This will be a lengthy one. It's a prayer and a plea after breaking fellowship, which, unfortunately, was the only course of action left for me to take in this situation.
I have an extremely heavy heart tonight, but a very clear conscience. In fact, a weight was lifted off of me, and I definitely have a "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
Why, given the circumstances? Because as difficult as tonight was for me personally (and I'm sure for my friend as well), I know that the Lord was glorified indeed, and that's really all that matters in this life, isn't it? Please see 2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17, and Colossians 3:23.
How can we be true "ambassadors" for Christ if we aren't willing to believe and then follow what He instructs us to do in certain situations as difficult as they might be for us personally? You might be inclined to think that I'm asking this question solely in regards to a fellow brother I recently confronted out of concern, but I actually asked myself that very same question quite a bit over the last couple of days as I knew the 'moment of truth' was drawing near.
In such cases, we need to recall Galatians 1:10 that says, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."
Are we prepared to sound the alarm and label apostasy, blasphemy, and heresy when we find it particularly within the church? That's the question these last days.
Jesus Christ Himself warned us explicitly about preparing to defend ourselves against the "wolves", or "false prophets", who would come in "sheep's clothing" bent on deceiving Christians from WITHIN the church.
Not only did He speak of the reality of the existence of False Teachers and their destructive false doctrines, but He told us how we could clearly identify them, and also what we should do in response once we've identified them. He even confronted them Himself on more than one occasion. His Apostles mirrored his behavior and teachings as well.
None of this should be lost on us even though we're on this side of the cross.
As I had my run-ins with several different "wolves" this week (and those near and dear to me who they successfully deceived), the obvious question that ran through my mind was, "Should we pray for these wolves?" The short answer, is no.
However, what about those Christians we know who have been deceived by such wolves. I'll get to that in just a minute. First, a word on whether or not we should be praying for the many wolves out there, courtesy of Defending.Contending.
On to that prayer after breaking fellowship. Yesterday, my friend suggested that my family get together with his so that we can discuss things. I suggested that it was probably best (and Biblical) that he and I meet face-to-face first to talk.
We met, and talked, and listened, and talked some more to each other for about 2 hours tonight. The fact that I am writing this at 3:45am and haven't slept yet (and I have to be at work by 8:30am!) is indicative of where I'm at right now even though I know I said and did the right things.
Yes, it is with a heavy heart, but clear conscience that I share the heartbreaking news that I have no other course of action than to break fellowship with him. I can only pray that it will be temporary and short-lived (Romans 8:28), but I've done all that I was expected to in this tragic situation.
I tried my best to point him in the right direction to the "the narrow gate/road" (Matthew 7:13-14). Now it's between Him and the Lord.
Still, I promised that I would pray for him. Here is evidence of such an assurance born out of my genuine love and concern for him. Please join me if you feel inclined to do so.
I know that what took place earlier tonight was probably difficult to hear for him, and I know he was hurt, especially if he was confronted about Biblical realities like these for the first time.
But what I can't get out of my head this evening ever since was the condescending laughing and smirking from time-to-time as well as his final parting words. I don't view this as 'no big deal' and it's certainly not a laughing matter to me either. I can only hope that the tears I saw in his eyes before we left one another will water the seeds of repentance that will one day lead to restoration between us.
Oh, how I wish he could feel the genuine concern, fear, heartache, and love all wrapped up into one big ball of emotions that I feel for him even after tonight's meeting!
All that being said, I have a final plea for him in case he's reading this. It too is derived from the only source of truth we have -- God's divinely inspired and holy Word.
Most people would consider such a response like mine quite unlike our Lord Jesus Christ. They cannot believe that Jesus would ever respond in such a way. Actually, my response throughout the past week has been pretty tame compared to Christ's!
Those who are of this persuasion though fail to acknowledge the very words of Jesus Christ Himself (our primary example to follow) who said to the False Teachers of His day, "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" (Matthew 23:33). Jesus also declared to these men, "...you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."
Such is the case, we contend, with the men we expose (Ephesians 5:11). Should we pray for such men (the wolves in sheep's clothing, like in Matthew 7:15)? Should we pray for men who lead hundreds and thousands and sometimes millions of people to the fires of eternal torment where their worm will not die, "and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:48)? What about those who are deceived by those very same False Teachers? What if they are not teachers themselves, and they only lead one person to Hell with their encouragement to embrace such false doctrines? At first glance, it might appear that we should.
Plus, when we consider Stephen's prayer, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (Acts 7:60), we might further be persuaded that we should pray for the well-being of False Teachers, especially when we note that Saul/Paul (a Pharisee, a False Teacher, Philippians 3:5) was one of those present at Stephen's death (Acts 7:58; Acts 8:1). Furthermore, 1 Timothy 2:1 would seem to remove all doubt that we should pray that God might grant repentance to these wolves.
If only it was JUST THE ABOVE SCRIPTURES that were cited, then it might be very easy to persuade others that we should always pray for people, even False Teachers. But, the above is not the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) on this subject, is it? That's key here.
REMEMBER, IT IS THE TOTALITY OF SCRIPTURE WE MUST TAKE INTO ACCOUNT AT ALL TIMES, KNOWING THAT GOD'S WORD NEVER CONTRADICTS ITSELF, BECAUSE IT SAYS WHAT IT MEANS, AND IT MEANS WHAT IT SAYS. As always, CONTEXT is everything too. For example, the context of Matthew 5:43-44 and Luke 6:27-28 is a personal offense (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 6:29-31).
False teaching goes way beyond any kind of evil that might be afflicted upon one's person. False teaching is a direct offense against God. It is a direct offense and a dreadful woeful damning matter against His people. False teaching is a blow against the Truth. It's a blow against Jesus Christ Himself (John 14:6), and that should concern people who don't take charges of such as seriously as they should.
