I was stopped at an intersection a few hours ago, and behold... hear he came with bucket in hand and a big smile on his face. He said something to the effect "want to help our Christian cause?"
To which I replied, "You know as Christians we should be giving TO the community rather than taking FROM it." To which he replied that they were giving to the community, helping drug addicts and such.
As I attempted to ask another question, he started rattling off some bible verses, and ended with (Matthew 9:37 ESV) “... The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; "
Which I responded to him that that verse in Matthew is NOT referring to getting a harvest of money for the poor, which he had just said it did. I told him that the passage was referring to the harvesting of souls, which he declined. He was convinced that it was a verse to use to beg for money.
I told him that they were twisting Scripture as I drove away (green light).
This is so typical of American, moralistic Christianity.
I sincerely wonder that if they are twisting the Scriptures so... then just how much of a non - gospel are their recipients getting?
11/29/2010
Removal of Commandments... How ironic !!!
Remove the "10 Commandments"!!! I read about it all the time - From secularists & Christians. *** But what the secularists have done - the Christians have done to doctrines, Same arguments, Same results....
Remove the "10 Commandments"!!! I read about it all the time - From secularists & Christians...
I get emails and see articles all the time,from "concerned Christians" who oppose the taking down of the 10 Commandments in government buildings and schools.
And I hear from them about things like just how bad society is because of it, and see their statistics, their analogies of how crime is out of control, how kids have no respect for the law, etc...
Yet how ironic...
Most Churches never have a sermon series on the 10 Commandments.
To most Churches, all but the current one I am going to, the 10 Commandments are a Sunday school subject for children.
In fact, out of thousands of "Christians" I have met over the last 5 years of evangelizing, only 2 have known all 10. And they were not Pastors, and I have witnessed to many "Pastors" on the streets. I literally made a T-Shirt that offered people $20.00 if they could name them. I have never had to pay the $20.00 even once... But with the T-Shirt did get the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.
But oh, how they will fight, rant, and carry on for the right to have on display 10 of something they do not know themselves, but is more of a right to display a tradition, as opposed to displaying what is in their hearts.
Which brings us to not only do many, many Pastors and professing Christians not know the 10 Commandments, but they do not want to teach or talk about them.
Why?
Because, they are a path to Doctrines... That almost forbidden word, just as the Commandments are made forbidden in secular society, Christians have made Doctrines to be as irrelevant to Christianity as the 10 Commandments are to the separation of Church and State.
How ironic that as many can see and point to the loss of the 10 Commandments to being a detrement on society and having people fall away from being law abiding citizens... They cannot see that loss of doctrines has brought about a Church in America that has fallen away from being one of biblical believers, to one of universalism.
And I can tell you that universalism is big time in "Christian churches".
Their excuse is that doctrines divide, and we don;t want to exclude anybody.
Which is completely diametrically opposed to Scripture...
(Galatians 1:6-7 ESV)
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. "
A different Gospel, a different Doctrine, a different message and the understanding there of.
But many, many are told it matters not!
Yet The Holy Writ shows different...
Does doctrine divide, yes and it should. We are called to teach the Gospel of Christ, and if it divides and separates those who want to hear other things, things that are not Christ centered, but tickle their ears, then it is good to separate, and have Holy division.
Separate, that is part of the call Christians are to be, we are to be Holy.
Remove the "10 Commandments"!!! I read about it all the time - From secularists & Christians...
I get emails and see articles all the time,from "concerned Christians" who oppose the taking down of the 10 Commandments in government buildings and schools.
And I hear from them about things like just how bad society is because of it, and see their statistics, their analogies of how crime is out of control, how kids have no respect for the law, etc...
Yet how ironic...
Most Churches never have a sermon series on the 10 Commandments.
To most Churches, all but the current one I am going to, the 10 Commandments are a Sunday school subject for children.
In fact, out of thousands of "Christians" I have met over the last 5 years of evangelizing, only 2 have known all 10. And they were not Pastors, and I have witnessed to many "Pastors" on the streets. I literally made a T-Shirt that offered people $20.00 if they could name them. I have never had to pay the $20.00 even once... But with the T-Shirt did get the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.
But oh, how they will fight, rant, and carry on for the right to have on display 10 of something they do not know themselves, but is more of a right to display a tradition, as opposed to displaying what is in their hearts.
Which brings us to not only do many, many Pastors and professing Christians not know the 10 Commandments, but they do not want to teach or talk about them.
Why?
Because, they are a path to Doctrines... That almost forbidden word, just as the Commandments are made forbidden in secular society, Christians have made Doctrines to be as irrelevant to Christianity as the 10 Commandments are to the separation of Church and State.
How ironic that as many can see and point to the loss of the 10 Commandments to being a detrement on society and having people fall away from being law abiding citizens... They cannot see that loss of doctrines has brought about a Church in America that has fallen away from being one of biblical believers, to one of universalism.
And I can tell you that universalism is big time in "Christian churches".
Their excuse is that doctrines divide, and we don;t want to exclude anybody.
Which is completely diametrically opposed to Scripture...
(Galatians 1:6-7 ESV)
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. "
A different Gospel, a different Doctrine, a different message and the understanding there of.
But many, many are told it matters not!
Yet The Holy Writ shows different...
Does doctrine divide, yes and it should. We are called to teach the Gospel of Christ, and if it divides and separates those who want to hear other things, things that are not Christ centered, but tickle their ears, then it is good to separate, and have Holy division.
Separate, that is part of the call Christians are to be, we are to be Holy.
11/17/2010
Old Church Youth up to the same...
My, my, my... “look!”
Declares LWC youth-ministry... “We are just like the world!” Congo Wars
But, LWC is like so much of the typical American church, declaring to the world, NOT “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)... But rather declaring a changed, new and politically correct, non confrontational message... “Come and join us for fun and games, look we are not that different from you. Sure we may slip in a little about Jesus, but it won't take long, and then we'll get right back to fun and games.
I am reminded of an experience shared by a Brother who has traveled the world in his ministry... He was in Africa, and in the building there were some teens having a discussion that was getting louder and louder... it grew quite heated...
Now being used to American boys he assumed it was about something like which sports team was better or was the X-Box better than the Nintendo...
But it was not... it was about whether Johnathan Edwards view was more Supralapsarianism or Infralapsarianism. ( SUPRALAPSARIANISM is the view that God, contemplating man as yet unfallen, chose some to receive eternal life and rejected all others... INFRALAPSARIANISM (also known sometimes as "sublapsarianism") suggests that God's decree to permit the fall logically preceded His decree of election. )
“Theology!” These were teens in Africa, a country that most American Christians feel they need to send missionaries to... Yet their teens are not only debating Theology, but are excited to do so..
And here in the “supposedly” christian nation, the vast majority of our teens are having their intensity focused on “dodge ball”, and transforming the main wing of a Church into an “all out battle zone!”
Nothing mentioned about God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit, but just a mention that church is where they will meet, and that they get to turn part of the church into a all out battle zone! And that they highly recommend for students to prepare themselves for battle! (but they are NOT talking about a Christians battle here)
Wow! This may sound like I am trying to rain on their parade (circus), but I used to be part of shams like this. I only write in concern. I have net some of our older youth now, on the streets, and some are Atheists, some are Agnostic, and some although declaring they believe, are outwardly living sinfully.
I used to be part of these fun and silly and Pizza circuses that are so popular.
This is why I would not let my grandchildren go to 99% of so called church youth groups in this country. They generate excitement about a secular event, not excitement about Gods Word, but excitement about a secular event (their draw card),then they plan a party around it with food and games, then they will slip in a little message about God and try to guilt some kids into raising their hands to accept Jesus (as if He was the one who needed accepting), and then they can get back to the real reason they came... Fun and games... And then the leaders can report on Sunday that they had kids they led to the Lord...
Think I exaggerate? Watch how the kids gather for prayer time, and then watch the excitement and gleam in their eyes when they are dismissed to get back to playing war games, how they run, yell, and scream...
I am speaking of the majority here if not all, there may be some whos parents have read Scriptures with them every night and do have a focus on Christ over worldly things or maybe a child who does not have parents who attend church and read to them, but none the less, are excited about God.
Although it may not seem so, I write this out of concern not malice... I see a trend that is just continuing on a bad course.
11/15/2010
Cruseship or Church...
"The church used to be a lightning bolt, now it's a cruise ship. We are not marching to Zion – we are sailing there with ease. In the apostolic church it says they were all amazed – and now in our churches everybody wants to be amused. The church began in the upper room with a bunch of men agonizing, and it's ending in the supper room with a bunch of people organizing. We mistake rattle for revival, and commotion for creation, and action for unction." Leonard Ravenhill
The above quote hits an ever growing trend...
But it does not reflect Christs sheep. It is more of a reflection of the goats and the zoo of animals calling itself Christian. Christs sheep hear Gods Word as a lightning bolt. When His sheep attend a mixed fold of sheep and goats, they should recognize when they are not getting pure sheep food (Truth).
But many I feel are in a fold such as I was, a fold where there is sheep food but it is mixed in with goat food. And the leaders are deceivers in many places. Deceptive enough to feed just enough truth and blur the lines of truth and deception well enough to keep people there.
My point being that we need to be aware of these deceivers yet not let it rule our day. As Paul and Jesus did, we need to be ever vigilant of the deception, but not let it wavier us from celebrating that Gods Will, will be done. That Jesus will have ALL that God has promised Him, not one missing.
The above quote hits an ever growing trend...
But it does not reflect Christs sheep. It is more of a reflection of the goats and the zoo of animals calling itself Christian. Christs sheep hear Gods Word as a lightning bolt. When His sheep attend a mixed fold of sheep and goats, they should recognize when they are not getting pure sheep food (Truth).
But many I feel are in a fold such as I was, a fold where there is sheep food but it is mixed in with goat food. And the leaders are deceivers in many places. Deceptive enough to feed just enough truth and blur the lines of truth and deception well enough to keep people there.
My point being that we need to be aware of these deceivers yet not let it rule our day. As Paul and Jesus did, we need to be ever vigilant of the deception, but not let it wavier us from celebrating that Gods Will, will be done. That Jesus will have ALL that God has promised Him, not one missing.
11/10/2010
Michael Adams Quote 01 - "Religious Tolerance"
"Religious Tolerance" is Satan's finest accomplishment! - It is his way of voiding Jesus command of the "Great Commission". And yet not only has the Secular World embraced it, but an ever-growing number of churches are embracing it, Seminaries are adopting it, and the average Church goer follows the flow. I believe this is mostly due to Solid Doctrines no longer being embraced and taught today, but rather being scoffed at as intolerant. - - Michael Adams - -
10/23/2010
10/12/2010
Paul Washer Quote and My comment
The only thing that’s going to save the Church in America–there’s only two possibilities:
One is total reformation in our preaching, in our study of the word of God.
Or the other is fierce horrifying persecution.
That’s the only thing that’s going to save the Church in America.
Paul Washer
My comment:
The Church or Christianity in America is an exact replica of "Luke Warm"...
And what happened in the Luke Warm church...
They were confident and content with their "salvation".
They went about their life's business.
Their fire and passion was NOT for the things of Christ, but on earthly things.
Jesus says he will vomit them out of His mouth, because they are neither Hot not Cold.
In other words, they are comfortable.
Christians, people truly following Christ, are passionate about Him.
To say that you are a follower of Jesus Christ, but not Passionate about Jesus Christ, is just not seen in the Scriptures, and the opposite is actually proclaimed, that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, it is because the Holy Spirit dwells within you. And to say that the Holy Spirit dwells within you, but you do not have a Passion for Jesus, is a deceiving lie to ones self.
One is total reformation in our preaching, in our study of the word of God.
Or the other is fierce horrifying persecution.
That’s the only thing that’s going to save the Church in America.
Paul Washer
My comment:
The Church or Christianity in America is an exact replica of "Luke Warm"...
And what happened in the Luke Warm church...
They were confident and content with their "salvation".
They went about their life's business.
Their fire and passion was NOT for the things of Christ, but on earthly things.
Jesus says he will vomit them out of His mouth, because they are neither Hot not Cold.
In other words, they are comfortable.
Christians, people truly following Christ, are passionate about Him.
To say that you are a follower of Jesus Christ, but not Passionate about Jesus Christ, is just not seen in the Scriptures, and the opposite is actually proclaimed, that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, it is because the Holy Spirit dwells within you. And to say that the Holy Spirit dwells within you, but you do not have a Passion for Jesus, is a deceiving lie to ones self.
10/10/2010
On Election...
I know very many decent people who seem to have resolved never to come to Christ until they can understand how the doctrine of election is consistent with the free invitation of the Gospel. I might just as well determine never to eat a morsel of bread until it has been explained to me how it is that God keeps me alive, and yet I must eat to live.
- Charles Spurgeon
1834 – 1892
10/04/2010
Dwell on this...
"It is partly because sin does not provoke our own wrath that we do not believe that sin provokes the wrath of God."
