In summing up the points made by these surveys the following observations may be made:Excerpted from “Barna Reviews Top Religious Trends of 2005”
A second individual-oriented trend has reached what the Californian deems to be crisis proportions. “American Christians are biblically illiterate. Although most of them contend that the Bible contains truth and is worth knowing, and most of them argue that they know all of the relevant truths and principles, our research shows otherwise. And the trend line is frightening: the younger a person is, the less they understand about the Christian faith.” Barna mentioned several studies done throughout the year that explored beliefs related to the existence and nature of God, the holiness and authority of Jesus Christ, the need for and means of salvation, the key teachings of Jesus, the role of a community of faith, and other foundational elements of Christianity. “By and large, people parrot what their parents taught them. Sadly, with fewer and fewer parents teaching their kids much of anything related to matters of faith, young people’s belief system is the product of the mass media.”
The investigation into this problem undertaken by The Barna Group indicates that people are oblivious to committed study of the Bible for various reasons. Among those are the fact that they think they know what is important to know; churches have de-emphasized Bible teaching; families have become too busy and have demoted Bible learning as a family endeavor and priority; most parents rely upon churches to provide Bible training for their children, but churches rely upon volunteers who are ill-prepared to provide meaningful, long-term Bible training; and the messages derived from cultural communications often directly conflict with biblical messages, causing confusion or an outright rejection of biblical themes.Excerpted from “Barna Survey Offers a Profile of How Americans See Themselves”
Overall, the data were described by George Barna, the survey’s director, as showing that Americans have a generally positive and secure view of themselves. However, he also noted that the information shows some conflicting elements in their self-view (e.g., most people claiming to lead a simple life yet a majority noting that they are either in serious debt, are stressed out or are into the latest technologies).
Barna also pointed out that while most people claim that their faith is one of the fundamental self-defining elements of their life, the data indicate that people’s perspectives are more likely to be influenced by their age and ethnicity than anything else.
The survey also underscored the difference between those who are born again based on their beliefs about salvation and those who simply embrace the label without trusting Jesus Christ for their salvation. In total, one out of every five adults who claims to be “born again” does not believe that their salvation is based on their confession of sins and reliance upon Christ. Barna also pointed out that nearly one-quarter of the people who are born again, based on that criteria, reject the “born again” label.Excerpted from “Americans Have Commitment Issues, New Survey Shows”
“These figures emphasize how soft people’s commitment to God is,” Barna explained. “Americans are willing to expend some energy in religious activities such as attending church and reading the Bible, and they are willing to throw some money in the offering basket. Because of such activities, they convince themselves that they are people of genuine faith. But when it comes time to truly establishing their priorities and making a tangible commitment to knowing and loving God, and to allowing Him to change their character and lifestyle, most people stop short. We want to be ‘spiritual’ and we want to have God’s favor, but we’re not sure we want Him taking control of our lives and messing with the image and outcomes we’ve worked so hard to produce.”
Barna pointed out that one of the challenges these figures present to church leaders relates to building a more positive community experience. “It is obvious that most Christians in the U.S. do not see much value in a communal faith experiences,” commented the author of more than three-dozen books on faith and culture. “Even though the Bible is unambiguous about the importance of experiencing God through a shared faith journey, and Jesus’ example leaves no room for doubt about the significance of involvement in a faith community, Americans remain unconvinced of the necessity of the collective faith experience. This is partially because the typical church model esteems attendance rather than interaction and immersion, partially due to the superficial experiences most believers have had in cell groups or Christian education classes, and partially attributable to our cultural bias toward independence and fluid relationships. Developing a biblical understanding of the preeminence of community life will take intentional leadership, strategic action and time.”Excerpted from “Commitment to Christianity Depends On How It Is Measured”
George Barna, whose company conducted the research, believes that the findings reveal several insights about America’s faith. “For starters, it appears that most Americans like the security and the identity of the label ‘Christian’ but resist the biblical responsibilities that are associated with that identification. For most Americans, being a Christian is more about image than action. Further,” he continued, “researchers and those who use research data must be careful how they portray people’s spiritual commitment. Such descriptions are greatly affected by the way in which commitment is measured.”Excerpted from: “Americans Are Most Likely to Base Truth on Feelings”
The researcher stated that the difference in truth views between born again and non-born again adults was statistically significant, but not much to cheer about. “When a majority of Christian adults, including three out of four born again Baby Busters, as well as three out of four born again teens proudly cast their vote for moral relativism, the Church is in trouble. Continuing to preach more sermons, teach more Sunday school classes and enroll more people in Bible study groups won’t solve the problem since most of these people don’t accept the basis of the principles being taught in those venues. The failure to address this issue at its root, and to do so quickly and persuasively, will undermine the strength of the church for at least another generation, and probably longer.”
