testing all things by the Word of God; Avoiding all appearance
of evil; Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cults, spiritual abuse;
and more.
(533) "...whether
things on earth or things in heaven" by Sandy Simpson, 6/2/15
Col. 1:19-20 For God was pleased to have all his fullness
dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether
things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood,
shed on the cross. I ran across this verse again the other day and
it made me stop and think. Why would Jesus Christ have to reconcile
things in heaven? I understand fully why He had to do that on earth
where sin took control, as well as the physical universe which was also
affected by sin, but in the third heaven? In looking at the various
commentaries on this subject it is apparent that people have different
ideas about what this means.
(534) Marks of False Religion
- A study of Colossians 2:8 in context with applications for today
by Sandy Simpson, 6/11/15
Christians, in order to remain faithful, need to take seriously the
repeated admonitions of the Apostles to stay true to Jesus Christ, the
Gospel and sound doctrine. This is the only way to protect ourselves
from the wolves who continue to invade the churches. Matthew 7:15
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheeps clothing, but
inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
(535) The
Reality of Spiritual Warfare: The Invisible War & the Victory of
the Cross by Berit Kjos, 6/20/15
God's creation is truly amazing! We may be familiar with life
on planet earth, but the dimensions of His unseen habitations reach far
beyond our human comprehension. That heavenly realm -- including God's
armies of supernatural angels -- is mentioned throughout the Bible, but
few of us seem to take it seriously. Usually hidden from our earth-bound
eyes stand two kinds of warriors: God's faithful angels and Satan's malicious
demons. God uses His loyal angels to guide, fight, protect and watch over
His people. He uses Satan's demonic hordes to enforce His justice, punish
the wicked, and train us in spiritual warfare. While He calls us to follow
Him, share His Word and spread His love, He also prepares us to face spiritual
battles that involve evil forces as well as the good. "Then my enemies
will turn back in the day when I call; this I know, that God is for me....
In God have I put my trust: I shall not be afraid. What man can do unto
me." (Psalm 56:9, 11)
(536) Noahs story,
will it become our story? by Mike Oppenheimer, 7/6/15
Matt 24:38-39 "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating
and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah
entered the ark," and did not know until the flood came and took them all
away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Noahs story is one
of separation as he kept himself and his family from the defections and
corruption of the society he lived in. He gave a testimony to all those
who would ask about the boat he was building, not doubt being mocked as
it was being built. The people watching him do this year after year for
their whole lives until it was completed.
(537) Is
Psychological Counseling Biblical? with Martin and Deidre Bobgan (Part
1) by The Berean Call, 7/11/15
On todays program and next week, as well, well be discussing what
the Scripture has to say about believers ministering to one another, which,
sad to say, is foreign to the way most churches with rare exceptions go
about counseling, even under the label of biblical counseling. My guests
to discuss this important subject are Dr. Martin and Deidre Bobgan. They
are prolific writers with more than 20 titles to their credit, nearly all
addressing the scriptural problems with psychological counseling and Christian
psychology, so-called. Many of their books can be downloaded from their
website, which is www.pamweb.org, or you can order their books, their hardcopies,
from The Berean Call.
(538) A
Brief Review Of The Theological Paper Of Daniel R. Jennings Entitled Except
For Fornication by James Jacob Prasch, 7/14/15
In his public paper freely available on the Internet, Daniel R.
Jennings, (without doubt a sincere and genuine brother in Christ) represents
himself as one formerly holding to the doctrinal belief that adultery provided
scriptural grounds for divorce based on the teaching of Jesus in Matthews
Gospel, (Matthew 5:31-32 & Matthew 19: 3-12) but that based on further
primarily linguistic study, he now maintains that this is not the case
and that the only New Testament grounds for divorce is a case of pre-marital
fornication by a wife who deceitfully misrepresents herself as a virgin.
(539) The Danger
of New Revelation by Mike Oppenheiimer, 7/18/15
Paul writes in 1 Cor. 4:6, that you may learn in us not to think
beyond what is written that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one
against the other. Once someone is allowed to tell people stories like;
Jesus appeared to them in their room or they visited heaven and they were
given new revelation, the rest comes easy. They become as if lost at sea,
adrift with their fantasy revelation that makes them more important. They
have something to say that no one else does because they were chosen. The
reality of demons should not be dismissed, or underestimated, they are
deceptive. They have one think they are in contact with God and pride is
always the bait on the hook. Encapsulated in their new teaching is God
is with me as they present to the hearers their new revelation.
(540) The
Queen James Bible Release: a Story of Malice and Deception by Lighthouse
Trails, 7/19/15
We believe this article, written by a Lighthouse Trails reader,
goes hand in hand with our recent article, 4
Reasons Why Holman Publishers Should Not Have Inserted an Article by a
Contemplative Author into Their King James Bibles. Both that and
this article below show that the King James Bible is being exploited because
it is in the public domain. While the so-called Queen James Bible may be
an extreme case, it is still another case in point regardless.
(541) Will
Catastrophe Strike The Earth In September? by Al Dagar, 8/2/15
Will it be an asteroid, a comet or a meteor that will strike the
earth? What of the Four Blood Moons, the Year of Shemitah, Jade Helm 15?
Christians are hearing that prophets are predicting terrible things to
occur this coming September, 2015. Some claim that God has given them prophecies
about calamities that portend His judgment upon the earth and the imminent
return of Jesus. It is even reported
that the Rapture will occur on September 23, 2015. Christians
around the world are being moved to move. Someplace, anyplace, to escape
Gods wrath. What to do? What to do? Even before John Hagee brought the
message of Mark Biltzes four-blood-moons theory to the forefront of Christians
consciousness, there has arisen a new fervor of expectation that God is
about to do something!
(542) Sunday
Morning: Another Gospel? by Harry A. Ironside, 8/3/15
Note carefully: The Gospel is Gods wonderful story of His beloved
Son. It is a message of grace to be received in faith. It is not a code
of laws to be obeyed or good advice to be followed. It is not a system
of ritual observances or a call to submit to certain ordinances. It does
not set forth the claims of any human church organization, however venerable,
nor does it exhort men to seek after experiences, however remarkable, though
a blessed experience follows its acceptance. It simply sets forth Christ
crucified and risen as the Savior of all who believe in Him.
(543) Spiritual
Warfare: The Foe We Prefer to Ignore by Berit Kjos - January 2010
Our two centuries of peace, freedom, and relative comfort in America
may soon come to an end. But God invites us to train our minds with His
Truth and our hearts to follow Him in the hard times ahead. Only by trusting
Him and walking by His strength can we share in His victory. So let's pray
that He will encourage and equip us for the times ahead.
(544) The Armor
of God by Berit Kjos, 8/10/15
God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective
covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "Put on the armor,"
wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the
Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding
place and your shelter in the storm -- just as He was to David. Hidden
in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield,
He also fills you with His life. "I am the vine; you are the branches,"
said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
(545) Considering
Him Who Endured the Cross: Scriptural examples for daily living (Hebrews
10:32-12:1-3) by Chris Lawson, 8/22/15
God Spoke and He Has a Faithful Remnant (Hebrews 10:32 - 11:29)
1. God spoke to His people through His Word. 2. The lives of the people
were changed and they were moved to action. 3. They sought to obey God
and do His will. 4. God has borne witness in His own Word about them. Considering
Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3) 1. Looking at the example of faithful believers
who have gone before us. 2. Let us lay aside every weight and sin that
is entangling us. 3. Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our
faith.
(546) Spiritual
Warfare and Guarding Your Soul by Chris Lawson, 9/2/15
Spiritual warfare, trials, suffering, affliction, persecutionare
we forgetting that we are in a spiritual battle? The valiant-for-truth
believer in Christ ought to never forget that there is an unseen spiritual
world that is in hostile opposition against Jesus Christ and His Church.
This study is meant to help the believer consider the reality of the Christian
warfare and the the importance of doing the will of the Lord in the strength
that God provides. You must know: 1. Your own weakness, and the weakness
of your enemy. 2. Your own strength, and the strength of your enemy. 3.
Your victory through the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 4:16; 2 Kings 6:8-23; Ephesians 6:10-24; Romans 12:1-2
(547) The people Perish
from a lack of Knowledge of Scripture - The unity of Spiritual zombies
by Mike Oppenheimer, 9/9/15
There are those who deviate from being accurate in doctrine and
take advantage of the sheep. The distinction of those who teach things
contrary on purpose or those who teach by mistake are known because the
latter repents. Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed (perish) for lack of
knowledge ." Here God is referring to what they should learn from the Scripture
from the priests and the prophets. They will be destroyed spiritually first.
Israel's lessons are ours to learn and correct if we listen. Today, the
knowledge of God in is in a closed book to some, but it can be opened at
any time and applied to change their conditions. One needs courage to do
this and if prevented, resisted by those who oppose the them, they need
to stand on the truth.
(548) The Reappearance
of the Bethlehem star? by Mike Oppenheimer, 9/9/15
The wise men were led to Jesus by a radiance in the heavens, they
were Biblical, these men teaching this canard are not. As the end times
escalates we will find spiritual paranoia present and many will try to
connect the dots making up their own picture[s] from Scripture. This is
the same reason why people will be deceived by the signs from the antichrist
and the false prophet as they convince people of their mission. They are
not interpreting the Scripture but conforming it to what they think it
should mean.
(549) The Mystery
of iniquity by Mike Oppenheimer, 9/12/15
Great is the mystery of righteousness; (God was incarnated in the
flesh) God was manifested in the flesh, (God appeared; was revealed in
the flesh to mankind). He who became man was made a priest after the order
of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:6, Psa. 110:4), both a king and a priest (Heb. 7:1-2).
