The Trinidad and Tobago police service is a criminal enterprise. There is no other way to describe them, given their known track record among the many citizens who have had the misfortune to come within their gambit. Furthermore, what is … Continue reading →
Among all the scriptural instructions in the Bible given to the followers of Christ, have you ever asked yourself, why “Evangelical Christians” rally around abortion. This pseudo Christian entity masks its anti-Christ agenda by falsely claiming they are upholding God’s commandment – Thou shalt not kill – to protect unborn life. In fact, what they are, and have always been, is a racist white supremacist cult.
From the very beginning, European settlers of the United States used the Bible as their religious constitution to justify the murder, displacement and enslavement of the aboriginal peoples on the American continent. And, subsequently, this same quasi biblical authority was used to enslave men, women and children taken primarily from the west coast of Africa to fuel the economic engine of development. Apart from the many brutal acts of violent repression they used to extract unpaid labour, they specifically misinterpreted certain scriptures of the Bible to mitigated the threat of violent slave uprisings. In fact, many of the verses they deemed not to be conducive towards this objective were removed from this version of the Bible given to the slaves. Thus, they created what was referred to, in its time, as the “black Bible”.
As these “settlers” conquered larger swaths of land in the “new world” and expanded their industries, the introduction of greater numbers of slaves to drive this economic engine created a disproportionate racial demographic – with “blacks” far outnumbering “whites”. Over time, as slaves fought for and won greater autonomy, whites passed laws in order to maintain their autocracy, which they enforced by using unmitigated violence to curtail these freedoms. Fast forward to the present, and much of what was done in the past, to conserve white dominance, hasn’t really changed. However, the growing population disparity among whites and blacks, and subsequently a greater influx of non-white migrants, threatened to “naturally” wrest power from those who have long held it with the evolution of the democratic rule of one “man” one vote, which now includes women. In light of this competing racial divide and the divergent trend in birthrates exponentially favouring the financially and politically ostracised, along with the precipitous decline in the progeny of the white-ruling class, plutocratic whites fear the loss of their long-held status via the ballot box. Thus, they developed many insidious and nefarious stratagems in order to maintain white rule.
Some moves to stymie this eventuality have been overtly violent – the disproportionate killing and incarceration of predominantly black men. Others involve the passing of legislation to reduce migration from mostly non-white countries, Gerrymandering of districts to favour white municipalities, while conversely suppressing the right to vote among blacks and other racial minorities. Additional measures include opposition to the desegregation of white school districts and living areas in order to mitigate any increase in interracial relationships and marriages. Also, among these initiatives have been the displacement of racially diverse communities with rich whites through gentrification.
Evangelical Christians, who are the religious arm of this strategy of white dominance, sponsor political candidates who promote their “Christian” agenda. One of their primary mission pillars includes waging war against abortion. The true goal of this endeavour is aimed at bolstering the birthrate of the dwindling white population, even if this involves the crimes of incest and rape. Contrary to the widespread held view, promoted by this hypocritical sect, this objective has no support in the scriptures. The subliminal sub-text for this philosophy, which is couched in the guise of spreading God’s word, comes from the authors of similar works like “The Birth Dearth” written by Ben Wattenberg – a Jew. His promotion of white supremacy by supporting an increase in the white birthrate aligns itself with those of white slaveholders who introduced the “black Bible” in order to mitigated slave uprisings and to maintain control of a burgeoning oppressed black majority.
The main defining religious trait of “Evangelicals” is their outright rejection of the basic tenants of the scriptures. And, as is commonplace for such religious groups, they have metastasized into a pantheon of “Christian-like” organizations who each espouse their own brand of hypocrisy and apostasy, but who never stray from the central objective of their demonic moorings of white rule. Furthermore, it is not surprising, to those who know and practice the truth of the scriptures, that they attract such a large following of morally destitute individuals, because the Bible, from which they falsely claim to get their guidance, prophesied that they would garner such a mass following of apostates.
False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction. Even so, many will follow their immoral ways; and because of what they do, others will speak evil of the Way of truth. -2 Peter 2:1-2 (Good News Bible)
Therefore, it should not surprise anyone that “Evangelical Christians”, despite claiming to be God’s mouthpiece and advocates for newborn life as well as the Christian ethos of brotherly love, are always conspicuously silent and inactive when black and other minority people are attacked by white supremacists. This religious racial divide couldn’t be made much more clearer than by the fact there needs to exist, still to this day, in America, because of long-practised racial bias, a black church. Furthermore, if they would lend a fraction of the support for oppressed minorities in America that they give to the nation of Israel, the United States would experience an age of racial enlightenment and harmony that the world has never before seen. Yet, again, it should not surprise anyone, given the close ties which exits between the U.S. and the nation of Israel, that Israel’s brutal and violent oppression of the Palestinian people mimics the actions of the white racist Evangelicals of America.
