Look Up Fellowship

A Tornado Reveals The Truth

2013-05-23T14:00:00.000-04:00

Please continue to join me in praying for the people in Moore, OK and let's remind each other that there is comfort, healing, and hope in Jesus Christ.

Now, I would like to make a brief observation if I may. I've officially seen it all, my friends.

Here's a simple study in contrasts following the tragedy in Oklahoma earlier this week.

Let's play a little game of "One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other," shall we?

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

I'm utterly speechless, but not entirely surprised since the Word of God explains why we will see such blatant disregard for and rejection of the Lord from others in this life (here's a hint: it's a single word that starts with the letter 'S').

Psalm 14:1 (ESV) ... The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.

Psalm 53:1 (ESV) ... The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.

Romans 3:9-12 (ESV) 9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."

Interestingly enough, there's another passage of Scripture that comes to mind in this case, because it touches upon all aspects of this story. Simply put, it describes God's righteous wrath upon unrighteousness.

Romans 1:18-32 (ESV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

[emphasis mine]

In this stark study of contrasts we find that a tornado reveals the truth.

In this world, we are all sinners in need of God's saving grace (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:9-12).

Those who have heard His voice like that little old lady exhibit fruit that they have responded to His call (John 6:44; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; Romans 1:16-17).

Those who have rejected Him like that young mother continue on in their hard-heartedness even despite having gone through an unfathomable ordeal like this (Psalm 14:1; 1 Corinthians 1:18).

Going back and watching that clip of the Atheist again, I found it incredibly heartbreaking that she (and CNN's Wolf Blitzer) laughed like they did when she proclaimed her rejection of the Lord. There's just nothing funny about that at all.

That's the real tragedy. The real tragedy here is her rejection of God's forgiveness, mercy, and love in a situation like that as she holds her little child in her arms.

May Jesus' own words in response to being questioned about a mass tragedy in His time recorded for us in Luke 13 be a timely warning to us all: "Unless you repent, you too will all perish."

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Acts 17:30-31 (ESV) 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

Hebrews 9:27-28 (ESV) 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

As CNN's Wolf Blitzer said, "You gotta thank the Lord!" for His rich, undeserved grace and mercy in providing us with the free gift of salvation through His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and His atoning work upon the cross on our behalf and to pay the penalty for our sins.

Folks, please remember, "Unless you repent, you too will all perish."

What are you waiting for? Be grateful that a tornado has revealed these truths to you.

Repent of your sins and place your full faith and trust in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and commit your life to Him from this day forward for "today is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Until next time, God willing, grace and peace to you and yours.

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What Bible Is Pope Francis Reading!?!

2013-05-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry, but this needs to be addressed.

Yesterday, we looked at a supposed "miracle" performed by Pope Francis.

Remember how we made the Biblical case that whether or not the truth was being proclaimed would ultimately determine whether or not we should accept any "miracle" as being legitimately from God?

Well, this is a prime example of what I was talking about.

Pope Francis Says Atheist Can Be Good

Atheists should be seen as good people if they do good, Pope Francis has said in his latest urging that people of all religions, and none, work together.

The leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics made his comments in the homily of his morning mass at his residence, a daily event at which he speaks without prepared comments. He told the story of a Catholic who asked a priest if even atheists had been redeemed by Jesus.

"Even them, everyone," the pope answered, according to Vatican Radio. "We all have the duty to do good," he said. "Just do good, and we'll find a meeting point," the pope said in a hypothetical reply to the hypothetical comment: "But I don't believe. I'm an atheist."

Francis's reaching out to atheists and people who belong to no religion is in marked contrast to the attitude of his predecessor, Benedict, who sometimes prompted complaints from non-Catholics that he seemed to see them as second-class believers.

Where do we even begin? What Bible is Pope Francis reading!?! For starters, he exhibits woeful ignorance of the holy Scriptures in this case. I mean, what about God's Word to the contrary?

Psalm 51:5 (ESV) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Psalm 53:3 (ESV) They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.

Romans 3:11-12 (ESV) 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.

Pretty plain and simple, isn't it? That's just three examples from the Word of God.

Furthermore, the very concept of morality (i.e. what is "good" and what is "bad") has the Lord as its source. He has defined morality for the world. So then how can an Atheist who rejects God be "good" when they reject the very notion of there even being objective morality, or objective "right" and "wrong" in this life an universe? They can't be.

To make matters worse, the Pope didn't just stop with that lie. Instead, he went on to imply that even Atheists and non-believers alike are saved by Jesus when his answer to the question of whether or not Atheists had been redeemed by Jesus was to simply say, "Even them, everyone. Just do good, and we'll find a meeting point."

Are you kidding me? Where's the depth? Where's an accurate and clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Friends, this is seriously sad stuff that will only lead countless souls to Hell I'm afraid. All he had to do was refer to any of the following verses from Scripture.

John 3:16 (ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:6 (ESV) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 3:3 (ESV) Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

No, it's not surprising that the Roman Catholic Church continues to spew this spiritual nonsense (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-7).

Sure, it's succeeding in tickling the ears of many and giving people a false sense of security that "Works Righteousness" is the path to Heaven and eternal salvation (2 Timothy 4:3-4), but a false gospel like this also leads to false converts, and false converts are being led down a broad path to Hell (Matthew 7:13-15).

That's what makes this news report of the Pope's comments so heartbreaking to me.

This is why it's critical to be discerning, my friends (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; Ephesians 5:11).

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Pope Francis Performed An Exorcism In Public!?!

2013-05-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's less than 6 months into his new gig as Pontiff, but Pope Francis can already add "Performed A Bona Fide Miracle In Public" to his Resume.

The good news for him is that I guess he just earned himself a ticket to Heaven then, since Roman Catholicism preaches a "Works Righteousness" false gospel despite what Ephesians 2:8-9 says.

Dearly beloved (that includes my Catholic friends who may be reading this), I'm sorry to be so "snarky" from the outset here, but I just learned about something very peculiar that has me fired up and feeling a touch of righteous anger since I can see where this is likely headed.

Lord, in light of what You clearly tell us in James 1:19-20, please forgive me for these feelings I'm having...

I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but apparently Pope Francis just performed an exorcism -- in public and in front of the TV cameras -- this past weekend following a Catholic mass in St. Peter's Square to celebrate Pentecost.

Given what we have studied and presented before about the Roman Catholic Church, as well as her likely role in the fulfillment of the Bible's end times prophecies (using Catholicism's own so-called "prophecies" in comparison to the Bible's), I think it's pretty clear (at least, I pray that it is by now!) of how we all need to be wary of such "miraculous" events happening in Rome from the hands of the Pope.

Actually, I'm going to assert that I believe this sort of thing will continue to happen and will continue to be reported, and I'm sure they'll become more frequent, intense, and downright unbelievable in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Why do I say that? Where do we even begin? Well, let's start with the basics and establish a firm foundation using the Word of God.

This story involving the Pope calls to mind two key questions that are relevant to this discussion.

*- Can a Christian perform an exorcism today?
*- What does the Bible say about casting out demons?

Here's an excellent Scriptural summary I found to help us answer both questions.

Exorcism (or commanding demons to leave other people) was practiced by various people in the Gospels and the Book of Acts -- the disciples as part of Christ's instructions (Matthew 10); others using Christ's name (Mark 9:38); the children of the Pharisees (Luke 11:18-19); Paul (Acts 16); and certain exorcists (Acts 19:11-16).

It appears that the purpose of Jesus' disciples performing exorcisms was to show Christ's dominion over the demons (Luke 10:17) and to verify that the disciples were acting in His name and by His authority. It also revealed their faith or lack of faith (Matthew 17:14-21). It was obvious that this act of casting out demons was important to the ministry of the disciples. However, it is unclear what part casting out demons actually played in the discipleship process.

Interestingly, there seems to be a shift in the latter part of the New Testament regarding demonic warfare. The teaching portions of the New Testament (Romans through Jude) refer to demonic activity, yet do not discuss the actions of casting them out, nor are believers exhorted to do so. We are told to put on the armor to stand against them (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7), be careful of him (1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27). However, we are not told how to cast him or his demons out of others, or that we should even consider doing so.

The book of Ephesians gives clear instructions on how we are to have victory in our lives in the battle against the forces of evil. The first step is placing our faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), which breaks the rule of "the prince of power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2). We are then to choose, again by God's grace, to put off ungodly habits and to put on godly habits (Ephesians 4:17-24). This does not involve casting out demons, but rather renewing our minds (Ephesians 4:23). After several practical instructions on how to obey God as His children, we are reminded that there is a spiritual battle. It is fought with certain armor that allows us to stand against -- not cast out -- the trickery of the demonic world (Ephesians 6:10). We stand with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18).

It appears that as the Word of God was completed, the Christians had more weapons with which to battle the spirit world than the early Christians did. The role of casting out demons was replaced, for the most part, with evangelism and discipleship through the Word of God. Since the methods of spiritual warfare in the New Testament do not involve casting out demons, it is difficult to determine instructions on how to do such a thing. If necessary at all, it seems that it is through exposing the individual to the truth of the Word of God and the name of Jesus Christ.

[Source]

I would also like to simply add that the popular contemporary notion that Christians can be demon possessed and also in need of an exorcism is not a Biblical one either.

There is not one Biblical example anywhere of a "born again" believer in Christ Jesus needing an exorcism to be set free from an evil spirit. Everyone who had demons driven out of them as recorded for us in the Holy Bible (whether by Jesus or the apostles and disciples) were either heathens or unsaved Jews.

Plus, in many cases, it was the exorcism of the demons that enabled the person to become a true follower of Jesus. They followed Christ because He had set them free from evil spirits. The Gadarene demoniac being a prime example (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5; Luke 8:26-39).

What's the primary Scriptural argument I have against the possibility of Christians having demons dwell within them after becoming a "new creation" in Christ?

