Write! (and be heard)

When I ask you something, you have to answer me. (Do we really have to answer?)

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 05:45:00 +0000

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 2 Timothy 2:23

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus 3:9

Everyone wants to know everything these days. We all do and in a way there is nothing wrong with this, long as we go about it a proper way. We all ask questions about life in general, about each other, and about others, about the Bible, about different religions, and why people do the things they should not, etc. Some seem to get a little annoyed when one does not answer ALL their questions. Most people think we HAVE to answer every question, because if we do not, we are considered rude and immature. Are we rude and immature and ignorant if we do not answer all questions that people ask us? It depends on the questions. Also most people think they have the answer to everything. This is unprofitable and just plain vain. These people are wise in their own eyes, because they do fear God.

But, I am going to tell you what the Bible says about this. You will see what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:23: But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strife.

This says to avoid foolish questions. Other words if someone asks you something that you are uncomfortable in answering, you do NOT have to answer them. This is simple to see, read and understandable. If one asks about your personal life, you do not need to answer. Just be polite to the person asking and tell them you rather not answer and you are uncomfortable to answer them. If they truly understand they will not. If someone asks you a foolish or stupid question that has no bearing on any topic, just to get your reaction, do not answer. By answering, all it will do is gender strife, or bring out a possible argument which is unnecessary, and to possibly get a strong and wrong reaction from you. Foolish questions are nothing more than silly speaking without proper thinking before one speaks.

In Titus 3:9 But foolish questions avoid, and genealogies, and; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Why ask something that will not profit either one of you? What is the point trying to profit from something, just to add to your pride and man-made wisdom, and lowering the other in return if they are unable to answer? Instead of trying to ask stupid questions about nothing, just show some care and courtesy, and think before you speak. I know we all ask dumb questions that are just foolishness and have no bearing on anything that we think is of vital importance. But the problem with some people is they want to know your life history in 5 minutes. If you do not answer them, they get upset and tell you, you have to answer. Or they will just not take the time to talk with you anymore. If they do, it won’t be for very long. People just love to mind other people’s business and this is Biblically wrong too. The Bible warns also that we need to mind our own business, but that is another topic for another time.

So think on these things people. Stop asking things that may be personal to whom you may be talking with, or maybe you do it to cause division and problems and separation. If you were true born again Christian, study these things to shew thyself approved unto God. Be blessed Christian and non Christian, I pray God’s grace will be on you and your family.

© Mike Carey; March 23, 2015

Is Jesus God? (The Son of God)

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:09:00 +0000

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Well, there is much debate concerning this issue amongst religions, but all the Bible says concerning this issue is Truth and very much Biblical. Nothing in the Bible is debateable. Error has crept into churches and many false religions believe what the creators of their religions believe, therefore they believe the lies created by man himself and do not believe what the Bible has to say on this important doctrine. Not only do they believe Jesus is not God or the Son of God, they have other foolish beliefs that relate to Christ being not God or the Son of God. It is like saying there is no God. If you do not believe there is a God, see Psalms 14:1 which says ‘ The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Just a quick look on what some religions believe then I will give you many scriptures that you can look up and study and see why Jesus Christ is and always has been the Son of God and also God Himself.

Christian Science says, “The virgin mother conceived this idea of God and gave to her the idea the name of Jesus. "

Spiritualism says, “Jesus was not divine. He is now an advanced spirit in the sixth sphere. He never claimed to be God manifest in the flesh and does not at present.”

Russellites, or Jehovah witnesses, says, “Michael the archangel is no other than the only begotten Son of God, now Jesus Christ.” They do not believe Jesus is God or the Son of God. Charles Taz Russell is the creator of this heathen religion.

Armstrongism says, “Before Jesus was conceived by Mary, He was not the Son of God.”

Mormonism says, “Among the spirit children of Elohim, the firstborn was and is Jehovah or Jesus Christ, to whom all others are juniors.” Joseph Smith is the creator of this religion.

Eastern Mysticism says, “Christ is considered to be one of a long line of ‘Masters’ who had themselves realized divinity.” Other religions relating to this one is Bahaism, Divine Light Mission, Krishna Concsiousness, Transcendental Meditation, Vedanta Society, Yoga, and Zen Buddhism.

The Way International says, “Jesus and God are not one from the beginning, but they were one in purpose.”

Unity says, “This Christ or perfect-man idea existing eternally in divine mind is the true spiritual, higher-self of every individual.”

Unification Church says, “In light of his attained deity he may well be called God. Nevertheless, he can by no means be called God Himself.”

Catholicism says, “Mary is the mother of God….they look to Mary as their mediatrix and pray to her……they worship a counterfeit goddess, ‘The Queen of heaven’…they believe only Mary can get them to heaven…..they believe Mary and the pope can deliver them from sin….” Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” It does not say Mary or the pope.

All other religions have similar beliefs and now you will see verses from the Bible (KJV). Other versions also say Jesus is not God and water down this terribly, never trust the other versions in what they say. NEVER, if you do you be deceived and if you are truly a Christian, it will make you a very weak Christian by partaking in the other versions, as they are not reputable but filled with falsehood, deceit, twisted scripture by adding and taking away ( see Revelation 22: 18-19) and lies. All the religions are basic in their beliefs and they put a twist on things contrary to what the Word of God truly says, because they have the spirit of error in them, NOT the Spirit of Truth. All what these so-called religions say is nothing but blasphemy, lies, and pagan idolatry.

We see what the Bible now says about this issue.

Is Jesus God and the Son of God? Well here are some verses that prove Christ is and always will be. I will not explain in detail each verse as it would take too much time, but just a few verses to show you, as there are many verses that point to Christ being God and the Son of Almighty God. I will give you some basis simple to understand verses as you can read and study in your own time. Will you?

Luke 8:28 “When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.” Understand this, even the devils know Jesus is the Son of God and they tremble. Why don’t you? Or do you believe your false religion and what they teach you? The devils and demons believe yet you don’t. Why is that?

In the book of John, are many proof scriptures. John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This talks about the trinity and that Jesus was/is God and always has been, and always will be. Verse 34 – “And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God”. John 3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of only begotten Son of God”. John 6:69, “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 11:27, “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”

In the book of Acts. 3:26, “Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

In 2 Corinthians 1:19, “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.” Many other verses in the New Testament prove that Christ is the Son of God and IS God. You need to check out and study what I have given you. And stop believing lies created by your heathen religion.

Finally Philippians 2:11, “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Remember, Judgement Day is coming and YOU WILL stand before the Lord Jesus Christ to answer to Him ( Hebrew 9:27). If you trust in the Lord, call upon Him and be saved you will go to heaven. If you don’t, your appointment is with the devil in hell. There is NO purgatory as there is no waiting place for you to stay until God decides what to do with your soul. Upon death, hell awaits the unsaved, heaven awaits the saint (Christian).

Copyright Michael Joseph Carey; September 22, 2014

Important Issue That Must Be Spoken On

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:05:00 +0000

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22 - He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches…

2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved…

John 5:39 - Search the scriptures…

I will try to make this short, but it may be longer than what I intend, but I apologize if it seems to be lengthy.

Common is today for the Christian to not to study the Bible to check out things for themselves instead of believing everything they hear. One Pastor once said, if you don’t believe me, check the Bible. So I do this. Do you or do you believe everything you hear?

After reading John 9:1-41, it is simple and easy to understand. Even a child can understand, if properly taught. I read this passage a few days ago and the Lord really opened my eyes even more, to confirm to me what I am going to speak on is Bible truth, and NOT my opinion, but what the Lord is leading me to say. Remember, God only speaks to us by reading His Word. After much reading, going over it, studying, I see what the Lord wants me to see and what needs to be told that needs to be told to those who will read this. What I will say here I will not debate or even respond to other opinions. To do so is to quench, resist, vex, and grieve the Holy Spirit. You are entitled to your own opinion and that is fine, but I will not argue with anyone as I find it gets one nowhere. When argument arises the devil gets into it, and I am sure none of you Christians, or soon to be Christians, or those in other religions, do not want to give place to the devil.

In this passage, this has to do with much more than just Jesus healing a blind man. It is much to do with the way the world. Most Christians, and most all fundamental Baptist churches in general, believe today concerning sin. Though you may not think it does, but it does. I will explain to you. This is my own and I am in no way copying anyone else’s writings, or doctrine. This is what God gave me as I read His Bible, the KJV. So, bear with me friends. If you read it in the context, you will see what Jesus Christ says, and read between the lines too, but do not add what you think it says or tells you. Only do what the Lord would have you to do as you read and study (2Timothy 2:15).

So, you say we born sinners as most Baptists, and Fundamental Baptists, say we are? Really? Or born with a sin nature? Or Adamic nature? Well, sin nature and Adamic nature is NOT in the Bible. In other versions, yes. But NOT in God’s Word, the KJV. So you need to open your mind and stop believing what Augustine created, as this is a doctrine of Catholicsm. If you don’t believe me, study for yourself, unless you are too lazy. This doctrine is created and taught by Catholicism, not by God, nor by Christ, but by man and a religion. If you research, you would see I am right. So stop believing lies that are not Bible-based. Why do you think the Roman Catholic religion persecuted and killed thousands of Christians? Because the Christians refused to believe this and refused to believe that precious innocent babies are born sinners and need baptism to prevent them from going to hell.

Catholicism says, we have to baptize them to save them from going to hell because they are wicked, evil, and born sinners and in sin. This is one reason why the Christians were killed brutally and tortured. Research it and stop being close minded. These Baptists did not believe this false doctrine back then. But today, most of you believe what false religion tells you. Why do you, Christian, or pastors believe what the cults teach? You are in good company because if you believe what the cults believe, you are cultish in your beliefs. Also remember, when 1 doctrine is wrong it will affect all other doctrines as well. You refuse to stop teaching what false religions teach because it is what you were taught. Even well-meaning teachers can teach their students false doctrine. Those who accept a church to pastor in, just don’t know any better because it is what they were taught, and usually will not study to see if what they were taught is actually Biblically correct.

Many well-meaning pastors and Christians love God, are faithful to Him in everything, have a love for Him, and obedient to Him. But, they just are wrong in this doctrine as they were and are taught wrong. This is why I will never go to a Bible college, seminary, or Bible institute, as these things are rampant in majority of these places. I want to be taught pure Godly doctrine, not opinions from others who have not heartfelt fully been taught by God Almighty Himself. What about you Christian? Stop believing what false religions teach. Get right with God in your heart. Jehovah Witnesses refuse to give blood transfusions that could save a human life because they believe that sin is in the blood, and in turn, sin will be passed on to that person. Again, this is a lie, just plain misleading and false by the heathen religion. Sin is NOT a physical issue, it is a moral issue.

Now, let us go down to Bible business. If you have a King James Bible, get it out, read and study it, as other versions water down a lot concerning everything relating to God’s Word, the KJV. In John 9, it is about the man who was born blind. The disciples asked a simple question (verse 2), “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” Christ gave them a simple answer (verse 3), “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him”. Do you follow so far?

Speechless are you? Christ did not say he was born in sin or a sinner. You should not even be able to speak against what Christ said here. If you do, YOU call Christ the Lord a liar. But you go to other verses in the Bible and try to justify other verses that you think say contrary to what is told here. You contradict what the Word of God says by doing so. I know you believe what I say, but maybe you are too hard-hearted to give in because you were taught differently by your teachers and peers.

Now, let us continue. The Pharisees and Jews questioned the blind man in vs.10, 15, 17, 19, 24, and 26. In verse 34, they cast out the blind man. Most of you are like the Pharisees as you question everything and you don’t believe due to your hard heart and pride. So as the Pharisees are, so are most of you won’t believe when someone tells you something Biblical. You have a hard time grasping the truth, you try to twist around and justify what you were pre-programmed to believe as you were taught by well-meaning teachers, preachers, college teachers, etc. I say, PRE-PROGRAMMED in your minds and your hearts. A lot of you preach this damnable heresy and you are destroying a foundation of God’s Word. I for one will never believe what you may believe. It is just your opinion, but yours is a wrong one. But, I do believe you will be open to this and will gradually come around to the Lord’s side.

