Tag: christians

False Teachers, Damnable Heresies, and Doctrines of Devils

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false teachersWhat is your response when you hear false teaching? Should a Christian expose lies taught by others? Is it our duty to call out men who preach heresies? When a false gospel is proclaimed should we overlook it?

There seems to be two schools of thought on this. The first is that as Christians we are not to judge someone’s ministry. We should never call out a false teacher. If they claim to be a Christian who teaches the truth, we should take their word for it. After all, as children of God we are to unite under the love of Jesus and purposely steer clear of divisive doctrines that destroy fellowship. Didn’t Jesus want us all united?

The second thought is found in 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

The first thought sounds noble, even Christ-like. After all, unity of believers is important. But unity should never come at the expense of truth! When faced with the same thought, Charles Spurgeon replied,

“To remain divided is sinful! Did not our Lord pray, that they may be one, even as we are one?” A chorus of ecumenical voices keep harping the unity tune. What they are saying is, “Christians of all doctrinal shades and beliefs must come together in one visible organization, regardless… Unite, unite!” Such teaching is false, reckless and dangerous. Truth alone must determine our alignments. Truth comes before unity.

Do you enjoy watching TBN, listening to sermons, reading Christian books, doing Bible studies, or following after preachers and teachers? Let me offer a word of caution. Beware! False teachers, damnable heresies, and doctrines of devils abound. Truth is not guaranteed just because someone claims to be a Christian preacher, a book is sold in a Christian book store, or a church is in your same denomination.

False teaching is slowly creeping into local churches all around us. It is subtle. It is hard to spot. Yet, it spreads in a deadly fashion. But, again this is really nothing new. Did you know that throughout the New Testament this is constantly dealt with? Jesus deals with false teachers and how to judge them. Paul addresses it, tells us to mark certain men, and calls those out by name who are in error. In Galatians he says, “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” James warns those who would be teachers of the greater condemnation. Peter deals with it, as does every epistles of John. In fact, John warns us to not let false teachers into our home (false teaches can come in via the TV, books, or computer as well), or even wish them “God speed” because in doing so we become a “partaker of his evil deeds,” 2 John 1:11.

In fact, every New Testament book (with the exception of one) deals with recognizing false teachers, guarding against false doctrine, correcting false doctrine that was taught, or warning those who would be teachers. The only exception is the small personal letter Paul wrote to Philemon. Twenty-six out of twenty-seven books of the New Testament address this (listed below). Therefore, it must be important.

Not only should we call out false teachers and their lies, but we are responsible to. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). We cannot even worship God without the truth (John4:24). And Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified through the truth (John 17:17). Christians need to be bold and never back down from all the truth in God’s Word. But, we also need to speak the truth in love and as much as possible,“of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh,” Jude 1:22-23.

  • Matthew – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Mat 7:15)
  • Mark – For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. (Mar 13:22)
  • Luke – And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. (Luk 21:8)
  • John – But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (Joh 10:12-13)
  • Acts – 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. (Act 20:29-30)
  • Romans – Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Rom 16:17-18)
  • 1 Corinthians – I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. (1Co 4:14-15)
  • 2 Corinthians – For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2Co 11:13-15)
  • Galatians – I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Gal 1:6-9)
  • Ephesians – That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Eph 4:14)
  • Philippians – (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (Php 3:18-19)
  • Colossians – And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (Col 2:4) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Col 2:8)
  • 1 Thessalonians – Chapter 4, whole chapter is written to correct false teaching that they received.
  • 2 Thessalonians – Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2Th 2:1-3)
  • 1 Timothy – 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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (1Ti 4:1-2)
  • 2 Timothy – But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2Ti 2:16-18)
  • Titus – For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. (Tit 1:10-11)
  • Hebrews – Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. (Heb 13:9)
  • James – My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (Jas 3:1) (warning to those who would be teachers)
  • 1 Peter – The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1Pe 5:1-3)
  • 2 Peter – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2Pe 2:1-3)
  • 1 John – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1Jn 4:1) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (1Jn 4:5-6)
  • 2 John – 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. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2Jn 1:7-11)
  • 3 John – I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (3Jn 1:9-11)
  • Jude – For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jud 1:4)
  • Revelation – I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: (Rev 2:2)

Lesser of Two Evils

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According to a recent survey[i], 46% of Americans polled said that they will be voting for the “lesser of two evils” this presidential election.  Since it seems to be the most prevalent comment I’ve heard, I’m not surprised in the least.  And while I completely understand the rationale behind the thought, the notion is troubling.  Laying aside all political loyalties, social concern, or even emotional motives, this issue boils down to the simplistic truth that choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil.

