So… What’s wrong with it?

January 23, 2010

Titus 1:9 “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

And this is the reason I write this, to exhort and convict those who may be compromising “sound doctrine”

Now I have never considered myself the sharpest tool in the shed, so when I was told to watch out for being a fundamentalist, and a separatist, I had to look them up.  What I found has me puzzled.. Fundamentalists hold to the basic tenets of Christian Faith, without compromise.

Now before I go any further, I mean uncompromising of the Christian faith, love, peace, mercy, etc.. as well as preaching truth, AND the basics tenets of Christian faith. If I believe you’re wrong, I’ll let you know, if it doesn’t change, I will no longer “fellowship” with you. I am not an extremist, I do not believe the answer is threats, or violence of any kind. Nor do I condone that kind of action.

I don’t understand how being a fundamentalist is a bad thing. So I don’t compromise the Word of God… I always thought that was a commendable thing, among Christians.

I don’t see either of these things as a negative thing… Now Certainly  I am not going to shun someone for watching TBN occasionally.., but if they go out of their way to go to a Joyce Meyer conference, Teach Benny Hinn’s heresies, or likewise… I probably wont have much to do with them.

However to say to beware of fundamentalism like it’s a bad thing?

What is wrong with saying the Word of God is inerrant, inspired, and infallible? What is wrong with believing the virgin birth of Christ? Substitutionary Atonement? The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the imminent personal return of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

Surely it means more than this!?!. I would say the eye is off the fundamentalism, and back on the compromise of Scripture to fit a view that is less and less biblical.

Perhaps in view of compromising the reason Christ came, I would be seen as a fundamentalist. If we believe Jesus came for something other than to die on the cross for our sins, to be raised again on the third day, and to stand in as payment for you and I. The apostles believed this, that’s why they too werecrucified, disciples of old were fed to lions, beaten, stoned, and whipped to death, this doesn’t fit the “Health and Wealth” or the “Prosperity” gospel. I guess in that regard I could be seen as fundamental. You see, I don’t believe Jesus came to get me a new car, Our best life now, etc.

I could probably be called separatist in that I won’t fellowship (for long) with anyone I know is into a false teaching, Prosperity, Word/Faith, Mormon, Buddha, Wicca, etc… It’s all the same. It’s my job to warn them of their error, and let them do with that, what they will.  And for those teaching the lies, it’s my job as well, regardless how “young” I am,  see Titus 1:9.

I would be considered fundamental because of my view that every single person who names the name of Christ should be sharing their faith, I amfundamental in the WAY they should share their faith. Law to the proud, grace to the humble… it’s the only way.

It’s  my opinion (and biblical fact) that if your walking up to someone, selling them a “Look what Jesus can do for you, He can heal your depression, illness, finances, marriage, etc” then you’re selling that person a 1/2 truth. A 1/2 truth is a whole lie. You enticing that person to make a profession of faith, to stroke your evangelical ego, sit in your pews and give you money, or some other man centered reason. Perhaps you truly care, and are misled into thinking this is evangelism… please gohere. People who “make a profession of faith” in a Prosperity Jesus are seldom making a real profession and almost always fall away. Why? Because you promised them something that you had no right to promise. Jesus guarantees that all who repent of their sins, and believe in Him will be saved. Jesus didn’t promise me a new car, a better house, or a flawless marriage. To say he does is to twist Scripture to fit a man centered, man glorifying doctrine of the devil. Truth be known if you truly care for these people you’ll show them the consequences of their sins. tell them what Jesus ALREADY DID, and call them to repentance and faith.

I am a Fundamentalist because I believe God is sovereign, and it’s not about us. It’s about God. period.

I am a “Fundamentalist” in that I do not believe God is “controlled by a force of faith” and that we can “Name and Claim” it. I believe this sickens God that His creation would think they can control Him. That they know what’s best for them, and thus can demand it and will be so.

I am a “Fundamentalist” in that I do not think Christians should “blend in” to the world, we are set apart. As such we should be lights to the world!

