Weapons of Our Warfare

In Spiritual battles...the weapons of our warfare are forged in the furnace of TRUTH.

FALSE DOCTRINE sends people into battle with TOY WEAPONS...leaving the Church wondering why Satan seems so victorious in these last days.

Satan's lies are NO MATCH for TRUTH!

But...against PLASTIC WEAPONRY...Satan has been having a field day!

The results? Deceived soldiers enter battle believing their toy guns can wipe out the enemy. As the toy gun makes the SOUND of battle, its lack of REAL AMMUNITION becomes gravely evident...as soldiers are quickly overpowered and subdued, lying wounded and broken...many unto death.

FAKE WEAPONRY only works in FAKE BATTLES!

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NKJV
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."

Knowledge and wisdom are founded in TRUTH...and only TRUTH can bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." Our minds are CAPTIVE...whether to TRUTH or to LIE...whether to CHRIST or to SATAN.

FALSE DOCTRINE is the equivalent of asking SATAN to supply the WEAPONRY by which we are to defeat him! In so doing, the Church has been handed TOY GUNS with which to fight...toys equipped with REALISTIC SOUNDS and ACTIVE TRIGGERS...but toys ABSENT of any REAL POWER and AMMUNITION.

Satan never even FLINCHES at a TOY SWORD swung in defiance as the soldier proclaims "God wants us RICH and COMFORTABLE!"

It is only when the TRUE SWORD...the Sword of the Spirit...is wielded by the hands of a soldier established in TRUTH...as that Soldier proclaims "Jesus is Lord! And Jesus calls us to accept His gift of GRACE through faith, believing that He IS the Son of God...Who was crucified, buried, in the tomb for 3 days, and Who rose again after 3 days...and He is sitting at the right hand of the Father, ever making intercession for you and for me! And the call of Jesus to each of us who accapts that free gift? A call to BATTLE...as He commands us to TAKE UP THE CROSS, AND FOLLOW HIM!"...it is only THEN that TRUTH is able to PULL DOWN STRONGHOLDS...STRONGHOLDS of:

Sin and Sorrow!
Deception and Doubt!
Pain and Persecution!

When the Church lays down its TOY GUNS and once again picks up the SWORD of TRUTH...it is THEN that the works of Satan in the lives of the members...AND in the lives of those we encounter daily...will begin to CRUMBLE, as TRUTH bombards the STRONGHOLDS of DECEPTION that has, for so long, given the people a FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY.

Let me be clear:

Satan basks in SAFETY when pulpits are filled with the message of EARTHLY GAIN and RICHES...but Satan COWERS in DEFEAT when the Body of Christ...the Army of God...takes up their CROSS and their Sword of Truth and they BOLDLY march into battle...willing to DIE for the CAUSE OF CHRIST in defense of TRUTH.

The preaching of FALSE DOCTRINE actually EMPOWERS Satan: the preaching of TRUTH actually DISARMS Satan!

The WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE are forged in TRUTH...and the CROSS we bear is NOT a hindrance...it is our STRENGTH in battle!

It is time the Church lays down its TOY GUNS and, once again, firmly takes hold of the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT as it marches into battle. If we march in OBEDIENCE ("...and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.")...the battle is already won...through the power of Jesus Christ!

In Christ,
Ron

MORALITY versus TRUTH?

Many in the Church today cannot understand the many differences in doctrinal positions which are being taught within various churches and denominations.

Through study and research, I am finding that most people who label themselves as "Christian" have a false belief that “all churches are basically teaching the same things.”

Yet...as clearly shown in God’s Word...there are a MYRIAD of false teachings and false doctrines…all being propagated by throngs of false teachers and false prophets.

For so long, I have wondered WHY so many “Christians” are blind to false teaching…failing to know WHAT is false...failing to know that the Bible specifically mentions the SUBJECT MATTER of false doctrine.

The Bible did not simply deal with false doctrine in some abstract way...and...in most cases...the SPECIFIC false doctrine was mentioned within the context of Scripture.

Here is a passage I have used often…but...once more...examine this passage…noting the FALSE DOCTRINE which Paul was speaking AGAINST.

1 Timothy 6:1-11 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

1. Paul mentions two groups…bondservants and masters.

2. Paul mentions two types of masters…believing and unbelieving (mentioned abstractly in nature).

3. Paul tells servants to serve faithfully…not to “despise” the position of servant.

4. Paul transitions by saying that this situation…this position of faithful, honoring servant…is to be taught and desired, saying it is a “doctrine which accords with godliness”.

5. Paul labels those who preach OTHERWISE…those who despise being a SERVANT...those who believe that they are made to be the MASTER…are “proud, knowing nothing” and they are actually birthing “envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wrangling of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth…”

6. Paul then exposes the erroneous belief of those who teach “otherwise”…as he says they “suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”

7. Paul says “withdraw yourself” from anyone who teaches that “godliness is a means of gain.”

8. Paul states that “godliness” is NOT marked by EARTHLY RICHES…saying “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

9. Paul shows the fleeting nature of EARTHLY RICHES…saying “we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

10. Paul says we are to be CONTENT if we have food and clothing…to be CONTENT if we have what we NEED.

11. Paul SPECIFICALLY says “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

12. Paul exposes why some seek RICHES and the “evil” behind that desire: GREED.

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness…”

13. Paul says this “greediness” is actually like committing spiritual suicide: “…for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

14. Paul says “flee from these things”….RUN AWAY from the false teaching that he has just mentioned!

15. Paul says to pursue “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness” INSTEAD of seeking to be wealthy and falsely believing that “godliness is a means of gain"...which fully renounces ANY belief that being a Christian comes with a "promise of God" by which He makes believers WEALTHY!

So…in this passage of Scripture, Paul SPECIFICALLY and PLAINLY states that it is FALSE TEACHING when someone says “God promises every Christian EARTHLY WEALTH and RICHES if they follow certain principles. We are to seek what God wants for His children…and God wants His children RICH!”

But...what about the more SUBTLE misrepresentations of God’s Word by MANY famous preachers today?

Why does it seem that so many believers cannot see what…at least TO ME…is so plain and evident:

Many doctrines being preached by the most famous ministers of our day...and their faithful minions…men with HUGE churches and HUGE followings…are simply FALSE DOCTRINE!

God HAS revealed that answer.

I often say:

“It isn’t rocket science!”

The answer to the deception is really so simple! The reason so many people cannot see the TRUTH is clear!

As I have often said…if Satan came in screaming “I AM SATAN AND I CAME TO DESTROY YOU! JESUS IS NOT LORD…I AM!” we would all KNOW that it was Satan…now wouldn’t we!?!

You see…Satan comes as an “angel of light”…and his FALSE TEACHERS and FALSE PROPHETS come as "wolves in sheep's clothing."

Satan “introduces destructive heresies” silently…”secretly." Satan PACKAGES his lies in a FACADE of TRUTH.

But…my real purpose today is to expose one MAJOR deception of Satan which is POWERFUL…a method of Satan that is SO DECEPTIVE that I would call this tactic BRILLIANT!

Satan has MASTERFULLY crafted a method that is AMAZINGLY ADEPT at DECEIVING even the elect!

I have to say…Satan has done his homework well…and he has truly found a way to become the MASTER DECEIVER.

So…"What is that method?!” you are asking.

Well…here it is:

Satan has successfully infiltrated the Church with the preaching of MORALITY!!!

Some of you are saying:

“WHAT!?! What could POSSIBLY be wrong with MORALITY!?!”

Listen to me…and pay close attention...discerning this truth prayerfully:

Preaching MORALITY does not equate to preaching TRUTH.

Plato, Socrates, Confucius, Gandhi, The Dali Lama…each of these preached MORALITY!

The writings and teachings of the men just listed are FULL of MORALITY.

These men taught:

Wisdom, love, care, spirituality, helping the poor, feeding the hungry, being “good”, pursuing a higher power, seeking peace…the list can go on and on.

But...what these men did NOT preach is this:

THE WORD OF GOD!

These men did NOT preach TRUTH!

These men did NOT preach JESUS CHRIST!

Can you see it!?!

Preaching MORALITY is not the same as preaching THE UNCOMPROMISING WORD OF GOD!

Today…many have followed this EXACT SAME path of preaching…preaching a “form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”

Instead of “Thus saith the Lord!”...many ministers are preaching “Thus saith the MORAL CODE!"...or..."Thus saith the MOTIVATIONAL PERSPECTIVE!"

MORALITY is not CHRISTIANITY!

MORALITY will not get you to heaven…SALVATION will!

MORALITY is not JESUS!