-R.W. Dale
-R.W. Dale
10/03/2010
Sharing a Quote
“To say that God the Father has purposed the salvation of all mankind, that God the Son died with the express intention of saving the whole human race, and that God the Holy Spirit is now seeking to win the world to Christ; when, as a matter of common observation, it is apparent that the great majority of our fellowmen are dying in sin, and passing into a hopeless eternity; is to say that God the Father is disappointed, that God the Son is dissatisfied, and that God the Holy Spirit is defeated.” AW Pink
10/01/2010
Mark Cahill anti-Calvinist and on the attack!
Brothers, I share this with you not with the intent of slander or malice. But I share this with the request for your prayers for Mark Cahill, not that he come to our side, or an understanding of it, but that God will capture his heart, and open his eyes to the Doctrines of Grace.
In the last 2 weeks I have been exchanging emails with Mark. It started with my sending him an email requesting any information that he may have on a possible DVD he was to create concerning the Catholic Church.
He had responded that “The man who has the footage of the talk still has not given it to me. it is a crazy situation.”
And he closed his email to me with, “I saw the ‘reformed’ in your email. You aren’t into the false teachings of calvinism are you Michael?”
My email signature is as follows:
=====================================================================================
Michael Adams...
Remember... the Gospel is ours to Proclaim, not to edit!"
The chief reason I am a Reformed Christian...
is not a heartfelt devotion to the Magisterial Reformers like Martin Luther or John Calvin.
Although God used these men mightily, they are not the reason!
The main reason is...
That the Reformed message, thunders out from the pages of Scripture...
when the principles of hermeneutics (the science of biblical interpretation) are applied.
When the text is left to speak for itself, within its own context, the truth is clearly seen.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“But His Word was in my heart like a
BURNING FIRE shut up in my bones...”
“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
(Jeremiah 20:9 - 1 Corinthians 9:16)
May the Grace, peace and Love of Christ be upon you...
======================================================================================
So I responded that I hoped that he would get the footage he needed for the DVD he wold like to put together. And then I responded that I was NOT surprised by his question about Calvinism.
I have clearly see an Arminian flare in his talks and writings, but as stated from another Brother...in another post.
And I did respond “But I am surprised that someone who quotes CH Spurgeon as much as you have, would think that the Doctrines of Grace are false.” I then quoted “"The old truth that Calvin preached, that Augustine preached, that Paul preached, is the truth that I must preach today, or else be false to my conscience and my God. I cannot shape the truth; I know of no such thing as paring off the rough edges of a doctrine. John Knox's gospel is my gospel. That which thundered through Scotland must thunder through England again." —C.H. Spurgeon
I explained in my response to Mark, that I never set out to be referred to as a Calvinist, but “after reading the Bible, and then learning from men who put what I read and learned into words so much better than myself, like Spurgeon, Luther, Bunyan, Edwards, Calvin, MacArthur, Comfort, Whitefield etc... I grew from milk to meat, is the only way I can explain it.”
And I ended writing “Calvinism vs Arminianism can be compared to Monergism vs Synergism or Regeneration vs Decision-ism. May I ask (in Love) what part of Monergism it is that you feel is false, or what merits Synergism has over Monergism, or Decision-ism has over Regeneration? (Question not meant to be loaded, but direct) “ And I attached a PDF of Spurgeon's Defense of Calvinism.
His reply to my response startled me...
He stated “I put Spurgeon in my books not knowing he made false statements like “calvinism is the gospel.’ That is not even close to being Biblically correct. The good news is that spurgeon is no longer a Calvinist. That all changed when he died.”
And he also stated in his letter...
After my shock and prayer, I wrote back that I was responding not to debate, but to converse with him as a much respected teacher. Then I wrote in detail some of the things that did thunder in the Scriptures proving the Doctrines of Grace (Calvinism).
His response was disappointing, not that I was seeking approval, but simply gave a “Shot-Gun” answer.
I had at this point decided to let it go for the time, but was saddened.
Then about 5 days later he sent me some John Calvin quotes, so I read through them, and responded, “Brother Mark, I am so glad you took the time and thought to write...”
I then went on to explain to him that I did not find the Doctrines of Grace through Calvin's writings directly, but rather through 1st Reading the Bible from cover to cover, then by the teachings of men such as Luther, MacArthur, Bunyan, AW Pink, Paul Washer, Thomas Watson, Mark Kielar, John Newton, and even from the teachings of Ray Comfort, although I never heard him take a position, but I can see through his teachings he is on the same page.
I also exclaimed also that I have heard from “Arminian preachers. Some include Rick Warren (before I was Regenerated I had taken his purpose driven class 3 times, I was really misled by much of what he teaches) Charles Stanley ( I really got lost in his teachings that the "outer darkness and gnashing of teeth" is NOT Hell, but rather an outer part of Heaven), Dave Hunt (he has many mis-quotes, and I am not talking about mis speaks we all can have, but rather a pattern of them, he follows a close second to Stanley in re-defining terms as in no flames in Hell), Joel Osteen (Your best life now, I did not read much of it as I seen right away this was not Scriptural) And a few others...”
So I gave a rather detailed outline of the Path God has placed before me. And I included a PDF from the “Calvin 500” explaining that perhaps he has been thinking Hyper Calvinists were all Calvinists, and explained that the PDF gave a good clear teaching on Calvinism.
And I thanked him again.
I did not hear from him for several days and came across a Fox News Article “ Survey: Many Americans Know Little About Religion”, This had nothing to do with our previous discussions, but as he preached in the streets so often, I though he may enjoy it.
But his response was directly to my signature, and the links were ignored, “Reformed theology does not thunder out from the pages of Scripture, Michael. You are taking your preconceived notions to the text.
I replied one last time:
And his last reply to me was:
I was saddened greatly by a complete lack of hermeneutics and a ripping out of context by ignoring the entire sentence, let alone passage. The I came across that the same thing has happened to others by MarkCahill.
http://lostcauseministries.com/?p=665
*** The entire email is here http://5-pointer.blogspot.com/2010/10/entire-email.html
In the last 2 weeks I have been exchanging emails with Mark. It started with my sending him an email requesting any information that he may have on a possible DVD he was to create concerning the Catholic Church.
He had responded that “The man who has the footage of the talk still has not given it to me. it is a crazy situation.”
And he closed his email to me with, “I saw the ‘reformed’ in your email. You aren’t into the false teachings of calvinism are you Michael?”
My email signature is as follows:
=====================================================================================
Michael Adams...
Remember... the Gospel is ours to Proclaim, not to edit!"
The chief reason I am a Reformed Christian...
is not a heartfelt devotion to the Magisterial Reformers like Martin Luther or John Calvin.
Although God used these men mightily, they are not the reason!
The main reason is...
That the Reformed message, thunders out from the pages of Scripture...
when the principles of hermeneutics (the science of biblical interpretation) are applied.
When the text is left to speak for itself, within its own context, the truth is clearly seen.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“But His Word was in my heart like a
BURNING FIRE shut up in my bones...”
“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
(Jeremiah 20:9 - 1 Corinthians 9:16)
May the Grace, peace and Love of Christ be upon you...
======================================================================================
So I responded that I hoped that he would get the footage he needed for the DVD he wold like to put together. And then I responded that I was NOT surprised by his question about Calvinism.
I have clearly see an Arminian flare in his talks and writings, but as stated from another Brother...in another post.
“That, in itself, does not have to be an issue as far as we are concerned, although we do steadfastly believe in these doctrines. We have never regarded adherence to these doctrines as a test of fellowship if:
1) we can focus on the gospel when we are on the streets and
2) those who differ from us have not slipped into some outright heresy (denial of original sin, openness of God theology, etc.), in which case we would have to break fellowship.”
And I did respond “But I am surprised that someone who quotes CH Spurgeon as much as you have, would think that the Doctrines of Grace are false.” I then quoted “"The old truth that Calvin preached, that Augustine preached, that Paul preached, is the truth that I must preach today, or else be false to my conscience and my God. I cannot shape the truth; I know of no such thing as paring off the rough edges of a doctrine. John Knox's gospel is my gospel. That which thundered through Scotland must thunder through England again." —C.H. Spurgeon
I explained in my response to Mark, that I never set out to be referred to as a Calvinist, but “after reading the Bible, and then learning from men who put what I read and learned into words so much better than myself, like Spurgeon, Luther, Bunyan, Edwards, Calvin, MacArthur, Comfort, Whitefield etc... I grew from milk to meat, is the only way I can explain it.”
And I ended writing “Calvinism vs Arminianism can be compared to Monergism vs Synergism or Regeneration vs Decision-ism. May I ask (in Love) what part of Monergism it is that you feel is false, or what merits Synergism has over Monergism, or Decision-ism has over Regeneration? (Question not meant to be loaded, but direct) “ And I attached a PDF of Spurgeon's Defense of Calvinism.
His reply to my response startled me...
He stated “I put Spurgeon in my books not knowing he made false statements like “calvinism is the gospel.’ That is not even close to being Biblically correct. The good news is that spurgeon is no longer a Calvinist. That all changed when he died.”
And he also stated in his letter...
“And remember since people are dead in their sins, and they example used by Calvinists is a dead person, your preaching is in vain. They desire nothing of the God that you talk about. funny though how I find people all the time, an atheist named Kyle the other day, very interested in the topic of God and eternity. I guess he wasn’t a dead person was he Michael? Calvinism is wrong on so many fronts.
If you choose to believe that, that is your choice. Just please don’t lead anyone else into that false doctrine.”
After my shock and prayer, I wrote back that I was responding not to debate, but to converse with him as a much respected teacher. Then I wrote in detail some of the things that did thunder in the Scriptures proving the Doctrines of Grace (Calvinism).
His response was disappointing, not that I was seeking approval, but simply gave a “Shot-Gun” answer.
“Interesting email Michael. It looks like the deception is complete in you. Sorry to hear that.”
“Anyone out there tonight can repent of their sins and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Period. The Bible teaches that and Calvinists do not believe that. Get away from this false doctrine as soon as you can Michael.”
I had at this point decided to let it go for the time, but was saddened.
Then about 5 days later he sent me some John Calvin quotes, so I read through them, and responded, “Brother Mark, I am so glad you took the time and thought to write...”
“I have seen some of these before. But I must caution you on something you may already know. John Calvin did not write Calvinism or the 5 points. And being a man who Loved God and His Holy Word as you and I do, he was still human, and like all of us, had flaws in his understandings as do you and I, as also do CH Spurgeon, Martin Luther, Whitefield, Newton, Bunyan, etc...
You may know that the 5 points were not just drafted up, but they were a result of establishing what was already doctrine, from the attack of new doctrines being introduced (again), into the Church. They were in response to the 5 points of Arminianism, which was not a result of Jacobus Arminius either. But rather his followers pushing forth upon his work.”
I then went on to explain to him that I did not find the Doctrines of Grace through Calvin's writings directly, but rather through 1st Reading the Bible from cover to cover, then by the teachings of men such as Luther, MacArthur, Bunyan, AW Pink, Paul Washer, Thomas Watson, Mark Kielar, John Newton, and even from the teachings of Ray Comfort, although I never heard him take a position, but I can see through his teachings he is on the same page.
I also exclaimed also that I have heard from “Arminian preachers. Some include Rick Warren (before I was Regenerated I had taken his purpose driven class 3 times, I was really misled by much of what he teaches) Charles Stanley ( I really got lost in his teachings that the "outer darkness and gnashing of teeth" is NOT Hell, but rather an outer part of Heaven), Dave Hunt (he has many mis-quotes, and I am not talking about mis speaks we all can have, but rather a pattern of them, he follows a close second to Stanley in re-defining terms as in no flames in Hell), Joel Osteen (Your best life now, I did not read much of it as I seen right away this was not Scriptural) And a few others...”
So I gave a rather detailed outline of the Path God has placed before me. And I included a PDF from the “Calvin 500” explaining that perhaps he has been thinking Hyper Calvinists were all Calvinists, and explained that the PDF gave a good clear teaching on Calvinism.
And I thanked him again.
I did not hear from him for several days and came across a Fox News Article “ Survey: Many Americans Know Little About Religion”, This had nothing to do with our previous discussions, but as he preached in the streets so often, I though he may enjoy it.
But his response was directly to my signature, and the links were ignored, “Reformed theology does not thunder out from the pages of Scripture, Michael. You are taking your preconceived notions to the text.
Man has the right and responsibility to choose. Yes, choose. That thunders from the garden of eden all the way to Revelation.”
I replied one last time:
“Brother, I only meant to share with you the news article that reflects much of what you probably already find on the street.
Although it may appear (from mans perspective) that he has a choice to make, and a some passages may seem to reflect that.
Back in the 1500's Martin Luther had the same debate with Roman Catholic Apologetic Desiderius Erasmus.
Luther referenced over 300 Scriptures, when in context, prove that Salvation is of the Lord, and is of the Lords doing, and is of the Lords will, and reflect to a "T" what God said and recorded through John: "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
(John 1:12-13 ESV)
That is thunder, and it is everywhere in Scripture.
