Mother Theresa: Loving people straight to hell…
https://www.wayoflife.org/database/motherteresafalsehope.html
Mother Teresa’s False Hope
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Author Archives: sage_brush
Christian Family Theater – The Indestructible Book
Outstanding documentary, history of how we got our Bible. Highly recommended – ages 14 and up.
For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven.
Christian Family Theater – Darwin’s Dilemma
Outstanding presentation covering the geology and paleontology involved with the Cambrian Explosion. Sorry this video has subtitles (not if it is in your language! Russian?) but it is the only full length version I could find. Highly recommended for ages 12 and up – especially high school and college ages will benefit.
Family Theater – God’s Outlaw – William Tyndale
Tyndale’s famous, selfless last words –
“Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.”
We should all say right now –
“Lord, open the king of America’s eyes.”
If you were raised Roman Catholic, as Jim and I were, and feel any discomfort from some of the teachings, or if you feel that something is seriously missing – that is the Holy Spirit urging you!
Matthew 11:27-29
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Video: Halloween – Trick or Treat
This pagan, completely occult festival, has no place in Christian homes or churches.
Stores such as Hobby Lobby have plenty of festive, Christian harvest themed decorations for your home and church. Christians do not need to live spartan, joyless lives. But we should not bring the evil one into our homes or houses of worship! Dressing up as “harmless” characters will not negate the pervasive evil underlying this “feast of the dead.”
The Case of the Deleted Sentence — Ephraim’s “Advent, End, and Antichrist”
For the Lord’s Day – Beyond the Sunset
Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,
When with our Savior, heaven is begun;
Earth’s toiling ended, O glorious dawning,
Beyond the sunset when day is done.
Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;
O day of gladness, O day unending,
Beyond the sunset eternal joy!
Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me
To God the Father whom I adore;
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
Will be my portion on that fair shore.
Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,
With our dear loved ones who’ve gone before;
In that fair homeland we’ll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset forever more!
Virgil Prentiss Brock – Lyrics 1887-1978
Born: January 6, 1887, Mercer County, Ohio.
Buried: Warsaw, Indiana.
Blanche Kerr Brock – Composer 1888-1958
Born: February 3, 1888, Greens Fork, Indiana.
Died: January 3, 1958, Winona Lake, Indiana.
Buried: Warsaw, Indiana.
One of the best-known and widely-used songs in the entire field of gospel hymnody is “Beyond the Sunset.” Mr. Brock has left the following account of its writing:
This song was born during a conversation at the dinner table, one evening in 1936, after watching a very unusual sunset at Winona Lake Indiana, with a blind guest—my cousin Horace Burr—and his wife Grace. A large area of the water appeared ablaze with the glory of God, yet there were threatening storm clouds gathering overhead. Returning to our home, we went to the dinner table still talking about the impressive spectacle we had witnessed. Our blind guest excitedly remarked the he had never seen a more beautiful sunset.
“People are always amazed when you talk about seeing,” I told him, “I can see,” Horace replied. “I see through other peoples eyes, and think I often see more; I see beyond the sunset.”
The phrase “beyond the sunset” and the striking inflection of his voice struck me so forcibly, I began singing the first few measures. “That’s beautiful!” his wife interrupted, “Please go to the piano and sing it.
We went to the piano nearby and completed the first verse. “You should have a verse about the storm clouds,” our guest urged, and the words for this verse came quickly as well. Recalling how closely our guest had walked hand in hand together for so many years due to his blindness, the third verse was soon added. Before the evening meal was finished, all four stanzas had been written and we sang the entire song together.
http://www.hymnalaccompanist.com/Story/story-c865.html
Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
sage
p.s. This post is dedicated to my husband for our 33rd anniversary.
The Self Life | The Institute for Creation Research
More Mealy Mouthed Pastoring
Billy Graham’s grandson – Tullian Tchividjian – holds forth on what is wrong with America’s pulpits. My summation of his cotton candy opinion? Pastors are not being nurturing enough, and are too bogged down with politics! All blue highlighting is mine . . .
Tullian Tchividjian Says Christian Brand Has Been Damaged by Evangelicals’ Association With Religious Right
By Michael Gryboski , Christian Post Reporter
December 30, 2014|2:48 pm
Tullian Tchividjian (Courtesy of Tullian Tchividjian)
The grandson of the Rev. Billy Graham commented Tuesday that he believes Evangelicals’ involvement in the conservative political movement “has done more damage to the brand of Christianity than just about anything else.”
Tullian Tchividjian, senior pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, explained to co-hosts of the MSNBC program “Morning Joe” that American evangelicalism has been harmed by its association with conservative politics.