Barna also reported that compared to a similar study his firm conducted a decade ago, the basis of people’s moral and ethical decisions these days is more likely to be feelings and less likely to be the Bible.Excerpted from: “The Concept of Holiness Baffles Most Americans”
“Realize that the results portray a body of Christians who attend church and read the Bible, but do not understand the concept or significance of holiness, do not personally desire to be holy, and therefore do little, if anything to pursue it. However, the data identify a remnant that understands holiness, wants to live a holy life, and is engaged in its pursuit. The challenge to the nation’s Christian ministries is to foster a genuine hunger for holiness among the masses who claim they love God but who are ignorant about biblical teachings regarding holiness.”
Pointing to data from several of his recent surveys on spiritual maturity in the U.S., Barna noted, “To initiate the education of people regarding holiness, we must arrest their attention and teach its importance. To align their hearts with the notion of being holy, we must move them away from a ‘cheap grace’ theology and replace people’s self-absorption with focus on God and His ways. To help them pursue holiness, we must help them comprehend and accept biblical theology regarding God, Satan, the purposes of life on earth, the nature of spiritual transformation and maturity, and the necessity of bearing spiritual fruit.”Excerpted from “House Churches Are More Satisfying to Attenders Than Are Conventional Churches”
“Americans are emotionally open to belonging to a house church, and surprisingly few have any real objections to others joining such a community of faith,” explained the author of three-dozen books on faith in America. “But the main deterrent to house church growth is that most people are spiritually complacent; they are not looking to upgrade their spiritual experience. Compared to conventional church attenders, house church adherents are much more likely to say that they have experienced faith-driven transformation, to prioritize their relationship with God, and to desire a more fulfilling community of faith.
“Those who attend a conventional church are generally content to show up and accept whatever their church has on the agenda; they place the responsibility for their spiritual growth on the shoulders of the church,” according to Barna. “We found that most conventional church goers have no desire to help improve their congregation’s ministry, nor do they feel a need to increase their personal spiritual responsibility.”
“On the other hand,” he continued, “the intimacy and shared responsibility found in most house churches requires each participant to be more serious about their faith development. Clearly, the house church experience is not for everyone.”Excerpted from “Americans Reveal Their Top Priority in Life”
“Spirituality is in vogue in our society today,” he commented. “It is popular to claim to be part of a ‘faith community’ or to have a spiritual commitment. But what do Americans mean when they claim to be ‘spiritual?’ The recent Grammy awards were perhaps indicative of this breakdown between self-perception and reality. The members of the group that won the award for best song thanked God for the victory then immediately followed with profanities that had to be bleeped from the broadcast. It seems as if God is in, but living for God is not. Many Americans are living a dual life — one filled with good feelings about God and faith, corroborated by some simple religious practices, and another in which they believe they are in control of their own destiny and operate apart from Him.”
Citing further evidence of this dualistic perspective, the author of more than three dozen books on faith and culture stated, “The survey also noted that among those who say their faith has ‘greatly transformed’ their life, just one out of four positioned their faith practices and pursuits as their highest life priority. It certainly seems that millions of Americans are fooling themselves into thinking that they have found the appropriate balance between God and lifestyle.”