If I send you something in the future, since I know that doctrine offends you, I will leave off my signature so as not to offend.
Or if you request, I will just not email you if you are offended.
It is not my intention to offend you. I have a high regard for you, and share your books with others.
But will respect it if you request that I not contact you.
Thank you for your time. “
And his last reply to me was:
“Thanks Michael. I am on enough forwards.
“But as many as received him…” It is man’s responsibility to receive. It is not irresistible grace that never is mentioned or shows up in the bible.”
I was saddened greatly by a complete lack of hermeneutics and a ripping out of context by ignoring the entire sentence, let alone passage. The I came across that the same thing has happened to others by MarkCahill.
http://lostcauseministries.com/?p=665
*** The entire email is here http://5-pointer.blogspot.com/2010/10/entire-email.html
9/28/2010
Obama a true Arminian...
Obama a true Arminian, sums up pretty good what “Easy Believable” and “Arminianism” teach...
http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/09/28/obama-christian-choice?test=latestnews
With statements like “...the kind of life I would want to lead ” and that we should “... see God in other people and do our best to help them find their own grace. ”
Notice the power, and to whom it belongs to. "The kind of life I would want to lead. And this comes from a man who prides himself on his writing and speeches, one who prides himself on his ability to craft words to express what he wants. So it is in all fairness to dissect his crafted speech.
He followed a life that "he" would "want"... Lets stop there a second... This is a life that he wants, that he desires, and notice what follows... not him, he does not want to follow Jesus, he wants to lead... you could say that that is a figure of speech, but his actions prove otherwise on many levels, he does not want to follow, but to lead, and what allows him to lead???
Not the Jesus of the Bible who commands that all men repent, and do the will of the Father... But the Jesus of the Arminian who starts off with an equal relationship of God and man, not Father and child as seen in Scriptures, but as Buddies, Homies, Pals...
There is a major difference in proclaiming that you God is your friend and your God is your Home-Boy. And although Arminianism does not directly teach this, this is the path that it puts its foot on, and that it leads to when followed through.
He also states like may do... “... express my Christian faith “ In typical American Christian (Arminianism*) beliefs, that it is his faith as opposed to "The Christian" faith.
Although this may seem like nit-picking, I can attest through many witnessing opportunities, that one thing Americans are into and that is Universalism, both inside the church and outside the church. So in our speech, we should need to be careful to be sure that people understand that we are not sharing “our” faith, but rather “the Biblical” faith. There is a difference!!!
As clearly seen in Obama's faith, it could be said that it is Obama's Christianity, and his Christianity allows for murder of the un-born, and his Christianity allows for striking out all references to sodomy and homosexuality.
Clearly the popular "personal relationship" mentality has run a-muck, but because he chose God, then he dictates other things. Think about it, the relationship that has just "supposedly" started between Jesus and the Arminian, has them on equal terms, one could not do anything with out the other.
Poor little Jesus probably had to make a deal so that he would get chosen.
* Arminianism not all, but it is from Arminianism that place the next step in this direction.
http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/09/28/obama-christian-choice?test=latestnews
With statements like “...the kind of life I would want to lead ” and that we should “... see God in other people and do our best to help them find their own grace. ”
Notice the power, and to whom it belongs to. "The kind of life I would want to lead. And this comes from a man who prides himself on his writing and speeches, one who prides himself on his ability to craft words to express what he wants. So it is in all fairness to dissect his crafted speech.
He followed a life that "he" would "want"... Lets stop there a second... This is a life that he wants, that he desires, and notice what follows... not him, he does not want to follow Jesus, he wants to lead... you could say that that is a figure of speech, but his actions prove otherwise on many levels, he does not want to follow, but to lead, and what allows him to lead???
Not the Jesus of the Bible who commands that all men repent, and do the will of the Father... But the Jesus of the Arminian who starts off with an equal relationship of God and man, not Father and child as seen in Scriptures, but as Buddies, Homies, Pals...
There is a major difference in proclaiming that you God is your friend and your God is your Home-Boy. And although Arminianism does not directly teach this, this is the path that it puts its foot on, and that it leads to when followed through.
He also states like may do... “... express my Christian faith “ In typical American Christian (Arminianism*) beliefs, that it is his faith as opposed to "The Christian" faith.
Although this may seem like nit-picking, I can attest through many witnessing opportunities, that one thing Americans are into and that is Universalism, both inside the church and outside the church. So in our speech, we should need to be careful to be sure that people understand that we are not sharing “our” faith, but rather “the Biblical” faith. There is a difference!!!
As clearly seen in Obama's faith, it could be said that it is Obama's Christianity, and his Christianity allows for murder of the un-born, and his Christianity allows for striking out all references to sodomy and homosexuality.
Clearly the popular "personal relationship" mentality has run a-muck, but because he chose God, then he dictates other things. Think about it, the relationship that has just "supposedly" started between Jesus and the Arminian, has them on equal terms, one could not do anything with out the other.
Poor little Jesus probably had to make a deal so that he would get chosen.
* Arminianism not all, but it is from Arminianism that place the next step in this direction.
8/14/2010
Heart of the Gospel - What does the Bible make clear?
When asked "What is the Gospel?"
I have heard people express what the Gospel is in many different ways.
Most people have a basic summation and that is that Jesus died on the cross to save us. And although that is true, it is only partly true, or to be more precise, it is only a percentage of what the Gospel is. The Gospel is the center of the Bible, and the beginning, and the end of the Bible.
If for example, the Gospel is more like a paragraph, than a sentence, then there is a danger in only including part of that paragraph or a single sentence. It leaves it as an incomplete sentence and leaves an open interpretation of... Saved “From” what, and Saved “to” what?
I have also heard a popular Christian Cliche`, of... “The Gospel in a Nutshell, is John 3:16". This is a terrible cliché. It shortchanges all of John 3, let alone the whole book of John, and yet let alone the entire Bible. It focuses on a narrow part of John 3, that centers on man.
For a quick example, (John 3:16 ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Arminians (many but not all) use this verse to try and show all people their worth...
Yet (John 3:18 ESV) “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” Arminians (many but not all) use the first part of John 3:18 to also tell people that they are not condemned in the eyes of the Lord.
But read in it's whole context, that is not what it is saying, and in addition, it is saying that those who do not believe, “are condemned already”, but “are condemned already” does not fit within their interpretation of all people having worth in Gods eyes.
Now someone may take that last sentence wrong, but when used to counter the way Arminian evangelizing uses John 3:16, it is correct. When people are hearing that God just loves them and that they have worth, they hear that God loves them just the way they are and that they are a good person. They hear this because man is prideful, and already considers himself a good person and now they are being promised that Jesus died for them, when in fact they may be one of those already condemned, and if that is the case they are giving them a false sense of security.
So with this little sidetrack, we can see just one aspect of just how wrong it is to preach only part of a message leaving both the beginning and the end open for self interpretation.
To be continued...
I have heard people express what the Gospel is in many different ways.
Most people have a basic summation and that is that Jesus died on the cross to save us. And although that is true, it is only partly true, or to be more precise, it is only a percentage of what the Gospel is. The Gospel is the center of the Bible, and the beginning, and the end of the Bible.
If for example, the Gospel is more like a paragraph, than a sentence, then there is a danger in only including part of that paragraph or a single sentence. It leaves it as an incomplete sentence and leaves an open interpretation of... Saved “From” what, and Saved “to” what?
I have also heard a popular Christian Cliche`, of... “The Gospel in a Nutshell, is John 3:16". This is a terrible cliché. It shortchanges all of John 3, let alone the whole book of John, and yet let alone the entire Bible. It focuses on a narrow part of John 3, that centers on man.
For a quick example, (John 3:16 ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Arminians (many but not all) use this verse to try and show all people their worth...
Yet (John 3:18 ESV) “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” Arminians (many but not all) use the first part of John 3:18 to also tell people that they are not condemned in the eyes of the Lord.
But read in it's whole context, that is not what it is saying, and in addition, it is saying that those who do not believe, “are condemned already”, but “are condemned already” does not fit within their interpretation of all people having worth in Gods eyes.
Now someone may take that last sentence wrong, but when used to counter the way Arminian evangelizing uses John 3:16, it is correct. When people are hearing that God just loves them and that they have worth, they hear that God loves them just the way they are and that they are a good person. They hear this because man is prideful, and already considers himself a good person and now they are being promised that Jesus died for them, when in fact they may be one of those already condemned, and if that is the case they are giving them a false sense of security.
So with this little sidetrack, we can see just one aspect of just how wrong it is to preach only part of a message leaving both the beginning and the end open for self interpretation.
To be continued...
7/26/2010
Confronting the times with water
Confronting the times
Today after much prayer, I started a “Free Water” outing.
There are special tracts made up explaining why we are giving away free water. The first reason is for an apology that so many are asking for money in the name of Christianity. As Christians we should be giving to the community not taking from it.
So the first corner I was going to try already had some people on it “selling” water. So I drove to another location and it was empty on all corners.
I parked and set up bringing the tracts and a cooler full of Ice Cold Spring Water. It was already about 90 degrees and high humidity with a feels like at 100 degrees at 11:00 AM.
I set up in the median and took out a bottle of water and a tract, and started. Most people were running their AC so their windows were up, and a great may of them were tinted. So I couldn't see inside. At first I concentrated on the cars with open windows., But later decided to be at least trying to offer to all I could.
The first person seemed grateful and as I explained that this was free they tried to offer a “donation”, and that presented me with the opportunity to explain a little that this was not about money, and that seemed to take many by surprise.
Most people seemed to have a glaze about them and I could sense a “Not another Christian asking for money” attitude as they waved me by. And there were many who were prepared for the heat and their drive, they simply raised their drinks they had with them.
Several responses were as follows:
“Free? Really? Why free?”
“I couldn't agree with this more”
“Thank you, here is a donation” (which I politely refused several-donations)
“My brother and I were just talking about this last night, why are so many Christians asking rather than giving to the community”
“I don't have any money on me”
I had a few times where people several cars back held out a dollar from their windows, in which they were surprised to get a cool drink and keep their money.
Then after about an hour, a mini-van stopped in the other lane and the driver screamed at me “Do you have a license for that”, taken back a bit I replied I do not need one. She sneered at me and threatened, “that is my spot, and I am coming to set up so you need to get out”.
Until this point I seemed to have no confrontation from Satan yet, but it would be strange not to have him show up to keep those he “thinks” are his.
As I continued I could see her and another gentleman toting a cooler behind them make their way to the median I was working. They made it to the median, and she then approached me, at which time I could see the guy set up a sign on the cooler. The sign is one of the same ones that helped me start giving water away from free. It was “Right Path Ministries”.
At this time she asked me again if I had a license, and I told her I did not need one as I was not selling anything, but was rather giving away free water and sharing the gospel. She was appalled at this and paused a second before yelling “this is my spot, and we sell here, this guy is homeless, and you are going to make him dive into a dumpster tonight.”
So I asked her, “Are you going to let him dive into a dumpster?”
And she prattled on and on, all the time yelling in a most hostile tone, there was no talking to her as I listened to her go on and on.
Now there were 4 medians, all of which had the same amount of traffic, and she only had 2 people with her, so she could have set up at 3 other locations, but was insistent on this spot.
Now as this was going on, the thoughts that were going through my head were many, but the most prominent were those of Paul where many times he had set up and was confronted, as he could have easily moved at the first rock that was thrown or threat of his life, he had set there to share the Gospel, and there it stayed, unpopular as it was, he dug his heels in to complete his task.
When I asked he which was more important, sharing the Gospel and peoples eternal salvation, or a few bucks, she again seemed stymied. This really seemed to be a foreign concept to her. I then addressed her sign, and told her that unlike what they were doing, selling, getting money in the name of the Church, we should be giving. She then said they are not a Church, the sign says ministry, not Church!
I countered and told her people take it all the same, a ministry is a part of a Church in most cases and people see them as Christians asking for money, when our command was to spread the Gospel and reach out to others.
But she screamed back and started calling me names and a hypocrite. I asked her why she was so hostile and rude? She yelled back that she was doing works and not talking about it.
I have had my fears about Right Path Ministry, as I have seen this ministry for a while from time to time, that they were a pragmatic, and works based religion with no theology but that of earning their way to salvation and are “Jesus Users”.
By “Jesus Users” I mean that they like the “AA” Alcohol Anonymous, they use “Jesus” as a genie. I have met people from AA, and although they talk about Jesus, they only seem to have 1 layer, and if you press, their Jesus is just 1 way to salvation, because the important thing is that you just believe in something. Jesus is simply a tool for these programs, a tool that makes it easy for them to earn their way to salvation.
Still a bit confused, as there are homeless being used as pawns if I am not careful. But at the same time and of the greatest value is that there needs to be a voice speaking out against the falseness being perpetrated in the name of Christianity.
Pray for me this week.
