Christian, What Do You Believe? Probably a Heresy About Jesus, Says Survey

 Please read this eye opening article "Christian, What Do You Believe?"

“These results are a serious cause for concern,” said Stephen Nichols, Ligonier’s chief academic officer and president of Reformation Bible College. “… The evangelical world is in great danger of slipping into irrelevance when it casually forgets the Bible’s doctrine.”

I Believe In Miracles

Today, for some who read the stories of the Bible, their first question may be: Are miracles, like the parting of the Red Sea or floating ax heads, real? Did these things really happen or are they allegorical? Are they fairy tales? Many struggle with the idea that these very spectacular and supernatural events occurred. Certainly it can seem beyond belief to our minds that these things could have ever happened. Should we believe the miracles of the Bible actually occurred?

For me, the most important factor in answering this question is, if I believe in the God of the Bible, then I must believe He is the Creator. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” It’s the first of the 31,301 verses in the Bible and it speaks to us of the most fundamental belief about God and who He is. “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (11:3). The Psalmist tells us that, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (33:6). So, first and foremost, to believe the Bible I must believe that God created the universe. That means everything in it. Time, space and matter are His handiwork. Even I am the product of the Creator (Ps. 139:13-16).

To believe in the God of the Bible is to believe in a God who was able to simply speak a thing into existence. From nothing, all things came forth. That tells me Elohim is naturally supernatural. What seems like a miracle to us, is actually normal for Him. What binds and restricts us normally, like time, space or matter, means nothing to Him because if He created it He is outside of it and is in it. Clearly those realities exist for our benefit. Yet, if He chooses to work outside of what we consider the “laws of nature” He can do so effortlessly, if you will. What is a miracle to us is simply the infinite, omnipotent God just being God. There are no limits to this Creator God. As Solomon said, “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27).

Back to our question. Did God do miracles and, let’s add, does He do miracles today? Surely you figured where this was going. If God is the Creator and has no limits upon Him and can do anything He chooses to do, why would there be any problem at all in my believing in the miracles of the Bible or that He is able and even willing to do miracles today? If I believe in the God of the Bible and that He is the Creator then I must believe He can do whatever He wants. And, because He is a God whose desire is to reveal Himself to us, then miracles would certainly be a likely way of His doing it. Throughout the Bible He does miracles as He deems best for His purposes and our good. The Incarnation and the Resurrection are two of the high points for us when considering the Miracle God Elohim, and ultimately the two miracles we must embrace and cling to as New Testament believers in the Christ of God. Certainly you can’t leave out the miracle that brings us into the Faith, the new birth.

God is a miracle God! The Bible is a miracle book. And my relationship with Him is the product of a miracle working God.

The Real Love of John 3:16

Often we hear people say that God loves everyone in a defense of overlooking sin in the life of people. The Word of God is ignored and how people live is disregarded in the name of being “welcoming.” To do otherwise will cause a believer or church to be labeled as bigoted or hateful.

The problem with this view is that it is usually expressed by people who either don’t know or don’t really believe the Bible. Once it was the supernatural that was disbelieved and now even the precepts of morality are ignored. All is explained away. It’s completely carnal and worldly. It is an attempt to make the Bible fit into the world’s mold.

No real believer would deny that God loves everyone. He “so loved the world.” This would include every person who has ever lived and lives today. Doesn’t matter the race or nationality. What someone has done (or not done) doesn’t matter either. God loves because He is love. There is nothing He does that doesn’t flow out of His love, even judgement. His commandments are not given arbitrarily but out of His love for us.

There is also the misunderstanding caused by what it means to believe in Jesus. The promise of eternal life is conditioned on the person believing. To believe in Jesus is not simply to give mental assent to the Gospel. According to the New Testament it is to follow Jesus. This means one will believe what He believed and live according to the standards He did. It is to allow Him to be our Lord, Teacher and Master. There is no real believing without being a follower of Jesus.

This is illustrated in how Jesus called His disciples to Him.

And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:16-18

Simon and Andrew immediately changed the direction of their lives to become followers of Christ. It took more than them giving Jesus a “I believe in You” or to “make a decision” about Him. They had to change to match their lives up to follow Him as Lord. One cannot continue to live the way they did before they made Jesus the Savior of their lives and say they are followers of Jesus. I submit that one can’t say they are saved and not be followers of Jesus (Luke 8:34-38).

God loves us so much He gave His only begotten Son to pay for the penalty of sin and the power of sin to give us freedom and salvation. We are sinners in need of salvation and in His great love He has provided that. Why would we not be affected by that great sacrifice of His love? Why would we continue to live in a way where we do things that caused Him to have to come and die? How could that be a reasonable response to His love for us?   

God loves us! What a powerful thought that the Holy Creator of All Things loves us. This divine love should change us. It should cause us to treat others as He treats us. But it should never be an excuse for withholding the truth of God’s Word to people or the world. He paid too high a price for us to do so. Full salvation has been provided in His great love for us. Let’s live it and declare it. That is love. The love of God being expressed to a world that desperately needs it. 

The Power of Access

During the American Civil War, as a result of family tragedy, a soldier was granted permission to seek a hearing from the president. He wanted to request exemption from military service. However, when he arrived at the White House, he was refused entry and sent away. He went and sat in a nearby park.