“Over the course of the last 20 or 30 years, evangelicalism, specifically their association with the religious right and conservative politics, has done more damage to the brand of Christianity than just about anything else,” Tchividjian asserted.
“That’s not to say that Christian people don’t have opinions on social issues and we shouldn’t speak those opinions, but Sunday morning from behind the pulpit is not the place,” he added.
Tchividjian also told those on the “Morning Joe” program that he feels his job, as a pastor, is to go beyond social issues and social solutions when preaching.
“It’s not so much religion in the public sphere as much as religion in the pulpit, behind the pulpit, that’s my primary concern,” Tchividjian continued. “As a preacher, my job when I stand up on Sunday mornings to preach, is not first and foremost to address social ills or social problems or try to find social solutions. My job is to diagnose people’s problems and then announce God’s solution to their problems.”
Tchividjian was on the program to talk about his soon-to-be released devotional, It Is Finished: 365 Days of Good News.
Slated for purchase on New Year’s Day and published by David C. Cook, the book is a daily devotional centered on the Good News of God’s love.
“God’s radical grace is unbelievable, unexplainable, and definitely undeserved. But it’s the foundation of our faith. In this new 365-day devotional, Tchividjian reminds you every day that the Gospel is good news,” noted its Amazon description.
“It’s God’s message that He loves us even when we don’t deserve it. These short readings each contain a truth from God’s Word that will set you on a solid foundation for the day — a foundation of God’s grace, goodness, and unconditional love.”
In discussing the devotional with the “Morning Joe” co-hosts, Tchividjian said the book, It Is Finished, is comprised of “365 days of short readings.”
“I am really trying to help people know that all of the meaning, all of the worth, all of the value, all of the significance that we long for and that we look for, we already have because of what God has done for us,” Tchividjian explained in response to a question posed to him about New Year’s resolutions.
Well, he’s trying to sell a book of “short readings” here. Too bad he not once mentioned getting his sheeple back to the Word of God! Must be all that hair gel addling his brains. . . almost seems like the goo has seeped in. . .
Yet another winning entry into the Halls of Cotton Candy Christianity!
Rick Warren – Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Rick Warren on Roman Catholicism: “We have more in common than what divides us”
Dec 17 2014
RICK WARREN ON ROMAN CATHOLICISM: “WE HAVE MORE IN COMMON THAN WHAT DIVIDES US”
Warren, whose Purpose Driven Life and Purpose Driven Church books have sold millions of copies around the world, recorded a video interview for the Catholic News Service in which he said: “We have far more in common than what divides us.”
He continued: “When you talk about Pentecostals, charismatics, evangelicals, fundamentalists, Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians … Well, they would all say we believe in the trinity, we believe in the Bible, we believe in the resurrection, we believe salvation is through Jesus Christ. These are the big issues.
“Sometimes Protestants think that Catholics worship Mary like she’s another god. But that’s not exactly Catholic doctrine.”
He also referred to the Roman Catholic practice of prayer to the saints, which Protestants reject, saying: “When you understand what they mean by what they’re saying, there’s a whole lot more commonality.
“Now there’s still real differences, no doubt about that. But the most important thing is if you love Jesus, we’re on the same team.”
He said that Church unity would realistically be “not a structural unity but a unity of mission. And so, when it comes to the family we are co-workers in the field on this for the protection of what we call the sanctity of life, the sanctity of sex, and the sanctity of marriage. So there’s a great commonality and there’s no division on any of those three.”
Warren recently took part in a Vatican conference on the Complementarity of Man and Woman alongside conservative stalwart Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. His remarks are in tune with the tone of Pope Francis, who has spoken warmly of evangelicals and brought a different emphasis to inter-Church engagement.
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/rick.warren.on.roman.catholicism.w…
[TBC: Commonality is not established by the lowest common denominator. To say someone loves Jesus means nothing if it’s “another Jesus” or if the “gospel” they present is not the biblical gospel (2 Corinthians:11:4, Galatians:1:8). The works salvation gospel of Rome is contrary to the biblical gospel, and the Jesus of Roman Catholicism did not pay the full penalty for sin. Our Lord declared, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew:7:21).]
Over a decade ago I was chased out of my church, because of my tooth and nail resistance to going “purpose driven.” Now, Rick Warren is boldly going where he always intended to go – the one world religion.
2 Peter 2:1-3
2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Dear Mr. Rick Warren – you make me sick. May God have mercy, and cause you to repent.