Here’s the long and short of it. God is not controlled by man, or by faith, or by anything other than Himself. God loves us, but will not spoil us. God will punish sin, ALL of man is inherently sinful, and desperately in need of a Savior. Jesus was that Savior, His sole purpose for coming was to “seek and save the lost” not purchase financial prosperity, not to guarantee your health, not for any other reason… Does God heal? Most Certainly! Does He bless financially? Absolutely! Can He make your marriage better? Yes, I am living proof. Will He? who can know???… Lord Willing He will bless you beyond measure.. but first, Lord Willing He will choose to SAVE You. Lord Willing HE will cause you to repent and believe, and Lord Willing you will put your faith in Him, as the only way in which man can be saved.

and because of this view, I am also a separatist from those people… I quote Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?“  I wholeheartedly say I do not agree with the prosperity message, or word/faith lies. I do not agree with everything anyone says, however, when what they are saying perverts the gospel, twist God breathed Scripture I have to take a stand. Whether it’s “prosperity” gospel, or the hatred Fred Phelps vomits on a daily basis, or the man centered religion of Mormonism. Take a stand Christians, please!

So I guess I am considered a “Fundamentalist” (Isa 30:21)…. . Shouldn’t we all be? I am happy in the fact that I am standing uncompromisingly on the Word of God, and it’s noticed. I am not proud of the negative connotations the term has, however be that as it may… I am off the fence and on the right side….There is a clear distinction between what I am doing and what theworld is doing, the same for my family. God is above all, and thus most important.

I would ask that more Christians take a stand, and move out of the gray area,into the clear distinction between the world, and what’s right. Call others to do the same, beware of false teaching brethren…. it’s everywhere.

*now I am not writing this to call anyone out, or to be prideful and brag on my position. I am writing this in hopes that those who may be compromising will review themselves, and correct their errors (if indeed they are in error).

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Posted by Tom

Please consider this…

January 23, 2010

Are you certain your in a biblical church? visit this website, while these are not the only marks of a good church, they are no less important.

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Posted by Tom

Why do I believe what I believe?

January 20, 2010

I was asked recently to write a “short” testimony, about WHY I believe what I believe, just wanted to share it here (Mainly since I haven’t updated all year!!)

First off I should state what I believe.  I believe in the God of the Bible. The God whom ”in the beginning” created man, beasts and everything on the earth, I believe He created the earth and everything on it in 6 literal days.  I believe man is inherently sinful, that only by God’s sheer irresistible grace, and through repentance, and faith can man be restored to a right relationship with God. I believe Christ, is God in the flesh, the second person of the Trinity, He came to earth for the main purpose of redeeming mankind’s relationship to God the Father. I believe he died on the cross, was resurrected, and forever defeated death and the grave. I believe through Christ alone is salvation… 

Now WHY? 

It’s easy to say “I believe” and we can say “I believe” and truly think we believe, until a test comes, then I think we’re shown that we really didn’t believe as we though we did. 

Look around; take a glance at the world around you…. The incredible chance that would have had to take place for the only other alternative to be true (evolution) is unimaginable. Way of the master sums it up best with “if there is a design, there is a designer” illustration. But mine goes a little deeper than that… I’ve taken what I consider a relatively in-depth look at evolution, I’ve seen how they think man came from a common ancestor of the monkey, and so on.. I’ve seen their supposed “proof” and I just can’t believe that this was all an accident, that time + chance = me.  But that doesn’t answer “Why?” 

I could say I was a bad person, and now I am not… but that’s not true. I am a wretch, saved by God’s grace. I could say I was “slain in the spirit”, “spoke in tongues”, or was healed from some disease,  and thus I believe… but that’s not 100% true, and could be easily faked.  I could say during worship “I Felt God”, but feelings are hardly a reason to accept anything!! I could claim prosperity, health, miracles, and the like… but NONE of that is WHY I believe. 

I could tell you “my story” and expect you to believe, however thats not “why” I believe, I could say “God did this or that, and thus I believe” however then you see a “prosperity” message, God did this or that, and thats not the point, nor the reason I believe. We should love God no matter whether He blesses us or not, our love and adoration should not hinge on His blessings of His children. Certainly our belief shouldn’t rest on it! Job is a great example of this.

