A great way of envisioning what it might look like on the day of judgment for those “of the cloth”. It would also be prudent to put ourselves in “John’s” place even if we aren’t a minister since so many support the religious system not ordained of God. Click on the link below.
This has been on my mind and heart again over the past few weeks. Compromising God’s Truth. I previously wrote a post called “Compromise” back in March. It can be found here. This is an important subject to the Lord if He has led us back to it.
As we go through life and we mature more in Christ and learn His truth, there are more and more tests presented to us to challenge our faith in Christ and knowledge of His truth. Many of these challenges involve family members and friends as well as brothers and sisters in Christ.
When we are faced with such challenges our emotions can sometimes cloud our judgment. Many times anger plays a role. Sometimes our love for a person also plays a role. Love for people is what the Lord wants us to consider as we walk before Him as lights to the world.
We never want to see a loved one fall into sin. Even if they don’t follow Jesus. But where is the line drawn concerning God’s Truth and our love for mom or dad, son or daughter, brother or sister? Even a spouse. I believe the line is stark and clear. We need to stand firm and clear in God’s Truth before the people we care about.
If we love someone we want them to see Christ and reach out to Him. But if we retreat from our stand in Christ. If we compromise the Truth. What happens? We may seem to gain them in some fleshly way for a time. But are they saved? No. Worse yet, they see how your stand in the truth is broken and return to their sin or way of life and conduct.
Think of how God dealt with Israel. When He brought them into the land of milk and honey, did He tell them to live among the people already there?
Then Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 2 And he said to them: “I am one hundred and twenty years old today. I can no longer go out and come in. Also the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross over this Jordan.’ 3 The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua himself crosses over before you, just as the Lord has said. 4 And the Lord will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites and their land, when He destroyed them. 5 The Lord will give them over to you, that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:1-6)
Amazing and simple isn’t it? The Lord tells the people through Moses that the people in the promised land would be destroyed and dispossessed of the land. But why would God do that? Isn’t it cruel to kick people out of a land they had been living in? Or did God have a bigger purpose in mind? Was not a promise made?
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
2 I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”4 So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. 6 Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.
7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8 And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.
(Gen. 12:1-8)
Praise God, His word was fulfilled. His promise was fulfilled on the day that the nation of Israel was brought across the Jordan River by God through Joshua! But there is more to consider. Was God kicking out the inhabitants of the land to make room for the nation of Israel? In part, but the truth runs a bit deeper than that. God was setting apart this nation from all others. Their culture of traditions and rituals were different. They were given to them by God Himself to serve Him and glorify His name in the earth. This was a nation that was forbidden from following after the same manner as other nations. For they had God Himself to lead and take care of them. So if any other nation was left, they would pervert what God had done for them. They would be an influence on the people of Israel to lead them away from God.
If we continue in the book of Joshua, we know that Israel had defeated Jericho and then the nation of Ai by the hand of the Lord. Then came a test.
3 But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, 5 old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. 6 And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.” (Joshua 9:1-6)
A nation became crafty and pretended to be somebody they weren’t. This is an important thing to remember as we go through this lesson. In short the men of Gibeon pretended to be someone from far away come to see the glory of God. In reality they were positioning themselves to not be wiped off the map using lies and deceit to accomplish this. Chapter 9 is a great history lesson in how not to follow the Lord when He gave strict instructions. For any student of the Bible worth his/her salt knows this would cause problems down the road for Israel. But let’s pick up the verses after Israel came upon the cities of Gibeon and found out who they were really dealing with.
22 Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you dwell near us? 23 Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves—woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”
24 So they answered Joshua and said, “Because your servants were clearly told that the Lord your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. 25 And now, here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.” 26 So he did to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they did not kill them. 27 And that day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord, in the place which He would choose, even to this day. (Joshua 9:22-27)
So what’s the point of all this and what does it have to do with being a faithful witness of Christ? After all God doesn’t expect us to go and slay people does He? Of course not. In this day we are to preach the Gospel so that people may live. Judgment is reserved for the end.
The point simply is that Israel, as God’s people were commissioned with clearing the land of anything and everyone who would pervert God’s kingdom on earth. Right down to the very lineage that would produce the Christ. But there is a parable of separating from sin. Do you see it? Consider all the commandments given in Exodus and pickup at the first chapter through to the ninth of Joshua. Everything God was doing had to do with sin. Remember God hates sin. It separates us from Him.
Many times we are able to continue living with family members who are more or less what one might consider “good” people. People who don’t generally lie or try to do others harm. But if that family member is involved in deep sin, be it stealing, murder, homosexuality, lewdness and so on. The Lord will allow you to separate from that situation if no repentance is in sight.