A young boy came across him and remarked how unhappy he looked. The soldier found himself telling the young boy everything. Eventually the boysaid, ‘Come with me.’ He led the dejected soldier back to the White House. They went around the back, none of the guards stopped them. Even the generals and high-ranking government officials stood to attention and let them pass through.

The soldier was amazed. Finally, they came to the presidential office. Without knocking, the young boy opened the door and walked straight in. Abraham Lincoln, standing there, turned from his conversation with the Secretary of State and said, ‘What can I do for you, Tad?’

Tad said, ‘Dad, this soldier needs to talk to you.’

The soldier had access to the president ‘through the son’. According to the New Testament, in an even more amazing way, we have access to God ‘through the Son’ – Jesus.

The Death of Hugh Hefner by Matt Walsh

We live in a country where men like Hefner are immediately canonized upon death. I've seen Hefner described as a "hero" and a "role model." These are lies, and we must call them lies. The fact that Hefner is dead does not change the fact that he was a peddler of filth. If a man wishes to be remembered as virtuous and decent, he must live virtuously and decently. We don't become virtuous and decent when we die, as if death itself washes away every bad thing we've done. Quite the opposite, actually. Death is when we reckon with the bad things.

I've been assured that Hefner is "in a better place" now. I realize this is just a thing we say about all dead people, no matter who they are and what they did. And indeed it's possible that Hefner repented before death and has now entered the Better Place. But to confidently state as fact that a pornographer is in Heaven is arrogant and dangerous. Pray that God has mercy on him, but do not run around declaring that a man who spent his life having orgies and taking pictures of naked women must necessarily be reaping eternal rewards.

Let's try to be serious for a change. Let's treat the death of a man like Hefner with somber honesty. It is always sad when someone dies. It is even sadder when a corrupt and decadent man dies. We may have hope that a man of great faith and goodness is in Heaven. We may have the same hope for the corrupt man, but it is a slimmer hope. So, we simply trust in the mercy and justice of God, knowing that He will deliver us all to the destinations we have chosen. And, if we must learn anything from Hefner's life, it's that a life of selfish pleasure seems so pointless once it's over. That is the great lesson he taught us.

May God have mercy on him and all sinners. Amen.

Matt Walsh on Facebook

A Message of Hate? by Shane Idleman

There is a cost to speaking the truth. This realization came nearly 13 years ago when I was asked to speak at the annual conference for the American Baptists, unaware that they were about to divide over ordaining those who embrace the homosexual lifestyle.

Within minutes of beginning my message, people began to leave the large auditorium. Although it was clear that I had struck a nerve, the clearest message came when a woman approached the platform and attempted to disrupt the service. I told her I would be happy to talk with her after the service.

Afterwards, a large line of people waited to talk to me. I will never forget the very angry 12-year old girl. My heart sank when she said, "I hate everything you had to say. It was mean and hateful!" Though shocked by her comment, I was moved with compassion for such a young life filled with passion for the wrong things. Others asked if I ever received death threats.

As I boarded the plane, I was perplexed and confused. I prayed, "Lord, what's wrong. I'm simply speaking Your word and genuinely loving these people."

The words of Titus Brandsma (martyred at Dachau under Hitler) began to ring true, "Those who want to win the world for Christ must have the courage to come into conflict with it."

I buckled my seat, anxious to head for the familiar comfort of home ... but I knew that my life had made a turn. This gospel of love had, ironically, become a message of hate to those who oppose it: "Yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he is offering a service to God" (John 16:2b).

Speaking the truth was going to cost me (and it will cost you). I knew that my kids would someday be old enough to ask why the hate mail, mean remarks, indignant looks ... while most feedback is very encouraging, those who are upset will often stop at nothing to get their point across.

Do I enjoy this? That goes without answer. Although many applaud boldness, if the truth be told, life would be much easier if I took a secular job and avoided controversy. But I cannot. God radically changed my life by the power of His Spirit through His truth: "[It's like] a burning in my bones! I'm worn out trying to hold it in. I can't do it any longer!" (Jer. 20:9m MSG).

One of my great concerns is for the pulpits of America: many are exchanging truth for tolerance, boldness for balance and conviction for cowardice. We don't want to offended lest we lose our audience. But truth is controversial—its convicts and challenges. We are not to seek the applause of men but the applause of God. The pulpit inevitably sets the tone of the religious climate of the nation. The lukewarm, sex-saturated culture simply reflects the lack of conviction in the pulpit as well as the pew. Granted, there are many wonderful pastors and churches—I appreciate their ministry, but, as a whole, the church has drifted off course.

The only difference between believers and unbelievers is that believers are simply forgiven—they have embraced God's gracious gift of forgiveness, wholeness and restoration through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Because of the cross, sin has been conquered and atoned for (see Rom. 6). "If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Rom. 10:9).

My goal is to simply share God's gracious gift. If being labeled narrow-minded, legalistic, judgmental, arrogant and intolerant is the cost of speaking the truth in love, so be it. In 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Paul instructs Timothy, "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:  Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching."

