I do not own the rights to these pictures but were shared with me or taken off Google images. Feel free to take and share.
God bless, Good night and Much Love in Christ Yeshua!
SHALOM
Thursday, July 27, 2017
SHARING SOME PICTURES OF THE BEAUTY OF GOD'S CREATIONS!
I'd like to close my blog for the night by sharing some funny pics of God's creations - animals. Fun fact - God Almighty started the very first "humane society," not man. Read the Bible and it tells you how animals MUST be treated. He's very clear. God bless and enjoy. Some may not be funny but beautiful. I also may have shared them previously but, does it matter? I get new readers every day. God bless and much love in Christ Yeshua.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY OUR DAILY BREAD
Read: 1 John 1:1–10
Bible in a Year: Psalms 46–48; Acts 28 
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant.—Psalm 119:176
My friend Norm Cook sometimes had a surprise for his family when he arrived home from work. He would walk through the front door, and shout, “You’re forgiven!” It wasn’t that family members had wronged him and needed hisforgiveness. He was reminding them that though they doubtless had sinned throughout the day, they were by God’s grace fully forgiven.
The apostle John supplies this note about grace: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin [no inclination to sin], we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7-9).
To “walk in the light” is a metaphor for following Jesus. Imitating Jesus with the Spirit’s help, John insists, is the sign that we have joined with the apostles in the fellowship of faith. We are authentic Christians. But, he continues, let’s not be deceived: We will make wrong choices at times. Nevertheless, grace is given in full measure: We can take what forgiveness we need.
Not perfect; just forgiven by Jesus! That’s the good word for today. —David H. Roper
Lord, I know I’m not even close to being perfect. That’s why I need You and Your cleansing in my life. I’m lost without You.
Monitor your heart daily to avoid wandering from God’s wisdom.
INSIGHT: In this passage we see how confession can restore our connection with God. We are assured that even when we make wrong choices, God will offer grace and forgiveness to the truly repentant.
For further study on the subject of God’s grace, read Grace: Accepting God’s Gift to You at discoveryseries.org/q0613. Dennis Fisher
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WITH WHOM YOU WILL PRAY? BY SBS
There was a lot of discussion on social media about a prayer gathering that took place in the Oval Office recently. Several evangelical leaders were present—including Southern Baptists Ronnie Floyd, Jack Graham, Robert Jeffress, Richard Land, Frank Page, and others. Ronnie Floyd was one of two pastors who voiced a prayer as the rest of the group laid hands on President Trump. Jack Graham did an interview on Fox News talking about the gathering. Baptist Press had an article about it.
As you might imagine, reactions to photos and statements released after the time of prayer have been mixed. Those attending were thrilled with the opportunity to pray for the President in the Oval Office. Many shared their enthusiasm with congratulatory tweets and calls to pray for our President. Others though were less than thrilled. Some even resorted to attacking the motives of those present for the time of prayer.
Of course, the question being raised by those with concerns is not whether President Trump is worthy of our prayers. We are commanded in Scripture to pray for our leaders. That’s true regardless of who occupies the Oval Office. The question is whether these leaders are yoking themselves to the President by being present for this meeting, taking part in the photo-op, and posting all over social media about the meeting. Perhaps of even greater concern is whether these leaders are inadvertently providing credibility to false prophet/prosperity gospel preachers like Paula White by participating with her in this time of prayer for the President.
The answer isn’t easy. I can see some validity in arguments on both sides. But the reality is that I wasn’t invited to the meeting. I don’t expect to need to make a decision on whether I will pray for President Trump with Paula White. So whether these men should have attended this meeting is really a moot point for me and most of the readers of SBC Voices.
You and I, however, will have to make decisions regarding what events we will attend, who we will pray with, and how our presence and the ensuing photos may lend credibility to false teachers in our own communities. This was true for me when I pastored in a small rural town in Southern Virginia, and it is true now that I pastor in a growing area about an hour south of Washington, DC.
In my small rural town in Southern Virginia, this issue popped up every November. The churches in town held a Community Thanksgiving Service on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving every year. Some of the participants came from very liberal denominational traditions. Some of the participants came from a charismatic background which had a prosperity gospel flavor to it. There were things about the gathering that made me uncomfortable, but I always chose to participate.
