Have The “Christian” Zionists Been Seduced By An Antichrist Spirit?

The Lord Jesus Christ made a statement almost two thousand years ago, that will help you to see through all of the modern day fluff that is masquerading as Christianity today. In a conversation with Pilate shortly before He was killed, Jesus made it clear that He came to bear witness of the truth:

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. (John 18:36-38)

This is another powerful passage of scripture that we have before us here. The Lord first of all told Pilate, that His Kingdom, was not of this world. Stop right there and meditate on that for a moment. Think of all of the nations of this world, and all of the bloody wars that have been fought over the centuries. Think of all of the proud and macho statements that have been made by the leaders of those same nations. Think of all of the millions that have been slain by those nations as they fought against each other. Then think about the statement that was made by the Lord, that His Kingdom was not of THIS world! It is quite obvious that the Kingdom that the Lord was  talking about was a SPIRITUAL Kingdom and not a PHYSICAL one.

That fits perfectly with what the Lord told the Jewish ruler Nicodemus who came to Him one night, obviously searching for truth. The Lord made it clear to that Jewish man that he needed to be born again. (John 3:1-8) The Lord made it clear to Nicodemus that his physical birth (of the flesh), was not the same as the spiritual birth (of the Spirit):

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:6-7)

There it is in plain and simple English. you must be born again! If you are reading this article the word for you today is that YOU must be born again! If you go back to the previous passage you will see that Jesus Christ said that the very purpose of his coming into this world, was to bear witness to the truth. Jesus came from above (Heaven) where He was with the Father, down to this earth to tell the world the truth. Therein is the key to understanding this whole Gospel and trying to understand whether or not YOU as an individual are in the truth or not. Listen again to what Jesus said there. He said that those who “were of the truth” would hear His voice. If a person is truly a seeker of truth, then the words of scripture, including the Old Covenant (Testament) books of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms will come alive to the individual person. That same person will know that the words of the scriptures (the Bible) are truth in what they speak regarding their own SINFULNESS, and their own need for salvation. That same seeker of truth will also understand and rejoice that the true God Almighty has made a provision for SALVATION in Jesus Christ the Son of God! That is how it was for me when I was born again over 20 years ago. It is quite obvious here that those people who disregard the words of Jesus Christ and do not believe that He is the only way of salvation, are NOT of the truth, no matter how much they may claim otherwise.

Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:21-24)

The passage above is another passage that exposes the FALSE modern day Christian Zionist movement that has corrupted  the hearts of so many millions in these last days. The Jewish leaders and most of their followers rejected the Lord, along with the words that He spoke. The Lord knew that and therefore He told them that they would not be able to go where He was going. The Lord knew that He would be put to death with their consent,  but He also knew that He would RISE AGAIN from the dead, and ultimately return to Heaven to be with the Father! That is why the Lord told them that He was from above (Heaven) and that they were from beneath (and of this world)! They( the Jewish who rejected Him) were then told that they would DIE in their SINS, if they did NOT believe that He (Jesus) was who He said He was!

The teachings of Jesus Christ in these passages absolutely shatters the thinking of the modern day Christian Zionist who insists that the Jewish people are somehow God’s Chosen people. It is amazing to me that a person could read passages such as those above and still think that way. Those same people are ACTUALLY fighting against the Lord and His own words when they work hand in hand with the modern day Jewish leaders, in their defense of a PHYSICAL land of Israel. The Lord made it clear that it was NOT about this world, and that would include all of the Middle East. In fact the Lord went inside the Jewish Temple and started turning tables upside down because of their wicked ways, and their merchandising in the house of God! (Mark 11:17)  Not only that but the Lord Jesus Christ can be found contrasting the TRUE FAITH of the Gentile (non-Jewish) against the UNBELIEF of the Jew! (Luke 7:9)

One of the clearest passages of scripture that shows us that the Jewish people of yesterday and today, are not walking in TRUTH is the following:

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:37-40)

These words which were spoken by Jesus Christ Himself are the telltale sign that the Jewish people were (and still are) most definitely on the wrong course in their opposition to Him. Jesus made it clear to them that they were opposing the Father, and the very God whom they say they served. Why? Because it was the Father who sent the Son, and they flat out rejected Him! Jesus got right to the heart of the matter when he spoke to them about their scriptures. The Jewish leaders took great pride in their “knowledge” of the scriptures, but they MISSED the whole point of the scriptures, in their rejection of Jesus Christ. Jesus flat out told them that the scriptures testified about Him, and that certainly is the case. The Old Covenant (Testament) is chock FULL of prophecies about the coming Christ, but they denied that they spoke of Him. They did not believe that the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 53:1-12) spoke about the DEATH of Jesus Christ 700 years before it happened! They did not believe that the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2) prophesied of the birth of Christ hundreds of years before it happened! Their own pride would keep them outside of the Kingdom of God, and the ETERNAL LIFE which God promised those who would come to Him!

Fast forward now to the 21st Century and we have the “Christian Zionist” movement going full throttle in their defense of unbelieving Israel. It is the delusion of delusions! It is most incredible because the Jewish people still refuse to come to Jesus Christ, and they do not believe that He is the Son of God, nor the Messiah whom they are waiting for. People need to realize that almost 2000 years have passed since Christ walked this Earth, and that billions have been born and died during that period. The question is this: Do you believe that a single person, whether Jewish or Gentile, who lived during that time has entered Heaven without coming through Jesus Christ? If you answer YES, then you are clearly deceived, and know NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You see the Gospel can NEVER change because the Lord would then be found to be a LIAR! The first coming of the Lord, including His birth and death, is the greatest event in human history, and it opened the way of salvation for every person in the world. If a person ignores that Gospel and simply chooses to go their own way, in their own “religion” then that is their own choice, but it is NOT God’s choice!

There is a spirit of anti-christ at work in the modern day “Christian” Zionism movement. That is why the apostle John warned us so many years ago, and he described it to us, so that we might understand it. It is unfortunate that so many sincere Christians are persuaded, and seduced by the colorful (and deceitful) ministries that are all over the Television today. Listen to John describe the Spirit of anti-Christ and then tell me if this does not describe the unbelieving Jewish people, (as well as all others) who refuse to believe that Christ (Messiah) has come!

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:22)

The Jewish people do NOT believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) and so they DENY the Father and the Son!

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:3)

The Jewish people do NOT believe that Jesus Christ (Messiah) has come in the flesh, and therefore they are NOT of GOD!

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 1:7)

The Jewish people do NOT confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and  therefore qualify as DECEIVERS!

The modern day “Christian” Zionist has joined hands with the spirit of antichrist in working hand in hand with those who still refuse to humble themselves and  repent and believe the Gospel. The last word to the people of the world was given by Jesus Christ after He rose again from the dead and we find that in the Gospel of Luke:

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:36-47)

That is all you need to know and the decision is totally up to you, whether you are a Christian or a searcher of truth. You can CHOOSE to follow the FALSE teachers and join hands with the decieved or you can count the cost (Luke 14:25-33) and follow Jesus Christ, the one who is THE TRUTH! I suggest that you take the latter option and follow Jesus Christ no matter what. You may lose some “friends” but that is a lot better than losing your own soul.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Why Did Israel Crucify Jesus Christ?

It is very important for a person to know who put Jesus Christ to death, and why He was put to death. Why ? First of all it is in the Bible, and it is a good thing to study the scriptures, and second of all, because the cross of Jesus Christ is at the very heart and center of the Christian Gospel. If you take away the cross, then there would be no hope for any person in this world in which we live today.

There might be some who would be reading this article who would say that we all put Jesus to death because we are all sinners. There is absolutely no question about it that every single one of us is in need of that blood atonement which took place on the cross, but in this article I will talk about the part that Israel played in this whole thing. It is most important that we understand this because the cross is most definitely connected with the Old Covenant (Old Testament), which most Jewish people would agree is scripture. First of all I would like to share a passage from the New Covenant (Testament) where Peter stood up to the Jewish religious rulers of his day, and where he implicated them in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

What I want you to see here is that the cross of Jesus Christ eliminates all false “gospels” and any other “religion” or “faith” which would seek salvation elsewhere! The apostle Peter was bold in his proclamation here, and he was speaking to the people of Israel. Did you notice the words “whom YE crucified”? Peter was well aware, that it was the Jewish leaders who were behind the death of Christ! If you go back a couple of chapters in the book of Acts (read it) you will see that Peter once again was speaking directly to the men of Israel.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. (Acts 2:22-24)

Peter brought out the fact that Jesus had performed miracles in their very midst, along with signs and wonders, and yet they (the men of Israel) took Him by their “wicked hands” and crucified Him! Peter also pointed out the fact that all of this happened by the “determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.” That is most important because it is plainly speaking about the prophecies of the Old Covenant (Testament) which included one regarding the death of Jesus Christ. You can read Isaiah 53 and you find an accurate prophecy about the death of Christ which was given about 700 years before the event actually happened!

Peter spoke about Christ being “raised up” (the resurrection) because the pains of death could not hold Him, and that is the great victory for the believer in Jesus Christ. So on the one hand we have Israel being held responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, while on the other hand they can also benefit from that same death by repenting of their sins and trusting Jesus Christ! Listen to Peter preach his heart out here:

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. (Acts 2:29-31)

Peter made it clear to the people of Israel that the (famous) David of the Old Covenant was dead and buried in the ground. In other words, Peter was making the point that David died, just like any other flesh and blood human would have died. Then Peter made it clear that this same David, prophesied that God would raise up a descendant of his (from his loins) to sit on his throne. Peter then made it clear that the person whom David was prophesying about was Jesus Christ. Peter said that David was speaking (prophesying) about the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Peter was contrasting the earthly David who died, and whose bones remained in the grave, against the Christ (Messiah) Jesus (who came from above), who would be killed but who would also be raised up again from the dead.

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 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 2:32-36)

This is the third passage of scripture that I have given you that mentions the people or (house) of Israel crucifying Jesus Christ. Peter points out the truth that they (Israel) crucified Him, but God has made Him (Jesus) both Lord and Christ! It is most important for you to understand this, because we are living in a day when the false Gospel of Zionism is being propagated on a very wide scale. I remind you that this Gospel is not about a piece of property over in the Middle East, but it is about the souls of men (and women) throughout the world, who need to repent and believe the Gospel to be saved from the wrath of God. (John 3:36) The Old Covenant flows beautifully into the New Covenant, and the modern day TRUE Church is made up of people, both Jewish and Gentile, who recognize Jesus to be their Lord, and Christ (Messiah).

The “Christian Zionist” people will make the accusation against people (like myself) that we preach a “replacement theology” which is totally false accusation. I tell people, that the Gentile believers (like myself) have been grafted (Romans 11:17-24) into the “good olive tree” (of true Jewish believers) who are also in the only TRUE VINE (John 15:1) which is Jesus Christ Himself. I (as a Gentile) have become part of the ONLY TRUE ISRAEL (OF GOD) which is made up of both Jewish and Gentile, BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIANS, (Galatians 6:14-16) This same “Israel of God” is the ONLY Israel that the Lord recognizes as His people! Every person on planet Earth has the opportunity to become part of this “Israel of God” through FAITH in Jesus Christ! The apostle Paul made it clear that it does not matter at all whether a person is circumcised or not. The only thing that matters is whether a person is a new creation in Jesus Christ! If a person has not the SPIRIT of God dwelling inside them, then they are still lost and dead in their sins! If you are reading this and you are Jewish, then you need Jesus Christ! If you are reading this and you are Gentile (non-Jewish) then you need Jesus Christ too!

But God forbid that I should glory, save (except) in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (creation) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:14-16)

If any group of people could be accused of preaching a “replacement theology” it would be the “Christian Zionist” people who have replaced the wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, which was “broken down” when Christ was slain on the cross! (Ephesians 2:14, Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11) The FALSE GOSPEL of “Christian Zionism” will sometimes lead to very extreme views such as those of John Hagee of San Antonio, Texas, who has called for an attack on Iran in recent years. That is what is known as SPIRITUAL INSANITY! I have read articles, which were written by Christians, about John Hagee’s “Night To Honor Israel” meetings where Jewish religious people are honored, but there is not a trace of the Gospel being preached to them. That is from true Bible believing Christians (with discernment) who attended the meeting to see for themselves. The term  “Non Conversionary Meetings” is what is used to describe these meetings from what I hear. In other words  they are not going to preach the Gospel to the Jewish people,and try to convert them. Sorry folks but that is truly a sign that Satan is at work, because it is only the Gospel that will set a soul free. (John 8:32, 2 Timothy 4:1-5) Satan knows that too, and he will do all that he can to divert attention away from the truth that can set a soul free! The spirit of anti-christ was described by the apostle John several times, (1 John 2:22, 4:3, 2 John 1:7) and it includes those who do NOT believe that Jesus Christ has come in the FLESH! Unbelieving “Israel” fits that description to the very letter, and they are the people who are being honored on those nights! Can you imagine what would happen if a man anointed with the Spirit of God, stood up in the pulpit at one of those “Non-Conversionary” meetings and preached the Gospel to the unsaved Jewish people who were being honored? Folks, that is what is supposed to happen. There is a GREAT DECEPTION in the land, especially in this country, and many have been swept away by it!

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (Ephesians 2:11-15)

How dare any preacher or Pastor (man or woman) stand in their pulpit and tell people (including Christians) that they are under a curse if they do not support Israel! My Bible tells me that the wall of separation between Jew and Gentile has been knocked down by the greatest event in human history, and that was  by the death of Jesus Christ! My Bible tells me that I was once an alien separated from the commonwealth of Israel, and without hope, until the BLOOD of Jesus Christ brought me near to Him (Hallelujah!). How dare any Pastor or preacher try to put people under a bondage from which Jesus Christ has set them free! Not only that but if any group of people are under God’s curse, it would be in truth,  the Jewish people who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah! And that is according to the scriptures! Why? Because it is only the death of Jesus Christ that nullified the Law itself! So the people from “Christian Zionist” crowd (including their followers) are telling people that they are under a curse if they do not bless Israel, but I tell people that the unbelieving Jew (and the unbelieving Gentiles) without Christ are under a curse, because it is only His blood that can redeem a soul! If anybody should be blessing anybody else it would be the other way around. The people who believe in Jesus Christ are doing the very thing that He called them to do, and that is to preach the Gospel to all people, and that most definitely includes the Jewish people throughout the world! (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus told us that He would be with us until the very end, and He also tells us that He possess ALL power in both Heaven and Earth!. (Matthew 28:18-20) What greater BLESSING could their possibly be if you know that the Lord Jesus Christ is on your side until the very end! Folks, it is time to wake up and flee from the false Gospel of “Christian Zionism” and get back to basics, and preach the Gospel to both Jew and Gentile in EXACTLY the same manner!

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:19-25)

The Old Covenant along with the teaching on the Passover Lamb and the shedding of blood pointed forward to the perfect Lamb of God who was slain for our sins. (Exodus 12, John 1:29) The teaching on the Day of Atonement also pointed forward to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. It is only the blood that will atone for or sins! (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22) Jesus Christ came to redeem us from the curse of the Law! Plain and simple, every person in Israel, (and the rest of the world) whether Jewish or Gentile, are without the ONLY BLOOD ATONEMENT for SIN that Almighty God Himself will honor, if they REJECT Jesus Christ! If a person tells you otherwise, you can rest assured that they are not preaching the one TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ! It is only through the BLOOD Of Jesus Christ that a person can be JUSTIFIED in God’s Sight! (Romans 5:6-10)

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:10-13)

So as I end this article let us go back to the original question. Why did Israel crucify Jesus Christ? Israel crucified Jesus Christ because they (most) did not believe that He was the Messiah, and obviously they did not believe that He was their Lord either. Is it still that way today? Unfortunately yes. The majority of Jewish people as well as the majority of Gentile people still reject the counsel of God, which is found in the Bible. Where does that leave them? It leaves them (and any other person Jew or Gentile) still in their sins and under the Law of God, which will ultimately judge (and damn) them one day. The Law of God silences every person from justifying themself before God, and it is most unfortunate that most people (both Jew and Gentile) refuse to accept that simple and basic truth!

‘I AM’: God’s Name Forever, A Memorial To All Generations, And His Name Is Jesus Christ!

As I was digging into the Word of God (the Bible) this morning, the Lord quickened the following passage of scripture to me:

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. (Exodus 3:13-15)

This is such a powerful passage of scripture here folks. Moses was being called by God Almighty to be the vessel of choice, to bring deliverance to the people of Israel who were in bondage in Egypt. Moses was very apprehensive about being called to such a task, and if you read the following chapters you will see how he resisted that call over, and over again. Moses knew that many of the people of Israel would more than likely doubt whether the Lord appeared unto him, and that is why he asked the Lord what he should tell them. Do not miss this folks. The Lord then told Moses to tell the people of Israel that ‘ . . . I AM hath sent me unto you.’ Not only that but the Lord made it clear to Moses that he wanted the people of Israel to know that He was the very same Lord God that their ‘fathers’ served, and that He was the very same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Not only that but the Lord made it clear to Moses that this was His name FOREVER and that it would be a memorial to ALL generations!

So what is the point that I am trying to get across here? The point that I make is that the very same God who appeared unto Moses in the desert, and who declared His name ‘I AM’ to be FOREVER, and a memorial to ALL generations, is none other then the Lord Jesus Christ. What? Are you kidding me? Are you trying to tell me that the one who was born in a manger in Bethlehem, almost 2000 years ago, is the very same one who spoke to Moses out of the burning bush? Yep, that is what I am trying to tell you. In fact the Lord Jesus Christ declared Himself to be the ‘I AM’ to the Jewish leaders in Israel during His time on earth, but unfortunately most of them did not believe Him either!

Verily, verily, (Truly, truly) I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. (John 8:51-59)

Not only did the Jewish leaders NOT believe in Him, they even went so far as to tell Jesus that He was demon possessed! They were very angry with Jesus and they felt that He was making Himself something that He was not. They specifically asked Jesus in a mocking tone if He was greater than their ‘Father’ Abraham. It was at that point that Jesus told them that He was BEFORE Abraham, and He specifically used the words ‘I AM’ to make His point. Is Jesus greater than Abraham? Of course He is, because He is the very same ‘I AM’ who spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. In fact the very reason that the Jewish leaders took up stones to throw at Jesus, was because they thought that He was guilty of blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16) In other words, the Jewish people in Israel, knew full well what Jesus was saying when He used the words ‘I AM’!

It is most unfortunate that many people merely know Jesus as a little baby in a manger, or as a Jewish man who walked the shores of Galilee. My Jesus is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16), the one who possesses all power and authority in Heaven and in Earth (Matthew 28:18-20). My Jesus is the very same ‘I AM’ that spoke to Moses out of the burning bush.(Exodus 3:13-15) My Jesus is also described as a consuming fire. (Deuteronomy 4:24, Hebrews 12:29) the First and the Last,  the Alpha and Omega, and the one who was dead, but is NOW alive forever more!(Isaiah 44:6, Revelation1:8,11,17-18,2:8) That is the REAL Jesus Christ, and that is the Jesus Christ, whom every person on planet Earth, both Jewish and Gentile (all mankind) must come to believe in and trust with their eternal souls.

Do not be led astray with Satanic distractions, such as the modern day fuss about the physical land of Israel, a land promise that was FULFILLED in the time of Joshua. (Joshua 21:43-45) Satan is very good at distracting people who need to get saved, and trust in Jesus Christ, and he will twist the scriptures with his doctrines of devils to do that. (1 Timothy 4:1)  It is not about the land over in the Middle East, but it IS about the eternal SOULS of the Jewish and Gentile people over  in Israel and throughout the rest of the world. All people  need to humble themselves, repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15) before it is too late! That very same Jesus who declared Himself to be the ‘I AM’ (Exodus 3:13-15) also declared Himself to be the Way, Truth and Life. (John 14:6) which is in FULL agreement with His disciple Peter who declared Jesus to be the only way of salvation. (Acts 4:10-12)

VIDEO: THE GREAT “I AM”: HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST!

Have You Been Bewitched By The Compromisers Of Our Day?

The apostle Paul was a straightforward preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and here he asked the people of Galatia who had bewitched them:

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3)

The Greek word baskaino is used there to translate that word bewitched and it is defined as follows: to malign, to fascinate (by false representations), bewitch.

The apostle Paul was dealing with the issue of false gospels, and you can tell by the ‘sound’ of his letter that he was not happy with what had been going on with the church at Galatia. Listen to Paul again:

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)

One thing that you must notice here is that Paul spoke in a way that is so uncommon in our own day. Paul told the people straight out that there was a curse upon a false Gospel. He made his point by saying it twice. Paul was warning them that there was a chance of them being deceived by false teachers. Paul also told them how he had to get in Peter’s face because of his hypocrisy in succumbing to the pressure from the Judaizing “Christians”.’ (Galatians 2:11-16)

This is absolutely incredible because Peter was one of the original disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter saw many miracles, including the dead being raised and a raging storm being stopped by Jesus Christ. Peter saw Jesus walk on water, and he actually walked on water himself. Peter was there when they came for Jesus in the garden, and he even denied Christ three times. Peter was aware that Christ was crucified and killed on the cross, but he also saw the risen Jesus Christ! And yet Peter had a demonic fear overtake his heart, when he pulled away from eating with the Gentiles for fear of offending the Judaizing ‘Christians” of his time. One would not think it possible that a man such as Peter would do such a thing, especially after being restored by Jesus Christ after denying Him three different times. Peter was one of the choice few who walked side by side with the creator of all things, but the Satanic pressure was too much for him there!

The apostle Paul stressed the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross and that was enough. That should be enough for anybody in our day also. Away with the false Gospels of our time such as the Gospel of Roman Catholicism which adds a lot more to the Gospel than the Judaizers did in Galatia.  The false gospel of Roman Catholicism has stolen the souls of billions of precious souls over many centuries. I thank God that the Lord opened my eyes to the deception of that demonic system. One would think that the great idolatry of Catholicism would be easily seen by most Christian believers, but unfortunately that is not the case. If the apostle Paul was so upset about the bondage that was upon the church at Galatia, what would he have said about the Roman Church of today? What would Paul have said about the Roman Catholic Priesthood and the teaching that the little wafer is the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ? What would he have said about the prayers and worship of Mary and the Catholic saints? What would Paul have said about the teaching of Purgatory, and the saying of Masses to deliver the souls who are presently in Purgatory, a place that does not even exist? Plain and simple Paul would have asked the same question today that he asked back then, Who hath bewitched you?

Another false gospel that has come along recently is the false Gospel of Zionism. I believe the apostle Paul would have flipped out if he heard what was being taught today in relation to the people of Israel. Can you imagine the apostle Paul telling people that they were under a curse if they did not bless the people of Israel who rejected Jesus Christ? Can you imagine the apostle Paul restraining himself as people like David Brog and Senator Joe Lieberman were speaking to hundreds of  Christian believers about their obligation to earthly Israel? Can you imagine the apostle Paul being in that meeting, without preaching the Gospel to them, and warning them that they are on their way to Hell, unless they repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Paul was all about souls, and he knew that those who died without Jesus Christ would be lost for eternity. That was the heart of Paul and it must be the heart of every true believer in Jesus Christ.

I am beyond amazed at the false unity that is so apparent in the modern day church, and at how little is said about what is going on. The major compromisers of our day such as Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, John Hagee and countless others have played a great part in the seduction of souls in our time. People have been bewitched by the mixture of truth with error. If you throw in a few Christian Hymns, some colorful graphics on a huge screen, add a few sentimental stories then you can easily manipulate a crowd in no time. The modern day church has bowed their knee to a Satanic spirit of fear, which gets deep inside the hearts of leaders who are petrified of offending the Politicians, and Politial Pastors of our day. That fear will move them away from being a true servant of Christ. It was that same Satanic spirit of fear which sought to totally devour Peter, before Paul got in his face and asked him what on earth he was doing. If the apostle Peter, who was one of the original disciples and a witness of incredible miracles was in danger of being bewitched, then what makes you think WE (me or you) are exempt? Peter was attempting to please man and God at the same time but Paul saw right through it all. The apostle Paul declared that a person cannot please man and God at the same time, and he said that after he warned about a curse being upon the false Gospel.

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)

The leaders of the present day church such as Hagee, Robertson and Graham should be asked the very same question: Who hath bewitched you?

Five Riveting Bible Verses That Every True Christian Must Believe And Preach

There are certain verses in the Bible that are so absolutely riveting and to the point, that they should be preached on a regular basis. In this message I will be looking at just five of the most important verses (and there are many I know) Here are the first three:

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

Those verses of scripture were spoken by one of the original apostles of Jesus Christ, and his name was Peter. Who was Peter speaking to at the time that he made that statement? Peter was talking to the religious Jewish leaders as well as everyone else who was gathered before him on that day. There was a great commotion that was made because the Gospel of Jesus Christ was being preached, and many people were coming to the faith at this time. The Jewish religious leaders were very grieved that the resurrection from the dead was being preached through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:2), not to mention the fact that about five thousand people believed the Gospel message that was being preached. (Acts 4:4) Not only that but a beggar man who was lame from birth, was healed instantly after Peter told the man to ‘rise up and walk’ in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:1-10) Whenever the Spirit of God is moving in such an awesome and powerful way, there is bound to be a Satanic resistance to try and shut down that move of God. That is what was happening here.

So Peter and John were held by the leaders and brought out into the open in Jerusalem, and they were asked by what power and name that man was healed. It was an incredible opportunity which the Lord Jesus Christ presented to Peter and John here, and Peter took advantage of that opportunity. What the Devil meant for evil, the Lord Jesus Christ turned around for good! Glory to His name!  Peter held nothing back, and he made it known to the Jewish religious leaders, and all present, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ, that the man was healed. But Peter did not stop there. He told them (the Jewish leaders) that Jesus was the one whom THEY CRUCIFIED, and whom GOD raised from the dead! Do not miss this folks. Peter cut right to the chase, and he preached the very resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to the biggest Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem. That was the very message that the Jewish leaders did not want the rest of Israel to hear, and they STILL do not want them to hear! (Acts 4:2) Then he told them that Jesus was the stone, that was ’set at nought of you builders’, or in plain English, the one whom they rejected! Peter did not stop there, but he told them that Jesus was now the head of the corner, and the ONLY name under Heaven by which they might be saved. Folks, could the message be any clearer than that? That is the way the Gospel should be preached in church gatherings all around the world! Enough of the foggy, cloudy and hazy man-pleasing messages that are heard today! Enough of the Pastors cozying up to the leading political leaders of our day, here and abroad, while wearing their suits of false humility, doing their best to impress others.  Enough of that false unity that has been breeding for decades in the modern day church, telling others that they are Christians, when they have never entered the Kingdom of God by way of the new birth!  Preach  the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people without compromise, as the apostle Paul told us to do! (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

That was the message back then and that is the message that needs to be preached today also. The message cannot be changed to please people, but that is what has been happening for a very long time. Paul warned us about becoming a man-pleaser, and he equated that with NOT being a SERVANT of Christ! (Galatians 1:10) You CANNOT play both sides. If you want to be a politician, then please go full speed ahead in your career, but do not try to be a man-pleaser and a Christ -pleaser at the same time. The Jewish apostle Paul was constantly living under the threat of being murdered, simply because he preached the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ, straight, and without a chaser! Paul knew that it was Jesus Christ who was crucified, and who also rose from the dead. Paul knew that salvation (eternal life) was found ONLY in Jesus Christ, and he was not ASHAMED to preach that message. And here is the fourth important verse of scripture:

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. (Romans 1:16)

It is so unfortunate that the modern day dispensational teachers makes it sound as if the Jewish people, are somehow exempt from that plain and simple truth. There is a video that I have viewed, (HERE IS THE VIDEO LINK) where Pat Robertson of 700 Club fame is in conversation with a Jewish man named Michael Eisner, (of Disney Fame). Instead of preaching the simple Gospel to that man, (repentance and faith in Jesus Christ) Pat Robertson tells Michael Eisner  that one day ‘all Israel shall be saved’! This is a scripture verse that is often used by the modern day Dispensational teachers, and it is a verse that allows them to avoid any confrontation (and rejection) with unbelieving Jewish people who reject Jesus Christ, as their Messiah, Lord, and Saviour. Any true Christian who reads their Bible knows that the Gospel is for both Jew and Gentile, and if a person rejects Jesus Christ, and  His call to repent and believe the Gospel, they will surely perish! (Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3)

Any true born again believer in Jesus Christ would have relished the opportunity to give the Gospel to that man. Every true Christian should have a burden for lost souls, and if they do not, then I would question their salvation. Why do I say that? Because the Holy Spirit is the one who lives inside the Christian, and He is the one who knows that ALL men and women, without Jesus Christ are lost, dead in their sins, and headed for an eternal Hell! That is the message that you find in all of the Gospel accounts and that is why Jesus Christ let it be known that a person is already condemned without him! (John 3:18, Mark 16:15-16) That is the message that you find the early followers of Jesus Christ preaching also. The apostle Paul wished himself accursed because he had such a burden for his fellow Jews, who he knew were going to be damned for eternity if they did not turn to Jesus Christ! (Romans 9:3) Trust me, the apostle Paul would not have left a conversation with Michael Eisner without making it clear to him, that his soul was in danger, and that Jesus Christ was his only hope.

Michael Eisner is no different than any other person in the sight of Almighty God. He fits into the category of being a sinner (Romans 3:23), along with every other Jewish and Gentile person. He fits into the category of needing a BLOOD ATONEMENT, along with every other Jewish and Gentile person! (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22)  I have said it many times that there is no special plan for the people of Israel outside of Jesus Christ, and the scriptures from the book of Acts, (Acts 4:10-12) make that ever so clear. Michael Eisner should have been told that Jesus Christ was the only hope for him. because he is not promised to live even another day. The FIFTH and last important verse of scripture that needs to be preached, comes right from the mouth of Jesus Christ, the creator of all things:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

All of us need to keep those 5 important verses of scripture in mind, whenever the Lord presents us with the opportunity to share the Gospel with the unsaved.

Not Born Again? Then You Will Never See Heaven!

One of the clearest teachings in the Bible is that of the new birth, or being born again of the Spirit. How important is this teaching? It is so important that Jesus Christ, the creator of all things (John 1:1-3, Genesis 1:1) told a Jewish ruler that if he was not born again, then he would never see the Kingdom of God! (John 3:1-8) It is most important also because it absolutely exposes the modern day Zionistic type teachers that exalt the Jewish people, and claim that they are still God’s chosen people without Jesus Christ. When you read the New Covenant (Testament) you will not find the Jewish people being referred to as God’s chosen people outside of Jesus Christ!

If you want to be counted among “God’s Chosen” and be found in the Book of Life, then you better make sure that you have repented of your sins and put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! The modern day Zionistic movement that has been made popular by people such as John Hagee is a bogus movement, that is built upon sinking sand, and yet it has seduced many millions over the decades. They use invented  terms such as “replacement theologian” when they decsribe those (and that includes me) who believe that God has always had only one distinct people, (not two) who have faithfully followed Christ. I do not believe that the Church has replaced Israel, but I simply believe (what the Bible teaches) and that the church (called out ones) have been grafted  into the TRUE VINE which is Jesus Christ HIMSELF! (John 15: 1-8, Romans 11:17)  The only TRUE ISRAEL of God, is made up of those who follow Jesus Christ, and that includes both Jewish and Gentile believers! (Galatians 6:14-18)  God is so good, and His mercy endureth forever! Can somebody say HALLELUJAH!! Can somebody say AMEN!! I am so glad that the Lord Jesus Christ made it possible for extreme wretches like me, and you, to get on board the Gospel train! Here is the proof that the Old Covenant Church (called out ones) followed the very same Christ that I follow today:

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)

The converted Jewish apostle Paul was the very one who wrote that passage of scripture, and he warned the people not to be ignorant of that very truth. The people in Old Covenant times were following the very same Christ (the Lord) that I serve and follow today. Paul was well aware of that truth, and he was trying to convey that same truth, to his fellow believers in Christ! The people in Old Covenant times followed Christ  before He left the glory of Heaven and was manifested in the flesh on this earth. (John 1:1-3,14) The angels in Heaven confirmed the truth that Jesus would be born and they were rejoicing before the shepherds in the field, when they told them! (Luke 2:8-15)

There was a man named Simeon who would also confirm that Jesus, was in fact the Lord’s Christ (Messiah). Simeon was compelled by the Spirit of God to go to the Temple on the very day when Jesus Christ would be presented before the Lord! That same Holy Spirit had promised him that  he would not see death (die) before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (Messiah)! (Luke 2:21-35) Either Jesus is in fact the Messiah, and Lord or he is not! If He is not then there is no hope for any of us friends! If Jesus is in fact the Christ (Messiah) and He is, then preach the truth to both Jewish and Gentile, and do not hold anything back to please people!

Do not listen to those who try to tell you that the “church age” is nothing more than a mere “parenthesis” in God’s plan for Israel. That is absolute nonsense. What was the reason for the coming of Jesus Christ anyway? Jesus came to seek and to save the lost! (Luke 19:10) and his own (the Jewish people) rejected Him, because they would not have that man (Jesus) to reign over them.(Luke 19:27) Jesus Christ was slain upon the Cross for our sins, and there is nothing that has been postponed at all! You are either in or you are out! That is the way the Lord preached the Gospel. He was never foggy or ambiguous as many are today, as they inhale the praise of men. Jesus spoke about those who were condemned and those who were not! (John 3:18) Jesus spoke about the saved and the damned! (Mark 16:16) The apostle John made it clear that the wrath of God was upon those that did not believe in Jesus Christ. (John 3:36) That list would certainly include every Jewish person who rejects Jesus Christ, as well as every Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and millions upon millions of Gentiles from all over the world! That same apostle John declared that eternal life was found in the Son (Jesus), and those who believed had life, but those who did not believe in Jesus, did not have life (eternal) at all! (1 John 5:10-12)  It all has to do with the Spirit of the living God. Either the Spirit is in you or He is not!