MORALITY is a TRAIT…not a CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE!

We are not called to be MORAL…we are called to be HOLY and RIGHTEOUS!

The Bible is CLEAR:

A MORAL man can still die and go to hell if he does not receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior by repenting of his sins and accepting the grace of Jesus by faith.

MENTIONING Jesus in a sermon does NOT equate to preaching the GOSPEL!

In MOST sermons today we hear MORALITY being preached…NOT truth…NOT real Christianity!

The sermons are motivational speeches intent on helping someone live a life of morality and contentment…even HELPING people ACCEPT their spiritual existence “as is”…expressing the mantra “Hey, we all sin and we are imperfect! Accept your faults and do not judge yourself for them."

Yet…The BIBLE says that we NEED to “judge” ourselves…to “search” ourselves…and we are to pray:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my anxieties. And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

---MORALITY preaching most often steers away from mentioning SIN and the need for OBEDIENCE.

---MORALITY preaching most often tells the listener what they GAIN (in the earthly realm) by serving God.

---MORALITY preaching is most often concerned with "Living in FAVOR!" instead of "Take up your cross..."

---MORALITY preaching most often makes its focus EARTHLY WEALTH instead of ETERNAL GAIN.

---MORALITY preaching most often says "God loves you just as you are!"...while never QUALIFYING that truth by saying "In Christ, we are a new creation...never again to be who we once WERE! If we are SAVED...then we must be CHANGED!"

Simply put…MORALITY preaching gets our focus on MORAL STANDARDS instead of GOD’S STANDARDS…and there IS a difference!

So many of the men I mentioned earlier were MORAL…yet they were men who followed FALSE GODS! They MET the standards of MORALITY…but they FAILED to meet the standards of GOD!

Lives are NOT CHANGED by the preaching of MORALITY...lives are changed by the preaching of the GOSPEL…the Gospel of Jesus Christ...Him crucified and risen from the dead!

Lives are NOT CHANGED by MORALITY…they are changed by TRUTH!

John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

J.C. Ryle once said:

“There are three things which men never ought to trifle with: a little poison, a little false doctrine, and a little sin.”

May we search the Scriptures to find TRUTH...not just in a search for MORALITY.

Welcome to OBLIVION

WELCOME TO OBLIVION…the city of the masses!

It is a quaint place…a place where there is no trouble, no dissension, no clutter, no hardship, no judgment, no worry, no pain, no rebuke, no reproof, no discomfort, no repentance, no confession, no conviction, no remorse, no death, no wrath, no tomorrow, no eternity…and NO REALITY.

You see…the path leading to this city is DECEPTION AVENUE. Once inside the city limits, you will find EASY STREET and COMFORT COVE and PROSPERITY LANE. You will find no dead ends in OBLIVION…every path leads to BLESSINGS PARKWAY which feeds back in to PROSPERITY LANE.

The town square is lined with ROSES…because EVERYTHING is always coming up ROSES in OBLIVION. The historic homes which surround the square are all in pristine condition…at least on the OUTSIDE. The laws of OBLIVION regulate the APPEARANCE of the residences…and so much time is spent maintaining the FAÇADE that there is no time left to deal with the INTERIOR of each dwelling place. The landscape is IMMACULATE…a source of PRIDE of the community.

There are no JUDGES in OBLIVION: they are just not needed…nor are they welcome. The LAW? No…there is no SHERIFF, no POLICE: who needs law enforcement when no one breaks the law!

There IS a FIRE DEPARTMENT…just in case a FIRE breaks out and it needs to be QUENCHED quickly! Oh…do not misunderstand: there ARE fires…but those are CONTROLLED burnings which are PURPOSELY SET. But be sure…the FIRE DEPARTMENT is on top of things…and no FIRE will break out on its own…especially one fueled by a CLEANSING WIND.

The Newspaper is a source of GREAT PRIDE within the community! THE NEWS LEADER always contains such POSITIVE MESSAGES. You never read anything which isn’t UPLIFTING and ENCOURAGING! And the ADVERTISEMENTS are TERRIFIC! Of course…there are no WANT ADS: I mean, in OBLIVION, everyone already has all they could possibly want. Every desire is met as it is simply DECLARED and PROCLAIMED. Long ago, the founders of OBLIVION realized that they could CREATE by the power of their SPOKEN WORD. So…day in and day out…THE NEWS LEADER makes sure that what is spoken into the lives of the OBLIVIONS are words of POSITIVITY.

Of course…there is no ELECTRICITY within the boundaries of OBLIVION: Negativity is NOT ALLOWED…and, as you know, you cannot have POWER without a POSITIVE and a NEGATIVE. But…the OBLIVIONS see that as a BLESSING: that way, when darkness comes, they cannot see what is staring them right in the face…and they, therefore, do not have to DEAL with what they CANNOT SEE.

The RECREATIONAL AREAS of OBLIVION are IMMACULATE…and they are ALWAYS FULL! People FLOCK to the PLAY AREAS daily! They are the MOST POPULAR places in the whole city! Well…they share that honor with the CHURCHES of OBLIVION.

The Churches? OH…WHAT A SIGHT! They are all WHITE and they are sources of GREAT PRIDE within the community. Never before has MAN built such EXTRAVAGANT EDIFICES…with STAINED GLASS WINDOWS through which light can enter, yet you cannot see the INTERIOR through them. But…they are OH SO BEAUTIFUL in their APPEARANCE! The ACTIVITY around the CHURCH is only equaled by the AMUSEMENT found in the RECREATIONAL AREAS! You can depend on the CHURCH to be a CONSTANT: always there, always encouraging, never judging. The sermons are PRACTICAL…not CONFRONTATIONAL: no DISCOMFORT or UNEASINESS in the message which would create a sense of CONVICTION. NO! The Churches in OBLIVION realize that ATTENDANCE is the KEY to GROWTH…so APPEALING is the CENTRAL GOAL of its existence. The ULTIMATE GOAL is…and must be…to GET PEOPLE TO CHURCH. If they are CHURCHED…they MUST be OK!

LOOK! I see the Mayor of OBLIVION coming down EASY STREET now! Let me introduce you to him: he is a GREAT man!

Everyone…this is our LEADER. Say hello to…the Honorable Dr. D.C. Lucifer!

Come be a part of OBLIVION! It is a place where YOUR DESIRE is OUR DEVOTION...and YOUR PLEASURE is OUR PURPOSE! It is a great place to live…and a great place to raise your children! You will LOVE it!

Hope to see you there: god BLESS!

　

　

Righteous Indignation and Holy Discontent

Here is a my response/comment to a post today. I feel so strongly that God is speaking this. No...let me rephrase that...I am SURE that God is speaking this. How you read this will determine your willingness to accept what God is speaking: it can be read with SKEPTICISM or it can be read with CONVICTION and DISCERNMENT...allowing God to begin a REVIVAL in each of us...a REVIVAL which begins with REPENTANCE and OBEDIENCE to God...and a REVIVAL that could TRANSFORM our lives and our churches and our communities and even our Nation and World. It is up to US...it is NOT up to God! God WILL do HIS PART...He is simply waiting on US to do OUR PART.