Let me speak to Christians.  If we hold to God’s Word as all truth, we must admit that “lesser evil” is still “evil”.  We are told in Romans 12:9 to “abhor that which is evil.”  In I Thessalonians 5:22 we are told to “abstain from all appearance of evil.”  Proverbs 8:13 states that “the fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way.”  And Ephesians 5:11 tells us to have no fellowship (or partnership) with the “unfruitful works of darkness.”  Instead believers are to “reprove” (admonish or rebuke) evil.

Voting is a privilege as well as our Christian duty, and I would never tell a person who they should vote for.  But I will exhort my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to prayerfully consider what your vote will stand for.  A fellow blogger made the statement that in 1933 Germany the two most “electable” parties were the Nazis and the Communists.  Then he asks a pointed question.  “For which of these did German Christians have a ‘civic duty’ to vote?”

It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.   I believe that it is foolish to expect different results in our country until God’s people change their ways (repent) and begin to stand firm on truth.  When Christians step away from absolute truth and blend right and wrong with relativism, or try to cover up black and white issues with shades of gray, we are in danger of God’s judgment.  The Bible is filled with antithetical laws: good or evil, black or white, saved or unsaved, right or wrong, heaven or hell, narrow way or broad way, foundation on solid rock or sandy foundation, righteous or unrighteous, God’s children or the children of the devil, etc.    May our faith and practice once again line up with this truth.

Lessons from Jesus

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 “Jesus, didn’t you know your words would offend them?”  Obviously, the disciples reasoned, if the Lord knew that the truth he spoke would offend then he would not have spoken it, right?  No, our meek and lowly Jesus still spoke the truth even when he knew it would offend the hearers.

 The story I am referring to is one that was covered Sunday in our women’s class taken from Matthew 15.  The scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus accusing the disciples of breaking the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating.  Jesus answered the accusation by asking the religious why they would break the commands of God by their traditions.  There are many lessons in this text.

The first lesson is that we better be careful when we accuse other Christians.  Simply put, Revelations 12:10 tell us that Satan is “the accuser of the brethren”.  Unless we want to line ourselves up with him we should consider every accusation carefully.

 Another lesson learned is this.  The truth will offend those who oppose it.  Those that are blind and walk in darkness hate the light.  Those that love wickedness and evil hate all that is good and wholesome.  Those that love lies hate the truth.  And those with sinful, hypocritical hearts hate it when their hypocrisy is revealed.  But, the Bible in Psalms 119:165 says that, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” If you love the Words of God you will not be offended when truth is spoken.  I think that is the reasons so many are offended today, even professing Christians.  They simply do not love the Words of God.  Oh, they will say they believe the Bible and that they love God’s Words but when it comes down to it their actions declare loudly that they do not.  Great peace waits for those who love God’s law.  There sure are a lot of Christians walking around today without God’s perfect peace that passes all understanding.

 There are many other lessons from this story.  And if you haven’t read it lately why don’t you make a point to read Matthew 15 today.  But the final lesson I want to share is found in verse 12-14.

 “Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

 Jesus declares what will happen to those who refuse to hear His Words. They will be rooted up…  “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 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.” (Mat 7:19-21)

 He also said to “let them alone…”  There is a principle of not casting pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6) and shaking the dust off your feet (Luke 9:5).  Sometimes people will just not hear.  Their ears are stopped.  Jesus had a perfect ministry.  He was the perfect preacher.  Every word he spoke was perfect and many still did not hear Him.  Many refused to listen.  Why do we think that as (imperfect) Christians that everyone will listen to us?  Why do we think that just because we have the truth that people will understand?  Only those with open eyes and ears to hear will listen to the truth.  Only those who love the law of God will not be offended by His Word.  Proverbs 23:9 says, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”

 He explained that they are blind leading the blind…  “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2Co 4:3-4)

 If the stories we read from Scripture do not have practical application to our lives today, they are just stories.  But God’s Word is much more than just stories.  It is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).  And it is given by inspiration of God for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

 Those that love the law and have ears to hear, let the precious Word of God mold and shape you and give you perfect peace.  And may the lessons from our Lord encourage us to keep standing on His truth.

An Offensive Lifestyle

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 The other day I received my copy of Home School Enrichment and was surprised to see an article that I had written, “Homeschooling – An Offensive Lifestyle.”  I submitted it some time back and to be honest I had forgotten all about it.  Apparently, the Lord had the timing all worked out.  It seems as though this subject hit a lot of people.  I have had more response from it than any other I have written.

