Correction and Reproof of Liberal False Teachers

Today, I feel led to share a link to my friend Neil's blog - Eternity Matters.  He has written an excellent post that biblically "outs" the  false teachers from the realm of liberal Christianity!  You will learn a lot and be truly blessed by the truth he shares!

As usual, when Christians share the truth of the Bible with theologically liberal Christians, it often leads to a battle.  There is one commenter over there who was a bit up-in-arms because he thought that Neil was "judging" liberal Christians.

4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters

A simple way to out theologically Liberal Christians for the tares and wolves that they are - One of the easiest ways I’ve found to “out” false teachers is to ask if they believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation. They very rarely do. They’ll...

 

Excerpt:

One of the easiest ways I’ve found to “out” false teachers is to ask if they believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation.  They very rarely do.  They’ll defend their false view with some tidbit they’ve heard then try to change the subject.  Some, like false teacher Chuck “Jesus is not the only way” Currie, come up with entire sermons designed to rationalize away plain texts like John 14:6 (Jesus answered, ”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.).

Theologically Progressive/Liberals who claim the name of Christ mock the cross and the blood of the martyrs.  They refer to a few Bible verses, though almost always out of context, but if you keep them talking long enough they deny nearly all the essentials of the faith.

What they don’t know is that there are more than 100 passages supporting the truth that Jesus is indeed the only way to salvation.  When you point that out they work overtime to ignore you or change the subject.  Don’t let them do that.  And keep in mind that many of them have Masters or Doctorates in theology yet they have read the Bible so little that they don’t even know that truth!
  
Just ask them this: Do you believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, or do you rationalize away the 100+ passages affirming that truth? Follow-up question: If you deny those passages, then you are denying that the Holy Spirit inspired the original writings, so what is your evidence that the original writings were wrong but that the Holy Spirit is now accurately revealing truths to you?

 

 

 

Read it all HERE!



Neil asks the 2 pertinent questions at the end of that excerpt:

Just ask them this: Do you believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, or do you rationalize away the 100+ passages affirming that truth?

Follow-up question: If you deny those passages, then you are denying that the Holy Spirit inspired the original writings, so what is your evidence that the original writings were wrong but that the Holy Spirit is now accurately revealing truths to you?

Read the entire post and comments.  Neil answers each query and objection by utilizing biblical hermeneutics masterfully!


My comment there:


Unfortunately, liberal Christians often make the same mistakes as non-believers. They equate the necessary correction and reproof by fellow Christians as “judging” others. But the fact is that man can be guilty of “judging” God’s Word and rejecting the truth therein; precisely because it goes against their own personal beliefs regarding what constitutes sin. Instead of agreeing with what God has revealed in Scripture, they want to hold onto their own ideologies or secular beliefs. When they do that (by not utilizing exegesis, Scripture interprets Scripture – meaning proper hermeneutics), then they incorrectly interpret Scripture and thus the true meaning can be lost. Such methods easily lead one astray into heresy and apostasy.
 
We are only human – and when I get something biblically wrong, I want my fellow Christian brothers and sisters to correct me! The best way to do so is with Scripture itself! [I must add that Neil's post uses Scripture masterfully - and thus all that he wrote can be upheld biblically - which is the most important test in sharing the truth!]

There are many Scriptures that tell us to avoid such misinterpretations. 2 Timothy 2:16-17 is just one example:

2Ti 3:16
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2Ti 3:17
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work

.
The importance of the Holy Spirit guiding the born-again believer can’t be emphasized enough! Jesus told us that he would send the Helper (at Pentecost) who will testify of him (Jesus), bring all we have learned back to mind and help us to properly learn, study, and apply Scripture!


Jhn 15:26
“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

Notice that Jesus needed to depart in order for the Holy Spirit to be sent.

Jhn 16:7
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

Jesus also tells us the purpose of sending the Holy Spirit to us:

Jhn 14:26
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

And we also find out that the Holy Spirit will abide in us forever:

Jhn 14:16
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—

This is why Jesus claims that he will be with us always, even unto the end of the age:

Mat 28:18
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth
.
Mat 28:19
“Go therefore[fn] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Mat 28:20
“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.[fn]


What’s more, the closer we get to the end times we know that there will be a falling away from the truth. This is why the 2 Timothy 3:16-17 instruction is so crucial when sharing the Gospel of Christ!

See the book of Jude for one example.



Hat tip:

4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters

A simple way to out theologically Liberal Christians for the tares and wolves that they are

Sharing the Triune Nature of God

HT:  james2.com


Late yesterday morning while walking my dogs back to our home, I found a man with a shoulder sack and his daughter standing at my front door.  I thought, "Let me guess...either they are Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons!"  Well, I was correct.  They were Jehovah's Witnesses (JW's). 

The man said, "Hello, my daughter would like to offer you some information."  Next, the little girl (I would guess she was around 8 years old) started talking about the Watch Tower pamphlets in her hands.  I politely listened to what she had to say,  knowing that I would not be taking the pamphlets.  However, I told her that I was very impressed with how well she briefly articulated what the pamphlets contain.

