Confronting Darkness

To the Church: "Repent and Preach Repentance!"

2006-08-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Sin Management Is Big Business

This is an excellent article by Paul Proctor exposing the antinomian state of the apostate church and it's ever-increasing resemblance to the state of religion warned about in 2 Timothy 3:1 - 4:4, and 2 Peter 2:1-3.

The way the writer outlines the parallel between the Aids movement and the church growth movement is very insightful, showing how it's leaders "are more interested in 'managing the disease' than in curing it or stopping its spread." That this is obvious is made evident by the absence of the preaching of repentance from sin in the church, especially by those who lead ministries that are labeled as seeker-friendly and the persecution of those who would speak out against the trend.

"Mega-churches, para-church organizations and their many ministries, affiliates and support groups now seem to have programs for almost every psychological ailment, addiction, disorder, disease and distress known to man. But the one thing that is noticeably absent is the biblical call to repentance. Could it be that those in sin management don't really want such a message preached? After all, if their prospects and participants actually turned to Jesus Christ in true repentance and faith and experienced His healing, deliverance and life-transforming power, many of their popular programs would be rendered irrelevant; and that would spell disaster for the sin management industry called the "church growth movement" and subsequently put a lot of people out of work or, if you prefer, out of 'ministry.'"

How related to this is the "tithe?" Could there be a correlation between the numbers that are sought and the tithe dollars that are represented by these numbers? Only God truly knows the motives of men, but the fact of the matter is "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked..." (Jeremiah 17:9), and these men are neglecting the whole counsel of God. If they preached Biblical repentance from sin, the numbers simply wouldn't be sustained "because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:14). As it stands, the numbers increase, but the lost are left in their self-centered, sinful state believing that they can have their cake and eat it too in a "church" where people "generously stroke their self-esteem while 'compassionately' strolling them into spiritual ruin by telling them exactly what they want to hear."

"And we wonder why the fire is gone from today's pulpits and the church is looking more and more like the fallen world around us... You see, if there's no sinful behavior at work, there's no need to repent; and if there's no need to repent, then there's no need to change our ways... so the seeker sensitive, Purpose Driven, church growth 'Christian' simply carries on unconcerned, unfettered and unrepentant in the name of Jesus. That's why today's 'church growth' looks more like a cancer than a cure."

The sad thing is that people's eternal destinies are at stake.

"So, by 'lovingly' focusing only on the symptoms and side effects of sin rather than on the cause and cure, the 'church' not only sustains it, they capitalize on it to grow their numbers while Hell retains the reservations of the unrepentant..."

The Word of God is clear about the fate of the unrepentant and their standing before God:
"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.'
(Ephesians 5:5-6)

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
(1 John 2:15)

"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother."
(1 John 3:6-10)

The leaders of these seeker-friendly organizations who are responsible would do well to mark the words of Jesus and do some repenting of their own:

"But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves."
(Matthew 23:13-15)

And we would do well to come out from among them, and be separate! (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Like Father, Like Son

2006-08-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

Satan a victim of bad PR, professor says

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44)

Nothing more need be said about the ludicrous and foolish statements and conclusions found in this article. It's an indication of where the world is headed and the absolute necessity of having a close relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Choose your father wisely - because you will be like him. It will be much better for you on Judgment Day to be found as a child of God who walked in holiness and truth through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ than as a child of the devil who rejected truth and lived a life of sin, self-gratification, and deception.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:13-15)

How far he has fallen...

2006-08-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Billy Graham's Apostasy

After Joel Osteen denied that Jesus is the only way to be saved before a national audience on "Larry King Live" last year, now Billy Graham in the Newsweek Magazine article "Pilgrim’s Progress" shockingly does the same thing.

"When asked whether he believes heaven will be closed to good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or secular people... Graham says: 'Those are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won't ... I don't want to speculate about all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have.'"

This is a blatent denial of Jesus Christ and His Word that He is the only way by which men can be saved.

In addition to all of the Scripture references quoted in the World Net Daily article "Billy Graham's Apostasy", one that stands out in stark contrast to Mr. Graham's apostate claim is this:

"He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:10-12

Billy Graham has made God a liar. This reveals just how far the nominal church has fallen in apostasy and denial of Jesus Christ. There are no doubt, many unbelievers and even so-called "believers" who will be duped by Mr. Graham's lie. But those who truly belong to the Lord Jesus Christ - members of the true Church - know the truth and will hold to the Word of God over and above any man's word regardless of who he is. Billy Graham needs our prayers - how far he has fallen - God have mercy on him!