A recapitulation of John 9, Jesus was excommunicated, or thrown out, for healing on the Sabbath, the blind man was excommunicated (vs.34), and YOU will be excommunicated by your church also. Some may be more lenient and tolerant and want to fellowship, which is vital for us. Me? I need your fellowship. Some will throw you out as I was also a few years ago. I lost some dear friends, but most just do not care. They try to justify they are right, and you have to believe what they believe, you have to believe what the church believes, what the church’s statement of faith says, and you have to believe the church covenant, etc. On the contrary, you do not have to believe. If God convicts you to not believe certain things in a church’s statement of faith, you better not believe. You either leave, or you can stay, or go to another church, or have your own Bible Home church (which is for those who can’t find a Baptist church in their area) in your own home, if there is no true Bible believing church to go to. You may, and will lose many dear friends, but with no fault of yours. If some still want to be my friends, I more than welcome this. Remember, many will put you and I in a separate class and we will be outcasts.

To finish up, I leave you with some verses to ponder and study seriously. These are but a few ok? ALL THESE VERSES ARE INSPIRED OF AND BY GOD, BUT READ THEM IN ITS CONTEXT AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND BETTER

Psalm 51:5 - David’s prayer of heart-brokenness and deep sorrow after his wicked adultery with Bathsheba. In no way does he even refer to being born a sinner or in sin. It was just figure of speech. Ps.58:3 - No one is born a liar or speaks lies. Babies cry as they need attention from the parents. They cannot speak nor express that they need love and care. They do not lie as most Christians think so. If you think this, you are NO Christian. It does not refer to babies. If you read the whole chapter you will be surprised what is actually refers to. God showed me, He will show you IF you open your closed mind.

Genesis 8:21 and Deuteronomy 1:39 - Man’s heart is evil from his youth. NOT from his birth. Ephesians 2:3 - Paul is speaking to adults here, saying what they were before their salvation. Does not imply to babies at all? Matthew 18:3, 19:14, Luke 18:16-17, 9:46-48, Mark 9:33-37, 42, and 10:13-16 speak of little children, never did Christ once say or call them little sinners, nor were they either. His teaching here is easy to understand, if you are able to. He simply tells that they belong to the kingdom of heaven and are sinless, if you study it properly.

Reading the New Testament, you will never ever see Jesus teaching His disciples that they were born in sin, or born sinners. He never taught such foolishness nor can you disprove what I say. Genesis 3:1, Revelation 12:9, 20:7-8 - Not even the devil knew nothing about the doctrine of a sin. God never taught him. People are gullible and Satan is truly stupid. Genesis 1:27 and 2:7 - Here it is confirmed in the 1^st book of the Bible. We are created in God’s image. Is God’s image evil, sinful? Wickedness? No. God’s image is pure, undefiled, perfect, holy and just. He created us in HIS image, as we are born without sin and not a sinner or with a sin nature. If not in God’s image, then where does this sin nature come from? From man teaching, not God’s! It does not grow in us nor produced in us as we grow up. Remember, Jesus was born a HUMAN BABY. If we are born sinners, so is Christ. You say, “no”. Ah-ah. Jesus was a 100% human baby, but also 100% God Himself also. If we are born sinners, so was He. If He was, He could never be the Saviour of the world. But since He is God, and never born in sin, but is holy, just, pure, perfect and sinless in every way, so we are not born in sin.

Copyright Michael Joseph Carey; September 16, 2014

Today is September 16, 2014.

Hey friends, we are back at Write!!!

Mike and Luisa Carey are here again, writing.

Encountering Excuses When Sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Thu, 01 May 2014 08:24:00 +0000

Reference: Practical Tips For Tract Users

Good News Publishers

9925 West Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinoid 602653

Founder by Clyde H. Dennisvin 1938

Encountering Excuses, pp 22-26

JESUS IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

Please visit us at www.baptisttractsandmissions.blogspot.com, too, for our other blog that tells stories on how the Lord bless us tremendously in TRACTS DISTRIBUTION and OTHER MISSIONS.

Mike and Luisa Carey's New Direction in Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 09:51:00 +0000

To God be the glory!

Hi to you! (Family, relative/cousin, friend)

Thank you very much in advance for thinking of dropping by www.baptisttractsandmissions.blogspot.com or www.baptisttractsandmissions.wordpress.com

Today, when you decide to read our blog, you share with us the desire to please God by expressing what He had done amazingly in our lives. Your written comments, appreciations and, most of all, encouragements will aspire us more to be used by Him in the tracts distribution and mission works. The field is great and the work is still many. We truly hope that as you read our experiences, you will also be inspired to heed His call.

All of these are for the glory of God! Be blessed.

Sincerely,
Mike and Luisa Carey

Mike and Luisa's Tracts and Missions Ministry Has A Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:07:00 +0000

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6

Yes, friend, the good news is, Mike and I are documenting the amazing experiences God has been doing in our lives! We are now working in His vast field as voluntary church workers of Bethany Baptist Church in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. God has allowed us to experience His bountiful blessings beyond measure.

Just click or copy-paste on "search" the following websites, whichever is most convinient to you:

http://baptistndmissions.blogspot.com for blogger reader

http://www.facebook.com/cantilanbaptisttracts.missions for facebook reader

See you there!

(c) Mike and Luisa Carey; February 16, 2013

Sharing My Thoughts and Prayers: Focusing on Tract-Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:31:00 +0000

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isaiah 52:7

Dear everyone reading this,

God bless you.

I am not taking away my beloved husband, Mike, from Canada and the people he loves very much there. I am only making my family bigger (his and mine). One day, at God's appointed time, Mike and I will be seeing them in Canada.

Mike and I would like to thank the people (Philippines and beyond) who have helped us in any way (prayers, finances, etc.). We may not be able to repay you, but God sees and will repay. Mike and I are just starting with ministry of gospel tract-giving as volunteers for Bethany Baptist Church Cantilan. One American has shouldered the expenses of children tracts (our special concentration)! This is truly a very huge blessing for us. These tracts will be available soon. We are praying for more sources of free tracts (fundamental baptists) sponsored by anyone or by the tract maker. Anyone of you, friends, who may be touched by God and want to share us prayers, tracts, anything that might help God's ministry, you are most welcome and well-appreciated. You can contact us through message here on facebook and we will start from there. You can also ask our pastor about us. Just click "Bethany Baptist Church Cantilan" and send him a special message.

Thank you very much. Much blessings to whom God will touch.

Sincerely,
Luisa (with Mike)
(c) Luisa Carey; August 8, 2012

Working For God's Glory

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 04:53:00 +0000

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

Friends, this is my husband, Mike Carey. He is re-baptized in Bethany Baptist Church Cantilan (Surigao del Sur, Philippines) because we (Mike and I) want to work voluntarily fulltime for the Lord in the same local church (the church cannot afford to finance love gifts for church workers).

Mike and I know that as we take a step for God in faith, He will provide for us our every need.

God bless us!

Luisa Carey (with Mike)

(c) Luisa Carey

Mike and Luisa's Wedding (Standing on God's Promises)

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:34:00 +0000

Mike and Luisa's Wedding

(Our 8th-Year Love Anniversary, too.)

Bethany Baptist Church

Cantilan, Surigao del Sur

Philippines

June 9, 2012

6:30 p.m.

Soon Together...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Sun, 20 May 2012 08:07:00 +0000

True love and true friendship with God as our guide through life...

Ads For A Cause

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:06:00 +0000

Clearer vision, clearer future...Firmoo

http://www.firmoo.com/

Free for new buyers

To the Wondrous, Dedicated, Loving, Real Moms In The Whole World

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:48:00 +0000

Happy Mother's Day!

When you are a mom, this is for you to reflect:

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Real Crazy People?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:09:00 +0000

To the one who wrote this, you are NOT crazy. You will go to heaven. The worldly learned people who think they had the best opinion when they said that, they will surely go to hell one day soon.

Luisa Mercado

We Are Now Twelve Years!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:03:00 +0000

(A Song of degrees of David.) Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

12th Year Anniversary

Bethany Baptist Church

Cantilan, Surigao del Sur

Philippines

Days Before

Pastor (in yellow shirt) was leading the work.

Even the young people helped (ladies no exceptions).

The young and not-so-young adults (woman, too) took turn to finish the work on time.

Garbage were ready for disposal.

The hungry workers!

Anti-Vespera (The day before the Church Anniversary)

Takes Before and After the Motorcade

Note: God's hand was on us during the motorcade. It was raining torridly for many days. The Weather Bureau said it would ran that day. Yet, God Allowed us to do motorcade with a nice weather - not hot nor cold! Rain poured out ahead of us wherever we went, but it stopped always where we were. Isn't God wonderful? To Him be the glory!

Anniversary Day!

Church members (not all were there)

Opening prayer (guests were given priorities on the seats inside the church)

Rev. Bernabe G. Escrupolo, guest speaker

Ptr. Ananias C. Bangonon and family leading the chorus

Young people presentation

The church choir

The church was full!

Lunch time! (These Police officers got saved.)

To God be the glory!

- Luisa Mercado

Separation Among Christians: Reasons For It and Why It Must Be Done

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:40:00 +0000

There is much said why so many people leave churches or have debates with other Brothers in Christ. Much is said, too, why each one believes they are right in why they leave, and wonder why and what happened. Today, there is good reason to be "ye separate" from other believers in the Lord. For good ones too, not to not talk with them when one has a chance. We need to acknowledge them in passing, be ye kind one to another and show grace to them, as this is only right. But, there are reasons, too, why fellowship with other believers could lessen your character and your walk with GOD Himself. (Quite a question? Please continue reading.)

Walking with God is more important than walking with others. When you have a walk with God that is undefiled and without spot, then will you be able to walk with other sisters and brothers in Christ. Then you will be able to get along with them even if you have not keep company with them. It's a shame that so many are too proud and stuck on themselves that they ignore other Brothers and Sisters by not even saying hi to them in passing. They are so Bible based that they abuse the Word of God. I will say hi to these proud people when l see them. But, I will not invite them to my place as it will weaken my walk with the LORD if l would allow them to influence me in ways which are ungodly. If they would try to make me compromise, give in to them and their beliefs, and not follow what my LORD GOD has told me in order to obey and walk with Him, then they are definitely off me.

Too often, we think so highly of ourselves that we are always right and every one else is wrong. I am wrong a lot. Will you admit you are? Or you too proud to do so? Most will not humble themselves in front of others. l have had to in front of other Christians and even the ungodly. But I have much to say and will give verses to show who we are not to walk or associate with. Remember, consider others above yourself. Anyway, you can talk with them without agreeing with them. This is true. We can and are able to do this. Jesus Christ was a friend of Publicans and sinners. We need to be like Him in this manner also without compromising and giving in to deceit and lies fed by others who are Christians or ungodly.

In Kings 13:11-22 (you read the entire chapter), you will see plainly that it talks about people I mentioned, and the consequences of their actions. I make this short as possible and let you read and study this. Thing is: here the old prophet wanted fellowship with the prophet of Judah. Reading on, the old prophet claimed he heard a word from the Lord when he didn't and he told a lie to the prophet with no name. Instead of obeying the Lord's will, the man of God gave in to the other man's will by fellowshipping with him. A lie was told that was NOT God's will. The man of God gave in to him, thinking he really heard from the Lord when he did not. Moral lesson of this section: God's punishment results when a lie was told, and man's will went against the Lord's will. When you know the Spirit beareth witness with your spirit in a matter, and someone else tells you different as to make you give in and obey them, you are setting yourself up for a fall. You will miss out on possibly the biggest blessing God intends to give to you. Also, there is disobedience here. Obeying man over the will of God will be detrimental to you. It will mean the difference in God's blessing for you and your life or fellowshipping with others for compromise. We are not to keep company with those who live in disobedience to the Lord's will. That means to have no fellowship with them no matter how much we may agree in many or most matters.

Acts 15:36-41 speaks of sharp contention between two brothers in Christ. Some preachers only teach that the only reasons some should leave a church or separate from others are adultery and false doctrines (if the preacher himself is guilty of). Yes, because if a preacher is caught in adultery and speaking false doctrine you have every right to leave, and never return. But, that is not the only reasons for leaving. Anyone who says only for these 2 reasons is part right and lying the rest. He is not telling you everything you need to truly know. Here in the passage Paul and Barnabas had sharp contention. Many unpleasant words were probably exchanged between them. Paul and Barnabas had to separate before it got too hot between them both. You can read and see for yourself the reason why. It is very important that you understand the serious matter between them (If l preach someday l may preach on such things).

