Have We Abandoned the Lord?

September 4, 2011

“You have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob.”  (Isaiah 2:6a)

Who is the prophet Isaiah talking about?  Is he actually saying that God abandoned the house of Jacob?  Would God really abandon his very own children?  You better believe he would.  It doesn’t matter who you are.  If you abandon God, he will abandon you.

In the following verses, Isaiah gives the reasons that God has abandoned the house of Jacob.  The purpose of this article is to show how the sins that Isaiah lists against the house of Jacob are present in America today.  In this section of scripture, Isaiah explains a day that the Lord has in store for the proud and lofty.  He is talking, first of all, about the great tribulation; but also the judgment that was soon to come upon Judah.  And I believe it also applies to any nation that turns their backs on God…including America.  God had had enough of Israel’s rebellion and would soon deal with them severely.  If God dealt with Judah, one can only assume that he has a “day in store” for America.  Let us look at Isaiah 2, and see if we can bring out any parallels.

“They are full of superstitions from the East”  (Isaiah 2:6b)

Eastern superstitions are pouring into America, especially in the church.  We have contemplative prayer, prayer soaking, centering prayer, “Christian” yoga, and other forms of Mysticism being promoted in the church.  Mike Bickle of IHOP says he wants the book, Fire Within: St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel-on Prayer to be the manual at IHOP-Kansas City. These are all Catholic mystics who promote eastern superstitions.  St. Theresa even claimed to levitate during meditation.

In case you are ignorant of contemplative prayer—or centering prayer—let me enlighten you.  In a nutshell, it is the practice of remaining silent, and clearing your mind for an extended period of time.  The goal is to empty your mind and “experience” God’s presence and “hear” his voice.  The major problem with this is that the Bible never teaches us to empty our minds, or to say chants or mantras—regardless of what they are.  Rather, we are taught to renew our minds (Rom 12:2) and to fill our minds with good things (Phil 4:8).  When we empty our minds, we open ourselves to the voice of demons.  And that’s how cults are started. So, remember, anytime you hear something about emptying or clearing your mind, a red flag should immediately go up.

It is important to note that meditation is a good thing in its proper form.  In fact, it is fundamental to the Christian faith.  But when we meditate, we are never called to empty our minds.  Rather, we are encouraged to focus on the person, word, and work of Christ.

“they practice divination like the Philistines”  (Isaiah 2:6c)

False prophet, Todd Bentley via http://www.ChristianCrunch.com

If you have cable or satellite television, I would encourage you to flip through all the channels sometime.  Chances are, you will come across one of the many shows that promote communicating with the dead—whether through mediums or a group of “ghost hunters.” Both of these practices have become quite popular recently.  I believe this is due to the church getting the cart before the horse—putting too much emphasis on having an experience.

An example of this is the supposed angelic visitations and trips to Heaven.  I believe that these are also forms of divination.  People like Todd Bentley, Mike Bickle, Bob Jones, Paul Cain and many others claim that they regularly talk with angels, or even take trips to the third Heaven and talk with Jesus.  In actuality, the angels they are talking with are fallen angels—demons.  When these guys tell their stories, it only encourages their followers to seek the same experiences.

I remember when I first heard Jason Upton.  I went to one of his concerts at FIRE School of Ministry and liked his music.  When I went to his booth to buy a CD, everyone recommended that I buy the one that has a recording of angels singing.  Now, I am not saying this is divination by any means.  I only mention it to show that when the leaders promote their experiences with angels—which I actually believe are demons many times—they are encouraging others to seek the same experiences, which opens them up to demonic visitation.  This is very dangerous.

“and clasp hands with pagans.”  (Isaiah 2:6d)

Over the past week, I have heard many Christians complain about Mayor Bloomberg not inviting the clergy to be a part of the ten year memorial for 9/11.  Now, I do believe that Bloomberg is a wicked man and has only evil intentions in his decision, but let’s look at it another way.  What has actually taken place at any national memorial service when “the clergy” take part?  Is it not one big ecumenical farce?  That’s exactly what it is!  It sure is sad that we cry about Bloomberg not inviting the clergy, yet have no problem when “Christian” clergy share the stage with Hindus and Muslims to offer up prayers to the god of pluralism.

We have come to expect this from the clergy that have been handpicked by governmental leaders, but what about Christian leaders we admire; like David Barton?  Around a year ago, I wrote an article revealing the sin of David Barton and other evangelicals who stood on stage, or somehow  promoted Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor Rally.  (Here is another article I wrote which answers the argument of many evangelicals as to why it’s okay to lock arms with Beck)  By clasping hands with Glenn Beck, who is a professing Mormon, they were not restoring honor at all.  Rather, they were promoting idolatry.  Not only were they clasping hands with a Mormon, but David Barton put together a modern day version of the Black Robe Regiment.  Only this time, it included Hindus, Muslims, mormons, and professing Christians.  If you are unfamiliar with the real Black Robe Regiment, it was a group of Christian Pastors during the Revolutionary War who unsheathed the Sword of the Spirit and fought the most important battles.  Without them, America would have never won her independence.  What Barton and Beck put together was a mockery of these great men of God.

