Confronting/Contending

 By Mike Ratliff                                     www.mikeratliff.wordpress.com

There is a myth in our time that has deceived untold numbers of professing Christians. The deceived have believed the lie that Christians are not to confront and rebuke false teachers nor preach or teach anything that has the potential to cause division within the visible Church. The visible Church contains the churches we see all across this globe. This would include denominations and local churches and ministries that we can see visually and of which we can partake. The invisible Church is made up of the elect. This is the true Church of genuine believers. It is within the visible Church. Therefore, the visible Church contains both genuine believers and professing believers who are not genuine. 

Someone confronted me not long ago about what we do in exposing the false prophets and their false doctrines. The verses that were quoted to me that was intended to rebuke me and show that it is wrong to do this was actually spoken by the Lord Jesus.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17 ESV)

This passage is addressed to believers who have a brother or sister in Christ who sins against them. Our Lord describes how we are to confront the one who has sinned that they may hear the truth and repent. I have actually been part of Church Discipline where we applied this passage to a man who refused to repent and return to his family from an adulterous relationship. This has nothing to do with dealing with false prophets and their false teachings. Instead, those who have been given the ministry of discernment are to apply passages such as this one.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Timothy 4:1-4 ESV)

True biblical discernment is sadly lacking in our day. There are so many false teachers out there teaching things people want to hear in order to assuage their itching ears, that we must be very careful and discerning in order to avoid their poison. We are to never despise preaching, but we are to examine everything.

Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 ESV)

The Greek word used here that is translated a ‘prophecies’ is προφητεία or prophēteia. This word refers to the spoken revelation from God (Acts 11:27) or the written word of Scritpure (Matthew 13:14; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 1:3; 22:7, 10, 18, 19). These ‘prophecies’ Paul is referring to in v20 are authoritative messages from God through a well-recognized spokesman for God. Because these messages are from God then they are not to be treated lightly. Therefore, when one preaches to a body of believers we are not to just believe everything we hear, but receive what is said with great seriousness and test it all. This is the careful examination utilizing biblical discernment. When we do this we will never discount what is quoted from God’s Word, but we must examine how it used in the teaching along with its context in the message. When we discern that what is preached is correct and edifying then we rejoice and hold fast to it because it is good. However, if the preacher or teacher is misusing scripture then we must confront, rebuke, and expose because what is being taught is evil from which we must abstain.

The Greek word used here for ‘abstain’ is ἀπέχομαι or apechomai. It literally means ‘to keep oneself from or to refrain from’ the object of the sentence, which in this case is the evil of false prophecies. The myth of non-confrontation in order to preserve unity would tell us here to just keep quiet and let God deal with them. Well, He will deal with them eventually, but we are also told in God’s Word that we are to use the discernment and wisdom given to us to be salt and light. We must tell the truth to the body of Christ to show what is true and what is false. This will never be popular with the majority and will always be looked upon as Politically Incorrect.

The elect, the invisible Church, has the role of presenting the true Church to the visible Church. We are to preach the truth. We are to preach the Word in season and out of season. We are to stand firm and never compromise with what is evil. The only true biblical unity is found in the invisible Church, the true Church. Only they are united in Christ. On the other hand, there is a tension that brings pressure to bear when what is true and of God is presented to the visible Church as God’s absolute truth. This is when we witness divisiveness, which can become quite ugly. However, we must never refrain from our obedience to God in being salt and light in this lost and dying world.

Therefore, when the false teachings of someone like Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, Tony Jones, or Brian McLaren are exposed to the body of Christ as we test what they teach against God’s absolute truth, we are being obedient to the command of God. Through this, He will preserve His Church and cleanse it of what is evil. We must also be alert to the fact that what we are doing will incur the wrath of our enemy and his seed. He is a liar and an expert deceiver. He has his people spinning lies disguised as prophecies in that they contain some truth, but these are coupled with teachings that tickle itching ears and will never result in their followers being edified or lead into the truth. Instead, they produce followers of men who have created another Jesus and another version of His truth, which is false.