Millions have been led astray by the false teachers such as J.N. Darby, C.I. Scofield and others, and that has led the modern day church into apostasy.What a contrast do we see between the modern day preachers such as John Hagee, with his  annual “Nights to Honor Israel”, (National ethnic Israel) as well as the  C.U.F.I. (Christians United For Israel) functions, where  Pastor Hagee allows speakers such as David Brog  (an unbelieving non-Christian, Jewish man) and Senator Joe Lieberman (an unbelieving non-Christian, Jewish man)  to speak to Christians! Somehow I cannot imagine the Jewish apostle Paul, or any of the other disciples allowing unsaved Jewish people to preach to Christian people. Would it not be more appropriate to have “Nights To Honor Jesus Christ” and invite people such as David Brog to listen. People such as David Brog and  Senator Joe Lieberman should be sitting under the sound of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not preaching their agenda to Christians! They should be the ones sitting in the pews, as the Christians preach “repentance and forgiveness of sins” in Jesus name! The Christians should be proclaiming Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation, to them and any other person in the world. (Acts 4:10-12, John 14:6)

Would it not be more biblical to preach the Gospel to them and call them to repentance and faith in Christ?

The Jewish apostle Paul preached Christ after he got saved and he never stopped. (Acts 9:20-23) In fact there was a great uproar against Paul when he got saved (that is normal) and the Jewish people, whom he used to run with, wanted to KILL him! That is what happens when the Kingdom of God comes into conflict with the Kingdom of darkness! (That is par for the course)  If Paul were to be a witness to what is happening in the church world today, he would be shocked, but he would also acknowledge that the Holy Spirit Himself, showed him that there would  be  “doctrines of devils” in the latter days! (1 Timothy 4:1) The apostle Paul was grieved in his spirit because he knew that his fellow Jewish people were lost for eternity without Jesus Christ. Read it here:

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: (Romans 9:1-6)

As I said, Paul was so grieved because he knew that his fellow Jewish brethren, according to the flesh were lost and headed for Hell! That is the Gospel truth that Paul was trying to get across here. He referred to his fellow Jews as “kinsmen according to the flesh” which they were, but they were not his “kinsmen according to the Spirit” because they had never been born again! Do not forget that Jesus told the Jewish ruler Nicodemus, who was in fact ignorant of the new birth, that he needed to be born again!

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:6-7)

The Gospel message is still the same, and both Jew and Gentile need to become new creations in Jesus Christ before they die! Every Christian who has been genuinely saved and born again, has been transferred into the Kingdom of God.

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:12-14)

Not only that but every true Bible believing Christian is now an Ambassador for Christ, and the message is for all to be reconciled back to God!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

What Did Jesus Christ Have To Say About Hell?

Jesus Christ was without question, the most loving, merciful and kind person to ever walk this earth, and yet he did not hold back the truth about this place called hell.  Jesus Christ declared the following:

” … I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

With that thought in mind, I want you to think about something for a moment. Did Jesus Christ tell the truth about Hell? Do you think that maybe he was trying to deceive us about this place of torment, or was He trying to warn us about an eternal place that is very real?  Of course I believe the latter and there is not a doubt in my mind that Hell is as real as the ground that you and I walk on.

The words below are the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus is also know as the First and the Last, and the Alpha and Omega. (Revelation 1:,8.11,17-18)  If you claim to be a Christian, then you must believe His words, or you make Him out to be a liar!

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31)

Lessons Learned From Jesus Christ

Hell is real

People can hear in Hell

People can talk in Hell

People can remember in Hell (they remember their lives on earth)

People cannot escape from Hell

People are tormented in Hell

People in Hell do not want their relatives to end up there

People need to believe the scriptures

People need to repent and get right with God

The word that is used for HELL in this passage of scripture is the Greek word HADES which can be defined as the place of departed souls.  Remember that Jesus Christ is the one that is telling the story here. It is very interesting that Jesus Christ, who was the most compassionate human being to ever walk this earth went into such extreme detail here in describing the torment that the “rich man” in HELL was experiencing.

Jesus actually told us that the “rich man” was begging for a drop of water on his tongue.  Can I accuse Jesus of being  too harsh for using such language?  Can I accuse Jesus of being too hard for telling us about the impossibility of the “rich man” escaping the torment that he was in?

People often accuse Christians of using scare tactics, or of preaching “fire and brimstone” messages to scare people, but I use Jesus Christ Himself as my example. In other words, I will speak the words that are recorded  in my Bible.  If Jesus Christ preached about HELL then I will also preach about HELL.

After Jesus rose from the dead He encouraged His disciples to preach the gospel to the whole world. Jesus told them that the believers would be saved and the unbelievers would be damned.  (Matthew 16:15-16)  What does it mean to be DAMNED according to Jesus Christ?  Listen to Him for yourself!

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matthew 23:33)

Do not use vague terms such as telling people that  they are going to a “Christless Eternity” because that would be like heaven to them. They do not want Christ now, and they just might figure that they are alright without Him in eternity also. Tell them the truth about HELL the same way that Jesus told them.  Take my word for it on this one.

God will honor you for doing that simply because God  always honors His Word,  even ABOVE His own name, and don’t you ever forget that.

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Psalms 138:2)

It is the obligation of EVERY true bible believing Christian to preach the gospel and to warn the sinners about the damnation of HELL. How can we stand by and not warn the souls who are perishing all around us?

In fact I pity the minister who stands in the pulpit Sunday after Sunday and never warns the people about HELL.  That is not the LOVE of God at all.  God is LOVE and  Jesus Christ is God, and Jesus Christ preached often about Hell, and we need to do the same.

At another time Jesus declared that when the Son of Man (Himself) comes in His Glory, He will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep are placed on the right hand and the goats are placed on the left hand. (Matthew 25:31-33)  The “sheep” (God’s people) inherit the Kingdom prepared for them.  But Jesus declared that there would be a different fate for the “goats” who did not follow the Lord.

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

Judgment Day

Ultimately the place called HADES will be cast into the “lake of fire” and that will be the place of   “everlasting fire” and  “everlasting punishment.” You can choose to reject the teachings of the Word of God if you so desire, but the words will always remain true. but the words of Jesus Christ will never pass away according to Jesus Himself. (Matthew 24:35)  You can call HELL a myth if you so desire, but I tell you in love, that you are in for the shock of your death.

You will NOT be annihilated and exist no more.  There is no second chance either.  Jesus NEVER spoke about a place called Purgatory and it is not to be found in the Bible.  Jesus NEVER spoke about being reincarnated and it is not to be found in the Bible.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before GOD; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is THE BOOK OF LIFE: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and HELL (HADES) delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and HELL (HADES) were cast into the LAKE OF FIRE. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)

I do not believe for a moment that the people who are presently in HELL (HADES) are having a BIBLE STUDY wondering whether they are in SHEOL, HADES, or the LAKE OF FIRE.  Not for a moment. They are in absolute torment according to Jesus Christ.

The very SAME Jesus Christ who spoke so clearly about HELL is the very SAME Jesus who laid down His life upon the cross for us.  Jesus Christ died as a substitute in our place.

Many  people fall into the fatal trap of thinking that they are a “good person”and when they die they hope that their own “goodness” or their own “good deeds” will outweigh their “badness” or their own “bad deeds.” They are hoping  that the eternal “scales of justice” will weigh in their favor, when the truth of the scriptures has already proclaimed them GUILTY!

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20)

The Law of God absolutely silences every single man and woman on earth from justifying themselves before a holy and righteous God. If you want to look for an “axis of evil” you need not look any further than your own heart.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

Do you understand that you are spiritually DEAD in the sight of Almighty God?  Do you understand that God is offering you SALVATION and ETERNAL LIFE in His Son Jesus Christ?

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

You do not have to end up in Hell like so many billions that have lived before you. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been mocked for centuries and those that mock the gospel in modern times are no different than those that went before them.

Jesus Christ said “…repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15)

My friend, please remember that these words about Hell were spoken by Jesus Christ Himself, the very creator of all things. Do not gamble with your soul as the rich man did in this true story.

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matthew 23:33)

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:12-13)

THE REALITY OF HELL AUDIO HERE

Satanic Deception: Pope Benedict Encourages People To Turn To VIRGIN MARY In Times Of Difficulty!

December 8th is the day that the Roman Catholic church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. That Feast is not celebrating the sinless birth of Jesus Christ, but the sinless birth of the Virgin Mary according to Rome’s man-made tradition. Here is an excerpt from the Vatican Information Service out of the Holy See Press Office:

“What an immense joy it is”, Pope Benedict exclaimed, “to have Mary Immaculate as our mother! Whenever we experience our own fragility and the lure of evil, we can turn to her and our hearts receive light and comfort. Even in the trials of life, in the storms that unsettle our faith and hope, we know that we are her children and that the roots of our life lie deep in the infinite grace of God. In her the Church, though exposed to the negative influences of the world, always finds a star by which to guide herself and to follow the route Christ shows her. Mary is, in fact, the Mother of the Church, as solemnly proclaimed by Pope Paul VI and Vatican Council II”. (Vatican Information Service, Holy See Press Office, December 8, 2009)

I am so happy today that I do not have to turn to the Virgin Mary in times of difficulty. I used to rattle off my Hail Mary’s just as any other “practicing Catholic” would do, for many years, until I got saved. It was then that I met the real Jesus Christ, and I was delivered from the cultish system of Rome. Read my other article entitled   ROSARY NO MORE: WHY I STOPPED PRAYING THE ROSARY to get a better understanding of this great deception. It saddens my heart to see so many Roman Catholic people still  being held captive by that same system, and worse than that, without salvation in Jesus Christ!. Here we have the present Pope Benedict encouraging people to call upon Mary when they experience their “own fragility and the lure of evil” when it is the Devil himself who is behind all prayers to Mary in the first place. I have not uttered a prayer to Mary in the past 20 years, and I can assure you that Jesus Christ is the only one that I need. Jesus is the only mediator, and the only way of salvation (1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12) because it was Him alone, who shed His perfect, sinless blood  on the cross for us. Satan is clearly at work in the life of Pope Benedict, and he has worked for centuries through past Popes also. It is Satan’s desire to take your eyes off of Jesus Christ, and Him alone, and that is what he is doing with the worship of Mary within the walls of the Catholic Church. It is also unfortunate and sad, that so many evangelical “Christians”have been seduced into working hand in hand with this demonic system.

Leonard Ravenhill On Romanism: “The Greatest Forgery Lucifer Ever Made!”

“Evangelists today are wide-eyed to the might of Communism, but tight lipped at the menace of Romanism. America would shake from coast to coast in twenty-four hours if some preacher, anointed with the Holy Ghost, gave the Roman Catholic Church a broadside! We stir national interest against the cruel, half-civilized Mau Mau (wicked enough), but powwow with, and pander to, the Roman Catholic Church! These priests who dope mens souls,these idolatrous “masses,” these Calvary eclipsing prayers to Mary, these miserable millions cheated in life and in death by the greatest forgery Lucifer ever made.” (Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill, Bethany House Publishers, 1988, Copyright 1959)

Those words were written 50 years ago in a book by Leonard Ravenhill. Mr Ravenhill was apparently very aware and concerned at the great compromise that he saw between true Biblical Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church. It is so rare to hear a preacher tell it like it is when it comes to this idolatrous system that we know as the Roman Catholic Church. Listen to Mr Ravenhill as he refers to those idolatrous “masses” (Roman Catholic Masses), and the “Calvary eclipsing prayers to Mary” in his book. What a stark difference there is in his speech, compared with that of the well known and popular preachers of today, including Billy Graham. Leonard Ravenhill was very accurate in his description of “These Priests who dope mens souls” because that is exactly what is happening. I spoke about the deception of the Roman Catholic Mass which you can read here and you will see clearly that it is truly a horrendous deception. Take heed to the warnings being given here today! Leonard Ravenhill held nothing back when he referred to Romanism (Roman Catholicism) as being “the greatest forgery Lucifer ever made.” Once again Leonard Ravenhill is speaking the truth without compromise and he gets right to the point. It has been 50 years since Leonard Ravenhill wrote those words in his book “Why Revival Tarries” and today there is scarcely an outcry against Rome from the pulpits of the mainline churches, even those who consider themselves to be “on fire” for the Lord. This has become a no-no in the modern church and it does not fit in with the lingo of this modern day. The lingo that comes from the Vatican  is all about “dialogue” and how we need to talk with each other. Be careful, because the Devil will “dialogue” your soul right into Hell, if you let him! But don’t you let him! Believe me when I tell you this, that Rome and the Vatican have but one desire and that is to bring every “Christian” and  many others under their leadership with the Pope as the leader.

Keith Green was another person who was very outspoken against Roman Catholicism. Here is a quote from the late Keith Green from his “Catholic Chronicles” series of articles.

“It is obvious by even this brief glimpse into the doctrines of mortal and venial sins, confession, penance, and purgatory, that the Roman Catholic Church has constructed one of the most unbiblical doctrinal systems that has ever been considered “Christian”. The fear, anguish, and religious bondage that such a system of “reward and punishment” creates, has tormented millions of lives for centuries, and continues to prey on those who are ignorant of the biblical way of salvation. To merely call such a system “a cult”, would be to throw it into the vast category of religions and quasi-religions that are currently making the rounds of our college campuses and city streets, snatching up many an unsuspecting youth. No, the Roman Church is not a cult. It’s an empire! With its own ruler, its own laws, and its own subjects! The empire has no borders, it encompasses the globe with its eye on every person who does not vow allegiance. It calls the members of other faiths “separated brethren” (The term used by Vatican II to describe the members of Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant churches.) and has as its goal the eventual bringing together of everyone under its flag. I know that many will not be convinced or moved by this article (or any of the others) to make such a conclusion. They are impressed by what they’ve heard about recent stirrings among the Catholics in the “charismatic renewal”. Many evangelicals (especially Charismatics) have been thrilled by the reports of Catholics speaking in tongues, dancing in the Spirit, having nights of joy and praise, even attending “charismatic masses”. Mouths that used to speak out boldly against the Church of Rome have been quieted by the times. It no longer is in vogue to speak of the pope as “the antichrist” (Although the following people unhesitatingly did: Martin Luther, John Bunyan, John Huss, John Wycliffe, John Calvin, William Tyndale, John Knox, Thomas Bacon, John Wesley, Samuel Cooper, John Cotton, and Jonathan Edwards.) or the Catholic Church as the “whore of Babylon”. Now Protestants unwittingly believe that “our differences are not so great”. Ah, that is just what She needs us to think! I’ve never completely understood why God led me to write these articles. But it becomes more clear with each day of study, and each page of research. Never has something so black and wicked, gotten away with appearing so holy and mysteriously beautiful . . . for so long!” (The Catholic Chronicles – Keith Green)

We are living in a day where there is a tidal wave of false teachings and Roman Catholicism is truly a giant tsunami in the midst of all of them. The modern day “church” is run much like the business world, and Pastors entertain many people who they know are compromising with Rome, but they say nothing because they know that “one hand washes the other.” Instead of standing for truth as people such as Leonard Ravenhill and Keith Green and the thousands (possibly millions) of faithful martyrs did, they simply remain silent knowing that few will notice what they are doing. They receive the “praise of men” as many laud them for their Christian service, but deep down they know that they are not warning the people as they should. How can they warn the people when they know that they are working with people, and receiving large monetary donations from ministries who cavort with Rome? They do not realize that they are responsible for the sheep who sit under them. They do not realize that the souls in their congregations are being “doped”  (and duped) by the modern day Ecumenical (apostasy) movement that is so crafty. Are you among them?

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

TBN Still Promoting The False Teachings Of Rome!

The Trinity Broadcasting Network [TBN] is perhaps the largest ‘religious’ media station in the entire world. There are many people who are unaware of their compromise with Rome, but there are also many who have had their ’spiritual eyes’ opened to this great deception. Here is my own TESTIMONY of how I was delivered from the false religious system of Roman Catholicism. It was the Holy Spirit of truth who showed me THE DECEPTION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS. I put down my rosary beads forever, and I speak about this in my article entitled:   ROSARY NO MORE: WHY I STOPPED PRAYING THE ROSARY! I became more involved in “Mary worship” while I was involved in the Roman Catholic Charismatic movement. I became very interested in the “apparitions” (appearances of “Mary”) over in Medugorje, Yugoslavia, and when I was truly born again of the Spirit I realized that they were demonic in origin. I wrote about that in an earlier article entitled: MARIAN APPARITIONS: DIVINE OR DEMONIC?

There is a video below that shows you the Roman Catholic books that are available on the TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) website. I find this absolutely incredible, considering the fact that there were thousands of faithful Christian martyrs who were slain by Rome, because they fought against those very same doctrines. There are also many “Non-Denominational” and “Inter-Denominational” Churches that have been seduced by the modern day Charismatic movement, who have followed the way of people like Kathryn Kuhlman who was known to have Roman Catholic priests right up on the platform (stage) with her during her services.

Once again, I speak as a former Roman Catholic, and I encourage you to view this video for yourself, and stand against the modern day wolves that are sweeping the airwaves and deceiving many Christians.

Billy Graham: Why Did He Remove The Warnings About Rome From Halley’s Bible Handbook?

A well documented book by Dr Cathy Burns reveals that Billy Graham removed the warnings concerning Roman Catholicism from his own Crusade Edition of the Halley’s Bible Handbook. “The original Halley’s up until the 22nd edition (1959), warned about the Jesuits. There are chapters about the Roman Papacy, and the Jesuits. According to Mrs Halley, Mr Halley spent years working on those chapters and never would have permitted the book to be changed. However when he died, Billy Graham bought the rights, and removed all the research and warning about the Jesuits in the editions Billy Graham printed.” [Billy Graham And His Friends: A Hidden Agenda? By Dr Cathy Burns, page 440, Published By Sharing]

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:8-10)

Prophecy Fulfillment: The Lord Jesus Christ And His Prophetic Word For The Nation Of Israel!

This is a must read for those of you who are interested in prophecy. In the Parable of the LORD’S VINEYARD [Matthew 21:33-46] we gain much insight into how the Lord dealt with the Jewish people of His day, regarding their rejection of not only Him, but of the prophets through the ages. This parable was given by the Lord Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, almost two thousand years ago:

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: (Matthew 21:33)

The householder in this parable is the Lord God Almighty, and the  husbandmen are the gardeners who were responsible for the vineyard.  In this case the husbandmen [gardeners] are the children of Israel who were entrusted with the Word of God down through the years.  The children of Israel were the ones who were instructed by the Lord, and they often had His prophets sent to them. In fact the book of Isaiah shows us clearly that the vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! (Isaiah 5:7-8)

And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. (Matthew 21:34-36)

In this part of the parable the Lord is describing the history of the children of Israel and how they treated the sevants of the Lord.  These servants were beaten, persecuted and even killed at times.  In fact if you read chapter seven in the New Testament book of Acts you will hear Stephen, a man of faith and power, rehearse the history of Israel in great detail. In fact this chapter is one of the clearest testimonies in the whole New Testament of how the Jewish people were confronted regarding their rejection of JESUS their MESSIAH.

At one point Stephen addressed the Jewish leaders who were standing before him and said the following:

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: (Acts 7:51-52)

Stephen told the Jewish leaders that they were resisting the Holy Ghost just as their fathers did. Stephen also made a point of telling these Jewish leaders that they were responsible for killing the prophets who prophesied of the coming Christ [MESSIAH].  We know the Messiah is Jesus. Stephen was stoned to death a short time later like so many others of the Lord’s faithful witnesses. [Acts 7:55-60]

But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. (Matthew 21:37-39)

This part of the parable describes what happened when Jesus Christ arrived on the scene. He was rejected by the majority of the Jewish people, especially the chief priests and the elders, and they wanted Jesus Christ to be put to death. The scriptures below testify to the truth that they were surely involved in putting Christ [MESSIAH] to death.

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: (Matthew 27:1)

The Lord was not surprised by what was coming and He told His own disciples that His death was the fulfillment of prophecy. The Word of God is truly amazing in its accuracy regarding the prophetic word.  The scriptures foresaw what took place here, and declared it hundreds of years before.

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. (Luke 18:31-33)

When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? (Matthew 21:40)

Here the Lord Jesus Christ asks the Jewish religious leaders, who were listening to Him tell this parable, what should be done to those who did all of those things to the Lord’s servants. Jesus was now getting to the very heart of the matter, as He always did, and He wanted them to give Him the answer to His question.

They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. (Matthew 21:41)

The Jewish religious rulers responded and told Jesus, that those who did those things were wicked and they should be destroyed! Not only that, but they said that the vineyard should be let out [given over to] to other husbandmen [gardeners] who would bring forth the fruits in their seasons. They had no idea that their answer played right into the meaning of the parable.  They were able to see the unrighteousness of what was done to the servants in that parable, but they did not realize that they were the very ones whom the Lord was describing.

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? (Matthew 21:42)

The Lord Jesus Christ then quoted Psalm 118:22 regarding Himself as being that STONE which the builders [Israel] rejected and who had become the head of the corner [or cornerstone]. The Lord was basically telling the leaders of Israel that the very one standing before them was the very one whom they needed. The Lord was and is the chief cornerstone in the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom which would be made up of Jewish and Gentile believers.

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (Matthew 21:43)

Could Jesus Christ, the creator of the earth, [John 1:1-3], have been any clearer in His pronunciation against the leaders of Israel.  The Lord made His point that Israel had rejected the prophets who were sent to them, and they would end up killing Him too.  Yes, the Lord was prophesying of His very own death, but He was also telling Israel that the Kingdom would be taken from them, and it was! The nation that the Lord said would be given the Kingdom is simply that “holy nation” of believers described by Peter. [1 Peter 2:9-10]  This gospel is not about Israel but it is all about Jesus Christ. The prophets prophesy about Jesus Christ because it is all about HIM. The Lord is going to have a people who serve Him and worship HIM with all of their heart, and those people are going to come from every part of this large world in which we live.  If a person has not been born again then they are not part of the Kingdom of God [John 3:1-8] because entrance into this Kingdom is only through Jesus Christ. Do not let anybody replace the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a false gospel, because a curse comes along with a false gospel. [Galatians 1:8-9]

WHO ARE GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE?

They are those who believe the testimony that God gave of His Son Jesus Christ! [Jewish and Gentile]

WHO IS THE APPLE OF GOD’S EYE?

It is those who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! [Jewish and Gentile]

God is not a respector of persons, and any person who desires salvation in Christ will not be turned away. Does that mean that a person who has led a life without the Lord, and who has lived in absolute decadence their whole life can be saved? Absolutely YES.  That very same person can also be called the apple of God’s eye, and one of God’s chosen people as much as any person who has received the Lord since the beginning of the world.  This gospel is not about Israel, but it is all about Jesus Christ!

Do you remember what the Lord Jesus Christ told that  Gentile woman of Samaria concerning the worship of God?

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:21-26)

Jesus made it clear to this Gentile woman, that the city of Jerusalem did not matter when it came to the worship of God. Jesus told the woman that God must be worshiped in Spirit and truth, and the physical location had nothing to do with the true worship of God. Perhaps Jesus was looking forward into this modern day where people have made a religious idol out of the city of Jerusalem, and the National State of Israel.

Jesus told this Gentile woman that He was in fact the Messiah that she was looking for, which clearly shows us that the Lord will reveal Himself to anyone who truly desires to know Him.  This woman had been married many times, and she was living with a man at the time, but the Lord offered her mercy. Do you remember what the angel said to the apostle John, in the book of Revelation, when John went to bow down and worship him?

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)

If a person does not have the testimony of Jesus in their heart, and on their lips, then they are not true worshipers of God. The angel made that very clear to John. The angel also let John know that the spirit of prophecy will put the testimony of Jesus within a persons heart. If a person truly wants to know what the Word of God is about, then they will find out very quickly that it is Jesus Christ who is the central figure in the Bible, and the redeemer whom they need.

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (Matthew 21:44)

Jesus Christ did not mince words when He spoke, and here he tells the Jewish leaders that those who reject Him would end up as powder.  The word of God still stands true today for both Jew and Gentile. It is either Christ or nothing, and there are no back doors, side doors, or any other door you might think of in this plan of salvation. Jesus said this:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46)

At this point the Jewish priests and the Pharisees caught on to what Jesus was telling them, and they realized that He was speaking about them. They would have grabbed Jesus right then and there but they feared for their own lives so they did not take Him at this point.

ACTUAL QUOTE FROM JESUS CHRIST

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Related Article: The Strong Delusion Of “Christian Zionism”

Related YOU TUBE VIDEO: ISRAEL AND THEIR REJECTION OF JESUS THE MESSIAH!

The Wickedness Of War [Classic Article: Christian Review June 1838]

FROM THE CHRISTIAN REVIEW, JUNE 1838, PP. 230–237, UNSIGNED

The war spirit is so wrought into the texture of governments and the habits of national thinking, and even into our very festivals and pomps, that its occasional recurrence is deemed a matter of unavoidable necessity. Setting aside the matter of a defensive war for now, it is our intention to offer a few thoughts to show how utterly at variance the spirit of war is with truth and righteousness.

1. It contradicts the genius and intention of Christianity. Christianity requires us to seek to amend the condition of man. But war cannot do this. The world is no better for all the wars of five thousand years. Christianity, if it prevailed, would make the earth a paradise. War, where it prevails, makes it a slaughterhouse, a den of thieves, a brothel, a hell. Christianity cancels the laws of retaliation. War is based upon that very principle. Christianity is the remedy for all human woes. War produces every woe known to man.

The causes of war, as well as war itself, are contrary to the gospel. It originates in the worst passions and the worst aims. We may always trace it to the thirst of revenge, the acquisition of territory, the monopoly of commerce, the quarrels of kings, the intrigues of ministers, or some other source, equally culpable; but never has any war devised by man been founded on holy tempers and Christian principles.

“War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity. It destroys religion, it destroys states and it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it.”-Martin Luther

2. War sets at nought the example of Jesus. One of Christ’s primary laws is, “Learn of Me, for I am meek” His constant declaration was that He “came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save.” He drove men from the temple, but it was with “a scourge of small cords,” and a gentle doom it was, compared to their just deserts. He expressly said His servants would not fight, because His kingdom was not of this world. He was the Prince of Peace.

Do we forget that Christ is our example? Imagine the Redeemer laying a country waste, setting fire to cities, storming fortresses, and consigning tens of thousands to wounds and anguish, death and damnation, just to define some point of policy, to decide some kingly quarrel, or to enlarge some boundary. Could “meekness and lowliness” be learned from Him thus engaged? It is most certain that we gather no army lessons from Him who “came to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to comfort all that mourn.” It is most certain that no man who makes fighting his profession can find authority in the example of our Lord.

3. War is inconsistent not only with the general structure and nature of Christianity and the example of Jesus, but it violates all the express precepts of the New Testament. Even the Old Testament does not sanction war, as a custom. In each case of lawful war, it was entered on by express command. It should be remembered that in no case, even under the Old Testament, was war appointed to decide doubtful questions or to settle quarrels. Wars were intended to chastise nations guilty of provoking God. Such is never the pretext of modern war.

As to the New Testament, a multitude of precepts might be quoted: “Ye have heard, an eye for an eye, but I say unto you, resist not evil.” “Follow peace with all men.” “Love one another.” “Do justice, love mercy.” “Love your enemies.” “Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.” “Return good for evil.” “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one toward another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake, hath forgiven you.” “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

All know how much these passages abound in the New Testament. There they stand. In any sense the words will bear, they forbid war. If language has any force at all, these words equally forbid retaliation. Yet retaliation is always advanced as the very best pretext for war and is more frequently the avowed reason than any other!

Rehearse all the catalogue of graces, and mark how we are enjoined to be meek, lowly, peaceable, easy to be entreated, gentle, thinking no evil, merciful, slow to anger, given to quietness, knowledge, patience, temperance, prayer. War sets them all at nought.

Of the sermon on the mount, five benedictions are upon the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers. Two others are upon the persecuted and reviled. The professed warrior, therefore, shuts himself out from all these benedictions! The discourse expressly revokes the law of retaliation, and, exploding the [practice] of loving our neighbor and hating our enemy, requires us to love our enemies and do good to them which despitefully use us. Afterward, in presenting a form of prayer, it not only teaches us to say, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us,” but adds, “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you.” What a peace sermon is here!

The regular soldier … makes war a trade, and is ready to fight any nation, or any part of his own nation, as he is sent. He is to wheel, march, load, fire, advance or flee, just as he is bidden, and because he is bidden. The nearer a soldier comes to a mere machine, the better soldier he makes. Is this right for a Christian? Is it compatible with his duty to “examine all things, and hold fast that which is good?”

What gospel precept is there, which he who makes war a profession is not at times compelled to violate? He must cast away meekness, and fight. He must cast away forgiveness, and revenge his country. He must not return good for evil, but blow for blow, wound for wound.

Look at an army in the hour of battle. See attacks and retreats, battalions annihilated, limbs flying in the air; suffocating smoke, thundering artillery, thousands smarting in the agony of death, and none to administer a cup of water. Do the precepts of Christianity authorize such a scene? Look at the field when all is over. The harvest trampled and destroyed, houses smoking in ruin, the mangled and slain strewed among dead horses and broken gun-carriages! Prowlers stripping booty even from the warm bodies of the dying! Jackals lurking around, and birds of prey wheeling above. Here and there a wretched widow, or an anxious wife, seeking her loved one among the dead and dying. Does all this look as if Christians had there been serving their Master, the God of mercy?

But nowhere does war wear such horrors as in a siege. The inhabitants are straitly shut up. Business, pleasure, education and intercourse are checked; and sorrow, poverty, terror, and distress are spread abroad. The bombardment begins. Shells explode in the streets, or penetrate the roofs. Citizens are killed in the streets, and soldiers on the ramparts. Women and children retreat to cellars and live in all discomfort. Day by day the gloom thickens. All news is of houses burnt, persons killed, and scarcity increased, At length, famine is threatened. Everything is sold to buy a little food.

Anon, breaches are made in the walls. All must work, amid galling fire, to repair them. Mines are sprung, blowing houses and the occupants into the air. No relief comes. Hundreds perish in desperate sorties. All are miserable. The widow, the bereft mother, the disappointed bride, and the tender orphan, mourn continually.

Pestilence succeeds to famine. Thousands, who have escaped violence, die of disease. At length, the city is taken by storm; pillage, and perhaps an awful conflagration, succeed; a brutal soldiery raven among the virtuous; and the indescribable scene ends in permanent poverty, lamentation, and dishonor. Is this Christianity?

Jesus Christ: I AM the Bread Of Life

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (John 6:27)

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke very plainly to the people of His day, and that plainness of speech can still be heard as we read through the gospel accounts. Jesus made it clear to the people that we should be more concerned with the spiritual food than we are with the physical food that we put into our bodies. A person may be well fed but without the spiritual food that brings the knowledge of everlasting life, they are doomed to a pointless existence (and an eternal Hell). It is a good thing to help a homeless person with a meal, but do not forget to hand them a Gospel tract about salvation along with that meal. Who knows if that person might not live to see another day.

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6:28-29)

The people wanted to know what they could DO to work the works of God, and Jesus told them to simply BELIEVE on Him, whom He (the Father) had sent. Jesus cut right to the chase after they asked Him that question. He simply told them to BELIEVE! It is all about FAITH, and that FAITH must be in Him. That is the very crux of the matter, in this whole matter of SALVATION, and where a person is going to spend eternity. It is all about a persons attitude toward Jesus Christ. Do you BELIEVE in Him whom the Father has sent down from Heaven?

They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (John 6:30-33)

The people wanted to SEE a SIGN, that would convince them that this person (Jesus) who stood before them was the real deal. When the Lord provided for the children of Israel with the PHYSICAL manna from Heaven, the children of Israel were able to survive. But Jesus told the people before him, that HE was the TRUE BREAD from Heaven, and that was a little difficult for them to comprehend.

Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:34-35)

The people were interested in this BREAD that Jesus was now telling them about, but they are still thinking in the NATURAL, expecting to receive some type of PHYSICAL BREAD to ingest. Jesus made it clear to them that they needed to COME to HIM, and BELIEVE on HIM.  It is all about FAITH in the person of Jesus Christ. The teaching regarding the BREAD of life has become twisted over the centuries and polluted by teachings such as the Roman Catholic Eucharist, and their Priests performing their Transubstantiation on their Catholic altars. I am sorry but this is not what the Lord had in mind when he spoke about the BREAD of Life. Many people do not realize that the Roman Catholic Church teaches that their Priests possess the God given ability to transform the physical bread, and wine, on their altars into the ACTUAL BODY and BLOOD of Jesus Christ. Not only that but there are over 100 Anathemas (curses) still upheld by Rome against people (Christians) who would disagree with teachings such as this! As a former Roman Catholic, I can attest to you that I did not receive everlasting life until I put my trust in Jesus Christ, and when I believed what the Word of God had to say about Him. I received the Roman Catholic Eucharist countless times but I never had everlasting life by doing that. I believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and I knew that He had justified me by His death on the cross (Romans 5:6-9), and that is the will of God for every person in this world in which we live.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (John 6:47-51)

Once again the focus here is BELIEVING on Jesus Christ, and not EATING a physical piece of bread to receive everlasting life. You see FAITH is something that is done in the spiritual realm, and everlasting life is also in the spiritual realm. Many people talk about being spiritual and having faith, but where is the focus of that faith? Is it in the person of Jesus Christ? If not, then there can be no everlasting life for that person. Come on now, we are living in perilous times when people stand up in their pulpits and fail to give a clarion call of salvation for the fear of offending people. If you preach Jesus Christ, as being the only way of salvation, (John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12) it may get you into trouble in this ecumenical and compromising day in which we live. I am still amazed at how well known preachers are still able to skirt the issues and dance around the truth of Jesus being the ONLY way of salvation, and still get over on the people that follow them. It is so sad, because they are not fooling anybody but themselves. Don’t they realize that the Lord is watching over His own Word, and that He is aware of their gross compromise with the Gospel message?

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. (John 6:57-58)

Jesus once again contrasts the PHYSICAL manna against the SPIRITUAL Bread of Life that is found in Him. It is all about FAITH in Jesus Christ. Do you know Him? Are you religious but lost and unsure of where you will spend eternity? Then, turn to the Lord, and BELIEVE ON Him, and put your trust in Him, and eat of the SPIRITUAL Bread of Life which is found in Him. The BLOOD that Jesus Christ shed on the cross was for all of the UNGODLY people in the world, and every person qualifies as being UNGODLY!