David Barton/Glen Beck Ecumenical Trojan Horse
False Shepherd – T.D. Jakes
Can’t seem to get away from these TV terrors. Get rid of your cable, and their latest book is staring at you from a table at Costco. The “Christian Post” thinks Mr. T.D. Jakes falls under their very broad definition of “Christian” and chooses to promote his latest foray [Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive] into the pseudo-Christian, pop-culture, self-help bottomless pit. Because we love our readers, no link to the article will be provided, in an effort to save you from the barrage of pop-ups and caustic advertising overrunning the site. Here is the short introduction:
(All red highlighting is mine)
By Jessica Martinez, CP Reporter
May 23, 2014|8:28 am
Most people find it difficult to get in tune with their inner voice amid their busy lives, however taking time to listen to a gut feeling or an instinct can lead to discovering a life of abundance and satisfaction, says Bishop T.D. Jakes.
In Jakes’ new book, Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive, he writes about how individuals can re-discover their natural aptitudes and become in sync with opportunities life presents if they are willing to see beyond their current limitations.
Inspired by a safari trip to South Africa and derived from personal experiences, Jakes’ material illustrates some of the major principles and secrets that successful individuals have applied to their lives, but rarely tell others. In addition, Jakes offers readers advice on knowing when to close a business deal, when to take a risk, and how to listen to their hearts.
Hmmm. . . .let’s see. I guess when Peter was crucified upside down, he failed to listen to his inner voice.
Or more currently, Pastor Saeed Abdeni has probably not taken the time to re-discover his natural aptitudes. . .
http://aclj.org/fox-news-update-american-pastor-saeed
And since Mr Jakes draws so much inspiration from Africa – one wonders how this woman, along with her unborn child and toddler, has failed to use his system of listening to “instincts.”
http://indepthafrica.com/sudan-keeps-pregnant-christian-woman-shackled-to-wall-toddler-in-prison/
T.D. Jakes is a false shepherd!!!!
He is a liar, and a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Nothing he says will lead a lost soul to a saving knowledge of Christ. His teachings stand in direct opposition to the Word of God.
T.D. Jakes says that you will have an abundant life if you follow his teachings, which include running on your inner voice.
The Bible says that you can not trust your inner voice, and that it will lie to you.
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Who is telling the truth? T.D. Jakes – or God?
Matthew 7:14-16
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Ecumenism – Hollywood Style
Lots of excitement over the fact that pop-Christian films are being produced with a fervor lately. Of special note, was the Easter weekend release of “Heaven is for Real.”
This story is about a 4 year old boy who had a near death experience which has been made into a movie. Christian media is giddy with excitement over the fact that it made more money than pagan Johnny Depp’s latest sci-fi flick.
Should we be excited over this?
Let me just state that the father is a fool if he truly does not believe that a 4 year old can pick up enough information to provide the kind of testimony he did. But all that aside – the really important part begins at around the 6:00 mark – where the young man states positively that you only need to love Jesus and follow Him to go to heaven. No repentance required. Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses – and even some Muslims love Jesus. This is a classic example of the ecumenism that has overrun the church. This is the church Jesus Christ will spew out of His mouth. This is another Jesus.
Revelation 3:14-16
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.
False Shepherd Joins New Age Priestess
By Nicola Menzie , Christian Post Reporter
March 27, 2014|11:49 am
(Photo: The Christian Post)
Oprah Winfrey and Rob Bell will appear together for Winfrey’s national “The Life You Want” tour.
Oprah Winfrey will be touring the U.S. this fall to help “lead people to an empathy space… a gratitude space” in an effort to find their calling and fulfill their greatest potential. Helping Winfrey in the tour hitting cities on both coasts will be influential and controversial Christian author Rob Bell, and other “handpicked thought leaders and pop culture icons.”
“All of my life I have wanted to lead people to an empathy space. To a gratitude space,” said Winfrey in a press statement. “I want us all to fulfill our greatest potential. To find our calling, and summon the courage to live it.”
Each stop on the national tour will run two days, with the first night featuring Winfrey “bringing her personal story and insights to life in a one of a kind intimate evening” and the following will have the media mogul and Bell, or another one of her handpicked guests, “lead a day-long gathering of thousands.”
Winfrey shares her motivation for “The Life You Want” tour, which will stop in eight cities, in a video below.
Oprah.com
Oprah Winfrey shares her vision for The Life You Want tour featuring Rob Bell and other thought leaders.
Bell appeared on Winfrey’s “Super Soul Sunday” program late last year to discuss his latest book, What We Talk About When We Talk About God. Winfrey wrote of Bell’s book, her premiere pick for the “Oprah’s Super Soulful Book of the Month” club: “The ideas Rob sets forth in his books, Love Wins and What We Talk About When We Talk About God, opened my heart and my mind. People like him are the reason I set out to build OWN in the first place: to be able to gather a global community of like-minded seekers.”
(Photo: Harpo Inc.)
Rob Bell speaks with Oprah Winfrey in an episode of the OWN cable network’s “Super Soul Sunday,” airing Nov. 3, 2013.
