Monday, December 25, 2017

Grace and Love: the Reason for the Season


21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NKJV







 Today is Christmas. As born again, children of God we know the reason for the season. We know Christmas is about the celebration of Jesus' birth. As true as that is, Christmas is so much more than that. It is the celebration of the love and the amazing Grace of God. In this time we celebrate what our good Father has done for us. He gave us the greatest gifts of all, the new creation, the gift of no condemnation and eternal life. This is why we lift up the name of Jesus in this season.

The Exalted Name of Jesus

 Christmas is certainly the most wonderful time of the year. We see such peace and joy and harmony around the globe. Stories abound of the kindness and generosity of ordinary citizens the whole world round. People think of loved ones and family they may have lost touch with. Not just in movies and television, we do see some people pause and reflect on family and friends even though it may be just a fleeting thought. Why is this? 

 If you pause and ponder in your heart what do you see and hear all around you? We see nativity scenes. We see Scripture referencing the Christmas story on cards, on billboards and signs. We hear Christmas Carols in shops, malls, department stores and blaring over the radio. Many of these Carols are classic hymns referencing Jesus and His glorious birth.

 What we are seeing and hearing is the globe exalting the name of Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace. When the name of Jesus is lifted high it shifts the atmosphere. Certainly, we still see evil and unkind acts in the World. Sure we see strangers battling in the store for that "perfect" gift. In spite of that, in the midst of the daily grind, pause and reflect. Look at this time from a different perspective. See if not, just briefly, how Jesus' name is uplifted and His goodness is spoken of. People around the globe are singing Carols and they don't even realize they are lifting high the name of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, the very person of Grace. 

 With this occurrence, it's so clear now why there is just something special about the atmosphere. Take note. In recent years, have you heard of the "war on Christmas"? Certainly, some of this rhetoric can be political in motive. However, there have been attempts by "secular progressives" to remove all mention of the birth of Christ in public square. This has nothing to do, in reality with left or right wing politics. Sure it manifests itself this way, but the attempts to remove Christ out of Christmas is the work of the enemy because he hates the name of Jesus being exalted.

 Even if the local leaders ban any public displays of Jesus, they can't stop it all. We can still show the love and Grace of God in this season. We can be the light of Jesus by lifting up His name by doing kind deeds in His name. No matter what law men may pass there is no law they can pass to stop the manifested fruit of the Spirit. 

 Understanding just what makes Christmas so special even to the secular world, we can see God's heart for us all. When we uplift Jesus we are uplifting the Grace and love of our Almighty Father. Before Christ came, the World was divided by the wall of separation of either being a Jew or a Gentile. The Gentiles were strangers from the promises. When Jesus came, God revealed this wall is coming down. This separation is over. 


In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. 11 For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). 12 And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” Luke 2:8-14 AMP

 This passage has been used to teach, that God's offer of peace and goodwill was only toward deserving men. Men of "good character." This performance rooted theology flies in the face of the revealed will of God. First, we know not a single one of us are just men or good men in and of ourselves. Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead and follow the leading and promptings of our own unrenewed intellect and appetites.  Secondly, if we were already deserving and of good character why did we need Jesus in the first place? 

 The reality is these glad tidings were heralding the good news of Grace and love. This announcement was to let mankind know that in Christ and because of Christ's Finished Work any man, be they Jew or Gentile will find favor with God. That God is well pleased with men. In other words, this is the message of reconciliation. That in Christ, the barrier between God and man, which is sin, is done away for all eternity. No more is there a sin problem. Now there is only a reception problem. People only need to personally receive this generous offer of everlasting life.

The Reason for the Season?

 His everlasting love and over the top Grace are the true reason for the season. For God so loved the World, He gave us His Son. His love for us sent Jesus to be the propitiation for all the sins of all mankind. 

 None of us were deserving of this gift. No one had merited enough favor with God by their deeds. Jesus didn't die for us because we weren't really that bad. Our faults, failures, and separation from God was surely an illusion, a mere mental misunderstanding, right? No, we were in need of salvation, all of us. Each and every one of us. We were lost, spiritually dead and apart from God in our thinking and ways. We mustn't take the amazing out of Grace. 

 God's great love for us and His amazing Grace, saw our plight and stooped down and became one of us. He took upon Himself our sins and sickness and bore all the curse on that Cross. God's love and great Grace was the reason for it all. 