The issue popped up in my new area of ministry last summer. In the wake of some of the shootings that had taken place across the nation, the sheriff’s department in the county where I now live hosted a community prayer vigil. I was new to the community and didn’t know what to expect, but I attended. There were several prayers voiced from the platform. As far as I can remember, all of the prayers voiced from the platform were by those claiming to be Christians. But the event was not promoted as a Christian event. In fact, there was at least one Muslim man in attendance. Though he did not pray from the platform, it seemed clear to me that his participation in the event was not considered strange or unwelcome. It really would not have surprised me if he had been invited onto the platform.
I raise this issue because it’s an important one. Let me raise a hypothetical situation that does not seem unlikely to me. The sheriff’s department calls me one day and asks me to participate in a similar event. They want me to pray from the platform. I assume that this is a Christian event because I have not been told otherwise and I, as a Christian pastor, am being asked to pray. I arrive at the event and discover that the local imam will be praying immediately after my prayer.
It seems that I would have a couple of options at that point:
- Pray without reservation.
After all, I’ll be praying a distinctly Christian prayer which I will end with “In Jesus’ name, Amen.” How could anyone be confused by that? Christians believe that we are saved and Muslims are lost. There is only one way to heaven. His name is Jesus. What difference does it make who else is on the program? This is an opportunity for me to point people to the Lord Jesus Christ. I can pray with a clear conscience knowing that the desire of my heart is to proclaim the name of Christ.
- Pray with reservation.
The difference here is in how I feel and what I think about my presence at this event and participation in the program. The situation makes me uncomfortable. Had I known that a Muslim man would also be praying, I would have politely declined. But now I’m here. I don’t want to make a scene. I don’t want to do anything that might give my church a black eye or prevent me from being able to build further relationships in the community. So I step to the podium and offer a distinctly Christian prayer in the name of Jesus.
- Quietly ask to be removed from the program.
I didn’t know that there was a Muslim praying after me when I agreed to participate. I may even feel like the event organizers should have alerted me to that fact when they asked me to participate. This is on them. As a Christian pastor, I cannot risk confusing people in my church or in my community regarding what I believe about the exclusivity of the gospel. Participating in this event will risk leading people astray. So thirty minutes before the event begins I inform the organizers that I cannot in good conscience participate.
Which of these three options best matches what you would do in a similar situation? How would your choice change if it were a prosperity gospel preacher or a Jew rather than a Muslim? I do not have a clear answer. I lean more toward 2 and 3. I would definitely have reservations, but I’m not sure if those reservations would be strong enough to cause me to back out of the event once I was already on the program. But if I knew ahead of time that a Muslim would be praying after me, I would likely just very politely decline.
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS and BLOODLINE - BY DALLAS HOLM
Please add this man of God, a true preacher, whose wife again is battling cancer. She won the battle with breast cancer long ago and has now been diagnosed with a brain tumor. With all these new contemporary music ministries that have a watered-down Gospel and compromise the Word of God, it's hard to find good music to listen to. I love his ministry. It's always free. He didn't gain much fame or wealth on earth but he has treasures stored in Heaven galore. Sit back and enjoy his music. You may not "feel" entertained but you will be blessed.
The Old Rugged Cross
Bloodline
Store your treasures in the Heavenly places where moths and rust cannot destroy them. God bless and shalom!
THE DANGERS OF ADDING TO THE GOSPEL BY JOHN MacAUTHUR
He also has a series on Expository preaching that I was going to share but I already shared enough and if you're interested in his series, it's on YouTube. I thought I'd rather share a sermon about the Gospel. I hope it blesses and helps you on your walk with our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. God bless and much love in Him.
First Corinthians 15:1-11
THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, FAITH ALONE, CHRIST ALONE
SHALOM
LECTURE SERIES ON EXPOSITORY PREACHING BY DR. STEVEN LAWSON
I am not familiar with either Dr. Larson or Spurgeon's preaching (although I feel I should) but this explains "Expository Preaching" and why it matters. Now I know most aren't going to want to listen to hours of lectures but I'd listen to one to get the general idea of the difference so you can make an informed decision on where you stand on this issue. Before tonight, I'd never heard this term as previously stated in my last blog post. I am Sola Scriptura and I want to hear this type of preaching, not based on emotions and personal experiences. These teachings have their place, no denying that, but when we stray from the clear teachings of God, then we have a watered down truth. It's just my duty to give you information I find that I feel you should know and then it's up to you. Also, I don't necessarily endorse anyone's overall teachings but nor do I dismiss everything either. I shared with you earlier the men of God that I follow and endorse. I a never trying to tell you what to believe, just giving you information and there are 13 lectures (long) and I posted them all. Now, most won't listen to all of them and they really are more for those who are called to preach. I have many pastors that I share my blog with and maybe some that want to be a minister and this may help them. However, I've listened to one and I learned a lot and plan to watch more. While I'm not being called to be a pastor, I do want to start a home church or rather a gathering together to do a Bible study. Maybe you want to also and if so, this may help you. You're getting a Seminary class for free. I also plan to share John McAuthur's series on this very subject as he is highly recommended as a man of God. Again, here's the series and if you know anyone who plans to go to Seminary school, share it with them. You never know who will be blessed why what we do...and don't do. And no, I do not expect you to listen to 13 2-hour each lectures, lol. Then again, maybe you will. God bless and much love in Yeshua Messiah.