In addition, Ecclesiastes 3 exemplifies that there is a "time for every purpose under heaven", even "A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;" and "A time to love, and a time to hate;" (Ecclesiastes 3:5,8). We should indeed pray "for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1). But, there is also a time when we would not pray for someone. Ok, so what are those instances, then?
Here is one example where we are not instructed to pray for someone. It is sin that is so bad it leads to death, and John refuses to tell us to pray for such a person if they commit this sin. What sin is so evil that it is "unto death" (more literally in the Greek, "sin unto death")? We find "sin unto death" in Hebrews 10.
A willful turning of one's life over to sin after coming to Christ (Hebrews 10:29) and taking on His name, is "sin unto death". Why? Because "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" (Hebrews 10:26).
Ok, that seems to apply to the False Teachers, but what about those like my friend who have been deceived by them? Here's my 'plea' portion of this post.
Some may argue against the above by contending that Paul was a False Teacher, and yet, he was saved. Indeed, Paul was a False Teacher, but not the same kind described in 2 Peter 2:1-22. His opposition to the truth was in ignorance and unbelief (1 Timothy 1:12-13). It took a radical miracle to get him to repent (Acts 22:1-11), but once he received "the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 2:20), he never turned from it (2 Peter 2:21).
Such is not the case described in 2 Peter 2 concerning the wolves that Peter warns us about. These men have the truth, but turn away from it (please see 2 Peter 2:20-22). But are all who are caught up in lies and deceit beyond hope? No, they're not, and this is my passionate plea to my dear friend after tonight's meeting!
Please note what Jude says.
Jude calls us to make "a distinction", to use discernment. He says this in the context of the beloved (Jude 20). While we contend for the faith (Jude 3), we are to have compassion (Jude 22) on one another (Colossians 3:12-14) and contend in love (Galatians5:13-15). But, at the same time we are to discern (making a distinction, verse 22) those who may have been caught up by error and need to be saved from it ("save with fear, pulling them out of the fire", Jude 23).
Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) are examples of this sort. They were propagating false doctrine to Job (e.g. Job 13:4) as they attempted to confront Job on, what they perceived to be, his sin (Job 22:5). They argued that Job was reaping what he had sown, because God punishes the wicked in this life and rewards the righteous (Job 4:7). Job contended his suffering was not because of his sin, and that God does not always punish the wicked and reward the righteous in this life (Job 21:7-13). These friends of Job spoke falsely about God, and were caught in deceit. In fact, God was angry with them, and they were in serious trouble before Him. Therefore, the Lord says to Eliphaz the Temanite,
Job rightly prayed for these men who had spoken falsely about God, and the Lord received Job's prayer (Job 42:9-10). Thus, there is a time to pray for those caught in error.
Exemplified in Ephesians 4:14, it is quite possible that a believer might be swayed into error and thus propagate the error himself. But, this is a serious matter, nonetheless (2 Peter 3:17).
James 5:19-20 describes a person who "wanders" from the truth. In other words, they are no longer in the truth (John 14:6), and thus, no longer wise (as Job's friends were). Note in James that it says their soul is being saved "from death" (Hell! Revelation 21:8) when they are brought back to the truth (James 5:19-20).
Therefore, there are those who might be caught in error, but are not False Teachers, that is, of the sort mentioned in 2 Peter 2:1 (for whom the blackness of darkness is reserved, 2 Peter 2:17).
My dear friend, please, please, please heed this warning from someone who cares enough about you to actually say something about all of this. There is hope! That's why I will pray for restoration through repentance between you and the Lord as well as restoration through confession and forgiveness between you and me.
In closing, may the warning given by God through Paul serve as a sober reminder why this is such a serious subject. The instruction Paul gives in Galatians 1:8-9 (for those who preach any other gospel) is that we let them go to Hell.
This is the exact opposite of praying for them that teach false doctrine and those that have been deceived by it to the point where they embrace, defend, and promote it themselves.
Characteristic of a righteous man is that a reprobate is despised in his eyes (Psalm 15:4), and he hates those who hate the Lord (Psalm 139:19-22). And, at the appropriate time, he not only does not pray for someone, but he actually prays for the vengeance of God upon them!
Lord, I humbly ask You to please never put me in that situation with this person who's near and dear to me! However, Your will be done for Your glory, honor, and praise, and if I must, then I will do what I must in accordance with Your perfect Word.
A prayer and a plea after breaking fellowship.
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I have an extremely heavy heart tonight, but a very clear conscience. In fact, a weight was lifted off of me, and I definitely have a "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
Why, given the circumstances? Because as difficult as tonight was for me personally (and I'm sure for my friend as well), I know that the Lord was glorified indeed, and that's really all that matters in this life, isn't it? Please see 2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17, and Colossians 3:23.
How can we be true "ambassadors" for Christ if we aren't willing to believe and then follow what He instructs us to do in certain situations as difficult as they might be for us personally? You might be inclined to think that I'm asking this question solely in regards to a fellow brother I recently confronted out of concern, but I actually asked myself that very same question quite a bit over the last couple of days as I knew the 'moment of truth' was drawing near.
In such cases, we need to recall Galatians 1:10 that says, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."
Are we prepared to sound the alarm and label apostasy, blasphemy, and heresy when we find it particularly within the church? That's the question these last days.
Jesus Christ Himself warned us explicitly about preparing to defend ourselves against the "wolves", or "false prophets", who would come in "sheep's clothing" bent on deceiving Christians from WITHIN the church.
