Many protestants call themselves Catholics with a little “c”. I would like to refute this entire idea because it was this very idea which has foiled the spread of the reformation. CCM band Casting Crowns wrote a song, which asked “if we are the body” then basically why are we acting the way that we do. I believe this answers that question.
The myth of either the invisible or universal church.
A. In the entire Bible the use of the word “universal” is no where to be found in the scriptures. Even though most, if not all translators would have believed in the concept of the universal church.
B. In the entire Bible the word “catholic” is also missing with no references.
C. In the entire Bible the word “invisible” is only used 5 times the NT in and there is no occasion where it is placed in terms of the church. (it is used to describe God and occasionally spirits)
Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Pro 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
D. Jesus was going to build his church
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Notice that Jesus doesn’t “I will have my church built by …” he simply says “I will build my church” Most Christians believe that Christ did not directly build the church they say it was built by Peter, the Apostles, or simply the Holy Spirit. Yet the scriptures clearly teach that Christ was going to build his church personally. Jesus had actually assembled the disciples to begin with.
Mar 1:16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Mar 1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
Mar 1:18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
Mar 1:19 And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
Mar 1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
The Bible also says that Jesus will draw men personally.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
The Church of Christ is the invention of Christ, who is god. So what was it’s foundation built on?
Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Let’s do something strange and look at the context! The subject was the beliefs about Jesus Christ. Peter answered with what we call the good confession. Jesus claims that Peter’s confession was divine. Then we move onto the main point. Catholics say Peter is the Rock, But Peter’s name only mean a stone.
Joh 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Mainline Protestants argue that Jesus was referring to Himself. But this would lead to deification because we are then Jesus since we are the Church. But Jesus is the only “begotten” Son while we are adopted.
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
But back to the context, Jesus was going to build the Chruch on the confession of Himself.
E. The definition of the word “church”
In William Tyndale’s translation (the first English translation out of the Greek of the New Testament) the word “Ecclesia” was translated congregation. The root word meaning of Ecclesia means a gathered congregation or assembly.
Out just over 100 references to Ecclesia over 90 refers to local congregations.
F. The use of the word “church” in scripture
In the Old Testament assembly can mean several types of gathered groups. It could be:
Israel
Exo 12:6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
Tribes of Israel
Jud 21:8 And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And, behold, there came none to the camp from Jabeshgilead to the assembly.
The Philistines
1Sa 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
1Sa 17:46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
1Sa 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.
Baal Worshippers
2Ki 10:20 And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.
Those gathered at the crucifixion of Christ
Psalms 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
In the New Testament there is still diverse types of gathered groups
A pagan town meeting
Act 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Israel
Act 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
The saints in heaven
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
So when we use the word church or assembly we are simply referring to those who are currently gathered in a group. Therefore, a congregation or church of Christ is those gathered in the name of Christ.
G. The idea of a spiritual body is platonic or Gnostic in origin
The ideas of an invisible church seem to start with Luther and Calvin. But they received most of their ideas from Augustine, who was once a platonic philosopher and was influence by the Alexandrine teachers Clement and Origin who tried to fuse together Christianity with Plato like the Gnostics.
“The bodies of some, though, housed with a soul, however imperfect. They understand some truth but not whole truth, however imperfect. They understand some truth but not the whole truth. They tend toward what is good but can do no more than following the teachings of the great Church. Only a few, the Gnostics in fact, harbor a spark of the divine spirit inside their souls, which makes them different from everyone else. They also lived in ignorance, but a savior, a messenger came down from impenetrable heights of the world beyond the heavens, has given them the knowledge of the truth.” Pg. 35 The Mandaeans: The last Gnostics
Honestly I would bet if you took this statement and removed the name Gnostic and edited two or three words that any mainline protestant theologian would accept this statement as a valid view of the “Church”.
H. The problems of invisible/catholic church theory
There are essentially three major problems, which have plagued Protestantism as a result of this theory.
a.The external gathering of the church does not matter since it is not the “true” church.
The invisible church competes with the local church. I have heard many argue that neither their poor record at their local church, nor the record of others matters little, so long as they are members of the invisible church.
“We can give the following definition: The invisible church is the church as God sees it.” pg855
“We may use the following definition The visible church is the church as Christians on earth see it” pg856 Wayne Grudem Systematic Theology chapter 34 article 2
Here we see how the doctrine of the visible church has become so subjective and the invisible church dominates the real church. You actually church activity is not divine. Yet your inactivity is divine!
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
The true church is the body of Christ and Christ is not a busybody, neither is he idle. Christ is active in our world through his church. This reminds me of the song “If we are the body” by Casting crown ‘why aren’t his arms reaching, why aren’t his feet moving, why aren’t his hands healing”. The reason that none of this is happening is because most Christians are thinking of some invisible body that doesn’t require them to do anything!
b.The style or structure of the Christian church is then left up to man to decide.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Is He really the head of your church or denomination?
“However, at the outset it must be said that the form of church government is not a major doctrine like the trinity, the deity of Christ, substitutionary atonement or the authority of scripture. Although I believe, after examining the evidence, that one particular form of church government is preferable to others, nevertheless, each form has some weakness as well as strengths.” Pg904 Wayne Grudem Systematic Theology Chapter 47
First of all, the doctrine of church government may not be central to the salvation of a believer like the other doctrines, but without biblical church government every cardinal doctrine is up for grabs. Just look at Catholicism they were incapable of preserving the essential doctrine of salvation. The mainline Protestants have lost almost the entire faith to liberalism. Meanwhile our country is covered with “born-again” Christians who do not go to church and are quickly becoming New Age.
Secondly, while church government is not very clearly spelled out to the casual reader; a more experienced reader like a pastor will find that church government is thoroughly laid out in the New Testament if interpreted properly. Of course, church administration is the duty and concern of the elders, deacons and other mature Christians. So they are without excuse. But if the church is some spiritual mystery that can not be explained then, man has to step in and take over the religion. But if Jesus designed the true church, then while the followers may have flaws and pastors may distort the system, the Biblical design will be without “weaknesses”.
c. If we are allowed to set up “denominations” of Christianity either God’s word or its doctrines and interpretations matters very little.
This results in ecumenicism, which then leads to inclusivism. There is no way around it. If interpreting God’s Word does not matter the Bible doesn’t matter. If the Bible doesn’t matter, then the gospel doesn’t matter. The whole idea of tolerance can both quickly and easily destroy our faith.
d. There is no accountability in the invisible church.
The second use of the “church” brought up by Jesus is accountability to sin.
Mat 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Mat 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Mat 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
There are only two times that Jesus references the word church. The second times he does (as shown here) he refers to it’s authority to discipline members. How does this work with an invisible church?
I. Universal terms explained
There are however several universal style terms, which confuse people, in the New Testament.
Usually there are three references misunderstood to support an invisible or catholic church.
A)terms referring to the generic “church”
Eph 4:3-6 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
First of all, we have to know what the body of Christ is! Paul says it is one body, yet protestants argue for several bodies becoming one; unless the word “church” is only referring to the invisible church. In which case, there is no point to coming to church at all.
Then Paul says there is “one spirit and one lord”. So are their several Spirits and Lords becoming one? Paul says there is one faith. The mainline Protestants argue several. Paul says One God. Are there several gods who become one? The only conclusion is there is one generic type of all these.
One type of body, one type of spirit, one type of Christ, one type of faith and one type of baptism this all makes better sense. In which case the multi-denomination ecumenical view falls apart.
b)terms referring to the “heavenly” church or kingdom of Heaven
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
I have no problem with the idea of the elect as spiritually united across boundaries. However, this spiritual body is purely heavenly and has no effect on the earthly plane.
Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Therefore, we have the local visible gathered body of the saints to prepare us for heaven. When I was a Bible College student, I had a discussion with a reformed theologian and asked him if the invisible church doctrine was equivalent to the Kingdom of Heaven, He said “no”. In the Westminster Confession we see that not only was the universal catholic/invisible church one worldwide body. But the visible church “consist of all those throughout the world... ” And is “the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ”. (Chapter 25 article 2) So when we think of the Kingdom of Heaven there is an implication of accountability but we do not find this in the doctrine of the Invisible church.
c) Terms referring to the eschatological/future church. For instance the “Bride”.