Today after much prayer, I started a “Free Water” outing.
There are special tracts made up explaining why we are giving away free water. The first reason is for an apology that so many are asking for money in the name of Christianity. As Christians we should be giving to the community not taking from it.
So the first corner I was going to try already had some people on it “selling” water. So I drove to another location and it was empty on all corners.
I parked and set up bringing the tracts and a cooler full of Ice Cold Spring Water. It was already about 90 degrees and high humidity with a feels like at 100 degrees at 11:00 AM.
I set up in the median and took out a bottle of water and a tract, and started. Most people were running their AC so their windows were up, and a great may of them were tinted. So I couldn't see inside. At first I concentrated on the cars with open windows., But later decided to be at least trying to offer to all I could.
The first person seemed grateful and as I explained that this was free they tried to offer a “donation”, and that presented me with the opportunity to explain a little that this was not about money, and that seemed to take many by surprise.
Most people seemed to have a glaze about them and I could sense a “Not another Christian asking for money” attitude as they waved me by. And there were many who were prepared for the heat and their drive, they simply raised their drinks they had with them.
Several responses were as follows:
“Free? Really? Why free?”
“I couldn't agree with this more”
“Thank you, here is a donation” (which I politely refused several-donations)
“My brother and I were just talking about this last night, why are so many Christians asking rather than giving to the community”
“I don't have any money on me”
I had a few times where people several cars back held out a dollar from their windows, in which they were surprised to get a cool drink and keep their money.
Then after about an hour, a mini-van stopped in the other lane and the driver screamed at me “Do you have a license for that”, taken back a bit I replied I do not need one. She sneered at me and threatened, “that is my spot, and I am coming to set up so you need to get out”.
Until this point I seemed to have no confrontation from Satan yet, but it would be strange not to have him show up to keep those he “thinks” are his.
As I continued I could see her and another gentleman toting a cooler behind them make their way to the median I was working. They made it to the median, and she then approached me, at which time I could see the guy set up a sign on the cooler. The sign is one of the same ones that helped me start giving water away from free. It was “Right Path Ministries”.
At this time she asked me again if I had a license, and I told her I did not need one as I was not selling anything, but was rather giving away free water and sharing the gospel. She was appalled at this and paused a second before yelling “this is my spot, and we sell here, this guy is homeless, and you are going to make him dive into a dumpster tonight.”
So I asked her, “Are you going to let him dive into a dumpster?”
And she prattled on and on, all the time yelling in a most hostile tone, there was no talking to her as I listened to her go on and on.
Now there were 4 medians, all of which had the same amount of traffic, and she only had 2 people with her, so she could have set up at 3 other locations, but was insistent on this spot.
Now as this was going on, the thoughts that were going through my head were many, but the most prominent were those of Paul where many times he had set up and was confronted, as he could have easily moved at the first rock that was thrown or threat of his life, he had set there to share the Gospel, and there it stayed, unpopular as it was, he dug his heels in to complete his task.
When I asked he which was more important, sharing the Gospel and peoples eternal salvation, or a few bucks, she again seemed stymied. This really seemed to be a foreign concept to her. I then addressed her sign, and told her that unlike what they were doing, selling, getting money in the name of the Church, we should be giving. She then said they are not a Church, the sign says ministry, not Church!
I countered and told her people take it all the same, a ministry is a part of a Church in most cases and people see them as Christians asking for money, when our command was to spread the Gospel and reach out to others.
But she screamed back and started calling me names and a hypocrite. I asked her why she was so hostile and rude? She yelled back that she was doing works and not talking about it.
I have had my fears about Right Path Ministry, as I have seen this ministry for a while from time to time, that they were a pragmatic, and works based religion with no theology but that of earning their way to salvation and are “Jesus Users”.
By “Jesus Users” I mean that they like the “AA” Alcohol Anonymous, they use “Jesus” as a genie. I have met people from AA, and although they talk about Jesus, they only seem to have 1 layer, and if you press, their Jesus is just 1 way to salvation, because the important thing is that you just believe in something. Jesus is simply a tool for these programs, a tool that makes it easy for them to earn their way to salvation.
Still a bit confused, as there are homeless being used as pawns if I am not careful. But at the same time and of the greatest value is that there needs to be a voice speaking out against the falseness being perpetrated in the name of Christianity.
Pray for me this week.
7/17/2010
De Baptizing....
Fox news reports that Atheists are De Baptizing people.
This is possibly not the best, but perhaps one of the best examples of why baptizing children is wrong. But not for the reasons they state. But because it is NOT a true commitment but rather a "religious custom".
This is possibly not the best, but perhaps one of the best examples of why baptizing children is wrong. But not for the reasons they state. But because it is NOT a true commitment but rather a "religious custom".
7/13/2010
Prepping for a move in Winter.
I have been starting to prepare for moving out of State this early Winter, mainly for health reasons. Florida is just too hot and humid in the summer, and the pollen season is also too harsh for us.
So it is with both regret and excitement, that we prepare.
First on the list is to find a Church to attend once we get there.
More to come.
So it is with both regret and excitement, that we prepare.
First on the list is to find a Church to attend once we get there.
More to come.
6/25/2010
Duty, duty, duty...
Duty ! ?
A Christian has duties, obligations, works.
Not for Salvation, but because of the Salvation brought forth by Grace, these things flow from him in unstoppable waves.
In the last few weeks I have been modifying some of the tracts that I have written. I have been advised that they are too strong, and it is not a good thing to look like someone on the street corner protesting.
So in submission, I have been putting aside what is either my feelings or pride, so I presume. I have prayed for humility and guidance to let things work out, whet must be worked out.
But as I drive my car, I see the so-called Christian radio and TV station stickers on cars. I read about the decisions of so-called Christian leaders making news on the Internet. I talk to people and hear how some peoples idea of Church is watching Joel Osteen on TV or the second largest Church is a Church on the Internet and they are making it more and more available to people to "not attend or fellowship" but to watch their broadcast and be their member.
But as I read and study Jesus in Matthew, our Savior is continually pointing out false and dead religion. More than He does of Murder or adultery or most other sins.
Am I doing right by "not offending" people with this in a tract?
I was told that it is OK to mention this if it comes up while talking to people.
But not to put it on a tract.
I was told it does not look right on a tract, and there is no need to try and get attention to the tract with a unique design.
But the outward appearance of tracts that many use are pretty landscapes. The inside message is biblical and solid, but they look just like most other "Jesus Loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life" tracts.
And whole heartedly agree that I do not want a tract cover to shock for the sake of shock, but I want it as Spurgeon says, "a tract should be striking".
And in America, in our culture, which is so prideful and makes light of sin, even has one of its favorite destinations called "sin-city". In this land people need a wake up call, they need to read something and say, "is that really true"? Not read something and just go along with it whether it is true or not.
Do we NOT have a duty to express as truthfully and in as honest of a manner the truth of the false-dead religion in most of America masquerading as Christianity?
A Christian has duties, obligations, works.
Not for Salvation, but because of the Salvation brought forth by Grace, these things flow from him in unstoppable waves.
In the last few weeks I have been modifying some of the tracts that I have written. I have been advised that they are too strong, and it is not a good thing to look like someone on the street corner protesting.
So in submission, I have been putting aside what is either my feelings or pride, so I presume. I have prayed for humility and guidance to let things work out, whet must be worked out.
But as I drive my car, I see the so-called Christian radio and TV station stickers on cars. I read about the decisions of so-called Christian leaders making news on the Internet. I talk to people and hear how some peoples idea of Church is watching Joel Osteen on TV or the second largest Church is a Church on the Internet and they are making it more and more available to people to "not attend or fellowship" but to watch their broadcast and be their member.
But as I read and study Jesus in Matthew, our Savior is continually pointing out false and dead religion. More than He does of Murder or adultery or most other sins.
Am I doing right by "not offending" people with this in a tract?
I was told that it is OK to mention this if it comes up while talking to people.
But not to put it on a tract.
I was told it does not look right on a tract, and there is no need to try and get attention to the tract with a unique design.
But the outward appearance of tracts that many use are pretty landscapes. The inside message is biblical and solid, but they look just like most other "Jesus Loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life" tracts.
And whole heartedly agree that I do not want a tract cover to shock for the sake of shock, but I want it as Spurgeon says, "a tract should be striking".
And in America, in our culture, which is so prideful and makes light of sin, even has one of its favorite destinations called "sin-city". In this land people need a wake up call, they need to read something and say, "is that really true"? Not read something and just go along with it whether it is true or not.
Do we NOT have a duty to express as truthfully and in as honest of a manner the truth of the false-dead religion in most of America masquerading as Christianity?
6/16/2010
He would never have been crucified... !!!
In pondering a quote by Lenard Ravenhill:
"If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified."
I found this very worthy of pondering...
I had a very healthy discussion recently with a Brother about balance in preaching. We agreed on many points and had different thoughts on a few others. But the main thrust of what we were talking about was the preaching of Gods word to the True Church, to Believers, to Gods Elect, and presenting more of a message of joy and celebrating our having all our sins forgiven.
Now I need to make a distinction here, that the Church we attend is a Calvinist Church, and every sermon is preached expounding Gods attributes, from Wrath to Forgiveness. But the discussion engaged 2 t church types, either the American Arminian (seeker-friendly) man centered, or the Doctrines of Grace (God is Sovereign).
The discussion led to a... "Do we really need to preach Wrath to the True Church, if the True Church is not under the Law and therefore Wrath and condemnation no longer apply to it?"
In theory I guess this would be true, but that is in theory.
But I find that most American Churches are already preaching a message like that. Although they may mention the word "sin" most do not mention it, In fact the word "sin" is on an un-written banned-word list, let alone words like "wrath".
And the question arose, should we preach a message without mentioning wrath and sin, and only expounding on the glories of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Then the question was posed to me "couldn't God use just those things to regenerate someone?" And the answer is yes He can.
But although that question is true, it is not demonstrated that I can see in Scripture.
In all of Paul's letters to the Churches, he always presents a message that never forgets to outline, expose, and convict his hearers of sin and the serious consequences of sin, and this many times will be immediately after he opens in a blessing of Love and Grace.
Part of the Glories of God is also Gods Righteousness! A Righteousness that also demands and displays a Holy hatred and wrath towards sin.
To leave this out of a preached message is to only demonstrate a partial display of Gods Wondrous Glory.
All in all as much as we may contemplate on what the ideal Church should be, one thing it is not is perfect, until our Lords coming that is. I do not find any example of a Church where all the congregation are saved Saints who and to whom a message was preached without True Repentance being preached.
Added later...
I also notice that when ever large crowds are addressed, it is NEVER in a LOVE sermon only.
"If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified."
I found this very worthy of pondering...
I had a very healthy discussion recently with a Brother about balance in preaching. We agreed on many points and had different thoughts on a few others. But the main thrust of what we were talking about was the preaching of Gods word to the True Church, to Believers, to Gods Elect, and presenting more of a message of joy and celebrating our having all our sins forgiven.
Now I need to make a distinction here, that the Church we attend is a Calvinist Church, and every sermon is preached expounding Gods attributes, from Wrath to Forgiveness. But the discussion engaged 2 t church types, either the American Arminian (seeker-friendly) man centered, or the Doctrines of Grace (God is Sovereign).
The discussion led to a... "Do we really need to preach Wrath to the True Church, if the True Church is not under the Law and therefore Wrath and condemnation no longer apply to it?"
In theory I guess this would be true, but that is in theory.
But I find that most American Churches are already preaching a message like that. Although they may mention the word "sin" most do not mention it, In fact the word "sin" is on an un-written banned-word list, let alone words like "wrath".
And the question arose, should we preach a message without mentioning wrath and sin, and only expounding on the glories of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Then the question was posed to me "couldn't God use just those things to regenerate someone?" And the answer is yes He can.
But although that question is true, it is not demonstrated that I can see in Scripture.
In all of Paul's letters to the Churches, he always presents a message that never forgets to outline, expose, and convict his hearers of sin and the serious consequences of sin, and this many times will be immediately after he opens in a blessing of Love and Grace.
Part of the Glories of God is also Gods Righteousness! A Righteousness that also demands and displays a Holy hatred and wrath towards sin.
To leave this out of a preached message is to only demonstrate a partial display of Gods Wondrous Glory.
All in all as much as we may contemplate on what the ideal Church should be, one thing it is not is perfect, until our Lords coming that is. I do not find any example of a Church where all the congregation are saved Saints who and to whom a message was preached without True Repentance being preached.
Added later...
I also notice that when ever large crowds are addressed, it is NEVER in a LOVE sermon only.
6/11/2010
6/08/2010
Being Vigilant vs. Obsessed... ??
More and more as my eyes are opened, I see more and more tares, or goats,that I once had seen as Wheat or Sheep or even Under-Sheppard's.
I have been wondering if I am getting obsessed, I mean am I growing more skeptical, or is it really growing in discernment... ?
