Angels of Light

 

5 min. read 

Part 9 in the Challenges series 

(2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

As we continue in this study of the challenges that the Church is facing going forward, we'll build on the emergence of false Christs, and the deception that inherently follows. 

False apostles and deceitful workers are not just ministering in the pulpits of America, they can be found in other aspects of the ministry as well. We have already touched on the fact that false doctrine is being reinforced by the praise and worship music being welcomed with open arms by many liberal congregations. Unfortunately, this same music has been accepted by ministries that have, for the most part, been extremely evangelical in years past. These ministries have also been historically sound in the "fundamentals" of the faith. 

What undershepherds need to be aware of concerning this type of music, is the "mystical" undertones that it represents. Rather than glorifying God and exalting Christ, it leans more towards catering to the flesh. Moreover, as we will see, it is a vehicle designed to move the church away from traditional teachings and cause its congregants to seek "spiritual experience". 

Once again, what we see is this move reinforcing what Jesus said in Matthew 24 about deception by "signs and wonders". Those worshipers referenced in Matthew 24 are susceptible to deception by the fact that they are basing "truth" on "spiritual experience", rather than sound Bible doctrine. 

Michael Stoebel of Regis College and the University of Toronto has this to say about Mysticism. 

"Mysticism, like spirituality, is a vague word in contemporary culture, used in multiple ways in diverse settings. It can stand for anything esoteric, mysterious, otherworldly or occult-like, and is often used in reference to exceptionally strong aesthetic and religious feelings. This usage has been the norm in modern times. In 1911 Evelyn Underhill, an influential British scholar of mysticism, noted this ambiguity and described mysticism as “the science or art of the spiritual life."

Stoebel continues,

"Perhaps the most prominent aspect of mysticism in its modern sense is that it is a spiritual experience that can stand apart from institutional religion. Indeed, the noun mysticism was coined only in seventeenth-century France. Prior to this time, there existed just an adjectival form, drawn from the Greek mystikos, meaning “secret,” “hidden” or “private,” which qualified certain scriptures, rituals and theology of the Christian religion as “mystical.” These various contexts of religion functioned to engage an adherent in an unusually intimate (“mystical”) relationship with and awareness of the Christian God."

Examining this statement closer, we can glean two important aspects of "mystical religion" and its teachings. 

First of all we see Underhill stating that, "the most prominent aspect of mysticism in its modern sense is that it is a spiritual experience that can stand apart from institutional religion." Secondly, lifting the last sentence that Mr. Stoebel made we can examine it in the context of what we see happening in contemporary worship music today. Once again we read;

"These various contexts of religion functioned to engage an adherent in an unusually intimate (“mystical”) relationship with and awareness of the Christian God."

The article by Mr. Stoebel referenced above, is concerning the teachings of Evelyn Underhill. She, as we see, was very influential in circles of mystic teaching. Notice once again her description of mysticism. She refers to it as “the science or art of the spiritual life."

In this world science, art, and religion constitutes a large percentage of any culture. If an artist can capitalize on this fact by capturing a large audience in both areas of art and the spiritual life, no doubt that artist is going to have a long and prosperous career. There is certainly nothing wrong with a successful career in any endeavor. That being said, let's examine the road that many artists in the Contemporary Christian Music may be leading churches in the areas of doctrine, thelogy, and individual worship. 

If we examine the music of the Bible -- the Psalms -- we will notice a sharp contrast between how the writers approached God then, and how the praise and worship writers claim to be approaching him today.

One prominent artist, claims that she has been "using her gifts to lead people into the presence of God." 

Moses wrote in Psalm 90:7-9

"For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath:we spend our years as a tale that is told."

David writes in Psalm 51:3-5,

"For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."

If we contrast the worship of the saints of God in the inspired Word of God and the writers of today's praise and worship we will begin to notice the mystical elements of modern songs. We will see, not penitent souls realizing how great that grace is in light of our sinfulness, but rather what Underhill referred to as an unusually intimate (“mystical”) relationship with and awareness of the Christian God."

This mode of thinking helps perpetuate a lopsided gospel in a sense. "Another gospel" that focuses primarily on the love of God, and tends to ignore the judgment of God. There is no mention of sin and repentance. 

In essence, the lyrics lean more towards the false teachings of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. It also promotes the "little gods" doctrine that originated in the Garden of Eden. This philosophy will be even more apparent going forward in the drive towards ecumenicalism and the One World Religion of the end time.

