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End Times Prophecy Headlines: November 15-16, 2014

Bible prophecy in Today's news headlines — Bible prophecy in Today’s news headlines

End Times Prophecy Report
HEADLINES
November 15-16, 2014

And OPINION

===INTERNATIONAL

RUSSIA: Russia Gives France until end of November to deliver warship – Or else…

SWEDEN: Sweden Confirms Foreign Sub Snooped In Its Waters

SYRIA: “Syrian rebels” to get new CIA training, arms?

INDIA/PAKISTAN: Kashmir: Paradise Once Again?

NORTH KOREA: What It Was Like To Escape From North Korea

World War 3 Watch: November 10, 2014

===NATIONAL

JOE BIDEN is Obama’s Impeachment Insurance policy – In case the reader has been entertaining thoughts of the GOP (which now controls both houses of Congress) impeaching Obama, this story provides the “reason” why that will never happen.

Regardless of how many times it was promised during the Election campaign.

One other narrative floated by this article is the “GOP is too smart to try impeaching Obama because it would hurt their credibility.” Corporate Media narratives don’t have to make any sense–they just have to appear in print. The Corporate Media will do the rest to ensure that they become reality and eventually, a lot of the readers will believe whatever is printed.

In a republic or democracy, whoever controls the media controls the country. One of the reasons the mystery of iniquity got rid of so many kings and emperors during the 20th century.

“The Secret Service said there have been 40 fence-jumping incidents at the White House in the past five years. Half of them were intruders trying to get in. The other half was President Obama trying to get out.”
–Conan

POLL: 32 percent think Americans too stupid to understand ObamaCare – Of course, many of those 32 percent think that ObamaCare was about healthcare, so who’s calling who “stupid?”

Hagel To Announce Massive Shakeup Of U.S. Nuclear Forces

Congressional Republicans CONSIDER using short-term funding bill to pressure Obama – The key word: consider.

“Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”
― Mark Twain

Richest one percent pay 24 percent of the taxes – The richest 1 percent have about 80+ percent of the wealth.

US NAVY deploys first laser weapon in Persian Gulf

===MISCELLANEOUS

Assembling Together, Fellowship and the Apostate Church

Discipleship Deception: The Apostate Church

University installs prescription drug vending machine on campus – Defeating the idea of having prescriptions in the first place, isn’t it?

Church turns to exorcism to combat rising suicides – This headline serves as a sort of a convention for media narratives..

“A teenager in Arkansas was arrested after he was caught driving without a license on his way to the DMV to take a driving test, tried to flee, and crashed into a police car. On the plus side, it sounds like he was probably going to fail anyway.”
–Seth Meyers

Man fathered 20 children with 26 different women – A modern American love story.

91-year-old woman awakens after being pronounced dead – Another “pre-zombie” story in the media.

QUICK THINKING – Interesting little story about spies, codes, Nazis and keeping secrets years after an event.

Cattle prices hit record highs – As we’ve said before: this will only be a record until the price goes higher and creates another record.

One Million Dollars – It’s not as hard to make a million dollars as some would think.

Tim Lambesis was the lead singer of As I Lay Dying, a Christian hardcore band. Lambesis’s own beliefs? Atheist. – The term “Christian hardcore band” is a contradiction in terms. But all that is over the heads of the band’s target audience: pretend American Christians.

Another: “A lot of people assume Ozzy Osbourne is a Satanist, but he’s actually a follower of the Anglican Church.” Which tells the reader much more about the Anglican Church than it claims to tell about Mr. Osbourne.

(PHOTOS) 15 Creepy Old photos which will haunt you – All are old. Most are definitely creepy.

GOD, MONEY AND THE AMERICAN CHURCH

NO ONE CAN SERVE BOTH GOD AND MONEY: But Americans in the Church have always said "Not so fast!" — **NO ONE CAN SERVE BOTH GOD AND MONEY:** But Americans in the Church have always said “Not so fast!”

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
—2 Corinthians 4:4

One Nation under godlessness – One of the BIG media themes for the USA heading into the climax of end times events is “Oh no! The USA is godless!” This is not true.

The USA has always worshiped the god of this world. The USA has always been about “getting stuff.”

It’s still about getting stuff.