Today I came across a statistic that affirms my discernment is NOT skepticism. When I say skepticism I am meaning like jumping on a band wagon, or worse, getting excited for gossip.
At any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit. 1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations. 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles.*
*Statistics from Focus on the Family, Fuller Institute of Church Growth and Church Resource Ministries
I read this and it provides a lot of insight to why there are so many so-called Pastors not preaching doctrine. Doctrine can only be exciting if your eyes are opened by God. Doctrine is the Word of God being understood in words, and more than that, it is the defining meaning of what is being said and relayed into an understood meaning.
If the statistic is accurate, 75% want to quit... This just confirms the honest few who I have read interviews on who were current Pastors, Youth Pastors ect... who admitted that did not believe in God anymore. They were afraid to quit and they continue with their “gig” because they could not make that much money out in the work place.
No I am not saying that all of the 75% are that way, but it follows suit that most would in some way or form follow in those steps. And as to why they are ready to defend using any means necessary to get more attendance into their theater, so to speak.
“1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations.”
????????? Spiritual burnout ?????????????
I cannot find it in Scripture...
Trials, tribulations, low points, but never burnt out to the point of leaving.
And “ 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles, correct me if I am wrong, but with big churches and hundreds of people, and an Arminianistic ministry that most refuse to adhere to strong doctrines and theology, I do not see how you could get a Brotherhood so to speak that you can relate to on Christ matters if their Jesus differs from the Jesus you follow.
Again I do not mean to sound UN-sympathetic, but just thorn bushes trying to call themselves figs trees.
I have been wondering if I am getting obsessed, I mean am I growing more skeptical, or is it really growing in discernment... ?
Today I came across a statistic that affirms my discernment is NOT skepticism. When I say skepticism I am meaning like jumping on a band wagon, or worse, getting excited for gossip.
At any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit. 1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations. 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles.*
*Statistics from Focus on the Family, Fuller Institute of Church Growth and Church Resource Ministries
I read this and it provides a lot of insight to why there are so many so-called Pastors not preaching doctrine. Doctrine can only be exciting if your eyes are opened by God. Doctrine is the Word of God being understood in words, and more than that, it is the defining meaning of what is being said and relayed into an understood meaning.
If the statistic is accurate, 75% want to quit... This just confirms the honest few who I have read interviews on who were current Pastors, Youth Pastors ect... who admitted that did not believe in God anymore. They were afraid to quit and they continue with their “gig” because they could not make that much money out in the work place.
No I am not saying that all of the 75% are that way, but it follows suit that most would in some way or form follow in those steps. And as to why they are ready to defend using any means necessary to get more attendance into their theater, so to speak.
“1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations.”
????????? Spiritual burnout ?????????????
I cannot find it in Scripture...
Trials, tribulations, low points, but never burnt out to the point of leaving.
And “ 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles, correct me if I am wrong, but with big churches and hundreds of people, and an Arminianistic ministry that most refuse to adhere to strong doctrines and theology, I do not see how you could get a Brotherhood so to speak that you can relate to on Christ matters if their Jesus differs from the Jesus you follow.
Again I do not mean to sound UN-sympathetic, but just thorn bushes trying to call themselves figs trees.
Cussing in the Pulpit and Presidency...
As Emergent Pastors are “Cussing” to be relevant to culture…
Odd thing, as I have been reading Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur
I had finished reading about how Pastors are cussing to get attention “in the name of trying to be relevant”.
Even some using Gods name as a cussword.
Then today I came across this:
Obama Looking for 'Ass to Kick' for Oil Spill
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/06/07/obama-looking-ass-kick-oil-catastrophe/
And this reminded me of this overtake of the presidency, and how not only has Obama,sworn before but his Vice recently used the “F” bomb and was caught on mic.
It made news as did this, but in a month or so, like the Vice, people will not remember what it was concerning, just that Obama cussed (again).
In the same manner, I believe the most all of those hearing “pastors” using the “F” bomb and other words will not remember what it was in reference to, but just rather that it was used.
Odd thing, as I have been reading Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur
I had finished reading about how Pastors are cussing to get attention “in the name of trying to be relevant”.
Even some using Gods name as a cussword.
Then today I came across this:
Obama Looking for 'Ass to Kick' for Oil Spill
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/06/07/obama-looking-ass-kick-oil-catastrophe/
And this reminded me of this overtake of the presidency, and how not only has Obama,sworn before but his Vice recently used the “F” bomb and was caught on mic.
It made news as did this, but in a month or so, like the Vice, people will not remember what it was concerning, just that Obama cussed (again).
In the same manner, I believe the most all of those hearing “pastors” using the “F” bomb and other words will not remember what it was in reference to, but just rather that it was used.
6/07/2010
Question
I have a question…
Throughout the Old Testament, generations are mentioned to have followed God.
But the generations that follow them do not follow God.
How can that be, if the 1st generation follows God, they would have taught their children His ways, and meditated with them. If they had not brought them up and taught them to also honor God and teach their children to do the same, then they were not honoring God. But since it is being said of them that they honored God, it is implied that they have done these things.
And am I not mistaken that if they did these things, Gods blessings would keep flowing, and the subsequent generations would do likewise?
Throughout the Old Testament, generations are mentioned to have followed God.
But the generations that follow them do not follow God.
How can that be, if the 1st generation follows God, they would have taught their children His ways, and meditated with them. If they had not brought them up and taught them to also honor God and teach their children to do the same, then they were not honoring God. But since it is being said of them that they honored God, it is implied that they have done these things.
And am I not mistaken that if they did these things, Gods blessings would keep flowing, and the subsequent generations would do likewise?
6/05/2010
Philipians 1:15-18 mis-understood.
Philippians 1:15-18 is often mis-understood!!!
There is an acknowledgment, then the word but.
Where after the word but, he totally dismisses what it was about and lumps the True Gospel being preached with any Gospel being preached.
So in response I sent the following:
Pauls (and our) rejoicing is NOT over a False Gospel being preached...
No! No!
It is over the TRUE Gospel being preached, but with motives that are not centered on God.
They are Preaching this TRUE Gospel out of rivalry to make a name for themselves.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
[To Live Is Christ]
Yes, and I will rejoice,
(Philippians 1:15-18 ESV) (italics and bolding mine)
There is the meaning that many do not read, but skip over.
Joel Osteen, is NOT preaching the TRUE Gospel, but a twisted gospel.
And it is NOT that he has not been addressed or warned, or confronted on this.
He is NOT innocently mistaken, he has pride, and that can be clearly seen from many interviews.
So to try and mis-use Philippians 1:15-18 in such a way to defend preachers of false gospels is not only wrong, but conflicts with the rest of Scripture. False doctrine is always confronted and cursed. It is NOT rejoicing over False Preaching, but rather it is rejoicing over the Truth being preached, what ever the motive... There is a complete dichotomy there, and this verse should not be twisted to defend False Preachers.
6/04/2010
American Christians vs. God Part II
In addition to what I had blogged earlier, these 2 things were also in the news...
40 % of teens (15-19) have had sex.
Spiritual Advisor to Obama to speak to 70,000 teens at LifeFest with Luis Palau
Both of these events lead up the fruits of a Americanized Liberal Church thinking and actions.
The same statistics show true that over 85% of teens (15-19) claim to be Christian.
If that number were true, we would expect to see less than 15% having sex.
But even that number should be significantly lower. Assuming those 15 % were non-Christians, it would mean that clost to 100% of the 15% were having sex. But it does not stand to reason.
But this is where these United States are headed.
40 % of teens (15-19) have had sex.
Spiritual Advisor to Obama to speak to 70,000 teens at LifeFest with Luis Palau
Both of these events lead up the fruits of a Americanized Liberal Church thinking and actions.
The same statistics show true that over 85% of teens (15-19) claim to be Christian.
If that number were true, we would expect to see less than 15% having sex.
But even that number should be significantly lower. Assuming those 15 % were non-Christians, it would mean that clost to 100% of the 15% were having sex. But it does not stand to reason.
But this is where these United States are headed.
American Christians vs. God.
For many years American Christians1 have wanted their cake and to eat it too. Although they may read “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. “ (John 15:19 ESV).
They not only want it to say, but are making it say - “If you were of the world, the world DOES love you as its own; but because you STILL ARE of the world, the world STILL LOVES you.” (John 15:19 As most American Christians read it).
As an example for the first time since Gallup2 began measuring the "moral acceptability" of homosexuality, a majority of Americans support gay and lesbian relations. Last month's poll found 52 percent of adults consider homosexuality acceptable, while 43 percent find it morally wrong.
It goes on to say: Christians and people from other religious traditions have grown more tolerant of gays and lesbians, according to Gallup. The percentage of Catholics calling gay relations "morally acceptable" has increased by more than a third in the past five years, up to 62 percent. More Americans also favor legalizing gay marriage.
And also: The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles recently ordained the church's first openly gay female bishop. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America decided last year to allow non-celibate gay and lesbian clergy to serve. Despite some dissenters, the ELCA has continued to seek the full inclusion of homosexual church leaders and members.
This is NOT a rant on homosexuality, homosexuality is a sin the same as stealing, lying, murdering and any other sins including heterosexual (sex between male and female) sinning out of wedlock.
What makes this different, is the open defiance of calling it a non-sin.
Re-categorizing it.
Not only wrenching it out of Scripture, but declaring it righteous.
A re-writing of passages in the Bible you might say.
With over 85% of Americans claiming to be Christians, and yet 52% of those polled giving a thumbs up on something God says is wrong, shows American Christians saying one thing in a Church building, and yet another when outside the Church building.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)
Notice, it does not say that “At this time they will not enter the Kingdom of God, but down the road when it is acceptable for man, then I will allow homosexuality, but still not thieves.”
Yet this is how people who call themselves Christians interpret what they want as opposed to what God says. And for many, not all but many this is because they don't read Gods word. They are second and third handers, getting most of what they hear of Gods word from TV or cute emails... But not from reading the Bible themselves.
O dear reader, don't assume, don't guess, don't believe falsely...
Read Gods Word for yourself.
Don't get your Christianity out of a fortune cookie, or reading a Christian “T” shirt or email.
Even this BLOG is written by a sinful man...
Read the Bible, Gods Word.
Check everything with Scripture.
“and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. “
(2 Timothy 3:15-17 ESV)
For many years American Christians1 have wanted their cake and to eat it too. Although they may read “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. “ (John 15:19 ESV).
They not only want it to say, but are making it say - “If you were of the world, the world DOES love you as its own; but because you STILL ARE of the world, the world STILL LOVES you.” (John 15:19 As most American Christians read it).
As an example for the first time since Gallup2 began measuring the "moral acceptability" of homosexuality, a majority of Americans support gay and lesbian relations. Last month's poll found 52 percent of adults consider homosexuality acceptable, while 43 percent find it morally wrong.
It goes on to say: Christians and people from other religious traditions have grown more tolerant of gays and lesbians, according to Gallup. The percentage of Catholics calling gay relations "morally acceptable" has increased by more than a third in the past five years, up to 62 percent. More Americans also favor legalizing gay marriage.
And also: The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles recently ordained the church's first openly gay female bishop. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America decided last year to allow non-celibate gay and lesbian clergy to serve. Despite some dissenters, the ELCA has continued to seek the full inclusion of homosexual church leaders and members.
This is NOT a rant on homosexuality, homosexuality is a sin the same as stealing, lying, murdering and any other sins including heterosexual (sex between male and female) sinning out of wedlock.
What makes this different, is the open defiance of calling it a non-sin.
Re-categorizing it.
Not only wrenching it out of Scripture, but declaring it righteous.
A re-writing of passages in the Bible you might say.
With over 85% of Americans claiming to be Christians, and yet 52% of those polled giving a thumbs up on something God says is wrong, shows American Christians saying one thing in a Church building, and yet another when outside the Church building.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV)
Notice, it does not say that “At this time they will not enter the Kingdom of God, but down the road when it is acceptable for man, then I will allow homosexuality, but still not thieves.”
Yet this is how people who call themselves Christians interpret what they want as opposed to what God says. And for many, not all but many this is because they don't read Gods word. They are second and third handers, getting most of what they hear of Gods word from TV or cute emails... But not from reading the Bible themselves.
O dear reader, don't assume, don't guess, don't believe falsely...
Read Gods Word for yourself.
Don't get your Christianity out of a fortune cookie, or reading a Christian “T” shirt or email.
Even this BLOG is written by a sinful man...
Read the Bible, Gods Word.
Check everything with Scripture.
“and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. “
(2 Timothy 3:15-17 ESV)
6/01/2010
Tract Writing Obsession…
I am in the middle of writing several Tracts.
And on each one the biggest challenge I have are NOT the Atheists, or Deniers of faith, but the Claimers of faith, the professing Christians that about 80% plus will go to.
I imagine my family or friends, who have been inoculated with American Christianity…
I can see them starting to read what the tract says, and nodding along, going with the flow, stuck in the agreement pattern without even taking the time to examine ones self. As I have done for over 40 years.
