What are you pursuing?

Good message to the American church

Let the video speak for itself. God bless,

The sin of the suburban church!!!!

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

There are many dangers of having heroes in Christianity! There are many destructive paths of thinking you know everything. I came home and entered into a deep discussion with my wife about the things we are discerning with our church (www.hopebiblechurch.org). Our conversation provoked me to think about how in Christendom today, especially among what I call ‘the suburban church’, is this form of spiritual elitism and superhero worship. There is an underlining hypocrisy traveling around which says: “I have got all the biblical knowledge because my church teaches sound doctrine, we exegete the scriptures and expound the Word and you do not. We hold to the teachings of so and so….” Let me say this I am not against expositional teaching, nor sound biblical teachers. In fact I love learning what the scriptures teach and expounding on it, that’s wonderful, Praise the Lord. I am also not against the small home church which gathers around and learns the bible together, asking questions and sharing in a good meal. Or the charismatic Baptist preacher who does topical sermons but loves His flock so much, he’s given his life for them. See, this is where this suburban church mentality fails. Two areas the suburban church holds high to: Their superheroes of their church and their knowledge. These two areas are filled with pride and idolatry. Let’s get truthful; Yahweh is not pleased with these things at all.

THE SUPERHEROES

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21)

Who are the superheroes? Well you would ask someone in the African American church and they will tell you quick; T.D Jakes, Creflo Dollar, Fred Price, so on and so on. But the suburban church has its heroes too! Oh we don’t want to admit it because we really adore these men, but they are heroes. John MacArthur, John Piper, James White, Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, Paul Washer and Mark Driscoll, who some people despise, are some of the superheroes the suburban church has developed. These men are enthroned as the Christian Elite which define Christianity for us right? Wrong. These are just mere men, like you and me, and the One who is the definer of Christianity is the Head of the Church: THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. That’s the real Solos Christus!!!!!

Usually at this point the suburban church will become ticked off because mentioning of their hero’s name. Accusations of slander may follow, but truth is we know none of these men I have mentioned. I know not how they live, neither do I care, nor have I seen any of them speak against Jesus Christ. They are not my Lord Jesus Christ, nor will they define for me what Christianity is. They can sell their books and have their conferences, what am I doing for the Lord Jesus? Jesus is should be our Hero. I am warning you not to set these men above the Lord Jesus Christ. I had a friend of mine, Bro. Lawrence D tell me that he got shot down for making a statement because he disagreed with John MacArthur on an issue. This is the exact behavior from a suburban church member when he/she has created for themselves a hero. I am not called to defend John MacArthur. I am to stand firm and contend for the faith in Jesus Christ (Jude 1:3).

idol - eidolon - an image, likeness: i.e. whatever represents the form of an object, either real or imaginary. Used of the shades of the departed, apparitions, spectres, phantoms of the mind, etc.

From the Greek transliteration, we can see a man can become our image. Remember what happen with Paul, and noticed how he responded when men tried to make him a superhero:

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. [Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: (Acts 14:11-15)

Does the suburban church not do the same? When MacArthur writes a book, which I got one listed on this blog and his website as well, we begin pumping the book more the Word of the Lord. Come on, let’s get real here.

I focus on MacArthur (Today’s Suburban Church superhero) now because I hear about him a lot. We have made MacArthur to be a god. He’s not our Lord, nor our Savior. His books and his conferences are dung when it comes to the Excellency of our Lord Jesus Christ. I used to get so excited about wanting to attend a Shepherd’s conference. The fact of going to California and meeting John filled my mind. I also had another friend I wanted to meet as well, but now I see why the Lord kept me over here on the East Coast. See, I listened to some of MacArthur’s stuff and he started saying the same stuff, over and over again. I would see men come back from the conference saying they were “sooo refreshed”, I thought “I can get that reading my bible at home, why go 3000 miles and spend hundreds of dollars?” Oh yes, come one we have to get honest with this, this sickens God! We have placed a man above the Most High.