Folks, you might even have a great relationship with someone who is involved in say, sexual sin. But if we count them friend and not make some sort of division, then we can be seen as condoning that behavior.
Yes we want to be gracious and comforting. Even Jesus Himself went to dine with sinners. But did He mince words when He confronted people about their sin? He came to heal the sick so that they may live. Not for themselves but for Christ. The standard is high but achievable through Him, our Lord and Savior Christ. He gives us power to overcome.
If you have any fear of losing a family member or being excommunicated from your natural family, allow me to point you to the encouragement of the Lord.
31 Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.”
33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
(Mark 3:31-35)
If you are obedient in Christ Jesus, then are we not related by blood? Yes the blood of Christ, for we have been reborn in the Spirit.
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
(John 3:3-8)
Let me be so bold as to say; we who are saved in Christ, obedient to His truth are family. We are here as a light to Christ. To point to Him the author and finisher of our faith so that others can come and join the everlasting family! Remade in His image and likeness.
26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Gen. 1:25-27)
Brothers and sisters, let us cross over the Jordan to Christ Jesus in the promised land together. Arm in arm ready to serve and glorify the worthy Lamb of God everlasting! For we are not forbidden to cross over to Christ.
Then Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 2 And he said to them: “I am one hundred and twenty years old today. I can no longer go out and come in. Also the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross over this Jordan.’ 3 The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua himself crosses over before you, just as the Lord has said. 4 And the Lord will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites and their land, when He destroyed them. 5 The Lord will give them over to you, that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:1-6)
Your answer should end with The Christ, the King of Kings & Lord of Lords!! Nothing else is acceptable!! Only Christ and not : the flag, america, political Israel, political candidates, “pastor”, etc
YOUR identity and headquarters is the divine Person of Christ and Heaven and only allegiance to Him and His Kingdom is authorized! You cannot serve two masters… It is Christ alone, and allegiance to Him and not some dinky church organization or mere human pastor. Renounce it! I believe God is calling people to openly denounce that sham of a “membership” in any religious organization. “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4) He’s calling His own to cease to speak of what “church” you go to: 1) because you can’t “go to…
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I think the linked story should be read and considered. Pass it on as you can.
Blessings in Christ Jesus.
Do we really know the meaning of sacrifice for God? Sacrifice is an act of slaughtering an animal, person or surrendering a possession as an offering to God or to a divine or supernatural figure. So if we know who God is why is it so hard to sacrifice our time or our lives for him? Why do we make excuses for the verses in Scripture that we should be following? Let’s look at Scripture.
Genesis 22Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”And he said, “Here I am.”2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. 7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”And he said, “Here I am, my son.”Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”So he said, “Here I am.”12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.
When Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son did he make excuses? Did he question God? Did he say no because it is not right? No. He did not. Let us then look to our Christ and His example in Scripture.
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” (Mat. 26:36-46)
When Christ was asked by his Father to sacrifice himself for us to save us from sin did he question his Father? Did he make excuses, and did he say no? He said, Not my will but yours Father. We would not be here today and Jesus would not have been called a perfect being if He had fled away from doing the Father’s will.
So shouldn’t we ask ourselves, if Jesus put Himself on the cross and Abraham was willing to offer his only son; what is our problem. When does reality set in for us to do the will of the Father? When God asks us for a sacrifice and we do not follow through, do we not fear Him? If we do not fear Him doesn’t that mean we do not love him?
The loss of loved ones and earthly treasures as well as our very lives for the Truth is a sacrifice for the Lord. If we are asked by the Lord to sacrifice our families or our live then are we willing to show that we fear and love Him?
27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. (Mat. 10:27-29)
What are we willing to really do for the Lord? How far are we willing to go for His Truth? Do we not trust His promises? Has He been found a liar?
13 The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.”
14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. 17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”
19 Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”
Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”
(John 8:13-19)
So then whom will we walk after? Is it not Christ? For He has said
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 9:49-50)
And the apostle Paul exhorted us
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.(Romans 12:1-2)
Let us then follow after Christ in His character and nature. For we are but strangers in this world and His promises are true.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Heb. 11:8-16)
If we are true followers of Christ and learning from Him, then we must learn what it means to truly depend upon the Lord. For if we do not then we will find our life is not what we claim it to be.
Christ said
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” (Mat. 23:37-39)
Even as He wanted to bring those of the Jewish faith into His loving embrace, so He does want us to be there as well. There have been many times in which the Lord kept me and my family under His wing. I want to share how the Lord recently kept us safe, under His wing.
I have a part time craft business with my wife. We often sell at small craft shows and farmer’s markets. It’s a way for us to get out and meet different people and be available to minister to others in the Lord as He leads. By the way, I will not be connecting or announcing what it is I do because I am not here to profit monetarily. I want to separate my craft from this ministry. God’s Truth is free and will remain that way with this servant.