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:6-9)

Twelve Years Of Work Destroyed In One Night: The Destructive Influence Of Billy Graham

Here is an excerpt from the book “Smokescreens” by Jack Chick:

“A few years ago, 5 pastors from Mexico came to see me, asking for help. They told me I must talk to Billy Graham. I told them that was impossible, I was just a little tract publisher. Then they told me Billy Graham had destroyed their churches. They said he held a crusade, and told all those who had received Christ to go back to their original churches and win those people to Christ. The pastors told me their people followed Billy’s instruction and all went back to the Roman Catholic system. Twelve years of work destroyed in one night.” [Smokescreens, Chick Publications, 1983 by Jack Chick page 58]

This is just a small excerpt from that book by Jack Chick and I publish this to make you aware of what has been happening for decades in the modern day compromising church. I became a Christian in 1989, and I worked as a counselor, along with my wife Cathy, at the Billy Graham Crusade in 1991 in Central Park in New York City.

After the message was delivered by Billy Graham, people were instructed to raise their hands if they wanted more information, and the counselors would help them in filling out their decision cards. Cathy helped a woman fill out her card and the woman wrote down the name of her local Roman Catholic Church, to which she would be sent back. Cathy felt horrible, and needless to say we started speaking out and warning others about the deception in the Billy Graham ministry. We have spoken to many Christians over the years, including many pastors and the reaction seems to be pretty much the same. People simply are not interested in hearing what you have to say. There is a sort of glaze that comes over their countenance that is almost demonic. It is as if they cannot deal with the truth that a person so well known as Billy Graham could possibly be wrong. Here is a   LINK to a recent video that I put up about Billy Graham, and his removing the warnings about Rome from His crusade edition of Halley’s Bible Handbook.

The Trojan Horse Of False Unity

The call of the modern day “church” is for unity, and people believe that you are destroying the unity of the body of Jesus Christ when you speak out against the compromisers of today. There is in fact a true unity, and that unity is in Jesus Christ alone. A person is not even a member of the TRUE body of Christ, until, and unless, they have been born again of the Spirit of the living God. [John 3:1-8] What does that mean? I will tell you what that means. That means a person who has never become a new creation in Jesus Christ, by way of the new birth, is as lost as the worst criminal on planet earth. That is the Gospel truth. A person without the Holy Spirit does not belong to God!

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)

I did not have the Spirit of Christ while I was in the Roman Catholic Church. They teach their people that a person is born again at baptism, and they talk about the sacrament of Confirmation as marking the Christian with the seal of the Holy Spirit and clothing him with the power from on high. I speak from experience and I assure you that I did not receive any power, nor did I receive Christ at the sacrament of Confirmation. Why? Simply because the Lord was not, and cannot, be involved with such false teaching. I received the sacrament of baptism inside the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the sacrament of Confirmation, and I received no power and no seal of the Holy Spirit. I did not receive the Holy Spirit until I heard the word of God preached in truth from the Bible, and I believed it. I knew then that God was real, and I knew that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, and that I had been justified by HIS BLOOD! [Romans 5:6-10]. I  also realized that I was sitting under the sound of a false Gospel in the Roman Catholic Church. It was the Holy Spirit (of truth) who opened my eyes, and He will open your eyes also. The Holy Spirit is also known as the Spirit of truth, and He is the one (a person, not a force) who will guide us into all truth.

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. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:13-14)

It is that same Spirit of truth that yanked my wife Cathy and I out of the deceptive and false system of Roman Catholicism, and that is why I continue to speak out against Rome to this day. Many have been seduced by the trojan horse of false unity. They listen to “smooth talking” preachers who appear to be loving, but they end up promoting a false gospel in the process. They are able to get over on most of the people in their congregations, and a few might see the deception, but rarely will they utter a peep, for fear of being put out of the “church.” So here I am preaching the true Gospel, and warning others to flee from that FALSE CHURCH, and the airwaves are FILLED with the modern day WOLVES, who are working hand in hand with them!  I did a short YouTube video on the compromise of the Trinity Broadcasting Network with the FALSE CHURCH of Roman Catholicism, which you can VIEW HERE.

In that video, you will be able to see how TBN promotes and sells “tons” of Roman Catholic materials including books about the Catholic Mass, and how to pray the rosary which are mainly “Hail Mary” prayers. And you wonder if there is apostasy in the church! You have got to be kidding me. With all the “anointed” men and women of God” that go on that program, should there not be at least one of them, that raises the roof against such nonsense? Is this a church or is it a circus?

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12)

Who Is A True Jew In God’s Sight?

You might be wondering at the title of this article, but it is a topic that needs to be discussed, especially in the times in which we are living. Read the following passage of scripture which was penned by the well known apostle Paul, a converted Jew:

For he is not a JEW, which is one OUTWARDLY; neither is that circumcision, which is OUTWARD in the flesh: But he is a JEW, which is one INWARDLY; and circumcision is that of the HEART, in the SPIRIT, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of GOD. (Romans 2:28-29)

The apostle Paul, himself a Jew, made it very clear that the physical circumcision of the flesh did NOT make a person a Jew, but it was the SPIRITUAL circumcision of the heart that truly mattered. When the Lord Jesus Christ had a discussion with a Jewish ruler named Nicodemus, He made it clear to him that he needed to be born again in order for him to see the Kingdom of God. The Lord showed that Jewish man Nicodemus, the absolute necessity of being born again of the Spirit of God. The man Nicodemus is to be commended because he was searching for the truth, and he came to Jesus in the dark of night, probably because he was intimidated by his fellow Jews.

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a RULER of the JEWS: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, RABBI, we know that thou art a teacher come from GOD: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be BORN AGAIN. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:1-8)

There must be a circumcision of the heart, in the Spirit for a person to understand that Jesus Christ is in fact the Son of God, and the Messiah. The apostle Paul was on the outside looking in until that fateful day when the Lord Jesus Christ confronted him from Heaven above! (Acts 9) After that day, the apostle Paul preached that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah) and his own countrymen wanted to KILL him! (Acts 9:15-23) Why? Simply because Paul (then Saul) had crossed over from the Kingdom of DARKNESS into the Kingdom of God, and LIGHT! The apostle Paul came to the knowledge of truth (1 John 5:20), and he paid a very dear price for it also.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the CROSS of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in CHRIST JESUS neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a NEW CREATURE . And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the ISRAEL OF GOD. (Galatians 6:14-16)

Paul emphasizes here that the physical circumcision means absolutely NOTHING, and he also states that being uncircumcised is just as worthless in the sight of God. Paul made it clear that the only thing that mattered was being a NEW CREATURE (CREATION) and he was talking about being a NEW CREATION in Jesus Christ. There is no other NEW CREATION that is recognized as being part of the true ISRAEL OF GOD than that NEW CREATION! Paul said he gloried only in the CROSS of his Lord Jesus Christ! Paul declared PEACE to be upon those who WALKED according to that same rule (or way) What rule (way)? Simply believing and following the Lord Jesus Christ, and realizing that it is only the CROSS, where Jesus shed His BLOOD that really matters for sinners.

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: (Romans 9:6)

So a person may be a Jew by nature, but until they become a NEW CREATION in Jesus Christ, they are not a TRUE JEW according to the scriptures, and more specifically according to a Jewish man (Paul) who was converted to Jesus Christ. So the time for the Jewish people to turn to Jesus Christ is not at sometime in the future but it is NOW, and this Gospel call has been going on for many centuries, since the time of Jesus Christ!

Therefore if any man be IN CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATURE (CREATION): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become NEW. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

It does not matter whether a person is Jewish or Gentile (in the flesh or natural), the only thing that matters is whether that same person has repented and believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mark 1:15)  If they have put their faith in Jesus Christ, and they have been born again of the Spirit, then they are part of the Kingdom of God,and  NEW CREATIONS in Jesus Christ, and they are on their way to Heaven. If that has happened to an individual, then that SAME person can be rightly be called a TRUE JEW in God’s sight. If that has NOT happened to an individual, then that person simply remains in their sins, and they remain in DARKNESS. Their names have NEVER been WRITTEN in the Book of Life, and they will ultimately be CAST into the Lake of Fire!

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the DEAD, SMALL and GREAT, stand before GOD; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the BOOK OF LIFE: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And WHOSOEVER was NOT found WRITTEN in the BOOK OF LIFE was CAST into the LAKE OF FIRE . (Revelation 20:11-15)

The Mormons And Their Counterfeit Teachings About Jesus Christ!

You  have probably heard or read about the Mormons and their Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter day Saints. In this article I will give you a very brief background of how their church came about, and what they teach about Jesus Christ. You will see that the Mormon Jesus, and the Jesus of TRUTH, are not the same Jesus!

 I will be quoting from a book that I bought many years ago, (probably out of print) entitled “Counterfeits At Your Door” by James Bjornstad. That book covers both the counterfeit group known as the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” and the counterfeit group known as the “Mormons.”

 “Mormonism traces its lineage back to Jesus Christ Himself, and beyond that to the true Jewish (Old Testament) religion. Within this history, Mormonism claims that churches had been existing outside the “true” faith for centuries until Joseph Smith Jr whom Mormons revere as a prophet of God, restored the one true church of Christ. Mormonism claims to be the one true church.” [Counterfeits At Your Door, James Bjornstad page 100, Regal Books 1979]

 I find this very interesting because the Roman Catholic Church also makes the claim that they are the “one true Church” and many follow her and her false doctrines. I truly believe that many are swayed because of the largeness of that system and somehow think that they cannot be wrong. So here we have the claim made by the Mormons that they are the one true church also.

 ”On September 21, 1823, while Joseph Smith, Jr was in prayer in his room, the angel Moroni appeared to him and told him of some gold plates. Moroni claimed they contained “the fullness of the Gospel” as revealed by Jesus Christ to earlier inhabitants of this continent” [Counterfeits At Your Door, James Bjornstad page 101, Regal Books 1979]

 ”In June, 1829, the work of translating the plates was completed and soon the first edition of the Book of Mormon was ready. It should be noted that the plates are no longer in existence, Joseph Smith having claimed he returned them to the angel Moroni when the translation was complete.”

 ”At a formal meeting in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr, in Fayette, New York on April 6, 1830, the one true church was organized in the State of New York. The Church of Christ (later named the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) came into existence.” [Counterfeits At Your Door, James Bjornstad page 102, Regal Books 1979]

‘Keep in mind that there are several groups which are called Mormon . . . There have been, perhaps, as many as a 100 off-shoots from the original church. These groups have all have two things in common: They accept Joseph Smith Jr. as a prophet of God and the book of Mormon as the word of God-hence they are called Mormons. However, each group claims to be the only true church, rejecting all the others as apostates, and each one has some differences in doctrine and practice from the others.’

 ”Keep in mind that the material presented in this section is that of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints whose headquarters is in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is the largest group of Mormons and the fifth largest religious group in the United States.”[Counterfeits At Your Door, James Bjornstad page 104, Regal Books 1979]

 ”From the very beginning, Mormons said the Bible is unreliable, even though it is used by them and they lay claim to being biblical. The eighth Article of Faith in Mormonism states, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.” Mormonism, in reality needs an unreliable Bible because the Bible contradicts almost all of Mormonism’s doctrines and practices. Mormons are taught that the Catholic Church corrupted the texts so that the Bible cannot always be trusted. This means that when you share your faith with Mormons, whenever a passage from the Bible contradicts their belief, they will think that passage is one of the places in which the text of the Bible has been corrupted.” [Counterfeits At Your Door, James Bjornstad page 104-105, Regal Books 1979]

 Mormonism has a lot in common with the false religious system of Roman Catholicism from which the Lord delivered me. The Mormons have their “Book of Mormon” while the Roman Catholic Church has their man-made tradition along with the Magisterium, which is the teaching office of the church. They are the ones who the church depend on for the interpretation of the scriptures. They put their own man-made tradition on an equal level with the scriptures, and they claim that their own tradition, the Magisterium, and the Bible work together. I thank God for the true Christian reformers who stood against Rome, and made it possible for the common man to have the scriptures in their hand. Many millions have come to be born again of the Spirit, the true Biblical way, because they were able to read the scriptures for themselves without the interpretation of a Roman Catholic Magisterium. I am happy to say that I one of those many millions.

 Jesus: The Spirit Child

 ”According to the Mormons, Jesus Christ is a created being. He is the “First born Spirit Child of a long line of children who were sexually conceived in spirit form by a Heavenly Father who is the God of this universe, and a Heavenly Mother. In fact, all people-Jesus, Lucifer, we and others who have lived and will live on earth-were first born in spirit form in heaven. Jesus being the first born is our eldest brother.”

 ” . . . Jesus was conceived by the Heavenly Father, a god of flesh and bones, through sexual relations with Mary, an earthly woman. The only difference between Jesus and any other human is that his Heavenly Father (Father God who has a body) was literally his earthly father, who conceived him in the physical world as well.” [Counterfeits At Your Door, James Bjornstad page 110-111, Regal Books 1979]

 If you are a true born again, Bible believing Christian, you may be shaking your head in disbelief at the teachings of the Mormons. I find it absolutely incredible that people believe those doctrines, and I find it still more amazing that many “Christian” leaders do not seem to have a problem with their teachings. Many “Christian” leaders, and other false unity ministers, use cute little sayings (which were birthed in Hell) such as this “We agree to disagree” or “We take different roads, but we will all end up in the same place, Heaven” Can you imagine Jesus telling the devil that they would simply agree to disagree?

 The truth of the matter is this. If you are following a counterfeit Jesus, then it is impossible for you to enter Heaven. You most certainly will not be there. The Jesus of the Mormons is a counterfeit Jesus, and he does not exist at all. The real Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, and He has always existed. The apostle John described Him this way:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3)

 The real Jesus Christ did not attain unto “godhood” through his consistent effort as the Mormons also teach their followers. Jesus Christ is God. The scripture passage above makes it so clear that the Word was with God and that the Word was God!  The Word is describing Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God! So how do we know that the Word is talking about Christ?

 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

 The Word (Jesus Christ) became FLESH (born of the virgin) and He partook of our humanity so that we might be SAVED! The following verses of scripture (Hebrews 2:9,14) show us the very REASON why the WORD (Jesus Christ) was made flesh! Do not miss these verses of scripture, and meditate on what they are saying!

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9)

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14)

The real Jesus Christ is part of the eternal triune Godhead, and He came to this earth, being born through the womb of a Jewish virgin named Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:28-35)

 You can get a good glimpse of the eternal triune Godhead in the following scripture verse from the prophet Isaiah, which was written hundreds of years before Christ came to this earth:

 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. (Isaiah 48:16)

 The real Jesus Christ declared Himself to be the First and the Last, in the first chapter of Revelation:

 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:17-18)

 Did you notice that this First and the Last declared that He was DEAD at one point in time? Who do you think that is talking about? Jesus Christ of course! That same First and Last is now alive for evermore.

 Isaiah the prophet also spoke about the First and the Last:

 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6)

Not only does the First and Last describe Himself as the King of Israel, Redeemer and the Lord of hosts, but He declares that there is NO god beside Him! To reject Jesus Christ as God is to call God a liar! We all know that Christ is the one who came to redeem us from our sins.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

 This same First and Last is also the Alpha and Omega:

 ” . . . I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last . . . (Revelation 1:11)

 The Alpha and Omega is also called the Almighty:

 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)

 The real Jesus Christ of the scriptures describes the Jesus that every living human being in this world needs in order to be saved. The Mormons are not alone in their false doctrines concerning Jesus Christ. The people of Islam (the Muslims) believe that Jesus Christ is nothing more than a prophet, and they do not even believe that God has a Son. They too, need to repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mark 1:15) The Jewish people do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah who was sent into this world. They too must repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ or they will never see Heaven.  This obviously only touches on a small portion of the false doctrines of Mormonism but there is enough here to make anyone take notice.

 Here are two ACTUAL QUOTES from Jesus Christ after He rose from the dead!

” . . .   All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

” . . .   Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16)

　

　

Israel And The Church: Two Distinct Peoples, Or Another Doctrine Of Devils?

The false teaching regarding Israel in this modern day is probably a lot worse than any of us realize. That is why it is so important for those Christians who have had their eyes opened to this great deception to speak out. I will be quoting often from Stephen Sizer’s book, ‘Zion’s Christian Soldiers? The Bible, Israel and the Church’ in this article.

 ‘How often have you heard the Jewish people described as God’s ‘chosen people’? Probably so often that you have never even questioned it. It is so ingrained that to deny it is often seen as evidence of anti-Semitism. As is the assumption that God blesses and curses nations on the basis of how they treat Israel-which is sometimes used as a threat. This view goes back to Genesis 12:3. Jerry Falwell, for example, says God is blessing America because America has been kind to the Jew. He claims God ‘will bless those who bless the Jews and curse whoever curses the Jews’. That is why Christians United For Israel conducts ‘A Night To Honor Israel’ in as many cities as possible, so that God will continue to bless America and Canada.’

 ‘It may surprise you to discover that the New Testament never uses the term ‘chosen’ to describe the Jewish people. It is used only of those who follow Jesus. Does that mean God has two separate ‘chosen people’? Some like to think so. They are usually called ‘dispensationalists’, and this is a popular viewpoint among evangelicals in the United States.’ [Zion’s Christian Soldiers, by Stephen Sizer, page 40, by Inter Varsity Press, 2007]

The quotes above explain the situation regarding Israel so well and I know it to be true. I have listened to enough ‘Christian’ radio and television preachers as well as Pastors in the pulpit, and that is the message that you will hear. I have heard the term ‘Israel is God’s timepiece’ quoted by a Pastor, and he was simply quoting what ‘Sister Basilea Schlink,’ a nun in the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, (is it a a cult?) had taught him. This type of teaching regarding Israel, is very mainstream in the modern day church and it has had an enormous influence on  church people. Most people who sit in Churches will never question their Pastors because they believe that God has called them, anointed them, and they can do no wrong. They surely do not want to be considered a rebel within their own congregation. As a new Christian when I heard the teachings about Israel, and the prophecies about their return to the land, I too, never really searched deep enough, because I believed the ‘prophecy teachers’ surely knew a lot more about those things then I did. I knew all along that the Jewish people needed Jesus Christ just like the rest of us, but the teachings on the prophecies and other things, I left to the ‘experts’ and I thought that they knew what they were talking about. I did not really search out any opposing opinions until several years ago.

As I look back though, I can remember getting many a ‘check’ in my Spirit, as I would listen to other Christians talk about he Jewish people, almost as if, they (the Jewish people) did not need to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was almost as if they (the Jewish people) were alright just the way they were. I can remember listening to a radio teacher early on Sunday mornings, and I would hear him quote the scriptures, including passages from the book of Romans regarding the grace of God, and I would say amen. Then one day I heard that same preacher say something about the apostle Paul as being the only apostle that had the ‘mystery’ revealed to him, and he contrasted Paul’s Gospel with the rest of the apostles of Jesus Christ, and I said huh? What on earth is this guy talking about? Little did I know at the time, but I was listening to a classic dispensationalist teacher, that is sometimes hard to discern because of the mixture with truth. 

‘John Nelson Darby, one of the founders of the Brethren movement, along with Cyrus Scofield, through his Scofield Reference Bible, popularized the novel idea that God has two separate plans-one being fulfilled through the church, the other through Israel.’ 

‘Lewis Sperry Chafer, one of Scofield’s students, elaborates on this alleged dichotomy between Israel and the Church: 

‘The dispensationalist, believes that throughout the ages God is pursuing two distinct purposes: one related to the earth with earthly people and earthly objectives involved which is Judaism; while the other is related to heaven with heavenly people and heavenly objectives which is Christianity . . . Israel is an eternal nation, heir to an eternal land, with an eternal kingdom, on which David rules from an eternal throne, so that in eternity . . . never the twain, Israel and church, shall meet.’ [Zion’s Christian Soldiers, by Stephen Sizer, page 41 by Inter Varsity Press, 2007]

I was truly not aware of the details of this type of teaching, and so I started to read more about what they taught, and I could not believe it. This teaching sounds like spiritual insanity to me. This truly shows us how the false teachers along with their demonic doctrines, are able to infiltrate the church. It is a mixture of error along with truth, and if a person is not seeking to discern truth from error, it is extremely easy to be deceived. If that person being deceived is a Pastor (and that often is the case), then he (or she) will simply teach their people (sometimes thousands) the very same demonic doctrines that he (or she) has learned and accepted. 

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12-13) 

Stephen Sizer goes on to write in his book the following: 

If you imagine the way railway lines run parallel but never meet, that is how many dispensationalists believe Israel and the church remain separate.

This leads John Hagee, for example, to a novel interpretation of Genesis 22, where God promises Abraham, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.’ (Genesis 22:17)

‘Stars are heavenly, not earthly. They represent the church, spiritual Israel. The ‘sand on the shore’ on the other hand is earthly and represents an earthly kingdom with a literal Jerusalem as the capital city. Both stars and sand exist at the same time, and neither ever replaces the other. Just so, the nation of Israel and spiritual Israel, the church, exist at the same time and do not replace each other.’

However, Hagee’s colourful interpretation doesn’t quite fit with the way Scripture interprets Scripture. Around 430 BC Nehemiah thanked God that the promise made to Abraham had already been fulfilled.

 ‘You made their children as numerous as the stars in the sky’ (Nehemiah 9:23)

 Notice Nehemiah likens the Jews, not Gentiles, to the stars in the sky. Maybe they are the sand not the stars . . .

‘Nevertheless, this view remains popular among many evangelicals and fundamentalists in the United States. It also lies behind best sellers such as Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth, as well as Tim LaHaye’s blockbuster Left Behind series.’ [Zion’s Christian Soldiers, by Stephen Sizer, page 42-43, by Inter Varsity Press, 2007]

There is absolutely no difference between the Jew and the Gentile (all nations) in the sight of Almighty God. In the passage below the apostle Peter made that ever so clear to the early church:

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:7-11)

A person is either with Christ or they are against Christ. A person is either in the Kingdom of God or they are not. A person is either SAVED and HEAVENBOUND or UNSAVED and HELLBOUND! The Bible passage above makes it very clear that a person has their heart purified by faith in Jesus Christ. If God, who knows the hearts, puts no difference between the Jew and the Gentile, then why would anybody want to follow the false teachers and false prophets who claim that God has two different plans, for two different peoples? The New Covenant (Testament) makes it so clear to us that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. (Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11)

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13)

The ‘commonwealth of Israel’ is made up only of those (Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ) who have been made near by the blood of Jesus Christ. Yes, there are indeed two groups of people in the sight of God, and those two groups are the SAVED and the UNSAVED. The Gospel call to salvation has been going forth for centuries now, and many have received Jesus Christ (John 1:11-12) but most continue to reject Jesus Christ and HIS Gospel, and you can find people from both of those groups in EVERY NATION in the entire world! 

Scofield Bible Hoax: His Bogus Teaching Regarding The Jewish “Brethren”

In a recent article in Charisma magazine (July 28, 2009), the well known “Christian Zionist”Pastor John Hagee made the following statement:

“Few Christians recognize that there are five judgments in Scripture. The first has occurred, and four are yet to be.”

That statement regarding the numerous judgments of God is classic CI Scofield which was popularized by his own Scofield Bible. That Bible is one of the first (if not the first) Bible to put the man made notes of a man (or woman) on the very same page as the scriptures. The problem with that is that many people start believing every thing that is written on the page as if it was the scripture itself! In this article I will be looking at the “fourth judgment” according to Hagee and other dispensationalists. John Hagee declared the following in the Charisma magazine article:

“The fourth judgment is the judgment of the nations. All the nations of the earth will be judged before God Almighty and His holy angels for the manner in which they treated the Jewish people. (See Matthew 25:31-46)”

“The fourth judgment is the one that most concerns us here. The time of the judgment is immediately after the Messiah returns to Earth to establish His literal kingdom in the city of Jerusalem. It is critical to your well being that you understand what the Bible teaches about the believers treatment of God’s chosen people so you will not come under this judgment.”

“Who do you think are the hungry, naked, thirsty, sick, imprisoned strangers Jesus refers to in Matthew 25? They are not the church; they are the Jewish people.”

“Jesus makes this clear when He says, ‘And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren [the Jews], you did it to me. ‘Then He will say to those on the left hand. ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. . . . And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:40-41,46)

“It is important to be right on the Israel question when you consider that being wrong brings you under the curse of God and headed for eternal, everlasting fire with the devil and his angels. Israel is not a ‘take it or leave it” subject. It is a life or death matter-eternal life!”

“If you believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and those who reject its truths have entered into idolatry and rebellion; if you believe Jehovah God is a God of integrity and that it would be impossible for Him to break His covenant; if you believe that Jesus Christ is our example and that we ought to follow Him, then there is no biblical alternative but to support the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. They’ll be blessed —and so will you!”

[The Lord Has Chosen Zion, Tuesday, 28 July, John Hagee, Charisma Magazine]

First of all I would like to address the issue of the numerous judgments in scripture. If any person reads their Bible and they listen to how the Lord Jesus Christ taught, they know that the Lord spoke with an urgency in His voice, encouraging the people to be prepared for his coming. When the Lord spoke about judgment, he always made a clear distinction between those who were saved, and those who were not. The Lord did not hold back the truth about Hell either, as most modern day Pastors in user friendly churches do. You do not get the sense that there would be several different judgments when you browse through the Gospel accounts. The Lord made it known that He would be coming again and He also made it super clear that He was absolutely the ONLY WAY to Heaven. If you miss that, then you miss everything! Keep in mind that the Lord Jesus Christ is perfect and He never fails. You do not want to miss it when it comes to salvation and judgment.

As far as Judgment Day goes there will be only one judgment day and the Lord Jesus Christ spoke of that day, as the LAST DAY! Jesus declared that those who rejected Him, and His words (you cannot separate the two), would be JUDGED by Him, and His words in the LAST DAY! (John 12:48)  Jesus declared that those who BELIEVED on Him, would be raised up by HIM, on the LAST DAY! He used those words LAST DAY, three different times in three separate verses! (John 6:40,44,54)  Jesus declared that He was coming again, in the clouds of Heaven, with great glory, and He declared that all the tribes (Greek: phule-races) of the earth would mourn (Greek: kopto-lament, mourn) when they see the Son of Man coming. (Matthew 24:30)

The apostle John wrote in the book of Revelation (who also wrote The Gospel of John) declared that all the kindreds (Greek: phule-races) of the Earth would wail (Greek: kopto- lament, mourn) at the sight of Jesus when He comes in the clouds! (Revelation 1:7)

The apostle Paul declared that the Lord will raise the dead, and the living believers at His coming. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Jesus declared that He would come with the angels and reward EVERY MAN according to their works. (Matthew 16:27)The apostle John declared that the dead, both small and great, would be judged by God, according to their works, and that those whose names were not found in the book of life, would be cast into the lake of Fire!. (Revelation 20:11-15)

The Saved And The Unsaved

Jesus declared that those who believed on Him were NOT condemned, and those who did not believe on Him were CONDEMNED already! (John 3:16-18)

Jesus made it clear that EVERLASTING LIFE belonged ONLY to those who believed in HIM! (John 5:24, 6:40, 6:47)

The apostle John (who also wrote Revelation) declared that the very reason the Gospel was written was  that people might believe on Jesus and have EVERLASTING LIFE! (John  20:31)

In that very same Gospel, the apostle John (who also wrote Revelation) declared that the WRATH OF GOD already abode upon those who rejected Jesus Christ! (John 3:36)

After Jesus was killed and rose from the dead, He told His followers to preach the Gospel to all, and told them that the believers would be SAVED, and the unbelievers would be DAMNED! (Mark 16:15-16)

This is what really matters in the END. Does a person know Jesus Christ? If they die without Christ, then they end up in HELL forever. (Luke 16:19-31) The Devil is so clever in perverting the truth of the Gospel of Christ and he will do all that he can do to keep people out of Heaven.If a person has not been truly born again of the Spirit, then they are NOT part of the Kingdom of God. They are still dead in their sins, and without everlasting life, which is found in Jesus Christ alone. Does that mean that every person who has died without salvation in Jesus Christ over the past centuries went to Hell? Absolutely YES, and that is a message that is rarely heard in this modern day. Does that mean that a Jewish person who died without believing in Jesus Christ died in their sins and will face everlasting punishment? Absolutely YES! Does that mean that a Gentile person( from any nation) who died without believing in Jesus Christ, died in their sins and faces everlasting punishment? Absolutely YES! What about all the other religions in the world, and all the good people in those religions? It does not matter because it is only the BLOOD that will atone for the sins of mankind (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22) and the Bible makes it very clear that Jesus Christ alone is that BLOOD atonement! (Romans 5:6-9, Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 5:9)

It is the obligation of every INDIVIDUAL in this world of ours, to search out the truth for themselves, and do not ever forget that. People will not stand before Almighty God holding hands with the millions of people, who held the same beliefs that they did! They will stand before God and be judged for what they did, and what they believed, and what they did with the person of Jesus Christ! The scriptures declare so clearly that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of salvation! (John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12) It is almost sickening when one thinks of the LAST DAY and the FINAL JUDGMENT , and what it will be like when people realize and understand, that they did not know the Lord, and that they missed the whole thing! Not only that, but the absolute sorrow of knowing that parents have led their loved ones astray and taught them the wrong way! Salvation is not something to be played with for sure. (Hebrews 2:1-3)

Scofield’s Bogus Teaching: The ‘Brethren’ In Matthew 25 Are The Jewish People

Pastor John Hagee declares that ALL the nations of the world are going to be JUDGED by how they treated the Jewish people. This is one of the most craftiest and deceitful statements that I have ever read. As I said earlier, the whole Gospel is about Jesus Christ. God offers salvation to ALL the world, and that would include the Jewish people. The apostle Paul made that very clear also. (Romans 1:16-18) The NATIONS of the world (including Israel, past and present) are going to be JUDGED for what they did with Jesus Christ, and not for how they treated the Jewish people! Not only that but the “BRETHREN” in that passage of scripture, DOES in TRUTH, speak about the CHURCH and NOT the Jewish people as John Hagee declares. That teaching is classic CI Scofield, and that is where John Hagee got that teaching from. So then who are the BRETHREN? Jesus Christ Himself gives us the answer:

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. (Luke 8:18-21)

The ‘BRETHREN’ according to Jesus Christ are those which hear the word of God,and do it. The ‘BRETHREN’ are simply those disciples (followers) of Jesus Christ, who take heed to His word, and that is made very clear in Matthews version of that same passage of scripture. (see Matthew 12:46-50) The Jewish people who reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah, are clearly not His disciples, and they clearly do not believe the words that come out of His mouth.  The Jewish people for the most part rejected Jesus Christ during His time as He came unto His own, and they received Him NOT! (John 1:11) and it has been that way up until this very day! If any sincere person would read the Gospel accounts, they would NEVER come up with that interpretation regarding the BRETHREN, that CI Scofield (Scofield Bible) came up with, and which has deceived millions over the years.

Do the Jewish people who reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah follow the word of God? Of course they do not! In fact Jesus Christ (God in the flesh) told them that they KILLED their own prophets, and STONED those who were sent to them! (Matthew 23:23-37, Luke 13:34) The real Jesus Christ rebuked the Jewish Pharisees for their hypocrisy, and that same word still stands true today for the religious Jewish people throughout the world. They still reject Jesus the Messiah, who was sent to them to this very day! The apostle Paul was converted from those very same ways, being a Jewish Pharisee himself, and he made it very clear that the Jewish people did not even understand their own prophets which were read every Sabbath!

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: (Acts 13:22-30)

To this very day, when the scriptures are read, and the prophets are quoted in Jewish synagogues, they still do not understand that the prophets, prophesied about Jesus Christ! The scriptures make it abundantly clear that Jesus Christ came forth from the lineage of David, and the scriptures say here that God had raised Jesus up to be a Saviour unto Israel. The truth of the matter is this. The Jewish people not only in the physical land of Israel, but all over the world  still do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, nor the Son of God! They still reject Him to this very day!

When the Lord is talking about the treatment of the ‘BRETHREN‘ in that Matthew 25 passage, He is simply talking about the treatment of His very own followers. They are the ones who make up HIS BODY (Romans 12:5, Ephesians 3:6, 4:12) and they are the ones who make up HIS CHURCH (2 Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:13), and they are the living stones (1 Peter 2:5-6) who make up His SPIRITUAL HOUSE (1 Peter 2:5-6)  and TEMPLE (2 Corinthians 6:6), with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief CORNERSTONE! (1 Peter 2:5-6)

The Jewish apostle Paul (formerly Saul) testified about how the RISEN AND LIVING, Lord Jesus Christ spoke to him out of Heaven, as he was on one of his rampages against true born again Christians.

And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. (Acts 22:6-8)

So what can we learn here? We learn that the Lord looked at those who were being persecuted by people like Saul (Paul), as if it were Himself! The Lord Jesus Christ let Saul (Paul) know that it was HE, (Jesus) whom he was persecuting! So when you read about the judgment in Matthew 25 regarding the treatment of the “BRETHREN” it is so easy to understand that the Lord is talking about His own body of believers in the world. Just as the Lord knew that His followers (the body) were being persecuted by Saul (Paul) (Acts 9) and others, so He is well aware of those who have persecuted His people through the centuries!

So when the Lord brings up the treatment of those ‘BRETHREN’ in Matthew 25 it is talking about those who were TRUE BELIEVERS in HIM. That group of TRUE BRETHREN is made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus Christ. I might also point out here, that the treatment of other believers is a FRUIT of a TRUE BELIEVER and not the BASIS for the salvation which is found in Jesus Christ. We need only look to the whole New Covenant (Testament) to learn that salvation comes by FAITH, and we know that it is the BLOOD of Jesus Christ alone that will atone for our sins.

The Scofield teaching regarding the ‘BRETHREN’ is a BOGUS and DEMONIC DOCTRINE and it without question one of the “doctrines of devils” which the Jewish apostle Paul warned us about here:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)

The Curse Of God And Everlasting Fire For Who?