SELLING SIN BY ANOTHER NAME: The American Dream

To the World With Love: Signed, the American Christian

Why does the reader believe “In God We Trust” was added to the US paper money in 1957? Did the USA suddenly become very godly in 1957? What did Jesus say about the things of God and the things of Caesar?

“And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.”
—Mark 12:17

Jesus could not have been clearer. What was He referring to when He said these words?

Why, I believe it was MONEY!

Jesus was also quite clear one other time about money and God.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
—Matthew 6:24

But the USA has ALWAYS been about pretending Americans can serve God and money.

Here’s the dirty little secret: The USA has always worshiped the god of this world, but everyone pretended like they are really worshiping God Almighty. One of the reasons for the end times events: everyone will be forced to make a choice. They will NEVER be able to say “I didn’t know.”

So expect to see more Corporate Media (Satan’s Mouthpiece) articles about how “godless” the USA has become. These articles are preparing Americans for the ultra-religious whore Church (which is already mostly in place). The whore Church will LOOK like Christianity. It will be VERY VOCAL about “God.”

It will make many Americans feel good about America and about their churches.

The whore Church will fool most Americans.

Which is a shame. It really is.

But then, many Americans sitting in their churches get angry whenever someone warns them of their impending eternal doom.

Which is one big reason Americans will harken to all of the ungodly Media calls by the ungodly about “godlessness.”

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”
—Galatians 4:16

Walmart Workers Plan Black Friday Protests Over Wages – Threatening an American institution?

Why We Must be filled with the Spirit, part 1

An MIT linguistics professor was lecturing his class the other day. “In English,” he said, “a double negative forms a positive. However, in some languages, such as Russian, a double negative remains a negative. But there isn’t a single language, not one, in which a double positive can express a negative.”

A voice from the back of the room piped up, “Yeah, right.”

Possessed by the Devil: Girl (13) vomiting stones, bones, hair and thorns

Rising homeless population in NYC parks causes conflicts

Heaven is a party declares pope Francis – This may well be true–since many suspect that no pope has ever actually been to heaven.

APPLE: The world’s first trillion-dollar company? – The god of this world highly favors Apple. One can tell that by Apple’s logo.

POLL: 40 percent of men, 28% of men and 39 percent of youth don’t want a job – Learning to survive in the post-job American economy.

Hurrah For Quitters – The article insists “More Americans are quitting their jobs.”

The article also insists this is good for the US economy.

UN urges stricter controls on killer robots

Is devout faith a blessing or a curse? – This type of article makes the reader feel like a very rare occurrence (devout faith) is a common thing.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

THE GOSPEL

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
-–1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – (h/t:B)

===EARTHQUAKES/WEATHER/PESTILENCE

Obama provides government contractors with legal immunity over EBOLA

Michigan town gets one month’s worth of snow in one day – That never happens, huh?

Coldest November in decades – It’s cold! It’s hot! It’s a record! Oh no! It’s EXTREME WEATHER!

EBOLA: Quarantining Compassion

QUAKE: 3.6 Nevada

QUAKE: 7.3 Molucca Sea

MEDIA NARRATIVES ALERT

“How can the reader know when the Corporate Media is lying to him (never mind the fact that the media is Satan’s Mouthpiece and Satan is the father of lies)? One easy way to tell is the use of “Why” and “How” in the headlines of an article. When the reader sees “Why?” or “How?” in the headline–occasionally “What” is used–that which follows will be a fairy tale, a narrative, a bedtime story spun by the media for the benefit of the media’s master.” “Why” usually denotes an on-going narrative; “How” signifies a story line which explains past events. Not all narratives begin with “How” or “Why.” However, the most in-your-face, over-the-top ones usually do.

What is Media Mush?

The Corporate Media

Why waking up in a morgue isn’t quite as unusual as you’d think

Uranus Might Be Full Of Surprises – More narratives from that man-created center of authority known as “science.”

Obama; The loneliest president since Nixon

STUDY: Whites think blacks are ‘superhuman,’ ‘magical’

Boko Haram Overruns Town Where They Kidnapped 200 Girls

How To Debunk Myths

The media spins more tales of a probe on a comet somewhere in space

TED CRUZ: Is he the Barack Obama of 2016? – “NO! We’re too smart for that!”