I was calling a craft show promoter to inquire about a show later in the year. It just so happened that they had a spot open for the upcoming weekend if I wanted to join. It was local in a large auditorium with around 200 vendors. It is widely advertised. Thousands of people attend. The entry cost was reasonable at $200.00. Many shows of this size charge about $500.00 or more. After a day of consideration my wife and I decided to go ahead and give it a try.
This show ran 8 hours Saturday and 7 hours Sunday. So we were excited and hopeful that we could sell more than a few items, make rent and pay a few bills. But as humble servants we never pray for more than God allows. Even if our flesh desires it.
So the first day we sat there for hours with many people excited about what we had to offer. But no one was buying. We didn’t sell anything until mid-afternoon. It was a $40 item my wife had made. That was it for Saturday. We were told attendance for that day was about 3,500 people.
Sunday came and we renewed our hope for a better day and that we could serve the Lord in some way. But we also prayed to the Lord and asked that we could at least make booth rent. Attendance was much lower. I would guess it was less than half of what it was the previous day.
By mid afternoon my wife sold a $10 item and a $30 item. In our booth my wife has her items and I have mine and our sales are separate. I had paid for the booth out of my craft account. So if your paying attention. My wife had sold a few things and I had sold nothing.
So here we are in the last hour. I was coming back from walking around while the wife tended the booth. It was about 3:05. I found my wife helping a customer who wanted to buy one of my products but couldn’t decide which one. After some discussion we were able to help her decide and the purchase was made. Well, one better than none right?
So now it’s five minutes till close down and I go to get the cart so we can start packing up. When I get back there is one more customer ready to buy another $130 item. We were able to help this customer with a buying decision at the last minute of the last hour. Amazing! Praise Jesus!
This was not a time for us to be strong witnesses, but it was a time to learn dependence upon Him. There are many Scriptures where the Lord tells us how to depend on Him. Here’s one.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:1-8)
But seek not according to your own will brethren!
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:1-10)
Yes, we are hidden under the wings of God by the blood of Christ. He loves us and wants us to depend solely upon Him. If we are depending upon Him then He shows us what is true, false and what He allows in our life.
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Mat. 7:7-12)
As I seek to serve the Lord I pray that you are as well. Blessings in Christ Jesus!
In 1959 C S Lewis wrote a paper called “Fern-seed and Elephants”[1] which he read to students at Cambridge College; attacking the then prevalent theology of “Liberalism” and its exponents. He said that with regard to their analysis of historical Christianity they claimed to be able to see fern-seeds while in fact unable to see the elephant standing only metres away. In their efforts to discredit 90% of the New Testament truth held for the last 2000 years; they had jettisoned the miraculous; and relegated it to a collection of myths inserted into the scriptures by the early church. They have replaced simple faith with intellectual appreciation; powerfully influenced by the waves of the Age of the “Enlightenment” whereby man’s rational thinking was now deemed superior to beliefs in mere ‘superstitions’, and irrelevant myths of the past.
Many were captured by the ‘liberal’ thinking of the day and departed from the faith, having traded the truths of biblical revelation for the wisdom of the ‘wise’. Today we are being powerfully persuaded to abandon the same biblical truths by a diametrically opposite paradigm: with beliefs in paranormal phenomena, new revelations and demonstrations of supernatural power. Most of the men and women introducing all this are self-proclaimed leaders in a movement claiming to be apostolic and prophetic. It is known as “the New Apostolic Reformation”. The broad aim is to gain sufficient followers and finances to spread their gospel to all nations so that the world will be made acceptable to God for the return of Christ and to usher in his reign on the planet.
This “Reformation” has emerged from the “signs and wonders” movement ushered in by John Wimber who coined the phrase “power encounters” in reference to all the miracles of Jesus and the Apostles. He further embraced evangelism and healing under the same terminology. His books[2], his Vineyard Churches and organised city-wide rallies attracted many who agreed with him, that for the proclamation of the gospel to succeed it must be accompanied by supernatural signs and wonders. This meant that those who did not embrace these teachings could regard themselves as left out, inferior believers or not even Christian. Fear of being left behind caused many churches, Pentecostal, protestant “Charismatic” and groups within the Roman Catholic Church to embrace the new phenomena of sincere prayer being followed by the appearance of miracles. I say ‘appearance’ because whether the number of healings and other miracles attributed to these ‘encounters’ actually occurred, is in doubt.