This intriguing subject of Christs priesthood is fully explained in Hebrews
chapters 7-9. The mystery in Christ is made known. Gods Mystery is simple:
it is belief in Christ as the God/man: that God became man. Who came from
above (heaven) to live on earth as a man (Called the mystery of godliness
1 Tim.3:16). To those who disbelieve, the Messiah would be a rock of offence
and a stone of stumbling. Peter explains the mystery by showing that
all depends on ones attitude toward Christ, whether they have faith or
unbelief: God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that
He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken,
and will He not make it good? (Num. 23:19) Man lies, God always tells
the truth. Gods characteristic, attributes are infinite. We are to become
like God in his moral qualities and character but we cannot become God
as in His nature. The image of God in man is a moral image / likeness but
there is another image that is foreign that was introduced when the first
couple sinned. It came to us by God's enemy who lied to them and continues
to lie to all mankind. There is no mystery mentioned in the Old Testament
like the New Testament has mysteries, one mystery is the Gospel (Rom.16:25),
which was concealed. There are two specific mysteries we face in the last
days, The Mystery of Iniquity and Mystery Babylon. Babylon is where all
false religion of the people began (Cain was the first) to be dominant
over the true religion that was passed on through Noah and his family.
(550) You need to nip it in
the bud by Sandy Simpson, 9/18/15
I am writing this article to address a subject that I have often
observed. It is the fact that if you do not get the leaven out of
your church the leaven will become the leadership.
(551) Rejoicing
Through It All - What The Scripture Tells Us (Booklet) by Warren
B. Smith, 9/28/15
As challenging as it may seem at times, Gods Word tells us to rejoice
always (Philippians 4:4) and evermore (1Thessalonians 5:16). The various
Hebrew and Greek words for rejoicing range in meaning from calmly happy
to exceedingly glad and jumping for joy. The Bible reminds us that Gods
people should be a happy people because our God is the Lord (Psalm 144:15).
We know that though our outward man perish yet our inward man is renewed
day by day. Therefore, we rejoice and give thanks for the abundant grace
so mercifully bestowed upon us by God our Savior.
(552) What is your covering?
by Sandy Simpson, 10/3/15
The question every human being must ask themselves is this: What
is my covering? Is it fig leaves or animal skins? I state this not
literally but figuratively. Are you depending on your good works
or the blood of Jesus Christ to save you? This is the ultimate question
all the way from the Garden of Eden. It is apparent that those who
are truly saved are in Christ (Rom. 6:7, 8:1), washed in the Blood (1
Cor. 6:11, Rev. 7:14), crucified and buried with Christ (Gal. 2:20, Rom.
6:4) and born again (John 3:3, 1 Pet. 1:23), anticipating eternal life
(John 17:3, Rom. 6:23). But there are also those who rely on their works
(2 Tim. 1:9). Every person will be judged according to their works (Eph.
2:8-9, Rev. 20:12), whether they were relying on them to be saved or relying
on the work of Christ on the cross for their salvation. Even many
people who call themselves Christians will end up trying to rely on works
instead of grace.
(553) The Devil's
Algebra (Video) by Jacob Prasch, 10/5/15
What happens when someone adds to or takes away from the Word of
God?
(554) The
Unseen Foe Behind Rising Evil by Berit Kjos, 10/11/15
Satan's captivating lies have sparked wars and cruelty through the
ages. Ever since Eve chose to follow her feelings rather than God's wise
guidelines, humanity has faced assaults from "the evil one" -- often through
his human pawns. Call him Devil, Deceiver, Satan, or serpent; it doesn't
matter. It's all the same haughty oppressor: "...that serpent of old, called
the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world..." Rev. 12:9
(555) The teaching
of unclean spirits (demons) being the spirits of pre-Adamic man: A short
Lesson in demonology by Mike Oppenheimer, 10/13/15
You will not find any biblical texts that mention (fallen) angels
or demons together, because they are different titles of the same creatures.
The demons, unclean spirits (which are the fallen angels), both seek to
possess men, both war against Gods will and ways and want to use humans
in this fight.
(556) The
Five Wonders of the Gospel: The Truth Proclaimed by Johan Malan,
Mossel Bay, South Africa (October 2015)
John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Bible.
This famous verse is also called the Gospel in a nutshell because it
is considered a summary of the foundational New Testament doctrine of salvation:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Five core
truths in connection with our salvation are mentioned in this verse, which
are all five divine wonders. They are the wonder of divine love, the wonder
of a heavenly Savior, the wonder of faith in God, the wonder of salvation
from perdition, and the wonder of eternal life. The Bible offers a full
exposition of these supernatural works of God, and emphasizes the fact
that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world and that no person can
save himself from his state of spiritual deadness and moral depravity.
(557) Praying
Circles, Think On These Things (Volume 21, Issue 5 Sep/Oct 2015)
by Gary Gilley, 10/23/15
This latest prayer fad stems from the teachings of Mark Batterson,
lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C., and in particular
his 2011 book, The Circle Maker. The publisher claims that Batterson is
offering a new way of praying (see advertisement on page 233 of The Circle
Maker) based on a Jewish legend of Honi the Rainmaker, also called Honi
the Circle Maker (pp. 11-13, 226). Honi, who lived a century before the
ministry of Christ, supposedly drew a circle in the dirt, stepped into
that circle and prayed for rain to end a devastating drought. He told God
that he would not leave the circle until the Lord sent rain and, according
to the myth, God soon sent rain. It should be noted that the story of Honi
is at best a legend and most likely a myth. There is no independent or
historical evidence that anything like this event ever took place. Even
more importantly, this account is not drawn from Scripture. Nevertheless,
when Batterson discovered the story he claimed it forever changed the way
he prayed (p. 21). Now he circles his prayers, either by stepping into
a drawn circle (it is recommended that a circle be drawn on the ground
with chalk) like Honi, or by walking around the object of his desire, as
the Jews walked around Jericho in the Old Testament.
(558) When
a False Teacher Calls America "Israel" by The Berean Call, 10/26/15
Jonathan Cahn, a popular Christian author, claims that his books
reveal mysteries and predict the future. He thus portrays himself as like
the Biblical prophets, including the claim of having new revelations. The
main point of his book is that America is a second Israel and that she
is being judged according to the seven-year Sabbath law called "shemitah"
that was given to ancient Israel. This judgment manifests itself in seven-year
cycles of stock market collapses or other cataclysmic events.
(559) Is Jesus the Abomination
that makes desolate, the covenant breaker of Dan.9? by Mike Oppenheimer,
10/29/15
A number of years ago I sat down with some preterists who were
convinced in their view of Daniel 9.25-27 is Jesus breaking the covenant
and becoming the abomination that makes desolation. This view becomes one
of the most distorted errors of the Scripture I have ever encountered.
Since then it has come up a number of times and needs to be addressed.
(560) Do you gather
or scatter? by Mike Oppenheimer, 10/29/15
Many use the parable of the wheat and the tares for not judging.
That we are to let the tares grow amongst the wheat inside the church.
But, this is NOT what this parable is about. Matthew 13 is part of the
mystery kingdom parables. Jesus tells us The kingdom of heaven is like
a man who sowed good seed in his field; while men slept, his enemy came
and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.
(561) The
Importance of the Rational Mind by Ed Tarkowski, 11/5/15
When God speaks to a man in his spirit, he understands with the
mind the will of God, and can thus perform it with the full use of his
faculties and in full assurance that he is doing what God expects of him.
The occultist or spiritist must bypass the mind by shutting down his thinking
processes in order to reach a passive state, at which point contact with
a spirit is made. One way of doing this is with a mantra; that is, repeating
the same word, word segment, or phrase over and over again. There is no
such practice found in Scripture.
(562) What
Seems Right Might Be Wrong by Roger Oakland, 11/12/15
Every Christian wants to see the church grow. Jesus made it clear
before He ascended to the Father that His followers are to be His witnesses.
Believers are called to share the good news of the gospel until He returns.
We want to see our churches filled to overflowing. This is right. But what
happens when the Christian church, in its zeal to reach the unconverted,
begins to embrace methods to attract the lost that are extra-biblical?
(563) Overtake you like a thief
by Sandy Simpson, 11/13/15
1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that
the day would overtake you like a thief; How serious will it be for a person
to be overtaken in that day like a thief overtakes a household when he
slips in and steals? Will it just be a surprise for those who claim
to be Christians who will get a slap on the wrist by the Lord but still
proceed to heaven? Will they simply lose rewards but still gain the
ultimate reward? What is this darkness that the brethren are not
in? 1 Thessalonians 5:3-5 While they are saying, Peace and safety!
then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon
a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren,
are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for
you
are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night or of darkness;
(564) The
Bible Anticipates Islam . . . Islam and the Bible by Bill Randles,
9/20/14
Islam as a world religion didn't burst onto the world scene until
the 7th century AD. But in the 14 plus centuries since, it has played a
major role in world affairs, as a foil to the Judeo Christian world, and
a scourge on India, the Levant, Persia, Southern Asia, much of Africa,
the Caucasus, and even part of China.
(565) Biblical
versus Cultural Christianity (Chart) by Crossroad, 11/15/15
This chart is an attempt to answer those who judge Christians by
the atrocities committed in the name of "Christianity" through the ages
-- including our own times. Those wars, persecutions, and cruelties had
little to do with Biblical Christianity. They had everything to do with
man's greedy, power-hungry human nature which seeks its own ways rather
than God's. The ungodly expressions of our human nature may change from
culture to culture, but the result is usually the same: the people imagine
a god that fits their new cultural wants and values, and they learn to
see this distortion of Christianity as the true church. Biblical Christianity
means being joined to Jesus Christ through faith in what He did for us
at the cross, then allowing Him to live His life through us, so that others
might know Him and see His love. (That love may include sharing His warnings
as well as His promises with those in need.) The established Church, like
Old Testament Israel, has always tended to drift away from its devotion
to God and become just other institutions, subject to the same human impulses
and painful consequences as the rest of the world. Please dont blame human
evils on a "straw-man" or a convenient cultural distortion of Christianity.