The purpose of this study is to bring awareness to the methods and the devices that our adversary uses to replace sound doctrine with false teachings. I will link to a video that goes quite a bit deeper into the study of how contemporary praise and worship music is undermining the theology of the professing church. 

Modern Worship=Western White Magic Hypnotism?

Let me close the same way the Apostle Paul does in his Epistle to the Romans. 

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose again the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

An Air of Deception

 5 min. read 

Part 8 in the Challenges series 

(Ephesians 2:2)

"wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"

(Matthew 24:3-5, 11, 24-25)

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."

"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before." 

At this point in the study, a person might be asking why we would be interested in the fact that mystic teachings have entered mainline evangelical churches. The answer in short is that those teachings ultimately direct an unsaved person, that is seeking truth, away from the truth, as opposed to bringing them to it. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

If a person is presented with a mystical "experience", instead of a genuine conversion, he has a false hope of salvation. That individual is believing a false gospel through false doctrine; therefore he or she has only a false profession of faith.

That is the reason Paul warned Timothy (2 Timothy 4:3) that in the end time a religious people would not endure sound doctrine. The Greek word here translated endured in English is anechomai. Thayers definition is "to hold one's self erect and firm". I believe that this is the point Paul is trying to make in 2 Timothy 4:3. As the incursion into a body of believers by mystic teaching (or by any other means) occurs, those believers are moved away from a "firm" stand on sound, fundamental teachings from the word of God. 

 Paul was extremely familiar with these incursions. Remember, at this point in Paul's ministry, he had fought many battles and had kept the faith. He had to continually warn the churches he had planted about the false doctrine of the Gnostics, the Judaisers, and the legalizers. In Acts 20:29-31, Paul speaking to the Ephesian elders at Miletus had this to say. 

"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."

We see him speaking to the body of believers in Galatia concerning false teachers. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul is not mincing his words. 

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

I believe it would profit those that are interested in exposing this false teaching in evangelical circles, to pivot away from the term Mysticism, and refer to it as mystic teaching. Mystic in the sense of it being either felt or experienced. Something that is "worked up" from within. That is the "essence" of mystical teaching and why it so appealing to the flesh. That is why we see those people mentioned in Matthew 24 being so easily deceived by the signs and wonders. They are programmed by the "mystical" to believe only that which they can see or feel. 

The main danger that is presented to a "church" that has adopted mystic teachings, is the fact that they are attempting to worship a mystical Christ. 

Attempting to present "another Jesus" as we will see Paul speaking of later. Mysticism, as it is being taught in any major Middle Eastern religion, within the confines of that body of adherents, presents no threat to sound Christian doctrine. The problem this presents to the professing church however, is that by mingling these teachings with, and trying to make them fit Bible doctrine -- you inevitably arrive once again in Babylon. That's why we see the book of the Revelation referring to this end time religion as Mystery Babylon. 

We see in the verses above from Matthew 24 that deception is a part of Satan's end time game plan. We see the word deceive being used by Jesus as he answered the Disciples question about the end of the world. This deception will be accomplished by false prophets and false Christs performing real miracles. 

Therein lies the furtile end time field. Through the preparation of the hearts and minds, through mystic teachings, the false prophets will deceive many. Jesus had spoken of the harvest fields being ripe with few laborers available. These same fields are now ready to be reaped by false prophets with a false Jesus. Paul warned those in Corinth in his second Epistle Chapter 11 by referring to, "another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel."

Ultimately, we see the prince of the power of the air working his plan of deceit masterfully, an air of deception...if you will.

We certainly see the worship of another Jesus emerging within Contemporary Christian Music. A mystical Christ. A Gnostic Christ. False Christs that Jesus himself said "shall arise".

One of the best series of documentaries available about the rise of Mystery Babylon is available on line. I will provide a link here. These videos are exceptionally researched and produced by Spencer Smith and his team. These videos are a must see for those interested in Bible prophecy concerning the end times. Check this ministry out and consider supporting them financially. Great channel!

Third Adam: Missionary Spencer Smith 

As we continue in this study, I will be providing links to more videos on this channel that I have found to be extremely enlightening about the false doctrine and the blurring of the lines between Middle Eastern Mysticism and sound Christian doctrine. We will also look at the vehicle that is driving this global end time deception. We certainly see the worship of another Jesus emerging within Contemporary Christian Music. 

Stay tuned. 

Let me close the same way the Apostle Paul does in his Epistle to the Romans. 

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose again the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

Voices in the Winds

 

5 min. read 

Part 7 of the Challenges series 

                             The Wind                                        

                                    by
                  Robert Louis Stevenson

I saw you toss the kites on high
And blow the birds about the sky;
And all around I heard you pass,
Like ladies' skirts across the grass--
        O wind, a-blowing all day long,
        O wind, that sings so loud a song!

