Christian – End Times Prophecy Report

End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 18, 2018

End Times Prophecy Headlines 2018 — Bible prophecy in today’s news headlines

End Times Prophecy Report
HEADLINES
MONDAY
June 18, 2018

And OPINION

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.”
—Matthew 24:4

===INTERNATIONAL

AFGHANISTAN: Afghanistan Eid car bomb, claimed by Islamic State, kills 26

AFGHANISTAN: Bomber strikes gathering of mostly Taliban members celebrating cease-fire, official says

AFGHANISTAN: Afghanistan extends ceasefire with Taliban

AFGHANISTAN: Taliban rule out extension of Afghanistan Eid festival ceasefire

RUSSIA: Driver of taxi that rammed into 8 pedestrians in Moscow tells police incident was not intentional

RUSSIA: Did Russia and America almost go to war in Syria?

MORE: Russia and the USA: End Times Members of Team Dragon

VENEZUELA: 17 dead after Venezuela nightclub violence

NICARAGUA: Eight dead in Nicaragua as gunfire and home blaze break truce

NORTHERN MACEDONIA: Greece, Macedonia to sign deal ending years-long name dispute

EUROPE: Another European Country Could Join NATO

“Scientists in Germany have programmed a robot to hug humans due to research showing hugs can reduce stress and help stave off illness. Which is the most German reaction to that news. “Oh, you need a hug? Come here — let me build you a robot. Ze robot vill hug you now.”
–Seth Meyers

INDONESIA: Woman swallowed whole by 23-foot python in Indonesia

World War 3 Watch: October 2, 2017

World War 3 Watch: February 6, 2017

Ukraine, World War 3: What does the Bible Say?

USA War against the Muslims: Almost Time

Nuclear Holocaust: The End of the World According to Satan

CLIMATE CHANGE: The End of the World According to Satan

===NATIONAL

Days left in Trump’s term: 947

868 days until Election Day 2020 – Will it happen?

“Most people want security in this world, not liberty.”
–H. L. Mencken

SATAN’S MOUTHPIECE: The Corporate Media

Trump shares G-7 photos to prove he gets along with World Leaders – Proof that people believe pictures EVEN when those pictures prove nothing.

In a string of tweets, the president posted photographs showing him smiling alongside world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron at the summit.

“Trump smiling” “proves” Trump gets along with world leaders?

The media repeats various lies over and over and over again until people believe them.

The camera does not lie.

A picture is worth 1000 words.

You can’t make up this stuff.

In this instance, Donald Trump is merely using (though not very effectively) one of the media’s tried-and-true tricks: provide a picture and let the reader’s imagination fill in the blanks.

“for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth”
–Genesis 8:21

Religious leaders unite against Trump’s cruel immigration policies – Many, when reading about the day’s happenings in the press, perform a sort of “mental shorthand.”

This calculation is based on the adage “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

Since the Leftwing press attacks Donald Trump, it MUST mean that he is a good conservative.

Right?

IF the Leftwing press attacks Donald Trump for his “cruel immigration policies,” it MUST mean Trump is really cracking down on the southern US border.

Right?

Nearly 2,000 Children Have Been Separated From Their Families During Trump Border Crackdown – The government/media would like readers to believe that Donald Trump is an immigration hardliner who is vigilant about the border–and if one believes the words coming out of Trump’s mouth (or the words written by Satan’s Mouthpiece (the Corporate Media), then that would be a fair conclusion.

“Trump MUST be watching the border! Look, he’s CRACKING DOWN!”

Does the reader believe Donald Trump? Does the reader believe the media?

Like ALL presidents, those are the real questions.

“Meet the new boss…same as the old boss.”
–The Who, Won’t get fooled again

White House, in reversal, embraces Dreamer legislation

“Meet the new boss…same as the old boss.”
–The Who, Won’t get fooled again

Trump’s little-known pick to lead consumer bureau sets up fight with Congress

Trump rattles Pentagon with Korean war games decision

“What If Trump Is Right And Everyone Else Is Wrong?”

Yeah, what if?

“At one point the White House staff brought out a piñata for Trump’s birthday party, but the president just deported it.”
–Jimmy Fallon

“Donald Trump announced today he is running for president of the United States. Traditionally that means six more weeks of comedy.”
–Conan, 2015

“Kim Jong Un is getting rid of his nukes the same way Donald Trump is building his wall. They’re not.”
–Jimmy Kimmel

“President Trump said Russia should not be punished for seizing parts of Ukraine because they speak Russian there. Which explains why today, Mexico announced plans to take back California.”
–Conan

“Is White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders leaving the Trump administration? She says she’s not going anywhere, which of course means she’s most certainly going somewhere. She tweeted: “Does CBS news know something I don’t about my plans and my future? They ran a story without even talking to me. I love my job and I’m honored to work for POTUS.” Definitely leaving, right?”
–Jimmy Kimmel

Donald Trump Prophecy?