LECTURE 1
LECTURE 2
LECTURE 3
LECTURE 4
LECTURE 5
LECTURE 6
LECTURE 7
LECTURE 8
LECTURE 9
LECTURE 10
LECTURE 11
LECTURE 12
LECTURE 13
WHY I BELIEVE IN EXPOSITORY PREACHING BY DAVE MILLER
by
I’m a preacher’s kid, so I grew up hearing 2 sermons a week, 52 weeks a year. We didn’t miss back then. My dad was a bit of a fanatic about something that, I now know, was not so common back among preachers back then – verse-by-verse, expository preaching. Since I sat under his preaching every week, I assumed everyone got out a Bible, tackled a passage and went through it verse after verse, picking up this week where we left off last week. Dad didn’t “do a series” – he preached a book. Romans. Ephesians. 2 Peter. I didn’t know there was any other kind of preaching, except for dad’s infrequent jabs at “topical” preaching.
When I was called to preach, I did what I knew. I really didn’t know that there was another legitimate form of preahing. I studied a passage of scripture and tried to teach it as best I could. I am now glad that few recordings exist of those early attempts, but that’s what I did. Verse-by-verse through a book of the Bible. Even as an associate pastor, I preached through Ephesians on those rare Sundays I actually preached.
When I went to Dallas Theological Seminary, expository preaching was held up as the only way. In fact (at the time, don’t know if this is still true) the Greek classes and the homiletics classes were linked. I would do an exegetical paper on a text, then preach on that same passage based on what I learned. The main points of our exegetical/grammatical outline had better be the main points of the sermon! Study text. Understand text. Explain text to others.
I still remember getting reamed by my homiletics prof when I preached from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. In this passage, Paul describes his manner and approach in coming to Corinth. In verses 1 and 2, he tells how he determined to preach nothing among them but Christ and him crucified – not human wisdom. Then, in verse 3 and 4, he describes how, in his fear, he did not approach them depending on his rhetorical skills, but on the demonstration of the Spirit’s power. In verse 5, he explains why he did this, “…that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
So, in my message, I started with verse 5 and said, “This was Paul’s motive – he wanted to root their faith in God’s power not his wisdom. Therefore, he 1) preached Christ and 2) relied on the Holy Spirit.” I thought I’d done pretty good! Then, during the evaluation, the teaching assistant looked at me and said these words. “Dave, I don’t know if you noticed it, but verse 5 comes after verses 1-4.” He was confronting me for starting with verse 5 and then going back to verses 1-4.
Now, if I preached this passage today, I’d probably still do what I did then. I start with verse 5 and explain Paul’s motive, then go back and show how he behaved and the methods he used based on that motive. But the message that TA was trying to get through sunk in that day.
Stick to the text! Who are you to think that you can improve upon God’s inspired Word? Preach what God said!
Gotcha, prof. Loud and clear!
Then, I went to Southwestern and felt like a stranger in a strange land. I was not taught text-directed preaching but something very different. We were taught to find a big idea, back it up with some scripture, make some points from the text, get an illustration to back up each point, then an application. Point – illustration – application. There was no sense in which we were to be guided by the text in formulating a sermon outline. In fact, one prof proclaimed that preaching as a means of communicating to people was passe’ – ineffective in this modern world.
(By the way, this was the fall term of 1980 and I am aware that things have changed since then. Fortunately, our seminaries are now showing more respect for the biblical text in teaching preaching. Expository preaching is back in the forefront, and for that I am grateful.)