This is just my personal take on this...based on what God is speaking to me: The Church has gotten so involved in pleasing people...based on what the people want to hear...that we have truly entered the time that Jesus spoke about...a time where people "will not endure sound doctrine." The Church no longer seems to want to hear about our sinfulness...our need of God...the need for repentance...the need for obedience to God in our lives. We have become complacent and somehow we believe we are to ATTRACT people to Church. God is telling me that as we seek to ATTRACT people...we are REJECTING and REPULSING Him. I was driving the other day and my fiancé and I saw a brand new church. It had just recently been built...it was not large...it was simple yet a very attractive structure. But as I looked to the right of the building...there I saw softball fields and soccer fields...all expertly manicured and kept so very nice. It was all part of the church's property. I immediately felt a STRONG impression (voice) from the Lord, saying "When did I ever speak to the Church to get into the softball and soccer business? The Church has become SO FOCUSED on keeping the people happy and entertained and LOYAL to them that they have left their primary purpose: to focus on and to worship ME." I immediately told my fiancé what I felt God was speaking. I was DEEPLY troubled…as I have been for SEVERAL years…but especially over the last 2 to 3 years. God continues to speak to me that we have fallen SO FAR from His desires and purpose in the Church. Yet…the Church is CONTENT in its present state…believing that CROWDS equate to God’s blessing on the Church. Yet…the Bible fully describes that CROWDS will gather around teaching and teachers who will say what they want to hear. And…nobody seems interested in EVALUATING their own ministry and their own church by GOD’S standards…they simply view a large crowd as the sign that they are doing things right and that they are obeying God and that they are preaching truth. There is no HOLY DISCONTENT with the status quo. Instead, happiness and busy-ness reigns. I think back to when I was young…and when ALL statistics show that the Church was at a point of some of its greatest successes. We had no gym. We had no softball and soccer fields. We had NO CONCEPT that the CHURCH was supposed to provide for us our ENTERTAINMENT in ANY area. Church was where we came to hear what God had to say to the people of God…and, even as a teen, with the same fluctuations that every teen seems to possess spiritually…I recognized the importance of distinguishing between ENTERTAINMENT and HEARING FROM GOD and WORSHIPING GOD. Church and the service was a VERY SERIOUS matter. It did not matter WHAT was going on with the youth…whether we were listening to the sermon or not…but when we KNEW God was speaking, we shut up and felt the HOLY PRESENCE of God…and a HOLY HUSH filled the room. You could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit…and the CONVICTION that was taking place. How small I felt in the Presence of God! How SINFUL I felt in His Presence! How UNWORTHY I felt before such a MIGHTY, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS, JUST, AND ALL POWERFUL GOD! Yet…today…I SELDOM, if EVER…see that occurring in MOST churches today! Instead…I see…and feel God noting in my spirit…that the Church wants to be MOTIVATED instead of MADE NEW…CHARMED instead of CHANGED…PAMPERED without God’s PRESENCE. You see…the TRUE Presence of God is AWE INSPIRING and THE MOST HUMBLING POWER ON EARTH! In Scripture…every person who faced ALMIGHTY GOD was brought down…with His Presence being SO OVERWHELMING and SO HOLY that those who experienced it fell before Him! When God’s glory filled the Temple…look what happened: the Bible says that it was SO OVERWHELMING that the priests could not even stand to minister! The Church has been told for so long that it is “the head and not the tail”…that God wants us “victorious”…that God wants us “financially wealthy”…that God’s focus in on our “blessing”…that we have forgotten to EXAMINE OURSELVES and we fail to realize just how GREAT God is and just how LITTLE and SINFUL and UNWORTHY and DEPENDENT we are on Him! We have become SELF-EXALTED by the MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING of ministers who seek to “make us feel good about ourselves”…but we have become SO FOND of ourselves that we have exalted US and relegated God to our ALMIGHTY helper and supplier! Today, most in the Church serve God for what they can GET from Him…NOT for Who God is! God has become our TICKET to wealth and health and happiness…and He has ceased to be the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Lamb of God, the God Who will one day JUDGE all that has been said and done here on earth! We want God as the God of LOVE…but we reject Him as the God that we must OBEY and SERVE…and we reject Him as the God we must BOW BEFORE! We do NOT want to HUMBLE ourselves in any form or fashion…we want to be EXALTED and LIFTED UP and PRAISED and DEIFIED in many cases! We make GODS out of ministers who “build” a large church…falsely assuming that they did so by FOLLOWING GOD! We ignore the truth of God’s Word when He tells us that the CROWDS will follow those who say what they want to hear…a sign of the last days! Again…no minister or church seems willing to EXAMINE itself to see WHICH spirit it was that helped them grow! They ASSUME it was God…and that GROWTH is the sign of God in their ministry. Again…they are CONTENT with what THEY have built…never realizing that God’s Word shows TWO HOUSES being built…IDENTICAL in outward appearance, I always picture…yet ONE house was built on the ROCK…and the other was built on the SAND! And…WHEN the storms came…the foundation of each house was REVEALED. But…keep in mind…this parable was not just speaking of the Church…it was speaking of INDIVIDUALS who helped build each house. And…WHEN the storms come…those who built their HOUSE on the false beliefs and false teachings of false gospels will find that they do not have the FOUNDATION to endure the storm…and they will FALL in DESTRUCTION. Notice this SERIOUS distinction in this passage…as those who THOUGHT their house was built on the ROCK find out that they put their FAITH in a FALSE GOSPEL: they thought they were doing the work of the Lord…yet Jesus tells them otherwise:

Matthew 7:22-27
“Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

We NEED a HOLY DISCONTENT with our present status! We need REVIVAL…but that is NOT a good thing! As I wrote recently, the need for REVIVAL recognizes that we are NOT in the proper relationship with God. We have FALLEN! You only REVIVE something that is UNCONSCIOUS or NEAR DEATH or even DEAD! God CAN bring the DEAD back to life…but it is up to US to do this:

2 Chronicles 7:14
“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Created for Christ

The Modern Church seems to view God as though He exists to please them. The truth is this: WE were created to please GOD. When we return to the purpose for which we were created we will experience the Presence Of God again: not an EMOTIONAL experience...but a TRUE visitation of the Almighty God.

It is much like a variation on the famous quote from John F. Kennedy: Ask not what God can do for you...ask what YOU can do for GOD!

In many Christian circles...the CROSS was simply NOT SUFFICENT...and Jesus' death was just NOT ENOUGH. In those circles and churches, God has to do MORE...and if He somehow fails to make them wealthy, He is not a worthy God. You see, it is a theology which negates the power of the cross, subordinating the death of Jesus to a "gospel" which seeks earthly blessings and financial wealth and earthly contentment...all while ignoring the truth: that we are to take up our CROSS and we are to follow Christ. We fail to realize the meaning of that calling...yet Paul saw it clearly as he said "that I may know Him (Jesus) and the power of His resurrection, and the FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS.."

Philippians 3:7-11 NKJV

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Jesus would define the price of DISCIPLESHIP:

Mark 10:17, 21 NKJV

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" …21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."

But there is something VERY TELLING and VERY SIGNIFICANT in this passage that is often overlooked or quickly skimmed over. First, notice the rich man comes asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. As we all know, Jesus responded with the words of verse 21 which I posted above. But…once the rich man walks away dejected, Jesus then reveals that the focus of our TRUST is essential.

Mark 10:23-27 NKJV

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

What we discover is that the rich man placed his TRUST in riches…as does the PROSPERITY GOSPEL. Not only is the PROSPERITY GOSPEL a FALSE GOSPEL, but the PROSPERITY GOSPEL is based on a society that places its TRUST in RICHES. The entire premise of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL is based on a false belief that RICHES are NEEDED to bring contentment and happiness. Face it…if RICHES were described by false teachers as “troublesome” and “fleeting” and “seductive” and “deceitfulness” then riches WOULD NOT be sought after NOR trusted. Yet…these are the words used by God throughout Scripture regarding RICHES.

The Church must realize that EARTHLY RICHES will pass away. Even Scripture describes a time when money will be USELESS. Yet…society and Christians alike place their trust in RICHES.

Jesus was inviting us to participate with him in something…yet it was NOT riches. Jesus called us to participate in the SUFFERING OF THE CROSS! Seeing Christianity as a PROMISE OF RICHES is to view God as existing for OUR enjoyment. Seeing Christianity as a CALL TO TAKE UP THE CROSS is to view US as existing to SERVE CHRIST.

The futility of riches? Here are just SOME of the passages in God’s Word about RICHES:

Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man has Is better than the riches of many wicked.

Psalm 39:6 Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them.

Psalm 49: 6-7 Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him

Psalm 52:7 "Here is the man who did not make God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness."

Psalm 62:10 Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.

Proverbs 11:4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches.

Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.

Proverbs 13:7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.

Proverbs 28:22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned and saw under the sun that-- The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

Matthew 13:22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.


NOW…examine just a few passages that focus on TRUE riches:

Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

Ephesians 1:7-14

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

The “inheritance” we have obtained is ETERNAL in nature…and the Holy Spirit is our “guarantee” of that inheritance (the guarantee is NOT earthly riches) UNTIL the day of “redemption” of that inheritance. You see…we will one day die…or we will one day be RAPTURED. And…on that day, we are able to REDEEM our INHERITANCE. Yet…even then…the RICHES will not equate to EARTHLY WEALTH: RICHES in heaven are measured SPIRITUALLY…not TEMPORALLY.

Have you ever REDEEMED anything? There was a time when people collected GREEN STAMPS…and those stamps could be REDEEMED for other things…you EXCHANGED your GREEN STAMPS for MERCHANDISE. Spiritually…our MORTAL will take on IMMORTALITY! We are REDEEMED by the BLOOD OF JESUS…and the Holy Spirit within us NOW is the GUARANTEE that we will one day EXCHANGE our EARTHLY existence for our HEAVENLY existence! Amen!

All of this is possible…when we TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS. Forsake ANY and ALL gospels that focus on the seeking of EARTHLY RICHES…supposing that we can TRUST God while TRUSTING in the futility of seeking wealth.