“A politician is anyone who asks individuals to surrender part of their liberty — their power and privilege — to State, Masses, Mankind, Planet Earth, or whatever. This state, those masses, that mankind, and the planet will then be run by … politicians”
-—P.J. O’Rourke

QUOTES: A Few Thoughts on Voting

Things of This World: Faith and Trust in Politics

“But actually, he thought as he readjusted the Ministry of Plenty’s figures, it was not even forgery. It was merely the substitution of one piece of nonsense for another. Most of the material that you were dealing with had no connection with anything in the real world, not even the kind of connection that is contained in a direct lie. Statistics were just as much a fantasy in their original version as in their rectified version. A great deal of time you were expected to make them up out of your head.”
–On changing government statistics – George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four

POLLS: Another Way to Lie

Do you believe the media? Then why do you believe their lying polls?

POLLS: The Fiction of Polls and Public Opinion

The Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and Polls

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
—John 20:31

“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:

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
-—1 Corinthians 1:18-19

The Gospel is Hidden to Those who are Lost

===MISCELLANEOUS

IDOLATRY: There is More Than One Way to Worship an Idol

Study: U.S. teens less into sex and drugs, but more depressed (VIDEO)

Amazon and Microsoft back campaign against California privacy act

“Microsoft is working on technology that removes the need for cashiers and checkout lines. This cutting-edge technology is known as “shoplifting.”
–Conan

Trump to huddle with House Republicans on immigration

Senate now open to consider House immigration bill

“In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.”
–Franklin D. Roosevelt

1 dead, 22 injured in New Jersey arts festival shooting

“A federal judge yesterday approved the $85 billion merger between AT&T and Time Warner, despite the Trump administration’s efforts to block it. AT&T executives said they need to get into content creation and distribution in order to survive against technology companies like Amazon and Netflix. Another way to survive would be to fix your cellphone service, you know.”
–Jimmy Kimmel

American Airlines to pay $45M to settle airfare collusion lawsuit – Americans companies consult and conspire in order to charge higher prices?

Hard to believe.

Right?

CHP Chopper Rescues Hikers Stranded Overnight on Coastside Cliff

Control of the Access Points of Reality is Control of Reality

FOUR YEARS AGO

CHRISTIAN, PREPARE THYSELF!

It’s not like God’s Word hasn’t warned true believers what is coming.

“…exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
—Acts 14:22

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
—2 Timothy 3:12

Will you be ready to testify of our Lord Jesus Christ if the opportunity presents itself? The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. REMEMBER: If you confess Jesus before men, he will confess you before the Father. [Matthew 10:32] That’s a guaranteed ticket into heaven!

Prepare thyself and experience the rejoicing and glory that only those persecuted for the name of Jesus can attain!

““And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”
—Acts 5:40-41

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
–Matthew 5:11

““For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
–2 Corinthians 4:17

Though the earth will be filled with false prophets, false teachers, false apostles and wolves in sheep’s clothing, the true prophets will all be testifying of Jesus.

“…worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
—Revelation 19:10

That testimony of Jesus will be the key to life–not necessarily life in this body of flesh–but ETERNAL LIFE.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
—Revelation 12:11

MORE: Prepare Thyself for the End

MORE: END TIMES PREPARATION: 15 Ways to Prepare for the End Times

Effective End Times Preparation Has NOTHING To Do with Making Lists or Storing Things of the World

Ex-head of France Telecom is ordered to stand trial over wave of staff suicides including man who stabbed himself in meeting and woman who threw herself from a window – The Corporate Media (Satan’s Mouthpiece) cannot get enough of its “suicide” storyline over the past two weeks.

Epidemic Of New York Cab Driver Suicides Continues With 6th Death Since November

“The state of Vermont is trying to get people to move into their state and to sweeten the deal they’re now offering each new resident up to $10,000. This is great because up until now, the most popular way to become a Vermont resident was through the witness protection program.”
–James Corden

The false choice of ‘peace or war’ – Well, there “rumours of war.”

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”
–Matthew 24:6

THREE YEARS AGO

THE MYSTERY OF ATLANTIS

*This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or less.*

Atlantis Revealed: Plato’s cautionary tale was based on a real-life setting – Yes it was.

Atlantis was part of the pre-flood world. From Plato’s account, it was one of the top pre-flood civilizations.

Actually, “Atlantis” has become shorthand for “pre-flood civilization.”

The story of Atlantis coincides with what the Bible declares.

