2Co 13:5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Is Jesus Enough?
2Co 13:5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?
Saturday, March 09, 2013
"The Bible" Miniseries Is Unbiblical
With this Bible miniseries, I have been feeling like I was reliving The Shack controversy all over again. During all The Shack hoopla, we had people mad at us, furious, for daring to challenge the portrayal of God in The Shack. The argument was that, well, hey, maybe it's not totally accurate, but at least people are interested in God because of it! (and never mind that the "God" of The Shack was presented heretically, with the Trinity being tossed out, and a sly form of Universalism undergirding the story). With the Bible miniseries, we're hearing much the same argument. Many Christians are stating that the Bible miniseries will spur lost people to be interested in the Bible. Christians are telling me, Stop being so nitpicky over doctrine! At least this will get people interested in the Bible! But how can that be true? I contend that (as in The Shack, as in the Bible miniseries) a wrong portrayal of God and his character and nature won't make lost people want to know God more; it will only serve to make them more confused and unclear about who God really is. If that's not clear enough, let me put it this way: if someone came to me and described a man who was violent, verbally abusive and addicted to pornography, and THEN told me they were describing my husband, I would be furious! That is not an accurate description of my husband at all. So it really does matter that we are honest in what we say about others, doesn't it? And beyond that, shouldn't we be striving to be the most honest, the most accurate of all when attempting to depict God? Well, the "God" in the Bible miniseries is NOT the God of the Bible. Nope.
~ Sola Sisters
Go here for the complete post.
Half truths won't lead people to the Truth. The Gospel cannot be sloppily given, nor the Triune God of Scripture partially portrayed, if one wants to represent, proclaim, and lead people to the only Truth that saves. Jesus never mixed truth with error. Ever. And Scripture itself is pure truth and also does not mix truth with error. To think a bunch of heretics and worldlings can get dead men interested in holy things is not only pragmatic, its an offense to the holy holy holy God of Israel. If people are "won over" with this miniseries, it will only lead to more tangles and battles biblical Christians must deal with as the result, much like the false man-centered "gospel" given by decisionalists.
~ Sola Sisters
Go here for the complete post.
Half truths won't lead people to the Truth. The Gospel cannot be sloppily given, nor the Triune God of Scripture partially portrayed, if one wants to represent, proclaim, and lead people to the only Truth that saves. Jesus never mixed truth with error. Ever. And Scripture itself is pure truth and also does not mix truth with error. To think a bunch of heretics and worldlings can get dead men interested in holy things is not only pragmatic, its an offense to the holy holy holy God of Israel. If people are "won over" with this miniseries, it will only lead to more tangles and battles biblical Christians must deal with as the result, much like the false man-centered "gospel" given by decisionalists.
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Monday, March 04, 2013
The History Channel's "The Bible" Isn't Based on the Holy Bible
The History Channel has started its miniseries called "The Bible. Its not Christian and its not accurate. Open up the Scriptures and READ what it actually says and you will see a huge difference. Taking license with the Truth to entertain thousands is wrong. God will not be mocked.
Pro 30:6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.
Mike Ratliff talks about this and shows an example of how "The Bible" not only false short, it changes the meaning of the text. You must know that most of those who were behind this project are not biblical Christians.
2Pe 3:15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
Deu 4:2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.
Pro 30:6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.
Mike Ratliff talks about this and shows an example of how "The Bible" not only false short, it changes the meaning of the text. You must know that most of those who were behind this project are not biblical Christians.
2Pe 3:15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
Deu 4:2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.
Isa 8:20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.
Rev 22:18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds
to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes
away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life
and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Friday, March 01, 2013
The fatal flaw of "Decisional Regeneration" aka "making a decision for Christ".
After reading the first chapter of Pink's "Practical Christianity" on Saving Faith, I can now better understand, although not without the need to examine my own heart, what James Smith meant when he said:
An almost Christian
(James Smith, "The Way of Salvation Set Forth")
"Then Agrippa said to Paul: You almost persuade me to become a Christian!" Acts 26:28
There are many who conclude that they are Christians, because they have been enlightened to see something of their state, danger, and deserved doom. But many are only lighted to Hell, for light in the mind--is not life in the soul. Hebrews 6:4, 10:20.