Paul is saying to preach the difficult truths as well as the joyful ones; preach the cross and the new life; preach hell and preach heaven; preach damnation and preach salvation; preach sin and preach grace; preach wrath and preach love; preach judgment and preach mercy; preach obedience and preach forgiveness; preach that God "is love," but don't forget that God is just. It is the love of God that compels us to share all of His truth.

Paul continues, "For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, having itching ears, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn to myths" (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

This should sound an alarm in the heart of every preacher, pastor and teacher to seriously reevaluate their ministry—are we encouraging sin by not warning? If so, we're heading down a dangerous path.

A.W. Tozer reminds us that we'll stand to be judged someday: "That makes me both love Him and fear Him! I love Him because He is my Savior, and I fear Him because He is my Judge." We must speak the truth in love despite the cost.

Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Leona Valley, California, just North of Los Angeles. 

Two Reasons For The Decline of the Power of God

By Bert Farias

Smith Wigglesworth spoke prophetically decades ago before he died and said that the greatest move of God would be in the 1980s, when solid teaching of the Word would be combined with the gifts and the move of the Holy Spirit. He knew he wouldn't live to see it, but the younger generation would. I cut my teeth on that move of God and personally benefited greatly from it and enjoyed it while it lasted. That move of the Word and the Spirit laid a solid foundation in both my wife and me that we have carried these many years.

We were also privileged to be a part of a very fruitful Word and Spirit missionary movement in West Africa that took us into three different countries before transitioning in the '90s back to America. Here in our own homeland, we were privileged once again to be a part of a great outpouring known now historically as the Brownsville revival (1995-2000). In a five-year period, 4 million visitors came from around the world to that revival, with 150,000 experiencing first-time salvation. We were part of the faculty of senior leaders of the Bible school that spawned from that revival. There, we helped to establish students in the Word of God and their ministry callings.

Since that era, however, I have witnessed a declension in both the Word of truth and the Spirit of truth in many churches. It's not the same. Something is lacking. What should have continued to grow in might and strength has actually declined. What has happened to cause this declension and diminishing of both the Word and the Spirit? Mainly two things.

First Reason for Declension

First, the lack of prayer and the lack of power has resulted in fewer conversions and the decline of church attendance. To offset this, church leadership has created a new church model. This newer model was largely shaped by such men as Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago and Rick Warren of Saddleback Valley Community Church, south of Los Angeles. Their influence is stunning. For example, years ago Willow Creek formed its own association of churches, about 9,500 of them, with 100,000 church leaders attending at least one conference. In its beginnings, more than 250,000 pastors and church leaders from over 125 countries also attended Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Church seminars, and more than 60,000 pastors initially subscribed to his weekly email newsletter. Those numbers may be much higher now, just to give you an idea of the scope of the influence of just these two men and this new church model.

This new church model has bred multitudes of churches called "seeker friendly" or "seeker awareness." Their main philosophy is evangelizing through application of the latest marketing techniques. Typically, it begins with a survey of the lost or unchurched. This survey questions the unchurched about the things that interest them and offers things that would motivate them to attend a church. Results of the questionnaire indicate areas of potential changes in the church's operations and services that would be effective in order to attract the unchurched, keep them attending and win them to Christ. Those who have developed this marketing approach guarantee the growth of churches that diligently follow their proven methods. As far as numbers, this method is working, as many churches are exploding with growth. But is it biblically based, or is it a gross compromise of the real gospel? (See my book, The Real Gospel.)

Though it is noble and praiseworthy to reach more people for Christ, let me show you why the means and methods are clearly corrupted. As a result, the end must be corrupted also. Let's begin with marketing as a tactic for reaching the lost.

Fundamentally, marketing has to do with profiling consumers, identifying what their "felt needs" are (by the way, this has been the No. 1 reason publishers have rejected most of my books—not a "felt need"), and then fashioning one's product (or its image) to appeal to the targeted customer's desires. The desired result is that the consumer buys into the product. George Barna, whom Christianity Todaycalls "the church's guru of growth," claims such an approach is essential for the church in our market-driven society. Evangelical church growth leaders are convinced that the marketing approach can be implemented without compromising the gospel. I'm afraid that this has been a great deception, and in my own humble opinion, the No. 1 reason for the declension and diminishing of the power of God in many of our churches.

A.B. McMahon explains it so well:

First of all, the gospel and the person of Jesus Christ are not "products" to be "sold." They cannot be refashioned or image-adjusted to appeal to the felt needs of our consumer-happy culture. Any attempt to do so compromises to some degree the truth of who Christ is and what He has done for us. For example, if the lost are considered consumers and a basic marketing "commandment" says that the customer must reign supreme, then whatever may be offensive to the lost must be discarded, revamped or downplayed. Scripture tells us clearly that the message of the Cross is "foolishness to them that are perishing" and that Christ himself is a "rock of offense" (see 1 Cor:1:18; 1 Pet. 2:8). Some seeker-friendly churches, therefore, seek to avoid this "negative aspect" of the gospel by making the temporal benefits of becoming a Christian their chief selling point. Although that appeals to our gratification-oriented generation, it is neither the gospel nor the goal of a believer's life in Christ.