I saw the different things you did,
But always you yourself you hid.
I felt you push, I heard you call,
I could not see yourself at all--
       O wind, a-blowing all day long,
       O wind, that sings so loud a song!

O you that are so strong and cold,
O blower, are you young or old?
Are you a beast of field and tree,
Or just a stronger child than me?
      O wind, a-blowing all day long,
      O wind, that sings so loud a song!

          A Child's Garden of Verses, 1885

               (Poem in the public domain)

(John 3:8)

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

Jesus himself, who taught many times in parables, in John 3 uses the wind to explain the miracle of the new birth to Nicodemus. The instruction comes by way of using something that Nicodemus does understand; to help him come to the understanding of the spiritual things that he doesn't.

Man has long realized the power of nature to instruct and guide in the areas of life concerning his existence. This particular poem by Robert Louis Stevenson can be found in the collection "A Child's Garden of Verses". Published in 1885, it has been referred to as one of most influential literary works in history. We see from the website www.robert-louis-stevenson.org

"A Child's Garden of Verses is a book of poetry for children. Stevenson dedicated the poems to his nurse Cummy (Alison Cunningham), who cared for him during his many childhood illnesses. The collection includes some of Stevenson's most famous poems, including “The Land of Counterpane”, “My Shadow and “The Lamplighter”. Of course, the above poem, "The Wind" is included in the collection also.

There is certainly nothing at all wrong with the concept of using nature to teach children. As a matter of fact, God's word is rife with that concept. We see creation mentioned throughout scripture as a method that God uses to teach man about his Creator.

(Psalm 19:1)
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

We see Paul, in his Epistle to the Romans, describing that those who chose to disregard nature and creation as a testament to God's existence and glory, were thereby without excuse. Mankind will not be able to use ignorance as a defense on the day of judgment.

(Romans 1:19-20)
"because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"

As we continue the Challenges series, we will continue going somewhat deeper into how Mysticism has taken a foothold in the doctrine that is being taught in many churches. As previously mentioned, it has crept in gradually and initially had taken a seat on the back row. One of the major tools it has employed to slide in the backdoor, has been through the ministry of music.

The old, doctrinally correct hymns, are being replaced by "songs" that appeal more to the fleshly pampering of the soul.
The songs, in and of themselves, would not be so dangerous were it not for the fact that along with the introduction of this music, come the winds of Mysticism.

For the sake of time, we'll go into more detail later about the reasons these comments about music have been introduced. Mysticism blowing in on the winds of worship. Suffice it to say at this point, that many of the mainstream artists involved in modern worship music, are themselves heavily influenced by the teachings of Eastern mysticism. As the case is with the devices of the enemy that Paul spoke of, they look harmless enough on the surface.

With the many and varied voices in the winds of humanity, it is very easy to be blown off course spiritually. Let's endeavor to allow the wind to continue to be a teacher, but let us look to the word of God for that "still small voice".

(Ephesians 4:14)
"that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

(Nahum 1:3)
"The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."

(1 Kings 19:12)
"and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."

Let me close the same way the Apostle Paul does in his Epistle to the Romans. 

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose again the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

The Serpent’s Path

 5 min. read

Part 6 of Challenges

(Genesis 3:4-7)

"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons."

We see the serpent here making his case after he had asked, "Yea, hath God said? in the first verse. We see the first tenured professor teaching class, and his first student and adherent was here introduced to the wonderful world of Mysticism. This new philosophy brought along with it immediate rewards -- as it continues to do today for all the pragmatic students drawn to it. We see the bad news in this verse.

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12)

We see the good news here.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Visit the website for the Center for Contemporary Mysticism and you will be warmly welcomed. I'm sure that these folks are a group of wonderful people that are more than happy to help you down, to what seems at least to them, a magical path. They appear to be a sincere organization that offers some alternative ideas to "Yea, hath God said".

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
                                  ~ Teilhard de Chardin

"A doorway to many paths" is their, I assume, motto if you will.

This philosophy is not much different than Middle Eastern mysticism. That religion teaches that regardless of which side of the mountain you are climbing from, ultimately the top is where everyone converges. Or something to that effect.

Mysticism is an invitation to asking yourself many questions. The only questions that the proponents don't want you to ask is -- how does the philosophy align with scripture? They already assume that you have rejected clear Bible truth and have started on your own "path" toward your "truth" and enlightenment. Their philosophy is geared towards this mode of thinking.

