AN ENCOUNTER WITH RABBI JESUS

Did you ever read about the encounter that a man named Nicodemus had with Rabbi Jesus? Here it is:

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. (John 3:1-2)

Nicodemus was a Jewish man who was a ruler of people, and he came to meet Jesus during the night. Perhaps he was being cautious, because Jesus was not widely accepted during that time. Nicodemus had obviously heard about, or possibly witnessed some of the miracles that Jesus had done, and he was sure that Jesus was sent by God.

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? (John 3:3-4)

Jesus cut right to the chase, and he told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again, but he did not understand what Jesus was talking about. Nicodemus was thinking in the natural and physical realm, but Jesus was talking in the spiritual realm. There are many even today who are not quite sure what it means to be born again. Many people believe that the “born again” movement is some end times sect or something.

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. (John 3:5-6)

Jesus made it clear that a “spiritual birth” was absolutely necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God. Each and every one of us has been born of the flesh, or in the natural realm, but Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus that the physical birth would not help him spiritually.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth [wishes], 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 3:7-8)

Jesus told Nicodemus not to marvel at the fact that he told him that he must be born again. Jesus did not say, maybe, could be, should be, or possibly, but he did say MUST BE when speaking about this “spiritual birth” and entrance into the kingdom of God.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5)

Nicodemus was obviously a very religious man, and he showed great interest in Jesus Christ, but the Lord knew this mans spiritual needs, better than he did himself. All of our own good deeds will merit nothing in gaining entrance into the kingdom of God, it is a new heart that we need. There are many well meaning people who are in that same predicament that Nicodemus was in, and they hope that they will gain entrance into God’s Kingdom by doing the best that they can.

Many years ago I was street preaching in Times Square, NYC, and I met a man named Ron, from England who was in the States for a tournament to raise money for charity. Ron was 68 years old at the time, and he told me that he just got back from Chicago where he participated in a punchball tournament for charity. In fact Ron had his hands wrapped in the canvas that boxers use. He told me that he punched one of those boxing bags, that are on a stand for over 30 hours non stop, and I was amazed.

The conversation got around to “spiritual things” and I asked him what he would say to the Lord if he died that night, and the Lord asked him why he should let him into Heaven. Ron thought for a minute and then he told me that he would tell him, that he tried to live a “good life” and that he had raised over half a million dollars for charity. I looked at Ron and told him that if he punched that bag for over 50 hours at the next tournament, and raised another million dollars, that it would not be “good enough” to gain entrance into Heaven. Ron looked at me, then he bowed his head, and said “I guess your right” in the most humble manner that you could imagine. I explained the gospel to Ron, and told him about the cross, and the blood that Jesus Christ shed for him, and the fact that salvation cannot be earned, and that it comes by simple faith in Jesus Christ. Ron had a desire to be saved, and he asked the Lord to save his soul that very day. Ron spent a great deal of time talking with me and my wife that day and then he went back to his hotel.

A few days later in the same spot on a Saturday, We saw Ron coming down the street again and he started to talk. Ron had a big smile on his face, and he said this. “After I left you that day, I went back to the hotel and threw myself on my bed and I said: “I AM BORN AGAIN!” Ron spent the next few hours with my wife Cathy and I handing out gospel tracts that day, and to this day we know that it was by divine appointment that we met this gentleman named Ron.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

THE TESTIMONY OF A TRUE WATCHMAN!

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. (Acts 20:26-27)

The Jewish apostle Paul spoke those words to his fellow believers nearly two thousand years ago. What a statement Paul makes here in saying that his hands were clean, and pure from the blood of all men. How could Paul could speak with such confidence, and with a clear conscience? He gives us the answer, when he says that he has not shunned to declare all the counsel of God to all the people that the Lord allowed him to preach to.

The apostle Paul was converted on the road to Damascus by the Lord Jesus Christ straight out of Heaven, and that man never looked back. [Acts 9] He did not care who confronted him, whether Jewish or Gentile, because he knew that the Lord Jesus was most definitely the Christ [Messiah]. Paul remembered his past, and the fact that he formerly persecuted Christians even unto death many times, but the Lord Jesus Christ still showed him mercy.

Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. (Acts 26:12-15)

This is one of the most awesome passages in the whole Bible. This passage is filled with such hope. Here you have this murderer of Christians being confonted by the LIVING Christ, after Jesus had been murdered himself, and had already ascended into Heaven. If you or I, were God we would have probably NAILED this man Saul [Paul] right then and there for all of the trouble that he brought to the Christians along the way, but that is not what happened at all.

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:16-18)

The Lord told this man Saul [Paul] that he was going to preach his gospel. Paul would be giving his testimony to many people, especially the Gentiles, but also to the Jews. Please do not miss the truth here that God is able to SAVE even murderers and use them for his own glory. That should put a HOPE in the heart of any person, who is wondering if they too might be SAVED!

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. (Acts 26:19-21)

Listen to what Paul said here. Paul was giving his testimony to King Agrippa, and he told him that he did not disobey this vision that he had of Jesus Christ. Then Paul told him that he testified first to those in Damascus, and then to those in Jerusalem, and then Judaea, that people needed to repent and turn to God. The message that Paul was preaching has never changed either. It is the same message for all the people in the world! But what happened next? Paul declared that the Jews went about to kill him. Why? Simply because they did not believe the message that Paul was preaching.

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:22-23)

Here Paul told this same King Agrippa, that he was still preaching the very same message to small and great, and this message was no different then what the PROPHETS and MOSES said should come! Folks, I must say to you that you RARELY hear that being spoken today! Paul suffered much for his preaching simply because he preached the TRUE GOSPEL to ALL and he did not hold back the truth to pacify anybody. Paul knew that any person without Jesus Christ was hellbound, because that is exactly what Jesus himself taught!

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 20:28-31)

Paul warned his fellow believers about the wolves that were coming, meaning the false teachers that would try to capture the minds and souls of those who followed Christ. Paul told them that he warned them night and day for three years about such things. Folks, that is a TRUE WATCHMAN and we all need to take heed to these words which still LIVE today.

THE LORD IS MY REFUGE

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (Psalms 91:1-2)

A person cannot enter into that secret place of the most high, until they come to realize their need for salvation in Jesus Christ. That is the “ground zero” or starting place for any person who truly desires the forgiveness of their sins and the beautiful mercy available to them. After Jesus had risen from the dead, he gave his disciples the message, that he wanted them to preach all over the world.

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 24:46-47)

The Lord made a point of telling his followers to start preaching that message at Jerusalem, which clearly shows us that there is only one gospel message for ALL people in this world. There is no plan “B” for the Jewish people or any other group in the world. A person either comes to God on his terms or they do not come to God at all. Friends, you can take great comfort in knowing that the Lord came to this Earth on our behalf, and that YOU can be reconciled back to God, because of what Jesus Christ did on that cross, almost two thousand years ago.

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 5:8-10)

How can a person be at peace, unless they know that they are right with God? Any person who has not repented of their sins, and received forgiveness through Christ is still UNJUSTIFIED in his sight! Oh friend if that is you, I beckon you to run to Jesus Christ for refuge even now. Do not put it off for even another moment. Your own “good deeds” cannot save your soul, nor can they make you right with God. The scriptures tell us that it is the BLOOD which will justify your soul, and keep the wrath of God from touching you.

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 Lord Jesus Christ is alive and well and he wants to be the refuge for your soul at all times. We can flee to that secret place of fellowship with him, no matter where we might be at a given time. It does not matter whether you are riding on a bus or a train, or whether you are walking down the street on your lunch hour, you can still communicate with the Lord in that spiritual secret place. We are living in crazy and dangerous times, and now more than ever, we need to go to that “secret place” of refuge which is found only in Jesus Christ.

 

THE CORRUPTION OF POLITICS, ZIONISM AND WAR IN THE “CHURCH”!

Almost two thousand years ago a warning came forth from the mouth of Jesus Christ and he used the example of leaven to press home his point. The Lord often used similar illustrations so that the people would understand what he was saying:

And he (Jesus) charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. (Mark 8:15)

Leaven is yeast which is able to work inside dough, causing it to rise rapidly.  When the dough is kneaded the leaven is spread to the rest of the dough, touching every part of it.  The Lord was warning his disciples about the corruption of the political system (Herod) and the corruption of the religious system (Pharisees) who had an outward form of righteousness, but did not truly want Jesus.  Leaven (yeast) can be added to a lump of dough and it will do its work without anyone even knowing it was put there.

This leaven of political and religious corruption that Jesus Christ spoke about has been at work within the “church” for a very long time now, and it is accelerating at a very rapid pace.  The “whole lump” ( 1 Corinthians 5:6) has  just about been leavened by the corrupting influence of these systems.

THE WAR IN IRAQ

When one looks at the war in Iraq, and the incredible support that came from Christian Pastors across America, you would have been hard pressed to find a Pastor who did not support the war. I remember reading an article, prior to the invasion of Iraq, about President Bush speaking to a large group of Christian leaders.  The overwhelming majority of leaders gave their heartfelt support for the invasion, with the exception of one unnamed Pastor.  He said he could not picture Jesus standing before a crowd and encouraging a nation to go forth into war.  In other words  he was saying that there was “something wrong with this picture.”