It soon emerged that most of these power encounters were largely being administered by church leaders and a new class of itinerants who proclaimed as evangelists. Accompanied by supernatural phenomena (to all appearances) these itinerant ministers and a number of church leaders became well known and famous, greatly aided by the United States’ “Christian-no-longer” television networks. The way people speak of these “Ministers” is in my own experience with great awe, if not an outright form of idolatrous regard. One significant phenomenon, and possibly the first of many, which became widely practised and accepted was that of being “slain in the spirit”. This is still practised by the laying on of hands by a minister or revered visiting speaker, on the forehead of the recipient; with prayer for the power of the Holy Spirit to fall upon them in such force that it would completely overwhelm them and cause them to fall backwards in a sort of swoon and remain lying “under the power” for a short while. Catchers are strategically placed behind the so-blessed lest they crack the back of their heads on the floor. Ushers discretely spread coverings over the legs of those ladies wearing skirts or dresses who had unwittingly become over exposed.
Of course this gave some Ministers such a sense of personal power and ‘anointing’, that if a person failed to swoon, it was not uncommon for the Minister to place one hand in the small of the back and apply the necessary pressure on the forehead with the other hand until the recipient buckled backwards (a move well practiced in Judo). Growing famous and better known through the number of these “slayings” and apparent healings, these Ministers became socially powerful and eventually formed loosely knit groupings of common theology and practice. I am not a theologian wishing to debate the biblical validity of “being slain in the spirit”, but from my limited knowledge, the only occasion in the Bible where people fell backwards (Isaiah and Daniel fell on their faces) was that of the troops sent to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, who on witnessing His presence fell backwards in fear. To date I have not seen anyone falling forwards; much less anyone overcome by a deep sense of unworthiness in the face of a vision of an awesome Angel (Daniel),[3] or the Lord Himself in the temple (Isaiah)[4]. Given enough psychological manipulation through preaching and music; and the raising of belief to the point of certainty that being “slain” is indeed of the Holy Spirit and highly beneficial; it is virtually inevitable that the people going forward for the laying on of hands, do so in the high expectation that they will be “slain”; and more so if the Minister is one of the visiting famous ones who has a good track record.
It is clearly evident that the whole signs and wonders movement led people to rely increasingly on their personal experiences and the pronouncements of these Ministers via their visits, books, CD’s (and now the internet) : possibly more so than they did formerly on the Spirit’s revelations of the Truth as they read their bibles and listened to sound exegetical and traditional preaching. Some of course have been raised entirely within the new phenomenology; and under the consolidation of the American “the New Apostolic Reformation”[5] there are now multitudes who attend church to follow after their desired form of signs and wonders. It is what has followed after the “being slain” practice became acceptable and widespread, that is of far greater concern to the church world-wide.
The door to extra-biblical phenomena having been opened; a man by the name of Rodney Howard Brown was invited by the Toronto (Canada) Airport Vinyard Church (churches founded by John Wimber) from his turf in South Africa to conduct a series of meetings[6]. It was at this point that the bizarre entered that church. Laying on of hands was no longer required. A mere pointing of a finger and shouting “fall!” had people dropping like flies. Then instead of lying still on the floor, they manifested incessant laughing, dog-like barking, roaring and writhing to name but a few symptoms. This new adventure attracted pastors from all over the world as Canadian and American pastors who had fallen at the “Toronto Blessing” (as it became known), had found themselves “anointed” with the same “power” as Rodney Howard Brown and had introduced the new wave into their own churches. The new phenomena spread worldwide like wild fire and indeed it became known as “Catch the Fire” with a book of the same name. Of course you were deemed to be missing out if you hadn’t caught it. Now no attempt should be made, to justify this “Blessing” with sound biblical examples; as it would prove fruitless. So men, in order to justify the “Holy Laughter” movement, had to introduce a new doctrine whereby in this age the Lord is showing his hand in new and strange ways. I’ll say!
My question is which “lord” is empowering all this? In a firmly worded letter, some years later, one of the senior pastors from Toronto who had introduce the ‘fire’ to his own neighbouring church firmly repented and renounced what he had experienced as not of the Holy Spirit. That says something doesn’t it; as it meant he was ostracised from the inner circle of pastors who by then had formed one of the multi-church ruling groups. Further fires erupted at a Pensacola church and in Miami Florida where the phenomena were termed ‘revival.’ Under Todd Bentley in Florida the congregation was even more bizarrely persuaded to accept Bentley’s punching people in the stomach to impart the spirit along with his marital infidelity and the disappearance of church funds. With this craze of the 21st century, it can only be concluded that an unholy force has snared these congregations away from the traditional and even from rational thinking. How on earth can we be accepting this within the body of Christ?