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: End Times Prophecy Headlines: November 14, 2014

ARCHIVES: End Times Prophecy Report Article Archives

Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

Updates, corrections and late additions to this information 24/7 at END TIMES PROPHECY REPORT

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by Jeremiah J. Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

images:
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2- ETPR/PinkBlue, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-13. © Mondo Frazier, DBKP and End Times Prophecy Report, 2007-13. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Deception in the Church

Brethren, be on your guard for deception has crept into the church wholesale. It has crept into the church through false teachers and false brethren.

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. 2 Peter 2:1-3

6 “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; They have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. 7 All who found them have devoured them; And their adversaries said, ‘We have not offended, Because they have sinned against the Lord, the habitation of justice, The Lord, the hope of their fathers.” Jeremiah 50:6-7

28 “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Acts 20:28-30

4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 4

19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. Jude 19

Looking at these verses we can identify the marks of false teachers. They secretly bring in destructive heresies and deny the Lord Jesus Christ. Destructive heresies are doctrines that oppose the sound teaching of the Scriptures. They will rely on books and the opinions of men rather than the pure Word of God. They deny Jesus Christ by denying He is God, or claimed to be God; they say His redemptive work on the cross isn’t sufficient and must be added to by our works, baptism, the works of others, suffering in purgatory, or rule keeping. They are greedy and look at believers as a means of lining their coffers. They use books, symposiums, seminars, schools, the pastorate, videos, music, movies, supposedly “good works” and all manner of merchandise to enrich themselves. They talk much about money, using guilt to convince those who listen to them to hand over their hard earned money. They extort and abuse the elderly and those who are entering their twilight years. These are evil vile abusers of those who desire to know and obey Jesus Christ. These false teachers are the greatest hypocrites and should be avoided at all costs. False teachers lead the people away from God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ and instead draw them away after themselves through their false teaching and perversion of the Scriptures. They are ungodly and count on others extending grace and forgiveness to them so they can continue in their wickedness. They encourage others to continue in wickedness and sin and don’t exhort others that the Beloved of the Lord depart from unrighteousness and sin. They can only live in the flesh since they are devoid of the Spirit and are led by the devil. God’s Word commands that we separate ourselves from these false teachers, and that means avoiding their assemblies, concerts, seminars, books, music, whatever the enemy uses to lead the vast majority of those who claim to be Christians astray.

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness: 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

“Brethren, be on your guard for deception has crept into the church wholesale. It has crept into the church through false teachers and false brethren.”

We have to remember that deception has also entered the church through false brethren.

9 That this is a rebellious people, Lying children, Children who will not hear the law of the Lord; 10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits. 11 Get out of the way, Turn aside from the path, Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Isaiah 30:9-11

6 My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6

12 I have written for him the great things of My law, But they were considered a strange thing. Hosea 8:12

You have plowed wickedness; You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own way, in the multitude of your mighty men. Hosea 10:13

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me , the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns-broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13

10…and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for his reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11

False brethren reject the Lord and His Word, the Bible. They reject the knowledge that comes from knowing Jesus Christ and His Word and substitute the empty opinions of men which have their origins in the doctrines of demons. Rejecting God and His truth they embrace the lie, because they have pleasure in unrighteousness and therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion. They desire their own way and will not submit to God’s way. They turn away from the truth and away from God. They are of the flesh and do not have the Holy Spirit just like the false teachers. We can try to bring these back to the faith by the power of God, but if they still reject the truth regarding Jesus Christ and His Word, then we must leave them to God.

19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

Deception has entered the church through the enemy, through false teachers and false brethren. The enemy has always used this tactic against the people of God through the ages. When we read the Old and New Testament, we see prophets warning the children of God over and over again to turn away from idols and lies and to cling to God and His truth. The distinguishing marks of those who truly know Jesus Christ are their love for God, love for God’s Word and love for God’s children. Those who are false will always reject those who are true. Those who are true must reprove those who stray from the faith, seek to restore them to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and then reject those who refuse correction. May God empower us for this task as we seek to live to God’s glory holding fast to His truth, His Son and His children.

by Eliza

image: ETPR/Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Originally posted at Holding Forth His Word: Deception in the Church

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In Name

1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. 2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.” 3 As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips. 5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. 7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16

These words penned by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit show the essence of those who have been redeemed by God Almighty by grace through faith in His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. The believer’s life is found in God. His supply is from God. His salvation comes from God. His joy, glory, blessing and trust stem from his intimate relationship with God. Those who follow after false gods have only multiple sorrows for their lot and inheritance.