I have learned over the years that it is best to "cut to the chase" when speaking with JW's.  I looked at her father and stated that I had shared the company of a lovely woman named Teresa back in the 1990's.  She came to my door in her wheelchair, and I didn't have the heart to turn her away.  However, after several weeks of visits, we ended up parting ways when her faith teaching rejected the reality of our triune God. 

The man instantly knew who I was talking about!  This has been a typical reaction of the JW's with whom I have had encounters over the years.  They all know each other!  Teresa T.  had passed away many years ago.  The man said he knows of her legacy and he knows her husband.

I stated that Teresa had taught me a lot about the Old Testament Scriptures.  However, when the subject of the Trinity came up it was obvious that we had strong disagreement.  I added that Matthew 28:19 tells us that Jesus specifically stated that we are to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the NAME of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  The original language in Aramaic reveals that Jesus used the singular version of "name."  He didn't say, 'in the names.'  Therefore, we have evidence of the Triune nature of God.  The fact that Jesus used the terms "and of the Son; and of the Holy Spirit" separately from his reference to God the Father reiterates that they are three Persons in one Godhead.

Mat 28:19

“Go therefore fn and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(28:19) M-Text omits therefore.


The Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that believing in the Trinity is paganism.  They do not agree with the concept that God can be three Persons in One.  They think that believing in the triune nature of God is believing in three different gods.

Interestingly enough, the man pulled out his cell phone and went to an app for JW's.  He checked the concordance-like site and agreed that Jesus did use the singular term "name" in the Matthew 28:19 verse.  But he then added that the JW's have an explanation for that.

I briefly told him of my journey from Catholicism to becoming a born again Christian.  Then, I told him that I have been a student of Bible study for over 25 years.  He said that he has studied [his version] of the Bible for many years and appreciates meeting Christians who have done the same.

We both knew that we would not end up studying together.  But I urged him to seek out more information regarding the triune nature of God.  I encouraged him to do a computer search for D. James Kennedy's expose' on the Trinity.  It's a classic!  I also shared that there is scientific evidence of the triune nature of God within Creation. 

Talk Wisdom's previous posts about this topic:

Understanding the Trinity

The Trinity All Around You

Excerpt:


In Dr. D. James Kennedy's booklet entitled "Understanding the Trinity; Evidence for God in Three Persons," Dr. Kennedy describes that the universe itself explains the Trinity.

Dr. Nathan Wood, formerly president of Gordon College of Theology and Missions, wrote a magnificent book, The Secret of the Universe. In it he spells out for us the result of years of searching in the natural realm for some kind of analogy that was correct for the Trinity. He finally came up with the universe itself.

It is so simple.

It is right there in front of us.

We can never get away from it.

It is always there.

We ought to see it very clearly.

He points out that any man who manufactures anything or makes anything with his hands is going to inevitably leave his fingerprints upon it. If you were to create a table or chair or something in your workshop, it would contain your fingerprints.

Dr. Wood says that the universe is covered with fingerprints of the Trinity because it was made by the Triune God. The Bible says that the Father created the universe, the Son created the universe, and the Holy Spirit created the universe - the Triune God created the universe.

What does Dr. Wood mean by that?

Well, there are fingerprints everywhere. We just don't see them.

I would suppose that there are literally millions of fingerprints in this very sanctuary. Did you see any today? Not a one. We are blind as a bat when it comes to fingerprints. We just don't see them. First of all, we're not looking for them. Now you might see them at home on a mirror or something like that, but ordinarily, we don't see fingerprints. However, if a detective were to come in here and begin to dust the wood on the pew in front of you, he would find thousands of them. So let's put on our Sherlock Holmes cap, get out our dusting brush, and see if we can see the fingerprints of Him who made all things.

What does the universe consist of?

If you were to ask a scientist, he would tell you it consists of space, time, and matter. Now amazing to tell, we find all of those three things everywhere in the universe - not that we have a universe where some of them exist sometimes and not at other times. It is also true that each of the triune parts of the universe is, in itself, triune.

SPACE

Let us look at each one of them. For example, consider space. What is space composed of? It is composed of length and breadth and height. Always. There is nothing you could name that is not composed of all three of those things. If you were to simply take a pencil and draw a line on a piece of paper, it would have length, it would have a little bit of width, and if you looked in a powerful microscope, you would discover it has quite a bit of height. You can't see it with your naked eye; however, it's always there.

Something that I think is amazing about this is that God always consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - not one or the other. It is not a piece of the pie; it's the whole thing, always. Imagine a square block that a child would play with. Draw a picture of it in three dimensions. Then you could take that picture, and with a pencil and using all length, you could make a bunch of lines and fill in that entire block with nothing but length. I have done that sometimes in fancy lettering. Maybe some of you have as well. Or you could take the same block and make the whole thing out of width, or out of height. The fact of the matter is that it is all length, it's all breadth, it's all height all of the time. That's a perfect illustration of the Trinity.

TIME

Or take the matter of time. Of what does time consist? Obviously, it consists of the past, the present, and the future - those three. Any time we have ever known in this universe always consists of those three. Usually we have the idea that we come out of the past, that that really is first, because that is where we came from. The fact of the matter is, time comes from the future, and we meet it head on.