I do not believe Christianity is a religion of blind faith, the evidence is overwhelming if you open your eyes to accept it. 

Why is the “oldest” tree on earth 4,000 yrs old? Because a flood wiped out all life on the planet 4 – 6 thousand years ago. Why when men thought the earth rode on a turtles back, did the Bible say “we were hung in space on nothing”(Job 26:7). Why do ALL fossils appear at roughly the same “age” of the earth? (Cambrian explosion) Why wasn’t erosion a factor? Why are single cell organisms found in layers ABOVE multi-cell organisms? Over billions of years wouldn’t billions of animals be found in virtually every different layer of the earths crust?  (Even Darwin stated that without excessive fossil evidence his theory would crumble)

We have extra biblical writings that confirmed a man named Jesus did mighty things written by His own enemies! We have texts from across the world that can account for the darkness of the days when Christ died. Roman Emperor’s wrote of “this man called Jesus who was himself called the Christ”

Lastly, why would the apostles, who walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus every single minute of every single day for the bulk of 3 years, die for a lie? These men knew Jesus, they knew Him intimately…The records of their deaths are documented, Paul, Peter, and so on… they would have known better than anyone that He was a fake… yet they died, horrible deaths for the belief that Jesus was the Christ. 

No, there is plenty of evidence for Christ. And that being the Case, the apostles dying for Him, and his “cause”, says a lot… it says Jesus was the real deal, and Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life.. no man comes to the Father but through me… I have to believe Him. 

(Mthw 11:27)Christ chose to reveal to me, the Father, the truth of His word, and my eternal state without Him… and I saw utter hopelessness, utter destruction, utter despair.. 

In light of the evidence, in light of the revelation… who could refuse the gracious, undeserved, unmerited gift? So in short, I believe because the Bible is a book of facts, the Bible is a book of an actual account, of God’s divine purpose and plan for us. The Bible is an inerrant account of God’s Love of mankind, God’s Hate towards iniquity, God’s Mercy on the undeserving, and God’s wrath against the unrepentant. In light of all the evidence the question isn’t “Why do I believe” it’s “How can I not?”

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Posted by Tom

The “Prosperity Gospel” and the Demise of Biblical Evangelism

January 6, 2010

*update: I originally stated “John Hagee” below, this was a mistake, I meant Kenneth Hagin… My apologies. I know nothing of John Hagee’s ministry.

The Lights dim , the music starts, softly, quietly.. the pastor pauses, looks up, and says “Some of you are hurting today..Some are sad, and lonely, looking for a friend” as he turns to the other side of the room “Maybe you’re marriage is on the rocks, or your bank account is emtpy” then to everyone, he says “Won’t you come to Jesus, He’ll fix all your problems, heal you from cancer, cure your addictions, fix your depression, get you that new job, and make life all better..” then as the music plays on,  he leads the entire congregation in a “sinners prayer” then instructs those who prayed that prayer for the first time to come forward and get a free bible! Sad thing is… thats not the gospel. thats not evangelism, and thats not how people “get saved”.  The pastor mentioned nothing on Sin, Nothing of repentance.. the people are making a false confession of faith, based on promises the Pastor can’t make.

As I dig into the Word, and read other books and articles on the subject of Word/Faith and “prosperity” messages. It becomes increasingly clear why the gospel has been taken out… of the gospel.

Word/Faith can be traced all the way back to Mr. Phineas P. Quimby, who if Mary Baker Eddy was the Mother, Quimby was the father of Christian Science. His metaphysical poison took holds in Christianity to, with E.W. Kenyon onto Kenneth Hagin, and so on. Prosperity Gospel however was started by a misled man by the name of Oral Roberts, who stumbled upon a piece of Scripture and realized God wanted us to be rich. Somewhere along the line the two become one. There is A LOT more to that history (this is not meant to be a history lesson) look up E.W. Kenyon, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and Oral Roberts. Prosperity teachers run the gambit some like Juanita Bynum tell you to empty your bank account, others say “the prosperity message is true” but give what you can, these same will say we tithe to “reap a harvest” (That’s not why I tithe!!) If you tithe more, you’ll get more. and so on.