In Christianity you have to worship the God of creation. In Mysticism, as with a number of false teachings, you get to journey down whatever path helps you discover the god within. Seems good on the surface. They would not have you bother with verses such as these.

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 16:25)

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" (Matthew 7:13)

Mysticism is a man-made religion. It is designed to cater to the flesh. Inner gratification apart from Bible truth. The "ways" could be construed as the "many paths" Mysticism speaks of. Unfortunately the Bible says they all end in death.

Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Mysticism says you can become a god from within. Notice Chardin says you are already naturally a "spiritual" being. God's word says we are dust...earthly.

James 3:15 sums up Mysticism in just a few words.

"This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish."

A wonderful thing about God is that he created us with free will. The ability to reason and decide for ourselves. I want to make this perfectly clear. I have no animosity for, nor am I trying to belittle or even proselytize anyone who has decided to go down the path of Mysticism. Where the problem comes into conflict with evangelical Christianity is when the philosophy of Mysticism begins blurring the lines of sound, fundamental, biblical teachings.

As a matter of fact, I would strongly urge anyone who has explored Mysticism to check out what God's word says about life and death. I know that there are many who have trusted others with their spiritual well-being and have not explored Christianity's teachings. Trust the One that created you, rather than man's philosophy of Mysticism.

This incursion into the church has been subtle, as was the approach in the Garden. It has all the allure of wonderful fruit, and it is being delivered by silver tongues.

We will close by comparing what Chardin had to say about being created as spiritual beings, and see how that is just a back door approach to what the serpent said when answering Eve, "your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods".

Moving along in the series, we will look at Mysticism and how it has gained entrance. Not only has it's philosophy entered, but it's teachings are being welcomed with open arms.

Let me close the same way the Apostle Paul does in his Epistle to the Romans. 

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose again the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

Babylon Calling

 5 min. read 

Part 5 in the Challenges series

(2 Timothy 4:3-4)

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

As we progress through this series of study on the challenges facing Christianity, during what many believe to be the end times, we will continue building on the root causes of the end time Apostate church. It is mainly characterized -- as we have seen previously -- by a gradual "falling away" from the fundamentals of the faith. With that departure, we not only see congregations diminishing, but the wholesale movement away from sound Bible doctrine. 

When Babylon is mentioned in the Bible it is not always referring to that ancient city that once stood along the Euphrates River in southern Mesopotamia. In scripture it is often used symbolically as a reference to the Gentile world-system into which the whole social order of the world has fallen. Also, it bears mentioning, that Babylon is the Greek form of the O.T. Hebrew word "Babel": which translated is simply confusion. The Bible gives us an accurate account of the origin of Babel (confusion) in Genesis 11:1-9.

Progressing through the Bible to the book of The Revelation, we see Babylon representing the political and ecclesiastical system which dominates the entire end time scene. In that book, prophecy shows us that Political Babylon (Gentile world-system) will destroy Religious Babylon (Apostate Church). 

Without getting too far off track, we see the push under way -- and gaining traction -- for a New World Order. This political system which is being built is moving forward under the "global" banner. Global would have likely been a word that was chosen by those who were busy "building" in Genesis 11. The UN has been busy building their global framework. It is in place, and we see more American politicians jumping on that train everyday to Political Babylon. 

Meanwhile, getting back to the first part of the above quoted verse, let's concentrate on the period of time Paul is addressing. This passage of scripture is teaching that sometime future from the period that he was writing in, there will be a "religious" people who will not "endure" sound doctrine.

In Part two of this series we quoted Arthur L. Johnson's, "Faith Misguided : Exposing the Dangers of Mysticism" as saying, 

"If we were seeking an appropriate label to describe the religious scene in the last three decades of the twentieth century, we would do well to consider it the age of confusion. There are many different religions in the Western world, each seeking adherents. They range from traditional Christian groups to oriental religions, from spiritist and occult movements to more traditional Western cults." 

The primary emphasis in Johnson's book is not the negative impact that Mysticism is having on the Religions of the world, but on the "evangelical" community as a whole. That community of believers that supposedly have a "commonality" of beliefs. He continues:

"One wishes he could say that this same confusion did not exist in the evangelical community. After all, do not evangelicals agree that the Bible is the authority in doctrinal matters? Surely here we can find agreement and avoid the confusion that permeates the larger religious world around us. We could hope that such confusion would not exist, but unfortunately it does. Here also it seems that “every man [says] that which seems right in his own eyes”. (Judg. 21:25b, paraphrased).