Matthew 7:15 (KJV) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Not only did He speak of the reality of the existence of False Teachers and their destructive false doctrines, but He told us how we could clearly identify them, and also what we should do in response once we've identified them. He even confronted them Himself on more than one occasion. His Apostles mirrored his behavior and teachings as well.
None of this should be lost on us even though we're on this side of the cross.
As I had my run-ins with several different "wolves" this week (and those near and dear to me who they successfully deceived), the obvious question that ran through my mind was, "Should we pray for these wolves?" The short answer, is no.
However, what about those Christians we know who have been deceived by such wolves. I'll get to that in just a minute. First, a word on whether or not we should be praying for the many wolves out there, courtesy of Defending.Contending.
Are We Supposed To Pray For The Wolves?
Imagine if you will, the following scenario:
A shepherd guarding his sheep observes a wolf among the flock cloaked in sheepskin. He stands up and yells “Wolf! Wolf! Run! Run!” And immediately the sheep begin to scatter, but not all. A small group turn to the sheep dog and, with an arrogant smirk plastered across their faces, respond, “But did you pray for the wolf?” Bewildered as to why these sheep were ignoring his warning, the shepherd reiterates the danger of the wolf’s presence with an even more impassioned plea for the sheep to escape the impending doom that’s about to befall them. However, they stand firm and go back to their grazing on the plush green grass beneath their feet. Mumblings of, "Who is he to judge?” and, “As for me I’ll be praying for the wolf” can be heard among them as they reassure themselves of their peace and safety while the wolf takes them out one by one until there are none left.
There are many one-liners regurgitated by ‘wolf defenders’ designed to silence those who would try to warn the flock. If you’ve ever exercised your discernment regarding a false prophet, there’s no doubt you’ve encountered the all famous “judge not” defense ripped and twisted from its context.
However, there’s another less popular but equally insidious argument used by wolf defenders that’s designed to put shepherds, sheep dogs, and watchmen on the defense. The diversionary tactic I speak of is “Are you praying for _________?” This trite platitude is usually employed in the context that we’re not supposed to expose the wolves but only pray for them, and if we have not prayed for them then we are somehow committing a greater wickedness than the wolves themselves if we dare criticize them (woe to those who call evil good and good evil).
This often-used excuse to avoid defending truth and to–conversely–help further the advance of those devouring the flock got me wondering; are we supposed to pray for the wolves?
First of all I want to say up front that I do not believe praying for a wolf is wrong, a sin, nor am I saying that you shouldn’t do it. Furthermore, this post is not intended to discourage you from doing so, but only to raise the question are we supposed to pray for the wolves? I would also like to preface this thesis by clarifying that when I speak of wolves in this post, I am not referring to the rank and file who have fallen under the spell of their leaders, but the leaders themselves (Think: Helen Ukbato, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland, Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt, et al).
With that said, allow me to present some thoughts on this matter. Although false teachers and their false teachings are addressed in almost every book of the New Testament, strangely absent is any command or even example in which we are to pray for them. There seems to be no precedent for or allusion to God’s love and grace in the writings of holy writ being applied to false prophets. I am not saying that God’s love and grace is not capable of reaching any and all whom He chooses to bestow it upon, but what I am saying is that there seems to be a vast chasm between His love/grace and the false teachers–a chasm commonly traversed by God in His dealings with the common sinner, but never seen traversed for the wolves.
We see in the New Testament time and time again where the sinner has repented unto life, but we don’t ever see where a wolf (one who is actively shipwrecking the faith of believers) has repented unto life. Additionally, wolves are spoken of by Jesus and the Apostles in some of the harshest, condemning tones found in all of the Bible (and rightly so because the damage they cause is eternal). I have found nowhere in Scripture that we are directly or expressly commanded to pray for those who seek to shipwreck our faith and damn our souls to Hell for eternity.
The argument in favor of praying for the wolves is commonly couched in our command to love and pray for our enemies, but are false teachers what Jesus was referring to when He said this? Do they fit in the context of His use of the word “enemies” in that text? I submit that when one looks at the context of “your enemies,” He is speaking of those persecuting you, and not false teachers or prophets. Compare the references to “your enemies” in Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28, Luke 6:34-35, and Romans 12:20 (in which all are referring to those who persecute you and in which we are instructed to feed them, lend to them, love them, and pray for them) with the admonition about deceivers in 2 John verses 9-11. Here we are instructed to not even to permit them into our homes or even greet them.
You will notice a stark contrast between how we are to treat those who persecute us (who can only kill our bodies) and those who bring a false gospel (who can drag our souls to eternal torment in the Lake of Fire). There is a blazing distinction between those who persecute us and who spitefully use us, and that of the wolves. Nowhere does Jesus nor any Apostle precede, interrupt, or conclude the teaching against a wolf in order to pray for them; nor are we instructed to. When Jesus warns us to beware of the wolves He doesn’t conclude by telling us to pray for them. Unlike the anonymity of the elect who we do not know–and so we proclaim the Gospel to all as we are instructed to do—the wolves we can know because they are said to be easily identified by their fruit (Matthew 7:15).