A few years ago, one prominent younger SBC pastor called verse-by-verse exposition homiletical cheating because it too easy. It is too easy to simply study and expound the text without passing it through the filter of our experience and the lives of those to whom we preach. And the current trend is more of a stream of consciousness, application-oriented kind of preaching.
People may be attracted to preachers who stand before them and “share their hearts.” But I think it is more important that we proclaim God’s heart. So, let me tell you why I am still a fan of expository Bible preaching – verse-by-verse.
Definitions
We need to distinguish some terms here. Expository preaching and verse-by-verse preaching are often confused as synonymous. Verse-by-verse is one form of expository preaching. But expository preaching is designed to “expose” the meaning of the text. It is text-driven. Many who are committed to expository preaching also take that next step of verse-by-verse preaching through a book.
I did a study a while back about the names of God in Hebrew. When I preached this series, I did not go verse by verse, but I still believe my series was text-driven and expository in nature. I did a series called “Significant Servants” which was gleaned from the great stories of the Bible. These were not verse-by-verse series but again, I maintain that they were still expository. But the bulk of my preaching has been a book-based series. Currently, on Sunday mornings I am preaching through Proverbs and on Sunday night through 1 Corinthians.
I am a fan of expository preaching because God’s Word changes lives and my opinions and personality can’t!
I am a fan of verse-by-verse expository preaching because it brings the full counsel of God to lives of God’s people.
Here are some of my reasons for preaching (primarily) book-based, verse-by-verse, expository messages.
1) Expositional preaching recognizes the nature and power of the Word
In the pages of Holy Scripture, people find what they really need – the Living God. I have hammered this truth into my people’s memory over the years, “The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to do the work of God in the people of God.” The word of God does not return empty. It reveals the gospel which is the power of God for salvation. It is God-breathed and useful for maturing Christians “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
It is not my wisdom that changes lives, nor my eloquence, or even my relevance. The proclamation of God’s Word changes lives. It may not tickle the ears of people, giving them simple solutions to their felt needs. Frankly, I am not sure that expositional preaching will attract the crowds other forms might. But, if our purpose is to produce mature disciples, not just fill buildings, then I believe that expositional preaching is the way to go.
I have seen the effect of this through the years. I do not have dozens walking the aisle each week, or report statistics that make others drool. But as I preach the Word, I see God’s power working slowly in people’s lives to conform them to the image of Christ. The Spirit works on the listeners and their lives become more Christlike, more obedient, more mature. I trust the text of scripture to communicate the truth and to release the power of God.
2) Expositional preaching is God-centered.
There is something that bothers me about the preaching paradigm that Stanley advocates. He advocates starting the preaching process by reading the culture and reading the audience and asking what people’s felt needs are. Does not that seem a little man-centered?
I am guided by what Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:3. “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” People want preachers to scratch their itches. But our job is not to tell them what they want to hear but to tell them what God says.
Please know that I am not saying that Stanley and Stetzer are the kind of false teachers mentioned here. I do not believe that. However, I am suspicious of any form of preaching that starts at people’s passions and focuses on their felt needs. As unpopular as this model has become, truth flows downward from heaven. That is where we need to start.
Our question does not need to be, “What do people need to hear?” but “What does God have to say to my people?” The Old Testament prophets simply delivered the message of God to the people – faithfully and forcefully.
That is a better model, in my view.
3) Expositional preaching honors divine priorities
A famous preacher comes to mind. It didn’t seem to matter what text he read, the sermon went in the same direction. He preached against the lax morality of our culture, against people living together without marriage, against Hollywood, against homosexuals, against liberals and against communists (it was the 70’s and 80’s. He rode that hobby horse into the ground).
Should we ever preach on those things? Of course. Should we always preach on those things? Wouldn’t it be better for the text to decide that than for me to?
I preach a lot about unity in the Body of Christ. Why? Take this test: open your Bible randomly to a page in Paul’s Epistles. Read the page. I would wager that there is a significant teaching on that page about the importance of unity in the Body of Christ. Chapter after chapter, verse after verse, God’s Word hammers that theme. Unity is a divine priority.
I knew a preacher who preached almost every week on home and family issues. The New Testament addresses those issues and so should we. But there are many topics far more common in the NT than home, marriage and such issues.
When I preach expositionally, I follow God’s priorities more than mine.
4) Expositional preaching allows me to address controversial issues.
