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Jan 30 2015
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Know Christ, Know Doctrine

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“For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” Pro. 4:2

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” I Tim. 4:13

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Tit. 2:1

The word doctrine has a simple meaning: It means instruction; and for the Christian, the instruction or doctrine is the word of God.

There was a young man who worked for me over 20 years ago. This man was raised in a Christian home. One day as we were talking, the word “doctrine” came up. He then said to me, “doctrine is of man.” I took a moment to reassure him that doctrine, true doctrine comes from the Bible. I could tell that he developed distaste for doctrine. One reason could be that he may have had men’s doctrine, mixed with biblical doctrine, forced upon him. It could also be because of another issue that I would like to address. That issue? Many hear Christians preaching written doctrine which lacks the power to reveal, what I will call, Living Doctrine; the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes, you can know Bible doctrine very well. You may have it memorized, itemized and categorized so well that you can debate with any high profile theologian, and yet, still end up in hell. How sobering to think that while you are reading this there are multitudes of souls in hell that had all their T’s crossed and their I’s dotted when it came to biblical doctrine.

Another reason that young man who worked with me could have been frustrated with doctrine is because some Christians are so staunch about the doctrine they believe, that they become a very mean spirited people. Unless you see it the way they do and agree with all the doctrines as they have them laid out, they will be very impatient with you and even write you off as a heretic. They lack such grace and patience toward other believers and criticize them for making the tiniest little doctrinal mistake. Don’t get me wrong, I think bible doctrine is of the utmost importance, but knowing doctrine, without knowing the living Christ, is as vain as anything else in this world. In fact, it could be more deceptive than just being out in the world, stumbling around in darkness. If you are in darkness there is a hope that you recognize your need for Jesus, the light of the world. However, if a person is not saved, but they have a good handle on bible doctrine, it could deceive them into thinking they are saved and blind them to their need of a Savior. My mentor used to say, “It was easier to get a man saved in a bar then it is to get him saved in a dead church.” At least in the bar a man can know he is lost. If an unsaved person is all puffed up in their knowledge of the bible, they are in a very dangerous position. The Lord resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. No doubt, there are many people who think they are saved because they know bible doctrine so well. Some know it better than some Christians do. However, if you are born again, if you know Christ, then you know doctrine. The author of it is living in you. Knowing doctrine however, does not mean that you know Christ. Just like if you love God you will love man, but loving man does not necessarily mean that you love God. If a person comes to know Christ, they may not yet know their bible too well, and may not be able to write specific doctrines down on paper or barely speak about them, but they will know doctrine simply because it is implanted in their heart.

Some years ago, a young man in our church, led one of his buddies that he went to high school with, to the Lord. His name is Joey. One day, Joey was invited to a bible study by another brother in our church. He went, but the brother who invited him did not show up. So Joey was there by himself amongst several men he didn’t know. Well, these men were advocates of the “once saved, always saved” doctrine. During the study, Joey was hearing things that didn’t sound quite right in the Spirit. He felt the Holy Spirit just told him to remain quiet since he was surrounded by men that had more experience with their bibles then he did. After he left the study and talked to a few brothers from our church, they explained to him about the doctrine they were teaching. How was it that Joey being so new in the word and only in the beginning stages of learning bible doctrine, was sensing what they were telling him was wrong? How was he able to identify false doctrine even though he had not yet known how to rightly divide the word? It was by the Spirit of God, who leads us into all truth. He had the author of all bible doctrine living in him. It was because he knew Christ. The Spirit of God that was in him, revealed that a lie was being presented to him. Thus he rejected what the man had to say. In his spirit, he knew what true doctrine was and what was false. He knew Christ, therefore he knew doctrine.

Our generation of ministers has done a huge disservice to millions of people by somehow letting them think that if they know the bible, if they know doctrine, if they know how to somewhat talk and act like a Christian, then they are therefore saved. People who are really saved have a testimony, they have had a revelation, they are known by their fruit.

For example, take a look at the Apostle Paul. He knew the written word (Old Testament) as well as anyone. Concerning righteousness which is in the law, he said he was perfect. Yet, he was making himself an enemy of God by hunting down God’s children. After Paul had his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he received a revelation of Christ. He knew who Christ was at that moment and all that doctrine he had in his mind now took on a different light. It was revealed to him that Jesus is the living embodiment of doctrine. That happened in an instant, all because he came to know Christ. He went on to write about half of the New Testament books. We know that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit, but he also could write those epistles because he had doctrine in his heart which came out in the letters he wrote.

In conclusion; saint of God, if you really want to know biblical doctrine well, seek the Lord Jesus Christ. Study Him, and you will think right when it comes to true biblical doctrine. Immediately upon hearing it, you will know what doctrine is true and what doctrine is false.

Jan 30 2015
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Are We Just Sinners Saved By Grace? (Continued)

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As I stated in last month’s article, I will continue to expound on, what I consider poor theology, Christians considering themselves sinners. I will be the first to admit that I have sinned since I have been saved, and I do not know of any believers that have not sinned since they became a believer. However, sin must not be our habit. You are what you practice. If you practice righteousness, holiness and faithfulness, then that is what you are. If you practice or have a habit of sin, then you are a sinner.