However, this last conclusion will NEVER be written by the authors of the “mysterious.” Because then, their whole raison d’être would be gone: they would no longer be able to peddle counterfeit “mysteries.”

One suspects they certainly would have to know better, since the evidence all points to pre-flood civilizations and the writers of the “mysterious” NEVER can quite seem to add up the evidence.

Not even one of them.

Pre-flood structures and events almost ALWAYS dated as being thousands of years older; in some cases, the pre-flood events and structures have been made more recent. BUT MOSTLY, they are claimed to be much older

Instead, scenario after fantastically-flawed scenario is constructed, ever searching for ANYTHING but the real answers; never stumbling upon the truth.

Not even once.

Because the world loves a mystery.

SUPERPOWERS: The Constant Promotion of Superpowers by the Corporate Media

Florida woman turns 105 and credits a life of drinking, smoking and staying out late for her longevity – Of course.

“A new study has found that people who run marathons have less arthritis than non-runners. Responded non-runners: “This. This is why no one wants to hang out with you.”
–Seth Meyers

As Labor Shortage Worsens, Small Businesses Are “Recruiting In The County Jail” – There are too many jobs in America! They can’t find workers for all the jobs! The only Americans not working are lazy and good-for-nothing!

Does the reader believe this?

Has the reader seen evidence in his own neighborhood to the contrary?

God is in Control

The new golden age of television

Invasive plant that causes 3rd-degree burns, permanent blindness discovered in Virginia

“Recently it was announced the U.S. will host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico. Players can either travel from the U.S. to Mexico by plane or just walk past the wall that still won’t be built.”
–Jimmy Fallon

Study Finds Most LGBTQ Adults Are Religious – Of course they are.

MORE: The Triumph of Religion–and Satan–in the End Times

FROM TWO YEARS AGO:

Religion’s Wicked Neighbor – The world NEVER lacks for religion. There is religion on every street corner in the Jesus Christ-less USA.

Religion is not the same thing as Christianity.

That being said, the article takes on Islam, which is being set up as a sort of stalking horse for what will befall end times Christianity.

MORE: Being Spiritual or Religious is NOT the Same as Christianity
—End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 18-19, 2016

The Demise of Toys ‘R’ Us Is a Warning

PERSEVERE: WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT PERSEVERANCE

The Bible only uses the words “persevere” or “perseverance” one time.

“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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”
–Ephesians 6:17-18

Can this mean that God’s Word has little to nothing to say about the Christian’s need to persist and persevere in the face of Satan’s resistance?

No, it does not.

The Bible has MUCH to say on the subject–it just uses different words instead of “persevere.”

Such as “endure” and “endurance.”

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
–James 1:12

“For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”
–1Peter 2:19-20

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”
–Hebrews 12:6-7

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
–James 5:10-11

God’s Word has other ways of expressing “perseverance” as well.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
–Galatians 6:9

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
–James 1:2-4

“And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.”
–1Chronicles 28:6-7

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”
–2Thessalonians 3:13

“I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.”
–Psalm 89:20,28-36

Endure.

Be constant.

Be not weary.

Steadfast.

So while the Bible may not use the word “persevere,” the encouragement to believers to stand fast in the face of obstacles and trials is a common one.

Particularly for the end times.

A country founded by Geniuses, Run by Idiots: How True?

Speed Trap

“The Detroit Zoo announced it is sending 11,000 tadpoles to Puerto Rico to help restore their native toad population. A grateful Puerto Rico said, “Thanks, but could you send some electricity instead?”
–Conan

U.S. Disaster Zones: Are You Living In A Place Where Disasters Are Common?

ETPR ARCHIVES: Modern Life

THE USA: World's Most Christian Nation--EVER! — THE USA: World’s Most Christian Nation–EVER!

RECENTLY…

FOUR, FIVE YEARS AGO

PRAYER FOR THE WICKED

Some of those who act the most wickedly put on the drapes and trappings of religion.

United Methodist Bishop Melvin Talbert backs Disobedience; Same sex marriage – The Bible doesn’t say that the wolves will come from the world in the last days.

The wolves will be wearing sheep’s clothing.

Where does the reader suppose Jesus was warning that the wolves would come from?

It’s not that people like Talbert are endorsing same sex marriage. It’s that they are JUSTIFYING it by standing scripture on its head.

It’s good that we are commanded to pray for such people.

Sometimes, it hard to remember on our own to do so.

There are a great many people for which the Christian ought to pray. But many of those groups receive precious few prayers and much invective.

One of the groups is homosexuals.

Another is atheists.

BOTH groups will be sacrificed upon the New World Order/one-world altar of expediency; the atheists being first in line. The same fate is reserved for anarchists and others who will prove useful to the “cause” for a short while.

By the time those deceived individuals discover they’ve been had, it will be too late.