Next up, we will begin delving deeper into "Mysticism". We will begin seeing how it is making subtle advances into the theology of our modern churches. We will also begin exploring how this philosophy is being used to create the "woke" culture which will eventually become Religious Babylon. 

Let me close the same way the Apostle Paul does in his Epistle to the Romans. 

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose again the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

Striking out Blindly

 5 min. read 

Part 4 in the Challenges series

(Mark 7:7)

"Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

(1 Timothy 4:1)

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"

In the 2010 Coen Brothers remake of the 1969 movie "True Grit", the character Mattie Ross -- played by actress Hailee Steinfeld -- asks Matt Damon's character, Texas Ranger LaBouef: "how can you give up now after the many months you've dedicated to finding Chaney?" LaBouef responds with, "I would go on in your company if there were a clear way to go, but we'd be striking out blindly."

As we presented in the last installment, confusion is the wrench that has been thrown into the engine of the Church. Many are leaving because there just doesn't seem to be a "clear way to go."

Proverbs 29:18 instructs us, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

According to an article posted on foxnews.com dated November 2, 2022

"The largest Presbyterian denomination in the U.S. has hemorrhaged membership in recent years, which several conservative Presbyterian clergy members partially attribute to a departure from its own historical teachings."

 "The PCUSA (Presbyterian) boasts 1.1 million active members and 8,813 member congregations, but it has been rapidly losing numbers during the past decade. It reported having about 700,000 more members and 1,400 more congregations in 2012. More than 51,000 members have left since 2021, according to its most recent annual report."

Also, in a similar article on the Religion News Service's website dated May 9, 2023

by Bob Smietana,

"Membership in the Southern Baptist Convention was down by nearly half a million in 2022, according to a recently released denomination report. Nashville-based Lifeway Research reported Tuesday (May 9) that the SBC had 13.2 million members in 2022, down from 13.68 million in 2021. That loss of 457,371 members is the largest in more than a century, according to the Annual Church Profile compiled by Lifeway."

While it seems that the SBC has been scratching their heads and wringing their hands over the massive decline these many years, at least some "old school" Presbyterians have been able to ascertain the reason for the exodus. If you look closer at the previous quote, they attribute it partially to, "a departure from its own historical teachings."

 If you remember, in closing, in the previous installment in this series we stated,

 "Going forward in the series, we will begin further exploring the implementation of confusion and it's delivery methodology, Mysticism."

In almost text book fashion, we see from the quotes of these major denominations, the fruits of the labors of the Marxist infiltration previously mentioned in "A Tale of Two Authors". 

We are seeing the prophecy of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 unfolding right before our very eyes. That predicted "falling away" is going to closely precede the rapture of the "true church", and leave the "professing church" behind on earth to go through the tribulation with the Antichrist described in verse 2:4.

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."

The purpose of this study is not to openly shame or bash denominations, individual churches or it's members. Instead, the alarm needs to be sounded to all of those who are falling prey (and falling away) to the enemy. Those individuals leaving the church because of confusion or of not seeing "a clear way to go" need some sound doctrine -- as opposed to what they are being spoon fed in liberal congregations. This scourge on church doctrine is not limited to just the Baptist or Presbyterian churches, but throughout all Protestant denominations. 

Sound doctrine is the only remedy to counteract the "doctrines of devils" that have seized mainline churches.

The warning that Paul is giving us here in his first letter to Timothy, is that we must understand that it is inevitable that "seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" are a part of the end time Apostate church. 

It is not a guestion of if, but when?: the answer is, now. As a result of these "erroneous" teachings many are going to "fall away". This falling away is not only referring to those leaving the church, but also a falling away from the fundamentals of the faith. Leaving "sound doctrine ". This is exactly what we have documented evidence of in the aforementioned articles. Those Presbyterian congregants were cited as saying that they noticed the denomination's direction as being a "departure from its own historical teachings."

Paul tells us as well, in 2 Corinthians 2:11, how the enemies to the Gospel are gaining a foothold.

 "lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."

Many are unaware of "the devices", such as the subversion and incursion practices being used by those that have "crept in unawares", we mentioned beforehand. The enemies of the Gospel have the advantage because the Church is "ignorant of his devices". 

Paul is not using the word ignorant as a negative connotation here, he is simply stating that some are not being taught about these "devices". The Greek word translated in this verse is, agnoeo: Strongs defines it as: not to know (through lack of information or intelligence). That is where the vision needs to be restored. It is only going to be restored by shining the light of sound doctrine on false teachings. 