When The Church Trusts In A Man...

2005-10-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

No God But Jehovah, Despite What Bush Says At Ramadan Banquet

For all you "Christians" who put your trust in a man when you cast your lot with the wicked and voted last November, I hope you are learning your lesson. The corrupt political systems of this world will not bring about God's righteousness in the land? The Church has fallen from simple trust in God and His sovereignty to a position of foolish and rebellious dependency on the world's systems. That we stubbornly insist on believing that this country will be saved by crooked politicians who are only telling us what we want to hear so that they can get our votes is baffling. And the results are predictably the same - guaranteed disappointment. It is no small thing in the eyes of God for the President to equate the god of Islam with the One True God of the Bible. It is certainly blasphemy and undoubtedly a violation of the first and second commandments which is idolatry - Allah and the God of the Bible are not one and the same.

During the next election, the Church would do well to heed the Word of God found in Jeremiah 17:5-8 -

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

This display of ungodliness and the resulting judgment from God still to come, is what the Church can expect when she places her hope in wicked men, but those who trust in the Lord will never be disappointed! Where is your trust?

TNIV - "Tainted Noxious Inaccurate Vile"

2005-10-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Worldly word - New Bible texts translate the Bible away

For true followers of Jesus Christ, the new TNIV Bible (so-called) Translation is nothing less than blasphemy. According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, blasphemy is "A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity." and " An irreverent or impious act, attitude, or utterance in regard to something considered inviolable or sacrosanct." From a Biblical, sanctified, and regenerate perspective, the TNIV acronym can only mean the following:

T - Tainted: This so-called translation is tainted - another word for contaminated or morally corrupt. The authors have changed the truth of God into a lie and are peddling this corruption as the Holy Bible when it is in fact not.

N - Noxious: The TNIV is noxious, defined as "Harmful to the mind or morals." I would also add "...and to the soul." Anyone serious about finding Truth would do well to stay away from this perversion of it. It is the product of corrupt minds and is lethal to one's spiritual health.

I - Inaccurate: It is filled with errors in that "it has deviated from what is correct, right, or true." Those who read it can have no confidence that they are reading God's Word. It is by every scriptural definition another gospel.

V - Vile: The TNIV is vile which means "contemptibly low in worth or account..." Another word for "vile" is "profane" - "marked by contempt or irreverence for what is sacred." The reprobate creators of this abomination have treated the Holy Word of God with contempt and irreverence and as a result, God is profaned among them.

In summary, the TNIV should neither be promoted nor accepted as the Word of God. It is the tainted, noxious, inaccurate, and vile word of apostate man and should be treated as such by all - especially those who love Truth.

God Is NOT In The Gambling Business!

2005-10-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

Katrina Evacuee Wins $1.6 Million

I don't think so! Contrary to what Jacquelyn Sherman says about her supposed good fortune, God is not in the gambling business. I don't know all the details about what took place here, but given the facts revealed in this story and knowing what the Scriptures reveal about God, His holiness, and hatred for sin, you can surely conclude that He is not the source of this so-called blessing. God does not and will not confirm anyone in their sin by blessing them as a direct result of their disobedience to Him.

This kind of blasphemous thinking is a product of the false teaching that has infiltrated the apostate church which says that God exists to bless us. I recently heard it preached from a pulpit that "God is our genie-in-a-bottle; our sugar-daddy, so we can have whatever we want from Him." We treat Him like an errand-boy to call upon whenever we wish to satisfy our lust, greed and covetousness. This is idolatry of the most wicked kind in that we have made a god in our own image, according to our own sinful likeness and we worship it as the one true God. And why would God give as a blessing, something that His very Word warns us to beware of - i.e. the riches of this world? (See 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Mark 4:18-19,Luke 12:15, Luke 14:33, James 5:1-3, Mark 10:23-25)

No - the God of the Bible, as He really is in all his power, glory, majesty, and holiness cannot and does not sin. Nor does He frequent dens of iniquity, manipulating slot machines to tempt sinners with the very thing that has the potential to damn them to an eternal separation from Himself in Hell.