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark and Paul disagreed. The disagreement and the sharing of probably unpleasant words caused them to part in different directions. No doubt, the Lord used both these men greatly too to fulfill His will. All were Godly men and had no choice but to separate.

Reading 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, we see separation from fornicators, idolaters, covetous and the extortioners (verse 10). Unfortunately, even born again Christians can become these things that sadden our Lord thru their unrepentant sins. Verse 11 says, ''if any man that is called a brother'' does not mean that he is a true brother in the Lord just because they be called a brother. Many call themselves brothers. Many are too, yet many are not. The verse does refer to those in Christ's. But, to keep separate from them is important.

Much study in done on this short chapter. Verse 13 says, 'But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away among yourselves that wicked person.' The wicked are not saved so it is easy to see those who cause divisions. Many Christians also cause divisions. This verse also refers to the godly. If l was a fornicator, all of a sudden do you think any godly person would want to associate with me? If l lied, or stole? Most certainly not. I would not even fellowship with the ungodly or godly in these areas. We are not to. Ephesians 5:11 says 'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.'

In 1 Corinthians 9:18, Paul speaks of not abusing his power in the gospel. Are you an abuser of God's Word? l have heard it. l have been there to see it happen. l know some who do this in my 55 years of life. The young preachers have not the wisdom to truly know such things now till they get older. This is fact, too. Some may see but your eyes will be truly opened ONLY if you would seek the Lord's face on EVERYTHING through much prayer in every matter. The Lord has opened my eyes to such things. Being an abuser of the Word of God is lying behind the pulpit. Every preacher lies. Every church goer lies. Every parent lies to their children, and every child lies to their parents. This continues on and on. It is bold, cold, hard fact. No one is exempt in this. Everyone lies to everyone. He who says he does not is the biggest liar outside of hell itself. Hell hath enlarged itself and is growing due to many unrepentant people who hate and reject God. The Christian himself/herself lies to God too as he/she abuses what the Lord has allowed him/her to have. This is true for all. So, if you would get upset and annoyed, it only tells me you are convicted. If you say otherwise, you are a liar and an abuser of the Word of God. I lie, too. We all do. I know some who abuse the position the Lord has put them in. They are the ones who say you have to believe what the church and they believe. l have been told this. l have been accused of lying by so called Godly people. Did I? No, I did not. I have before. We all have, but I vowed to my Lord that I will not abuse the power He gives me to preach. I have no reason to. To lie is to say we are born sinners, that the Christian is wicked and not righteous, that babies are born heathen degenerates, rapists, sodomites, adulterers, baby killers, pedophiles, born in porno rings, gang shooters, murderers, fornicators, etc. The list goes on and on.

Abusing the Word of God is not to preach the full counsel of the gospel, not preach on sin and name it, and preach against what it truly speaks. It is to compromise and tickle the ears of people to speak good things to them. It is not to offend them or make them mad at preachers. Paul did not abuse the Word of God after he got saved and neither should anyone of us. But today, most are very weak. It is a shame why God does not call youth to be preachers. He can't trust their teachers, and them also later in life if the Lord allows them to preach.

2 Timothy 4:1-4, Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Peter 2:1-3 speak of lying, false doctrine, and perverting the gospel. These texts are good to read and study. It warns us also not to fellowship with those of so called like faith if they teach doctrine of devils and lie to deceive the people. It is very sad that you can see most of them as televangelists on tv. Very few are there that are not after the big buck. Believe it or not, Joyce Meyers is a wicked woman and a Jezebel-teaching man behind the pulpit. This woman is a multi-multi millionaire (only money she loves), a deceiver, a false teacher and seducer too. That frizzy-haired, sissy Joel Osteen is a heathen. He believes contrary to the Bible. He is not a true Christian because he belongs to another religion and rejects much or most of what the Bible has to say. A smiling idiot, Benny Hinn, lies, is a deceiver of people, and false minister. Charles Stanley preaches not on sin or does he condemn it. He teaches and does not preach. He only uses his perversion the NKJV, which is evil. There are so many well-known others, too. Many sodomites are allowed to speak and be ministers. They are an evil entity, are at enmity with God and are an enemy of God, too. Check this out and the revelation will shock you. They sadden the Lord. Does it anger and sadden you? Islam, Catholicism, Buddhists, New Agers, Lutherans, Calvanists, Mormons, Russellites, Black Muslims, etc., all these are religions and have not the Lord Jesus Christ of the KJB has. They do not know the true LORD JESUS CHRIST. Some cults pretended they do. Others have their own gods and their own jesus (small and big, black and white) which are false and evil, very vile and wicked in the eyes of God. I have the LORD JESUS CHRIST of the KJB and he is my Saviour, not what one of the heathen religions say of him. Their gods are idols and MY God hates that.

So, there are many reasons why we are not to fellowship or even associate with other Christians. There are several reasons, too, to leave a church if leader/s would lie, adulterer, fornicator. Leave also for the following reasons: if their will goes against God's will for your life, are contentious, are abusers of God's Word, are disobedient, are perverts the gospel, and are false teachers. There is probably more, too, but l came up with some main ones which are vitally important. You keep separate from them and leave the church if the things mentioned above are taught on. It is up to you if you want to stay and be grounded in false doctrines, the likes of them and become weaker. Or, you can leave and be stronger on your own, which is what it comes out to be at times, too. If the Holy Spirit does not bear witness with your spirit in what is taught, good chance you are not being taught true Bible and good sound doctrine. Even preachers are not taught this by their teachers. But, the proud will argue with it. When you know you are right you need not argue, which is why l will not argue. It's not worth it stooping to their level.

God bless you all. My prayer is that the Lord will bless message this to someone. Maybe some get mad. This tells me conviction is setting in.

(c) Mike Carey; January 21, 2012

Some Questions To Ponder, Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:32:00 +0000

Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Proverbs 4:26

Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them]. Proverbs 5:6

This is a continuation of the previous parts as it is hard to get time to do such things. Now l have a little to spare to possibly finish this. Again this was done in 2008. I have done some editing too in this final section. Here they are:

Why is no one being convicted of their sins and wickedness these days? Because they have lost touch with God.
Why isn't the power of conviction on people these days? Because all have resisted, grieved, quenched the Holy Spirit and people love their sins more than they love an intimate friendship with Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Why are hypocrites behind the pulpits sending people to hell instead of preaching the whole council of God, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, in a convicting way to slam home hard convicting truth, to humble the heathen to repentance, to confess their sins, accept Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to convict them in being saved?
Why have we no tears for others around us who are lost and going to hell? Do we not care? Are we not concerned? Do we have no compassion for them? Why are we so oblivious to those around us that they need Jesus more than we ever could imagine? Is it true most of the time we are too comfortable within ourselves that we feel we have no need of the lost?
Isn't it true we are comfortable in a way with how we live, our lifestyles, our refined manner, that we care not about the things of Christ and heaven the way we should?
Why do we paint each other different colours in a way to bring a proud honour on ourselves and yet fail to realize and understand the simplicity of human life and the need for all humans to live the way we should before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
How do we expect God to fully bless us and answer our prayers if we continually grieve Him, resist Him and not allow Him to take first place in our lives to accomplish HIS will for our lives?
Why do we not have deep heart trouble enough to be burdened with those we call "friends" in the church?
Are we too self absorbed with the wickedness of this world to think all is ok when the whole world in actuality is going to hell?
Do YOU love God? Do YOU love Jesus? Do YOU love the Holy Spirit? Why do you say I love, love, love, love Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit, yet live in total rejection and disobedience to them by blaspheming them, cursing them, doing and saying things that hurt them? At the same time never humbling yourself on your knees and face to admit your sinfulness to our gracious Lord God and confess your guilt, repent of it all, turn from it, and ask our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you? You know why? Because you are wicked and deceitful in heart. Your conscience is cold and calloused. Your hands are unclean and defiled. Your heart is not pure but hard with no feeling nor any conviction in you. Instead of the Holy Spirit indwelling in you, the spirit of darkness is in you.
Are we that weak in faith that we can't become stronger if only we trust in Almighty God for everything? Why do we trust in the authority of man when we can trust in the power of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ for all our needs?
Why can't we open our mouths and say "I'm sorry", "I admit I made a mistake", "if you please", "thank you", and "I love you" in a humble way with a tear in our eyes, instead of being too big of a person and too filthy prideful? And arrogant? And ignorant? And foolish? Why can't we all get along? No one ever will or can, but we could.
Why do we have cram down each others throats our own philosophies, our own opinions, our own ways or how others should do things and live, when we should be helping each other; and learning and teaching good Godly values, morals, and character to others?
Why do we need to have a say on everything that is said, instead of just showing some grace and a little kindness? Time we shut up for a change.
I love God, do YOU? I love Jesus, do YOU? I love the Holy Spirit, do YOU? You do? How do you love all of them? Are you too prideful and contentious to do so? Are you too vile in your lusts to know how to? Or maybe you're no Christian at all and have never trusted and believed in Jesus to be your own personal Saviour. Think about this.
Are we that rebellious that we can't give in to our Lord God and commit our lives to Him? Are we that ignorant that we'd rather believe in and trust in our own selves to get where we're going and not Him? Are we that disobedient that we can't even accept His final word in and for our lives?
Do we live in such a state that our minds are set on what we think is good, Godly, and right, yet we can't and won't be dependent on Christ our Lord and have the mind of Christ, if saved?
Why do we have a heart for the things of this world yet not convicted to lay up treasures in heaven?
Has God humbled you lately? Has He smashed your hard heart and driven you to your knees before His awesome presence? Have you bowed before Him at an altar, sitting with tears streaming down your face with your head in your hands? (January 2012, I did today. Will you?) Have you given in to Him in a way that you feel the terrible burden in yourself that you have no choice but to cry out to Him in desperate need of our Saviour?
Are we that prayer-less that we can acknowledge our God in heaven for His mercy He has shown to us? Why haven't you spent time in prayer with God? Why do you talk so little to Him? Why do you ignore the one who made you? Why can't you just allow Him to have control over you? Do you know what hard heartedness mean? No feeling and so sit there like a bump on a log too stubborn and pigheaded to fall down before our Lord and Saviour who is worthy to be praised and worship by you, ALL OF YOU.
Why do we say I love you God yet don't mean it? Why do we say I will surrender to You Jesus as I give You my all, yet our ALL has NOTHING to do with Him? Why are we not moved nor feel deep conviction and have no heart to follow, trust, obey, live as we need to for Christ our Lord?
Why are we so complacent and stagnant that we smell and reek of raw sewage? Are we that stale and dirty that we feel not the need to be cleansed by Jesus' blood everyday? Why are we not confessing our sins to Jesus each day? Why are we not being in heartfelt repentance to Him? Why are not turning from our filthy sins? Why are we not asking for God's forgiveness so we can get right with Him once and for all? WHY? WHY? WHY?
Why is it that Jesus says 'If ye love me, keep my commandments'? Why is it that we don't? Have you held Jesus in your arms lately? He holds some of you, but are you holding Him? Well... are you? Or are you too full of pride? Are we really filled with the Holy Spirit or are we really filled with... OURSELVES? Have you been in a drunken state for Jesus or a drunken stupor for your lusts?
Are you receiving what God has to offer you or rejecting it all for the satisfaction of others? Are you being led by the loving outstretched arm of Christ our Lord or led astray by the intimidating hand of the world?
Why is it we sing 'Sweet Hour Of Prayer', but we won't devote that much time in prayer each day? What is one hour anyway? Why do we pray to God and talk to Him, yet not pray with God and talk with Him? There is a huge difference. When you don't know what to say to God, I believe He would love to hear you say 'have mercy on me a sinner' and 'I love you.'
Do you know God says to you, "I love you", "I can and will convict you", "I can make you worship me", "I can take your life at any time", "I can make you do anything I want you to, but I won't"? Do you know God says, "I will be your friend"? "Please don't deny Me. Please be mine.", won't you?
Do you know God says: "You break My heart when you sin"? "When you curse Me"? "When you reject My free gift of eternal salvation"? "Why do you turn your back on Me, can't you see my tears for you?" "Your heart may not weep for Me, but you know My heart weeps for yours"?
Do you know God says: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"? So why don't you? God also says: "DO I not mean enough to you that you won't kneel before Me and worship Me the way you should"? God also says: "I made you to glorify Me and worship Me, yet why don't you? You claim you love Me".