A person may be awakened to feel, to tremble, to desire salvation--as did Felix and Balaam, Acts 24:25, Numbers 23:10.
He may be reformed, and turn from open profanity to strict morality--as did some in Peter's day, 2 Peter 2:20.
He may be assisted to do many things which are in themselves good, such as reading the Scripture, attending divine ordinances, engaging in prayer, and working miracles, Matthew 7:21-23, Mark 6:20, 1 Corinthians 13:3.
He may experience God's power put forth restraining him, and keeping him back from sin, as did Abimelech, Genesis 20:6.
He may humble himself before God, as did Ahab, 1 Kings 21:27-30.
He may possess joy and be exceeding glad under the Word, Matthew 13:20.
He may believe the Word, receive the testimony, and admire the preacher, Luke 4:22-29, 8:13, Ezekiel 33:31-32.
He may be filled with zeal for Christ and his cause, like the multitude, John 6:15, 16; Matthew 21:8-11; Luke 23:18-23.
He may be baptized upon a profession of faith, join a Christian church, and imitate the saints in his conduct--as did Simon Magus, Acts 8:13.
He may fill an office in the church, preach the gospel, and act consistent for a time--as did Judas; and yet Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place, Acts 1:25.
He may be highly esteemed by others, be sound in doctrine, and suffer for the cause of Christ, and yet be destitute of the vital principle of saving faith--like Demas, Alexander, Hymeneus, and Philetus, 2 Timothy 2:16-18, 4:10-14, 1 John 2:15.
He may have many excellent qualities, so that he may be admired and loved by others, like the rich young ruler in Matthew 19.
He may have all that has been named above--but ONE THING may be lacking, and he be found at last, merely an almost Christian.
End quote.
If you made it through reading this, I congratulate you. Most, like me initially, kind of got scared b/c it leaves you with asking one question: then what DOES saving faith look like? What IS evidence of true faith,living faith in Christ? The answer is over in Pink's book "Practical Christianity".
Homosexuality as a "Civil Right": should Christians accept this thinking?
Homosexuals see the problem of dealing with homosexuality's acceptance based on sexuality, so they rather turn it illegitimately into a civil rights issue to gain more support. There are many flaws with this thinking.
Al Mohler states in part:
Discrimination on the basis of an unchangeable characteristic such as skin color would be wrong. But Christians cannot accept the argument that homosexuality is an immutable characteristic. While recognizing the complexity of issues related to sexual orientation, we cannot define a behavior as an intrinsic characteristic. On that basis, why not grant theft or other sinful behavior the same civil rights protection?
Furthermore, we recognize that marriage, like human rights, exists prior to the law. Christians understand that marriage was instituted by the Creator, who designed marriage and the family as the foundational social unit of human society. Marriage unites a man and a woman in a holy covenant that should last as long as they both live.
- See more at Answers In Genesis
Al Mohler states in part:
Discrimination on the basis of an unchangeable characteristic such as skin color would be wrong. But Christians cannot accept the argument that homosexuality is an immutable characteristic. While recognizing the complexity of issues related to sexual orientation, we cannot define a behavior as an intrinsic characteristic. On that basis, why not grant theft or other sinful behavior the same civil rights protection?
Furthermore, we recognize that marriage, like human rights, exists prior to the law. Christians understand that marriage was instituted by the Creator, who designed marriage and the family as the foundational social unit of human society. Marriage unites a man and a woman in a holy covenant that should last as long as they both live.
- See more at Answers In Genesis
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Can You Say "Yes" To the Lord?
"Lord, what will You have me to do?" Acts 9:6
Whatever command God gives--we should instantly and cheerfully answer, "Yes, Lord, I am ready to obey!"
It is not hard to say "Yes, Lord!" when God leads us in pleasant paths, where the flowers are plentiful, where the way is smooth and agreeable. But we know that sometimes the path is covered with thorns, and is rough and steep--or runs through fire or flood. We are still called always to say, "Yes, Lord!" If God calls us to some trial or cross-bearing or sacrifice, our answer should always be the same. We should be able to trust His loving heart--when our eyes cannot see blessing or goodness in the way He takes us. Every true path of God leads to rich joy!
"Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path!" Psalm 27:11
"He led them forth by the right way" Psalm 107:7
~J.R. Miller
It is well with my soul.....can we say that sincerely, in the midst of difficult or even small trials? When our rights are violated, our way is thwarted, our patience wears thin? In other words, do we submit to the Master's way for us?
Whatever command God gives--we should instantly and cheerfully answer, "Yes, Lord, I am ready to obey!"
It is not hard to say "Yes, Lord!" when God leads us in pleasant paths, where the flowers are plentiful, where the way is smooth and agreeable. But we know that sometimes the path is covered with thorns, and is rough and steep--or runs through fire or flood. We are still called always to say, "Yes, Lord!" If God calls us to some trial or cross-bearing or sacrifice, our answer should always be the same. We should be able to trust His loving heart--when our eyes cannot see blessing or goodness in the way He takes us. Every true path of God leads to rich joy!
"Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path!" Psalm 27:11
"He led them forth by the right way" Psalm 107:7
~J.R. Miller
It is well with my soul.....can we say that sincerely, in the midst of difficult or even small trials? When our rights are violated, our way is thwarted, our patience wears thin? In other words, do we submit to the Master's way for us?
Liberalism Breeds Immaturity
Displaying the immaturity of liberals....
Rep. Ellison (D) on Shaun Hannity's Fox News show:
At one point that became somewhat comedic, Ellison told Hannity, “You said I could rant, and I am.”
“I’ve given you plenty of time to rant,” said Hannity, as Ellison took a brief moment to let Hannity speak. “Oh, you’re so nice to give me a word on my own program.”
At which point Ellison said, “OK, I changed my mind,” talking over the Fox host once again.
“Why are you so angry?” asked Hannity.
“Why are YOU so angry?” Ellison shouted back.
“You’re a broken record,” said Hannity.
“YOU’RE a broken record,” responded Ellison.
Hannity also asked the Democrat whether America’s massive debt was “immoral.”
“You are immoral!” Ellison fired back.
“I’m immoral?” Hannity said. “I didn’t do anything that’s immoral.”
“You say things that aren’t true!” Ellison said.
“Congressman, you are a total waste of time,” Hannity concluded. “I’m moving on because our audience deserves better. Thank you for being with us. I tried to give you a fair shot.”
“No you didn’t,” Ellison said.
End quote.
There's brilliance from our liberal wannabe Muslim leader. Very adult-like.
Rep. Ellison (D) on Shaun Hannity's Fox News show:
At one point that became somewhat comedic, Ellison told Hannity, “You said I could rant, and I am.”
“I’ve given you plenty of time to rant,” said Hannity, as Ellison took a brief moment to let Hannity speak. “Oh, you’re so nice to give me a word on my own program.”
At which point Ellison said, “OK, I changed my mind,” talking over the Fox host once again.
“Why are you so angry?” asked Hannity.
“Why are YOU so angry?” Ellison shouted back.
“You’re a broken record,” said Hannity.
“YOU’RE a broken record,” responded Ellison.
Hannity also asked the Democrat whether America’s massive debt was “immoral.”
“You are immoral!” Ellison fired back.
“I’m immoral?” Hannity said. “I didn’t do anything that’s immoral.”
“You say things that aren’t true!” Ellison said.
“Congressman, you are a total waste of time,” Hannity concluded. “I’m moving on because our audience deserves better. Thank you for being with us. I tried to give you a fair shot.”
“No you didn’t,” Ellison said.
End quote.
There's brilliance from our liberal wannabe Muslim leader. Very adult-like.
Unethical Practice by Pepsi Using Aborted Baby Parts
A few months later, Pepsi' shareholders filed a resolution petitioning the company to "adopt a corporate policy that recognizes human rights and employs ethical standards which do not involve using the remains of aborted human beings in both private and collaborative research and development agreements." But the Obama Administration shut down this 36-page proposal, deciding instead that Pepsi's used of aborted babies to flavor its beverage products is just business as usual, and not a significant concern.