Next up, we will begin to look a little closer at the major weapon in the enemies infiltration inside the fortress walls of the Church.

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose again the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

A Tale of Two Authors

 

5 min. read 

Part 3 in the Challenges series 

(Hebrews 12:2)

"looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

(1 Corinthians 14:33)

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

In Part 2 the reference was made as to how the first challenge -- confusion -- has found a home in the Church. We pointed back to the Garden as the origin. Going on in the study we need to give pause to the author -- or in this sense the implementer.

Google's Oxford Languages defines the word, implementer as: someone or something that puts a decision, plan, agreement, etc. into effect.

We see in the foregoing verses that Christ was not only the author, but also the finisher of our faith in salvation. In contrast, the scripture in 1 Corinthians points to another author: we will refer to him as the author and implementer of confusion.

We have already looked at how the author of confusion operates in his methodology by looking at the concept of "monkey wrenches", and that there are many instances of industrial sabotage within the machinery of ministry.

The primary "implementers" of confusion in the churches of America today are those individuals that are well versed in Marxist theory. Rather than waste time on the nonsensical rationale behind this theory, we are better served examining the impetus behind it. Those proponents of this theory (socialists) are active in the theology and doctrine of liberal churches by their adherence to CRT (critical race theory). They are likewise, well trained in the teachings of Saul Alinsky. It is extremely interesting to note how lackadaisical many -- who adhere to the principles that Alinsky taught in his book "Rules For Radicals" -- are to the fact that Saul seemed to have a fondness for the "first radical": Lucifer. Regardless of their personal beliefs, we do see them hard at work implementing Alinsky's "first step".

"the first step in community organization is community disorganization." Alinsky 

Another term we could use for disorganization is, of course, confusion: plain and simple. The monkey wrench concept is once again in play when an attempt to disorganize a group or organization from within is made.

We see this tactic at work today in the subversion of the social fabric of our nation, and the stability of sound doctrine in our churches. I chose the word stability because it is exactly what disorganization affects. When we are disorganized, we are not stable, and therefore we can be blown about by "every wind of doctrine". We see this clearly in Ephesians 4:14.

"that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" 

It is interesting to note in the latter part of this verse, we see the description of the individuals who utilize this strategy: "sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." We see how these individuals that lie in wait, use deception, and craftiness to bring instability and disorganization to any endeavor: whether social upheaval or false doctrine. 

We'll close this session by concluding that confusion is one of the first challenges that needs to be addressed in the Church going forward. We need shepherds who are going to shine light on false teachers (and teachings) that have, as Jude warns us; "crept in unawares". 

We see through this study insight into the two authors presented in scripture. The author and finisher of our faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, finished his work of redemption at the cross. He left the tomb and continues building his Church. The author of confusion is still hard at work through his "ministers", building the Apostate church and spreading the social gospel at a liberal church near you.

I'll stay with "the faith once delivered", thank you very much. 

Going forward in the series, we will begin further exploring the implementation of confusion and it's delivery methodology, Mysticism.

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

 

Raisin' Young'ns

 5 min. read

I thank God that I grew up in a much simpler time. My younger days were spent back when The Andy Griffith Show was still a prime time program, and not just in syndication. I think many in America, who remember this era, look back with fondness as well. It was a season when right morals were more of a rule, rather than the exception.

The show -- as most of us are familiar with --  was built around a widowed, small town sheriff who took his civic duty and the well-being of his young son very seriously. This is not to say that Hollywood is where we should be looking for moral guidance; but rather it serves to illustrate just how far we've drifted as a nation and a people.

One of the lessons we can glean from the golden days of Tinseltown, was first broadcast Monday November 13, 1961 on The Andy Griffith Show. In this episode "Opie's Hobo Friend", we see the exchange between Sheriff Taylor and the drifter -- played by Buddy Ebsen -- that Opie had befriended. The episode certainly gives rise to the question: should we trust the training of our children with worldly philosophy, or biblical principles?

"Hobo: Well, Sheriff, maybe I do look at things differently than other people. Is that wrong? I live by my wits. I'm not above bending the law now and then to keep clothes on my back or food in my stomach. I live the kind of life that other people would just love to live if they only had the courage. Who's to say that the boy would be happier your way or mine? Why not let him decide?"

"Sheriff Taylor : Naw, I'm afraid it don't work that way. You can't let a young 'un decide for himself. He'll grab at the first flashy thing with shiny ribbons on it, then when he finds out there's a hook in it, it's too late. The wrong ideas come packaged with so much glitter it's hard to convince him that other things might be better in the long run, and all a parent can do is say wait, trust me, and try to keep temptation away."

