DefCon is at it again, and they recently published this hard-hitting quote...
I cannot begin to tell you how quotes like this one (and passages from the Bible that address the same issue) resonate so deeply with my own soul.
It's probably because I know that I only recently (within the past couple of months or so) have been led to the truth after He exposed so many errors in my own believing and thinking. More importantly, He exposed the lies from "Churchianity" that I had fallen for over the years.
The problem? I wasn't reading my Bible as I should've been. I wasn't "studying to shew thyself approved" (2 Timothy 2:15) like I was supposed to. In other words, it was much more lip service than anything else. Lord, forgive me!
At least now you know why I have a desire to address these types of things lately in a "Bible Prophecy" type of forum like LUF. Besides, the Apostasy is a hallmark of the end times, right? Well, what is any of this except a clear indication that the prophesied Apostasy is well underway throughout Christianity?
A "DavidW" had a good comment in response to this quote...
Then a person by the name of "Manfred" followed it up with his own comment...
So true indeed.
Stay tuned for more on this I'm sure.
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Our primary mission field today is within the church. The latest survey reveals that 86% of Americans say they believe in Jesus. Yet, a much smaller percentage of people say they are born-again Christians. How can so many people be deceived or deluded? Many of them have been told by misguided pastors or evangelists that repeating a prayer, signing a card, being baptized, joining a church or coming forward in an alter call has made them a Christian. Others have been asked to “accept” a Jesus they don’t even know. It is no wonder the Apostle Paul exhorted his readers to “examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” (2 Cor. 13:5). We are to test ourselves and encourage others to do the same. The test: have we believed the true Jesus as he is revealed in the Scriptures or a “Jesus” who has been created by the imagination of men?
-- Mike Gendron
It's probably because I know that I only recently (within the past couple of months or so) have been led to the truth after He exposed so many errors in my own believing and thinking. More importantly, He exposed the lies from "Churchianity" that I had fallen for over the years.
The problem? I wasn't reading my Bible as I should've been. I wasn't "studying to shew thyself approved" (2 Timothy 2:15) like I was supposed to. In other words, it was much more lip service than anything else. Lord, forgive me!
At least now you know why I have a desire to address these types of things lately in a "Bible Prophecy" type of forum like LUF. Besides, the Apostasy is a hallmark of the end times, right? Well, what is any of this except a clear indication that the prophesied Apostasy is well underway throughout Christianity?
A "DavidW" had a good comment in response to this quote...
“Believing in Jesus” means very little today. As the link on the last sentence of this quote reveals, many who claim to “believe in Jesus” are actually believing in “another jesus” who is not the Jesus of the Bible. The demons actually have a greater belief in the true Jesus than most so-called Christians today. At least the demons TREMBLE in their belief in the Triune God (James 2:19). The demons believe Jesus to be the Holy One of God (Mark 1:24). And if they, in their belief, are cast out into outer darkness, what will become of mere men who do not have such belief?
“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Pet.4:17).
The church truly is the greatest mission field. It is where the message of Salvation to the unsaved world is supposed to be coming from. But if that message is not the true Gospel, if the “jesus” they are preaching is not the true Jesus of the Bible, then they are offering a false hope in a “jesus” who has no power to save. Tragically, in many churches across the land today, Jesus has been replaced by an impostor of the same name.
Then a person by the name of "Manfred" followed it up with his own comment...
In a message from Voddie Baucham – defending the resurrection from 1 Cor 15 – he impressed my wife and me with his repeated insistence that saving faith is from and in the Biblical Jesus. He did this and that, in accordance with the Scriptures. If you ain’t got the Biblical Jesus, you ain’t His. Too many people in churches have been led astray by a man-centered preaching style that invites them to invent their own jesus – who will lead them to Hell.
So true indeed.
Stay tuned for more on this I'm sure.
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14 Comments:
Jeff, I heard a good quote in a Bible study I took earlier this year (Kay Arthur--Covenant). In the video she was talking about how we are, most especially how in today's society we just don't make the time to have that relationship with God that we should. It's not a personal relationship because we don't truly seek Him or seek out the Word and that we rely too heavily on what our teachers and pastors tell us. And not all are bad, but let's face it, they are not God. and it's more than just a disservice to ourselves when we do that.
Kay said (paraphrasing here, don't remember exact quote off top of my head)...if we do not take the time to get into the Word ourselves and instead just get our "meat" from teachers, pastors (bloggers, evangelists, etc.) then we are putting man's words above the very words of God.
the entire room fell silent (at least those who didn't gasp or "whoa"). Many of them well-meaning, born-again Christians never considered the impact of that either. It was earth-shattering and definitely something that a lot of us repented over that day.
Would that we all put the Word of God and the Father over anything shown on the television, computer or real life.