To be clear, the aborted fetal tissue used to make Pepsi's flavor chemicals does not end up in the final product sold to customers, according to reports -- it is used, instead, to evaluate how actual human taste receptors respond to these chemical flavorings. But the fact that Pepsi uses them at all when viable, non-human alternatives are available illustrates the company's blatant disregard for ethical and moral concerns in the matter.
~Excerpts from the report by Natural News
To be clear, the aborted fetal tissue used to make Pepsi's flavor chemicals does not end up in the final product sold to customers, according to reports -- it is used, instead, to evaluate how actual human taste receptors respond to these chemical flavorings. But the fact that Pepsi uses them at all when viable, non-human alternatives are available illustrates the company's blatant disregard for ethical and moral concerns in the matter.
~Excerpts from the report by Natural News
This is unnecessary and unbiblical. Its merely another "reason" to keep the murder cycle of abortion going. How sick is our society when they use precious baby parts merely to improve a drink???
Monday, February 25, 2013
Can You Be Saved and Still Be Roman Catholic?
Often many Christians are convinced they know a few Catholics who are saved. Such Catholic individuals seem like good people, they have some familiarity with scripture, and they appear fearful of God. This however is a very precarious position for one to be in because one that claims to be a Catholic should be aware, at least on a basic level, of what their religion teaches. Consider just a few examples of teachings which Catholics are required to submit to:
-They must merit the graces needed for salvation to attain eternal life (CCC 2010) (Consider Eph 2:8-9)
-They must believe that justification is continually earned and forfeited depending on whether one is in good standing by receiving the sacraments or whether they commit a mortal sin (CCC 1446, 1035) (Consider Rom 4:5, 8:30)
-They must believe that the Catholic "Church" is necessary for salvation (CCC 846) (Consider 2 Cor 5:20)
-They must believe that purgatory is necessary to cleanse one's sins that Jesus' blood couldn't (CCC 1030) (Consider 1 Jn 1:7)
It should also be noted that even if Catholics don't have clarity on such teachings, because Roman Catholicism has dogmatically declared a false gospel, no Catholic will ever hear the true biblical gospel from official Catholic sources.
One of the best questions we can ask ourselves, Christians who know such "saved Catholics," or the Catholics themselves is, "What is one trusting in to get to Heaven?" How one answers this question will give great clarity on what they really believe. A born again Christian who is saved by Christ will correctly reply that the only thing they had to contribute to their justification was their sin. It is through faith, granted by the grace of God (Eph 2:8), that one turns from what they were trusting in before and believes and is saved by what Christ has perfectly and fully accomplished for them on the cross (Rom 5:22-25).
The mark of a true believer who has been transformed by gospel truth is that they bear good fruit in keeping with repentance (Matt 3:8, 7:17-18; Gal 5:22-23). One can appear religiously moral and seem like spiritual fruit is present but if a basic gospel understanding is not present then one's good deeds are all done in vain (Ps 127:1; Is 64:6).
For the hypothetical "saved Catholic" to exist, one must both believe the biblical gospel of grace and then to be Catholic they must deny that very same gospel of grace. So the reality is that "saved Catholics" are never both saved and Catholic but either saved and not truly Catholic or Catholic and not truly saved. Often times a Catholic will come to saving faith through reading their Bible, attending a Bible study, being witnessed to by a Christian and then linger in a Catholic "church" until they have clarity that they must leave. Such clarity comes from seeing that the Catholic teachings are opposed to biblical truths which have transformed their hearts, opened their eyes, and set them free from the bondage of sin. There should be great concern for the supposed salvation of a Catholic who appears to have embraced the gospel but never finds any reason to come out from Roman Catholic teaching.
Jesus said that no one can serve two masters. Every Catholic when confronted with the biblical gospel must decide if they are going to follow the authority of the Word of God or continue to trust in the traditions of men which have aligned themselves directly opposed to the Word of God.