If you do not get the magazine you can read the May/June 2011 issue online at  http://homeschoolenrichment.com/magazine/digital/

 Below are a few excerpts from my readers.

 “Kimberly, I just came across your article in Home School Enrichment and it was refreshing! My husband and I often times feel “alone” in our decisions of how to raise our daughter and the choices we make……”

 “Kimberly, I just received a free copy of  Homeschool Enrichment magazine in the mail and read your article on offensive lifestyle.  I just wanted to thank you.  It has been a very hard year for my family…..”

“Mrs. Williams, I read and thoroughly enjoyed your article.  Ever more increasingly these days, Christians need to hear your message especially and even when it feels like they’re under attack from the world…..”

 “I just had to write you and tell you how much your article in the Homeschool Enrichment touched me tonight.  I just read ‘Homeschooling, An Offensive Lifestyle’ and it encouraged me so much…. I have been feeling a lot of persecution from my CHRISTIAN friends and it has gotten me very discouraged.  It’s like we don’t fit in with the world and we don’t fit in with the church.  God spoke to me through your article and it really lifted me up…… Thank you very much for your words of wisdom!”

RINO’s and CINO’s

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With the 2010 elections far behind us and the long awaited 2012 presidential elections ahead, there is a lot of talk about political parties. What party should I be affiliated with? Should I support the party whose platform is based on abortion, homosexuality, socialistic government, and such? Does morality matter or should I just be concerned with my wallet?

First, the true believer cannot separate his political views from his religious views. You see, it is because if you are truly saved your life is not just about a changed opinion. Your life is not just about going to church. Your life is not just about “religion”. It is about a relationship with your Lord and Saviour. It is about a complete change in your life. You are a completely new creature as we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17. To separate your moral convictions from your political views would be akin to separating your mind from your body or your heart from your chest. It is impossible. A true, born-again Christian will hold to the truth in every area of life – morally, politically, socially, and personally.

So what about these RINO’s? You know who I’m talking about – Republicans In Name Only.

*The Republican National Party “affirms that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed.” In other words, they are pro-life.

 The Republican National Party “cautions against the doomsday climate change scenarios.” In simpler terms they believe that God is the Creator and Preserver of all things, not the mother earth god who is formed in the minds of innocent children via evolutionist teachings.

 The Republican National Party “calls for a constitutional amendment that fully protects marriage as a union of a man and a woman.” In other words, they believe in the God ordained institution of marriage between one man and one woman, not homosexual marriage.

In case you were wondering, all of these issues are moral issues. For those career politicians and nelcons who do not hold to these values I say, “Quit calling yourself a Republican.” You are Republican in name only. Your actions and voting records bear out the truth.

Of course, the effortless approach would be to point fingers and blame the politicians for all of our countries woes. Effortless, yes. Accurate, no. After all, who is it that puts these politicians in place? We the people do. The last poll I heard said that over 80% of Americans still claim to be Christian. So we can concur that the blame of our nation’s troubles falls to the Christians. God says, “If my people… humble… pray…. seek…. turn…. then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” So here is our problem. Either God’s people are not humbling themselves; praying, seeking God, and turning from their wicked ways or the majority of Americans are not God’s people. They would be the CHINO’s. You know who I’m talking about – Christians In Name Only.

A lot of people want to claim the status but very few actually know and hold to the Truth. True Christians hold to very distinct views. We believe in only One way and only One truth. There is no other. The commands of Jesus are absolute. In comparison to the world, true believers hold to an antithetical attitude about everything. Christians In Name Only will say they believe in God but do not live like they do. They say they follow Christ’s teachings but do not know the commands found in the Bible. They say they are believers but they have no fruit. They say they are children of light but they live and walk in darkness. They say they are Christian but they support abortion, homosexuality, evolution, and other worldly ideas. Sin abounds in their life. They are puffed up and have no repentance. And because of it all they are a huge stumbling block to those around them. Jesus asked in Luke 6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” At the end of His sermon on the mount he said, “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,” (Mat 7:21). Jesus goes on to say, “depart from me, ye that work iniquity” or lawlessness. What He is saying is that you are living as though I have never given you a law to obey. You are a Christian In Name Only.

There are two options for those who are living the Christian life in name only, who live as though Jesus has never given them a commandment to follow, and who have a false sense of security because of some prayer they once prayed or some church membership. The options are to repent of your sins, call out to God and beg Him to save you from the promised wrath to come or continue on in your sins and one day have the Lord of Glory say, “depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” The choice seems clear to me.

 The Bible says to, “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves,” 2 Corinthians 13:5. Why don’t you do that today? God is waiting!

*cited from, http://www.ChristianAction.com November 2010