Truth be told, this new model is now a monster that is breeding a second-generation semi-believer who lacks passion for God and discernment in the things of the Spirit, and is unskilled in the word of righteousness. This is the sad result of man flexing his own muscles and building churches with the strength of the arm of flesh. We have been wise in our own conceits and placed our trust in man's wisdom and ability.

Secondly, if you want to attract the lost on the basis of what might interest them, for the most part you will be appealing to and accommodating their flesh. Wittingly or unwittingly, that seems to be the standard operating procedure of seeker-friendly churches. They mimic what's popular in our culture: top 40 and performance-style music, theatrical productions, stimulating multi-media presentations and30 minutes or fewer of positive messages. The latter, more often than not, are topical, therapeutic and centered on self-fulfillment and how the Lord can meet one's needs and help solve one's problems.

What I have just described at length is the product of man's own wisdom, and the first reason for the declension and diminishing of both the Word of truth and the Spirit of truth.

Second Reason for Declension

Lack of solid biblically based teaching of the Word of God and accurate demonstrations of the Spirit of God have created a void for people to chase spiritual experiences, thrills and sensationalism outside of the real truth. In our travels, we see much of this. Many who are weak in the foundations of the Word are hungry for an experience. That is a risky combination, as it leads to chasing mystical things and the false prophetic.

Some examples would be the obsession with receiving personal prophecy, the abuse of the laying on of hands for everything—for faith, for financial breakthrough, for deliverance, to impart ministry anointing; the gross overemphasis on warfare and deliverance and so forth. Many of these blessings come through the Word, personal disciplines to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and praying and being led by the Spirit of God. People need to be taught these things.

You can't lay hands on people for everything. And personal prophecy is not the main way you receive from God. Even misguided pastors fall into the trap of either being too heavy handed and restrictive in their leadership style, which will also cause its own set of problems, or being too loose and letting things be a free-for-all.

Good shepherds are good gatekeepers, and they watch at the gate of people's lives for thieves who would steal, kill and destroy them. Good shepherds warn their people of wolves in sheep's clothing that would destroy the sheep. They warn their people of false teachings that will make them spiritually sick. The primary way they do this is by teaching and demonstrating the truth—the same way bank tellers can spot a counterfeit bill by being so familiar with the real. This is also the reason God has given us the Ephesians 4:11 ministry gifts—so spiritual children won't be "tossed here and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men" (Eph. 4:14). Good shepherds are like good parents who watch what comes into their children's lives through their associations and lifestyles.

I'm also finding a growing number of older Christians who are not really grounded in the Word of God. They are like those the Word describes who ought to be teachers by now, but have become "dull of hearing" and need someone to teach them again the first principles of the oracles of God (Heb. 5:11-12). Oh, some can quote the Word, and rejoice about the Word, nod their heads and shout amen at the preaching of the Word, but they are spiritual babies who have need of milk and cannot handle solid food yet.

The true anointing of the Spirit must be your teacher, for it is a day and an hour where many are being led astray. Foundational things must be taught to solidify people's lives. Knowing the Word, learning the true anointing and being led by the Spirit must become the emphasis. Understanding your personal authority as a believer, walking in faith and love, learning to enter into the prayer life by putting on the armor of God should be a high priority for every saint. These foundations should never get old, but need to be rehearsed and renewed regularly. Even as athletes or musicians or other occupational workers must continually practice the fundamentals of what they do, so should the earnest Christian do.

Through a process of time, hearkening to this practical instruction will turn the tide again and cause a groundswell of power and effectiveness in the life of the church that will once again distinguish it from the false and carnal church. We've lost spiritual ground that needs to be recovered and pass it on to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.

On Contending For The Faith

"A denomination that has backslid has never been known to come back to God. A lot of folks are hoping to revive the church, but it will be the first time that it has ever happened...it won't be long until they will push you out the back door as quietly as possible and shut it." Dr. V. O. Agan

5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Preaching on the End Times

5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Preaching on the End Times

By Marty Duren

Few things capture the imaginations of church-going folks than sermons on the Last Days or End Times. This is not a new phenomenon. The first century believers in Thessalonica (modern day Thessaloniki, Greece) seemed to be enamored with Christ’s return, but Paul did not want them to misunderstand the truth about it:

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep [have died], so that you will not grieve like those who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. (1 Thessalonians 5:13-14)

Pastors and theologians have long held the importance of accurately dividing eschatological words of truth. Too often, though, we see dull knives forced again and again onto the sacred text, resulting in tortured interpretations (the UN Secretary General as the Antichrist) or unbiblical expectations (77 Reasons Jesus Will Return in 1977).

In the 1970s and 80s, church auditoriums were swollen with people convinced 2017 would fall during the Millennial reign of Christ. Jesus would long have returned by now. Instead, we have Millennials and Gen Zers with little-to-no connection to—or interest in—long expired dates on “End Times” labels.

Eschatological preaching is needed. We do have a blessed hope. Christ promised to return. Part of our motivation for holiness is to be ready for his appearing. His re-appearance will usher in the cosmic renewal for which his followers have yearned for centuries, indeed all of creation is yearning.

But, let’s get it right.

When we preach from Daniel, Revelation, the Olivet Discourse, the “man of sin,” or other prophetic passages, here are a few pitfalls to avoid.