John Hagee makes another incredible statement in that Charisma magazine article. First he quotes from Matthew 25: 40-41,46 regarding those who are cursed and cast into everlasting fire, and then he makes it very clear that this describes those who do not treat the Jewish people nicely:

“It is important to be right on the Israel question when you consider that being wrong brings you under the curse of God and headed for eternal, everlasting fire with the devil and his angels. Israel is not a ‘take it or leave it” subject. It is a life or death matter-eternal life!”

I will speak for myself here. I am not the least bit frightened about being under the curse of God, or being cast into everlasting fire as Pastor John Hagee, puts it in his article. True Christians should be treating  ALL  people in ALL the world, with the LOVE of God, and not just the Jewish people over in Israel and the rest of the world! I may also add, that this would include the Palestinians who reside next to Israel and all over the world also! If YOU have been born again of the Spirit of God, I hope that YOU can say AMEN to that too!

My duty as a Christian is to preach the Gospel to ALL people, and that would include the Jewish people. There is not a doubt in my mind that they need to repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ or they will surely perish and be cast into everlasting fire just like anybody else. I would also like to say here that the doctrine that John Hagee spews forth here which the Scofield Bible also supports, can also be included in the “doctrines of devils” which the Jewish apostle Paul warned us about! (1 Timothy 4:1) The treatment of the BRETHREN, as stated earlier is speaking about the treatment of TRUE BELIEVERS in Jesus Christ. The judgment of  those people who are cast into everlasting fire is simply revealing that they were not part of the Kingdom of God, nor were they part of the spiritual House and Temple of God! It is that simple!

It is important to be right on the JESUS question, not the Israel question, a falsehood which Hagee, and other dispensationalists propagate. It is what ISRAEL does with JESUS, and NOT what Christians do with Israel! Consider the FRUIT of what John Hagee teaches and you will see where it will lead you. Consider the fact that in the past, John Hagee has called for a preemptive attack on another nation, which goes by the name of IRAN, and then ask yourself the question. Is this the Spirit of Jesus Christ at work there? You have to be kidding me if you think that the merciful, kind, loving and gracious Lord who emptied His veins on the cross for lost souls like me and you is behind that! Folks, there is another Spirit at work there and I assure you that it is not the Holy Spirit! Jesus Christ rebuked His closest followers when they suggested that they call fire down upon those who rejected Him!

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias (Elijah) did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. (Luke 9:51-56)

Any person who has been truly born again of the Spirit knows full well that they personally deserved nothing but the wrath of God, but they received His awesome GRACE and MERCY when they turned to Jesus Christ. After having our spiritual eyes opened up,how could we then think nothing of putting another human being into eternity without the Lord? There is a BOGUS CHRISTIANITY in the land today, that masquerades as the TRUTH but it is anything but that. When you think of the influence that teachers such as John Hagee and others such as Hal Lindsey have in America and the rest of the world it is very scary indeed. If you keep preaching something over and over again, and it meets little resistance, then people will begin to believe it!

 

Is Jesus Christ God?

“… What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41)

My purpose in this Bible study is to show you, that it can be proven through the scriptures, that without doubt Jesus Christ is God.

Bible Study Synopsis

The Testimony Of John The Baptist - John was the “voice in the wilderness” (John 1:22-24, Isaiah 40:3) who prepared the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. John knew that Jesus was preferred before him because He was before him. (John 1:15,27) even though Jesus was physically born after him. John referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

The Testimony Of Jesus Christ - Jesus referred to Himself as the “I AM” which was the name that God Himself used when He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush (John 8:56-59, Exodus 3:13-14). The Jews sought to stone Jesus because they thought that He was guilty of blasphemy (John 8:59, Leviticus 24:16). Jesus claimed to be the First and the Last (Revelation 1:11,17-18,2:8) which is a name that God claims for Himself (Isaiah 44:6). Jesus also claimed to be the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8,11) and the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).

Many inferences can then be made about Jesus Christ as we examine scripture with scripture. Since we know that the Word of God which was made flesh (John 1:14) spoke of Jesus Christ then we also know that Jesus Christ is the Word who created all things (John 1:3). Consider the fact that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1) and that the Word who is Jesus Christ was also there in the beginning (John 1:2). We will then naturally conclude that Jesus Christ is God. We learn through Isaiah the prophet that God made all things alone and by Himself (Isaiah 44:24) which is in perfect agreement with John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:12-16. If God did everything alone and by Himself it lays to rest those within the cults who insist that God created Jesus Christ and then used Jesus Christ to create everything else.

The Works Of Jesus Christ - The works that Jesus Christ did during His time on earth are more than ample proof that Jesus Christ is God. Jesus cast demons out of the possessed, He healed the sick, He had power over nature, He raised the dead , He forgave sins, causing His enemies to say “… who can forgive sins, but God only?” (Mark 2:7). Jesus also raised Himself from the dead.

The Testimony Of John The Baptist

John the Baptist was the son of Zacharias, a Jewish priest, and his wife Elizabeth. John was born to this couple after they had been without children for many years. John was born exactly as promised to Zacharias by the angel Gabriel. (Luke 1:5-25) The scriptures also tell us that John would be filled with the Holy Ghost and that he would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And that he would go forth in the “spirit and power of Elias (Elijah) … to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). It is not surprising that John the Baptist attracted the attention of multitudes. Many people wanted to know who he was. The Pharisees, a Jewish group, sent people to question him:

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah). And they which were sent were of the Pharisees (John 1:22-24).

Please keep in mind that John was questioned by the people because they wanted to know if he was in fact the promised Christ (Messiah) or if he was some other prophet (John 1:19-21). John responded to their inquiry by quoting from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Here John makes a very revealing statement not only about his own identity, but the true identity of Jesus Christ also.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3).

John let them know that he was that “voice in the wilderness” that the prophet Isaiah had spoken about. Now it is obvious that the voice was representative of a person with a message and the message was this:

to prepare the way of the Lord

to make straight … a highway for our God

So given the fact that John identified himself as THAT “voice in the wilderness” we can say without question that John was preparing the way for the Lord God.

The Hebrew word for Lord that is used in this verse is YHWH

The Hebrew word for God that is used here is ELOHIYM

We also know from the contents of the New Testament that John the Baptist was the very one who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. So we can rightly say, without shame and without fear, that the titles of Lord and God most definitely apply to Jesus Christ.

Here is another testimony from John regarding the deity of Jesus Christ:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water (John 1:29-31).

In this passage of scripture John identifies Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, and the one who came to take away the sin of the world. John also declares that Jesus was preferred before him because he was before him. It is most interesting when you look at the gospel account in Luke and find that Jesus was born at least six months AFTER John was born. (Luke 1:34-37). So we can conclude that John knew full well, by the Spirit of God, that Jesus Christ existed long before He was incarnated as a human being on this earth.

The topic in this study is of utmost importance. The claim that Jesus Christ is God is more than a mere theological debate between those who endorse the position of His deity (divinity) and those who do not. Why? Because if it can be proven through the scriptures (and it can) that Jesus Christ is in fact God, then we must take a closer look not only at the words that Jesus spoke while He walked this earth but also at the words that the Lord spoke to the children of Israel in the Old Testament. We can learn a great deal when we truly understand that this Christ whom we know as Lord was the very same eternal Lord who created all things, and who came to this earth and partook of our own human nature.

The Testimony Of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ: He is the “I AM”

It has been said very often by those who do not believe that Jesus Christ is in fact God, that He never made that claim for Himself. That is not true. In the New Testament book of John we can read the following scriptures.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by (John 8:56-59).

I highlighted the words of Jesus Christ in red letters to make it easier to see when He is speaking. In this passage of scripture Jesus was in a confrontation with the Jewish religious people, and He told them that He Himself was the “I AM.”

I would like you to note that His enemies took up stones to throw at Jesus, which means that they wanted to kill him. The reason that they did that was because they thought that he had committed blasphemy in declaring Himself to be the “I AM” and that he was “living” before Abraham ever existed. The Old Testament book of Leviticus shows us the reason for their actions:

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death (Leviticus 24:16).

This shows us that his enemies knew full well what Jesus was declaring when he claimed the name “I AM” for Himself. This also shows us that Jesus most certainly made His deity clear on different occasions. What was Jesus trying to tell those who were in opposition to Him? Jesus was telling them that He was alive long before Abraham ever existed.

There are millions of people who only see Jesus Christ as a person who was born about two thousand years ago, lived a short life, did some good things and then died. The purpose of this Bible study is to show you the reader that Jesus Christ is more than a man. He is part of the eternal triune Godhead. When Jesus used the words I AM, He was using the very same words that were used by God when He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. Moses was intrigued by that burning bush when it was not consumed, and when he approached the bush this is what happened:

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God(Exodus 3:5-6).

The voice that spoke out of that burning bush identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses was afraid to even look upon God. The point that I want to make here is that it was God who spoke out of that burning bush. Further down in that very same chapter we find the following:

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you (Exodus 3:13-14 ).

Here we see that God told Moses that His name was “I AM THAT I AM” and that was what Moses was to tell the children of Israel. Am I trying to say that Jesus Christ was the very same person that spoke to Moses out of that burning bush? Yes, that is exactly what I am trying to say and there is further proof in the scriptures to make that point.

Jesus Christ: He Is The First And The Last

Now I would like to go to the new Testament book of Revelation to further prove the deity of Jesus Christ.

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:17-18).

In this scripture verse John listens as the risen Christ declares Himself to be the FIRST and the LAST. Not only that, but He tells John that He was DEAD but now He is ALIVE forevermore! I do not think that the Lord could have made His deity any clearer than that. We all know that it was Jesus Christ who was slain for our sins and who rose from the dead. The title of the FIRST and the LAST is a title that is unique to God and Him alone, and here the glorified Christ claims it for Himself. Let’s take a look in the Old Testament to see how it is used.

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God (Isaiah 44:6).

In the book of Isaiah we learn that the Lord is the King of Israel and also calls Himself the FIRST and the LAST. There are not several FIRST and LAST’s but only ONE. Not only that but this verse tells us that there is no other God beside Him. If Jesus called Himself the FIRST and the LAST then the title of God belongs to Him.

Jesus Christ: He Is The Alpha And Omega

Jesus Christ: He Is The Almighty

Back in the first chapter of Revelation we see that the First and the Last is also the Alpha and Omega “… I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last…” (Revelation 1:11). When we look back at verse eight we find out that the Alpha and Omega is called the Almighty:

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).

So we learned in this first chapter of Revelation that Jesus Christ is:

The First and the Last

The Alpha and Omega

The Almighty

The One who was dead but is now alive forevermore

He holds the keys of Hell and Death

He is the one which is, which was, and which is to come

In chapter two of Revelation the fact that the FIRST and the LAST was dead is mentioned again:

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; (Revelation 2:8)

And in the last chapter of that book and the Bible itself it tells us this:

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Revelation 22:12-13).

The Alpha and Omega, who we have now learned is Jesus Christ, is the very one who will judge every man on the last day. He is the one who is coming again.

Jesus Christ: He Is The Creator Of All Things

I want to leave you with some scripture references to study regarding the attributes of Jesus Christ.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3).

In the scripture passage above we learn that the Word is a Person. That Person was WITH God, WAS God, and ALL things were made by that same Word. The Word in this passage is describing the Person of Jesus Christ. This can be proven by the passage of scripture below.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:14-17)

This passage tells us that this very same Word was made FLESH, which means that this Word took on a physical body and became a human being. That’s what happened when Christ was born of the Jewish virgin Mary in Bethlehem, fulfilling a prophecy of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14). It also tells us that He was the only begotten of the Father, and the same One that John the Baptist declared existed before He ever did. The bottom line is that this Word is describing the eternal Son of God and the One that has always been with the Father in Heaven. If you take a look at the very first verse in the Bible you will find this:

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

The Hebrew word for God here is the word ELOHIYM which is the plural form of the word God, and within that Godhead was the person of Christ. A little further down in that chapter we find this:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:26-27).

In the passage above we learn that God used the words “…Let US make man in OUR image…” which is quite interesting. Who was God talking to? The cults will try to explain this verse away by telling you that God was talking to the angels. That argument falls to the ground because the passage tells us that God created man in HIS own image, with no mention of angels anywhere. Then the cults will tell you that God first created Jesus and then Jesus created everything else. But if you take a look in the book of Isaiah you will find a verse that refutes that way of thinking:

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; (Isaiah 44:24)

The Bible tells us that the Lord made “ALL THINGS” and that He did this “ALONE” and “BY MYSELF” thus refuting another attack against the deity of Jesus Christ. In the passage below we see that the Father Himself referred to the Son as God, and as the one who laid the foundation of earth and heaven.

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Hebrews 1:8-10)

The Works Of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ Cast Demons Out Of People

Luke 4:31-36: Jesus cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue. The demons recognized Christ as the “holy one of God”.

Luke 4:41: Jesus cast demons out of many. The demons knew He was the Christ (Messiah).

Mark 5:1-20: Jesus cast a legion of demons out of a man who had been possessed for many years. The demons recognized Jesus to be “the Son of the most high God”. The demons asked if they could enter into a herd of swine after they were cast out. Jesus allowed this and when they entered the swine who then charged into the sea and drowned themselves.

Jesus Christ Commanded “Mother Nature” To Obey HIM

Mark 4:35-41: Jesus rebuked a raging storm at sea with three words “Peace, be still”. The wind ceased and there was great calm.

Jesus Christ Commanded Dead People To Come Back To Life

Luke 7:11-17: Jesus raises a young man from the dead as the man was being carried in a funeral procession.

John 11:39-45: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after Lazarus was dead and stinking for four days.

Jesus Christ Healed All Sorts Of Diseases

Mark 7:33: Jesus healed a deaf and dumb man.

Mark 8:23: Jesus healed a blind man.

Matthew 8:14: Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.

Matthew 9:2: Jesus healed a paralyzed man.

Luke 17:12: Jesus healed ten lepers.

Jesus Christ Forgave People Of Their Sins

Mark 2:1-12: Jesus had the power to forgive sins.

Jesus Christ Was Worshiped By Others

John 9:35-38: Jesus was worshiped by a blind man that He healed.

REVIEW

We return to the question “Is Jesus Christ God?” We can affirmatively answer with a resounding YES to that question. We have seen through the use of the scriptures that:

Jesus Christ Is the Lord God whom John the Baptist prepared the way for (Isaiah 40:3, John 1:22-24).

Jesus Christ is the “I AM” who was alive before Abraham ever existed, and the same God who spoke to Abraham out of the burning bush (John 8:58, Exodus 3:13-14).

Jesus Christ is the First and the Last (Revelation 1:11,17,18, 2:8, Isaiah 44:6).

Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8,11).

Jesus Christ was the one who was dead but is now alive forevermore (Revelation 1:17-18,2:8).

Jesus Christ is the one who is coming to judge all (Revelation 22:12-13).

Jesus Christ is the creator of ALL things (John 1:1-3, Genesis 1:1,26-27, Hebrews 1:8-10, Isaiah 44:24).

Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead just like He said He would. The words of the apostle Thomas also declare the deity of Christ:

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:25-31).

Rosary No More!! Why I Stopped Praying The Rosary!!

I write this post as a former Roman Catholic, and as one who has forever stopped praying the Roman Catholic Rosary. For those of you who are not familiar with the Rosary, the Rosary is a set of beads, each bead representing a prayer. The majority of those beads represent a prayer well known as the “Hail Mary” and there are 53 “Hail Mary’s” on each bead set of 5 decades. There are also larger beads which would represent the Lord’s prayer (Our Father) but there are only 6 of them on the rosary. There is a crucifix on the end, and the “Apostles Creed” would be said on that, and there are also “Glory Be” prayers that are said on that Rosary. Here is an image of a set of Rosary Beads.

Rosary Beads are big sellers in Roman Catholic stores, and they are made out of different materials including plastic, wood, glass and various metals. Some Rosary bead sets can even glow in the dark, and I owned a pair of them. People are taught to pray the Hail Mary at a very young age, and though they may not attend a Catholic Church for years, they will still remember the Hail Mary prayer. You will often hear the Hail Mary prayed in its entirety at Roman Catholic wakes inside the funeral parlour. Often the prayer is led by the local Catholic Priest. He will pray the first part which goes like this: “Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou, amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.” The Roman Catholics who are in attendance will then respond with the second part of the Hail Mary, which is as follows: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death, Amen.” This would continue until all 5 decades of the Rosary were said, and it would often sound like a chant, as the Priest did his part and we did our part. It kind of made me feel good, to rattle off all my Hail Mary’s along with the rest of the people, but it never gave me any spiritual help at all in my life!

I have prayed the Hail Mary, thousands of times. I can remember praying that prayer at Roman Catholic wakes and funerals, hoping that the person who died would not suffer too long in Purgatory. I would hope that Mary would remember me at the time of my own death. Jesus was not even part of the equation in my prayers to Mary. She was the one who I called upon, and she was the one that the Catholic Priests taught me to call upon at the hour of my death.

Enter:  The Real Jesus Christ

Many years later, I came to know the real Jesus Christ, and I realized and understood that Jesus was all that I ever needed. When I was born again of the Spirit of the living God, I knew that the real Mary never even heard one of my thousands of “Hail Mary” prayers. I can remember sitting at my kitchen table, when the Lord gave me a mental picture of all the ceremonies that I had attended as a Roman Catholic, along with all the pomp and circumstance that goes with it, and the Lord flooded my heart with His joy. He showed me that all of the ceremony and pomp, was not necessary, but that SALVATION  was by SIMPLE FAITH in HIM, and it was FREE!  The Lord showed me in such a sweet way, that He was all I needed, that He was the one that saved my soul. I was truly amazed at His mercy toward me, and I knew that He truly did forgive me of my sins. Folks, that is the salvation of Jesus Christ, and it is real!

As a new born again believer in Jesus Christ, I had a new found love for the Bible, and I could not put that book down. I read scriptures such as the following and I wondered why they never taught these scriptures to me during the Catholic Mass.

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:6-9)

That passage of scripture is still one of my favorites because it says so much. What great comfort there is for us all,  in knowing that Jesus Christ died for the UNGODLY (all of us). That includes every person in the entire world (including Mary herself). That is one of the hardest things for people to come to terms with, and that is what will keep them out of Heaven also. They never come to the place where they see themselves as UNGODLY in the sight of God. As a Catholic, I would rattle off my Hail Mary’s one after another, hoping that Mary would come to the rescue, but there was never a drop of peace or assurance that she would! I would sometimes see images and statues of Mary with the little baby Jesus in her arms, so I did not know Jesus as one who could really help me. It was BIG Mary and little Jesus in her arms, or in the manger at Christmas time. But when I was born again of the Spirit, I knew that Jesus Christ was in fact the Son of God, and part of the eternal triune Godhead! I knew that He came down from Heaven because of His love for mankind. I knew that it was HIS BLOOD, and HIS BLOOD alone that JUSTIFIED me in the sight of a Holy and Righteous God. I also knew that I did not need a Roman Catholic priest to transfigure a Eucharist Host into Christ Himself, and to perform the sacrifice of the Mass for me either. I knew that I was redeemed, and SAVED from the WRATH OF GOD, by what Christ did for me on the cross. The Rosary Beads along with Catholic crucifixes went outside in a large green Hefty bag, never to return. The Lord had saved my soul, and I am forever grateful for His mercy toward me to this day.

There are still millions of Roman Catholics who faithfully pray the Rosary every single day, many even claiming to be born again. I came through the Roman Catholic Charismatic movement before leaving the Catholic Church, and my worship of Mary actually intensified. I attended Catholic Healing Masses for over two years and the Rosary was often prayed throughout the service, which often lasted several hours. Songs similar to what you would hear in Christian Evangelical Services would be sung, but the Rosary would be prayed, and the Roman Catholic Priest would still do his thing, and transform the Eucharist host into the “actual body of Jesus Christ” through transubstantiation. That is another one of the Roman Catholic false teachings that has deceived billions over the centuries, and for which many were burnt at the stake for rejecting. (I love them for standing for truth) Here is another article that I wrote entitled  THE DECEPTION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS I encourage all other Roman Catholic people to lay down your Rosary beads and to repent and believe the true Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Experience the TRUE SALVATION which is found in Jesus Christ! Here is a related video:

MP3 AUDIO: ROSARY NO MORE: WHY I STOPPED PRAYING THE ROSARY!

God’s Promise To Abraham: To Be A Father Of Many Nations!

Abraham is probably best remembered as the husband of Sarah, who gave birth to Isaac, when she was a very old woman. Isaac was the child that the Lord promised Abraham and Sarah, and it came to pass as the Lord promised, but it was according to His timetable and not their own.

Did you know that this same Abraham was given a promise, that he would be the Father of many nations? Many people often think of Abraham in terms of the people of Israel, but they are completely unaware that Abraham is also called the Father of many nations.

(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. (Romans 4:17,18 )

You see Abraham believed the promise that the Lord had given to him regarding the birth of his son, from the womb of His elderly wife Sarah, and thus the Lord accounted that faith of Abraham as righteousness.

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:  He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (Romans 4:19-22)

Now watch this folks. This is where the rest of the world comes into play. This is how it is possible for any person living in the world to be able to come into a true, soul saving relationship with the true God of the Bible, and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:23-25)

Did you catch that. It was the FAITH of Abraham which the Lord accounted as RIGHTEOUSNESS to Abraham, because he simply BELIEVED the promise that God had given to him. And now we read that it was not for Abraham’s sake alone, but for those who believe on Him [God] the one who raised Jesus from the dead! The passage goes on to say that Jesus was delivered for OUR offences [sins] and raised again [from the dead] for our JUSTIFICATION!

You must understand here that this promise is for any human being throughout the word, whether they be Jewish or Gentile. You must also understand that this promise is ONLY for those who believe the truth about Jesus Christ, which includes the fact that He came to die for our sins, and that He rose again from the dead.

There is an absolute EXCLUSIVITY to the Gospel proclamation, which cannot, and must not be ignored. May I also say that if any man or woman who claims to be a Christian, believes and preaches otherwise, then they are a BOGUS CHRISTIAN, and they do not speak according to the truth of God’s Word.

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)

The scriptures from the book of Romans, at the beginning of this article were written by the apostle Paul, who was a former persecutor and murderer of Christians, by his own admission. [Acts 26:1-11] The verses below were written by this same man Paul, in his letter to the Galatians.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:6-9)

The true “children of Abraham” are simply those people who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The scriptures foresaw that the Gospel would go to the heathen [nations] and that includes any sin ladened wretch [including me and you] in any part of this world. Jesus told us to repent and believe the Gospel. [Mark 1:15] It does not matter where you live, what color your skin is, or what language you speak, you qualify if you are breathing today.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (Galatians 3:16)

Here is the clincher right here. The PROMISE that was made to Father Abraham, was made to him, and his SEED [descendant] and the SEED [descendant] was the person of Jesus Christ. If a person rejects Jesus Christ then it is most obvious that they are not a true child of Abraham.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)

The passage written above by the Jewish apostle Paul, clearly shows us that a person becomes a CHILD OF GOD by faith in Christ Jesus. Folks those words were written by Paul, a man who was on a rampage against Christians until he was converted on the road to Damascus. [Acts 9] Paul also tells us that if a person belongs to Christ, then they are Abraham’s seed, obviously because of their FAITH in Jesus Christ.

Keep this in mind as the days grow darker,and you see those joint Zionism meetings between “Christians” and ethnic Jewish people taking place.  There is a lot of hoopla and flag waving going on, but you will not hear the clear sound of the Gospel of Jesus Christ being preached!

If you preach the Gospel of Christ, as Paul preached it, then there is bound to be trouble because there is a spiritual battle going on for every single soul. Do not forget that soon after Paul was converted, the Jewish people wanted to kill him!

And straightway he [Paul, formerly Saul] preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: (Acts 9:20-23)

The Gospel needs to be preached to the Jewish people the same way that Paul and Peter preached it to them.

The dead giveaway, at these modern day meetings is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not preached to the Jewish people who are present.

They are not being told as Jesus said, that unless they repent they will perish!

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)

They are not being told as Jesus said that if they reject Him, they will die in their sins!

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:24)

They are not being told that the wrath of God abides upon them if they reject Jesus Christ.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

I do not care how much prophecy you quote from the Old Testament, it all boils down to what a person does with Jesus Christ! You can quote your Old Testament prophecies until your face turns purple, but if you fail to preach the Gospel to the people you are ignoring the words of Jesus Christ Himself!

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16)

The scriptures also tell us the following.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Hebrews 1:1-3)

God has used the great fathers of the faith in times past, and God has used the prophets in times past, but the scriptures tell us that God has spoken to us in these LAST DAYS by His Son!

How? By His Son!

It is a GREAT SIN to let any group of people in the world, especially the Jewish people, think that their sins can be purged in any other way, other than through the BLOOD of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ: Zion’s Cornerstone, Rejected By Israel And Accepted By Few!

God’s Word is absolutely incredible when you see how it all fits perfectly together. In the book of Isaiah there is the following scripture:*

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16)

We know now that this scripture speaks prophetically of Jesus the Christ [Messiah] who came to this earth at the appointed time, died, and rose again from the dead. Jesus Christ [Messiah] was rejected by His own Jewish people [John 1:11], but to those who believed on Him, they became the sons [children] of God. [John 1:12] We can see the very same scripture used by Peter in the New Testament.*

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (1 Peter 2:5-8 )*

Peter tells that we are now a SPIRITUAL house, which simply means that we as believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, and we recognize that Jesus Christ is Lord. We recognize that Jesus is the chief cornerstone in that SPIRITUAL house.*

Peter also tells us that we are a Holy Priesthood, which simply means that any Tom, Dick or Harry who repents of their sin, and turns to the Lord, is now part of that SPIRITUAL priesthood of believers. If you are reading this today, and you do not know the Lord, and you realize that you are a sinner that needs salvation, the GOOD NEWS is that you can be SAVED. The GOOD NEWS is that you can become part of the SPIRITUAL priesthood of believers the moment that you are born again into the Kingdom of God.*

Peter tells us that the “builders” disallowed this cornerstone who is Jesus Christ, which simply means that they [the Jewish people]  disapproved and rejected Him. Jesus Christ was a “stumbling stone” to the people of Israel, for He was not what they expected. They did not anticipate the Messiah to come as He did in a meek and humble way, even riding upon a donkey into Jerusalem EXACTLY as prophesied by the prophet Zechariah. [Zechariah 9:9] Not only that, but Peter tells us that he [Jesus Christ] became the HEAD of the corner, or cornerstone.*

When the foundation for a major building is being laid, you will often witness a very big ceremony when the cornerstone of the building is put in place. The News reporters will be there taking pictures and all of the local politicians will be there with big smiles on their faces, and shovels in their hands, as they announce the beginning of construction.*

Almost two thousand years ago, the GREATEST CORNERSTONE was laid in the SPIRITUAL BUILDING of Almighty God. That cornerstone is Jesus Christ and the offer to become part of that SPIRITUAL building has been going on that whole time. The offer is for both Jewish and Gentile, but there is one catch, you must believe that Jesus Christ is the CHIEF CORNERSTONE.*

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)*

Peter tells us that we are now part of a HOLY NATION, and that we have been called out of darkness into the marvelous light [of Jesus Christ]. We are now the people of God, and that is an awesome thing folks. We have obtained mercy! *

I believe that any person who truly knows the Lord, and who has been born again of the Spirit, realizes the awesome and incredible mercy that they have obtained from God. Folks, I also believe that any person who has been truly born again of the Spirit, also realizes that they were doomed to an eternal Hell without that awesome mercy of God, through Jesus Christ!*

Once again I tell you that this offer is for any person on planet earth. You may have lived the most wretched life imaginable, and yet you can become part of this HOLY NATION that Peter is telling us about.*

By the way this HOLY NATION is a SPIRITUAL NATION that is made up of people from all over the globe. It does not matter one iota where you live, because the moment you repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and receive the GIFT of salvation, you become part of that HOLY NATION of God!*

Please make a note also, that there is no such thing as a “Holy Land” [including the State of Israel] because the only one that can make anyone Holy is the Holy Spirit. Any person who is living in the land of the present day State of Israel is confronted with the person of Jesus Christ, just like any other person, from any other other place in the world. It comes down to the individual, and their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ [Messiah]. If any one tells you otherwise then they are presenting a BOGUS GOSPEL MESSAGE to you!*

The spiritual waters of this beautiful Gospel of Jesus Christ began flowing out from Jerusalem almost two thousand years ago, and they have reached the uttermost parts of the earth. The invitation that Jesus gave 2000 years ago remains the same: ”. . . repent ye and believe the Gospel . . .”  [Mark 1:15]*

The Jewish apostle Paul was a former persecutor and murderer of Christians, until he was converted on the road to Damascus. [Acts 9] He confirms the words of Isaiah as well as Peter in the following passage:*

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 9:30-33)*

In this passage of scripture this Jewish apostle of Christ tells us that the Gentiles [heathen] have attained the righteousness [before God] because of their simple faith!*

Paul then tells us that Israel has NOT attained that same righteousness [before God] because they sought to earn their righteousness with God by their keeping of the Law, and so it is even until this very day! Paul then quotes the very same scripture, [3 time confirmation] that Isaiah and Peter quoted, regarding Christ being the cornerstone.*

Listen to the cry from the heart of Paul, a man who was religious but lost until he was transformed by the power of Jesus Christ, almost two thousand years ago.*

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Romans 10:1-4)*

Paul tells us in simple and plain language that the people of Israel [ethnic] have a zeal for God, but that zeal is NOT according to the knowledge and truth of God’s Word. Paul declared that they were ignorant of God’s righteousness, and so they decided to establish THEIR OWN righteousness. Israel missed the truth about Jesus Christ as being the END of the law for righteousness, for those who believe.*

That same word stands as true today, as it did when Paul wrote those words so many years ago. The only RIGHTEOUSNESS that Almighty God will honor is that RIGHTEOUSNESS that is found in His Son Jesus Christ. To reject Jesus Christ is to reject the true RIGHTEOUSNESS, and obviously the salvation which gains entrance into Heaven.

When The Holy Ghost Comes!

How can we know whether something is of God or not?  How can we know when we are walking in truth or in error?  The Bible tells us that when the Holy Ghost comes, certain things will happen in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ.  Jesus the Christ (Messiah) said this

:But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  (John 14:26)

Jesus identified the Holy Ghost as the comforter, and He will give you an inner comfort and peace in Christ which the world cannot give.  People in the world often seek comfort and relief in the things of this world.  They soon find out that these things provide just a temporary comfort, but deep inside, the heart is still hollow and dark. Please note that Jesus, the “…way, truth and life…” (John 14:6)identified the Holy Ghost with the masculine word “He” which shows us that Jesus referred to the Holy Ghost as a person.  Please note that the Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit speak of the same person. The Greek word “pneuma” is translated as Ghost and also as Spirit.Jesus also described the Holy Ghost as a teacher, and in the verse below He tells us that the comforter (Holy Ghost) is also the Spirit of truth.  This is most important because it is the Holy Ghost (Spirit of truth) who will guide and assist you into all truth.

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26)

We can see the triunity of the eternal Godhead working beautifully here as Jesus mentions the Father also.  Jesus then makes another point by telling us that the Spirit of truth (Holy Ghost) will testify of Him (Jesus Christ).

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. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:13-15)

In the passage above the word “He” is used nine different times, and the word “Himself” is used once to describe the person of the Holy Ghost.  It is difficult to comprehend how some of the “cults”declare the Holy Ghost to be nothing more than a force of some kind.The Holy Ghost will always point you to Jesus Christ.  The passage above tells us that the Spirit of truth (Holy Ghost) will not speak of Himself.  This is also very important because many things are done in the name of the “Spirit” that do not testify of Jesus Christ and do not glorify Him at all.  If it is not the truth then it is falsehood and should be avoided at any cost.How did I come out of the darkness of Roman Catholicism?

It was the Holy Ghost who opened up my spiritual eyes. I used to promote the worship of Mary, which included the Marian apparitions at Medugorje, Yugoslavaia until the Holy Ghost opened up my “spiritual eyes”. The Holy Ghost (Spirit of truth) showed me the error of those “messages from Mary” in Medugorje, Yugoslavia and He showed me through the Word of God. It was as if the Holy Ghost took a heavenly Hi Liter pen and illuminated the contradictions in those messages with God’s Holy Word!

Remember that the Holy Ghost will testify about Jesus, and He will glorify Jesus, NOT Mary! Prior to that I was pointing people to Mary and her “messages” from Medugorje.  Basically I was an evangelist for Mary and I was promoting the Roman Catholic doctrines that were promoted in her “messages” until the Holy Ghost came on the scene.  The Holy Ghost (Spirit of truth) showed me most clearly that what was appearing in Medugorje was nothing more than a demonic counterfeit spirit, masquerading as “Mary”. When I researched the other “apparitions of Mary” I found the same type of thing.  The Holy Ghost (Spirit of truth) showed me that I was involved in absolute blatant idolatry and my worship of Mary stopped immediately.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Another sign that a person is walking in the “Holy Ghost” is that there will be a “power” to witness for Jesus Christ.  That is what happened with the original followers of Jesus and that has never changed.  A person must have a testimony for Christ if they are to describe themselves as a Christian.  That is what happened to me when I came to know Jesus Christ.  I could not but speak the word of God and proclaim the gospel to the lost souls who surrounded me. A common thread in all true Christian testimonies is that they will testify about Jesus Christ and glorify Him, and Him alone.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:8-12)

Take a look at Peter as an example of someone who was “filled with the Holy Ghost” and what issued forth from his mouth.  This was the same Peter who denied the Lord three different times, but now Peter was a “different man” because he was “filled with the Holy Ghost.” Peter proclaimed the truth boldly to the religious crowd of his day, and he told them that Jesus Christ was the only way to be saved.