2Co 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
This passage is important in reminding us that we are currently espoused to Christ, yet the book of Revelation clearly teaches our wedding will be in the future. Therefore, when we see references to the Bride we know we are not currently gathered into the bride.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Eph 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Now in this passage Paul seems to be using both the generic and the eschatological church. He uses the word “might” in reference to cleansing. Yet if this were a spiritual body then salvation would be settled and all would be well.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
So then, the generic church is being prepared for the future glorification. Then we see the future gathering a church mysteriously unified with Christ.
The error of protestant identity
A. Are we simply protestors of Rome?
There are many Roman Catholics and reformers who see themselves as “Catholics… but”
Many who initially believe that the Catholic Church was indeed the historic Christian church that had simply erred in a few respects. However, even Martin Luther recognized that Catholicism was indeed a false gospel and that it was the “Babylonian Whore” prophesied in Revelation. Many may argue that Luther simply angry at the church. However this was also the conclusions of most all the reformed leaders including John Calvin, John Knox, Menno Simms, Cotton Mather, John Wesley and others.
One may be fooled by it’s overwhelming size and claims. Yet simply holding its practices in light of Holy Scripture illuminates its alienation to the true gospel. When we try to submit our identity to the catholic church we are not submitting ourselves to the full authority of the Bible but have opened ourselves up to the teachings of the Catholic Church
Mar 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
B. Is Biblical Christianity a rebellion against the traditional Christian faith?
The Catholic Church likes to force itself upon church history to be the only tradition of the faith. Yet Catholicism cheated and still cheats to this day.
Act 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
Act 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
First of all, they cheated through persecution. Christians like the Montanists, Donatists, Novatians, Paulicans and Waldenses were killed off over the years in order that there was no other testimony than the catholic version.
Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
C. Should Bible believing Christians accept the Catholic version of Church history prior to the reformation?
1Ti 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Tit 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Tit 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Before anything else as a reformed bible believer, Scripture is the lone authority. Not the public opinion of how we prefer to remember it.
Here we see the flaws in Catholicism, because they do give heed to Jewish fables. (The apocrypha) they also have their own genealogies to fight over. (Apostolic succession records). True Christianity is not measured by succession but by obediance.
Joh 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.
Mat 12:47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
Mat 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
Mat 12:49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Creedlism
A. The real difference between a confession and a creed.
Ideally a confession is simply confessing one’s faith in the gospel by professing its essential truths. In others a confession is profession and summary of the gospel.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Yet the teaching has no authority unless it can be 100% based on the scripture. Unfortunately, many Protestants fall into the catholic trap in two ways. First they fall in by accepting early creeds and teaching it alongside the scriptures. This can be seen especially in the Lutheran and Anglican Church
Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
B. What is the final authority?
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
We need to stop looking anywhere else but the scriptures. If there is wisdom anywhere else it can only be determined once we have studied the scriptures other wise it is worldly knowledge.
C. Is liturgical worship in spirit and in truth?
There is a catholic style of worship, which utilizes many elements of Catholicism called liturgical worship. The mainline Protestants use it. Anglicans are especially well known for their use of it. The Anglican vision was that we have a reformed theology and a catholic liturgy. Yet if one visit an Anglican Communion in this day and age. Not only will one be shocked by the lack of Christianity at all there, but if ask which they know more clearly if they were infant baptized or the doctrine of justification by faith. I believe it will be obvious, they will know of baptism because it is practiced unlike the doctrine of justification.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Now I don’t want to speak out against liturgical worship that happens to be scriptural (the Lord’s prayer for instance) yet we must way everything by scripture and not someone’s tradition if we desire to please God.
Denominationalism
A. The difference between Biblical separation and denominationalism
If we have real theological differences that effect our understanding of God, scripture or salvation then we need to separate. Yet if divisions are caused because of man made hierarchies then they do not belong in the NT church. However, there are many organized religions that have the Christian faith but are connected to unbiblical authority.
B. Does our religion come from man or God?
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Are we dividing the body?
Mar 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
Mar 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved
If we do not divide, Jesus willl do it for us.
Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
How is the gospel distorted?
The love gospel) With the removal of doctrine from highest priority of the protestant mind, love and social relationships become the highest priority. This gospel then has sin removed from it’s story so as to better socialize.
Jesus did not die to pay for sin, instead he died to express love.
1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Fundamental to the story of the gospels is that Christ died for sins, if not there really is no gospel. Otherwise the death of Jesus seems to be a psychotic suicide, which does not draw anyone to Christ.
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Here again, we see as central to the gospel the alternative of condemnation. If it is not mentioned then we really can not appreciate what we are being saved from?
The emphases on love is the Love of the Father
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
How can the Father love us so much, if he is making Jesus express love that He could have given personally with out blood? The sinless bloodless gospel is indeed confusing.
The social/ragamuffin gospel)
The point is no longer evangelism but charity instead.
The gospel is conditional upon the Word not works
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Rom 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Social gospel advocates, measure their salvation by their output of love or charity. Yet love is essentially fulfilling God’s Holy law. And the law shows us that we are not as loving as we think we are. In fact the law only shows us that we do not love either God or man with all our hearts. So the social gospel and ragamuffin gospel are nothing more than shallow makeovers of works based salvation. What matters, is that we receive perfect love from God, which we find through His Word.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
The New Testament has a great author (God) with a great Testimony (the gospel of Christ) If you let it him in your heart, you could inherit a fortune(adoption in the Kingdom). But if you do then you have a responsibility to let others in on the deal. The only way to do that is. Get Bibles and go to a New Testament church. Otherwise, you end up with extra contracts and bad advertising.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Why should we have separate denominations?
Today a lot of Christian see other Christians and why they have to be separated. Why can't all Christians come together in the name of Christ and just be at peace. Maybe, they figure, if we are at peace with each other, then the world will want to join us.
This is a noble desire, but it is also both ignorant and foolish. The reason is that we tend to think that we are ambassadors even though we forget that we are also soldiers at war with the devil and His angels.
The Devil has throughout history used these shallow forms of unity to deceive believers.
Why are they shallow because we are talking about unity with out faith. Jesus wants unity of the faith, not without it.
17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
John 17:20-23 KJV
Jesus wants us to be one church but only one in type.
4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4:4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 4:6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.
Ephesians 4:1-6 KJV
Today's ecumenical movement want millions of differing opinions alll together for Jesus(whatever that means to you!)
Now there are reason's to separate and reasons not to separate
reasons to separate are:
1. The congregation accepts sin
5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1 Corinthians 5:10-11 KJV
2. The congregation is made up of believers and unbelievers
6:11 O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto [my] children,) be ye also enlarged. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:11-14 KJV
3. The congregation disagrees with apostolic teaching
16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Romans 16:17 KJV
reasons not to separate are
1. extra biblical differences of opinion
14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 14:11 For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Romans 14:10-13 KJV
2. pride
9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part. 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Mark 9:38-41 KJV
3. differences of culture, race and sex
3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:27-29 KJV
One reasons these biblical separations are good is that they can help contain false teaching. One denomination may have it's problems, but that is different from every Christian with the same problems.
Why do we separate from others? Because we do not love the things of this world; Intead we love God.
2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1 John 2:15-17 KJV
4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:8-10 KJV
In Christ,
Matt
This is a noble desire, but it is also both ignorant and foolish. The reason is that we tend to think that we are ambassadors even though we forget that we are also soldiers at war with the devil and His angels.
The Devil has throughout history used these shallow forms of unity to deceive believers.
Why are they shallow because we are talking about unity with out faith. Jesus wants unity of the faith, not without it.
17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
John 17:20-23 KJV
Jesus wants us to be one church but only one in type.
4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4:4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 4:6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.
Ephesians 4:1-6 KJV
Today's ecumenical movement want millions of differing opinions alll together for Jesus(whatever that means to you!)
Now there are reason's to separate and reasons not to separate
reasons to separate are:
1. The congregation accepts sin
5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1 Corinthians 5:10-11 KJV
2. The congregation is made up of believers and unbelievers
6:11 O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto [my] children,) be ye also enlarged. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:11-14 KJV
3. The congregation disagrees with apostolic teaching
16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Romans 16:17 KJV
reasons not to separate are
1. extra biblical differences of opinion
14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 14:11 For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Romans 14:10-13 KJV
2. pride
9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part. 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Mark 9:38-41 KJV
3. differences of culture, race and sex
3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:27-29 KJV
One reasons these biblical separations are good is that they can help contain false teaching. One denomination may have it's problems, but that is different from every Christian with the same problems.