1. Making every news item a “sign of the times.”

Seeking signs is nothing new. Signs were commonplace for God’s people in the Old Testament. After Jesus informed his disciples of Jerusalem’s impending destruction, they wanted to know:

Tell us, when will these things happen?

What is the sign of your coming?

What is the sign of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:3)

Jesus then gave about half-of-a-chapter of signs and instructions. His followers have been looking for signs of his coming since that day. It has practically become a spiritual gift.

When pastors or teachers try to convert news items into biblical signs, the results can be theologically catastrophic. Take the pastor I saw on his TV broadcast who said to his church—in utter seriousness—that Microsoft’s Windows operating system is the Beast of Revelation. Or a computer in Belgium called “the Beast.” Or the EC being the restored Roman Empire. Or the Gulf War will lead to Armageddon.

Pastors, teachers, and theologians—historically—have not proven adept at reading the signs of the times. We would be better off preaching on disciple-making than tying daily headlines to a biblical prophecy.

2. Playing “Name the Antichrist.”

Henry Kissinger. Ronald Reagan. King George. The Pope (just pick one). Caesar. A random Jew from the tribe of Dan.

Each and every one of these, at some point in history, has been suspected (or accused) of being the Antichrist. Such speculation is distracting to the mission God has give us.

There is no scripture that encourages guessing the identity of the Antichrist. We (not to mention our churches!) would be better off in leaving this secret thing to God.

3. Neglecting the original audience.

When we do not take into account the original audience of the text, we may find ourselves in fantasy land. When Jesus and his disciples walked across the temple complex and Jesus said “not one stone” will be left “on another,” his disciples would not have interpreted a 2,000-year futuristic reference. Indeed, it was mere decades (AD 70) before that prophecy was fulfilled. When Jesus said in Matthew 24:9, “Then they will hand you over..they will kill you…you will be hated,” Peter, James, and John would not have connected “you” to 21st century Christians; they would have looked at each other.

As with any scriptural text, the original audience should be considered. They provide part of the context for accurate biblical interpretation. When we better understand what it meant to them, we better understand what it means.

4. Setting dates.

“No one knows the day or the hour.”

‘Nuf said.

5. Overemphasizing an American role.

Some American Christians seem enamored with how (or if) America fits into biblical prophecy. One preacher I heard likened an Old Testament “eagle’s wings” reference to the United States because our national bird is the bald eagle. That’s as shaky as maracas in a Salsa band.

Many American Christians already struggle with a view of history that is over-Western or overtly American, seemingly unaware that God has used myriad nations throughout history to accomplish his will. Scripturally speaking, America, ancient Rome, Botswana, China, Persia, Mongolia, and Montenegro are the same in God’s eyes: a drop in the bucket, dust on a scale, empty nothingness (Isaiah 40:15-17). He uses them as he wills, when he wills, if he wills.

When we assign to America a greater role than scripture reveals we may be leading hearers to an interpretive pit. Some things that “make for good preachin'” do not make for good Bible.

Jesus is coming again. He will return to the earth just as he was seen leaving it nearly 2,000 years ago. He will come in power. He will institute the fulness of his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Until then, he has given us a Great Commission. The more the mission consumes us, the fewer pitfalls of eschatological speculation will deter us. May we live in faith what God has revealed, while leaving the secret things to him.

Preparing the Way For The Baptism in the Spirit

Wrong thinking, false teaching, culture and traditions can hinder the Word preparing hearts and minds in receiving the Holy Spirit. Here are some answers to common errors.

Every Believer Indwelt (but not filled) - When you pray for the Baptism in the Spirit you are not asking for the Holy Spirit to come into your life. He is already dwelling within you or you are not saved (Rom. 8:9). The Savior who came into your life when you put your faith in Him (Jn. 1:12) is also the Baptizer in the Spirit (Matt. 3:11). The Spirit already dwells within - the Godhead dwells within – and you don’t get some other part of God in the Baptism (Jn. 14:23). You are asking for a release of the Holy Spirit to enable you to breakthrough to a new dimension of life.

“Am I Good (Holy) Enough?” - The Baptism is not a wage or reward. It is a gift. The idea that you can improve or better yourself to become more qualified for the things of God runs contrary to grace. God certainly desires we be sanctified and our lives line up with Christ’s but that is not possible by self-effort and requires the help of the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 4:3-5, 7; Jn. 15:1-8; Gal. 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit is the agent in sanctification and holiness is the result of allowing and yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Not of works but faith. When we are born again we are justified and declared righteous. We still need the sanctifying work of the Spirit but this doesn’t disqualify one from receiving the Spirit. Greater cleansing will come after the Baptism. The Spirit-baptized will be more sensitive to the Spirit’s presence and leadership. A believer is entitled to the Blessing and He delights in your receiving it.