Getting them to look at themselves…
Getting them to see that Jesus is more like a key fob to them than their Lord and Savior.
Getting them to just consider taking the Bible and Jesus Words serious.
As I know most of the people who these tracts will go to are “proclaiming Christians”, I find myself trying to hammer in on getting them to see the wolves in sheep’s clothing all around them, and to look at the goat-food (doctrine) they are currently eating as opposed to the sheep-food (doctrine) that the Bible displays.
Even though they look similar at a glance, one only needs to stop, and start to examine them, and one will soon see a dichotomy, opposites of what America teaches a verse says as opposed to what the Bible actually says the verse really means.
And I know that Salvation is of the Lord, not a method, program, or clever tract.
But I also do know that I am responsible for conveying what I do know and to the best of the abilities that God enables me to do them.
So Pray for me for guidance.
And on each one the biggest challenge I have are NOT the Atheists, or Deniers of faith, but the Claimers of faith, the professing Christians that about 80% plus will go to.
I imagine my family or friends, who have been inoculated with American Christianity…
I can see them starting to read what the tract says, and nodding along, going with the flow, stuck in the agreement pattern without even taking the time to examine ones self. As I have done for over 40 years.
Getting them to look at themselves…
Getting them to see that Jesus is more like a key fob to them than their Lord and Savior.
Getting them to just consider taking the Bible and Jesus Words serious.
As I know most of the people who these tracts will go to are “proclaiming Christians”, I find myself trying to hammer in on getting them to see the wolves in sheep’s clothing all around them, and to look at the goat-food (doctrine) they are currently eating as opposed to the sheep-food (doctrine) that the Bible displays.
Even though they look similar at a glance, one only needs to stop, and start to examine them, and one will soon see a dichotomy, opposites of what America teaches a verse says as opposed to what the Bible actually says the verse really means.
And I know that Salvation is of the Lord, not a method, program, or clever tract.
But I also do know that I am responsible for conveying what I do know and to the best of the abilities that God enables me to do them.
So Pray for me for guidance.
5/30/2010
Country Music junk...
Strangeness in Radio Land.
As I was driving in my wife's car, and she listens to Country Music, I listened for some time between several trips. I found that most songs were actually either about boozing, cheating, or some aspects of Adultery, put into a Country Poetic song.
Also with in an hour's time between 2 songs I heard 1 that was a good song, and in it no booze or adultery, and even mentioned a Church of Christ with no room due to good attendance. But after a short while later, there was a song with a cowboy singing just how "Hot" the preachers daughter was.
Being honest, there were a few other songs that were just good time songs to sing along with, but the majority was still what I remember of Country Music... Boozing, 2-Timing, Cheating, and Stealing another fella's gal...
Just an observation.
As I was driving in my wife's car, and she listens to Country Music, I listened for some time between several trips. I found that most songs were actually either about boozing, cheating, or some aspects of Adultery, put into a Country Poetic song.
Also with in an hour's time between 2 songs I heard 1 that was a good song, and in it no booze or adultery, and even mentioned a Church of Christ with no room due to good attendance. But after a short while later, there was a song with a cowboy singing just how "Hot" the preachers daughter was.
Being honest, there were a few other songs that were just good time songs to sing along with, but the majority was still what I remember of Country Music... Boozing, 2-Timing, Cheating, and Stealing another fella's gal...
Just an observation.
5/28/2010
Response to a forwarded email...
I recieved an email that started out like this...
I SUGGEST WE LINE A COUPLE OF ARMY DIVISIONS ALONG THE MEXICAN BORDER AND SHOT EVERYONE THAT TRIES TO CROSS .... I REALIZE THIS IS NOT CHRISTIAN; HOWEVER, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
The it went on how Mexico's own immigration policy is strict.
But I had to send a response back to all, and it went like this...
I find it interesting, yet freighting when people seem to “claim” to know a “Christian concept”, like in this case…
Yet in the same breath, deny it, justifying it on man-centered terms.
There are tons of examples God has set before us in His Word to us, concerning thinks like this, in both the Old Testament & the New Testament.
The best one for this maybe is about “the good Samaritan”…
This is also one of the most mis-understood in American Christianity.
Unlike the popular understanding that this was a story to do good for your neighbor…
That is NOT what it was about.
Like this email, it was about man trying to justify a political “type” agenda.
It was Jesus harsh response to a loaded question given to Him… as he was trying to justify himself.
Jesus did not say “be nice to people next door to you”.
He used a Samaritan, of all the people groups, a Samaritian.
The Jews had more respect and dealings with the Romans.
They would pass by a Roman soldier on the street, but they would go out of their way to avoid even having eye contact with a Samaritan.
To say that we need to strengthen our boarders, and that we have a right to do so is correct. But to suggest shooting and killing someone... and then trying to justify it... and on top of that, sending the hatred to others...
Well lets just say that one of the #1 reasons for Atheism in America is so-called Christians who praise Jesus with their lips in a Church building, but outside of that building, demonstrate their true belief of a worldly manner. The hypocrisy is astounding.
If you think it is not, then why not mention this to everyone in your Church and your Pastor.
You wouldn't, because in a Church building is where your once a week and ½ dose of Jesus exists.
I am not trying to be hard in my response here, but Jesus was not a “funny Guy” who was half hearted about His command, (not a suggestion as most American Christians take it) to love one another.
[The Parable of the Good Samaritan]
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
(Luke 10:25-37 ESV)
If you call yourself a Christian (follower of Christ) and can say things like this, then I ask you to examine your self in the light of Scripture, and what Scripture says a true believer will demonstrate.
I don't know your true heart, this email does not know your true heart, but God knows it, even your thought life, He says if you hate your brother, you have committed murder.
I SUGGEST WE LINE A COUPLE OF ARMY DIVISIONS ALONG THE MEXICAN BORDER AND SHOT EVERYONE THAT TRIES TO CROSS .... I REALIZE THIS IS NOT CHRISTIAN; HOWEVER, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
The it went on how Mexico's own immigration policy is strict.
But I had to send a response back to all, and it went like this...
I find it interesting, yet freighting when people seem to “claim” to know a “Christian concept”, like in this case…
Yet in the same breath, deny it, justifying it on man-centered terms.
There are tons of examples God has set before us in His Word to us, concerning thinks like this, in both the Old Testament & the New Testament.
The best one for this maybe is about “the good Samaritan”…
This is also one of the most mis-understood in American Christianity.
Unlike the popular understanding that this was a story to do good for your neighbor…
That is NOT what it was about.
Like this email, it was about man trying to justify a political “type” agenda.
It was Jesus harsh response to a loaded question given to Him… as he was trying to justify himself.
Jesus did not say “be nice to people next door to you”.
He used a Samaritan, of all the people groups, a Samaritian.
The Jews had more respect and dealings with the Romans.
They would pass by a Roman soldier on the street, but they would go out of their way to avoid even having eye contact with a Samaritan.
To say that we need to strengthen our boarders, and that we have a right to do so is correct. But to suggest shooting and killing someone... and then trying to justify it... and on top of that, sending the hatred to others...
Well lets just say that one of the #1 reasons for Atheism in America is so-called Christians who praise Jesus with their lips in a Church building, but outside of that building, demonstrate their true belief of a worldly manner. The hypocrisy is astounding.
If you think it is not, then why not mention this to everyone in your Church and your Pastor.
You wouldn't, because in a Church building is where your once a week and ½ dose of Jesus exists.
I am not trying to be hard in my response here, but Jesus was not a “funny Guy” who was half hearted about His command, (not a suggestion as most American Christians take it) to love one another.
[The Parable of the Good Samaritan]
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
(Luke 10:25-37 ESV)
If you call yourself a Christian (follower of Christ) and can say things like this, then I ask you to examine your self in the light of Scripture, and what Scripture says a true believer will demonstrate.
I don't know your true heart, this email does not know your true heart, but God knows it, even your thought life, He says if you hate your brother, you have committed murder.
5/24/2010
Confused about credibility given where it shouldn't...
I am bewildered how blatant, "False-Teachers" and "Solid Teachers" can exist side by side.
I am speaking directly of the "Quote" Christian Broadcasting...
Taking " TBN " for example... (The Blasphemy Network)
As I was pointed today to yet another of Benny Hinns performances, I had also to note on the Schedule for TBN was a mix-mash of Goat food & Sheep food, Tares & Wheat, Bad fish & Good fish...
Or to put it another way...
(Not in exact order)
Questionable Preaching followed by Prosperity Preaching, followed by Feel good Preaching, followed by Self Help Preaching, followed by Biblical Preaching, followed by Divorced Woman in it for the money Preaching, followed by Worldly Preaching... Name it and claim it Preaching...
Mostly false teaching with a few sound teachings smattered in between...
Part of me understands a desire to have a truthful presence...
But every tine I look at Scripture, and not only watch what Jesus did, but what He instructs...
Every time I look at what Jesus showed and taught through Paul...
I see that we are not to associate with such people.
(Osteen, White, Hinn, Dollar, Couch, Copeland etc...)
I see that we are to seek the lost, but not in towns where their hearts are hardened and we are told to shake the dust from our shoes of such places. Places where these people are there in response to those people gathering them unto themselves to have their ears tickled...
I see much unfortunate credibility being placed in TBN and the likes by having the claim of those few Truthful Preachers being part of their Schedule.
One of my issues is if I share the shamefulness of those Prosperity-Name it Claim it preachers on these "for-profit" Networks, is that they can right back to me, isn't that the station where your "sound teacher" is on also?
Hence a major red-herring...
What say you?
)
I am speaking directly of the "Quote" Christian Broadcasting...
Taking " TBN " for example... (The Blasphemy Network)
As I was pointed today to yet another of Benny Hinns performances, I had also to note on the Schedule for TBN was a mix-mash of Goat food & Sheep food, Tares & Wheat, Bad fish & Good fish...
Or to put it another way...
(Not in exact order)
Questionable Preaching followed by Prosperity Preaching, followed by Feel good Preaching, followed by Self Help Preaching, followed by Biblical Preaching, followed by Divorced Woman in it for the money Preaching, followed by Worldly Preaching... Name it and claim it Preaching...
Mostly false teaching with a few sound teachings smattered in between...
Part of me understands a desire to have a truthful presence...
But every tine I look at Scripture, and not only watch what Jesus did, but what He instructs...
Every time I look at what Jesus showed and taught through Paul...
I see that we are not to associate with such people.
(Osteen, White, Hinn, Dollar, Couch, Copeland etc...)
I see that we are to seek the lost, but not in towns where their hearts are hardened and we are told to shake the dust from our shoes of such places. Places where these people are there in response to those people gathering them unto themselves to have their ears tickled...
I see much unfortunate credibility being placed in TBN and the likes by having the claim of those few Truthful Preachers being part of their Schedule.
One of my issues is if I share the shamefulness of those Prosperity-Name it Claim it preachers on these "for-profit" Networks, is that they can right back to me, isn't that the station where your "sound teacher" is on also?
Hence a major red-herring...
What say you?
)
5/21/2010
Year of our Lord 05212010 - Infant baptism...
In Monergism there is featured 2 MP3 views on infant baptism. Here
I have not listened to them yet.
But the 2 speakers are John MacArthur (against) and RC Sproul (for)
I am not sure if I will have time to listen to these, but will try.
However I would NOT be going into this with an open mind.
I have seen and experienced too much of the damage done through infant baptizing.
My whole family, many people I meet.
If you dig, it is to them a "requirement" that they feel they met.
A false assurance that they have Gods seal on them.
Many in the Mob or Mafia are of opinion that their place in Heaven is sealed because they were baptized.
Thayt is all I have on this for now...
5/15/2010
5/13/2010
They had a request...
The Disciples said
“We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard”.
Think of the fate of those the enemy “has taken captive… to do his will.”
While many are content with “Bible Study night,” take a team and go to the unsaved.
Go to the darkness of this world and bring the light of the Gospel...
As I was reading this from Ray Comfort it struck a chord of what happened this past weekend.
We had gone to the Cotee River Seafood Fest, and shared the Gospel with many. We had been there about 2 hours, when we were approached by a couple who claimed to be fellow Christians.
They had a request…
“Please stop passing out tracts, we are Christians too, but we don’t want you to pass out tracts here.”
When I asked if they were officials with the River Fest they said no.
They said they were concerned Christians.
Their concern was that… And I quote…
“We are afraid that if you can spread the word about Christianity… then Satanists can come in here and do the same thing!”
They were particularly experienced at avoiding answering and Christian questions asked of them.
With each of these questions I asked…
“ Are we not commanded to Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere?”
“What is more important, spreading the Gospel or worrying about a few possible Satanists?”
“How will they be able to identify the Satanists, if they have not heard Christ preached?”
“What is more important to you, obeying Jesus, or worrying about man made rules?”
With each of the above questions I asked, they answered…
“Please, we are Christians too, and are asking you as politely as possible to leave!”