Knowledge (Elitism)

I praise God the pastor of our church, Thomas Leake, doesn’t want to not fall into this category. Knowing this my wife and I are praying and seeking to stay far away from this as well. When you get so much knowledge, a man can tend to get pumped up in the head. Then, the I-know-it-all attitude can take effect. After which follows an elitism of knowing it all. The suburban church has adopted this so well. We take our elitism and look at other churches as lower than us as poor and struggling. We may see a Christian with tattoos all over his body and think he needs sound biblical teaching. Or the African American churches are the ones falling for the gimmicks and the false teacher scams, and are in need of good sound bible teachers. And who made us judge? Yet we judge and begin to hold other Christians to our standard because of we think we know.

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3)

Now in context, Paul is dealing with questions concerning things being offered to idols. It is relevant for today, because we get a little bit of biblical knowledge in the suburban church, and we think we are somebody. Yeah, I am guilty of this. I have been humbled by the Lord Jesus Christ on several occasions, one time after bashing my former church. If we in the suburban church would live in humility and love, oh the amazing things we would do for Jesus Christ!!!

This elitism causes the suburban church to believe they have arrived. They become the judges, and their knowledge to them becomes superior. It is the sin of pride. Just let someone considered lower, or not smart in the Greek/Hebrew come around, and we seek to crush them in our arguments. Great, you won the argument, but you murdered a brother. I was telling my wife how the Lord has brought me to understand these questions: What are you doing with all that knowledge? Are you sharing? Are you loving the brothers deeply? Or are you just talking smack? Here’s the verse He debunked my know-it-all thinking:

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2)

So suburban church, or any church, we must wake up and return to loving the Lord Jesus Christ. We must love the people. We must not hold any man higher than the Lord Jesus Christ, He alone deserves our worship and our praise. MacArthur, Piper, Washer, my friend John Coleman (you too pastor John), and more, none of these men deserve our praise. If they point you to Christ Jesus, listen. Don’t you dare bow down and worship these men. I leave with what an OT verse explaining what we should do in the suburban church, God bless you all in the grace of Jesus Christ:

And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem. And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. (Genesis 35:1-5)

Signs of a changing church

I am posting this for the reason of showing how a church begins to go away from sound bible teaching. In these clips, Jay aka Vekl is discussing with Mark aka ProclaimHisWord about the changing of the name his church pastor is making. Listen to these two discussing these things and think: "Is this what is happening in churches all around America? Can this happen with my church, even if it is biblically sound?" This is not meant to stir you up into a frenzy, but to encourage you to be discerning no matter where you are. Your home church, your church building, wherever, be discerning and watch for compromise. I love you my dearly beloved, God bless. Please be in prayer for Jay and the decisions he must make. God bless

Persecution is coming to America

Two videos here. First one is Paul Washer talking about persecution coming. Second video is an example of how this will happen. Enjoy!!!

Sound Doctrine Does Matter!!!!

Okay, time for a break from the Hermenuetics series. Enjoy these clips. First up, sound doctrine is important:




And next we have what Fred Price feels about doctrine! Also notice the compromise in this video:



And finally Justin Peters points out why we need discernment:

Holy Living

My low budget youtube teaching. Enjoy

Why American so-called Christianity is a joke

Have it your way church: Is this what you're looking for America?

HT: Mike Armstrong

Be Holy as I am Holy by Pastor John Coleman

Get the Focus RAM radio message by Pastor Coleman. Check it out

Be Holy

Scriptures mentioned:

Leviticus 11:45
Hebrews 7:26
Ephesians 5:1,5,8
1 Peter 1:15-16;2:21-22
Colossians 3:12
John17:17
Romans 8:29
1 John 2:6
Romans 12:1

Christianity Today?

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5)

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16)

I was driving in my father-in-law’s car to work searching for a station broadcasting local traffic. I flipped through several of secular Hip Hop stations to hear some of the disc jockeys poking fun at Christianity. What made it even worse was they claimed to be so-called believers themselves. From making remarks of people going to hell, to even hearing Reverend Marvin Sapp encourage Monique to keep doing what she is doing; this is what today we call Christianity? I have searched in the scriptures, and examined this type of so-called Christianity. This type of so-called Christianity is deeply rooted in American society. Sometimes these people are coined as ‘Carnal Christians’, which quiet frankly is biblically false. Whatever type of Christian we may call them, these types of people are NOT CHRISTIANS. I repeat, THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIANS!

THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIANS

Now why do you say that about these men Karsten? Glad you asked. See, I used to be one of them. I used to drink and smoke, lust after women, and then go to church on Sunday. I sang on the Gospel choir and gossiped viciously about other men/women. I did exactly what these people do, while putting on the cloak like I am going to heaven. I was on my way to hell. Now, because of the Lord Jesus Christ, I long in my soul to see them redeemed and living for the Lord Jesus Christ. I long to see them be under sanctification and applying the Doctrines of Grace in their lives. Praise God. First, I must identify who these men really are. They are not Christians.

There seems to be the confusion these men possess godliness and holiness. They say all the right clichés, and lift their hands real well in church. They come to bible studies like they are interested in talking about God and make claims of needing to go to church more. But they can be some of the meanest devils you know my friends. They smile in your face and tear you to pieces like a lion behind your back. They don’t speak to you when you say hi to them. Or they’ll boast about themselves all day long. They run the deacon board and count all the money coming into the church. They set up funds to help poor people etc. Yet they turn right around and go clubbing, get drunk every weekend, fornicate but somehow make it to church every Sunday morning. They may have some knowledge of scriptures and voice vehemently their disagreements with certain texts of the bible. They’ll say that , “God knows their heart!” Just as long as they appear to be saved, so you’ll never question their love for Jesus Christ.
The key behavior to not is they are religious on the outside but their insides are real ugly, because there is no Jesus Christ within them.

If we look at the context of 2 Timothy 3 we see Paul writing to Timothy his beloved son in the Gospel. Paul may have sensed Timothy becoming spiritual weak in his walk. This could be due to the fact that there were these types of so-called Christians lurking in the church at Ephesus. He had reason to encourage Timothy due to the fact Paul knew his work for Christ was soon to be up (2 Timothy 4:6). So to give Timothy a good explanation of the perils a man of God faces in verses 1-9 of Chapter 3, Paul explains the state of this non-Christian men we see today. Notice that Paul says “they’re men”, and not saints (v2). Now let’s look at this verses 1-9 and see if they match up with these carnal Christians I am speaking of:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Now look at and compare to these same descriptions fit the men well of today. They sing on Gospel stages all over the country. But if you get in their way, they’ll knock you down like a dog in the street. Hmmmm? Only one conclusion according to God’s Word, these men are not Christians.

DON’T BE DISCOURAGED

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. (Matthew 13:25-29)
MacArthur’s Bible Commentary mentions the tare being a type of weed which could hardly be distinguished from wheat. Most likely an enemy would sow this into a man’s field destroying his livelihood catastrophically. This sounds discouraging I know. When I would see these types of so-called saints, I would think “if their not Christians, what am I?” The fact is it made me think, if they can put on a show, what am I doing? Don’t be discouraged my friends. Search and examine what true Christianity really is. Don’t look at these men as your way to Jesus Christ, but from their ways turn away. Love these men, long to see them saved and knowing the truth of Jesus Christ. To be honest, these people may lash at you but remember these words that Paul said by the mouth of God:

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 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. (Romans 10:8-12)

God can save these so-called carnal believers. He can deliver them. Don’t conform to their worldly ways. Instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). Love these men, and when you here them say the craziest things, be not afraid to tell them the truth. They’ll hate you, but Christ will love you. You keep telling them about the real Jesus Christ. Love them. I say to you again, love them. When they call you to come pick them up from the club because their too drunk to drive home. Get up and go get them. Take the time to let them know the truth of God’s Word. Explain to them who Jesus Christ really is. Let them not determine whether you are a Christian or not. No, let the word of God determine what Christianity truly is. That was the answer to defeating the apostasy that Paul explained here:

But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:10-17)

The Dangers of False Teaching

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 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. (Romans 16:17-18)

I have often wondered why some of the Christian brethren stay under false teaching. I am speaking about the brother/sister who really loves the Lord Jesus Christ, but goes to a church notorious for its bad doctrine. Why do they do such things, if they are under the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ?. I remember quickly, I was under the same such thing. I sat under a false prophet in Baltimore, Md and listened heavily to false teachers like T.D Jakes and Creflo Dollar. In my circumstances, God was being gracious to me, stressing the importance of fleeing from such false teaching. There was a danger that did effect me and I think still has its remnants on my thinking at time (This is why false teachers must be marked because they don’t realize the danger they cause people!)