But…more than that…cease from seeing God as being there FOR US…and let us begin to see OURSELVES as existing for the GLORY OF GOD…to serve Jesus Christ…and to KNOW Him in the “fellowship of His sufferings.”

THAT is our calling.

Conversion to Truth: What Are We Seeking?

TRUTH is the key word for the Church today. I have written much about it over the past year, yet many still seem more willing to gather under the banner of LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, BELIEF, and RELATIONSHIP…on and on the list goes. (I would urge you to read my previous blog which has great relevance to this subject: http://journeyinsightandlife-truths.blogspot.com/2012/06/love-perversion-satans-secret-heresy.html)And…do not get me wrong…those things are of great importance in the realm of Christianity, with each and every facet of what we label “salvation” being essential elements of what we believe as Christians. And, suffice it to say, that each and every aspect of our relationship with God is of the utmost importance.

So…what do I mean, then, when I say that TRUTH is the key word of the Church today?

There is a word which applies greatly here which I have not yet mentioned: CONVERSION.

Merriam-Webster defines CONVERSION this way:

1. The act of converting: the process of being converted

2. An experience associated with the definite and decisive adoption of a religion

In the Christian/Religious realm, we often speak of CONVERSION. We talk of “converts” as we speak of those who have become Christian…or to those who have “converted” to some other religion. Cassius Clay was the name of the most famous boxer in history before his CONVERSION to the Islamic faith…as he then became known as Muhammad Ali. Ali became a CONVERT to Islam.

In Christianity, we most often say that someone has gotten “saved”…recognizing that the convert has escaped the certainty of an eternity in hell…separated for eternity from God. This is accomplished by GRACE through FAITH in Jesus Christ: Ephesians 2:8 NKJV says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” This work of GRACE in our lives is evidenced by our REPENTANCE…and it is this REPENTANCE that works in us the REMISSION OF SINS which is wrought in us by GRACE (Luke 3:3 NKJV “And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins…”).

But, in all of this, it is TRUTH which remains the KEY word for the Church today.

Again…you are probably asking “Why?”

Notice this in what I have written thus far: even Muhammad Ali was a “convert” to a RELIGION. Ali chose to place his trust and faith in the god of Islam. In doing so, Ali placed his ALLEGIANCE in that god. Regardless of our personal beliefs and thoughts on Islam, some of its tenets of faith are LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, BELIEF, and RELATIONSHIP. Now, those are not ALL of its beliefs…but those are indeed listed among its MANY beliefs.

As Christians…placing our BELIEF in the Word of God, The Bible…we recognize that Muhammad Ali has placed his faith in a FALSE GOD. When we are discussing a totally different RELIGION, it is so much easier to see the serious error and condition caused by MISPLACED FAITH. We easily acknowledge that those who follow some other religion…other than Christianity…is pursuing a god which does not even truly exist. In this way, it is easy to see that TRUTH is absent from a convert’s faith in the realm of Islamic belief.

But…what happens when, within the realm of Christianity, someone’s faith is placed in something other than TRUTH?

You see…all of the essential words regarding our SALVATION…LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, BELIEF, and RELATIONSHIP…have to have their basis rooted in TRUTH. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the embodiment of TRUTH when Jesus spoke these words: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NKJV) Thus, we can realize and understand that TRUTH is ESSENTIAL in our belief system.

But…too often in the Church…TRUTH is mixed with FALSE DOCTRINE. In many cases, people are becoming CONVERTS to a Christianity that doesn’t even truly exist!

Think about it!

Jesus taught this: Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV “Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Notice here that Jesus is placing the emphasis on what we are SEEKING…what we are PURSUING. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus would say “…seek, and you will find…” In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God said “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

We are called to SEEK!

WHAT we SEEK is KEY…before we even BEGIN to focus on the “how” of SEEKING!

So…again…what is my primary focus as I state: “TRUTH is the key word for the Church today.“?

I regularly write about the dangers of FALSE DOCTINE. I have given MANY ways to examine and evaluate that FALSE DOCTRINE…comparing FALSE DOCTRINE to PARASITES, COMPUTER VIRUSES, and POISON. Each of these analogies are applicable…and FALSE DOCTRINE is not only DANGEROUS, but it is also EFFECTIVE in these various ways. But, there is one way in which FALSE DOCTRINE is both DANGEROUS and EFFECTIVE that I have yet to mention: its ability to create FALSE CONVERSIONS.

I recently wrote these words in a FB post:

“A true revelation from God this morning regarding the false doctrines of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL as I pondered His Word: IF God truly wanted to bless all believers by bestowing on them EARTHLY wealth and riches, making all Christians FINANCIALLY WEALTHY, then the world would SURELY begin to want to follow Jesus....but they would do so FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS! If all Christians were promised financial/earthly wealth here on earth, people would come to Christ out of a desire for/of:

RICHES instead of RIGHTEOUSNESS.
LUXURY instead of LOVE.
WEALTH instead of WISDOM.
HOARDING instead of HOLINESS.
SUPPLIES instead of SERVANTHOOD.
OPULENCE instead of OBEDIENCE.
JEWELRY instead of JESUS.
GREED instead of GRACE.


And what we are seeing in the Church today is a group of "believers" who have NOT "come to Christ" to SERVE Him...but they have come to Christ to USE Him. In many cases, what they "believe in" is the PROSPERITY GOSPEL...but they actually do not believe in Jesus! There is a HUGE difference!”

The BIG question is: what is a CONVERT to the PROSPERITY GOSPEL actually CONVERTING to?

You see…as I have written EXTENSIVELY on this subject (and I will only briefly delve into it here again)…the PROSPERITY GOSPEL is NOT a “gospel” at all…and it is FAR from being TRUTH! The PROSPERITY GOSPEL is a FALSE TEACHING done by those who seek to USE the Word of God and Christianity as a source for GAINING WEALTH. Notice the words of Paul to Timothy:

1 Timothy 6:3-10 NKJV

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. “

Here are the essentials of the teachings of this passage:

1. There is TRUTH. (“wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness”)

2. There is FALSE DOCTRINE. (“If anyone teaches otherwise…he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words…destitute of the truth”)

3. The PROSPERITY GOSPEL is FALSE DOCTRINE. (“he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words…destitute of the truth, WHO SUPPOSE THAT GODLINESS IS A MEANS OF GAIN.” note: emphasis added)

4. We are told to STAY AWAY from FALSE DOCTRINE. (“From such withdraw yourself.”)

5. There is a TRUE “godliness." (“Now godliness with CONTENTMENT is great gain.” note: emphasis added)

6. There is a TRUTH about CONTENTMENT. (“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”)

7. Those who seek RICHES are FALLING into a TRAP of SATAN due to GREED. (“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”)

With these ESSENTIAL truths in mind…what happens when someone is “converted” to the PROSPERITY GOSPEL?

Notice this with me: a CONVERT to Christianity…which Jesus called the GOSPEL…comes to Christ as they SEEK Him. They are placing their faith in Jesus Christ…believing that God sent His Son to earth to die for our sins, that Jesus died on the cross, that Jesus rose again on the 3^rd day, that Jesus is alive and sitting at the right hand of the Father, that their salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, and that those who believe on Jesus will spend eternity with Him.

Now…a CONVERT to the PROSPERITY GOSPEL comes to Christ as they seek FINANCIAL GAIN. The message they hear is “God wants all Christians to be rich!” When they hear this, they BELIEVE it. Out of a belief that God wants all Christians financially wealthy here on earth, “converts” to the PROSPERITY GOSPEL are told that God promises that they can be rich if they accept Him as their Savior. God becomes the HUNTED…not due to love or grace or a desire to serve Him…but due to the fact that He is supposedly offering a life of wealth and luxury.

In this way…CONVERTS to the PROSPERITY GOSPEL are not “converted” to TRUTH…they are “converted” under the lies of FALSE DOCTRINE. Jesus becomes the way to FINANCIAL PROSPERITY…not the way to “truth” and “life”. The focus of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL places the CONVERSION into an EARTHLY realm…where the benefits of SALVATION are EARTHLY in nature. The focus of the TRUE GOSPEL places the CONVERSION in the HEAVENLY realm…where the benefits of SALVATION are ETERNAL in nature.

The TRUE GOSPEL brings conversion due to whom Jesus IS! The PROSPERITY GOSPEL brings conversion due to what a person can GET!