It was a repeating loop, they would not answer questions. They only stated their cause.
As we were on our way out when this happened, I ended telling them that we were soon to depart, and would be handing them out on the way out of the park.
They seemed happy we were going and then left.
It was odd, that in 4+ years of going to this fest, this was the only time I was asked to leave. And it was by 2 people claiming to be Christians. Yet their actions gave away their hearts desires, which was to deny Christ in favor of man. This is a typical American Christianity that I see played out more and more.
Another oddity, is that as these were NOT the only ones unhappy with us being there. There were several people who voiced things like Jesus was not real, and the Gospel was just our opinion, and the Bible is a man made book... None of those people, happy or not, asked us to leave. They just denied the Scriptures and Gospel, but respected our rights to spread the Gospel.
The only ones that did ask us to leave were American Christians...
By the way... there were many there who not only accepted a tract or conversation about the Gospel, but who thanked us, whether they agreed or not.
P.S. I look forwards to next year, NOT to confront those who oppose the spreading of Gods Word, but to confront those who do not know the Gospel, with the Gospel.
5/11/2010
More strangeness from Catholics…
In the popes latest statement… And here...
In these short articles we can see just how works based and self appointing the Roman religion really is.
The second article is startling as I was unaware that Mary came back to earth, or that she was even raised up yet. But then again, this should not startle me with a cult.
But to the main thrust of the articles…
The pope takes a right step identifying that the main attack is from within their cult.
But then he deflects and doublespeak’s…
By this I mean he offers up works to be done, and then he calls for pardon and justice.
???
If this tragedy hit anywhere else, like a big company, criminal charges and persecution (in the legal sense) would have ensued. But they are immune to even such hideous crimes as homosexual sexual predator and abuse on children. Not to mention all the cover up.
It is Version clear for the most part that they are not sorry so much for the crimes and all that surround them, as they are that they got caught.
In these short articles we can see just how works based and self appointing the Roman religion really is.
The second article is startling as I was unaware that Mary came back to earth, or that she was even raised up yet. But then again, this should not startle me with a cult.
But to the main thrust of the articles…
The pope takes a right step identifying that the main attack is from within their cult.
But then he deflects and doublespeak’s…
By this I mean he offers up works to be done, and then he calls for pardon and justice.
???
If this tragedy hit anywhere else, like a big company, criminal charges and persecution (in the legal sense) would have ensued. But they are immune to even such hideous crimes as homosexual sexual predator and abuse on children. Not to mention all the cover up.
It is Version clear for the most part that they are not sorry so much for the crimes and all that surround them, as they are that they got caught.
5/09/2010
God Loves everybody??? (continued)02
The outing at the Seafood Fest and this mornings Sermon on John 9:35-41, set a more determined attitude to work even more diligently on this tract.
The Deceptive Pragmatic preaching that is all over America is at a high point, lulling people to a false Gospel message.
The Deceptive Pragmatic preaching that is all over America is at a high point, lulling people to a false Gospel message.
Cotee River Seafood fest...
Yesterday we went to the Cotee River Seafood Fest... It was much lighter this year than most years. But there were still a lot of people there. And the Lord created an opportunity to pas out many Gospel Tracts and talk to many. However this year had a lot more people resist accepting a Tract or conversation and there seemed to be a hostility in the air that has not been so before.
And the odd thing was that the longest conversation was with 2 people who called themselves Christians. They spent about 20 + minutes trying to get us not to preach the Gospel in the park, and their reasoning was that if we could preach Christ, then Satanists could spread their lies. ??? They never would answer any questions, they just kept claiming they were Christians and saying that if "we" had our rights, then Satanists would have their rights. ??? However, there were those in our paths who thanked us for the tracts and conversation.
And the odd thing was that the longest conversation was with 2 people who called themselves Christians. They spent about 20 + minutes trying to get us not to preach the Gospel in the park, and their reasoning was that if we could preach Christ, then Satanists could spread their lies. ??? They never would answer any questions, they just kept claiming they were Christians and saying that if "we" had our rights, then Satanists would have their rights. ??? However, there were those in our paths who thanked us for the tracts and conversation.
5/05/2010
God Loves everybody??? (continued) 01
My point is to point out that there is in America (un-like the Bible) a front-runner that starts off, even before the Gospel is attempted to be preached (which in America is usually only half of the Gospel), but there is a front-runner to this that basically says...
"Now, now people, relax, the message I have is an easy message, one which you will like, and it will bring you peace on earth."
How does that line up with what Jesus said:
Can anyone tell me?.
Jesus words when He began his ministry, and what he preached this from the start.
"Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Matthew 4:17
Jesus Speaking
"And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:38
Jesus speaking
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. s I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34
Jesus speaking
"You are of your father the devil," John 8:44
Jesus speaking to cities that are un-repentant.
"But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
And don't forget that there is a WIDE path that "The Many" will follow and go to Hell for eternity.
Or is God just a "Funny Guy" and a comedian who will say on the day of Judgment... "Just kidding!"
"Now, now people, relax, the message I have is an easy message, one which you will like, and it will bring you peace on earth."
How does that line up with what Jesus said:
Can anyone tell me?.
Jesus words when He began his ministry, and what he preached this from the start.
"Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Matthew 4:17
Jesus Speaking
"And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:38
Jesus speaking
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. s I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34
Jesus speaking
"You are of your father the devil," John 8:44
Jesus speaking to cities that are un-repentant.
"But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
And don't forget that there is a WIDE path that "The Many" will follow and go to Hell for eternity.
Or is God just a "Funny Guy" and a comedian who will say on the day of Judgment... "Just kidding!"
5/03/2010
God Loves everybody???
As I was writing a new Tract, I heard a new Christian DJ announce on the airwaves... “God Loves EVERYONE!” Her father taught her this, and she believes it.
I have a question here...
Is that in the Bible?
You can pull it out of the Bible, but if you read the Bible from cover to cover, is that really in the Bible?
Or does the Bible say something different, and this is misquoted?
Gossip Magazines in the Grocery store's check-out counter are some of the best examples of quoting people out of the context of what they really said.
This has been done with Christianity on a huge scale. From America's favorite Mega-Church Preachers Joel Osteen & Rick Warren, down to simple home churches, America has bought into man-centered preaching rather than than God-centered preaching. A preaching that makes God a debtor to mans decisions.
God Loves EVERYBODY???
Better take a scissors and black marker to your Bible and be ready to cut out and cover up a lot of Scripture.
Or just exclude the books in the Bible that don't subscribe to this man-centered idea. Here are a few books (not in order) and a small part of Scripture from each book... that when in context, prove that God does not love everyone.
Romans – 9:13 “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I hated....”
Genesis – 7:21 “And all flesh died that moved on the earth, ... and all mankind.” (Women, Children...)
Ephesians – 2:3 “...were by nature children of wrath...”
John – 8:44 “You are of your father the devil...”
Psalm – 5:5 “you hate all evildoers.”
There are many more throughout the Bible that prove God does not love everybody.
My point is to point out that there is in America (un-like the Bible) a front-runner that starts off, even before the Gospel is attempted to be preached (which in America is usually only half of the Gospel), but there is a front-runner to this that basically says...
"Now, now people, relax, the message I have is an easy message, one which you will like, and it will bring you peace on earth."
How does that line up with what Jesus said:
"Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!"
I have a question here...
Is that in the Bible?
You can pull it out of the Bible, but if you read the Bible from cover to cover, is that really in the Bible?
Or does the Bible say something different, and this is misquoted?
Gossip Magazines in the Grocery store's check-out counter are some of the best examples of quoting people out of the context of what they really said.
This has been done with Christianity on a huge scale. From America's favorite Mega-Church Preachers Joel Osteen & Rick Warren, down to simple home churches, America has bought into man-centered preaching rather than than God-centered preaching. A preaching that makes God a debtor to mans decisions.
God Loves EVERYBODY???
Better take a scissors and black marker to your Bible and be ready to cut out and cover up a lot of Scripture.
Or just exclude the books in the Bible that don't subscribe to this man-centered idea. Here are a few books (not in order) and a small part of Scripture from each book... that when in context, prove that God does not love everyone.
Romans – 9:13 “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I hated....”
Genesis – 7:21 “And all flesh died that moved on the earth, ... and all mankind.” (Women, Children...)
Ephesians – 2:3 “...were by nature children of wrath...”
John – 8:44 “You are of your father the devil...”
Psalm – 5:5 “you hate all evildoers.”
There are many more throughout the Bible that prove God does not love everybody.
My point is to point out that there is in America (un-like the Bible) a front-runner that starts off, even before the Gospel is attempted to be preached (which in America is usually only half of the Gospel), but there is a front-runner to this that basically says...
"Now, now people, relax, the message I have is an easy message, one which you will like, and it will bring you peace on earth."
How does that line up with what Jesus said:
"Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!"
5/01/2010
On doctrines
In every age the church is threatened by heresy,
and heresy is bound up in false doctrine .
It is the desire of all heretics to minimize the importance of doctrine.
When doctrine is minimized, heresy can exercise itself without restraint.
Unfortunately in our culture, with Hollywood images and sounds dominating much of our minds, when we hear words like Heresy, it conjures up flashbacks of movie scenes of people (usually idiots) accusing others of “Heresy”. It has been a word that has been minimalized, making light of the serious nature of the word.
But in regards to how and why it is being used here by Dr. Sproul, is the subject at hand.
At this point I think it is important to point out that most Heresy does not start out as an in-your-face type of an issue.
Take a look at how Jehovah Witness started out.
A kid did did not like what the Bible said about Hell. So he started to re-interpret the Bible to exclude Hell. By the way, this is still the most preferred way of straying off the path of light, trivializing or just plain ignoring Hell and Gods Righteousness.
Why just within these last 24 hours there has been a quote by “America's Pastor” Mr. Rick Warren.
http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/2010/04/twitter-scripture-twisting-with-rick.html
Above is a link to a BLOG with the “Tweet” screen shot, right from Mr. Warrens Twitter page.
Again misquoting Scripture I a way that intentionally does not show the context of what this Scripture is really saying. In fact, he completely inverts it to make it say the opposite so that it will be more pleasing to the opposite crowd it was meant for.
And many Churches and so-called Pastors are doing this same thing.
Before I continue, let me state here that there are Churches and Pastors that do Preach the Word of God and adhere to sound doctrines.
But this is addressing the Wide American gospel Path that is so prevalent.
I heard a phrase coined about Rick Warren's Theology. It was called “File Cabinet Theology”, that is where one would pull it out of their file cabinet and say... “Yes, I subscribe to that Theology”, then they file it away, and it is never present in the Theology they present... But they claim to be part of it.
Personally I have sen many Church Doctrines, and on the paper that are good Doctrines, but when in this pulpit, they teach a doctrine that is not only different, but is diametrically opposite to what they claim.
Then there is the ever popular, and growing, don't use doctrines they divide, saying!
And it is true, they do divide. When properly applied, they separate the sheep from the goats. And although we are called to preach the Gospel to every one, we are not called to worship with those of a different gospel.
No where in Scripture will you find it said that we should worship in an all inclusive manner with peoples believing different Gospels, in fact we are called and responsible to separate ourselves from them.
Now notice I used the term Gospels, rather than Doctrines. But Doctrines are nothing more than a defining of what the Gospels teach. They are what separates a Mormon from a Christian,or a believing that Gods Grace paid for sin, and that works are useless, as opposed to a works based faith such as Catholicism.
This is the tip of what I believe to be the biggest iceberg in American Christianity from Biblical Christianity.
and heresy is bound up in false doctrine .
It is the desire of all heretics to minimize the importance of doctrine.
When doctrine is minimized, heresy can exercise itself without restraint.
Unfortunately in our culture, with Hollywood images and sounds dominating much of our minds, when we hear words like Heresy, it conjures up flashbacks of movie scenes of people (usually idiots) accusing others of “Heresy”. It has been a word that has been minimalized, making light of the serious nature of the word.
But in regards to how and why it is being used here by Dr. Sproul, is the subject at hand.
At this point I think it is important to point out that most Heresy does not start out as an in-your-face type of an issue.
Take a look at how Jehovah Witness started out.
A kid did did not like what the Bible said about Hell. So he started to re-interpret the Bible to exclude Hell. By the way, this is still the most preferred way of straying off the path of light, trivializing or just plain ignoring Hell and Gods Righteousness.
Why just within these last 24 hours there has been a quote by “America's Pastor” Mr. Rick Warren.
http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/2010/04/twitter-scripture-twisting-with-rick.html
Above is a link to a BLOG with the “Tweet” screen shot, right from Mr. Warrens Twitter page.
Again misquoting Scripture I a way that intentionally does not show the context of what this Scripture is really saying. In fact, he completely inverts it to make it say the opposite so that it will be more pleasing to the opposite crowd it was meant for.
And many Churches and so-called Pastors are doing this same thing.
Before I continue, let me state here that there are Churches and Pastors that do Preach the Word of God and adhere to sound doctrines.