Any person who claims to have the Holy Ghost (Spirit of truth) must also believe and proclaim that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven.  If they do not proclaim that truth then you can rest assured that the Holy Ghost (Spirit of truth) is not the one who is speaking through them.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)

Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. Christians often come under intense persecution and every single one of us need the boldness to proclaim God’s Word and to preach the gospel.  The original disciples of Jesus Christ were eyewitnesses to many of His awesome and powerful miracles, which included healings, raising the dead, and watching Jesus walk on the water, but they still found themselves in need of boldness to proclaim the gospel.  In the passage above we see that the original disciples were being continuously threatened by the religious (unsaved) rulers of the day who rejected Jesus Christ.  As a result they sought the Lord and prayed for boldness to preach the word. What happened after they prayed?  They were all “filled with the Holy Ghost” and they “spake the word with boldness.” That was a direct answer to prayer and the disciples went forth proclaiming the gospel in the power of the Holy Ghost.  That should be an encouragement to all of us.Listen to Stephen proclaim the word of God right before he was stoned to death by the Jewish religious rulers of his day.

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: (Acts 7:51-52)

What boldness this man had to speak this strong and powerful word of rebuke to the Jewish religious crowd of his day.  He linked the people with all of the children of Israel who had put the prophets of God to death.  Then he tells them that they have betrayed and murdered the “just one” who is Jesus Christ!  And, most importantly, Stephen told them that they did  “resist the Holy ghost” just as their “fathers” had done.

Do not tell me that a person cannot resist the Holy Ghost, because Stephen told this crowd that they resisted the Holy Ghost just as their “fathers” had done. It was the same Holy Ghost who was upon Stephen when he was testifying before them.  They did not believe that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah) and that is why they put him to death.  The Holy Ghost is still resisted today in the very same way.

In  the modern day “church” you will find countless ecumenical, interfaith, and inter-religious meetings going on.  You can rest assured that the Holy Ghost (Spirit of truth) is long gone from that whole scene.  The word “Ichabod” (there is no glory) can be written over anyplace that entertains a religion who rejects Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation.

What was said by Stephen back then still applies today to both Jew and Gentile. When a person rejects Jesus Christ they are rejecting the Spirit of truth and they will remain in darkness until  they “…repent and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)  [WF WHITE, SOULREFUGE AUTHOR]

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE = AUDIO OF THIS MESSAGE

Jesus Christ And His Amazingly Accurate Prophetic Parable For Israel!

In the parable of the LORD’S VINEYARD [Matthew 21:33-46] we gain much insight into how the Lord dealt with the Jewish people of His day, regarding their rejection of not only Him, but of the prophets through the ages. This parable was given by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Creator of the world, almost two thousand years ago:

Matthew 21:33
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

The householder in this parable is the Lord God Almighty, and the  husbandmen are the gardeners who were responsible for the vineyard.  In this case the husbandmen [gardeners] are the children of Israel who were entrusted with the Word of God down through the years.  The children of Israel were the ones who were instructed by the Lord, and they often had His prophets sent to them. In fact the book of Isaiah shows us clearly that the vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Isaiah 5:7-8
For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.  Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!

Matthew 21:34-36
And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

In this part of the parable the Lord is describing the history of the children of Israel and how they treated the servants of the Lord.  These servants were beaten, persecuted and even killed at times.  In fact if you read chapter seven in the New Testament book of Acts you will hear Stephen, a man of faith and power, rehearse the history of Israel in great detail. In fact this chapter is one of the clearest testimonies in the whole New Testament of how the Jewish people were confronted regarding their rejection of JESUS their MESSIAH.

At one point Stephen addressed the Jewish leaders who were standing before him and said the following:

Acts 7:51-52
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.  Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One [Jesus Christ]; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

Stephen told the Jewish leaders that they were resisting the Holy Ghost just as their fathers did. Stephen also made a point of telling these Jewish leaders that they were responsible for killing the prophets who prophesied of the coming Christ [MESSIAH].  We know the Messiah is Jesus. Stephen was stoned to death a short time later, like so many others of the Lord’s faithful witnesses. [Acts 7:55-60]

Matthew 21:37-39
But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

This part of the parable describes what happened when Jesus Christ arrived on the scene. He was rejected by the majority of the Jewish people, especially the chief priests and the elders, and they wanted Jesus Christ to be put to death. The scriptures below testify to the truth that they were surely involved in putting Christ [MESSIAH] to death.

Matthew 27:1
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

The Lord was not surprised by what was coming and He told His own disciples that His death was the fulfillment of prophecy. The Word of God is truly amazing in its accuracy regarding the prophetic word.  The scriptures foresaw what took place here, and declared it hundreds of years before.

Luke 18:31-33
Then he [Jesus] took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

Matthew 21:40
When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

Here the Lord Jesus Christ asks the Jewish religious leaders, who were listening to Him tell this parable, what should be done to those who did all of those things to the Lord’s servants. Jesus was now getting to the very heart of the matter, as He always did, and He wanted them to give Him the answer to His question.

Matthew 21:41
They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

The Jewish religious rulers responded and told Jesus that those who did those things were wicked and they should be destroyed! Not only that, but they said that the vineyard should be let out [given over to] to other husbandmen [gardeners] who would bring forth the fruits in their seasons. They had no idea that their answer played right into the meaning of the parable.  They were able to see the unrighteousness of what was done to the servants in that parable, but they did not realize that they were the very ones whom the Lord was describing.

Matthew 21:42
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

The Lord Jesus Christ then quoted Psalm 118:22 regarding Himself as being that STONE which the builders [Israel] rejected and who had become the head of the corner [or cornerstone]. The Lord was basically telling the leaders of Israel that the very one standing before them was the very one whom they needed. The Lord was and is the chief cornerstone in the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom which would be made up of Jewish and Gentile believers.

HERE IS THE VERSE I WANT YOU TO SEE!

Matthew 21:43
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Could Jesus Christ, the creator of the earth [John 1:1-3], have been any clearer in His pronunciation against the leaders of Israel.  The Lord made His point that Israel had rejected the prophets who were sent to them, and they would end up killing Him too.  Yes, the Lord was prophesying of His very own death but He was also telling Israel that the Kingdom would be taken from them, and it was! The nation that the Lord said would be given the Kingdom is simply that “holy nation” of believers described by Peter. [1 Peter 2:9-10]  This gospel is not about Israel but it is all about Jesus Christ. The prophets prophesy about Jesus Christ because it is all about HIM. The Lord is going to have a people who serve Him and worship HIM with all of their heart, and those people are going to come from every part of this large world in which we live.  If a person has not been born again then they are not part of the Kingdom of God [John 3:1-8] because entrance into this Kingdom is only through Jesus Christ. Do not let anybody replace the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a false gospel, because a curse comes along with a false gospel. [Galatians 1:8-9]

WHO ARE GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE?

They are those who believe the testimony that God gave of His Son Jesus Christ! [Jewish and Gentile]

WHO IS THE APPLE OF GOD’S EYE?

It is those who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! [Jewish and Gentile]

God is not a respector of persons, and any person who desires salvation in Christ will not be turned away. Does that mean that a person who has led a life without the Lord, and who has lived in absolute decadence their whole life can be saved? Absolutely YES.  That very same person can also be called the apple of God’s eye, and one of God’s chosen people as much as any person who has received the Lord since the beginning of the world.  This gospel is not about Israel, but it is all about Jesus Christ!

Do you remember what the Lord Jesus Christ told that  Gentile woman of Samaria concerning the worship of God?

John 4:21-26
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias [Messiah] cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

Jesus told this Gentile woman that He was in fact the Messiah that she was looking for, which clearly shows us that the Lord will reveal Himself to anyone who truly desires to know Him.  This woman had been married many times, and she was living with a man at the time, but the Lord offered her mercy. Do you remember what the angel said to the apostle John, in the book of Revelation, when John went to bow down and worship him?

Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

If a person does not have the testimony of Jesus in their heart, and on their lips, then they are not true worshipers of God. The angel made that very clear to John. The angel also let John know that the spirit of prophecy will put the testimony of Jesus within a persons heart. If a person truly wants to know what the Word of God is about, then they will find out very quickly that it is Jesus Christ who is the central figure in the Bible, and the redeemer whom they need.

Matthew 21:44
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Jesus Christ did not mince words when He spoke, and here he tells the Jewish leaders that those who reject Him would end up as powder.  The word of God still stands true today for both Jew and Gentile. It is either Christ or nothing, and there are no back doors, side doors, or any other door you might think of in this plan of salvation. Jesus said this:

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Matthew 21:45-46
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

At this point the Jewish priests and the Pharisees caught on to what Jesus was telling them, and they realized that He was speaking about them. They would have grabbed Jesus right then and there but they feared for their own lives so they did not take Him at this point.

ACTUAL QUOTE FROM JESUS CHRIST

John 3:16-18
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

This message can now be heard on AUDIO HERE

The Great Need For Spiritual Discernment

The late Larry Thomas in his “Spiritual Discernment” seminar told of how he was once part of a very large ministry, which held daily devotional and prayer meetings among the ministers. The ministry leaders would take turns each day  sharing from the word of God. One day it was Larry’s turn to minister and instead of the Bible, Larry brought his  leather appointment book to the pulpit. Instead of scripture, Larry began preaching from the quotes that were at the head of each page in his appointment book. He quoted  people such as Confucious and Mark Twain, and every once in a while he would throw in a King James ‘thee’ or ‘thou’ to make it sound good. There were several hundred people present at this meeting. They were encouraging him by saying “Preach it Larry!” and “Amen.”  Larry jokingly said that revival almost broke out. Larry continued on for a few minutes before he told the people what he was doing. He was teaching them the need for spiritual discernment, in the church of Jesus Christ, in this modern day.

Whenever error is being preached from a pulpit without being contested it will continue to fester and only get worse. This is what happens when people ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to speak up. The best defense against false teaching is to know the Word of God for yourself.  If a person truly wants to know the truth then the Holy Spirit will guide them into the truth. The question is this: Do you want to know the truth? Sometimes the things that the Lord is showing you in His Word will be completely contradictory to what is being preached from the pulpit. Then what do you do? That is what happened during the reformation. Simple people began to read the Word of God for themselves, and they saw that the Roman Catholic tradition did not line up with the Word of God. I can testify myself that it was the Word of God that opened my eyes to that very same deception, and I had a choice to make. I could either CHOOSE to stay and sit under false teaching, or I could CHOOSE to leave in obedience to the Word of God. I chose the latter and you can read my testimony HERE or listen to it on audio HERE.

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. (John 16:13)

Please notice that Paul specifically mentioned the Spirit (the Spirit of Truth) as the one who declared that there would be some people who would depart from the faith, after they gave heed to seducing spirits and doctrines (teachings) of devils (demons).

The Greek word for depart is the word APHISTEMI which means to remove, instigate to revolt, desert, depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.

Do not miss the truth here that these doctrines have been attributed to devils (demons).  We as believers must never forget that we are in a very real battle against demonic forces, and they play for keeps. This particular warning was given about two thousand years ago, and it is as applicable today as it was all the way back then.

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)

It is of utmost importance that the believers in Jesus Christ know the Word of God for themselves. The Lord will always minister to us within the confines of His Word. When you start seeing and hearing things within your church that are not biblical then you most definitely are putting yourself in great spiritual danger.  I remember viewing some videos from actual Evangelical church meetings, where one congregant was chained to a dog leash on his knees while another congregant walked him around the room like a dog. These meetings were supposedly revival meetings. At another meeting a woman declared that the Lord asked her if she would publicly howl like a wolf. She said she wanted to obey the Lord, and she began howling like a wolf.  I do not write this to entertain, but only to show you that we most definitely are living in perilous times.  We all need to guard our hearts against the demonic doctrines that abound today. If we search the scriptures and meditate upon the Word of God, the Lord will give us the spiritual discernment that we need, and the Holy Spirit will be our faithful guide.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)

Two Who Were Murdered For Standing Against The Roman Catholic Church

In the year 1527 AD Michael Sattler, a former Roman Catholic monk, was sentenced to an absolutely horrible death. Here is the true account:

“In the case of the Governor of his Imperial Majesty versus Michael Sattler, judgment is passed, that Michael Sattler shall be delivered to the executioner, who shall lead him to the place of execution, and cut out his tongue; then throw him upon a wagon, and there tear his body twice with red hot tongs; and after he has been brought without the gate, he shall be pinched five times in the same manner”

This true account goes on to say:

” After this was done in the manner prescribed, he was burned to ashes as a heretic. His fellow brethren were executed with the sword, and the sisters drowned. His wife, also, after being subjected to many entreaties, admonitions and threats, under which she remained very steadfast, was drowned a few days afterwards. Done the 21st day of May, AD 1527″  [Martyrs Mirror, van Braght Pages 416-420]

What was their crime? What did they do that would cause them to put to death in such a cruel and inhumane manner? They simply refused and rejected the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. They refused to remain silent. They stood up for truth and it cost them their very lives. What were the charges against Michael Sattler?

A] He taught and believed that the body and blood of Christ are not literally present in the sacrament.

B] He taught and believed that infant baptism does not contribute to salvation.

C] He rejected the need for Mary and other “saints” as mediatiors.

DO NOT BE FOOLED!

The doctrines [teachings] of the Roman Catholic Church , which Michael Sattler, and many others rejected, and for which they were killed, remain the same today. The Coucil of Vatican II made some surface changes, but the major doctrines remain the same. Most people are completely unaware that Vatican II also upheld the Council of Trent which included over 100 anathemas [curses] against Protestant believers. Here are just two of the anathemas [curses] from the book: “The Canons And Decrees Of The Council Of Trent” [TAN Books 1978]

Canon Number One [Page 149]

“If anyone says that in the mass a true, and real sacrifice, is not offered to God … let him be anathema [accursed]“

Canon Number Three [Page 149]

“If anyone says that the sacrifice of the mass is one only of praise and thanksgiving; or that it is a mere commemoration of the sacrifice consummated on the cross but not a propitiatory sacrifice; or that it profits him only who receives, and ought not to be offered for the living and the dead, for sins, for punishments, satisfactions and other necessities, let him be anathema [accursed]“

The back cover of this book says the following:

“That meeting – the Council of Trent -produced a large number of canons and decrees, condemned the errors of the Protestant reformation …”

This book also has the Roman Catholic Imprimatur which means that everything in that book is the official doctrine of Rome. I remind you that Vatican II also upheld the Council of Trent.

The Roman Catholic Church still teaches that a child is born again at infant baptism.

They still teach that the Mass is the “perfect sacrifice continued.”

They still teach that there is a Purgatory, and Catholic Masses are still said for those who reside in Purgatory.

They still exalt Mary to an unbiblical position that is not found in the Word of God.

They still put their tradition on an equal level with the scriptures. According to God’s Word, the Roman Catholic gospel qualifies as a false gospel, and a true biblical anathema [curse] rests upon those who proclaim it. [Galatians 1:8,9]

IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP!

Leonard Ravenhill was a bold and uncompromising outdoor evangelist, whose street preaching sometimes caused traffic jams in Britain. In his well known book “Why Revival Tarries” [1959]  he wrote this concerning Roman Catholicism:

“… America would shake from coast to coast in twenty four hours if some preacher anointed with the Holy Ghost, gave the Roman Catholic Church a broadside! …these priests who dope mens souls, these idolatrous “masses”, these Calvary eclipsing prayers to Mary, these miserable millions cheated in life and death by the greatest forgery Lucifer ever made” [Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill, Bethany House Publishers, Pages 39-40]

Why is it that we hear so little of that kind of preaching today? Why is there such a deadly silence from the pulpits, and from the Christian “leaders” of our day?

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:26-31)

The Jewish apostle Paul preached with such a passion because he was delivered from religious deception, and he obeyed the Word of God which called him to warn others. Paul was able to say that he was “pure from the blood of all men,” because he had not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. Paul suffered much for the sake of the Gospel because he did not hold back the truth. There are few who stand in the pulpit in modern times [in "Protestant churches] who could make the claim that Paul made. What about YOU? Is there blood on YOUR hands?

How The Lord Delivered Me From The Darkness Of Roman Catholicism

I was born in 1952, in Queens, New York. My family moved to Long Island and lived there for five years before moving back to Queens. While living on the Island I attended a public school. We were permitted to attend “religious instruction” classes once a week at the local Catholic School, and that’s where I was taught the Catholic Catechism.

I was taught that there were two types of sin, one was “mortal sin” (the more serious) and the other was “venial sin” (the less serious). I remember thinking to myself “how can anybody keep up with all of that stuff?” I was taught that it was a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday which I had already done, and I knew that I had committed more than my share of “venial sins”, so I started to become a little concerned about my soul. I was taught that there was a heaven, a hell, and another place called purgatory. Purgatory was described as a temporary place of punishment where the Catholic would stay until their love for God was perfect, and then they would proceed to heaven. Even at that young age their was enough conviction within my own heart to block out any thought of going to heaven, and even purgatory looked like a longshot to me. I went on to become an altar boy and being one of nine children I witnessed many “First Communion” and “Confirmation” ceremonies within my family. I must say that I always had a nagging question in the back of my mind, which was “where would I go after I die?”

During the 1970’s I had an insatiable desire to know the truth. I would travel to a shopping mall on Long Island, because there were two large bookstores in the mall. I would head straight to the philosophy and religious section where I would browse through the books, shelf by shelf, from bookcase to bookcase. After the first bookstore I would head to the other bookstore and repeat the same process over again. I wanted to know the truth and I eventually filled a large box with books on a variety of topics. I read books on Zen and I read books on meditation. I bought books on self improvement and how to improve the mind. You name it, I bought it and I read it.

One night in late 1980 I was drinking at a club and around midnight I decided to leave. I headed out to the south shore of Long Island to check out another club. I had been drinking for a couple of hours, and I was tired, but I can remember thinking that I wanted to get my “moneys worth” out of the weekend because it was back to work on Monday. I met my wife Cathy that night, and I remember when I left the club there was a ticket waiting on my windshield for parking on the street after 4AM. That was a typical weekend for me and many others of my age group during that time.

Cathy and I got married in July of 1981 and I still had the same desire and interest to seek out the truth. I read about a free seminar on mind control that spoke about improving ones mind power and memory. The seminar was being given a few miles from where we lived and I convinced Cathy to go with me. At the beginning of the seminar the teacher was talking about relaxation, emptying the mind, and visualization techniques. During this part of the class the teacher forgot what day it was and that just struck my funny bone. I could not stop laughing, to the point of tears, and this made Cathy laugh also. The teacher noticed us but simply smiled. The rest of the class had their eyes closed and they were in “visualization mode.” As I look back on that day I truly believe that it was the Lord who protected us from becoming involved in that sort of thing. I believe when a person starts “emptying their minds” that they can open themselves up to the occult, which in reality is the realm of the demonic.

During the mid 1980’s Cathy and I became aware of the Catholic Charismatic movement. The Mass was livelier and the songs were similar to those sung in Christian churches. We attended “healing masses” which focused on healing and praying the rosary. The rosary contains prayers which are mostly “Hail Mary’s”. At that time we became aware of what was known as the Marian apparitions at Medugorje. The “Virgin Mary” was allegedly appearing before some young men and women and bringing forth a monthly message. We were fascinated by stories of rosary beads changing colors, from silver to gold, when people went to Medugorje.

During this same period we began visiting a church in New York City where the gospel of Jesus Christ was being preached. We heard testimonies of how people’s lives were being changed by the power of Jesus Christ. This fascinated us also because we were so accustomed to the rituals and rote prayers we said every Sunday at the Catholic Mass. As time went on we would attend Mass in the morning and visit the other church in the evening, and the power of God’s Word was bringing us into the knowledge of the truth.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

Cathy told a Christian woman at that other church about the alleged appearances over in Yugoslavia. The woman quoted a verse of scripture to her:

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

This troubled Cathy and she went before the Lord and asked Him to show her the truth no matter what. She prayed before the Lord with an open Bible and an open heart, and began to see many scriptures which contradicted the messages that were coming from the “apparition of Mary” in Yugoslavia. This was very upsetting to her because we were really into this apparition thing. We had purchased videos and invited others to come to our home to view them with us. We also handed out pamphlets which promoted the apparition. We were evangelists for Mary at that time. Cathy was convinced that this whole thing was not of God and she tried to convince me, but I was not willing to listen. This went on for several weeks until one day she came down the stairs with tears in her eyes and asked me to listen to her. Something inside my heart told me to listen, and I did, and I told her that I would pray about it.

I knew that I had a choice to make. It was either the word of God (the bible) or the messages of “Mary” from Medugorje. I chose to believe the word of God. I can remember the day when the Lord lifted the spiritual veil of deception which had covered my eyes. I was reading the gospel of John and it seemed that the words were jumping off the page at me. I knew at that moment that the Lord Jesus Christ was the Son of God who came down from heaven. I knew that the Lord Jesus Christ was persecuted and slain on the cross for my sins. This was“head knowledge” before but now it was revelation truth from heaven straight into my heart. The Lord Jesus Christ had become ever so real to me and I knew that He died for me. A change had taken place inside my heart, and I was born again in the true biblical way. Jesus said this:

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:6-7)

Cathy and I researched the messages from Medugorje and it was as if the Holy Spirit had taken a fluorescent hi-liter pen and began to expose the contradictions and falsehoods within those messages. We did the same with the other apparitions of Mary and we found them to contain similar errors.

As new Christians we now believed what Peter said and that we were now part of the “priesthood of believers” (1 Peter 2:9) which encompasses people from every nation on planet earth. We now knew that we did not need the Roman Catholic Mass, which is called the “Perfect Sacrifice Continued” (item 360 Baltimore Catechism p171), and which declares as its purpose “to satisfy the justice of God for the sins committed against Him” (Item 361 Baltimore Catechism p173). We now believed what Jesus Christ proclaimed right before His life expired “It Is Finished” (John 19:30). We now believed what Peter told us in one of his letters:

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18)

We now believed what the apostle Paul told us in his letter to the Romans. We saw the value of the blood of Jesus Christ like never before.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

We now knew that the Mass, which declares that Christ through the ministry of the priest is offering Himself to God in “an unbloody manner” (item 357 Baltimore Catechism p168), was not in agreement with the Word of God which tells us this:

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11)

We also knew from studying the scriptures that the real Mary was a sinner just like the rest of us:

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47)

Only sinners need a Saviour, and the Bible tells us that every single one of us has come short of the glory of God.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.(Romans 3:23)

The last time that I find Mary mentioned in the scriptures is in the book of Acts:

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:13-14)

Mary is listed here along with everyone else and she most certainly is not exalted above the others who are mentioned here. Mary was praying along with the rest of the other believers in Jesus Christ unto her God. None of the others are found praying to her as I did for many years and is still done today by multitudes.

One of the most striking things to me was the fact that the second commandment found in the Baltimore Catechism was not the same second commandment found in the bible. The real second commandment is found in Exodus 20 and reads as follows:

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:4-6)

In the Roman Catholic Baltimore Catechism the second commandment is listed as “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” (Baltimore Catechism item number 195, p 100)

How could there still be Ten commandments if the second commandment which dealt with graven images (statues) and which took up three verses in the scriptures is removed from the list?

The answer is found by taking a look at the ninth and tenth commandments in the Baltimore Catechism which are as follows:

9) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife.

10) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors goods.

(Baltimore Catechism item number 195, p100)

But the Bible relegates only one single verse to this subject which is found below.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. (Exodus 20:17)

The Lord really opened up my eyes with this one because statues are found in Roman Catholic Churches all over the world. There are shrines to Mary all over the world. There are statues built to honor “saints” all over the world. I can remember visiting a Catholic shop in search of a statue of Mary because I wanted to have my own little shrine in the attic of my home. A person had a choice of a plain white statue or one which included the colors of blue and white. I was shocked at the prices for even the smaller statues, and I never bought one. It was not long after that visit to the Catholic shop, that I got saved and saw all of these things as nothing but idolatry according to God’s word.

As the Lord continued to open up my eyes about the deception of Roman Catholicism I would share this with others including pastors. I soon found out that this is an issue which most pastors refrain from speaking about. There was so much compromise I did not know where to begin. I have to remind myself that the bible warns us about such things in the following verse:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)

If the Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of truth prophesied of such apostasy then it must certainly happen. Many pastors walk under the disguise of a “love” which is nothing but a counterfeit love which creates a false “unity” of believers in Jesus Christ. They lay aside the truth of God’s word and accept the doctrines of devils which Paul warned us about. On the surface they appear to be “anointed” but in reality they are crafty compromiser’s of  God’s word. Some are very aware of what is going on, but they remain silent because it is not popular to speak out against these things. True love warns people about false doctrine and calls it what it is in order to protect the sheep. True Godly and biblical love can be found in the ministry of the Jewish apostle Paul who never failed to warn the people whom he loved so dearly.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:26-31)

You can also listen to MY TESTIMONY ON AUDIO

Deception Watch: Pope Benedict XVI Continues To Promote False Man Made Traditions

The Lord Jesus Christ delivered me from the deception of  Roman Catholicism, along with it’s man made traditions that have been deceiving souls for centuries. The Roman Catholic Church has a distorted view of Mary, which most definitely is demonic at it’s very root. Every single apparition of Mary including Lourdes, Guadalupe and Fatima are from the dark side. It is absolutely incredible that so few Pastors speak out against this deceptive system. I am absolutely convinced now, that many people, professing Christians, including Television evangelists are on the road to destruction. (Hell) You cannot support a system such as Roman Catholicism with it’s false doctrines and claim to be walking in the Spirit. It is an absolute contradiction, and and insult to the Spirit of God. (Spirit of Truth) I used to pray the Rosary which is a set of beads laced together on a string, with a crucifix at the end of it. Each of those beads represent a prayer, most of which are ‘Hail Mary’s’. People will talk about praying to Jesus through Mary, and they will use slogans such as ,’God will never turn away his Mother!’ The praying of the Rosary is a central part in the life of ALL Roman Catholics. Here is an image of what a Roman Catholic Rosary looks like.

Roman Catholic Rosary

Here is an excerpt from the Vatican Information Service of October 11, 2009

VATICAN CITY, 11 OCT 2009 (VIS) – At the end of this morning’s Mass, during which he canonised five blesseds the Holy Father emerged into the atrium of the Vatican Basilica to pray the Angelus with thousands of faithful who had followed the ceremony from St. Peter’s Square. . .

The news Spanish saints, Francesc Coll y Guitart and Rafael Arnaiz Baron, “honour the best religious traditions and the profound Christian roots of their people”, said the Holy Father.

He then invited Polish pilgrims to rejoice at their new saint, Zygmunt Szczesny Felinski, former archbishop of Warsaw, and entrusted to his protection “the Church of Poland, and the entire nation”.

“The Virgin Mary”, Pope Benedict concluded, “is the star that guides all journeys to sainthood. Her ‘fiat’ is the model of perfect adherence to the divine will, and her ‘Magnificat’ expresses the hymn of joy of the Church, which on earth already rejoices for the great works of God, and in heaven eternally praises His glory”.

The Vatican Information service report tells us that Pope Benedict XVI canonized five brand new saints. The only problem with that is that only God can make a saint, and a saint is any person who is a believer in Jesus Christ, who has been born again of the Spirit of the living God. The false doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church and their saints, propagates the lie that a persons life, and their good works, may earn them the place of being a saint, and it is determined by their own man made tradition. The truth of the matter is this. A person can be an absolute wretch, and live an absolutely terrible life until he reaches the point where he realizes, his need of mercy and salvation in Jesus Christ. If that same person turns to Jesus Christ for salvation, in sincerity and truth, then they are as SAVED as any person who has ever followed Jesus Christ. Not only that, but that very same person is also a TRUE BIBLICAL SAINT in the eyes of Almighty God, and that is the only thing that matters.

The Pope also entrusted the Church of Poland, and the entire nation to their ‘new saint’ Zygmunt Szczesny Felinski, former archbishop of Warsaw. Did the Pope entrust the nation to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? No he entrusted the entire nation to a man who Rome has deemed worthy of ’sainthood’, and people can begin interceding to him immediately!

This brings to memory the very last letter of the late Pope John Paul II, dated April 1, 2005, the very day before his death. The Pope entrusted the care of Poland to the Black Madonna.  In Pope John Paul II’s last letter dated April 1, 2005. the late Pope sent two crowns, as gifts to the icon of the Black Madonna. The letter said this: “I entrust our homeland, the whole Church and myself to her maternal protection” At the end of the letter the Pope added the following: “Totus Tuus! – All Yours”

Many people are unaware that the Pope had the following phrase sewed into the robes which he wore “Totus Tuus Sum Maria” which is translated “Mary I am all yours!” If you are a true Bible believing Christian your heart should weep, but more than that it should revolt against the compromisers who are all over the airwaves, and the thousands of  mealy mouthed Pastors who remain silent.

Definition of  mealy mouthed from the Freedictionary.com

adj. Unwilling to state facts or opinions simply and directly. Word History: It seems fitting that Martin Luther, a man noted for the forthright expression of his ideas, may have had a hand in giving us the contemptuous term we apply to those unwilling to state facts or opinions directly.Mealy-mouthed may come from a saying such as German Mehl im Maule behalten, “to carry meal in the mouth, that is, not to be direct in speech,” which occurs in Luther’s writings. In English we find the terms mealmouth(1546) and meal-mouthed (1576) recorded around the same time that we find mealymouthed (around 1572). Mealy-mouthed is the only form that survived to describe this trait described by Luther, which not only survives but flourishes in our time.

Below is an image of the late Pope John Paul II’s coat of arms. Do you see the letter “M” in the lower right hand corner? That  letter “M” represents MARY to whom the Pope was fully dedicated. Remember the late Pope John Paul II’s motto: “Totus Tuus Sum Maria” which is translated “Mary I am all yours!”

A man once told the late great William Tyndale the following”  “We were better to be without God’s laws then the Popes”

William Tyndale

William Tyndale responded by saying the following: “I defy the Pope and all his laws; and added,  that if God spared him life ere many years he would cause a boy that driveth the plough, to know more of the scriptures than he did.”  [FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS By John Foxe, 138-139, Published By Whitaker House]

I don’t know about you but that stirs my soul. Hallelujah to the Lamb! What a contrast to the present day where you can go online to TBN the largest “Christian” Television Network in the world and see them peddling literally hundreds of Roman Catholic Books on their website. Do you really believe that the Holy Spirit of Truth, the same Spirit of God who delivered me from that deception, is in control of things over there? If you do, then you truly are deceived. Check out this short video:

Billy Graham: Why Did He Remove All The Warnings About Rome From Halley’s Bible Handbook?

A well documented book by Dr Cathy Burns reveals that Billy Graham removed the warnings concerning Roman Catholicism from his own Crusade Edition of the Halley’s Bible Handbook.

“The original Halley’s up until the 22nd edition (1959), warned about the Jesuits. There are chapters about the Roman Papacy, and the Jesuits. According to Mrs Halley, Mr Halley spent years working on those chapters and never would have permitted the book to be changed. However when he died, Billy Graham bought the rights, and removed all the research and warning about the Jesuits in the editions Billy Graham printed.” [Billy Graham And His Friends: A Hidden Agenda? By Dr Cathy Burns, page 440, Published By Sharing]

Bamboozled No More: Seeing Through The “Fancy Footwork” Of The Compromisers

We are living in a time when we need to get back to basics regarding the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Gospel is all about Jesus. It is not about Israel nor is about Vatican City either. It is about salvation being available for any living person, Jewish or Gentile in the person of Jesus Christ. If that is not the message, then there is no message. If you are looking for unity without repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, then you have been deceived and you are in a great delusion yourself. This Gospel is all about Jesus as the apostle Paul stresses right here:

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:1-4)

Paul was separated and dedicated to serving Jesus Christ (Messiah), the one who was promised by the prophets in the scriptures. You will never find Paul or any of the other apostles talking about the importance of the land of Israel, but you will find him speaking about the people who resided in the land of Israel, and their need for salvation in Christ (Messiah). Paul mentions the fact that Jesus was of the seed of David, which means that Jesus was of the lineage of David. Jesus was the Messiah who the people of Israel should have embraced and accepted, but they refused and rejected Him (for the most part) and suffered the eternal consequences for doing so.

Paul also mentions the fact that Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead. You will never find Paul or any of the other apostles talking about Vatican City and the need to follow a Pope! You will never find Paul or any other follower of Jesus Christ talking about the daily sacrifice of the Roman Catholic Mass, but you will find Him preaching about the believers justification by faith in the blood of Christ! (Romans 5:1,6-11) It is all about Jesus Christ! You will find Paul warning his followers about those who would come preaching “another Gospel” which is a false Gospel that brings a curse upon those who believe it! (Galatians 1:8-9)

There is nothing more awesome then the truth that Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death, and we all know as believers that Jesus is the only way of salvation. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) That is the message that was preached by the Holy Ghost filled preachers in Paul’s day, and that is the only message that should be preached by true believers today. The Gospel account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ makes it ever so clear that there is no other message but Jesus for both Jew and Gentile. You will not find a hint in the words of Jesus Christ about His concern for the physical land of Israel, a modern day distraction and deception. The Lord’s concern was always about the spiritual heart of people, and whether or not they wanted Him! The very resurrection of Jesus Christ was a testimony to those who believed in Him, and an absolute rebuke to those who killed and refused Him. Jesus is alive and well and He even offers mercy to those who opposed Him in the past! Listen to what He said after He rose again from the dead:

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:36-47)

Jesus stressed the fact that the prophets spoke concerning HIM! Jesus told His followers to preach repentance and remission (forgiveness) of sins in HIS name! Jesus told His followers to preach that among ALL nations, and He told them to begin at Jerusalem. THAT WAS THE MESSAGE BACK THEN AND THAT MESSAGE HAS NEVER CHANGED! Do not be bamboozled by the Zionist type of preaching which has been made popular by people such as John Hagee, and many others. The key that unlocks this “Zionist” deception as well as ALL other forms of deception is the simple preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all without exception. If a person fails to repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ, then they will spend eternity in hell forever according to Him! (Matthew 25:41,Luke 12:5, 16:19-31)

There are many ministers in the world today who indeed preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but they also do some “fancy footwork” in their avoidance of controversial issues such as Israel and the Roman Catholic Church. Many have become experts in their artful maneuvering, and they have learned the “ways of the world” in dealing with very serious issues such as the false Gospel of Rome. They do not want to offend people, so they remain silent, at the cost of souls. They realize that speaking out on such things will upset some of their popular and rich minister friends who support their own ministries. They work hand in hand with other ministers who are in outright compromise with Rome and their poisonous false doctrines, and yet they fail to warn their own congregations, which is their duty as shepherds of the flock. Not only that but they honor some of those same ministers which is absolutely mind boggling.