No Reason to Fear the Holy Spirit - When you received Christ as Savior did you fear what He would do to you? You did not! You saw Him as Friend (Jn. 15:14-15). Anything God gives us is good. The Holy Spirit is God and just like Jesus! See Jn. 14:16-18. The word “another” means “of the same kind.” Just as Jesus was a Helper (Comforter) so the Holy Spirit will be the same in our lives as He comes alongside to comfort, strengthen and teach us. He has the same nature and demeanor as Jesus and there is no need to fear Him. Who convicted and drew you to Jesus? The Holy Spirit. He enabled you to believe and repent. Did you fear the Spirit as you accepted and responded to Christ? Nor should you fear when seeking the Baptism.

You Speak (the Spirit gives the utterance) - In the Baptism you are the one speaking. The Holy Spirit gives the utterance. He does not make you speak. The speaking is an act of faith. You choose to speak in tongues just like you choose to speak in English. Releasing faith means action. In the NT when someone heard the Word they had to make a decision to act on it. This initiative is obedience. When they did God was faithful to do His part. As you do your part in the Baptism by beginning to speak, God does His part and gives the utterance. Nothing will happen until you do your part. The Promise is for every Christian to be filled and to speak in tongues. It’s Word. The responsibility is ours to respond to in obedience expecting the miracle of tongues to occur.  “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (passive voice – something God does) and began to speak (active voice – something the disciples did) with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). It does not read: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues…” This grammar would remove the active participation of the believers. Paul spoke in tongues (1 Cor. 14:18). For him it was something he made an active decision and participated in. See 1 Cor. 14:14-15. “I will pray… I will sing…” You choose to use the physical parts and faculties of your body in speaking or singing and the Spirit gives the utterance. Our physical obedience is essential for God to do the filling (Ps. 81:10; Acts 5:32). We obey and do our part (speaking) He will do His and fill us with His Spirit in a dynamic release of spiritual language.

“I Don’t Want It to Be Me” - It will be you doing the speaking. The Holy Spirit will not overpower you causing you to speak in tongues. He will whisper, impress or nudge you with thoughts, words, ideas or even sounds but you do the speaking. He gives the utterance. God will give you what you ask for and not a counterfeit or fake language (Luke 11:9-13). When you ask in faith you can expect to receive the Spirit’s power as promised by God. (“I don’t want to get in the flesh”) When you accepted Christ He honored your faith and confession and were saved. Did you worry about getting in the flesh when you were saved? You trusted the Holy Spirit to save you when you repented and put your faith in Christ and when you trust the Spirit to give you the utterance (just like in salvation) while you speak you are no more in the flesh as then. You are presenting your body as a living sacrifice spiritually just as you did in salvation.

The Place of Emotions - Some may think to receive the Baptism extreme manifestations are necessary. I don’t have to be in some emotional state to speak in English and it’s unnecessary for tongues. There may be joy, excitement and other manifestations when the Baptism is received but are not required or necessary. Also, speaking in tongues does not have to occur in an unconscious state or while unaware of surroundings. So called “ecstatic utterances” are not Biblical. There is a place for excitement and emotions in our worship. God gave us our emotions for a reason. But for the Baptism they are not required. Many emotions/physical manifestations are learned behaviors. This is not to say there will not be excitement, joy and praise along with emotion when received.

Tarrying - Many think they must wait long periods of time to receive the Baptism. The only time it was required was when the disciples gathered in the Upper Room awaiting the outpouring promised by Jesus (Luke 24:49). Otherwise there is no record in the NT Christians were required to wait for the Spirit after Pentecost.

·         Acts 4:31 They prayed and were filled. No waiting.

·         Acts 8:15, 17 In Samaria they immediately received.

·         Acts 9:17, 20 Implied in Paul’s situation.

·         Acts 10 While Peter was speaking.

·         Acts 19:6 As conditions were met the gift was immediately poured out.

Since Pentecost all believers can receive the gift when they ask in faith. You didn’t have to tarry to be saved nor do you for the Baptism.

Faith - Gal. 3:2, 14. To say you believe and not to act on it is not faith. Faith is reception and release. You receive by faith and then release the gift by faith in the utterance of God. See Mark 11:24. Ask, believe you received and then begin to speak in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

8 RESULTS OF DISOBEYING GOD

Neglecting Divine Leadership 

By Charles F. Stanley

SEPTEMBER 03, 2017

We need God’s guidance for every area of our lives—financial decisions, marriage, business, education, and anything that concerns us. Sometimes we’re going in the right direction, but the timing isn’t right. God not only knows what we should do, but how and when as well. Some choices may seem fantastic from our perspective, but if they aren’t God’s will, we will regret them eventually. As Christ’s followers, we have the Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth. But if we neglect His divine leadership and insist on going our own way, the Lord will let us face the consequences until we finally repent and turn back to Him. When we refuse to consult the Lord and are determined to go our own way, we can expect the following results:

Confusion. We’ll start to question our decision and wonder if we made a wrong choice. God’s actions at the Tower of Babel demonstrate how He brings confusion when we make decisions apart from Him. Not only were their plans frustrated, but God accomplished His will despite them, as they scattered over the surface of the earth.

Conflict. We’ll experience internal conflict when the Holy Spirit gives us a sense of uneasiness, inadequacy, and doubt over our course of action.

Cost. Disobedience is always costly when we don’t do the right thing, in the right time, and in the right way. Loss. We will experience loss at some point in our lives, whether emotionally or physically.