Why do we separate from others? Because we do not love the things of this world; Intead we love God.
2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1 John 2:15-17 KJV
4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:8-10 KJV
In Christ,
Matt
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
2008 2nd congressional district Kentucky Republican Convention: "A resolution in support of the nation of Israel"
Whereas, in the desire to support democracy abroad, we must commend the outstanding performance of the nation of Israel, whose inhabitants have overcome not only the atrocities of the Holocaust, but persecution throughout their existence by communist Islamic radicals and neighboring countries*, and
Whereas, Israel has been a shining example of what a nation can become in terms of her outreach to the world by means of history, agriculture, medical technology and charity,
We therefore resolve to support the United States' historical relationship with the Holy land, and in this spirit, we must recant from nearly 30 years of perverse counsel by which the U.S. government has pressured Israel to forfeit its lands and territory to terrorists in exchange for international welfare, especially in light of the United States' historic zero tolerance policy toward terrorism, contradicting past advice.
We further resolve that we should respect Israel as a sovereign nation and allow them to settle land disputes, as well as defend themselves as the natural law has endowed them. We further lament the multitudes of Israeli lives wasted from excessive terrorism encouraged through these perverse policies.
In the same spirit we further resolve that the United States should withdraw our international welfare to the Palestinian State and remember their dictators, Hamas, as our historic enemies in light of their past attacks on our military and their support of terrorism against the United States and its allies. Hamas has never earned the right to be negotiated with and must be treatedas an international threat.
We further resolve that our nation should hold economic sanctions against Palestine so long as their government continues to indoctrinate their youth with extreme anti-semitic propaganda, anti-American propaganda, Nazi propaganda*,Islamic radicalism, encouragement of suicide bombing, and the adoration of Adolf Hitler*.
passed April 5 2008
This resolution was written by me with some editing assistance from Larry West who made no significant changes to the text out side of resolution grammer.
However, when this resolution was read allowed their was some changes.
*neighboring countries was changed to "others" I was referencing the six day War
*Nazi propaganda was changed to "Holocaust denial"
*while the adoration of Adolf Hitler was completely omitted.
My theory is that either resolutions or the republican party wanted to disasociated Adolf Hitler and the Nazis from Islamic radicalism.
However there are ties. John hagee documents a meeting between Hitler and the Grand Mufti(a muslim Pope) in which they were in allegiance. Saddam Hussein's biographies point to an adoration of Adolf Hitler and there have been sources on talk radio that point out the Palestinian children are indoctrinated that Hitler was a heroic figure.
In Christ,
Matt
Whereas, Israel has been a shining example of what a nation can become in terms of her outreach to the world by means of history, agriculture, medical technology and charity,
We therefore resolve to support the United States' historical relationship with the Holy land, and in this spirit, we must recant from nearly 30 years of perverse counsel by which the U.S. government has pressured Israel to forfeit its lands and territory to terrorists in exchange for international welfare, especially in light of the United States' historic zero tolerance policy toward terrorism, contradicting past advice.
We further resolve that we should respect Israel as a sovereign nation and allow them to settle land disputes, as well as defend themselves as the natural law has endowed them. We further lament the multitudes of Israeli lives wasted from excessive terrorism encouraged through these perverse policies.
In the same spirit we further resolve that the United States should withdraw our international welfare to the Palestinian State and remember their dictators, Hamas, as our historic enemies in light of their past attacks on our military and their support of terrorism against the United States and its allies. Hamas has never earned the right to be negotiated with and must be treatedas an international threat.
We further resolve that our nation should hold economic sanctions against Palestine so long as their government continues to indoctrinate their youth with extreme anti-semitic propaganda, anti-American propaganda, Nazi propaganda*,Islamic radicalism, encouragement of suicide bombing, and the adoration of Adolf Hitler*.
passed April 5 2008
This resolution was written by me with some editing assistance from Larry West who made no significant changes to the text out side of resolution grammer.
However, when this resolution was read allowed their was some changes.
*neighboring countries was changed to "others" I was referencing the six day War
*Nazi propaganda was changed to "Holocaust denial"
*while the adoration of Adolf Hitler was completely omitted.
My theory is that either resolutions or the republican party wanted to disasociated Adolf Hitler and the Nazis from Islamic radicalism.
However there are ties. John hagee documents a meeting between Hitler and the Grand Mufti(a muslim Pope) in which they were in allegiance. Saddam Hussein's biographies point to an adoration of Adolf Hitler and there have been sources on talk radio that point out the Palestinian children are indoctrinated that Hitler was a heroic figure.
In Christ,
Matt
Update
Dear blogpsot bloggers and Biblesamck readers,
I am sorry I have been a little behind lately on articles. I have been focused on secular work and politics more.
I got involved in the local republican party these last two months.
The reason being is that some of the Christian social ministries I have been involved with have had a hard time with out support from one of the big two. Therefore I decided to see if we could win some support. Needless to say it was all raw hatred, evil and backstabbing that you see in politics as well as your common local church!
But I won personal victory that I was very proud of was a resolution that I had written had gotten passed my congressional district Convention.
So I will let you have a look at it and tell me what you think!
I am sorry I have been a little behind lately on articles. I have been focused on secular work and politics more.
I got involved in the local republican party these last two months.
The reason being is that some of the Christian social ministries I have been involved with have had a hard time with out support from one of the big two. Therefore I decided to see if we could win some support. Needless to say it was all raw hatred, evil and backstabbing that you see in politics as well as your common local church!
But I won personal victory that I was very proud of was a resolution that I had written had gotten passed my congressional district Convention.
So I will let you have a look at it and tell me what you think!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Who really loves you?
This post is a little different from my others in the sense that I just want to reason some things.
We are living in an ever growing age that is against the stadards of God.
The ideas of this world are not wise at all.
Yet life, brings us to a point where the worlds system, our flesh, and the devil entice ust to obey what qagainst God's will.
We have a worldview given to us by friends, TV, school, church parents etc. And we grow up having to accept all these things whether true or false.
A lot of people who here about God when the get to religion they here about rules and they find them selves feeling condemnation.
They want to find acceptance. I had a seminary student in his 40's argue that we ought make church like a bar, because in a bar everyone is tolerated.
Tolerance is so easy all you have to do is just give in and it feels good or "cool"
Religion and morality are so agrevating.
So today many people want tolerance and the bar atmosphere all over the world.
Accept everything about everyone else and we will all be fine.
The question I ask those of you who have this view is how do you know?
What if you are being tricked. What if you world is an illusion?
The Bible says in proverbs that everyman is right in his own eyes.
You can go to the bar but there might be a drunkard at that bar who thinks he has the right to beat or raoe someone and that someone could be you.
In life we live in a jungle that has lots of dangerous beast that are ready to destroy you.
What would you do if you were in that jungle?
Would you not care or would try to find a way to protect you from a dangerous beast?
What if you did not know?
wouldn't you want someone to show you?
Maybe you wouldn't like being told that there are places that you can not go and things you could not do. Maybe you find the rules to survival intolerant. But would it be worth it to survive?
This is something I find in my ministry.
A lot of times God convicts me to witness to people who would call me names and argue that I were simply intolerant. But if I do not want them to go to Hell then what am I supposed to do?
I can't just wish people to heaven.
The Bible tells me to inform them of Christ so they can get saved.
So I do even if it anooys them.
Do you make freinds so that they will exalt you or do make freinds with people in order that you may be a freind to them?
Some people want a jesus who is a freind to sinners, but not a savior.
My life would be a lot easier if I claimed Jesus was not the only way.
Instead it gets harder when I realized that the Bible also condemns false gospels like Catholicism.
Even some Baptists claim that this is intolerant.
Yet there 1.2 billion catholics out there who have grown up here ing about the gospel with out the hope of truly being preached with it and seeing the glories of heaven.
Why do they not deserve it as much as me.
I may not be able to make people accept christ , but I can still tell them about Him and give them opportunity have actual eternal life.
Don't people from other countries deserve to hear the truth?
Real love is sacrifice and I would gladly sacrifice popularity if the result is a soul one to the lord.
If you do need to know how to be saved I go over it on my myspace page.
myspace.com/brothermatt1115
goto my blog
and then come back here for discipleship.
In christ,
Matt
We are living in an ever growing age that is against the stadards of God.
The ideas of this world are not wise at all.