There is a God given difference between the redeemed and the nominal Christian. I want to look at a number of those differences from Scripture to give clarity for the reason that bedlam reigns within much of “Christianity” today. First and foremost one must have experienced the providential sovereign work of God in their lives by the Holy Spirit. Without God initiating and procuring salvation there would not be any among the redeemed.

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered , “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.” John 3:3-11

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:10-13

It is the flesh that conjures up distractions, devilish doctrines, deadly vice. It is the flesh that must be condemned, put to death. It is only through the work of Jesus Christ, His death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection from the dead that delivers us from the futility and falsehood of the flesh. Any who have not believed in the biblical testimony regarding Jesus Christ, believed in Who He is and what He has done, realizing that they are sinners justly condemned to eternal damnation for their willful rebellion against God Almighty, repented of their sin and received Him are not born of the Spirit and so are damned in the sins of their flesh and under the delusion of the devil.

8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Romans 8:8-9

The confusion and babble of false doctrines that are endemic within the visible church are the result of the work of Satan in the flesh of those who are not redeemed. Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil and deliver us from Satan’s power and kingdom.

13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

15 “So I said, ‘Who are You Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But arise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. ’ Acts 26:15-18

8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. 1 John 3:8-12

The sin of teaching false doctrine which contradicts the doctrine that accords with godliness found within the pages of the Bible proves that those who practice such wickedness are of the devil and are doing his bidding. These are the ones who hate those who reprove them with the Word of God and will not repent and turn to the truth. These men and women of the flesh practice sin under the auspices of their lord the devil and they hate those who are truly redeemed by Jesus Christ. They cause divisions through the promulgation of their heresies, leading multitudes astray and pleasing the fleshly desires of those who listen to and support them. Rather than loyalty to Jesus Christ and His Word they are enamored by the philosophies and intellectual wranglings of those who are bereft of the truth being citizens of the world system.

Believers in Jesus Christ have no confidence in the flesh and reject idle and profane babblings of the intelligentsia of this fallen world system. Those who profess to know Christ but tear down the walls of separation between the world and genuine saving faith by embracing the varied and complex thought systems of this world organization headed by the devil prove they are bound for hell. These false brethren will always persecute those who belong to Jesus Christ through biblical faith in Him.

16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, the will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ 26 But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” John 15:16-27

“Work centered faith traditions, liberal belief systems, mystical practices, ecumenical assertions all deny Jesus Christ and His Holy work on our behalf and so emanate from the worldly religious structure led by Satan.”

The worldly religious system inculcated in any and all religious belief traditions that deny the veracity of the Scriptures by rejection, supplementation or twisting also reject Jesus Christ and so are enemies of God. That is why the Scriptures enjoin us to not love the world!

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 1 John 3:13-14

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcome the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:2-5

18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen 1 John 5:18-21

It is obvious that false religions are of the world, but perhaps less clear are the corruptions within the visible church that deny the truth of the Scriptures regarding God’s work done in this world through His Son Jesus Christ. Work centered faith traditions, liberal belief systems, mystical practices, ecumenical assertions all deny Jesus Christ and His Holy work on our behalf and so emanate from the worldly religious structure led by Satan. If you are in such a body and profess to know Christ then get out! You have no business consorting with the enemy.

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them, I will be their God, And they shall be My people. 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

If you have opportunity to share the truth with these lost souls then ask God to empower you by the Holy Spirit as you share the truth of God’s Word with them.

19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death ad cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

As the beloved of the Lord let us prove our salvation by avoiding those who treacherously teach lies and reach out with the truth of Jesus Christ to those caught up in falsehood and deception. We, the children of God, are His through the salvation He has given us when He opened our eyes to our lost condition, being bound by Satan and captive to this world system, and turned us to believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Let us live as the children we are!

13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Let us throw off the works of darkness and refuse to be named with the nominal.

by Eliza

image: PD

Originally posted at Holding Forth His Word: In Name

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What in the World?

When Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan in the Garden of Eden the world fell into futility and evil.

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, “You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat of the herb of the field.” Genesis 3:17-18

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21

Not only did their disobedience bring corruption and sin into the world, but by listening to Satan rather than God, the enemy of our souls became the god of this world.