Similarly, I can address controversial issues that preachers sometimes avoid because they are in the text. If I am preaching 1 Timothy 5, I can address what it says about paying preachers. It’s in the text. It’s God’s Word, not mine. Is that a copout? Maybe. But I have addressed sexual issues when they came up, financial issues, family issues – God’s Word deals with it all.
5) Expositional preaching is intensely practical.
The negativity of some toward expositional preaching seems to be rooted in an assumption they make that I do not make. They seem to assume that expositional preaching will not be practical preaching. Expositors, they imply, just comment on the text in an academic fashion and do not preach to the needs of people.
The role of the expositor is not to give a theoretical theological treatise. His job is to explain to the hearer what Almighty God has to say about his life. The kind of preaching they describe is not expositional preaching, it is BAD expositional preaching.
The word of God is intensely practical – if it is only theological or theoretical, I have failed as an expositor. My job is to “expose” God’s Word to my congregation, to help them see life from the divine perspective.
I have found that Bible exposition is the most effective way to deal with the real needs of people, to hit them where they live and to bring about spiritual growth toward maturity.
Now, It’s Your Turn
I’ve had my say. The comment stream is now open. I am a committed, passionate, and permanent expositor of God’s Word. You are free to disagree. If you do, tell me why. Is there a better way than verse-by-verse exposition?
What say you?
JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT BY WRETCHED TV
I love this man and he knows the Bible and loudly proclaims it. He is NOT ashamed of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. He's funny and Godly, an amazing and rare mixture today. Subscribe to his channel and give God the glory that you have been given GRACE. God bless you all. Enjoy.
Be forever blessed and much love in Yeshua Messiah!
HEBREW WORD OF THE DAY
Waterfall...
What a beautiful word that shows the beauty of all of God's amazing creations! You even see His rainbow, His Promise to us, in them! What a testament to His GLORY!
God Bless You and Much Love in Christ Jesus! Shalom
WHAT IS TONGUES? A GREAT BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE, AND, DOES NOT OUTRIGHT DENY IT BUT ONLY HOW IT IS DONE IN CHURCHES TODAY
Well, I thought I'd kind of moved on from this speaking in tongues issue but I feel it is so misunderstood, abused and misused that it is hindering the true Gospel of Salvation that I must give you all available information. Be assured, I have tried to find any credible information that confirms this but it's not there. All I could find is personal blogs, websites or social media that "confirms" this but nowhere do I find this outside one particular group or denomination. Also, be aware that even Muslims and another "religion" also claims to have this gift of tongues. Just think about that for a minute. Also, I do not endorse him as a true man of God. I only shared this because of this particular video. I encourage you to do your own research to make the determination for yourself based on CREDIBLE information whether or not he is a false teacher/prophet. There seems to be many that believe him to be. However, I haven't seen it but nor have I studied him either. I've found my online ministers and too many opens you up to deception and confusion. Find a few you like and stick with them. This is my advice based on experience and being raised on a firm foundation. I don't have the time or desire to do your research and share what I feel is relevant to the church today and do my best to put ALL things inline with scripture. I'm human too and will get things wrong. I welcome all feedback as long as it's Godly and done in love and by the Bible.
Let me be clear on my thoughts on this. God can do whatever He wants and give any gift to whomever He pleases. I was a cessationist but I'm more of a partial cessationist now. I do believe that God uses us as vessels for healing, not like these fake healing services but anyone who is born again. No man has the power to heal, only God through the Holy Spirit. Even in Apostolic times, not all spoke in tongues and again (not to beat a dead horse) but it was ALWAYS A KNOWN LANGUAGE. Only once, in a metaphorical way, is the tongues of angels used by the Apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians 13. I also believe we are given gifts of the Spirit such as wisdom and knowledge, discerning Spirits BUT as the Spirit gives utterance. I don't believe we are able to heal like is taught. I believe we are able to be used by God to heal as clearly defined by the Canon of Scripture, the Word of God.
For example, I was praying and the more I prayed, the more powerful it became and I started praying for healing for my sister of terminal lung cancer. She'd just gotten her latest results and there wasn't a lot of positive changes. So I prayed and 3 months later, her CT scan showed no cancer in her body. Today, she is off therapy, cancer-free and the doctors have considered her healed. Did I heal her? Absolutely not but did God? I absolutely believe that He did. That cancer may have left her body that minute, I won't know this side but it's possible. I don't care either because by His grace and power she is healed today. Proof God hears our prayers and is working today, performing wonders. Also, I first prayed right after her diagnosis for Salvation for her and after her surgery, she called and told me she gave her life to Christ and is very active in church today and I see the fruits and the new birth in her. I'm sure many were praying for her too. I didn't lay hands on her as she is 800 miles away. God is good all the time and all the time, God is good.