The apostle Paul left us a great example, and an inspiration for not “selling out” to the compromising message of today. Paul spoke out so boldly because he knew the value of a soul, and he saw behind the wiles and tactics of the Devil, in keeping the truth from the common people. Many of the reformers of the past also had a heart, just like Paul’s, and they spoke out boldly in the face of much opposition, and it cost them dearly. That is what is known as TRUE LOVE, because they were concerned for the souls of men, more than their own lives. You will hear that same LOVE coming forth from the apostle Paul, in this passage of scripture from the book of Acts:

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:24-32)

Is Jesus Christ God?

“… What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41)

My purpose in this Bible study is to show you, that it can be proven through the scriptures, that without doubt Jesus Christ is God.

Bible Study Synopsis

The Testimony Of John The Baptist – John was the “voice in the wilderness” (John 1:22-24, Isaiah 40:3) who prepared the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. John knew that Jesus was preferred before him because He was before him. (John 1:15,27) even though Jesus was physically born after him. John referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

The Testimony Of Jesus Christ – Jesus referred to Himself as the “I AM” which was the name that God Himself used when He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush (John 8:56-59, Exodus 3:13-14). The Jews sought to stone Jesus because they thought that He was guilty of blasphemy (John 8:59, Leviticus 24:16). Jesus claimed to be the First and the Last (Revelation 1:11,17-18,2:8) which is a name that God claims for Himself (Isaiah 44:6). Jesus also claimed to be the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8,11) and the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).

Many inferences can then be made about Jesus Christ as we examine scripture with scripture. Since we know that the Word of God which was made flesh (John 1:14) spoke of Jesus Christ then we also know that Jesus Christ is the Word who created all things (John 1:3). Consider the fact that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1) and that the Word who is Jesus Christ was also there in the beginning (John 1:2). We will then naturally conclude that Jesus Christ is God. We learn through Isaiah the prophet that God made all things alone and by Himself (Isaiah 44:24) which is in perfect agreement with John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:12-16. If God did everything alone and by Himself it lays to rest those within the cults who insist that God created Jesus Christ and then used Jesus Christ to create everything else.

The Works Of Jesus Christ - The works that Jesus Christ did during His time on earth are more than ample proof that Jesus Christ is God. Jesus cast demons out of the possessed, He healed the sick, He had power over nature, He raised the dead , He forgave sins, causing His enemies to say “… who can forgive sins, but God only?” (Mark 2:7). Jesus also raised Himself from the dead.

The Testimony Of John The Baptist

John the Baptist was the son of Zacharias, a Jewish priest, and his wife Elizabeth. John was born to this couple after they had been without children for many years. John was born exactly as promised to Zacharias by the angel Gabriel. (Luke 1:5-25) The scriptures also tell us that John would be filled with the Holy Ghost and that he would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And that he would go forth in the “spirit and power of Elias (Elijah) … to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). It is not surprising that John the Baptist attracted the attention of multitudes. Many people wanted to know who he was. The Pharisees, a Jewish group, sent people to question him:

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah). And they which were sent were of the Pharisees (John 1:22-24).

Please keep in mind that John was questioned by the people because they wanted to know if he was in fact the promised Christ (Messiah) or if he was some other prophet (John 1:19-21). John responded to their inquiry by quoting from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Here John makes a very revealing statement not only about his own identity, but the true identity of Jesus Christ also.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3).

John let them know that he was that “voice in the wilderness” that the prophet Isaiah had spoken about. Now it is obvious that the voice was representative of a person with a message and the message was this:

to prepare the way of the Lord

to make straight … a highway for our God

So given the fact that John identified himself as THAT “voice in the wilderness” we can say without question that John was preparing the way for the Lord God.

The Hebrew word for Lord that is used in this verse is YHWH

The Hebrew word for God that is used here is ELOHIYM

We also know from the contents of the New Testament that John the Baptist was the very one who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. So we can rightly say, without shame and without fear, that the titles of Lord and God most definitely apply to Jesus Christ.

Here is another testimony from John regarding the deity of Jesus Christ:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water (John 1:29-31).

In this passage of scripture John identifies Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, and the one who came to take away the sin of the world. John also declares that Jesus was preferred before him because he was before him. It is most interesting when you look at the gospel account in Luke and find that Jesus was born at least six months AFTER John was born. (Luke 1:34-37). So we can conclude that John knew full well, by the Spirit of God, that Jesus Christ existed long before He was incarnated as a human being on this earth.

The topic in this study is of utmost importance. The claim that Jesus Christ is God is more than a mere theological debate between those who endorse the position of His deity (divinity) and those who do not. Why? Because if it can be proven through the scriptures (and it can) that Jesus Christ is in fact God, then we must take a closer look not only at the words that Jesus spoke while He walked this earth but also at the words that the Lord spoke to the children of Israel in the Old Testament. We can learn a great deal when we truly understand that this Christ whom we know as Lord was the very same eternal Lord who created all things, and who came to this earth and partook of our own human nature.

The Testimony Of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ: He is the “I AM”

It has been said very often by those who do not believe that Jesus Christ is in fact God, that He never made that claim for Himself. That is not true. In the New Testament book of John we can read the following scriptures.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by (John 8:56-59).

In this passage of scripture Jesus was in a confrontation with the Jewish religious people, and He told them that He Himself was the “I AM.”

I would like you to note that His enemies took up stones to throw at Jesus, which means that they wanted to kill him. The reason that they did that was because they thought that he had committed blasphemy in declaring Himself to be the “I AM” and that he was “living” before Abraham ever existed. The Old Testament book of Leviticus shows us the reason for their actions:

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death (Leviticus 24:16).

This shows us that his enemies knew full well what Jesus was declaring when he claimed the name “I AM” for Himself. This also shows us that Jesus most certainly made His deity clear on different occasions. What was Jesus trying to tell those who were in opposition to Him? Jesus was telling them that He was alive long before Abraham ever existed.

There are millions of people who only see Jesus Christ as a person who was born about two thousand years ago, lived a short life, did some good things and then died. The purpose of this Bible study is to show you the reader that Jesus Christ is more than a man. He is part of the eternal triune Godhead. When Jesus used the words I AM, He was using the very same words that were used by God when He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. Moses was intrigued by that burning bush when it was not consumed, and when he approached the bush this is what happened:

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God(Exodus 3:5-6).

The voice that spoke out of that burning bush identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses was afraid to even look upon God. The point that I want to make here is that it was God who spoke out of that burning bush. Further down in that very same chapter we find the following:

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you (Exodus 3:13-14 ).

Here we see that God told Moses that His name was “I AM THAT I AM” and that was what Moses was to tell the children of Israel. Am I trying to say that Jesus Christ was the very same person that spoke to Moses out of that burning bush? Yes, that is exactly what I am trying to say and there is further proof in the scriptures to make that point.

Jesus Christ: He Is The First And The Last

Now I would like to go to the new Testament book of Revelation to further prove the deity of Jesus Christ.

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:17-18).

In this scripture verse John listens as the risen Christ declares Himself to be the FIRST and the LAST. Not only that, but He tells John that He was DEAD but now He is ALIVE forevermore! I do not think that the Lord could have made His deity any clearer than that. We all know that it was Jesus Christ who was slain for our sins and who rose from the dead. The title of the FIRST and the LAST is a title that is unique to God and Him alone, and here the glorified Christ claims it for Himself. Let’s take a look in the Old Testament to see how it is used.

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God (Isaiah 44:6).

In the book of Isaiah we learn that the Lord is the King of Israel and also calls Himself the FIRST and the LAST. There are not several FIRST and LAST’s but only ONE. Not only that but this verse tells us that there is no other God beside Him. If Jesus called Himself the FIRST and the LAST then the title of God belongs to Him.

Jesus Christ: He Is The Alpha And Omega

Jesus Christ: He Is The Almighty

Back in the first chapter of Revelation we see that the First and the Last is also the Alpha and Omega “… I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last…” (Revelation 1:11). When we look back at verse eight we find out that the Alpha and Omega is called the Almighty:

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).

So we learned in this first chapter of Revelation that Jesus Christ is:

The First and the Last

The Alpha and Omega

The Almighty

The One who was dead but is now alive forevermore

He holds the keys of Hell and Death

He is the one which is, which was, and which is to come

In chapter two of Revelation the fact that the FIRST and the LAST was dead is mentioned again:

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; (Revelation 2:8)

And in the last chapter of that book and the Bible itself it tells us this:

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Revelation 22:12-13).

The Alpha and Omega, who we have now learned is Jesus Christ, is the very one who will judge every man on the last day. He is the one who is coming again.

Jesus Christ: He Is The Creator Of All Things

I want to leave you with some scripture references to study regarding the attributes of Jesus Christ.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3).

In the scripture passage above we learn that the Word is a Person. That Person was WITH God, WAS God, and ALL things were made by that same Word. The Word in this passage is describing the Person of Jesus Christ. This can be proven by the passage of scripture below.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:14-17)

This passage tells us that this very same Word was made FLESH, which means that this Word took on a physical body and became a human being. That’s what happened when Christ was born of the Jewish virgin Mary in Bethlehem, fulfilling a prophecy of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14). It also tells us that He was the only begotten of the Father, and the same One that John the Baptist declared existed before He ever did. The bottom line is that this Word is describing the eternal Son of God and the One that has always been with the Father in Heaven. If you take a look at the very first verse in the Bible you will find this:

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

The Hebrew word for God here is the word ELOHIYM which is the plural form of the word God, and within that Godhead was the person of Christ. A little further down in that chapter we find this:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:26-27).

In the passage above we learn that God used the words “…Let US make man in OUR image…” which is quite interesting. Who was God talking to? The cults will try to explain this verse away by telling you that God was talking to the angels. That argument falls to the ground because the passage tells us that God created man in HIS own image, with no mention of angels anywhere. Then the cults will tell you that God first created Jesus and then Jesus created everything else. But if you take a look in the book of Isaiah you will find a verse that refutes that way of thinking:

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; (Isaiah 44:24)

The Bible tells us that the Lord made “ALL THINGS” and that He did this “ALONE” and “BY MYSELF” thus refuting another attack against the deity of Jesus Christ. In the passage below we see that the Father Himself referred to the Son as God, and as the one who laid the foundation of earth and heaven.

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Hebrews 1:8-10)

The Works Of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ Cast Demons Out Of People

Luke 4:31-36: Jesus cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue. The demons recognized Christ as the “holy one of God”.

Luke 4:41: Jesus cast demons out of many. The demons knew He was the Christ (Messiah).

Mark 5:1-20: Jesus cast a legion of demons out of a man who had been possessed for many years. The demons recognized Jesus to be “the Son of the most high God”. The demons asked if they could enter into a herd of swine after they were cast out. Jesus allowed this and when they entered the swine who then charged into the sea and drowned themselves.

Jesus Christ Commanded “Mother Nature” To Obey HIM

Mark 4:35-41: Jesus rebuked a raging storm at sea with three words “Peace, be still”. The wind ceased and there was great calm.

Jesus Christ Commanded Dead People To Come Back To Life

Luke 7:11-17: Jesus raises a young man from the dead as the man was being carried in a funeral procession.

John 11:39-45: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after Lazarus was dead and stinking for four days.

Jesus Christ Healed All Sorts Of Diseases

Mark 7:33: Jesus healed a deaf and dumb man.

Mark 8:23: Jesus healed a blind man.

Matthew 8:14: Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.

Matthew 9:2: Jesus healed a paralyzed man.

Luke 17:12: Jesus healed ten lepers.

Jesus Christ Forgave People Of Their Sins

Mark 2:1-12: Jesus had the power to forgive sins.

Jesus Christ Was Worshiped By Others

John 9:35-38: Jesus was worshiped by a blind man that He healed.

REVIEW

We return to the question “Is Jesus Christ God?” We can affirmatively answer with a resounding YES to that question. We have seen through the use of the scriptures that:

Jesus Christ Is the Lord God whom John the Baptist prepared the way for (Isaiah 40:3, John 1:22-24).

Jesus Christ is the “I AM” who was alive before Abraham ever existed, and the same God who spoke to Abraham out of the burning bush (John 8:58, Exodus 3:13-14).

Jesus Christ is the First and the Last (Revelation 1:11,17,18, 2:8, Isaiah 44:6).

Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8,11).

Jesus Christ was the one who was dead but is now alive forevermore (Revelation 1:17-18,2:8).

Jesus Christ is the one who is coming to judge all (Revelation 22:12-13).

Jesus Christ is the creator of ALL things (John 1:1-3, Genesis 1:1,26-27, Hebrews 1:8-10, Isaiah 44:24).

Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead just like He said He would. The words of the apostle Thomas also declare the deity of Christ:

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:25-31).

Who Are The Children Of Abraham?

Who are the children of Abraham? Do they exist today? Where are they located?

We can find the answers to these questions when we take a look at the scriptures.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:6-9)

The passage above tells us that Abraham believed God, and that God laid this to Abraham’s account for righteousness. This is referring to the promise that God made to Abraham regarding his seed (descendants) as being more numerous than the stars in heaven. God promised Abraham a son from his own loins, and that promise was fulfilled when Isaac was born. (Genesis 17:21) Abraham received a promise that in him all the families of the earth would be blessed. (Genesis 12:3) That promise included families from every nation on planet earth. (Genesis 22:18, 26:4)

It is all about faith, and it is all about faith in the one true God. The scriptures let us know that God would justify the “heathen” through faith. The word “heathen” (ethnos) is used here by Paul, and that is a word that is  also translated as Gentiles or nations in the Bible.

In plain and simple language, the scriptures let us know that it was always God’s plan to have the gospel go to the whole world. It is very interesting that Paul told us that Abraham had the“gospel” (glad tidings) preached unto him, and it all had to do with the “gospel” going to all the nations of the earth!

Jesus Christ was the promised “seed” or descendant whom God had spoken to Abraham about all those years ago.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (Galatians 3:16)

Jesus Christ is the very fulfillment of the promise that was made to Abraham. Jesus Christ is the one who came down from the glory of heaven, to fulfill the promise which was made all those years ago to Abraham. Jesus Christ went to the cross so that wretches like you and me might receive the promise of eternal life. It is about Jesus Christ and what He has done for us at Calvary.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14)

Jesus Christ took the curse of the law upon Himself so that people from every corner of the earth, who are all sinners, might turn to him (repent) and be forgiven of their sins. Many people make the fatal mistake of believing that their “good deeds” will outweigh their “bad deeds” and that God will hold up the “scales of justice” on judgment day and say “come on up!”

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:19-26)

The law of God absolutely silences the mouth of every human being on planet earth who attempt to justify themselves before the one true holy and righteous God. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) act as a spiritual X-RAY machine which lights up and blinks “CONFIRMED WRETCH IN NEED OF MERCY” in bright neon letters as it examines the heart of every person who allows themself to be examined.

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Romans 3:26-31)

So what is the bottom line in all of this? The bottom line is that the children of Abraham are those who are trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. There is no difference between  Jew and Gentile (non Jew). This means that any person from any part of the world has an equal opportunity for salvation. There is no boasting about how wonderful a person is or what they have done. The only boasting you will hear from those who have trusted in Jesus Christ is their boasting about His awesome mercy in reaching out to them with His great salvation. They see themselves in truth, even as Almighty God sees them.

Salvation has nothing to do with geographical location and that includes the land of Israel in the middle east. Salvation comes by faith and it is all about that spiritual connection which is made between the sinner and Almighty God. The same offer of salvation is available for the sinner in Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as is available to the sinner in Baghdad, Istanbul, or New York City.

So the “children of Abraham” are those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and that includes people from every corner of the earth.  The “children of Abraham” are scattered all over the world at the present time, and that includes people of every color,  every language, every race and they come from every country.  Are you numbered with the“children of Abraham?” Have you repented of your sins and put your faith in Jesus Christ?

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. (Revelation 5:9)

The hate mongers who claim to know God and hate people of a different race will not be found among this group in heaven. The only people who  will be found in heaven, will be those who have seen themselves in truth and received the awesome mercy and great salvation that God offers them through His Son Jesus Christ!

The Authority Of God’s Word

In this article I would like to speak with you today concerning the authority of God’s Word. Here is a brief outline of this article.

The New Testament Men Of God Honored God’ Word- The apostle Paul declared that all scripture is inspired by God and is everything we need in the way of righteousness. Peter one of the original disciples of Jesus Christ, and an eyewitness to many incredible miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ, exalted the Word of God above them all. (2 Peter 1:16-21) We can depend upon the Word of God to be a light for our path. (Psalm 119:105) We must not mix the Word of God with man made tradition, psychology, our own opinions or anything else. Any type of mixture will produce a perverted and corrupt Gospel.

The Old Testament Men Of God Honored God’s Word – Jeremiah said that it brought a rejoicing to his heart (Jeremiah 15:16) and he compared it to fire and a hammer (Jeremiah 23:29) Isaiah declared that the Word of God was the determining factor of whether a person had “light” in them. (Isaiah 8:20)and that the word of God would never return void. (Isaiah 55:11) Job said that God’s Word (spiritual food) was more important than his necessary (physical) food. (Job 23:12)

The Old Testament Prophecies Prove God’s Word True- Micah prophesied the birthplace of Jesus the Messiah in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2/Matthew 2:6) Zechariah prophesied that the King of Israel, just and having salvation, would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9/Matthew 21:1-5) Isaiah prophesied of the death of the Messiah approximately 700 years before the event actually took place. (Isaiah 53:1-12) No other “Holy Book” can make the claim that the Bible makes because no other book has Biblical prophecies with a 100 percent accuracy rate.

Jesus Christ Honored The Word Of God - Jesus Christ quoted from God’s Word three different times in fighting off the devil when he came against Him. (Matthew 4:1-11, Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16, 6:13) and Christ also declared that the very words He spoke would be what judged us in the last day. (John 12:48)

The New Testament Men Of God Honored God’s Word

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The apostle Paul penned those words nearly two thousand years ago and they are just as true today as they were back then. We need not look any further than the scriptures themselves, to find everything we need, concerning the salvation of our soul and how to continue on in our walk with the Lord. It is all found in the Word of God.

The apostle Peter was one of the original disciples of Jesus Christ and as a close companion of Christ he was a witness to the many things that Jesus did.

Peter Was There When:

Jesus performed many incredible miracles

Jesus cast demons out of the possessed

Jesus raised the dead to life again

Jesus healed the sick of their diseases

Jesus caused a raging storm to cease with three words “Peace Be still”

Jesus was transfigured on a mountain top and spoke with Elijah and Moses about His coming death at Jerusalem

And yet after all of those amazing experiences Peter wrote the following words:

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:16-21)

The apostle Peter shows us in this excerpt from one of his letters that he knew the value of the scriptures and he placed them above any of the experiences mentioned above. Peter made a point of writing down the fact that he was there as an eyewitness of the majesty of Christ upon that holy mount (mountain) when the glory of God shone upon Jesus Christ. Peter was referring to the time when he along with John and James saw Jesus Christ transfigured before their very eyes and they saw the glory of God all over Him. They also saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus about the death which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:28-31)  I encourage you to read the gospel accounts in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:1-13, and Luke 9:28-36 because there is much to learn there.

Peter contrasts that awesome mountaintop experience, described above with the “more sure word of prophecy” which are the scriptures themselves. Peter learned through experience that even after being an eyewitness to such great things that his faith could still be attacked. Do not forget that Peter denied the Lord three times when trouble came his way, and the rest of the disciples also vanished at that same point in time. Peter would eventually learn to trust in the Lord and the infallibility of His Word and stare death in the face. (John 21:18-19).

We cannot separate TRUE faith from believing the Word of God. They are absolutely inseparable. If you say that you believe in God then you must believe the words that He spoke! And within the Word of God you will find the right path that God wants you to take.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)

A fatal trap that many people fall into is when they start to MIX the Word of God with something else and therefore pollute the scriptures and come up with a mixture that will lead them astray.  Beware of those who add their own books and place them alongside the Bible and tell you that they are on an equal par with God’s Word.  The Lord does raise up people to teach and help others understand His Word but we are not to ADD or TAKE AWAY from His Word.

It is NOT the Word of God plus the traditions of man

It is NOT the Word of God plus man made psychology

It is NOT the Word of God plus man made opinions

It is NOT the Word of God plus something else

It is JUST the Word of God!

The Old Testament Men Of God Honored God’s Word

Jeremiah the prophet said this regarding the Word of God

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16) Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29)

Isaiah the prophet said this regarding the Word of God

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)

Job the man of God said this regarding the word of God

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. (Job 23:12)

The Bible has something that every other “Holy Book” does not have and that is prophecy.  There are scores of prophecies that are found in the Bible and many of them deal specifically with Jesus Christ.  This is not one of those tabloids that you buy in January that makes some predictions, most of which never happen but these are prophecies that were spoken hundreds of years beforethe evnts actually took place. Can you name ONE other “Holy Book” that can make that claim? Do not think too hard because there are NONE! Here are just a few references that you can check out for yourself.

The Old Testament Prophecies Prove God’s Word True

Micah, the prophet declared that the Messiah, the one who was “from everlasting”, meaning eternal, was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and that is the very place where Jesus Christ was born. (Matthew 2:6)

Zechariah the prophet prophesied that the King, who is just, and having salvation would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey (ass). (Zechariah 9:9) and Jesus Christ, the King of the Jews rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (ass) just as Zechariah declared He would! (Matthew 21:1-5)

Isaiah prophesied of the death of Christ almost 700 years before the event actually took place. (Isaiah 53:1-12) and Christ, the Messiah, died just as he prophesied. (John 19:30)

There are absolutely scores of other prophecies in the Bible and I encourage you to take the time to study them for yourself.

Jesus Christ Honored God’s Word

Jesus Christ Himself used the Word of God to refute the temptations and the lies of the devil when he came to tempt him in the wilderness. Three different times the Lord quoted from the book of Deuteronomy , and He preceded each of those quotations with the words “IT IS WRITTEN!” (Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16, 6:13) refuting the DEVIL at every single point with the scriptures. (Matthew 4:1-11)  If the Lord Jesus Christ found the Word of God to be that important, how much more do we need to know and use the Word of God ourselves? Not only that but Jesus told us that the very words that He spoke would be what would judge us in the end:

Have Ye Not Read?

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? (Matthew 12:1-5)

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, (Matthew 19:3-4)

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.(Matthew 22:31-32)

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: (Mark 12:10)

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. (Psalms 118:22)

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:48)

Preach God’s Word

It is the Word of God that makes all the difference and it is the Word that needs to be preached to the lost souls all over the world. The pulpit is the place where the Word of God is to be preached and expounded on because it is the truth that sets people free. It is not a crime to have a healthy and sanctified sense of humor but when that becomes the rule and jokes become too common it can cheapen the gospel and send off the wrong message to the listeners especially when souls are at stake.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5 )

MP3 AUDIO: THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD

Elaina commented    “Keep spreading the Good News!!!! I have gained so much from this!!!!”

Be Ye Reconciled To God

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:  but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.  If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;  if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.  (John 15:18-20)

Here is a word of exhortation from the Lord Jesus Christ to His followers.  The Lord was telling them (and us also) that they (we) should expect hatred and persecution from the people in the world.  Jesus, the one who came down from above, the one who was without sin and who went about doing nothing but good, was hated and persecuted by many.  The Lord Jesus Christ told His followers that the reason that they would be hated and persecuted was because they were “not of the world.” To the natural mind this may be a little hard to understand, but to those who have had their “spiritual eyes” opened by their merciful Saviour it is not hard to understand at all.Any person who has put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and has been born again of the Spirit realizes that this “world” is not their home.  Any person who truly knows the Lord as their Saviour also realizes that it was nothing but the mercy and grace of God that brought them into His kingdom.  We realize that the blood that Christ shed was for us and for our own sins and not His.  That is the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that is what is offered to every single man and woman on planet earth.

But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.  If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.  He that hateth me hateth my Father also.  (John 15:21-23)

The Lord told His followers that they would be hated and persecuted because their persecutors did not know Him (the Father) who sent Him.  Jesus was speaking of the Father who is in heaven above and the one who sent Jesus, the “Lamb of God”, to be the perfect sacrifice for their sins.  Jesus went on to say that those who rejected Him had no cloke for their sin because He had spoken to them.  In other words, the Lord was telling them that their was no excuse for them because He had preached the Word of God to them.  If that same Word of God was living inside of them, they would have received Him when He came. We must never forget the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ came down from heaven above to redeem the world.  Every sacrifice in the Old Testament was merely a type and a shadow which pointed to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. There are prophecies galore in the Old Testament which pointed to the coming of Jesus Christ which were fulfilled to the very letter.  And yet with all of this, when Jesus Christ came into this world the majority of the Jewish people rejected Him.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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: (John 1:11-12)

The Lord Jesus Christ was rejected by most of the Jewish people, but the Lord still offered salvation to every one of them who believed in Him.  The Jewish people had the scriptures in their possession and the Lord was making it clear that those same scriptures testified specifically about Him!

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.  (John 5:37-40)

This is one of the most powerful rebukes in the Word of God from the Lord Jesus Christ to His “own people.” He told them that the very scriptures which they held in their possession, and in which they were assured of eternal life, pointed to Him.  The Lord was standing right before them and yet they wanted nothing to do with Him.  The very heart of the scriptures and the central thought of those scriptures was all about Christ.  He told them that they would not come to Him, the only person that could give them that eternal life which they desired!

If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. (John 15:24-24)

The Lord did not leave His followers without any hope.  In fact He told them that the Spirit of God would be their comfort and the same one who would direct them into the truth.  What more could a person ask for.  Yes we will be hated by those who do not want Jesus Christ but the Lord promises to be with us through it all. For those of you who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ you must realize that there is no cloke for your sin outside of Jesus Christ according to His own words.  Listen to what the prophet Isaiah said about this subject:

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:6)

This verse destroys the myth of the “good person”.  It encourages us to come to the Lord for mercy and to be reconciled back to God through His Son Jesus Christ.  God puts no difference between the Jewish and the Gentile person.  We all fit into the category of sinners in need of a Saviour.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

Does The Wrath Of God Abide Upon You?

Does the wrath of God abide upon you? What does the Word of God (Bible) have to say about this?

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

Oh what a powerful verse in the scriptures do we have here. The Word of God tells us that the wrath of God abides upon those who do not believe in the Son (Jesus Christ). The reason for this is because Jesus Christ is the one whom the Father sent into the world to save us. There is no plan “B” when it comes to the issue of salvation. Every single one of us is a sinner in need of a Saviour as the following scriptures declare:

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Romans 3:10)

How many of us can lay claim to the title of being righteous? None is the answer that the Bible gives us.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)

How many of us fall short of the glory of God? The Bible tells us that we all fall short of God’s Glory!

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. That means that we deserve the payment for our own sins which is death. Every person without Jesus Christ is spiritually dead in the sight of  Almighty God. Without Jesus Christ we have a piece of real estate in Hell that is waiting for our occupation. It is paid for and you earned it. There will be no need for a mortgage either. I am not giving you my own opinion but I am simply telling you something that is true according to the Bible. In fact Jesus Himself declared the following:

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:17-18)

Jesus tells us that a person is already condemned if they do not believe in Him. The Bible tells us that it is only the blood which can atone for the sin of a human being.

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11)

If you study the Word of God you will see how the Jewish High Priest would take the blood of the sacrifices into the very presence of God to atone for the sins of the children of Israel.  It was the sacrifice of a “substitute” that made the difference as the Lord was showing the people the seriousness of their sin and the justice which they deserved.  The Lord  also showed them His awesome mercy in pardoning them. Where is the Jewish Temple today? There is none! How come we do not see the animal sacrifices anymore?  We do not see them anymore because Jesus Christ died as the perfect “substitute” for us approximately 2000 years ago. At the moment of the death of Jesus Christ, the veil in the Jewish Temple was torn in half from top to bottom by the supernatural power of Almighty God. (Matthew 27:51)  The sacrifices have been obliterated because there is now a New Testament (Covenant) in the blood of Jesus Christ. To reject this New Covenant is to reject salvation.  To reject Jesus Christ is to reject Heaven! To reject Jesus Christ is to reject the only mercy that can rescue your soul from an eternal Hell.

Growing up as a Roman Catholic I was taught that there was a place called Purgatory, but when I was born again in 1989 I knew for sure that there was no such place as Purgatory. Listen to me now, there is not a second chance for you after you die. There is no relative of yours who will be able to pray you out of Purgatory and into Heaven. Jesus preached about Heaven and Hell and He was most emphatic when He did that. Jesus said     “… repent ye and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15) and that is what you need to do.  Listen to what Jesus Christ declared after He rose from the dead.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16)

Jesus told us preach to the world because He loves all people throughout the world. We are living in a day where the preacher waters down and sugarcoats the gospel so as not to offend anyone. I choose to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the one who went to the cross to save my soul.

There is only one plan of salvation for both Jew and Gentile  and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. There is only one way to be reconciled back to God and that is through the blood of the Son of God. (Romans 5:8-9)

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1 John 5:9-12)

Eternal life is found only in the Son, Jesus Christ. A person who rejects the mercy which God offers in his Son simply continues on in their condition of spiritual death and ends up in an eternal Hell. Will that be you?

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matthew 23:33)

The Blessed And The Cursed According to Jesus Christ (Messiah)

It is most important that a person who is sincerely searching for the truth to go to the sciptures (Bible = Word of God)  for it is there that they will find their answers. Today I will deal with the topic of the BLESSED and the CURSED according to Jesus Christ (Messiah). Let us go to the Word of God:

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (Matthew 11:1-6)

This is a very powerful passage that we have here. John the Baptist was the very one who prepared the way for Jesus the Christ (Messiah), but now he found himself in prison. He then sent two of his followers to question Jesus, as to whether or not he was the promised one who should come. It is quite obvious that John was talking about Jesus as being the promised Messiah whom the prophets declared would come. This was without question a very severe testing of the faith of John the Baptist, and that is the reason that he sent the two to consult with Jesus.

When the followers of John reached Jesus with the question, Jesus responded by telling them to show John what things were happening, and what was being preached. Jesus mentioned the blind receiving their sight, the lame (crippled) walking, the lepers being cleansed, the deaf hearing, the dead being raised alive from the dead, and the poor having the Gospel preached to them. Wow, talk about a mouthful of absolutely incredible miracles which the Lord repeated here. I always wonder what it must have been like to be a witness to such awesome miracles as the Lord performed in his time here on earth. There were no microphones, there were no buckets being passed around for the cash to be dumped inside, there were no donations requested by the Lord, it was just Jesus being the merciful, loving  powerful son of God that He was. After Jesus declared all of those wonderful things to John’s friends, He then said this: ‘Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me’

It is easy to miss the reason for the Lord describing what was happening in His ministry to John’s friends. You see the Lord was describing the very things which the prophet Isaiah prophesied would happen when the Messiah came. (Isaiah 35:4-6, 42:5-8, 61:1) That is the way the Lord ministered when He walked this earth. He would always refer to the scriptures, either directly or indirectly to verify that He was indeed the one who was promised to come. Sometimes the Lord would use the words ‘have ye not read . . .’ before quoting the actual scripture to the people. So the Lord was confirming the truth about Himself to John the Baptist, and the scriptures confirmed that. The scriptures back up and verify the truth that Jesus was and is the one whom the Father sent from above.

The main point that I make here is this. It is absolutely impossible for a person to be BLESSED in the sight of God, if they are offended by the person of Jesus Christ. You may have great success in this life, and declare yourself ‘blessed’, but if you reject Jesus Christ that ‘blessing’ is but a temporary thing. That ‘blessing’ will come to an end when your ‘earthy’ life ends, and the reality of eternity truly strikes you. On the other hand if you are a born again believer in Jesus Christ, then you are blessed in the sight of God, and though you have may have little in this life, you have Heaven waiting for you, and the promise of everlasting life. Any true believer in Jesus Christ, knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that they deserve nothing but the wrath of God,(John 3:36) and yet they received salvation and the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. (John 3:16-18) That is what it truly means to be blessed. Yes, there are many trials and sufferings in this life for the true believers in Christ, but they do not compare to the glory which awaits them beyond the veil of this temporary life. (Romans 8:18)

It is absolutely mind boggling that Pastor John Hagee does not see that the Jewish people are NOT in covenant with the true and living God outside of Jesus Christ. Here is an excerpt from the Christian Research Institute Statement PSH005 which I have posted before, and which I believe needs to be posted once again. regarding John Hagee.

Trying to convert Jews is a “waste of time,” he [Hagee] said. . . .

Everyone else, whether Buddhist or Baha’i, needs to believe in Jesus, he says. But not Jews. Jews already have a covenant with God that has never been replaced with Christianity, he says.

“The Jewish people have a relationship to God through the law of God as given through Moses,” Hagee said. “I believe that every Gentile person can only come to God through the cross of Christ. I believe that every Jewish person who lives in the light of the Torah, which is the word of God, has a relationship with God and will come to redemption.

“The law of Moses is sufficient enough to bring a person into the knowledge of God until God gives him a greater revelation. And God has not,” said Hagee

“There are right now Jewish people on this earth who have a powerful and special relationship with God,” declares Hagee in one of his books. “They have been chosen by the ‘election of grace’ in which God does what he does without asking man to approve or understand it. Let us put an end to the Christian chatter that “all the Jews are lost” and can’t be in the will of God until they convert to Christianity! . . . there are a certain number of Jews in relationship with God right now through divine election.”

Hagee also affirms: “If God blinded the Jewish people to the identity of Jesus as Messiah, how could He send them to hell for not seeing what he had forbidden them to see?”

First of all I want to show you that the Jewish people are not only NOT in covenant with the true and living God, through the LAW, but in fact  they are under a CURSE, and that is so clear in the scriptures. Read the following passage of scripture which was written by a man who was ‘living according to the Law’, and yet was as lost as could be until he met the Lord Jesus Christ.