Read 1 Timothy 6:3-10 again slowly. Notice the TRUE focus of the passage…and how it deals with those who think “godliness is a means of gain.” If you have ANY doubt that this is referring to those who believe that FINANCIAL WEALTH is promised by God, look with me here:

The Greek word translated “a means of gain” is PERISMOS. PERISMOS means “a way or means of furnishing or procuring wealth” or “money getting” according to the Greek Dictionary of the New Testament. So, if we properly apply those words, we see that Paul is telling Timothy this: ANYONE who supposes that accepting Jesus (“godliness”) is “a way or means of furnishing or procuring wealth” or “a way or means of money-getting” is “ proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth...”

As we seek to reach the lost, we MUST be sure that the MESSAGE that the lost are hearing is the TRUTH. We must be SURE that people are coming to CHRIST...not TO Christ FOR or AS a FINANCIAL INVESTMENT!

We ARE saved by GRACE…but GRACE is just the “free gift” that allows us to ACCEPT truth!

Think of it this way: GRACE is the TICKET…TRUTH is the EVENT!

One last thing:

Notice this with me…GRACE is not truly even required to accept the PROSPERITY GOSPEL. It is not a “gospel” in the first place…and it is not a “gospel” that is based on SAVING a person FROM something: it is INSTEAD a “gospel” that is based on RECEIVING benefits from a “conversion”. Without Jesus Christ, we are LOST…and we are heading for hell. When we accept Jesus, we are SAVED FROM HELL..and we are saved from our sins. When we are saved, we recognize that we are SINFUL and that we need a SAVIOR. When a person accepts the PROSPERITY GOSPEL, they simply see and believe Jesus to be the way to FINANCIAL GAIN. Salvation FROM sin is not the primary issue…or it is often not even an issue at all! The primary focus of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL is NOT the need for a Savior: the primary focus of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL is the desire for financial gain!

The TRUE GOSPEL is based on the CHANGE in a MAN’S SOUL. The PROSPERITY GOSPEL is based on the BETTERMENT of a FINANCIAL POSITION.

With the TRUE GOSPEL…we gain forgiveness of sins and entrance into HEAVEN and eternity with Jesus. With the PROSPERITY GOSPEL, a person SUPPOSEDLY gains entrance into a HIGHER TAX BRACKET.

The TRUE GOSPEL is based on SEEKING JESUS. The PROSPERITY GOSPEL is based on SEEKING WEALTH.

We stand today with a choice: the choice to seek JESUS or the choice to seek FINANCIAL GAIN. It is our choice.

But remember: what we SEEK determines our DIRECTION.

We know this: seeking TRUTH…seeking JESUS…leads to ETERNAL LIFE.

I choose to seek TRUTH…and I will be CONTENT as the Lord provides the rest…in whatever portion that He deems necessary and best.

In Christ,

Ron

　

　

Context Is Everything!

Technology in the Church has been both a blessing and a curse. I am not one who believes that technology is all bad…but I also realize that there has been one HUGE FLAW which has been brought on by technology…being an undetected HARM within the lives of believers and church-goers:

The PROJECTION of SCRIPTURE on the video screens of churches has led to an overwhelming lack of Bibles being used to reference passages of Scripture. Statistics show that Bibles are no longer even being brought to Church by most attendees…and, even though many churches provide Bibles in the pews…most people never open a Bible while in Church. This is due to the fact that they see no reason to do so…because the passage being quoted is now being projected onto the video screen.

That may seem to be “nitpicking”…but it is actually a SERIOUS issue!

I am sure you are asking “Why??”

When it comes to God’s Word…CONTEXT is everything!

Here is an example of what can happen when particular passages are used to teach a “doctrine”…and only certain passages are projected onto a screen…which allows the passages to be focused on ALONE…without being surrounded by their proper CONTEXT:

Let’s say the following Scripture is projected onto the screen…as the preacher quotes them:

Mark 10:29-30 (NKJV)

29 So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time…

Now, when this Scripture is dealt with ALONE…it seems to promise that EARTHLY BLESSINGS…specifically FINANCIAL BLESSINGS…are promised. And this is OFTEN how this passage is presented and taught!

But remember: CONTEXT IS EVERYTHING.

First…as with the passage in Mark…there are actually QUALIFIERS left out of the passage. Here is the passage in its entirety (with the QUALIFIERS):

Mark 10:29-31 (NKJV)

29 So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

Notice that Jesus first says that this refers to those who have left “house or brothers or sisters of father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s”. This is referring to those who have basically “given up everything” for the cause of Christ. We SELDOM…IF EVER…see ministers do this in any form or fashion today: that MUST be noted! Then…if, as some claim, this passage truly promises a “hundredfold blessing/promise”…that it would be promising…LITERALLY…100 “ houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands.”

Now…PROSPERITY PREACHERS love to use this Scripture to make a claim that God is promising FINANCIAL WEALTH…but what it would ACTUALLY promise if applied in their ERRONEOUS way is A HUGE FAMILY…with MULTIPLE WIVES and brothers and sisters and mothers (how can a man LITERALLY gain a hundred mothers?) and children and lands!

But…notice I have left out one CRUCIAL word which is ALSO included in the passage when I try to interpret the passage in the way most PROSPERITY PREACHERS interpret it: the word which is left out is “persecutions”!

Isn’t it odd that with all the “good” things mentioned…Mark would include “persecutions”? If we were to make application to the GOOD things “promised”…then we MUST also include the “persecutions” promised. And…if each were INDEED a “promise”…then for every 100 hundred houses…there would be 100 persecutions! But…I have NEVER heard a minister declare THAT “promise”!

This passage of Scripture is OFTEN “quoted” by preachers of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL…yet, in ALMOST EVERY CASE, the PROSPERITY PREACHER never bothers to include the part of the passage which says “persecutions”.

You see…CONTEXT IS EVERYTHING.

So…IN CONTEXT…what is this passage of Scripture truly teaching?

Let’s look at it by first getting an idea of CONTEXT…and how to DETERMINE that CONTEXT:

1. The first CONTEXT is…BIBLICAL. This is a passage in THE BIBLE.

2. The second CONTEXT is…NEW TESTAMENT.

3. The third CONTEXT is…THE BOOK OF MARK.

4. The fourth CONTEXT is…THE TENTH CHAPTER OF MARK.

5. The fifth CONTEXT is…JESUS IS SPEAKING.

6. The sixth CONTEXT is…JESUS IS SPEAKING TO THE DISCIPLES AND FOLLOWERS.

7. The seventh CONTEXT is…JESUS JUST TOLD THE RICH YOUNG RULER WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO SERVE HIM.

8. The eighth CONTEXT is…JESUS TELLS THEM THAT THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO GIVE UP WHAT THE RICH YOUNG RULER WAS NOT WILLING TO GIVE UP ARE THE TARGET AUDIENCE OF WHAT IS SPOKEN.

9. The ninth CONTEXT is…JESUS QUALIFIES THE EARTHLY BLESSINGS BY INCLUDING “PERSECUTIONS”…WHILE SIMPLE APPLICATION OF THE PASSAGE ACTUALLY RENDERS THE SUPERFICIAL INTERPRETATION (that God promises a “hundredfold financial blessing”) AS ERRONEOUS.

10. The tenth CONTEXT is…JESUS PROMISES AN ETERNAL (NOT AN EARTHLY) REWARD!

So…what is Jesus TRULY teaching in this passage? Is it a promise of EARTHLY wealth or is it a promise of EARTHLY companions and travels for the cause of Christ…all while experiencing PERSECUTION?

You see…when we measure this Scripture by applying its CONTEXT to the rest of God’s Word…we can then realize that Jesus was not promising principles of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL. Jesus was saying that those who would give up/leave EVERYTHING (again…note that VERY FEW ministers give up ANY of this today!) will, through their travels, encounter “brothers and sisters and mothers” who will support them in their ministry. These people will open up their homes and lands to those who travel and minister for the cause of Christ. So, although they have DENIED themselves the comforts of home and family, they will GAIN a multitude of homes and families…as those who receive the GOOD NEWS (the GOSPEL) are brought into the FAMILY OF GOD! In this sense of the word, the minister will then have “houses” and FAMILY in every town that he has visited. In THAT sense of the word…those who give up EVERYTHING for the cause of Christ will gain IN RETURN a following of believers who will help them as they go on their journey. BUT…it also promises that there will be PERSECUTION which is EQUAL to the support which is given to them! In other words…for every friend gained…there will be a trial and persecution which comes! Remember…BOTH are said to be “hundredfold”. So…it truly teaches that for every 100 SUPPORTERS…there will be an equal amount of PERSECUTIONS.