Par For The Roman Catholic Course

2005-10-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Catholic Church no longer swears by truth of the Bible

Why am I not surprised by this article about a new statement made by the Roman Catholic Church that some parts of the Bible are not actually true? They are idolaters who preach a different gospel, usurp the headship of the Church which belongs to Christ alone, and are responsible without repentance for the torture and murder of countless men, women, and children who would not bow the knee to it's evil. This latest declaration in which they sink so low as to effectually call God Himself a liar is par for the course. The Scriptures they malign bear witness against their damnable heresy:

"God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."
(Romans 3:4 KJV)

If you are a Roman Catholic, come out from among them and be separate. If you would like more information about the deception of the Roman Church, please visit Proclaiming The Gospel Ministries and with a humble, open heart, ask God to show you the truth.

What Happened To Sound Doctrine?

2005-10-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Disappearing Doctrine of the Evangelical Church

"When sound doctrine is replaced with shallow teaching made up of humorous stories and opinions, you will find spiritual ignorance and biblical illiteracy in the pew."

This article, by Mike Gendron of Proclaiming The Gospel Ministries outlines one of the most destructive trends of the Church in our day - the disappearance of sound doctrine. The pulpits are filled with false "shepherds" who cater to the desires of men so that they don't offend anyone and keep their numbers inflated. They don't preach the truth regarding the Cross, holiness, separation from sin and the world, or anything else that would make people uncomfortable because they are either people-pleasers who love the praise of men rather than the praise of God, or they are wolves in sheep's clothing who are preaching deception to fulfill their own lust for power and wealth. Every true follower of Jesus Christ who attends a so-called church where this is happening should take a stand and confront this dishonoring of the name of God or come out from among them and be separate.

The importance of sound doctrine to the strength of the Church cannot be over-emphasized: "Sound doctrine divides and confronts, it judges and separates, it reproves and rebukes and it exposes and refutes error. It leads us from the broad way to the narrow way (Matt. 7:13-14). It commands us to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). It exhorts us to discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error (I John 4:6). It demands that we turn away from evil and do good (I Peter 3:11). It tells us that our ways are not God's ways, nor are our thoughts His thoughts (Isa. 55:8). It warns us against exchanging the truth of God for a lie (Rom. 1:25). It guarantees that the righteous shall be blessed and the wicked shall perish."

Is it any wonder that so-called churches are in the sorry state they're in considering how they neglect the very thing that will make them strong and useful to the Lord.

"True Christians cannot continue to tolerate or ignore Satan's wicked schemes to weaken the Church. We must stand firmly on sound doctrine, heed the biblical warnings and live passionately for the truth so that Jesus Christ will be glorified and His church will grow in holiness and strength."

"Modern Churches To Bible Preachers: 'You're Not Welcome!'"

2005-06-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

Modern Churches To Bible Preachers: "You're Not Welcome!"

Read this article and be sobered by the current state of the so-called "church" in America. These "bless me" clubs that masquerade as the Church are not the true church. When speaking of the true Church, Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it which is not the case with these institutionalized religious organizations. The fingerprints of hell are all over this lot. They have no clue what it means to take up their cross and submit their greedy, lustful, rebellious, sinful selves to the Lord Jesus Christ in brokenness and repentance. As the writer of this article states, "They want a place where they can be made to feel good, where they can be entertained, where they can socialize and make business contacts, and where their children can have a place to play." The fact is that they hate the truth unless it's twisted to feed their flesh. The writer is so accurate in his assessment that none of the great, holy men of the Scriptures, nor the great preachers who shook their generations for Christ would be welcome in any of these meetings. These "posers" want their itching ears tickled by false shepherds and teachers, the hirelings who will tell them what they want to hear so that no one is offended and the "tithe" keeps rolling in. This is not the Church that's revealing the manifold wisdom of God to the principalities and powers in heavenly places. That Church is the remnant of Christ's true followers who have not bowed the knee to Baal, who have come out from among them and separated themselves as holy and set apart unto the Lord. Where do you stand?

Exposing the "Heretics and Hypocrites"

2005-05-09T00:25:00.000-07:00

HERETICS AND HYPOCRITES

This scathing article should not go unread in that it presents an accurate and insightful description of what our response is to be towards the false teachers of the apostate church based on what the Word of God says. I am tired of institutionalized religion's globby sentimentalists who discount and even denounce the warnings of God's discerning watchmen in total disregard of what the Scriptures say about the wolves in sheep's clothing and the heresies they promote while God's people are led to hell like sheep to the slaughter in the name of "unity" and "Christian love".