Final thought...

Do you know God says, "You talk a good talk and talk about praying to Me, thanking Me, talking to others about Me, but do you know all that you say. Your talk, your prayers, your walk is meaningless to me and shallow because your heart is not in it, and your pride overtakes your humility? Hypocrites!

When all else fails, just think of all He has done for you and give Him thanks in EVERYTHING.

© Mike Carey; January 14, 2012

What Will YOU Do With Christ?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:10:00 +0000

Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. Matthew 27:22

You all know the story - all you who are familiar with this, the crucifixion of Christ our Saviour. Before this, Judas hung himself because of what he did. He betrayed Jesus Christ into the hands of the wicked chief priests and the elders. These men were evil, wicked and heathen. They even allowed Barabbas to be set free, and in turn crucified Christ Himself who did nothing to warrant such punishment. All these pagan heathen fools really wanted very much was His death. But old Pilate, in his so-called righteousness, said he was 'innocent of the blood of this just person', when if fact, he was nothing but a hypocrite who just passed Christ off to the priests and elders to make it look like he was innocent. But, Pilate was not innocent. He was much as guilty as the elders and priests.

In reality, we know exactly that the Lord God Himself allowed His Son to be crucified. Man's salvation is the real purpose. God's great love is the reason. Now, after what God had done unselfishly, let us, therefore, look at some things considering YOU. SO, what will you do with Jesus as the New Year is upon us? What will you do with Him whom you call your own? Will you continue to strip Him of what He has done for you in allowing you to live one more day out of His mercy (Matthew 27:28)? Will you put on Him a robe again to judge, condemn and see to it that He is nailed to the cross one more time out of your self-righteousness and pride? They stripped him off more than two thousand years ago. Will most of you strip Jesus one more time as you live a self-declared Christian life each day or the so called “christian life” (x-tian) because you refuse, deny and reject Him and His deity one more day? You actually abhor and hate Him, if you were living that way. If Jesus would have come again to earth, you would have crucified Him one more time! The only reason He would have never been crucified in the first place is if He compromised and preached not the truth. But He did. Which is why He was crucified and killed by you? Because of your pride, filth, rebellion and liberal mind, YOU put Him to death. Well, again and again, too. We all did! The “scarlet” robe you wear is your indignation. You won't rip apart what is seamless because of self. 'They stripped him'. Have you done the same? Do you strip again the Christ who died for you? Have you put Him on trial to once again kill Him, the one who came to earth to save you from a burning flame in hell?

Have you again put on His head a crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29)? Of course you do. You do that after you slap and beat Him. Because of the hate some of you have towards Him who wants to save you, you resist Him much and won't budge either. You, in all your pride and conceit, bury that crown of thorn IN His head with force. Yes, stinking PRIDE and CONCEIT do that to Him! With pain, He cries for you to come to Him, yet many of you won't because of the profaning of Him in His holy temple. You constantly curse Him because He came into the world to save us all. He came into the world to save sinners, not to condemn all. (Maybe you do not even know these.)

As HIS blood runs again down His face, does it run down yours, too? Or do you wipe it off so you won't confess your sins, repent and ask Him to save your hide from a burning inferno? Have you any tears at all reading Matthew 27 of the Holy Scripture? Have you any emotion for the ONE who bled and died for you? Or are you still full of bitterness and hatred towards the Lord Jesus Christ who died for you? Yes, YOU! So that you may live! Have you reached out to touch the One who can save you, if you are not saved from hell? Or are you still biding your time graciously and dumb waiting? One day late may be too late for you friend.

Why do you again mock and spit on Him? We all have, whether we think we have not (Matthew 27:30 - And they spit upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head). What will YOU do with Jesus this New Year? Will you accept Him as your personal Saviour or will you wait for tomorrow? Tomorrow may never come. One day late can be the difference between heaven and hell.

Spitting upon Him again is the most insulting thing to do against our Saviour. The Jews and Romans did that dirty and evil deed before as they were filled with the devil. But, the act is purposely done by multitude today! Most of you still do it. By spitting on Him, you reject and deny His truth in His Word. By smiting or beating and hitting Him, you reject Him in who He is, what He had done, and what He can do for you if you put your trust and faith in Him. You beat and spit on Him all over again year after year continuously thinking nothing of it. I myself have been punched and sucker punched by people before for absolutely no reason. It did not feel good and it downright hurt. They were cruel. But, this continued unremorseful abuse of our Saviour even more today means these people rely on their stinking religion to save them (go to heaven), yet will not. Never!

We are a great lot, aren't we? Many preachers are exactly the same as those under them although many don't seem to see it. None, I say NONE, are exempt from the bloodthirstiness of man. He is becoming lower than an animal and things in this world are getting no better, regardless what others may say. It is getting worse. The crucifying of our Saviour, people do it all year round and every day. No wonder God is full of fury, wrath, anger, and hatred for sin the way the world is. He will come back soon and will settle once and for all we have intentionally made great mess to Him or even forget doing for Him. HE will then be truly worshiped and praised. Every rotten, rebellious evil's knee then will bow and every filthy tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

Isaiah 50:6 - I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Again, what will YOU do with Jesus this coming New Year? Have you ever allowed others to smack you and spit on you even for once? Would you like me to belt you in the mouth for no reason at all? Fork and spit all over you? You would probably kill me or do it back to me. I know you would because you are evil and you have absolutely no grace or tolerance. What do you think Christ experienced? He had it all more than what we insignificant peons of people may even suffer. He did not hide from shame, but we would. He allowed all these to happen to Him, yet none of us ever would. Just for instance, you would allow someone to slap you. Surely, he would feel the rage in you building up as you would hit him back. Christ did not, but we surely would.

Isaiah 52:14 - As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men. He was beaten to death by all of YOU. His Father allowed this to happen, too (Isaiah 53:10).

But, man got his hands on the One who did nothing to mankind except to tell the gospel truth. Like today, too many don’t like the truth, and countless hates the Lord Jesus. This is why the world is the way it is today. This is also why man is the way he is today. Man has sunken lower than animals. Our Lord Jesus was beaten, brutalized and His body was ripped off apart more than any human alive could have experienced. Everything was done for all of us to save us from destruction (1 Timothy 1:15). How ungrateful we are!

Why don’t you take time and read Isaiah 53? Study it. See what it says and dwell in it with your mind until you can understand it. Let it drive home what it really tells you. So many just read and say, 'it is so sad'. For them it's just ‘other little things’. So it was the way it was, a pathetic story. How about YOU? Do you get utterly, emotionally sad and upset? Do you cry? Do you feel remorse and filthy after “crucifying” again our Saviour? No doubt you don't. Again, read it and study it wholeheartedly. This time, you may even be changed or have some pretty change of mind. Or would you still like to be beaten beyond recognition where no one wouldn't ever be able to recognize you or know who you are before you will feel it? That suffering happened to only one man in history and it may happen if He may allow Himself to come again. Yet, the same things would be the effect on the great masses. People would even do to our Saviour worse things than ever before. All would scourge, mock, spit, beat, rip apart the body, and again kill the one who came to save them from hell. Sad, sad unremorseful world! Again and again, I pause this big question: What will YOU do with Christ this New Year? Proclaim Him? Serve Him and others? Witness to others? Or continue to kill Him spiritually and in other ways, too?

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH CHRIST?

(c) Mike Carey; December, 2011

Whether We Like It Or Not, God Is Always Right

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:16:00 +0000

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

All that you see below (in italics) are studies by man and his so-called theology on how right he is as he teaches the Bible in his own way and not with the Holy Spirit guiding him. Many scam artists are behind the pulpits who are NOT rightly dividing the word of God in it's proper context. These are heretics, not I. If l was, God would never have called me to be a preacher. I will make sure all my doctrine is based on GOD HIMSELF and what HE tells ME when l read and study HIS Word, not what ignorant man teaches. Below is what people, majority of Baptists and practically everyone, are taught to believe.

The problem is, too many young preachers blow out of the water those who are old enough to be their Dads and think we are too old to really understand, know, and have a wisdom that these young preachers claim they know just because they are a behind a pulpit. An older person has more wisdom than a young man, and that is NOT pride either. It is just fact. Many young people and young preachers get too high and mighty just because they are more suited to be behind a pulpit than someone older. Too often, young preachers ignore what an elder can tell them with the wisdom they have, and ignore what they say because God put this young preacher there in place and not the older man. Young man, don't scoff at the older person! He needs to be respected.

I have been there and-have seen it. It is a wicked sin when a young preacher ignores what someone older may tell him what the Lord has told him. A shame. God hates that when a young man shows contempt for an older person who has more wisdom and understanding that the young one has. Pride does not play a part. It is the way it is. The older you get, the wiser you get - some of us anyway.

A fact of life, and wisdom is not sin. But, if you abuse it, it is. I am not saying the older ones are always wiser. Many are not, but with older age, they know things the younger generation can never know or even have a true understanding of. It is just fact and most deny that because nowadays young people just know everything and older folks know nothing. It is a shame, too, no one regards elderly anymore. Even young children, ages 9 to 12, claim they know things a grand dad doesn't know. Foolishness as the rod will get that attitude out of them very quick. They do not know. They are young and have not the maturity level of a grown adult (though l think otherwise at times, haha).

The preacher is NOT always right. If one seems to come across he is, then he is full of himself; proud (GOD hates Pride). Some men of God, l believe, are right in all their doctrines. It is possible and is not to say these, very FEW select men are full of themselves or prideful, too. I for one want to be a good preacher. l know and trust in the Lord to teach me thru His word and thru other Godly men. It is easy to find who is right too, and very simple to discern such things. That involves prayer --- much prayer.

I believe a great reason why the LORD is not calling young men to be preachers, or least there are few left, because God cannot trust their teachers to teach them Proper Bible doctrine, but lies. GOD knows He cannot trust even the young man to be a preacher, otherwise why is not GOD calling many to be preachers anymore? Too many men of God lie and are in confusion over many things. It is the same as saying there are such things as a carnal Christian. This is a lie, or being born a sinner is a lie. Romans 3:10-18 talks of a Christian, which it DOES NOT. It specifically speaks only of the ungodly and non-Christians, not of the Christian. Those who teach such things today are very mixed up and confused. We who are true Christians are Saints in the eyes of God. He looks on us as sinless Saints already. He looks on us as righteous. Anyone who teaches these passages that we are wicked and evil and they refer to us Christians, he is probably lost or just taught a doctrine of devils. NO way does these passages teach the Christian is such a thing, but this is another sermon.

Though the referred Romans verses above seem to say much, they also defames the Lord as He is not the author of confusion. God never created a race of degenerate sinners nor was anyone ever created with a sin nature. 'Sin nature', 'Adamic nature', 'born in sin': these phrases are NOT found in the King James Bible - God's Holy Word. They can be read in the modern perversions. Catholics believe this false doctrine of devils. This religion is heathen cult as was Augustine who started it. Yet, Baptists believe this reprobate, too! Such teaching is foolish, down right stupid, and dangerous. So l say, most religions are very cultist in their stinking teachings believing what Augustine taught. All the "christian" cults believe this. I am therefore saying these religions are teaching these evil things. People are being sucked in to believe such things which are of the devil. I now see at my older age why the LORD has called me be a preacher at 55, and not in my early 20's.

Anyone who teaches Born Sinners are foolish and liars. This (all that is written below in italics) is what they use to disrupt you and teach you contrary to what the Word of God teaches. It is not true and l have God on my side. It seems He is not on the side of so many who think He is on their side. 'Let God be true that every man a liar.' (We know what the Lord says about liars and they will go to hell, if not truly saved; or they will face shame at the judgment seat of Christ, if saved.) Therefore, l question much about some men of God who teaches such idiotic and stupid doctrines. l even now question the salvation that they say they have.

Below (italics) is what I am referring to above about some reasoning I recently read. It was his defense to what I had written in this blog last October 29, 2011 entitled Why The Majority Is So Wrong (Born Sinners or Not?). Someone had written it (italics) to justify the Born Sinner doctrine. It is an excerpt (extract/slice from his original full length writing) and therefore presented word for word as is.