One other group is the practitioners of Wicca and witches in general.

They are deceived and, like apostate Christians, no amount of logic, reasoning, or any other human device can free them.

Only God can open their eyes.

Yes, they consort with the enemies of God, but those entities are the enemies of humans everywhere. When the humans’ usefulness is finished, no amount of chalk lines, herbs and spices or other esoteric charms of protection will prevent an unfortunate end. At that point, it will be too late to protest over a deceptive bill of goods which the practitioner has been sold.

A moment of prayer once a week for these poor, enslaved souls wouldn’t be too much, would it?

Prayer and the gospel!

Modern Recruitment of Witches: Using Power as Bait

Stephen Hawking Buried At Westminster Abbey, Between Charles Darwin And Isaac Newton – As befits one who is honored for his service to the world, Hawking lies between two others who are exalted by the world.

All three–Hawking, Darwin and Newton told entertaining and deceptive stories.

Which is the main reason they are so honored.

Las Vegas Home Prices “Most Overvalued In America”?

Is one California really enough?

“The crayon company Crayola has launched a new line of makeup based on its crayon colors. Crayola says their new line of makeup is completely vegan. Wait, so are you telling me the makeup I’ve been eating has meat in it?”
–James Corden

Groping great great grandma

‘Shouting at kids can be as harmful as smacking or hitting’: Tips on how to discipline your children without raising your voice

Celebrating Pagan Holidays: Summer Solstice 2018

===EARTHQUAKES/WEATHER/PESTILENCE

Heat wave looms over DC area ahead of summer’s start

Tornado, Flash Flood Watches Issued

CDC: Kellogg’s cereal source of 31-state salmonella outbreak

MORE: FAKE NEWS: Product Placement, Staged Events as “News”

Earthquake report world-wide for Sunday, 17 Jun 2018

Dry riverbeds are contributing to climate change more than previously thought

MORE: Climate Change or Word of God: Make Your Choice

“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.”
–H.L. Mencken

Climate change is speeding up a rise in sea levels

IF it is hot, scientists claim it to be “climate change.”

IF it is cold, scientists claim it to be “climate change.”

IF it is dry, scientists claim it to be “climate change.”

IF it is wet, scientists claim it to be “climate change.”

“Heads I win, tails you lose.”

MORE: Climate Change: Fake It Until They Make It

“I’m old enough to remember when the air over American cities was a lot dirtier than it is now.”
–P. J. O’Rourke

…and now that it’s cleaner and more clear, the elite spin their fables, trying to create fear over “climate change.”

Leaked UN draft report warns of urgent need to cut global warming

MORE: Global Warming: What does the Bible Say?

Drought and fire threat lead to forest closings

MORE: Coming Water Shortage: Drinking Water Vanishing from the Planet?

MORE: Water shortages, Drought: End Times Signs

Ebola in America: What does the Bible Say?

End Times Survival, End Times Preparation

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. ALL political “news” is narrative.

The Corporate Media

What is Media Mush?

MORE: The End Times Lie of Staged Newscasts

Puppet Masters of Public Opinion: The Corporate Media

REBRANDING EVIL: The Corporate Media is Satan’s Mouthpiece

Corporate Media: Satan’s Mouthpiece is the Author of Confusion

“American journalism (like the journalism of any other country) is predominantly paltry and worthless. Its pretensions are enormous, but its achievements are insignificant.”
― H.L. Mencken

“Things are never quite what they seem. Events are seldom close to how the media and history portray them.”

“It is a free press…There are laws to protect the freedom of the press’s speech, but none that are worth anything to protect the people from the press.”
–Mark Twain, speech: License of the Press

“Journalists” are story-tellers. Nothing more, nothing less. Sometimes, there is an element of truth in their stories, but truth is not a requirement of what they do.

“Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.”
–Adolf Hitler, Propaganda, the Big Lie and Adolf Hitler: 20 Hitler Quotes on Propaganda

Chandra Space Telescope: Revealing the Invisible Universe

MORE: Modern Man Loves a Good Story

China plans historic mission to the moon’s ‘dark’ side

MORE: END TIMES DECEPTION: Tell Me a Story

Antarctica is melting faster than anyone thought, and we’re not ready for the sea level rise that’s coming – It is easier for the government/media to lie to people when those people have been denied a good, basic education of the way things work.

MORE: End Times Lies: Tell Me a Story

Scientists identify over 100 planets outside of our solar system that may host habitable moons

MORE: MEN WANT TO BE LIED TO: Lie to Me. Please.