Consider some of the differences between Biblical faith and today's cultural
deviations.
(566) Famine
in the Land Yet God Remains Faithful by Chris Lawson, 11/18/15
Psalm 89 - A psalm (Maskil) of Ethan the Ezrahite. Author: Ethan
(or one of his descendants) is the author of this Psalm. Ethan is possibly
the Levitical leader and one of the head musicians/singers in the Temple
(1 Chronicles 6:42; 15:17-19). Historical context: God had promised to
make David the mightiest King on earth (2 Sam. 7; 1 Kin. 8:23; 1
Chr. 17; 2 Chr. 21:7; Ps. 110). In doing so, God would protect David
and Davids descendants (2 Sam. 7:13; 16, 18), and ultimately Messiah Jesus
would reign from Davids throne - forever (Luke 1:31-33). Even though
Jerusalem was destroyed and no kings were reigning in Jerusalem at this
time, God remained faithful and He continues to carry out His promises.
Gods promises are - and forever will be - fulfilled through our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, the Messianic descendant of David (Matt. 1:1; Luke
3:23-28) and the Eternal Prophet, Priest and King of Israel (Heb. 1:1-10:18).
Looking beyond the pale of the authors personal national dilemma - the
apparent total ruin of the Davidic monarchy - the author chooses to focus
on the LORD and His greatness, regardless of his own personal circumstances
and future. As always, man is humbled, and God is glorified. In one word,
with restored confidence in God and His Word, the author closes with, Blessed
be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen. (Psalm 89:52) The Lords Covenant
with David and Israels Afflictions (89:1-37) Praise and remembrance of
Gods love and faithfulness (89:1-4). Gods worthiness to be praise and
adored (89:5-14). Gods covenant blessing and protection upon David (89:15-37).
Gods Seeming Neglect of the Davidic Covenant (89:38-52) The Psalmists
heartfelt cry (89:46-51). The Psalmists heartfelt distress (89:46-51).
The Doxology - Blessed be the LORD forever! (89:52) Scriptures: Psalm
89; Luke 1:30; Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 26:16; Psalm 135: 1-4; Deuteronomy
14:2; Titus 2:11-15; 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 89:52.
(567) The Fall of
Satan resulted in the fall of many by Mike Oppenheimer, 11/21/15
A Spiritual war wages all around us, and Satan is a master planner,
he constantly feeds the world false information about himself and of Christ,
their only means of escape. Many people dismiss his existence. Some see
Satan as a mythical invention and stay completely unaware of his plans.
The Bah' 's do not believe Satan exists, the devil is a metaphor for
mans base nature. Charles Fillmore of Unity church said the Devil is a
state of consciousness adverse to the divine good. The Devil is overcome
by denying his existence. Mason's see Lucifer got a bad rap and that he
is good and that they need to learn to use his energy. So they do not see
the need to resist him not consider his deceptions in their lives. They
have no clue what is coming to this world.
(568) Should
Christians Expose Error? by H.A. Ironside, 11/22/15
Objection is often raisedeven by some sound in the faithregarding
the exposure of error as being entirely negative and of no real edification.
Of late, the hue and cry has been against any and all negative teaching.
But the brethren who assume this attitude forget that a large part of the
New Testament, both of the teaching of our blessed Lord Himself and the
writings of the apostles, is made up of this very character of ministrynamely,
showing the Satanic origin and, therefore, the unsettling results of the
propagation of erroneous systems which Peter, in his second epistle, so
definitely refers to as damnable heresies.
(569) Making
Gods People Trust in a Lie by Bill Randles, 11/29/15
It is happening all over again. In the church, as in the last days
of Judah, immediately preceding the devastation of the Babylonian captivity
and the destruction of the temple, Christians are being inoculated
to conviction and preparedness by the soothing Words of false prophets
like Hananiah.
(570) The Bible's
Amazingly Accurate Account of the Flood by Creation Moments, 11/30/15
Genesis 8:7 "And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and
fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth." On May 18, 1980,
Mount St. Helens exploded, devastating over 200 square miles in Southwestern
Washington State. The heat spewing from the volcano melted the snow that
covered its heights, creating mud flows that covered the surrounding area.
The grim prediction was that forests and wildlife would never be found
on or near the mountain within our lifetimes. Mount St. Helens' recovery
from the devastation provides us with a comparatively small-scale model
of the recovery from the great Flood at the time of Noah. Only ten years
after the eruption, much of the plant and animal life in the devastated
area had returned. Today, evergreens stand taller than a man, fish swim
in the lakes and rivers, and frogs are in the ponds. Even larger animals
like elk can be found in the once-desolate area. This suggests that it
would not have taken generations for the foliage that God preserved in
the Flood waters to re-grow forests and jungles, providing homes for the
growing, migrating population from the Ark. Before that could happen, Noah
had to know that there was somewhere for the animals to go. So he first
sent out a raven. Mount St. Helens illustrates why Noah decided to send
a raven first. Among the first new colonizers at Mount St. Helens was the
raven. They are part of God's army of scavengers to remove the dead and
can live in a wide variety of conditions. Here again we see that even the
small details recorded in the Bible are true to real life.
(571) The
Gospel in the Last Days by Jacob Prasch, 12/7/15
Were looking, of course at The Gospel in the Last Days. In a
sense what were doing now is a sequel a part two to something we did
a number of years ago. You may remember a number of years ago people were
talking about prepare for blessing, and revivals coming, and prepare
for the victory and all this kind of stuff, and of course it didnt happen.
And we had a conference at that time telling people to prepare for persecution
and well have to see which has happened: Has persecution come or has revival
arrived? Well, revival has certainly not arrived, but as well look at
in a minute, persecution has. Were preparing for persecution. And at that
time we pointed out to people the same kinds of challenges that were faced
by the Early Church will be faced by the church in the Last Days. The same
things happen. Im not going to go into it in any depth, just very briefly
review. Read Part
1, Part
2, Part
3, Part
4, Part
5, Part
6, Part
7, Part
8, Part
9, Part
10 & Part
11.
(572) Is Jesus the
Abomination that makes desolate, the covenant breaker of Dan.9?
by Mike Oppenheimer, 12/20/15
A number of years ago I sat down with some preterists who were
convinced in their view of Daniel 9.25-27 is Jesus breaking the covenant
and becoming the abomination that makes desolation. This view becomes one
of the most distorted errors of the Scripture I have ever encountered.
Since then it has come up a number of times and needs to be addressed.
(573) Pauls
Conduct in Ministry and Appeal for Scriptural Separation by Chris
Lawson, 12/23/15
Do they see beyond our words? A practical look at being set apart
for the Lord and living for Him so that the Gospel may not be maligned,
blasphemed and hindered. Various topics covered in this message include
Paul's sufferings, his personal vindication of his ministry, God's appeal
to His church - through Paul - to "be ye separate" from the world, and
what true repentance looks like and does. 2 Corinthians 6:1-4 We then,
as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the
grace of God in vain.(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted,
and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted
time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing,
that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves
as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities,
in distresses Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:12.
(574) The
Priority of Not Neglecting Jesus Our First Love by Chris Lawson,
12/31/15
Jesus Rebukes the Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) Christian
ministry and service should never replace our personal love and devotion
to our Lord Jesus Christ. This message is a reminder for each of us to
personally consider what priority we individually place on our personal
relationship with Jesus Christ, our obedience to His Word, and whether
or not we are neglecting Jesus as our first love (Rev. 2:4). This sermon
is not intended to needlessly offend Christians, nor is it an attempt to
drive people into more service for the Lord. Rather, it is a compelling
message intended to encourage believers to remember the goodness of the
Lord, to repent from spiritual apathy, and to love Jesus and adore Him,
thereby returning to Him as ones first love - in sincerity and in truth.
Scriptures: Revelation 1:1-2:7; Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18,
24; 2:9; 1 John 5:4-5. Revelation 2:1-7 (KJV) - 1 Unto the angel of the
church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars
in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst
not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are
apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 and hast borne, and
hast patience, and for my names sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy
first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent,
and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will
remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this
thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also
hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,
which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
(575) Pray
Always and Don't Forget - Luke 18 (Video) by Bill Randles, 1/15/16
(576) See
to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception,
according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles
of the world, rather than according to Christ by Mike Ratliff,
1/17/16
When we do word studies in the Greek New Testament it is vital that
we pay very close attention the verb tenses. From these we learn that some
statements are commands (imperatives) while others, which some Bible translations
render as if they are commands, are actually statements of fact (indicatives
or aorists). Confusing these has caused a very large amount of confusion
and bad doctrine to pollute the church.
(577) Setting
Aside the Power of the Gospel for a Powerless Substitute by David
Dombrowski, 2/13/16
We are living in a time of mass deception and delusion. If you were
to fall off a cliff and only had a rope to hold you, would you not hold
onto that rope more tightly? That is what we must do with the Gospel. Jesus
death on the Cross purchased our salvation; we have also been bought by
His blood, sealed in a new covenant, and His indwelling presence empowers
us to live the Christian life. There is no other power to save!
(578) Bright
Hope in Dark Days by Charles H. Spurgeon, 2/15/16
The path of the Christian is not always bright with sunshine. He
has his seasons of darkness and of storm. True, it is written in God's
Word, "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace,"
and it is a great truth, that religion [i.e. Biblical Christianity] is
calculated to give a man happiness below as well as bliss above. But experience
tells us that if the course of the just be "As the shining light that shineth
more and more unto the perfect day," sometimes that light is eclipsed.