Our goal in all of this is never for self-promotion or self-aggrandizement even though that is the accusation from many of those who hate what we do. If we attempt to do this from any motivation other than God’s glory and the edification of His Church then we will eventually find ourselves in a very ugly desperate place in which we will spend way too much time in self-defense. No, we must not do that. Instead, we must tell the truth with the proper motives, defending the faith, and honoring God. Then when the enemies of the truth attack, all they will be able to do is attack us personally because God’s truth is unassailable. Then we are to simply turn our defense over to God as we humbly endure our enemies’ wrath.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-16 ESV)

Political Correctness consists of compromise in order to preserve a false unity. That is not what we are called to do. Instead, we must be discerning as we confront, rebuke, and expose those who teach what is false because that is what God has commanded us to do.

Soli Deo Gloria!

 By Josh Parker

     "For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their offspring shall be known among the nations, and their descendants in the midst of the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed."  Isaiah 61:8-9  (ESV)

     Bad things can happen when we do not confront sin.  Sin has a way of corrupting anybody who endorses it.  There are plenty of examples in history where 'unchecked' sin resulted in lawlessness.  Corruption can destroy nations, businesses, families, churches, and organizations.  It can ruin anybody's character.  Sin always acts like a plague if it habitually goes unchecked.  Lawlessness, dishonest gain, and oppression result in ruin and calamity.... if there is no repentance.  Sin can have a devastating effect on anybody's personal well-being.  If we care about our well-being, we should never be afraid to confront it, expose it, nor to resist it.  

     "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete."  2 Corinthians 10:3-6  (ESV)

     Justice thrives when men exercise judgment. Any nation, church, business, or organization that appreciates justice always strives to have a means of upholding it.    Nations fight wars to uphold it.  Policemen and women get paid to protect it.  Standing armies exist to defend it.   The Protestant Reformation occurred to preserve it.  Order and liberty cannot prevail without it. Tyranny and oppression wreak havoc on the innocent if or when justice cannot prevail.  Justice is always absent when there is no judgment.  Both of them need each other to ensure stability and prosperity.  Without judgment, justice does not exist.  Without justice, judgment cannot be practised.  But what about judgment?  How do we exercise righteous judgment in our daily lives? 

                                                             Judgment Expedites Justice

    God is just because he judges sin.  Think about that for a moment.  If God did not judge sin, then what standard would exist for us to live by?  Because sin has consequences, we should fear the Lord.

     "Praise the Lord!  Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments!"  Psalm 112:1 (ESV)

Part of the great delusion coming from the apostate church is that we cannot have any indignation with sin.   We should never let our anger lead to sin, but to say that we should never be angry nor vexed when standing in the midst of unrighteousness, is not healthy.  Unrighteousness does not (nor should not) bode well with the regenerate. 

     "An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked."  Proverb 29:27 (ESV) 

Jesus was not a pushover who always avoided the conflict. It was natural for him to speak the truth even if the crowd hated him for it.  No! Jesus dealt with unrighteousness with a bit of severity.  

      "The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.  And making a whip of chords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen.  And he poured out coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.  And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade."  His disciples remembered what was written,"Zeal for your house will consume me."" John 2:13-22 (ESV) 

Could you imagine this scene going on today?  Nope... you wouldn't see it would you?  Nobody wants to rock the boat anymore.  Everybody wants to conform to whatever will please the world.  "Don't embarrass us," they say.  "We would rather go through the motions and fit in with the mainstream.   We are not allowed to be critical of anything or anybody.  Don't judge. Give us our video games, our soap operas and reality shows, our big screen TVs, and our SUVs.  That is all that we need."  

     The love of pleasure has replaced the desire to be holy. Anyone who takes a stand against ungodliness will be scorned and lectured on how they should be 'politically correct' instead of how they should be morally upright. 'Political correctness' is just an excuse to not do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  (It is just another excuse to practise lawlessness without any accountability) If we (as a whole) reject any notion of upholding God's standards, the scriptures say (literally in Jeremiah 10:14-15) that we are stupid and without knowledge.   If we spend more time worried about how many material things we can get from God, then those 'things' have become idols.  They are temporal and short lived.  Material possessions are dead, and they have no breath.  They perish with time.

     "Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them.  They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish."   Jeremiah 10:14-15 (ESV)

     In the visible church today, political correctness is suppressing the truth.  Political correctness is the idea that man must strive to please his fellow man more than his creator.  When this happens, absolute truth gets thrown out the door.  Spiritual relativism then begins to corrupt the visible church.  When spiritual relativism takes over, then the Word of God gets pushed aside and placed on the back burner.  Delusion sets in and the church will believe every wind of doctrine that someone introduces, just as long as it will tickle their ears.  This kind of rebellion is spreading like gangrene, and only a handful seem to care.  The delusion is growing because of a lack of judgment within the visible church.  They have traded in the narrow way for the wide easy road which leads men straight into hell. What does God's Word say about this kind of delusion?

