If we define being a Christian as adhering to certain principles in the Bible such as the Trinity, a God who loves us so much he sent us Jesus, the resurrection, the virgin Mary, etc., etc., etc., then it is almost impossible to preach repentance to such a Christian. In his or her mind, he or she is saved because he or she buys into certain religious principles and that is that.

Jesus preached to persons like that when he was around. They felt they were superior to other Jews because they had more knowledge, had more religious observance, etc. They were the rulers of the synagogues (the equivalent of pastors and their churches), or experts the Mosaic Law (the equivalent of professors at seminaries). Sometimes the Bible calls them scribes and Pharisees, sometimes other things, but either way, they are called hypocrites by Jesus Christ.

Why? Because although they go to great lengths to pretend they love God (the equivalent of Christians who smile and act nice to your face), their works were corrupt. They felt that they were holy, and could even brag that they prayed all the time (you’ll hear this from Christians all the time), brag they gave tithes, brag they studied the Bible, brag they fast, brag they give to the poor, brag they have spiritual gifts, brag they went to the best schools, brag, brag, brag. And yet, when it comes to real works of compassion and service to the gospel, their hearts are as cold as ice cubes in Antarctica.

Most people cannot tell the difference between these types and real Christians. In fact, God has arranged it this way so he can judge them by his righteous judgment These are the ones who say that they are not going to be judged because they have passed from death to life, misquoting scripture reserved for the faithful believer. Jesus had this problem with the Pharisees. They thought they were the enlightened ones and that the others were damned. This will all turn around on judgment day.

"For judgment have I come into the world, that those who are blind may see, and those who see may be made blind"

"Are we blind also?" the Pharisees said.

"If you were blind, then you would have no sin. But because you say you see, your sin remains."

So said the meek and humble Jesus.

Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ – the latter day saints, said “God had called Saints together from the uttermost parts of the earth… to become of one heart and of one mind in all our operations and endeavors to establish Christ’s spiritual and temporal kingdom upon earth.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young -p. 9)

There is not a church, a movement, an organization, a person, place or thing that has not at some point tried to bring me under bondage of the flesh. As we get serious with Christ, the bondage most offered is what we moderns call "legalism." This bondage fits right in with the fight Paul had with the early church over circumcision and other Jewish rituals. Unlike the battle with ancient, legitimate, traditions, we have to face new fads created since the church began. As a clue, the early church followed what we now call Catholicism, a very dangerous sort of bondage. This bondage tells us that the Mother Church is always right even if it’s proven wrong, and that we must come under Her authority.

Other bondage includes our relationship with our fellow church goers, our spouses, our children, our extended families and our other buddies. Sooner or later (if not chronically), they are all going to try to bring us under bondage. This is a test from the Lord, not just an attack from the devil. He wants us to cherish our relationship with Him apart from the damage it may do to all other relationships. This is called being a disciple. A follower goes anywhere he is called, regardless of the dire consequences promised by all our advisors.

This is called FREEDOM in the Bible. But as Paul says, let us not use our freedom as an opportunity for fleshly gain, but let us by LOVE serve one another. But let us make sure we are FREE from all men before we submit to them, or else we will be submitting to them in the bondage of fear, not love.

Christ has made us free by faith in him and his finished work. Let us remain free, fighting to the death, not in the flesh for fleshly gain, but fighting to the death by giving up our own bodies to the spiritual service which is our due to the Lord and Master who made us free. When we strip down and take a towel to wash the feet as though we are slaves, let us do it because we follow the Creator who demands our obedience and yet humbles himself in complete freedom to save that which was lost.

Chris Simonson  6/28/2006

Josh sighed a huge sigh of relief as he felt the condemnation lifted from him. He had spent the last few years struggling with his Christianity and his homosexuality, finding no peace as he fell once and again into his unclean habits. His strong sexual urges would take over and as much as he tried to shut them out, he would find himself "in love" with another sodomite. Then came the day when he finally reconciled his Christianity with his homosexuality, seeing no conflict at all, but a complete and unconditional love from God whether or not he practiced the most unclean acts with another man or whatever. Yes, he was now free of all those Christian morals and free to practice his homosexuality. He posted his story on a homosexual Christian website, he is so proud of his newfound faith.

The Bible calls this condition: "given over to a reprobate mind." And so, we watch as the American church slips away into depravity. God is giving, not his people, but, the church over to a reprobate mind, parishioner by parishioner, priest by priest, youth pastor by youth pastor, evangelist after evangelist, all of them little by little, to a reprobate mind.

"Come out of her, my people!", cries the Holy and Undefiled One. He is about to destroy.

In Jesus’ holy Name.