There is a unique parallel which exits among Zionists and the European “settlers” of America. They both claim God-given ownership over their respective conquered territories. Each seeks to expand the demographic of their divinely “chosen” people by purging the “non-white/gentile” from their borders. America, through gentrification is targeting racially diverse and minority residents for eviction. While on the other hand, Israel encroaches more and more into Palestinian territories, via the expansion of illegal settlements. America has always disproportionately targeted blacks for incarceration and trampled upon their human rights, while Israel’s mass imprisonment of Palestinian men, women and children is designed to break their spirit and will for resistance against the illegal Israeli occupation. America’s scant regard for black lives is evidenced by their incommensurate acts of violence against them and by the highly-publicized killings of unarmed black men by militarized racist white police officers. Likewise, Palestinians suffer exponentially at the hands of Israeli soldiers who kill youths throwing stones, decimate their communities and families by dropping bombs on residential districts and by carrying out assassinations of the innocent. Those who highlight and expose these atrocities through peaceful protests, while calling for justice and a need to recognize their common humanity, are demonized by American and Israeli media alike as being either anti-American, or, in the case of Zionists abuses, anti-Semitic.
Zionists are all too aware that an American Congress controlled by a non-white majority jeopardises their security and their mission to establish an Israeli homeland. Therefore, they are not in the least bit opposed to the Evangelical Christian agenda. In fact, they support it, because their fortunes are inextricably linked to one another. Paradoxically and hypocritically, both these nations view the world through a distorted religious lens, and they falsely claim God’s divine sanction and authority in their march towards nationalism. However, it is clear from any casual reading of their own Biblical canons, this is definitely not the case.
Those who are followers of Christ look for the coming of the Lord and his reign over the world. They hope in the promise of eternal life, which is in Christ Jesus, as well as in a new heaven and earth wherein exits righteousness. In sharp contrast to this, the children of this world set their affections upon those things which pertain to this life.
We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. – Philippians 3:20 (GNB – Good News Bible)
For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (GNB)
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. – 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (KJV – King James Version)
The latter verse
speaks to those who are led astray by false doctrines of wealth which
are couched in messages of prosperity, success and coming into one’s
season. Therefore, there is a difference in the heart of those who
pursue the precious wealth of the promise of God in Christ that’s
laid up in heaven for them, as opposed to those who desire earthly
riches.
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. – 1 John 2:25 (KJV)
Nowhere in the scriptures will you find the promise of earthly riches to the followers of Christ. In fact the Bible says the following:
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. – Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: – Matthew 6:19 (KJV)
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. – 1 Timothy 6:8 (KJV)
There are numerous
other scriptures which speak to this truth. However, for those who
pursue the riches of this world, such instructions have no meaning
whatsoever. These are the ones who fall victim to the religious
charlatans who falsely claim to be teachers and servants of Christ.
False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction. Even so, many will follow their immoral ways; and because of what they do, others will speak evil of the Way of truth. In their greed these false teachers will make a profit out of telling you made-up stories… – 2 Peter 2:1-3 (GNB)
The above verse sums up perfectly the false “Christian” religious landscape we see today. Again, this is in sharp contrast to the disciples and apostles of Christ who were sent forth to preach the gospel.
He called the twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over the evil spirits and ordered them, “Don’t take anything with you on the trip except a walking stick—no bread, no beggar’s bag, no money in your pockets. Wear sandals, but don’ carry an extra shirt.” He also told them, “Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that place.” – Mark 6:7-10 (GNB)
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. – Luke 22:35 (KJV)
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. – Acts 3:6 (KJV)
Instead, in everything we do show that we are God’s servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties. We have been beaten, jailed, and mobbed; we have been overworked and have gone without sleep or food…although saddened, we are always glad; we seem poor, but we make many people rich; we seem to have nothing, yet we really possess everything. – 2 Corinthians 6:4-5,10 (GNB)
To this very moment we go hungry and thirsty; we are clothed in rags; we are beaten; we wander from place to place; – 1 Corinthians 4:11 (GNB)
Yet, in this time, we see those who claim to be servants of Christ enjoying excessive wealth. They ride around in chauffeur-driven cars; they fly in private jets; live in luxurious mansions and gated compounds; they book suites at five-star hotels; they dine at the best restaurants; they have an entourage of attendants, and they are bedecked in the finest clothing and jewelry. This lifestyle of opulence is a far cry from the hardships endured by the disciples and apostles of Christ we read of in the scriptures. Nor does it reflect the example that Christ left those who would follow him.
…sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! – Luke 18:22-24 (KJV)
“This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth much more than birds? Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?” And why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow: they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is God who clothes the wild grass—grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have! – Matthew 6:25-30 (GNB)
In consideration of the above verses, the pursuit of wealth by those who call themselves followers of Christ does not align itself with the scriptures. Even more so, many of the destructive philosophies of the world have now been repackaged as teachings of Christ, which they are not. Self-help gurus flood our airwaves and stores with their demonic doctrines creating numerous paths to spiritual ruin.
See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom (philosophy), which comes from the teachings handed down by human beings and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. – Colossians 2:8 (GNB)
My copious use of scripture is meant to show that the Lord has provided abundantly for our instruction, and that we lack nothing in the way of guidance into the path of life and truth.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (GNB)
Therefore, we don’t need these numerous scriptural aides and superfluous “Christian” texts, which, ironically do more to divert from the truth.
For some of these men go into homes and deceive foolish women who are burdened with sins and swayed by all kinds of desires. These women are always studying but are never able to arrive at a full knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and their faith is a counterfeit. – 2 Timothy 3:6-8 (ISV – International Standard Version)
Can you not see the parallels in today’s so-called “Christian” preachers in the above verses? Most of their audience is primarily made up of women and effeminate males. Unlike in those times, where they frequented the homes of these individuals peddling their destructive doctrines for gain, they now can do so using today’s technology. They get beamed into homes via satellite feeds and the internet. Also, there is no end to their numerous teaching and doctrinal aides, and whether it’s books, conferences, workshops, recordings or pod-casts, their deceived and gullible students are forever learning but unable to come to the knowledge of the truth. Consequently, II Timothy 3:8 sums up perfectly the character of these wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Contrary to the teachings of these charlatans, the child of God is called upon to:
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; – Romans 12:12 (KJV)
Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. – Philippians 4:6 (ISV)
Additionally, clearer instruction could not have been given than is written in I Timothy 6:5, where the child of God is told to withdraw themselves from those who teach that financial success is a benchmark of their spiritual health.
Therefore, I encourage the precious flock of Christ to not depart from the instruction and assurances of the scriptures.
May the peace of Christ remain with you. Amen.
It never ceases to amaze me how far removed today’s professed “Christianity” is from what Christ and His apostles preached. There is practically NO resemblance between what is taught and practiced now with regards to the teachings, doctrines and instructions of the Bible.
2 Timothy 4:3-5 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. (5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Firstly, who is a Christian? A Christian, is one who follows the teachings/example of Christ. The next logical question would be, what are the teachings of Christ? While there are many, I would like to focus upon what it means to be a follower of Christ, as opposed to what is actually being preached in many “Churches” in this era.
Luke 9:23 And he [Jesus] said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Mark 10:17-24 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? (18) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. (19) Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. (20) And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. (21) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (22) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (23) And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (24) And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
Luke 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke
18:28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
It is important for me to lay a foundation with the above scriptures, because sadly, few read the Bible anymore with the intent to know what Jesus Christ expects of them, despite their claim to be Christians.
Like the rich young man in Mark 10:17-24, many want the promise of heaven/eternal life, but they are unwilling to part with the things of this world in order to attain this “treasure hidden in the field”. Today’s so-called “Christian” teaching runs counter to the aforementioned scriptures. The catch-all phrase for this major doctrinal exposition is called “The Prosperity Gospel”.
Many adherents to what is called “Christianity” today subscribe to some form of this teaching. It advocates the eventual attainment of wealth, after suffering a period of austerity, as a testimony of the believers’ spiritual standing and well-being as well as victory over the forces of the devil which kept them, for a season, from their blessing. Again, this is not what Christ or His disciples taught those who believed Him to be the savour of the world and the spiritual door through which access is gained into the Kingdom of God.
There are many who claim to be followers of Christ (Christians); however, Christ said not everyone who says “Lord Lord” shall enter into the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 7:21.
Christ also spoke of those whose love for the world caused them to abandon following the path of righteousness – Matthew 13:22. Thus, such as these fail to see the example laid out by Him and His disciples in the scriptures.
The Disciples of Christ forsook family, friends and livelihoods to follow Jesus. They were mocked, despised, lied upon, imprisoned and considered to be spreaders of sedition. They embraced a greater treasure “hidden” in the world, which are the words and the example of Christ – the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Of Christ it is written: 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Our Lord gave up the “riches” of His heavenly abode to become poor – He put on flesh for the purpose of death – so we could inherit the “treasure” of internal life.
Consequently, those who hear the seed sown – the good news of salvation through faith in Christ – the gospel, are tested by life’s fiery circumstances to prove the calibre of their heart’s confession.