Yet life, brings us to a point where the worlds system, our flesh, and the devil entice ust to obey what qagainst God's will.
We have a worldview given to us by friends, TV, school, church parents etc. And we grow up having to accept all these things whether true or false.
A lot of people who here about God when the get to religion they here about rules and they find them selves feeling condemnation.
They want to find acceptance. I had a seminary student in his 40's argue that we ought make church like a bar, because in a bar everyone is tolerated.
Tolerance is so easy all you have to do is just give in and it feels good or "cool"
Religion and morality are so agrevating.
So today many people want tolerance and the bar atmosphere all over the world.
Accept everything about everyone else and we will all be fine.
The question I ask those of you who have this view is how do you know?
What if you are being tricked. What if you world is an illusion?
The Bible says in proverbs that everyman is right in his own eyes.
You can go to the bar but there might be a drunkard at that bar who thinks he has the right to beat or raoe someone and that someone could be you.
In life we live in a jungle that has lots of dangerous beast that are ready to destroy you.
What would you do if you were in that jungle?
Would you not care or would try to find a way to protect you from a dangerous beast?
What if you did not know?
wouldn't you want someone to show you?
Maybe you wouldn't like being told that there are places that you can not go and things you could not do. Maybe you find the rules to survival intolerant. But would it be worth it to survive?
This is something I find in my ministry.
A lot of times God convicts me to witness to people who would call me names and argue that I were simply intolerant. But if I do not want them to go to Hell then what am I supposed to do?
I can't just wish people to heaven.
The Bible tells me to inform them of Christ so they can get saved.
So I do even if it anooys them.
Do you make freinds so that they will exalt you or do make freinds with people in order that you may be a freind to them?
Some people want a jesus who is a freind to sinners, but not a savior.
My life would be a lot easier if I claimed Jesus was not the only way.
Instead it gets harder when I realized that the Bible also condemns false gospels like Catholicism.
Even some Baptists claim that this is intolerant.
Yet there 1.2 billion catholics out there who have grown up here ing about the gospel with out the hope of truly being preached with it and seeing the glories of heaven.
Why do they not deserve it as much as me.
I may not be able to make people accept christ , but I can still tell them about Him and give them opportunity have actual eternal life.
Don't people from other countries deserve to hear the truth?
Real love is sacrifice and I would gladly sacrifice popularity if the result is a soul one to the lord.
If you do need to know how to be saved I go over it on my myspace page.
myspace.com/brothermatt1115
goto my blog
and then come back here for discipleship.
In christ,
Matt
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Why Ecumenicist are evil bigots!
(And why their kindness really kills!)
If you made it through the title and are still reading I am amazed!
So what is ecumenism?
Well, there are two types the first want to unite all Christian denominations. The second wants to unite all religions.
Ecumenicism seems as if it were positive and loving wanting to bring everyone together under one banner. But should everyone one become united together whether right or wrong; good or evil?
{By the way, I want to make a point clear before I go any further. I am ok with certain types of interdenominational activities, I have friends from many denominations. Most specifically political and some times evangelistic etc. However this is about an attitude which devalues theology and the need to make church submit their autonomy for the sake of unity. Also the bigots is a pun off of the name calling for the sake of tolerance routine.]
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
That’s right Jesus just denied the chance at a cross less universal salvation of all mankind! But why? Isn’t that we all want? Just look at the price tag of a universal salvation. For this to have happen Jesus would have had to commit idolatry. Honestly this is still the price tag. We will only win the world’s favor when give up on ideas of righteousness and holiness. Yet Jesus explains it best.
Mar 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
The world is a vast wasteland. It is not worth the purchase. When we look down to the world we no longer are looking up at man.
1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Make no doubt about it Christians have to be holy and different from this world. This world only brings death.
Mar 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
This is the heart of the problem, which tugged at my soul until I had to stop. So many Christians and so many churches believe that it is somehow ok to barter away our faith and allegiance to Christ. An ecumenicist friend of mine actually put it in these words “If you are witnessing to a non-believer like a Muslim, How are you going to tell them to give up all their beliefs if you are not willing to give up your own?” This is a blasphemous but clever argument. But just as Rich Mullins sang “I did not make it: no, it is making me; It is the very truth of God not the invention of any man!”
Many times we are willing to give away Christ. Many times we do so because we are ashamed of Him and His words. The reason is because we crave acceptance of the World more than the acceptance of God. Yet we must understand that this shame works two ways according to our Lord.
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
So our discipleship is dependent on the authority of Christ actual words. He really needs to be our ruler! Yet Some many times we act like Cain we tell God “Don’t worry I will worship you, but on my terms not yours!” This denies the Sovereignty of God. God has one truth and one gospel. Yet we have a world which is composed of many truths and many gospels. Only one, if any, of these truths or gospels can be correct. We must freely search for the one truth.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
If we give up the search for truth for the sake of unity how will we stand before God? We can not depend on man made authorities for the truth, we must read the gospel and find the truth ourselves.
2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Unbelievers should not be allowed membership, if they are not saved. Nor should churches be in covenant with unsaved groups. Yet the ecumenical movement does just that? Many churches are not regenerate due to, sacramentalism, legalism, liberalism, anti-nomialism or simple refusal to evangelize. However, spiritual death can spread through a church like a virus and if you network your born-again church with non-born-again Christians you will find the purity will leave your church. Soon lost “christians” will join your church and want to be accomodated. Then say good-bye to the full gospel!
Your not supposed to Judge!
Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
First of all, the phrase judge should not be seen simply as a mental Judgement. Later on Paul encourages the ability to judge ourselves within the Church. (1Cor. 6) However here we see a specific act of public condemnation. In verse too it show’s us the need for equal standard and accountability. We must not judge hypocritically. In verse 5 it shows that if we first judge ourselves then we may properly attend to others. But Christians have the right to make judgments.
1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1Co 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
He who is without sin caste the first stone!
Joh 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Joh 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
Joh 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
Joh 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Joh 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Joh 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Joh 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Joh 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
Joh 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Joh 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The irony of this argument is that most of the ecumenicist who use this argument believe that this passage was not in the original manuscripts and therefore doesn’t matter anyway.
However, it did happen. Jesus says “let him first caste a stone at her”. Jesus is not speaking figuratively. They have stones in their hands! We should be peaceful and tolerate people no matter how sinful they are! Condemnation and execution is the duty of the government, not the Christian.
But once again this has nothing to do with judge the merits of a teaching or act. In fact Christ implied that she was a sinner because he told her to “sin no more”.
Who are you to judge another man’s servant!
Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
This regarding what we call convictions beliefs on subjects not specified in the New Testament. Now in the sense of trying to overpower others in some way to force people to our convictions we should not judge others, but if we can disagree then we are already judging and so we can judge whether or not to associate with others. Many times in scripture told that we should separate from false teachers in fact. Even in this very book Paul tells us so!
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Jesus prayed for unity!
Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
First of all who is Jesus praying for? Those who “believe on” Jesus “through their” Apostles “word:”. So Jesus is praying for born-again New Testament Christians. He is praying for unity like unto the Father and the Son. Ecumenicists argue that we should be unified spiritually and not by practice. But Jesus is praying for unity which is total. This will happen at the rapture by Christ and not man. However if we our to strive for unity we must debate and rebuke each other. Not ignore our sins and sing “cuum by ya!”.
You’re dividing the body of Christ!
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
First of all, we have to know what the body of Christ is! Paul says it is one body, yet ecumenicist argue for several bodies becoming one.
Paul says there is “one spirit and one lord”. So are their several Spirits and Lords becoming one?
Paul says there is one faith. Yet Ecumenicist argue several. Paul says One God. Are there several gods who become one?
Honestly I do not believe we in an invisible spiritual body that can be divided by an argument. I believe Christ’s body is the organized New Testament Church and those two swords sharpen each other.
Pro 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
The ecumenical movement has either done or allowed great evil in the name of love.
Is it loving to publicly endorse the murder of unborn babies?
Ecumenicists typically fellowship with and support abortion advocates. In America we have murder roughly 50 million infants. This had to be done with the consent, support, money, protesting and volunteering of many Christians. To support unity with every one who calls themselves a Christian we have to acknowledge this as a legitimate activity with a different point of view.
Is it loving to encourage the perversion which spread AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases?