In last month’s article I closed with the suggestion that some may ask, “what about Paul claiming to be chief of sinners?” I would like us to take a look together at this portion of scripture where Paul makes that statement. It is found in I Timothy 1:15; “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” No doubt that the way this is translated into English it appears Paul is claiming to be the foremost sinner. Before I continue to look more into this verse I want you to consider a few things. If Paul is really stating that he is not just a sinner, but the worst of them all, why would he rebuke the Corinthians for allowing that man to have an incestuous relationship with his father’s wife? If Paul told them to remove that man from the church should they not remove Paul too, especially if he is a worse sinner than that man? If Paul was the worst of sinners, should he not heed his own warning to the Corinthians about the Lord’s Supper when he said, “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1Co 11:29). The worst of sinners would most certainly drink in an unworthy manner.

Again I ask, do you think the great apostle Paul was the worst of all sinners after he became a believer? I am sure he wasn’t and I am sure you don’t really believe he was either. I am a stickler when it comes to reading the bible. I believe, for the most part, we must believe the bible for the simple words it says, but every once in a while something is said that seems contradictory. When that happens we have to take a closer look at the passage(s). One of the most important rules of good bible study is to take the verses around a verse and let it help bring a clearer understanding to the passages in question. I tell my church often, “let the scriptures interpret the scriptures” Of course we cannot leave out the biggest factor of true bible study and that is the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. As we apply the rule of keeping scripture in context, not just with the verses around it, but the text of the whole teaching of the bible, we can get a clearer understanding of what Paul was really saying. Let’s look at the few verses that surround what Paul said in regard to being a chief sinner. Notice how often he talks in past tense in I Timothy 1:12-16.

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; (13)Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (15)This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (16)Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

In verse 12, Paul acknowledges that God found Him faithful. In verse 13 he states that he “was before” a blasphemer and persecutor, who at that time obtained mercy. In verse 14 he states that grace “was” exceeding abundant. Then going on to verse 16, Paul tells us he obtained mercy (past tense). When you read these verses together you can come to a simple conclusion that Paul wasn’t considering himself a sinner at the writing of this epistle, but that his life prior to his conversion was when he considered himself to be chief of sinners. Don’t forget, Paul persecuted the church of Jesus Christ and that is one reason why he felt he was such a sinful man. If there is one verse that I would think summed up Paul’s life after his road to Damascus experience it is, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20). I am certain none of you would argue against the point that if Christ’s life is being lived out in Paul and his natural life is reckoned dead, then he is not a sinner. The same is true for you as well. This truth helps bring clarity to what John meant when he said, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1Jn 3:9). That seed of Christ, which is in us, cannot sin. When we live according to the Spirit of God that is in us, we live the life of a saint, not a sinner. This is what is called walking in the Spirit.

When you walk in the Spirit, you are walking according to the nature, character and righteousness of Christ, in the measure of light He gives you. If you walk in the flesh, you can’t help but to express the deeds of the flesh. That is a sinful life. As I said in last month’s article, this could be the reason some Christians make the statement that they are just sinners saved by grace. It may be because they refuse to walk in the Spirit and instead walk in the flesh. If you walk in the flesh you are not going to feel very saintly; if you live in the flesh you are not going to feel close to God. However, if you walk in the Spirit, you will have the peace and joy of the Lord, and you will go out with confidence and boldness to tell others they too can be delivered from being a sinner.

Let me finish by saying that when we became new creatures in Christ, we received the indwelling Spirit, but there also remained that old fleshly nature. Through the Spirit we have power to overcome our flesh, and through the cross we can reckon our old man dead and crucified with Christ. If you are one that insists that we are still sinners because we have that old nature that we give into once in a while, I won’t really argue that point with you. I am well aware of the battle between the Spirit and the flesh. However, if you would read the New Testament in its entirety, you will see that the title of being a sinner is not given to the saints of the living God. If God doesn’t call us one, I am not going to argue with Him.

Jan 30 2015
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Are We Just Sinners Saved By Grace?

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There is a little phrase or slogan that is being said quite often in our church generation. That phrase is, “I’m just a sinner saved by grace.” There is even a song that the Gaither’s sing called “Sinner Saved by Grace.” Here are some of the words from the song: “And made me what I am today, just an old sinner saved by grace. I’m just a sinner, saved by grace.” So, is that what we really are? Evidently, many Christians think so, for I hear them say it, and I know many more believe that. I want to deal with this statement, so I ask you to give prayerful consideration to what I will be saying.

I want to start with a simple lesson from everyday life. Before I was married, I was free to live an independent life. I was what is called single. Once I stood before God with my bride and said “I do,” I gave up my independent single life. I became one with my wife at that moment and left that altar a married man. Since that day I got married, I have had some moments of desire for that independent life. There were even some times my wife got frustrated with me for doing my own thing, being selfish. Anyway, let me ask you a question to start challenging your thinking. Would my marital status change if I acted like a single man? Was I not still married even if there were moments I may have acted contrary to that? Now that I have you thinking a little bit, consider this scripture, “Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1Co 6:10-11) There was a time I was a single man, and such were some of you brothers reading this article, but today you are married. You are not called a single man, but a married man. There was a time in my life, and in yours, if you are born again, when we were called sinners. I was a sinner, and I knew I was a sinner. Some of my sins I liked, some I was ashamed of. One thing for certain, I was in bondage to sin. However, when I got saved, I didn’t just get my sins forgiven and promised heaven, but I was also given power over sin and freed from the bondage of sin in my life. So with that said, I stand confidently before the Lord today and tell you I am no longer a sinner. I am washed, I am sanctified, and I am justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I belong to Him now, and I identify with His life now. I must add that I do sin sometimes, but thank God sin is not my common practice. Righteousness, holiness and obedience to the will of God is the life I identify with.