     "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."  Proverb 29:25 (ESV) 

The delusion has resulted in too much compromise.  Several Pastors and teachers are not running into the conflict as they should.  Instead they are running away. The Bible makes it clear that running away, doing nothing, or 'looking the other way' is a sign of complacency (idleness).  Idleness results in divine judgment.

     "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.  They were haughty and did an abomination before me.  So I removed them, when I saw it."  Ezekiel 16:49-50  (ESV)

Christians who contend for the faith abide in Him.  Proverb 31 gives an example of a virtuous woman as a model of the Bride of Christ.  She is not careless, and she doesn't trust in her vanity.  She does not labor in vain.   

    "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and call her blessed;  her husband also, and he praises her:  "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."  Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,  but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised,  Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates."  Proverb 31:27-31  (ESV)

                                                                Enduring the Unpleasant

     If we are abiding in Christ, he will sustain us in the worst circumstances.  Hardship is God's way of refining us.  As we begin to make our transition from spiritual milk to spiritual meat, he can expose us to some unexpected circumstances.  To the regenerate, trials and tribulations are a sign of his ownership.  If you have been taught that God can mold Christians without trials and tribulations, then re-examine what you have been taught.   God uses persecution and hardship to mold us.  Enduring hardship and persecution for the sake of Christ results in patience and humility.  Contending in the midst of hardship and persecution results in spiritual maturity. 

     "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.  For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him."  But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."  Hebrews 10:36-39 (ESV)

The apostle Paul was clear that contending for the gospel is like running a race. 

     "Do you not know that in a race all runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.  They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified."  1 Corinthians 9:24-27  (ESV) 

The apostle Paul also uses an example of a soldier who endures battle.    The whole point in all of Paul's examples is that we must stand firm, and run into the conflict instead of running away. 

    "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.  It is the hard working farmer who ought to have the first share of crops.  Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."  2 Timothy 2:3-7 (ESV)

No war has ever been won by armies who flee during the heat of the battle.  No runner can qualify for a race by eating junk food and sitting in his lazy chair.  We have an adversary who would love to see us given over to pleasure, and to eat the bread of idleness.  Let us continue to persevere when persecution arises.  God will sustain us if we abide in Him.

     "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15  (ESV)

 By Josh Parker

     There is a great deal of compromise in the visible church.  Today's megachurch model of success is not following a Biblical standard of righteousness, but an 'altered' man-centered formula based on numbers.  It is a worldly model which does not convict men of their sins, nor does it demand that the unrepentant sinner come to the Lord on His terms only. 

     These new man-made formulas are of the flesh (carnal nature).  They speak nothing about living the crucified life. Nothing about abhoring sin.  And nothing about God's vexation with unrighteousness.  These heretical formulas do more damage to the unrepentant sinner simply because they make him/her comfortable with his/her sin. 

    "God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.  If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword;  he has bent and readied his bow; he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts."  Psalm 7:11-13 (ESV)

     Why are so many of these megachurches compromising the parts of the Bible that our flesh (carnal nature) does not want to hear?  Preaching the word is not a popular thing (with the world).  The unrepentant sinner is a slave to his/her flesh, so the idea that, "we all miss the mark" makes him/her uncomfortable with their rebellion. It shouldn't surprise the evangelist if the world hates them for contending for the parts that the world doesn't want to hear.  

    "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us being saved, it is the power of God.  For it is written, " I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."  1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV)

    The megachurch model is an example of a spiritual harlot.  The Bible makes it clear that true preaching should not be an idolatrous attempt to entice or "schmooze" the sinner into salvation.  Harlots are good at enticing.  Harlots know how to entice or seduce men, since their survival depends on it.  Today's megachurches 'entice' (or seduce) when they seek to conform to the world.  They want to offer a gospel which they think the world will like.  Megachurch pastors will even go so far as to "tweek" the scriptures in a desperate attempt to please the unrepentant sinner.   This kind of compromise has also taken root since there is so much pressure to get the attendance numbers up.  High attendance numbers generate more revenue, thus providing a temptation to shrink back into a worldly mindset.  But, as the narrow way gets rejected, 'worldly' pastors will often fill their pews with a large number of false converts who fell prey to their own divisive smooth speeches.  The smooth speeches sound good, but they do not convict men of their sins.  This kind of teaching is contrary to the Bible.