Astronomers Are Watching a Black Hole Tear a Star Apart in Another Galaxy

MORE: Bedtimes Stories from Outer Space

A New Kind of Photosynthesis Has Been Discovered, Pushing The Limits on Life

MORE: Science: A Collection of Stories

Gossiping Is Good

MORE: When Men Cease to Believe the Truth, They will Believe Anything

ON THIS DAY

ONE YEAR AGO:

TWO YEARS AGO: End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 18-19, 2016

THREE YEARS AGO: End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 18, 2015

FOUR YEARS AGO: End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 18, 2014

FIVE YEARS AGO: End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 18, 2013

OF INTEREST: Independent Thoughts from Around the Internet June 18, 2014

LAST WEEK

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 15-17, 2018

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

APOSTATE AMERICA

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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

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Charge Some

In his first epistle to Timothy Paul instructed Timothy to charge some that they teach no other doctrine in the church that was in Ephesus. False doctrine was rearing its ugly head through the proliferation of false teaching. This false doctrine, as is always the case, was in complete contradiction to the good doctrine that God has reserved for us in His Word, the Bible. After his exhortation to Timothy, Paul then gives examples of false doctrine and its deadly effects. Paul’s commandment to Timothy to charge some that they teach no other doctrine was rooted in love for the brethren and love for God.

³As I urged you when I went into Macedonia-remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,⁴nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. ⁵Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, ⁶from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, ⁷desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. ⁸But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully. 1 Timothy 1:3-8

Those who are in positions of leadership in the church must reject fables which cause disputes to occur between brethren rather than godly mutual edification. However, in recent history some “Christian” leaders have done the exact opposite. Their support of three recent films from Hollywood geared towards the “Christian” market reveals their duplicity in the faith. Each of these films was based upon fables, things that are made up, rather than the truth from the Scriptures. Some leaders within the “Christian” community promoted the pictures, encouraging “Christians” to pay to see these fallacious films. They actually joined in making merchandise of believers, sharing in the sins of others, something Paul warned Timothy against. These fables were not fabricated out of thin air; instead the premise for the films was taken from Scripture. Like these films, much of what is being promoted within the visible church today takes grains of truth from the Bible and then puffs them up, distorting them with the foolish beliefs, vain ideologies, worldly philosophies and devilish doctrines utilized to distort God’s Word and lead many astray. This promotion of fables leads to discord and disputes among the body, where faith and love are cast aside, along with the Word of God, and instead fleshly behavior reigns supreme. Those who try to warn others with the Word of God are castigated and spurned, being labeled haters, when the truth is those who hold to these fables are the dividers and haters, rejecting biblical faith and godly fellowship which centers around Jesus Christ and His Word and results in loving edification. At the other end of the continuum of false doctrine is the teaching of the law in the place of grace and love found in and through Christ Jesus.

⁵Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, ⁶from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, ⁷desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. ⁸But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, ⁹knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, ¹⁰for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,¹¹according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. 1 Timothy 1:5-11

Trying to know, love and serve God through the observance of the law is impossible. The law exposes our sin; the law is designed to show us our need for Christ and lead us to Him as we despair of ever being adequate to make ourselves worthy of the love of God and right in His sight. The law makes us feel guilty and alienated from God. It is only faith in Jesus Christ that makes us righteous in God’s sight. He is our righteousness. Those who try to resort to the law and use it to exhort others to godly living are placing a burden upon the hearts and lives of those they are enslaving with an instrument that is meant to condemn us because of indwelling sin.

“Those who exhort God’s children with the law are brutalizing them with an impossible obligation that can never be met by man. Jesus Christ sets us free from the law’s requirements and establishes us in His grace through faith.”

The law is good but we are slaves to sin and incapable of living lives pleasing to God since the law actually excites sin within us because of the depravity of our sin natures. Those who exhort God’s children with the law are brutalizing them with an impossible obligation that can never be met by man. Jesus Christ sets us free from the law’s requirements and establishes us in His grace through faith. He gives us the promised Holy Spirit and as we walk by faith in the power of the Spirit we faithfully please God and are not under the law. Self-righteousness through observance of the law feeds the flesh and brings condemnation. Instead walking in the Spirit and walking in love, which is a fruit of the Spirit, brings us out from under the law and then fulfills the heart and intent of the law. It is necessary to quote numerous Scripture to endorse the biblical doctrine that I have written.