So here we are, more than five years later, with over four thousand American soldiers dead, thousands more serverely injured, and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi people dead, both insurgents and civilian alike. Millions of lives have been affected by what is taking place and yet there seems to be very little comment from the leaders in the church. There have been professional reports done to verify the high death toll of the Iraqi people, but they have been dismissed.  This is how the leaven of Herod works and it has entered the thinking of the church in a very big way.

I believe the absolute scandal of Abu Ghraib was a wake up call to those who saw it for what it was.  I personally believe that the Lord Jesus Christ allowed everybody throughout the world to have an opportunity to see what was going on behind the scenes.

Few voices were ever heard from the “Christian” community about that, simply because that leaven of corruption has worked its way deep inside the church. Where was the voice of the prophet during that scandal?  Where was the voice of the “anointed” ministers and Pastors who are supposed to be concerned with righteousness?  We entered another country based on false information and the results have been nothing less than chaotic, with millions of lives completely shattered.

Another thing that I have noticed is that the people in the “world” who are not Christians show more concern about the innocent civilians that are killed then do the Pastors in the churches in America. I can honestly say that I do not know of even ONE well known ”man of God” who preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ who has ever stood up and opened his mouth against the war in Iraq. Not even one!   I have seen the placards which say “WAR IS NOT PRO LIFE” and I agree with them. We as Christians are quick to fight against abortion and I am in full agreement with that, but we do not seem to have a problem with the slaying of the innocents of war, which are simply dismissed as “collateral damage” by the media. Pastors lay hands on their young missionaries on the one hand and send them off to other countries to win souls for Christ, and then they lay hands on young men and send them off to war with the full approval of the church.

A CHRISTIAN MAN NAMED MARCELLUS

What does the bible teach about the subject of war and the duty of the Christian?  What have Christians done in the past?  This excerpt from the book “They Loved Their Enemies, True Stories Of African Christians”, by Marian Hostetler,will give you some insight into the position of the biblical Christian.

“About thirty years after the death of Cyprian, the whole Roman Empire was celebrating the emperors birthday. In Tangier (in what is now Morocco) a certain Marcellus was not celebrating.

Now Marcellus was a centurion in the Roman army. (A centurion was an officer over 100 men.) He had become a Christian, a soldier of Jesus Christ.  How could he keep his oath and serve the Roman emperor? How could he earn his living by killing others?  He therefore decided he could no longer be a soldier for the Roman emperor.

So instead of celebrating, Marcellus carried out the decision he had made.  He stood in front of his hundred men, took off his soldiers belt and the badge showing his rank, and spoke to them.

‘I am a Christian.  I can no longer serve the emperor.’

In July of the year 289, Marcellus was brought before Fortunatus, the governor of the province. Fortunatus wanted to hush up the affair, but since Marcellus had publicly proclaimed his faith and his resolve to quit the army, he had no choice.  He had Marcellus arrested.  The last of October, Marcellus was brought to trial before Judge Agricola.

‘Are you guilty of this deed you are accused of?’ demanded Agricola.

‘Yes answered Marcellus.’

‘What madness has made you break your oath as an officer and has led you to believe this Christian foolishness?’

‘It is not foolishness to fear God’

‘But you have laid down your weapons!’

‘Yes, because it is not good for a Christian who serves Christ to serve other powers as well’ Marcellus answered.

The judge sentenced him to death by beheading.

Before leaving for his execution, Marcellus said one more thing to the judge. ’May God bless you Agricola’.”

[They Loved Their Enemies, True Stories Of African Christians by Marian Hostetler, Herald Press, 1988, pages 19-20]

I was truly struck by the contrast between the testimony of Marcellus and the testimony that comes forth from the majority of “Christian” pulpits today.  Marcellus was so totally transformed by the Spirit of God that he totally abandoned his former life as a soldier and declared “I am a Christian, I can no longer serve the emperor.”  Now that is biblical Christianity at its best. The bible tells us that we should give honor where honor is due (Romans 13:7) and I honor that man for what he did. The judge questioned Marcellus about believing ”…this Christian foolishness” but Marcellus responded ”It is not foolishness to fear God.” Wow, what a heart Marcellus had, to stand against the government of his day and refuse to kill anymore. What was the end result of it all? It cost Marcellus his head. Marcellus was simply following in the footsteps of his new master, Jesus Christ. I am sure that Marcellus suffered much but he knew where he was going when he left this earth.  Marcellus remembered the words of his Saviour Jesus while he was dying on the cross:

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34)

I am sure that Marcellus knew that the Jesus he served  just happened to be the creator of ALL things (John 1:1-3) and he knew that Jesus would be the one who would judge him one day also:

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

Marcellus went from being a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) to a child of God (Galatians 3:26) and the fruit of that change was that he laid down his weapons. Marcellus probably knew the following verse of scripture where Jesus equated the destroying of mens lives with that of a different spirit.

But he (JESUS) 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 9:55-56)

Now if this man Marcellus saw that it would not be Godly to continue as a soldier, then why is it that the majority of modern day Christians do not see it?  I believe that it is simply because the leaven of Herod and the leaven of the Pharisees has so permeated the church that it has become acceptable.

COULD IRAN BE NEXT?

John Hagee, the preacher from San Antonio Texas, has been pressing for an attack on Iran and he has many enthusiastic supporters, both in political and religious circles.  I spoke about this in another blog entitled THE STRONG DELUSION OF CHRISTIAN ZIONISM.  I believe that the apostle Paul’s head would have been spinning if he was listening to Hagee and others speak at the CUFI convention.  He would have heard a “Christian”preacher calling for an attack on another country. WHAT?  Perhaps this should have been called the Guns-n-Moses Convention.  If Paul was there he would have stood up and faced the audience and told every Jew and Gentile that was present that  ”… except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)  The warning about the leaven, that Jesus gave all those years ago, has been totally ignored and we are reaping the consequences in the present day church.

As a Christian, I know that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge me one day. I also know that it was the Lord Jesus Christ who spilled his blood on the cross for my wretched and sinful soul, so I take him at his word. After Jesus rose from the dead he said:

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 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)

Jesus told his closest followers that ALL power has been given to him both in heaven and on earth. Now if that does not speak of authority then what does?  I call Him King Jesus because the bible calls him “… King of Kings and Lord of Lords…”(Revelation 17:14, 19:16)

Now listen to King Jesus again on the subject of war:

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. (John 18:36-37)

Jesus prophesied of a time when the love of many would wax (grow) cold and we  most certainly are living in those days:

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:12-14)

BIBLE: THE AUTHORITY OF 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)

 

Bible Study Synopsis

 

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

 

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 )

 

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

 

 

THE STRONG DELUSION OF “CHRISTIAN” ZIONISM!

I turned on the television the other night and realized that there was a convention being televised for Christians United For Israel (CUFI).  The CUFI is an organization which was founded by Pastor and author John Hagee which encourages Christians to stand with the modern state of Israel. The person speaking was a Jewish man by the name of David Brog (Executive Director of CUFI).  I listened as he sang the praises of former US President Harry Truman, because President Truman recognized Israel as a state.  President Truman was the president that authorized the use of atomic bombs over in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Mr Brog then sang similar praises about John Hagee, who received a standing ovation as he was introduced.

I listened as Mr Brog spoke in a room filled with people claiming to be Christians.  He told them that their Christian theology demands that they stand with Israel.  I knew where he was coming from and I am fully aware of what is being taught in many evangelical churches today.  I used to believe certain dispensational teachings, such as the land belonging to Israel, because that’s what was being taught in most churches.  However my further study of the scriptures revealed otherwise.  I never believed for a moment that a person Jewish or Gentile could be saved apart from faith in Jesus Christ.  I had no idea that many of the Bible teachers taught that the Jewish people were still God’s chosen people and that they are still in covenant with him, even though they do not believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). 

 In recent years , I have been hearing  Bible teachers talk about the church of Jesus Christ as being a mere parenthesis in God’s plan and that the Jewish people are under a different covenant.  I came across an article by the Christian Research Institute regarding Pastor John Hagee, which was Statement DH005. Here are a few excerpts from that statement:

“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 with 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 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.”

[Statement DH005 , Christian Research Institute, Charlotte, NC]

SALVATION FOR THE JEW ACCORDING TO JESUS CHRIST

It is absolutely amazing to me that John Hagee could make such statements as those above considering the overwhelming proof in God’s Word that contradict what he said.  The greatest revelation that God has given to the Jewish people and the rest of the world is found in Jesus Christ. In other words Jesus Christ is God’s last word to mankind, and that most certainly includes the Jewish people. Listen to what Jesus Christ said to the Jewish people of his time:

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)

To totally understand the impact of the words above, we must not forget that the one who is speaking is Jesus Christ.  Many do not realize that the word CHRIST actually means MESSIAH. So it is Jesus the Messiah who is doing the talking.  Jesus is the one who was sent from the Father above to preach the Kingdom of God, and ultimately become the BLOOD ATONEMENT for the sin of mankind.