Prosperity teachers in my opinion fail to see the alarming depravity of man, they can not possibly have a clear comprehension of what sin is, what sin does, and the result of sin. When we look at God as a vending machine, to pump out our every wish, He becomes nothing more than a Cosmic Santa Claus. We no longer fear Him, we no longer respect Him, and we no longer have a correct view of Him. Instead of urging people to come to Christ because of their wretched state, and the eternity that awaits them. We say “Come to Christ, and you’ll be happy, wealthy, healthy, famous, great marriage, and so on” Then the person says a prayer, converts to Christianity, and receives the promised tribulation, and persecution, and in most cases “backslides”.. Making a bitter and angry false convert, who wants nothing to do with the God of the bible, because he’s been let down one to many times.

God hates. God hates as completely as He loves. Have you ever heard that? Likely not. But it’s true, the Bible speaks openly of God’s wrath, and who will be the subject of that wrath, the unrighteous, who are the unrighteous..  US. God hates sin, one itty, bitty, tiny little sin is an un-crossable chasm in the pathway to heaven. You can not enter heaven with sin. Prosperity teachers do you understand this? Hell is a very real place, to not warn the dying man of this is a travesty. It’s your solemn duty to preach the true, biblical gospel. And what do we hear? Jesus will make your earthly life richer, happier, healthier, etc. does it say that in the bible? Does Jesus say “come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, I’ll give you all your needs, and make you rich, and wealthy, and healthy”

No the verse is: (Mthw 11)“28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

“You will find rest for your souls” – not “you’re going to be blessed and not stressed” have you ever looked at your life before Christ? And seen the amazing depravity you were in? The sins piled up daily, hourly, drowning you in the inky blackness of death. Likely it worried you, caused you great trouble and stress. Knowing that you were hell bound, when you died,  the very thought of ever having peace was gone, and eternity in suffering, tears, body wracked in pain haunted you… THATS WHY CHRIST CAME to save you from THAT.. That’s the rest He provides, His burden takes all that away, He’s paid that ransom! How can you pervert the gospel into a materialistic way, which only leads right back to that death? What you preach is no gospel at all, it’s a faulty retirement plan.

When we see Christ’s sacrifice as a ticket to material things, we no longer have a passion to share that with others. The salvation of Christ takes a back seat to the “benefits” of following Christ. Health, Wealth, and Material gain.

I am a “young” Christian, and I can see the truth. Why can’t you? Stop perverting the gospel, or step down out of that pulpit. You’re sending people to hell. You’re telling them they’re saved, declaring them born again, when you have no right, or power to do so. Repent, and Believe.

Christ didn’t die so I could have a new car, a better bank account or a better marriage. Can He heal those things? MOST CERTAINLY!! But that’s up to HIM, not us. Paul said he had learned to be content in wealth and in want. Why aren’t you teaching truth? Why aren’t you teaching people to be content? Why aren’t you teaching people to repent and believe the gospel? Showing them what SIN is, and preaching the result of SIN, then telling them of the grace of Christ, His sacrifice and what that means!

In Short the prosperity preacher sees Christ as a ticket to material gain, not a Savior. Why preach salvation, when health and wealth will get more people in the seats? Why preach Sin, Repentance, and Grace, when Health, wealth and prosperity pays the bills. Either the preacher is in grave error,  and although he truly cares about his flock, he is in danger of misleading thousands to hell, or the preacher doesn’t care about God, and is misleading thousands to hell, himself included. Either way, the result is the same.

Simply based on the influence you have, the “pull” you have, why wouldn’t you ensure you know & teach the 100% truth.. YOU ARE MISLEADING PEOPLE STRAIGHT INTO THE DEPTHS OF HELL. And either you don’t care, or haven’t researched the Word enough to realize your error. Only a misconstrued, misunderstood, twisted scripture can lead you to believe prosperity preaching, and the word/faith heresy. Not to mention all the lies which accompany these grotesque, monstrous evil doctrines. Jesus rebirth in Hell, God being forbidden from interfering in our lives unless we ask… etc.

again I say Repent and Believe.

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Posted by Tom