Many brushed off those who warned against this idolatrous event, which took place on August 28, 2010.  The common answer was that “it’s okay to join together in political purposes.”  I disagree with that, but it wasn’t just political anyway.  Beck and Barton made it very clear that this was “a spiritual event.”  Therefore, some Christians warned that this event was going to be cataclysmic; that this would kick the door wide open for the god of pluralism to march into churches all over this land.  And that is exactly what has happened.

Just last weekend, Beck and Barton locked arms again.  This time to stand for Israel in a rally called, “Restoring Courage.”  And of course, they were once again joined with many evangelicals.  God was mentioned many times in the event, but not once was the name of Jesus mentioned.  Beck even said, in a rehearsal that from Jerusalem came three peoples, three faiths, three paths to god.  (Here is a video of his rehearsal)  Can you say…pluralism?

In the actual event, Beck clearly talked of his Mormon faith, yet also referred to himself as a Christian.  David Barton is also on record of saying that he believes his good friend, Glenn Beck, to be a Christian.  He said in an interview that “alot of people judge Glenn on the label that he’s a Mormon…wait a minute…judge him on what he says.  Don’t interpret what he says.  I’ve been on programs with him when he talked about individual salvation, when he talked about atonement, when he talked about redemption.”  He later says that he believes Beck is a Christian.  Umm…Mr. Barton…Glenn Beck is still very open about the fact that he is a Mormon.  Who should we believe?  You or him?  What David is doing is exactly what Beck and the Mormon church is looking for: he is helping paint the picture that Mormons are Christians.  (Here’s the video)

Now, churches all over America are beginning to open their doors for Beck and Barton to speak.  This is very dangerous, as many believe Barton to be a sure-headed Christian leader.  Well, he is not.  He is clasping hands with pagans and leading thousands astray.  And we need to say this!

Isaiah 2 is talking about the Day of the Lord.  This is judgment like we have never seen.  In verse eleven we read, “The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” (Isaiah 2:11)  You can be sure that God is going to deal with the proud in heart.  And he is going to deal with those who trust in man, rather than God.  The chapter ends with, “Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?” (Isaiah 2: 22)

I believe that one of the main themes found in the book of Isaiah is the call for Judah to repent of trusting in man.  It was this sin for which Isaiah said, “Till your dying day this sin will not be atoned for, says the LORD Almighty.” (Isaiah 22:14) This still rings true today.  If we continue to trust in man, we will not find deliverance.  Our only hope is repentance. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

I’m sure that many of you are in agreement with me up to this point.  But will you put your money where your mouth is?  Or better yet, will you place your vote where your faith is?  In the upcoming elections, many are going to say that you must vote for whoever the republican party nominates.  For, after all, anyone is better than Obama.  But is that not trusting in man?  What if the nominee is Mitt Romney, a professing Mormon?  Would you trust in man by voting for the lesser of two evils, which is voting for evil, still?  Or would you trust in God and vote for the man God would have you vote for?  Of course this candidate probably won’t have a chance of winning!  How could he when we live in such a godless nation.

The mindset of compromise is ruining the church today.  That is why David Barton is the way he is.  Barton, though he has taught us many great things about the history of this nation, will always compromise on the drop of a dime.  It is apparent that, to David Barton, politics trumps God.  But let’s not just pick on Barton.  How many of you have voted for the lesser of two evils?  Do you not realize that this is still voting for evil?!  What does that say about where you are placing your trust?

So, in the upcoming elections, the best thing you can do is examine yourself.  Ask yourself, “Am I abandoning God, or am I trusting in him?”

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Combatting the Cults: God the Son (John 5:16-27)

September 3, 2011

16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. 17 Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” 18 For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.  (John 5:16-27)

In this passage, you will find Jesus claiming to be equal with God in six different ways.  Let us examine these six claims of Christ.