In actuality, this passage of Scripture shows us that SOME will give up EVERYTHING to follow and serve Jesus…and God will provide for them through the goodness of those that they minister to. But…although their needs will be supplied and although God will work through their ministry, there will still be trials and tribulations…and persecutions. Far from this passage being a foundation for the PROSPERITY GOSPEL…it is actually a revelation from Jesus that God will supply the needs of those who give up EVERYTHING to minister for HIM…and He will supply those needs through those who hear and believe the preaching of the ministers. And…persecution will ALWAYS accompany the minister in his travels.

So…let’s go back to my primary thought in all of this:

When Scripture is projected onto a screen…it is IMPOSSIBLE to show its TRUE and TOTAL context!

This has caused many to fail to obey the Word of God when it tells us:

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

We are to CHECK…TEST…EXAMINE…what is being taught by going to the WORD OF GOD. In doing so, we are to study and understand what we hear IN ITS PROPER CONTEXT.

God’s Word is FULL of TRUTH. But TRUTH, when taken out of CONTEXT, can actually lead us into FALSE DOCTRINE!

In cases of FALSE DOCTRINE, you will discover that…in ALMOST EVERY INSTANCE…Scripture is taken out of its PROPER CONTEXT…causing it to be MISAPPLIED and MISREPRESENTED.

Be careful…and keep in mind the words of Paul unto Timothy…as Paul urged Timothy to protect his DOCTRINE:

1 Timothy 4:16 (NKJV)

16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.


DOCTRINE is WHAT WE BELIEVE…and it must be based on THE WORD OF GOD…on SCRIPTURE in its PROPER CONTEXT.

I urge EVERY BELIEVER to keep their Bible handy…and to keep it busy and open! Apply God’s Word to what you hear. “Test the spirits…” and be sure of what you hear. Do not be deceived by Scripture which is taken OUT OF CONTEXT!

Context IS everything!

In Christ,

Ron

Friends With False Doctrine: When Relationships Hide Truth

What happens if our bond to family and friends is STRONGER than our bond to TRUTH? According to John 14:6, Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Our love for Jesus must be founded in our love for His Word…in the existence of Jesus as TRUTH. It is often due to our RELATIONSHIPS that we allow doctrinal error to enter into our lives.

A dangerous tendency in Christianity and the Church today is for people to ignore false doctrine. In many cases, people are ignoring false doctrine because of THE PERSON TEACHING IT. Too many people will simply OVERLOOK false doctrine if it is being spoken by one of their favorite preachers! But, let me be clear: False doctrine is not to be judged based on WHO is teaching it…it is to be judged by WHAT is being taught!

Today, MANY ministers are "slipping" into false doctrine. Those staying true to God's Word and the TRUE DOCTRINES of the Bible seem to be in the minority today. And...many ministers who USED TO BE grounded in the Word of God have now begun to include erroneous and dangerous doctrines along with some truth. It has caused many to be DECEIVED. As those who once stood for truth now have been turned to FABLES and FALSE DOCTRINE, their followers have been left confused. Many go on to simply BELIEVE the false teachings because they cannot bring themselves to believe that their favorite minister has entered into error.

We are to stand for truth...and we are to renounce and rebuke false doctrine. Notice how Peter addressed the issue:

2 Peter 2 (NKJV)
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. 4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)-- 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."

Peter KNEW that he MUST speak out against false doctrine and against those that would teach it. Peter’s words are strong and clear: and I am sure that his words were OFFENSIVE to the false teachers. We MUST NOT allow our RELATIONSHIPS to take precedence over TRUTH. If my own family and friends begin to preach doctrines which are NOT Biblical truths, then God’s Word tells me that I must not hesitate to speak out against the false teachings they are espousing. Our loyalty is to be to Jesus Christ and the Word of God FIRST! Because it will mean NOTHING if we keep family and friends...all at the expense of TRUTH.

If we choose family and friends over TRUTH...then what will it profit us? Remember: Mark 8:36 (NKJV) "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

Therefore...the Word of God…JESUS…TRUTH…must be my EVERYTHING!

In Christ,
Ron

Parasitic Doctrines: The Hidden Destruction of False Teachings

Jesus appears to John on the Isle of Patmos…telling John to “write”. Jesus then speaks to 7 Churches…and Jesus would have words of warning for those who have allowed FALSE TEACHING to enter into the Body of Christ!

Revelation 2:14-16 (NKJV)

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

- Jesus is speaking to the Church of Pergamos. He tells them that they have accepted doctrines from other sources…sources other than His Word and His teachings…namely the doctrines of Balaam and also doctrines of the Nicolaitans. (See other passages from Revelation 2 & 3 which are quoted and referenced at the end of this article.)

Jesus warns the Church that PARASITES have entered the BODY!

A PARASITE is (according to Merriam-Webster):

1. An organism living in, with, or on another organism

2. Something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return

3. A person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery

Synonyms for PARASITE are:

1. Sycophant - A servile self-seeking flatterer

2. Toady - One who flatters in the hope of gaining favors

3. Leech - A hanger-on who seeks advantage or gain

4. Sponge - One who lives on others

Parasites act in specialized ways. They can live OUTSIDE of the host (ECTOPARASITES) or they can live INSIDE of the host (ENDOPARASITES). I will not delve into the FULL evaluation of PARASITES…which actually goes much deeper.

Suffice it to say…PARASITES live off of the HOST. And, in doing so, the health and vitality of the HOST is affected in ADVERSE ways….ranging from MILD changes in health and vitality to actual DEATH.

Many fail to see the PARASITIC aspects of FALSE DOCTRINE…yet it is wreaking havoc in their bodies and in their lives!

NOTICE THIS:

Parasites do not PREVENT a person from eating HEALTHY food…but a PARASITE robs the body of the necessary NUTRIENTS!

FALSE DOCTRINE works the same way!

Although FALSE DOCTRINE is taught side-by-side with TRUTH (attached to it like a PARASITE)…the introduction of the PARASITIC false doctrine into a person’s system actually allows the “fruit” of the TRUTH to be USURPED or STOLEN by the PARASITE!

When FALSE DOCTRINE is INCLUDED in teachings/sermons…the FALSE DOCTRINE can actually DESTROY the effects of TRUTH…causing the TRUTH TO BE INEFFECTIVE!

Paul once wrote “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.” (1 Corinthians 1:17 - NKJV)

We CAN “add to” the TRUTH…by allowing “man’s wisdom” (false doctrine) to make the TRUTH “of no effect.”

2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV)

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

A PARASITE is introduced SECRETLY into the HOST…just as FALSE DOCTRINE is introduced SECRETLY into the CHURCH.

In what we now call “Third World Countries”, we find that PARASITES are frequent causes of sickness and disease: Malaria, River Blindness (Onchocerciasis), Sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis), Elephantiasis, Lyme Disease…the list can go on and on.

In most cases…these diseases are caused by UNSANITARY CONDITIONS….or CONTAMINATION.

Pure, clean water can become CONTAMINATED…and, once CONTAMINATED, the water is then in an UNSANITARY CONDITION.

NOTICE THIS:

When something PURE (truth) becomes CONTAMINATED (mixed with false doctrine)…the PARASITE can gain entrance into the HOST.

Beware of drinking from contaminated wells: parasites thrive in the midst of contamination!


Then…NOTICE THIS:

The PARASITE comes in to STEAL the life from the HOST!

John 10:10 (NKJV)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Just as with a PARASITE…FALSE DOCTRINE is introduced secretly…and its purpose is DESTRUCTION. Yet…we most often think of this as a PHYSICAL and/or SPIRITUAL death…which it is. But…in the realm of FALSE DOCTRINE…the purpose of the false doctrine is to “steal, kill, and to destroy” the TRUTH!

We too often view FALSE DOCTRINE by evaluating its effects on its FOLLOWERS…and we WRONGLY deduce “it must be correct doctrine” when we see no visible “effects”…often basing our evaluation on the health or financial status of the FOLLOWER. We measure SUCCESS by the wrong standards in such cases in the first place! Our WALK WITH GOD cannot…CANNOT…be measured by our financial wealth!

The TRUE evaluation of FALSE DOCTRINE, then, is NOT in some visible status of the FOLLOWER of that FALSE DOCTRINE…but that evaluation MUST BE how it measures up to the Word of God. And…from that…we can see that the TRUE danger of FALSE DOCTRINE is in its power to USURP and WEAKEN the power of TRUTH in a person’s life!

Just as a PARASITE can rob the body of nutrients which come from the food we have ingested…so TOO can FALSE DOCTRINE rob the Body of Christ of nutrients which SHOULD come from the TRUTH which we have ingested!