For example, today, yesterday was called tomorrow, and now it's today. A week ago it was called next week, and now it is today. A year ago, it was called next year. So as time approaches us and we move through it, that is what always happens. Anything is first in the future, then in the present, and then it disappears into the past. That is the way time always works. That in itself is an amazing story when you examine it carefully. Past, present, and future.

Dr. Nathan R. Wood gives a fascinating quote that is so remarkable I would like to share it with you. I would challenge you to try to see if you can follow his drift.

He is going to give a long paragraph. Then he is going to give it again, only this time he is simply going to change four words. These four words are "time," "future," "present," and "past". They are going to be changed into "God," "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit."

You are going to find out something some of you never knew before - that time, which you live by, which you look at constantly in the way of clocks you wind up every day, and which you make your lives run by, is an incredible illustration of the divine Trinity.
(Note: To make this paragraph easier to read, I will post it in a prose format).


Read carefully:

"The Future is the source.

The Future is unseen, unknown, except as it continually embodies itself and makes itself visible in the Present.

The Present is what we see, and hear, and know.

It is ceaselessly embodying the Future, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment. It is perpetually revealing the Future, hitherto invisible.

The Future is logically first, but not chronologically.

For the Present exists as long as Time exists and was in the absolute beginning of Time.

The Present has existed as long as Time has existed.

Time acts through and in the Present.

It makes itself visible only in the Present.

The Future acts and reveals itself through the Present.

It is through the Present that Time, that the Future, enters into union with human life.

Time and humanity meet and unite in the Present.

It is the Present that Time, that the Future, becomes a part of human life, and so is born and lives and dies in human life.

The Past in turn comes from the Present.

We cannot say that it embodies the Present.

On the contrary, Time in issuing from the Present into the Past becomes invisible again.

The Past does not embody the Present. Rather it proceeds silently, endlessly, invisibly from it...

The Present therefore comes out from the invisible Future.

The Present perpetually and ever-newly embodies the Future in visible, audible, livable form; and returns again into invisible Time in the Past.

The Past acts invisibly.

It continually influences us with regard to the Present.

It casts light upon the Present.

That is its great function.

It helps us to live in the Present which we know, and with reference to the Future which we expect to see.

"That is an exact description of the way time operates. It is a perfect analogy. I'm using "analogy" not in the common sense of the word that something is like something or a simile or metaphor, but in the mathematical meaning of the word, which means it is an exact replica as far as every line, every angle, every corner is concerned.

SUBSTITUTE FOUR WORDS

Now let us replace the words. "Time" is replaced by "God"; the "Future" by the "Father"; the "Present" by the "Son"; and the "Past" by the "Holy Spirit" (every word the same but these four). You will see that perfect analogy and you will see the divine Trinity you have been swimming in all of your life!

"The Father is the source [every word the same, but those four].

The Father is unseen except as he continually embodies Himself and makes Himself visible in the Son.

The Son is what we see, and hear, and know.

He is ceaselessly embodying the Father, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment.

He is perpetually revealing the Father, hitherto invisible.

The Father is logically first, but not chronologically, For the Son exists as long as God exists, and was in the absolute beginning of God.

The Son has existed as long as God has existed.

God acts through and in the Son.

He makes Himself visible only in the Son.

The Father acts and reveals Himself through the Son.

It is through the Son that God, that the Father, enters into union with human life.

God and humanity meet and unite in the Son.

It is in the Son that God, that the Father, becomes a part of human life, and so is born and lives and dies in human life.

The Spirit in turn comes from the Son.

We cannot say that He embodies the Son.

On the contrary God, in issuing from the Son into the Spirit, becomes invisible again.

The Spirit does not embody the Son.

Rather He proceeds silently, endlessly, invisibly from Him...

The Son therefore comes out from the invisible Father.

The Son perpetually and ever-newly embodies the Father in visible, audible, livable form, and returns into invisible God in the Spirit.

The Spirit acts invisibly.

He continually influences us with regard to the Son.

He casts light upon the Son.

That is His great function.

He helps us to live in the Son whom we know and with reference to the Father whom we expect to see."

That, my friends, is an exact mathematical analogy that each of the portions of the triunity of the universe are in themselves triune."

Our Creator is so awesome!! He reveals Himself all around us....in the existence of the universe He created!

*******

What We Believe...

*  About God:

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three persons:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.

 

Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

 

 

 

* About Jesus Christ:

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heavens glory and will return again, to earth, to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

 

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

 

 

 

 

*About The Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual gifts, and guidance in doing what is right.  The Christian's responsibility is to seek and to live under His will daily.

 

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing the Triune Nature of God

HT:  james2.com


Late yesterday morning while walking my dogs back to our home, I found a man with a shoulder sack and his daughter standing at my front door.  I thought, "Let me guess...either they are Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons!"  Well, I was correct.  They were Jehovah's Witnesses (JW's). 

The man said, "Hello, my daughter would like to offer you some information."  Next, the little girl (I would guess she was around 8 years old) started talking about the Watch Tower pamphlets in her hands.  I politely listened to what she had to say,  knowing that I would not be taking the pamphlets.  However, I told her that I was very impressed with how well she briefly articulated what the pamphlets contain.