1 John 4:4 (ESV) Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

If both the Holy Spirit and demons indwelled our earthly bodies, then the apostle John would have to be more specific as to whom he was making reference to in the above verse.

Not only that, but the apostle Paul also tells us plainly in 2nd Corinthians 5:17 that "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Coming full circle, and to look at this incident from a prophetic perspective, I just can't help but to keep thinking of a few things.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (ESV) 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Matthew 24:24 (ESV) For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

2 Corinthians 11:4 (ESV) For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (ESV) 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Galatians 1:6-8 (ESV) 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

The Bible teaches that there are two sources of spiritual power in the world. One is by far the greatest and that is the power of the Lord God Almighty. The other source of spiritual power is the power of Satan and his minions. There is no third option as far as the Bible is concerned. All power beyond the natural realm stems from one of these two sources. Plain and simple.

The Bible teaches that Satan is a liar and the Father of lies (John 8:44). The Book of Genesis records his first deceptive action when he appeared in the pages of Holy Scripture (Genesis 3:4-5). Aside from this, the opposite is true concerning God. God cannot lie! Scripture declares this as impossible for Him (Hebrews 6:18). Jesus declares Himself as the truth (John 14:6). The Scripture also speaks of the Word of God as truth (John 17:17). So, absolute truth is found in two sources -- one is the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the other is the Holy Scriptures, the very Word of God!

Therefore, when we come back to the so-called "miraculous" signs and wonders taking place at a preaching of a counterfeit gospel like the one preached Sunday by the Pope in Rome, then these signs and wonders (like this apparent exorcism) seem to validate the teaching coming forth from such a church service.

If this sign of exorcism is truly from God (as is suggested), then the teaching from Pope Francis who is leading worship at that time would have to be the truth. For as we have just shown from Scripture -- God cannot lie. He is the truth and so is His word.

Well, the next question that arises then is this: Is the teaching coming forth from the Roman Catholic Pope at the Vatican true? Does it stand up to the scrutiny of Scripture?

If the teaching in such worship meetings is not Biblical, then the signs and wonders that are being labelled as genuine "miracles of God" can only be from Satan, because God could never approve of what is false!

But the opposite is true of Satan. In such circumstances, he is in his ideal environment where his lies can abound. That's why I am convinced that in such an atmosphere it is very easy for his kingdom to demonstrate (complete with "lying signs and wonders") in order to deceive the elect.

Matthew 24:23-24 (ESV) 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

The Bible teaches that just before the Lord returns there is to be an increase in signs and wonders that will lend themselves to the deception of, if possible, the very elect themselves. The Antichrist arises in such an atmosphere (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)!

To know the source of such supernatural activity, all one needs to know is if the Scriptures are being taught accurately. We can never trust our feelings in such matters for the Bible cautions us in Jeremiah 17:9 that "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

Do Christians ever need exorcisms? No. Furthermore, and to bring this study home on a more personal level, the Bible teaches that every Christian is a priest who needs no other mediator than Christ Himself (1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10), and that the Holy Spirit makes every Christian capable of resisting Satan (1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:6-11).

Brothers and sisters in Christ, please exercise extreme caution about such things and be discerning and test the spirits like God instructs us to (Ephesians 5:11; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).

Grace and peace to you and yours and keep looking up (Luke 21:28)!

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God And Suffering (Our Response To Tragedy)

2013-05-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

God and suffering. What should be our response to tragedy?

Of course, this is the question on everyone's mind today in the aftermath of the devastating tornado that swept through Moore, OK yesterday leaving nothing but death and destruction in its wake.

Newtown, Boston, and now Moore. It seems as though every other month brings with it a calamity of unprecedented proportions.

What is the proper Biblical response to it all? How are we Christians expected to answer the questions that are likely to come from non-believers in our lives? Or the questions that we'll likely have ourselves?

This is an excellent 20-minute sound byte from the Lutheran radio program Issues Etc. that I saw referenced over at Steadfast Lutherans a few weeks ago in response to the Boston Marathon Bombings.

Rock Solid Confession By Pastor Byran Wolfmueller – God and Suffering

Anyone who has ever heard Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller on Table Talk Radio or Issues Etc. knows he is a faithful confessional Lutheran pastor. He was recently on Issues Etc. talking about God and Suffering in the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombings. The words of joy and hope we have in Jesus Christ were perfectly confessed in Pastor Wolfmueller’s interview with Pastor Todd Wilken. In times of suffering and tragedy, the only comfort we have is the cross of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. I hope you will take the time to listen to it and also continue to support Issues Etc., Table Talk Radio, and the Around the Word Journal.

[MP3 AUDIO: LISTEN BY CLICKING HERE]

I pray that his response was comforting and helpful (hopeful) to you regardless of your circumstances right now. Just remember the truth, my friends.

Revelation 21:4 (ESV) He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Please keep an eye on the Look Up Fellowship Media (LUFM) podcast player below.

God willing, we'll provide additional resources on this subject.

Until then, please continue to pray for Oklahoma.

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Now Playing: The Lukewarm Laodicean Church

2013-05-21T12:45:00.000-04:00

This is an important message for Pastors and laypersons alike.

It's centered around an infamous passage from the Book of Revelation.

Revelation 3:14-22 (ESV) 14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Boy, if that doesn't sound like many "Christians" today who seem to have "the appearance of godliness, but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5), doesn't t? What a shame.

Please make the time to listen to this 45-minute message of truth and prayerfully consider the content.

The church at Laodicea was neither "cold" (openly rejecting Christ) or "hot" (filled with spiritual zeal). Instead, its members were "lukewarm" hypocrites professing to know and love Christ, but not truly belonging to Him as demonstrated by the fact that Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock" (Revelation 3:20) indicating that they have not truly responded to His call, but merely give the appearance of having done so. Now, contrast this with Matthew 7:21 and you have a more complete picture.

At the same time, it's worth noting that while that is the more common interpretation of these verses, some have said that we could also say that it goes beyond Christ knocking on a person's heart (although that would be more than enough to get our attention, wouldn't it?).

They rightly point out that context demands that Christ was seeking to enter this particular church that bore His name, but that lacked a single true believer. So, this poignant letter was His knocking.

In other words, if one member would recognize his spiritual bankruptcy and respond in saving faith, then He would enter the church.

Please examine yourselves regularly (2 Corinthians 13:5) and then take comfort (John 10:29).

Until next time, God willing, grace and peace to you and yours!

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The Anatomy of Holiness -- Notable Quotable

2013-05-18T15:30:00.000-04:00

Since the last post we published earlier today had to do with sanctification, I thought this was a good time to share this quote from Kevin DeYoung.

I don't know much about him yet, but this is the second quote I've seen from his book The Hole In Our Holiness this week alone that made me want to get a copy for myself.

"You can think of holiness, to employ a metaphor, as the sanctification of your body. The mind is filled with the knowledge of God and fixed on what is good. The eyes turn away from sensuality and shudder at the sight of evil. The mouth tells the truth and refuses to gossip, slander, or speak what is coarse or obscene. The spirit is earnest, steadfast, and gentle. The heart is full of joy instead of hopelessness, patience instead of irritability, kindness instead of anger, humility instead of pride, and thankfulness instead of envy. The sexual organs are pure, being reserved for the privacy of marriage between one man and one woman. The feet move toward the lowly and away from senseless conflict, divisions, and wild parties. The hands are quick to help those in need and ready to fold in prayer. This is the anatomy of holiness."

*- Kevin DeYoung, The Hole in our Holiness, 41.

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1 Thessalonians 5:23: Are We Really 3 Parts -- Spirit, Soul, Body?

2013-05-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

Recently, a couple of friends and I have been meeting regularly to chat about the Bible. What a blessing indeed!

Twenty-five cent Chicken Wings and Christians -- talking publicly (and sometimes loudly) about their love for the Lord and His Word. Praise God for that!

Even though our conflicting schedules and the busyness of life may have prevented us from getting together the last few weeks, that doesn't mean that the studies that derived from those nights out have also stopped. Quite the contrary actually!

I bring that up because this is one of those studies. In fact, out of all the things we've discussed so far, this is the one I've been working on here and there, and it's taken me several weeks in between everything else just to put the research all together.

Anyway, it's something I have never given much thought to before mainly because I always just skipped over and past it. I'll say this -- what a fascinating study!

Also, while I tried to be as comprehensive and definitive here, I will say that despite all the time I've spent on this study so far, it's clear that there's still quite a bit probably left unsaid so I hope you'll forgive me for that.

Still, I hope this is a good overview and summary for others who become interested like I was.

QUESTION: Are We Really 3 Parts -- Spirit, Soul, Body?

ANSWER: Great question! In short, there's no definitive orthodox position on the "parts of man" so while it's definitely an interesting topic for us to discuss/explore as believers, the Biblical record and historical Christianity does not make it seem vital that we know, and so it's certainly not important enough (as a fundamental tenet of our shared faith) to cause division/enmity between us. The following is precisely what I found in God's Word (and took from various sermons on the subject) related to this implication that we could be made up of 3 parts -- spirit, soul, and body -- which is derived from 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

*- Let me start by saying that 1 Thessalonians is a timely epistle for the Church today. Furthermore, 1 Thessalonians 5 is the kind of mindset we should all be focusing on daily. There is really so much in 1 Thessalonians 5 that we could write about that it feels like I'm doing an injustice by merely focusing in on just one single verse from that chapter. But we shall press on for now!

*- As mentioned, Biblically and historically, there does not seem to be any definitive orthodox position on the "parts of man," and yet, for the first three centuries of the Church, the leaders’ writings show belief in "trichotomy" (3-part view), but then "dichotomy" (2-part view) became the predominate view through the psychology of Augustine.