For as many as are of the works of the law are UNDER THE CURSE: for it is written, CURSED is EVERY ONE that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that NO MAN is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live BY FAITH. AndTHE LAW IS NOT OF FAITH: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. CHRIST hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:10-13 KJV)

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that EVERY MOUTH may be stopped, and ALL THE WORLDmay become GUILTY BEFORE GOD. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall NO FLESH be justified in his sight: for BY THE LAW is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20)

The Law of God shows each and every person in the world that they are sinners and GUILTY in the sight of God. John Hagee states that a Jewish person is in a relationship with God through the Law of Moses, and that statement is absolutely ludicrous, because it so clearly contradicts the Word of God. The scripture passage can also be applied to ALL people, Jew or Gentile because we have all SINNED, and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)  A person may declare themself to be an atheist, but that does not change their status before Almighty God one bit. They are still accountable to Him in His sight, and that is the only thing that will count in the end. This applies to both Jewish people and the rest of mankind also. The scripture tells us that ALL THE WORLD is GUILTY before God! That same Jewish man Paul wrote the following:

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

Paul knew what it was like to think himself holy and righteous in the sight of God, to the point that he severely persecuted Christians, even unto their death. (Acts 26:9-11) After Paul realized that Jesus was the real deal, and he heard his voice from Heaven, he became a powerful minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Acts 9:1-22)  Paul wrote those words about the Law being unable to save anybody, because he himself had escaped that delusion and bondage himself! This is the Word of God that we have before us ladies and gentlemen. What you see taking place in the case of John Hagee is a revival of that great Judaizing heresy and delusion. The Jewish people for the most part (as well as most Gentiles) outright reject Jesus Christ as being the Son of God, and the Messiah. According to the Word of God, the wrath of God abides upon them right now:

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

The wrath of God is abiding upon every person in the world if they have not put their faith in Jesus Christ and received the forgiveness of their sins. The only way to receive atonement for sin is through the blood (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22) and more specifically the BLOOD of Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:6-10). That is why the Lord Himself was so forthright in his dealings with the Jewish people who had resisted Him and rejected Him as the Son Of God.

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:23-24)

We must NEVER FORGET that it was the Lord Jesus Christ who was given to us as a COVENANT! There is NO COVENANT outside the person of Jesus Christ. The COVENANT is not a thing but a PERSON, and His name is Jesus Christ.

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; (Isaiah 42:6)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who was given to be a COVENANT to the people (the Jewish) and the Gentiles also. There is no special class of people. Any person who chooses to BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus Christ, Jew or Gentile can be classified as BLESSED in the sight of God. Any person who chooses to REJECT Jesus Christ would remain in their sins,(obviously CURSED) whether or not they even heard of the Law before, because their own conscience will accuse them! There is NO EXCUSE for any person with breath in their body!

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) (Romans 2:14-15)

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; (Romans 3:9)

What is the deciding factor in whether a person is BLESSED or CURSED, and whether they go to HEAVEN or HELL? It is what that individual person does with the person of Jesus Christ. It has been that way for almost two thousand years now. People by the billions have died in their sins without Jesus Christ and yet many have BELIEVED in Him over the past centuries, though few in comparison to those who were lost. Do not be intimidated by those who accuse you of preaching a ‘replacement theology’ such as John Hagee. If you present a false hope , or a false message to people regarding their eternal soul, then you have REPLACED the true soul saving Gospel with a FALSE GOSPEL that will take them to an eternal Hell. Now that is what can be described as replacement theology! The CURSED will hear the following words from Jesus Christ Himself, the one whom they rejected!

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

The modern day preachers such as John Hagee should be concerned about preaching a different Gospel to the Jewish people. (Galatians 1:8-10) The Jewish people are the ones who need to repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, (along with every other person in the world) according to the scriptures, and they will remain under the wrath of God until they do so.  The Lord Jesus Christ will not let you down if you are a believer in Him. If Jesus Christ told the Jewish people that they would die in their sins, if they do NOT believe in Him, then they WILL die in their sins. (John 8:21-24) If the Bible declares that the wrath of God is upon all those who do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, then the WRATH of God is upon them. (John 3:36) If Jesus said that a person was CONDEMNED ALREADY without faith in Him, then a person IS CONDEMNED ALREADY without faith in Jesus Christ. (John 3:18)

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:44-47) (ACTUAL QUOTE OF JESUS CHRIST AFTER HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD)

No Deals With The Devil: Preaching The Gospel To Both Jew And Gentile Without Compromise!

Today I would like to speak to you on the topic of making deals with the devil. I choose the sub topic of Israel and the issue preaching of the Gospel to them as an example. As we take a look around at the events in the world today, it is an absolute must that the true Christian understand that the only hope for Israel (and the rest of the world) is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Multitudes have been bamboozled by the modern day preachers regarding Israel, but a simple reading of the scriptures will cut through that deceitfulness.

The apostle Paul was strong in his testimony for Jesus Christ, and his defense of the Gospel right  up until the very end of his life. Paul never made any deals with the Devil. Any person who reads the scriptures for themselves will see that too. It is quite simple. Paul was formerly against Christ, he got saved, and that totally changed the course of his life. After that, he preached Christ to both Jew and Gentile and he was persecuted for that. That should be the testimony of any person who has been truly saved. They get saved, they understand that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, as revealed by the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, and they tell others the very same thing. Nothing fancy, no banners, no balloons, no fireworks, no glittering lights, just plain and simple salvation in Jesus Christ! It is time to make up your mind. No deals with the Devil!

And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for THE HOPE OF ISRAEL I am bound with this chain. (Acts 28:17-20)

Paul was constantly harassed and persecuted for simply preaching Jesus Christ, as the only way of salvation and he specifically called Christ, THE HOPE OF ISRAEL! Paul did not want to make any deals with the Devil, and he knew that the world was filled with religious leaders who knew not the Lord, as well as politicians who sought their own gain. He could have bargained with the people who were against him, and told them that there were many ways to Heaven, and maybe he got it all wrong about Jesus, but he did not do that.

And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning JESUS, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. (Acts 28:21-23)

It is very interesting that the word ’sect’ was used all the way back then in Paul’s time to describe the people Paul was hanging around with. That very same word ’sect’ has been used in the past by the Roman Catholic Popes to describe those Bible believing born again believers who have the testimony of Jesus Christ and reject their man-made traditions as false. The apostle Paul was given the opportunity to state his position, and he did what he always did, and went to the scriptures. He spoke out of the law of Moses, and he spoke from the books of the prophets. Paul had one goal in mind, and that was to convince the people (including the Jewish people) that Jesus was in fact the Christ (Messiah), and the one they needed for salvation. Once again, it is quite simple. Paul had his mind made up, and he preached Christ wherever he went! There would be no deals with the Devil.

That should be the testimony of EVERY true born again Bible believing Christian, especially Pastors, who have been entrusted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If a person is standing in a pulpit in a church that identifies itself as Christian, and they suppress the truth of the Gospel, then they do not belong there. If they fail to warn the people that they will die in their sins without Christ, then they should not be there. If they hold back the truth that ALL people including the Jewish people, are LOST without Christ, then they should not be there. There is no room for any deals with the Devil in this Christian life. It is much too serious a matter, this issue of salvation. Yes, we are talking about where people will spend eternity. Yes we are talking about YOUR own loved ones and YOUR own relatives. Yes, we are talking about YOUR own wonderful children, who need to be instructed in the way of the Lord, because their very souls are at stake here! Make up your mind, once and for all, that there will be no deals with the Devil!

And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the HOLY GHOST by Esaias (ISAIAH) the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (Acts 28:24-27)

What did the apostle Paul do here? He referred to the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8-10) and AGREED with him, that the people of Israel were spiritually blind and deaf regarding the Gospel truth! Paul also made it clear that it was the Holy Ghost (Spirit) who spoke through the prophet Isaiah. The apostle Paul applied the words of the prophet Isaiah to his own present day, and to the people of Israel. Does that same word stand true today for the people of Israel and around the world? It most definitely does apply to the Jewish people around the world, and it also applies to Gentiles (non-Jewish) also. We are living in a day when you will hear  the ”religious’ people speak about the ‘three great faiths’ in the world namely, Christian, Muslim and Judaism. Wait a minute, where is that in the Bible? The Bible makes it clear that there has been only ONE people of God, who followed the TRUE and LIVING GOD! The Bible makes it most emphatically clear that there is only ONE way of salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ., the eternal Son of God. That could be a problem though, because the Muslims do not believe that God even has a Son, and the Jewish people rejected Jesus as the Son of God (John 5:18) and wanted to KILL Him for that very reason! Are you ashamed to preach Jesus Christ as the ONLY way of salvation in front of people? Are you ashamed to say that in front of your family? Are you ashamed to say that in front of your co-workers? What are the consequences of denying Jesus Christ in this modern day of compromise, where anything goes? Do the words below still apply to us today?

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I CONFESS also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men,him will I also DENY before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:32-34)

Who spoke those words? They were spoken by Jesus Christ Himself! Christian friend, the Lord Jesus Christ is confessing you before His very own Father in HEAVEN when you are confessing Him (testifying) about Him on earth. But those who DENY the Lord here on Earth, the Lord is also DENYING before His very own Father in HEAVEN! The Lord does not make any deals with the Devil because truth and error can never mix. Jesus fought off the Devil, using the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) when the wicked one came looking to make a deal with Him, (Matthew 4:1-11) and we all need to follow His example.

Jesus never made a deal with the Devil and He does not want ANY of His followers to make any deals with him either. Jesus also declared that He did not come to bring peace on earth, but what did He mean by that? He meant that He did not come to make any deals with those who reject Him. Jesus was adamant in His teaching that when Christ came into a household, there would be some who would believe and there would be some who would not believe. That is exactly what He was talking about there, and He followed it up by saying this:

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s FOES shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. (Matthew 10:35-40)

There are households by the millions who have those who believe in Christ, and those who reject Him. Do not be ensnared by that great temptation to PLEASE your unsaved family at the risk of denying Jesus Christ Himself. It happens all the time, and yet many still believe that they are following Christ, when they are not. Take heed to the warning that Christ gives us all here! If you truly desire Heaven, then you should avoid those sweet temptations, and Gospel fudging deals that so many thousands of Christian ‘leaders’ have accepted, and passed down to their own congregations, ever so craftily. They have accepted those compromising deals with the Devil, to make their life on this Earth, all the more pleasant, unaware that their very souls are at stake. In contrast to them is the apostle Paul who was so appreciative of the great mercy, and salvation which Christ had shown to him, that he never made  a deal with the Devil. He was not ashamed to tell others that Jesus Christ was the  ONLY way of salvation for both Jew and Gentile!

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. (Gentile) (Romans 1:16)

No deals with the Devil!

Keith Green: “Never Has Something So Black And Wicked, Gotten Away With Appearing So Holy And Mysteriously Beautiful . . . For So Long!” (The Catholic Chronicles)

There are many people who are familiar with Keith Green and his music, and it would be an understatement to say that Keith was a powerful minister of Jesus Christ in his songs. Keith did more than sing and worship the Lord. He preached to the people through his songs, and he made a great impact during his short life as a new creation in Jesus Christ. It is most unfortunate that Keith died in a small plane crash in 1982, along with ten others, which included two of his children, Josiah and Bethany, an entire Missionary family of  seven, and the Pilot. When I came to know the Lord in 1989 I read his book No Compromise as well as numerous tracts that his ministry distributed.

Many people do not realize that Keith Green was also very outspoken against the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and he published a series of must-read articles in tract form which I discovered at Grace Gems, entitled The Catholic Chronicles.

Here is the conclusion that Keith Green reached and that which he ended The Catholic Chronicles:

“Conclusion”
It is obvious by even this brief glimpse into the doctrines of mortal and venial sins, confession, penance, and purgatory, that the Roman Catholic Church has constructed one of the most unbiblical doctrinal systems that has ever been considered “Christian”. The fear, anguish, and religious bondage that such a system of “reward and punishment” creates, has tormented millions of lives for centuries, and continues to prey on those who are ignorant of the biblical way of salvation.

To merely call such a system “a cult”, would be to throw it into the vast category of religions and quasi-religions that are currently making the rounds of our college campuses and city streets, snatching up many an unsuspecting youth. No, the Roman Church is not a cult. It’s an empire!

With its own ruler, its own laws, and its own subjects! The empire has no borders, it encompasses the globe with its eye on every person who does not vow allegiance. It calls the members of other faiths “separated brethren” (The term used by Vatican II to describe the members of Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant churches.) and has as its goal the eventual bringing together of everyone under its flag.

I know that many will not be convinced or moved by this article (or any of the others) to make such a conclusion. They are impressed by what they’ve heard about recent stirrings among the Catholics in the “charismatic renewal”. Many evangelicals (especially Charismatics) have been thrilled by the reports of Catholics speaking in tongues, dancing in the Spirit, having nights of joy and praise, even attending “charismatic masses”.

Mouths that used to speak out boldly against the Church of Rome have been quieted by the times. It no longer is in vogue to speak of the pope as “the antichrist” (Although the following people unhesitatingly did: Martin Luther, John Bunyan, John Huss, John Wycliffe, John Calvin, William Tyndale, John Knox, Thomas Bacon, John Wesley, Samuel Cooper, John Cotton, and Jonathan Edwards.) or the Catholic Church as the “whore of Babylon”. Now Protestants unwittingly believe that “our differences are not so great”. Ah, that is just what She needs us to think!

I’ve never completely understood why God led me to write these articles. But it becomes more clear with each day of study, and each page of research. Never has something so black and wicked, gotten away with appearing so holy and mysteriously beautiful . . . for so long!

The Seduction By Rome In The Last Days! (Take Heed That No Man Deceive You) (Matthew 24:4)

Back in 2005 there was a Pastor who was fired from his job as host on a Christian radio program, because of something that he said on the air. Here is an excerpt from an article from Charisma Now:

“Marty Minto 39, a senior Pastor of the 100 member, Turning Point Community Church in New Castle, was fired earlier this month after three years as a host on WORD-FM in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported . . . Minto said he was told he was ‘alienating listeners’ . . . After the April 2, death and funeral of the Pope, Minto discussed with callers John Paul ll’s deep devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Catholic beliefs, such as Purgatory  . . . I made it clear that the discussion was not an attack on the character of the Pope but rather a look at the teachings – not only of John Paul ll, but of the Catholic Church, Minto said. Minto said he responded to the question about whether the Pope, would go to Heaven with the belief held by many evangelicals that a person must be a born-again believer. [Charisma Now April 21,2005 Online Edition]

Now there was absolutely nothing wrong with what Pastor Minto discussed on his radio program that day. I mean after all, we are supposed to be preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we are constantly making it clear to people that the wages of sin is death, and that there is a Heaven and a Hell. Pastor Minto was told that he was ‘alienating listeners’ but that is to be expected, because the true Gospel has always brought confrontation and division, even as Jesus Christ promised it would:

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:32-38)

Pastor Minto is one of a rare breed in this day of apostasy, mixture and compromise. Pastor Minto simply counted the cost, and then he simply spoke the truth, which is what every Christian is supposed to do. His view was diamatrically opposed to the mainstream “Christian” view that does not make waves, lest their ecumenical apple cart of compromise should be disturbed.

I was not surprised by the statement that Pat Robertson (700 Club) made after the death of Pope John Paul ll:

“I am deeply grieved as a great man passes from this world to his much deserved eternal reward. John Paul ll has been the most beloved religious leader of our age – far surpassing in popular admiration the leader of any faith … I pray for the Cardinals of the Catholic Church that they might have God-given wisdom in selecting the successor to this great man .. \.” [CBN.com Virginia Beach, VA - April 2, 2005]

Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship is another well known ecumenical compromiser, and one of the main people involved in the ECT (Evangelicals and Catholics Together) document of 1994. Chuck made this statement after the death of Pope John Paul ll:

“Pope John Paul ll was one of the truly heroic figures of the 20th Century … I had the honor of meeting his Holiness, and I have been part of a collaborative fellowship called Evangelicals and Catholics Together … “[Prison Fellowship Newsroom, Press Kit, Washington, April 2,2005]

What an incredible contrast are the statements of Pat Robertson and Chuck Colson, compared to that which was spoken by Pastor Minto, who was fired from his radio program. I believe that there will be  much more of this type of thing happening in the coming days, as the apostasy snowball gathers incredible speed.

Dr Henry Halley was a man who had a strong conviction that everyone ought to read the Bible. He is best known as being the author of the “Halley’s Bible Handbook” which has sold over 5 million copies over the years. Halley’s Bible handbook started out as a 16 page booklet and it ultimately grew into a 864 page almanac of Biblical information. Near the back of that book there is a small section (pages 757-804) on Church History, which contains the true history of the gross wickedness of the Popes and the Papal persecutions. It also contains the history of those who rebelled against Rome, and sought to reform it. Here are some excerpts from Dr Halley’s book:

“The Papacy’s methods: It brought itself to power through the prestige of Rome, and the name of Christ, and by shrewd political alliances, and by deception, and by armed force; and by Armed Force and Bloodshed has maintained itself in power.”

“The story of the Papacy has been written as a background to the Reformation, in the belief that we ought to be familiar with the wherefore of the Protestant movement and the Historical foundations of our Protestant Faith. Some of the things told herein seem Unbelievable. It seems inconceivable that men could take the religion of Christ and develop it into an Unscrupulous Political Machine on which to ride to World Power. However, all the statements made herein may be verified by reference to any of the complete Church Histories.” [Halley's Bible Handbook, 24th Edition, Zondervan Publishers, pages 783-784]

In her well documented book entitled “Billy Graham And His Friends” Cathy Burns wrote the following concerning the well known Evangelist, Billy Graham:

“Not only does Graham not attack the falseness in the Catholic Church, but he even protects the wrong. For instance . . . around 1961, Billy Graham bought the rights to Halley’s Pocket Bible Handbook. The original Halley’s up until the 22nd Edition (1959), warned about the Jesuits. There are chapters about the Roman Papacy, and the Jesuits. According to Mrs Halley, Mr Halley spent years working on those chapters and never would have permitted the book to be changed. However when he died, Billy Graham bought the rights, and REMOVED all the research and warning about the Jesuits in the editions Billy Graham printed.” [Billy Graham and His Friends, 2001, by Cathy Burns published by Sharing]

I went online to see if I could get a hold of a copy of the Billy Graham Edition,  which Cathy Burns had mentioned in her book. I found the book online (Billy Graham Crusade Edition 1962) and purchased it at an excellent price, just to see if what she wrote about was true. I already owned a hard cover copy of Halley’s Handbook which contains the information about Rome, and I compared that book with the Billy Graham edition and sure enough, that WHOLE SECTION on Church History was missing! All of the information on the Papal persecutions and the history of the  Popes was nowhere to be found. It was as if those pages never existed in that handbook!

My wife Cathy and I trained and worked as Christian Counselors for the 1991 Billy Graham Crusade in Central Park, New York City. When a person makes a “decision” for Christ at the end of the meeting they are given a card to fill out by the Counselors. Cathy gave a card to one young lady who had raised her hand, and the lady filled out the card, and put down her local Roman Catholic Church on the card. The Billy Graham organization will then send that lady back to that very same church.

A fisherman will often use what is known as a “lure” to try to catch fish. Some of the “lures” that I have seen in the stores are very colorful and attractive. They are made that way because the purpose of the “lure” is to entice and snare the fish, through the promise of the bait. The fish is not aware of the very sharp hook that hides beneath the soft colorful brushlike hairs which hide it very well. Christians are being “lured” into a FALSE and very dangerous UNITY with the system known as Roman Catholicism. The undiscerning Christian is totally unaware of the deceitful “hook” that is hiding under the “lure” of the colorful UNITY of ALL “Christians” and ultimately ALL religions. They are ignorant and unaware that this DEMONIC deception is geared to the very destruction of their own eternal soul. We would do well to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he spoke before he was killed:

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (Matthew 24:3-4)

The Free Will Rejection Of Everlasting Life Through Jesus Christ

Any person who reads the book of Acts will see that there was a great conflict when the Gospel of Jesus Christ was preached. The apostle Paul along with Barnabas were met with great opposition from most of the Jewish people who refused to believe that Jesus was in fact the Christ [Messiah].

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. (Acts 13:42-44)

This must have been an awesome scene as the majority of people in this city came out to hear the Word of God. [true revival] Keep in mind that Paul and Barnabas were holding nothing back from the people, and Paul had just shown the contrast between the King David of the Old Testament [Covenant] and the seed [descendant] of David, Jesus Christ. Paul made it clear that the King David of old died, and his body saw corruption.[Acts 13:36-37] In plain English, the body of King David decayed just as any other human body would decay after the life left that body. But the body of King Jesus saw no corruption at all, and his body NEVER saw any type of decay, because He was raised from the dead. Paul preached the forgiveness of sins to the Jewish people in the synagogue, and he made it very clear that it was through this same Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead. [Acts 13: 38-39] It is most unfortunate that the majority of the Jewish people rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They did not believe that he was the Messiah at all.

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. (Acts 13:45-47)

The scriptures tell us that the Jewish people were filled with envy because they saw the multitudes of people who were listening to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the spiritual realm there was an intense battle taking place for the souls of all of the people who were present. The Jewish people began to contradict and blaspheme against Paul and Barnabas, and then Paul and Barnabas grew bold in the Holy Ghost and rebuked their opposers. They made it clear to them that the Word of God needed to be preached to them first, but since they “put it from you” [they rejected the Gospel, and wanted nothing to do with it] the Gospel would then go to the Gentiles.

Paul and Barnabas declared that the Lord commanded them to do just that [bring the Gospel to the rest of the world], and then they referred to the Old Testament [Covenant] scriptures to back that up. [see Isaiah 42:6] Paul and Barnabas made it very clear that it was Jesus Christ who was set to be the light of the Gentiles, and salvation to the ends of the earth! This Gospel message is all about Jesus Christ, the Light of the world [John 8:12], and the one who was given to be a covenant to the people in ALL the world. Paul and Barnabas also made it clear that the Jewish people judged themselves to be UNWORTHY of everlasting life. They were the ones who refused the counsel of God, and they were the ones who rejected the glad tidings concerning Jesus Christ. Any person whether they be Jewish or Gentile (the rest of mankind)  who reject the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, also judge themselves to be unworthy of everlasting life. It is by their own volition, by their own free will.

Stephen encountered similar opposition from the Jewish people and he said this to them moments before they killed him for preaching Christ [see Acts 7:51-60]

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. (Acts 7:51-53)

Stephen shows us here that a person can most definitely resist the Holy Ghost [Spirit]. Stephen also rebuked them by showing how “their fathers” killed the prophets of old, the same ones who prophesied the very coming of the “just one” [Jesus Christ]. Do not be fooled in this modern day by those who twist the scriptures to their own destruction. You have a free will, and you make many choices in this life, but if you make the wrong choice concerning Jesus Christ, the spiritual consequences are indeed fatal.

What Was It That Kept Old Man Noah Going?

You have probably heard the story about that old man Noah and the ark which he built by direct instruction from the Lord. (Genesis 6-9) The Bible tells us that God saw the wickedness in the earth, and that He was going to destroy man from off the face of the earth, but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:5-8) Listen to what the Bible tells us here:

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (Genesis 6:11-14)

You can read the whole passage if you like and you will learn about the dimensions of the ark and everything else, but the main thing I want you to see here, is that this old man Noah received a direct word from the Lord. That word included God’s assessment of the conditions on earth during Noah’s day. The Lord saw the great corruption, and that the earth was filled with violence. The Lord told Noah that the end of all flesh was before Him, which meant that the Lord God had decided to judge mankind. Is it not incredible that God Almighty gave this awesome word to a mere man? Noah was a person just like any other person on planet earth, and the Bible describes him this way:

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)

Noah had a walk with the Lord and he was a righteous and blameless before God. Keep in mind that no man is perfect in the sense that we understand that word. We know that sin and death entered in through the sin of Adam (Romans 5:12) so Noah was a man in need of salvation just like everybody else. But Noah most certainly had a heart after God, and the Lord saw that, and called him to build that ark. The key to understanding what kept that man Noah going for all those years in building that ark, despite his surroundings, is found in this New Testament (Covenant) verse.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)

The answer is simple. Noah knew that he had received a word from the Lord, and He also knew that the Lord he believed in, and followed was a mighty and awesome God, that said what He meant, and meant what He said! The scripture verse tells us that Noah was moved with fear (the fear of the Lord), and that is what caused him to build the ark exactly the way God told him to. Noah knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God’s Word would surely come to pass, and it was to the saving of his own house, including himself! Not only that but his buiding of the ark was a testimony to those who watched him building that ark, plank by wooden plank. The ark was being built on dry ground on an earth that knew no rain up until that point! The scripture tells us that Noah did all of this BY FAITH!

The true believer in Jesus Christ has received more than a word from the very same Lord whom Noah served. We have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life which also comes by faith in Him. The true Christian also has a healthy fear of the Lord and the scriptures have come alive to them, and that is because of the spirit of God within them.

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. (Proverbs 23:17)

We also are surrounded by many (most) who have little or no desire to know about the Christ whom we serve. But we keep pressing on by faith because we know that the Lord is a keeper of His own Word!

The earth was filled with violence in Noah’s time and the earth is also filled with violence in our own day. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said this regarding the conditions before His return:

And as it was in the days of Noe (Noah), so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe (Noah) entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. (Luke 17:26-30)

The true believer has found refuge, and safety in the ark of Jesus Christ Himself and we continue to walk by faith, day by day. Be encouraged in the Lord today.

This message and other messages are available at the new website hiway2heaven

Deception Watch: Pope Benedict Calls Upon The Virgin Mary For Protection

The Vatican Information Services (VIS) reported yesterday that the Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI called upon the Virgin Mary for protection. The News report said that the Pope prayed before the“Blessed Sacrament” which Roman Catholics believe is the actual presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Blessed Sacrament is referring to the “consecrated hosts” (wafers) which they believe have become the actual body and blood of Christ after the transubstantiation by the Catholic Priest at their Mass. Here is the Vatican Information Services (VIS) report:

POPE CALLS UPON THE VIRGIN TO PROTECT FAMILIES

VATICAN CITY, 6 SEP 2009 (VIS) – At 4.30 p.m. today the Pope visited the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Oak where he prayed before the Blessed Sacrament and read out a prayer to the Virgin. Among those present at the event were cloistered nuns from various convents in the Viterbo area.

Addressing the religious the Holy Father said: “To you I entrust my intentions, the intentions of the pastor of this diocese and the needs of everyone who lives in this land. In this Year for Priests I especially entrust you with clergy, seminarians and vocations. … Offer the Lord the sacrifice of your lives for their sanctification and for the good of souls”.

Benedict XVI went on to invoke “Mary’s maternal protection” on “the Successor of Peter and the Church entrusted to his care. … Queen of peace, obtain the gift of harmony and peace for peoples and for all humankind”, he said.

“Keep our families united, which today suffer threats from all sides, and make them centres of serenity and harmony where patient dialogue dissipates difficulties and contrasts. Watch especially over those that are divided or in crisis”.

The Pope called upon the Virgin to “make the will of those whom the Lord of the harvest calls to be workers in His vineyard firm and decided, so that, resisting all the temptations and pitfalls of the world, they may persevere generously in following the path they have taken and, with your maternal help, be witnesses of Christ, attracted by the brilliance of His Love”.

“Console those who weep, who suffer for human injustice; support those who waver under the burden of fatigue and look to the future without hope; encourage those who work to build a better world in which justice many triumph and fraternity reign, in which egoism, hatred and violence may end. May every form and expression of violence be overcome by the pacifying power of Christ”.

POPE BENEDICT XVI

Many people, including true born again believers have no idea that the reformers of old spoke out against the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church such as Transubstantiation, and prayers to Mary, bowing before Graven images, the Catholic Mass and many other doctrines. The truth of the matter is that many of those same reformers lost their lives, many being burnt at the stake for refusing to obey their false doctrines. It is absolutely incredible that many “big name” preachers and “ministers” of the Gospel have joined hands with the Roman Catholic Church and have no problem in being in “unity” with them. In fact the modern day Roman Catholic Church has added two more teachings since the time of the Protestant reformation regarding Mary, which is the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and the dogma of the  Assumption. The dogma of the  Immaculate Conception teaches that Mary herself was conceived without sin, and the dogma of the Assumption teaches that Mary was “assumed” into Heaven without physically dying.  So here I am as a former Roman Catholic preaching the Word of God to all who are willing to listen, warning people to come out of the Roman Catholic Church, and the modern day “on fire” preachers are working hand in hand with them.

PAPAL MASS

I have noticed a counterfeit love that has almost consumed the modern day church, and it is a great tool of Satan in keeping the true Gospel from being preached to the mass of lost souls in the world. It is a “love” that holds back the warnings which are found in the Word of God, and it works against people who are seeking to warn those who are being deceived. This counterfeit “love” will declare that people are trying to upset the “unity” of the church and must be avoided. Oh what a slick and slippery one the Devil is for sure. The Devil is well aware that he indeed is seeking a “unity”, but it is a unity that is filled with the poison of false doctrines which will ultimately damn the soul. I encourage you, the reader to read books such as Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs and Martyr’s Mirror, while they are still available, to learn about the true Christians who stood aginst the falsehoods and idolatry of Rome.

FOXE’S BOOK OF MARTYRS

The apostle Paul warned us all about the curse that is upon the false Gospel, and he also told us that a man pleaser cannot be a servant of Christ!. Many (most) big name preachers, Pastors and book authors have been seduced by the “big money” and fame that comes with books, large churches and most of all television fame. They have been seduced  inch by inch, step by step, until they have totally swallowed the lie. Their hearts have become hardened and they just look the other way when issues such as Roman Catholicism come up. Yes, they are famous in their own eyes, and in the eyes of those who think like them, but the truth of the Gospel can never be changed. They have been deceived because they did not have a love for the truth.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:8-10)

The Holy Spirit of truth spoke through the apostle Paul about the very days we are living in. The Spirit of God declared that some would actually depart from the faith, and be seduced by the teachings of devils! Remember that true love, will always warn those who are headed for destruction.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)

This post and other related posts can be viewed at the  OUT FROM ROME website.

Jewish Religious Leaders Accuse Jesus Of Being Demon Possessed! (After He Tells Them That The Devil Was Their Father!)

There is a very interesting and captivating passage of scripture in the Bible where Jesus was in a confrontation with the religious Jewish leaders who rejected Him. Jesus was basically telling them that God could not possibly be their Father if they rejected him, whom the Father had sent!

Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, IF GOD WERE YOUR FATHER, ye would love ME: for I proceeded forth and CAME FROM GOD; neither came I of myself, but HE SENT ME. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. (John 8:41-43)

The passage above is most important because it speaks volumes to all the people of the world. Even though the Lord Jesus Christ was speaking in this particular instance to the Jewish people, it still applies to every one in the entire world. Listen to those words again from Jesus Christ:

“ IF GOD WERE YOUR FATHER, ye would love ME: for I proceeded forth and CAME FROM GOD; neither came I of myself, but HE SENT ME.”

What an incredible statement is made by the Lord right there. Do those words which the Lord spoke that day, still apply to us in our time? Of course they do.

If a person truly claims God to be their Father, then they MUST love Jesus Christ, because the Father is the very one who sent him!

YE ARE OF YOUR FATHER THE DEVIL, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. (John 8:44-45)

The Lord pushed the matter even further and held nothing back. In this passage of scripture, the Lord shows us all the clear dichotomy of the scriptures. The Lord was never ambiguous in his preaching to people, because the Lord was serious about souls. What a contrast to what you see going on in our modern day.

Do you remember the time when the late Pope John Paul II gathered leaders from all of the different religions to pray at Assisi, Italy in 1986? That meeting included Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews and “Christians”, Catholics, Witch doctors and others. Pope John Paul II even smoked a peace pipe at that meeting. The late Pope  John Paull II told all of those people ,who were gathered at that meeting, that they were all praying to the same “god.” Is this not  spiritual insanity? Well you might say, that is just the Roman Catholics and I do not believe that. Read on:

In 1994 major Christian leaders signed a document entitled Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT), which basically declared that we could all work together despite our differences. Chuck Colson was one of the main inspirations behind that document. Other signers of the original  ECT document included the late Dr Bill Bright, Pat Robertson,  and J.I. Packer.

As a former Roman Catholic I was outraged when I first heard about this document, but I learned through the years that much of what is going on in the “church world’ is nothing more than religious games. I learned to discern the truth and I became accustomed to the glazed eyes from friends and Pastors, which reminded me of the eyes of  ‘Lil Orphan Annie’ from that old comic strip. A person has a choice to make when they see things like this become the norm. They can either choose to follow Jesus Christ and and continue in His word, or they can follow the blind leaders who are leading the blind into apostasy. I choose to follow Christ and His word and to earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered to the Saints. (Jude 3)

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

When you speak up against this type of thing be ready because you will not be very well received. There is a battle raging for souls and people are sinking into Hell by the millions, thinking that they are right with God, when they are not.  True born again Pastors  should be taking a stand for the truth, and speaking up against these things,  and against those people who propagated that whole ECT thing, but instead they invite these “heroes of the faith” to speak in their churches. Where is the outrage from the  TRUE men of God of our modern day? What an insult to the many martyrs who stood against Rome , and were burnt at the stake for the sake of the Gospel. The  true born again martyrs of the faith suffered greatly because they desired  common people like ourselves to have a Bible in our hands today. Do  the modern day “Christian leaders” really they think that the true and living God is sleeping or winking at all of this?  Do these modern day leaders truly think that the wolves and the sheep can work together? I call this apostasy.

The Lord knew what was at stake here in his confrontation with the religious crowd of his day, and he truly LOVED the ones to whom he was speaking. BUT the Lord also knew that their was a great spiritual battle raging for the souls of men and women everywhere. The Lord knew that if the people who were opposing him did not repent and believe in him, whom the Father had sent, they would be lost for eternity. It was absolutely needful that the Lord tell them that God was NOT their Father. The Lord Jesus Christ also made it clear that the Devil was currently their Father. That is also true for any person who does not KNOW the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact it can be said of ALL true believers in Jesus Christ, that we were once “children of WRATH ourselves” until we repented and came to Christ!