At certain periods, clouds cover the believer's sun, and he walks in darkness
and sees no light.
(479) Mythicism
by Robert Stewart, Ph.D. & Marilyn Stewart, M.Div., Watchman Fellowship,
Inc., 3/17/16
The claim that Jesus never existed is virtually unknown prior to
the 18th century. Up to that time even Christianitys fiercest detractors
did not deny that Jesus was a historical person. Most New Testament scholars
have viewed the arguments behind this claim as too weak to merit a response
or to merit anything more than a reference in a footnote. The radical English
Deist Lord Bolingbroke in the late 18th century is known to have promoted
this idea, followed by French Enlightenment thinkers Constantin-Francois
Volney and Charles Francois Dupuis who argued that Christianity borrowed
from ancient Persian and Babylonian myths.
(480) Scoffers
Will Come by Roger Oakland, 3/18/16
Bible prophecy is being fulfilled as I write this commentary. While
many professing Christians ignore the connection between current events
and portions of the Bible that were written thousands of years ago, my
advice is that it would be wise for these scoffers to wake-up.
(481) What to do when
Biblical counsel is not received? by Mike Oppenheimer, 3/20/16
The bottom line, if you have a pastor who lacks or refuses to exercise
discernment and integrity, this is dangerous to the sheep they are entrusted
to protect. The church is their spiritual family. Read Part
1 - What to do when Biblical counsel is not received? and Part
2 - Who's in charge of your church? Do you have a pastor or a politician?
(482) Elektos by Jacob Prasch, 4/5/16
So often it is the extremists that divide the body of Christ and
cause unnecessary problems, it really is. Youve got people who are
ultra-Pentecostal or extreme Charismatics who confuse spirituality with
mysticism, who confuse basic emotion with the leading of the Holy Spirit;
emotional impulse. Their doctrinal theology is so often a false theology
based on experience, not based on the Word of God and we know the Charismatic
movement, having been around since the late 1960s, has never brought any
revival. There was a revival among the hippies but the Charismatic
renewal has not renewed these denominations. These denominations
are far worse off now than they were a generation ago; they are ordaining
homosexuals, lesbians, and everything else. The Methodists, the Reformed
churches, the Presbyterians, pick any church you want that had the Charismatic
renewal and you would be hard pressed to find one of them that has been
renewed or restored to biblical foundation. Now this is in no way
a denial of the authenticity of Holy Spirit baptism or a properly understood
manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit practiced scripturally.
It is just to say, as we pointed out many times, too much, in fact probably
the majority of what we see today, in terms of Charismatic phenomena, is
not genuine charismata but the term Chuck Smith once coined, charismania.
The theological term for charismania, the actual term, again if you dont
know, is neo-Montanism. The kind of disorder and chaos you saw at
Corinth resurfaced in the early Church with people called the Montanists
and this kind of thing has happened at other times.
(483) Can
Bad Hermeneutics Lead to Heresy? with Rob Congdon (Part 1), 4/16/16
Hermeneutics is one of these words we don't speak about every day
in our life, but actually we experience it. Every time you read a book
or read a newspaper, you apply a system of hermeneutics. Its a method
to interpret what youre reading. You expect certain rules, whether you
realize it or not, to be applied to that. So, hermeneutics is really, as
we use it, a method of biblical interpretation a system, if you will.
(484) Almost
Saved ... But Entirely Lost! by Dr. C. L. Cagan, 4/23/16
You cant be changed from a little devil to a real Christian by
simply coming to church. You cant have a conversion by learning things.
Your heart is wrong. You are wrong inside. Your heart is desperately wicked
(Jeremiah 17:9). You cannot change yourself from a goat to a sheep, from
a little devil to a real Christian. With men it is impossible (Mark 10:27).
And with you it is impossible. You need Gods grace! You need a miracle
of conversion from God. You are almost saved, but entirely lost. Without
a miracle from God, you will always be entirely lost lost in this life
and lost forever in the next world.
(485) A time to weep
Eccl. 3:4 by Mike Oppenheimer, 5/8/16
Israel, the Jewish people and nation has become the dividing line
for the church in the last days. There are more that reject God keeping
His covenant with them than those who believe God will never forsake Israel
because of his covenant. Called by many names, known as replacement theology,
this predominant false teaching today is infecting many in various ways.
(486) Slackerly
Sloths by Herescope, 5/12/16
The opposite of the biblical diligence is the idea of sloth.
The sloth mammal was aptly named because its habits so matched the biblical
description!
(487) The Key to being able to teach both Predestination
and Free Will by Sandy Simpson, 5/14/16
When I was in college one of the favorite all night jam sessions
was the Predestination vs. Free Will debate. We would stay up all
night and never resolve the problem. Though I was a Christian I was
somewhat immature at the time and had not learned the principle of not
imposing manmade constructs on the Scriptures (eisegesis) but rather letting
the Bible interpret itself (exegesis) since it consists of the Word of
God as breathed by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16) through the prophets,
Apostles and of course, the Word incarnate, Jesus Christ. There is
a famous saying that states: "A text, out of context, in isolation from
co-text is always a pre-text." It certainly was a pretext for our
lengthy useless arguments on this subject.
(488) Discernment
Detractors: Calling Good Evil by Warren B. Smith, 7/14/15
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and
shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice,
and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:Matthew 5:11-12
(489) Biblical
Texts Older Than Estimated at The Berean Call, 6/13/16
Studying ancient handwriting reveals biblical texts are older than
estimated. By using handwriting analysis technology, Israeli scholars from
a number of fields have concluded that certain ancient biblical texts are
older than originally thought.
(490) Spiritual
Warfare: The Unseen Foe Behind Rising Evil by Berit Kjos, 6/14/16
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some
shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines
of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with
a hot iron 1 Timothy 4:1-2 We dont hear much about spiritual warfare
these days. Most churches seem to ignore the reality of Satan and the evil
he inspires. Gods warnings about fellowship with the worlds alluring
thrills doesnt fit the contemporary image of Jesus as a tolerant, easy-going
friend.
(419) The
Message bible butchers Psalm 1:1 by My Word Like Fire, 6/15/16
Eugene Petersons horrendous translation (?) of Psalm 1:1 compared
to the genuine thing.
(420) Christians who turn away
by Sandy Simpson, 6/22/16
Jeremiah 3:10-11 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah
hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the
LORD. And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified
herself more than treacherous Judah. (KJV) Israel had turned away from
the Lord and had gone after the gods of Canaan, namely Baal and Asherah.
Because Israel had prostituted herself with false gods in worshipping the
polytheistic gods that started at Babel, God had declared He was divorcing
Israel and would send them into exile until they again returned to the
true God. But Judah prided itself in doing what God had commended as they
had Jerusalem and the Temple. They disdained Israel for setting up
altars to Baal and Asherah poles on high hills. Yet God was not fooled
by Judahs pretence. In the KJV it says they were not worshipping
God with their whole heart but feignedly.
(421) Gods
Word: The Only Protection against the Winds of Theology at The
Berean Call, 6/29/16
Jaw and hands clenched, knuckles white, I fought the sporadic gusts
of wind that threatened to wrest the wheel from my control. With each renewed
gale the Explorer threatened to skate off the corridor of ice that now
constituted I-29. Every quarter mileor lesswe saw yet another car, truck,
or semi that had careened into one of the ditches on either side of the
interstate. Others were pulled off, idling on the shoulder. I continued
on, determined to reach home after a long winter weekend in Minnesota.
Despite the relative chill of the vehicles cabin, I felt a thin sheen
of sweat on my brow as I glanced over at my wife who was similarly on edge
and frequently checking on our frightened children in the back seat. One
false move and we would join the other travelers, waiting out the blizzard
in a ditch. Perhaps you have had a similar driving experience, perhaps
not; but if you are a fellow traveler through the life after Adventism,
then youve almost certainly had a parallel journey. In Adventism you have
the Truth on nearly every topic imaginable, and you have the assurance
of being in Gods true remnant church. Things arent nearly that simple
after Adventism, though. In fact, theres a good chance that you, like
me, have spent some time lurching back and forth between one ditch or another.
When I first came out of Adventism, I found myself flirting with some of
the more fringe elements at the edges of the charismatic movement. Over-steering
back from the brink of that ditch, I went in the opposite direction and
drove straight down into a liberalized version of the seeker-sensitive
movement. I spun my tires in that ditch for quite a while before God pulled
me and my family out and got us back on the road of our spiritual journey.
So how did God get us back on track and where He wanted us? The answer
is through a focus on the Word. Early in my journey, God had introduced
me to the line-by-line exegetical teaching of a pastor named Bryan Clark.I
continued to listen to Bryans sermons online while attending church elsewhere.
Hearing the Bible taught like that was the equivalent of refocusing on
the road and allowing the ditches to fade into peripheral vision. At the
risk of pushing the analogy too far, the Bible paints the solid white lines
at the edge of the highway. It tells us what is in bounds, what is out
of bounds, and where the ditches are. It also highlights the center line,
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which keeps us focused on moving forward in
the right direction. Having these guides, we can let off the gas, relax
our grasp, and enjoy the ride, secure in the knowledge that God is in control.
I see so many former Adventists who, like me, seem to go from one questionable
belief system to another, tossed about by the winds of theology. There
is really only one remedy: getting deeply immersed in the Word while being
plugged into a healthy, well-balanced community of believers. We need the
Word and, as we recover from Adventism, we need the guidance the Holy Spirit
provides through the church so that we can see and understand the Word
in the way He intended. I eventually found that Word-centered community
in my home church, and I pray that you will too. Its time to start living
the life after!