Chris Simonson  6/27/2006

For some odd reason, it seems that every time someone has a bodily affliction, the first thing he or she suspects is cancer. These weird growths plainly show that the body, as well-functioning as it is, remains under the curse. Those who do not accept the curse try remedies to rid themselves of it, usually doctors and their prescribed pills, surgeries and routines. Christians should not be too disturbed by cancer, but only too often they are at least as terrified as the those who do not claim that Jesus Christ is Lord. So, while professing to have assurance in Christ, these will spend all their livelihood and lives to fight cancer within their dead and dying bodies, not believing that they are crucified with Christ anyway.

Let us not be terrified like the heathen. Let us not chase cures while our flesh refuses to serve Christ. Let us instead use each affliction remind us that we are saved by grace and that we should put service to Christ as our high priority, not service to our dying bodies. This will keep us away from legalism and licentiousness both, because we place no confidence in the flesh. Everything is not cancer when we have Christ. Cancer is unorganized and destructive growth that feeds on the body. Cancer is like the false brethren and their false church. We have nothing to fear when we throw out the leaven, the cancer, the evil influences in our lives. Let the diseases of this world take our fleshly bodies to the grave, only let it be with dignity. Let us not grovel before man or devil, as do the heathen, in trying to keep their precious, wicked lives for another moment.

Everything is cancer to them, but to us, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord

Chris Simonson  6/23/2006

The pastor’s sermon spoke about the necessity of rebuilding the church. Not the eternal church that is the Lord Jesus Christ’s body. She was talking about the 1950's-built utilitarian structure that many different church ‘bodies’ had been using for over a half century.

The church building committee had just authorized funds to put a new roof on the time-worn glorified outbuilding, but the pastor had a different vision. She had been reading the Bible where it says, "No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment" (Matt. 9:17, Mark 2:21, Luke 5:37 and she quoted chapter and verse), and had felt the Lord saying that it was no good to put a new roof on an old structure.

She updated the application of the verse by rephrasing it, "Don’t throw good money after bad" which is not a bad way of putting it. She said that it takes faith to put into action the principle of the new wine into the new wineskins, which also appears in the text.

In order to give structure to her homily, she got the help of Tony, a building inspector, to explain the real condition of the repairs needed. The roofing is supported by the roof sheathing which in turn is supported by the roof rafters which are supported by the walls which are supported by the floor which is supported the foundation which is supported by the dirt. The problem with the building started way down at the dirt, and Ms. Minister used the ending of the Sermon on the Mount to bring that home (Matt. 7:25 etc.).

The preacher says that putting a new roof on an outdated, decrepit old building is like putting a new patch on an old garment, or new wine in old wineskins. She preaches on this Sunday after Sunday until he has convinced the parishioners that it’s time to get a building fund to replace the church.

So they tear down the old church and build a new one, the bank is happy to have a large loan out on a solid investment, and everyone is convinced that the parable has been justly served by their obedience to the pastor.

But is this what Jesus meant when he said you cannot put an old patch on a new garment, or new wine into old wine skins? Isn’t this sort of carnal application of his word exactly what he is preaching against? The kingdom of God does not come with such observation. The true church is built upon the solid rock of confession unto salvation. Is it no wonder that her church spends a lot of time whooping it up "in the Spirit" and speaking in tongues and casting out demons, but cannot represent Jesus Christ as Lord by sound doctrine and godly lives? On judgment day, Jesus will say to many of them, Depart from me, you workers of iniquity. (Matt. 7:23).

God’s blessings are on us today. Let us invest in the kingdom by seeking those things that are above. Don’t throw good money after bad, but put treasure in heaven by turning your time and money into blessings for others by spreading the Good News, or helping those who do. May all the buildings burn when the Lord returns in flaming fire to take vengeance on those who know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Chris Simonson  6/22/2006

Welcome to Death Statistics, our new public service service. First, we need acronyms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) did a study of healthcare acquired infections (or HAIs) acquired in the USA in 2002. They estimate that around 2,000,000 people get HAIs every year. Of those, approximately 88,000 of them die of HAIs.

So? That means, on the average, 250 people die each day because they got infected in a medical treatment facility. This is equivalent to a commercial airliner crashing and killing everyone on board each and every day.

Those who have suffered from HAIs know that this is not a pretty sight.

"Clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of dangerous germs and antibiotic resistance in health care settings," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the CDC.

What’s this got to do with the gospel? First, the gospel declares that all have sinned, and Second, all must die, or Third, there must be clean hands and a pure heart. The infection of sin is passed on in our soul-care treatment facilities (churches, in case we are a little foggy) more than we would like to admit. Clean hands are what is needed; instead, the doctors or reverends or whatever they proclaim to be, spread disease like chosen vectors. Let us not follow after these "doctors," but let us follow after those who practice holiness before God with a fear of God that goes along with the true gospel.

Let us cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. Let us trust in the Pure One himself, Jesus Christ and may he cleanse us of our sins so that we may have life, a holy life, as a result.