Deut 1:39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children
Cp. to Numbers 14:3 & 31 God's people pronounced their own judgment!

had no knowledge between good and evil
‘The condition of accountability’ or ‘The principle of accountability’ or ‘The doctrine of Innocence’
There is no age ('The age of accountability'), but there is a condition, doctrine or principle of accountability!

Adam and Eve were in the garden in a state of innocence prior to falling.
They were given a command by God!
Gen 2
15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
16 ¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

When Adam willfully sinned…
1Ti 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
(Eve was deceived or tricked. 2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.)

Then their eyes were opened…
Gen 3
6 ¶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 ¶ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
11 ¶ And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

In order to understand this principle, we must understand two concepts concerning sin:

Sin nature inherited from Adam

Ps 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Ps 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
Pr 22:15 ¶ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Ro 5
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Adam’s descendents were made in “his likeness” in “his image”
Ge 5:3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:
As opposed to Adam…he was made in the image and likeness of God!

Ge 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

Another thing is these verses are literally picked apart and destroyed by the destroyer. It is highlighted to show such things. If you believe what you see here, you are blinded by the darkness and not enlightened by the LIGHT of the world the Lord Jesus Christ. Talk about taking these verses out of their context, and blatantly considering themselves to be wise in their own wise, but actually are fools. Remember the verse? Romans 1:22. Aha, you are taking that verse out of context you say, nope. Read verses before and after, and it may apply to you.

Psalm 51:5 is taken out of context, as is Psalm 58:3. Read 58 and see where it goes, surprising what the LORD will tell you IF you apply it properly. If your heart is right with the LORD, you are seeking pure truth from HIS Word, and put it in it's proper Biblical context, He will lead you to the right path. HE did me, will He you? Or will you be rebellious just because someone taught you what they were taught and you believe them and not seek the Lord's face on anything.

Willful transgression after the knowledge of the law!

1Jo 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1Jo 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Willful transgression is also called presumptuous sins:
Ps 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

The Book of Jonah describes the same condition of innocence in Nineveh:
Jon 4:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

This would not apply to just young people but to people who are mentally challenged!
Some may never reach this condition!

These that had no knowledge between good and evil would not suffer the punishment of their parent’s willful transgression!

Le 5
1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.
17 And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

De 24:16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

2Ki 14:6 But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

2Ch 25:4 But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

Jer 31:30 But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

Eze 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Children raised in a Christian home will probably reach this condition sooner that those who aren't!

God will not hold someone accountable for something that they cannot be accountable for!

The Bible speaks of imputation. Philemon 18 “put that on mine account”
IMPUTA''TION, n. The act of imputing or charging; attribution; generally in an ill sense; as the imputation of crimes of faults to the true authors of them. We are liable to the imputation or numerous sins and errors, to the imputation of pride, vanity and self-confidence; to the imputation of weakness and irresolution, or of rashness.
1. Sometimes in a good sense.
If I had a suit to Master Shallow, I would humor his men with the imputation of being near their master.
2. Charge or attribution of evil; censure; reproach.
Let us be careful to guard ourselves against these groundless imputations of our enemies, and to rise above them.
3. Hint; slight notice.
IMPU''TE, v.t. [L. imputo; in and puto, to think, to reckon; properly, to set, to put, to throw to or on.]
1. To charge; to attribute; to set to the account of; generally ill, sometimes good. We impute crimes,sins, trespasses, faults, blame, &c., to the guilty persons. We impute wrong actions to bad motives, or to ignorance, or to folly and rashness. We impute misfortunes and miscarriages to imprudence.
And therefore it was imputed to him for
righteousness. Rom.4.
2. To attribute; to ascribe.
I have read a book imputed to lord Bathurst.
3. To reckon to one what does not belong to him.
It has been held that Adam''s sin is imputed to all his
posterity.
Thy merit
Imputed shall absolve them who renounce
Their own both righteous and unrighteous deeds.

Another word that is used that has a similar meaning as imputation is “reckoned”.
Ro 4
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Another word that is used that has a similar meaning as imputation is “counted” or “accounted”.
Ro 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Ga 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

The doctrine of Imputation is applied 3 ways in the Bible:
1) Adam – the imputation of the sinful nature of man
Ro 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Everyone dies a physical death for what Adam did!
No one else’s sin is imputed to our record! We are not sentenced to hell fire for what someone else has done!

2) Jesus Christ – the imputation of sin upon Him
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

3) The Saint of God – the imputation of Christ’s righteousness upon the child of God
This is an act of man’s will to accept or reject…
Ø The light that God has given man
Ø The truth of the word
Ø The truth of the gospel

Ro 4
6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

We have no righteousness of our own!
When we trusted in Christ, God imputed His righteousness upon us!

2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Let’s look at sin and a child that hasn’t reached the condition of accountability…

Rom 5
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Every baby that is born into this world is born with a sentence of physical death because of Adam's transgression.
We all have a physical death sentence!

James 1
13 ¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

There is no sin where there is no law:
Rom. 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
Rom. 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

But their soul is not sentenced to hell for someone else's sin or transgression!
They are a sinner, but that sin has not been charged to their account!

There is a day when the light of innocence goes out in your child:
Ø Depending on your home
Ø Depending of their upbringing
Ø Depending on what they have been taught
Ø Depending on whether they have been disciplined
Pr 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Parents who discipline their children will help them understand sin and the punishment for it!
This is like the law which is a schoolmaster which brought us to Christ
Gal 3
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

….that could be from 4-14, 40 or some never get there! ie. Mentally challenged people!

Even little children know what is right and wrong, as taught by their parents, but they don’t understand “good and evil” as taught by God.

Sin is imputed when a child understands the difference between good and evil and they willfully transgress the Law of God!

Ro 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

People don’t go to hell for what Adam did, they go to hell for their own sin!

Rom 7
7 ¶ What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

It is at this point, that sin is imputed to their account, it is charged to their account.
It is after this, a child is ready to be saved!
It is only after this, that if a child died in this condition, that they would spend an eternity in Hell.

In order for someone to die and go to hell, they must reject…
Ø The light that God has given them Jn 1:9
Ø The truth of the word of God 2Thess 2:12
Ø The gospel 2Thess 1:8,9

All have seen the witness of the stars:
Ps 19
1 ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

All have seen the witness of God’s creation and are without excuse:
Rom 1
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 ¶ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

God has mercy on the righteous!
Ge 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

God is just and righteous!
Ge 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

There are no innocent people in Hell!
God is a just God, He does righteously!

Again, all is picked apart and highlighted because this is what those who used to show themselves right and correct in all their doctrine. I refuse to argue with people now as they will say when you don't answer, 'Ah, l have justified myself and you cannot answer, therefore l am right and you wrong, yeahhhhh'. Talk about stinking pride. They can't even study themselves to find these things out so that the LORD will tell them. God would have told them.

Brothers/Preachers, honestly, IF you have put aside what you were brought up to believe in, what YOU THINK the Bible says (by just allowing God to work in you), and what you believe what your teachers have told you (putting aside your beliefs and your prejudices, baring yourself of humanly knowledge before Him, reading and studying the BIBLE with an open, pure heart and clean hands, humbling yourself and surrendering everything to Him for wisdom in this - praying for God's revelation), GOD will really tell and show you. He did me, why can't HE you? Because of your spiritual weakness and to much pride? You refuse to study this as you just want to argue with what you were brainwashed to believe and what you were told by your teachers? The truth will make you free, or will it you?

Fools more like it and telling lies. God is just and righteous. He never has or did create an evil human or a sinner. Sin comes only at accountable age. Those who say and teach born sinners are liars (not true), thieves (stole the knowledge of truth), and idolaters (believing the wrong with conviction). All these shall have their part in the lake of fire which is called hell. So get right with the Lord, get truly saved and repent of your sin before it is too late.

l have been wanting to write this for a long time now. Christmas is here, so l do it before it comes***. We are born innocent whether anyone likes it or not. We are born without sin, created sinless and innocent, regardless what the cults teach. Sad that this includes the Baptists, too. It is a shame so many very dependable churches believe what the cults believe. For this reason, I hope this will lead most of you to open up your hearts and believe what l believe. GOD will never truly bless a church if one doctrine is misplaced and not taught properly (many of the believed-to-be-dependable and faithful Baptists churches belong to this category). I never would if I were God.

(c) Mike Carey; December, 2011

*** This was published after Christmas

Wisdom And Understanding - Where Are They?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:19:00 +0000

(But they truly don't find wisdom even. They live in the wilderness of unbelief.)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Just something simple the Lord gave me so l decided to talk a little on such things. This will be short and to the point. First a rundown on the meaning of some words in the following passages. Wisdom - a store of knowledge, intelligence drawing on experience and governed by prudence. Prudence - foresight leading a person to avoid error, danger. Understanding - power to form reasoned judgments, feeling and showing sympathy, tolerance, etc. Knowledge - the state of knowing. Very simple this meaning huh? Fear - to be afraid, to revere with awe, (as in and with God).

Knowledge does not begin with nor originate with no fear of God, and wisdom is not the beginning of no fear of the attributes of GOD, and who He is. To have knowledge (a good healthy dose of true knowledge) is the fact that the LORD, who created us in His glorious image, put it in us (true believers) when we learn to fear Him. As we age, we develop more in these things: wisdom, different emotions, understanding, prudence. God allows us to grow differently to each other as we all have a different level of these items listed above.

Unfortunately, the world views false knowledge in what we now know as to better yourself, to help yourself out, to give to yourself in better ways, and then to grow what others seemingly can teach you - but all in worldly matters and means. For real knowledge to truly begin in us, it must come from GOD Himself who not only created us humans for His glory, but also expects us to grow in all aspects with His Holy Spirit in us, if saved. Unsaved people can know more than Christians, but can never have a KNOWLEDGE of Biblical matters or even know anything of the Lord Jesus Christ. If they are to, they must be saved first. Only the Lord gives true knowledge, wisdom, a good fear in Him to those saved ones. Only then will they understand better His ways and thoughts to a minute degree. The ungodly will never have the true knowledge of knowing the attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of how much they will argue with you on such matters. Some will though no matter what as pride tells them they know more about Christ-centered things more than Christians themselves. They do know more, but only of worldly things, the evil and wicked things of the world which is "knowledge" of worldy things and philosophies. These are all they know. It is not a knowledge of God, Jesus Christ, the deity of Christ, the gospel. Too many religions are up to date on much information that end up in void final answers. They do not reach at par with the Word of God. As once some have knowledge of the Bible, they like to build themselves up in something they are not. They see, to be knowledgeable people who can tell you anything, and even when wrong, will still tell and explain to you things they know nothing about or have no wisdom and understanding in.

True knowledge comes from a healthy and reverential fear of our Master the Lord God Himself, not from others who know something. Reading the Word of God will tell you how to have a fear of God in ways that people will never understand. Fear God. He only will give you true understanding in all matters, not man. If you reject the Bible, what the Lord has to tell you, try to give to you, and teach you what He expects you to know, you are a fool - very foolish indeed! Chances are also, you are very ignorant of the Lord and His Word. Otherwise many would not reject the wisdom and instruction that the Lord wants to tell and teach so many of you out there.

Kindly read again Proverbs 1:7. Many are attacked and tested by others. Those who have no true understanding, knowledge and wisdom that only the Lord can give will try you, test you, try to make you doubt, and even doubt yourself in what the LORD can teach you and speak to you on such things. If you cannot be taught, you doubt the Word of God and what He says in His Bible. I for one want to be taught, contrary to what some l know says about me. Only God knows me. No person knows me the way the Lord does.

Another proof is Proverbs 9:10 that says: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Just as above, wisdom does not come from man but from God Himself and not what others tell you nor teach you. Some can teach you proper things. But, to have a true wisdom is only to be gotten from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ NOT from any person. Humans can never reason why such a holy God can give a person these attributes that outweigh the ignorance and ego of man himself.

Job 28:12 states: "But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?"

So where shall wisdom be found? Is it found in books written by heathen man? Is it found in the countless numbers of books worldwide that are written? Or is it placed in a secluded spot where no one is allowed to enter to read what is in there? Is it the world itself, as it claims to have all the answers? Where do people go for understanding? Where is this place where they go to look for it? Many go to whore houses, to their porno shops, get involved in degrading practices with animals. A lot of people now have lowered themselves lower than the lowest form of animal life, lower than a pig in a pigpen wallowing in his own mire and filth and dirt. Absolutely, nothing can be found in these places! A place of understanding cannot be found in any worldly setting on earth. Nor can wisdom, understanding, fear of the Lord be found in any dead religion. The only place where it Can and Will be found is in the Saviour of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ. He only is "the way, the truth , and the life , no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6. Nothing can be found, no wisdom, nor there is a place of understanding outside of our dear Lord God in heaven, who can give to you the best, if you call on Him.