(422) What
is the Gospel? (Excerpt from An Urgent Call to a Serious Faith
by Dave Hunt), 7/1/16
What is the gospel that savesand from what does it save us? In
order to answer that question, we must go back to the Garden of Eden. It
was there, in the most perfect environment that Gods heart of love and
His creative power could provide, that mans rebellion against his Creator
had its awful beginning. Eden is not mythology but history, as human experience,
selfish ambition, and false religions continue to demonstrate to the present
day. Surrounded by beauty, satisfied by abundance, and enjoying the fellowship
of their Infinite Friend, our first parents, nevertheless, fell to the
seductive lies of Satan. Ye shall be as gods was his deceitful promiseand
to realize that delusion has been mans passion ever since. False religions,
such as Hinduism and Mormonism, are based upon this lie. Though not deceived
himself (1 Timothy:2:14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived
was in the transgression.), Adam, in loyalty to Eve, joined in his wifes
disobedience and ate of the forbidden fruit. Thus, by [this] one man sin
entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all
men, for that all have sinned (Romans:5:12 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:).
(423) The lack of expository
preaching and consequences of sin by Mike Oppenheimer, 7/4/16
Many stand behind the pulpit who should not be there. So many teach
extra-biblical nonsense, stories that are not the focus of the Bible, or
their experiences. Either they were not called, or if they were called
to ministry they did not allow the time for training and education and
have found themselves neglecting the call.
(424) Do you gather
or scatter? by Mike Oppenheimer, 7/8/16
Many use the parable of the wheat and the tares for not judging.
That we are to let the tares grow amongst the wheat inside the church.
But, this is NOT what this parable is about. Matthew 13 is part of the
mystery kingdom parables. Jesus tells us The kingdom of heaven is like
a man who sowed good seed in his field; while men slept, his enemy came
and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. Jesus explains, Matt
13:27-30 "So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did
you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' "He
said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you
want us then to go and gather them up?' "But he said, 'No, lest while you
gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 'Let both grow
together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the
reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn
them, but gather the wheat into my barn."' The theme in this parable is
the field, which is the world, not the Church (the church is in the world).
Paul explicitly tells us to purge out leaven from the Church, remove what
is false and wicked. The field, which is the world has both believers and
unbelievers in it, this separation is done by Christ. And we find only
the wheat will go into the Millennium (Messianic Kingdom).
(425) The
Nature and Tactics of Satan by Crossroad, 7/14/16
"...the whole world is under the sway of the evil one." 1 John 5:19
"Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it
is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers
of righteousness..." 2 Cor.11:14-15 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets
have gone out into the world...." 1 John 4:1
(426) The
Two Ways - Matthew 7 ~ 6/15/16 by Bill Randles, 7/17/16
A message on Matthew 7.
(427) Does
Doctrine Matter Anymore? (Video) by Gary Gilley, 8/6/16
A recent front page article featured in our local (Springfield,
Illinois) newspaper was entitled Mega-Growth. The article described the
phenomenal numerical increase of three of the largest churches in our area.
What is it about these churches that have sparked their growth? Why are
people flocking to these churches rather than to others? In response one
of the pastors said, Understanding budgets and balance sheets is as important
as understanding church doctrine. Another pastor said, Church members
are more interested in relational issues than doctrine. People care less
about questions pertaining to what a church doctrine is and more about
the question, Does this church care for me?[i] We should not minimize
the importance of fiscal responsibility, organizational needs and loving
community, but not too many years ago Christians sought out churches that
reflected what they believed the Bible taught. No longer. As is evident
by what these pastors said, the average Christian today simply does not
care much about theology; they are seeking a community that cares for them,
or a particular style of music, or an intimate experience, or a service
project they can plug into, or any number of things. For the most part
they are not choosing to become a member of a church on the basis of what
it teaches. To be sure, certain managerial and practical elements are important
to the operation of a local church. And the church should be a community,
even a family, composed of those who love one another in such a way that
the world stands up and notices (see John 13:35). But this almost-wholesale
dismissal of doctrine as unnecessary baggage has been uncommon throughout
church history. Watch Part
1 - Does Doctrine Matter Anymore? and Part
2 - Does Doctrine Matter Anymore - To Pastors?
(428)
The
development and origins of modern pre wrath & inter seal positionsby
Jacob Prasch, 8/25/16
The
first author to identify himself as "Pre Wrath" was CS Lovett in his book
"The Latest Word on the Last Days" (1980). It was probably Lovett who actually
invented the term 'Pre Wrath'. His view of Pre Wrath combined the Post
Tribulational views of Dr. Samuel Tregallis with a Pre Wrath position because
he placed the wrath of God only at the very closing phase of the final
7 years preceded by the rapture.
(429) Do
Gentiles become Jews when they believe? by Mike Oppenheimer, 9/1/16
As a believer (Gentile)
you become part of the body of Christ, not Israel. You are a spiritual
Gentile, not a Jew. Israel is a nation consisting of Jews, Hebrews
are an ethnicity who are from the linage of Abraham Isaac and JACOB (the
twelve tribes). A Gentile (both believer and non believer) is from Abraham
not Isaac and Jacob. Being Abrahams seed does not make one Jewish. This
is where people have been taught wrong. It's Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
(from whom came the 12 tribes) otherwise the Arabs are Jewish too. selah
(430) Blessed
are those (Audio) by Gary Gilley, 9/2/16
Psalm 119:1-16
(431)
Great
Tribulation (Video) by Bill Randles, 9/3/16
Matthew
24.
(432) The
Father's House and the Way There by H.A. Ironside, 9/5/16
Oh, dont talk about many ways. There is only oneJesus is the only
way. There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must
be saved, but the name of Jesus. Have you come to Him? Are you trusting
Him? If you are, you are on the way to the Fathers house, and now you
can wait with equally glad expectation for the hour of His return, for
He said, If I go, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself. When
will He come? We cant tell that, but we are waiting for Him day by day.
(433) Jesus and the
gospel - A Bible exposition on what the gospel is and how to use it effectively
by Mike Oppenheimer, 9/12/16
If one says Jesus did not rise physically from the dead but came
back in a spiritual body, this is a denial of a core teaching that is related
to the gospel of salvation - the resurrection. It changes the 3rd
point of the gospel. 1. He (Jesus) died for our SINS. 2. He was buried
(proving He actually died), 3. He rose again, resurrected. Taking up the
same body He was born and lived in, and still exists in today (in a glorified
state). It is this gospel Paul said He delivered to them in. The Gospel
concerns Gods only Son and His work on the cross (the crucifixion) on
our behalf to forgive our sin. If its focus is on something else, no matter
how sacred or from the Bible, then it is not the gospel of Christ.
(434) Casting
Our Cares on God by Maria Kneas, 9/19/16
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he
may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth
for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) The parable of the sower in Scripture reveals
a condition (the third kind of soil) that can be especially problematic
for the Christian who is trying to serve the Lord and be fruitful for the
Kingdomnamely that of seed sown among thorns (weeds) that would choke
out ones effectiveness. In explaining this part of the parable, Jesus
said: And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the
word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and
the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh
unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19, emphasis added)
(435) When
God said all of creation was very good in Genesis 1:31, did that include
homosexuality? by Luke Wayne, 9/19/16
No, when God declared creation "very good" in Genesis 1:31 that
did not include homosexuality, nor did it include any number of other diverse
human behaviors or inclinations that would be found in mankind after the
fall.
(436) Are
we in Acts 29? by Mike Oppenheimer, 10/12/16
The church is built upon the "foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). While
it continues to grow upon this foundation to compare our time period to
the early gospel history among those who were alive with Jesus is a mistake
and can lead to many errors. While we can draw from it and see modern application
in the persecution of Christians and the gospel continuing we must keep
this written record inspired of the Holy Spirit as a unique time in the
the history of the Church. We are not all apostles that can duplicate or
do even greater miracles than Jesus, they didn't.
(437) Sins
of the Fathers, Nepotism, and Apostasy in the Church by Roger Oakland,
10/21/16
There is an obvious pattern observed from a brief study of genealogies
found in the Old Testament. When a father follows God and leads the people,
overseeing in the right direction, there is absolutely no guarantee this
virtue will carry over to the next generation. In other words, the saying
he is a chip off the old block is not always the pattern we find when
it comes to biblical history.
(438) Can water wash
away sins, forgive sins? by Mike Oppenheimer, 10/25/16
If baptism saves, that would be the first thing we would have to
do, not believe, but do. We would be told to believe in our baptism, then
Jesus could not be the savior but our act of immersion would be saving
us.
(439) The Sabbath
is not in the New Covenant by Mike Oppenheimer, 11/3/16
You do not get grace or peace through the law, but by only through
the Father and Jesus Christ, through the NEW COVENANT. Those who insist
on requiring the Sabbath in the new covenant as it was for Israel (only)
in the Old Covenant, show their bad bible interpretation skills. They have
not been taught the new covenant of grace accurately; some not at all.
Some think the Old Testament laws have been synthesized to the new covenant,
some even think they as Gentiles become Jews. Where did the apostles teach
the Sabbath was mandatory as it was in the Old Testament? They cannot point
to one Scripture after the new covenant is ratified that requires the Church
to keep the Sabbath as Israel kept the Sabbath under the Old Covenant.
It was personal choice.
(440) On Those who
claim to have trips to Heaven by Mike Oppenheimer, 11/6/16
On the authority of the Word I can say when you hear someones personal
heavenly experience; remember the bible. Those who claim they are making
visits to heaven are not telling the truth, but have departed from it (1
Cor. 4:6).
(441) What of those
who claim they died (NDE) and went to heaven and returned by Mike
Oppenheimer, 11/20/16
John, who was the last living apostle was allowed to write his vision
as he relayed the future for all the believers to read throughout the centuries.
He gave to us the revelation of Jesus Christ which brought the Bible to
its conclusion, closing the canon on what God would reveal to man of the
future. There are no others that went to heaven (no young children, no
adults). From these two apostles we have all the insight we need to have
faith of what is waiting for us as pilgrim believers on earth. There is
no one else’s word we can trust on this except God’s.