So…we see that not only is FALSE DOCTRINE a PARASITE which is introduced through CONTAMINATED TEACHING…but it continues to rob the TRUTH of its nutrients which are for the purpose of strengthening our bodies!

Sadly…rarely is the HOST (the follower of false teachers who preach false doctrines/false teachings) aware of the presence of the PARASITE! Thus…the PARASITE does its work SECRETLY…slowly destroying the body until it is in such a weakened state that the SLIGHTEST attack can no longer be withstood!

In most cases…much like AIDS…the death of the HOST is due to SOME OTHER attack of the body…it is usually NOT due to the PARASITE ITSELF!

The PARASITE simply weakens the body…and the body becomes so weak that it can no longer fight off any attacks!

The Church needs to return to PURITY again…TRUTH!

When our SOURCE for WISDOM and DISCERNMENT is from a PURE source…the Word of God ALONE…absent of any and all FALSE DOCTRINE…then the TRUTH will once again be strong and effective in the lives of those who hear it!

DO NOT allow the TRUTH to CONTAMINATED with the PARASITE of FALSE DOCTRINE!

In Christ,

Ron


(Scripture References)

Revelation 2:20-25 (NKJV)
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come.

- Jesus is speaking to the Church of Thyatira. He tells them that they have allowed Jezebel to teach in their midst. She uses her teachings to “seduce” the flock.

Revelation 3:1-4 (NKJV)
1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

- Jesus is speaking to the Church of Sardis. Jesus tells them that they may possess a name which says they are “alive” (they are known in the community as a vibrant church), but they are in fact almost completely dead. What IS left alive MUST BE strengthened! And…Jesus tells them that their “near-death” existence has so weakened them that they can barely stay awake. If they fail to “wake up”…they are in danger of being “left behind”!

Revelation 3:15-20 (NKJV)
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

- Jess is speaking to the Church of Laodicea. Jesus says that they consider themselves to be Christians, yet they are simply “Christian” in name only. What they BELIEVE about themselves is actually nothing more than a DECEPTION. The reality of their existence is the OPPOSITE of what they believe! They have chosen to depend on EARTHLY WEALTH…falsely believing that their earthly existence…the life of luxury…is a sign of God’s hand of blessing on them. Yet…it is NOT! While living in wealth and riches…they have forgotten their need for JESUS! Their dependence is in THEMSELVES…and they have left their dependence on GOD. They are SELF-SUFFICIENT…and no longer GOD-SUFFICIENT!

Perry Stone's "The Meal That Heals": The Teaching That STEALS

Here is a quote from this video...and it is NOT Biblical truth.

"We also talk about, in this book, how that through receiving daily communion it is possible for a person to receive the 3 fold atoning work that Jesus did on the cross." Perry then states this "3 fold" work includes "physical healing for the body, the healing of course of the human spirit...the removing of sin and the iniquity that is in a person's life, but also the healing of the emotions and the soul and the mind."

Now, the key here is what Perry says THE WAY to receive this so-called "3 fold atoning work"...to include the "removing of sin and the iniquity that is in a person's life".

Perry SPECIFICALLY says this is received "through taking daily communion"...furthering that FALSE DOCTRINE by continuing to say by doing this daily RITUAL that "it is possible for a person to receive...physical healing for the body" and salvation (the actual word which denotes ANY "removing of sin and iniquity" in the life of a person) and "the healing of the emotions and the soul and the mind."

Stand back from your screen and listen:

THIS IS ALL A LIE AND IT IS FALSE DOCTRINE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excuse me, folks, but if you do not get this important truth of Scripture then you understand NOTHING about Jesus...nor the Word of God!

Salvation is NOT received “through receiving daily communion”!

We are “saved” when we place our trust in Jesus Christ (when we BELIEVE that He is the Son of God, equal with God…that He came to earth as a baby in a manger, the supernatural birth coming through Mary, that He lived a sinless life on earth, that He died for our sins on a cross, and that He rose again on the third day)…and we subsequently CONFESS our sins to Jesus (the Bible says that He is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins”), we ask Jesus for FORGIVENESS of our sins, and we then REPENT of those sins (repent means “to turn away from…to actually turn around and walk in the opposite direction).

This SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH…not by any WORKS…”lest any man should boast.”

The path to SALVATION is GRACE…not “daily communion”!

Everything quoted above which is spoken by Perry is PERRY STONE’S OWN WORDS! You can listen to them for yourself! I have quoted them VERBATIM. I have NOT twisted his words in ANY WAY!

And…these words by Perry Stone himself are HERETICAL FALSE DOCTRINE! And…Perry speaks these words about a book that is supposed to be “unique for several reasons” (the very words of Perry). This book is INDEED unique:

It is “unique” because it claims to teach truth which comes from the revelation of God’s Word…yet the words of Perry Stone have NO BASIS within the truth of GOD’S WORD!

One quick BIBLICAL explanation of the idea of “breaking bread”:

Jesus said to “do this in remembrance of Me.” Jesus NEVER taught “Do this to receive salvation or physical healing or emotional healing.” Jesus simply said WHEN you do it…remember the suffering that he endured for YOU! His cry was much like our cry on the anniversary of September 11, 2001...”NEVER FORGET!”

Yes…”breaking bread” has a reference to what we called COMMUNION…but this was done simply by EATING MEALS…as denoted in Acts 2:46-47 “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

Jesus and the Disciples were eating what we denote as “The Last Supper” together. Notice: they were just having a dinner together…yet it was the PASSOVER MEAL. The PASSOVER MEAL is done as a REMEMBRANCE…when the DEATH ANGEL “passed over” the houses of those who had applied the BLOOD above the doorpost!

Jesus used this PASSOVER MEAL to tell them to REMEMBER. It was a foreshadowing of His coming death….that His body would be broken…that His blood would be spilled out.

The call was “REMEMBER”: the call WAS NOT “Do this to receive physical healing, emotional healing and…"...least of all…"salvation!"

Taking communion DAILY does NOT equate to some promise of God of physical/emotional healing…and it NEVER equates to SALVATION!

PLEASE do not be DECEIVED by such false doctrine as spoken here by Perry Stone!

Let me clarify and summarize:

We are to take COMMUNION as BELIEVERS…after we are saved. We do this to REMEMBER what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross: He was wounded, bruised, broken, beaten, rejected…and He shed His blood for you and for me so that we could gain ETERNAL LIFE through the GRACE of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Amen!

Here is the link to a video commercial done by Perry Stone regarding "The Meal That Heals": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muXWSKDQmXY&playnext=1&list=PLAD4FAFFB4FAAA527&feature=results_video

A Heavy Burden: A Call for Prayer and Discernment

I can honestly say that I have NEVER felt a burden as strong as I feel it today (specifically speaking of this very day…Wednesday, October 3, 2012) over the state of the church AND the state of this nation. Today it is HONESTLY almost overwhelming. It is as if I feel the Spirit of the Lord GRIEVING over our NATION and the CHURCH.

I have seldom asked for anything from my FB friends…but, today, I ask you for your prayers: for me, for our nation, for the church.

Just this past week, I received two calls from two different people…both asking me “What is God speaking to you about what He wants you to do in ministry?” I answered both honestly, telling them “I am not sure. I just know that He is telling me that He has prepared me for many years for whatever it is. I have been anything but perfect in my life…but I am SURE that God has forgiven me of ALL my past sins and failures. All I know is this: God started me out at the age of 18, sending me to PTL. There, God allowed me to see things that would be SIGNIFICANT to my calling later in life. And, over the past 30 years, he has been preparing me for something…something that I know is soon to be revealed in me.”

Today, I wrote these words to a friend who had emailed me to simply say “Ron, I am praying for you” as she…through discernment…mentioned the “burden” that she knew I must be under:

“I can use all the prayer someone will give. I am getting a lot of flack. People wonder why false doctrine has to be dealt with, etc. Just now…I felt God give me a great rebuttal. False doctrine is harmful...a poison. It works undetected...and that causes people to be blinded to its effects. Truth is like the antidote to false doctrine. Medical attention is needed if we are poisoned...and TRUTH...God's Word...is the only cure for false doctrine. To leave false doctrine alone to do its destructive work equates to leaving a person who is poisoned without medical care. I TRULY feel God saying this is the great apostasy of the church today. Why? False doctrine has been put on a level of EQUALITY with TRUTH! The Word of God has no equal! Jesus has no equal! God stands ALONE as the Pinnacle of all the universe! False doctrine DEMOTES God...in His very EXISTENCE and in His AUTHORITY! What is being done in the name of "Christianity" is simply the act of removing God from His throne.”