I have learned over the years that it is best to "cut to the chase" when speaking with JW's.  I looked at her father and stated that I had shared the company of a lovely woman named Teresa back in the 1990's.  She came to my door in her wheelchair, and I didn't have the heart to turn her away.  However, after several weeks of visits, we ended up parting ways when her faith teaching rejected the reality of our triune God. 

The man instantly knew who I was talking about!  This has been a typical reaction of the JW's with whom I have had encounters over the years.  They all know each other!  Teresa T.  had passed away many years ago.  The man said he knows of her legacy and he knows her husband.

I stated that Teresa had taught me a lot about the Old Testament Scriptures.  However, when the subject of the Trinity came up it was obvious that we had strong disagreement.  I added that Matthew 28:19 tells us that Jesus specifically stated that we are to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the NAME of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  The original language in Aramaic reveals that Jesus used the singular version of "name."  He didn't say, 'in the names.'  Therefore, we have evidence of the Triune nature of God.  The fact that Jesus used the terms "and of the Son; and of the Holy Spirit" separately from his reference to God the Father reiterates that they are three Persons in one Godhead.

Mat 28:19

“Go therefore fn and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(28:19) M-Text omits therefore.


The Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that believing in the Trinity is paganism.  They do not agree with the concept that God can be three Persons in One.  They think that believing in the triune nature of God is believing in three different gods.

Interestingly enough, the man pulled out his cell phone and went to an app for JW's.  He checked the concordance-like site and agreed that Jesus did use the singular term "name" in the Matthew 28:19 verse.  But he then added that the JW's have an explanation for that.

I briefly told him of my journey from Catholicism to becoming a born again Christian.  Then, I told him that I have been a student of Bible study for over 25 years.  He said that he has studied [his version] of the Bible for many years and appreciates meeting Christians who have done the same.

We both knew that we would not end up studying together.  But I urged him to seek out more information regarding the triune nature of God.  I encouraged him to do a computer search for D. James Kennedy's expose' on the Trinity.  It's a classic!  I also shared that there is scientific evidence of the triune nature of God within Creation. 

Talk Wisdom's previous posts about this topic:

Understanding the Trinity

The Trinity All Around You

Excerpt:


In Dr. D. James Kennedy's booklet entitled "Understanding the Trinity; Evidence for God in Three Persons," Dr. Kennedy describes that the universe itself explains the Trinity.

Dr. Nathan Wood, formerly president of Gordon College of Theology and Missions, wrote a magnificent book, The Secret of the Universe. In it he spells out for us the result of years of searching in the natural realm for some kind of analogy that was correct for the Trinity. He finally came up with the universe itself.

It is so simple.

It is right there in front of us.

We can never get away from it.

It is always there.

We ought to see it very clearly.

He points out that any man who manufactures anything or makes anything with his hands is going to inevitably leave his fingerprints upon it. If you were to create a table or chair or something in your workshop, it would contain your fingerprints.

Dr. Wood says that the universe is covered with fingerprints of the Trinity because it was made by the Triune God. The Bible says that the Father created the universe, the Son created the universe, and the Holy Spirit created the universe - the Triune God created the universe.

What does Dr. Wood mean by that?

Well, there are fingerprints everywhere. We just don't see them.

I would suppose that there are literally millions of fingerprints in this very sanctuary. Did you see any today? Not a one. We are blind as a bat when it comes to fingerprints. We just don't see them. First of all, we're not looking for them. Now you might see them at home on a mirror or something like that, but ordinarily, we don't see fingerprints. However, if a detective were to come in here and begin to dust the wood on the pew in front of you, he would find thousands of them. So let's put on our Sherlock Holmes cap, get out our dusting brush, and see if we can see the fingerprints of Him who made all things.

What does the universe consist of?

If you were to ask a scientist, he would tell you it consists of space, time, and matter. Now amazing to tell, we find all of those three things everywhere in the universe - not that we have a universe where some of them exist sometimes and not at other times. It is also true that each of the triune parts of the universe is, in itself, triune.

SPACE

Let us look at each one of them. For example, consider space. What is space composed of? It is composed of length and breadth and height. Always. There is nothing you could name that is not composed of all three of those things. If you were to simply take a pencil and draw a line on a piece of paper, it would have length, it would have a little bit of width, and if you looked in a powerful microscope, you would discover it has quite a bit of height. You can't see it with your naked eye; however, it's always there.

Something that I think is amazing about this is that God always consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - not one or the other. It is not a piece of the pie; it's the whole thing, always. Imagine a square block that a child would play with. Draw a picture of it in three dimensions. Then you could take that picture, and with a pencil and using all length, you could make a bunch of lines and fill in that entire block with nothing but length. I have done that sometimes in fancy lettering. Maybe some of you have as well. Or you could take the same block and make the whole thing out of width, or out of height. The fact of the matter is that it is all length, it's all breadth, it's all height all of the time. That's a perfect illustration of the Trinity.