But today, the world has in fact seem to have the answers to all the problems that most are facing now in a degenerate world that has gone downhill. The world has all the answers as they try to outdo the One who has all the answers to every possible problem that this stinking, self-righteous, rebellious world seems to have. The world has polluted all around as they have the wealth, commercialism, liberistic beliefs, heathen pagan practices of immorality and wicked sexual practices, and all that are included in this rotten filth of a pigsty that we live in. Man has ruined and defiled our world with his upheld hand in defiance and hate towards a loving and sovereign God who created them in His image, and who put the conscience in every living person to know evil from good and right from wrong. Wisdom, understanding, prudence and knowledge plus other attributes go hand in hand in knowing a loving God. He also hates sin of all kinds, and abhors it with a passion. He is the God of great love, and the God of great anger and wrath. What will you receive after you die?

Where do you go to get your wisdom and where it your place of understanding? Or have you missed the greatest gift that the Lord Christ can give you? To have wisdom, knowledge, understanding, etc., you cannot get it from the world. The world can only give you a minute morsel compared to the great riches the Lord God in heaven can give to you, IF you admit you're a sinner, admit your sin guilt, confess your sins, repent of your wickedness, turn from your lifetime of sins, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and ask Him for His mercy to save you. If you don't, you only will have these items based on what the world can teach you, not on what the Lord has done for you and can do for you. Now is your time to do something for Him instead of being in a hellhole - lonely and desolate - ignoring Him. Come out of your mire and set yourself on solid ground. He will save you, IF you put your faith and trust in Him. If you don't, hell awaits you. Have a fear of God knowing He hates sin. You should fear Him in a way that you are fearful of His consequences if you dare to sin in front of Him; whether in public or in secret. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save you from hell and deliver you to heaven. He will deliver you from your sins and hell, IF you have faith and trust in Him to save you.

Again, if you don't, hell awaits you. If you do, heaven awaits you even more.

(c) Mike Carey; December 2011

Doing Things Contrary – Beware of False Prophets

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:49:00 +0000

(Written by Ptr. Mike Miller, Straight Path Bible Church, May 8, 2005)

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. – Acts 26:9 through Acts 26:11

What a thing to have to live with! Those of us who are saved have many regrets and things we are ashamed of concerning our life before we were saved. However, most of us simply lived in selfish sin, but we didn’t dedicate our lives to persecuting Christians and destroying the church. Paul had to live with the fact that he had mistreated and even consented to the deaths of Christians for believing in Christ. Now that he is saved he loves these people, so it must have been a heartbreaking thing for him to remember, even though he knew God had forgiven him. Surely he didn’t relate this to King Agrippa in a cold and matter-of-fact way. The fact that it broke his heart to remember what he used to be had to be evident to Agrippa and probably was a big factor in “almost” convincing him to be a Christian.

What a terrible thing to mistreat God’s people! Surely there is a severe judgment for doing such a wicked thing. The strange thing is that most of those who are going to face such a judgment are not found outside the church, but inside it. They are standing behind pulpits and pretending to be men of God while they lead the people astray. This is a much worse crime than what Paul did before he was saved concerning persecuting the saints.

Why would a man stand in a pulpit and tell the people lies? There are only two possibilities. First, it could be because he is deceived himself. He is simply repeating the lies he has been told. That raises another important question then. How can he be deceived and leading others astray if the Holy Spirit lives in him, while the Bible promises that the Spirit of God will guide us into all truth? (John 16:13) The answer is also found in the Word of God: “…Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” – Rom. 8:9

The second is worse than the first. He must KNOW that he is not telling the truth or that he is withholding truth, but he does it anyway for his own selfish benefit. He does it for the money. He does it for the position. He does it to receive the praise of men and to be called “Reverend.” He does it to be known in the community. He knows what the Bible says, but he cares more for himself and his selfish ambitions than for the souls of the people he preaches to.

So you have a man who is unsaved leading other people farther from God than they already are. Those who might have had a chance; those who might have listened and received the truth, are blinded by the deceit of an imposter, and their souls are eternally doomed. He says to them “peace” when there is no peace. He offers them phony assurance that they are right with God while they live and love the same worldly things that the rest of the world does. He draws no lines between holy and unholy, and in fact, whatever criticism and correction he offers is almost always directed toward those who live “too” holy and “too” separated from the world and its pollution.

The only difference between a false prophet and a vile criminal is that the false prophet is much more wicked. He is more wicked and vile than any murderer who ever sat in an electric chair. If God has a place in hell for the people like Adolf Hitler or Nero Caesar, because of the careless way they treated human life, just try to imagine what punishment must await a man who trifles with the eternal souls of men for his own gain and selfish interests.

A lady in our church who is a nurse told me that she had seen many men die in the Veteran’s Hospital where she worked. She said she had noticed that there are three types of people. First, there are people who are right with God and ready to die. The time comes and they go out peacefully and death is a welcome thing for them. Second, she said, are the people who are not ready and when the moment draws near they are frantic and desperate and fighting to the last breath. It is a terrible and fearful thing to witness. Then there is a third group. These are the people, she said, who THOUGHT they were ready until the moment arrived and then they realized they were not. She asked, “Do you know who is in that third group many times?” I said I didn’t and she told me that many of them are preachers who have stood behind pulpits and not told the people the truth. Their moment of death arrives and they are crying out to God about what they didn’t tell the people and what they knew God wanted them to hear. They held back on what they knew or just didn’t tell the truth because it would have cost them favor with the people or maybe their job as pastor, or damaged their reputation and fellowship with fellow preachers. They valued their own interests more than the eternal souls of men and now they are about to face God with it. No crime ever committed on earth was ever so wicked as that! No murder, however violent or gruesome, was ever as worthy of punishment as what that man did when he blinded the souls of people who might have believed had he told them the truth.

It seems that every day we hear of those who murder women or little children for their own lusts. Anyone with any sense of justice feels enormous anger and revulsion at these evil deeds and desires to see the criminal punished and taken out of society so they can’t commit such wickedness anymore. How much more wicked is it when men murder the eternal souls of others so they can keep drawing their salary, or so they can still be welcomed in the next preacher’s fellowship?

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37

Considering the value of a soul, what kind of punishment is deserved by anyone – not just a preacher in a pulpit, who would mislead and guide someone away from the pure truth of the Word of God? Take heed about criticizing the man of God who will preach to you the full counsel of God! You better be careful when you find yourself in disagreement with a man who will lift up his voice like a trumpet and show you your transgressions! If you have a preacher who will fearlessly show you the way of the Lord and what God expects of you no matter what it costs him you better not undermine him! He is real! You better thank God for him. When you are voicing your opinions and disagreements you may be doing the same thing that false prophet does when he stands behind the pulpit. As certainly as God will judge a lying preacher he will judge you for leading people from the truth, too.

Carnal Christians? (Part 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:24:00 +0000

(From Pastor Mike Miller's website, http://www.straightpathsbiblechurch.com, June 26, 2005)

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 1 Cor. 3:1-4

These are the four verses that are used most often to “prove” that there is such a thing as a “carnal” Christian. If you ignore the rest of the New Testament and take these verses out of context it does sound convincing, but if you are familiar with the Bible you will have trouble with this interpretation because it completely contradicts so many other verses. How can you believe that these four verses teach that a person can be saved, but still living according to the lust of the flesh and not subject to God when you read these verses:

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Rom. 8:6-9

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:6

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 1 Cor. 15:48

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Rom. 7:5

There are many other verses that could be given to show that the teaching of a “carnal” Christian is a contradiction of the Scriptures. Let’s take a look at 1 Cor. 3:1-4 and see if we can explain what Paul is saying without contradicting other Scriptures.

The first evidence given to “prove” that these are actually “carnal” Christians is the fact that Paul greets them by calling them “brethren.” This is just not correct. Paul was addressing a local church and he knew, as well as we do, that not everyone in a local church is truly saved. If we were to write a letter to a church as a whole or stand in front of a church we would greet them with a similar salutation. Just because he said “brethren” doesn’t mean that he considered them all to be saved. What other word could he have used, and how else could he have sensibly and properly addressed them? It is common in the Bible for the word “brethren” to be used referring to one’s own countrymen, or to one who belongs to the same group of people. At least three times in the first three chapters of Acts Peter called the unconverted Jews he was preaching to “brethren.” Stephen called the Jews who were about to kill him “brethren” in Acts 7:2. Paul called the Jews “brethren” in Acts 13:26, Acts 13:38, again in Acts 22:1, Acts 23:1, Acts 23:5, Acts 23:6, and Acts 28:17. There is abundant evidence in the Word of God that Paul used the word “brethren” when addressing people who were obviously not saved. Therefore, it is very foolish to base a doctrine that contradicts so many other Scriptures on one single word.

Now there is a contrast drawn between “spiritual” and “carnal.” He says he couldn’t speak to them as spiritual, but as to carnal. These words are opposites. Spiritual means NOT fleshly, while carnal means fleshly. Spiritual means regenerated – carnal means unregenerate. Any dictionary will tell you that. A spiritual person is controlled and led by the Spirit of God, while a carnal person is controlled and led by the lusts of the flesh. Paul says that if he spoke to them of spiritual things they were “not able to bear it”– because they were carnal. The natural man IS a carnal man, and he cannot understand the (spiritual) things of God. Paul told us this plainly in the verses just prior to this in 1 Cor. 2:14:

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Paul is saying that if these people were spiritual they would be able to understand and he could talk to them about spiritual things. However, he has found that to be impossible because they are carnal. They have missed it. They aren’t listening. They aren’t receiving. He has to back up and start over with the basic principles of sin and salvation.

“Even as unto babes in Christ.” This phrase is taken as further proof that we have saved people here who are living a continuous, carnal life. Notice that it says, “AS UNTO.” He doesn’t say he is talking to babes in Christ, but “AS UNTO” babes in Christ. He says, “I am talking to people who have little or no understanding.” Babies are carnal – BUT babies grow up. These people might have been considered babes in Christ if they had just been saved, but because they hadn’t grown and were still unable to understand he pronounced them “carnal,” which is a very strong word, when studied in light of the Scriptures. There might be a time when a person first gets saved that he appears to be carnal because he has to sort out some things and learn the difference, but this doesn’t take very long with the Spirit of God and the Word of God as your guides. Paul is saying to these people that he sees no evidence they are really saved because they aren’t acting or thinking any differently than they did before they made their profession. He isn’t condemning the whole church any more than a preacher today is when he gets up and preaches on sin. There were good people there, who loved God and were growing in grace, but there were also some folks sitting there who were continuing to live with the same attitudes and affections that they had always had. Paul was speaking to the whole church as he dealt with these people.

“Envying, strife, and divisions” are the words he used to describe their carnality. While there were moral sins in the church at Corinth, as we see from the rest of the letters to them, those sins are not what he is referring to in particular here. These people were fighting and quarrelling about things like which preacher they liked the most. They were envious of each other and doing things to hurt each other because of their envy. When a church is full of envy, strife, and divisions it is because there are carnal people involved. It is because there are LOST people in the middle of things who do not understand spiritual things. They are trying to have their say in running the church and their motives and reasoning are carnal. They see everything from the viewpoint of an unconverted person. They do not understand the things of God and cannot know them because they are spiritually discerned.

If you are a critic I can read your mind right now. You are thinking that I have no right to judge so harshly. But my friend, it isn’t me who is doing the judging – the Word of God judges, and makes it very clear that carnal people are LOST people. It is YOUR mind that is so confused by false teaching that you can’t make heads or tails of who is saved and who is lost – even when they live in such a way that the Bible marks them clearly. You are saying to yourself right now, “This can’t be true because I know some good people who have acted in a carnal way and I just can’t believe they are lost.”

First of all, you need to be made aware of the fact that you are judging the Word of God by your experience, or what you see in the experience of others. You are making void the Word of God by the “traditions” of men (things they do). You should believe the Word of God and measure yourself and others by THAT standard. “Let God be true, and every man a liar.” The Bible is true even if it condemns our best friend or our loved ones. If they are to have any hope at all we must believe God and not judge God and his Word by THEIR lifestyle.