I also had a strange experience of "healing" once but it wasn't human or even anything alive, including a plant. You're going to find it hard to believe but again, as always when this happens, I have a highly credible witness to it. I spilled a glass of tea all over my laptop and sure enough, I ruined it. We tried and tried for months to even get it to turn on and nothing. Eventually, it kinda became a personal joke between my David and me. We were having fun, teasing each other and talking about what a klutz I am, he picked up the laptop and said yeah, and here's proof. Now why I even did this, I don't know but I asked him to hand it to me. I prayed over it and asked God, if He be willing, to SHOW my David the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT by letting the laptop turn on. I hit the "on" button and even though we'd tried turning it on a few times 10 minutes earlier and nothing happened, right after that prayer, it turned on immediately and stayed on for about 10 minutes. Of course I was hoping it was "fixed" but that's not what I prayed for nor was it really what I wanted. The reason, while he was literally stunned and amazed, I asked Him to take it away is I wanted proof that it wasn't a fluke. We found a good repair business that was amazingly affordable and they fixed it. When David picked it up, the tech asked him if he was positive the computer turned on. He said it was so corroded that when he opened it up, the inner workings just fell out in pieces. It was nothing but rust and dust. David assured him it came on and he told him exactly what occurred. He told me all the computer tech could do was say "hmmm." That was the ONLY possible answer. Before we got it fixed, I tried on and off to turn it on and only if I prayed did it turn on and honestly, not every time I prayed did it come on. Most times in my heart, I didn't want it to. I desperately wanted David to KNOW it was impossible for that computer to have turned on so he'd know the power of the Holy Spirit of God Almighty. Now would God "heal" a material item? That was my biggest concern but ultimately I came to the conclusion that God does whatever it takes to show Himself to unbelievers or even believers who may have strayed away. Can I say for 100% certainty that God did this? No because I did not physically see Him do it but yet I felt Him. In the end, you either see the power of God or you're blinded to it. You decide by the preponderance of the evidence, the POWER of God, and the Word of God. All I know is I prayed and it came on. I prayed rightly and my motives were right. I was a bit amazed and stunned myself. That's not the first time He fixed my computer either and at the same time, an electrical outlet in the kitchen with an electrician who witnessed it. He can do ANYTHING.
I'm sharing this particular video on speaking in tongues NOT to disprove or prove it but because I've prayed the same prayer and asked the same question myself. Maybe you have to and this is to hopefully put this awesome gift given as a sign to the Jews in its proper Biblical perspective. Let's never teach any doctrine that hinders the Gospel or prevents someone from accepting it and then feeling they are not truly saved, even though they are, because they aren't given this gift. Also, those who believe they speak in tongues, from my experience, never tell a new Christian that their loved ones is in hell (or going there) because they didn't speak in tongues. That is cruel. It's prideful, boastful and goes against the clear teachings of the Christ Jesus. YOU ARE NOT THEIR JUDGE and you literally broke my heart and caused me so much emotional and Spiritual pain that I abandoned all physical churches and honestly, I cannot find one anywhere that preaches the Bible in truth, the RIGHT Gospel of Salvation and/or that hasn't compromised to suit the world. The closest is 3 hours from me. They told me not to even try. I find that the saddest news I've heard. The physical churches and pastors need to get back to the Bible and do what is right and feed their flock. God bless and do not hinder or dictate to another how the Holy Spirit will work in their life because that's like saying you have the power and knowledge of God. Isn't that why the world is in the mess it's in today? Eating of the tree of good and evil and desiring the knowledge of God? I love you and pray for you. Let's put this doctrine to rest finally by not what man claims but what God says. I've heard this done properly one time in my life so I don't disbelieve it, I just don't accept the way it is done in some churches today. I also challenge you to find any credible resource that teaches this outside the Pentacostal and its offshoots and upholds it.
THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, FAITH ALONE, CHRIST ALONE
First Corinthians 15:1-11
Ephesians 2:8-9
John 3:16-17
FALSE PROPHET OR SOLA SCRIPTURA? SHOULD WE OPENLY SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE WOLVES?