Let’s go back to the example of marriage. You who are married, would you ever even think to deny you are married just because you failed your spouse sometimes? If I heard a married man say, “I am just a single man that is married to a woman,” I would consider him a selfish man that probably doesn’t want to be married. So I ask, why are some Christians so willing to identify with that old life they once lived, and consider themselves that same old sinner? There can only be a few reasons they would say such a thing. One reason is they may have never really been born again and made a brand new creature, but have somehow been convinced they are saved. Another reason is that, some just repeat what others may teach. A new believer tends to accept what older Christians say as a true Christian doctrine. A final reason is that some Christians may really be unwilling to fully yield to Christ. Therefore, they find some comfort in the idea that they are still just sinners, and shouldn’t be expected to live truly righteous lives.

So I think by now you can see that I do not agree with the statement that we are just sinners saved by grace. Instead, I say, “I was a sinner that got saved by grace.” Here is what the bible calls us that are born again: saints (sacred, blameless), believers, disciples, Christians (first called that in Antioch), brethren, children of God, servants, righteous and a few other titles. In all my reading I have yet to come across a born again believer labeled as a sinner.

Why do I even bring this issue up? Is it really that big of a deal? I think so, and following is one example why I feel that way. I have ministered to prisoners with other fellow servants of God. You may be surprised that many of the inmates that attend our meetings profess they are believers or claim that they once served the Lord. How is it, that men claiming to be Christians, find themselves law breakers to such a point that they have to be locked up in prison? Now if they were in prison because of the testimony of Christ, that would be completely different, but that is not the case. Now some of these men are desperate for an answer, because they don’t want to be jail birds for the rest of their lives. They want and need a minister of God to come in and tell them of the delivering power of God. No matter how good our intentions might be, we must not go in and say to them, “you know what guys, I am no different than you. I too am a sinner, I am just saved by grace.” These men don’t need to hear that hopeless talk. They need to hear that there is more than just forgiveness for sin. They need to hear that there is life changing power given from God to deliver them from the sin that put them in jail to the righteous life that will keep them out. If sinners want to be delivered from the bondage of sin, but you go and tell them that you too are nothing more than a sinner, thinking that will help console them, you are terribly mistaken. I ask, are we delivered from a sinful life or not?

One of my favorite scriptures I use when preaching to the lost is ‘But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (Jn. 1:12). Yes, we are given power to be children of God. We do not remain a people that are overcome with sin. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Co 5:17). Therefore, I am no longer a sinner, I got converted to a saint. Hallelujah!

I know someone may ask, what about Paul claiming to be chief of sinners? I will deal with that question in next month’s article as I continue on this topic.

Jan 29 2015
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More About Truth

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It was not my intention to follow up my last article, “The Truth About Truth” with another message about truth, but after reflecting more on this subject, I figured there is not a better time than now to bring out some more thoughts about truth.

Last month I shared how truth is more than something factual, truth is a person by the name of Jesus Christ. If you love Jesus, you love truth. If you downplay truth, you downplay Jesus. I also brought out how truth is what sets men free. So why in the world would the church ever mess around with the truth by trying to skirt around it? Proclaim the truth and let it, or I should say, let Him do His work. Another point I made about truth is that we can never really worship God unless it is in Spirit and truth. If your life is a lie, don’t think singing, shouting and raising your hands during a song service is going to be received by a holy God full of grace and truth. Then the very last point I made was that one of evidences of love is that it “… rejoiceth in the truth;” (I Cor 13:6). Real love, love for God, loves truth. If truth is diminished in a believer’s life, then understand, so is their love for God.

Now on to some more teaching about truth, right from the book of truth, and taught by the Spirit of truth. The Spirit only knows truth; He only speaks truth and fits the description as being the Spirit of truth. When we become born again believers, God freely gives us His Spirit of truth to dwell inside us. Joh 14:17 says, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” What a privilege, saints of God: We get the very Spirit of truth living in us Who will work in us and bring forth a living manifestation of truth. Everything we say must be true, and the life we live must be true. The Spirit accomplishes this in us when we cooperate with Him. Paul, writing to Timothy, called the church, “the pillar and ground of the truth” (I Tim. 3:15). Truth is what settles and establishes the church so she cannot be moved from the Rock she is founded on. Truth is the root that that goes down deep to anchor the church. Lies and deception dig away at the roots. If you disturb the roots of a tree, that tree becomes unstable. If Christians start downplaying and avoiding the truth then the church becomes susceptible to everything the devil will throw at her.

Joh 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” What a promise we have from Jesus. God will never leave us stuck somewhere between the false and the truth. As long as you brother and sister in Christ, have the desire and determination to walk in the truth, the Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth. It will be a lifetime pursuit, but all along the way the Spirit will be revealing the truth to you in a greater measure. There is never an excuse that we can come up with that will justify our ignorance of truth. We all are responsible to make sure we know, embrace and walk in the truth. We are warned over and over in our bibles to guard our hearts and to take heed that no man deceives us. As long as we are yielded to the Spirit of truth, it is impossible to be overcome by deception. There can certainly be moments when we can be deceived along the way, but that is when the Spirit of truth does His work. He reveals any deception we may be falling for as nothing other than a lie from hell. When the Spirit reveals to us things we believe to be false, we must then reject those beliefs immediately. If we refuse to, we then have willingly started down the path of deception and we are not only rejecting truth, but we are also rejecting Christ.