“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15

Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Luke 4:5-6

…in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,… Ephesians 2:2

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19

Additionally, through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the stage was set for the battle between those who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ and those who belong to the devil through sinful rebellion and unbelief as stated above in Genesis 3:15 and in the following passage from 2 Corinthians chapter four.

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

However, we need to keep in mind that those deceived by Satan are not the primary ones we battle, we battle the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12

Then he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel 9:12-14

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

This unbelieving world is actually the field that we labor in, seeking to bring many to the obedience of the faith. What are the weapons of our warfare? Are they the tactics of the world around us, or are they of divine origin, powerful and successful in the battle.

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. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints- Ephesians 6:13-18

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself the enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit Who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:4-10

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelations 12:10-11

In the verses quoted above we see the manner in which we overcome the assault of Satan in his various attacks upon us. The most important truth we must keep in mind is that we overcome his evil designs against us by holding fast to God our Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, our faith in Him and our reliance upon the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, powerful indeed!

We are promised that things are not going to improve as we see the Day of Christ approaching, on the contrary things will grow worse and worse.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13

Evil within the “church” and without is going to increase to a fevered pitch. We must realize that those who worship false gods, false christs and follow false teachers, are actually worshipping the devil and following the devil, so of course things will grow more and more wicked.

“They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons, after whom they have played the harlot…Leviticus 17:7

They sacrificed to demons, not to God, To gods they did not know, To new gods, new arrivals That your fathers did not fear. Deuteronomy 32:17

Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 1 Corinthians 10:20

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,…1 Timothy 4:1

As those who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son of God, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1), and let us continue in the things we have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom we have learned them, and know the Holy Scriptures which are able to make us wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 1 Timothy 1:18-19

As we rely upon Jesus Christ through the indwelling Spirit, hold fast to the truth of the Scriptures, and share the gospel of our beloved Savior with the lost, we will be able to further the work of God until Christ returns and sets His kingdom up on this earth. Even so come Lord Jesus Christ!

Whose Wisdom?

God’s Word contrasts the wisdom of God with the wisdom of the world. Those who embrace worldly wisdom are enamored with signs and wonders, the traditions of men, ethereal esoteric knowledge, and/or amazing philosophical feats of intellectual prowess; all of which can be considered to be the basic principles of the world. They will not set their feet upon the ancient paths, the way of God’s eternal salvation. The gospel of our salvation is the fruit of God’s wisdom. God’s Word tells us that His plan for the redemption of mankind has been executed according to His wisdom.

15 Because My people have forgotten Me, They have burned incense to worthless idols. And they have caused themselves to stumble in their ways, From the ancient paths, to walk in pathways and not on a highway,…Jeremiah 18:15

18 For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. 19 I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. 20 Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, You who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, Who carry the wood of their carved image, And pray to a god that cannot save. 21 Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. 22 Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:18-22

25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith-27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. Romans 16:25-27

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 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 His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:3-12

In 1 Corinthians the first chapter, Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, lays out clearly and concisely that the wisdom of God is far superior to the wisdom of man, and results in salvation from the just judgment of God that rests upon every human being because of their sinful rebellion against Him. Man’s wisdom lies impotent in the dust, unable to keep the sinner from sin, and powerless to present sinners before our Holy God as acceptable and cleansed from their sin.

17 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. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:17-25

“God’s Word contrasts the wisdom of God with the wisdom of the world. “

All man-made efforts to attain to the knowledge of God are empty and void of any substance. There may be an appearance of realizing knowledge of God, or god, through the deceit of the god of this age which he perpetrates against sinners to keep them blinded in their rebellion and sin and in the way of eternal destruction. The wisdom of God, however, leads us to Him, and that way is through the way of the cross of Jesus Christ as declared to us in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. The truth that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose again from the dead for our life, is the wisdom of God on display for the salvation of sinners and for His glory. Any plan of salvation that originates in the wisdom of men is a deceit and a fraud and leads only to darkness, depravity, and destruction.