Jesus the Messiah encouraged the Jewish people to search the scriptures (their very own Torah) because they thought they had eternal life. Jesus then made it clear to them that their own Torah testified about him, but they still would not come to him, that they might have life.  Please do not miss this folks, because Jesus was telling the Jewish people that the very life and salvation which they desired, could only be found in him.  Jesus went on to say this to them:

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:45-47)

Jesus was pushing home the same point once again, that the scriptures (the Torah, the books of Moses) had enough in them to show that he (Jesus) was the prophesied Messiah. That is why Jesus told them, that if they believed Moses then they would have naturally believed him.  In the New Testament book of Acts there is a portion of scripture that will help us understand this better:

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. (Acts 3:22-26)

The words above were spoken by the apostle Peter to the people of Israel after the miraculous healing of a lame man at the temple gate. Peter told the people of Israel that the man was healed by the power of Jesus Christ. Peter then told them that this same Jesus was “the Prophet” whom Moses spoke and wrote about in (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), and that those who would not “hear that Prophet” (Jesus the Christ) would be destroyed!  Peter then went on to say that all of the prophets (in the Old Covenant scriptures) foretold of the days which were taking place right then and there. Peter then went all the way back to Abraham to show the people that all the people of the earth (that includes absolutely everybody) would be blessed through Abraham’s seed (offspring)  and that seed (offspring)  is Jesus Christ.

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)

In plain and simple language, the Jewish apostle Paul  told the people that Jesus Christ was, and is, the promised seed (offspring) by whom ALL of the nations of the world would be blessed. Paul told them the very same thing that Peter told the people of Israel after that awesome miracle.  The whole of the Old Covenant scriptures pointed to the time when Jesus the Christ (Messiah) arrived on the scene.  The message that Peter gave regarding that “Prophet” is right in line with the salvation or damnation message that Jesus gave after he rose from the dead. (Mark 16:15-20)  The words of Jesus Christ below, become absolutely meaningless if a Jewish person could be saved without faith in Jesus Christ, by living in light of the Torah.

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)

Jesus declared that NO MAN would be able to come to the Father unless thay came through him, because the Father is the one who sent him.  That means that there will not be any person Jewish or Gentile (the rest of the world) who would be able to go to the Father (in heaven) unless they come though the Son whom he sent. Peter spoke along those very same lines when he spoke to the people of Israel:

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)

Could the scriptures be any clearer than this? The people of Israel are being addressed here by the apostle Peter and he told them that there was no other name by which they might be saved outside the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Read it again. Peter was speaking to the children of Israel there and the message that he gave them back then has not changed one drop since that time!

The passage below was written by the Jewish apostle Paul:

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 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 made it clear in that passage of scripture that he gloried only in the cross of Jesus Christ, and then he linked those who would walk according to that same rule to the “Israel of God.”  Paul also wrote the following:

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

Paul was obviously putting a difference between the people of ethnic Israel and those of the “Israel of God” who recognized Jesus as the Messiah!

David Brog stated, at the CUFI convention the other night, that Christian theology demands that Christians stand with Israel. I would like to tell Mr. Brog that my theology demands that I stand for the truth, and that I preach the gospel to both Jew and Gentile.  Any Gospel preacher who is worth their salt would tell him the same thing.  Jesus declared the truth plainly and with boldness and to water down the message of the gospel is a fatal mistake: 

And he (Jesus) 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)

The Lord Jesus Christ told the Jewish people of his day that he came from above (heaven), and that the consequences of not believing that he was the one who was sent from the Father (the Messiah), would be to die in their sins.  The plain and simple truth is that every person who sat at that convention, whether Jew or Gentile, who rejects Jesus Christ as their Savior, will die in their sins and end up in hell. To preach anything other than that is to preach a bogus gospel. If ever there was a people who are responsible before the Lord it is the Jewish people. To declare that God has not given them the necessary revelation is nothing less than mind boggling. The Jewish apostle Paul consented to the murder of Christians before he was saved (Acts 8:3, 22:4, 26:9-11).  He then made a complete about face and preached that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).  He wrote the following words: 

 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)

Paul, the Jewish apostle of Jesus Christ, tells us that the gospel was to go the Jew first. In fact Paul identified those who are the children of Abraham:

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7)

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 3:28-29)

That very same Jewish apostle Paul told us that there is absolutely no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile).  No difference! The only ones who can be called the children of Abraham are those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. John Hagee spoke about the Jewish people living in light of the Torah, but the Torah contains the Ten Commandments which stops and silences any person from justifying themself before a righteous God! (Romans 3:19-20)  In fact the Torah contains everything about the sacrificial system which is gone forever. The Bible declares that there is NO atonement for the soul without the blood.

THE NEW COVENANT REPLACED THE OLD COVENANT

Right before the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross, he cried out “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) which means that everything had been fulfilled at that moment, and his death was the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. It was at that very moment that the veil in the Jewish Temple was torn in half, signifying that the Old Covenant sacrificial sytem was to be no more.

 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain (two) from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. (Mark 15:38-39)

Where is the Jewish Temple today? It is not to be found and there can be no atonement for the sins of the people without the shedding of blood.  The Temple sacrifices were not accepted in the sight of God after the ultimate, final and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That was the very purpose of the veil in the Temple being torn on half when Christ died. The high priest went into the temple and entered through the veil once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur-The Day of Covering).  The high priest took the blood from the animal sacrifices and sprinkled it on the mercy seat for the atonement of sin. But all of that stopped in the sight of God when Jesus, the great high Priest, entered into the true holy place in heaven. 

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)

The Old Covenant has been completely done away with and if somebody tells you something else then they are preaching falsehood to you. All of the sacrifices pointed to Jesus Christ. The Passover pointed to Jesus Christ also and that is why John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) 

Paul the Jewish apostle of Jesus Christ wrote the following words almost two thousand years ago:

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)

The blood that was shed by Jesus Christ is now the ONLY blood that can reconcile a sinner back to God. Friends, that is the absolute Bible truth.  That was the very purpose Jesus Christ came to this world. The gospel message is still for both the Jew and the Gentile, but there is no special revelation or reservation for the “ethnic” Jewish person when it comes to salvation. In fact if there were a special revelation or reservation for the Jewish person, then everything that Jesus Christ preached meant absolutely nothing.  If a fair minded person will read through the gospel accounts they will see that Christ was dealing with the issues of the heart, and he was constantly rebuking the Jewish Pharisees for their outward form of religion.  The Jewish apostle Paul wrote the following also:

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)

It all has to do with the heart and nothing to do with a persons ethnic background. Jesus told Nicodemus, a Jewish ruler, that he needed to be born again or he would not see the Kingdom of God.  Jesus did not say maybe, or could be, or should be, but MUST BE! The Kingdom of God is open to all people on planet earth, and their sins can be forgiven through the BLOOD of Jesus Christ.

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) 

BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES

John Hagee mentioned the fact that Christians are the wild branches that have been grafted into the  good olive tree, and he was obviously referring to the verses from Romans Chapter 11.  I am in full agreement with the truth that the Jewish people represent the good olive tree, but please do not forget to mention that this is speaking about the Jewish people who followed the Lord and recognized the Messiah when he came. The Jewish people who did not recognize the Messiah were broken off  branches because they rejected the very one whom God the Father sent!

The Gentile people who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ have been grafted into the “good olive tree” and they are there along with the Jewish people who also believe in Jesus and recognize him as the Messiah.  For the past two thousand years Jewish people have received the very SAME Grace that the Gentiles have recieved and they have received eternal life in Jesus Christ. There is NO difference between the Jew and the Gentile.

Beware of the phrase “replacement theology” because it is a term used by Christian Zionists.  It paints a picture that portrays people who do not agree with their false theology appear anti-semitic. Do not be intimidated by that term, because the Lord Jesus Christ is the searcher of hearts and he knows what is going on inside your heart. 

BIBLICAL WARNINGS ABOUT AN ANTICHRIST SPIRIT

To declare that the Jewish people can still be in covenant with the Lord under the Old Covenant, living in light of the Torah,  is to agree with the Pharisees who rejected Jesus Christ two thousand years ago.  To declare that message is to oppose the very message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Not only that but the apostle John warned us about those who have an “antichrist spirit” and he described them as follows:

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)

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)

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)

 If you were to ask many of the Jewish people who were present at that convention meeting the other night, whether or not they believed that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah, they would answer no without any problem at all.  The very reason that the Jewish apostles were persecuted and put to death by people like Paul (before he was saved) was because they preached Jesus Christ as the Messiah! So here we are almost two thousand years later, being told by a “Christian” minister that the Jewish people can be saved by living in light of the Torah. Once again I tell you that it makes the gospel message that Peter and Paul preached, and all the others preached, seem like a waste of time. After Paul was converted the Jewish people wanted to kill him, but the Lord preserved him. Many times Paul was beaten to a pulp, and even left for dead, but the Lord kept using him for his glory. In fact if Paul were a “bug on the wall” at that convention meeting he would have been aghast at what he heard.