Many churches today encourage the sin of Homosexuality, some even allow their ministers openly or privately practice sodomy and homosexuality. A fact that escapes the pop-culture is the AIDS virus is spread through sodomy more than any other activity. Due political correctness this fact is over looked and many homosexual contract the AIDS virus at alarming rates. These Christians who encourage this cursed lifestyle and it’s massive destruction and death are supposed to be accepted in the name of unity.
Is it loving to encourage Islamic terrorism and the bombing of innocent people around the world?
Ecumenicist Christians like former President Jimmy Carter have cast a great deal of support to Islamic Radicals. Carter has defended the terrorist and enabled them since his initial meetings almost 30 years ago. They have been especially effective in encouraging Palestinian terrorists to send suicide bombers in Israel to kill school children and the like. Presbyterian USA for instance is infamous for boycotting Israel for defending their homeland.
Should we encourage murderers like the Nazis and Islamo-fscist?
Is it loving to applaud foreign countries who have killed multi millions of innocent Christians in the last ten years?
Ecumenicists typically side with communist and Islamic terrorist in world affairs and refuse to speak of the murders of Christians all over the world. Each year there are 185,000 Christians martyred for the faith. In places like communist china and the Muslim countries. If they cared about real christians then why are they rarely if ever mentioned? Why should we respect Rick Warren (PDL) for meeting with Christian killers in Syria and North Korea and complementing them, is that what Jesus would do?
Should we call thousands of unrepentant and active child molesters our brothers in Christ?
The Catholic Church has obviously over 5,000 known child molesters in its priest hood. (Most are now in jail). The Church refused to report the abuse and covered it up preserved it in fact. I have known people who were molested through the Catholic system. I knew many Catholics trained through their schools system to become activists for homosexuality. When you see someone who has been abused by a priest or someone else, will you tell them that person is an official representative of God? This is the position of ecumenicism.
Should we encourage cults, which have killed multitudes?
Many are pushing to recognize Mormonism as a Christian faith. Mormonism is historically a militant cult. The US stopped Mormonism from becoming the twin of Islamic radicalism, but secretly many Mormons still murder their apostates today. (like Warren Jeffs) Also this group has long held theocratic aspirations and is getting more and more Mormons into public office. ( recently Harry Reid senate Majority leader and the Presidential bid of Mitt Romney)
Should we encourage charlatans to rob young believers of their life savings?
Ecumenicists approve of TBN and the Word of Faith cult whose many televangelists have robbed millions of dollars from the faithful in exchange for lofty promise blessings (God given money). Not too mention false healing by way of stage hypnotism.
Evangelical Ecumenical church Father: Billy Graham
No one has embodied ecumenicism on the interdenominational level like Billy Graham. Billy has been able to use His good work of mass evangelism to spread his doctrine of the interdenominational mentality. Billy is the true church father of the “New Evangelical Movement”
As opposed to the fundamentalists of the past Billy and his evangelicals argue that we ought to co-operate with Liberals and Catholics. He has used His format to bring about crusades of unheard of crowds and been able to meet with many world leaders. Like 5 US Presidents and the Popes.
And while I can appreciate the fact that he has preached the gospel to so many and many of which have been saved. I do not believe this gives him the right down play the scriptures and let himself be exalted as an idol.
I have heard new evangelicals honor Billy Graham on the level of a minor deity. I have heard people refer to him as the evangelical pope I have heard actual CCM worship songs in honor of him. I have seen multitudes react to him like a rock star. I have scene multiple biographies of him, his wife son daughters etc. Even Oprah swooning and cuddling him! Finally, in 2006 a 7 foot statue of Billy Graham standing with his arms outstretched directly in front of a 14 ft. empty cross. It is obvious that Billy Graham has become an icon and even idol.
Yet are his works as great as we think? Billy has reach around 1.3 billion people with the gospel. He has had an estimated 23 million conversions. Of those only a small percentage actually became regular attendees at their churches. I believe Graham should be acknowledged as a church father. And yet unlike previous Great evangelist church Fathers like Wesley, Whitfield, Finney or Moody; Graham does not provide a sense of pastoral or a theological foundation. Henceforth, we are left with a group of pragmatist ministers instead of gospel ministers.
Graham would purposefully water down his evangelism so as not to be offensive. For instance he would not preach on the fires of Hell, the exclusive nature of salvation (though he would allude to it), the Blood which atones for sin, the requirement of repentance, the doctrine of Baptism. And would not touch to much on other subjects. Though you may eventually find his opinions.
Graham has encouraged many heretics to have counsel over his new converts such as Catholic, Orthodox, liberals, Neo-orthodox, mind science, Word of Faith, legalists etc. Proving Graham to be one who accepted the status of church father and yet not the responsibilities. Altogether Graham proved himself to be an “absentee church father”.
Ecumenical church Mother Mother Theresa
In order to draw people of all religions Mother Theresa rest not upon logic but fame and good works. Protestants who many times have no idea of her beliefs or even specifically her works believe that she was a saint on her way to heaven.
Like all good Catholics Mother Theresa believed in works based salvation. Which is prohibited in the New Testament.
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
It is no surprise then that Mother Theresa had her doubts as to whether she would go to heaven or even if she believed in God. Mother Theresa was also known for not advocating exclusively the Christian gospel. Many theologians try to explain away her doubts as a trial of faith. Yet can we have assurance that we are saved? Isn’t it normal to be assured or normal to doubt?
1Jo 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
1Jo 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1Jo 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
If Mother Theresa really were born-again then she would have the witness of the Holy Spirit inside her heart. There is no middle ground as she and the Catholics taught. There is only saved and unsaved. The problem is once we understand this, then we have to truly examine whether or not we are saved?
The ecumenical movement acts as an iron curtain against evangelism. Catholics and liberals never have to evangelize or be evangelized because that does not lead to unity. Mother Theresa was kept from a relationship with Christ by her works based salvation and her ecumenical wall. Most evangelicals who believe we are saved by grace through faith typically argue that Mother Theresa was a Christian and would never try to evangelize her. But by bring in Theresa and the Catholics they welcome all non-Christians eventually.
Why is this so? Because unsaved Christians are no spiritually different than unsaved pagans. This would make us discriminate one group over the other. When a catholic is welcomed by an evangelical even though they are not born-again and are still spiritually dead. That Catholic will look at the Muslim or Jew who is just as spiritually dead and living in the same dead religion and realize this bias. The Catholic will then inwardly protest that “we all have man-made religion and we are all sinners (spiritually dead)” “So who are evangelicals to be so theologically bigoted?” At this point ecumenism moves to inclusivism and eventually universalism.
Many evangelicals who have not been born-again get sucked away from the gospel and into this pit. There, Satan prepares us for Hell.
2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Sadly I do not believe form the evidence I have seen, that mother Theresa made it to Heaven. I wish she did but what must obey the Gospel, for it is the power of God which brings salvation. (Rom1:16)
I think that what me must learn from this is that we must cling to Christ and not just each other. If we all cling to Christ we will all be together.
If you made it through the title and are still reading I am amazed!
So what is ecumenism?
Well, there are two types the first want to unite all Christian denominations. The second wants to unite all religions.
Ecumenicism seems as if it were positive and loving wanting to bring everyone together under one banner. But should everyone one become united together whether right or wrong; good or evil?
{By the way, I want to make a point clear before I go any further. I am ok with certain types of interdenominational activities, I have friends from many denominations. Most specifically political and some times evangelistic etc. However this is about an attitude which devalues theology and the need to make church submit their autonomy for the sake of unity. Also the bigots is a pun off of the name calling for the sake of tolerance routine.]
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
That’s right Jesus just denied the chance at a cross less universal salvation of all mankind! But why? Isn’t that we all want? Just look at the price tag of a universal salvation. For this to have happen Jesus would have had to commit idolatry. Honestly this is still the price tag. We will only win the world’s favor when give up on ideas of righteousness and holiness. Yet Jesus explains it best.
Mar 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
The world is a vast wasteland. It is not worth the purchase. When we look down to the world we no longer are looking up at man.
1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Make no doubt about it Christians have to be holy and different from this world. This world only brings death.
Mar 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
This is the heart of the problem, which tugged at my soul until I had to stop. So many Christians and so many churches believe that it is somehow ok to barter away our faith and allegiance to Christ. An ecumenicist friend of mine actually put it in these words “If you are witnessing to a non-believer like a Muslim, How are you going to tell them to give up all their beliefs if you are not willing to give up your own?” This is a blasphemous but clever argument. But just as Rich Mullins sang “I did not make it: no, it is making me; It is the very truth of God not the invention of any man!”