All of these things are signs of departure from the true Biblical faith, which is apostasy. Other warnings have been chronicled by commentators in the article “Trendy Christianity:” “Designer religion,” illiterate Christians thinking we can learn of God through revelation and religious experiences, a quick prayer asking for forgiveness, and then going on in life with virtually nothing changed, more than 80% of “church growth” being biological or transfer growth and very little from penetrating the ranks of the unsaved and unchurched and North America rapidly becoming more religiously diverse with constituents of Christianity dropping by about 10 percentage points per decade with the likelihood of Christianity becoming a minority religion in the U.S. during the 2020's.
As a result of this, one example of misunderstood and twisted scriptural values is thriving in the Pentecostal/charismatic community, which is racing towards adopting and adapting and becoming adept in worldly ways of being “church” [read: the institutional church system of today].
I have attempted to identify some of the factors which have brought about the demise of true Christianity, i.e., being a disciple of Jesus by learning of Him, supporting Him, following Him and imitating Him. I have chronicled what I feel are more than several factors which contribute to the corruption of the faith which was once delivered unto the saints in the article “The spiritual abuser of God, Jesus Christ, Bible, life.”
I received a large post-card from a “ministry” in the mail recently. Black and white on one side and full slick color on the other side. It featured pictures of eight individuals who were proclaimed to be “Five Star Generals in God’s Army.”
Say what? Did somebody edit that information out of my Bibles?
It went on to read: “These five-star generals in God’s Army will prepare and lead us into this season’s spiritual battle, pushing you to accomplish great victories for His Kingdom. GET COMMISSIONED INTO GOD’S SPECIAL CORPS! A new generation of spiritual warriors is being commissioned. Find your purpose! Take your place!” Somewhere on the card this non-event is billed as a “Watchman Intercessor Conference.”
Folks, this kind of biblically illiterate crap has been going on for a long time, and should have been exterminated by true disciples of Christ, i.e., learners, followers, supporters and imitators of Jesus Christ, a long, long time ago.
I turned the card over and there in full slick color it said in larger type than the black and white side “God’s Five Star Generals” (big letters now) “ASSEMBLE THE TROOPS” (back to original text size) “For Strategic Spiritual Battle.”
This is followed by “God’s people will dress for the war ahead and activate their weapons in a new way. Gird yourself with truth, align your shields, and sharpen your swords!” followed by a false prophet’s name.
The background of the card shows helicopters, a close up of a soldier’s face and a miitary dog tag with the words “II COR. 10:4 SPECIAL CORPS” inscribed on it. Did I mention the picture of the young men holding swords upheld? Great efforts are made to accentuate a “war” theme.
In 2 Corinthians, 10:4, the phrase “pulling down of strongholds” is explained in verse 5 as a metaphor of man’s illogical arguments and speculations used to keep other men from finding God. It’s pathetic that these self-proclaimed “great men of God” apparently do not even understand what the Bible is saying, rather, they read into the Bible what they want it to say and mean.
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2 Corinthians 10:3-5: 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; |
The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary comments on II Corinthians 10:3-5:
—Reason why they should regard him “beseeching” them (2Co 10:2) not to oblige him to have recourse to “bold” and stern exercise of authority. “We walk IN the flesh,” and so in weakness: but not “ACCORDING TO the flesh” (2Co 10:2). Moreover, though we WALK in it, we do not WAR according to it. A double contrast or antithesis. “They who accuse us of walking after the flesh, shall find [to their cost] that we do not war after the flesh; therefore compel us not to use our weapons” [ALFORD].
