“You are In Error…”

Posted on August 8, 2018 by admin

In the gospel of Matthew chapter 22 and verse 29, Jesus begins His response to an attempt by the Sadducees, a religious sect who did not believe in the resurrection, to trap Him with a question from verses 24 to 28 in the same chapter.  Christ declares:   “…Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  Many of those who profess to be “Christians” or even “Preachers” of Christ, are like the Sadducees.  They don’t know the scriptures, and consequently, they make erroneous declarations due to their ignorance.

Let us look more closely at the views of this sect known as the Sadducees.  In the book of Acts chapter 23 and verse 8, we learn more about their core beliefs: “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit…”  By quoting Moses in Matthew 22:24, it is clear, they had, at least, what is called the Torah/Pentateuch – the first five books of the Old Testament attributed to Moses.  Consequently, how could the Sadducees not believe in angels, when the writings of Moses, in numerous passages, mentions angels?

And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.  (Genesis 21:17)

And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.  (Genesis 22:11)

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.  (Genesis 28:12)

It is also noted that the Sadducees didn’t believe in the existence of the spirit.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  (Genesis 1:2)

A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.  (Leviticus 20:27)

And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.  (Numbers 11:17)

Also, in rebuttal of the Sadducees’ claim that there is no resurrection, in the book of Genesis, the Lord tells us of His unique relationship with Enoch which affirms the complete opposite.

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.  (Genesis 5:24)

Chapter 5 of Genesis begins by recording for us the generations of Adam.  Up until verse 18, where Enoch is first mentioned, the average age of his progenitors are over 900 years old.  Enoch; however, is made worthy of special mention in verse 24, because he spends only 365 years on the earth.  It is not; however, recorded that he died, like the others before him.  If this seems still too ambiguous, we have this more sure word:

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”  (Hebrews 11:5)

Apart from this account in Genesis, surely the Sadducees had the writings of the prophets, and among them the record of Ezekiel.  Ezekiel chapter 37 and verses 1 to 14 declares the power of God to make alive that which was dead.

Even more profoundly, the Lord had this to say about their belief that their is no resurrection:

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.  (Luke 20:37-38)

* Please refer to Exodus chapter 3 and verses 2 to 6.

In light of the above verses which debunk the beliefs of the Sadducees, it is clear the foundation of their doctrine was not based upon Moses or the scriptures of their time.  Furthermore, it becomes important to ask, “If they [Sadducees] did not believe in angels, spirit or resurrection, upon what then did they base their hope?”

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.  (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

The late and former pastor Dr. Myles Munroe asserted that there isn’t any scripture in the Bible which instructs a wife to love her husband.  However, this is not true.  You can read my earlier post entitled “Men Don’t Need Love” that points to Titus 2:4.  Individuals like Dr. Munroe lead people astray.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;  (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

In light of today’s ever-expanding offerings of “Christian” literature and teaching aides, fewer and fewer individuals, who claim to be Christians, are even studying the Bible.  As a consequence, they are unable to discern the message of the charlatans.

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.  (Hebrews 5:13-14)

It is for this reason, every child of God is instructed to:  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  (2 Timothy 2:15)

And, Paul writing to Timothy declared and prophesied:  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)

It is no accident that the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 reaffirmed the efficacy of the scriptures.  Also, in his earlier letter he instructed Timothy to: “…give attendance to reading, exhortation, to doctrine.”  (1 Timothy 4:13)

Let us; therefore, brethren, study to show ourselves approved unto God…rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:25)

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Why are People Paying for the Gospel?

Posted on August 5, 2018 by admin

Today, the sale of “Christian” merchandise is a multi-billion dollar industry.  Apart from the purchase of Bibles and legitimate study aides, the seemingly countless offerings of “How-tos” for “successful Christian” living as well as miscellaneous other products rakes in untold wealth for this industry.  These wolves in sheep’s clothing: so-called apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, teachers, healers to name a few among a host of ignominious ecclesiastical titles have capitalised on the ignorance and greed of their followers to enrich themselves.

Many of them live in mansions, and command armies of “specialized” aides and servants; they have private jets; they have chauffeurs, and many expensive luxury cars; they wear the finest and eat the best.  However, I ask you, how does this lifestyle and example align itself with the scriptures they claim to teach?