"...Jesus dealt with heretics harshly, publicly and immediately, as did Paul and the other disciples. And, keep in mind; we're talking New Testament here friends. In the Old Testament, false prophets were simply taken out and stoned to death for their lies. That's how serious God is about His Word being rightly divided and properly proclaimed."

God's watchmen are out there and they should not be ignored, but heeded by those of us who love the Spirit of Truth. Below, are some websites that offer a watchman's perspective on what is being promoted as truth in the so-called "church". As with all things, we should prayerfully examine what we read and hear in the light of God's Word and come to our own conclusions based on what He shows us so that we have His heart on a matter and not man's own ideas which are subject to error. I personally do not agree totally with all that is found on these websites, but more often than not, as I have visited these sites I have been led to see the truth regarding a popular doctrine, practice, or belief in the Body of Christ which is proven to be unscriptural and even damning when placed under careful scrutiny of the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3

The Narrow Way
Proclaiming the Gospel
Deception in the Church
On Doctrine
Simple Truth
Apologetics Index

"The Narrow Way" - A Website Worth Visiting

2005-05-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Narrow Way

I stumbled upon this website and was very impressed with what I found - a wealth of resources that will help believers in Jesus Christ to be more discerning and become free from the deception and bondage that is being promoted by the religious institutions masquerading as God's "church". The Main Articles page alone is worth a pearl of great price that will prove to be a tremendous blessing to any serious seeker of truth who desires to walk in reality. I exhort you to examine it humbly and prayerfully in the light of the Word of God and as you do, the Spirit of Truth... will guide you into all truth and the truth will set you free!

Papal Perspective: A Biblical Analysis

2005-04-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Papal Perspective: A Biblical Analysis

This excellent article reveals the degree of darkness that the Church is blinded by when it comes to walking in truth and discerning lies. Roman Catholicism is as far from the truth as is any other "cult" that twists the Scripture for their own purpose. What these Christian leaders, quoted in this article said about the recently deceased pope should be very disturbing to those who love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially in light of the fact that so many believers look up to these men as "spiritual giants" which they are not as demonstrated by their utter failure to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For anyone who doubts that Roman Catholicism is a different gospel leading people to a false conversion and a Christless eternity, please prayerfully consider visiting the Proclaiming the Gospel website where you will find ample evidence if you are willing to humble yourself and sincerely seek the Spirit of Truth.

The Religious Right is Most Always Wrong

2004-12-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

If you read the Gospels, the Religious Right is most often wrong

This insightful article effectively discredits all the hype from the Religious Right declaring that Jesus was a "big winner" in last month's elections indicating that "we're on the brink of a second Great Awakening." How much farther from the truth can the Religious Right be? In comparing the narrative of the Gospels with the theology of the Religious Right, the author concludes that "the Religious Right's contribution to the denigration of Christianity will continue unabated until other Christian communities come up with a compelling alternative." His assessment of the state of the Church and it's lack of true Christ-like leadership leads him to a most sobering indictment against the Body of Christ in this nation: "...I'm not optimistic about the survival of the Christian tradition in our culture. What many view as a great spiritual revival looks a lot to me like another stage of rot in American Christianity's corpse."

I for one am not disappointed to see American Christianity's corpse rot. Its brand of religion has nothing to do with the true Church as demonstrated in the pages of the New Testament. Notwithstanding, God will have a Bride without spot or wrinkle who will be that "compelling alternative" providing godly leadership and accurately demonstrating Jesus Christ to the world around it. This remnant will have nothing to do with worldly politics, but everything to do with fulfilling God's eternal purpose for which she is being raised up. She will be hated and persecuted by both the world and the "institutionalized church" of which the Religious Right is a part because as the same in Jesus' day hated Him, so they will hate His true representation in this time as well.

If you read the Gospels, as the writer of this article suggests, you will not find that the Religious Right is most often wrong. On the contrary, in light of the Spirit of Truth, the Religious Right is always wrong.