 As you fellowship with friends, loved ones and family ponder the real reason for the season. As He gave, be generous as well with those around you. Certainly, I am not talking about going into debt to buy for others, I am just saying be generous in your love and kindness and whatever you can give, do it cheerfully and with the motive of love and Grace. 

 Even if you're alone this day, know you are never truly alone. He is with you and His love is overflowing towards you. As believers, be a blessing to someone who is alone if you can. 

 Merry Christmas, and celebrate Jesus, the Father's love, and great Grace this day. You're loved. You're forgiven. You've received the gift of no condemnation and are eternally secure. In Christ, we've received the greatest gift of all, Jesus.
Image courtesy of jannoon028 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Christmas: Truth vs Tradition

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: Matthew 1:18a

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. Mark 7:13 NKJV

 It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's time for cheer. It's time for families to gather together. It's time for lights, tinsel, and decorated trees. It's the season of peace and joy. It's the time to gather for candlelight services. It's also the time and season for unScriptural traditions of men.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of the year. It is joyous to celebrate it. In this time of year, we have the eyes and ears of many. Christmas carols are played in malls and town squares. People are singing about Jesus and uplifting His name and they may not even realize it. 

 With all eyes on the Church, let's stop perpetuating myths, and traditions of men. As one minister wisely said, they already attack the faith through evolution and other means to discredit the truth, why help in their assault on the truth by spreading lies? We need to stay with the Scriptures when it comes to proclaiming the birth of Christ.

Christmas Facts vs Fiction

 UnScriptural songs, incorrect nativity scenes abound in this season. Let's share the true Christmas story free from tradition and have a greater impact. What am I referencing?

 How many wise men?
 How many wise men were there? Oh, that's easy three right? No, that is the traditional view. We can attribute this tradition to songs like "We 3 kings" and people not actually reading the Bible. 

 We are never told how many there were. We are only told they were Magi. They likely had some dealings with astronomy. We are not told how many there were. Some come up with three as the number because they brought three gifts. Let's stay with truth and disregard tradition. We don't know the number of the wise men. We just know that there were wise men from the East who came to see Jesus.

The Nativity scene
I know you spent money on that Nativity set. I know you bought those Christmas cards that depict the Nativity. You might want to reconsider once you compare those cards and sets with the Gospel accounts of Jesus birth. 
 
 If your Nativity set or cards have the wise men present then you just bought a religious tradition untruth. The truth is the wise men weren't there for His birth. That may be news to you but go back to Matthew and Luke and verify for yourself.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, Matthew 2:1 NKJV

 After Jesus was already born in Bethlehem, wise men from the East came. We are not sure the exact time but based on Matthew 2, it appears that 2 years have passed. Well, when did the Wise men come see Jesus?

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11 NKJV

 A young child isn't a baby. A young child in the house isn't a babe in a manger. The Scripture refers to Jesus birth as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. When the wise men came He is a young child. How could the wise men be at the birth of Christ, when it is clear they were still following the star while Christ was born in Bethlehem? The wise men weren't a witness to the birth in the manger. 

 What's the point? The point is simple. Let's share the story of the Savior's birth. But let's share the true story not a story muddled by traditions of men.

 UnScriptural songs
This is one of those things that bother me. Traditions and untruths are perpetuated Sunday after Sunday by singing unScriptural songs.  I don't like songs based on Christianity that ignore the Word of God. At this time of the year one of the greatest unScriptural songs is "Mary did you know".

 I know this song sounds sweet and sentimental and Christ-exalting but it's so Biblically illiterate. You need to go back and re-read Luke 1, here. Did Mary know?

 If you read Luke 1, you will see Mary before she was pregnant the angel visiting her. So when she was carrying Jesus in her womb, yes Mary knew that her son was the Savior. You really want to make that song Scriptural? Then change it to Mary asking you did you know the child she was carrying can save you, deliver you or heal you?

 This is the most wonderful time of the year. Jesus is being proclaimed all throughout the known World. People are singing carols and in unison, the planet is unknowingly declaring the glory of God. Let's celebrate this season of love, peace, and goodwill by sharing the true Christmas account not traditions of men passed down from generation to generation. 
Image courtesy of digidreamgrafix at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Jesus Can't Help You: the Real Lie of Religious Tradition.