TIME

Or take the matter of time. Of what does time consist? Obviously, it consists of the past, the present, and the future - those three. Any time we have ever known in this universe always consists of those three. Usually we have the idea that we come out of the past, that that really is first, because that is where we came from. The fact of the matter is, time comes from the future, and we meet it head on.

For example, today, yesterday was called tomorrow, and now it's today. A week ago it was called next week, and now it is today. A year ago, it was called next year. So as time approaches us and we move through it, that is what always happens. Anything is first in the future, then in the present, and then it disappears into the past. That is the way time always works. That in itself is an amazing story when you examine it carefully. Past, present, and future.

Dr. Nathan R. Wood gives a fascinating quote that is so remarkable I would like to share it with you. I would challenge you to try to see if you can follow his drift.

He is going to give a long paragraph. Then he is going to give it again, only this time he is simply going to change four words. These four words are "time," "future," "present," and "past". They are going to be changed into "God," "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit."

You are going to find out something some of you never knew before - that time, which you live by, which you look at constantly in the way of clocks you wind up every day, and which you make your lives run by, is an incredible illustration of the divine Trinity.
(Note: To make this paragraph easier to read, I will post it in a prose format).


Read carefully:

"The Future is the source.

The Future is unseen, unknown, except as it continually embodies itself and makes itself visible in the Present.

The Present is what we see, and hear, and know.

It is ceaselessly embodying the Future, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment. It is perpetually revealing the Future, hitherto invisible.

The Future is logically first, but not chronologically.

For the Present exists as long as Time exists and was in the absolute beginning of Time.

The Present has existed as long as Time has existed.

Time acts through and in the Present.

It makes itself visible only in the Present.

The Future acts and reveals itself through the Present.

It is through the Present that Time, that the Future, enters into union with human life.

Time and humanity meet and unite in the Present.

It is the Present that Time, that the Future, becomes a part of human life, and so is born and lives and dies in human life.

The Past in turn comes from the Present.

We cannot say that it embodies the Present.

On the contrary, Time in issuing from the Present into the Past becomes invisible again.

The Past does not embody the Present. Rather it proceeds silently, endlessly, invisibly from it...

The Present therefore comes out from the invisible Future.

The Present perpetually and ever-newly embodies the Future in visible, audible, livable form; and returns again into invisible Time in the Past.

The Past acts invisibly.

It continually influences us with regard to the Present.

It casts light upon the Present.

That is its great function.

It helps us to live in the Present which we know, and with reference to the Future which we expect to see.

"That is an exact description of the way time operates. It is a perfect analogy. I'm using "analogy" not in the common sense of the word that something is like something or a simile or metaphor, but in the mathematical meaning of the word, which means it is an exact replica as far as every line, every angle, every corner is concerned.

SUBSTITUTE FOUR WORDS

Now let us replace the words. "Time" is replaced by "God"; the "Future" by the "Father"; the "Present" by the "Son"; and the "Past" by the "Holy Spirit" (every word the same but these four). You will see that perfect analogy and you will see the divine Trinity you have been swimming in all of your life!

"The Father is the source [every word the same, but those four].

The Father is unseen except as he continually embodies Himself and makes Himself visible in the Son.

The Son is what we see, and hear, and know.

He is ceaselessly embodying the Father, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment.

He is perpetually revealing the Father, hitherto invisible.

The Father is logically first, but not chronologically, For the Son exists as long as God exists, and was in the absolute beginning of God.

The Son has existed as long as God has existed.

God acts through and in the Son.

He makes Himself visible only in the Son.

The Father acts and reveals Himself through the Son.

It is through the Son that God, that the Father, enters into union with human life.

God and humanity meet and unite in the Son.

It is in the Son that God, that the Father, becomes a part of human life, and so is born and lives and dies in human life.

The Spirit in turn comes from the Son.

We cannot say that He embodies the Son.

On the contrary God, in issuing from the Son into the Spirit, becomes invisible again.

The Spirit does not embody the Son.

Rather He proceeds silently, endlessly, invisibly from Him...

The Son therefore comes out from the invisible Father.

The Son perpetually and ever-newly embodies the Father in visible, audible, livable form, and returns into invisible God in the Spirit.

The Spirit acts invisibly.

He continually influences us with regard to the Son.

He casts light upon the Son.

That is His great function.

He helps us to live in the Son whom we know and with reference to the Father whom we expect to see."

That, my friends, is an exact mathematical analogy that each of the portions of the triunity of the universe are in themselves triune."

Our Creator is so awesome!! He reveals Himself all around us....in the existence of the universe He created!

*******

What We Believe...

*  About God:

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three persons:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.

 

Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

 

 

 

* About Jesus Christ:

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heavens glory and will return again, to earth, to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

 

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

 

 

 

 

*About The Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual gifts, and guidance in doing what is right.  The Christian's responsibility is to seek and to live under His will daily.

 

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O'Reilly's "Writings" Are More Likely to be Grieving the Holy Spirit of God!

The moment that I first heard that Fox News analyst Bill O'Reilly was writing a book that he decided to entitle,  "Killing Jesus," I KNEW that what he would write would likely go against practically all that is sacred to born-again, Bible believing Christians.