Eminent leaders of ‘church America’ (mostly popular Television preachers and televangelists) who had been in practice since before John Wimber, embraced the “blessing” as part of their own performances and presumably to enhance their own popularity. One example that dropped my jaw was a video clip showing Rodney Howard Brown and well known Kenneth Copeland talking and laughing to each other on-stage in “tongues”. [7]What the…..? Sadly other tele-pastors became exposed in sexual sins and monetary frauds, lending a further edge of non-credibility to the whole public face of this facet of the American mega church network. Some website entrepreneurs have dubbed all of this as “the great apostasy”. Now if this was ‘all’ that is going astray in today’s church I would hesitate to use this term; as bad as the phenomenon thus described is.
But the websites may be right, because there is more; and it’s not just a free set of steak knives offered with every batch of “Blessing” DVD’s sold. The itinerant and pastoral leaders, are now gathered together within a new organisation which has combined former groupings into a somewhat cohesive whole : the New Apostolic Reformation. The ministries of the itinerant prophets among them are now being accompanied by the falling of gold dust and diamonds and this is being proclaimed as a new sign and wonder by God. Just sit , and think carefully; is this possibly outside the character of God as portrayed in the scriptures? Look at the Old Testament Prophets. Did God really authenticate their proclamations with gold dust and diamonds? Or were some sawn in two, dropped into sewerage pits or at the very least rejected and despised? We are not only having our ears tickled but our eyes also. Where are we headed? For a start, much of our money is headed into the personal bank accounts of these so called power ministers as they dispense spiritual blessings in return for your “seed giving” towards their “ministries”. But worse, we are buying false gospels and are willing to believe them.
At the same time as the Pentecostal and other churches were embracing the new spirituality, another group of churches were becoming mega churches through the new “Emergent Church” and Church Growth Movements. It became vogue under the leadership structures to individually pursue a ‘purpose driven life’[8]. Living as a disciple under grace became strictly passé and individual church attenders are taught to be ‘driven’ [9]and active in drawing neighbours, relatives and friends to what became known as “Seeker Services”. These services are structured and carefully rehearsed so as to in no way offend any new comers. They feature catchy music, a pleasant modern environment, ‘relevant’ drama skits and a message which appeals to the sense of being drawn into a warm and welcoming circle of people. It is not up for consideration in these churches that neither Christ nor Paul was ever ashamed to offend with the truth. These churches have become huge. Effective world tested management principles were taught and introduced to govern and plan their future directions. This is achieved through setting goals, mission statements and so-called visions: not biblical visions but man made ones derived from orchestrated meetings, which appear to collectivise the ideas of the congregation while actually embedding the wishes and desires of the leadership team.
Of course to call it a “vision” makes it seem quite spiritual. Where are Christ and the dependence on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all this? The “Seeker Services” have given permission for people to call themselves Christians, who have never heard the true gospel much less repented of anything. They are well meaning, lovely, nice folk raised in an environment akin to the best of the Service Organisations such as Lions or Rotarians. There is now a multitude of nominal, unchallenged church goers; who may never see the need to repent or depend on Christ.
But there’s more (sorry, again no steak knives). The practice of contemplative or meditative prayer has been revived within some Catholic communities in their search for a new spirituality. Some Protestant churches and organisations have taken note and followed suit. At this point you will be tempted to feel that I’m just a fundamentalist trying to denounce as rubbish the latest attempts by God to revive the world wide church. You’d be partly right; but I’d call myself Reformed Traditional; which means I hold to the gospel as proclaimed by the Reformation (no not Calvinist) and I’m traditional with regard to our spiritual practices being confined to those described within the Bible. You are right: I don’t accept extra-biblical revelation.
Back to contemplative prayer: this is a revival of the ‘mystical’ practices of the early Desert Fathers[10] who were isolated in monasteries for the very purpose of encountering God through meditative prayer. Now my objection is that the focus is entirely on descending into one’s inner self through chanting a ‘Christian’ mantra in order to find peace, self-awareness and an encounter with Christ in whatever form he takes. Thus we may receive ‘divine’ revelation and are deemed to have exercised a form of deep devotion. I can only say where is this practice described or practiced in the scriptures? Moreover, we are laying ourselves wide open to delusion and spiritual deception. Yes, we may emerge with a rosy glow and feeling of inner peace; but so do the Tibetan Buddhist monks, serious devotees of Hindu Yoga and alternative lifestyle meditating New Agers. In fact this form of meditation is now commonly advocated and taught to those executives and managers, who in seeking enlightenment with which to improve their businesses and profits, have found the alternative of attending vigorous Boot Camps a tad strenuous. Also in the church it is spreading as an acceptable practice. Exit Jesus and hello to the inner self.