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. Mark 7:13 NKJV




  In our last study, we saw that God's provision isn't a lottery system rooted in performance and rewarded to believers upon merit. We also brought balance. God is our healer, God is our provider. He is a good Father. Yet we see so much suffering in this World.

 We must acknowledge that is a fractured creation. It is a fallen World. In a fallen World, we are susceptible to poor decision making. Money managing errors, poor choices in our eating, and adopting unhealthy habits. Why is this? Because a broken world also corrupts our thinking. We also see evil arise in a fallen World.

 Men who are corrupted inwardly and outwardly cause suffering and torment to those around them. Nations whose God isn't the Lord serve false gods and systems of thought. These carry consequences of despair and desolation. In all this, what are we to expect as believers? What about God's kids?

 While we aren't preaching fantasy that all our days will be flowery beds of ease without any interference, we still need to realize Jesus is still the Lord. He is the Victor. God is on the throne. He is triumphant. 
...And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:32b,33 NKJV

I love Jesus' words here. Note He said the Father is with Him. He then says be of good cheer I overcame the World. Yeah, there are tribulations but that isn't the focus. Jesus said in Him there is peace. What this means for us is, no matter what the situation or circumstances, we are never alone. He is always with us.

 This week I came across a moving story of a veteran who suffered from PTSD. The PTSD issues were overtaking his life. He finally got saved. Sadly, the symptoms were still there. The torment was relentless. Sadly, he had gotten saved in a church that didn't teach much but that Jesus can save you. On advice from his wife, he met with the pastor. 

 After the meeting, he came home. His wife asked how'd it go? He said the pastor said, "Jesus can't help you." He then kissed his wife and went to another room and took his own life. This shook me inside and out.

 Then it dawned on me. This is truly the real message of religious tradition. No matter what the subject, the answer is the same. Cut away the deep theological terminology, the denominational lingo, ritualistic religiosity and the experiential claims, and the answer is the same. Jesus can't help you. 

Jesus can't help you!

 Religious tradition acknowledges that if you accept the Lord, you're born again. You're saved, that's the limits of what God can do. After that, there isn't too much God can do for you.

 Forgiveness of sins. Religion will agree God forgives. However, this is only your past sins. What if you want your future sins forgiven? Jesus can't help you. For your future sins to be forgiven is an impossibility. You must confess and repent or turn away from sin for you to be forgiven. Because you can't do that until you first sin, there can be no future sins forgiven. If your future sins were already forgiven, then that would give us a license to sin. 

 Jesus says otherwise. In the Finished Work, He forgave us once for all time. When you believe in the Lord and accept what He did you're forgiven for each and every sin you have ever committed, the ones you are committing and even the ones you haven't committed yet. 
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. Colossians 2:13 NLT

Eternal Security. Religious tradition will say there is security for the believer in Christ, but you can lose your salvation. You want to be unconditionally eternally secure? Jesus can't help you. You must perfect the work He began in you. You want to ensure you're going to make it to Heaven? Jesus can't help you, but you can help yourself by not becoming entangled in too much sin. You must never turn back or backslide. If you endure, stay sin free and forgive everyone then perhaps you will make it.

 Jesus says otherwise. In Christ, we are eternally secure. Our salvation is anchored in Christ work, not our performance or endurance. We are sealed until the day of redemption, not until the day we sin too much or walk away. We are hidden in Him. What He began in us, He will complete it. Once we're saved we are eternally saved and secure.
28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. John 10:28-29 NKJV

Holy Spirit and His Gifts. Tradition says there is a Holy Spirit. That is about as far as they will go. Want to walk in power from on High? Want to demonstrate His power to a hurting World? Sorry, Jesus can't help you. Those gifts and empowerment we read about in Acts were for only a select few and not for today.

 Jesus says otherwise. If you want power for this life you just need to ask! Jesus is the Baptizer in the Spirit. His Spirit bestows these gifts as the need arises. Just be an open vessel, filled or baptized in His Spirit and be expectant of Him to use you and He will. Sometimes it's a kind uplifting word. Sometimes it's a friendly smile. Sometimes its the boldness to go pray for someone right there on the spot. His Gifts flow in situations like this when compassion and seeing His name renowned is your motive.
13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Luke 11:13 NLT

 Healing. God is a healer. Religion can't deny that. Though I sometimes think they wish they could rip those pages out. Tradition says healing is hit and miss. He sometimes does and doesn't. Because we see so many not healed it won't happen for you. Need healing Jesus can't help you. Healing can't be in the Finished Work, you're on your own. Better find a good doctor. 