The first few verses of chapter 6 in the book of Deuteronomy give guidance as to how we, as responsible parents, should be teaching our children. Fathers are going to be held accountable for the spiritual leadership -- or lack thereof -- in the lives of their children. We see clear instructions laid out in the Word of God. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 we find,

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

The spiritual and moral decline we are witnessing in America can be most assuredly laid at the doorstep of apathy towards the Word of God. Not only is apathy a key component, but it also brings a total disregard for the moral responsibility we, as parents, owe to our children. If we continue down the path of letting our children figure life out as they go, we will continue setting them up for failure.

In the wake of all of the bad examples our children are witnessing today, it may serve us well to harken back to a day when most people did try to do right by their children. A time when even Hollywood hadn't gone totally down the road to debauchery that we see them traveling today.

Mark Twain invited his audience back to a simpler time in the opening of his book about the character Tom Sawyer. 

"Part of my plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves, and of how they felt and thought and talked, and what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in."

If we let children make their own decisions, especially today, we may certainly begin seeing them engaging in "queer enterprises"; the likes of which Samuel Langhorne Clemens could have never imagined. 

The Bible gives us some insight to where we were as children, and where the hearts of our children are today.

Proverbs 22:15 states,

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."

Ever since around 1946, when we decided to trade the church and the Bible for Dr. Benjamin Spock and so-called common sense: we've continued in a downward spiral towards a depraved society.

The advice Andy Taylor leaves us concerning our children, "all a parent can do is say wait, trust me, and try to keep temptation away", is certainly a good start: an even better approach however is...

Let's trust and wait on God and look to His word to keep temptation at bay.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

Challenges: Part 2

To continue on in the series Challenges: let's examine why sharing the Gospel would be a challenging undertaking for the Church in the first place.

Mankind has a pretty good track record of making even the most mundane tasks -- shall we say...monumental? We have gotten pretty efficient at engineering mountains out of mole hills.

So, we could ask why should the work of sharing the Gospel be any different? 

If you check out the backstory on dictionary.com about how the term throwing a monkey wrench into the works originated; you'll have a glimpse into why we are faced with so many obstacles. They define it as;

"This transfer of industrial sabotage—that is, throwing a tool inside machinery—to other subjects dates from the early 1900s."

There are many instances of industrial sabotage within the machinery of ministry.

Armed with that knowledge, we can ascertain that the reason challenges are going to be ever present: is the fact that outside influences have plenty of monkey wrenches on hand.

Going forward, let's present what may be the first major wrench in the machinery -- confusion. We might start off by asking the question, when did confusion first rear it's ugly head? The answer is pretty straight forward...in the Garden.

 ( Genesis 3 )

In his book, which was first published in 1988, Faith Misguided : Exposing the Dangers of Mysticism; Arthur L. Johnson makes this statement in the introduction.

"If we were seeking an appropriate label to describe the religious scene in the last three decades of the twentieth century, we would do well to consider it “the age of confusion.” There are many different religions in the Western world, each seeking adherents. They range from traditional Christian groups to oriental religions, from spiritist and occult movements to more traditional Western cults."

In subsequent installments we'll begin looking more in depth at the major catalyst of confusion, the influences of Mysticism.

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

Challenges: Part 1

It is possibly the most familiar opening lines of any form of literature in the world, and it's found in Charles Dickens' seminal novel on the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities.

In the first paragraph of Book one Chapter one, First Recalled to Life...The Period, he writes:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

If there was one paragraph that we could say was relevant to basically every generation that the world has ever known; this one from Dickens certainly deserves consideration.

The words, "in short, the period was so far like the present period." -- we'd be hard pressed to find any better.

With the insight given in this passage, we should be able to conclude that the present is not that much different than what our forefathers experienced: Darkness and light, good and evil were just as prevalent then as they are now.
With that thought in mind, we could pose the question, can we find answers to today's complex scenarios facing us by examining our past?

I think rather than adopting the stance of revising history, we may be better served by heeding Mr. Santayana's advice.

Solomon has already given us some direction as well in Proverbs 22:28, when he told us;

"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."

In examining and laying the groundwork for a study attempting to shed light on some of the major challenges to the Church going forward; we should never overlook the power in the wisdom of the early church fathers, and the landmarks that have been set.

In closing Part 1 of this series, I think it would be safe to conclude with the premise that one of the major challenges we face is the proclivity of many to dismiss the past as being a sufficient teacher. Many have gone down the path of thinking that we need some type of new direction or some new revelation.