IS WAR ON THE HORIZON?

Toward the end of this one hour television program, there was a man dressed in an Israeli miltary uniform who walked out from the audience, up to the front of the room, and then knelt down to pray. He was wearing a prayer shawl of some sort over his head. Then another man dressed in an American military uniform came from the audience and tapped the praying Israeli soldier on the shoulder, offered his hand to him , and they shook hands. Is there a message being sent here? What was this supposed to mean? Could this be a statement being made here? Is this some type of propaganda? Could there be another war on the horizon?

John Hagee is the Pastor of the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. He can be seen all over the airwaves throughout the world.  His preaching is often accompanied by very colorful video graphics which appear on a screen behind him.  He is known to preach against what he calls ”Isalmo Fascism” in no uncertain terms.  I thought that I was hearing things when I heard him talk in favor of a pre emptive attack on Iran. Wait a minute, did I hear correctly? Please tell me if I heard wrong.  Can we as Christians rightly call for an attack upon any nation, which would most certainly end up killing innocent civilians? What on earth is going on here?  What about the words of the master teacher and Saviour of the world Jesus:

  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)

Do you remember when the band of men came looking for Jesus at the place in the garden where he usually prayed? Do you remember what Peter did to Malchus? 

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. (John 18:10)

Sometime you can read a Bible verse and miss what really happened. Peter did not politely walk up to Malchus and start slicing his ear off.  It is quite obvious that Peter went to take the guys head off with a wild swing, and caught only his ear. But what did Jesus do after that?  Jesus actually healed the guys ear! (Luke 22:51) and then he made a prophetic statement:

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?  (Matthew 26:52-54)

What about the words of Jesus Christ as he was dying on the cross?

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:33-34)

Sometimes we must take a few steps back and analyze what is going on, and ask ourselves the question, Is this the Spirit of Jesus Christ at work here?  Is it the Spirit of Jesus Christ that is calling for an attack against a nation or is it a “another spirit?”  Is it the spirit of Jesus that would call for an attack upon innocent Muslim people or is it “another spirit”? Where is the fear of the Lord in all of this?

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. (John 18:36) 

Only time will tell what is going to happen in the following days.  We need to keep our eyes on the Lord like never before.  One thing I do know is that the Lord is merciful and that he abhors the killing of innocent people, and we have seen more than enough of that in recent years. That is what has stirred me to write this article. As Christians we like to take our stand on pro life issues such as abortion ( I am also pro life), but then we don’t even blink an eye when hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Muslim people are killed.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. (Hebrews 13:13-14)

 THE JERUSALEM WHICH IS ABOVE

The scriptures tell us that HERE (on this earth) we have NO continuing city, and that includes the earthly city of Jerusalem. We, as Christians, are looking to the Jerusalem which is above (Galatians 4:26), not to the city in the Middle East.

But Jerusalem which is above is FREE, which is the mother of us all. (Galatians 4:26)

The Lord Jesus Christ had a conversation with a Samaritan woman, who was amazed that Jesus was even talking with her, because the Jewish people and the Samaritan people did not get along with each other. Jesus talked to her about true worship:

 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 (John 4:21-26)

 The Lord made it ever so clear to this woman that physical location did not matter anymore, because God must be worshiped in spirit and truth. Jesus said the hour was coming AND NOW IS when true worshipers would worship God in spirit and truth, which means that the hour had already arrived. The Lord Jesus Christ then went on to inform this woman that he was in fact the Messiah. Now either Jesus was telling the truth or he is a liar.  If Jesus declared to this woman that he was in fact the Messiah, and that the hour had arrived when people could worship him from anywhere in the world, then I would not dare to tamper with the word of God.  That same Samaritan woman went back to her town and brought others back to hear Jesus for themselves and, as a result, many were saved.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him (Jesus) for the saying of the woman, which testified, He (Jesus) told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (John 4:39-42)

The same living waters (spiritual) that Jesus offered to this Samaritan woman has been offered to both Jew and Gentile alike, for nearly two thousand years.  There is no postponement, no other covenant, no other way, but the way which God has provided through his Son Jesus Christ.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

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COMMENTS:

Here are some recent comments on this article.

“PJ Miller”  wrote the following:

“Beware of the phrase “replacement theology” because it is a term used by Christian Zionists. It paints a picture that portrays people who do not agree with their false theology appear anti-semitic. Do not be intimidated by that term, because the Lord Jesus Christ is the searcher of hearts and he knows what is going on inside your heart.”

Thank you… I wept as reading this post, but that statement spoke to me personally. I cannot tell you the tears I have shed in prayer over this entire Christian Zionist movement. At first it confused me…but the more I read about it and poured through the scriptures, the more ‘wrong’ it appeared to be.

To be honest, I just plain didn’t get it!

The Lord has had me working on a couple Christian boards/forums for some years now..and it seemed every time I tried to point out what I saw as error in this, either my comments were ignored or someone would come back replying about replacement theology.

I began to doubt myself…wondering if it was me who was wrong, even crying before the Lord asking him to search my heart in case I had even a tinge of antisemitism lurking within. I never ‘thought’ I did…but wanted to be sure.

Years ago I believe the Spirit of God showed me there were to be many ‘faces’ to the apostasy and last day delusion…many layers, like an onion.

That Satan would slip in teachings and error, which would not be as obvious, as the ones which stick out like a sore thumb today.

This is one of those layers…I’m convinced.

Forgive my rambling, but only God knows how much I needed to read your post.

thanks again…and God bless.

Editors Note: I emboldened certain sentences  from this comment,  because I believe that they are very important.  I do not consider what PJ Miller said to be rambling at all.  In fact there is no doubt in my mind that PJ Miller was speaking “in the Holy Ghost” when they penned this comment, and I am thankful that this person had the courage to speak up about this issue.  There is a suffocating silence within the walls of the organized church that many true Christian’s  are beginning to see.  The Lord is raising those same people up to be His bold witnesses in these last days.  Thanks to PJ Miller once again for your honesty and obedience to the Lord.  [Bill White, Soulrefuge blog]  

Here are some words of wisdom from ”oxysmoron”:

Cannot Beware if not Aware…

Thanking Jesus.

Lord bless this one who has spoken Truth and keep Your hedge about him. Amen

CAN A CHRISTIAN DEPART FROM THE FAITH?

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 is a very interesting passage of scripture. The Jewish apostle Paul, the same one who was converted on the road to Damascus, and a former murderer of Christians, wrote those words. Paul knew what it was like to be deceived. Paul was a Jewish Pharisee, and if one were to examine his life they would probably find an extremely moral man. One might even call him “holy”, but in the sight of God he was religious but lost! He did not know the true and living God until he met Him that day on the road to Damascus.

Keep that in mind whenever you read the letters of Paul, because you are hearing from a man who was ever so grateful for the mercy shown to him on that day. His desire was that others would come out of deception and come to know Jesus Christ. In the passage above, which is from the first letter that Paul wrote to Timothy, Paul tells us that the Spirit had spoken, that in the latter times [the latter days] there would be some who would depart from the faith, and give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines [teachings] of devils.

The Greek word for DEPART in that passage is the word APHISTEMI and it is defined as follows: To remove, instigate to revolt, to desist, desert, depart, draw [fall] away, refrain, withdraw self. 

Now is this talking about people who truly knew the Lord at one time, or is it talking about those who merely professed to be saved, but in reality they were lost.

The passage above is talking about GENUINE believers in Jesus Christ, who get seduced by false teachers, and their doctrines, and depart from the faith.

An unsaved man cannot depart from the faith, because they never had faith to begin with.

Why on earth would the Holy Spirit [of truth] come forth with a warning about the unsaved departing from the faith?

How can the unsaved be seduced away from a place of faith that they were never at to begin with?

Why would the devil come with his doctrines to seduce the unsaved, who he already holds captive at his will? [2 Timothy 2:26]

Taking The Warnings Seriously

It is spiritually dangerous to attempt to make the scriptures say something that they are not saying. An example of what can happen, when you try to make the scriptures fit your own preconceived theology, can be found here:

In the book of Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus spoke about the parable of the talents. He is speaking on the subject of the “Kingdom of Heaven”. Jesus shows us the fate of the “unprofitable servant” in the following verse from that passage:

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

Charles Stanley, the well known Pastor and media minister from Atlanta, Georgia, said this concerning that same passage of scripture:

“Where is this place represented by the ‘outer darkness’ in Jesus’ parables? To be in the ‘outer darkness’ is to be in the kingdom of God but outside the circle of men and women whose faithfulness on this earth earned them a special rank or position of authority. The ‘outer darkness’ represents not so much an actual place as it does a sphere of influence and privilege.”