O'Reilly claims to be Catholic, but his stances on many issues go against either the Catholic faith or Christian truth.  For example.  He blindly claims that homosexuality isn't such a big deal; yet, he has seen the huge amount of damage that was done in the Catholic church priest pederasty scandal.

I was waiting for the first review and/or commentary about the book to come out.  Today, I noticed a post over at Now The End Begins: Bill O’Reilly Wants To Destroy Your Faith In Jesus And The Bible. Just based on what is shared there, I would have to agree with the writer at that blog.

Excerpt:

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time…” Jude 1

 

Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly does not believe that the bible is true or trustworthy, and in his new book “Killing Jesus”, he explains why. O’Reilly also says that, after casting doubt on the entire New Testament and mocking the words of Jesus, that the “Holy Spirit inspired him to write it”.

Imagine that.


Though he used the New Testament’s four Gospels as source material, he left out parts he doesn’t believe happened as written. For instance, Jesus didn’t say, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” from the cross, the Catholic O’Reilly maintains. It wouldn’t have been physically possible, he said.

“You die on a cross from being suffocated,” he said. “You can hardly breathe. We believe Jesus said that, but we don’t believe he said it on the cross because nobody could have heard it.”

People have a right to take the Bible literally, he said, but in the case of “Killing Jesus,” he was trying to be historically accurate. He never says in the book that Jesus was the Son of God because his book is not intended to be religious.

“So is this the Gospel according to Bill?” asked “60 Minutes” correspondent Norah O’Donnell.
“This is best available evidence according to Bill,” O’Reilly responded.
 
The most important thing he learned while writing the book was that Jesus of Nazareth became the most famous human being who ever lived, yet he had no infrastructure. He had no government, no public relations expert, no money and no structure, O’Reilly said.

“It’s never been done.”

[...]

While the book isn’t religious, O’Reilly is. He says he was inspired to write “Killing Jesus” by the Holy Spirit. He says he just woke up in the middle of the night and thought, “Killing Jesus.” 

Asked by O’Donnell why the Holy Spirit would mark him as “the chosen one,” O’Reilly denied any such title. Instead, he said, he is “just one of many who have been given the gift. I can write and I can bloviate on TV.”

The Holy Spirit of God does NOT tell people things that are in direct or even indirect conflict with what is written in God's Word!  I don't know just whom or what was "inspiring" O'Reilly to write such a book; but from what he has said in the interview and through the posting at the blog link, it appears to me that O'Reilly's "writings" are more likely to be grieving the Holy Spirit of God!

The father of lies whom Jesus warned us about is wreaking more and more havoc in this chaotic world; as well as confusion and disorder within the souls of men for the distinct purpose of ruining them. 

Jhn 8:44

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Satan particularly likes to use influential men [like O'Reilly] who are powerful, visible, and wealthy in order to make others succumb to his goal to do evil and destroy men's souls.

Jesus told us:

Mat 16:26

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

O'Reilly has proven himself to be an arrogant fool.  Why?  Because he has shown to believe the lies from the father of lies and then creates a book in order to make money off of the lies.  Such a thing is truly disgusting, belligerent, and disgracefully heretical.    But like any other false teacher, his deeds will be exposed.   The true believers who know Jesus Christ, follow His Word through Bible reading and study will not be fooled or silent.   We just have more work to do in order help those who are caught up in the confusion.

For the record, here is what Bible-believing Christians profess.  How do I know this?  Because of the truth provided in the Scriptures listed under each section of commentary.

What We Believe...

*  About God:

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three persons:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
 

 

*About Humankind:

We are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character.  We are the supreme object of God's creation.  Although humankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God, called "sin."  This attitude separates us from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2
 

 

*About Eternity:

We all were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally in union with God through forgiveness and salvation or separated from God by sin.  Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God.  The eternal separation from God is called Hell.

John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; (Hell)

Matthew 25:41; Revelation 21:27 (Heaven)
 

 

* About Jesus Christ:

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heavens glory and will return again, to earth, to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
 

 

*About Salvation:

Salvation is a gift from God to mankind.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin's penalty.  Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
 

 

*About The Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual gifts, and guidance in doing what is right.  The Christian's responsibility is to seek and to live under His will daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1
 

 

*About Spiritual Gifts:

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to each believer in Jesus Christ, allowing for greater intimacy with God and power for accomplishing His work in our world today.  We believe that God, the giver of gifts, gives severally as he wills, and with emphasis on growing maturity in Jesus Christ.  These gifts are revealed and then can be used for His purposes and powerfully influence and affect our world for Christ.

1Corinthians 12:4-7, 11, 17, 29, 30
 

 

*About The Bible:

The Bible is God's Word to all mankind.  It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalms 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5

 

Hat tip: Now The End Begins

An Angel Priest Helps Woman Trapped in Car [Update: Priest found]

By now most people have heard the story on the news about the mysterious (actually, miraculous) appearing of an angel priest who helped a woman trapped in a car.

[Update: A commenter came along and mentioned the important fact that we need to test the spirits in order to see if they are from God or not. Of course, such a recommendation is biblical and I totally agree. As it turns out, the "mystery priest" has apparently been identified. Although he doesn't look like the sketch artist's version. Here is a link to a story about the priest: Nice Deb: Mystery Priest Identified.]