You can say, “I hear what you are saying, but I know a preacher who is just like what you are describing.” So what? Preachers aren’t exempt from the Word of God, either. The Bible tells us plainly that Satan has his “ministers of righteousness.” They are in the church and even preach righteousness, but their life tells on them and reveals what they really are, when they are full of envy, strife, and divisions. Again, you are setting up people as your standard and trying to nullify the plain Word of God because you know someone who is “saved” but acts like a carnal person.

Finally, it is a fact that a saved person may do a carnal thing from time to time. As long as we are able to be tempted we will be able to sin. A saved person is not exempt from being overcome by a fault, but a saved person cannot CONTINUE in it. God promises to deal with his children. He promises to chasten us and keep us in line. The Bible is clear that those who are not chastened are NOT God’s children. People who are truly saved are teachable and correctable. Not only God, but fellow Christians can point out to them where their life is not consistent with the Word of God and they will receive instruction and correct the problem. Carnal people reject it out of hand because they cannot understand spiritual things. They are judging themselves by others and comparing themselves among themselves, and they are not wise.

What Paul is saying here in 1 Cor. 3:1-4 is, “If the shoe fits, wear it! If you aren’t lost, quit acting like you are!” Just as in any church, there were no doubt people there who were saved, but caught up in the ruckus that was being stirred by the carnal people there. Without a doubt there were some who repented at Paul’s instructions and got right with God. Then there were others who resented his rebuke and remained just as they were – carnal. The good people of God who were right all along were glad and thankful for plain preaching that was consistent with the Word of God and dealt directly with the problem that was tearing up the church.

Paul was just doing some good preaching to these people who had problems in the church. You will search far and wide to find a church in our day that DOESN”T have these same problems. But you will have to search even harder for a preacher who will deal with the problem like Paul did. There are very few who even believe there is a real difference between the lost and the saved anymore. They make a place for everybody in the church. You can be saved and be a good Christian, or you can be saved and be a “carnal” Christian, and no one has a right to judge your “salvation.” Therefore, the churches are filled with lost (carnal) people who are making the decisions and directing the work of the church with no spiritual understanding or discernment. Thankfully for us, there was an Apostle Paul there who cared for them and was faithful to deal with them in truth and correct the problem. Because of that the Gospel was carried across the world and we are the glad recipients. But what are our descendants going to say about us one day? What is going to become of the church after a generation of carnal people have held the reins?

Carnal Christian? (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:36:00 +0000

(From Pastor Mike Miller's website, http://www.straightpathsbiblechurch.com, June 19, 2005)

There are only two kinds of people in the world – lost and saved. There are not three types of people, as so many of our modern Bible teachers would have us believe. The common teaching is that there are lost people, saved people, and saved people who are carnal. They arrive at this brilliant conclusion by reading 1 Cor 3:1-4, out of context, and failing to compare it with the rest of the New Testament. You will search the words of Jesus in vain trying to find such a teaching. He NEVER said anything that would agree with the modern interpretation of those verses. You will also have to wrest certain other Scriptures in the New Testament to make them teach such a thing, and after you do that, your private interpretation will be in direct contradiction to the plain teaching of the rest of the New Testament, and in fact, the entire Bible.

The very idea of a “carnal” Christian is absurd and so obviously in opposition to the clear teaching of the Bible that it is truly amazing that anyone on earth would believe it. Of course, when you consider the depravity of man and the fact that he loves himself and his sin supremely, it is no wonder that the great majority of professing Christians find this doctrine of devils so appealing. It provides a way to be on your way to heaven and enjoy all the pleasures of sin at the same time. Hey, it’s the best of both worlds – they think!

Sadly, carnal people just don’t know God, so they are living in the deceit of their own heart. They not only will miss heaven, but they are also missing the joy of knowing God in this life. They have settled for dead religion when they could have had eternal, spiritual life. Because they are blinded by the god of this world, whom they serve, they are not even aware of the sorry state of their own soul. To top it off, some Bible school graduate tells them they are saved because of their profession of faith, and that they are just “carnal,” or “babes in Christ” and they will grow up some day – when “God deals with their heart” about these things. This relieves all pressure to forsake their “carnality” (sin) and effectively blocks the Holy Spirit from working on their hearts, which leaves them in a lost and hopeless state.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines carnal as:
1. Pertaining to flesh; fleshly; sensual; opposed to spiritual; as carnal pleasure.
2. Being in the natural state; unregenerate.
3. Pertaining to the ceremonial law; as carnal ordinances. Heb. 9:10.
4. Lecherous; lustful; libidinous; given to sensual indulgence.

Strong’s Concordance defines “carnal” as used in 1 Cor 3 this way:
From G4561; pertaining to flesh, that is, (by extension) bodily, temporal, or
(by implication) animal, unregenerate: — carnal, fleshly.

It is obvious that the word carnal describes someone who is not regenerated. It describes someone who is still under the control of fleshly desires as opposed to someone who is under the control of the Spirit of God. The carnal man and the spiritual man are contrary one to another, and a person cannot be both at the same time. You are either carnally minded or you are spiritually minded. Your life is either guided by your fleshly desires or it is guided by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says that you are abiding in death and the enemy of God if you are carnal-minded:

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. 8:6-7

Notice that the carnal man is not subject to the law of God, “neither indeed can be.” How can someone who knows anything about the Bible say a person like this is saved? The Bible is so clear on the fact that those who are saved keep his commandments:

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1 John 2:3

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:2-3

The Bible says you cannot please God if you are carnal.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom. 8:8

And the following verse makes it very clear that those who are saved are not carnal:

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Rom. 8:9

And again, the Scriptures couldn’t be clearer about the fact that those who are truly saved are overcomers:

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5

That is obviously NOT a description of a carnal person.

These are just a few verses, but the Bible is full of this teaching from cover to cover! How amazing that people can teach such a thing as “carnal” Christianity! Instead of trusting and believing the Word of God they are looking at those who are sitting in the church pews and redefining salvation so that it works for these “carnal” people. Sometimes it is a loved one who is “carnal” and you just can’t bring yourself to accept the fact that they are LOST, so you accept this false teaching in your mind, but your heart doesn’t agree with it. How many times have I heard people tell about their loved one who isn’t living right and then say something like, “I guess they are saved, but I sure don’t understand how they can live that way.” The very idea of someone being saved and living in sin is a contradiction to our own conscience! If you have a loved one who is “carnal” but professes to be saved, you had better deal with them as though they are lost. That is their ONLY hope. If you even suggest to them that you think they might be saved, but just “carnal,” you will put a stumblingblock in front of them that they won’t likely be able to overcome. They will settle right down in their “carnality” and find themselves in hell one day. Do not have a part in the deception of their heart!

It is a very sad tragedy what happens to the sinner who is never delivered from his sin and is convinced by other so-called Christians that he is OK and on his way to heaven. But consider what a tragedy it is for the church and the kingdom of God that such a teaching has gained such a foothold. Holiness is the very thing that marks God’s people and distinguishes them from the world. When the church gives this up we have given up everything. We have exchanged our “glory for that which doth not profit.” (Jer. 2:11)

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matt. 5:13

The obvious difference between God’s people and the world is what makes our preaching and our testimony effective. That difference is HOLINESS. Without new life, a new walk, a new creature, the world has no reason to think that we have anything worth seeking after. Unless they see a supernatural change in us they will not believe the gospel. The gospel is NOT just the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is the death, burial, and resurrection shown forth in our own life when we are born again. We “take up our cross and follow him.” The old man is dead, he is buried, and we are risen anew to walk with Christ. When people see the gospel in reality in our life they cannot ignore it. To invent a “carnal” Christian, who doesn’t keep God’s commandments, continues to live in fleshly sins and lusts, and is not subject to God in his life, is to nullify all that gives power to our message. The Holy Ghost will simply not agree with that kind of teaching and He will not work with us in our endeavors to promote such false teaching. THAT leaves us powerless, because Jesus said that without Him, we could do NOTHING.

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. Jer. 23:14

God always condemns anything that “strengthens the hand of evildoers.” Any teaching that makes it easier for people to sin, or to explain their sin, or to excuse their sin, is a false teaching and God doesn’t agree with it. Certainly, the teaching of “carnal” Christianity strengthens the hands of evildoers. Notice the part of the verse above that says, “…that none doth return from his wickedness.” The result of the teachings of those apostate prophets was that people didn’t get delivered from their sin – they just kept on living in it. Doesn’t that sound familiar when you look at the state of Christianity in our day? Isn’t that the greatest difference between the Christianity of today and that of our forefathers? EVERYBODY is saved in our day. I have had people tell me they were saved while they were holding a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. I have had people take God’s name in vain a dozen times while talking with them, and then tell me they are saved and an active member of some church. We are living in a day when porn queens, movie stars, rock musicians, and sports heroes who take drugs and live lower than barnyard animals, all say they are saved and on their way to heaven. The really, really sad part is that most professing Christians of today think I am out of line for “judging” people like that. In their mind, these people “might” be saved and I have no right to judge them. Jesus said, “as it was in the days of Sodom, so shall it also be…” The sodomites used the same complaint against Lot after he had asked them not to do so “wickedly.” They accused him of judging them and said he had no right to do that.

And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. Gen. 19:9

Therefore, believing such doctrines as “carnal” Christianity has brought the church so low that many, if not most, of those who claim to be Christians, have the same way of thinking as the men of Sodom! They can’t “judge” people because you can’t tell “what is in their hearts.” I believe that is a bunch of hogwash! I think that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” I believe that what you see on the outside is a very good indicator of what is on the inside. Carnal people are lost, unregenerate, and in need of a good dose of old-fashioned salvation! If what they have is not enough to deliver them from their carnality now it is certainly not enough to deliver them from hell and get them to heaven!

I also believe there is much hypocrisy on the part of those who teach this false doctrine of “carnal” Christianity. Many of them do not live their own lives after the flesh, but they teach others that it is possible to do so. What they won’t allow for themselves they do allow for others. What they know in their heart God would not allow them to do they encourage others to do. They also scold anyone who would criticize these “carnal” Christians for living the way they do, or for questioning their “salvation.”

Most of the time I hear two contradicting versions of what they believe. If you talk about the fact that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature,” they will agree wholeheartedly with you. If you talk about how that God delivers sinners and saves them from their sin, they will agree with that. If you talk about how it just can’t be possible for a person to get truly born again and continue in a habitual, continual lifestyle of sin, they will agree with that, too. But then say you don’t believe there is such a thing as a “carnal” Christian, and immediately you find yourself at odds with them. They think there MUST be a place for such a creature, because the church is full of them, and they CAN’T ALL be lost, so they defend them with all their strength! Hypocrisy! Confusion! Contradiction! Are they in for a surprise when judgment time comes!

You cannot be consistent and in agreement with the Bible if you insist that there are people who are truly born again, but live their lives in continual, habitual sin. You cannot believe the Bible and also believe that there are people who are saved, but who are not subject to God, his Son, or his law. That idea is totally contrary to everything the Bible teaches about sin, forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. Saved people are led by the Spirit of God – not their carnal lusts. They live a life of holiness – not a life of carnality! Your conscience tells you that is right! The Word of God tells you that is right! And the Spirit of God tells you that is right! You may reject all their counsel, but you will believe it is right when we stand in judgment before God, because He will stay true to his Word on this matter. “Let God be true and every man a liar.”

Preacher, tell people the truth! Carnal people are LOST! Don’t say to them “peace, peace” when there is no peace! Cry aloud! Spare not! Show the people their sins! God says that is their only hope, so don’t be a party to their damnation! Don’t water it down in order to gain their favor now, because you will stand in judgment one day for every word you say! People have deceitful hearts and are seeking a way to hold onto the world with one hand and Jesus with the other. Don’t make it any easier for them to be deceived! Make the way of the Lord straight!