~Proclaiming the Gospel
-They must merit the graces needed for salvation to attain eternal life (CCC 2010) (Consider Eph 2:8-9)
-They must believe that justification is continually earned and forfeited depending on whether one is in good standing by receiving the sacraments or whether they commit a mortal sin (CCC 1446, 1035) (Consider Rom 4:5, 8:30)
-They must believe that the Catholic "Church" is necessary for salvation (CCC 846) (Consider 2 Cor 5:20)
-They must believe that purgatory is necessary to cleanse one's sins that Jesus' blood couldn't (CCC 1030) (Consider 1 Jn 1:7)
It should also be noted that even if Catholics don't have clarity on such teachings, because Roman Catholicism has dogmatically declared a false gospel, no Catholic will ever hear the true biblical gospel from official Catholic sources.
One of the best questions we can ask ourselves, Christians who know such "saved Catholics," or the Catholics themselves is, "What is one trusting in to get to Heaven?" How one answers this question will give great clarity on what they really believe. A born again Christian who is saved by Christ will correctly reply that the only thing they had to contribute to their justification was their sin. It is through faith, granted by the grace of God (Eph 2:8), that one turns from what they were trusting in before and believes and is saved by what Christ has perfectly and fully accomplished for them on the cross (Rom 5:22-25).
The mark of a true believer who has been transformed by gospel truth is that they bear good fruit in keeping with repentance (Matt 3:8, 7:17-18; Gal 5:22-23). One can appear religiously moral and seem like spiritual fruit is present but if a basic gospel understanding is not present then one's good deeds are all done in vain (Ps 127:1; Is 64:6).
For the hypothetical "saved Catholic" to exist, one must both believe the biblical gospel of grace and then to be Catholic they must deny that very same gospel of grace. So the reality is that "saved Catholics" are never both saved and Catholic but either saved and not truly Catholic or Catholic and not truly saved. Often times a Catholic will come to saving faith through reading their Bible, attending a Bible study, being witnessed to by a Christian and then linger in a Catholic "church" until they have clarity that they must leave. Such clarity comes from seeing that the Catholic teachings are opposed to biblical truths which have transformed their hearts, opened their eyes, and set them free from the bondage of sin. There should be great concern for the supposed salvation of a Catholic who appears to have embraced the gospel but never finds any reason to come out from Roman Catholic teaching.
Jesus said that no one can serve two masters. Every Catholic when confronted with the biblical gospel must decide if they are going to follow the authority of the Word of God or continue to trust in the traditions of men which have aligned themselves directly opposed to the Word of God.
~Proclaiming the Gospel
Integration of the World's Philosophies and Christ is Impossible
Col 2:8 See to it
that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according
to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world,
rather than according to Christ.
philosophy and empty deceit. “Philosophy” (lit. “love of wisdom”) appears only here in the NT. The word referred to more than merely the academic discipline, but described any theory about God, the world, or the meaning of life. Those embracing the Colossian heresy used it to describe the supposed higher knowledge they claimed to have attained. Paul, however, equates the false teachers’ philosophy with “empty deceit”; that is, with worthless deception. Cf. 1 Tim. 6:20; see note on 2 Cor. 10:5. the basic principles of the world. See note on v. 20; Gal. 4:3. Far from being advanced, profound knowledge, the false teachers’ beliefs were simplistic and immature like all the rest of the speculations, ideologies, philosophies, and psychologies the fallen satanic and human system invents.
~MacArthur Study Bible notes on Col. 2:8
This section of Scripture also demonstrates the impossibility of marrying together even basic principles of the world,much less the philosophies of the day and the traditions of men, with Christ and His doctrines ( 2 John 9-11). Instead there's a distinction, an antithesis between the world, its philosophies, its traditions and principles, and Christ. Simply put, the two cannot go hand in hand, cannot mingle, cannot be integrated. This is also seen in James:
Jas 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
Jas 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
Jas 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
Jas 3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
Jas 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
Jas 3:18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James shows the foundation and fruit of worldly wisdom versus that of God's biblical wisdom. Again, the two can never be married together because they are at odds with each other from their very roots.
Psychology can never be integrated with Scripture.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Charles Stanley: a false teacher
Charles Stanley must be avoided as a false teacher. His soteirology, as explicitly and repeated expressed in his book "Eternal Security" is all wrong. He speaks against Scripture and twists the parts he quotes. He denies biblical Eternal Security in the Lordship of Christ; that is to say, Stanley repeatedly says that as long as you expressed "faith" at one moment in your life, you can reject Jesus, reject the faith, live ungodly, and still go to Heaven. This is utterly heretical.