(442) The truth
versus THE Lie - When the truth becomes a lie and the lie becomes the truth
by Mike Oppenheimer, 12/6/16
True believers are to not only to know the truth, but should be
able to tell the difference of a lie from the truth. The indwelling Spirit
of God is called the Spirit of truth (Jn.14:17; 15:26; 16:13.) He gives
them discernment to cut away the chaff from the wheat. The same ways that
are used in advertising are being used to lay the groundwork for this Lie
that will unite the world to accept the fake Messiah. The biggest lie from
self - help and human potential, new age and heretical teachers is that
when you find yourself you find God. Or that you are God, or a god, as
it is being taught from the false teachers inside the church. There is
only one true God. The only way one can stretch this to be acceptable is
to tell everyone we are all part of Him, he is us, thus we are all god!
(443) What happened
to you after YOU received the gospel? by Mike Oppenheimer, 12/17/16
Life is filled with changes, accepting Jesus as ones Lord, savior
is the greatest change, for it changes everything. So many things took
place in our life after we accepted the gospel as the truth. First our
eternal destination, direction changed, we are now promised heaven at death
whereas before we did not have this hope. Our present relationship with
the world changed because we have God personally working in our lives.
We have God's Holy Spirit residing in us guiding us. We are now spiritually,
not carnally minded as we read the Bible and allow it to inform us and
conform us to Christ. Christ’s nature is deposited in every believer
to transform us. As we live by His word we spiritually grow. The Holy Spirit
reveals the nature of God, transforming His children to be like the Son
by this new nature residing in us. Too many struggle with surrender. Many
do not want to give up their control, even if they made tremendous mistakes,
bad decisions in life. The want to stay in charge, so it becomes a matter
of trust. But there is no one you can trust better than the Lord. No longer
do you depend on yourself to find the answers, God has given them to you.
The gospel does not just have you believe in Jesus, it changes your life
into service for Him. Your affections for the world changed, before you
were attracted to it and had no power to resist it, now you struggle against
them are repelled by sin. Now you have a power inside you that you did
not before, to resist and overcome. You have come under new ownership.
Jesus is no only your Lord, your savior but he is now your master. You
are bond servant.
(444) Filling Up the Sufferings
of Christ — Colossians 1:24-26 (Video) by Bob DeWaay, 12/18/16
This difficult passage has often been misused by those who claim
that the “merits of Christ” can be added to. We explain and defend
the eschatological view that Christian suffering is necessary and eventually
reaches the limit that God has set for it. What is lacking that is being
filled up are sufferings that will ultimately reach that limit and God
will avenge His righteous ones. God reveals His truth to those who are
like infants and not wise in their own estimation. We must contemplate
the claims of the gospel and respond with faith and obedience.
(445) He is Wonderful
by Mike Oppenheimer, 12/19/16
Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
700 years prior, in Isa 9:6 where the son is promised to be given, born
as a man there are a number of descriptions of our Lord, one of them is
wonderful. It is what begins of the many names the Son is to be called.Wonderful
means Indescribable beyond comprehension to fully grasp. He is the perfect
one that is beyond description.We find this name wonderful applied to God
in the Old Testament.
(446) Babylon is Fallen -
Revelation 18 (Video) by Bill Randles, 12/4/16
Rev. 18:2 2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “‘Fallen! Fallen
is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt
for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every
unclean and detestable animal.
(447) Cultic
Practices of the Evangelical Church (Audio) by Jacob Prasch, 12/24/16
A study on where cultic practices are to be found today while looking
at the early church.
(448) Why
I expose error and warn believers by Andy Neckar, Christian News
& Views, 1/3/17
I am grieved for those who cannot understand my concerns and my
warnings. I am not "attacking" the ministers who are obviously in error.
I have nothing against them personally. I praise the Lord for every good
thing in them and for every soul saved under their ministries. But souls
saved are "in spite of ", not "because of " many of their messages. God’s
Word will not return to Him void. (Isaiah 55:11) I cannot and will not
ignore the things they are doing "publicly" which I believe will eventually
destroy thousands of sound churches and which will break down Godly walls
between truth and error.
(449) What
Is The Second Pentecost? (Audio) by Roger Oakland, 1/8/17
(450) Does
Doctrine Matter Anymore – To Pastors? by Gary Gilley, Think on
these things, (Volume 22, Issue 4, July/August 2016)
All pastors do not have the same giftedness or interests.
Some are excellent shepherds and love direct involvement with people.
Others could spend all of their time behind closed doors in intense study,
or in pursuit of any number of advanced degrees (I had a professor at Moody
Bible Institute who had master’s degrees in a number of totally unrelated
areas, including engineering, just because he loved to study anything.
But he lacked people skills that would have enabled him to be a pastor).
A good pastor should have a shepherd’s heart but also a student’s mind.
Pastors need to take seriously Paul’s admonition to Timothy, “Be diligent
to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be
ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Still,
not every pastor will envision himself as a theologian, although all must
be pursuing expertize in both the understanding and the communication of
the Scriptures. Many, who lack the skills or interest to move beyond basic
theological understanding, nevertheless are often fine pastors who feed
and protect the flock with which the Lord has entrusted to them.
My hope, however, is that more pastors will take seriously the need to
be pastor-theologians so that God’s people will be spared, as much as
possible, the many deceptions that are everywhere, and that they are aided
in walking in the light of God’s truth. After all, with the apostle
John, we “have no greater joy than this, to hear of [our] children walking
in the truth” (2 John 4).
(451) Certain
Men Crept In by Roger Oakland, 1/19/17
Paul saw Satan’s plan clearly and warned what was coming. Jude
saw it happening in his day. Further, these warnings which are included
in the inspired Word of God are timeless and are for the church right now.
What would Paul and Jude write to the church if they were here today? Would
their message have changed in any way? Based on current trends that dilute
the Gospel of Jesus and make it into a social-humanistic-psychological-what’s-in-it-for-me
gospel, definitely not! Let these same warnings be a wake-up call for us
today!
(452) Psalm 22 -
The Tola Worm by Mike Oppenheimer, 1/20/17
Psalm 22 is known as the Psalm of the crucifixion, written nearly
1,000 years before Jesus cries my god my God why have you forsaken me,
David prophesies of the crucified one’s words that says in v.6 “I am
but a worm and not a man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people."
The word worm is not just describing any worm. Here it is tola, an insect
that they crushed to get the die color of red/scarlet and used to color
the robes of royalty.
(453) How
to win the battle by Jacob Prasch, 1/23/17
Whenever you see a superhuman villain in the Bible, somebody distinct
from other people who is a nefarious creature, and you see a combination
of three sixes in association with him, we’re looking at a type of the
Antichrist. Let’s again look at the dimensions of Goliath’s armor.
Height was six cubits – one span, then the weight was five. Then of course,
we get down to the weaver’s beam, the size of the spear, which it’s
weight was six hundred. So you put it together, obviously you have six-six-six.
There’s three sixes. Whenever you see a play on numbers adding up to
three sixes where it’s multiples of eighteen in association with a nefarious
creature, we’re looking at someone who typifies Antichrist in some way.
And not infrequently when you find someone who typifies Antichrist you’ll
find someone going before him. Here it’s the armor bearer. Of course
the false prophet goes before the beast. There are many, many clues about
the Antichrist and what he will be like and what he will do throughout
Scripture, but we should always be looking for the number of the beast.
Among other things you're looking for somebody who's not just a villain
but a villain of superhuman quality because he’s trying to counterfeit
Christ – a superhuman.
(454) Biblical
Illiteracy: Its Tragedy and Remedy by Gary Gilley, 1/28/17
Both statistical research and anecdotal observation come to the
same conclusion – America, a nation once steeped in Scripture if not
always living in obedience to God, has joined the ranks of the biblically
illiterate from around the globe. Theologians and sociologists both
speak of our “post-Christian” culture, while to some extent is still
being fueled by the capital of Christianity, which is now all but coasting
on empty. Albert Mohler, in a short article entitled “The Scandal of
Biblical Illiteracy: It’s Our Problem,” quotes pollsters George Gallup
and Jim Castelli as saying, “Americans revere the Bible—but, by and
large, they don’t read it. And because they don’t read it, they
have become a nation of biblical illiterates.”[1] As a result Mohler
documents that fewer than half of all adults can name the four Gospels,
identify more than 3 disciples or name even five of the Ten Commandments.
Eighty two percent of Americans believe that “God helps those who help
themselves” is in the Bible. More comical are the studies that
reveal 12 percent of adults believe Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife, a considerable
number think Billy Graham preached the Sermon on the Mount, and 50%
of graduating high school seniors think Sodom and Gomorrah were husband
and wife. From a survey not referenced by Mohler it was discovered that
some believe that the epistles are the wives of the apostles. These
findings and stories drawn from secular society should not surprise us
too much – after all, biblical instruction is seldom found today in our
schools, media, clubs or any place else apart from the church. But
sadly the church is catching up to society.
(455) The
Calling of the Church by Harry Ironside, 1/30/17
Now we are sitting “in” Christ, not “with.” “With” Christ
will be our happy portion by and by when Christ comes and takes us home,
that in the ages to come He may show the exceeding riches of His grace
in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Show means that He might
exhibit. The church, then, called out of sin and darkness, redeemed to
God with the precious Blood of Christ, and linked to the Head with the
Spirit, will be one with Christ throughout all the ages to come, and so
whatever experiences our Lord may be called upon to go through we shall
go through with Him. We shall reign with Him and be with Him when He is
all and in all. Our portion will be with Him through all eternity. Let
us, therefore, walk worthy of the calling wherewith we are called.