There are thousands of stories about it online, but here is one that I think contains a good summary of what happened:

The Stir - CafeMom: 'Angel Priest' Appears Out of Nowhere & Saves Woman Trapped in Car.

Excerpt:

According to everyone on the scene, the priest suddenly appeared just as the woman stuck in the car, Katie Lenz, began to feel life slipping away from her. He had anointing oil with him and bent over Katie and told her to relax. He said a prayer. She said a sense of utter calm came over her.

And then he turned to the firefighters on the scene and told them they would now be able to get her out. Chief Raymond Reed told KHQA-TV:

I can’t be for certain how it was said, but myself and another firefighter, we very plainly heard that we should remain calm, that our tools would now work, and that we would get her out of that vehicle.

That minute, a neighboring fire department arrived with the jaws of life and they were able to cut Katie from the car and free her.

Everyone turned to thank the priest but ... well, did you think he'd still be there? Of course not. Angels do their business and then move on.

Reportedly, the highway had been blocked for miles and there were no bystanders or parked cars near the accident.

Other explanation? A priest saw the blocked road, knew someone must be in trouble, and walked until he found it and did what he could to help.

BUT. This doesn't explain why no one has been able to find him. Apparently there are several Catholic churches in the area but the mystery priest has yet to reveal himself. Maybe he doesn't watch the news? Says Katie's friend, Travis Wiseman:

We're looking for the priest and so far, no one has seen him. Whether it was a priest as an angel or an actual angel, he was an angel to all those and to Katie.

Katie has several broken bones but hopes are high for her recovery. The driver of the other car has been charged with DWI and second degree assault.

Whether it were divine or human intervention, the fact remains: He was an angel. They exist!

*******

Hearing that the angel/priest had "anointing oil with him" reminded me of a post I did in the past regarding Psalm 23 and the verse that tells us, "Thou anointest my head with oil."

During that study on Psalm 23, I discovered what the anointing oil was all about.

Copy of previous post:

Keller (author of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23) goes on to discuss and describe the irritating and highly contagious disease called "scab," which is common to sheep the world over. He mentions how sheep tend to rub heads together in a friendly, affectionate manner. However, when one has the "scab," this terrible disease spreads easily from one to the other.

Keller writes:

In the Old Testament when it was declared that the sacrificial lambs should be without blemish, the thought uppermost in the writer's mind was that the animal should be free of scab. In a very real and direct sense scab is significant of contamination, of sin, of evil.

Again as with flies, the only effective antidote is to apply linseed oil, sulphur and other chemicals that can control this disease. In many sheep-rearing countries dips are built and the entire flock is put through the dip. Each animal is completely submerged in the solution until its entire body is soaked. The most difficult part to do is the head. The head has to be plunged under repeatedly to ensure that scab there will be controlled. Some sheep-men take great care to treat the head by hand.

[S]o I know precisely what David meant when he wrote, "Thou anointest my head with oil." Again it was the only antidote for scab. [Keller adds that an old remedy is olive oil, sulphur and spices.]

In the Christian life, most of our contamination by the world, by sin, by that which would defile and disease us spiritually comes through our minds. It is a case of mind meeting mind to transmit ideas, concepts and attitudes which may be damaging.

Often it is when we "get our heads together" with someone else who may not necessarily have the mind of Christ, that we come away imbued with concepts that are not Christian.

Our thoughts, our ideas, our emotions, our choices, our impulses, drives and desires are all shaped and molded through the exposure of our minds to other people's minds. In our modern era of mass communication, the danger of the "mass mind" grows increasingly grave. Young people in particular, whose minds are so malleable, find themselves being molded under the subtle pressures and impacts made on them by television, radio, magazines, newspapers, [Christine adds: the internet!] and fellow classmates, to say nothing of their parents and teachers.

Often the mass media which are largely responsible for shaping our minds are in the control of men whose characters are not Christ-like: who in some cases are actually anti-Christian.

One cannot be exposed to such contacts without coming away contaminated. The thought patterns of people are becoming increasingly abhorrent. Today we find more tendency to violence, hatred, prejudice, greed, cynicism and increasing disrespect for that which is noble, fine, pure or beautiful.

This is precisely the opposite of what Scripture teaches us. In Philippians 4:8 we are instructed emphatically in this matter, "...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things"! Here again, the only possible, practical path to attaining such a mind free of the world's contamination is to be conscious daily, hourly of the purging presence of God's Holy Spirit, applying Himself to my mind.

*******

It will be interesting to see how this woman's life is changed after this angelic appearance experience! 

Hat tip: The Stir - CafeMom

God In The Mirror - Discovering Who You Were Created To Be [Updated]

Pastor Miles McPherson has a new book out entitled, "God In The Mirror - Discovering Who You Were Created To Be."

Pastor Miles writes:

"Satan's plan is to turn God's image in you against God Himself by turning you into an I AM imposter. An I AM imposter is someone who has become his or her own god. Once the devil tricks you into changing your identity to be your own god, you'll start to think you can do fine without God, and that'll be the beginning of your self-destruction."