Bell states in What We Talk About When We Talk About God that he wrote the book because “there’s a growing sense that when it comes to God, we’re at the end of one era and the start of another, an entire mode of understanding and talking about God is dying as something new is being birthed.”
While Love Wins questioned traditional teachings on whether only Christians can go to heaven and if hell is a real, eternal place, What We Talk About When We Talk About God “explains why both culture and the church resist talking about God, and shows how we can reconnect with the God who is pulling us forward into a better future,” according to the publisher.
In her praise of What We Talk About When We Talk About God, Winfrey said Bell was “shaking up the way we think about God and religion.” Read more about Bell’s discussion with Winfrey on her “Super Soul Sunday” program here: Rob Bell Talks God, Religion and Doubt With Winfrey on “Super Soul Sunday.”
Learn more about The Life You Want tour at Oprah.com.
Is there anyone out there that thinks this is OK? This is the church of anti-Christ; and these are the pseudo-Christians who will welcome his rule. All ecumenical movements are driving towards this one end. Please reread Bell’s statement that I highlighted in red. That could have come from the mouth of Marylin Ferguson, Alice Bailey, or Benjamin Creme – it originates with the evil one himself – Lucifer.
2 Timothy 4:2-4
2 Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Response to a Bible Critic
This comment was posted to the old blog – Thoughts of an Old Man. In the interest of letting this person be heard and responded to by as many people as I think she would like – I’m posting the comment here.
I know this was written ages ago, but the bible has God all wrong. The bibles God doesnt exist. Mainly because too many human faults are put upon him and glorified as something powerful. What need would an omnipotent being have for hate, judgement and anger? Its such a waste to US as a species, why would he lower himself to our level? Many people turn to the books written by man to place their entire faith on but his truth is in no book. It’s inside us. We are born with it. I know this will sound stupid and naive to you, but the Bible never spoke to me. God did. Not conversationally, of course, but with every sunrise, every hug, every smile of my daughters face, THAT is the word of God. Not some letters spewed onto a page and translated as rule. Living by that book has destroyed civilizations, eras, and us as a humanity. It is the false prophet. And generations have died from it. [dawna reisner]
Let us address the commenter’s main premise – that one can self determine the nature of the Godhead.
Immediately – we can observe that the writer has done two things:
- Committed idolatry by creating her own god
- Blasphemed the Word of God by saying that Jesus Christ, the Word of God, lies about Himself.
We may condense her opinion into one statement.
I don’t like what the Bible says – therefore it is untrue.
- If the Bible does not “speak to you,” that means you are not born of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
- By saying that the Bible is the false prophet – that is committing the unforgivable sin, by blaspheming the Holy Spirit, Who is the Author of the Bible.
2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
- In saying that the Bible has been the cause of the world’s woes, more blasphemy is committed.
Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth: for thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name.
- Blaming the Bible, rather than man’s exceeding sinfulness, is the same sin committed by Adam in the Garden of Eden when he blamed God. This is also blasphemy.
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
- Denying your own complicity in the cumulative sins of mankind, is proof that you are outside the faith.
1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.
When I first read this comment, I could not believe it was genuine, and likely the antics of a troll because of the provocative nature and specious quality of it. But, as I thought on it, The LORD convicted me that whether genuine or not – it could still be examined and a Scriptural argument developed for it, because even internet trolls need to be witnessed to, and we all encounter people who posit the same belief system.
Trayvon Martin – Instead of the Christ Child?
Trayvon Martin Nativity scene – political correctness runs amok
Written by Allen West on December 27, 2013
I have only one word to describe this story: sacrilegious.
According to the Inland Daily Bulletin,
Nativity scenes have a few standard elements: a manger, swaddling clothes, happy parents, sheep, maybe the Three Wise Men. They don’t generally include Trayvon Martin.
But there he is, wearing a hoodie, a stream of blood pouring from his chest onto the straw-covered floor of the scene outside Claremont United Methodist Church, the holy family around him. “Easter and Christmas should be tied together. It’s all the same story,” artist John Zachary says.
However, that’s not the point — it’s the idea of equating Martin to the birth of Jesus Christ. Is Zachary’s underlying message that Trayvon Martin came into the world to die for our sins?
Apparently Zachary has been creating controversial Nativity scene displays outside his church for quite awhile, as the Daily Bulletin reports:
He has portrayed Joseph and Mary as a homeless couple in a ghetto neighborhood, as Iraq War refugees and as Mexican immigrants. Zachary has been attending the church for 15 years. When church leaders asked him to build a Nativity scene in 2007, he decided to focus on people who don’t have the “privilege” to enjoy typical Christmas traditions, he said.