Speaking with Bro. Lawrence D this week, my brother schooled me to why we as Christians must be careful in questioning the validity of a person’s salvation by Jesus Christ. Just because they go to Jamal Bryant’s church, or Fred Price dome of horror, doesn’t mean their not a Christian. If they are Christians, they need to be directed to the exit door of the facility for good. I shared with Bro. Lawrence some of my struggles Shannon and I have had coming out of compromising, erring and false doctrinal churches. It places views and thoughts on you about God, which cause much confusion. When you get around true brethren, you tend go too far right, in fear of returning back to the left. Or you thoughts about God change, sometimes becoming very cold and angry thinking the Lord is slashing down His enemies. For example, I went from being a hard core Charismatic prophesying maniac, to a repenting 5 point Calvinist. Any body who mentioned TD Jakes, Joyce Meyer, or Creflo Dollar, I would shoot them down quickly. I was angry these men had tricked me. Do you understand what I am saying? Point blank, false teaching is very dangerous to the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Causing Division False teaching causes division and offences. These words have the following Greek transliteration and meaning from Romans 16:

Division dichostsis dee-khos-tas-ee'-ah - disunion, i.e. (figuratively) dissension:--division, sedition.

Offences skandalon skan'-dal-on - a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin):--occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock. This word is the root word of skandalizo skan-dal-id'-zo which means: to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):--(make to) offend.

See from those meanings alone, you can see the bad fruit produced. You can be very prideful or have a sense of religious piety about you that is disturbing, causing much division. Some people will not want to be around you for the wrong reasons. Depending on the type of teaching, you may label it persecution when someone opposes you. That’s why are true Christian under good biblical teaching will always bring unity among the brethren. You can tell who is under a true man of God, because they will not seek to cause more division or offences. They will understand your hurt and misunderstandings, not causing you to hate men like Benny Hinn, but instead extend to you the arm of grace and truth. Of course they’ll rebuke for your error, but love you just the same. They will speak to you and always encourage you in BIBLICAL TRUTH. God’s man points the confused to the Lord Jesus Christ. Look at how Paul combated division, proving he was a real Apostle of the Jesus Christ.

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. (1 Corinthians 3:3-23)

Paul did not lead his flock into more division, No, he lead them to unity in Christ Jesus, which follows this:

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11-13)

I talk with my good friends on the West Coast, Carey and Kyra Barr, and listen to their testimonies of coming out of false teaching. When I hear what they’ve been through, I rejoice the Lord Jesus Christ brought them to the truth. I think about those, who are still in a still trapped and who are still in the dangers of false teaching. My heart cries out to the Lord to free them, even close friends that I have.

False teaching produces bad fruit, not good fruit:
I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. (Jeremiah 23:14)

Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. (Zephaniah 3:4)

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:15-20)

I know a woman in my bible study who really loves Jesus Christ. I found out she attended Jamal Harrison–Bryant’s church in Baltimore, Md. I was amazed, because she truly loves the brethren. She gives her life up for the spreading of the Gospel. But the false teaching she’s under, bears an ugly head upon her. She has admitted to struggling keeping her mouth shut at times, and following after Christ. She occasionally makes prideful statements, which resemble those of her pastor, in our bible study at work. She confessed how no devil is going to get in her way as she put up her fists and showed me what she would do to the devil. Really? Isn’t that what My Bryant teaches? He tells his congregation financial breakthroughs are coming and to stomp all devils out of their way. The false teachings seed has affected my sister. The scriptures say it best:

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Galatians 5:7-9)

When times get rough in this nation, what will my sister do? Will the devil be stomped out? The Lord Jesus will be with her yes, the burn of false teaching is painful. May the grace of God extend unto my sister.

My plea to those still trapped in false teaching!!!
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

If you’re under false teaching or an erring church, I am pleading with you to leave. Stay for away from these teachers as possible. But don’t become bitter with them (I’ll admit it is hard not to become angry when you see Rick Warren and Creflo Dollar with grins and smirks on their faces). Love them and those who are following their teaching. If you believe the Holy Ghost is telling you to stay, search the scriptures to see if that is true. I seriously doubt our Lord desires His children to be under false teaching. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you, my beloved!