So why is the Bible silent on whether or not we’re supposed to pray for false teachers? Perhaps the reason can be found elsewhere in Scripture. Jude 13 and 2 Peter 2:17 tells us that they’ve been “reserved” for darkness and Paul tells us in Galatians 1:6-9 that they’re “accursed.” This does not sound like there’s any hope for them, but that their fate is already sealed, thus rendering any prayers for them–although commendable–of the utmost futility. We can no more pray into Heaven an “accursed” false prophet who’s “reserved” for destruction any more then we can stop God through prayer from burning up this present earth that He’s “reserved” for fire (2 Peter 3:7). We also see that there’s an imperishable inheritance “reserved” for those born again (1 Peter 1:3-4). I would as soon expect man to be capable of altering this “reserved” blessing as much as he would be able to derail the “reserved” judgment of a wolf, in addition to being able to derail the hope that believers are “destined” not for wrath but for salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The surety of something being “reserved” by God cannot simply be glossed over. We see this again in 2 Peter 2:1-4 in which God’s judgment of the wolves is from “long ago” and is “reserved” for them just like it is for the angels who sinned. If both Jude and Peter tell us that these men are “reserved” for Hell, and Paul tells us they’re “accursed,” then I can conclude and fully understand why we are never commanded or shown by example to “Love false teachers and pray for them.” Anyone, including our enemies, can be granted repentance unto life (Acts 11:18), but it seems to me that Scripture reveals those “reserved” for darkness cannot.
We’ve all heard stories of Christian persecutors coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ, but can anyone recall a wolf who ever turned from their ways to embrace the Truth? Is there any record of these men or women repenting of their spreading of “another gospel” and turning to the True Gospel? How about Joseph Smith? Brigham Young? Gordon B. Hinckley? Charles Taze Russell? Judge Rutherford? Mary Baker Eddy? Ellen G. White? David Koresh? Marshall Applewhite? L. Ron Hubbard? Herbert Armstrong?
As far as history shows, all of the above men and women died rejecting the true Christ and His Gospel and dragged countless souls to an eternal fiery damnation with them. And their false doctrines of demons continue to seduce and deceive millions today. I know that my thesis of not praying for a false teacher may be atrocious to some of you. “After all” you say, “God would never not have us pray for someone. But is the idea really inconceivable? I submit the following precedents for your consideration:
As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you. Jeremiah 7:16
Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster. Jeremiah 11:14
So the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the welfare of this people. When they fast, I am not going to listen to their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I am not going to accept them. Rather I am going to make an end of them by the sword, famine and pestilence.” Jeremiah 14:11-12
Although I don’t believe it is wrong nor a sin if you pray for a wolf, I do believe, however, that the argument that unless you’ve prayed for a false prophet then you can’t speak out against a false prophet is nothing more than a straw man. It’s a weak attempt by those protecting the wolves to divert the attention away from the wolf and his wicked ways, and putting the one exposing him on the defense . . . a clever tactic I would expect Satan to employ. I’m also not saying that I’ve never prayed for a wolf, nor am I saying that I never will pray for a wolf, but if you have not prayed for a wolf I see nothing that would exempt you from exposing and resisting one.
At the end of the day, which shepherd will have more sheep: The one who actively guards his flock with stern warnings about who the wolves are and how to spot them, or the one who sits under the tree praying for the wolves while they are preying on his flock?
On to that prayer after breaking fellowship. Yesterday, my friend suggested that my family get together with his so that we can discuss things. I suggested that it was probably best (and Biblical) that he and I meet face-to-face first to talk.
We met, and talked, and listened, and talked some more to each other for about 2 hours tonight. The fact that I am writing this at 3:45am and haven't slept yet (and I have to be at work by 8:30am!) is indicative of where I'm at right now even though I know I said and did the right things.
Yes, it is with a heavy heart, but clear conscience that I share the heartbreaking news that I have no other course of action than to break fellowship with him. I can only pray that it will be temporary and short-lived (Romans 8:28), but I've done all that I was expected to in this tragic situation.
I tried my best to point him in the right direction to the "the narrow gate/road" (Matthew 7:13-14). Now it's between Him and the Lord.
Still, I promised that I would pray for him. Here is evidence of such an assurance born out of my genuine love and concern for him. Please join me if you feel inclined to do so.
Lord, thank You for bringing my friend and I together tonight out of genuine love and concern for one another with reconciliation and restoration at the forefront of both of our minds. As uncomfortable as it was, especially in a public place, I thank You for giving me the opportunity to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) by sharing with Him exactly what Your holy Word has to say about False Teachers, their false teachings (i.e. apostasy, blasphemy, heresy), and those who are deceived by, and promoting them, as I read from Your Holy Bible out loud for all to hear.
God, You know my heart and my mind. I pray that You would help him to consider the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God", which has been central to all of this from the very beginning. You know my intentions were noble and sincere and that every word I spoke was the truth, because they were the words You taught me to say in unfortunate cases like this. I was merely a parrot. It was not my opinion, but Your inerrant truth.
While I know that throughout Your Word You and Your Apostles never once prayed for False Teachers nor taught us that we should, I humbly ask that you have mercy on my friend for he is blind to the truth, because he has been led by the blind for so long (Matthew 15:14). Given that tragic reality, I'm not sure if You would consider him a False Teacher himself. Yes, he's shared his affinity for blasphemous and heretical individuals and the half-truths they produce publicly with others, but perhaps that's because he's known no better. Still, we "ought to be teachers" (Hebrews 5:12), and he should be able to be "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) all this time, acting like a Berean (Acts 17:11). I completely understand that. I guess I'm just acting on faith that if he is to be under your judgment for refusing to heed these warnings, then I can only rest on the truth that "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). Only You know the answer to that, my Lord, and I humbly ask that You would have mercy on him if that's truly the case.
That being said, I pray that You would humble him; open his eyes and ears to the truth about this very serious matter. Remove all traces of pride and resistance including the urge to defend the False Teacher and his false gospel more passionately than he defends You and the true Gospel. You obviously know his heart and mind too. You know if his profession of love for You and Your Word is truly sincere, or if it's more head knowledge than heart knowledge. I don't know if anything I said tonight, if anything I read tonight, if any of the verses from the list I gave him to take home and read will have any effect on him whatsoever. My faith in your Word has taught me that "so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11), and so I will rest on that assurance so that even if my dear friend never repents of his sin in believing and promoting blasphemy and heresy, then perhaps one of the strangers sitting around us who heard Your Word will be affected by it for Your glory.