Here is an article at airocross which is by far the best I've read so far.
Here are some excerpts:
Dr. Stanley’s teachings do not match up when compared to the Word of God. Dr. Stanley’s teachings are deceptive and can give an assurance of salvation to those who should not have it. Sadly, this type of teaching is very popular and typical in most evangelical churches today. However, this teaching is bad theology and denies the Lordship of Jesus Christ, it perverts the Gospel, and I believe is one of the many broad roads leading to destruction that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 7:13-14. Anyone teaching such heresy should tremble at Galatians 1:8-9.
End quote.
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."
Here is an article at airocross which is by far the best I've read so far.
Here are some excerpts:
Below is a list of quotes from Dr. Stanley’s book Eternal Security, each followed by a rebuttal from Scripture:
1. ”Even if a believer for all practical purposes becomes an unbeliever, his salvation is not in jeopardy” (Chapter 10, p. 93).
Here is what God says in His Scripture:
Matthew 10:22 – And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
Revelation 21:8 – But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death”
2. ”And last, believers who lose or abandon their faith will retain their salvation, for God remains faithful” (p. 94).
Here is what God says in His Scripture:
1 John 2:19 – They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us....
Dr. Stanley’s teachings do not match up when compared to the Word of God. Dr. Stanley’s teachings are deceptive and can give an assurance of salvation to those who should not have it. Sadly, this type of teaching is very popular and typical in most evangelical churches today. However, this teaching is bad theology and denies the Lordship of Jesus Christ, it perverts the Gospel, and I believe is one of the many broad roads leading to destruction that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 7:13-14. Anyone teaching such heresy should tremble at Galatians 1:8-9.
End quote.
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."
Joh 15:10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide
in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His
love.....
2Co 13:5 Test yourselves to
see if you are in the faith; examine
yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is
in you--unless indeed you fail the test?
1Jo 2:4 Whoever says "I know Him" but
does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but
whoever keeps his word, in him truly the
love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says
he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Jas 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says
he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
Jas 2:17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have
works, is dead.
1Jn 5:18 We know that everyone who has been born of
God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the
evil one does not touch him.
True faith has its results of obedience as we grow in Christ. The one who is in Christ, will never lose faith nor stay in rebellion against Christ because He will not allow them to. The Holy Spirit who has sealed the believer will convict them of sin (Heb. 12). A dead faith is NO faith.
Scripture teaches that Jesus is Lord of all, and the faith He demands involves unconditional surrender (Rom. 6:17-18; 10:9-10). In other words, Christ does not bestow eternal life on those whose hearts remain set against Him (James 4:6). Surrender to Jesus’ lordship is not an addendum to the biblical terms of salvation; the summons to submission is at the heart of the gospel invitation throughout Scripture. In contrast, easy-believism teaches that submission to Christ’s supreme authority is not germane to the saving transaction.
Scripture teaches that behavior is an important test of faith. Obedience is evidence that one’s faith is real (1 John 2:3). On the other hand, the person who remains utterly unwilling to obey Christ does not evidence true faith (1 John 2:4). In contrast, easy believism teaches that disobedience and prolonged sin are no reason to doubt the reality of one’s faith.
Scripture teaches that genuine believers may stumble and fall, but they will persevere in the faith (1 Cor. 1:8). Those who later turn completely away from the Lord show that they were never truly born again (1 John 2:19). In contrast, easy-believism teaches that a true believer may utterly forsake Christ and come to the point of not believing.
As John MacArthur points out:
Grace is not a liberal clemency or a
passive indulgence that simply tolerates and coexists with sin. Divine grace
doesn't guarantee heaven in the afterlife while merely overlooking the evils of
this life. Authentic grace is the undeserved favor of God toward sinners,
delivering them from the power as well as the penalty
of sin (Romans 6:14). Grace is dynamic, "teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly in the present age" (Titus 2:12).