¹⁹Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:19-20

²²But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. ²³But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. ²⁴Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. ²⁶For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:22-26

⁴Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another-to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. ⁵For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. ⁶But now that we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. ⁷What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” ⁸But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. ⁹I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. ¹⁰And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. ¹¹For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. ¹²Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. ¹³Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. ¹⁴For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. Romans 7:4-14

¹There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ²For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin the flesh, ⁴that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4

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

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

¹⁶I say them: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to on another so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Galatians 5:16-18

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8

⁸Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. ⁹For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Legalistic law teaching is practiced within much of the visible church today; the homeschooling movement is especially prone to this error which causes much harm. Children reared under the tutelage of the law do not learn about the love of God given to them in Christ Jesus. They do not learn about the grace of God given to them in Christ Jesus. They serve a hard taskmaster that only grimaces at them and whips them as they fail, and fail they do for the invalid flesh fruitlessly fights to control sin through the law. Unabated flesh flourishes under legalistic teaching so that all manner of wickedness abounds. These are those who have a form of godliness but deny its power. We are to turn away from these false teachers who enslave others by the wrongful use of the law because they have no confidence in the victory over sin that is ours in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:5)

There is an abundance of those who endorse fables, teach legalism and listen to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. The apostasy within the visible church is deep and wide. The false doctrines that abound are too numerous to list, but they all originate from the father of lies, Satan. He deceives and leads astray. These heresies are whispered in the ears of those who are primed for deception because they do not love the truth, God’s Holy Word, the Bible. Instead they lust after the latest greatest thing that will cause a sensation and bring them a following.

¹Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines o demons,²speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, ³forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; ⁵for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. ⁶If 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. ⁷But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 1 Timothy 4:1-7

Our protection against the onslaught of false teaching is to build ourselves up on our most holy faith by godly living and adherence to the truth, which is the Word of God. We can protect ourselves from the lies of the enemy by being informed through diligent study of God’s Word and rejection of teaching that doesn’t conform to the godly doctrine of the Scriptures. That means meticulous study of the Scriptures so that we understand the Word of God by the Holy Spirit and then can reject the lies, reprove the liars, and exhort all with the Holy Scriptures of God, including our own selves.

Those who teach lies reject the words of Jesus Christ and teach doctrine that is contrary to godly living. Instead their prideful, ignorant false teaching results in disputes, arguments, envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions and useless wranglings. They are in it for the money and care nothing for Christ or for His precious flock. This aptly depicts what is happening in many churches today and throughout the “Christian” community. What a sad and deplorable situation for those who claim to be believers in Jesus Christ. We must reject these false teachers and remove ourselves from their sphere of influence.

³If 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, ⁴he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, ⁵useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Finally false teachers and false brethren falsely profess knowledge and so leave behind the faith they once professed. This knowledge can come from seminary, theological works, “Christian” seminars and conventions. This knowledge can come from the scientific community, the popular culture, the New Age, or any other information stream that teaches what is contrary to the Holy Scriptures. This false knowledge is foolish, rejects the truth and tries to place the ignorance of man over the wisdom of God found in the Bible. The end result will be the same no matter the source, falling from the faith that was once professed. Paul exhorts Timothy, and us, guard what is committed to our trust. Guard the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Hold fast to sound doctrine! Cling to the Word of God! Cry out to God for His protection and deliverance! These are perilous times in which we live in. Truth is condemned as false; and falsehood is elevated as truth. This is happening within the visible church. Take care that no man deceives you! May God’s grace be with us to protect and guide us in these perilous times.

²⁰O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge-²¹by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:20-21

by Eliza

image: ETPR

Originally posted at Holding Forth His Word: Charge Some

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Deliberate Determined Deception

Why is there so much false teaching in the visible church? If we go to Scriptures with our question we can find the answer. Paul tells us one of the main reasons for this deception in the following verses in Acts chapter twenty:

27 “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 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 disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.” Acts 20:27-31

Carefully examining this passage from God’s Word we can see the motivations and methods off false teachers and God’s directions for protecting the flock from false teachers.

First false teachers are savage wolves caring nothing for the flock of God, destroying the flock, they want to have their own following and they do this by teaching contrary to what the Word of God says, perverse things that lead people astray, ultimately destroying them.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy… John 10:10

These wolves steal sheep from God’s fold for their own aggrandizement. They peddle the Word of God to draw away disciples after themselves, for their own material gain, appearing as ministers of righteousness.

For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God;… 2 Corinthians 2:27

By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; … 2 Peter 2:3

14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness,… 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. Galatians 4:17

These evil workers perform the work of the devil deceiving the simple with smooth words and flattering speech.

For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:18

They are deliberate in their deception, not just wrong, but follow the desires of the flesh as Satan leads them in their apostasy. God will destroy these apostates

…for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. 2 Peter 2:3

The passage from Acts, and the other verses, may shed light on false teachers, but we need more information to understand why false teaching is predominating within the church today. We are warned about the current situation within Christianity from the Bible in

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,… 1 Timothy 4:1-2

The Holy Spirit of truth tells us that these apostates turn away from the faith and listen to devilish doctrines, spreading the lies while pretending to be genuine. They are able to make so much progress because not only are they empowered by Satan, but they also have a willing and ready audience eagerly listening to their lies.