Regret. God chooses the best direction, time, and way. Therefore, if we go in an opposite direction, don’t wait for His timing, or do it our way, we will miss His best and suffer deep regret.

Pain. We may experience physical pain as the result of our disobedience, but the worst pain is that which is emotional. As we look back at our choices, we’ll be filled with thoughts of “If only I’d done this or not done that.”

Disaster. It could come to us financially, emotionally, or in countless other ways, but the result of disobedience is always disastrous because we didn’t follow the Lord.

Discipline. If we will not listen and obey God, He’ll discipline us. His goal is that we learn to trust in Him with all our heart instead of leaning on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). Only then will He make our paths straight. 

If we claim that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord, we should consult Him regarding every decision. He loves us, understands our weaknesses, knows what’s best for us and how to accomplish it, and can save us from the pain and trouble that could result from following our own self-directed path. When He directs our way, He ensures that everything works out according to His will because He has the power to accomplish it.

Great Article on Modesty

"In many cases, the very women offended by the negative attention of men are dressing in such a way as to earn it."

Click on this to read a great article on modesty. Modesty, Yoga Pants and 5 Myths You Need to Know.

Predestined to Be Lost?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6

By foreknowledge God knew I would choose Him. As a result He chose me because He knew I would believe on Jesus as my Savior and Lord. He didn’t decide if I would be saved or lost without foreknowledge that I would. He didn’t decide I would be saved and yet someone else would be lost. The choice was mine. He didn’t make it for me. He will not violate my free will because I believe He wants us to want Him.

The choice belongs to the other fellow as well. If he rejects Christ then he is not going to be counted with the Elect (who are the ones who did make the choice for Jesus). God is not the reason someone misses Heaven. It is truly “whosoever will.” The truth is that God chooses the corporate Body of Christ as His Elect because Jesus is The Elect (“My beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased”). If we are “in Him” we are the chosen ones.

It all comes down to whether a person is in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is at the center of God’s plan for us and has been from the beginning. What you do with Jesus makes the difference in where you will spend eternity. That has always been the plan. For those who accept Christ, they are predestined to become the children of God and be God’s people forever. For those who reject Christ they are doomed to be separated from Him forever.

The choice is ours to make. It isn’t as complicated as many want to make it. Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins and will accept you if you will repent? Will you make Him Lord of your life? If so you are the Elect – the Chosen. If not, then you are not.

> Brother Jesse

Written in Blood

In his book Written in Blood, Robert Coleman tells the story of a little boy whose sister needed a blood transfusion. The doctor explained that she had the same disease the boy had recovered from two years earlier. Her only chance for recovery was a transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the disease. Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the boy was the ideal donor.

"Would you give your blood to Mary?" the doctor asked. Johnny hesitated. His lower lip started to tremble. Then he smiled and said, "Sure, for my sister." Soon the two children were wheeled into the hospital room--Mary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and healthy. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met, Johnny grinned. As the nurse inserted the needle into his arm, Johnny's smile faded. He watched the blood flow through the tube.

With the ordeal almost over, his voice, slightly shaky, broke the silence. "Doctor, when do I die?'

Only then did the doctor realize why Johnny had hesitated, why his lip had trembled when he'd agreed to donate his blood. He's thought giving his blood to his sister meant giving up his life. In that brief moment, he'd made his great decision. Johnny, fortunately, didn't have to die to save his sister. Each of us, however, has a condition more serious than Mary's, and it required Jesus to give not just His blood but His life.

Why Blood?

On February 16, 1989 the lives of George and Vera Bajenksi of Ontario, Canada were changed forever. It was a very normal Thursday morning. The phone rang at 9:15 a.m. There was an accident involving their son Ben. As they approached the intersection of Adelaide and Simcoe Streets near the high school, they could see the flashing lights of the police cars and ambulance units. Vera noticed a photographer and followed the direction of his camera lens to the largest pool of blood she had ever seen. All she could say was, "George, Ben went home--home to be with his Heavenly Father!"

Her first reaction was to jump out of the car, somehow collect the blood and put it back into her son. "That blood, for me, at that moment, became the most precious thing in the world because it was life. It was life-giving blood and it belonged in my son, my only son, the one I loved so much." The road was dirty and the blood just didn't belong there.

George noticed that cars were driving right through the intersection--right through the blood. His heart was smitten. He wanted to cover the blood with his coat and cry, "You will not drive over the blood of my son!" Then Vera understood for the first time in her life, one of God's greatest and most beautiful truths...why blood? Because it was the strongest language God could have used. It was the most precious thing He could give--the highest price He could pay. Through God's amazing love we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ.

(Victor Knowles, Peace on Earth Ministries, Joplin, MO. George and Vera Bajenski minister with Global Missionary Ministries, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. From Leland Patrick's Sermon "When God Changed His Address")

The Bible - the Mind of God

“This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.”

Farewell Cultural Christianity

Read this article by Russell Moore - Farewell Cultural Christianity.

"In the last generation of Christian public engagement, there were some genuine prophets and saints, who called the church out of isolation but constantly warned against a political captivity of the church, a captivity that would tap Christianity of its righteous zeal for the sake of power but would, ultimately, drain it of what every culture finds most troublesome: the exclusivity of Christ.