Chris Simonson  6/21/2006

One day, a hot summer day, he had no money, no job, no place to stay, nothing to eat, and he was very thirsty. He passed by a Coke machine. Boy, did they look good, those cans of soda pop. As he was standing there half in a swoon, it came into his mind to ask God for a Coke. So he did. Right then, a man walked up to him and asked if he wanted to get into the vending machine business.

He laughed weakly and told him, “Sure, but why do you ask?”

The man said, “I’ve been watching you stand there at my vending machine for some time now. You seem to be pretty interested in it, but you haven’t so much as put a quarter in.”

After he explained his situation, the man bought him a Coke and said he was serious about helping him out and training him in the business. It just seemed like something he was supposed to do or had been strongly impressed upon, etc. He took that as a sign from God and the rest is history. To make a long story short, this once poor man has become the owner of one of the most successful vending machine companies in the world.

So, what’s the point of my story?

It turns out that the now rich man is extremely unhappy. His whole life has been consumed in getting to the top and staying there. He goes to church, of course, and tithes plus. He does a lot of charity work. I could go on, but God knows this man’s heart, that he is covetous. God gave him a Coke that day, and, He gave him a money-maker. And yet, money became this man's god, and his mental picture of Jesus has diminished Him to the role of a bankroller. I don’t think that’s what He wanted for him on that day He answered his prayer.

So, today, may he ask for forgiveness and a new life in Christ. May he return to his first love and spend these last few remaining days as a servant of Christ and not mammon. God is blessed for the things he gives us in spite of what we do with them. His intentions are that we turn from our sin and make much profit in the kingdom of heaven. I imagine there are a few young men out there like he was, looking for a Coke and something more. Yes, there may be a kindly person who will help and train them to be productive, but there is no guarantee they will make a heavenly profit from such intervention.

Young men, ask for things in Jesus’ Name, but remember, don’t forget your first love. Maybe it will come into someone’s mind to help you out. Have faith. Keep the faith. Ask and it will be given. May the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ be to you worth more than any earthly gain.

Chris Simonson  6/20/2006

On a recent radio broadcast on KFIA, California, John’s message was about integrity. It was in several parts, but that morning’s message was on how covetousness destroys integrity. I never got to hear the preaching against covetousness because I was on my way to work and could only hear the first ten minutes. After announcing that the message was to be on covetousness and how it destroys integrity, John began to announce a real money-maker.

It is the Cruise to Alaska! He explained how the accommodations were going to be rich (and let me assure you he used the word ‘rich’) and how that we must hurry up and book passage because there is always a big demand from his listeners for this annual thing. It will include some messages by him of course, and the lucky ones may even be granted audience with him. After his slug, he went on about how integrity is a key issue that many in the church fall down and their message is weakened by it if not wiped out. I will not be booking passage to Alaska on that cruise, Mr. MacArthur.

By the way, I would avoid ‘Inspiration Cruises and Tours’ just to dry them out a bit. However, if you have a couple thousand dollars lying around not doing anyone any good (or $3500 for the better accommodations), by all means, ruin your Christian testimony!

Chris Simonson  6/19/2006

No we don’t.

As the Bible puts it: “An unrighteous man is an abomination to the just: and he that walks uprightly is abomination to the wicked.” Proverbs 29:27

So when the mind that is set on the flesh (Romans 8:7) desires happiness, tranquility, and freedom, it is not the same happiness, tranquility and freedom that the faithful want. Those who are of the flesh cannot please God, and as a matter of fact, they persecute those who attempt to please Him through faith. This is not something they sit around and plot out; they do it naturally. They are like brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed (2 Peter 2:12).

That is why Paul says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” 2 Corinthians 6:14. He is not talking about marriage between Christian and non-Christian, although this will seriously weaken a Christian’s ability to serve God; no, he is talking about coming out and being separate from the world. We must start somewhere and we must start in our hearts, sanctifying the Lord Jesus there and once having done that (through faith), we must then start about cleansing ourselves from wanting the same things that the unbelievers want (by faith).

When we lust after money and the pleasures and comforts it brings, we are no better than idolaters and we can only credit God’s grace that He bears long with us in this area. But we should not presume upon that patience (2 Peter 3:15, Jude 5). If we gather together as brethren, let us focus on the things that bring peace and those that edify, not on our worldly possessions.

And only then will unity come: When we all want the same thing.

Chris Simonson  6/16/2006

We are asked many times about our ministry on the streets: “Is this really effective?” We might as well have asked Mary why the waste of time and money on Jesus, when she poured the expensive perfume on His feet. Our detractors also think that preaching the cross is a waste of time also.

We ask them, “So do you have a better method?” Of course they do.