For those of us who have eschewed the wisdom of this world and instead embraced the wisdom of God through our faith in Jesus Christ and His glorious gospel, we can be assured that God our Father in heaven has made every provision for us that we may walk in His wisdom, while we wait for Christ, and turn from the tired old tricks of the world that are used by the lost to get them through their sojourn on this earth. The lost employ so many different methods to deal with their problems, but they will not seek the wisdom that comes from God and is their only genuine solution. They love psychology, psychiatry, recreation, escape through drugs or alcohol, rationalization, entertainment, expert advice, advice from family or friends, religion, and the myriad of self-help books that are so prevalent in the marketplace. For us, believers, God has promised to establish us in His wisdom, to give us wisdom when we ask Him, and to provide His preserved wisdom in His Word the Bible. How much better is it for us to go to the fountain of crystal clear water rather than the puddle of putrid pollution?

30 But of Him you re in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

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. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Colossians 1:27-29

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:16-17

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let you speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:5-6

15…and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 2 Peter 3:15-16

12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. 2 Peter 1:13-15

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18

“All man-made efforts to attain to the knowledge of God are empty and void of any substance. “

We must realize that the gospel of our salvation has nothing to do with the wisdom of mankind. As we follow Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior we must be careful to listen to and obey only Him, relying on the wisdom that He imparts to us through His Word and His Holy Spirit. Throughout the ages much that has passed itself off as Christianity has relied heavily upon the wisdom of man and has been used by the devil to lead many astray, away from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. May our God and Savior establish us in Christ Jesus and make us stand upon His wisdom for His glory!

by Eliza

image: cooldesign, FreeDigitalPhotos.net/ETPR

Originally posted at Holding Forth His Word: Whose Wisdom?

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Discernment

In keeping with the theme of a previous post “Avoiding Error” I was going to title this post “Pursuing Truth” until the Lord Jesus Christ reminded me of an incident that occurred at a church we attended. As I was being diligent to stand up for the truth and encouraging the leadership at our church to do likewise the elder said to me, “We are pursuing the truth with you,” when he was all the while rejecting it, unbeknownst to me at that time. After he said that I thought, we have the truth in the Scriptures, and we can know it through the Holy Spirit, so why must we pursue it? The truth has been graciously given to us by God our Father in His Holy Word the Bible. We are commanded by God to know and obey it. So since we have the truth given to us in God’s Word our need is to be discerning so that we can hold fast to the truth and avoid error. Unfortunately there are so many within the church who are not discerning and are willing accomplices with the enemy who is spreading lies, confusion, compromise and apostasy.

The state of the “church” was made abundantly clear to me this week while I made a strong effort to defend the Word of God from the attack of a false believer. I will quote what this person said:

When did Jesus say that He hand picked Paul to reveal these mysteries? I know Paul said it, but when did Jesus say it? Did a voice from heaven say, “This is my servant, Paul, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him”? Paul certainly earned the right to speak by all he suffered, but I don’t think we should elevate his words to the status of a prophet. He never claimed to be a prophet. He was a church planter. We Protestants criticize Catholics for ascribing inerrancy to their Popes and yet we do the same with Paul. As you know, Paul was well-steeped in the teachings and traditions of the Pharisees, and ingrained teachings die hard. Perhaps that is why Jesus told His disciples to beware the yeast of the Pharisees. Perhaps that is why God said to Peter, James and John, “This is my Son, whom I love, listen to Him!” If I new how to italicize in comments, I would emphasize the pronoun HIM!

P.S. Read my reply to Freedomborn before you quote 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to me.

This was a comment posted on Pastor Joe Quatrone Jr. wordpress site on the post “How Can I Recognize a False Teacher”. The woman posting, The Reluctant Baptist (RB), requested that her posts be deleted and Pastor Joe removed almost all of my replies but left up his rebuke of me. I had two concerns about her comments, first and foremost she attacked God’s Word, and second, Pastor Joe not only gave her a pass but put a smiley face on her link to her heretical post on her site. I reproved and rebuked both of them for their wicked attack upon the truth of God and wrote the post “Beloved Brother Paul” to stand up to her corrupting work. She (RB) showed no discernment in her handling of the Word of God, and Pastor Joe, showed absolutely no discernment in his tactic approval of her heresy. Godly discernment is a work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds, while those who are undiscerning are actually sinning according to the Word of God.

“The truth has been graciously given to us by God our Father in His Holy Word the Bible. We are commanded by God to know and obey it. So since we have the truth given to us in God’s Word our need is to be discerning so that we can hold fast to the truth and avoid error.”