Is this about how far we can push the envelope and the level of sensationalism? Zachary has succeeded in getting us to discuss his artwork. Should we demand this be taken down before the January 5th scheduled date? After all, it’s been up since early December. Is this part of the freedom of expression in America? Absolutely. Is it in poor taste? Certainly.
My question is, what kind of church is this? Being from down South, I can attest that this would likely never find acceptance.
So what do you all believe, should we just dismiss this and not give it attention or is this further proof that we are not just “Slouching towards Gomorrah,” but we’re on a full accelerated high speed “progression” towards it?
Read more at http://allenbwest.com/2013/12/trayvon-martin-nativity-scene-political-correctness-gone-amok/#xr8j31XAXtzy1wVP.99
For the Lord’s Day – Near the Cross
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Refrain
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.
Refrain
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.
Refrain
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
Refrain
Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915
“It may seem a little old-fashioned, always to begin one’s work with prayer, but I never undertake a hymn without first asking the good Lord to be my inspiration.”
Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Spurgeon on Homosexuality: “Brought Hell Out of Heaven on Sodom”
Friday Proverb – Avoiding Wickedness
Last week we enjoyed the wonderful wisdom that King David passed down to his son, Solomon – stressing the pursuit of wisdom above any worldly thing. Today we look at the relentless efforts of the world to corrupt us – and the best way to not fall into its trap.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
There are many “paths” that could be considered wicked. What is being stressed here is the influence that worldly people have on us. The pressure to conform in appearance and behavior to the world comes at us through many different avenues. Television, internet, magazines, coworkers, “friends,” peers. . . the things we see and hear – lead us to covet – and in coveting we are caught.
15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
The only escape from the myriad temptations in front of our eyes is to flee from it, and completely avoid it – no matter what it is. If you can’t look at a magazine without lusting – either by wanting to look like someone in the magazine, or have someone or something in the magazine – better throw out the magazine! The same goes with alcohol, pornography, gluttony, lechery. . .the list goes on and on. If you can’t sit down at a computer without looking at porn – you have entered the path of the wicked. If you sit lusting after cheerleaders while watching a football game – you are on the same path. If looking at Pinterest causes you to be dissatisfied rather than content – you are in the coveting trap. If your “friend” encourages you to do something wrong – flee – flee – flee!!!
The Proverb goes on to say, that the people that lead us to do wrong, whether it is the corrupt CEO of a gigantic, international company, or your sister-in-law bombarding you with temptation – they all truly desire you to fail.
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
The above verse is the source of the colloquialism – “No rest for the wicked!” Certainly television commercials and programmers are relentless in their push for immorality – but have you ever encountered someone who pressures you with their own kind of intensity? Trying to get you to do something that you know is wrong? The Word of God clearly says that they cannot rest until they have accomplished their goal! Think of the tireless, driving methods of influential musicians, authors, media, even video game designers! Or the “friend” that pushes you to have another drink, or coworker telling you to help yourself to whatever is in the company storage room – because “everyone does it.” If you get the feeling they are trying to take you down with them – your feeling is correct!
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
Verse 17 is saying that wickedness and violence actually sustains the evil ones, in the same way that pure food sustains us. Their very beings are gladdened by a Christian’s failure in the same way that we are made joyous by a good meal with people we love.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
How beautiful. The perfect day will be at the Lord’s return. If we stay on the right path, it will shine brighter and brighter in this dark world, until that glorious day!
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. Proverbs 4: 14-19
At right is what the lost see. Nothing. The Hugh Hefner’s, Richard Dawkins, and the neighborhood philanderer . . . the multitudinous purveyors of corruption do not see where they are going. Even when they trip and fall, they have no idea what they tripped over. They will continue to grope along in the dark.
126 It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void Thy law.
127 Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130 The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Psalm 119: 126-130
Preparing America for the Mark of the Beast | Prophecy in the News
Trinity of the Godhead
The number three has great significance in Scripture. It is popular now, as it has been since the beginning of the Church – to de-Deify Jesus Christ. Most scholars would trace the identifiable source to Arius, (the father of Arianism) a leader in the church at Alexandria, Egypt, 318 A.D. In terms of prophetic church ages, this corresponds with the “Church at Pergamos.” (Revelation 2: 12-17) It was the church that was “married,” or settled down, to the faith; also identified as being worldly, and imperial. [300-500 A.D.]
A brilliant and articulate speaker, Arius taught that Jesus Christ was neither God nor man, but rather, a demi-god. A created being, halfway between God and man. Many cults are based on this premise, but they never support their claims with Scripture, instead relying on “new” prophecies, visions and revelations. This question was settled not by scholars and clergy at the Council of Nicea. It was through the testimony of an African hermit that all doubts were assuaged.
