Hold Fast to Biblical Warnings

Christians must be familar with the Bible and what it says, and how to properly interpret it based on sound doctrine. Jude 3 tells us we are to persevere, contend and be faithful to the teachings that have been once for all handed down to the Saints. Why is sound doctrine so important? Phillippians 1:10,11 helps to give us the answer, "so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ to the gory and praise of God." We need to know how to walk wisely, how to live out our faith to know and be acquainted with the truth. Sound doctrine is absolutely essential in knowing how to discern truth from error, right from wrong, and good from evil. Without a knowledge of sound doctrine we are subject to deception and apostasy. These are a few requirements we need in order to Stand Firm in the Faith. Eph. 6:13 The Bible warns throughout to watch out for false teachers and false prophets, and in particular it tells us that sound doctrine is a safeguard from deception. Those who do not heed the instructions of sound doctrine will turn away from the truth and accumulate for themselves teachers that will mislead them. 2 Tim 4:3,4 tells us: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 2 Peter 2:1 "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." Remember the instruction from Hebrews 13: 7 - 9a : "Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; Currently there is a Revival in Lakeland, Florida 6/26/08, that is lead by Todd Bentley. This is a video of the current revival, showing the strange teachings and manifestations.

We are further warned from Ephesians 5:6-11 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them fro you were formerly darkness, but now yu are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth.) tryinhg to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;

Further articles on the revival and Todd Bentley:

Believers in Grace

http://www.believersingrace.citymax.com/mypeopleloveitso.html

Apostasy Alert:

http://www.apostasyalert.org/REFLECTIONS/bentley.htm

Midwest Christian Outreach:

http://midwestoutreach.org/blog/

What is Discernment and why we need it more then ever

As we stand firm in the faith, upholding the word of God and proclaiming the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ to others as well as living fruitful lives to honor His name, it is all believers responsiblility to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. Jude 3. This requires being able to discern. So we need to know what discernment is ? Discernment is a process of learning to distinguish between right and wrong. It is a process of learning to distinguish between right and wrong. It is a process of disciplining yur conscience, your mind, and disciplining yourself to study the word of God. Knowing the difference between right and wrong is a skill that is developed by dilligent study in God's Word. As we grow in our faith we become better at knowing truth from what is false, right from wrong, and what is sin and what is righteousness. So it is important to know the Scriptures so that we are able to discern false teachings and when someone is using a passage of Scripture incorrectly. When we train ourselves to detect right from wrong and actively practice discernment we can avoid the confusion that people often fall into.

The Bible describes discernment this way in Hebrews 5:14 "Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong." Discernment is the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, truth and a lie. 1 John 2:21 says: "I am writing to you not because you don't know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and a lie."

Discernment helps you to determine and interpret important issues properly and understand the motives that drive a certain agenda. Common sense is also a factor in the process. Discernment helps you to stand firm in the faith, to make good decisions and helps you keep a good balance in your Christian life. Discernment is always based on God's Word. It is the foundation to which our knowledge of God is known and where our knowledge of right and wrong comes from. God is the source of all truth, and He gives discernment to those who seek it. Proverbs 9:10 " Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement."

Discernment is not learned overnight, it doesn't just get dumped into your head. It isn't a mystical thing. It is based on knowing who God is from the bible, practicing and obeying what God says. Who God expects us to be as we live the Christian life and how we are to treat others. It also comes through a process of Sancification. How we grow in Christ, and is practiced with a transformed mind. Romans 12:1,2.

We must stand firm in our faith on the word of God. It is the foundation for all discernment and true wisdom. The more you read and study the word, the more discernment you will obtain, and the better you will be at detecting what is false. Discernment will safeguard you from the lies of Satan and keep your feet planted on solid ground. God's source of truth is to be found in His Word. The Holy Spirit is our helper in understanding God's truth.

1 Corinthians 2:12-16 says: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he can not understand them, because they are spirituallly apprasised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. FOR WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ."

What does the Scripture say ?

This Scripture took on real meaning afte having a discussion with a former Pastor tonight 5/6/08. When pragmatism is guiding a leader's decision making, scripture is rarely exalted in the final say of truth. He refused to heed the warnings of discernment that we gave him long ago when faced with deception and false teaching and refers to his error of judgement now -- as dabbling with teachings. In our gentleness it brought no conciliation, no healing. He did not gather or bind up. He did not extend fellowship or offer to bring us back into the fold to which he had driven us away. In a post-modern culture in which we live, it is a challenge for most to stand firm in the faith on the word of God. False teachings are a serious offense as outlined in scripture, and pastor have a special duty and instruction in the bible to guard the flock that they are entrusted with. Acts 20:28-32). Examine carefully the passage below, Trust what God says.

Ezekiel 34: 1-16

The word of the LORD came to me: " Son of man, prophecy against the shepheds of Israel; prophecy and say to them: "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Isreal who only take care of themselves ! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. "Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: As surely as I live, decalares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animal, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather then for my flock, therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; This is what the Sovereign LORD says; I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them. " For this is what the Sovereign LORD says; I myself will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them. "For this is what the Sovereign LORD says; I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I willl rescue them from all places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountain Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their gazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and thee they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will search for the lost and bring back the strays, I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy, I will shepherd the flock with justice."