The lack of discernment is listed as a sin that accompanies rebellious sinners in Romans chapter one. I want to quote from both the KJV and NKJV to give a good rendering of the word used and to show that God indeed does call lack of discernment sin.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting: 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Romans 1:28-32

Being without understanding, or undiscerning, is the default position of all of humanity, and nobody gets a pass; we can’t say to God, “I didn’t know!” The sad fact that the church at large lacks discernment is extremely distressing for those of us who love God, love His Son Jesus Christ, love His Word and love His Body, the called out ones. The ones who represent themselves as servants of Jesus Christ, called to minister to His body, but lack discernment, are in a perilous place. First, because they are misrepresenting Jesus Christ by saying that He has called them, and second, by promulgating error within the Body of Christ. Woe to those false prophets who despise the truth of God and condone heresy. God our Father calls all of us to discern between truth and error, good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness. The Bible is God’s book that teaches us how to discern what is pleasing to Him and what is a grievous offense to Him, incurring His wrath and judgment.

26 “Her priest have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and the unholy, nor have they made know the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ when the Lord had not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God. Ezekiel 22:26-31

When the leaders of the church do not make a distinction between what is true and false; calling out and reproving the liars, and standing true to God’s Word then all manner of evil befalls the church and the nation. Does anybody else see the parallels our nation is experiencing with this prophesy?

All believers are commanded by God to know His truth, properly handle it, and turn away the error proffered by false teachers, heretics, apostates and false brethren. God’s Word tells us how to do this in Hebrews chapter five and numerous verses in 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Jude and 2 Corinthians.

12 For by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:12-14

As believers we must be completely convinced about the doctrine of our salvation. If we are steadfast in Christ then we can handle the word of righteousness, which not only corrects ungodly behavior but also ungodly doctrine, and we will be able to discern between good and evil.

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. 6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 1 Timothy 4:1-7

Turning from fables and following the good doctrine of the Word of God will protect us from the doctrines of demons and those hypocrites who speak lies from a seared conscience because we will be taught by the Holy Spirit to discern between the truth and falsehood. Of course, this is only viable for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and believe that He died on the cross for their sins and rose again from the dead for their eternal life and so are born again, being filled with His Spirit.

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:15-16

We must turn away from the apostasy of the world and hold fast the truth of God, the Bible, handling it according to its truth. We must turn away from professed believers if what they profess denies the authority, inerrancy, infallibility, and/or inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. We must turn away from those self-professed leaders who do not fight valiantly for the truth against error.

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 12-17

Those of us who stand for the truth will suffer persecution by those who reject the standard of the Bible. These heretics will become more and more evil as they overthrow the faith of some through their hypocrisy and sophistry. If a leader within the church is not using the word of God to reprove one who brings error into the arena of their domain then you can be convinced that person is not a man of God. We can avoid such by being grounded in the truth of God’s holy Word the Bible.

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:7-9

Although this passage is addressed to the leaders in God’s church, as believers, we can know God’s Word and then seek to correct those who contradict His truth and also protect ourselves and others from error. Again, God’s word commands those who are leaders within the church to reprove, exhort, and convict those who contradict what God’s Word says. How much better would it have been if Pastor Joe had corrected RB, and then those of us who love God’s Word, could have just come alongside his spiritual ministry and added to what he had shared from God’s Word. Instead he reproved the one who stood for the truth and championed the heretic. This is a disgrace and he needs to repent.

19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

We keep ourselves from the lies of the wicked by relying on the Holy Spirit, being obedient to God (not allowing any error within our lives), and looking forward to seeing Jesus Christ. There are those who are believers and only need gentle persuasion to reject error, while there are others who are stubborn in their rebellion and need more stringent measures to deliver their souls from hell. We can do these things because we are confident in God our Savior who will not allow us to stumble or fall and will bring us home to be with Him for eternity.

Finally, what should our stance be with those who continue to walk in lies and work the works of the flesh, being led by the devil? God gives us His answer in 2 Corinthians chapter six.

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with and unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people. 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18 I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Those who do not reject error and/or approve those who promote error are proving by their behavior that they are unbelievers. We must turn away from them. God has promised to receive us and to be our Father if we will separate ourselves from the liars, deceivers, heretics, compromisers, and apostates. Who do you want to serve, Christ or Belial? As we use the discernment given to us by God’s grace through belief in His Word and the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our lives, let us throw off the works of darkness, reprove the promoters of error and stand valiant for the truth. May Jesus Christ bless us as we seek to serve Him. God bless you.