 Have inner turmoil? Have depression? Fighting Addiction? This is just your cross to bear. Tradition would say we can perhaps recommend a good psychologist. Jesus sure can't help you.

 Jesus says otherwise.
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24 NLT

He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

 He is good. He is our healer. He paid for our wholeness in the Finished Work. Healing is in His perfect plan and will for our lives. Why then are some not healed? Tradition seems right when they say it's hit and miss with healing. So they err on the side of healing will not occur. 

 What they don't get is it isn't God choosing not to heal. God healed us in the Finished Work. It is done. The issue is we live in a fallen world. We have an enemy, though he has been defeated is an outlaw spirit who resists God and the Church. 

 Think of this. We were saved and forgiven but we still sin, why? Because we aren't saved yet from the presence of sin. Same as sickness, disease, and heartache. We Trust in the Finished Work. We exercise faith in what is done. Many many times the healing comes. Other times, we see this fallen World at work along with an enemy opposing us. The truth is in Christ there is no loss for the child of God. Even if the disease strikes hard and fast and gets a head start on our faith and before the Finished Work can fully manifest in our lives, we still win because we are ushered into Heaven to be with Jesus and we have a brand new body! What a deal we got! Jesus did it!

Financial provision. Got a need? Well, Jesus wants you poor and humble. Got a bill due? Sorry, Jesus can't help you. Surely the Cross doesn't make a way for help and provision in this life. You're on your own. Better call the Bank.

 Jesus says otherwise.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJV

God is a good Father. He doesn't desire to see us unable to pay our bills, to have unreliable transportation and to starve to death. Yet we do see some in poverty and in famine. Why is this? Again this is a fallen World and evil men exploit others. This is why we want and pray for His supply in our lives. If we are blessed we should do all we can to help. 

 There are relief programs that are designed to help the needy. How then do we see supply? God gives us the wisdom to help us better manage our goods. He gives us His favor. Favor opens doors. Listen, no matter what this favor extends to all believers on this planet. He is no respecter of persons. He can and does show kindness to all His kids, not just those in the West. We just have to open our eyes and see His hands moving.

Religion Lies! Jesus IS our present help!

 The good news is we do have a help and hope in Jesus! He is our present help in all our times of need! Tradition doesn't know or understand how to receive from their Father. They excel in unbelief because sadly, many have never had a true encounter with the risen Christ. He is majestic, triumphant and victorious! When the Champion lives within we can't help but overcome.

 In summation, lay aside the lies of tradition. Jesus is there for us no matter what. He is in us and upon us by His Spirit. He is our peace and comfort in the midst of the worst the enemy and this fallen World may bring. He is our healer and provider. He will never leave or abandon us. Contrary to religion Jesus can help you! 
SaveSave

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Understanding the Gospel: What is the Prosperity Gospel?

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NKJV










 Have you ever heard of the prosperity gospel? Have you heard that label used to describe various ministers or ministries? The real question is do you know what the prosperity gospel or message actually is?   

 Traditional Christianity often assigns labels to church groups they don't like or organizations they disagree with. The heresy label abounds. What I'd like to do is clear away bias, and traditions and just look at the substance of what the prosperity gospel actually teaches and whether it's Biblically accurate or is indeed erroneous and false. My goal isn't to fight or accuse, I sat in prosperity gospel circles for ten years allow me to share what it actually is. 

 First, we need to establish that not every teaching about finances or healing is the prosperity gospel. There are Christians who deny healing is for today and believe that tongues are mere gibberish. So any church that prays for the sick and believes in the Gifts for today is dismissed as prosperity gospel preachers. We also must understand there is a difference between extremism and error. 

Don't become extreme in addressing extremes in the Church

 Believing that God is a good Father isn't extreme. If you believe God is good, that He doesn't send or ordain disease, disaster, death, and despair doesn't mean you ascribe to an extremist theology. But doesn't the prosperity gospel also teach nothing bad will ever happen if you have enough faith? Yes, some circles teach that. The differences are we know we live in a fallen world and that is why we see sickness and suffering abound. We don't say bad doesn't occur in this world, we are just saying God isn't responsible.