So far I have read seven chapters and it is an excellent book that reveals just what is meant by God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in Genesis 1:26 when They stated, "Let Us make man in our image."

A great review from the Amazon site:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read!, May 27, 2013

By Jeff Sullivan - See all my reviews This review is from: God in the Mirror: Discovering Who You Were Created to Be (Paperback)

Pastor Miles really breaks down how we are created to reflect God's glory, and how the enemy is hell bent on derailing us from God's special plans for our lives.

Attempting to take the place of God was what caused Lucifer's fall in the first place. Unfortunately, mankind is guilty of following in Lucifer's footsteps...even though some may not want to admit it.

God tells each of us what His special plan is for our individual lives through His Written Word, the Bible, His Living Word, Jesus Christ, and the Helper - the Holy Spirit. Ignoring or rejecting any one of these is a big reason why many are missing His message.

Satan influences your passion and your efforts to glorify yourself instead of God. This is all an attempt to redefine who you are.

Pastor Miles writes, "Satan knows self-glorification is the fastest and most direct path to self-destruction, because it is what destroyed him. The devil wants you to think that you can do what you want and, therefore, you can be like God --in control of your own life and independent of Him." 

The Bible tells us how important faith in God really is. 

Hbr 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Pastor Miles writes:

Once you have adopted Satan's identity for yourself apart from God, you have to validate that identity by proving your value and importance.  You become chained to earning acceptance and approval, always working to be something, to make something of yourself.  The devil will be right in your face challenging your identity, like he challenged Jesus by demanding He prove Himself in Matthew 4:  "If you're the Son of God, prove it!  Do this, if you are the Son of God, do that."  The devil will confront you in the same way.

Pastor Miles goes on to describe some of the bad or sinful ways that Satan will go about tempting you to "prove" yourself. This section got me to thinking about all of the craziness and chaos that people create in their own lives, which then affects other people and their lives. Why? Because they have "exchanged the truth for a lie."

I suggest reading the entirety of Romans 1.

The Romans 1:25 verse informs us:

Rom 1:25   who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

However, reading some of the prior verses as well as the verses following Romans 1:25,  puts what Paul is talking about into more clarity:

Rom 1:22	Professing to be wise, they became fools,
	Rom 1:23	and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
	Rom 1:24	Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

The verses following Romans 1:25 tell us what RESULTS from uncleanness, lusts of the heart, and dishonoring their own bodies:

Rom   1:26	For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
	Rom 1:27	Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

Homosexuality is being presented these days as "the new normal." But God's Word tells us differently. It isn't "the new normal" - it has always been an abomination and sin before God's eyes.

Note that Paul mentions "vile passions." This passage includes heterosexual sexual sins as well (like pornography, adultery, abortion, prostitution, bigamy, polygamy, bestiality etc.).

Paul goes on to write many other sins that people get involved in and how they affect them. The I AM imposter is fervently fed by such things:

Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Rom 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, [fn] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,

Rom 1:30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, [fn] unmerciful;

We could all probably spend days, weeks, months and even years giving examples of those who have been caught up in such vile acts and actions.  It is truly awful to see how debased minds in government, in the media, in Hollywood, in aberrant businesses, in liberal/progressive colleges, in public education, in heretical churches etc. have changed America - and not for the better!

So, what do we do about it? 

I think that Pastor Miles book helps give us direction regarding such matters.

He writes:

"You could spend a lot of years manipulating people or fooling yourself into being a little god, an I Am imposter, whatever he (Satan) has convinced you to be.  What a waste of time.  Would you agree that Satan has been successful in wearing you out trying to prove yourself, to be someone that God never intended you to be?  I know people who spend their entire lives trying to fulfill someone else's vision or expectations for their lives, when in fact they would have been so much more fulfilled sticking to God's plan for them."

Pastor Miles provides a chart that gives a comparison between your I AM factor and the characteristics God intended for your identity, and those associated with an I AM imposter identity. God intended for you to rest in who He made you to be. Satan's identity will result in nothing but restlessness and unnecessary striving.

God's truth to His image bearers:                              The devil's lies to
                                                                                        everyone:
You're My success. (Josh. 1:8)                                    You're a failure.

You're My winner.  (Phil. 3:13-14)                             You're a loser.

You're unique in My family. (Ps. 139:12-14)             You're better than
                                                                                         others.
You're filled with My promises. (Heb. 6:12)              You're hopeless.

You can do all things through Me. (Phil. 4:13)          You can't do anything
                                                                                         right.
I am the Lord who heals you. (Ps. 103:3)                   You'll always be weak
                                                                                         and sick.
You are born for "such a time as this."                      You don't get the
(Esther 4:14)                                                                  breaks others do.
And will long enjoy the work of your hands.
(Isa. 65:22)

Everything under heaven is Mine.  (Job 41:11)          I can give you the
                                                                                         world!
You're  loved  with an everlasting love.                     Nobody loves you.
(Jer. 31:3)

This is only the beginning, people.  Much, much more in the book that will help you in regards to finding your true identity in Jesus Christ!

My prayer is the same as Pastor Miles:

My prayer is that God opens your eyes and reveals to you who you war and where your life is going so you will not allow it to be destroyed by Satan's lies.

Amen!