It is apparent that much of the church in America is bankrupt of truth. Be mad at me for making such a statement if you want, but consider this: If all the Christians in America would set their hearts and minds to really know the truth, the Spirit of truth would then guide us all into all truth. That alone would demolish our denominational separations; that would cause countless numbers of Christians to abandon dead truth rejecting churches to unite under the Spirit of truth. Sure, most churches believe and agree on many doctrinal issues. In fact I believe that they agree on more than they disagree on. However, Jesus said the Spirit of truth would lead us into ALL, let me say that again, ALL truth. Therefore church, we must believe and walk in ALL TRUTH. No excuses will be accepted.

Every so often you will meet believers that have faithfully served the Lord for many years, and yet have testimonies that they worked (or strived or endured) through all the confusion and worldly influence that had been so much a part of their church experiences. How did they do that? How did they have the ability to discern what God is in and what He is not? How did they know what was true and what wasn’t? It is by none other than the Spirit of truth. Saints, we have no excuse for any blindness we may have toward the truth. Let the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, guide you into all truth. When He reveals the truth, you are then accountable to that truth. Be brave, be bold and rise up with other saints all across this country to believe God and our bibles the way we should.

Jan 29 2015
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The Truth About Truth

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It is apparent that many of our politicians and most in the media have lost their ability to tell the truth. It wasn’t too long ago that one of our presidents became famous for lying. Jokes were made about his dishonesty. Instead of making jokes, this country should have been repenting. Today, the current man in the oval office has no sense of true or false anymore. He can go to an event and say one thing, and then go to another event and say the opposite and get an applause every time. It is not just him, who has mastered lying, but many others have made an art out of being dishonest, and then to have the press give a free pass to whatever they say is a source of major frustration. I often say, I am sure glad that the kingdom I belong to is an eternal kingdom that has a righteous King. Hallelujah! Now Paul tells us that we are not to judge the world, for they are judged already (I Cor. 5:12-13), so my purpose in even mentioning the bankruptcy of truth amongst the leaders of our nation is to lead up to an even more grievous situation that has to do with the church of Jesus Christ. Many times, the things that prevail in our society make its way into the church, and when it comes to this subject of truth, it seems there is a growing resistance towards it. I don’t know if saints really comprehend just what truth is and its connection with the kingdom of God.

For starters, the absolute most important thing we must understand about truth is that truth is more than just something factual. According to John 14:6 Jesus said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life:..” Sometimes, we hear a verse so often that we never pay close attention to what it really says. Jesus said some very significant things in this verse. First He teaches that the “way” is more than just a path to follow, the way is the person, Jesus. To get to the Father you follow the narrow way, which is nothing other than being in Christ. When Christians proclaim the truth that Jesus is the only way, the world views them as very narrow minded. However, those of us that are in Christ know there is nothing narrow about Him. He is infinite! Jesus continues on to make a proclamation about truth. Jesus told His disciples more than just true things; He told them that He Himself is TRUTH. So the very first thing we must understand about truth is that it is more than a fact, it is a person by the name of Jesus Christ. That understanding alone should change the way every Christian thinks about truth. Whenever we downplay truth, we are downplaying Christ. If truth is rejected, Christ is rejected. If truth is exalted, Christ is exalted. Since Jesus is also the word of God (Jn1:14) and the word of God is truth, you therefore cannot reject the truth of the word and still claim that you accept the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen this happen many times, where for the sake of unity, Christians will so easily lie down or compromise some elements of truth. It is impossible for true unity of the Spirit to spring forth from Christians agreeing to compromise truth. True and false will always be at odds with each other just like right and wrong. Jesus referred to the devil as the Father of lies because his kingdom is built on lies. He lied to his own heart and said 5 times in Isaiah 14, “I will.” He lied to man in the garden and he has continued to spew lies all the way to this present day. Hell is for liars; heaven is where truth lives.

Another important fact about truth is again found in John; “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jn. 8:32. What a wonderful effect truth has on mankind; truth can take a sinful bound up man and make him free. If you are a born again believer you can be certain that the truth is what made you free. So with this wonderful thought in mind, I ask, if truth is what sets people free, why does the church tinker around with truth? Why do believers think they have to cover it up when they preach to people? Why do saints think that avoiding the truth, so as not to offend anyone, is going to save them? If the truth sets people free, then let’s proclaim it from the house tops. Let’s hold it dear to our hearts, let’s promote it at all times, and most of all, may we never compromise one jot or tittle of it.

There is even more to say about truth that we learn from the gospel of John; “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (Jn. 4:24). Here again we can see another serious problem. If truth is absent or diminished in a believer’s life, God will not receive worship, whether it is a time of singing and shouting, or an offering of your life to Him. Again I say, if truth is rejected, then Christ is rejected. If Christ is rejected then there is no worship to God.

I want to bring out one more aspect of truth that is overlooked. There is something Paul says about it in the love chapter 13 of I Corinthians. Since the chapter is about love, it is possible to easily gloss over the word “truth” which is found in verse 6, regarding love. “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;” There are some ministers and believers who consistently resist the truth and proclaim false doctrines. I have had discussions with other believers about why they would listen to them or follow their ways. One reply I have heard many times is something like this; Well, I know they might be teaching or preaching wrong things, but I know they love the Lord. With that, let me ask you reader, if love rejoices in truth, and a Christian resists, downplays, neglects or even denies the truth, are they really someone that loves the Lord?