I've shared many of Steve Cioccolanti's videos and of course he (like most others) is labeled as a false prophet by someone. I like him but I watched one of his videos and he said that we should NEVER speak "evil" about anyone ever, even if they are wolves because if we do, we will get sick and unless we apologize to them, we will stay physically sick. He went on to say we shouldn't speak out against even the best known false teachers. When I heard him say this, it didn't sound right to me but what do I know? I'm just an average Bible reader who struggles to understand some of what is said. But...there's a verse that I can't tell you where that goes something like this...
If your brother has something wrong, you are to go to that person and confront him. If he repents and turns back, then do nothing else. However, if he fails to listen, take 2 or 3 more with you and if he still refuses to repent, then take it to the church.
(Please take note this is NOT about him at all, I do not label him as one but nor do I agree with everything he teaches. I'm not warning you not to listen to him, I'm only using him as an example on how to discern a true man of God and a wolf or what to avoid and help you to test things said by anyone by the Word of God. However, he does preach water baptism and speaking in tongues as evidence of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, something the vast majority of born again Christians cannot do except of themselves. Otherwise, it's grace alone, through faith alone, by Christ alone. While I disagree with baptism as necessary for salvation, I do believe it's the outward confession of the inward decision and should be done IF led to do so by the Holy Spirit, as I was.)
Christ Jesus told us that many would come in His Name and talked often about wolves in sheep's clothing out to destroy us. This is in no way doctrine but rather I am asking a question on this. If we know a false prophet, church or a cult, is it not our job to warn the flock? How can we do that if we keep silent? Of course we should pray for them, love them, but Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved Him. Three times Peter said yes and after each one, He told Peter to "feed His sheep." Three is a very prophetic and an important number in the Bible. When God Almighty says something once, He means it but when He says it 3 times, you best take Him extremely serious(ly). Sorry, I'm not a great writer and don't know all the rules.
How can we warn others of false prophets, churches and especially highly dangerous cults and doctrines without telling them who they are? Is that taking care of His flock or placating man for fear of offending them? Please don't take this as Gospel or doctrine but rather a very honest question and not necessarily specific to Steve? I can't ever spell his last name. While unless you can prove by the Word of God that anyone is a true wolf, you should be wary of spreading rumors because man is going to get things wrong. I am not calling him a false prophet or wolf either but I want to look at what he teaches in whole, not just one random opinion.
The resources I looked at were, to the best of my knowledge, credible and not just the belief of some random and unknown person. I also look to see if there's multiple claims and if they agree with each other because the Bible says that if 2-3 (or more) agree, then it's true. So let's decide if what he preaches is what we should base our doctrine and theology on.
One reason he's considered dangerous is that he walks a thin line between astronomy and astrology. I see this but I know nothing about the occult because I choose not to learn about it. That is not my calling. I'll leave that to the more mature in the Word of God but will prepare myself for whatever God calls me to do. For now, He hasn't led me in that direction so I can only go by what little I know and what others say. When I can see he's into numerology, puts a high amount of emphasis in the stars, planets and other Heavenly body signs as well as being highly involved in politics, preaches the doctrine of tongues as proof of indwelling of the Holy Spirit, one has to wonder how much importance and time we should put in his teachings? He's very interesting, charismatic and appealing. He's very nice looking (which to many, can also mislead because our society puts way too much emphasis on outward beauty rather than inward. In Isaiah, he is clear that even our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was not outwardly of anything special. He says that He has no beauty (or comliness) that we should desire Him. So THE most awesome minister ever born was not outwardly handsome is very telling. On the flip side, being outwardly beautiful doesn't mean they're not inwardly even more beautiful.) I have noticed a trend though. The most popular (and very false) pastors ARE outwardly attractive. Look at Joel Osteen and Benny Hinn in his prime. I just wonder if sometimes we aren't worshipping the creation rather than the Creator.
I haven't listened to him in quite awhile because I don't agree with a lot of what he says and although I may personally agree with his politics, the church is for preaching the Word of God and not the ills and social issues of the world. While they have their place in the Body of Christ, that is not our Great Commission and nor do I think we're doing anything of substance to help the problems of the world. I truly believe that many of the problems the world has today falls at the feet of the Church. We have failed them. We have signs and ads inviting them to our services but that's not how the Bible tells the Church to preach the Gospel. We are to go OUT into the world to spread the Good News because it's doubtful they're going to come to us unless it's for their own agendas. Can God use that? Of course He can and does but again, we must look to the Word to see what God says. We have become a very passive, apathetic and pathetic Church. We are lukewarm.