 Because God is a good Father, we can believe God for financial provision in times of need. We can believe God for healing when symptoms arise. Jesus is our hope and present help. This isn't extremism. So don't accept the extremist label bias tradition-bound believers try to label everyone with just because you trust Jesus for help in time of need.

What is the actual prosperity gospel then?

 The prosperity gospel is centered around seed faith. The prosperity gospel focuses more on wealth than any other subject. As for health, it teaches if you're sick it's your fault and you lack faith. In truth, this should be called the always healthy and wealthy seed faith gospel. 

 Let's thoroughly examine prosperity gospel teaching. This teaching starts with the tithe. It teaches you are supposed to give 10% of your gross earnings to your prosperity church.  Now tithing is just the beginning. It serves a dual purpose. In poker, you have to ante or buy into the game before you can bet. The tithe is the ante. See, according to the prosperity gospel, you haven't even given until you first tithe. The tithe isn't yours so you haven't given until you give your own money.

 So the tithe is first like an ante, funds you deposit so you can participate in the game if you will. The second purpose of the tithe is for protection. The tithe is owed to the Father so your stuff will be protected. It's literally a protection racket. If one had a car accident, the first thing many ask is were you paying your tithes? If not then it's your fault for not giving God His protection money. 

 Once you pay your tithe, then it's onto giving or sowing seeds. What's the difference? The truth is, an offering is what you give when you don't have a pressing need. When you are in need and give you are sowing a seed for your need to be met. You have a need, so you are basically bribing God to pay attention to you and bring to you the supply.

 When you give above the 10% the process of seedtime and harvest has begun. What you're to expect is a return or harvest on your giving. A 30, 60, or Hundredfold return is promised to you each time you sow in faith. What this looks like is this; Say you gross $1,800,  you owe God $180. Then you are to give above that to begin seedtime and harvest. You give say $50. You then are supposed to expect either,  $50 times 30fold return equals $1,500. $50 times 60fold equals $3,000. $50 times 100fold return equals $5,000. 

 This is the foundation of the prosperity gospel. Soon after this wasn't enough. Teachers of this view began teaching about giving into good soil, naming your seed, giving personal financial gifts to the minister, and giving unto the rich and not the poor, a concept called blessing the blessed, the first fruit offering. They also ascribe to a view that the wealth of the wicked will one day come into the Christian's hands.

 Allow me to briefly explain these aforementioned views. Giving into good soil means only giving to churches and ministries that teach you're supposed to be rich. Don't give into any other ministry or it won't produce a blessing. You're to not just sow a seed but name or target your seed. In other words, if you had a need for a new job, give and keep giving saying this seed is for me to harvest a new job. Again, bribing God to bless you, or buying your miracle. When Jesus was on Earth He never merchandised His anointing or healing or miracles. Peter never gave him a financial gift before He caused the miracle of the near-boat sinking catch of fish.

 The idea of giving money to the minister is rooted in the concept that if you sow money into him or her what giftings they have will show up in your life. Blessing the blessed is a concept rooted in greed. It uses a passage in Proverbs about giving to the poor, here, to show that there is not a rich return on giving to the poor. so "bless the blessed", or put money in rich people's pockets, they are "good ground" for sowing. The first fruit offering is a TV preacher gimmick wherein you give the first fruit of your increase. Meaning if the first time you made say $10,000 you would give an additional 10% as a first fruit offering. 

 The wealth of the wicked transferred to the just concept is a Graceless view. Jesus died on the Cross and purchased our redemption if we simply believe. He didn't die to get the lost person's wallet or checkbook. He wants people's hearts, not their paychecks or possessions. These basically sum up the entirety of the prosperity gospel tenets. 

 The prosperity message I've expounded has sadly turned into an almost lottery-like fantasy designed to remove money from the hands of gullible Christians. It preys on lower-income families. It makes lavish promises that one day they will become rich and will be able to drive a Lexus and take summer vacations in Paris if only they keep giving 12%, 17%, 20%, 30%, or more of their income to a local church or TV minister. 

extremes vs error

 What these concepts are, even though they are rooted in greed, are defined as extremes. They are taking Scripture and pushing them to extreme areas. They are pushing them out of bounds so to speak. The problem is any truth taken to extremes leads to error. Now, these extremes are an untruth. There is no Biblical precedent for someone giving God $100 and then receiving $10,000. These ministers take Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Mark 4 and 10, and Galatians 6 and interpret them out of context and push them to extremes. As wrong as these extremes are they aren't the real error of the prosperity gospel. 