“We preach,” they say, “and sometimes we even use words.” They are merely quoting their liberal and lukewarm leaders whom, as blind as they are, lead them into a ditch. They hate the real Gospel of preaching as much as the religious were shocked at Mary’s social offense when she boldly came unbidden to the Lord and poured the oil of nard on him and washed his feet with her tears. What an act of love! What an offense to the code-complying churchgoers of her day!

If these so-called effective methods of theirs work, then why the horrid apostasy of the church today? Their methods have only increased the tares within the church and damned millions to perdition through their ragged misuse of God’s holy word, the word that through preaching brings eternal life to his elect.

God’s elect don’t listen to these “effective” gospels any more than they would listen to the whorish woman talked about in Proverbs. Their kinswoman is wisdom, and they seek her and not the rash and lewd Jezebels of today’s modern feminist preaching. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, says the Proverb. God calls his elect through the “ineffective” and foolish method of preaching away from Babylon, the great whore, and into His Kingdom, the Kingdom of his dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ. May the true Christians turn away quickly from Babylon so that they do not partake of God’s wrath upon her. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Stop wasting your time.

Chris Simonson  6/15/2006

“Give me but one firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth.” This saying is attributed to Archimedes, who has been called ‘the father of mathematical physics.’ He was born about 280 years before Christ. He spoke of the principle of leverage, which theoretically would allow him to move something as gigantic as the planet earth if he had but a place to stand that would not move (provided the proper lever and the proper fulcrum).

He sort of understood what Newton, the genius of mathematical physics, would later on call his ‘Three Laws of Motion.’ Those of use who are not physicists or mathematicians can sort of understand these laws by car accidents. An example: A car traveling at a 60 mph speed crashes into a wooden telephone pole. The pole is demolished, the car severely damaged, and the driver lucky to escape with minor injuries. We just saw all three laws of motion graphically displayed.

The same thing happens when we fire a shotgun. The ‘kickback’ is a result of the third law of motion, that is, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The shot penetrates an object because of its inertia, speed, momentum, density, etc., etc. Anyway, the result is death or injury.

This is not a lesson on physics or duck hunting, however. It is to show that God’s laws in this realm are but feeble copies of those in the realm of the spirit. When Jesus said the “kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force,” he was not talking about hunting parties or accident prevention, but that a little person such as you or me could personally move mountains to get to the kingdom.

We cannot enter the eternal realm where God resides using our own efforts, though. It would be much more likely that we could move the earth out of orbit than to accomplish such a feat as pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps. The very gravity of our situation is that instead, we are weighed down with sin and our unmitigated journey leads to hell, a place of nothingness so horrible we can only take the Lord Jesus Christ’s word for it.

But we can enter the Kingdom of God by standing on the Rock. This Rock is Jesus, and we stand by faith alone. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Was he talking about mundane tasks such as moving the earth physically? Read the context. We are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37). Let us stand, therefore, and move the earth. (Ephesians 6:14)

Chris Simonson  6/14/2006

‘Flatlanders’ live in the world of two dimensions. Impossible as it may seem, these people only appear as images on TV screens, computer monitors, magazines, newspapers, school books, and other sources of truth for modern man. Although they appear to have life, they do not. They are not really people but images, and not really images but dots on a page or screen that appear as images to our brains. Real images are more like idols carved out of wood and stone, and we know these things are not alive, most of us.

There are many Christians who live in a 2-D world. But they really don’t even fit in with the glossy pictures in the magazine. They are like magazine inserts for advertisements. You rip them out of the magazine or ignore them because they really are only advertising their own little flat world and what’s the use of that? Jesus compared these to salt that has lost its flavor (Matt. 5:13).

3-D Christianity doesn’t fit in well with the columns on how to raise children and marigolds, or the News at 10, or the ‘facts of life.’ It doesn’t matter. When the final scroll is unrolled and the Son of man appears, these 2-D diversions will disappear into the nothingness prepared for them since before the earth began, along with any digital representations of them.

3-D Christians will be left to inherit the kingdom prepared for them before the foundation of the world.

Chris Simonson  6/13/2006

“He died doing what he enjoyed most...”

“At least she’s in a better place now...”

“Even though he’s [senile, homeless, bereaved, incapacitated, in pain, dying, bankrupt, suicidal, in prison, insane, on death row, etc] now, he can be thankful for his past good years.” ... Etc.

The young pilot must have been terrified as the ground came up. Her father and the instructor must have been screaming also. Who knows? On April 11, 1996, Jessica Dubroff was all of seven years old when she died in the crash. Her supportive dad was trying to set a new world’s record by having his little girl be the youngest to fly across the United States. This was to beat the record of a nine-year old (since bested by an 8-year old). Little Jessica was quoted as saying she had only slept two hours the night before and couldn’t wait until getting up into the air again. The weather was terrible, but dad wanted so much to see his little girl succeed. The plane apparently lost altitude when the child tried to turn the plane around and re-land because of the hail and rain.