I don't know and wouldn't label him as one because I'm not into that. He also leads to works salvation but, in truth, this really isn't about him, his ministry or anyone else in particular. It's about the Body of Christ and how we may come together, be of one voice and one accord because I heard yesterday on a video that why would he go to church or believe in God when even the church had so many problems. That struck a chord in my heart, one that has been growing for quite a while. We blame the world -- the governors, politicians, LGBTQs, etc. when we failed them. Too much division in the Body and like Jesus said, a house divided against itself cannot stand.
I'll end with this, I don't see Discover Ministries as a false church, he's just not my cup of tea but at times, I feel what he says is correct. As the saying goes (even if it applied) "even a broken clock is right twice a day." Don't throw out the baby with the bath water and learn to discern and test all things to see if they are of God. Let every man be fully convinced in his own mind. Yet also remember that it is also written that there's things that seem "right" to a man that leads to destruction. Pray for discernment and learn to spot the lies or wrong teachings by being grounded in the Word of God. "Be ye not deceived." God bless and thanks for letting me speak freely and hopefully offer you good food for thought. I welcome all feedback as long as it's based on the Word of God.
HOW TO BE BORN AGAIN
First Corinthians 15:1-4
THE DEATH/BURIAL/RESURRECTION
GRACE
SHARING A "WRETCHED" VIDEO
I love this man. You will too. This one is on John McAuthur calling out false prophets and, of course, people jumping all over to defend their "beloved" wolf. Enjoy and be blessed! He's a funny AND very Godly man. So you can go to church, be entertained in the right way and be filled. God bless and learn so you too can share the Gospel of Salvation. Sow those "seeds of faith."
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son so that whosoever believeth in His Name shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
GOOD ONLINE PASTORS AS RECOMMENDED BY JUSTIN PETERS (AND A FEW OF MY OWN)
Justin Peters
Paul Washer
John McAuthur
Susan Heck (Mainly for women, she's memorized 27 books of the Bible)
Mike Gendron
J. Vernon McGee (This is who I personally recommend, radio preacher from the 80s)
R.C. Sproul (Mr. Peters disagrees with his teachings on eschatology -- unfulfilled prophecy -- and infant baptism but otherwise, recommended by him as teaching sound doctrine)
Wretched (This one is awesome, funny, entertaining in a good way and originally I was turned off by the name until I found out why...he said he is one of those "wretches" that the song "Amazing Grace" is talking about)
These I have listened to and concur, awesome ministries and NOT false teachers/prophets
+ + + + + + +
I can't personally vouch for these but I have NO doubt that they are true men of God and can be trusted with the truth but always keep in mind, every single one of us are fallen and subject to getting something wrong. But all in all, these ARE the cream of the crop today. I do plan to listen and share their ministries with you. It's good to find one...or three...that you enjoy their style because none are really denominational but as I said Sola Scriptura.
Steve Lawson
Jim Osman
Alistair Begg
MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS (rated by *)
Grace Ambassadors***** (the best I have found to date - highly recommend)
Robert Breaker@CloudChurch.com ***
Jonathan Cahn**** (the best Messianic Rabbi I've heard)
Robert Breaker @ CloudChurch.com has the right doctrine but some of his opinions and thoughts, while interesting to consider, should never be taken as doctrine. He is also very clear on what he means. Like the Apostle Paul, he is clear when it is Biblical and when it's his personal opinion and/or advice. I personally enjoy his teachings and like hearing his thoughts but we must always be careful to make that distinction when listening to anyone. If it's not Biblical, it's either false doctrine (and run away) or just their thoughts. It's good to think and pray on what things may be. The Holy Spirit, the Word of God and us coming together, EVEN if it's on social media, we can see the Bible in truth and not conjecture. He's not well-liked, especially by the extreme traditional Christians and especially by false churches (of course) and he may not be your cup of tea. Just offering you what helps me. I'll end with this...
Test all Spirits and Be a GOOD Berean by searching the scriptures daily to see if these things are true. Also, if you are of the Word of Faith, Health and Wealthy Prosperity group, you won't like these men. However, I pray you listen and take heed to what they are teaching you. Jesus NEVER encouraged us to be wealthy and we are not promised health this side of Heaven. God heals today, my sister is proof, but live a Godly life, trust in Him and the rest falls into place. God bless and much love in Christ Jesus and then go out and LOVE MUCH in return.
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