Concerning the “gnashing of teeth” Charles Stanley goes on to say that these people were “extremely frustrated with themselves” and “As some are celebrated for their faithfulness, others will gnash their teeth in frustration…” And “we do not know how long this time of rejoicing and sorrow will last. Those whose works are burned up will not weep and gnash their teeth for eternity.” [Charles Stanley: Eternal Security, Can You Be Sure? Pages 126-127]

So according to Charles Stanley there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness of Heaven! I don’t know about you but the place that he is describing sure sounds a lot like Hell to me. Do you know why?

BECAUSE IT IS HELL!

 

If you read the full parable in Matthew 25:14-30 you will see that the Lord Jesus Christ referred to the ‘unprofitable servant’ as “WICKED”.

Are the wicked going to enter the kingdom of Heaven along with the faithful? Not according to Jesus Christ, the creator of all things.

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

Jesus said that the WICKED were going to be cast into the “furnace of fire” and that is where there is going to be ‘wailing and gnashing of teeth.’

The Greek word for WICKED in Matthew 25:26 is the word PONEROS and it is the very same Greek word used in Matthew 13:49 describing those people whom Jesus said would be cast into the “furnace of fire”.

The Greek word for WEEPING in Matthew 25:30 is the word KLAUTHMOS and it is the very same Greek word used for WAILING in Matthew 13:50 describing those people who Jesus said would be cast into the “furnace of fire”.

The Greek word for GNASHING in Matthew 25:30 is the word BRUGMOS and it is the very same Greek word that is used in Matthew 13:50 describing those whom Jesus said would be cast into the “furnace of fire”.

Are there people weeping and gnashing their teeth in Heaven?

When a Christian shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the unsaved, should they tell them that they have a choice between Heaven or Hell, as to where they can wail and gnash their teeth?

The answer to the questions above are obviously an emphatic NO!

In fact the whole idea of wailing and gnashing of teeth in Heaven is ludicrous.

The apostle Paul was truly speaking in the Spirit, all those years ago, when he told us that some “shall depart from the faith”, but the question is this: Is anybody listening??

On the back cover of the classic book on this subject, “Life In The Son” by Robert Shank, the following is written:

“Are the proof passages used to support eternal security possibly misconstrued? Dr. Shank convincingly argues that the question confronting us is not, Is the believer secure? but rather, What does it mean to be a believer? If apostasy is an actual peril for every Christian, the Scriptural warning passages must be frankly accepted rather than interpreted into irrelevance or circumvented by theological hypothesis.”“Life In The Son” by Robert Shank was also endorsed by Dr. William Adams of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

AUDIO: “THE REALITY OF HELL”

Other books on this subject are:

“The Conditional Security Of The Believer” by Dan Corner“

The Gospel According To Charles Stanley” by Dan Corner

“The Myth of Eternal Security” by Dan Corner

THAT ISRAEL MIGHT BE SAVED

Today I would like to talk with you about the Jewish people [National and ethnic Israel] and their need for salvation in Jesus Christ

The following words were spoken by the Jewish apostle Paul, who was converted to Christ, on the road to Damascus [Acts 9].

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. (Romans 10:1)

The opposite of saved is lost and Paul knew that the Jewish people were doomed to an eternal Hell without Jesus Christ and that is why Paul made that statement.

Paul was once in that very same LOST condition, and he had a burden for their souls.

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (Romans 10:2)

They do have a zeal = but it is not according to the scriptures.

Paul used to think just like they did, and he formerly had that same misguided zeal.

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. (Romans 10:3)

The people of Israel were trying to observe the law, trying their best to please God, but they missed the very RIGHTEOUSNESS of God, which is found ONLY by FAITH in Jesus Christ! Many Gentiles do the same thing.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Romans 10:4) 

YOU TUBE VIDEO: THAT ISRAEL MIGHT BE SAVED

FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD: GOSPEL OF JOHN [18 PARTS]

Click on the link for the Gospel of John on audio.

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GOSPEL OF JOHN [18 PARTS]

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THE STRONG DELUSION OF “CHRISTIAN” ZIONISM!

I turned on the television the other night and realized that there was a convention being televised for Christians United For Israel (CUFI).  The CUFI is an organization which was founded by Pastor and author John Hagee which encourages Christians to stand with the modern state of Israel. The person speaking was a Jewish man by the name of David Brog (Executive Director of CUFI).  I listened as he sang the praises of former US President Harry Truman, because President Truman recognized Israel as a state.  President Truman was the president that authorized the use of atomic bombs over in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Mr Brog then sang similar praises about John Hagee, who received a standing ovation as he was introduced.

I listened as Mr Brog spoke in a room filled with people claiming to be Christians.  He told them that their Christian theology demands that they stand with Israel.  I knew where he was coming from and I am fully aware of what is being taught in many evangelical churches today.  I used to believe certain dispensational teachings, such as the land belonging to Israel, because that’s what was being taught in most churches.  However my further study of the scriptures revealed otherwise.  I never believed for a moment that a person Jewish or Gentile could be saved apart from faith in Jesus Christ.  I had no idea that many of the Bible teachers taught that the Jewish people were still God’s chosen people and that they are still in covenant with him, even though they do not believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). 

 In recent years , I have been hearing  Bible teachers talk about the church of Jesus Christ as being a mere parenthesis in God’s plan and that the Jewish people are under a different covenant.  I came across an article by the Christian Research Institute regarding Pastor John Hagee, which was Statement DH005. Here are a few excerpts from that statement:

“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 with 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 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.”

[Statement DH005 , Christian Research Institute, Charlotte, NC]

SALVATION FOR THE JEW ACCORDING TO JESUS CHRIST

It is absolutely amazing to me that John Hagee could make such statements as those above considering the overwhelming proof in God’s Word that contradict what he said.  The greatest revelation that God has given to the Jewish people and the rest of the world is found in Jesus Christ. In other words Jesus Christ is God’s last word to mankind, and that most certainly includes the Jewish people. Listen to what Jesus Christ said to the Jewish people of his time:

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)

To totally understand the impact of the words above, we must not forget that the one who is speaking is Jesus Christ.  Many do not realize that the word CHRIST actually means MESSIAH. So it is Jesus the Messiah who is doing the talking.  Jesus is the one who was sent from the Father above to preach the Kingdom of God, and ultimately become the BLOOD ATONEMENT for the sin of mankind.

Jesus the Messiah encouraged the Jewish people to search the scriptures (their very own Torah) because they thought they had eternal life. Jesus then made it clear to them that their own Torah testified about him, but they still would not come to him, that they might have life.  Please do not miss this folks, because Jesus was telling the Jewish people that the very life and salvation which they desired, could only be found in him.  Jesus went on to say this to them:

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:45-47)

Jesus was pushing home the same point once again, that the scriptures (the Torah, the books of Moses) had enough in them to show that he (Jesus) was the prophesied Messiah. That is why Jesus told them, that if they believed Moses then they would have naturally believed him.  In the New Testament book of Acts there is a portion of scripture that will help us understand this better:

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. (Acts 3:22-26)

The words above were spoken by the apostle Peter to the people of Israel after the miraculous healing of a lame man at the temple gate. Peter told the people of Israel that the man was healed by the power of Jesus Christ. Peter then told them that this same Jesus was “the Prophet” whom Moses spoke and wrote about in (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), and that those who would not “hear that Prophet” (Jesus the Christ) would be destroyed!  Peter then went on to say that all of the prophets (in the Old Covenant scriptures) foretold of the days which were taking place right then and there. Peter then went all the way back to Abraham to show the people that all the people of the earth (that includes absolutely everybody) would be blessed through Abraham’s seed (offspring)  and that seed (offspring)  is Jesus Christ.

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)

In plain and simple language, the Jewish apostle Paul  told the people that Jesus Christ was, and is, the promised seed (offspring) by whom ALL of the nations of the world would be blessed. Paul told them the very same thing that Peter told the people of Israel after that awesome miracle.  The whole of the Old Covenant scriptures pointed to the time when Jesus the Christ (Messiah) arrived on the scene.  The message that Peter gave regarding that “Prophet” is right in line with the salvation or damnation message that Jesus gave after he rose from the dead. (Mark 16:15-20)  The words of Jesus Christ below, become absolutely meaningless if a Jewish person could be saved without faith in Jesus Christ, by living in light of the Torah.

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)

Jesus declared that NO MAN would be able to come to the Father unless thay came through him, because the Father is the one who sent him.  That means that there will not be any person Jewish or Gentile (the rest of the world) who would be able to go to the Father (in heaven) unless they come though the Son whom he sent. Peter spoke along those very same lines when he spoke to the people of Israel:

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)

Could the scriptures be any clearer than this? The people of Israel are being addressed here by the apostle Peter and he told them that there was no other name by which they might be saved outside the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Read it again. Peter was speaking to the children of Israel there and the message that he gave them back then has not changed one drop since that time!

The passage below was written by the Jewish apostle Paul:

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 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 made it clear in that passage of scripture that he gloried only in the cross of Jesus Christ, and then he linked those who would walk according to that same rule to the “Israel of God.”  Paul also wrote the following:

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

Paul was obviously putting a difference between the people of ethnic Israel and those of the “Israel of God” who recognized Jesus as the Messiah!