Someone was quoted in the news as saying, “At least she died doing what she loved most.”

This is crazy. But that’s the way of false hope. Many go to their graves in horror as hell looms up to take them away. This is not the hell of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. This hell is the place reserved for the wicked, who know not God. Whether Jessica or her dad or the instructor knew God is God’s business. But it appears that they were all more interested in setting worldly records than on flying to the heavens above.

Our hope should rest in God. If it does, then we can look forward to that day when he appears. We have a message of hope to those who believe: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.

“The Guinness Book of Records” has ceased recognizing the ‘youngest pilot’ category for fear of encouraging unsafe flights. Why in the world would we teach our children differently? If we love our kids, let’s not partake of the foolish goals and ambitions of the world for them. Let us warn them that they are responsible for their actions before a holy and just God. They are not saved because we are Christians. If they are saved, it is because they have come to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ for themselves.

The false hope given out there by the false brethren must be fought against. It is not acceptable to adapt our true hope to the false belief that everyone is O.K. after they die. Let us weep and mourn over our children who have been taken by the false church by their false gospel of worldly hope. Let us turn our hearts toward, not our earthly homes, but our heavenly home. Do not be fooled by even the nicest guys out there with credentials and soft voices. False hope will surely lead to destruction. True hope in Christ will lead to true peace and safety. Otherwise, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3.

Chris Simonson  6/12/2006

Question # 9 &10: What passion has God put in your heart for His people:

The modern-day church’s general response to this question is a specific response with a non-specific action.

For example: Jesus spoke of a parable of a man who had two sons;

" What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, `Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'

29. "`I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30. "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, `I will, sir,' but he did not go.

31. "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.

32. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."

The modern-day church responds ‘Yes sir I will do that.", but has no fruit to back up the words. Their passion is wrapped up in their specific answer; they will spout all day about how they love Jesus, but they will not obey His commandments. These are workers of iniquity.

The Church, the Body of Christ’s passion is wrapped up in their actions and obedience to Christ.

"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17. In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. 20. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21. Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22. You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." James 2:15-24

This demonstration of faith accompanied by works is the passion that comes only from Christ, for His people; it produced good works in righteousness which leads towards faith in Christ others, who see these works and give glory to Christ.

The modern-day church focuses on faith, without works that it may give glory to itself, which produces a false faith and false converts about whom they so arrogantly boast over their pulpits.

One may ask, well is my church the modern-day church, or the false church, or the church of Laodicea?

My answer to that: God will expose the false church on the day of Judgment, however, the false brethren bear fruits of wickedness and confusion; and by the fruits of these men and women that are false teachers, you will be able to determine who they are.

2 Timothy 3-4:

1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11. 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. 12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;"

Ch 4.1-5

"1. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." May the Lord give us wisdom and strength as the days wax worse and worse; may we keep a clean conscience and delight in the beautiful mercy of our Lord Jesus.

- Steven  6/09/2006

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Question #8: Do you preach topically or verse by verse or both?

The modern-day church and the cults tend to merge in this point: they both at times can preach topically and verse by verse, and they both enjoy changing the meaning, adding to or taking away from the text. Although the cults will often refer to books and manuscripts written by their own particular cult, the modern-day church is a little more open-minded in that it looks to psychiatrists, psychologists, authors or marital counselors to interpret the Bible for them. Both cults and modern-day churches use the name of the Scriptures as a continual back-drop for a lot of what they say and do, but used in a poetic sense.

The modern-day church specializes in the art of being able to take from a verse the ‘positive’ aspects and mis-apply them purposefully to gloss over ‘negative’ aspects, excusing themselves. Then, with the same wicked craftiness, the modern-day church takes and applies the 'negative' aspects to the real Church, the elect, accusing them in an attempt to besmirch, bring shame and condemnation on them.

" For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15. since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them." Romans 2:13-15

The most volatile and extreme wickedness is the modern-day church’s ability to move so close to Scriptural truth and yet stay far away from it. It is so close that it is very difficult to tell where good doctrine ends and bad doctrine begins; the modern-day church is gifted in blending the two together to make it all sound just fine, resulting in confusion.

As Dr. Walter Martin so eloquently said: "It’s the skin of the Truth, stuffed with a lie."

In order to determine where the lie begins, it take a lot of study of the Scriptures, hard work and patience to wait for the fruits of bad doctrine to appear. Unlike the cults, where you may be able to determine their bad doctrine within one or two meetings, it may take months or even years to root out the bad doctrines in the modern-day church and the false teachers that lead it.

Steven  6/08/2006

Question: #4, 5, 6, 7 - The ‘preach the gospel’ questions:

Do you preach the gospel publicly, regularly?