Here are two links that are pertinent to this post.

http://holdingforthhisword.wordpress.com/2014/07/15/beloved-brother-paul/

https://endtimesprophecyreport.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/end-times-prophecy-headlines-july-16-2014/

by Eliza

image: Stuart Miles, FreeDigitialPhotos.net/ETPR

Originally posted at Holding Forth His Word: Discernment

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Indicators

There are economic indicators which reveal the health of the economy. There are solution indicators that reveal the contents of a solution. There are spiritual indicators that reveal the health of a church. I would like to focus on an indicator that obviously reveals the spiritual state of many churches today. This indicator reveals to us whether a church is spiritually alive or spiritually dead. How a church deals with this indicator lets us know for certain where the church stands in relation to God Almighty and His truth.

¹⁸For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²²Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

²⁴Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ²⁶For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. ²⁷Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. ²⁸And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting: Romans 1:18-28

Churches that embrace homosexuality as normal and/or a gift from God demonstrate that they do not know God and are actually under His divine just judgment. Homosexuality is the judgment of God upon people who refuse to retain the knowledge of God, refuse to glorify God, and refuse to thank God. People who are homosexuals are under God’s divine judgment because they have rejected the revelation of God given to us in our consciences, in Creation, in His Word, and through His Son Jesus Christ.

Therefore those churches that embrace homosexuality as a normal expression of physical love declare to believers and the world that they do not believe in God. They make it known that they actually hate God and are against Him and His holy call upon our lives through His Son Jesus Christ.

The churches that have accepted homosexual sin as an alternative expression of love have departed from the faith once for all delivered to the saints long ago. Embracing homosexuality is just the culmination of their apostasy from the truth of the Word of God. Those of us who know God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior shouldn’t be surprised at the occurrence of this aberration within the visible church.

Apostates abound and they have exchanged the truth of God, the truth found in His divine revelation in His Holy Word, for the lie of their sinful fallen natures led on by the enemy of our souls, Satan. These heretics within the visible church are more concerned with the esteem of men and serving their various corrupt appetites than they are in knowing and loving God, and serving Him in all humility and lowliness of mind.

Every leader within the visible church must determine whether they are going to serve God and follow Jesus Christ or serve their flesh and follow after Satan. Many churches, denominations, and “Christian” organizations are on the verge of this plunge into the depths of depravity and corruption and the divine judgment of God.

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. ²Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. ³Remember 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. ⁴You 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. ⁵He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. ⁶He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’ Revelation 3:1-6

Many prominent individuals and institutions within the “Christian” community have a reputation for being alive, but they are dead because they have turned from Scripture and turned to man’s reasoning and wisdom. They are on the brink of spiritual ruin and destruction; they must repent of their rejection of the Bible as their standard for faith and practice and return wholeheartedly to the gospel of their salvation, the biblical truth about Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished for God our Father in His death upon the cross in our stead and rising again from the dead for our eternal life.

If they don’t repent then Jesus Christ will judge them and we will witness many more within the visible church embracing homosexuality as something that is natural and accepted by God. Don’t be surprised or shocked when you see the acceptance of homosexuality spreading like wildfire within the “Christian community. What should our response be to this apostasy? We should share the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16), exhorting those that we share the love of God with to repent of their sin and believe in Jesus.

¹⁴”And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ ¹⁵”So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ¹⁶But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. ¹⁷I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, ¹⁸to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ ¹⁹”Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, ²⁰but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:14-20

⁹Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicator, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, ¹⁰nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

We must in these last days of the falling away rely upon our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to strengthen us and then faithfully share the gospel with those that He brings to us. Remember the life of sin that you used to embrace and how belief in Jesus Christ and His gospel delivered you from that path of destruction? He can and will do the same for those that we share His glorious gospel with no matter their sin, whether the sin of believing falsehood or the sin of homosexuality, our God is able to make all grace abound to sinners for their repentance and belief in the gospel of their salvation.

To God is the glory. We thank you Lord Jesus Christ for Your wonderful grace that is extended to sinners for their salvation. God bless you as you share His truth with those who need to hear, mainly sinners.

by Eliza

image: Artjsan, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Originally posted at Holding Forth His Word: Indicators

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