Carnal Christians? (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:03:00 +0000

(From Pastor Mike Miller's website, http://www.straightpathsbiblechurch.com, June 13, 2005)

If you talk to the average professing Christian, they will defend this creature that is found nowhere in the Bible – a “Carnal Christian.” The first thought that comes to my mind is this:

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rom. 13:14

“Make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof,” but isn’t that exactly what believing in a carnal Christian is? You are making a place for something the Bible doesn’t. Not only that, but you are making a place for something the Bible strictly forbids, condemns, and clearly defines as enmity with God.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom. 8:6-8

The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God and indeed it CAN’T be! The carnal mind does not and cannot obey the law of God. Yet many claim that a person like this is saved. They have a real problem explaining all those verses in the Bible that say we can, do, and must obey if we are saved:

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Cor. 10:5

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts 5:32

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matt. 7:21

The Bible promises that carnal people are to be judged by God. These are people who are not subject to God and his law, those who do not obey him.

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Thess. 1:8

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Pet. 4:17

Those who are truly saved obey God – they are NOT carnally minded:

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Heb. 5:9

The whole idea of Romans 8 is to make a division between those who walk after the Spirit and those who walk after the flesh. Those who walk after the spirit are saved – those who walk after the flesh are not. You cannot be both at the same time – you are either walking after the flesh or you are walking after the Spirit. The verses above plainly show that one is life and one is death. If Christ lives in you the body is dead and you do not walk after the flesh anymore. It is not your lifestyle and not your habit. If the Spirit of Christ does not live in you then you are not saved:

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Rom. 8:9

Much more can be said about this matter. There are some verses that are used to “prove” the existence of “carnal Christians” but they do no such thing. The Bible is very clear in the few verses we have presented here that carnality and true salvation do not go together. The Word of God is the standard and we should judge ourselves and others by that – not by looking around at what is sitting in the church pews calling themselves “carnal Christians.”

A story in the news this week talked about a porn star who is going to be at a fundraiser dinner for the Republican Party in a week or two. She will be there with the President and many of our so-called conservative leaders. She says she is a Christian! She reads her Bible and prays every night. She says that she isn’t as bad as a lot of people and when she acts in those pornographic movies it isn’t really her – she is pretending to be someone else. She says God looks on the heart and she isn’t immoral just because she does those things for the camera. She is a “carnal Christian.” Check out the article on Worldnetdaily.com here: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44671

All the above is a true story, but very few Christians would accept her testimony as real. They can’t believe that a porn star could be a Christian, but they believe in “carnal Christians.” What hypocrites! They are teaching exactly the same thing as this woman is professing, but they have an imaginary line or limit where you just can’t be a Christian and do those things. They are powerless to condemn this woman because they really believe just like she does. There really is no difference between the lost and saved. A Christian can do anything! Just because he is saved doesn’t mean he can’t be carnal! But I remind you that is just the logic of men, while the Word of God makes a clear difference and very plainly teaches quite the opposite.

There are no carnal Christians, there are simply carnal people and spiritual people. There are people who walk after the flesh and those who walk after the Spirit. Just as God judged his people in the past He will judge this wicked generation for blurring the lines and failing to make a difference between the clean and the unclean.

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Ezek. 22:26

Some Questions To Ponder (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:59:00 +0000

This is a continuation of the 1st part l did some time ago. Too much at once to write at one time, so l now continue on with this. There may not be Scripture, but believe me there is. At that time l did not intend to use verses to support all this. Though it can be, l will carry on as what is written the way it is and no add ons, with possible exceptions. Thank you.

The questions:

Should we deny our Christian faith and give in to the beliefs of other religions, or should we follow, live in obedience, and surrender to Jesus Christ no matter what?
Are we to give in to these so-called bibles believing God inspired these books for our benefit, or instead believing by faith that God has one Bible? The simplest answer? - Get on your face before almighty God. Humble yourself in His sight. Pray and ask Him, He will answer and tell you His Holy Word is the KJB, even though others will mock you silently and all will doubt you.
Do you know that when you doubt God, doubt what His Holy Word says, you call Him a liar?
Do you know that the power of conviction from the Holy Spirit can beat the damnable pride out of you and make you do, act and say things that are pleasing to God?
Do you know the Holy Spirit can convict you on things that no person ever could?
Do you realize what NO PERSON knows about you? God does, for God hates sins of all kinds.
Do you know that if you never confess your sins and repent and ask His Son Jesus to come into your heart and life in brokenness of heart and humility, you will go to hell?
Do we live in such an age where rebellion, strifes, stirrings and heartache create division in churches, that we ignore what God can do in us to aright such things?
Do we allow apostacy in these local churches to grow to a point where believers and non-believers are alike? Where we, believers, grow weaker in faith and we depart from Holy God by allowing some men to dictate to us their values, ideas, vain babbling, philosophies, arrogant smugness, tolerance for world leaders to preach behind pulpits, and non-believers to follow? Where we do not allow God Almighty in heaven to show us all the way, how to live the life that God can give each one of us and lead us in a way of complete humility, true surrender, and complete obedience to Jesus our Lord?
Are we that foolish to think we can be godly, at the same time Godless? Why do we never feel the need for that longing for God in our souls?
Are we that self-absorbed and shellshocked that we have no need for that satisfying deeper hunger for God that our spirit craves for?
Why are we so complacent in our Christian lives and comfortable that we reject the idea of a loving God who can give us the desires of our heart?
Why do we serve the wickedness of this lustful world, not serve and be best friends with our risen Saviour?
Why do we drool after carnal things of this life when we don't even want to be consumed by the Holy Spirit and what our Majestic Lord God in heaven has?WHY? WHY? WHY?
Are we at a loss for words for the lost and hellbound sinner, that we rather gloat in our own 'Christian' attitudes while denying them the chance to become saved by ignoring them?
Do you want to be under the guiding arm of the Lord Jesus Christ, convicting you of your blatant sins, or would you rather be living a Christless lifestyle and go to a Christless eternity?
Are we just a passing ship in the darkness of the world, or are we a beacon of light and hope for others to see?
Are our senses that dull and incapacitated that we rather be decapitated from the love of Christ, rather than live in the fullness, richness of Christ and be smothered in His Glory?
Are people that full of stinking pride and inhuman wickedness, that they can't see what they become, and turn to Jesus Christ our Saviour to become who they need to be for Christ and depend on Him wholeheartedly thru His free gift of eternal salvation?
Why do we fill our minds with the attitudes of this 'politically correct' garbage that the world forces on us and not be firm and take a stand on what is 'Biblically Correct'?
Why do we say: "l care for you, l love you, l want the best for you, I am interested in you, I want to see you happy and succeed", when our eyes and whole countenance say the exact opposite? WHY? WHY? WHY?
Why do we feel no remorse on things we say, what we do, how we act, no guilt, yet all we have to do is kneel before Almighty God and repent?
Why do so many profess Jesus Christ as their Saviour and call themselves a Christians, yet know not what one is and how to act, live, talk, and dress as one?
Why do we call what is wicked acceptable, yet what is Godly wicked? Because of sin.
Why do so many say they love God and Jesus yet rebell against Him, show Him hate and contempt, and live in direct disobedience to Him?

(End of Part 2)

(c) Mike Carey; December 2008

Which One Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Carey and Luisa Mercado) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 02:11:00 +0000

(Re-post from Couple's Nest dated August 23, 2010)

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:19

As I was reading my Bible this morning, I came across Luke 17:11-19. The LORD then stopped me and did not allow me to go any further till I settled what I needed to get right with Him. Conviction set in greatly that when I wrote want happened in my personal diary, what He had done and how I saw myself in that passage, I decided to share a bit with you, but not all as it is between Him and me. What I am sharing you now is just a few thoughts of the goodness, mercy, and grace of our LORD that we tend to overlook and take for granted.

If you read what I learned with your heart into it, you will be touched. What I saw were 10 lepers ALL cleansed, yet only one turned back to give Jesus the glory and thanks due Him. You see, all ten had to walk afar off from people due to their disease. They had to restraint themselves so as not to contaminate others. They lifted up and protrude their voices above normal tone to communicate with people. They did these for Jesus to hear them and He heard their plea of mercy.

But, after their faith had made them whole, who came back? Did all ten to thank Jesus for what He had so mercifully done for them? Did they made effort to glorify Him and shout the victory in Jesus for the great miracle that Christ the Lord had done for them? NO! Nine out of the ten left, went their good old merry way and took for granted what Jesus had just done for them. Don't you think after such a miracle, they all would of returned to give Jesus thanks and fall at His feet as one did?

So I ask you, which one are you? Are you 9 of the ten that the Lord has given everything? The you who constantly accept what He gives you, yet you NEVER return to Him to give Him the glory due Him? Do you give Him the thanks that He so faithfully deserves? Do you glory in yourself, your own lusts and indulgences and never give one iota thought of what God Almighty has done in your life? Do you get on your face to cry out to God and thank Him for the life He has given you by not throwing you in Hell yet? Do you even give Him one moment of your time in prayer each day, or do your bible studies on a regular basis? Or do you do so little that you think you are good and righteous enough to get by each day with reading and praying as little as you can, making yourself to be a spiritual giant for our God?

Now, about the one that returned, he came running back all excited, happy and thrilled to the bone because after he had gotten healed by the Lord Jesus, he acknowledge His greatness and went out to proclaim the name of Jesus to others. I saw in this one cleansed leper that he witnessed to others about what Jesus had done for him. I am sure he led many others to Christ by testimony. He was once spotted by the blight of sin and disease, he is now clean. I myself personally believe this one who 'turned back' with a loud voice, glorified and thanked Jesus at HIS FEET; probably in tears and his heart full of joy, is in heaven now.

So again which one are you young man or woman? Are you the one who glories, thank and praise God every day for ALL He has done for you? Or are you one of the nine who has been given everything by the grace of our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, yet ignore His goodness and mercy? Do you just live for yourself portraying as a just and righteous person who THINKS you walk with God, if saved? Or if you are not saved and born again, you may have that same attitude like many do, yet proclaim "saved" as they do.

In this great passage I can see our Lord Jesus Christ's great compassion as He healed the lepers. I saw His abounding grace as He decided to give to them all , even to the 9 who never returned to give Him glory, thanks and reverence. I saw the Lord Jesus' righteousness as He did not condemn those who did not return to give glory due to His holy name. I saw His mercy which He did not have to give, but He did because He knew they did not deserve it, yet He still gave to them His healing. I saw His goodness as the Lord Jesus immediately saw their desire and need to be made whole.

Though Jesus never had to do anything for them, yet, He chose to show them His unique goodness by allowing the bondage they were in to be released and cleansed. I also saw Jesus as He is the only one who can cleanse anyone who is under the chains of the self life. These lepers were under a chain of heaviness after which Jesus Christ lifted it off them. They were relieved and though the others may have been thankful in some little ways, they were not really like the one who returned. I felt this man who returned was convicted and he loved Jesus in a way that he was so excited when he thanked and glorified Him.

What about you friend? Do you want to have a walk with the Lord each day and have His blessings pouring down on you ? He can give you much. If you have never trusted Jesus as your personal Saviour, you will never be released from the bondage of your sins together with the chains of this old world. It's carnality will drag you down into an inferno of hellfire. You shall never see the face of the One who can save you from such a fiery, tormenting place.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will give you peace, happiness and joy. After salvation, you will still go through trials and bad times. Never listen to fake televangelists who say you will never go through any bad times anymore. They will just lead you astray. Listen to people who know better, even if they speak in biblical truth and hurt your ego. They do mean well and you will be directed to the truth.

Yes, as a Christian, we will all go through many trials, and will be tested by the world or by God Himself. We all go through things that are unpleasant, but that does not mean God is not with us. He is there with us through everything. We just need to keep our faith and trust in the Lord to help us through all things. He will help us in our walk each day with Him.

John 3:16, probably the greatest verse in the Bible on salvation, tells you that 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.' God is where you are, the distance between the floor and your knees. Your religion, works, penance, or keeping His commandments will not save you. Only trusting in Jesus as your personal Saviour can. You will be delivered from a hell, and saved by the blood of Christ to be with Him in heaven forever.

My prayer is that the Lord will convict those who read this, and will do a miracle in saving a dear soul from the pits of hell. He will give that person His grace and that person will make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. He will be cleansed from the chains of sin and be renewed in soul, mind, spirit. He will call on the name of the LORD in humility and tears, and have a life that is committed in serving our risen Saviour. He will turn from all sins and live for Jesus Christ.

If you come to be saved, please drop us a line here on our blog. We love to hear how the Lord delivered you, how you are serving Him and all the blessings He is giving you.