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (Revelation 2:20)

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:13-16)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)

Fool or Sign for Jesus?

I am thinking again. Thinking hard about this thing called Christianity. I start to think about Christianity when I drive behind a car and see the bumper sticker which says "I love Jesus", or "God is Love", or one of my favorites "Real men love Jesus!" Is this the way that we display our faith? Sharing our faith now is now a bumper sticker, a T-Shirt, or seeing some crazy man yelling out scriptures on the corner. Even the homeless people have caught on to the hype. You'll sometimes see their signs saying "Need food, God bless!" What? Has Christianity turned into the era of the sign? If I want to show the world I am a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ; make a sign so they can see I have religiosity.

The definition of redeemed in the American church has come to put-it-on-your-shirt mentality. No one then can see that you don’t read your bible, live your faith and suffer for the namesake of the Lord Jesus anymore. To hide from the persecution and looking unsuccessful as a Christian, write a blog, make a sign and be sure to sound as Christian as possible. You don’t want to bring to much attention to yourself. You can say “God”, or “the Lord told me”, but don’t say things like the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Is this what God intended for us who say we are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ?

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. (1 Corinthians 4:9-13 KJV)

Now this is what God wants for us. He wants us to be fools for the Lord Jesus Christ. Am I willing to give up this nice job I have, great wife and family, nice African American suburban neighborhood, and become a fool for the Lord Jesus Christ? When I say give up I mean, am I willing to look foolish for the Lord Jesus in where I am at? I pose this question because Christ is saying “Yes, be a fool for Me!”

Looking at the word spectacle in the Greek transliteration (theatron theh'-at-ron), this word is defined as meaning: a place for public show ("theatre"), i.e. general audience-room; by implication, a show itself (figuratively):--spectacle, theatre. This word is like the gazing stock of Hebrews 10:33. My life in Jesus Christ is placed before the world to see, and they see it as foolishness and mock. Yet the Word of God teaches this is what pleases the Almighty God. The Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord and Example, did this:

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25)

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. (Luke 23:33-35)

This is also how the apostles live their lives, and it was told to Paul this would happen:

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:15-16)

As open theatres of their lives, not once do I hear in the Scriptures of Jesus Christ, Paul, or Peter, making a sign to say that they are God’s chosen. In fact Paul stated it well:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17)

So now looking at the American Christianity, is there a public display of our lives for Christ. We’re not being persecuted like those in China, Africa, India, or Turkey. Are our lives being made a spectacle for all to see? Yes, for the true believers, but for the so-called sign makers, no! These so-called Christians are not doing anything but trying to draw attention to them. “Hey look at me, I am an apostle!” “Look, my church has a catchy sign, and if you come in it, we have nice comfy seats, plush carpet, and a children’s center for your kids to run around in reading Rick Warren bible stories!” Oh yeah, this is the attention being drawn. Even the angels that watch (1 Peter 1:12), are they seeing fools for Jesus Christ?

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:27-31)

Oh my, have we forgotten this in America? The Lord has not chosen us to be in high positions but in low estate, to be foolish looking for our Lord Jesus Christ. To be like John who wore the stinky looking clothes and dieted on locust (Mark 1:6). I wonder, when the Christians were being hauled out to be eaten by wild beast, did they think; “I better get a cross around my neck so these Romans can see I’m a Christian, Go Jesus Go”? No way, they were probably smiling, rejoicing, singing and saying this:

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

Would American Christianity sing that? No, because as spoiled rotten brats, we just put on a T-Shirt, wear a cross around our neck, or slap a bumper sticker on the car, and that’s enough. We want this kind of show:

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (Matthew 23:5-7)

See that kind of religion doesn’t cost us a nothing! It’s not this kind of servanthood:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26)

Do you want to be made spectacles and look foolish? So I think on my friends. May His grace be with you as you true Christians continue to look foolish before this world! I think on and say this scripture below on my heart to Jesus. Oh yes this is something to praise God about. :

<> Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away. O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them. They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards. But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies. Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded. Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein. (Psalms 69:1-36)