TZ
TZ,
Well said! And praise GOD the Kay made the statement she did. I think when the LORD tells us that the last days deception will be so great that even the elect might be decieved, I can see that. Yes, Jeff, we need to examine ourselves and see if we are in the faith. I would say too, to examine others (not be suspicious) and watch closely if they be in the faith too. Read Jeremiah 9.
Peace,
Deirdre
I remember as a baby Christian going to a church where someone came in off the street before services just to ask directions. Somehow he was convinced to repeat the "sinner's prayer," after which the person who talked him into doing that beamed and proclaimed that someone just got "saved." Never mind the guy probably never gave what he did a second thought.
I may be dating myself here (oh, who am I kidding - I AM dating myself, lol!), but when I was a little girl there was a show called "You Bet Your Life" hosted by Groucho Marx. When he interviewed contestants before the game he'd remind them, "Say the secret word and win $100!" That's what a lot of "churches" remind me of: "Say the magic prayer and get eternal life!"
It's not a matter of believing in Jesus: many believe in Him as a historical figure. Muslims believe in Him as a prophet. Heck, even SATAN believes in Jesus! Are any of them saved? No. Because Christianity isn't about believing someone exists...it's all about having a relationship - a relationship with the King of the Universe!
One of my few heros is General Schwarzkopf. I know all about him. I know he hates being called "Stormin' Norman." I know he keeps his Bible by his bedside and reads it every night. I know his wife's name, his kids' names....I know all about General Schwarzkopf. Yet if I were to see him in person and say hello, he'd have no idea of who I am.
There's a big difference in knowing ABOUT someone...and actually knowing someone. As Jesus said after many claimed to preach and heal in His name: "Depart from me, I never knew you."
storm'n norman? really?
it's like this blog is being invavded by the good ol' pentacostle hour where you blab it and grab it, proclaim it and claim it.
I came out of this type of mentality where pastors and assistant pastors have to remove the power of the gift of salvation in order to control men and their pocket books.
Do not begin to tell me you know the heart of anyone anon 3:08 pm, becuase you dont, that power is reseverd by the most High.
Maybe "Depart from me, I never knew you." applies to you.
"it's like this blog is being invavded by the good ol' pentacostle hour where you blab it and grab it, proclaim it and claim it.
I came out of this type of mentality where pastors and assistant pastors have to remove the power of the gift of salvation in order to control men and their pocket books.
Do not begin to tell me you know the heart of anyone anon 3:08 pm, becuase you dont, that power is reseverd by the most High.
Maybe "Depart from me, I never knew you." applies to you."
What on earth are you talking about? There is no way anything I wrote can - by any stretch of the imagination - be construed as "blab it & grab it" - I have nothing to do with the WOF or Pentecostal movement. In fact, my EXAMPLE was totally secular!
Your post makes no sense whatsoever; if there's any criticism to be made of this blog, it's that such inane trash was permitted to be posted.
And I suggest you take the plank out of your own eye before you point to the splinter in someone else's.
Oh, and thanks for reminding me to get the bumper sticker that says, "Lord, save me from your followers." It's people like you who give Christians a bad name!
Thank you so much for pasting my entire post, it makes even more sense the second time you read it.
The fact that you use the technique of calling into question the heart of believers is what associates you to the controlling pharisees of the pentacostle movement, which is good for nothing more than effecitvely splitting the church.
I search for planks every day, so your suggestion is unnecessary. Speaking of inane trash, your quote "It's not a matter of believing in Jesus" shows you like to search for planks too, only not ones that obsure your sight.
Anonymous,
Please reign it in a little here. I'm all for a healthy discussion using God's Word, but let's try to stay on point here and refrain from personal attacks against another brother or sister in Christ.
When we disagree with another Christian about something let's go about pointing out any doctrinal errors (real or imagined) according to the manner in which God's Word tells us to -- out of loving concern with humility and gentleness, and not full-blown attack mode. Bottom line, let's at least try to respect a fellow brother or sister and understand that we're all at different places in our understanding of the truth.
I agree that your initial comments didn't make much sense in regards to their comment (or this post even). We're not talking about "movements" or "sects" so I'm not quite sure how this even entered into the conversation. We're talking about "False Converts", their connection to the Apostasy, and all the verses that tell us about both.
Furthermore, who's talking about removing "the power of the gift of salvation" as you put it? I'm simply asking us all to examine ourselves because the FACT OF THE MATTER is that in those verses you referred to (the "Depart from me" verses from Matthew 7:22-23) is Jesus talking to those who call themselves "Christians". So, the simple fact that there will be people who think they're "Christians" who will hear those frightening words should motivate us to try and understand why that is the case, shouldn't it? At least, that's what I've been concerned with a lot lately.
Anyway, of course, I enjoy a good discussion and look forward to learning from the Body of Christ, but lately I've seen far too many "opinions" and not enough of the Word.