What is the real error of the prosperity gospel?

 Any truth taken to an extreme leads to error. Error and false teaching Biblically defined, is when false teachers deny the deity of Christ, deny the authority of the Scriptures, or change or alter the Gospel or salvation message. A gospel of works and performance is, therefore, an error and false teaching because it contradicts the Gospel of Grace.

 The real error of the prosperity gospel is they have turned the Gospel into a message of works, performance, and attempts to buy and earn the blessings and favor of God. If any benefit of salvation requires works or performance to receive then all benefits of salvation must be by works and that is bad news and that isn't the Gospel.

 The Prosperity gospel is a performance-driven, works-oriented gospel that condemns, hurts, and destroys. Marriages crumble and dissolve due to the stress and pressure of trying to manifest money. People walk away from God because they feel unworthy or that God lied to them. There is one passage that sums up this message.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25 NKJV
People are promised a harvest for giving much, and when it doesn't manifest soon, their eyes quit seeing the Savior and turn inwardly. They begin to search their heart for hidden sins or addictions. Search if they're harboring ill will, resentment or bitterness, or unforgiveness. They also search their heart to see if they're in faith or have allowed doubt and unbelief to corrupt their faith. Oh, wait you must be in fear they say to themselves, fear contaminates faith. So it must be fear of not receiving causing me not to receive. The excuses are endless and the peddlers of the prosperity gospel conveniently insulate themselves from anyone challenging them on their teaching by teaching it's up to your faithfulness and performance to receive.

 So instead of Jesus being your provider you and your perfect obedience, performance, faithfulness, sinlessness, and financial giving become your provider. When you tithe and give and don't see a return they say, "Well you gave with the wrong motive",  but they took your money regardless of your motive, and when they instructed you to tithe and give offerings they specifically stated if you give you will be blessed financially. 

 What has God actually promised to Christians in this life? God isn't saying for eternal salvation and receiving righteousness the Finished Work provided it, but for financial needs or receiving healing, you're on your own. In the Finished Work, He has given us wisdom and favor, and strength. He gives us the wisdom to manage our finances. He gives us the favor of finding jobs and better jobs and finding good bargains when we shop. He gives us the strength to work and be productive. What about the suffering and famine in many lands? That's why we take what blessing we have and become a blessing to the needy and unfortunate. We first must be blessed to be a blessing, and that isn't prosperity extremism. 

 In summation, the prosperity gospel is an extreme teaching that produces the error of works and performance-based faith. When people are promised by men that God will do something and it never happens condemnation overtakes them, and they wonder what's wrong with them. In the long term, people begin to blame God for lying to them and they walk away from God hurt, broken and bitter. That is the true fruit of the prosperity gospel. 
Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

A Mistaken Idea: "The Lord's Prayer" is a New Covenant Prayer.

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:12 NKJV





 How often have you been in a meeting, a service of some kind, even a youth meeting and have heard the Lord's Prayer recited? How often have you recited it as some form of personal devotion or prayer? Have you seen this Prayer recited repeatedly as part of a Christian worship service?

 The Lord's Prayer refers to the words of Jesus in Matthew 6. He was teaching the Disciples to pray. Many have since coined the term the Lord's Prayer to describe His words. It is interesting to note that Jesus wasn't actually praying a prayer. It therefore really shouldn't be called the Lord's Prayer.

 Many have taken this passage in Matthew and mixed it with the New Covenant. They somehow are under the impression because Jesus gave us a model of prayer it must be for us in the New Covenant. Nothing could be further from the truth. To be frank, the Lord's Prayer is not a New Covenant prayer whatsoever.

 Let's look at the "Lord's Prayer";

 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10  Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12  And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV

 The first thing I have noticed about this prayer is that Jesus was giving a model to pray, and His point was not to pray in vain repetitions as the heathen do. Yet, that is what so many do today. They turn this passage into a prayer that they just repeat over and over. To understand this passage, look at it in full context, here

 Jesus was simply giving a model of how to pray to the disciples. While we must acknowledge there are some hints of the New Covenant to come we must understand this is still not a New Covenant way to pray. The fact that Jesus refers to God as Father is a radical idea. The Israelites saw God as a harsh taskmaster very often. Jesus was revealing the Father's heart, God gave the Law with its rigid standards to prove to us we can't earn righteousness and that we need a Savior.