3. For
4. A confutation of those who try to propagate their creed by force and persecution (compare Lu 9:54-56).
weapons—for punishing offending members (2Co 10:6; 1Co 4:21; 5:5, 13); boldness of speech, ecclesiastical discipline (2Co 10:8; 2Co 13:10), the power of the word, and of the sacraments, the various extraordinary gifts of the Spirit.
carnal—Translate, “fleshly,” to preserve the allusion to 2Co 10:2, 3.
mighty through God—Greek, “mighty to God,” that is, mighty before God: not humanly, but divinely powerful. The power is not ours, but God’s. Compare “fair to God,” that is, divinely fair (Ac 7:20, Margin). Also above (2Co 2:15), “unto God a sweet savor.” “The efficacy of the Christian religion proves its truth” [BENGEL].
pulling down—As the Greek is the same as in 2Co 10:5, translate, “casting down.” Compare Jer 1:10: the inspired servants of God inherit the commission of the Old Testament prophets.
strongholds— (Pr 21:22); namely, in which sinners entrench themselves against reproof; all that opposes itself to Christ; the learning, and eloquence, and philosophical subtleties on which the Corinthians prided themselves. So Joshua’s trumpet blast was “mighty” under God to overthrow the walls of Jericho.
5. imaginations—rather, “reasonings.” Whereas “thought” expresses men’s own purpose and determination of living after their own pleasure [TITTMANN].
high thing—So it ought to be translated (Ro 8:39). A distinct Greek word from that in Eph 3:18, “height,” and Re 21:16, which belongs to God and heaven from whence we receive nothing hurtful. But “high thing” is not so much “height” as something made high, and belongs to those regions of air where the powers of darkness “exalt themselves” against Christ and us (Eph 2:2; 6:12; 2Th 2:4).
exalteth itself— 2Th 2:4 supports English Version rather than the translation of ELLICOTT, &c., “is lifted up.” Such were the high towers of Judaic self-righteousness, philosophic speculations, and rhetorical sophistries, the “knowledge” so much prized by many (opposed to “the knowledge of God”), which endangered a section of the Corinthian Church.
against the knowledge of God—True knowledge makes men humble. Where there is exaltation of self, there knowledge of God is wanting [BENGEL]. Arrange the words following thus: “Bringing every thought (that is, intent of the mind or will) into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” that is, to obey Christ. The three steps of the apostle’s spiritual warfare are: (1) It demolishes what is opposed to Christ; (2) It leads captive; (3) It brings into obedience to Christ (Ro 1:5; 16:26). The “reasonings” (English Version, “imaginations”) are utterly “cast down.” The “mental intents” (English Version, “thoughts”) are taken willing captives, and tender the voluntary obedience of faith to Christ the Conqueror.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary comments on the word “strongholds:”
The NIV Bible interprets the verses as:Strongholds, ochuroma, “a stronghold, fortress” (akin to ochuroo, “to make firm”), is used metaphorically in 2 Cor. 10:4, of those things in which mere human confidence is imposed.
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2 Corinthians 10:3-5: 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. |
The Net Bible on the verses:
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2 Corinthians 10:3-5: 10:3 For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards, 10:4 for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God13 for tearing down strongholds.14 We tear down arguments15 10:5 and every arrogant obstacle16 that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey17 Christ. |
First the point is made that we humans walk in the weaknesses of our flesh, i.e., our human nature. However, Paul emphasizes that he doesn’t “war” in the weakness of the flesh, i.e., attempt to impose his beliefs and creeds upon others by force and persecution.——— 13 Or “but (are) divinely powerful,” “but they have divine power,” or “but are powerful for God’s [service]”; Grk “but are powerful to God.”
14 Ultimately Paul is referring here to the false arguments of his opponents, calling them figuratively “strongholds.” This Greek word ... is used only here in the NT.
15 Or “speculations.”
16 The phrase “every arrogant obstacle” could be translated simply “all arrogance” (so L&N 88.207).
17 Grk “to the obedience of Christ”; but since ... (Cristou) is clearly an objective genitive here, it is better to translate “to make it obey Christ.”