After listening to Arius, who was uncommonly persuasive, the “African sprang to his feet, clad chiefly in tiger’s skin. This latter he tore from his back, disclosing great scars (the result of having been thrown into the arena among the wild beasts, and his back dreadfully disfigured by their claws), crying dramatically,
These are the brand marks of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I cannot hear this blasphemy.
Then he proceeded to give so stirring an address, setting forth so clearly the truth as to Christ’s eternal deity, that the majority of the council realized in a moment that it was indeed the voice of the Spirit of God.” (H.A. Ironsides)
A close study of Scripture will show, that God repeats ideas and principles – in various ways – to better reveal Himself to us.
The Identities of the Godhead
- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matt. 28:19)
- For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1John 5:7)
- The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. (2Cor. 13:14)
Jesus lay in the tomb for three days and three nights, in all four Gospels and prophesied in Psalms 69; 22; and Exodus 12; and 20.
Jesus raised three people from the dead: the widow’s son (Luke 7: 11-18); Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5: 22-24, 35-43); and Lazarus ( John 11: 1-44).
Jesus’ three closest apostles were Peter, James, and John.
And below, you see illustrated, all three Persons of the Godhead are manifested to eyewitnesses at the same time. . .
And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him; And lo a Voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16-17
We must resist the efforts of the cults, the emergent church, and New Age Religion to remove Jesus from the throne. . .
The four indicators of a cult:
- Add to God’s Word with new Scripture
- Subtract from Jesus
- Multiply the requirements for salvation
- Divide their followers loyalty
The Five Fundamentals of the Faith:
- The inerrancy and full authority of the Bible
- The virgin birth and full Deity of Jesus Christ
- The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
- Christ’s atoning vicarious death for the sins of the world
- The literal second coming of Jesus Christ
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
Infiltration vs. Separation
The Laodicean Church in the last half of the 20th century can be defined in one term – New Evangelicalism (or neo-Evangelicalism.) It began within Fundamentalism itself, in the 1940′s, and has proven to be Satan’s strongest weapon in defiling the church – bringing it from the Philadelphia Church Age, 1700-1900, when this country was founded – to a fully lukewarm, weak and ineffectual body.
The term “New Evangelical” was coined by Harold Ockenga, pastor of The Park Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts. In a news release, dated Dec. 8, 1957, Ockenga stated:
The New Evangelicalism has changed its strategy from one of separation to one of infiltration.
Ockenga believed that separation was outdated, and no longer useful in Christianity – despite the Biblical mandate for Christians to avoid being unequally yoked. Like a giant snowball – the movement gained momentum – and doctrine after doctrine was cast aside for what was deemed to be appropriate for the times.
Here you see Evangelical John Hagee in the center, with Mormon Glen Beck on the left, and Patriot David Barton on the right. This performance is done under the auspices of patriotism, but anyone who seriously studies the Bible knows what it is. And we can’t exactly give it a pass under the domain of political expediency, as John Hagee is neither a politician nor a news pundit.
Mixing solid Biblical belief, with cults and liberality equals one very lukewarm church. This tepid soup, has given birth to spiritual poverty, apathy, and utter blindness. The old Jesuit philosophy – “The ends justifies the means” – has brought Romanism right-smack-dab into the middle of the church in the form of “Evangelical ecumenism,” a phrase coined by Billy Graham, wherein he became the “spokesman of the convictions and ideals,” of the New Evangelist. Here is Graham in an interview with Larry King regarding the passing of Pope John Paul II:
KING: You said that he was an Evangelist.
GRAHAM: He was, indeed. He traveled throughout the world to bring his Christian message to the world. And we see tonight the outpouring from the world that he touched. And I think he touched almost everybody in the whole world.
Read cbn.com article here.
When I see Glen Beck speaking of Joseph Smith, while on stage with Evangelical Sarah Palin during a rally – I point it out to whomever I can. Would you like to know what response I receive? “That’s not so bad. They’re trying to take back this country! You’re being too judgmental!”
The hallmarks of New Evangelicalism:
- Liberals and cultists are included in prayer, crusades, committees, and given equal recognition as Christian leaders.
- Believes it is appropriate to join forces to reach souls for Christ – “The ends justifies the means.”
- Remains in liberal churches and organizations, like a mega or Purpose Driven Church, or the Masonic Lodge. Infiltration is better than separation.
- Conforms to the world’s thoughts and preferences.
- Questions the authority of Scripture and accommodates evolutionary theory by co-opting it into the Book of Genesis.
And just as Billy Graham received great “puff” press support from William Randolph Hurst in the 40′s and 50′s, so today, does Rick Warren receive the same support from Rupert Murdoch and his powerful news agencies. Living along side and cozying up to evil has served us the same as it served ancient Israel. When they did not eradicate the Canaanites remaining the land – they became just like the nations that were before them. They intermarried, joined in ventures, and worshiped their gods.