*- Interestingly enough, Martin Luther held to the view that man is made up of 3-parts even though he readily conceded that the spirit and soul are "united" in a sense -- as the immaterial side of human nature. Yet, most of his contemporaries during the Reformation held to the 2-part view of man. Luther, however, believed that while their nature was the same, their function was different. He wrote: "The second part, the soul, is this same spirit, so far as its nature is concerned, but viewed as performing a different function, namely, giving life to the body and working through the body." Luther's Works 21:203.

*- But at other times, his writings show that he believed the distinction between soul and spirit to be more than merely a functional one. He once wrote: "It is its [the soul's] nature to comprehend not incomprehensible things, but such things the reason can know and understand. Indeed, reason is the light of this dwelling; and unless the spirit, which is lighted with the brighter light of faith, controls this light of reason it cannot but be in error. For it is too feeble to deal with things divine. To these two parts of man [the soul and spirit] the Scriptures ascribe many things, such as wisdom and knowledge -- wisdom to the spirit, knowledge to the soul..." - Luther's Works 21:203. More of his views on this subject later.

*- This view of us being 3-parts has some merit, but it also has problems. One might say that Mark 12:30 divides man’s nature into 4-parts (heart, soul, mind, and strength), and that 1 Corinthians 7:34 divides man’s nature into 2-parts (body and spirit). So which is it then? Remember, the Lord is "not a God of confusion" (1 Corinthians 14:33) and we are to use the Bible to interpret the Bible since it doesn't contradict itself (2 Timothy 3:16). Plus, in some passages, the terms "soul" and "spirit" seem to be synonymous, and other times they seem to be distinct and hard to define precisely. Obviously, there are indeed different aspects to the human person, yet, the specific parts (as well as the specific meaning of "soul" and "spirit") must ultimately be determined by the context, context, context.

*- [Some primary proofs from God's Word for the 2-part view] There seems to be a parallel in Luke 1:46-47 with soul/spirit. Dichotomists say that this parallelism repeats the same idea with synonyms; both the spirit and the soul worship God because they are the same immaterial part. They rightly also stress that Mary's body also worshiped, as evidenced by the vocal expression, because man is whole. Scripture reports Jesus’ soul was troubled (John 12:27) and His spirit was troubled (John 13:21) by His impending crucifixion. Scripture sometimes speaks of the combination of body and soul as the whole of man (Matthew 6:25, Matthew 10:28), whereas it also considers the body and spirit as the whole (Ecclesiastes 12:7; 1 Corinthians 5:3-5). Death is sometimes described as the giving up of the soul (Genesis 35:18; 1 Kings 17:21; Acts 15:26) and then again as the giving up of the spirit (Psalm 31:5; Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59). Plus, both "soul" and "spirit" are used to designate the immaterial element of the dead (1 Peter 3:19; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 20:4).

*- [Some primary proofs from God's Word for the 3-part view] Man is made in the image of the Triune God (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 9:6). This is the single greatest reason to believe in a "tripartate" (3-part) nature we're told, because God is Three in One. Man, in God’s image, is three in one. No other creature is 3-part, because no other creature is made in God’s image. Then there's the 3-parts of the tabernacle and temple, which are symbolic for the 3-parts of man. Jesus said He was the temple and Paul said each of us is the temple of the Holy Spirit (John 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 6:19). Martin Luther, in his commentary on Luke 1:46-47, wrote: "In the tabernacle fashioned by Moses there were three separate compartments. The first was called the holy of holies: here was God's dwelling place, and in it there was no light. The second was called the holy place; here stood a candlestick with seven arms and seven lamps. The third was called the outer court; this lay under the open sky and in the full light of the sun. In this tabernacle we have a figure of the Christian man. His spirit is the holy of holies, where God dwells in the darkness of faith, where no light is; for he believes that which he neither sees nor feels nor comprehends. His soul is the holy place, with its seven lamps, that is, all manner of reason, discrimination, knowledge, and understanding of visible and bodily things. His body is the forecourt, open to all, so that men may see his works and manner of life." Luther’s Works, Ed. Jaroslar Pelikan (St. Louis, MO: Concordia, 1956) 21:304. Qtd. in Woodward, 77. 1 Corinthians 15:44-45 reads, "It is sown a soulish body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a soulish body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living soul; the last Adam [Jesus] became a life-giving spirit.'" What is the point of contrasting a "soulish" body and a "spiritual" body, if there is no contrast between soul and spirit? 1 Corinthians 2:8-3:3 highlights the glory and necessity of the Spirit’s ministry to our spirits. To quote only verses 12-15 for the sake of saving time and making a point: "But we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, in order that we might understand the things freely given us by God, which things we also are speaking, not in words taught by human wisdom, but taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. But a soulish man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know, because they are spiritually discerned. But the spiritual man discerns all things indeed." These verses serve as setup for Paul to explicitly declare in the following verses (3:1-4) that the believers in Corinth were soulish and fleshly instead of spiritual. This again proves a serious distinction between soul and spirit. It stresses our need to submit the soul to the spirit’s ability to receive from the Holy Spirit. Our spirits receive the Holy Spirit, and only our spirits can discern the Spirit’s ministry of teaching all that we have been freely given from God. Our spirits can help our souls understand, if our souls submit and quiet the mind to learn by faith.

*- It's worth noting, however, that an emphasis on such a subject (being so concerned with the "parts of man" rather than with God and what's truly important to Him) is closer to the kinds of things the Greek Philosophers always emphasized and were rebuked for by Paul during his ministry. So, it’s quite possible that given the context and the audience he was addressing at that place (Thessalonica), Paul could've also been alluding to the Pythagorean and Platonic doctrine/philosophy, which was acknowledged by the Thessalonians to some extent still.

*- I think the order is very interesting and says something to us too. Also, notice that "spirit" comes first in priority in the list. More importantly, how is your spirit? As a person, are you balanced? By which of the three are you most out of balance? We can strengthen our spirit with the Word of God and through praise, prayer, and worship. We can strengthen our soul with love and forgiveness. We can strengthen our body with exercise and proper nutrition. Bottom line, all three work together in one person, and so when one is out of balance it affects all the others. For example, if your body is sick or too tired, then it’s likely you won’t feel like reading your Bible and/or praying. The point is regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5).

*- In my studies, I kept coming across statements that seemed to similarly summarize what the Apostle Paul under divine inspiration was saying here. I’ll do my best to paraphrase: "The verse is the exclamation point to the whole passage that speaks of the process of sanctification. Simply put, true sanctification reaches to the whole man -- his spirit, soul, and body. Paul was being emphatic here. Regarding the phrase your spirit and soul and body...All three areas (spirit, soul and body) stand in need of the sanctifying and keeping (preserving) power of God. It is a prayer that is applicable only to believers. The three terms are arranged in the order of merit, the highest first. The enumeration begins with that which is highest and purest in man and ends with the outward and material part of man. The divine sanctification begins with the inner and spiritual and reaches down to the outward and material. Spirit and soul and body should not necessarily be understood as defining the parts of man, but as representing the whole man as it relates to the believer's sanctification. Yet, the precise implication of these three descriptions of man have and will continue to be debated." It’s also why this section has been called “A Prayer For Complete Sanctification” by many.

*- Ready for a quick Strong’s Concordance word study? WARNING: This is the really the only “academic” portion of this cheat sheet…

“Spirit” / #4151 / “pneuma” -- describes the immaterial part of the human personality in contrast outward and visible aspects of physical flesh and body

“Soul” / #5590 / “psuche” -- or “psyche” from “psucho” can mean to breathe, blow. English = psychology, "study of the soul"; is the breath, then that which breathes, the individual, animated creature. However, the discerning reader must understand that “psuche” is one of those Greek words that can have several meanings, the exact nuance being determined by the context. It follows that one cannot simply select of the three main meanings of “psuche” and insert it in a given passage for it may not be appropriate to the given context. The meaning of “psuche” is also contingent upon whether one is a “dichotomist” (man has 2-parts) or “trichotomist” (man has 3-parts).

“Body” / #4983 / “soma” -- describes an organized whole made up of parts and members and generally describes any material body, in this case the human body.

*- In the several theological theories on the topic, we find various functions are ascribed to each “part” of man, but it’s quite telling that these "theological theories" and the so-called "functions" are nowhere to be found in Scripture. That’s why such “theories” are merely speculative and we must be careful to understand that. An analogy is found in the way various psychologists describe the functions of the brain -- the vast bulk of their work is purely speculative and the rest is indicative, but not proven. This is because there is no way of proving what the brain does. We know that we think, for example, but there is no way man can ever discover how we think, or where the “seat of thinking” is. Similarly, there is no possible way we can divide man into easily defined parts with defined functions for each part.

*- When it comes to Scriptural references, we find the issue is far from settled. Most of the words in the Old Testament for “spirit” mean “spirit.” One Hebrew word for “spirit” means BOTH “soul” and “spirit,” but it is used very little. When we come to New Testament references, the exact opposite is found! Here most words for “spirit” also mean “soul.” The terms are interchangeable. So, this cannot be of much use to the tripartite (3-part) proponents. If we put all the Old Testament and the New Testament references together, we discover that there is almost a “status quo” situation, because NEITHER the bi- or tripartite arguments can be proven definitively, one way or the other Biblically. In other words, we cannot tell definitively, from Scripture itself, what the true position is. For me, while I certainly have a position, I’ll rest on Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

*- JOHN MACARTHUR: “In view of the prevailing Greek culture, it is significant that Paul included the body in his benediction. That culture—influenced by a philosophical dualism which taught that man’s spirit is inherently good and his body inherently evil—held the body in low esteem. That philosophy provided a convenient rationale for dismissing as inconsequential whatever immoral physical behavior people might have engaged in...If sanctification is to be complete, it will extend to every part of the believer, especially the body, which thinks, feels, and acts in response to the holiness of the inner person. (Ibid)”

*- JOHN CALVIN: “Moreover, there can be no question that man consists of a body and a soul; meaning by soul, an immortal though created essence, which is his nobler part. Sometimes he is called a spirit. But though the two terms, while they are used together differ in their meaning, still, when spirit is used by itself it is equivalent to soul, as when Solomon speaking of death says, that the spirit returns to God who gave it, (Ecclesiastes 12: 7) And Christ, in commending his spirit to the Father, and Stephen his to Christ, simply mean, that when the soul is freed from the prison-house of the body, God becomes its perpetual keeper.”