Jan 23 2015
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I Believe In Lordship Salvation

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“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” Acts 9:4-6

I have heard the phrase “lordship salvation” mentioned several times over the last decade from members of the body of Christ. What I have understood it to mean, is that if a Christian preaches or believes that in order to be saved, Jesus has to be your Lord, then that Christian believes in lordship salvation. If that is what it means, then I believe in “lordship salvation.” If it does not mean that, then I retract my profession that I believe it, at least until I understand what it really means. I have also heard it said, if a Christian believes they must submit themselves to the lordship of Jesus Christ, then they believe in a works salvation. In fact, I heard one preacher on the local Christian radio station, in a very smug tone, deny the little saying that goes, “If Jesus isn’t Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all.” I do understand that the lordship of Jesus Christ in the life of the believer is a growing process, but nonetheless, there must be the willingness on the part of the believer to surrender to the full lordship of Jesus Christ.

We can see Paul had no problem with that, He called Jesus Lord the instant He met Him. The very first words he spoke to the One who just knocked him to the ground was in the form of a question, “Who art thou, Lord,” followed by another question, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Imagine what force Christianity would be if everyone that got saved, started out with, Lord, Who are you and what do you want me to do? Paul even at the closing years of his life still had a strong desire to “know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings,..” (Philippians 3:10). At the very end of his life he was still, “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:31)

So if I have this right, those who deny “lordship salvation” accuse the saints that do believe in “lordship salvation” of trying to earn their own salvation. That may be so for those that have not yet found justification through faith, but for those who are saved, it is foolish to tell them that they are trying to save themselves.

Now I do know that Paul rebuked the Galatians when he said, “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3). Any Christian can become foolish and begin gravitating toward the law, but that is a whole other issue. We are talking about true, faithful believers who have committed themselves to obedience to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Besides that, Paul isn’t rebuking the Galatians for working out their salvation with fear and trembling, he is rebuking them for trying to do it in the flesh.

Do you realize how absurd it is to believe that Jesus doesn’t have to be your Lord? What some are saying is that Jesus will be your Savior, but He doesn’t need to be your Lord. Didn’t Peter say, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). You can’t have half of Jesus. You can’t just choose the Savior part of Jesus, you also have to take the Lord part of Him. You can’t get the Savior minus the Lord. I can’t help but to think that un-devoted or carnal Christians come up with these kinds of teachings. To me, it seems they are looking to justify a life that doesn’t honor God or help ease the conviction of a compromising lifestyle. Think what you want, but the bible still says, “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). These are people that say Lord, Lord, but don’t submit to His lordship.

In the bible, Jesus is referred to as “Lord” more times than “Savior.” The word “Christ” means anointed and Messiah (which means Savior), so I can’t deny when the word Christ is placed before or after the name Jesus, that it is referring to Him as the anointed Savior. Even then, we see the title Lord, put before Jesus Christ, in some of the scriptures. It is impossible to deny that this one that saved us, saved us not just to take us to heaven, but to be the Lord of our life. It isn’t just Jesus who is referred to as Lord, but the whole Godhead. Often you see the phrase “Lord God” throughout the bible. In fact the phrase “Lord God” is found 545 times in the KJV bible. What is there to not get about that?

I have never heard any Christian deny that God is their Father. I have never heard any Christian deny that God is their provider. I would never think that any Christian would deny that Jesus is the King of kings, which means He is our King. So too, if He is the Lord of lords is He not our Lord? The point I want to clarify is that if you call on the Lord to save you, He will enter you and be everything to you that God is.

Some may say that if you believe that as a Christian you have to submit to the lordship of Jesus, then you are denying grace. Well, Paul had no problem understanding grace in view of the lordship of Jesus Christ. He understood that grace and Lord go along together really well. Did you know that in every greeting of every epistle that Paul wrote (excluding Hebrews) the words “grace” and “Lord” are in the same verse? Grace and Lord are very compatible. Another word that is in each of these verses is the word “from.” Paul says this “grace” is “from” God and the “Lord” Jesus Christ. It is grace to be saved and grace to submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the gospels, the disciples and others that came to Jesus, most often referred to Him as Lord. Wouldn’t that be the obvious position Jesus would take in the life of those who called upon Him to save them? I don’t need to say much more to make my point, I will let the scriptures do that, after all, that is why I believe the way I do.

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:13

“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” II Peter 1:2

Jan 01 2015
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The Harlot Church (Part 2)

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Last month’s article was the first of a two part teaching on what I refer to as the Harlot Church. Before I get started, I just want to remind you that in the Old Testament, Egypt is a type of the world and Israel is a type of the church. The strange woman or harlot that is found in the portions of scripture in Proverbs chapters 2, 5 and 7, represents a type of the church that has fornicated with the world and committed spiritual adultery. Remember also, that the church is referred to as the bride of Christ. Therefore, the term harlot applies to that bride who has committed adultery against Christ. This harlot church is alive and well in America. This article, though to some it can come off as very critical, was written to warn you and help you identify this harlot church system so you can see how critical it is to stay far away as possible from her seductive power.