David Brog stated, at the CUFI convention the other night, that Christian theology demands that Christians stand with Israel. I would like to tell Mr. Brog that my theology demands that I stand for the truth, and that I preach the gospel to both Jew and Gentile.  Any Gospel preacher who is worth their salt would tell him the same thing.  Jesus declared the truth plainly and with boldness and to water down the message of the gospel is a fatal mistake: 

And he (Jesus) 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)

The Lord Jesus Christ told the Jewish people of his day that he came from above (heaven), and that the consequences of not believing that he was the one who was sent from the Father (the Messiah), would be to die in their sins.  The plain and simple truth is that every person who sat at that convention, whether Jew or Gentile, who rejects Jesus Christ as their Savior, will die in their sins and end up in hell. To preach anything other than that is to preach a bogus gospel. If ever there was a people who are responsible before the Lord it is the Jewish people. To declare that God has not given them the necessary revelation is nothing less than mind boggling. The Jewish apostle Paul consented to the murder of Christians before he was saved (Acts 8:3, 22:4, 26:9-11).  He then made a complete about face and preached that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).  He wrote the following words: 

 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)

Paul, the Jewish apostle of Jesus Christ, tells us that the gospel was to go the Jew first. In fact Paul identified those who are the children of Abraham:

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7)

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 3:28-29)

That very same Jewish apostle Paul told us that there is absolutely no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile).  No difference! The only ones who can be called the children of Abraham are those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. John Hagee spoke about the Jewish people living in light of the Torah, but the Torah contains the Ten Commandments which stops and silences any person from justifying themself before a righteous God! (Romans 3:19-20)  In fact the Torah contains everything about the sacrificial system which is gone forever. The Bible declares that there is NO atonement for the soul without the blood.

THE NEW COVENANT REPLACED THE OLD COVENANT

Right before the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross, he cried out “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) which means that everything had been fulfilled at that moment, and his death was the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. It was at that very moment that the veil in the Jewish Temple was torn in half, signifying that the Old Covenant sacrificial sytem was to be no more.

 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain (two) from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. (Mark 15:38-39)

Where is the Jewish Temple today? It is not to be found and there can be no atonement for the sins of the people without the shedding of blood.  The Temple sacrifices were not accepted in the sight of God after the ultimate, final and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That was the very purpose of the veil in the Temple being torn on half when Christ died. The high priest went into the temple and entered through the veil once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur-The Day of Covering).  The high priest took the blood from the animal sacrifices and sprinkled it on the mercy seat for the atonement of sin. But all of that stopped in the sight of God when Jesus, the great high Priest, entered into the true holy place in heaven. 

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)

The Old Covenant has been completely done away with and if somebody tells you something else then they are preaching falsehood to you. All of the sacrifices pointed to Jesus Christ. The Passover pointed to Jesus Christ also and that is why John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) 

Paul the Jewish apostle of Jesus Christ wrote the following words almost two thousand years ago:

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)

The blood that was shed by Jesus Christ is now the ONLY blood that can reconcile a sinner back to God. Friends, that is the absolute Bible truth.  That was the very purpose Jesus Christ came to this world. The gospel message is still for both the Jew and the Gentile, but there is no special revelation or reservation for the “ethnic” Jewish person when it comes to salvation. In fact if there were a special revelation or reservation for the Jewish person, then everything that Jesus Christ preached meant absolutely nothing.  If a fair minded person will read through the gospel accounts they will see that Christ was dealing with the issues of the heart, and he was constantly rebuking the Jewish Pharisees for their outward form of religion.  The Jewish apostle Paul wrote the following also:

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)

It all has to do with the heart and nothing to do with a persons ethnic background. Jesus told Nicodemus, a Jewish ruler, that he needed to be born again or he would not see the Kingdom of God.  Jesus did not say maybe, or could be, or should be, but MUST BE! The Kingdom of God is open to all people on planet earth, and their sins can be forgiven through the BLOOD of Jesus Christ.

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) 

BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES

John Hagee mentioned the fact that Christians are the wild branches that have been grafted into the  good olive tree, and he was obviously referring to the verses from Romans Chapter 11.  I am in full agreement with the truth that the Jewish people represent the good olive tree, but please do not forget to mention that this is speaking about the Jewish people who followed the Lord and recognized the Messiah when he came. The Jewish people who did not recognize the Messiah were broken off  branches because they rejected the very one whom God the Father sent!

The Gentile people who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ have been grafted into the “good olive tree” and they are there along with the Jewish people who also believe in Jesus and recognize him as the Messiah.  For the past two thousand years Jewish people have received the very SAME Grace that the Gentiles have recieved and they have received eternal life in Jesus Christ. There is NO difference between the Jew and the Gentile.

Beware of the phrase “replacement theology” because it is a term used by Christian Zionists.  It paints a picture that portrays people who do not agree with their false theology appear anti-semitic. Do not be intimidated by that term, because the Lord Jesus Christ is the searcher of hearts and he knows what is going on inside your heart. 

BIBLICAL WARNINGS ABOUT AN ANTICHRIST SPIRIT

To declare that the Jewish people can still be in covenant with the Lord under the Old Covenant, living in light of the Torah,  is to agree with the Pharisees who rejected Jesus Christ two thousand years ago.  To declare that message is to oppose the very message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Not only that but the apostle John warned us about those who have an “antichrist spirit” and he described them as follows:

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)

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)

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)

 If you were to ask many of the Jewish people who were present at that convention meeting the other night, whether or not they believed that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah, they would answer no without any problem at all.  The very reason that the Jewish apostles were persecuted and put to death by people like Paul (before he was saved) was because they preached Jesus Christ as the Messiah! So here we are almost two thousand years later, being told by a “Christian” minister that the Jewish people can be saved by living in light of the Torah. Once again I tell you that it makes the gospel message that Peter and Paul preached, and all the others preached, seem like a waste of time. After Paul was converted the Jewish people wanted to kill him, but the Lord preserved him. Many times Paul was beaten to a pulp, and even left for dead, but the Lord kept using him for his glory. In fact if Paul were a “bug on the wall” at that convention meeting he would have been aghast at what he heard.

IS WAR ON THE HORIZON?

Toward the end of this one hour television program, there was a man dressed in an Israeli miltary uniform who walked out from the audience, up to the front of the room, and then knelt down to pray. He was wearing a prayer shawl of some sort over his head. Then another man dressed in an American military uniform came from the audience and tapped the praying Israeli soldier on the shoulder, offered his hand to him , and they shook hands. Is there a message being sent here? What was this supposed to mean? Could this be a statement being made here? Is this some type of propaganda? Could there be another war on the horizon?

John Hagee is the Pastor of the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. He can be seen all over the airwaves throughout the world.  His preaching is often accompanied by very colorful video graphics which appear on a screen behind him.  He is known to preach against what he calls ”Isalmo Fascism” in no uncertain terms.  I thought that I was hearing things when I heard him talk in favor of a pre emptive attack on Iran. Wait a minute, did I hear correctly? Please tell me if I heard wrong.  Can we as Christians rightly call for an attack upon any nation, which would most certainly end up killing innocent civilians? What on earth is going on here?  What about the words of the master teacher and Saviour of the world Jesus:

  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)

Do you remember when the band of men came looking for Jesus at the place in the garden where he usually prayed? Do you remember what Peter did to Malchus? 

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. (John 18:10)

Sometime you can read a Bible verse and miss what really happened. Peter did not politely walk up to Malchus and start slicing his ear off.  It is quite obvious that Peter went to take the guys head off with a wild swing, and caught only his ear. But what did Jesus do after that?  Jesus actually healed the guys ear! (Luke 22:51) and then he made a prophetic statement:

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?  (Matthew 26:52-54)

What about the words of Jesus Christ as he was dying on the cross?

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:33-34)

Sometimes we must take a few steps back and analyze what is going on, and ask ourselves the question, Is this the Spirit of Jesus Christ at work here?  Is it the Spirit of Jesus Christ that is calling for an attack against a nation or is it a “another spirit?”  Is it the spirit of Jesus that would call for an attack upon innocent Muslim people or is it “another spirit”? Where is the fear of the Lord in all of this?

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. (John 18:36) 

Only time will tell what is going to happen in the following days.  We need to keep our eyes on the Lord like never before.  One thing I do know is that the Lord is merciful and that he abhors the killing of innocent people, and we have seen more than enough of that in recent years. That is what has stirred me to write this article. As Christians we like to take our stand on pro life issues such as abortion ( I am also pro life), but then we don’t even blink an eye when hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Muslim people are killed.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. (Hebrews 13:13-14)

 THE JERUSALEM WHICH IS ABOVE

The scriptures tell us that HERE (on this earth) we have NO continuing city, and that includes the earthly city of Jerusalem. We, as Christians, are looking to the Jerusalem which is above (Galatians 4:26), not to the city in the Middle East.