The answer to this from the cults is a resounding ‘YES’, for their ‘salvation’ rests in how many converts they can claim, or how many miles they walked or bicycled in order to win souls.

The modern-day church says, and as one pastor responded so poetically:

"No, it would be a waste of time in this culture, at this time."

The modern-day church considers preaching anywhere but the Sunday pulpit an offense, and the even the idea goes contrary to their corporate image and would eventually risk the tithe intake, which is the ‘holy of holies’ of the modern-day church. However, there are a few exceptions; sometimes the modern-day church will send their youth groups out in an aggressive campaign to advertise the modern-day church.

The modern-day church is very like Demetrius the Silversmith, who realized that his craft of making idols was jeopardized by Paul the Apostle’s preaching:

"For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25. Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27. So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. 28. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."  Acts 19:24-28

The false church, through gossip and lies discovers an individual who preaches the gospel and threatens their control and wealth; they become wrathful and incite confusion among their own members and encourage actions against the those who preach and teach from the Word of God, sometimes under guise of prayer.

Three things which the modern day church holds dear were effected by Paul preaching the gospel: one was the wealth, one was idols made with hands and one was the temple; these things go hand in hand. The modern-day church takes their terminology out of the Scriptures and tries to make them fit into these three things.

The temple is an equivalent to the modern day church’s buildings and material property; this building or place of worship becomes so important that all is sacrificed to obtain and maintain it. It becomes an idol made with hands. The craft spoken of is the religious deception which produces their income or wealth; and like the workmen in these Scriptures, the modern-day church, because the headship of Godly men and husbands have been removed, they all unify around feminism, described in the Scriptures as the goddess diana, who coincidentally is the goddess of the hunt.

The Gospel speaks the Truth of the Word, which drives out this deception and confusion, and the gospel does not build a home on this earth but speaks of Heaven and the riches and rewards of faithful servitude that await His children after this life is over.

The modern-day church continually takes their talents and buries them into the things of this earth, for their own glory.

The Gospel of Christ takes the fruit and multiplies it for the Kingdom, for the glory of God.

The modern-day church speaks of human wisdom, human ideas and human ways to solve things. "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect" 1 Corinthians 1:17

The Gospel preaches "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." 1 Corinthians 1:18&19

"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Cor. 1:23-25

The modern-day church prides itself in their good looks, education and place of status. The modern-day church continually polishes it’s worship services and masters the art of emotional deceit in it’s sermons, wrapping the meaning around arousal of the five senses.

The Church, the Body of Christ, continually stands as a broken and contrite vessel before the Lord, before the God of Creation, seeking forgiveness and being granted sonship.

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27. 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; 28. 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: 29. That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 1 Corinth. 1:26-31

Steven  6/07/2006

Question #3: Do you currently have a men's Bible study that meets on a weekly basis?

We see in Jesus' ministry, his love for the brethren. I find it more than interesting and sad that the modern-day church has pretended to be brethren, and yet the very foundation of the church is centered around the men gathering together in the Word. The modern-day church has set up all kinds of ministries and activities, but has neglected the men meeting together in the Word on a regular basis.

Jesus did not gather around him twelve women to be his disciples. Jesus spent time with his brethren, eating with them, teaching them; women may have been present, but His disciples were the authority of His Body. It was through a man that sin passed into the world, and it was through one man, that was also God, that all men's sin became void. Christ himself came as a man, and the precepts of the Scriptures were written down by men, through the power of God. The church was founded by men, through Christ and was ruled over by men, through Christ. I do not mean to negate the importance of men and women meeting together to learn the Scriptures, I am simply pointing out what is most important.

I also find it interesting that when a simple question is asked: ‘do you have a men's group that meets regularly?’ The modern-day church's response is 'no' or 'not yet'.

The question back to that response is: By what authority does the modern-day church meet together against the pattern and precepts laid down by God in the Holy Scriptures?

The answer is: by no authority. The very lack of men meeting together shows a lack of leadership after the pattern Christ set down, and that the authority has been passed over to the women.

"12. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them." Isaiah 3:12

This lack of men meeting together also shows a lack of Love, and disobedience to the Scriptures, which is the fruit of the modern day church.

"In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 11. For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another: 12. not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.19. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." (1 John 3:10-19)

This love is not only to meet the physical needs of men and their families but is spiritual as men being the head of their homes. The very fact that the brethren don't meet together is a sure sign that there is no witness or testimony of God's love in the congregation.