*- WAYNE GRUDEM: "Scripture never says both soul and spirit leave the body at its death."

*- Generally, Hebrews 4:12 comes up in this discussion for obvious reasons. Using the previous info presented above, when I consider this verse in relation to this study, I personally tend to lean toward the understanding that the words “division of soul and spirit” do not describe two separate entities (any more than the expression “thoughts and intents” do), but are used as one might say “heart and soul” to express completeness/fullness (we can cross reference this with Luke 10:27 and Acts 4:32 to see other examples of what I mean by that, IMHO). Like we’ve already seen elsewhere, these two terms are used interchangeably to describe man’s immaterial self, his eternal inner person. Again, if we look at the literary devices used in the rest of this verse from Hebrews 4:12 that come after “division of soul and spirit,” then I think we come to this same conclusion since we find “of joints and marrow” and “of the thoughts and intents” mentioned.

*- Of course, this short overview has merely looked at the words used in Scripture. I’m sure we can do much more to research the topic. Perhaps an even more detailed study would show us something less vague, but the words themselves prove nothing except that possibly “soul” and “spirit” are exactly the same thing. When we come across such vagueness, it does not mean that God is vague or that the Bible has made a mistake either. Of course not! It just means that the information is either not important enough or that, as human beings, we are too finite to understand (Deuteronomy 29:29). Whatever the real answer may be, there is no cause for division on the issue unless such a position either way is used to , ultimately, believe/teach something else that is most certainly un-Scriptural.

*- Speaking of “un-Scriptural,” one of the things I noticed every now and then in my studies on this topic greatly concerned me and it’s worth noting just to call attention to it as a warning to the Body of Christ be careful not to let ourselves go too far with this. We should be very careful in saying that "man is triune because God is triune since man was made in the exact image of God" (like I’ve seen some suggest), because if that's really true, if man is really triune in the same sense that God Himself is, then what we're saying is that we are actually "little gods" (with a little "g") ourselves, and then man ought to also be a creator of life, omnipotent, omnipresent, and so on and so forth, just like God Himself is. To me, this type of teaching is dangerously close to the serpent's subtle deception he pulled on Eve when he told her that she can be like God too (Genesis 3:5 “…and you will be like God…”). Yes, we have a new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15), and “we will rule angels” one day (1 Corinthians 6:3), but just because we are born again, saved believers does not mean that we somehow on par with the Lord. Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

*- In summary, while I find this topic IMMENSELY fascinating for sure, if someone were to ask me to state my position on all of this right now and right this very moment, then I would have to say that I believe that the greater concern from this verse (and the passage from which it’s taken from in 1 Thessalonians 5) is not necessarily for us to better understand the “parts of man” per se, but to better understand the importance that God places on our sanctification (and the process of sanctification) after we become born again believers in Christ Jesus. Why do I say that? Because 1 Thessalonians 5 is essentially a teaching about being ready for the Lord’s return – specifically, our need for us to be always ready and watchful and how such an attitude should always prompt us to be mindful of our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). So, we have to look at this verse about the “spirit, soul, and body” (1 Thessalonians 5:23) within that same context. Plus, as always, if we use the Bible to interpret the Bible then we find much the same thing.

*- Many people think it’s difficult to know God’s will for their life. Not true! What is God’s will for us? Our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). So, we might want to look at 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 as an “exclamation point” to all of 1 Thessalonians 5, and focus our attention on how it’s encouraging us toward complete sanctification as God works in us through the Holy Spirit for His glory, as opposed to focusing our attention inward to the “parts of man” that can lead to glorifying ourselves instead of glorifying God.

*- Again, while it is certainly an interesting topic for us to discuss/explore as believers, it is not vital to us, and it is certainly not important enough to cause division/enmity.

I know that's a lot to digest, but I hope that helps to clarify a few things and that you find it all as edifying, helpful, and informative as I did.

To reiterate, while it's certainly good for us to want to have wisdom about the things we find throughout God's Word, I personally feel as though "getting it right" on the issue of whether or not man is made up of "2-parts" or "3-parts" is a rather secondary issue when we already know His will for our lives, which, ironically, comes from the previous chapter in 1 Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV) 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;

[emphasis mine]

If our sanctification is His will for our lives as believers (and it is!), then we should be more concerned about that than we are about how many parts we're made up of, don't you think?

In case you're wondering, for me personally, I guess I am more of a trichotomist than a dichotomist (if I were pressed to give an answer right now), but I differ from most trichotomists today who believe that such knowledge of our "true identity" is to be used for anything other than mere mental acceptance of that truth as it contributes to our sanctification (God's will for our lives, remember?).

I already shared 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, but there's actually one more key piece to this whole "sanctification" thing and why we should look at the context of 1 Thessalonians and 1 Thessalonians 5 for a true meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:23 rather than isolate one particular verse from that epistle and chapter.

Progressive Sanctification. Scripture speaks of our salvation in 3 tenses.

1. We have been saved (Ephesians 2:8).
2. We are being saved (1 Corinthians 15:2 ESV).
3. We will be saved (1 Corinthians 3:15).
All three are true. We have been saved in spirit. We receive a new spirit that is born again by the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 3:5-8). Our spirit is one spirit with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17) -- sealed and fully saved (Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:10). We are being saved in soul. Our minds are being renewed in knowledge after the image of our Creator (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:10), and we are in the process of obtaining the salvation of our souls as the outcome (1 Peter 3:9, James 1:21, 1 Corinthians 15:2 ESV). Currently, we are outwardly wasting away, but we will be saved in body at the Resurrection when we will receive glorified, imperishable, spiritual bodies (Matthew 24:13; 1 Corinthians 15:42-58).

The progression begins in spirit, emanates to the soul, and culminates in the body. Such is the progression in our next verse, or 1 Thessalonians 5:23, or the very verse this entire study was built around today.

Let's take another close look at it before wrapping things up today. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 reads, "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole [1] spirit and [2] soul and [3] body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The complete whole of man is spirit and soul and body.

For emphasis, here's a devotional a came across on this key verse.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
May God himself...sanctify you through and through. - 1 Thessalonians 5:23

TODAY IN THE WORD

Talk-show host Dr. Laura gives her listeners “to-the-point” advice. On air, Dr. Laura unabashedly criticizes and challenges her callers, ignoring political correctness in her admonishment. Many people seem to welcome this admonition, as her show is second in popularity only to Rush Limbaugh.

What is biblical admonition? Two words in our reading from today mean “to admonish.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:12 it is translated as “admonish” and in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 as “warn.” The second translation gives a sense of how this word admonish is different from simply teach (cf. Colossians 3:16). As Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary states, admonish “has mainly in view the things that are wrong and call for warning.”

With yesterday's reading we began to explore how God's faithfulness impacts our sanctification. It is, in fact, the ultimate guarantee of its completion. Today's passage emphasizes this (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). But as we've already seen in past readings and as we'll see again today, this doesn't exempt us from the process. We have a role to play, not only in our own sanctification, but also for the sanctification of others. Admonishment is a tool we must wield in the body of Christ.

First, those in spiritual authority over us have the right and responsibility to warn and instruct us (1 Thessalonians 5:12). They might call into question our motives, challenge us toward certain spiritual disciplines, question our interpretations of Scripture, or confront us when we choose to deliberately sin. Admonishment is not easy for our leaders to give nor for us to receive. By respecting their authority and recognizing their hard work (1 Thessalonians 5:13), we can lessen our own defensiveness.

Second, everyone in the body of Christ must admonish his brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Our words need not be unnecessarily harsh. Instead, taking into account each person's individual situation, we can admonish by warning, encouraging, and helping. Patience and kindness should flavor all godly admonition (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

In his book, The Connecting Church, Randy Frazee identifies our lack of accountability, or admonishment, in the church today. “We really don't have accountability; we only have disclosure. [Someone] is often willing to disclose personal struggles and decisions, but there usually is no invitation to challenge the choices or to hold the person accountable to an objective standard.” Is this true in your Christian relationships? When was the last time you admonished someone or invited someone to admonish you?

Isn't that just great? I absolutely love that. Something for all of us to pray about for sure.

Now, all that being said, while I am more a trichotomist than a dichotomist, and even though I readily admit that a good Biblical case can be made for both views, I have to admit that I do see the trichotomist view as having more potential to lead sincere Christians down a slippery slope and into a "we are gods ourselves (with a little 'g')" belief system than the dichotomist view has.

Again, just look at some of the dangerous things we are hearing and seeing today, or research the historical heresy of "Pelagianism" and "Semi-Pelagianism" for a good example of what I mean.

Why is this the case? It's simply due to the apostasies, blasphemies, and heresies that infect the contemporary Christian Church today (2 Timothy 4:3-4). So, be very careful, my dear brothers and sisters! Be Bereans and test all things and test the spirits (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1).

Until next time, God willing, grace and peace to you and yours!

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Bill Maher: When A Blind Squirrel Finds A Nut

2013-05-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

Don't worry, this is probably going to be the one and only time that I ever praise Bill Maher publicly in this forum.

As Todd Friel recently observed, "Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then."

[WARNING: An expletive is used within the first 60 seconds...]

Kudos to Mr. Maher for speaking the truth about the so-called "Religion of Peace" as it's compared to Christianity.

At the same time, since Bill Maher said "I'm a truth lover," I need to speak "the truth in love" to him right now (Ephesians 4:15).

The preacher you are about to watch is Richard Story. Richard was severely injured in a car accident in 2006. He is confined to a wheelchair and needs the assistance of his loving bride to accomplish most tasks we take for granted. Recently, Richard wanted to be obedient his Savior’s command to preach the Gospel. This meant overcoming a great many hurdles, including a fear of people brought on by his condition which left him isolated from the world.