Father, please forgive me for going into tonight's meeting reluctantly. Forgive me for having the urge on more than one occasion to simply compromise, to look the other way, to rationalize things, to want to 'take the easy way out', to preserve the relationship at all costs -- even if it meant violating Jude 1:3 amongst other crystal clear commands to confront such believers. Forgive me for that. Thank you for bringing me back to the truth that such confrontation must take place for the sake of myself, my friend, and Your church made up of other believers, because unity at the expense of sound doctrine is un-Biblical. Forgive me if I have sinned by showing any kind of anger that was not righteous and on target with this issue.
Lord, I pray that he would come to accept and believe that he is not to embrace, defend, and/or teach anything false or misleading, but only what is true, and right, and accurate according to the Word of God as preserved for us in the Holy Bible. I pray that he comes to understand that he can, in fact, understand Your Word -- on his own -- without relying on others to tell him what it says, because Your Word is spiritually discerned, and if He truly has the Holy Spirit, then he can rest assured that He will perform His ministry to help him to understand the truth and wisdom contained in Your Word. I pray that he comes to understand his responsibility as a maturing Christian who needs to study the Bible for himself daily, "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15), so that he no longer depends on only one human authority, or man-made source, for explanation, which is always bound to lead to misinterpretation of some portion of the Bible. Help him to see that a better approach, the Biblical approach that You outlined for us, is to study the Word first, then consider how different authorities interpret it, and then compare what they teach to see if it actually matches Your Word just like the Bereans did to Paul and Silas (Acts 17:11). If it does, then great! If not, then he should run away as fast as he can!
I pray that You please help him to understand the seriousness of False Teachers and how destructive to the Body of Christ they and their teachings can be, and help him to see what I needed to do this. I pray that You would impress upon his heart and mind that the best defense against False Teachers and their false teachings is for him to to have a thorough knowledge of the Bible so that he can spot them a mile away, or the instant he hears and/or reads something from them.
Oh Lord, I pray with all my heart that Titus 3:10-11 that says, "A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself" does not apply to this man! I really do! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
I know that what took place earlier tonight was probably difficult to hear for him, and I know he was hurt, especially if he was confronted about Biblical realities like these for the first time.
But what I can't get out of my head this evening ever since was the condescending laughing and smirking from time-to-time as well as his final parting words. I don't view this as 'no big deal' and it's certainly not a laughing matter to me either. I can only hope that the tears I saw in his eyes before we left one another will water the seeds of repentance that will one day lead to restoration between us.
Oh, how I wish he could feel the genuine concern, fear, heartache, and love all wrapped up into one big ball of emotions that I feel for him even after tonight's meeting!
All that being said, I have a final plea for him in case he's reading this. It too is derived from the only source of truth we have -- God's divinely inspired and holy Word.
Most people would consider such a response like mine quite unlike our Lord Jesus Christ. They cannot believe that Jesus would ever respond in such a way. Actually, my response throughout the past week has been pretty tame compared to Christ's!
Those who are of this persuasion though fail to acknowledge the very words of Jesus Christ Himself (our primary example to follow) who said to the False Teachers of His day, "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" (Matthew 23:33). Jesus also declared to these men, "...you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."
Such is the case, we contend, with the men we expose (Ephesians 5:11). Should we pray for such men (the wolves in sheep's clothing, like in Matthew 7:15)? Should we pray for men who lead hundreds and thousands and sometimes millions of people to the fires of eternal torment where their worm will not die, "and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:48)? What about those who are deceived by those very same False Teachers? What if they are not teachers themselves, and they only lead one person to Hell with their encouragement to embrace such false doctrines? At first glance, it might appear that we should.
Matthew 5:43-44 (KJV) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Luke 6:27-28 (KJV) But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Plus, when we consider Stephen's prayer, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (Acts 7:60), we might further be persuaded that we should pray for the well-being of False Teachers, especially when we note that Saul/Paul (a Pharisee, a False Teacher, Philippians 3:5) was one of those present at Stephen's death (Acts 7:58; Acts 8:1). Furthermore, 1 Timothy 2:1 would seem to remove all doubt that we should pray that God might grant repentance to these wolves.
If only it was JUST THE ABOVE SCRIPTURES that were cited, then it might be very easy to persuade others that we should always pray for people, even False Teachers. But, the above is not the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) on this subject, is it? That's key here.
REMEMBER, IT IS THE TOTALITY OF SCRIPTURE WE MUST TAKE INTO ACCOUNT AT ALL TIMES, KNOWING THAT GOD'S WORD NEVER CONTRADICTS ITSELF, BECAUSE IT SAYS WHAT IT MEANS, AND IT MEANS WHAT IT SAYS. As always, CONTEXT is everything too. For example, the context of Matthew 5:43-44 and Luke 6:27-28 is a personal offense (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 6:29-31).
False teaching goes way beyond any kind of evil that might be afflicted upon one's person. False teaching is a direct offense against God. It is a direct offense and a dreadful woeful damning matter against His people. False teaching is a blow against the Truth. It's a blow against Jesus Christ Himself (John 14:6), and that should concern people who don't take charges of such as seriously as they should.
In addition, Ecclesiastes 3 exemplifies that there is a "time for every purpose under heaven", even "A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;" and "A time to love, and a time to hate;" (Ecclesiastes 3:5,8). We should indeed pray "for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1). But, there is also a time when we would not pray for someone. Ok, so what are those instances, then?