That's why sanctification is another
major doctrine whose biblical foundations are undermined by no-lordship
doctrine. The whole gist of the no-lordship message is that while
justification is a free gift of God's grace, sanctification is primarily the
believer's own work--and therefore more or less optional.
Sanctification is
as much a work of divine grace as justification. By portraying sanctification
as an optional human work, advocates of no-lordship doctrine actually fall into
the very error of works-salvation they profess to deplore. They have made at
least this aspect of salvation into a human work.
The errors of
no-lordship theology do not find their origin in the principle of sola fide;
they stem from an incomplete, man-centered soteriology that refuses to see
anything beyond justification.
In defending the gospel from no-lordship doctrine, we must take care not to
commit the opposite error by downplaying or abandoning the doctrine of
justification by faith alone.
S. Lewis Johnson critiquing a book by
Zane Hodges in which Dr. Johnson concluded that the central error underlying no-lordship doctrine is nothing but the
ancient heresy of semi-pelagianism--the belief that saving grace cannot be
efficacious without the prior cooperation of human free will.
End quote.
Friday, February 22, 2013
The Law of God: His Standard Is Inflexible
God's Law requires behavior that is the opposite of the desires of the heart. It goes completely against the grain of the unregenerate heart.The Law calls a sinner to do what he cannot do to do to love what you cannot love. It asks sinners who love sin,who love darkness who love the world the flesh, the lust , to stop loving all of that and to love God with all their heart,soul, mind, and strength, and to love his neighbor as self,to obey the Ten Commandments. The Law requires absolute perfection and accepts nothing less. The Law exacts on all sinners absolute perfect compliance,accepting nothing less so that if you break one Law you have shattered the whole Law. Sinners cannot satisfy the Law of God,who wrote the Law by keeping a portion of the Law. The Law accepts no limited payment for violators. Violations of the Law of God cannot be undone. People think in the end God will take them to heaven because they have done more good than bad. That is a delusion!If you have sinned once your"good deeds" have no effect upon the sin.Nothing you do can cancel out sin. Neither does trying offer a consolation.Trying does not help, it does not matter.You accumulate zero with whatever good you may have done. Nothing short of absolute perfection satisfies God, He will not accept effort or "sincerity" as any consolation. The Law promises to punish the law breaker in Hell for eternity.Sin will not be erased. The Law gives no help to the sinner. Sinners are powerless to obey the Law.Once you have offended the Law , it provides no restoration.Sinners cannot follow some legal path to God.But the Law is not the problem the criminal (sinner) is the problem. Until the sinner is crushed by the Law sees his constant violation of it and the depth of sin in his rebellious heart. Until he sees that he is under the curse ,the wrath of God he will not flee to Christ. Christ kept the Law perfectly ,he bore the wrath of God as payment for the sins of His people. The most deadly of all sins is to believe you can merit salvation from God. Christ alone is worthy. Christ alone is Lord and Savior. Christ alone saves from the curse, penalty and dominion of sin. Christ alone is the perfect righteousness of His people." Seek the Lord while He may be found." Confess your sins, repent, turn and be converted. Why will you die in your sin? " "Therefore if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away;behold the new has come." " God made Him(Christ) to be sin who knew no sin, so that we might become the righteousness of Christ." 2 Cor. 5:17,21 "Unless one is born again they shall not see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 To Christ alone be the glory!
~Four Functions of the Law Part 2, John MacArthur
~Four Functions of the Law Part 2, John MacArthur
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Every word is practical
"I have
restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your Word." Psalm
119:101
(J.R. Miller)
We must not merely read the Bible--but strive that we may obey it. If the Bible is not the guide of our life--it is nothing to us. Its truths are to be applied. If we read the Beatitudes, we are to compare ourselves with their Divine requirements--and seek to be conformed to them. If we come upon a Scripture which rebukes any sinful habit or attitude of ours--we are immediately to make the needed amendment. We are to accept its promises, believe them, and act upon them. We are to allow its comforts to enter our hearts, and support us in sorrow.
There is nothing written in the Bible, merely for ornament or beauty. Every word is practical. There is no truth in it which has not some bearing upon actual living. When we come to it eager to know how to live, and ready to obey its precepts--we shall find it opening its inmost meaning to us.