———
Because of Paul’s acknowledgment of his own weak human nature and of God’s endorsement and approval of Paul’s dependency on “weapons” that are divinely approved, Paul is able to “pull down” or demolish false arguments of his opponents, calling them figuratively “strongholds.”(To clarify the meaning of the phrase “power ... of the sacraments” here is an excerpt from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary. SACRAMENT: Protestant Christians, who generally prefer to use the word ordinances rather than sacraments, consider baptism and the Lord’s Supper the only true sacraments instituted by the Lord Jesus. These are the only two actions involving visible symbols (the water, and the bread and wine) that were clearly observed by Christ (Luke 22:14-20) and commanded by Him (Matt. 28:19-20). Some Christians object to calling baptism and the Lord’s Supper sacraments, insisting that these “ordinances” are not means to grace but symbols of grace.)
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Galatians 5:13-26: 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. |
My reply:From: Private Follower:
Subject: Angelfire Web Site
You are of your father, the devil! Just as Jesus cursed the Pharisees...I curse you! You are of the spirit of this age and against all that is of God. Beware of the Mighty Hand of God! For God will judge you double for what you do to His children.
Love in Christ,
Steve Morris
My reply:From: Private Follower:
You are absolutely blind and a hypocrite! Jesus is not a “god” but THE GOD! You are against His Holy Spirit and are an instrument of satan, your father. You have no true knowledge of His Word or His Gospel. You are the coward!
I am sending you a message from God Himself! “Touch not Mine anointed!” Christ’s disciples were commanded to preach the Gospel and to work miracles signs and wonders...like their Master.
Kim Clement, Benny Hinn, Rick Joyner, Peter, Paul, Stephen (who was martyred by people like you)...all did the same works that Jesus did and greater...like was recorded in the Gospel of John (another miracle worker).
Satan is a counterfeit. You are a counterfeit. You don’t work miracles, you don’t cast our devils, and you don’t prophesy...like Jesus commanded you to. So, like Jesus told Saul of Tarsus: “Why do you persecute Me?”
Love in Christ,
Steve Morris
P.S.: Please see a psychiatrist, Private and tell him all your delusions and maybe he can help you. I will pray that the true and living God of the Christian Bible will heal, bless and prosper you.
My reply:From: Private Follower:
You speak the same exact way that your forefathers, the Sadducees and Pharisees, spoke to Jesus and His Church. They spoke of Jesus’ Power coming from the devil. Just as you are doing of God’s Church today. Jesus called them of their father the devil. I follow Jesus steps and call you the same.
Joel prophesied about these days...he saw a vision of God’s endtime army of believers. We would all be “prophets” sons, daughters, old men...everyone of us. We would be feared by the world. The same way that they feared the Church when Peter commanded Annias and Sapphira to die for lying to the Holy Spirit.
Those of you who persecute the Church of the Lord will not go unpunished. But you will suffer double for your treason. God’s love and gospel is one of signs wonders and miracles...according to Paul writing to the Corinthians. Your ‘religion’ is one that is destined for hell. Jesus Christ’s main enemies were the ‘religious’. I am not religious...nor do I have one. I am a born again child of God. Filled with His Spirit.
My God, Jesus Christ, is a mystical and prophetic God. Yours is dead or taking a poop (like Elijah said to baals ‘false’ prophets)...
False prophets are just that: false. Paul said in 2 Thesalonians that false and counterfeits do “false” miracles...not “real” miracles. Only God does “real” miracles. If Benny Hinn, Kim Clement, Charles Ndifon, Charles Dixon, Todd Bentley...etc do “real” miracles and ‘real’ prophecies...guess what? THEY ARE REAL!
Jesus said that “satan can NOT cast out satan”...contemplate on those Words spoken by Jesus Himself...