1 John 5:16 (KJV) If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
Here is one example where we are not instructed to pray for someone. It is sin that is so bad it leads to death, and John refuses to tell us to pray for such a person if they commit this sin. What sin is so evil that it is "unto death" (more literally in the Greek, "sin unto death")? We find "sin unto death" in Hebrews 10.
Hebrews 10:26 (KJV) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
A willful turning of one's life over to sin after coming to Christ (Hebrews 10:29) and taking on His name, is "sin unto death". Why? Because "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" (Hebrews 10:26).
Ok, that seems to apply to the False Teachers, but what about those like my friend who have been deceived by them? Here's my 'plea' portion of this post.
Some may argue against the above by contending that Paul was a False Teacher, and yet, he was saved. Indeed, Paul was a False Teacher, but not the same kind described in 2 Peter 2:1-22. His opposition to the truth was in ignorance and unbelief (1 Timothy 1:12-13). It took a radical miracle to get him to repent (Acts 22:1-11), but once he received "the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 2:20), he never turned from it (2 Peter 2:21).
Such is not the case described in 2 Peter 2 concerning the wolves that Peter warns us about. These men have the truth, but turn away from it (please see 2 Peter 2:20-22). But are all who are caught up in lies and deceit beyond hope? No, they're not, and this is my passionate plea to my dear friend after tonight's meeting!
Please note what Jude says.
Jude 1:22-23 (KJV) And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jude calls us to make "a distinction", to use discernment. He says this in the context of the beloved (Jude 20). While we contend for the faith (Jude 3), we are to have compassion (Jude 22) on one another (Colossians 3:12-14) and contend in love (Galatians5:13-15). But, at the same time we are to discern (making a distinction, verse 22) those who may have been caught up by error and need to be saved from it ("save with fear, pulling them out of the fire", Jude 23).
Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) are examples of this sort. They were propagating false doctrine to Job (e.g. Job 13:4) as they attempted to confront Job on, what they perceived to be, his sin (Job 22:5). They argued that Job was reaping what he had sown, because God punishes the wicked in this life and rewards the righteous (Job 4:7). Job contended his suffering was not because of his sin, and that God does not always punish the wicked and reward the righteous in this life (Job 21:7-13). These friends of Job spoke falsely about God, and were caught in deceit. In fact, God was angry with them, and they were in serious trouble before Him. Therefore, the Lord says to Eliphaz the Temanite,
Job 42:7-8 (KJV) And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
Job rightly prayed for these men who had spoken falsely about God, and the Lord received Job's prayer (Job 42:9-10). Thus, there is a time to pray for those caught in error.
Exemplified in Ephesians 4:14, it is quite possible that a believer might be swayed into error and thus propagate the error himself. But, this is a serious matter, nonetheless (2 Peter 3:17).
James 5:19-20 describes a person who "wanders" from the truth. In other words, they are no longer in the truth (John 14:6), and thus, no longer wise (as Job's friends were). Note in James that it says their soul is being saved "from death" (Hell! Revelation 21:8) when they are brought back to the truth (James 5:19-20).
James 5:19-20 (KJV) Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Therefore, there are those who might be caught in error, but are not False Teachers, that is, of the sort mentioned in 2 Peter 2:1 (for whom the blackness of darkness is reserved, 2 Peter 2:17).
My dear friend, please, please, please heed this warning from someone who cares enough about you to actually say something about all of this. There is hope! That's why I will pray for restoration through repentance between you and the Lord as well as restoration through confession and forgiveness between you and me.
In closing, may the warning given by God through Paul serve as a sober reminder why this is such a serious subject. The instruction Paul gives in Galatians 1:8-9 (for those who preach any other gospel) is that we let them go to Hell.
Galatians 1:8-9 (KJV) 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.
This is the exact opposite of praying for them that teach false doctrine and those that have been deceived by it to the point where they embrace, defend, and promote it themselves.
Characteristic of a righteous man is that a reprobate is despised in his eyes (Psalm 15:4), and he hates those who hate the Lord (Psalm 139:19-22). And, at the appropriate time, he not only does not pray for someone, but he actually prays for the vengeance of God upon them!
Lord, I humbly ask You to please never put me in that situation with this person who's near and dear to me! However, Your will be done for Your glory, honor, and praise, and if I must, then I will do what I must in accordance with Your perfect Word.
A prayer and a plea after breaking fellowship.
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That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Your friend has not only done the above, but has born good fruit. Are you choosing not to believe in the above?
-Someone who loves you both and hates the division this has caused in the lives of ALL (because this affects a lot of people) involved
I sent this by private email before, but did not receive the courtesy of a reply. Posting publicly now in hopes of eliciting a respones:
Speaking as the wife of your friend, I have a few comments. The day you posted this, my family was trying to celebrate the life of someone we loved dearly. Shortly after the funeral, while we were still gathering with family and friends, my husband happened to check your blog, and read your post. This is the way that he found out that you were “breaking fellowship” with him. Both of us were VERY hurt by these actions. A true friend (or considerate Christian, if you think the label of friend no longer applies) would have chosen his timing and manner a little more compassionately.
Although my husband may feel uncomfortable by this (he is very non-confrontational, which is perhaps one of the reasons he didn’t want to get into a theological debate with you in person), I’m also going to defend him personally. He successfully passes all the tests of salvation found here - http://www.gty.org/resources/positions/p06/is-it-real. (Using a John MacArthur resource, since I know you’re a fellow fan.) He would never promote anything that went against our beliefs found in the Apostle’s Creed, or his commitment to the divine Word. The Spirit has testified that he is a son of God (Romans 8:16). How glad I am that it is not you who sits in judgment over him.