Today…I have sat and wept…repeatedly…with this very burden. I am SURE I am not the only one. I know that a man by the name of Eddie A Watson and his wife Carolyn are ALSO feeling this very burden. I do not know either of them personally…we met here through FB…but I know that they care so deeply for the lost…and for the church…and for this nation. And I know that they share with me the concern for what they are seeing in the church today. I am sure that God has been speaking to many other friends…Brian Keith is just one of those that I know personally. Brian became a PTL Singer after my tenure…and Brian and I have spoken recently regarding these same burdens.

All I am sure of is this: time is short. People are dying without Jesus every day. Less than 20% of people in any given city/town/community are actually even going to a church of any kind. There are FEW opportunities available for the Church to actually speak into the lives of these people…and ANY opportunity to do so CANNOT be poisoned by ANY inclusion of FALSE DOCTRINE!

The Bible tells us in John 8:32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

FALSE DOCTRINE can NEVER make people free! FALSE DOCTRINE can ONLY bring further BONDAGE!

The WORLD needs the TRUTH again…because the WORLD needs FREEDOM!

The CHURCH needs TRUTH again…because FALSE DOCTRINE is SILENCING the only thing that can bring sight to the blind…and freedom to the captives! THE TRUTH HAS THE ABILITY TO MAKE PEOPLE FREE FROM SIN! It is that revelation of TRUTH which allows the BLIND to see. No one seeks freedom without first recognizing that they are a captive bound in chains!

Please…pray WITH me…pray FOR me. I am no more…or no less…broken than any other man: fallible, imperfect, in need of a Savior, in need of a Lord. But I am a man who is TRULY seeking the face…and heart…of God.

And please…pray for ministers and ministries…pray for the Church…pray for those so caught up in foolish and worldly FALSE DOCTRINES. The deception is great…and men and women of God are SELLING OUT to the easier, more profitable “gospels” of earthly wealth and comfort.

But God is asking:

“Where are the men of God who will stand in the face of adversity? Where are the men of God who will stand in the face of persecution? Where are the men of God who will speak TRUTH in the face of FALSE DOCTRINE? Where are the men of God who will speak MY WORDS and forsake THEIR OWN WORDS? Where are the men of God who will preach OBEDIENCE TO MY WORD? Where are the men of God who will be willing to give EVERYTHING for the cause of Jesus, My Son?”

Too many ministers and “Christians” today want God to give THEM everything…instead of wanting to give GOD everything!

Remember:

Matthew 16:21-26 (NKJV)

“From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

The time is SOON coming when serving Jesus Christ may cost us ALL…EVERYTHING!

And I TRULY believe that God is saying that those who have been DECEIVED by FALSE DOCTRINE will NOT be able to stand when these troubling times come! Those who have “bought in” to the “gospels” of earthly wealth and earthly comfort equate to those who have built their house on the sand…and according to God’s Word:

Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV)

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

But the KEY to understanding this passage of Scripture is this:

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

PLEASE…take note of this TRUTH:

When Jesus was speaking about building the house on the sand…verses 26-27...He was speaking of those who built their house on FALSE DOCTRINE! READ IT FOR YOURSELF!

In verses 13-23, Jesus has just spoken about those who preach/teach false doctrine…as He spoke “Beware of false prophets…” Jesus transitions from the recognition of FALSE PROPHETS into the danger of building your HOUSE (your life and beliefs) on the false teachings which COME from those FALSE PROPHETS!

And…too often…many FALSELY believe that “fruit” in some way refers to “followers” or claims of “This doctrine works!“ attributed to these ministers/ministries. In fact. “fruit” is referring to the MESSAGE which is being preached from the pulpits of these ministries…not some abstract measure of “blessings“ attributed to following the “principles“ taught by the false prophet!

The Greek word for FRUIT is KARPOS. Its literal translation is “from the base of”. Here is its true meaning:

An apple tree bears apples.

A pear tree bears pears.

A fig tree bears figs.

A pecan tree bears pecans.

A TRUE PROPHET bears TRUTH.

A FALSE PROPHET bears FALSE DOCTRINE.

An apple tree is not just an apple tree at the distinct point of the apple…it is an apple tree "from the base of" the tree: at its ROOTS! It is our FOUNDATION…whether we stand on the TRUTH of the ROCK or on the LIE of the SAND…which determines our position of safety and security...which resides in TRUTH. So do not be fooled by those who come with apples in hand as they cry, "Our ministry is for real! See the fruit!" They may hold an apple...but that apple is not a sign of "God's favor" on their ministry. In most cases, God ministers to people IN SPITE of the FALSE TEACHER'S ministry...not BECAUSE of it!

Therefore, a huge following CANNOT be the measure of a ministry! Some of the largest ministries and religions that have ever existed have been built upon FALSE DOCTRINE! Throughout the world, there are more MUSLIMS, HINDUS, etc. than there are CHRISTIANS…but the number of people FOLLOWING a religion is not a measure of the TRUTH of that religion!

Does the ministry of Jim Jones ring a bell with anyone….those old enough to remember…or those who have heard the story? Jim Jones started as a Pentecostal preacher. He had a mainstream ministry. Jones would become friends with dignitaries…both domestic and foreign. He rubbed shoulders with prominent politicians. Jones gained a large following.

But…Jones soon entered into FALSE DOCTRINE. In time, Jones’ ministry was steeped in controversy and investigation. To make a long story short…Jones would move his entire operation/ministry to Jonestown, Guyana. In time, Congressman Jim Ryan would arrive with a delegation to investigate a report of “civil rights violations” in the compound. The next day…November 18, 1978...Congressman Ryan and 4 others were attacked and murdered as they tried to board a plane to return to the United States. The attack was caught on camera by an NBC cameraman…and it was shown world-wide on TV. By the end of the day, 909 people would be dead…including Jim Jones…as a result of a cyanide-spiked Kool-Aid type drink mix. It was labeled a “mass suicide”…yet it appears that many were forced to drink the deadly mix…specifically the children. 303 of those who died that day were just young children! Not only did FALSE DOCTRINE lead to the deaths of those who so willingly and deceptively had been led down that path of ERROR…but innocent children died as a result! FALSE DOCTRINE doesn’t just wield its destruction on those who WILLINGLY follow…but it also can help destroy the lives of those who are simply “innocent bystanders” who have no way of escape! The aftermath of Jim Jones and the Jonestown “mass suicide” are far-reaching…and the effects of the FALSE DOCTRINES and FALSE TEACHINGS of Jim Jones are still felt by many today. The families of many Jonestown inhabitants still live with the effects of this tragedy today.

Sadly…Christians today are duped by large crowds, bright lights, and the promise of fame and fortune! And…even more sadly…the FALSE PROPHETS and FALSE TEACHERS which so many “Christians” follow today began their ministries by following God and His Word! Somehow…Satan crept in!

The Bible tells us that Satan will “secretly bring in destructive heresies”.

2 Peter 2:1 (NKJV)

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

The word “secretly” tells us it will “sneak in”. The lies of the false prophet will not come in the “front door” where it can recognized for what it is: the “heresies” will be brought in though a “hidden entrance”. This tells us that those who accept this false teaching will not see it for what it is…maybe because it actually SATISFIES their own desires. Face it: poison is often hidden in food because our desire and NEED for food is essential in our existence! Thus…the “good taste” of the surrounding food HIDES the poison, allowing it to go in undetected…or “secretly.”

Then notice the word “destructive”. It is simple: false doctrine is DESTRUCTIVE. It IS poison: and though it may not kill you with one dose, it works its destruction over time…without detection. The “destructive” nature of false doctrine is not seen immediately, in most cases: it is a gradual, slow, silent destruction. But…in the end…it still leads to death!

Today…God is telling me that the situation is dire…and that time is short. We have only a short time to do His work. The fields are ripe…and they are ready for HARVEST! But the voices of FALSE TEACHERS and FALSE PROPHETS have so deceived the laborers that they can no longer see that they are NOT involved in the field…they are too busy sitting in the parlor of the prophet as he speaks of the coming “blessing”! The FALSE PROPHET is calling the people to “the Southern Plantation Mansion” to enjoy a prosperous get-together…while Jesus is calling the people to “the field” to reap the harvest! The FALSE PROPHET seeks to SIT in the LAP OF LUXURY…while Jesus calls us to WORK in the FIELDS as a servant of the LORD OF THE HARVEST!

I pray that God will bless the words I have written…words which I am sure are inspired by His Spirit.

Please pray…please seek God…please seek wisdom and discernment. And…please obey God!

In Christ,

Ron