Many times we are willing to give away Christ. Many times we do so because we are ashamed of Him and His words. The reason is because we crave acceptance of the World more than the acceptance of God. Yet we must understand that this shame works two ways according to our Lord.
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
So our discipleship is dependent on the authority of Christ actual words. He really needs to be our ruler! Yet Some many times we act like Cain we tell God “Don’t worry I will worship you, but on my terms not yours!” This denies the Sovereignty of God. God has one truth and one gospel. Yet we have a world which is composed of many truths and many gospels. Only one, if any, of these truths or gospels can be correct. We must freely search for the one truth.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
If we give up the search for truth for the sake of unity how will we stand before God? We can not depend on man made authorities for the truth, we must read the gospel and find the truth ourselves.
2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Unbelievers should not be allowed membership, if they are not saved. Nor should churches be in covenant with unsaved groups. Yet the ecumenical movement does just that? Many churches are not regenerate due to, sacramentalism, legalism, liberalism, anti-nomialism or simple refusal to evangelize. However, spiritual death can spread through a church like a virus and if you network your born-again church with non-born-again Christians you will find the purity will leave your church. Soon lost “christians” will join your church and want to be accomodated. Then say good-bye to the full gospel!
Your not supposed to Judge!
Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
First of all, the phrase judge should not be seen simply as a mental Judgement. Later on Paul encourages the ability to judge ourselves within the Church. (1Cor. 6) However here we see a specific act of public condemnation. In verse too it show’s us the need for equal standard and accountability. We must not judge hypocritically. In verse 5 it shows that if we first judge ourselves then we may properly attend to others. But Christians have the right to make judgments.
1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1Co 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
He who is without sin caste the first stone!
Joh 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Joh 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
Joh 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
Joh 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Joh 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Joh 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Joh 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Joh 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
Joh 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Joh 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The irony of this argument is that most of the ecumenicist who use this argument believe that this passage was not in the original manuscripts and therefore doesn’t matter anyway.
However, it did happen. Jesus says “let him first caste a stone at her”. Jesus is not speaking figuratively. They have stones in their hands! We should be peaceful and tolerate people no matter how sinful they are! Condemnation and execution is the duty of the government, not the Christian.
But once again this has nothing to do with judge the merits of a teaching or act. In fact Christ implied that she was a sinner because he told her to “sin no more”.
Who are you to judge another man’s servant!
Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
This regarding what we call convictions beliefs on subjects not specified in the New Testament. Now in the sense of trying to overpower others in some way to force people to our convictions we should not judge others, but if we can disagree then we are already judging and so we can judge whether or not to associate with others. Many times in scripture told that we should separate from false teachers in fact. Even in this very book Paul tells us so!
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Jesus prayed for unity!
Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
First of all who is Jesus praying for? Those who “believe on” Jesus “through their” Apostles “word:”. So Jesus is praying for born-again New Testament Christians. He is praying for unity like unto the Father and the Son. Ecumenicists argue that we should be unified spiritually and not by practice. But Jesus is praying for unity which is total. This will happen at the rapture by Christ and not man. However if we our to strive for unity we must debate and rebuke each other. Not ignore our sins and sing “cuum by ya!”.
You’re dividing the body of Christ!
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
First of all, we have to know what the body of Christ is! Paul says it is one body, yet ecumenicist argue for several bodies becoming one.
Paul says there is “one spirit and one lord”. So are their several Spirits and Lords becoming one?
Paul says there is one faith. Yet Ecumenicist argue several. Paul says One God. Are there several gods who become one?
Honestly I do not believe we in an invisible spiritual body that can be divided by an argument. I believe Christ’s body is the organized New Testament Church and those two swords sharpen each other.
Pro 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
The ecumenical movement has either done or allowed great evil in the name of love.
Is it loving to publicly endorse the murder of unborn babies?
Ecumenicists typically fellowship with and support abortion advocates. In America we have murder roughly 50 million infants. This had to be done with the consent, support, money, protesting and volunteering of many Christians. To support unity with every one who calls themselves a Christian we have to acknowledge this as a legitimate activity with a different point of view.
Is it loving to encourage the perversion which spread AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases?
Many churches today encourage the sin of Homosexuality, some even allow their ministers openly or privately practice sodomy and homosexuality. A fact that escapes the pop-culture is the AIDS virus is spread through sodomy more than any other activity. Due political correctness this fact is over looked and many homosexual contract the AIDS virus at alarming rates. These Christians who encourage this cursed lifestyle and it’s massive destruction and death are supposed to be accepted in the name of unity.
Is it loving to encourage Islamic terrorism and the bombing of innocent people around the world?
Ecumenicist Christians like former President Jimmy Carter have cast a great deal of support to Islamic Radicals. Carter has defended the terrorist and enabled them since his initial meetings almost 30 years ago. They have been especially effective in encouraging Palestinian terrorists to send suicide bombers in Israel to kill school children and the like. Presbyterian USA for instance is infamous for boycotting Israel for defending their homeland.
Should we encourage murderers like the Nazis and Islamo-fscist?
Is it loving to applaud foreign countries who have killed multi millions of innocent Christians in the last ten years?
Ecumenicists typically side with communist and Islamic terrorist in world affairs and refuse to speak of the murders of Christians all over the world. Each year there are 185,000 Christians martyred for the faith. In places like communist china and the Muslim countries. If they cared about real christians then why are they rarely if ever mentioned? Why should we respect Rick Warren (PDL) for meeting with Christian killers in Syria and North Korea and complementing them, is that what Jesus would do?
Should we call thousands of unrepentant and active child molesters our brothers in Christ?
The Catholic Church has obviously over 5,000 known child molesters in its priest hood. (Most are now in jail). The Church refused to report the abuse and covered it up preserved it in fact. I have known people who were molested through the Catholic system. I knew many Catholics trained through their schools system to become activists for homosexuality. When you see someone who has been abused by a priest or someone else, will you tell them that person is an official representative of God? This is the position of ecumenicism.
Should we encourage cults, which have killed multitudes?
Many are pushing to recognize Mormonism as a Christian faith. Mormonism is historically a militant cult. The US stopped Mormonism from becoming the twin of Islamic radicalism, but secretly many Mormons still murder their apostates today. (like Warren Jeffs) Also this group has long held theocratic aspirations and is getting more and more Mormons into public office. ( recently Harry Reid senate Majority leader and the Presidential bid of Mitt Romney)
Should we encourage charlatans to rob young believers of their life savings?
Ecumenicists approve of TBN and the Word of Faith cult whose many televangelists have robbed millions of dollars from the faithful in exchange for lofty promise blessings (God given money). Not too mention false healing by way of stage hypnotism.
Evangelical Ecumenical church Father: Billy Graham
No one has embodied ecumenicism on the interdenominational level like Billy Graham. Billy has been able to use His good work of mass evangelism to spread his doctrine of the interdenominational mentality. Billy is the true church father of the “New Evangelical Movement”
As opposed to the fundamentalists of the past Billy and his evangelicals argue that we ought to co-operate with Liberals and Catholics. He has used His format to bring about crusades of unheard of crowds and been able to meet with many world leaders. Like 5 US Presidents and the Popes.
And while I can appreciate the fact that he has preached the gospel to so many and many of which have been saved. I do not believe this gives him the right down play the scriptures and let himself be exalted as an idol.
I have heard new evangelicals honor Billy Graham on the level of a minor deity. I have heard people refer to him as the evangelical pope I have heard actual CCM worship songs in honor of him. I have seen multitudes react to him like a rock star. I have scene multiple biographies of him, his wife son daughters etc. Even Oprah swooning and cuddling him! Finally, in 2006 a 7 foot statue of Billy Graham standing with his arms outstretched directly in front of a 14 ft. empty cross. It is obvious that Billy Graham has become an icon and even idol.
Yet are his works as great as we think? Billy has reach around 1.3 billion people with the gospel. He has had an estimated 23 million conversions. Of those only a small percentage actually became regular attendees at their churches. I believe Graham should be acknowledged as a church father. And yet unlike previous Great evangelist church Fathers like Wesley, Whitfield, Finney or Moody; Graham does not provide a sense of pastoral or a theological foundation. Henceforth, we are left with a group of pragmatist ministers instead of gospel ministers.