If You Voted for Bush: "YOU'VE BEEN HAD"

2004-11-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

MEMO TO THE "CHRISTIANS" WHO VOTED FOR BUSH: YOU'VE BEEN HAD

This article should be a sobering wake-up call to all those gullible Christians who have put their faith, hope, and trust in wicked men rather than in God. The fact that Christians across America are so pleased and tickled that "their man" was elected shows just how naive and undiscerning we have become in believing that the corrupt systems of this world will bring about God's righteousness in the land? The one will never bring about the other. The next four years are going to play out in the same way the last four years did, with little or nothing to show for the cause of righteousness by this administration at all - watch and see. The Church has fallen from simple trust in God and His sovereignty to a position of foolish and rebellious dependency on the worlds systems. That we stubbornly insist on believing that this country will be saved by crooked politicians who are only telling us what we want to hear so that they can get our votes is baffling. And the results are predictably the same - guaranteed disappointment. Just look at the proof cited in the article only three weeks after the election

When the Church starts to trust in God rather than in politics; when we repent of our self-sufficiency, worldliness and sin; when we work to bring about God's eternal purpose rather than our own selfish purpose; when we do things God's way with no consideration at all to cost and sacrifice, then and only then will we see God's hand move in this land. Until then we "Christians" will continue to "be had."

Will the Real False Prophet Please Stand Up? (Part 2)

2004-11-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

These Things Ought Not To Be

The dust has settled and the results are in and it looks like both of these men have been proven wrong. Contrary to what one Christian leader prophesied, President Bush won the election and contrary to the prediction of the other, he certainly did not win in a blowout. Both claimed that "God told them..."; both were obviously hearing from someone other than God, or were lying in their claims. The question remains as to whether or not either of these men will be held accountable by the Church for speaking falsely in the name of God. It appears that they have already come up with some practical excuse and explanation as to why they said what they said so that their followers continue to support their "ministries", but the fact of the matter is that this proves that they are really not hearing from God at all when they make these foolish predictions and credit them to special revelation. And if they are not hearing from God, who are they hearing from? And if they can't be trusted to bring forth truth in this realm, how should we have confidence in anything they say? Why should we trust them at all? Why does the Church continue to blindly support the ministries of men who are deceiving and being deceived?

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
(Jeremiah 5:31 KJV)

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. (Jeremiah 14:14 KJV)

Its time for the Church to be built on the eternal purposes of God rather than on the selfish purposes of men. The wolves in sheep's clothing have been erecting their own self-serving kingdoms on the gullibility and the wallets of the undiscerning Church for too long and God is raising up a remnant who will be jealous for His glory only. Come out from among them and be ye separate - the decision is yours!

Will the Real False Prophet Please Stand Up?

2004-11-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

These Things Ought Not To Be

Here is an extra-biblical prophecy, found on the worldwide web where the author states that God told him that President Bush will not be reelected. Interestingly, he points out that he is "...very well aware that Pat Robertson has predicted President Bush will win in a landslide," and that either he or Pat Robertson will be wrong come election day. He even goes so far as to admit that if he is wrong, he is willing to be stoned to death as a false prophet and wonders whether Pat Robertson is willing to submit to the same standard. The truth of the matter is that after the dust has settled and all the votes are counted, one of these men will be proven wrong while the other is reinforced in his deception as the world watches and shakes its head in disgust at the foolishness being demonstrated by these antics. And the sad thing is that the undiscerning "Church" will go on their merry way without even questioning the validity of what is being said and done in the name of God. Would to God that He would raise up a remnant of believers who would be the Church that demonstrates His manifold wisdom according to His eternal purposes and not their own. Would to God that we would be that Church!

The Self-Deception of the "Rapture" Crowd

2004-11-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

These Things Ought Not To Be

Here is a post on another website that is promoting an extra-biblical prophecy regarding the so-called Christian "rapture" that "the last sign before the rapture is that Arafat will be removed." The dislike for Arafat due to his antagonism against Israel and the recent deterioration of Arafat's health has these eager sign-watchers licking their chops in anticipation and in some cases even hoping for the man's death. Here's a post on the same website referencing a Washington Times news story reporting that doctors are trying to determine if Arafat's "sudden decline in health last week was from poisoning," and the author of the post indicates in the subject line that perhaps it was "not a strong enough dose." (Please note that at 2:00pm PST, the moderator of the website where this post appeared notified me that he was removing the phrase "not a strong enough dose" from the subject line of the post.)