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

“It takes a mighty miracle of God to deliver the deceived from the damning deception.”

Few escape from this deadly deception. How can these escape destruction? Only by the grace and power of God in His merciful working can such be saved from the damning delusion.

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.” 2 Peter 2:19-22

It takes a mighty miracle of God to deliver the deceived from the damning deception.

Another reason false teaching is endemic within the church is that the overseers are not exercising the responsibility that God has given them to watch over the flock of God and to protect them from false teachers.

1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 You eat the fat and clothe ourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. 4 The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who are sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd ; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.” 7 ‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 “As I live,” says the Lord God, “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed my flock”-9 ‘therefore , O shepherds, hear the word of the Lord! 10 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds will feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.” 11 ‘For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.” Ezekiel 34:1-11

15 “I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. 16 “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.” Ezekiel 34:15-16

God will judge those called to lead His flock, who refuse to do as Paul exhorted in Acts 20:27-31, to take care to protect the flock from error both from without and within, and to diligently follow the example that Paul gave them of warning and exhorting the flock to be true to the Lord Jesus Christ and His true Word. There are so few in leadership today who take this command from the Word of God seriously. Why is this one of the very last things that Paul said to the leaders in the church in Ephesus if it isn’t vitally important? Why do so many pastors and teachers quote false teachers rather than exposing them? They are showing by their actions that they are not true shepherds of the sheep. There is one who is the true shepherd of the sheep, though, Jesus Christ.

20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the prophesy in Ezekiel 34:15-16. As Jesus withstood the false shepherds in the days of His flesh, He exposed them as evil workers, and He Himself took care of His sheep.

10 “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. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17 Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” 19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” 22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are One. John 10:10-30

Jesus referred to the Jewish leaders when He walked this earth as thieves, hirelings, and ultimately, wolves. They cared only for themselves and were just like the shepherds described in Ezekiel 34. Today, the majority of those in positions of leadership within the visible church are just like the false leaders that Jesus rebuked. They care for themselves and do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ by caring for the sheep. They don’t know His voice and don’t faithfully teach and preach the whole counsel of God like the apostle Paul. Paul was a genuine shepherd of the sheep, he knew Jesus Christ and followed the Lord’s example. Jesus is the true shepherd who cares for His sheep doing His Father’s will, being One with the Father. He does rescue His own from the wiles of the devil and feeds them in the pastures of the provision of His Spirit and His Word, the Bible.

9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:9-10

In contrast to the salvation, protection and loving leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ, the vast majority of church leaders today do not reveal the false teachers by exposing their teaching and giving their names; they then become complicit in the deliberate determined deception of false teachers in the visible church. Another reason why there is so much false teaching in the visible church.

by Eliza

image: ETPR/Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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

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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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God’s Call to Sinners

SINNER, WILL YOU HEED THE CALL TO REPENT? Put your faith in Jesus Christ. — **SINNER, WILL YOU HEED THE CALL TO REPENT?** Put your faith in Jesus Christ.

God sent judgment upon the Israelites as they complained against God and Moses yet another time after God gave them a major victory over their enemies.

4 Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” 6 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “we have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. Numbers 21:4-9

Jesus references this episode in the historical account of the wanderings of the people of Israel found in Numbers when explaining to Nicodemus the way of salvation in John chapter 3.

14 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:14-18

Notice that the Israelites confessed their sin and asked Moses to pray for them. God instructed Moses to make a fiery serpent, set it on a pole, and then tell the people of Israel to look at the serpent and be saved. God, once again demonstrated His mercy, love and forgiveness to His wayward children. In the same way, sinners who confess their sin, turn from sin and believe in Jesus Christ are saved from the judgment of God in hell. Just as there were Israelites who died after being bitten by the fiery serpents, there will be those who will refuse to repent and believe in Jesus Christ and so will perish in hell.

“So dear sinner, will you heed the call and repent and put your faith in Jesus Christ? His mercy and grace given to us in the gospel, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins and His resurrection from the dead, are sufficient to save the most wretched sinner.”

In Second Peter chapter three, Peter writes about the return of Jesus Christ and says the supposed delay is due to God’s mercy.

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9

In Ezekiel chapter 18 after the prophet has warned the people of Israel to turn from sin to live, and exhorted those who were righteous to continue in righteousness so they would not be judged, God expresses His heart toward the rebellious.

30 “Therefore I will judge you. O house of Israel, everyone according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 “For I have no pleasure in the death of the one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:30-32

God wants all to turn from their sin and turn to Him so they may have eternal life. The Father in Heaven wants all to repent of their sin and believe in Jesus Christ, placing their faith in Him as their Lord and Savior.