More? Yes. The ‘liberal’ form of Christianity so referred to in the first paragraphs is still with us albeit it has shifted its focus from denouncing past theology, to (quite admirably) what is known as the Social Justice Gospel. This movement seeks to emulate the life of Mother Theresa of Calcutta by being an active church engaged in alleviating through whatever means, the plight of the oppressed and the poor. Alas, if only those Reformed Traditional among us would seek to do the same; and so too the fire catchers, church growers and meditators for that matter. There is nothing so abrasive to us with a comfortable lifestyle and theology, as to work or live among the poor. We become deeply challenged and should wonder whether our ‘laughing in the spirit’, falling diamonds, inner contemplation or seeker stage shows really have anything to do with Christianity.
There is a big ‘but’: as admirable as the Social Justice Gospel practice is in its services and focus, it should not be devoid of the supernatural. How can we minister to the needy with strength and perseverance if we are not also prepared to introduce them to the supernatural mystery of salvation through Christ and work within that empowering paradigm ourselves? We may give fish to the poor, even teach them to catch fish; but we must also minister to their spiritual need for salvation. The true gospel may fall on deaf ears (remember, the gospel is offensive) but we should still be prepared to proclaim it, while continuing undiminished in or efforts to serve their physical needs; having been led to do so by Christ and not driven by a contrived purpose.
Unfortunately, in its attempt to embrace the whole world in its service to the poor and oppressed, liberal Christianity has sought to make its proclamation as inoffensive as possible, if not completely silent. Ably led by the Papacy, it is blurring the edges of the Christian faith by seeking to appease the Muslim world. We now have one common God, one father Abraham and a commendable Quran because it includes Jesus as a prophet within Islam. Oh really? This drive towards global ecumenism would have us see Christianity as but a modality which is able to absorb and accept the tenets of other faiths. To not join in will ultimately label us as bigots, narrow minded, fundamentalist and ungracious. In this way the exclusiveness of Christ’s gospel is utterly lost. He said that “no one can come to the Father but by me”, and unless this is a misquoted bit of bigotry inserted by the early church, we are forced to admit that all other faiths do not lead to heaven; they probably will only ultimately lead some to Rome.
Strange as it may seem, all the above ‘revivalists’ and phenomenologists have become unusual (and in some cases uncomfortable) bedfellows. I cannot see Todd Bentley emulating Mother Theresa; nor can I imagine the likes of Benny Hinn (a seller of blessings) engage in deep contemplative prayer in a Catholic monastery. But they all have one significant thing in common: the mutilation of Christ’s gospel to the point where it is no longer recognisable. Christ is not proclaimed as all-in-all; the only one to whom we run for forgiveness, having come to lament and abhor our own sinful natures and actions. We are fed an easy believism even in those churches where none of the above phenomena occur. “Just invite Jesus into your heart.” Raise your hand if you want to be a Christian (or a member of the club). Jesus will meet your needs. Jesus is asking you to join him on your own terms. Go and win souls for Christ. Hello?
So we end up labouring in good service for our own salvation; or relying on a weekly dose of super miracles to keep ourselves believing in God’s goodness; or seeking revelations from within our deep inner selves; or shelving out big dollars to assure God’s blessing in return; or seeking endless impartations of the spirit with which to bless ourselves. We don’t need the bible because sooth sayers and smooth speakers abound to allay our fears, tell us messages we rather want to hear, and promise blessings in exchange for a few dollars. Our songs and musical worship are often empty words as we sing to or about a God we don’t really know. Or worse, we sing about the merits of our own praise and intentions to praise.
What can be called a great apostasy (who knows if it is the one) is that the traditional Christian faith is being attacked and mutilated from all sides; and multitudes of church goers are being sucked in to the new Apostolic Reformation which incorporates all of the above without realising that they are being willingly deceived. Add to all this two incredibly well published and widely accepted books which pervert the very nature of Christ and there is a potent brew of utter deception. In The Shack[11] [14] I can imagine that Jesus may have looked a little bit like the actor John Tarturo. (See the end of this article.) the portrayal of the members of the Holy Trinity is nothing short of ludicrous: Father God is a Huckleberry Fin style ‘black mamma’ and Jesus a wimpy sort of Robin Hood. Yet I have heard respected “traditional” friends extol this as brilliant and wonderful.
The other widely published book is Heaven is for Real[12] (The New York Time’s bestselling book) wherein a young boy reports on his visit to Jesus in heaven while he was under anaesthesia. I don’t doubt the sincerity of the boy’s story nor of the father’s intentions in getting it published (he is a pastor). What is questionable is that it stands in stark contrast to Paul’s account of a visit to heaven by “a man in Christ” in which “he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.”[13] The form of revelation is also utterly different to that of John’s vision as related in the book of Revelation. Both John’s and Daniel’s visions are highly symbolic where as little Colton Burpo’s are very plain. I quote from the book’s website introduction to the story:
In heaven, Colton met his miscarried sister whom no one ever had told him about and his great-grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born. He shared impossible-to-know details about each. Colton went on to describe the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how “reaaally big” God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit “shoots down power” from heaven to help us.