To that end, Richard had a cross made with the words "Are You Ready" on it. With great planning and effort, Richard regularly sits on a street corner in his community being a witness for his Lord. Yet, Richard continues to grow in his efforts to share the Gospel. In this video, Richard has joined numerous evangelists from around the country during the recent Super Bowl Outreach in New Orleans. This is Richard’s first time preaching in the open air. I share this with our readers to encourage you to follow Richard’s example, to let no obstacle prevent you from sharing the Gospel of our Lord and Savior.

[H/T]

I pray that the Lord would open Bill Maher's eyes and ears to the truth so that he will receive the free gift of salvation (John 8:32; John 6:44; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16; John 14:6).

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"I'm Spiritual, But Not Religious" -- Notable Quotable

2013-05-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

Have you ever used this one before? "I'm spiritual, but not religious."

"Has there ever been a phrase more adept at smuggling in doctrinal confusion and moral laxity than the slogan 'spiritual, not religious'? Granted, for some people this means, 'I want a personal, life-changing relationship with God, not mere church attendance.' But more often than not the phrase implies a dislike for theological standards, moral absolutes, and organized religion. Being spiritual in contemporary jargon means you are open to mystery and interested in 'spiritual' things like prayer, healing, and inner peace. [But] True spirituality means being transformed by the Spirit through communion with the Father and the Son. If you are interested in spirituality, your priority should be to grow in the holiness that comes from the Spirit. Righteousness is the goal of Christian discipleship."

*- Kevin DeYoung / The Hole In Our Holiness, Page 35.

Will you ever use that one again (Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)?

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Even If...Carry Me To The Cross

2013-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

This song is a reminder to us that God provides comfort and hope to those who are hurting today as evidenced throughout His Word.

"Even If"

Sometimes all we have to hold on to
Is what we know is true of who You are
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane
That could never change who You are
And we trust in who You are

Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come

Lord we know Your ways are not our ways
So we set our faith in who You are
Even though You reign high above us
You tenderly love us
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are

Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come

You’re still the Great and Mighty One
We trust You always
You’re working all things for our good
We’ll sing your praise

Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come

You are God and we will bless You
As the Good and Faithful One
You are God and we will bless You
Even if the healing doesn’t come
Even if the healing doesn’t come

Boy, do we need to be reminded of those truths today more than ever.

Psalm 34:19 (ESV) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV) Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Philippians 1:29 (ESV) For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

Philippians 3:10 (ESV) That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Colossians 1:24 (ESV) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,

John 16:33 (ESV) I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Luke 14:27 (ESV) Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV) 3More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 8:18 (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

James 1:2-4 (ESV) 2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (ESV) 4Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 5All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV) 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV) 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Hebrews 12:11 (ESV) For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Revelation 21:4 (ESV) He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

The best part? We're not alone! I'm not alone! You're not alone!

"Carry Me To The Cross"

When the path is daunting
And every step exhausting
I'm not alone
I'm not alone, no, no
I feel you draw me closer
All these burdens on my shoulder
I'm not alone, I'm not alone
You pull me me from this place

Hellelujah
You carry me every day
You carry me all all the way
Hallelujah
You carry me to the
You carry me to the cross

How your love has moved me, yeah
To the foot of all your glory
I'm not alone, I'm not alone
I'm not alone

Hallelujah
You carry me every day
You carry me all all the way
Hallelujah
You carry me to the
You carry me to the cross

All of these cities you have built
And every cathedral you have filled
To all of creation you gave life with your hands
And with those hands you comfort me
You lift me up from my knees
And carry me
You carry me

Hallelujah
You carry me every day
You carry me all all the way
Hallelujah
You carry me to the
You carry me to the cross
The cross
You carry me to the
You carry me to the cross

Hallelujah indeed!

Praise Him in all circumstances!

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Name Above All Names

2013-05-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

Let's reflect on the Person of Christ Jesus and prayerfully consider the Name above all names.

"The Bible is a book about Jesus and so we lose our way around the Bible when we take our eyes of Jesus. To be able to think about the story line of the Bible, we must come to know Jesus as a prophet who has the final word on all things, and a priest who offers Himself up for our sins. We must not end the story with a resurrected Christ, but an ascended Lord and King."

*- Alistair Begg / Name Above All Names

The incomparable character of Jesus Christ is the subject of a brand new book by Bible teachers Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson.

Exploring seven attributes of Christ's life and work, Name Above All Names helps us recapture Christ-centeredness in our impatient, technology-driven age.

Boy, I can't wait to get my hands on this new book!

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Homosexuality And The Bible: Rob Bell Debates Andrew Wilson

2013-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

No introduction needed.

[WARNING: "Pastor" Rob Bell uses an expletive at one point...]

No commentary needed either (at least I hope I don't need to offer one).

Just in case, I'll offer this single statement.

Rob Bell is a false teacher that Scripture warns us about repeatedly (2 Peter 2; Mark 13:22; Matthew 7:15; Matthew 24:11; 2 Timothy 3; Jude 1:4; 1 John 4:1). This is what happens when a person allows man's wisdom to trump God's wisdom, or when a person allows their experiences and opinions (fueled by political correctness) to trump the holy Word of God that is crystal clear about such things (Proverbs 3:5; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Galatians 1:10). This is why we must know our Bible and why we must be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11).

Keep looking up, my friends (Luke 21:28).

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Are Virus Outbreaks A Sign?

2013-05-13T16:00:00.000-04:00

We've prepared this piece in case you've missed the news today (or missed the news on this subject from the past several months actually).

First, a quick question to help set the stage. Are virus outbreaks a sign?

2 New Diseases Could Both Spark Global Outbreaks

LONDON (AP) — Two respiratory viruses in different parts of the world have captured the attention of global health officials — a novel coronavirus in the Middle East and a new bird flu spreading in China.

Last week, the coronavirus related to SARS spread to France, where one patient who probably caught the disease in Dubai infected his hospital roommate. Officials are now trying to track down everyone who went on a tour group holiday to Dubai with the first patient as well as all contacts of the second patient. Since it was first spotted last year, the new coronavirus has infected 34 people, killing 18 of them. Nearly all had some connection to the Middle East.

The World Health Organization, however, says there is no reason to think the virus is restricted to the Middle East and has advised health officials worldwide to closely monitor any unusual respiratory cases.

At the same time, a new bird flu strain, H7N9, has been infecting people in China since at least March, causing 32 deaths out of 131 known cases. WHO, which is closely monitoring the viruses, says both have the potential to cause a pandemic — a global epidemic — if they evolve into a form easily spread between people.

I know there's been a virtual media blackout on this developing story ever since the very beginning ("out of sight, out of mind" I suppose they think, huh?), but it is pretty serious stuff.

In fact, one of those viruses mentioned in the above article excerpt has just ravaged a Saudi family leaving them all with more questions than answers.

Aside from the two stories that made headlines today, it was also reported just last month that there's another killer disease striking homosexuals in addition to HIV AIDS.

Now, of course, we're not highlighting these news items as if we're attempting to instigate fear, because that would be absurd. We all know that fear is not a fruit of the Spirit (Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18).

However, we're sharing it to demonstrate how "late in the game" it really is in the hopes that it will foster a greater sense of urgency when it comes to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Plus, it's just another in a long line of warnings lately about what's going on in the world today that seems to suggest where we are on God's prophetic timeline given what Jesus told us to expect during the last days.

Revelation 6:8 (ESV) And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

Matthew 24:3-14 (ESV) 3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” 4And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

[emphasis mine]

To think that "all these are but the beginning of birth pains" is a sobering thought, isn't it?

In other words, although the world has always had epidemics, false messiahs, cults, wars, ethnic violence and strife, starvation, disease, and earthquakes, Jesus Christ tells us that as a sign that we are entering into the last days, we will begin to see each of these specific signs increase in both their frequency and their intensity.

Described as "birth pains/birth pangs," these "pains/pangs" will continue to grow worse and worse, coming closer and closer together, just like a woman in labor, and will serve as unmistakable signs to the entire world that we are preparing to see the fulfillment of all of the Bible's end times prophecies.

While I'm not saying that such news is a direct fulfillment of the more specific prophecy from the Book of Revelation, I am saying that it's clear that it's a direct fulfillment of Jesus' own words (the more general warning about the specific signs of the times) recorded for us in the Gospel of Matthew.

Sadly, for most people (Christians included) we act like these things are "no big deal" really. We hear often of earthquakes in diverse places, of raging wild fires, of unprecedented storm systems, of disasters by sea and land, of various diseases, and of widespread famine and we roll our eyes, shrug our shoulders, and yawn.

But what weight do these signs of the times really have upon us? What weight do these signs have upon you when you hear or read about them?

This is as good a time as any to issue an important reminder for anyone who's new here.

To put it all into words, God is holy and perfect and He requires holiness and perfection from us. Holiness is the inability to sin. It means moral perfection and it is something that God alone possesses. Holiness is an attribute of God's perfect nature. Therefore, since there is no one greater than God, and God is the greatest good, God is necessarily the standard of what is good.

The Law is a reflection of the character of God. The reason it is wrong to lie, cheat, and steal, etc., is because God cannot do these things. Because He is holy, He is incapable of lying, cheating, etc. Therefore, the Law becomes the standard of righteousness. But we are incapable of keeping the Law because we are not holy. We are sinners. Have you ever sinned? Well, sin is breaking the Law of God. Have you ever lied, cheated, stolen, or been angry unrighteously, etc. Be honest. Friend, you have broken God's Law and you are a sinner. Furthermore, there is no law that has no punishment. A law without punishment is a slogan. The punishment for breaking God's Law is eternal damnation.