Twice in both the first and second chapters of 1 Timothy Paul reveals the mercy and grace that God has in store for sinners who turn to Him and turn from their sin.

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle-I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying-a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-7

This comports exactly with what Jesus said in Matthew the eleventh chapter:

27 “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:27-30

God has said in so many different ways that His will and desire is for sinners to repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior so they may have eternal life and be saved from God’s just judgment in hell. Those who repent of their sin and believe that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and rose again from the dead have eternal life.

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,”… Acts 3:19

So dear sinner, will you heed the call and repent and put your faith in Jesus Christ? His mercy and grace given to us in the gospel, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins and His resurrection from the dead, are sufficient to save the most wretched sinner. Won’t you trust your loving Savior and Lord Jesus Christ? God bless you.

by Eliza

image: PD

Originally posted at Holding Forth His Word: God’s Call to Sinners

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Do You Love the Sinner?

Do you love the sinner? Do you treat others the way you want to be treated? Do you follow the example of Jesus Christ who showed His love to sinners? If you have the Spirit of Christ indwelling you then you will love the sinner. Jesus instructed us how we should love the sinner. We can see where we stand if we compare our behavior with the commandments of Christ. We can see if we do love the sinner.

Jesus not only told us how to love the sinner, He also modeled that behavior for us. When He was hanging upon the cross, dying for the sins of the world, dying to reconcile us to God, He said these statements from the cross showing His love for the sinner.

33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right had and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:33-34

Later on He assured one of the criminals of eternal life for his faith in Jesus Christ.

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43

Showing us how to love our family members, the sinners in our families, He reached out to His mother while hanging on the cross.

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 26 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his home. John 19:25-27

In each instance He showed no concern for Himself, only for the sinners that He ministered to while dying on the cross, a death that for Him was unjust, but for us, our justification. He did not retaliate; He did not cry out, He did not call curses on or threaten those who were persecuting Him. He asked the Father to forgive them because the crucified Him in ignorance. He assured the dying criminal of eternal life because of his statement of faith. He delivered His mother to His beloved disciple so that she would be taken care of in the faith. He did all for others, He did all for sinners. Do you love the sinner?

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught sinners how to love sinners through many amazing exhortations beginning in Matthew chapter five.

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. 27 You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you ; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for you whole body to be cast into hell. 31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. 33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 “But I say to you, do not swear at all; neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heave is perfect.” Matthew 5:21-48

Our relationship to the sinner is to mirror Christ’s love for the sinner and God’s gracious mercy given to all, the wicked as well as the righteous. We must love the sinner from the heart for that is where all behavior originates. We must be severe with ourselves so we can love the sinner with purity and God’s grace. Our conduct must be honest and humble. This high and lofty standard is impossible for any but the ones who have been born again by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ and His awesome work on the cross for us and resurrection from the dead and who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Additionally, we cannot obey God’s commands if we are in fellowship with false teachers and compromisers because we will be led by the flesh, and flesh begets flesh. We must walk in the light as He is in the light in order to obey and love the sinner. Do you love the sinner?

God continues to give His exhortation to love the sinner in the epistles; and in 1 Peter chapter three we are given glorious commands that embody true love for the sinner, the saved and the lost.

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and purse it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 1 Peter 3:8-16

Ultimately we love the sinner by doing good. If our brothers or sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ sin against us, we must ask the Lord to bless them. We can seek to reconcile with them, but it must be done on the Lord’s terms with grace and forgiveness. If unbelievers attack our good conduct in Christ Jesus, we must stand our ground and continue to do good, sharing the truth about Jesus Christ and His gospel as we have opportunity.

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps: 22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”,23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, might lie for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-25

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19

Our commitment to doing good and loving the sinner bears witness to our understanding that we are doing the will of God and He is leading us in all of life. As we love the sinner, we exemplify the glory of Jesus Christ and His love for mankind. Let us do good to all around us that God may be glorified and the sinner saved. During the past few years, my wonderful Father has given my husband and me the opportunity to love a sinner, a family member who has gone astray. We have seen Jesus answer prayers and make provision as we have served Him in loving the sinner. Do you love the sinner? May we remember the example that Jesus Christ our beloved Lord and Savior has given us, and love the sinner as He gives us grace and opportunity. May the Lord bless us for this blessed task.

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“Those who exhort God’s children with the law are brutalizing them with an impossible obligation that can never be met by man. Jesus Christ sets us free from the law’s requirements and establishes us in His grace through faith.”

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“It takes a mighty miracle of God to deliver the deceived from the damning deception.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“So dear sinner, will you heed the call and repent and put your faith in Jesus Christ? His mercy and grace given to us in the gospel, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins and His resurrection from the dead, are sufficient to save the most wretched sinner.”

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