We do not need to be “like” the world to “win” the world! Our greatest and only tool is the Word of God. Period. Just as our Savior responded to the devil – every time – with the Word of God.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
Touchy Subject
I am not judging whether anyone in these movements is saved or not – but I am judging whether the movements are Biblical. Recently, John MacArthur held a “Strange Fire” conference, wherein he stated that Pentecostal and Charismatics were offering “strange fire” unto the Lord with their particular kind of worship.
John MacArthur is not my idea of rock solid Bible teacher – as he apparently has taken the plunge into the New Age Bible pushers club. That being said, I do agree with his basic premise about the movements. He is facing a backlash of sorts, being called “unloving,” among other things. The Christian Post has offered up a statement of sorts, with a handy list of things “you may not know about Pentecostals/Charismatics.” I have added commentary in red. Here goes:
1. Islam is not the fastest-growing faith family in the world. Pentecostalism is. While Islam has gone from zero in 610 AD to 1.6 billion today (1,403 years), Pentecostalism went from zero to (about) a billion from 1906 to the present day (107 years). Indeed – this is true, and while many Christians that I know and love, obsess over Muslims taking over the world – the fact is- the merging of faiths, via “Charism,” will be the true One World Religion.
2. Pentecostalism is quintessentially American. It began (although there were pre-shocks for centuries) in the multi-ethnic Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, Calif. It is arguably our most influential export of any kind. Even more influential than Hollywood!
3. The churches planted by American mainline denominations (Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, UCC, etc) in the global South are overwhelmingly Pentecostal/Charismatic in their piety. For instance, a Lutheran from Ethiopia (Mekane Yesus) would certainly be considered Pentecostal if visiting here in the U.S. Ecumenism!
4. Pentecostals/Charismatics are diverse. They run the spectrum range from Oxford/Cambridge blue bloods in the Kensington neighborhood of London to snake handlers in Appalachia. The current Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is a product of the largest congregation in the Church of England, Holy Trinity Brompton, which is one of the most influential charismatic congregations in the world. And not just economically diverse. If you find yourself in a multi-cultural congregation in the U.S.A. on a Sunday morning, the overwhelming probability is that you are sitting in a Pentecostal worship service. You do not need to be saved to speak in tongues. Everyone is comfortable.
5. Pentecostals are not anti-intellectual. The unofficial “Pentecostal Pope,” Jack Hayford of Los Angeles, is a Bible-scholar’s Bible scholar. Oral Roberts University, Regent Seminary (Virginia Beach) and Southeastern University (Lakeland, Florida) are some of the key centers of higher learning for the movement. The largest seminary in the Church of England (and perhaps the entire Anglican communion) is St. Mellitus Colleg/St. Paul’s Theological Center in London, spiritually godfathered by (Charismatic) Holy Trinity Brompton Church. They are now opening branches throughout the world. The “spiritual experiences” bind all these various denominations together – giving common ground, where before there was none.
6. Pentecostals were the leaders in the ordination of women. Because they are less bureaucratic and more “gifting driven,” Pentecostals were the first (not liberal Protestants) to ordain women. Aimee Semple Macpherson was one of the first American mega-church senior pastors (Angelus Temple in L.A. seated 5,000 a service in its prime). What can I say? Ordaining women is against Scripture, and on top of that – homosexual activists always piggyback on “women’s progress.”
7. Most all U.S. mainline denominations and also Roman Catholics have large Charismatic minorities. In fact, there are more Charismatic Roman Catholics than there are total members in most all other denominations. Lutherans and Episcopalians were pioneers in the Charismatic movement (Larry Christenson and Dennis Bennet). Interesting, that being saved by being Born again under the Blood of Christ is not what is being “pioneered.”
8. The Jesus Movement (“Jesus Freaks”) led by Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, Calif., more or less invented CCM (Christian Contemporary Music). As Calvary Chapel was (and is) a “small c” charismatic congregation, Pentecostal piety has been carried into virtually every congregation in the country that has ever sung a praise song or had someone raise a hand in worship. As a professional musician, I could write pages and pages on the dangers of back-beats in Christian music. Contemporary Christian Music is the first foot of the devil into your church. Soon after that – the Bible used will be “updated” as well.
9. Latinos are not overwhelmingly Roman Catholic. A very large minority is Pentecostal. When Latinos leave the Roman Catholic church, which they do in large numbers, the two directions are secular or Pentecostal. There are almost certainly Pentecostal Latinos in your zip code. Yes, and what will happen to the culture in America with the unlimited immigration unfolding as I write this.