The Gospel is the "good news" that the judgment of God upon the person who has broken God's Law -- upon you -- can be removed in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, and what He did in your place to atone for your sins. This is done because Jesus, who is God the Son in flesh, was able to perfectly live the Law and offer a perfect sacrifice to God the Father. His sacrifice is the death on the cross, which was the payment for the penalty of breaking the Law of God. He died there and three days later physically rose from the dead as proof that His words, deeds, and sacrifice were true. Therefore, if anyone wants to escape the righteous judgment of God, he/she must receive the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. This is done by faith and by asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins.

In short, if you want to receive what Jesus has done to remove the wrath of God the Father, then you must receive Him and His sacrifice by faith. Would you like to pray and ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God? If so, then don't put off what you can do right now. Go ahead and confess your sins to the Lord, ask Him for forgiveness and mercy, and receive His free gift of salvation as offered to you in he finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ, and then place your full faith and trust in Him as Lord and Savior, and turn from your sins and pursue righteousness as God defines it for us in His holy Word.

The signs are all around us right now. Of that you can be sure.

Dearly beloved, this is only the beginning of what shall come to pass.

Keep looking up (Luke 21:28)!

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Perilous Times Indeed

2013-05-13T15:45:00.000-04:00

This past week's prophecy update from Pastor JD Farag was a sad, but accurate survey of how 2 Timothy 3 has showed up quite emphatically in the major news headlines...from just the past week alone.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV) 1But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Yes, "times of difficulty" (or as the KJV renders it "perilous times") indeed.

My dear friends, these "times of difficulty" are just another set of signs -- clear signs of the times -- marking these last days for us.

But take comfort, beloved brothers and sisters! This also means that Christ's return for His church is sooner -- much sooner -- than we may think that it is.

Keep looking up (Luke 21:28)!

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The Preeminence of Propitiation -- Notable Quotable

2013-05-10T16:45:00.000-04:00

The importance of keeping the penal substitution in its proper Biblical perspective is that it is central and saving! What can we say about the preeminence of propitiation?

One often hears that penal substitution is merely one model or theory of the atonement and thus should not be elevated as central to defining the way in which we are saved and reconciled to God.

However, in most instances where I’ve heard this proposal the motive eventually becomes clear. In conceding that penal substitution is “a” legitimate model for the atonement, but not the central or controlling one, while simultaneously pointing to a variety of theories, it soon becomes evident that the purpose is to minimize the wrath of God, the concept of propitiation, and the idea that in order to redeem us Christ voluntarily endured the penalty that sin incurred.

Whenever I’m asked about this question I immediately agree that all of the many theories or models of the atonement are in some sense, and to some degree, true and relevant. But my reason for agreeing to this point is different from those just noted.

Yes, the death of Jesus exerts a “moral influence” on us insofar as his selfless sacrifice in the face of unjust suffering motivates us to endure the same (1 Peter 2:21ff.).

Yes, the voluntary suffering of Jesus is an “example” of God’s love for fallen mankind and devotion to the purpose of peace, as well as a paradigm for the way we should identify with the weak and oppressed.

Yes, we see in the death of Jesus his humble submission to weakness and concern for the outcast and marginalized of society.

Yes, God is the supreme “moral governor” of the created realm whose commitment to the interests of public law and order was vindicated and displayed in the death of Jesus (cf. Romans 3:25-26).

Yes, the death of Jesus conquered evil and was designed to undo the works of Satan (cf. 1 John 3:8) and liberate those held captive by him.

Yes, the death of Jesus was designed to restore in mankind the imago Dei (image of God) so horribly defaced (but not destroyed) by the fall into sin.

But all of these things are true only because his death was preeminently a dying in the place of sinners, enduring in himself (body and soul) and thereby propitiating (1 John 2:1-2; Romans 3:25) the wrath of a righteous God.

Satan was defeated and his power vanquished because the guilt of mankind by which he held us in his clutches was imputed to Christ and its penalty endured and exhausted by Christ (Colossians 2:13-15). We are profoundly moved and stirred by the example of his sacrifice because therein “he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). The imago Dei is restored and the effects of Adam’s fall were reversed and God’s righteous rule was vindicated (Romans 3:21-26) because Jesus, as an expression of the incomparable love of God for sinners (Romans 5:8), voluntarily suffered the penal consequences of the law of God, the just for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18), and died our death “by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).

So long as the penal substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus is retained as foundational and fundamental to what happened on Calvary, we should joyfully celebrate and give thanks for all else that it accomplished. But without penal substitution, or even if it is merely marginalized or placed on the same plane of importance with these other theories, nothing of any benefit is obtained.

If Christ did not suffer and satisfy the wrath of God in the place of sinners, I simply have nothing to say to a lost and dying world that could even remotely be regarded as “good news” (gospel). I can offer them spiritual therapy, wisdom for living, and a measure of psychological and emotional encouragement. But I have nothing to say that will serve them, much less save them, when they come to stand before the Great White Throne of God (Revelation 20:11-15).

Praise be to God that Christ “suffered once for sins . . . that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18)!

[Source]

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Yes, The Lord Created Niagara Falls Too

2013-05-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

I took the family to Niagara Falls, Canada over this past weekend. What a blessing indeed!

For those who aren't familiar with my neck of the woods, Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York.

They form the southern end of the Niagara Gorge and it's about a 45 minute drive from our home in a suburb of Buffalo, NY.

How anyone can view this majestic natural wonder with their own eyes and hear the power of His creation with their own ears and not stand in awe of our Creator God I'll never know, especially in light of what His Word plainly tells us.

Romans 1:20-21 (ESV) 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

In other words, the creation delivers a clear, unmistakable message about God's Person. The Creator, who made all that we see around us and constantly sustains it, must be a Being of awesome power.

So, naturally (pun intended even though this is no laughing matter), God holds all men responsible for their refusal to acknowledge what He has shown them of Himself in His creation. Even those who have never had an opportunity to hear the Gospel have received a clear witness about the existence and character of God as evidenced in His creation -- and have still suppressed it.

If a person will not respond to the revelation he has, even if it is solely natural revelation, God will provide some means for that person to hear the Gospel (Acts 8:26-39; Acts 10:1-48; Acts 17:27). His Word tells us, however, that man is "without excuse" since man is conscious of God's existence, power, and divine nature through general revelation (Romans 1:19-20).

But I digress. From largest to smallest, the three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Isn't that something? I had no idea that one of them was called "Bridal Veil Falls" until this trip (shame on me, huh?), but I marveled at that fact as a Christian.

After all, we are the Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2) and so this new revelation involving the area where I've grown up and spent my entire life was a welcomed surprise for sure, because it made me instantly think of the beautiful imagery, metaphor, and symbolism of a bride and a veil all throughout Scripture.

I'll leave you with one final thought that was brought to mind while enjoying this breathtaking view.

Psalm 114:7-8 (ESV) 7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, 8 who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.

What I like about Psalm 114 is how it speaks of God intimidating nature (Psalm 114:3-6) and God inviting trembling too (Psalm 114:7-8). I mean, talk about the true power of God on display for us, huh?

In Psalm 114:5-6, we are given poetic imagery where God questions why the most fixed of geographical features (i.e. water and mountains), could not resist His power and will.

And don't you just love the word "tremble" in verse 7? This is the only proper response of helpless nature before omnipotent God who created it.

Grace and peace to you and yours!

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Family Ministry Is Not The Answer

2013-05-09T23:45:00.000-04:00

Our local church has been blessed with a Family Ministry (as well as people to lead and serve to make it happen) and we are preparing to meet soon to evaluate our first year and to look ahead to the next one (Proverbs 16:9).

That got me thinking of these truths to prayerfully consider.

Before you make plans to launch a family ministry in your church, a few words of warning about family ministry are in order -- words that may seem to work against the success of this very journal! Our words of warning are simply these: Family ministry is not the answer; family ministry will not fix your church’s problems; and, family ministry will not transform people’s lives.

The Gospel is what changes people -- not programs or practices; not models or methods; but solely and only the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every local church should be concerned first about how the Gospel is portrayed, presented, and practiced in the congregation. This includes considering how local congregations teach on the subjects of marriage and parenting and how they encourage and minister to families.

Healthy families are not, however, the goal. To place anything as the church’s goal besides the glory of God experienced through the Gospel is to create an idol, and the idol of family ministry is no less loathsome to God than the orgiastic shrines of Canaan or the pantheon of ancient Rome.

The believing household is a target for the enemy, but Christian families are not the answer to humanity’s problems. The Gospel is the answer. Our households are not targeted because Christian families are flawless families. Our households are targeted because they are God -- ordained contexts where cross-centered, Gospel-empowered living can be constantly rehearsed and practiced. Through these day-by-day rehearsals of the Gospel, children and parents alike are trained in the fear of God.

[Source]

If your church has a Family Ministry (or is thinking about starting one), then please make sure you begin with these core truths as your foundation (Luke 10:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Matthew 28:19; Colossians 3:17).

Seek the Lord's guidance and pray for wisdom before committing to any course of action.

For our local church, since the goal is to glorify God, and to make more and better disciples along the way, then trying to come up with some ideas that are geared more toward the people who are already a part of the congregation (focused inward: spiritual growth by self-examination) and some ideas that are geared more toward the people from the general public (focused outward: spiritual growth by serving others) is our primary focus.

Bottom line, the goal is to fix our eyes on Jesus and preach His Gospel in order to strengthen the church family and the natural family by promoting and then nurturing activities that will ultimately strengthen our relationship with Jesus.

I love our Family Ministry and the lives the Lord's impacted by using it throughout the past year, but I love the Him and His Word even more. I thank Him for this timely reminder for me to always keep it that way.

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"Well, That's Your Opinion..."

2013-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

How many times have you heard this before?

Truth is not relative. Truth is not subjective. Opinion and truth are two vastly different things.

There is objective truth and it is only found in the holy Word of God as preserved for us in the Holy Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).

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"I Cannot Endure False Doctrine..."