Love in Christ,
Steve Morris
P.S.: If you had the common sense to read the articles on my web site you would have an understanding, from the Bible, of who the true and living God really is, and who the real ekklesia of God, really is, and why the institutional church of today is the antichrist. Since your religion appears to encompass a surface understanding of some parts of the Christian Bible, read my articles, Bibles and Greek and Hebrew Concordances, and 100+ year old commentaries in hand, and show me, from the that Bible, where I’m wrong. I suggest this, knowing full well, that you don’t really want to be confused by the truth because you’ve got your mind made up.
By the way, the persons you mentioned in this email do not do real miracles or speak real prophecies. Their track records are a matter of public record. Simply Google “false prophets” and see what the discerning saints have to say. Apparently, you also don’t have a clue as to what a biblical prophet is.
P.P.S.: Let me know where you live so I can include that with your name in my new article.
My reply:From: Private Follower:
You don’t even know Christ. For you to hypocritically sign off with love in Christ? You are the descendant of the Pharisees and Saducees...you are the exact person that chose barrabas over Christ. I’ve given you the advice and exhorted you to repent! But you refuse to. All you do is speak like the spirit of the age. You are antichrist in spirit.
You sound no different than speaking to a heathen. Thus, why you speak the same language. Lest you repent and get set free from those demon spirits that have control of you...you will suffer under the Mighty Hand of God.
Love in Christ,
Steve Morris
What he had to say was inappropriate, illogical, insane, babbling and repetitive, not to mention unnecessary.
Private has displayed exactly the same mindset exhibited by the religious extremist militants who are terrorizing the world today. And from exactly the same source: a religious hatred for those who don’t embrace and reflect religious values identical to theirs.
To fall prey to the logical fallacy of ad hominem, and in the face of repeated requests for what it was, specifically, that I had written that he was so violently opposed to and then to continue his ad hominem attack is totally void of any rationality.
Now, I admit I got a little aggravated with this person as he continued his ignorant tirade based, apparently, on a temper fit caused by reading something that didn’t agree with his theology. And that activated his narcissism.
Pray for this man that God will bless him and his family. The greatest blessing for any human is to come into a real relationship with Jesus Christ by a saving knowledge of Jesus. Pray for me that I can learn to at least tolerate these types of people.
And pray for yourself also, because this is simply a prophetic indicator of what the true believer today can expect from these “religious” people.
Why, why, oh why do these religious freaks want to continue to live in the Old Testament? Why, why, oh why don’t they read the Bible and let the words that God has preserved for us speak to them? Instead of continuing, vainly, I might say, to read into those words what they want the Bible to say? Why, why, oh why don’t these people understand the love, grace, mercy, wisdom, judgment and justice of our Creator, Saviour, Master and Redeemer, the only true and living God? Why, why, oh why don’t these people understand God’s eternal purpose for those who are true disciples of Jesus Christ?
Why? BECAUSE ...
Biblically illiterate Christians think they are “born again” and want to be spiritual without relinquishing their personal sovereignty to the Supreme Sovereign of the universe. These people want to be labeled “Christian” without exercising their biblical responsibilities, i.e., they want image over action. I said elsewhere on this web site that authority and responsibility are opposite sides of the same coin. If you have authority, you have a responsibility. If you have a responsibility, you have corresponding authority. Many Christians today refuse to exercise their biblical responsibilities, therefore they have no corresponding biblical authority. Nada, nothing, zilch. They base their moral and ethical decisions on feelings, not the Bible. They don’t understand holiness, and don’t personally desire to be holy — except for a remnant.
Conventional church [read: institutional church system] goers generally just “show up” and accept whatever their church has on the agenda and then place the responsibility for their spiritual growth on the shoulders of that church. They have no desire to help improve their congregation’s ministry, nor do they feel a need to increase their personal spiritual responsibility. House church attendees, however, experience transforming faith, prioritize their relationship with God, and want to be part of a community of faith for spiritual fulfillment.