Where that mode of thinking is in contrast with scripture, is that neither the mission nor the message has changed since Jesus told us in Mark 16:15.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

In Part 2, we will begin examining a few things that the early Church encountered that are similar to the issues and challenges facing us today; and some insight as to how those that have gone before met and dealt with them.

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

Challenging Times

We find a conversation, in Esther 4:13-14, between Mordecai and Esther during a time when the people of God found themselves in an extremely desperate situation. 

"Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" 

I mentioned something previously, on my FB page while posting a link to this blog. 

I had alluded to the fact that we, as Christians, find ourselves in a challenging climate as we try to fulfill the Great Commission. 

Some of the challenges we face today may be unique to history, but sharing the Gospel to a lost and dying world has always been challenging.

Just as we have seen from the pages of the Book of Esther, God's people have found themselves in challenging times in all ages. 

The mindsets of men today are no different than those of Rome that Paul speaks of in the first chapter of his Epistle to them. As a matter of fact, we could say that society today is emulating that culture pretty closely. 

With that in mind, I would like to begin a series that attempts to address some of the major issues that are impeding the progress of the Church in successfully reaching souls for Christ.

While attempting to shine light, through scripture, on some of the difficulties that ministries face; let's not lose sight of the fact that the enemies of the Gospel are not men and women, but those powers and influences lurking in the shadows. 

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12;

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

If the Church can get some clear direction on how to effectively share the Gospel, by identifying issues that are making it more challenging each day; maybe we could begin seeing more of God's people rising up "for such a time as this".

Stay tuned for the first installment of this series. 

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

My dear friend, if you have never received Christ as your Saviour, would you do so today? Pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen 

Wings of Despair

The following is a musing that addresses some of the social issues of the day. We, as a people, have plenty of questions today. 

Let's just keep in mind that, "Christ is the answer".

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." Prov.14:34 

"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." 2 Timothy 3:13 

About a mile or so down the road from my home is a poultry farm. Often, during the night, I hear the roar of the big trucks on their way to the market. The passengers must have sensed that life, as they once knew it, had taken a dramatic new turn. 

The residents that grew up there, had someone, seemingly, who cared for them and nurtured them to health, prosperity, and maturity. All their needs were met -- with the end goal of seeing them become healthy and prosperous. As they partook freely each day of all their caretaker's provisions, never in their wildest dreams would they have suspected that their best interests were not in the forefront of the farm manager's mind. They paid little, if any, attention to the rumbling sounds of the flatbeds, or the rattling of the cages as they arrived in plain view---perhaps to whisk them away to a better world.

 As their handlers prepared them for the ride, they were blind and oblivious to the outcome of the trip they were about to embark on -- A journey which would prove to be ill-fated from the outset. Down a road of despair; which would soon cross the county line of no return. It would continue on a collision course with an end of which they were unconscious and had no perception of. 

As they began being loaded for the last ride of their lives, they had no idea of what awaited them on the other end. The remnants of their journey could be seen alongside the roadways, as the turbulent ride scattered their feathers to the winds of history. 

The foregoing scenario could have implications and applications to the fate that awaits many deceived and deluded Americans. Unfortunately, unlike the poor fowl whose fates are inevitable, humans can't use the trump card of ignorance. 

Have we, as citizens, been loaded on a vehicle that is headed for a different destination than what our leaders would have us believe? Has the driver left out, signaling our departure on an ill-fated last ride? 

Are America's hopes and dreams scattered along the side of the roadways like so many poultry feathers? Representing all of our good intentions...but bad choices. Choosing to follow our deceptive hearts and human reasoning, rather than the truths of God's word. 

Have we, like ancient Rome, climbed aboard the flatbed and into the waiting cages of our own volition, enroute to a dire fate that we are not even aware of? 

The good news is that -- unlike the fowl and Rome of old -- we don't have to climb aboard. Also, if we have been deceived and already boarded, there's still time to disembark. We can seek the answers and glean light from the same source the founders of our nation used. 

Those words of admonition that George Santayana is credited with still ring true today. Will we take heed to that advice, or follow in the footsteps of every civilization and nation that forgot God: and now lie on the ash heap of destruction? 

The Bible tells of the outcomes that have followed all the nations in history that have rejected God and his word. It also tells of the blessing and good fortune of all who have trusted the true and living God of creation throughout earth's existence.

Let us, as a nation, cast off the wings of despair, and get back to the light of God's word.

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."  

If you have never received Christ as your Saviour, pray this from your heart. 

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe you were buried and rose the third day. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart to save me. Amen