2013-05-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

There doesn’t appear to be any Charles H. Spurgeon on the immediate horizon.

If there were, here’s what I think he’d be saying to us...

Beloved, your risen Lord wants you to be happy. When He was here on earth, He said, “Let not your heart be troubled”; He says just the same to you today. He takes no delight in the distresses of His people. He loves you to believe in Him and be at rest.

Find if you can, beloved, one occasion in which Jesus inculcated doubt or bade men dwell in uncertainty. The apostles of unbelief are everywhere today, and they imagine that they are doing God service by spreading what they call “honest doubt.” This is death to all joy! Poison to all peace! The Savior did not so…

I have not much patience with a certain class of Christians nowadays who will hear anybody preach so long as they can say, “He is very clever, a fine preacher, a man of genius, a born orator.” Is cleverness to make false doctrine palatable? Why, sirs, to me the ability of a man who preaches error is my sorrow rather than my admiration.

I cannot endure false doctrine, however neatly it may be put before me. Would you have me eat poisoned meat because the dish is of the choicest ware? It makes me indignant when I hear another gospel put before the people with enticing words, by men who would fain make merchandise of souls; and I marvel at those who have soft words for such deceivers.

“That is your bigotry,” says one. Call it so if you like, but it is the bigotry of the loving John who wrote — "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."

I would to God we had all more of such decision, for the lack of it is depriving our religious life of its backbone and substituting for honest manliness a mass of the tremulous jelly of mutual flattery.

He who does not hate the false does not love the true; and he to whom it is all the same whether it be God’s word or man’s, is himself unrenewed at heart. Oh, if some of you were like fathers you would not have tolerated in this age the wagon loads of trash under which the gospel has been of late buried by ministers of your own choosing. You would have hurled out of your pulpits the men who are enemies to the fundamental doctrines of your churches, and yet are crafty enough to become your pastors and undermine the faith of a fickle and superficial generation.

These men steal the pulpits of once orthodox churches, because otherwise they would have none at all. Their powerless theology cannot of itself arouse sufficient enthusiasm to enable them to build a mousetrap at the expense of their admirers, and therefore they profane the houses which your sires have built for the preaching of the gospel, and turn aside the organisations of once orthodox communities to help their infidelity: I call it by that name in plain English, for “modern thought” is not one whit better, and of the two evils I give infidelity the palm, for it is less deceptive.

I beg the Lord to give back to the churches such a love to his truth that they may discern the spirits, and cast out those which are not of God.

*- Charles H. Spurgeon

[Source]

Indeed, "I beg the Lord to give back to the churches such a love to his truth that they may discern the spirits, and cast out those which are not of God."

May that be the cry of your heart as well.

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"Beware of False Prophets" Billboards

2013-05-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

Did you know that every book/epistle of the New Testament includes at least one warning to us to exercise discernment and to be on guard against false teachers and their false teachings?

Surely, if it is that important to the Lord, then shouldn't it be just as important to us, especially during these last days?

Matthew 7:15 (ESV) Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

1 John 4:1 (ESV) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV) 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV) 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

2 Peter 2:1 (ESV) But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

[NOTE: Read all of 2 Peter 2 to learn how to identify false prophets/false teachers and for an indictment against them from God]

Just to highlight a few key passages of Scripture for you.

Chris Rosebrough of Pirate Christian Radio recently created and tweeted out the following images that remind us of God's own words of caution to His beloved sheep (that's you and me, folks).

Beware of Joyce Meyer

Beware of Joel Osteen

Beware of Brian McLaren

Beware of Rob Bell

Beware of Perry Noble

Beware of Mark Driscoll

Beware of Steven Furtick

Beware of Bishop TD Jakes

I know, that's quite a list made up of the so-called "Who's Who" in Christendom today, isn't it? and yet, each charge sticks I'm afraid.

The sad reality? There are many more individuals that he could have created a billboard for in order to call attention to their false teachings that have deceived (are deceiving) millions around the world today.

While we cannot cover all of them in a single post like this, I hope that this at least helps you to be a little more discerning about the teachers and teachings you're receiving on a regular basis as "Gospel truth," because we need to keep in mind that just because a "Christian" is popular, or has mass appeal as evidenced by the weekly attendance at their mega-church, certainly DOES NOT mean that they (or their ministry, for that matter) are "annointed" or "approved" or "blessed" by the Lord.

After all, I don't recall the "success" of Jesus' ministry being graded in much the same way. Do you?

My dear brothers and sisters, we need to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and constantly test everything we're being taught that has a "Christian" label on it.

If it matches God's Word, then that's great! If it doesn't, not so great.

To paraphrase Charles Spurgeon, discernment is not knowing the difference between "right" and "wrong" as much as it is about knowing the difference between "right" and "almost right."

Please remember that and put it into practice.

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Don't Be Deceived (About Yourself)!

2013-05-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Earlier in the week, we highlighted a video series featuring David Platt and Francis Chan.

Today, we're going to look at a 45-minute sermon given by Francis Chan titled "Don't Be Deceived" that's mightily humbling.

As Christians, it's essential that we are mindful that there are some key verses that instruct us on how we are to live in submission to the Holy Spirit so that God may perform his sanctifying work through Him.

Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV) 7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV) 12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

1 Corinthians 9:24 (ESV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV) 9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

That's just a small sampling of what I thought of today as I listened to this old sermon from 2008 that was delivered by Francis Chan.

Praise His holy name and His holy Word for that message!

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart

Are you being deceived right now...by yourself? Are you justifying something that you know is a sin?

Let His Word reveal the truth and then respond accordingly, my dear friends (Hebrews 4:12).

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Happy Are The Harassed -- Notable Quotable

2013-05-02T10:30:00.000-04:00

We've spent a good portion of the past week discussing the urgent need for us Christians to always be ready to contend for and defend the faith, but to always do so lovingly (2 Timothy 4:2; Ephesians 4:15).

Time to trot out this gem from 1978 for our prayerful consideration.

After studying the Beatitudes and realizing that they are the characteristics of the man or woman in God's Kingdom, it is easy to feel inadequate, isn't it? You see the tremendous power and impact of these truths. This kind of person seems a little too good to be true. You feel like you are looking at someone on a stained-glass window, or at a plaster saint, or something carved out of wood or stone. Certainly there is no one who lives this way in the reality of day-to-day life, no one who could fulfill all of these incredible characteristics!

However, God doesn't deal with stained-glass window saints and plaster facsimiles. I believe that what Jesus presents here, in this tremendous introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, is no less than the portrait of the believer, no less than the picture of the genuine Christian. Of course it's ideal, because God never lowers His standards because man is sinful. God simply gives that individual Christ so that Christ can work through that individual the meeting of God's standard.

As we've seen, this is the person who is truly happy; this is the person who is really blessed, who is really in a state of well-being. This person knows bliss, the person who lives these principles. Every one of us who is genuinely Christ's, and every one of us who is genuinely born again, every one of us who really is a Kingdom son must have come to Jesus Christ with these attitudes, or we never came at all. We must have seen something of these attitudes manifest in our lives, and we should certainly see a progress and growth to see more of them every day we live, until finally, we pass into the fullness and the richness of Kingdom character.

Tonight we are going to look at the last one. If you are one who fulfills all of the elements of the Beatitudes, then on those conditions, you enter His Kingdom. Maybe you only fulfill them in a very minimal way, but you had to come with a broken spirit, mourning over sin, humble before a holy God, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, as one seeking mercy and ready to give it, as one seeking to be purified in your heart, as one who desired to make peace with God. If all of these things were there, however minimally they were there, if they were there in reality, then you entered His Kingdom. Then, God is saying that they should bloom within His Kingdom, and you should progress and grow until they become more than minimal, but rather, they become characteristics that are dominant in your life.

Where this happens, you will find that the eighth Beatitude will always happen. Verse 10 says, "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." When you pass into the richness and the fullness of Kingdom character, and when you begin to live the way God wants you to live, when you begin to fulfill the principles that God has ordained, you're going to find there will be a process of pain and suffering involved. You will be a peacemaker, yes, but you will be a troublemaker too.

I'll show you some Scripture to set your thinking in the context of the whole New Testament. James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing this, that the testing of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing." What he's saying there is, "There is going to be some suffering. There are going to be trials, testing, hardships." I Peter 5:10 says, "The God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered awhile, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

Invariably, in the life of the believer who lives out the Beatitude character, there is going to be a reaction in the world. All of the virtues that we have seen in this context, all of them summed up are intolerable to an evil world. The world can't really handle someone who is poor in spirit because the world lives in a state of pride and self-promotion and ego-substantiation. The world can't tolerate someone who is mourning over sinfulness; the world wants to bypass sin altogether and continue to convince itself that it's alright. The world can't tolerate meekness; it honors pride. The world can't tolerate someone who knows he is nothing and seeks something that can only be given as a gift. The world says that we have the right to everything because we have earned it. The world knows little about mercy, nothing about purity, and has never learned how to make the peace. All of these characteristics, when they exist in the believer, as they progressively bloom in his or her life, counter the system flagrantly. That's the way it is going to be if you live out the Beatitudes.
*- John MacArthur / Happy Are The Harassed - December 10, 1978

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Chris Broussard Is Biblical. Faithful America Is Not Faithful To God's Word.

2013-05-01T21:00:00.000-04:00

Lord, come quickly!

Isaiah 5:20 (ESV) Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV) 1But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

2 Timothy 4:2-5 (ESV) 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Apparently, a so-called "Christian Group" (according to the news report that I saw) is calling for the suspension of ESPN The Magazine writer, Chris Broussard, after Broussard told an interviewer that gay NBA player, Jason Collins, can't be a Christian because of his sexual orientation.

Here's the thing. Broussard is absolutely correct. He's 100% Biblical not just in stating that truth, but in the ENTIRE commentary he gave on national television that's getting so much attention.