Graham would purposefully water down his evangelism so as not to be offensive. For instance he would not preach on the fires of Hell, the exclusive nature of salvation (though he would allude to it), the Blood which atones for sin, the requirement of repentance, the doctrine of Baptism. And would not touch to much on other subjects. Though you may eventually find his opinions.
Graham has encouraged many heretics to have counsel over his new converts such as Catholic, Orthodox, liberals, Neo-orthodox, mind science, Word of Faith, legalists etc. Proving Graham to be one who accepted the status of church father and yet not the responsibilities. Altogether Graham proved himself to be an “absentee church father”.
Ecumenical church Mother Mother Theresa
In order to draw people of all religions Mother Theresa rest not upon logic but fame and good works. Protestants who many times have no idea of her beliefs or even specifically her works believe that she was a saint on her way to heaven.
Like all good Catholics Mother Theresa believed in works based salvation. Which is prohibited in the New Testament.
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
It is no surprise then that Mother Theresa had her doubts as to whether she would go to heaven or even if she believed in God. Mother Theresa was also known for not advocating exclusively the Christian gospel. Many theologians try to explain away her doubts as a trial of faith. Yet can we have assurance that we are saved? Isn’t it normal to be assured or normal to doubt?
1Jo 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
1Jo 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1Jo 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
If Mother Theresa really were born-again then she would have the witness of the Holy Spirit inside her heart. There is no middle ground as she and the Catholics taught. There is only saved and unsaved. The problem is once we understand this, then we have to truly examine whether or not we are saved?
The ecumenical movement acts as an iron curtain against evangelism. Catholics and liberals never have to evangelize or be evangelized because that does not lead to unity. Mother Theresa was kept from a relationship with Christ by her works based salvation and her ecumenical wall. Most evangelicals who believe we are saved by grace through faith typically argue that Mother Theresa was a Christian and would never try to evangelize her. But by bring in Theresa and the Catholics they welcome all non-Christians eventually.
Why is this so? Because unsaved Christians are no spiritually different than unsaved pagans. This would make us discriminate one group over the other. When a catholic is welcomed by an evangelical even though they are not born-again and are still spiritually dead. That Catholic will look at the Muslim or Jew who is just as spiritually dead and living in the same dead religion and realize this bias. The Catholic will then inwardly protest that “we all have man-made religion and we are all sinners (spiritually dead)” “So who are evangelicals to be so theologically bigoted?” At this point ecumenism moves to inclusivism and eventually universalism.
Many evangelicals who have not been born-again get sucked away from the gospel and into this pit. There, Satan prepares us for Hell.
2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Sadly I do not believe form the evidence I have seen, that mother Theresa made it to Heaven. I wish she did but what must obey the Gospel, for it is the power of God which brings salvation. (Rom1:16)
I think that what me must learn from this is that we must cling to Christ and not just each other. If we all cling to Christ we will all be together.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Can Jesus Rock?
As we look at this question, I think we ought to frame it in a certain context. When I ask this question, I do not mean to ask if Jesus approves of secular rock music. I also do not want this to be simply about Christian rock or CCM. Instead it is about hard beats and fast paced music. It doesn’t matter if it is classical, rock, rap/hip hop, country or gospel. I recognize the dangers of a genre like secular rock and roll and all the damage that it causes. Last year I wrote an article critiquing modern Christian music and the like. (“Thoughts on CCM” 07 Biblesmack)
Yet on the opposite end there are many fundamentalist Christians who argue that not even hard beats should be used. A good example is W.O. Cloud. Cloud runs the websight “Way of Life”, and is a missionary in Nepal. I respect Cloud on several issues and he has helped me in joining the KJVO camp along with my understanding of Baptist history. He would argue that Rock Music which came from pagan African beats is naturally pagan, and in it’s context rock music is inseparable from the philosophy of “sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll”. Therefore, hard beat music is like a drug, which will lead us to a heathen lifestyle.
First, I would like to point out where I agree with Bro. Cloud. Paganism has used music to enforce heathenism for untold centuries. Music can have similar effects on hearts that drugs do. Secular rock and roll has a destructive and satanic history. Many people got into rock or heavy metal or rap in a way specifically connected to this satanic philosophy. Those who went through this should not indulge in secular rock and they may be weak in the faith to the point where Christian rock is not healthy for them either. Finally, I agree that instrumental music can be used in a sinful way.
Yet the question I have is, can hard music be used in a positive way? Does the Bible use passionate emotional music?
Mat 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
Mat 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
Mat 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
Mat 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Here in this passage, Jesus has given a rebuttal and rebuke to pharisaic attack. At the end, he points out how John the Baptists nearly monastic lifestyle was rejected by the Pharisees. The only option of acceptance was Jesus approach of coming celebrating. Yet the Pharisees rebuked it to and try to label Jesus an over eating alcoholic.
Obviously Jesus is sinless, so what were the activities that were falsely labeled sin? Obviously eating and drinking, which it would have been sinful to drink excess of wine or food, so apparently Jesus was just casually doing these instead of fasting. Secondly, he associated with sinners, going to these parties. Thirdly, we see from vrs. 17 he was involved with music which could make people dance. In the early 20th century most churches had laws prohibiting dancing. Along with this they argue against music which could motivate people to dance. Therefore, Jesus was engaged in what we would call “partying”. Therefore, modern fundamental and holiness Christians would have disciplined Jesus!
Mat 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Heb 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
We se hear that Jesus participated in Musical worship, considering the passage in Hebrews, which quotes from psalm 22:22 and the nature of His soon execution it is implicit that Christ was singing passionately.
Act 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Any good expositor would notice from the super natural joy of Paul and Silas to sing in the midst of prison, and the fact that the rest of the prisoners heard them that they probably were loud and passionate. After being beaten and put in prison, it would seem rather sheepish and defeating to sing whimperingly. No, they were defying the world system to give the honor to God.
Eph 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Why would someone seek wine?
Ecc 2:1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
Ecc 2:3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
It is to seek pleasure and enjoyment. Whether from the taste or the buzz of slight intoxication Solomon and mankind seeks wine for pleasure and enjoyment. Paul recommends musical worship of God as an alternative to the consumption of wine. He argues for three styles of musical worship. Psalms, Hymns and spiritual songs. What are these styles like? Let’s look at Strong’s Lexical Aide.
5568 psalmos {psal-mos'}[psalms]
from 5567; TDNT - 8:489,1225; n m
AV - psalm 5, Psalm 2; 7
1) a striking, twanging 1a) of a striking the chords of a musical instrument 1b) of a pious song, a psalm
For Synonyms see entry 5876
The psalmic music had instrument that were both stringed and percussion just like the modern rock band. The psalms were the regulative hymn book for the Old Testament Worship.
5214 humneo {hoom-neh'-o}[praise]
from 5215; TDNT - 8:489,1225; v
AV - sing an hymn 2, sing praise 2; 4
1) to sing the praise of, sing hymns to 2) to sing a hymn, to sing 2a) singing of paschal hymns these were Psalms 113 - 118 and 136, which the Jews called the "great Hallel"
Hymns are understood as passionate songs in Christianity these refer to songs that specifically to the New Covenant and our salvation in Christ.
4152 pneumatikos {pnyoo-mat-ik-os'}[spiritual]
from 4151; TDNT - 6:332,876; adj
AV - spiritual 26; 26
1) relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ 1a) that which possesses the nature of the rational soul 2) belonging to a spirit, or a being higher than man but inferior to God 3) belonging to the Divine Spirit 3a) of God the Holy Spirit 3b) one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God 4) pertaining to the wind or breath; windy, exposed to the wind, blowing
5603 ode {o-day'}[song]
from 103; TDNT - 1:164,24; n f
AV - song 7; 7 1) a song, lay, ode. For Synonyms see entry 5876
Spiritual songs are songs that specifically move our spirits. Spiritual songs specifically refer to songs of testimony of our salvation and our New Life in Christ. The most famous spiritual is “Amazing Grace”.
Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Psa 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Psa 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Psa 150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Is your worship service characterized by loud horns, stringed instruments, dancing, tambourines, and multiple percussion instruments? If not your not worshiping according to the psalmetic worship!
Now many argue that you never see this in the New Testament. However, the Apostles were ok with Jerusalem Temple worship.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 5:25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Act 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
The New Testament Apostles even Paul were comfortable with temple activity which would have included the musical instrumental worship. Now the New Testament never requires instruments but it is obvious that are inclusive of the traditional worship.