     "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; and avoid them.  For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."  Romans 16:17-18 (ESV)

'Smooth talkers' will even attempt to offer gimmicks or gadgets to lure people in.  This makes church 'attractive' to the unsaved.  But what they don't realize, is that the attempt to make church relevant to the unsaved results in a compromise of good sound Biblical doctrine. This is a seducing spirit, which lures passer bys in, but does not result in genuine repentance.   If the pastor is a 'smooth talker' who is bent on generating more cash, he will do whatever he thinks is necessary to get those revenues up.......Even if it means that he must replace the correct teaching and preaching of God's word with some worldly entertainment or music.  Some churches have gone so far with this heresy, that they are playing songs from AC/DC during their services.  The apostate church appears cool to the world, but it only feeds the carnal appetite (carnal nature).   The apostate church is shmoozing men right into hell. 

    "For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.  Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life."  Proverb 6:23-26  (ESV)

     In the following verses, the Bible uses a harlot (adulteress) as an example of the apostate church.  A man who passes her by gets lured in by her smooth seductive speech.  

    "With much seductive speech she persuades him;  with her smooth talk she compels him.  All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces his liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.  And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.  Let not your heart turn aside to her ways: for many a victim she has laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng."  Proverb 7:21-26 (ESV)

 Her smooth words tickle the man's ears, but they only lead to death. 

   "For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.  Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it."  Proverb 5: 3-6 (ESV)

    True preaching contends with the world.  There is no easy way around it.  It is a difficult thing to contend with the world. That is why Jesus said that the way is narrow.  It is a narrow path which many forsake since they have been taught that being in God's favor means that they are guaranteed paradise on earth.  They are also led to believe that any form of hardship (financial struggle, sickness, or calamity) is always a sign of God's punishment, instead of his refinement.  Today's man made formulas have reduced God to a strange idol, similiar to an omnipotent Santa Claus, who must always answer us according to our own desires.  These man -made formulas reject the notion that God would ever be angry with sin or with the sinner.  They are worshipping an idol which resembles nothing more than a waiter in a restaurant, who must answer at their beck and call. 

    If we look at rebellious Israel, we can see that the people of that time were guilty of the same thing.  They wanted all the material blessings, prosperity, and comfort, but none of the sufferings that come with it.  They believed that God's favor meant that they were exempt from any kind of hardship.  They looked at their material things as an affirmation of God's favor.   They were given over to pleasure instead of holiness. This was of the flesh (carnal nature).

    "Arise and go, for this is no place of rest, because of uncleanness that destroys with a grievous destruction.  If a man should go about and utter wind and lies saying, " I will preach to you of wine and strong drink," he would be preacher for this people!"  Micah 2:10-11 (ESV)

    God's sovereignty, repentance, and judgment are not being taught.  It is clear that there are more hirelings rising to the top, while the true shepherds are being shunned and even rejected.  Man -centered formulas are leading many astray since few are willing to contend for what is Biblically sound.  Biblical exhortation and reproof are becoming taboo, just as Jesus said it would be during the last days.   

    "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.  As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."  2 Timothy 4: 3-5 (ESV)

 By Josh Parker

     It is quite heartbreaking when we see a brother backslide.  It is even more heartbreaking when they hate you for correcting them.  I am not exempt from correction myself.  I have made some embarrassing mistakes just as much as anyone else.  But does that mean that we shouldn't strive to be perfect?  It certainly doesn't. 

     "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  James 1:2-4 (ESV) 

To the unregenerate, those who strive to be perfect appear to be strange, different, or 'peculiar.' 

     "So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."  1 Peter 2:7-10 (ESV)

Peculiar- 1.) Belonging exclusively to one person or group. 2.) Characteristic, distinctive 3.) :Queer, odd, idiosyncratic, eccentric, singular, strange, weird-   (Merriam- Webster)

Peculiar because the Holy Spirit dwells in the regenerate.  The unregenerate cannot do the will of God since he/she is ruled by his/her flesh. The unregenerate follows his/her carnal nature, while the regenerate is given the ability to 'put off' that old nature, by abiding in Christ.  Abiding in Christ also gives the regenerate the ability to discern what is pleasing to the Lord, while overcoming the flesh (carnal nature).  The Bible calls our flesh the 'natural man.'