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

Every single one of us was walking according to the course of this world, under the influence of the prince of the power of the air, and that is talking about the Devil himself!  It is nothing but the GRACE and MERCY of God that SAVED our wretched souls from an eternity in Hell!

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. THEN ANSWERED THE JEWS, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and HAST A DEVIL? (John 8:46-48)

The spiritual confrontation continued between Jesus Christ and the religious Jewish leaders who opposed him. The Lord told them that those who were of God would listen to the words that were coming out of his mouth and hear (believe) them! The Lord then told them that they were NOT of God. They responded by telling Jesus that he was a Samaritan, a people whom they despised, and that he was possessed by a devil (a demon).

This is a passage that we may learn from, because it makes it perfectly clear that people can be very religious in appearance, and yet NOT be of God. It is clear from the words of Jesus, that the determining factor was whether or not a person received Him and the words that he spoke. That still holds true today in the sight of God. It is quite obvious in this modern day “religious” world that the words of Jesus Christ are still not believed by most. Can a person be SAVED outside of Jesus Christ? Not according to Jesus himself. Can a person claim God as their Father without receiving and believing in the Son, Jesus Christ? Once again that is impossible according to Jesus Christ himself.

Jesus answered, I HAVE NOT A DEVIL; but I honour my Father, and YE DO DISHONOUR ME. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. THEN SAID  THE JEWS unto him, NOW WE KNOW THAT THOU HAST A DEVIL. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? (John 8:49-53)

Jesus denied their accusation that he was demon possessed and gave glory to his own Father. He then told them that those who kept his sayings (believed his word) would never see death. Jesus was talking about everlasting life here. Once again the Jewish leaders accused him of being demon possessed. They were more adamant than before, and found it incredible that Jesus would even compare himself to Abraham and the prophets who were already dead. It is very obvious that the Jewish leaders did not think of Jesus as being sent from God. The thought of Jesus as being the eternal Son of God, was the last thing on their minds. They were looking at a Jewish man in his thirties who was coming forth with statements that they thought were absurd. That type of behavior toward Jesus Christ was not uncommon in his day, and it is not uncommon today. Many find it absolutely laughable that Jesus is thought of as God, with any special power. Many still believe that Jesus is nothing more than a fable.

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. (John 8:54-59)

Jesus continued to give glory to the Father, and he even said that Abraham rejoiced to see his day. The Jewish leaders could not comprehend that Jesus could have “seen” Abraham considering his young age, because they were not aware of the deity of Jesus Christ. That is why the Lord told them that he was “before Abraham” and he used the name “I AM” the very same name that God used when He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. (Exodus 3:13-14)

Why did the Jewish leaders take up stones at that point to stone Jesus Christ? They did that because they knew EXACTLY what Jesus was saying when he used that name “I AM”! They knew full well that it was the name of “their God” and they counted Jesus to be guilty of blasphemy. They knew that the book of Leviticus declared that a man should be stoned for blasphemy:

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death. (Leviticus 24:16)

So here we are in the year 2009 and the very same spiritual battles continue on, even as they did in the time that Jesus walked this earth. Some believe in Jesus Christ and some do not. Some believe that Jesus Christ was blaspheming and some do not. The one thing you must know for sure though, is that there is no NEUTRAL position when it comes to Jesus Christ!

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1 John 5:9-12)

VIDEO: LESSON 30: JOHN 8:38-59

The Deception Of The Roman Catholic Mass

When we talk about deception, we are talking about being deceived, and that is why I speak out against the deception of the Roman Catholic Church and their false teachings.

Why do I speak out against the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Mass? As a former Roman Catholic I speak out for the following reasons:

1] The Mass is unbiblical.

2] The Mass is a false doctrine propagated by a false church.

3] Many Evangelical Christian “leaders” have promoted unity with Roman Catholicism (thereby endorsing their false gospel, Galatians 1:8,9).

The Bible warns us about seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)

The Roman Catholic Mass is a doctrine of devils.

The Bible tells us that we, as Christians, should contend for the faith.

” . . . ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

(A) What Is The Mass? (According To Rome)

Here I will use Roman Catholic teaching from the New Saint Joseph Catechism, that bears the RC Imprimatur, which signifies that the doctrine within the Catechism has been approved by the Roman Catholic Church.

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism

Now lets take a look at the Roman Catholic doctrine (teaching) on the Mass.

As you can see, the Mass is referred to as a SACRIFICE, in which CHRIST offers Himself to God, in an UNBLOODY MANNER.

Folks, that is absolute heresy.

The Bible makes it clear that it is the BLOOD that makes an atonement for the soul!

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11)

(B) The Mass Is The Perfect Sacrifice Continued

Right before Jesus died and gave His last breath He cried out ” . . . IT IS FINISHED . . .” [John 19:30]  The perfect sacrifice has been perfectly FINISHED, and it need not be offered up on a daily basis on the altars of Roman Catholic Churches throughout the world!

(C) Purposes Of The Mass

Purposes Of The Roman Catholic Mass

If you take a look at the fourth item on the list, you will see that one of the purposes of the Mass is to satisfy the justice of God, for the SINS committed against Him.

Folks, that is more heresy. The Bible tells me that the justice of God was satisfied when Jesus Christ died on the cross, almost two thousand yeras ago. The Bible lets each and every SINNER (myself included) and every other person in the world know that they can be JUSTIFIED by the BLOOD that Jesus shed for them!

The apostle Paul, a former  persecutor and murderer of Christians, wrote the following, and it ended up in the Bible for a reason:

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:6-10)

The greatest NEWS in the world is that CHRIST died for the UNGODLY, and the motive behind the DEATH of the Son of God was GOD’S PURE UNADULTERATED LOVE TOWARD MANKIND! Any person in the world, no matter what color, race, male, female, rich or poor has the opportunity to receive SALVATION through Jesus Christ, and be JUSTIFIED by His BLOOD, before God. Why? Because every single one of us fits very comfortably into the category of UNGODLY! My Bible tells me that I have been RECONCILED back to God already, through FAITH in Jesus Christ, and I have no need for a Roman Catholic Mass to be offered for me.

(D) Mass Cards

Mass cards can be obtained, for a donation, to have a Catholic Mass offered for a person living or DEAD!

In the illustration above, you can see that a donation of $5 will allow a person to have one Mass offered for them, and a donation of $45 will allow  nine separate Masses to be offered for the DECEASED (DEAD) person. The purpose of the Mass for the DEAD person is for the repose (rest) of their soul. The Catholic Church teaches about a place called Purgatory, a place where the soul will remain for an undetermined amount of time before they go to Heaven. The Mass card is for their benefit, and it can shorten their time in Purgatory! Folks, there is no such place called Purgatory. I wrote about that in another post here: PURGATORY: THE PLACE THAT DOES NOT EXIST.

In the illustration below, you can see that a person can have seven Masses offered up for them every single day, and they can also share in the “good works” of others.

The Bible tells us that salvation cannot be earned by “good works” lest any man boast.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

That is why I speak out against the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:12-15)

OUT FROM ROME WEBSITE Articles, audios and videos about Roman Catholicism

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Was The Jewish Virgin Mary A Sinner Or The “Mother Of God”?

What does the Bible teach us about Mary, the mother of Jesus? That is the question of the hour. Was Mary a sinner like the rest of us? Is Mary the mother of God? Should my focus be on Mary or on Jesus Christ?

Was Mary A Sinner?

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen (helped) his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.” (Luke 1:46-56)

In the passage above we find Mary giving all the praise and glory to God because he regarded her low (humble )estate. Mary also rejoiced in God her Savior, and we know that only sinners need a Savior.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)

Mary also recognized the fact that the Lord was remembering the mercy that He had promised to Israel through Abraham and His seed (offspring).

The Lord chose this humble Jewish virgin to bring forth Jesus into the world. He would bring redemption to both Jew and Gentile.

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:4-6)

The Lord came into this world at just the right time. The fact that Jesus would be born of a virgin was prophesied by Isaiah hundreds of years before the event actually happened!

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

The word Immanuel (or Emmanuel) means God with us, and that testifies to the deity of Jesus Christ. Jesus would come forth from the womb of this Jewish virgin because Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. There were no human sexual relations between Mary and a man.

“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:21-24)

In the passage above, we are given further proof that Mary was a mere mortal like the rest of us. Mary observed the Jewish Law and she did exactly what that Law told her to do (see Leviticus 12:1-8). Mary was unclean for seven days and on the eighth day she brought Jesus to be physically circumcised, in accordance with Leviticus 12:2-3. Mary then continued in her days of purification (33 days) because that was what was required of her under the Jewish law (Leviticus 12:4). Mary then brought forth the required sacrifices as is written in the following scripture:

“And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.” (Leviticus 12:8)

As recorded in Luke’s gospel account (Luke 2:24), Mary brought forth the offerings required in “the law of the Lord.” It is most important that you see that one of the offerings was for the burnt offering and the other one was for a SIN offering. To declare that the Jewish virgin Mary was conceived without sin is to dispute and contradict scripture. So we may rightly conclude, that according to scripture, Mary was in fact a sinner. I was raised as a Roman Catholic so I formerly observed the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Roman Catholicism teaches that Mary herself was conceived without sin. In other words they teach that she, like Jesus, was born sinless. I turned away from that false teaching.

Is Mary The Mother Of God?

It is obvious from the sections above that Mary cannot be described as the Mother of God, because that would make her deity or divine. Simply put God does not have a mother. The last time that we find Mary mentioned in the Bible is in the book of Acts:

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1:12-14)

Mary is listed in the passage above alongside the other followers of Jesus Christ. Here we find Mary in prayer and supplication along with everyone else. There is not even a hint that she held a position above anyone else in that upper room, nor is there a hint that any of them were praying to her. In the passage below we find a situation where Mary and other family members were outside a room where Jesus was preaching the word of God. Because of the large crowd they could not get inside:

“Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” (Luke 8:19-21)

What did Jesus do when he was told about this? When Jesus was told about this, he told them that his mother and brethren were those who were inside the room listening to him preach the word of God. Why did Jesus make such a statement? He did this because he was showing the people the difference between the natural family and the spiritual family. Yes, Mary was outside. Yes, she was the natural mother of Jesus, but Jesus was showing the people that the spiritual family is what really counts. Jesus showed no partiality even when it came right down to his natural family on this earth. Jesus did not exalt his own mother above anyone else and we should follow that example also.

Should My Focus Be On Mary Or Jesus Christ?

It is rather interesting that the Roman Catholic doctrine regarding Mary mimics actual truth regarding Jesus Christ.

The Roman Catholic teaching known as The Immaculate Conception (Mary being conceived without sin) is a DEMONIC IMITATION of the sinlessness of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The Roman Catholic teaching of The Assumption (Mary was raised into heaven without dying) is a DEMONIC IMITATIONof the actual ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. (Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:8-11)

The Roman Catholic teaching of Mary being the Queen of Heaven is a DEMONIC IMITATION of Jesus Christ being the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Deuteronomy 10:17, Psalm 136:3, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, 19:16)

The Roman Catholic teaching of Mary as a mediator (mediatrix) is a DEMONIC IMITATION of Jesus Christ being the one and only mediator for mankind! (1 Timothy 2:5)

I do not apologize for telling you that those teachings are not of God at all. They are demonic in origin and they are meant to divert a persons attention away from the Lord Jesus Christ, who was the only sinless human being to walk this earth. Jesus was the only person who could possibly atone for the sin of the world and that is what he did when he shed his sinless blood upon the cross. Peace has been made through the blood of the cross and a person can be reconciled back to God because of what Christ has done on the cross. (Colossians 2:14, 20, Romans 5:6-10) Jesus Christ rose from the dead and he ascended into heaven where he is reigning NOW as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 17:14, 19:16) After he rose from the dead he told his disciples that ALL power has been given unto him in heaven and earth, and if that does not speak of power and authority then nothing does. (Matthew 28:18-20)

I cannot overemphasize the truth that there is absolutely no hope outside of the person of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is in the Son and Mary has absolutely nothing to do with the salvation of any soul. Satan will do anything that he can do to divert your attention away from the only one who can save your soul, and that is Jesus Christ. You can read my other article “Marian Apparitions: Divine Or Demonic?” or listen to the message on audio.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:11-12)

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)

The Devil: His Deceptions, Distractions And Hatred Of The True Gospel Of Jesus Christ

If you are a Christian, one who has been truly born again of the Spirit, and one who is truly following the Lord Jesus Christ, then this blog post is for you. Be warned! You have an enemy and he absolutely hates you because he hates Jesus Christ. That is right, you have a very real enemy, and that is the Devil himself. The Bible warns us in the following verse about the devil:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)

The devil will seek to take you off course, and he desires to distract the people of God in any way that he can. The scripture passage described him as our adversary, who, as a roaring lion seeks to devour us. Have you ever shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with any person, and then all of a sudden, it seems that there are a hundred different distractions? It could be that the Devil is at work there, trying to shut down the preaching of God’s Word. We are in a very real battle, and if you truly know the Lord, then your spirit will bear witness with what I am saying here.

I can remember when I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ for real, after having been a Roman Catholic for many years. I was born again in 1989 and I knew that I had been deceived for the first 36 years of my life. That is why I speak out so often on the false teachings of Rome. I know that they are preaching a false gospel that has led millions of people astray for hundreds of years. It is such a pity and crying shame that so many “famous” people in the “Christian” world have been seduced into compromising with that false system. We are fortunate to have a Bible in our hands today because of the brave men and women of God, fought against the Church of Rome and their control. In this modern day there are two additional false doctrines that have been propagated by Rome, and that would be the Immaculate Conception, and the Assumption of Mary. That makes the situation even more pathetic because so few ever speak out against the Roman Catholic system anymore. This is just one modern day example of how the devil is deceiving people.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)

The Roman Catholic Church with it’s own priesthood, the sacrifice of the Mass, the worship of Mary,and the false teaching about Purgatory creates a Gospel of it’s own, but it is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:8-10)

Satan is ever so clever in the way he moves, and he loves it when people use the name of Jesus, but they are not truly born again, and thus they are not preaching the true Gospel. Another modern day deception is that of ”Christian” Zionism which puts the focus on the modern day State of Israel and the ethnic Jewish people. The devil knows that a person must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God, and that the Jewish people in Israel, and throughout the world need Jesus Christ as much as anybody else. So the Devil is able to use his own ”ministers” of “righteousness” to convince most people that the Jewish people are alright because they are “God’s chosen people”. The Devil is able to take the focus off of Jesus Christ, and their need for Him and twist the whole thing around. Christians are being told that they need to bless Israel or they will be cursed, but the Bible tells me that the wrath of God is upon any person, Jewish or Gentile who does not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

Satan has truly done a number on the majority of Christians throughout the world. Satans ministers are described in the passage below:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed intoan angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)

The one thing that you need to remember is this. Satan will do all that he can to keep the true Gospel of Jesus Christ from being preached. If he cannot do that, then he will do all that he can do to corrupt and pervert the Gospel. If he cannot do that then he will do all that he can do to distract people from hearing the true Gospel that they might be saved. The devil will usually use the ”religious people” who do not know the Lord to become rabble rousers,  creating storm’s and distractions to quench the Gospel message. Here are some Biblical examples of this:

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 13:48-52)

Did you see that? The Jewish unbelievers went for the devout women and the chief men in the city to get them riled against Paul and Barnabas, who were preaching the true Gospel. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet, and moved on. That is the way it is with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some believe and get saved, and others reject the Gospel and remain lost!

Here is another instance in the book of Acts where that happened:

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:1-3)

Satan is the one behind this persecution of Christians and it came as a result of the Devil’s hatred of the Gospel truth!

And yet another example of Satan using people to stir up the people:

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.(Acts 17:13)

And yet one more example of how the Devil seeks to stop the preaching of the Word of God:

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God,and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16)

The scripture passage tells us that the Jewish unbelievers in Israel, killed the Lord Jesus Christ, and their own prophets, and they continued to persecute the Lord’s people when they desired to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Do not miss that last part, where it tells us that they FORBID the preaching to the GENTILES, that they might be SAVED! Then the scripture tells us that the wrath is upon them to the uttermost! Do you see the difference between that message and the message of the “Christian” Zionist? Truly Satan has bamboozled many in these last days. Are you one of them?

AUDIO VERSION OF THIS POST

What If There Is No Such Place As Purgatory?

Is there really a place called Purgatory or is this just an invention and tradition of the Roman Catholic Church? What if there is no such place as Purgatory?

Today I would like to talk about the Roman Catholic teaching of Purgatory. First of all I would like to quote from two of their catechisms, regarding this topic:In The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism there is a little section entitled PURGATORY IS GOD’S HOSPITAL and it declares that ‘Purgatory is God’s Hospital for souls, where those who do not love God enough to enter heaven are cured by fire…Then they must go to purgatory, where they will have to suffer much more intensely than they would have if they had accepted the sufferings on earth…In purgatory, God’s cleansing fires burn away the souls selfishness till its love becomes perfect and it is ready to fly to heaven. Its suffering only purify love, they don’t increase it. [The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism, Catholic Book Publishing Co., NY 1969, Imprimatur: Francis Cardinal Spellman]The Catechism Of The Catholic Church of 1994 confirms the above in a section entitled THE FINAL PURIFICATION, OR PURGATORY

1030: all who die in God’s grace, and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven

1031: The church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of scriptures, speaks of a cleansing fire…. [The Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Doubleday Publishers NYC, Paperback Edition, 1995, page 191, Imprimi Potest: Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger]

I wanted to quote from those two catechisms to present the Roman Catholic teaching regarding this place called Purgatory, so that you could read it for yourself. I am a former Roman Catholic who came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour in 1989, and you can  read my testimony or listen to my: testimony on Audio .There has never been a place called Purgatory and there never will be a place called Purgatory. It does not exist. If you search the scriptures you will not find this place in there at all. My purpose in writing this article is to dispel this false teaching which provides a false hope to the millions upon millions of precious souls within the Roman Catholic system.Jesus Christ spoke about salvation and damnation, light and darkness, life and death, and heaven and hell but He never offered even a hint about a place called purgatory. Listen to Jesus here:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Here Jesus speaks about the love of God toward the people of the world, and He declares that God sent His Son into the world to save the world. Jesus also made it very clear that the person who did not believe in the Son (Himself) was condemned already. There was not even a hint about a purifying fire for either the believer or unbeliever from the mouth of Jesus Christ. Jesus made it clear that faith in Him was the determining factor of whether a person was saved or condemned. Here is another passage from the Bible where Jesus speaks about salvation and damnation after He rose from the dead:

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16)

Once again the focus is on the faith of the individual. The believer will be saved and the unbeliever will be damned.Listen to the words of a criminal who repented during the final moments of his life, as he spoke with Jesus from a cross:

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:39-43)

Jesus promised this criminal that he would be with Him in Paradise on that very day! I am sure that this criminal had a love that was less than perfect toward God, but Jesus promised that man Paradise. Jesus never mentioned a place called Purgatory or a suffering that needed to take place after he died because that place does not exist. Salvation has always been based upon the faith of the individual in the living God. That criminal could do absolutely nothing to save himself at that point in his life. He could not do any good works. He could not wiggle down off that cross to be baptized either. The only thing that he could do was the thing that he did and that was to put his faith in Jesus Christ before he died. The criminal made a genuine turn in his heart toward the Lord and he genuinely repented of his own sin. The criminal acknowledged that he deserved to be there ‘for we receive the due reward of our deeds…’ and the proof that it was genuine was the fact that the Lord promised that man that he would go to paradise with Him on that very day.

The Catholic Mass And Purgatory

Many people do not realize that the Roman Catholic Mass is considered a ‘propitiatory sacrifice’ that is offered to God for both the living and the dead, which would include those souls in Purgatory. In fact the Roman Catholic Council of Trent has pronounced many anathemas (curses) against those people who would not agree with their teachings on those subjects. Those anathemas are still in effect today and do not let anybody tell you otherwise.

People can have a Roman Catholic Mass said by a priest for a deceased friend or relative. A Catholic can go their local church and make a request for a Mass to be said on behalf of their loved one who may be in Purgatory. In the 1960’s I used to go to the local rectory to make a donation for a Mass card when somebody we knew had died. There were two types of Mass cards. One was a simple looking card with a suggested donation of one dollar and the other one was a much thicker one with a nice case for a suggested donation of five dollars. I cannot imagine what the Mass card donation might be today.

Here are two of those anathemas (curses):

Canons on The Sacrifice Of The Mass

Canon 1: If anyone says that in the mass a true and real sacrifice is not offered to God, or that to be offered is nothing else than that Christ is given to us to eat, let him be anathema.

Canon 3: If anyone says that the sacrifice of the mass is one only of praise and thanksgiving; or that it is a mere commemoration of the sacrifice consummated on the cross but not a propitiatory one; or that it profits him only who receives, and ought not to be offered for the living and the dead, for sins, punishments, satisfactions, and other necessities, let him be anathema.

The one thing that I want you to see here is that the teaching of Purgatory cheapens the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How many masses must be said by family members before a soul is set free from Purgatory? How many hundreds of years must a soul remain in Purgatory? These are answers that you will never know and people will still continue to have masses said for there loved ones because of that.

Trust me! If the blood of the sinless, perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ cannot perfectly atone for your sins, then there is nothing in this universe that can do it.

I do not believe that the mass is a propitiatory sacrifice and I do not believe that there is any benefit at all in the Roman Catholic mass, so according to their teaching I am anathematized. I do believe what the scriptures tell me such as the following:

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

Many people who do not come from a Roman Catholic background have no idea about these things. They have never been inside the funeral parlor to listen to the prayers for the people who have already died, who are offered hope for escape from this land of make believe. There are millions of Roman Catholic people who think that they have a second chance after death, after they go to Purgatory when somebody else will have a Mass said for them to shorten their time there. I know because I was one of them.

Mary Worship And Purgatory

There are also millions of Catholics who believe that their stay in Purgatory will be shortened because they had a devotion to Mary the Blessed Mother and because they wore the brown scapular around their neck. The brown scapular is made up of two pieces of cloth, usually wrapped in a plastic to protect it, and held together with string. It forms a circle which is then draped over the wearers head.

Pope John XXII declared that he had a vision of the Virgin Mary in which she said the following concening those who wore the brown scapular:

” I the Mother of grace, shall descend on the Saturday after their death and whomsoever I shall find in Purgatory, I shall free, so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of life everlasting”

There were many people who were martyred during the middle ages because they refused to believe teachings such as Purgatory.

Martin Luther was absolutely outraged when a man named John Tetzel went preaching in the towns and villages throughout Germany raising money for the building of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. John Tetzel was peddling indulgences with the approval of Pope Leo X and providing them with a false hope beyond the grave. There was a money chest which was carried during these fund raisers and Tetzel urged the people to contribute by saying:

“As soon as the coin in the coffer rings , the soul from Purgatory springs”

This is spiritual fraud at its worst. I wonder how many sincere people were swayed by that man Tetzel to give up their money, hoping that one of their loved ones would escape the torment of this place that has never existed. It is absolutely mind boggling that the teaching of Purgatory is still around in modern times.

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 (Gentile). (Romans 1:16)

THE REALITY OF HELL AUDIO HERE

Is Your Pastor, Preacher, Or Favorite Book Author A False Prophet? (How To Discern A False Prophecy)

We are living in very troubling times, and there are many people in the religious world who come forth with sometimes spectacular prophecies. Many (probably most) of these types of prophecies come forth from the ‘Pentecostal circles’ and many (if not all) of these prophecies never come to pass as predicted. Here are two very simple guidelines to remember when trying to discern a false prophecy, and they are both biblically based of course.

NUMBER ONE: If a person (Preacher, Pastor or any other person) brings forth a prophecy which points you in the direction of other (false) ‘gods’ then it is not of the Lord.

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4)

Beware of Ecumenical type pastors who say that ALL religions are good

They put their stamp of approval upon false religious systems that cannot save your soul

That type of teaching is rampant in the day we live in

NUMBER TWO: If a person (Preacher, Pastor or any other person) brings forth a prophecy and predicts an event of any sort, and it does not come to pass, then it is not of the Lord.

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)

False prophecies are a dime a dozen in this modern day

Just think about all of the prophecies over the past 20-30 years that have been made by ‘famous’ Pastors, preachers and book authors!

They prophesy about an event or events, and they name a time period, sometimes the very year, but nothing happens!

The prophesied year comes and it goes, with NO FULFILLMENT of that prophecy

So what do the ‘anointed’ men (and women) of God do when their prophecies are NOT fulfilled as predicted?

They put an EXTENDER on their FALSE PROPHECIES sometime into the FUTURE to salvage their FALSE PROPHECY if they can

SAD thing, but the people still follow them, despite all of the FALSE PROPHECIES, instead of studying the WORD of GOD for themselves!

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. (Jeremiah 14:14)

I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; (Jeremiah 23:25-26)

Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:32)

RELATED VIDEO: HOW TO RECOGNIZE A FALSE PROPHECY

Modern Day Deception: John Hagee And His False Teachings On Israel!

There are certain preachers and teachers in the world today who  make statements sometimes, which I find to be simply mind boggling. John Hagee is most definitely one of those people. Here is an excerpt from the Christian Research Institute Statement PSH005 regarding John Hagee.

Trying to convert Jews is a “waste of time,” he [Hagee] said. . . .

Everyone else, whether Buddhist or Baha’i, needs to believe in Jesus, he says. But not Jews. Jews already have a covenant with God that has never been replaced with Christianity, he says.

“The Jewish people have a relationship to God through the law of God as given through Moses,” Hagee said. “I believe that every Gentile person can only come to God through the cross of Christ. I believe that every Jewish person who lives in the light of the Torah, which is the word of God, has a relationship with God and will come to redemption.

“The law of Moses is sufficient enough to bring a person into the knowledge of God until God gives him a greater revelation. And God has not,” said Hagee

“There are right now Jewish people on this earth who have a powerful and special relationship with God,” declares Hagee in one of his books. “They have been chosen by the ‘election of grace’ in which God does what he does without asking man to approve or understand it. Let us put an end to the Christian chatter that “all the Jews are lost” and can’t be in the will of God until they convert to Christianity! . . . there are a certain number of Jews in relationship with God right now through divine election.”

Hagee also affirms: “If God blinded the Jewish people to the identity of Jesus as Messiah, how could He send them to hell for not seeing what he had forbidden them to see?”

It is incredible that more people do not speak out against the “ministries” of people such as John Hagee (and many others) and the false teachings that proceed forth from them. Any person who has been truly born again of the Spirit, and who is a new creation in Jesus Christ, and who reads their Bible, would have to say there is something drastically wrong with Hagee’s theology. When I read the new Testament (Covenant) I learn about Jesus Christ as being the fulfillment of ALL of the Old Testament prophecies. In fact the Bible tells us that God had previously spoke to us through the “father” and by the “prophets” but has spoken to us in “these last days” by His Son, Jesus Christ.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Any true Bible believing, born again believer in Jesus Christ, knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ is absolutely the only way of salvation for every person in the world, whether they be Jew or Gentile. For John Hagee to make statements such as those quoted here from the Christian Research Institute Statement PSH005 is in direct contradiction to the teachings of the Bible (God’s Word). Here is a statement from Jesus Christ Himself to the Jewish people of his day:

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:39-40)

That statement by the Lord Jesus Christ to the Jewish people of His time still stands true today. The Lord was simply telling them that their own scriptures which included the books of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms testified about Him, and yet they refused to come to Him for LIFE. Jesus was talking about eternal LIFE, and ultimately Heaven. That is the clear message of that verse, and it was and is the clear message that Christ spoke to the Jewish people of His time. Here is another statement from the Lord Jesus Christ to the Jewish people of His time:

I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. (John 8:37-45)

Do not miss what is being said here folks, because this is a plain and simple rebuke to the modern day false dispensational teachers of our day.The Lord was in conversation with the religious Jewish leaders, and He told them that He was aware that they were of the lineage of Abraham. He then made it clear to them that He (Jesus) was following His Father (God the Father), and that they followed their own father. Jesus flat out told the Jewish religious leaders who REJECTED Him, that the Devil was their Father! Folks those are the words of Jesus Christ, the creator of ALL things (John 1:1-3) You will rarely hear a Preacher, Pastor or Ministry leader ever quote those words from the eighth chapter of John, out of pure fear of offending the Jewish people. Those words still stand true today for both the Jewish people who reject Christ, and the rest of mankind (Gentiles) who reject Him also. The Lord told the Jewish people that if God were their Father, then they would have LOVED HIM, because God was the very one who SENT HIM! The pride of being called “Abraham’s children”was something that was common in the Lord’s time and it is still common today. The Lord dealt with that and He pulled no punches with them either. John the Baptist did the exact same thing when he noticed the Jewish religious leaders coming to be baptized by him.

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (Matthew 3:5-10)

John the Baptist flat out told the Jewish religious crowd that they were snakes (vipers). He told them that they should not say within themselves that Abraham was their Father, because God could turn stones into children of Abraham if he so desired. The bottom line was that John was dealing with their religious pride of being of being from the lineage of Abraham.

Lets take another look at John Hagee’s incredible statement:

“I believe that every Gentile person can only come to God through the cross of Christ. I believe that every Jewish person who lives in the light of the Torah, which is the word of God, has a relationship with God and will come to redemption.”

That statement by John Hagee is an absolute smack in the face of Jesus Christ and a betrayal of the Gospel itself.  Jesus Christ was slain on the cross for our sins, and it is only HIS BLOOD that will justify any human being on earth before Him. (Romans 5:6-10) Hagee has a DIFFERENT plan of salvation for the Jewish people who live in light of the Torah.  Jesus made it clear in the passage above (John 5:39-40) that the Torah testified about HIM, and yet they (the Jewish people) would not come to HIM for salvation! The majority of Jewish people then, and now, do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and they do not believe that Christ (Messiah) has come in the flesh. I wrote in another post proving through the scriptures that  those who do not believe that Christ has come in the FLESH, is of an ANTICHRIST spirit. Here is the article : The Spirit Of Antichrist In The Modern Day Church

Once again I encourage any true Bible believing Christian to study the scriptures for themselves, and you will see how the Lord Jesus Christ made it clear to the Jewish people that He was the only way of salvation. Hagee’s statement that a Jewish person can live in “light of the Torah” and be in a right relationship with God is outright false. The scriptures make it clear that there is not a person in the world whom the Law does not convict of their own sin, and the only atonement which God honors and recognizes is that BLOOD ATONEMENTprovided by Jesus Christ!

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20)

The Law of God shows both the Jew and the Gentile that they are GUILTY before God in no uncertain terms. That would include the Jewish man, Mr David Brog who is the Executive Director and a speaker at the most recent CUFI (Christians United For Israel) meeting. That would also include Mr Benjamin Netanyahu a leader in Israel, who is digging in his heels  as the controversy over land continues.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:21-25)

The ONLY righteousness that God honors is that righteousness which is found in his Son Jesus Christ. Nothing else can be called righteousness outside of faith in Jesus Christ. Here is another excerpt from the CRI (Christian Research Institute) Statement PSH005 regarding John Hagee:

God has not entirely rejected Israel, however ; He has preserved a remnant (Rom. 11:5). Paul (himself a Jew) is living proof of this (Rom. 11:1).  Elsewhere the apostle writes, “. . . by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His [God’s] sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. . . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:20, 23-24, emphasis added).

To drive the point home, Paul goes on to say, “. . . the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise nullified; . . . it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace” (Rom. 4:13-14, 16). Scripture draws no distinction between Jews and Gentiles on the issue of salvation, which is attained by grace through faith alone in Christ, “apart from works of the law” (3:28; cf. vv. 21-22).

Paul recognized that the Jews of his day had a misguided zeal that caused them to stumble on this very point (9:31-32; 10:2-4). Why would he suffer great anguish and wish he were accursed for Israel’s sake if none of them were truly lost?  His anguish comes from the realization that many Israelites are not saved (Rom. 9:3, 6, 27; 10:1, 9-15; cf. Acts 2:14, 21, 37-39; Rom. 11:14, 17-23).

John Hagee has also stated recently in one of his books that the Jewish people did not reject Jesus as the Messiah. The CRI (Christian Research Institute) Statement PSH005dealt with that part of his theology also:

In Hagee’s theology, the Jews can hardly be faulted for not flocking to Christianity since it was supposedly Jesus who declined their request for Him to be their Messiah. “The [Jewish] people wanted Him to be their Messiah, but He absolutely refused,” writes Hagee. “The Jews were not rejecting Jesus as Messiah, it was Jesus who was refusing to be the Messiah to the Jews!”

Jesus’ explicit claim to be the Messiah (or Christ) during His trial before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish tribunal (Matt. 26:64), flatly contradicts Hagee’s assertion. In that same passage, Jesus called Himself the “Son of Man,” an unmistakable reference to the Messiah , found in the Book of Daniel (7:13) . Jesus also applied the same title to Himself in revealing His identity to “a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council” (John 3:1, 14-15), as well as to the crowd who questioned His authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10).

Further, in response to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” (Matt. 16:15), Peter answered, “You are the Christ [Messiah]” (v. 16). Surely, had the Jewish apostle been wrong, Jesus would have corrected him at that moment; instead, Peter received the Lord’s blessing (v. 17).18   Although Jesus on occasion gave public indications of His messiahship (cf. Luke 4:17-21; 20:41-44), He  instructed Peter and  others  not to reveal His messianic identity until due time (v. 20). He did so to avoid the prevalent misconceptions about the title, which had by then become largely understood in political terms19  — something wholly inappropriate for Jesus’ mission at that time.

Hagee’s view is made especially ironic by the fact that Jesus Himself said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matt. 15:24). Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus’ own people rejected Him, and not the other way around (John 1:11; Mark 12:1-12).

I write this post today simply because it is the Spirit of God within me compelling me to warn the people. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not very hard to understand, and even a child can comprehend it, if  their minds are not corrupted by false man-made teachings. What is it that is at stake here? It is the souls of men and women all over the world that is at stake. Any person who tells you that there are other ways to God (including living in light of the Torah) is preaching a BOGUS message and a BOGUS Gospel. We are dealing with eternal issues here, and that would include the Bibles teachings on Heaven and Hell. I close with two quotes from the Bible. The first from Jesus Christ Himself, and the second from the apostle Peter:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

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