"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 17:21)

You may ask: "Well, what is unity of the brethren?"; it is Spiritual unity.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalms 133:1

The true test of the fellowship of a congregation is: do they obey the command of Love? Jesus defined Love:

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. ", John 14:15

"23. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." 1 John 3:23

The modern day church lacks the substance of sound doctrine and thus lacks immunity to the diseases of false doctrine. As the Scripture says:

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

6. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. " 1 timothy 1:5-6

The modern-day church communicates in religious voracity and continually gossips and tears down the Church, the elect; the modern-day church is a continual offence against the Gospel of Christ being preached by besmirching a brother's character or merely creating lies off partial

truths or fully fabricating in order to stop the gospel of Christ from going forth. Such terms as 'bible beating' or 'being preachy' or 'bible bashing', 'too heavenly minded and no earthly good' , 'you're judgmental', 'you need to love more' are pet phrases that the modern-day church uses against true believers, to condemn and un-righteously judge; these phrases are most often are not in Scripture at all, but are used as Scripture to convey some self-righteous point. There are also those in the modern-day church who will use pieces and portions of Scripture with reckless abandon, out of context, to justify or condemn others.

This is all an attempt by the false church to break the unity and fellowship in Christ that we so deeply desire as The Church.

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20. by the way which He dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; 21. and having a great priest over the house of God; 22. let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water, 23. let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for He is faithful that promised: 24. and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; 25. not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh." Hebrews

The modern-day church generally meets together on Saturday or Sunday in a religious, outward appearance, but neglects to have the brethren meet together, thus annulling this commandment: "... not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another...."

" He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is in the darkness even until now. 10. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him. 11. But he that hateth his brother is in the darkness, and walketh in the darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes." 1 John 2:9-11

The modern-day church hates Christ and His Church, His bride.

Steven  6/06/2006

Question #2: "Do you believe that Jesus is Lord?"

The cults deny that Jesus is Lord, according to Biblical terminology.

The modern-day church refers to Jesus as being Lord, but in their actions and in various teachings also deny that He is Lord. The modern-day church has re-packaged and re-defined the Lordship of Christ into simple belief, which is really non-belief but is just affirmation, signing of contracts, verbal agreements, cheap promises and vague demonstrations of 'love'. All this is to magnify their own profits and numbers. The math is simple, you take out the lordship and obedience to Christ and your church buildings suddenly fill up, tithes pour in; the pastoral staff can publicly announce new converts and claim stake in ministries they don't even labor in.

But, the Lordship of Christ, requires much more than this:

"20. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." Mth. 5:20

This righteousness is not an external righteousness, but is one of the heart; it is a gift from God, impossible for human beings to have apart from Him.

The modern-day church is most adequately described by this verse:

"For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.

3. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes." (Rom. 10:3&4)

The modern-day church may do many works, which the moral attributes of such may be good, but this accolade can also be wrung out upon the cults whose 'moralism' far outweighs the modern-day church's. This is an attempt at external righteousness, or 'good works' but falls short and misses the mark of what God demands in the verses above: internal righteousness. The modern-day church loves 'outward circumcision', but will not stand for the circumcision of the heart.

"circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. " Rom. 2:29

"Circumcision is nothing and un-circumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts." 1 Cor. 7:19

The term 'Jesus is Lord', refers to Lordship, or 'is the Lord over', as in obeying the commandments of your Lord. In the 16th century, a servant would not dare to go to the King of the land, his Lord, and not do what he was told to do. Such an action would have cost him his life.

"And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep his commandments. 4. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. 6. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." (1 John 2:3-6)

Steven  6/05/2006

Read Pastoral Responses to Ten Questions: click here

The purpose of this article is not to draw people away from Christ, but to invoke them to step away from the leaven of the Pharisees and encourage them towards a passion for God and His Word. I do not find joy nor any type of comfort in pointing out the degradation of the church here in America. Often, I have felt tearful and in anguish over the current condition the 'church'. I bear witness that I am not the only brother who sees these things, that feels a Christ-like compassion for the Church, the Bride of Christ, who desires to strengthen the Church through the Word of God. Many do this today and have done so throughout the Church's history and been persecuted even unto death for their passion; yet, they followed their Lord out of reverent obedience. May the Lord give us His strength for the times ahead.

The term 'the Church', capitalized, is THE Church, or the Body of Christ. It appears that The Church is scattered abroad, but is doing the will of the Father. The 'modern-day church', however, is what is located, in most occasions, on the corner of every city block across America, 300 feet away from a liquor store. The ‘modern-day church’ is a term for what the Bible refers to as ‘the false brethren’, or 'false church', those who strive to ensnare the children of God into bondage. (Gal. 2:4)

It would be ignorant and presumptuous of me to simply rule that the church on the street corner IS the modern-day church, or that we should have nothing to do with them by a mere outward appearance. We know that everything must to be tested by and through the Holy Scriptures; once the church in question is tested by the Scriptures, you can make an informed judgment as to whether or not it is part of the modern-day church.