No matter how much a believer may dislike Arafat, (or anyone else for that matter), it is completely contrary to Christ's teachings to hope for, or glory in the death of your enemy. Jesus Christ does not advocate murder and God is grieved by the death of anyone whether righteous or wicked.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must refrain from resorting to hell's attitudes and methods to accomplish the eternal purposes of God. To hope for Arafat's death because of some extra-biblical claim predicting that his "removal" will trigger the "rapture" is a sure sign that we ourselves are self-deceived. Praying for Mr. Arafat's healing (and ultimately his salvation), like we would pray for the healing of our own father or brother is more in line with the Spirit of Christ and will do more to demonstrate the manifold wisdom of God to the principalities and powers in high places than wishing for his "removal" so we can be "fire-escaped" away from future suffering.

This IS the Time to Pray

2004-10-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

Discern the Lie

Do not come under the condemnation of the writer of this article if you have been led by God and your conscience to refrain from voting in this coming election. The author seems to think that the only reasons that Christians do not vote are either because of their own selfishness, or because of hopelessness and disillusionment. While these excuses may be true for some believers, they are definitely not true for all, and this simplistic stereotyping fails to take into account God's reasons for not voting or casting one's lot with the wicked.

The Church has no business depending on any worldly political system for the solutions to the world's problems. The world is the way it is because the Church has failed to be the demonstration of the manifold wisdom of God in the earth as outlined in the New Testament. Electing the lesser of two evils to govern the land will not solve anything. Getting on our faces before God in humiliation, repentance, and prayer will. And when we get up, we won't hear God say "Rise up! Get up and vote..." as the author assumes. We will rather hear that we should bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance; that we should stop depending on the world to solve our problems; that we should be holy and separate from the world unto Him; that we should become the Church that we called to be as demonstrated in the New Testament where believers were in the world and not of it.

The author rightly points to the institutionalized church as a source of the problem, but the solution is certainly not in worldly politics. The Scriptures are clear that it is God Who sets up rulers, not men, and it is not our business to choose who we want to lead. May God choose the leader we deserve who will accomplish His purposes in the earth.

It is manipulation at best to compare the exploits of Joshua and Israel at Ai to a Christian's involvement in worldly politics. Contrary to what the author assumes, the United States is NOT God's chosen nation as was Israel in the days of Joshua. Neither is it a "Christian" nation, nor a godly nation. It is a wicked, corrupt, rebellious nation with a government that is controlled by the principalities and powers in high places. To heap accusations and condemnation on believers who refuse for conscience sake to choose between two wicked, ungodly, and deceitful men to lead it is both irresponsible and shameful. Is it not Satan who is the accuser of the brethren?

So, if you do not vote in this next election, you are NOT sinning as the author says. You are one step closer to utter dependence on and obedience to God which is where we all need to be in the first place. Keep on crying out to God because as always, this IS the time to pray!

False Prophets Reap What They Sow

2004-10-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Know the Truth

This article challenges a recent story in a well-known "Christian" magazine in which false prophets and those who support them in the institutional apostate church were given a platform to cry and whine about the criticism they receive due to the fact that what they prophesy does not come to pass and to voice their opinion about why discerning believers who "test the spirits" should cut them some slack. They claim that "Just as biblical prophets often went unappreciated, many modern-day prophets face disregard and outright criticism -- both inside and outside the church." One proponent went so far as to caution against "...labeling prophets as 'false,' even when their predictions do not come to pass." How foolish is that in light of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:15-20 and Matthew 24:11,24 and John's admonition in 1 John 4:1.

In this response, the writer accurately sums up what is being communicated here: "The modern prophetic movement thinks prophets can be 30-60% on their way to becoming more accurate. They are more wrong then (sic) they are right and we are supposed to listen to them as balanced voice on how treat those who are inaccurate in their prophecies and teaching!" The fact of the matter is that,"False prophecy that leads to apostasy is taking place without any challenge. With so many who side with the false prophets, disallowing the church to judge, they have compounded the problem to astronomical proportions."

I agree wholeheartedly that "It's time for the church to speak up; not be silent." They are reaping what they are sowing and if they do not repent, they will answer to the One they are misrepresenting (Jeremiah 14:14, Jeremiah 23:31-32, Jeremiah 29:8-9) and give account for the blood of those who are being misled by their deception.

Just Whose Purpose Drives the "Purpose Driven Church" ?

2004-10-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Know the Truth

What an insightful commentary on the state of the religious institutions masquerading as the "church" in America that exposes the all too common practice of the wolves in sheep's clothing who build their own personal kingdoms at the expense of God's truth, holiness and glory. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is certainly not being preached because it defeats their self-serving purpose. "The truth is; one cannot faithfully preach the gospel to the lost while coveting their favor and approval. It endangers the relationship and costs you 'customers'... It is a price... leaders of the church growth movement are clearly unwilling to pay."