The Disciples of Christ, as recorded in the New Testament, suffered many hazards and hardships to proclaim the gospel.

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.  (1 Corinthians 4:10-13)

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  (Philippians 4:10-12)

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.  (Matthew 10:7-10)

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)

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1 Peter 5:1-2)

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.  (1Corinthians 9:18)

This last verse is a testament to the heart and conviction of these men as servants of Christ.  These scriptures are in stark contrast to the opulence so shamelessly practiced and flaunted by these spiritual fraudsters.

Christ, Himself said, “…freely ye have received, freely give.”  If the knowledge and revelations they have received as well as the spiritual gifts they wield are all “gifts” of the Holy Ghost, why do they charge their followers for them in light of this instruction from the Lord?

When Simon the sorcerer offered money for the gift of the Holy Ghost, he was severely rebuked.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  (Acts 8:18-20)

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?  (2 Corinthians 11:7)  — The Literal Translation of the Holy Bible: Or did I commit sin, humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge?                     (2 Corinthians 11:7)

It’s now time that these men and women who falsely take the name of Christ for their gain be exposed and viciously rebuked.

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The Lord Promises Us New Heavens and a New Earth

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.  (Isaiah 65:17)

I felt joy after reading the above scripture.  It reminded me of the message of John, the baptiser, before he revealed the Messiah: “…Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  (Matthew 3:2)  However, I don’t hear this proclaimed anymore, though.

If you listen to Christian evangelists, preachers or teachers, it is more likely you’ll hear about countless other topics than the need for mankind to repent, because the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Yet, this simple truth seems to have been lost in the myriad of voices who claim to be preachers of the gospel of “Christ”.

It’s amazing how the 27 “books” which make up the new testament has generated such a vast universe of rhetoric, doctrines, debate and merchandise all aimed, supposedly, at preparing “believers” for the return of Christ.  Yet, the core message of the gospel seems to have been lost.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (John 3:16)

This scripture is the cornerstone of every evangelical message aimed at converting non-Christians to belief in Christ.  Despite being often quoted, and most widely known, the simple, but powerful truth of its message, has lost its efficacy among those who seek to misuse the gospel.

In the gospel of John chapter 3 and verse 16 the love of God for man is manifestly expressed by the creator sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us.  This love is not a warm hug, nor is it an ethereal cosy feeling of effervescence.  This love was demonstrated and defined by this sacrificial and self-less act of seeking our redemption from eternal destruction as a result of our inherent sinful nature.  Thus, the verse says: “…that whosever believeth in him should not perish…”

Owing to mankind’s sinful nature, in contrast to the creator’s holiness, we are eternally separated from the presence of God.  But, He, being a loving and merciful creator, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from His wrath against all ungodliness.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  (John 5:24)

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:       (Hebrews 9:27)

God has chosen a time for all men to be judged.  Therefore, for those who accept their sinful condition and receive the gift of his love through belief in His Son, they will be saved from the wrath of His final judgment.  What is the final judgment God?

There are many who do not believe that hell is real.  Regardless of what they choose to believe, those who are willing to accept that God does exist will do well to believe that while He is a God of love and of mercy, He is also a God of judgment.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.   (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…  (2 Corinthians 5:11)

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.  Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.  (John 5:26-29)

This fundamental truth is important to note, because being assigned to hell is not something anyone would desire as their final and eternal punishment.  Because of this knowledge of the ultimate end facing all those who reject the salvation in Christ, the preaching of the gospel to all mankind had greater impetus.

In the gospel of Luke chapter 16 and verses 19 to 31 Jesus gives an account of a rich man who lifted up his eyes in hell being in torment.  For the first time, those who read these verses get a much clearer picture, albeit not a complete one, of what the sufferings of the condemned are like.

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.  (Matthew 18:8, 9)

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  (Matthew 25:41)

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  (Matthew 25:30)

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  (Matthew 13:49-50)

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;   (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…  (2 Corinthians 5:11)

The good news of the gospel, along with the promise of new heavens and earth, is our God’s gift to those who believe Him and believe in His Son.  It is made even more profound, when we understand the great penalty to be paid for rejecting so great a gift of love and hope.

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…  (Hebrews 2:3)

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