My husband and I love you and your family very much. We continue to pray for the healing of our friendship, and for forgiveness and compassion on both sides. Know that whatever decision you have made regarding our friendship, our prayer will not change. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).
Before I respond, I just want to make sure that we're all on the same page here.
I'm assuming that you both know what this is about and what it is I brought up privately as a concern and why.
If not, or if you haven't been here since writing these comments, then PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE check out the posts I put up today about Eugene Peterson's The Message. They are short, sweet, and to the point, and will clearly demonstrate the truth of the matter.
Grace And Peace,
Jeff
Anonymous #1,
My friend, standing for the truth of what God's Word says tends to do that I'm afraid, and I'm more concerned with what God thinks of me than I am about what other people think of (Galatians 1:10). I have to answer to him on Judgment Day not just for the things I did and said, but the things I didn't do and say that He expected me to.
If you know me as you claim to, then you know that I'm also a Lutheran. While I typically don't label myself as such (preferring instead to simply tell people who ask that I'm a Christian), I bring that up to remind you that soon we'll celebrate Reformation Day. What I did privately between me and this other individual was no different than what Martin Luther himself did. My heart is heavy, but my conscience is clear.
It's also unfortunate that the one who is merely trying to stand for the truth by contending for and defending the faith (Jude 1:3) like we're instructed to in these cases (as were instructed to in several places throughout God's Word that I painstakingly tried to reference every step of the way in each and every post I've published here), or the one who is merely trying to protect this friend, this friend's family, my friends, my family, my church, and the Body of Christ in general, out of sincere love, is viewed as being responsible for causing this 'division'. Friend, I'm assuming you would agree that Jesus and His Apostles are our role models. That being the case, should we ignore their behavior and clear commands to not only identify false teachings within the church for its protection and for the spiritual health of those caught in its clutches, but to confront them? There's a reason why so much of the NT is devoted to this subject, my friend.
Let's not forget that approaching a brother/sister privately over a valid spiritual concern is the Biblically prescribed method for handling issues like this. That's what I've done. I haven't told anyone at my church or my children's school anything about what happened/what's going on, but it sounds like many people know what's going on, but they've only heard one side of things too. I have nothing to hide and will let God and His Word judge whether or me on this matter.
Lastly, yes, that's what Romans 10:9 says, but we can't just isolate one or two verses without prayerfully considering the TOTALITY OF SCRIPTURE, my friend. We are to use the Bible to interpret the Bible. Again, Martin Luther believed this. For instance, what do we do with that verse in light of all the others that tell us that there will be people who call themselves Christians, who others view as Christians, who are actually deceived by false teachings? See all the passages on the "wheat" and "tares", or the "sheep" and "goats". Also, just to be clear, I'm not, I repeat that I am not, calling this friend 'demonic', but to illustrate my point, even the demons acknowledged that Jesus Christ was the Lord (James 2:19), but that mere intellectual acceptance didn't make them true believers, did it?
Bottom line, we can't pick and choose the parts of the Bible we like and ignore the parts of the Bible we don't like.
For me to remain silent would've been disobedient to God and truly unloving toward this friend of mine. I would've been a hypocrite.
Grace And Peace,
Jeff
Anonymous #2,
I can assure you that I did not receive an email from you and am just seeing this comment now. Sorry for the delay, but work and writing additional posts here kept me busy. Plus, I didn't get to bed until 4:30am last night. Email me at any time (jeffreykeenanradt at yahoo dot com or lookupluke2127 at yahoo dot com) and I will always respond. Better yet, feel free to pick up the phone and we can talk one-on-one.
This private conversation actually started about a week or two before the date you referenced. So, to suggest there has ever been a malicious bone in my body (as if I were seeking to hurt your husband over this at any point along the way) is simply not true, and I'm truly sorry you don't know me well enough to know that such a thought is absurd.
Looking back, I wasn't even planning on writing that piece, but the night before (Friday night) someone recommended the book 'The Red Tent' to you. I took the time to outline why it's dangerous for any Christian to read that book, and hours later the comment was deleted. When I asked why, there was no response. So, I admit that such censorship of the truth, coupled with your husband's steadfast defense of The Message, is what fueled me to write that initial piece without even thinking about the timing. Still, you have a point about the timing. I hope that you and your husband will one day find it in your hearts to forgive me for the obvious poor timing on my part of when my original post about The Message and this situation was published. I also had no idea that he even read this blog since he's never mentioned it in the year or so that we've known each other.
To clarify, the decision to 'break fellowship' is always an absolute last resort, according to the Bible. I did not want it to come to that, but your husband has had every attempt to avoid such an action. I begged him last night to please read the list of verses I took the time to put together to prove if what I was trying to tell him was wrong or not. Please, please, please examine the evidence about The Message for yourself -- IN COMPARISON TO WHAT GOD'S WORD SAYS -- that I published today and you'll know why I had to say something.
Your husband can also confirm that no 'breaking fellowship' took place until the end of our meeting last night when it was evident that it was the only course of action for me. Again, this isn't easy for me or my family either. At the same time, if you're mad at me for taking these steps, then just know that you're actually mad at God's method for handling situations like this since I've merely parroted and mirrored what He instructs us to both say and do. Nothing more, nothing less.
(continued in next comment...)
(...continued from previous comment)
Furthermore, I never, ever said he wasn't saved, or even implied such. I showed up with my Bible in one hand and my heart in the other -- not signs with phrases of judgment on them -- and sought to help him arrive at the truth about The Message letting God's Word be the judge, always seeking restoration. That's still my hope and prayer as well.