The convicting power of the Scripture

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and shaper then any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

The Word of God has double power that is indicated by the words 'two-edged sword. The Word cuts deep into the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It judges all that is in the heart, judging unbelievers as well as searching the hearts of believers. It goes to the very depths of a person, revealing what is hidden and bring it into the light. God knows all things, he searches all hearts. (1 Chronicles 28:9)

Do you stand firm in the faith and believe the Bible is God's Word ? God Breathed ? Unless you believe the Bible is the very word of God, it will have no authority or effect. Jesus came and made the scriptures alive and real to people. Jesus came and made the scriptures alive, and they believed ! Faith and Grace working together produced reverence and worship to God. The old testament Scriptures were not just words in a book, but they were the Living word of God made flesh in Jesus Christ. John 1:1) His disciples preached the Gospel Jesus came to bring, and lives were changed because of that Truth. 1 Thess 2:13 testifies to this fact:

"For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs it's work in you who believe."

Reading Hebrews 4:12 gives us godly wisdom, and gives great reverence of God's all-knowing, he knows us better then we know ourselves. It is a forwarning and gives us the opportunity to repent of sin and be right with God. We must be firm in the faith and believe Him.

In Matthew Henry's commentary it says this about the power of God's word: " It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The word will turn the inside of a sinner out, and let him see all that is in his heart. The perfections of the Lord Jesus Christ. His person, particularly His omniscience, none of the creatures can be concealed from Christ; and there are none of the motions and workings of our heads and hearts but what are open and manifest to Him. This omniscience of Christ should engage us to perserve in faith and obedience.

Omniscience means: A divine attribute of God; God's knowing of all things of proper knowledge. The divine attribute of perfect knowledge. This is declared in numberous scriptures. The perfect knowledge of God is exclusively His attribute. It includes all things that are actural and all things that are possible.

Jesus says in - John 12:48 "He who rejects Me and does not recieve My sayings, has one who judges him; that word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day."

They're selling what on a Shopping Channel ?

Things are changing so rapidly in the world, and even in the Church these days. There is a noticable increase of evil. False teaching continues to escalate, and the Christian must be sober and alert. People's hearts are being captured by myths and a increasing cultural elevation of the occult, and supernatural manifestation. people's worldviews and spiritual quests have have changed and understanding of 'Who God is' and 'Why Jesus came' are -- getting distorted and degraded because of lack of knowledge of what the Bible teaches. Christians are failing to Stand Firm in their faith on the truths in the bible. People are elevating teachers, and listening to false prophets and their teachings. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:11-13 - "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most peoples love will grow cold. "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved."

2 Peter 2:1,2 says: "But false prophets also arose among the people just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bring swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;

Someone doesn't have to look very far by a casual channel surf on TV, to see blatant occultism in programming. That's not so unusual these days. But it seems promotion of the occult is becoming more pervasive and assertive then ever.

While surfing through the channels today 3/27/08, we observed a national shopping channel offering as a 'today's special' dvd's of the Psychic John Edwards. These dvd's promoted meditation, teaching how to discover angels and guides, contacting dead loved ones, and were to instruct people how to 'tape' into energy, and were to teach people how to be psychics themselves and give psychic readings. The dvd's are suppose to be 11 hrs. of training)

During the day-long product promotion -- 27,000 sold. During his presentation other items were offered such as a Journal book with Rosary bead Cross, and artwork of 'tree of life' print. As people called in to talk with the Shopping Hosts and the Psychic John Edwards, he was doing 'psychic readings' with callers right there on the Shopping channel. Who would expect something like this to be sold on a shopping channel, let alone a 'today's special' ? which receives a lot of primary air time during the day and evening, that the special is promoted. Not only Adults are seeing this, but Children too.

What was presented to the public was the appearance of excitement, fun and life changing spiritual guidance, but in reality it was Necromancy, Divination, and Spiritism -- (Syncretism - is the fusion of different systems of belief ) along with the presentation it was combined with the use of Icons and the language of Christianity. The above mentioned practices are of the occult and not of Christianity. What became very obvious after watching this national shopping channel was; that the spiritual climate of our nation is dramatically changing. What attracts people to these modern day psychics is their persuasive demonstrations, proofs of information from a source unidentified, supernatural manifestations such as Angels and spirit guides and contacts with deceased loved ones. What is deceiving people is that these signs and wonders, this 'energy' these people are 'tapping' into is real, but is not of the Holy Spirit. This is a good example of how subtle the tactics and enticements of the enemy are.l Remember the bible states in 1 Peter 5:8 "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. "But resist him, firm in your faith," Jesus warns us that perlious times would come, and says in Matthew 24:24,25, "For false Christs and flase prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. "Behold, I have told you in advance." Throughout the Old and New Testament, spiritism is forbidden. God instructs and warns his peple to stay away from Occult practices and teachings.

Deuteronomy 18:9-11,14

"When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations. "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead." 14) "For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do so."