 So let's break this prayer down to show this is not applicable to us today. 
Our Father in Heaven. God is our Father, but He isn't just in Heaven today. By His indwelling Spirit within us, God abides in us.  He isn't just afar off somewhere in the distance. So often we see ourselves separated from God. We feel if we sin or miss it He is away from us. That God sits in some swivel chair turning away from us when we miss it.
 This is not the picture the New Covenant paints. He is with us and abides within us. We don't have to ask God to come meet with us or plead for an open Heaven. He has already done that. When He died that veil was torn asunder. We have open access to God. He said He would never leave us or forsake us. There is no clause added saying if you sin too much I will not fellowship with you. 

 Hallowed be your name. This is a universal truth. Before Law, during Law, and under Grace God's name is holy and all-powerful. The good news is He has given us the right to use His name. When we pray in Jesus name it isn't just the way to close the prayer. It is us saying this petition be granted by the authority of Jesus as if He were asking Himself. 

 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. This passage also reveals a universal truth but also an Old Covenant premise. We no longer pray for His kingdom to come. His kingdom has come. His kingdom dwells within all believers. What we pray now is the kingdom to flow out of us to others so we may bless and encourage them. 
 The universal truth we see is that we pray His will be done on Earth as in Heaven. Note He didn't say He is the God of "Omni-control". He didn't say "I am sovereign, so if you want to receive healing or help just pray and if it is my will I will respond." We know there is no poverty, lack or insufficiency in Heaven. There is no sickness or disease in Heaven. There are no disasters in Heaven. So we pray for healing, wholeness, and protection today. God has always been good.

Give us this day our daily bread.  Under the New Covenant, we don't ask God for provision the same way as the Old. Under the Old, they prayed for God to do something. Under the New, God has already done it all. We thank God and simply believe and receive what Grace made available. In the New Covenant, it isn't Faith makes and Faith takes. It is Grace makes and Faith takes.

 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. In the Old Covenant, this was the standard of Law. Forgive so you could be forgiven. Under Law, we weren't forgiven. Our sins were merely covered. Forgive in order to be forgiven is this the standard of the New?
 In the New Covenant, Grace instructs us to forgive others because we are already forgiven, here and here. We were forgiven once for all time on the Cross. We aren't forgiven and then Unforgiven based on our ability to forgive. People would say being eternally forgiven is a license to sin. To that I say, We were sinning without one before Christ. People in all denominations are still sinning left and right. Either we are perpetually eternally forgiven or we aren’t. There are no clauses in Grace. We just believe it and receive His Grace. 
 Also, license really means one believes a person can sin without consequences. Grace doesn't say that. You live in sin and you will reap the rewards of dumb decisions. You could lose a career, a spouse or a family. You won't have peace in your thinking and your spirit and soul and body will be in distress because your spirit is wanting to follow God and reject sin and your body is wanting to follow appetite and your mind will be fighting which way to go. So Grace is not teaching a license to sin. Besides this, Grace gives us the victory over sin. Under Grace sin no longer has dominion over us.

  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. This is also not New Covenant because under the New, the enemy is defeated and He has already delivered us. 
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV
 We don't have to ask for what's already been done. We have been delivered from the evil one. We also walk in victory because we aren't just delivered but triumphant because the enemy has been defeated in the Finished Work. Jesus is the victor and the enemy is rendered harmless and ineffective. 
 Yeah, but he is still stealing and killing and destroying. Yes, but he is a defeated foe, whose only power is that of deception. He tries to flood your mind with wrong thinking telling you he isn't defeated and lies to you about your standing before God. He brings accusations of God to you. God won't heal you, He won't provide, He won't forgive you. This is why we renew our minds to the truth. We then enforce the enemy's defeat.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. It is a universal truth of the glory and majesty of our great God. This prayer though still isn't New Covenant because a New Covenant prayer is offered in the name of Jesus. Jesus name is the name that is above every name. 

 In summation, I trust you can readily see how the "Lord's Prayer" isn't a New Covenant based prayer. We can see the universal truths Jesus speaks of but that doesn't mean the prayer model as a whole is a way for New Covenant believers to pray. When these mistaken ideas are cleared up and we relinquish tradition our walk with God is more fruitful, satisfying and fulfilling. 
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Still Another Mistaken Idea: Give Thanks For All Things?