You cannot identify yourself as being "gay" or a "homosexual" and still call yourself a "Christian" because it doesn't work that way with sin.

Otherwise, we should identify people as "Christian Adulterers," "Christian Fornicators," "Christian Liars," and "Christian Murderers" to name a few examples of absurdity.

But why stop there? Why not "Christian Atheists," "Christian Agnostics," "Christian Buddhists," "Christian Hindus," "Christian Muslims," "Christian New Agers," "Christian Scientologists," and "Christian Satanists" too?

Do you see how ridiculous that would be? Do you now see how ridiculous this is? So then let's just stop with the politically-correct games we're playing and knock it off already.

I mean, if we're really concerned with what's in a name, then I think we need to acknowledge that the so-called "Christian" organization that made news headlines here today that's called "Faithful America" is anything but faithful to God's Word, and therefore, they should not be associated with a "Christian" label of any kind from this point forward. Like many Liberal Christians today who are more concerned with pleasing man than pleasing God, they willfully choose to ignore a ton of Scripture that makes this an open-and-shut case.

So, let such a group remain being known as "Faithful America" because they're certainly faithful to the political arena and its philosophies of man a heck of a lot more than they are to the Alpha and the Omega and His truth for man.

The most ironic aspect of this entire story? The group's motto is "Love thy neighbor. No exceptions." Fascinating, isn't it? I guess that motto applies to any all kinds of people from various walks of life...unless that person is a Christian...and then they will do EVERYTHING in their power to destroy that person's career by getting them fired for expressing their views, or for expressing the very truth a "Christian" organization should champion as "ambassadors" for Him in this fallen world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

At the end of the day, Chris Broussard is Biblical. Faithful America is not faithful to God's Word.

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Why Christians Must Continue To Speak Out Against Abortion

2013-05-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

You want the truth about abortion and its proponents?

I refuse to concede intellectual and scientific superiority to the faction which claims to know how the universe began, but cannot tell me when life begins in the womb.

*- Anonymous

It is estimated that there have been over 56,000,000 abortions (that's 56 million!) in the United States alone since Roe v. Wade, and over 1,300,000,000 abortions (that's 1.3 billion!) worldwide since 1980. Let me see if I can help us to better understand what this actually means.

Late-term abortions...in the 24th week of pregnancy.

Babies born alive...from failed abortion attempts.

Abortionists practicing infanticide...only a few blocks from the White House.

More murders committed in the name of "pro-choice" than Hitler committed during the Holocaust of Jews. Need a more recent reference point? Murder statistics from 2011? 8,583 killed by guns and 333,964 killed by Planned Parenthood abortions [Source].

And yet, our elected President chose to give the following speech at a Planned Parenthood event the other day that was beyond disturbing. Why? Because Planned Parenthood "saves lives" we're told.

US President Barack Obama recently became the first sitting President to address Planned Parenthood, ending his speech with: "Thank you Planned Parenthood and God Bless you."

Dearly beloved, this is satanic behavior of the worst kind! To blaspheme the Lord by using His holy name to bless the very organization responsible for legally-sanctioned murder is absolutely despicable! To do so while Kermit Gosnell's abortion/murder trial is still underway is the height of arrogance!

You can read more about the Obama love fest with Planned Parenthood.

By the way, how ridiculous was it for Planned Parenthood to open the morning's proceedings by feigning heartfelt concern over the loss of life in West, TX? And how sickening was it to watch all the happiness, to see all the smiles, and to hear all the applause and cheering over the intentional murder of babies?

Now, please listen to this eye-opening 40-minute radio program that connects Obama's legacy to the continuing murder of millions of defenseless babies through abortion. It also compares the demonic atrocities of Hitler and the Nazi's with the demonic barbarities of the abortion Holocaust and those who perpetuate the killing of the most defenseless members of society, by abortion, in our day.

I like how a commentary from the American Thinker described the current state of affairs.

Planned Parenthood's Horrific Ironies Exposed By The Gosnell Trial
By Janice Shaw Crouse

"Kermit Gosnell's name is certain to be recorded as one of the most ghoulish figures in recent history. The revelations about his abortion 'house of horrors' have appalled the nation, earning him the title of 'human butcher.' The graphic images of his appalling techniques have horrified, sickened and dismayed people around the world. Yet, ironies abound in this dismaying case of savagery. Gosnell's employees are the ones exposing practices that overshadow the purported squalor of back-alley illegal abortions. In the face of unbelievably inhuman actions, the President of the United States joined those with ice in their blood, who continued to defend 'choice' even after viewing the reality of savagely 'slitting the throat,' 'tearing off limbs' or 'severing the spinal cord' of newly-born babies. Planned Parenthood -- the nation's largest abortion provider is also the largest recipient of federal funding under Title X [fully 45 percent of their total funding is from taxpayer monies, over $500 million] -- in a desperate act of cold calculation and sad irony, recently launched a fundraising campaign boldly declaring a 'Right to Shoes.' In light of the public images of babies' feet -- tiny footprints are often used as pro-life logos and the trial pictures from the Gosnell clinics include images of jars containing small baby feet -- the Planned Parenthood fundraising campaign is especially repulsive and appalling. No doubt many who see the campaign will recall the Planned Parenthood lobbyist who testified -- seemingly without a twinge of conscience -- before Florida legislators, declaring that 'wanted' babies were the only ones deserving medical care. That Planned Parenthood representative, Alisa LaPolt Snow, repeated several times that all decisions about abortion -- even late term or born-alive ones -- 'should be left up to the woman, her family and her physician.'"

First the Gosnell trial, the President's appearance and remarks, and now this undercover video.

This is the new undercover video that Planned Parenthood and their abortion industry cohorts DON'T want you to see! But don't take my word for it. As late-term abortionist Cesare Santangelo explains to one of Live Action's undercover investigators in this shocking new video exposé: "It's all in how vigorously you do things to help a fetus survive at this point … We would not help it," when discussing what he would do (or not do) to help the child, if he/she survived a failed abortion at his clinic.

Here's the gruesome truth: this new undercover exposé proves Kermit Gosnell's "House of Horrors" is only the tip of the iceberg in the abortion empire! As you will see, these undercover investigators revealed the truth about a late-term abortion clinic only a few steps away from the White House. Now we urgently need you to publicize this damning footage and expose the abhorrent nature of the abortion industry.

It's a 6-minute video that has been online for a couple of days now, but only has 50,000 views. If a "Harlem Shake" video and a music video from Psy can get hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of views, then we should be able to make this viral.

Lastly, I like what Pastor Michael Schuermann from Daring Lutheran briefly wrote about all of this.

NO, MR. PRESIDENT. REPENT!

President Obama spoke to Planned Parenthood this morning (Friday, April 26th). He said all sorts of things. Yet what was most galling, at least in my mind, is how he ended his speech. Here’s what he said:

"As long as we’ve got to fight to make sure women have access to quality, affordable health care, and as long as we’ve got to fight to protect a woman’s right to make her own choices about her own health, I want you to know that you’ve also got a president who’s going to be right there with you, fighting every step of the way,” said Obama. “Thank you, Planned Parenthood. God bless you."
No, Mr. President. You have authority from God to exercise your leadership of the country for the good of its citizens. You have authority from God to call out an organization which exists in order to murder – and advocate for the ever-increasing “legality” of such murder – the most helpless among us, namely the unborn (or even the born).

Unfortunately, you too have consistently advocated for that same murder.

Mr. President, you must repent. Your office – given to you from God – demands that you protect the unborn. This will be unpopular. I imagine your own party will abandon you, maybe even your closest friends and family. Do and say what is right, Mr. President.

And in the meantime do not dare to offer up the Lord’s name in vain. Do not invoke the name of He who gives and loves life as some perverse blessing over an organization that is a source of such evil and death. Mr. President, repent. God does not bless evil, Mr. President. He hinders and destroys it.

May God hinder the wicked plans of Planned Parenthood, President Obama, and all those who are like-minded, that their evil plans may come to nothing. And may He bring them all to repentance and faith in His saving Gospel – trusting in Christ’s forgiveness – that they may have eternal life. Amen.

Amen indeed.

Please do the right thing yourself whenever you can to speak out against abortion or else consider your silence enough to make you complicit in this ongoing American genocide (Galatians 6:10).

Yes, it's the "New Holocaust" and the video below will explain why in just 33 minutes.

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Making More And Better Disciples

2013-04-30T06:30:00.000-04:00

Aside from watching sermons on YouTube, I thoroughly enjoying just sitting and listening to men of God as they answer various questions or talk about what the Lord has placed upon their heart let alone what He's doing in their lives at the moment.

So, it's no surprise then that I particularly loved this short series of videos I happened to stumble upon on YouTube the other day.

Faith and fellowship. David Platt and Francis Chan. Unity in love and unity in doctrine and faith. Two men of God who I greatly respect and who the Lord has used to teach me so much in just the little bit that I have read by them or the little bit I have heard them preach.

Each video is only 5-10 minutes long, but I especially love the genuine attitude and heart they both exhibit here along with their humility and vulnerability when talking with one another about things and that's mainly why it resonated with me.

It just reminded me of how valuable (essential really) regular self-examination and fellowship with other believers is rather than remaining a spiritual island unto oneself like I once was for so long (2 Corinthians 13:5; Proverbs 27:17; 2 Timothy 3:16).

I also love how they just repeatedly express how it's all about Jesus for them too!

The Story Behind Multiply

Prayer, The Holy Spirit, And Boldness

Disciple Making: Fruit of Being A Christian

Don't Be Deceived! Disciples Make Disciples

If I Believe This Gospel

Only God Can Do The Work Of God

I hope you enjoyed that brief video series.

Please check out the Multiply Ministry website for more info and helpful resources, because next to a saving faith and a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it's all about making more and better disciples in His name (Matthew 28:19; Romans 1:5).

Until next time, God willing, grace and peace to you and yours! Keep looking up!

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