“And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)” Proverbs 7:10-12. The harlot church presents herself very seductively. She dims the lights and turns on the smoke machines. Song leaders and musicians are more concerned about putting on a professional show then they are pleasing the audience, who they have forgotten is God. One sister in Christ told me that years ago she went to a seminar on leading worship. She was told by the teacher “When you are on the platform singing, you should not be getting caught up in worship, but instead you should be looking at the people and making eye contact with them.” Evidently, the people must not be getting caught up in the worship either that they would be looking at the singers.

The “attire of a harlot” is provocative and sensual, and is meant to catch the attention and overwhelm the senses of the foolish. The harlot church also makes herself look attractive to this world by adorning herself with programs and entertainment that captivate the senses of man instead of minister to his spirit. She tries to find the ways that best appeal to the flesh. Don’t forget what Jude said, when he spoke of our day, “These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit” (Jude 1:19). The harlot church appeals to the senses, the true church appeals to the spirit. The harlot church promotes self, the true church denies self.

As the strange woman “lieth in wait at every street corner,” so too does the harlot church. there seems to be a decline in churches that hold to the truth and walk in the simplicity of Christ, we have these harlot churches springing up all over the place. They are the ones undiscerning, simple people flock to. Adding to the problem, many churches who were once faithful, are now fornicating with this world. You can see why there is such a lack of true Spirit filled churches. Brethren, if you discover that you are in one of these harlot churches, you need to come out from amongst her. Find a church that preaches and loves the truth. If God, in the days of Elijah, had 7,000 that have not bowed the knee to Baal, I am certain God has set apart for himself an assembly of like-minded, truth loving, Spirit filled believers who you can fellowship with. If you can’t find such a church, pray for God to raise one up.

“So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,” Proverbs 7:13

The harlot church works at creating an experience. She has conceived many ways to cater to and captivate those who lack understanding and discernment. That experience has the same seductive feeling as a kiss from a harlot does. It is captivating, it is sensual and can even give you goose bumps, but if you give into it, it will overwhelm you and overcome you. Saints, walk in the Spirit, not in the soulish realm.

“I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. 15Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. 16I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.” Proverbs 7:14-18

The harlot church maintains some form of religion. She makes her peace offerings and keeps her vows, but not the vow of faithfulness to God. She has adorned her house with the finest things of this world to attract multitudes of people. She calls out to everyone, come and enjoy what we have fashioned just for you. Come and enjoy the love.

“For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: 20He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.” Proverbs 7:19-20

A sermon on the practical things in life is what you hear preached at a harlot church. Christ is not preeminent, for He is no longer home. The harlot church tries to equip you for a carnal life lived now and only now. There is no mention of the day of the Lord; there is no anticipation for the rapture. The affections of the harlot church are centered on things below, not on things above. They don’t warn anyone to watch and pray, for they say in their heart, “my Lord delayeth His coming.”

“With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. 24Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.” Proverbs 7:21-24

There are many saints who know they are in a harlot church. They think that they can remain there and say like Samson, “I will go out as at other time before, and shake myself.” At one time they would have had the discernment to know better than to let Delilah play with their hair. If you remain in compromise too long, then the destruction will come suddenly, like a dart through the liver and a bird going to the snare. Hearken oh saints of God, to the call to come out from amongst her.

“For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Proverbs 7:26-27

Have you ever heard the saying, “Christians kill their wounded?” Personally, I hate that saying. Real Christians have compassion and help heal and restore their wounded. It is the harlot church that casts down the wounded. The harlot church can even take down the strong. Don’t ever consider yourself beyond falling. You may know of a few ministers, who at one time seemed to have had an anointing, but since have lost it. They were once bold enough to call out sin, but now they tell everyone that they are alright. They once loved the truth, but since have embraced the harlot and have been seduced and deceived by her. Yes, “many strong men have been slain by her.”

Jan 01 2015
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The Harlot Church

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It was in May of 2005 when I first heard the phrase “harlot church” peached in a sermon. I had evangelist, David Owens at my church for several days of revival meetings. He preached about the harlot church of our day in one of his messages and my youngest son Aaron was so enlightened by the word that he experienced a true heaven sent revival. Today, Aaron serves as an evangelist and labors with me as we travel our state encouraging and uniting the remnant believers.

This topic of the harlot church, which this article is about, is a hard message, and it may anger you to hear me say the things that I am going to say. But it is worth the risk, because it is a message every believer must hear.

The harlot church is revealed to us in Proverbs chapters 2:16-19, 5:3-6 and 7:5-27. Since I have to keep this article somewhat brief I will write it in two parts. My intention is to give you an overall view of who and what this harlot church is of our generation so you can see her and run from her, just as Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife.

Let’s start with Proverbs 2:16-19; “To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; 17Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. 18For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. 19None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life [all emphasis mine].”

Verse 16 starts by telling us about the “strange woman,” even the “stranger.” Who is this strange woman? Who is this stranger? The Hebrew for this woman described here, has a few meanings such as, she is foreign, profane, a non relative, adulterous, different and even wonderful. This strange woman is what I am referring to as the harlot church. The harlot church is a church system that commits spiritual adultery against the Lord and has seductive power just as a prostitute does to the sex crazed man. The easy believism and the mega church mentality of our day, is the harlot church of our day. The book of Proverbs says she has turned away from the right direction; she has forgotten about her God. She is sensual and flattering. She allures sinners and saints alike into her sensual ways. Those fallen prey can’t help but look at her and call her wonderful. But her ways are foreign to the true bride of Christ. There is no real relationship between her and Christ.