  1. In verses seventeen and eighteen we see that, by Jesus referring to God as His Father rather than Our Father he was very plainly making Himself equal with God.  It’s funny how many cultists will say, “Well, if Jesus really was God, why didn’t he just come out and say it?”  He did.  And you find in verse eighteen that the Jews sought the more to kill him because he was making himself equal with God.
  2. In verse nineteen, Jesus claimed to be equal with the Father in his works.  He said, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”  Not only was Jesus claiming to be equal with God in this statement, but He was also busting the Jews.  You see, they were persecuting Him for healing on the Sabbath.  So Jesus was saying to them, “Hey, if you’re gonna persecute me for healing on the Sabbath, you are also persecuting the Father.  I’m just doing what the Father does.”
  3. In verse twenty-one, Jesus claimed to have the power to raise the dead.  To understand how Jesus was claiming deity in this statement, you must first understand that the Jews believed that Jehovah God held the three great keys:  The key to open the heavens and bring rain (Dt. 22:12); the key to open the womb (Gen. 30:22); and the key to open the grave and raise the dead (Eze. 37:13).  You might ask, “Well, what about Elijah and Elisha?  Didn’t they raise the dead.”  Of course they did.  But what he was saying was different than any claim Elijah or Elisha might be able to make.  He was actually saying that He gives life and raises the dead just as the Father.  Elijah and Elisha both knew that their raising people from the dead did not come from their own power.
  4. In verse twenty-two, Jesus claimed equality with the Father in executing judgment.  He said that all judgment had been entrusted to the Son.  To the Jew, Jehovah God was “the Judge of all the earth.” (Genesis 18:25)  So, for Jesus to say that he was entrusted with all judgment, He was very clearly saying that He was God.
  5. In verse twenty-three, Jesus claimed equality with the Father by claiming equal honor.  This statement would be nothing short of blasphemous and idolatrous unless Jesus really was who He said He was:  God.
  6. In verse twenty-seven, Jesus made His claim very clear by using the title for God on Himself.  The title Son of Man came from Daniel 7 and was a title for God.  Daniel 7:13-14 says, “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.  He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” This was the claim Jesus was making.

It is very clear what Jesus was saying in this passage.  He was saying, “I am God.”  And He didn’t just say it once.  He made six different claims; all of which pointed to His belief that He was equal with the Father; that He was God in the flesh.  That is what we find from this passage, but there are many other passages pointing to the deity of Jesus Christ.  Below, you will find some links that will take you to other passages of Scripture to further back up the deity of Christ.

The Holy Trinity:

God the Father:

God the Son:

God the Holy Spirit:

  • Acts 5:1-4; 13:1-2

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Combatting the Cults: God the Father (2 Peter 1:17)

September 3, 2011

This post is not complete.  I have other articles to upload and I need to add some hyperlinks.

Proving that there is a person in the New Testament called the Father, and that he is called God, is very short and simple.  Not only is it a simple thing to prove, but you will have no problem getting most cultists to agree with you on this.  But it’s still important to prove.  Remember, things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.

 “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  (2 Peter 1:17)

This verse proves that there is a person in the Bible called the Father and it proves that the Father is called God.  Any cultist would agree with you that the Father is Jehovah God.

This verse also proves that there is a person in the Bible called the Son.  So, from here, you need to address the question, “Is the Son referred to as God in the New Testament?”  To answer this question, you can click on any of the following links that will show you that the Bible does, in fact, refer to the Son as God.

SCRIPTURES:

God the Son:


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Combatting the Cults: The Doctrine of the Holy Trinity

September 3, 2011

I wonder if you fall into the category of someone who believes the doctrine of the Trinity, yet would have many problems trying to prove it in the Scriptures.  Or maybe you have bought into the lies of cultists that deny the doctrine of the Trinity.  Regardless of who you are or what you believe, this teaching should be a great resource for you, if you have any questions about what the Bible says about this foundational Christian belief.  I will do my best to keep my commentary to the minimum and allow God’s Word to do most of the talking.

First, let us establish what Christians believe concerning the Holy Trinity.  We believe that within the nature of the one God, there are three distinct persons:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  These three share the same attributes.  In effect, the three persons are the one God.

Now, in seeking to prove this doctrine, I have sought out several resources.  But, one man who helped me grasp it more than any other was the late and great Walter Martin.  To the cults, this man was a heretic, but in truth, this man was a mighty man of God; who boldly proclaimed the truth of God’s Word.  I ran across a teaching of his where he explained that using “a verse here and a verse there” which show all three persons of the Trinity at the same time will get you no where with the cultists.  Why?  Because they have already been brainwashed into believing that the Christian interpretation of those specific scriptures is wrong.  And they are ready to fight you on those scriptures.  Don’t get me wrong.  It’s good to use those scriptures, but it’s better to first examine some scriptures that they are not prepared for.

Dr. Walter Martin makes it very simple.  He said, “If we can demonstrate from the New Testament that there are really three persons, and if we can demonstrate that the three persons are all called God, and if we can demonstrate that there is only one God, then we are driven to only one possible conclusion: the three persons are all the one God.  Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.”  You can’t get much simpler than that.  So, all we have to do is prove those things, and we prove the doctrine of the Trinity.

The best way I know how to do this is to write several short articles on some scriptures that prove these doctrines.  This resource will, no doubt, grow over the years, as I continue to study God’s Word and learn about God.  In this teaching, I will start with proving the Father as God, then the Son, and finally the Holy Spirit.  My suggestion is that you write the scriptures in your Bible somewhere.  I have them written in Hebrews 1, because that used to be my favorite place to take Russelites (they prefer to be called Jehovah’s Witnesses) to show them the deity of Christ.  Whatever you do, just make sure to keep it simple so you are always prepared to show the truth about the doctrine of the Trinity to anyone who asks.

SCRIPTURES:

God the Father:

God the Son:

God the Holy Spirit:

  • Acts 5:1-4; 13:1-2

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