The sobering words of Jesus Christ in the "Sermon on the Mount" regarding the broad way the leads to destruction is a clear warning to beware of crowd-pleasing movements, gimmicks, and methods that are popular to the masses. "No wonder the Purpose Driven movement has become so popular; there's not enough truth in it to offend anyone!"

It's obvious that the "purpose" that is driving these "purpose driven churches" is not God's eternal purpose, but a self-serving, truth-denying, humanistic "purpose" that is leading it's undiscerning followers to a complacent spiritual condition where they will be found wanting on Judgment Day. "Now, if you wish to remain in good standing with a sodomized society of self-esteem slaves and salt-free saints; go ahead and water down the Word of God with your tepid thoughts and opinions to win friends and influence people and not only will the world NOT hold it against you, you'll dramatically increase the chance that they'll give your church a try. But, what kind of church will they be trying; certainly not one that demonstrates any fear of God or regard for His Word."

Here is a first hand testimony from a believer who "was new to the Christian faith and looking for a church and everyone seemed to be going to that church" (i.e. the "Purpose Driven Church - Saddleback"), who "quickly left that church in disgust."

Judgment is surely coming to the apostate church in America!

Discernment and Righteous Judgement

2004-10-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

Know the Truth

One of the greatest problems among followers of Jesus Christ in modern Christendom is the inability and unwillingness to rightly judge and exercise discernment when it comes to that which is being promoted by teachers and preachers both from the pulpit at institutionalized religious meetings each week and on the airwaves of radio and television broadcasts. There is also a careless and irresponsible attitude prevailing in the"church" that belittles, condemns and censures anyone bringing an exhortation to exercise discernment towards those who are promoting as truth that which is false. Those who bring the warnings are usually accused of being "self-appointed heresy hunters" who lack a "spirit of love" and "divide the Body of Christ." God's people must learn to"beware of false prophets" and "try the spirits whether they are of God" especially in light of the warnings in Scripture regarding the deception, the "damnable heresies" and "falling away" that will mark the last days.

Here are some links to good articles on the neglected subjects of discernment and righteous judgment emphasizing their importance and utter necessity to the Body of Christ in these perilous times:

"Losing my Discernment" or "I left my mind and Bible outside the door of the church"

"How To Discern, Test & Judge Rightly"

"Is It Right to Judge?"

False Prophets and Lying Signs Abound

2004-10-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

These Things Ought Not To Be

Believers in Jesus Christ have no business looking to anyone or anything other than God and His revealed Word in the Scriptures for revelation about life, conduct, and doctrine. In this post a believer is condoning and directing others to the demonic visions of Fatima for enlightenment about coming events and here the same believer is giving credence to the clairvoyant prediction of a false prophet who claims that "...Something unusual shall take place during a second debate that shall cause this nation to begin to fear and tremble..." tonight in Missouri. Anyone with any amount of Biblical discernment or knowledge of Scripture knows that the Marian visions promoted and worshipped by the Roman Catholic Church are of demonic origin and that predicting the future using specific dates and events is not condoned by God, but rather condemned in no uncertain terms by His Word (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Leviticus 19:31; 20:6). These things should not even be taken into consideration by believers (Jeremiah 14:14 Ezekiel 13:6-7 Matthew 24:24 2 Peter 2:1-3 1 John 4:1). Doing so makes one a ready candidate for deception since their fulfillment could lead to the assumption that they are from God when they are not. Stick to the Word of God and the witness of the Holy Spirit for all revelation and you will not easily be led astray.

Jesus is Coming - But Not In The Way They Expect

2004-10-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Discern the Lie

Do not believe for one moment the lie that is being promoted through this post. Jesus Christ is not returning to "rapture" a self-serving, cross-avoiding "church" from the suffering and persecution that is fast approaching on the horizon. Contrary to what this Five Doves poster states or believes, Jesus Christ will be presented with a "glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:27), and if the Author and Finisher of our faith "learned obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8), what makes us think we can take shortcuts? Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs, and explain to me the rationale behind our expectation for a "free ticket" in light of the what saints throughout all other times have suffered for His name's sake.