The harlot church desires and promotes something different because she no longer is, if she ever was, satisfied with the love of Christ. Her way is death, do not go unto her. But many have. If you wonder why some Christians you know remain in that harlot church system, then verse nineteen reveals why: They have gone unto her and there is no returning. They have grown so comfortable with her because she never challenges and she never judges. She is an adulteress and willingly receives and accommodates all those that come unto her. She has a seducing power that deceives those influenced by her. Brethren, if you know of saints that are in this harlot church system and have been captivated by her, do not give up on them. Pray that God will open their eyes and bring them out from amongst her. Maybe you cannot talk them out of her arms but nothing is impossible for God. Pray fervently that God will yet rescue those remnant believers out of the embrace of that strange woman.

Proverbs 5:3-4; continues to emphasize how smooth and alluring the harlot church is, but also warns that if you go that way, your end will be bitter as wormwood. “For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.”

Moving on to chapter seven of Proverbs, we encounter this strange woman, the harlot church again. “That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words [emphasis mine].” Proverbs 5:7. This is the second of three times that we learn that one of the main techniques the harlot church uses is flattery. The harlot church will mail out surveys to learn what best will attract people to their church. She creates programs suited to appease the interest of those who attend. She flatters the crowds with enticing words. The preachers of these churches work hard at finding the right words to say as not to offend or challenge anyone. The preachers are motivational speakers who lack a baptism of Spirit and fire. I heard of one church telling a visiting evangelist not to use the word “sin” because it makes the people too uncomfortable. In the harlot church, the message that “God loves you,” which no doubt is a true message, is taken to the extreme level. They make everything about fulfilling your good pleasure. Many of you know of a popular pastor that wrote a book, Seven Steps to a Better You. The problem with that book is that the “YOU” must die, not get better. The harlot church promotes you, but the true church promotes Christ.

“And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, 8Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, 9In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night [emphasis mine]:” Proverbs 7:7-9. The words “simple ones” means silly (that is seducible). These simple ones can be Christians who don’t take their walk with the Lord serious. They don’t maintain a life of prayer and meditation upon the word of God. They don’t stay in fellowship with mature believers. They go about their walk with the Lord in a careless manner and thus are void of understanding. These kinds of believers are easy prey for the strange woman whose intention is to seduce them to go to her house.

“And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)” Proverbs 7:10-12. The harlot church presents herself very seductively. She dims the lights and turns on the smoke machines. Song leaders and musicians are more concerned about putting on a professional show for the crowd than they are pleasing the audience, who they forgot is God. One sister in Christ told me that years ago she went to a seminar for those involved in a worship team. She was told by the teacher that when you are on the platform singing, you should not be getting caught up in worship, but instead you should be looking at the people and making eye contact with them. Evidently, the people are not getting caught up in the worship either that they would be watching the singers.

Nov 30 2014
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The Power of Preaching (Continued)

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“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”  (Rom 1:16)

 

All the gimmicks, all the techniques and all the productions that we have allowed in the church today have sent a clear message that our generation is ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It seems as though preaching has taken the back seat to the ideas and inventions of men. Confidence has been lost in the preaching of the gospel. There may not be an open confession of shame, but anytime someone tries to cover up or down play something it usually indicates there is shame toward that thing

 

As I said in last month’s article, preaching is still the chief means to winning souls and strengthening the church. There is a phrase that is quoted in the Old Testament 415 times, this phrase we are all familiar with; it is, “Thus saith the Lord.” Moses was the first to say it. He said it when he went before Pharaoh with his one line sermon, “Let my people go.” There is a big difference between Moses saying to Pharaoh, you better let God’s people go and “Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go.” Many of the prophets after Moses said, “Thus saith the Lord,” because they were doing more than just talking to Israel, they were doing more than just giving them a little exhortation, they were speaking for Almighty God. I remember back in the late nineties hearing it said, “We are not to speak about God but to speak for God.” I thought to myself that would be pretty arrogant of someone, to get up and preach and think they are speaking for God. But, after some thought I realized it must not be any other way. Even a heathen can talk a little about God. I remember doing it before I was ever saved. Real preaching is speaking for God. Not, thus saith me, or here is what I have to say, but this is what God is saying to you right now. This is what makes preaching powerful. It is God talking personally to man through servants that speak for God.

 

Our pulpits and airwaves are over run with motivational speakers. Man, through his own ability, can move people through the power of speech. Barack Obama won not just one election, but two by his ability to speak what the people want to hear. While the church minimizes preaching, the world continues to use it to push forth their agenda. Adolf Hitler, captured the hearts of a nation because of his ability to convince people. A smooth talker can get people to believe a lie. We have a lot of smooth talkers in our pulpits today. Could it be that the motivational speakers in the pulpit are doing more to prepare people to receive the antichrist than this world is?