The biblical illiterate Christians are living a dual life — what James calls “double minded.” They give themselves “chill bumps” and “warm fuzzies” for feel-good sensations about God and faith by some simple religious practices, mostly man-made inventions that are nowhere to be found in the Bible—the “Generals” mentality is but one example. But in reality, they fight hard to remain in control of their own destinies, operating apart from God.
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James 4:7-10: 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. |
Some who read this will attempt to rebuke me for judging. There is much confusion about judging among those who name the name of Christ. Below is an excerpt from the book “Growth In Goodness” on this website concerning judging.
The quote about “Don’t touch God’s anointed, and do His prophets no harm.” is simply another instance of reading into the text something that is not there. I explain this in the following excerpt from the article “God, Jesus Christ, His Truth, Bible-true church foundation.”James, chapters three and four, and Titus 3:2-7 instruct us not to judge fleshly weaknesses, as we all have the same problems. We are not to judge opinions, observances of days or what is eaten. We are not to be a stumblingblock, but are to use our strength (in the Lord) to bear up those who are weak (Romans 14-15:13 — see also John 7:24; 8:15; I Corinthians 8-11:1; Colossians 2:16; Galatians 6:1-10). We are not to judge prematurely the “counsels of the hearts” (i.e., motives or purposes) of another’s ministry. When the Lord comes He will “bring to light the hidden things ...” (I Corinthians 4:1-7 — see also I Corinthians 2:15,16).
I Corinthians 5 is clear that we are not to judge those in the world. However, we are to judge the effects of fellow believers on the body (see also II Corinthians 2:5-11; 7:8-12).
[Those who do not believe on Jesus are judged (John 3:17,18, where krino is translated “condemn(ed)” and verse 19 states the reason. Jesus did not come into the world to judge the world, but to save it (John 3:17; 12:47). The Father does not now actively judge but has placed that task into the hands of Jesus (Acts 17:31 — Psalms 9:8; 96:13; 98:9), Who has stated that His Word will judge (John 5:22-27; 12:47-50). The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us of His Words (John 14:16,17,26; 15:26; 16:7,13). Therefore final judgment exercised after the second coming of Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:22-30; 8:26; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Romans 2:16; 14:9-12; I Corinthians 4:5; II Timothy 4:1; I Peter 4:5; Revelation 20:11-15) will be according to His Word].
We are also to judge between the brethren (I Corinthians 6:1-8 — see also Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:25-30) and are to judge carefully and intelligently (Acts 4:19; 15:19 (where krino is translated “sentence”); 16:4 (where krino is translated “ordained”); 16:15; 21:25 (where krino is translated “concluded”); I Corinthians 7:37 (where krino is translated “decreed”); 10;15; 11:13,31; 14:29).
As far as the contemporary false prophets Private mentioned I repeat: simply Google “false prophets” and see what the discerning saints have to say.“Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15; 1 Chronicles 16:22). This is thrown at the believer who attempts to bring truth and light to a sin-darkened institutional church and/or their alleged leaders. It’s just another feeble attempt at manipulating and intimidating in order to control the spiritually illiterate by the biblically stupid, who think that Jesus was a benevolent dictator (or something which He is not!). Don’t fall for this one, saint! There are also many other pitfalls ahead for you when you don’t read and understand the Bible for yourself and do necessary research to comprehend what you read.
Excerpted from “Joel’s Army ... Predator Or Protein ... Come Let Us Reason Together”
“They have taught you that they are God’s anointed and then quoted Psalm 105:15 (see also 1 Chronicles 16:22) “Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” However, if you read these verses in context you will see that God is speaking of the nation of Israel in its formative years. And when David said he would not “stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed” he was speaking of not killing a king, Saul, to be exact. There is no similar situation in today’s church.”
Jesus made it lucidly clear that Father, Son And Holy Spirit live (abide) in every true disciple of Jesus Christ, i.e., those who learn of Jesus, follow Him, support Him and imitate Him (John 14:16,20,23,24,26).
Since you have the Anointed One abiding within you, then you qualify as one of those referred to as “... mine anointed ...” don’t you?