In describing what Jesus looks like he corroborates a painting by Akiane Kramarik who also claims to have seen his face at the age of eight. A copy of this painting can be seen on her website. Akiane is a prolific child prodigy artist; and much of her art is amazingly beautiful. But does that make it the face of Jesus? Is Jesus so handsome and debonair, or was Isaiah’s prophetic description more accurate: he had no form or comeliness that we should look at him and no beauty that we should desire him?
Why are we so keen to break out of the traditional and engage the esoteric? Is our Christian walk so lifeless, powerless and faithless that we need major visual proofs and new experiences? All the scriptures which I am going to show you have been rejected by those who firmly believe and have told me that God is doing a new thing. You be the judge.
Matt 7:15-16,22,23 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
You will recognize them by their fruits. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven…. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?…..And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Luke 21: 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them.
2Cor 11:4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.
2Cor 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.
2Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,2through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,3who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
2Tim 4:3 For the time is coming when people will not endure soundteaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2Thes 2:9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Gal 2:4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in-who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery-5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
Gal 5:7-9 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Jude 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
I would say that what is happening today is more than a little leaven. It is a full scale spiritual and media blitzkrieg (which is a term describing a highly organised and devastating assault; as coined and used by the Germans in World War 2.) It is not outlandish to assume that these coordinated powerful attacks on the faith are the work of Satan. If we remain ‘conservative’ or ‘traditional’, it begs the questions: are we rejecting the Holy Spirit, and what is traditional?
· Very briefly now; a quick glance at the working of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament at least tells that he has been sent by Christ to work within us and reveal Christ’s truths to us. It mentions none of what I have called apostasy above. He birthed the church in a rather spectacular fashion (without diamonds or uncontrolled laughter); he brings us to repentance (turning towards Jesus); he endows us with spiritual gifts (none of the above) and produces saintly behaviour called the fruit of the Spirit. If that’s too tame…..!!
· The definition of traditional is well presented in the Free Online Dictionary as:
Adhering to the accepted or traditional and established faith, especially in religion.
Adhering to the Christian faith as expressed in the early Christian ecumenical creeds.
Adhering to what is commonly accepted, customary, or traditional: for example a traditional view of world affairs.
The Greek, Slavic and Russian Churches also call themselves the Orthodox Churches but that is not what we are looking at here. The early Christian creeds were agreed upon in response to various heresies which were threatening the church at the time. The three most notable are: the “Apostles’ Creed” which occurs in a letter of 390 from a synod in Milan; the Nicene Creed, proclaimed by agreement of the church leaders who met as the Council of Nicaea in AD 325; and the Athanasian Creed,[15] which although not written by Athanasius, nor declared as a creed by a Church Council, was nonetheless widely accepted in the Western church in the middle of the 6th century; and remained a part of the liturgy in many churches until the mid-1900’s.
Wikipedia tells us that the Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith, drawn up in 1646 to be a confession of the Church of England. This is probably the most comprehensive composition of traditional thought we have today. It won’t fit into a nutshell; but quotes from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress[16] should suffice:
“But Lord, how must I properly think about you in coming to you; that is, how should my faith rightly behold you?” Then he responded, “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. He died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. He loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. He is the mediator between God and us. He ever lives to make intercession for us.”From all of this I came to understand that I must look for righteousness in his person, and for satisfaction for my sins through his blood; and that what he did in obedience to his Father’s law, and in submitting to its attending penalty, was not for himself, but for he who will accept it for his salvation and be thankful. As a consequence, my heart now became full of joy while my eyes flooded with tears; now my affections overflowed with love for the name, people, and ways of Jesus Christ.
Micah tells us in chapter 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
I believe we are afraid to spend time alone with God and our bibles in our closets lest God should break through, expose us for who we really are, or worse still, bring us to a place where we acknowledge that without his crucifixion, we are lost and without hope. We are afraid he will force us to let go of our idolatries of spiritual blessings, power impartations and inner revelations in order that we come to depend solely on him for every aspect of our daily lives; in order that we should long to be obedient to him by daily and faithfully reading his Word and spending time in prayerful and humble conversation with him. We are afraid he may require us to do things which are difficult or that we don’t like. We are afraid of him because we don’t really know him; and so we surround ourselves with false teachings, exciting phenomena and we idolise deceivers and the thieves of souls.