 

It was in March of 1997 when I rode down to Beaumont, Texas, with some minister friends of mine to attend a minister’s conference. I was not in the ministry yet, but I was willing to be challenged by some good preaching. The preacher that was holding the conference was named B.H. Clendennen. The first meeting started on a Tuesday evening, March 25. The meetings were to end after the Friday 10am meeting. Brother Clendennen preached Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. The messages were good but nothing that really gripped me yet. When he preached again Wednesday night he said a phrase something like, “we are to demonstrate that Christ is alive.” That statement isn’t what you would consider to be a very profound statement, however, when he said it, I was devastated. I immediately began to repent to the Lord for not understanding what it means to be a Christian. For the rest of my time there at the conference my heart remained very repentive. I experienced a powerful revival that day that so affected me I never recovered. Here I am 16 years later still impacted by one message preached by one Spirit filled man of God. God made that message real, God revealed Christ to me through a man of God. There was nothing the church ever offered me that so dramatically changed my life as a Spirit filled servant of God speaking a message for God. From that day forward, I couldn’t help but see all the efforts of men to scheme clever programs, offer enticing attractions and market the church, to be nothing but foolishness. Even worse, leaving the lost unaffected. I suppose if a pastor is just looking to fill pews many of these things will work. In fact here is one trick you can try. Just walk around the neighborhood where your church is located and give people a free raffle ticket. Tell them if they come to church Sunday you will draw one ticket (visitors only), and the winner will win $500.00. You could probably fill every seat or pew. I hate even suggesting this because someone might say, hey, that’s a good idea, let’s try that this week. I must say, any minister that compromises to get people in His church and then thinks he is going to preach them saved is fooling himself. I know some will give me testimonies of people that came to the Lord through the productions and entertainment that the church offers. I just wonder, do they really get saved, or do they just agree to commit to some watered down, world friendly Christianity? Spirit filled preachers will never compromise for numbers. A preacher that isn’t Spirit filled will not be able to speak for God. If he can’t speak for God then he might as well remain silent. Jesus commanded His disciples to tarry until they received power from on high. When that power fell, Peter stepped forth with a message for God to the people. He spoke it, 3000 heard God speak and were cut to the heart. Spirit filled saints, speaking for God is what God ordained to save souls and strengthen the church.

Nov 30 2014
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The Power of Preaching

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“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”  (Rom 1:16)

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”  (1Co 1:18)

“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”  (1Co 1:21)

 

Several years ago, while I was still running my construction business, I had to go collect from one of my customers. It was a Friday evening so my wife decided to come along with me and afterwards we would go get a bite to eat. When I got to my customer’s house I found out she wasn’t home, so we thought we would kill a little time and go visit the shops that were in town a few blocks away. We happened to walk into a joke shop and my wife heard a man that was behind the counter playing a hymn on the mandolin. We asked him if he was a Christian and he acknowledged he was. He then pointed to some brochures that he had on the counter. They were brochures for his ministry, which was visiting churches and doing magic shows for the kids. He would use that as a means to share about Jesus. I am not bringing this up to judge the man, but I will say I would not invite a magician to perform at my church. Anyway, the man told me that quite often when he goes to a church to perform his magic show, the adults that are in the room as well as some that may be watching from the hall will come up to him afterwards and tell him they got more out of his magic show then they did from the sermon the pastor preached. Something happened to me right at the moment he told me that. I would normally get mad and say something in my heart like, “Why are you even bringing that magic show into the church?” but then I realized, the problem isn’t the magic show; the problem is that the preacher couldn’t out preach the magic show. Saints of God, the lack of powerful preaching is an epidemic in some of our churches today. I even heard one pastor say that preaching just doesn’t work anymore. Maybe talking or orating doesn’t work because God never ordained just talking, He ordained men full of the Holy Ghost to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to be the chief means to reach the lost and strengthen the saints. I have heard it said and I am sure you have to, that the message never changes just the method. I use to nod my head in half hearted agreement with that, but today I boldly tell you that neither the message nor the method has changed. If you don’t think preaching the gospel is relevant to our sophisticated generation then consider this; “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”  (Mat 24:14). Did you see that, the gospel is going to be preached right up to the very last of the last days? By another verse we can see that preaching will go on even during the tribulation period; “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” (Rev 14:6). By the way, skits, entertainment, songs and such are not what is considered preaching. To preach means to announce the good news, but scripture teaches us that it is more than just announcing, it is demonstrating and manifesting Christ through preaching. Real Holy Ghost anointed preaching reveals Christ to the listener. This kind of preaching can only be accomplished through Spirit filled believers. I am not just talking about pulpit preaching, I am talking about anytime anyone of us shares with the lost.

 

Before Jesus ever started His earthly ministry He was filled with the Spirit. It was said about Jesus, “The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.” (Joh 7:46). Jesus spoke like He did because He was endued with power from on high. This same power is promised to every believer that will ask our heavenly Father for the Holy Spirit. We don’t need another invention or gimmick. We don’t need to put on some spectacular show to try to attract and win the lost. The preaching of the gospel is the answer and you can take that with you wherever you go. All that was prescribed to Ezekiel to raise up those very dry bones was to prophesy, which means to speak under inspiration; that is Holy Ghost inspiration. Peter, filled with the Spirit, preached less than a three minute sermon on the day of Pentecost and it cut the heart of 3000 men and made them desperate. Stephen preached a short synopsis from Abraham to Solomon and then identified it with his present age and the crowd couldn’t handle it and stoned him. However, it didn’t end there, Saul, who later became Paul, heard that message. After he was converted he went armed with the gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and through much opposition, brought thousands to the Lord. At the closing years of Paul’s life, he did not discover a more effective way to win others to Christ. The last verse of the book of Acts tells us he was, “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” (Act 28:31). Our generation needs you saint of God, to be filled with the Spirit and rise up and preach the gospel. There still is power in the gospel of Jesus Christ when it is preached by Spirit filled saints.