Leviticus 19:31 "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." 2 Kings 21:6 "He made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and used divination, and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD provoking Him to anger." (Also see 2 Chronicles 33:6) Isaiah 8:19,20 "When they say to you, "consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, "should not a people consult their God? should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn."

Anyone claiming to be a Christian should Not be involved in anything to do with occult practices, no matter how popular, no matter how 'Spiritual or real' they may see. (Not everything spiritual is of God.) We should be clothed in the armor of God of Ephesians 6:10- "Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Listed here are scriptures you can look up that condemn these occult practices.

The Bible condemns spiritism, consulting mediums, and Necromancy: Leviticus 19:31, 1 Samuel 28:3,9, 1 Chronicles 10:13, 2 Chronicles 33:6, Isaiah 8:19, 19:3, Jeremiah 27:9, The Bible condemns Divination: Leviticus 19:26, 1 Samuel 15:23, 2 Kings 17:17, 21:6, 2 Chronicles 33:6, Isaish 2:6, Acts 16:16-20 Additional : Revelation 9:20,21, 18:23, 22:15, Galatians 5:19-21, Acts 8:9-11, 19:19

In closing, 1 Thess 5:21,22 tells us to: "Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." These days believers in Jesus Christ, need to be discerning, and be careful to what they are being exposed to through TV, music, books, and teachers. 1 John 4:1 says it best "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

** For Further information Websites you can visit:

Christian Answers for the New Age -

http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/

Refuge Ministries - http://www.refugeministries.cc/main.asp

Watchman Fellowship - http://www.watchman.org/

(a christian research ministry that can provide more information on John Edwards)

** For further study regarding Angels - Ron Rhodes fold-out Quick reference guide on 'Angels - What you need to know' and books

'Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministry' http://www.ronrhodes.org

** Marcia Montenegro's book "Spellbound' is an excellent book for Christian parents.

Why doctrine is Important

WHY DOCTRINE IS IMPORTANT
For the Christian, the bible is how we determine the truth. It also instructs us on how to handle any conflicts in our relationships, as well as every other area of our lives. But the trouble is; Do we take the bible's instructions and commands seriously, and apply what it says? or do we just brush it off as someone's personal 'opinion' or perception? In Christian relationships or in ministry - this is a crucial question.

To stand firm in the faith you must study the truths of the Faith. It is every Christians responsibility to know and study God's word. You can not mature in the Faith, if you don't personally study the bible for yourself. A lack of studying leads to immature attitudes towards your brothers and sisters in Christ and eventually sin. A lack of personal study also leads many into doctrinal error and misinterpreting of the scripture. Many Christians reject the study of doctrine and theology as unimportant. But isn't real Christian unity based on the whole of Christian truth (doctrine) found in the bible ? If we isolate one doctrinal teaching from others will it not effect the way we treat one another?

But it is not enough to study the truth, but we must also accurately handle the truths of scripture. 2 Tim 2:15 reads: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." We need to be responsible for how we speak, apply, and handle the truth of Scripture, also in Titus 2:1 it says: "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine."

The word is to be apart of our conversations, applied to our life circumstances and experiences so that we walk wisely, having godly relationships, so we may have peace through our trials and endure through our continued growth in Christ. We will enjoy unbroken fellowship. But if we willfully choose to ignore or brush-off this admonishing from scripture to obey and apply the word as the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and leads us, there is a warning what will happen to us -

2 Tim 4:3-5 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

In our conduct towards each other we are to live in a matter worthy of the gospel of Christ, standing firm in our faith, living a life that is consistent with God's revealed word. Our testimony before the world requires us to live with godly integrity otherwise we weaken the gospel's credibility. We are to as Phil 2:15, 16 says: "so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among who you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life."

** Note: This entry was originally posted on March 9, 2008. I have had to re-post it again.

Stand Firm in the Faith - Hope does not disappoint

Romans 5:1-5
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."


Romans 15:4,5
"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus."













Trials come to test our faith. These are the things that prove that we belong to Christ, our perseverance, our obedience in difficult times. When friends are gone, and you are alone. I know many that put their trust in how many friends they have, some saying how that proves they are a Christian, but that's not what God's word says. It is God who makes the Christian stand firm in the Faith.

originally posted on January 28, 2008. I have had to repost it due to problems in Aug 2008.

Stand Firm in the Faith - Scriptures

We are instructed from Scripture to Stand Firm in the Faith, to stay faithful to the end. That is the intention of the blog, to continue to be obedient to the Lord and His Word, regardless of opposition that we receive, and trials and sufferings. We will all stand accountable one day before the Lord for what we did, and did not do.

1 Corinthians 2:5

"...so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."

1 Thessalonians 3:8

"For now we really live if you stand firm in the Lord."

Ephesians 6:10-17

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rules, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickness in heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day and having done everything to stand firm. Stand Firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARTION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God."

Galatioans 5:1

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."

2 Corinthians 1:24

"Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for you joy; for in your faith you are standing firm."

1 Corthinthians 15:1

"Now I make known to you, brethen, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand."

For the Christian, we do not stand firm in our own power, but it is the power of God which makes us stand firm. This is not dependent on support from others, but comes from a living and vibrant relationship with Christ.