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." John 14:15
(J.R. Miller)
We must not merely read the Bible--but strive that we may obey it. If the Bible is not the guide of our life--it is nothing to us. Its truths are to be applied. If we read the Beatitudes, we are to compare ourselves with their Divine requirements--and seek to be conformed to them. If we come upon a Scripture which rebukes any sinful habit or attitude of ours--we are immediately to make the needed amendment. We are to accept its promises, believe them, and act upon them. We are to allow its comforts to enter our hearts, and support us in sorrow.
There is nothing written in the Bible, merely for ornament or beauty. Every word is practical. There is no truth in it which has not some bearing upon actual living. When we come to it eager to know how to live, and ready to obey its precepts--we shall find it opening its inmost meaning to us.
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." John 14:15
Accept Transgender Children or Face Punishment
The bullying by the "anti-bullying" types; the intolerance of the "tolerant" types. The bossing around of everyone else, while telling Conservatives (or mommy or daddy), "You're not the boss of ME!".
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/students-who-refuse-to-affirm-transgender-classmates-face-punishment.html
Homosexuality is wrong biologically and morally. It is not normal, its desires are not normal, and everyone knows this fact down deep inside. The only way they can get tolerance is by threats, regardless if they are opening up children to all manner of abuse and insecurity (really? A boy in the girls' dressing room? Young women (11 yrs on up) who start to menstruate should not have to deal with this kind of thing--I can't believe anyone even has to say this).
Yes, this is nothing more than submitting, cowering really, to the bullying of a few that are trying to justify a sinful life choice. Suppressing the truth by their ungodliness, crushing their conscience--the fight against the truth of heterosexuality and more importantly, God's creative order of males and females and marriage, they are fighting a loosing battle. They cannot win against a thrice holy and just God.
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/students-who-refuse-to-affirm-transgender-classmates-face-punishment.html
Homosexuality is wrong biologically and morally. It is not normal, its desires are not normal, and everyone knows this fact down deep inside. The only way they can get tolerance is by threats, regardless if they are opening up children to all manner of abuse and insecurity (really? A boy in the girls' dressing room? Young women (11 yrs on up) who start to menstruate should not have to deal with this kind of thing--I can't believe anyone even has to say this).
Yes, this is nothing more than submitting, cowering really, to the bullying of a few that are trying to justify a sinful life choice. Suppressing the truth by their ungodliness, crushing their conscience--the fight against the truth of heterosexuality and more importantly, God's creative order of males and females and marriage, they are fighting a loosing battle. They cannot win against a thrice holy and just God.
1Co 6:9 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, 10 nor thieves, nor the
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom
of God.
Jude 1:7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which
likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as
an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Rom 1:23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God
for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to
the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
Rom 1:25 because they exchanged the truth about God
for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is
blessed forever! Amen.
Rom 1:26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women
exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;
Rom 1:27 and the men likewise gave up natural
relations with women and were consumed
with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and
receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
Rom 1:28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge
God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Rom 1:29 They were filled with all manner of
unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder,
strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
Rom 1:30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty,
boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish,
faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Rom 1:32 Though they know God's decree that those who
practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to
those who practice them.
Roman Catholicism: recognize it for what it is and fight it, don't embrace it
The fact is, the most formidable, relentless, and deceptive enemy in Satan’s long war on the truth has been Roman Catholicism. It’s an apostate, corrupt, heretical, false Christianity—a thinly veiled façade for the kingdom of Satan.
The true church of the Lord Jesus Christ has always understood that. Even in the Dark Ages prior to the Reformation, genuine believers set themselves apart from the Catholic system and were brutally persecuted and punished for rejecting the false, idolatrous teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.
Discerning believers today need to be just as committed to standing firm against the Catholic system. We need to recognize its false priesthood, false revelation, and false tradition. We need to see through its system of twisted sacraments, idolatrous worship, and corrupt authority. Most important, we need to be aware of how the lies of Satan contradict God’s Word and be prepared to defend and explain the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
For further helpful resources go to Proclaiming The Gospel and Berean Beacon
2Co 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17 "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.
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