As American culture changes, the scandal of Christianity is increasingly right up front, exactly where it was in the first century. The shaking of American culture will get us back to the question Jesus asked his disciples at Caesarea Philippi: “Who do you say that I am?” As the Bible Belt recedes, those left standing up for Jesus will be those who, like Simon Peter of old, know how to answer that question. Once Christianity is no longer seen as part and parcel of patriotism, the church must offer more than “What would Jesus do?” moralism and the “I vote values” populism to which we’ve grown accustomed. Good." Russell Moore

All Have Sinned

Some years ago in a church in England, the pastor noticed that a former burglar was kneeling at the communion rail beside a judge of the Supreme Court of England, the very judge who, years before, had sentenced the burglar to seven years in prison. After his release the burglar had been converted to Christ and had become a Christian worker.

After the service, as the judge and the pastor walked home together, the judge asked, “Did you see who was kneeling beside me at the communion rail?” “Yes,” replied the pastor, “but I didn’t know that you noticed.” The two men walked on in silence for a few moments, and then the judge said, “What a miracle of grace!” The pastor nodded in agreement, “Yes, what a marvelous miracle of grace!”

Then the judge said, “But to whom do you refer?” The pastor replied, “Why to the conversion of that convict.” The judge said, “But I was not referring to him. I was thinking of myself.” “What do you mean?” the pastor asked.

The judge replied, “That burglar knew how much he needed Christ to save him from his sins. But look at me. I was taught from childhood to live as a gentleman, to keep my word, to say my prayers, to go to church. I went through Oxford, took my degrees, was called to the bar and eventually became a judge. Pastor, nothing but the grace of God could have caused me to admit that I was a sinner on a level with that burglar. It took much more grace to forgive me for all my pride and self-righteousness, to get me to admit that I was no better in the eyes of God than that convict whom I had sent to prison.”

Unknown Source

Unconverted Believers

Matthew 4:19
And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Luke 9:23
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

In a world where everything revolves around self – protect yourself, preserve yourself, entertain yourself, comfort yourself, take care of yourself – Jesus said, “Slay yourself.” In Jesus the disciples found something worth losing everything for. Two thousand years later, I wonder how far we have wondered from this path. Somewhere along the way, amid varying cultural tides and popular church trends, it seems that we have minimized Jesus' summons to total abandonment.

The call to follow Jesus is not simply an invitation to pray a prayer; it's a summons to lose our lives. There is a cost that accompanies stepping out of casual, comfortable, cultural Christianity, but it is worth it. I am convinced that when we take a serious look at what Jesus really meant when He said, “Follow Me,” we will discover that there is far more pleasure to be experienced in Him, indescribably greater power to be realized with Him, and a much higher purpose to be accomplished for Him than anything else this world has to offer. And as a result, we will all – every single Christian – eagerly, willingly, and gladly lose our lives to know and proclaim Christ, for this is simply what it means to follow Him.

Just ask Jesus into your heart. Simply invite Christ into your heart. Repeat this prayer and you will be saved. Should it alarm us that the Bible never mentions such a prayer? Should it concern us that nowhere in Scripture is anyone ever told to “ask Jesus into their heart” or to “invite Christ into their life”? Yet this is exactly what multitudes of professing Christians have been encouraged to do, and they've been assured that as long as they said certain words, recited a particular prayer, raised their hand, checked a box, signed a card, or walked an aisle, they are Christians and their salvation is eternally secure.

It's not true. With good intentions and sincere desires to reach as many people as possible for Jesus, we have subtly and deceptively minimized the magnitude of what it means to follow Him. We've replaced challenging words from Christ with trite phrases in the church.

If our lives do not reflect the fruit of following Jesus, then we are foolish to think that we are actually followers of Jesus in the first place. People who claim to be Christians while their lives look no different from the rest of the world are clearly not Christians.

The first word out of Jesus mouth in His ministry in the NT is clear: repent. This word is also the foundation for the first Christian sermon in the book of Acts. After Peter proclaims the good news of Christ's death for sin, the crowds ask him, “What shall we do?” Peter decidedly does not tell them to close their eyes, repeat after him, or raise their hands. Instead, Peter determinedly looks them right in their eyes and says, “Repent.”

Repentance is a rich biblical term that signifies an elemental transformation in someone's mind, heart and life. From that point forward, they think differently, believe differently, feel differently, love differently and live differently. Jesus' call to repentance, then, was a summons for them to renounce sin and all dependence on self for salvation. Only by turning from their sin and themselves and toward Jesus could they be saved.

When we become followers of Jesus, we make a decided break with an old way of living and take a decisive turn to a new way of life. We literally die to sin and to ourselves – our self-centeredness, self-consumption, self-righteousness, self-indulgence, self-effort and self-exaltation. In the words of Paul, we “have been crucified with Christ and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us.”

To say that we believe in Jesus apart from conversion in your life completely misses the essence of what it means to follow Him. Do not be deceived. Your relationship with Jesus and your status before God are not based on a decision you made, a prayer you prayed, a card you signed, or a hand you raised however many years ago. And the Christian life does not ultimately begin with inviting Jesus to come into your heart. That invitation comes from Him.