This "Rapture" teaching is false doctrine that is not found in the Scriptures. It was concocted by the prince of deception himself in order to prevent God's eternal purpose from being established in and through the Church which is supposed to demonstrate the manifold wisdom of God to the principalities and powers in heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10-11). Instead we have become lazy, greedy, superstitious sign-watchers, who twist and mangle the Scriptures so we can have our cake and eat it too. May God have mercy on us for exchanging His eternal purpose for our own personal safety and comfort. We have become like Esau who sold his birthright for a "morsel of meat" (Hebrews 12:16).

These self-appointed false prophets and teachers in proclaiming this new "wake-up call" had better wake up themselves to the reality of the One Who is coming to "judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:30-31), Who will spew these out of His own mouth who say they are rich and have need of nothing, yet are wretched, miserable, and poor to His Ways (Revelation 3:15-18). Without doubt, His judgment will fall first (1 Peter 4:17-18) on their wicked kingdoms which they build in His name to satisfy their own lust and greed while sacrificing truth, righteousness, and the message of the Cross. The Scriptures clearly warn of these "wolves in sheep's clothing" (Matthew 7:15-23, 2 Peter 2). They are raping the Body of Christ in order to line their own pockets while they promote their heretical "seed-faith - give to get - use God to make you rich" gospel. They will not go unpunished (Mark 9:42) - the Judge is coming!!!

Is "God Out of Time"?

2004-09-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Discern the Lie

This post on the Five Doves website warrants the following response:

First - to say or agree with the statement that "God is out of time" questions the sovereignty, the omnipotence and the omniscience of the Almighty God Who lacks nothing. God is not out of anything - period! To those idolaters who have made god in their own image, he may be out of time, but the God of Scriptures sovereignly reigns and does all things well according to His will.

Secondly, to direct others to "seek the Lord for the interpretation" to a man's words is to equate them with the words of Scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit, and they are not Scripture, nor can we assume that they are even from God. What should be sought for is discernment, which is sorely lacking and ignored in the Church today.

Thirdly, the website in question, from the On Doctrine website reveals more than the mistakes of the man being exposed which are not mere mistakes in the first place - they are false prophesies and claims made in the name of God that did not happen, revealing that their source was not from God at all. And if they were not from God, who were they from? The website very clearly shows the false doctrines being promoted by this man which are by all definitions of the word - "heretical".

No one is saying that believers can't make mistakes as has been insinuated, but we are all accountable to hold to and teach the truth according to Scripture. When teachings or doctrines are being promoted that are damaging to God's name, His reputation, His truth as revealed in His Word, or His people (the Church), we are obligated to stand against them. It doesn't matter that an "old saint has been walking with God for many years." The truth of the matter is that when a man promotes false doctrine and refuses to repent, we the Church must reject what he says and hold to the teachings given to us in the written, revealed Word of God.

To deride the discerning is to cut off our nose to spite our face. God commands us all to be discerning, and has placed the gift of discernment in the Body of Christ to protect us from deception to which our response has eternal implications. If we reject discernment, we open ourselves up to the very deception that characterizes the apostasy of the last days referred to in the New Testament. (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

False Leaders Won't be Found "Outside the Camp"

2004-09-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

Know the Truth

This article points out one of the many problems with those leaders of institutional religious organizations that masquerade as the "Church" in that they do not live what they profess to believe. Another word for this practice is "hypocrisy".

"Today many of our so-called “Christian” leaders scoffingly reject biblical ethics as unequal to the task of providing leadership, but instead revert to pragmatism and compromise in order to solve our society’s ills... When Peter and John stood up to the religious authorities of their day, they were willing to go “outside the camp.” They knew what rejection was like, they knew what opposition was like, they even knew what jail was like, yet they kept on going back there for the sake of the Word of God. They refused to bow, in any way, shape, or form, to the secular-religious power of their day. The term “acquiescence” was simply not a part of their vocabulary.

God is raising up modern day Peters and Johns who are willing to go "outside the camp" because they have counted the cost of following Jesus and are willing to die for His sake and for His eternal purpose. In the Church that Jesus founded, there were no hierarchical leaders who lorded it over other believers (Mark 10:42-43). Only those disciples who were willing to submit to His lordship as Head of the Church and follow His will no matter what it cost them. It's time that we stopped following these false leaders (Matthew 7:15-20) and submit to the one and only true Head of the Church - Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18-19). A very good book that addresses this issue of leadership in the Church is called "Who Is Your Covering" by Frank Viola which is listed in the Recommended Resources link on this page.