"But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then understood they that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Matthew 16:11-12

"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 find it interesting that the modern-day church generally sticks to sound terminology, unlike the cults that basically unravel when it comes to doctrinal truth, such as Jesus being God or that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Generally the cults and occult are open and passionate about their false teaching once you corner them with the Holy doctrine of God. The modern-day church, on the other hand, is much more sinister in it’s attempt to deceive. The closer the false church can get to the truth, without actually telling the truth, the more deceptive it is.

For example, if I ask the cults Question #1: "Do you teach and preach from the Bible?", both of the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons would initially say "YES!" However, when cornered after some debate, the Mormons will refer to their Book of Mormon as their 'bible', and the JWs will look at all issues of 'the Watchtower' as their source of absolute doctrine

But the modern-day church is not be so easily detected by a simple response. They would respond correctly to this question; they would say 'Absolutely!'. In most cases, there is no good fruit to back up this answer, however, it's just a simple, normal reply to stay in the standard of Christendom.

Let me explain: there are certain portions of the Bible that the modern-day church cuts out, so to speak, of their doctrine; here is an example:

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Mtt. 22:36-39

Jesus uses the term 'love' here not as a vague definition but as a specific command to love completely; heart, soul and mind encompasses every part of you, to be committed to Christ as Lord, as Master and we as mere servants of the Master.

The modern-day church has a very vague, non-specific and human-relationship meaning of love, and we all know that human relationships are easily broken. The modern-day church will refer to love and how much they love to infinitum, but they miss the depth and richness of Love purposely, to taint the power of what Love really is. For, the ultimate demonstration and definition of Love was portrayed on the Cross, when Christ sacrificed Himself for the atonement of all our sins.

"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

This second command the modern-day church ignores in several ways, but one in particular stands out to me as flagrant:

90% of the modern-day church's budget is spent on buildings and salaries, while a majority of the world has not heard the gospel and a third of the world is slowly starving to death or is in grave poverty. Even in our own nation of America, the widows and the fatherless are not reached out to by the modern-day church.

This is quite opposite of how Christ lived, whom is our example; he had no place on earth to call home, and he comforted the poor, meeting physical needs and spiritual. In His three years of ministry, having none of the modern-day church’s material possessions, He was still somehow able to demonstrate Love, and in the ultimate way.

Steven   6/02/2006

Find the Local Church of Christ - Part One

Introduction: Several  years ago, my family and I had moved into a new area and looked for a local Body of believers to fellowship with. I found an Internet church guide to the specific suburb we lived in, about 60-70 churches total, some denominational, some non. I chose Ten Questions about the doctrines I was looking for in a fellowship of believers. I found email addresses for the pastors or the main church on each website, and emailed it to them as 'I am looking for the local Church of Christ'. I sent out approximately 50 emails and received about 25 Pastoral Responses, some of which are posted after this article. As a believer in Christ, as a husband and father and as one who will stand before God and give account as to whether I washed my wife in the Word of God or taught my children the Lordship of Christ, it is my responsibility to make sure that those who teach my family are sound in doctrine and mind.

The Ten Questions:

Dear pastor/elder,  I am looking for the local body of Christ...

I am aware that the body of Christ is not wrapped up in a particular group or sect, that calls themselves ‘the church’, but that the Body is scattered abroad, and is doing the will of the Father through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I feel dismayed and discouraged by the current condition of what is so frequently called or looked upon as ‘the church’; it seems to be consumed by the gods of this world. My passion and desire is to find believers who are committed to the Scriptures, who also strive to abstain from the things of this world, thus bearing the fruits of righteousness, through the power of Christ. I understand that we, as believers, have sin and will most likely continue to sin in some form as long as we remain on this earth; but, through the work of Christ we daily walk towards holiness, fleeing temptation.

My family and I live in the Sacramento metropolitan area; we are looking for a fellowship to become a part of. I am interested in your opinion, and wonder if you will give a few minutes of your time to answer a few of my questions. May the God of all creation give you wisdom.

1. Do you teach and preach from the Bible?

2. Do you believe that Jesus is Lord?

3. Do you currently have a men’s bible study that meets once a week?

4. Do you publicly preach out on the streets on a regular basis?

5. Do you have a passion for the gospel of Christ?

6. Do you think that it is our responsibility to preach the gospel?

7. Is the preaching the gospel of Christ exclusively for those who are ‘evangelists’?

8. Do you preach topically, verse by verse or both?

9. What passion has God put in your heart for His people?

10. What percentage of ministry, from 1-100, does your church fit into?

As Paul commended the Bereans for testing everything he said with Scriptures, I likewise feel in the same position as the Bereans. I am not a pastor, nor an elder in any fellowship. If God has not led you to answer my questionnaire, please feel free to tell me why, but I do hope as a brother and fellow worker in Christ that I would be granted the respect of a response.

Thank you.

Steven  06/01/2006