10. A word about the “Word of Faith” (also Word Faith, or just Faith) movement. This is the segment of Pentecostalism which is most prone to excesses (name it/claim it). However, this movement is also quite diverse and driven by the central concept of “faith makes a difference.” Thus, they tend to take biblical promises about prayers of faith literally. This drives a rather sophisticated systematic theology first exposited in depth by Kenneth Hagin (the elder one) and continuing to be unfolded by Joseph Prince (Singapore) and others. “Sophisticated systemic theology,” is code for obfuscation. The Word of God is simple and pure enough for a child to understand.
I have attended several charismatic prayer meetings for the purposes of research. What I heard, could not be identified as a language – angelic or otherwise. Repeating of particular non-words was disconcerting, as it bore a strong resemblance to Tantric chanting and other eastern worship methods. Very, very dangerous. http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/spiritual-discussions/31858-mechanical-chanting-amp-speaking-tongues.html
A form of demonic speaking-in-tongues is experienced by witch doctors, pagan religions and occultists…
“So writes Missionary Alex R. Hay in his excellent book, What Is Wrong in the Church? This discerning writer continues:
‘There is a Mohammedan sect that speaks in tongues. It is simply the result of an emotional state that is not normal and not difficult to induce. The fact is that “The gift of tongues,” as it is known today, is still a common characteristic of primitive religions. (We refer to speaking in an unknown or “heavenly” language unintelligible to the hearers, not the speaking of living languages that appeared at Pentecost.)
As a child of missionary parents in an Indian tribe in Paraguay, we were accustomed to hear the witch doctors chanting in an unknown spirit language at their religious ceremonies or when treating someone was ill.”
SOURCE: The TRUTH about TONGUES and the CHARISMATIC movement, by Hugh F. Pyle, Sword of the Lord Publishers, Murfreesboro, TN 37133; 1989; ISBN: 0-87398–846-9; pg. 59
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And He left them, and departed.
The Bible Version Controversy: The Tale of Two Greeks, A Brief History of The War over God’s Eternal Written Word | Thy Word Alone is Truth: Examining All Things in the Refining Furnace of Scripture
Bible Study – Descendants of Ishmael
Genesis 25:12-18
12 Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham:
13 And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
14 And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,
15 Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:
16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.
17 And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.
18 And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.
It is generally acknowledged that modern day Arabs are descended from Ishmael. This understanding comes from the Bible itself, Jewish Rabbis, and from a meager oral tradition. Mohammed claimed this descent himself, though it is truly impossible to determine his actual pedigree, due to the fact of the wandering and unsettled nature of the Ishmaelite tribes. There is no known literature to support any genealogy, outside of the Holy Bible. The Ishmaelites are mentioned on only three occasions in Scripture: Genesis 37: 25, 27, 29; 39:1, Judges 8:24, and Psalm 83:6.
Most Arabs believe that as the first born of Abraham, Ishmael was offered on the altar, not Issac, and therefore the Biblical Covenants and blessings belong to them, and not the Jews. However, many nomadic Arabs, still hold to the early pagan traditions from long ago – believing in a law of blood-revenge which requires a man to know his ancestors going back for four generations, but no father back than that. The physical attributes, language, customs and traditions (pre-Mohammed corruption) along with the infallible testimony of the Holy Bible, makes the Arab nations, largely Ishmaelite in all respects.
Psalm 83
83 Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
9 Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
10 Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:
12 Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.
13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
15 So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.
16 Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord.
17 Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:
18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth
Bible Study – Esau Sells His Birthright
Our last devotional, covered the birth of Jacob and Esau. We can not underestimate the value of this lesson from Old Testament history. The twins “struggled together within her” (Gen. 25:22) in the same fashion that our new natures (received at the new birth) struggle with our old natures (received at the natural birth) once we are born again. Like Rebekah, we have the two personalities struggling within us. It is the struggle for mastery in the inner soul of every single, truly born again believer.
God ordained for the “younger new nature” (Jacob) to have dominion over the “older sin nature.” (Esau)
Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you
Genesis 25:29-34
29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?
33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Two wrongs occur here. Firstly, Esau in lust of flesh, sells what is not his to sell. Secondly, Jacob takes advantage of his brother’s weakness, and “deals” for something that also was not his. The blessing was from God, through Abraham and Issac. Esau demonstrated that he had a very low regard for the birthright blessing. Like fleshly Issac, who loved Esau more than Jacob because “he did eat of his venison,” Esau was given to fleshly appetites and and placed ALL of his value on “savory meat.”
Like the carnal Christian, Esau chose fleeting, temporal satisfaction. Jacob highly regarded the eternal. Those believers who walk closely with the Lord, seek the long ranging spiritual promise of the birthright.
The Vine Vigil 