But Jerusalem which is above is FREE, which is the mother of us all. (Galatians 4:26)

The Lord Jesus Christ had a conversation with a Samaritan woman, who was amazed that Jesus was even talking with her, because the Jewish people and the Samaritan people did not get along with each other. Jesus talked to her about true worship:

 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 (John 4:21-26)

 The Lord made it ever so clear to this woman that physical location did not matter anymore, because God must be worshiped in spirit and truth. Jesus said the hour was coming AND NOW IS when true worshipers would worship God in spirit and truth, which means that the hour had already arrived. The Lord Jesus Christ then went on to inform this woman that he was in fact the Messiah. Now either Jesus was telling the truth or he is a liar.  If Jesus declared to this woman that he was in fact the Messiah, and that the hour had arrived when people could worship him from anywhere in the world, then I would not dare to tamper with the word of God.  That same Samaritan woman went back to her town and brought others back to hear Jesus for themselves and, as a result, many were saved.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him (Jesus) for the saying of the woman, which testified, He (Jesus) told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (John 4:39-42)

The same living waters (spiritual) that Jesus offered to this Samaritan woman has been offered to both Jew and Gentile alike, for nearly two thousand years.  There is no postponement, no other covenant, no other way, but the way which God has provided through his Son Jesus Christ.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE = AUDIO OF THIS MESSAGE

COMMENTS:

Here are some recent comments on this article.

“PJ Miller”  wrote the following:

“Beware of the phrase “replacement theology” because it is a term used by Christian Zionists. It paints a picture that portrays people who do not agree with their false theology appear anti-semitic. Do not be intimidated by that term, because the Lord Jesus Christ is the searcher of hearts and he knows what is going on inside your heart.”

Thank you… I wept as reading this post, but that statement spoke to me personally. I cannot tell you the tears I have shed in prayer over this entire Christian Zionist movement. At first it confused me…but the more I read about it and poured through the scriptures, the more ‘wrong’ it appeared to be.

To be honest, I just plain didn’t get it!

The Lord has had me working on a couple Christian boards/forums for some years now..and it seemed every time I tried to point out what I saw as error in this, either my comments were ignored or someone would come back replying about replacement theology.

I began to doubt myself…wondering if it was me who was wrong, even crying before the Lord asking him to search my heart in case I had even a tinge of antisemitism lurking within. I never ‘thought’ I did…but wanted to be sure.

Years ago I believe the Spirit of God showed me there were to be many ‘faces’ to the apostasy and last day delusion…many layers, like an onion.

That Satan would slip in teachings and error, which would not be as obvious, as the ones which stick out like a sore thumb today.

This is one of those layers…I’m convinced.

Forgive my rambling, but only God knows how much I needed to read your post.

thanks again…and God bless.

Editors Note: I emboldened certain sentences  from this comment,  because I believe that they are very important.  I do not consider what PJ Miller said to be rambling at all.  In fact there is no doubt in my mind that PJ Miller was speaking “in the Holy Ghost” when they penned this comment, and I am thankful that this person had the courage to speak up about this issue.  There is a suffocating silence within the walls of the organized church that many true Christian’s  are beginning to see.  The Lord is raising those same people up to be His bold witnesses in these last days.  Thanks to PJ Miller once again for your honesty and obedience to the Lord.  [Bill White, Soulrefuge blog]  

Here are some words of wisdom from ”oxysmoron”:

Cannot Beware if not Aware…

Thanking Jesus.

Lord bless this one who has spoken Truth and keep Your hedge about him. Amen

(2 more comments below)

THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST, ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH!

The word ANTICHRIST is mentioned four different times by the apostle John in the Bible, and I am going to take a look at all four of those references. We can get a very good understanding of what the ANTICHRIST spirit is all about by studying these scripture verses. Keep in mind that these verses are in the Bible for a reason. John gave them to us for our instruction, and it is up to each individual to do what they want with them.

I heard a street preacher in Queens, NYC tell the people one day: “I am just a messenger delivering your mail, what you do with your mail is your business, I am just a messenger.”  I liked what I heard. He took his card out of his wallet and showed it to me, and next to his name were the letters S.P.

I asked him what the S.P. stood for, and he told me Street Preacher. I liked that too.

Lets get back to the word of God. Here are four references from the Bible that mention the word ANTICHRIST.

Reference Number One

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)

Plain and simple, this verse is telling us that those who refuse to believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down from above, was manifested in the flesh, and was in fact the promised Mesiah is of an ANTICHRIST spirit.

Reference Number Two

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)

In this verse John describes those who do not believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, as DECEIVERS, along with the same desciption from before of ANTICHRIST.

Reference Number Three

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)

This verse is very clear in telling us that those who deny that Jesus is the Christ is ANTICHRIST, denying both the Father and the Son. Many people do not realize that the word CHRIST actually means MESSIAH.

So John is telling us that those who do not believe that Jesus is the MESSIAH are not only of an ANTICHRIST spirit, but John calls them liars.

This would apply to any person [Jewish or Gentile], who lives anywhere in the world.

If a person refuses to believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh to this earth, and that He is in fact the CHRIST [MESSIAH], they would be indentified as having an ANTICHRIST spirit.

The word ANTICHRIST in the Greek is ANTICHRISTOS, which means “opponent of MESSIAH.”

So John has already told us that those of an ANTICHRIST spirit are deceivers and liars.

Reference Number Four

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1 John 2:18 )

Here John is telling us that there were many in his day who had an ANTICHRIST spirit. That was almost two thousand years ago and the same could be said for today, because the majority of people in the world do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the promised Messiah.

Now I want you to take a look at some more scripture references from this same apostle John that flow right along with what we are talking about.

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 5:10-12)

Here John tells us that those who do not believe the record [testimony] that God has given us of His Son, have made Him [God] a LIAR. Folks this is some very serious language that the apostle John is using here.

Should that message be watered down for anybody?

Should that message be sugarcoated to please people?

What do you think?

I believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and I believe that those words stand as true today as they did when John spoke them.

Now lets talk about the people in the modern State of Israel. I know that I am not misrepresenting them by saying that the majority of people who are living in Israel, as well as around the world, do not believe that Jesus is the Christ [MESSIAH]

I realize that the majority of Gentiles do not believe that Jesus is the MESSIAH either, but I am dealing with the modern State of Israel because the modern day “church,” with its Christian Zionism, is working hand in hand with them. This is absolutely an UNEQUAL YOKING according to the Word of God.

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? (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)

I believe that this modern day Christian Zionist movement is one of the most deceptive, delusional masterpieces that Satan has ever invented.

The apostle John poured out his heart in warning his fellow believers about those who were of an ANTICHRIST spirit, and here in this modern day the “Christians” are joining hands with them, instead of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them.

The Gospel message still stands true today for both Jewish and Gentile. This Gospel message has been flowing for nearly 2000 years and it started at Jerusalem, and it has been going to the uttermost parts of the earth ever since. A person is either for Christ or they are against Christ [ANTICHRIST], but there is no neutral ground when it comes to the Gospel.

A person who has been truly born again of the Spirit is now part of the Kingdom of God. We are new creations in Jesus Christ. Our wretched souls have been redeemed from an eternal Hell by the blood of Jesus Christ.

It is now our desire that all men should come to repentance and a living faith in Jesus Christ.

And yet there are those such as John Hagee of Cornerstone Church in Texas who have called for a preemptive attack on Iran, as if God desires to destroy those people.

Where is the mercy of God in all of that? Are the souls of those people who live in Iran any less precious than those who live in Israel, or any other place in the world?

Where is the Spirit of Jesus Christ in that? It is not there folks!

My sweet Jesus said this to His followers [in RED]:

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 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 9:54-56)

Yes, there will always be wars and there will always be political corruption, but the Christian has a different Master, and His name is Jesus, and our weapons are not fleshly but spiritual.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

Join hands with an ANTICHRIST spirit if you like, but I think I will pass on that one.  I’ll pass simply because I know that one day I too will stand before the One who was butchered on a bloody cross, and I still take Him at His word.

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 )

That’s the message. I am just a messenger.

YOU TUBE VIDEO SAME TITLE

CHRIST DELIVERED ME FROM ROMAN CATHOLICISM

My name is Bill White and 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 hear my testimony on AUDIO here.

IS JESUS CHRIST THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN?

Does it really make a difference what a person believes?

Will all religions take us to the same place in the end?

What could be any more important than knowing where you are going to spend eternity? Perhaps the thought of what will happen to your soul after you die has crossed your mind over the years but somehow you manage to squash the thought whenever that happens. Today I would like you to consider that thought and follow it through as I address the question of whether Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Of course this article will be answering that question in the affirmative and I will be using the Bible, which I believe to be the Word of God, to defend my position.