I'm glad you mentioned John MacArthur. It's his expository Study Bible that I've based EVERY SINGLE WORD AND RESPONSE of mine off of from day one. I only wish that your husband would spend more time reading/studying that instead of The Message. By the way, the last sermon I listened to before concluding that 'breaking fellowship' would be my only option depending on what he had to say last night, was a message by MacArthur himself on 'Biblical Separation' (http://youtu.be/jaj796HkXzE).
This doesn't have to be the end of the story of our families being together. Yet, until the truth of The Message is revealed to your husband to the point where he repents of his sin in embracing, studying, and publicizing false teachings (blasphemy/heresy), the course of action I'm afraid is the same, because it's the Lord who has made the decision for me. Joshua 24:15 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." I will be obedient to Him no matter the personal cost (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; Mark 8:34).
Grace And Peace,
Jeff
One more thing.
After you read about only a few of the many easily documented issues that all self-professing Christians should have with Eugene Peterson's (a wolf in sheep's clothing that we were warned about) The Message, and especially when you compare them to Scripture as I've done for you to help make things crystal clear, I would be most gracious if the two of you would prayerfully consider coming back here to share your thoughts about each one, or if you would consider simply replying to that particular post.
Bottom line, the question is are we willing to reject and distance ourselves from a man-made perversion of the true Word of God or not?
Grace And Peace,
Jeff
Hi Jeffery,
Did Jesus pray for his enemies, persecutors, murderers, blasphemers (wolves) while on the cross? Or did he break fellowship with them? Thanks.
Nice try Anonymous.
As is characteristic with the Emergent Church crowd, your love affair with questions (Genesis 3: 'Did God really say that?') instead of God's Word, which already has the answers you seek, gives you away I'm afraid.
However, I'll play along. If you read this post before commenting, then you already know EXACTLY what the Bible says about False Teachers/wolves including Jesus' responses to them throughout His ministry.
Likewise, if you read this post before commenting, then you already know EXACTLY what the Bible says about breaking fellowship with certain people too.
You don't need my words on the subject, you need His. What I can tell you though is that Jesus certainly never had fellowship with those in Hell because they're there since they died as enemies of God, never having been reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. That's why people need to repent of their sins today (for those who read/study The Message exclusively, that 'r' word might be new to you since Peterson removed it in several places).
Wait! My mistake! I forgot that Peterson's The Message, and his endorsement of a book like Rob Bell's Love Wins, means there is no Hell, and if there is, then it's certainly not everlasting.
Hope that helps.
Grace And Peace,
Jeff
The woman of Rev 12 is now here. She is not a church, she is not Israel, and she is not Mary. She is the prophet like unto Moses and Elijah Matt 17:3, Acts 3:21-23, Luke 1:17 delivering the true word John 1:1 from the wilderness Rev 12:6 to prepare a people for the Lord’s return. God our Father will not put any child of his into a hell fire no matter what their sins. It never entered the heart or mind of God to ever do such a thing Jer7:31, Jer 19:5. Turn your heart to the children of God. A gift is now delivered to the whole world as a witness Matt 24:14. http://minigoodtale.wordpress.com Prove all things.
See, this is precisely what happens when we let False Teachers and their false doctrines of demons creep into the church and remain silent about the truth of God's Word. It sounds like the truth, and they can even cite and quote Scripture (out of context just like Satan can!), but closer examination reveals otherwise.
There's so much confusion and error in just that short statement so I'm not sure where to start. Val, my heart breaks over your words, because clearly you are deceived if you truly believe what you wrote. Again, it sounds good on the surface, but is it Biblical? Are you saying that we are all children of God (even sinners who never repent) and that God doesn't send any person to Hell no matter what? Or, when you wrote "any child of his", did you mean the Biblical truth that in order to become a child of God, saved from His wrath and saved from eternity in Hell, means you have to "repent" of your sins (Acts 3:19), and be "born again" (John 3:3-7), because "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)? Please clarify what you meant. On second thought, I know the answer. I just visited the link you shared and read: "Anyone preaching hate and murder in a hell fire for any child of God for any sin as being of God is a liar and does not know the true God (1 John 4:20)."
Please, please, please...My dear brothers and sisters who are reading this, DO NOT visit her website and open yourself up to this kind of twisted theology! Val, please refrain from visiting this website in the future as your views/teachings are CLEARLY blasphemous and heretical. I will gladly engage with you in any discussion any time via email, but I will not have you come here to poison the well and hurt the sheep the Lord has entrusted to my protection. Lord, have mercy on you.
Defending The Truth,
Jeff
Val,
My heart and conscience just won't let me stop there, especially as I also think of the people who might stumble across your words by accident just reading this post and the resulting discussion.
Folks, fill your hearts and minds with the truth of God's Word on this subject. Let me see if I can help you...
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
The Lord is a "righteous judge" (2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 2:23; Revelation 19:11).
Psalm 7:11-13 (KJV) "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry [with the wicked] every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors."
Psalm 21:9 (KJV) "Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them."
Psalm 90:7-8 (KJV) "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."
Psalm 89:14 (KJV) "Justice and judgment [are] the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face."
Romans 2:2-6 (KJV) "But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:"
His wrath abides on sinners (John 3:36). Every time they sin, they are storing up for themselves wrath that will be revealed on the Day of Judgment (Romans 2:5). Unless they are convinced that there is a wrath to come, they will not repent and flee to Jesus Christ who can deliver them from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Shall I keep going?
If you actually read the Bible, you are going to end up having to say that yours is a dishonest attempt to make the Bible say what is does not say (Matthew 7:15). Not on my watch!
I'm curious, how does what you believe work in light of Matthew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.", or do you just ignore that verse because it would shatter your entire false gospel belief system?
Defending The Truth,
Jeff
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