In Christ,
Jeff ("JRed")
I notice that a lot of the "controversial" comments come from "Anonymous" people.
So, I'm debating about whether or not I should enforce a policy that says you must sign a name to your comment or else I won't publish it.
I know that to some it might seem like "What's the point?" since you might think that that won't stop any "Anonymous" people from commenting (they'll just use a fake name instead perhaps).
Maybe. I'm not so sure. For whatever reason, most people I know have a difficult time standing behind their beliefs if they have to publicly take a stand by signing a name to such beliefs. It's much easier to criticize and mock and ridicule when no one knows who you are. So, all that being said, we'll see.
In Christ,
Jeff ("JRed")
Hey Jeff,
You may not remember but in our correspondence six months to a year ago I referenced Mike Gendron and what a wonderful job he has done in his ministry which is addressed or focused at Roman Catholics. He has created great reference material from God's holy word and mirrored it to what the Catholic literature has to say pointing out all the blatant errors with the Catholic doctrine that are leading a billion people astray and possibly to damnation if they follow those Catholic tenants.
And he is right in saying that the biggest area for conversion to the "true Jesus" is not in foreign or remote arenas of the world but right in front of our noses with Catholics that have bought into a religion that has been skewed and whose tenants run contrary to God's holy word. The Catholic Church does not advocate that you read your bible because if you did you would discern what a scam they are running. I know because I was a Catholic for over 40 years and by the grace of God have escaped the "cult" that calls itself the Catholic Church. Jeff I know you have been blowing the anti-Catholic trumpet for quite some time now and I can't compliment you enough for doing that. Countless millions of peoples eternal destinies are at stake and thank God people like you and Mike Gendron step forward in an attempt to free some of these people from the bondage they are in.
The bible makes it very clear in the Book of Revelation that the antichrist's evil one world church / religion will be centered in Rome (Catholic Church) and will deceive millions or billions of people. Doing so with the accompaniment of the false prophet (next Pope) who has the demonic ability to perform lying signs and wonders to dazzle the populace into submission. I believe this will happen soon after the Rapture when the "false prophet" along with a demonic false Mary arrive on scene supposedly sent by God to explain to the world what has just happened. They will perform miracles and lying signs and wonders that will convince a world that is starving for answers as to what just happened to millions of people who have vanished.
Please keep the articles coming Jeff in hope that Catholics and others who have not accepted the "true Jesus" will find that "narrow path" to salvation that Matthew speaks of from God's holy word and the warning that "few" will find it.
John B
JRed, in my opinion concerning the Anon button if you take it away, you'll probably get fewer comments. I think most people just like their privacy and while placing a first name or any such handle to end a thought does'nt really identify a person anyway, folks have a general sense of being overexposed as it is and are more comfortable with Anon.
I would also like to say that as long as people refrain from profanity and socially unacceptable adjectives, their comments should not be filtered through the politically correct programming that is so common in the world's media. If our skin is so thin we cannot withstand either correctly or incorrectly applied criticism, well that is another area that might possibly need attention.
Great work, LUF is very unique and is what we call in Texas, fajitas for the brain.
Peace,
-STK
JRed,
Thank you for your excellent suggestion that a name (or at least initials/moniker, etc. perhaps) must be attached to a comment in order to be approved, as opposed to "anonymous." I've thought of mentioning this in the past, but didn't feel it was my place to suggest it. However, coming from the owner of this blog is a whole 'other animal! :)
I totally agree that it may not necessarily keep people from using fake names, but if for no other reason, it would be much easier to keep straight who said what, instead of having to backtrack & identify a particular "anonymous" by the time & date of their post if someone desires to respond to their comments.
I appreciate your consideration of this very much, Jeff. You have always been gracious in accepting a wide range of comments, and to simply request that someone use their name is not unreasonable. I believe that in order to post a comment with some blogs, the person must sign in with their e-mail address, so the trade-off for your blog could be that a name must be used since an e-mail address isn't required.
Does anyone have any statistics as to how many practicing Catholics are saved through Mike Gendron's ministry?
P.S. - for anyone currently signing in as "Anonymous" but also identifying your name (or initials, etc.) at the end of comments can instead (if you want to, of course) just choose the 3rd selection of "Name/URL" and type your name (or initials, or whatever name identifier you prefer) & leave the optional "URL" box blank. That way, you're still assured a certain level of anonymity since your name/initials, etc. is not linked to anything, and your comments don't start off as "Anonymous said..."
Just a thought...shoot, hope the suggestion doesn't sound too OCD...Ha! Might be time for a couple of new hobbies for "PK"... :)
Please come quickly, Lord.
Please dont take the anon button away. I am a computer dork and need all the help I can get!! LOL
Deirdre
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