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:12 NKJV












 This week we celebrate Thanksgiving here in America. It's a great time for all people to take the time to give thanks. To be thankful for all they have. Being this is the season of Thanksgiving, I felt it good to address another mistaken idea perpetrated onto the Church.

Give Thanks For Everything?

 In Ephesians, Paul makes a statement that unfortunately has been misunderstood and misapplied. 
20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20 NKJV

 At face value, this passage seems to be instructing us to thank God for any and all things on this planet. Is this what God is saying? Is this what the Holy Spirit through Paul is encouraging us to do?

 If this is the correct understanding of this verse, how would we apply this in our daily lives as Christians? What this would look like is when the two airplanes slammed into the Twin Towers in NYC, killing over 2,000 people we shouldn't have had times of mourning in our churches. We should have thrown our hands up and gave thanks to God for this. 

 If we are to give thanks for all things, then we as Christians shouldn't be protesting abortion clinics. We should give thanks that babies in their wombs are killed daily. We should give thanks for all the homelessness we see around the globe. We should give thanks for famine and poverty the whole world round. We should be giving thanks for all those bound to drug addiction. We should be thanking God for the many mired in alcoholism. We should be thanking God for young men shooting and killing each other in inner cities. Young girls forced into the illegal sex trade industry? Yep, you have to give thanks for this too. 

 This sounds crazy but sadly some traditional Christians with their warped view of sovereignty don't realize this is the logical conclusion to their philosophy. I have actually seen written teachings from days gone by where the minister is teaching people we should be thanking God for making us sick. What does that look like in prayer? 
 "Oh God,  I just want to thank you for giving me cancer."
 Come on, that is plain goofy. Again religious Christians with their twisted category of God's character they have created, "omni-control" leads to outlandish ideas such as these. That God's sovereignty means God is in total absolute control of all circumstance and events. Got a flat tire? God is in control. 

 What is Paul actually saying here? Let's look at another passage where he instructs us to be thankful.
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV

 This is the key, let Scripture interpret Scripture. Paul clarifies his views about giving thanks here. It is in everything we give thanks not for everything. Yes, but that's not how it is written in Ephesians. Let's look at it again. 

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:20 KJV

  The King James version gives us a better insight into what Paul is saying. We are to give thanks for all things unto God. In other words, Paul is saying render to God what is God's. Give thanks for what God has done, is doing, and will do in His plan of redemption.

 I am not to thank God that my biological grandfather was an alcoholic who died way before his time. I am to offer thanks only for what God has done. God didn't kill my grandfather. God didn't make him an alcoholic. He chose this path in spite of God calling him to embrace life and receive the free gift of Grace. I give thanks to God for what He does, I am not going to give thanks for the works of the enemy, or the consequences of a fallen, fractured creation. 

 We give thanks in our circumstances because we know God is with us. He has not left us or forsaken us. We give thanks in spite of our situation because we know what God has promised and what He has accomplished in the Finished Work.

 What we must do is reject these mistaken ideas. We need to let the Word of God be the final authority, not religious tradition. We fail to recognize we perpetuate myths like these when we say things like, "I thank God for my accident or affliction, even the passing of a loved one. I learned so much. I grew stronger."

 These words give credence to the concept that God afflicts, He brings disease, that He causes death. The plain truth is what people are truly experiencing is the giving of thanks in the middle of their circumstances. They are turning to God in tough times and He is meeting them right where they are. It isn't the affliction, the disease, or the tragedy bringing strength. It is people believing and acting upon God's Word in the midst of their trial and adversity. 

 We see disaster, disease, and destruction the whole World round and it hasn't produced strong people. That's because the events weren't designed for people's good but for their harm. A fallen World and an enemy roaming and seeking whom he may devour aren't looking for your betterment but your destruction. 

 In summation, give thanks for all things? No, we only give thanks for the things God has done. We give thanks in our circumstances. In other words, in the midst of sickness, we thank God He is our healer. In the midst of turmoil, we thank God He is our peace. God is a good Father and we must rightly divide the Scriptures when it comes to obscure passages that seem to state otherwise. The Word of God rightly divided brings peace and comfort and when heard brings faith to our hearts.