Psa 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Psa 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Psa 149:5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
Psa 149:6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;
07319 rowm@mah {ro-mem-aw'} [high]
act part of 07426; TWOT - 2133f?; n f
AV - high 1; 1
1) uplifting, arising
01984 halal {haw-lal'}
a primitive root; TWOT - 499,500; v
AV - praise 117, glory 14, boast 10, mad 8, shine 3, foolish 3, fools 2, commended 2, rage 2, celebrate 1, give 1, marriage 1, renowned 1; 165
1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light 2) to praise, boast, be boastful 2a) (Qal) 2a1) to be boastful 2a2) boastful ones, boasters (participle) 2b) (Piel) 2b1) to praise 2b2) to boast, make a boast 2c) (Pual) 2c1) to be praised, be made praiseworthy, be commended, be worthy of praise 2d) (Hithpael) to boast, glory, make one's boast 2e) (Poel) to make a fool of, make into a fool 2f) (Hithpoel) to act madly, act like a madman
Hear we see this high rocking energy in the praise of God in instrumental music. There is no doubt an energy in the praise much like today’s hard beat music.
Psa 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
What could generate more excitement than the declaration of life after death? This is the essence of worship God in Christ.
Worshipping God involves shouting!!
Psa 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Psa 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Psa 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
Psa 47:1 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
Psa 47:5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Psa 65:13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.
Psa 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
Psa 132:16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
So Can Jesus Rock? If that means singing and dancing and shouting and clapping and listening to tambourines, hard percussion and stringed instruments, then, yep!
Though if it means satanic lyrics, stage hypnotism sex and drugs then of course not!
Yet on the opposite end there are many fundamentalist Christians who argue that not even hard beats should be used. A good example is W.O. Cloud. Cloud runs the websight “Way of Life”, and is a missionary in Nepal. I respect Cloud on several issues and he has helped me in joining the KJVO camp along with my understanding of Baptist history. He would argue that Rock Music which came from pagan African beats is naturally pagan, and in it’s context rock music is inseparable from the philosophy of “sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll”. Therefore, hard beat music is like a drug, which will lead us to a heathen lifestyle.
First, I would like to point out where I agree with Bro. Cloud. Paganism has used music to enforce heathenism for untold centuries. Music can have similar effects on hearts that drugs do. Secular rock and roll has a destructive and satanic history. Many people got into rock or heavy metal or rap in a way specifically connected to this satanic philosophy. Those who went through this should not indulge in secular rock and they may be weak in the faith to the point where Christian rock is not healthy for them either. Finally, I agree that instrumental music can be used in a sinful way.
Yet the question I have is, can hard music be used in a positive way? Does the Bible use passionate emotional music?
Mat 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
Mat 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
Mat 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
Mat 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Here in this passage, Jesus has given a rebuttal and rebuke to pharisaic attack. At the end, he points out how John the Baptists nearly monastic lifestyle was rejected by the Pharisees. The only option of acceptance was Jesus approach of coming celebrating. Yet the Pharisees rebuked it to and try to label Jesus an over eating alcoholic.
Obviously Jesus is sinless, so what were the activities that were falsely labeled sin? Obviously eating and drinking, which it would have been sinful to drink excess of wine or food, so apparently Jesus was just casually doing these instead of fasting. Secondly, he associated with sinners, going to these parties. Thirdly, we see from vrs. 17 he was involved with music which could make people dance. In the early 20th century most churches had laws prohibiting dancing. Along with this they argue against music which could motivate people to dance. Therefore, Jesus was engaged in what we would call “partying”. Therefore, modern fundamental and holiness Christians would have disciplined Jesus!
Mat 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Heb 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
We se hear that Jesus participated in Musical worship, considering the passage in Hebrews, which quotes from psalm 22:22 and the nature of His soon execution it is implicit that Christ was singing passionately.
Act 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Any good expositor would notice from the super natural joy of Paul and Silas to sing in the midst of prison, and the fact that the rest of the prisoners heard them that they probably were loud and passionate. After being beaten and put in prison, it would seem rather sheepish and defeating to sing whimperingly. No, they were defying the world system to give the honor to God.
Eph 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Why would someone seek wine?
Ecc 2:1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
Ecc 2:3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
It is to seek pleasure and enjoyment. Whether from the taste or the buzz of slight intoxication Solomon and mankind seeks wine for pleasure and enjoyment. Paul recommends musical worship of God as an alternative to the consumption of wine. He argues for three styles of musical worship. Psalms, Hymns and spiritual songs. What are these styles like? Let’s look at Strong’s Lexical Aide.
5568 psalmos {psal-mos'}[psalms]
from 5567; TDNT - 8:489,1225; n m
AV - psalm 5, Psalm 2; 7
1) a striking, twanging 1a) of a striking the chords of a musical instrument 1b) of a pious song, a psalm
For Synonyms see entry 5876
The psalmic music had instrument that were both stringed and percussion just like the modern rock band. The psalms were the regulative hymn book for the Old Testament Worship.
5214 humneo {hoom-neh'-o}[praise]
from 5215; TDNT - 8:489,1225; v
AV - sing an hymn 2, sing praise 2; 4
1) to sing the praise of, sing hymns to 2) to sing a hymn, to sing 2a) singing of paschal hymns these were Psalms 113 - 118 and 136, which the Jews called the "great Hallel"
Hymns are understood as passionate songs in Christianity these refer to songs that specifically to the New Covenant and our salvation in Christ.
4152 pneumatikos {pnyoo-mat-ik-os'}[spiritual]
from 4151; TDNT - 6:332,876; adj
AV - spiritual 26; 26
1) relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ 1a) that which possesses the nature of the rational soul 2) belonging to a spirit, or a being higher than man but inferior to God 3) belonging to the Divine Spirit 3a) of God the Holy Spirit 3b) one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God 4) pertaining to the wind or breath; windy, exposed to the wind, blowing
5603 ode {o-day'}[song]
from 103; TDNT - 1:164,24; n f
AV - song 7; 7 1) a song, lay, ode. For Synonyms see entry 5876
Spiritual songs are songs that specifically move our spirits. Spiritual songs specifically refer to songs of testimony of our salvation and our New Life in Christ. The most famous spiritual is “Amazing Grace”.
Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Psa 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Psa 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Psa 150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Is your worship service characterized by loud horns, stringed instruments, dancing, tambourines, and multiple percussion instruments? If not your not worshiping according to the psalmetic worship!
Now many argue that you never see this in the New Testament. However, the Apostles were ok with Jerusalem Temple worship.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 5:25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Act 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
The New Testament Apostles even Paul were comfortable with temple activity which would have included the musical instrumental worship. Now the New Testament never requires instruments but it is obvious that are inclusive of the traditional worship.
Psa 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Psa 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Psa 149:5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
Psa 149:6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;
07319 rowm@mah {ro-mem-aw'} [high]
act part of 07426; TWOT - 2133f?; n f
AV - high 1; 1
1) uplifting, arising
01984 halal {haw-lal'}
a primitive root; TWOT - 499,500; v
AV - praise 117, glory 14, boast 10, mad 8, shine 3, foolish 3, fools 2, commended 2, rage 2, celebrate 1, give 1, marriage 1, renowned 1; 165
1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light 2) to praise, boast, be boastful 2a) (Qal) 2a1) to be boastful 2a2) boastful ones, boasters (participle) 2b) (Piel) 2b1) to praise 2b2) to boast, make a boast 2c) (Pual) 2c1) to be praised, be made praiseworthy, be commended, be worthy of praise 2d) (Hithpael) to boast, glory, make one's boast 2e) (Poel) to make a fool of, make into a fool 2f) (Hithpoel) to act madly, act like a madman
Hear we see this high rocking energy in the praise of God in instrumental music. There is no doubt an energy in the praise much like today’s hard beat music.
Psa 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
What could generate more excitement than the declaration of life after death? This is the essence of worship God in Christ.
Worshipping God involves shouting!!
Psa 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Psa 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Psa 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
Psa 47:1 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
Psa 47:5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Psa 65:13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.
Psa 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
Psa 132:16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
So Can Jesus Rock? If that means singing and dancing and shouting and clapping and listening to tambourines, hard percussion and stringed instruments, then, yep!
Though if it means satanic lyrics, stage hypnotism sex and drugs then of course not!
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