(456) Jesus on Prayer (Video)
by Bill Randles, 2/5/17
Luke 11.
(457) The
Job Description of a Good Shepherd by Roger Oakland, 2/19/17
Both the Old and New Testaments consist of numerous references that
provide the guidelines required for a leader to be classified as a good
shepherd. It makes sense that we would look to the Scriptures for guidance
because the Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) and should
be our ultimate authority when it comes to discussing this topic.
(458) Yeast
and the Kingdom (Video) by James Jacob Prasch, 2/24/17
Moriel TV is active in the area of discernment withstanding the
popular apostasy in the contemporary church that The Word of God warns
would precede the return of Jesus. We remain firmly aligned to the conviction
that contemporary events in The Middle East , Europe, and in the church
make the present time in history different from other eras when people
thought it was the last days. We affirm the belief that Jesus is coming
again and prophecy of His return is radically being fulfilled increasingly.
(459) Bradford Pear Christianity
by Sandy Simpson, 2/28/17
I was driving along and noticing that spring has sprung here in
North Carolina. One of the first trees to bloom is the Bradford Pear.
I began to notice how that tree has proliferated almost everywhere and
then my wife looked up the information on this tree on the web. As
she began to read the facts about this tree and its proliferation I began
to see an allegorical parallel to what is going on in much of Christendom.
But before I get into what the Bradford Pear can show us about the churches,
I need to present the facts about the tree.
(460) Two-Domain
Theology: How We Escape Satan's Dominion by Bob DeWaay, 3/19/17
"to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light
and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith
in Me." (Acts 26:18) People are concerned that they may be demon
possessed, cursed, or are somehow suffering because of Satan's activity.
They often look for someone who can change their situation by casting out
demons, identifying and breaking curses, and taking authority over Satan
to stop whatever harm he may be doing. They typically do not realize that
their concern should be about what spiritual domain they are in. Pagan
shamans perform deliverance, break curses and have techniques to try to
affect the well-being of their religious clients. But what they can never
do is remove someone from the domain of Satan into the domain of Jesus
Christ. Temporarily alleviating symptoms while remaining in Satan's domain
does nothing about one's eternal destiny. True escape from Satan is not
about symptom relief or geographical boundaries. It is about leaving Satan's
spiritual realm and entering the spiritual reign of God in Christ. This
is a relational issue and nothing else. The two spiritual domains exist
simultaneously and throughout the entire geographical world. There are
physically sick and healthy people in both realms. There are happy people
with happy lives in both domains. There are sad people with many difficulties
in both spiritual kingdoms. But the spiritual well-being and eternal destinies
of people are totally opposite depending on whether they are in Satan's
darkness or God's kingdom of light. Which kingdom is dependent solely on
their relationship to Christ through the gospel.
(461) Dying with Christ by
James Jacob Prasch, 3/26/17
Oh, He is crucified, I have no doubt about that; He is crucified,
but how much of Jacob Prasch is crucified with him. He is risen,
I have no doubt He is risen. I am absolutely convinced of the historicity
of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is no question in my mind,
he is indeed risen. What I question is, how much is Jacob Prasch
living and walking in the power of his resurrection, have I risen with
him? He is speaking to me but am I hearing what He is saying?
He is trying to explain the scriptures but do I understand it? I
am on the road to Emmaus, but he acts as if he would go further.
He’s just going to keep going! They had to invite him.
(462) Heresy
and Biblical Thinking (Video) by James Jacob Prasch, 3/30/17
(463) Gideon’s Army - Judges 7
by James Jacob Prasch, 4/2/17
We are afflicted in every way, crushed? No, just afflicted. Despairing?
No, just perplexed. Persecuted, but not forsaken. Struck down,
but not destroyed. Always carrying about in the body the dying of
Jesus that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
We are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake that
the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh. We
have this treasure in earthen vessels. We have the light in the vase,
it has to be smashed that the light will shine. The enemy will be
defeated. Life comes from death, death to self. The victory
comes by the few, not by the great. That is the way it was for Gideon
and that is the way it is for us today, this day, right here.
(464) Biblical
Literacy by Gary Gilley, Think on These Things, Volume 23, Issue
2, March/April 2017
I have found an amazing thing: when believers feed on a steady diet
of biblical truth they have little craving for cotton candy fads.
Why would anyone trade in the fountain of life for cisterns that can hold
no water (Jeremiah 2:13)? Of course many have and do, but the solution
is not to crawl into the cistern, it is to showcase the fountain.
Church growth gurus tell us today that people have little interest in the
Word of God and we will never build a “great” church if teaching truth
is the focus of our ministries. They have a point. In most
cases big churches have grown due to church growth techniques, marketing,
excellent music, exciting programs, and mirroring the culture by telling
people what they want to hear. But no matter the size, whether 20
or 20,000, a great church must be defined by God, not culture. It
must never be forgotten that it was the richest and most prosperous church
of Asia that the Lord said He would spit out of His mouth (Rev 3:16), while
those churches which seem to be insignificant received the Lord’s commendation
(Rev 2:8-11;3:7-13). Let us strive to please our Savior by obeying
His instructions to proclaim the Word and making disciples.
(465) “Just as in the days of
Noah …” by James Jacob Prasch, 4/7/17
There will be demonoids on the earth again in the Last Days, ultimately
pointing to Antichrist, the Beast of Revelation who will be something approximating
an incarnation of Satan, not in the sense that Jesus was incarnate but
approximating it. It is moving in that direction, demonoids, demonic
beings. That is what happened in the days of Noah. Now, something
else happened in the days of Noah. God said to build an ark.
It’s dimensions all meant something in Biblical numerics; 30 cubits by
50 cubits, look at the dimensions again: “Three hundred cubits shall
be it’s length, it’s breadth 50 and it’s height 30.” Three
hundred cubits in the Bible is the number of the Elect, as in Gideon’s
Army was 300, 50 is the number of the Holy Spirit, hamashim in Hebrew,
the day of Pentecost, and 30 is the number of spiritual maturity.
David began to reign as king when he was 30; Jesus began his ministry at
the age of 30. Three hundred, fifty, thirty—a picture of the Church,
what it is meant to be. Pitched within and without—indwelt with
the Spirit, the Spirit outside and in, outpoured. It is the place
of safety. When God’s people got on that ark, when the whole number
of those to be saved were in, God closed it. Now is the appointed
time. Today is the day of salvation. Get on that ark and beginning
with your families, get as many people on that ark as you possibly can.
The hour is coming when the hand of God is going to close that door.
“Just as it was in the days of Noah.”
(466) Evidence for the
Resurrection by James Jacob Prasch, 4/10/17
I wish I could tell you “Happy Easter” and in one way I can.
He is risen. He is coming again but if you don’t know him, your
future is not happy, be you Gentile or be you Jew. The evidence is
there. Please do not walk out that door today without giving your
life to the Messiah, Jesus, Yeshua. When the Romans nailed him to
that cross it was by the prophetic ordaining of God that he would pay the
price for your sin and mine. When he rose from the dead it was to
give us eternal life. He did it, he did it. But now he wants
to show you. Please, if you don’t know him, please stay and talk
to Marco or myself. Chronos and kairos, the clock is ticking away.
My friend, if you don’t know Jesus the Messiah, I can tell you one final
thing. For those who do know him, we don’t have to be afraid to
go to sleep, but if you don’t know him, you’d better be afraid to die.
Don’t be a fool, don’t be a loser, the price is already paid, he has
already made the way, that is Easter, that is the Resurrection; that is
the truth!
(467) Salt free Christianity,
the way of today's Church by Mike Oppenheimer, 4/19/17
We hear of all different kinds of ingredients in food that we should
avoid for our health. Salt is high on the list. Today salt is used as a
flavor enhancer, but in biblical times it had a more important purpose,
it preserved meats. It was the most available way to keep meat from going
bad. Lev. 2:13 “and every offering of your grain offering you shall season
with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to
be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall
offer salt.’ Rom. 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of
God.” Your body is a living sacrifice to God when you are employed
in his service. This is why Paul follows this with not being conformed
to the world; if we are conformed to the world we are no longer having
salt in our sacrifice.
(469) Joseph and Jesus - Genesis
37 (Video) by Bill Randles, 3/8/17
(470) The goal of
man: Lessons in basic Christianity by Mike Oppenheimer, 4/23/17
There is no greater goal or ideal than for man to be in sync with
God, and do His will instead of sinful mans. It is God that gives us new
life by our response of acceptance to his Gospel. 2 Cor. 5:17 if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away” Eph.
2:4-5 “even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with
Christ (by grace you have been saved)” We learn that by faith which he
has initiated by his grace we are appointed to do his will, that God has
a plan for our life.
(471) Reject
The Benedict Option: We Must Affirm Scripture Alone by Bob DeWaay,
5/14/17
"Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am
with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) Conservative
author Rod Dreher has written a popular book that promotes the claim that
we must rebuild a Christian culture by learning from the 6th century monastic,
Benedict.1 The underlying premise of the book is that Christianity needs
a Christian culture in order to insure that our children are not assimilated
into a culture of barbarism. This will likely involve removing ourselves
from the current culture as much as possible. He compares this to the Jews
coming out of Babylon (Dreher: 18). The danger, according to Dreher, is
that our faith will not survive more than a couple generations. This warning
is particularly aimed at Christians in America. Dreher names the current
culture "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism" (45 and elsewhere). This means that
we try to find happiness and direction fully disconnected from God. Since
Deists were part of the founding of America, he assumes that Deism is our
key problem (35). Dreher includes a brief history of religion and philosophy
in order to set the stage for "Saint" Benedict and what we are to learn
from him. Dreher presents a rather romantic view of the Middle Ages and
apparently sees their view of "God in everything" as desirable. Consider
his glowing description of Medieval man ...