Romans 10:8-10 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; (9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Luke 8:11-15 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. (12) Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. (13) They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. (14) And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. (15) But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
At every point of our earthly life, those who are truly followers of Christ must be willing to lay down their “lives”, as Christ did for us. Lives in the earlier sentence is in quotes, because it speaks to more than just our physical life. It speaks to all that we may hold dare in this world. Whether we are called to sacrifice our family, friends, career, reputation, our money/wealth our home or country, nothing in this world, must be held in honour, worshiped or be loved above God. This is the example our Lord and His Disciples left for us.
Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
The scriptures record that those who are truly followers of Christ should look to Jesus:
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Think about what Jesus endured as a human being. Many of us will do our utmost to preserve what little dignity we may have left in the midst of circumstances which threaten to destroy our upright standing in society. NO ONE wants to be embarrassed. Neither does anyone volunteer to be falsely accused of a crime and to suffer the resulting public humiliation that comes with such an accusation. Yet, our Lord did along with many who followed His example for the promise of eternal life.
When the Lord said to those who would follow Him that they too must take up their cross, we must understand what He really meant. The cross was a symbol of shame. It was borne by those who were convicted of a crime. The cross represented a tortuous and painful death. For our Lord it also represented obedience to The/His Father through submitting to suffering, because to such was He appointed, even though He was innocent. Therefore, for those who profess to be followers of Christ, they must also take up their cross and bare the test of obedience by suffering in the same manner.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
The Lord NEVER promised earthly riches to those whom He called to follow Him. In fact, He says this to His disciples:
Luke 6:20-25 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. (21) Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. (22) Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. (23) Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (24) But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. (25) Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Furthermore, the Apostles of Christ taught the opposite of what is known today as the prosperity gospel, and they endured great hardship to preach the gospel.
1 Corinthians 4:11-13 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; (12) And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: (13) Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
These scriptures, I have used here, which record the blessed example of those who deigned to follow Christ are a small sample of the many which document the hardships and trials endured by those who set their desire upon the heavenly treasure. Yet, today this is not the teaching heard nor the example given.
In the testing/trying of our heart through these earthly hardships there is a truth that is missed by those who seek the riches of this world. This precious truth is obedience. Our Lord allows the question of genuine fidelity (love for God) to be asked and answered by our response to our suffering. Will we obey His commandments even in the midst of great adversity or temptation? Remember, this is the test that Adam and Eve failed in the Garden of Eden. Yet, our Lord, being the second Adam, passed.
1Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
Luke 4:2-4 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. (3) And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. (4) And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luke 4:7-8 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (8) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
Again, what more can I say about the patriarch Job who suffered much loss, but after he was tried, did not curse God and kept his integrity.
Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Consider the word “strait” in the above verses. It is not spelt straight – which means a direct and unaltered path between two points. Strait, in this instance, means: difficulty and hardship.
Those who teach contrary to this truth are marked for destruction and lead those who follow them towards the same end.
2 Peter 2:1-3 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 (to use a person for gain) of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
What more can I say than that which is already so copiously recorded in the precious scriptures about what it means to be a follower of Christ? Therefore, those who reject these writings, in fact, reject the true riches laid up in heaven for those who endure the trying of their faith and who remain obedient to the end. Conversely, those who adhere to the prosperity gospel are not following Christ.
There are countless people claiming to be “Christians” – followers of Christ – who walk contrary to the very instruction of scripture. However, this is and should not be surprising to those who are actually in Christ, because these are among those whom the Lord said will demonstrate a “form (appearance) of godliness…” I Timothy 3:5.
Jesus revealed in the parable of the sower that there are those who feign faith. However, the afflictions which will come upon them and their love for the things of this world, will expose them for who they really are.
The increasing “troubles” in the world are meant to separate the wheat from the chaff – the sheep from the goats. As tensions rise among nations and peoples of the world, those who have built their houses/lives upon the shifting sands of this life, instead of upon the unmovable rock of Christ, will suffer loss.
Additionally, I’ve noticed an amazing truth prophesized of by the Lord and manifesting itself in these times among those who say they are “Christians” and are not. They reject the scriptures outright. Amazingly, based upon their own lifestyle and utterances, it is clear they have never read the scriptures at all. It is for this reason, Paul, the apostle, wrote to Timothy to instruct him to:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
(2 Timothy 4:2-4)
As on that day, prior the Christ’s crucifixion, a choice was placed before the Jews by Pontius Pilate between Barabbas – the insurrectionist and murder – and Jesus. The priests – spiritual leaders – moved them to choose the insurrectionist and murderer. It is the same today – false “Christian” teachers lead the hypocritical masses towards their destruction.
“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 Peter 2:1)