 

Bible Study Synopsis

Jesus Declared That He Was The Only Way –

to the Father (John 14:6) – his Father is in heaven ( Matthew 7:21, 10:32-33) so He was telling us that He was the only way to heaven. Jesus also said that some who called Him Lord were not truly His children (Matthew 7:21) but only those who do the will of the Father. Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, and Peter acknowledged Jesus to be the Christ (Messiah) (Matthew 16:13-17). Either Jesus Christ is the Messiah or He is not! That means that every person on the planet, whether Jewish or Gentile, has a choice to make concerning the Messiah.

The Disciples Found The Messiah -

 Andrew declared unto Simon Peter that “we have found the Messias (Messiah) (John 1:40-42) which is another confirmation that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

Jesus Revealed Himself As The Messiah -

To a Gentile Woman – who was a Samaritan. (John 4:21-26). This woman believed in Jesus Christ, along with many others from her village, which shows us that Gentiles were getting saved before Christ died on the cross. Jesus also told this woman that God must be worshiped in “spirit and in truth” showing her that spiritual worship (from the heart) is not and cannot be limited to a physical place, including Jerusalem.

Jesus The Messiah Is Also The Savior

- Having proven the case that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) it can be easily shown that Jesus is the Saviour also, and therefore the only way to heaven for anyone.

Jesus Declared That He Was The Only Way

 

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)

 

This is a very well known verse of scripture and this is the verse where Jesus makes the claim that He is the only way to the Father. I would like to go to some other scriptures in the Bible where Jesus mentions the Father, and heaven, in the same breath so that you can see the point that I am trying to make. I am doing this because Jesus did not mention heaven in John 14:6 and I know that there will be some that will try to twist the scriptures to say something that they do not say. I want to emphasize the point that Jesus Christ is absolutely the only way to heaven and that there is NOT an alternate route to get there.

 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)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. (Matthew 10:32-33)

 

In the verses above we can see that the Father is in heaven. Given the fact that Jesus said that He was the only way to the Father, then it can also be said that Jesus is also the only way to heaven where His Father resides.

 The Disciples Find The Messiah

 

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (John 1:40-42)

  

Here is a very clear verse in the scriptures which show us that Jesus Christ was recognized early on to be the Messiah. Please do not believe those who tell you that there is a different plan for the Jewish people and the Gentile people. There is only ONE Messiah and ONE Saviour according to the scriptures, and His name is Jesus Christ.

 I would like to look at some other scriptures from the Word of God just to prove the point that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and that He came at a certain prophesied moment in time. The one thing we must remember is that Christ became the sacrifice for sin, so I am moving through the scriptures with that in mind.

 

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-17)

 

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT “I AM”?

 

Here we are getting to the very root of the question as to whether or not Jesus is the only way to heaven. Here Jesus was asking His very own disciples (followers) what the rest of the people were saying about Him. They responded by telling Jesus that some of the people thought that He was John the Baptist, (resurrected) while others thought that Jesus was the prophet Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets of the past.

 

At this time Jesus put the very same question to them “But whom say ye that I AM?” And Peter responded by telling Jesus that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. By the way that word Christ means Messiah, so Peter was in fact telling Jesus that He was the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Now Jesus makes a very important statement here in telling Peter (Simon Barjona) that he was a blessed man because that spiritual revelation did not come from flesh and blood (meaning another human being) but from His (Jesus) Father in heaven.

 

Keep in mind that the disciples were hearing the Word of God directly from the mouth of the Lord, which later became part of the book that we now know as the Bible. The Word of God, which is the truth, came directly into the heart of Peter. His “spiritual light” was turned on to the truth that Jesus was in fact the Messiah

 

Jesus Reveals Himself As The Messiah

 

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. (John 4:21-26)

 

In this passage of scripture the Lord comes into contact with a Samaritan woman by divine appointment. This woman was surprised by the fact that Jesus was even conversing with her because the Jews and the Samaritans did not get along with each other. The woman got a glimpse into the prophetic realm when Jesus revealed her sinful past and the fact that she had five husbands, and that she was currently living with a man that was not her husband. (John 4:16-18)

The conversation then turned to spiritual things. The Lord made it clear to the woman that God must be worshiped “in spirit and in truth” stressing the importance of worship from the heart. It had nothing to do with a geographical location. After a while the Lord revealed to this woman that He was the Messiah. (John 4:26)

 

Do not miss the fact that the Lord specifically mentioned Jerusalem here when He was speaking on the topic of true worship. Jerusalem in Israel is a city much like many other big cities around the world. In that city there are some who worship the Lord Jesus Christ, but for the most part, He is still rejected, as He was when He walked in Jerusalem back then.

 

Jesus told us that God must be worshiped in Spirit and truth.

 

Jesus told the woman that a geographical place, including the earthly city of Jerusalem, did not matter because true worship in Spirit and truth precluded that.

 

Jesus was able to see into the sinful lifestyle of the woman.

 

Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to this same Gentile woman.

 

When the Lord’s disciples showed up, they were just as perplexed as she was, that Jesus was speaking with a Samaritan woman. The woman then decided to go back and testify to the people from her village.

 

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (John 4:39-42)

 

Lessons Learned

 

The Samaritan woman got saved.

The Lord is able to save anybody in the whole wide world, Jewish or Gentile.

 

The Lord knew the Samaritan woman’s past but still offered her mercy.

 

The Samaritan woman became an instant evangelist for Jesus.

 

Other Samaritans testified that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).

 

Other Samaritans testified that Jesus was the Saviour of the world.

Jesus the Messiah was saving Gentiles even before the cross

 

Jesus The Messiah Is Also The Saviour

  

We have learned through the most recent passage of scripture that many of the Samaritans came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ calling Him the “Saviour of the world”. Given the fact that the Lord revealed Himself to the “woman at the well” as the Messiah, we can naturally conclude that Jesus is both Messiah and Saviour. We can also conclude that Jesus is offering salvation to both Jew and Gentile.

 

I would like to look at just a few scriptures in the Bible that contain the word Saviour to further prove that Jesus is the only Saviour.

 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

 

This verse tells us clearly that the Saviour is Jesus Christ and it mentions the city of David, which is Bethlehem, where Christ (Messiah) was born. That was the very place where Micah the prophet said that He would be born. (Micah 5:2)

 

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:29-32)

  

In the passage above we see that Peter confronted the Jewish religious leaders, including the High Priest, and told them that obedience to God was more important than obedience to men. He told them the “God of our fathers” (meaning the God of Israel) was the one who raised up Jesus (from the dead)! Jesus, the one that they killed! Peter then went on to say that Jesus was exalted to be a prince and a Saviour offering forgiveness to Israel. Peter then includes the Holy Ghost in his list of witnesses.

 

The main thing that I want you to get is that the people of Israel were given the same opportunity that the Gentiles were given to accept this person of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Paul himself said that the gospel was for the Jew first:

 

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)

 

In this next passage of scripture Titus mentions “God our Saviour” and “The Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour” within the span of two verses. This not only proves Jesus to be the Saviour but it also proves Jesus is God.

 

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. (Titus 1:3-4)

 

In the next two verses of scripture we learn that there is no other God beside the one who is the just God and Saviour: 

 

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.  (Isaiah 43:11) 

 

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (Isaiah 45:21)

 

In the New Testament book of Acts the same theme is followed, telling us that Jesus Christ is the only name by which a person can be saved:

 

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)

  

Considering the fact that all people on planet earth have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that there are none righteous (Romans 3:10-11) there can be no other way for anyone to be saved apart from the Saviour whom God has provided for us. The blood is the only thing that will atone for the soul (Leviticus 17:11) and the blood that Jesus shed on the cross is the blood that was shed for all mankind.

 

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 have proven through the scriptures that there is only ONE Messiah who also is the ONE Saviour. Jesus Christ is still the “way, the truth and the life” and there is NOT a single person who will enter heaven unless they come through Him.

 

The Ethiopian Eunuch Gets Saved

 

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:25-39)

 

The angel of the Lord sent Philip to witness to this man.

The angel saw the man studying the book of Isaiah (53:7-8).

The Ethoipian man inquired as to whom Isaiah was speaking about.

Philip immediately preached Jesus unto this man.

The man was baptized and made a public profession           

 

This is the choice for you today, salvation in Christ or damnation without Him.

  

That is what Jesus taught.

 

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)

 

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 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 16:14-16)

 

Review

Jesus declared that He was the only way to the Father. (John 14:6)

The Father is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21,10:32-33)

The disciples found the Messiah. (John 1:41-42)

Peter recognized Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-17)

Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to a Gentile woman. (John 4:21-26)

The Samaritans recognized Christ to be the Saviour. (John 4:39-42)

Titus told us that God was the Saviour. (Titus 1:3)

Titus told us that Jesus Christ was the Saviour. (Titus 1:4)

Isaiah declared that there is only one Saviour. (Isaiah 43:11, 45:21)

There is none other name to be saved by but that of Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:10-12)

The BLOOD of Jesus Christ was shed for YOU. (Romans 5:8-9)

Believers in Jesus Christ are not condemned. (John 3:16-18)

Those who do not believe in Christ are condemned already. (John 3:16-18)

Salvation in Christ or damnation outside of Christ. (Mark 16:14-16)

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