But this is addressing the Wide American gospel Path that is so prevalent.
I heard a phrase coined about Rick Warren's Theology. It was called “File Cabinet Theology”, that is where one would pull it out of their file cabinet and say... “Yes, I subscribe to that Theology”, then they file it away, and it is never present in the Theology they present... But they claim to be part of it.
Personally I have sen many Church Doctrines, and on the paper that are good Doctrines, but when in this pulpit, they teach a doctrine that is not only different, but is diametrically opposite to what they claim.
Then there is the ever popular, and growing, don't use doctrines they divide, saying!
And it is true, they do divide. When properly applied, they separate the sheep from the goats. And although we are called to preach the Gospel to every one, we are not called to worship with those of a different gospel.
No where in Scripture will you find it said that we should worship in an all inclusive manner with peoples believing different Gospels, in fact we are called and responsible to separate ourselves from them.
Now notice I used the term Gospels, rather than Doctrines. But Doctrines are nothing more than a defining of what the Gospels teach. They are what separates a Mormon from a Christian,or a believing that Gods Grace paid for sin, and that works are useless, as opposed to a works based faith such as Catholicism.
This is the tip of what I believe to be the biggest iceberg in American Christianity from Biblical Christianity.
4/29/2010
04292010 Year of our Lord Quote of the day...
By RC Sproul:
In every age the church is threatened by heresy,
and heresy is bound up in false doctrine .
It is the desire of all heretics to minimize the importance of doctrine.
When doctrine is minimized, heresy can exercise itself without restraint.
In every age the church is threatened by heresy,
and heresy is bound up in false doctrine .
It is the desire of all heretics to minimize the importance of doctrine.
When doctrine is minimized, heresy can exercise itself without restraint.
4/27/2010
Seafood Fest date set
Set date and time for the Cotee River Seafood Festival.
This has been an event in New Port Richey, that attracts thousands each year.
It is a great witnessing opportunity.
Next Saturday May 8
http://mainstreetnpr.com/?page_id=458
Besides the seafood vendors, there is:
# Activities & games for kids
# Live Alligator Show with the Swamp-master
# Fishing & boating demonstrations
# 30-45 minute Miss Daisy boat tours up the historic and picturesque Cotee River through downtown New Port Richey
# A variety of beverage & food vendors offering a variety of seafood treats
# Arts & crafts fair focusing on nautical and natural themed hand-crafted items.
Join us for a Great time passing
out tracts and one to one witnessing
Next Saturday May 8 at the
2010 Cotee River Seafood Fest.
We will meet at Church May 8th @ 2:00 PM
After praying, we will depart at 3:00 PM
Our plan is to go forth as a group of believers intent
on reaching the lost with the Love & Truth of the Gospel.
There will be tracts on hand
and we always have a Great time
when sharing the Gospel of our Lord and Savior.
Any comments or questions, contact:
Michael Adams (727) 809-1898
ReformedEvangelist@gmail.com
This has been an event in New Port Richey, that attracts thousands each year.
It is a great witnessing opportunity.
Next Saturday May 8
http://mainstreetnpr.com/?page_id=458
Besides the seafood vendors, there is:
# Activities & games for kids
# Live Alligator Show with the Swamp-master
# Fishing & boating demonstrations
# 30-45 minute Miss Daisy boat tours up the historic and picturesque Cotee River through downtown New Port Richey
# A variety of beverage & food vendors offering a variety of seafood treats
# Arts & crafts fair focusing on nautical and natural themed hand-crafted items.
Join us for a Great time passing
out tracts and one to one witnessing
Next Saturday May 8 at the
2010 Cotee River Seafood Fest.
We will meet at Church May 8th @ 2:00 PM
After praying, we will depart at 3:00 PM
Our plan is to go forth as a group of believers intent
on reaching the lost with the Love & Truth of the Gospel.
There will be tracts on hand
and we always have a Great time
when sharing the Gospel of our Lord and Savior.
Any comments or questions, contact:
Michael Adams (727) 809-1898
ReformedEvangelist@gmail.com
4/24/2010
Prosperity...
Today I listened to John MacArthur on the Charismatic and Prosperity issue.
I had received 2 CD's from Grace to You.
And today I listened to 1 of them.
I had received 2 CD's from Grace to You.
And today I listened to 1 of them.
4/23/2010
Painted Door
Yesterday I was troubled, plagued, disturbed, by yet another message on Moody Radio, by “the Pastor from “The Painted Door Church” in Chicago.
I have heard this pastor before as he seems to be a regular on Moody.
Last week he went on and on reciting a deep praising of his favorite baseball team, and the intimate things about the team and the players and the stats. His point was that people who say they came to Christ and abandoned their hobbies for further study in Christ, were wrong. Because we should, in his opinion, enjoy the things in this world.
In his points were that we should enjoy things of this world, but no mention of moderation, no mention of how sports, can become a god to many men, and that we can worship hobbies.
So I thought... OK, there is an allotted amount of time... cannot get too much in, but should have at least touched upon it.
Then there was yesterday.
Here he is again...
Talking about the community and how we should influence it as Christians.
So he went to mention that he was on a baseball team. Then he invited the team over for a BBQ that evening.
He states:
They brought way too much beer.
Dropped many “F” bombs.
Cursed Gods name in many ways.
Told jokes that were way off base.
Then he states that later he shared Jesus with them.
And did not offend them or insult them.
And now he calls these men friends.
I have a major dilemma here... Red flags went off all over.
Right at the beginning he mentions all the foul worldly things the men brought with them.
Yet from this and previous listening's from him, we are to reflect Christ.
(but I think he means American Christianity's version of a Loving, but not condemning jesus)
How odd that it appears that none of these men coming over seemed to know they were going to a pastors house. (Seems like maybe his plan to be like the world was working).
Then at the end, he doesn't say that he shared the Gospel with them and any were offended.
No! He states the common, “I shared jesus with them”, cliché.
And at the very end he calls these men friends, with no mention of a desire to confront them and pray that they may become Brothers.
Now I am NOT attempting to bash Moody or anyone, but....
And this is a troubling part for me...
Am I too skeptical?
Am I nitpicking?
I turned to Moody about a year ago and have noticed I like it less and less.
It is better than JOY-FM or SPIRIT-FM, but the more I listen, the more I hear the Joy and Spirit-FM's influence being brought out in Moody.
I hear solid people on Moody, then all of a sudden here is another preacher, not so solid, not addressing what the other Preacher said, but preaching some of the same things in an opposite understanding.
Example, you hear a Calvinistic :Salvation is by Grace, and is of the Lord.
Then you hear, Salvation is by Grace, but you need to make a decision.
So pick and choose... It is dis-heartning to me.
I have heard this pastor before as he seems to be a regular on Moody.
Last week he went on and on reciting a deep praising of his favorite baseball team, and the intimate things about the team and the players and the stats. His point was that people who say they came to Christ and abandoned their hobbies for further study in Christ, were wrong. Because we should, in his opinion, enjoy the things in this world.
In his points were that we should enjoy things of this world, but no mention of moderation, no mention of how sports, can become a god to many men, and that we can worship hobbies.
So I thought... OK, there is an allotted amount of time... cannot get too much in, but should have at least touched upon it.
Then there was yesterday.
Here he is again...
Talking about the community and how we should influence it as Christians.
So he went to mention that he was on a baseball team. Then he invited the team over for a BBQ that evening.
He states:
They brought way too much beer.
Dropped many “F” bombs.
Cursed Gods name in many ways.
Told jokes that were way off base.
Then he states that later he shared Jesus with them.
And did not offend them or insult them.
And now he calls these men friends.
I have a major dilemma here... Red flags went off all over.
Right at the beginning he mentions all the foul worldly things the men brought with them.
Yet from this and previous listening's from him, we are to reflect Christ.
(but I think he means American Christianity's version of a Loving, but not condemning jesus)
How odd that it appears that none of these men coming over seemed to know they were going to a pastors house. (Seems like maybe his plan to be like the world was working).
Then at the end, he doesn't say that he shared the Gospel with them and any were offended.
No! He states the common, “I shared jesus with them”, cliché.
And at the very end he calls these men friends, with no mention of a desire to confront them and pray that they may become Brothers.
Now I am NOT attempting to bash Moody or anyone, but....
And this is a troubling part for me...
Am I too skeptical?
Am I nitpicking?
I turned to Moody about a year ago and have noticed I like it less and less.
It is better than JOY-FM or SPIRIT-FM, but the more I listen, the more I hear the Joy and Spirit-FM's influence being brought out in Moody.
I hear solid people on Moody, then all of a sudden here is another preacher, not so solid, not addressing what the other Preacher said, but preaching some of the same things in an opposite understanding.
Example, you hear a Calvinistic :Salvation is by Grace, and is of the Lord.
Then you hear, Salvation is by Grace, but you need to make a decision.
So pick and choose... It is dis-heartning to me.
4/18/2010
Africa and other 3rd World Prosperity casualties
You may hear about how much Christianity is growing in Africa...
But is it really growing, or is is masquerading as Christianity.
But is it really growing, or is is masquerading as Christianity.
3/19/2010
Defending, defending Sound Doctrine
Let us be on our guard against false doctrine. Unsound faith will never be the mother of really sound practice, and in these latter days, departures from the faith abound. See then that your loins be girt about with truth, and be very jealous of receiving anything which cannot be proved by the Bible. Do not think for a moment that false doctrine will meet you face to face, saying, “I am false doctrine, and I want to come into your heart.” Satan does not go to work in that way. He dresses up false doctrine like Jezebel- he paints her face and attires her hair, and tries to make her like truth. Do not think that those who preach error will never preach anything that is true. Error, would do little harm if that was the case. No! error will come before you mingled with much that is sound and scriptural.
The sermon will be all right excepting a few sentences. The book will be all good excepting a few pages. And this is the chief danger of religious error in these times- it is like the subtle poisons of days gone by- it works so deceitfully that it throws men off their guard. Brethren, take care. Remember, that even Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Keep clear of any system of religion which confounds the world and true believers, and makes no broad distinction between those who are true children of God in a congregation, and those who are not. Do not be carried away by an appearance of great self denial and humility. It is far easier to fast and wear sackcloth, and be of a sad countenance, than to receive thoroughly the doctrine of justification by faith without the deeds of the law.
Call no man father upon earth. Do not build your faith on any minister or set of ministers. Let no man become your Pope. Make no Christian your standard of what is right in faith or practice, however high his name, his rank, or his learning. Let your creed be the Bible, and nothing but the Bible; and your example Christ, and nothing short of Him. Take heed, lest your minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Be careful what books you read on religious subjects- many books of this day are leavened with doctrines which spoil the Gospel. Examine yourselves often whether you are standing in the old paths– our lost estate by nature- our recovery through our Savior’s kindness and love- our need of regeneration and renewal- our justification through grace- these are the grand doctrines, as Paul told Titus; and these are the points on which we must be sound, if we would maintain good works.
Let us then, for one thing, begin with a humble confession of past unprofitableness and shortcomings. Let us acknowledge with shame and contrition that we have not hitherto lived up to our light. We ought to have been the salt of the earth- but there has been little savor of Christ about us. We ought to have been the light of the world- but we have most of us been little glimmering sparks that could scarcely be seen. We ought to have been a peculiar people- but the difference between us and the world has been faint and small. We ought to have been, like the Levites in Israel, a distinct people among professing Christians- but we have too often behaved as if we belonged to some other tribe. We ought to have looked on this world as an inn, and we have settled down in it as if it were our home- it ought to have been counted our school of training for eternity, and we have been at ease in it as if it were our continuing city, or trifled away time in it, as if we were meant to play and not to learn.
Consider well what I have said. Death may be busy among us very soon- let us all be found in Christ and prepared. Satan will be busy among us no doubt- let us all watch and pray. Let us beware of a spirit of slumber and formality, and especially in private reading and praying. Let our path to the fountain be worn with daily journeys, let our key to the treasury of grace be bright with constant use. Let us pray more, and let us pray more earnestly. Let those who never prayed begin to pray. Let those who have prayed pray better. Pray for yourselves- that you may know the Lord Jesus, and cleave to Him- that you may be kept from falling- that you may serve your generation- that you may be sober in prosperity, patient in trial, and humble at all times. Pray for the congregation to which you belong- that the word of the Lord may have free course in it, and be glorified- that the household of faith may become stronger and stronger, and the household of unbelief weaker and weaker. Pray for your country- that her ministers may preach the Gospel, and be sound in the faith- that her rulers may value the Bible, and govern according to it- and that so her candlestick may not be taken away. And pray not least for your minister- that he may be strong to work, and willing to labor for your good, that all his sicknesses may be sanctified, and all his health given to the Lord- that he may be ever taught of the Spirit, and thus be able to teach others- that he may be kept faithful unto death, and so be ready to depart when he is called. Let us all pray, one for the other- I for you, and you for me- and we shall be blessed in our deed!
J.C. Ryle’s sermon ‘Consider your ways’
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