(472) This
Week In Prophesy, including introduction of a new book (Video)
by Jacob Prasch, 5/15/17
(473) Why
Definitions Matter by Gary Gilley, 5/19/17
It was Mark Twain who famously said, “The difference between the
right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning
and the lightning bug.” Used by Twain, the distinction between being
a mediocre author and great one, such as himself, was the choice of words.
If this is important to a novelist, how much more important it is to the
Christian attempting to communicate timeless truths given to us by our
Creator God. Words and their meanings matter. Unfortunately, in our
Christian lingo, we tend to use sloppily thrown out words and terms which
can mislead others and, in time, some of these terms take on lives of their
own. While often harmless in their intent, I would contend
that when we do so we unknowingly miscommunicate important truths that
our Lord has revealed to us, and/or mislead ourselves and others as a result.
We need to give serious attention to our terminology in order to avoid
such things. In this paper I want to identify a few words or terms bandied
about in Christian circles which need some consideration.
(474) What
is Satan's greatest ploy? by The Berean Call, 5/21/17
We are born again by the Word of God. Well, if that’s the case,
Satan is going to do whatever he can to destroy the Word of God. Then it
goes on a little…well, without going into the details, the verses in
between – verse 25 says: “And this is the word which by the gospel
is preached unto you.” So here we find out why we must preach the gospel,
because if you don’t believe the gospel you are lost. You can’t be
born again except through believing the gospel. It’s that simple; this
is what the Bible says. So the importance of the Word of God…we are to
earnestly contend for this faith that comes through the Word of God.
(475) Few
Americans Believe The Bible Is The Literal Word Of God at Understand
the Times, 5/26/17
Fewer than one in four Americans ¯ just 24 percent ¯ believe the
Bible is “the actual word of God, and is to be taken literally, word
for word,” according to a new survey by Gallup.
(476) A
Review Of Randy White's Article Delegitimizing Discernment Ministries
by James Jacob Prasch, 5/28/17
As requested I have carefully read Randy White's article with its
summary dismissal of all Discernment ministries. As with most deceptive
agendas , the opening paragraphs of his article reveal his motive: He is
attempting to misrepresent his heretical view as a non essential (Gnat
instead of a Camel), when in fact it is a fundamental distortion of the
scriptural Gospel as per Galatians chapter 1: 6-9. The New Testament unambiguously
teaches that believers are indeed already under the New Covenant (eg.2
Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 7:22) and the denial of this is not the biblical
Gospel.
(477) Baptism & Resurrection
- Exodus 14-15 (Video) Bill Randles, 5/3/17
(478) How
to Win the Battle (Series) by James Jacob Prasch, 6/8/17
There are many, many clues about the Antichrist and what he will
be like and what he will do throughout Scripture, but we should always
be looking for the number of the beast. Among other things you're looking
for somebody who's not just a villain but a villain of superhuman quality
because he’s trying to counterfeit Christ – a superhuman. Read
Introduction,
How
Do You Defend Against the Invasion?, The
Commanders of Saul, The
Primary Opposition, The
Preparation of God's Shepherds, The
Lord's Weapons, Don't
Wear Saul's Armor, First
the Stone, Then the Sword, and Not
Just a Children's Story
(479) What
Does it Mean to Repent and Be Saved? by Dr. Harry Ironside, 6/12/17
LTRP Note: Lighthouse Trails believe that one of the reasons so
many proclaiming Christians are turning to contemplative mysticism is because
they have been following a non-biblical “Gospel” that has kept them
from a true born of the Spirit (born-again) relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thus, mystically-induced experiences take the place of that relationship.
The following article by Dr. Harry Ironside explains what repentance (a
requirement for salvation and being born-again – “except ye repent”
– Luke 13:3-5) entails. It may surprise a number of people when they
discover what repentance really is.
(480) The
Silent Church in the Day of Apostasy by Warren B. Smith, 6/16/17
Traditional Christian believers frequently mention the analogy of
the frog that is so slowly and gradually boiled in a kettle of water that
it dies before ever realizing what is going on. Yet many believers fail
to realize that the very same thing is happening to them as they tell that
story. How else do you explain the rapid rise of the “new gospel” movement
with hardly a word of concern within the church about what’s been happening?
As “new gospel” advocates continue to publish bestselling books and
flock to the airwaves in ever-increasing numbers to advance their cause,
there is a strange silence in the church. Does the church have any idea
what is going on?
(481) Election of Israel: True
Israel, True Prophecy by James Jacob Prasch, 6/19/17
In the past we have spoken of those who have the most radical positions
against the prophetic purposes of God for Israel and the Jews and for the
election of Israel, the most extreme radical or most radical Replacementists.
You have people like John Piper in America, a man who is misled and who
misleads others on this point and on others. But, in more recent
years, you have Hyper-Charismatics, people caught up in Post-Millennialism,
Dominion Theology, influenced by people like George Eldon Ladd, the Theologian,
and extrapolating things from what he wrote. Many of these people
began right but then began going off. One of them who began right
and began going off was someone called Arthur Wallis. His earlier
books were quite good; then he went off. It is not always easy to
see where these people really began to go off. They will always attribute
things to people like Austin Sparks. Now Austin Sparks said many
good things, but whether Austin Sparks really believed all the things that
these people, in retrospect, attribute to him is debatable. Clearly,
however, George Eldon Ladd was misled and so John Piper is misled and so
are a number of these people. It is not our purpose now, but some
of you are new so I have to point something out. We have a recording
called “The Twin Pillars of Madness” and we explain about Hyper-Charismatics
who get into Replacement Theology. Now, I myself believe in all the
gifts of the Spirit, understood and practiced biblically. I don’t believe
in the deceptions and counterfeits happening today. I don’t believe
in Charismania, but I do believe in charismata. Cessationism is an
un-biblical doctrine. However, are we talking about charismata?
No we are talking about Charismania.\
(482) Children of the Light
by James Jacob Prasch, 6/25/17
If the light is dark, how great is the darkness? It should not overtake
us. It should not! But if you are swallowing these false proclamations
of global peace and false plans to achieve peace you are on the very slippery
slope; you have already got your head in the trap. If you are not being
alert—if you are not watching the prophetic significance of the times
in which we live, certainly events in the Middle East. If you’ve got
your head in the sand, you’ve got your head in the trap. If you are caught
up in these counterfeit revivals that are not revivals, if you are following
these false prophets and these crazy people teaching heresy, you’ve got
your whole body in the trap. You better pray that God sends an angel with
an acetylene torch to get you out of there because you are in trouble.
If you believe that stuff you will believe anything—not forearmed, not
putting on the armor! You are vulnerable and not understanding what the
Lord is saying to churches that once had the truth and have gravitated
away from it. Discernment evaporates. This should not happen to sons of
light. This day should not overtake the sons of light. It shouldn’t happen
to us, it shouldn’t. But friends, I can tell you something, those foolish
virgins are going no place! This is dangerous. I see this in my own life.
I struggle with it every day. Brother Jacob Prasch the preacher, or whatever
you are…. If you are a son of light, why don’t you try living like
it? Knowing the theology and the doctrine is one thing; picking up your
cross daily and following Jesus and living it out is another. Oh, the devil
is a deceiver, the world is a deceiver. Even sin has an innate capacity
to deceive, sin itself deceives. But there is nobody who can deceive us
like ourselves. There is nobody who can lie to you like yourself. There
is nobody who can con you like yourself; there is nobody who knows you
better than your old nature. The darkness. They don’t know where they
are going. Glen Beck does not know where he is going. Those politicians
don’t know where they are going. THEY DON’T KNOW WHERE THEY ARE GOING!
How can we tell them when we don’t know where we are going either? Once
the light gets dark, how dark is the dark. We, by the grace of Jesus and
only by the grace of Jesus, we are sons of light. By the grace of Jesus,
in these last and perilous days, may be enable us to live like it. God
Bless.
(483) “Eugene
Peterson on changing his mind about same-sex issues and marriage”
by Jonathan Merritt, Religion News Service, 7/14/17
LTRP Note: The following news story from Religion News Service is
posted for informational and research purposes and not as an endorsement
of the source or the content. The Message “Bible” has had a huge impact
on Christianity. Famous pastors, like Rick Warren, have quoted from it
extensively, which has played a huge role in developing the present-day
nearly apostate church. It’s too bad more Christians didn’t take heed
to some of the warnings about Eugene Peterson and The Message over the
past several years (see article links below).
(484) Heavy
Shepherding and the Moses Principle (Video) by James Jacob Prasch-Live
Via Skype, 7/18/17
(485) How to spiritually
grow in the times we live in by Mike Oppenheimer, 8/8/17
Emergent church, the word-faith movement, positive confession, prosperity
movement; Postmodernism; Inter-faith, ecumenism, the list is long as to
what is being introduced as genuine. You can choose your teaching, these
are the various choices of today’s poisons. Many have already found out
they have been lied to by their involvement with these aberrations but
it becomes the most hurtful when it takes place to the youth as it is disguised
being in the church.
New
Sandy Simpson Messages
on CD & DVD
Idolatry In Their Hearts
Landmark Book!
by Sandy Simpson & Mike Oppenheimer
Does having eternity in your heart mean that you know
God and are His child? Could Gentile cultures understand the Gospel from
the stars? Did God create man's cultures? Has God always been in the process
of redeeming cultures from the time of Babel by placing in them a true
revelation of Himself? Is there the worship of YHWH in all cultures and
religions through the names of supreme beings? Have all cultures
always had a way to make things right between them and God? These questions
and many more are answered in this book that addresses the false teachings
of The New Apostolic Reformation regarding missiological methods as being
carried out by many agencies including the World Christian Gathering on
Indigenous People, YWAM, and many Bible societies.
Go here for ordering
details.
Go
here
for further information.
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