[5] http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/newapostolic.html
[6] Holy Laughter and the Toronto Blessing: An Investigative Report James A. BeverleyZondervan, 1995
[7] https://vimeo.com/382837 “Duelling Tongues”
Close your eyes for a moment. You’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean. You are one of the crew. Jesus is the captain of the ship. You’re scrubbing the deck near the bow of the ship and you overhear some of the crew plotting against the captain. They know His orders. Some of the men on the bow disagree with them. Some think they see other ways to obey them. So together they begin to plot how to accomplish the orders in their own way.
Do you think the captain will be pleased with them? Do you think he will say “Well done sailor. Even though you disobeyed parts of my orders you have done a great job”?
The captain of a ship is like the boss of the office. He has particular likes and dis-likes in the manner certain duties are performed. Even if you don’t like it, you still do it because you don’t want to get in trouble, right?
When a sailor decides to disobey the captain they have lost their fear of the captain. They have raised themselves above the captain because he thinks he knows more and can navigate and run the ship better.
When we as disciples of Christ begin to mingle with institutional seminars, gatherings and so forth, then we have separated ourselves from Christ. We have decided to run the ship (ourselves) without His guidance. Christ, through the apostle Paul gave us instruction on how to gather. It did not include many of the things we see in the institutional church. Some of these things include seminars, conferences and the like because they call many unto those who pretend to have all the knowledge. Here’s the deal. If we cannot learn to depend on Christ ourselves, how will we ever learn to discern Him from all the other voices that claim to be from Him?
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. (Mat. 24:26-28)
Folks, do you trust your captain? Do you take Him at His word? His reputation is righteous and true. The above verses are a great example of one of His warnings to be careful how we walk and who to believe. There are a number of people who claim to be Jesus outright. But also those who claim special abilities above others to rally the crowd around them. Many of these people are the Joel Osteens, Rick Warrens, Jesse Duplantis and so on. These men and women claim that you need to depend on them to hear from Christ and they are masters of the truth when Christ alone is the master of truth.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:1-8)
These are the Captain’s words. They are truth. They are life.
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:15-18)
Let us consider well our place on the ship and follow the Captain’s orders well, lest that we find the mutiny is put to rest and the mutinous crew be made to walk the plank.
Do you think it’s a coincidence such news is being released now? In light of recent events in conctradiction to God I think not. God is warning mankind to repent or face destruction. Grace and Mercy are found in Christ Jesus!
Kim Davis, is a County Clerk in Kentucky who has refused to issue marriage licenses to gay and straight couples because it violates her conscience to do so. She was ordered again and again to conform to the US Supreme Court ruling until she was thrown into jail on contempt of court. With so many arguing back and forth. Even those who claim to be Christ’s standing on both sides of the issue, the question must be asked. Is it wrong for a government employee to stand up for what she sees as truth? Is there any Scripture in the Bible that would uphold her stand or condemn her actions?
I know of at least one major example. And I’ll post it. It is from the book of Daniel.
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. (Dan 6:1-9)
So here we see that Daniel, who was a government employee had gained favor in king Darius’ eyes. But others were jealous of Daniel and sought to destroy him. Since they could find no fault in Daniel, they got the king to write a law that they knew they could use against Daniel. Continuing on in Chapter 6:
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
Daniel knew and understood what law had been passed, just as Kim Davis knew beforehand what law the US Supreme Court passed. So what happened next?
11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
12 And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”
The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.”
13 So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives[ from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”
Just as Kim Davis disobeyed the law of the land, here we find Daniel did disobey the king’s law of the land. In both cases people were quick to find fault and make accusations.
14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
So the narratives stray a little from our modern day example. But Kim Davis was imprisoned for doing what she thought was right too. While there are some political figures in support of Mrs. Davis. Many are not. But what happened to Daniel in the den of lions?
18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”
23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.
The Lord God found no fault with Daniel and protected him. Scripture states that he was found innocent and also that he had done no wrong before the king. Now as Kim Davis has been released from jail as of yesterday September 8, 2015, she is still under threat. But I haven’t answered the question yet have I? Has Kim Davis done anything wrong? If we consider that the Apostle Paul wrote, I think it becomes clear.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:20-32)
Has the truth now become clear? Has not Kim Davis stood on the word of God and is blameless? Yes, just as she is a government official as Daniel, the parallels are striking. We need to continue to pray for her and stand up ourselves for God’s Truth. That Christ Jesus died for everyone who have commited sins. Whether they be of sexual immorality such as homosexuality, divorce, stealing, murder, envy we can be forgiven by repenting of these sins and becoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus who was crucified on a cross and rose 3 days later to give us everlasting life with Him. Come with me all you who are heavy laden and follow the true Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. Lord of lords and King of kings! Repent, for the Day of the Lord is at hand!
Last Days of the Age 