     "The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them."  1 Corinthians 2:14  (ESV)

     The modern gospel has been filled with so much 'political correctness' that today's standard of righteousness is becoming Biblically incorrect.  Satan loves it too.  There is so much 'political correctness' being practiced that people are afraid of speaking the truth.  Afraid of standing firm in the face of opposition.  Afraid of enduring the cost which comes for being obedient. 

Where are all the contenders these days?  Why are the popular teachers acting like cost -free Christianity actually exists?  What Bible have they been reading? 

                                                          Boldness in the Midst of Opposition

     "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."  Proverb 28:1  (ESV)

     Those who proclaim the true gospel do not edit it.  They do not 'tweek' it either.  They know it is inerrant and powerful.  They also know that it will not always be welcomed with open arms.  Instead, it can bring division and scorn.  Jesus, Paul, and John the Baptist all preached the basic fundamentals.  They spoke the thing which the world finds offensive...."Repent and believe in Jesus to escape God's wrath against sin."  Even today, this kind of message is denounced as being "too offensive" to the unsaved.  Proclaiming the untainted gospel of Christ is extremely unpopular because of its nature.  This is just the way it is.  We should not try to alter it so that we tamper with its nature.  If we try to tamper with its nature, then we will be guilty of idolatry.  Let the gospel be what it is so that it convicts men of their sins.  Anything less than that is not the gospel, but a distortion of the truth, which leads to even more idolatry. 

    "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."  1 Corinthians 10:14  (ESV)

    If we see a brother backslide into idolatry, the scriptures make it clear that we should rebuke them.  In rebuking the brother, we will be demonstrating tough love.  It is not judgmental to correct a brother.  He will thank you in the long run. 

     "Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue."  Proverb 28:23  (ESV)  

                                                         Correcting an Unbeliever

     I have noticed from the blogs that some still believe that it is better to appease someone if they take pleasure in sin or they fall into error.  If you are a blogger, you have probably witnessed some hateful reactions to the true gospel.  There are so many different reasons why the unregenerate will justify their sin.  They like their sin, so it is not unusual for them to scold you for telling them to give it up.  ('Repent' is the best word to say them, even though it can make many enemies)  Many unbelievers love their sin, so naturally they will become combative with anyone who tells them it is wrong.  You get the typical answer which goes something like this..... "Hey!  Who are you to judge?"

   I am just a man, but I believe that I would do more damage if I didn't point to the truth.  'Looking the other way' when we see that someone is a slave to sin is the worst form of compromise.  It contradicts the Great Commission.  To 'look the other way' is a great way to invite corruption and lawlessness into any corporation, business, church, nation, community, or society.  Rebellious Israel did this so much that their unwillingness to discern dragged them downward into lawlessness.  It was the 'norm' to show partiality to the wicked, and to seek rewards from them. 

    "Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!  Therefore, as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom go up like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel."  Isaiah 5:22-24  (ESV)

Whenever people are afraid to exercise judgment (discernment), the presence of wickedness can eventually corrupt the righteous.  Again, we can see an example from rebellious Israel.  They witnessed evil in their midst, but they did not resist it nor did they oppose it.  As a form of punishment upon Israel, the Lord just sat back and handed them over to their lawlessness.  Habukkuk writes about his own complaint.

    "Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.  So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous;  so justice goes forth perverted."  Habakkuk 1:3-4 (ESV) 

The Lord gives us the ability to judge so that we can remove corruption from our midst.  Corruption and lawlessness are a curse which result from a lack of judgment. 

    "Whoever says to the wicked, "You are in the right,"  shall be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will be upon them.   Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips."   Proverb 24:24-26  (ESV)

And finally, Jesus and Paul did tell us to confront evil, and to judge righteously.  They didn't say that we should look the other way. 

    "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."  Ephesians 5:11  (ESV)

    "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."  John 7:24  (ESV)

By Mike Ratliff                                        www.mikeratliff.wordpress.com

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By Mike Ratliff                                        www.mikeratliff.wordpress.com

By Josh Parker 

As the apostate church continues on and on oblivious to its errors, another thing which goes unnoticed or uncorrected is the error of trying to 'cast out' one’s flesh (carnal nature). Unfortunately, this is common within the Word-Faith movement, and/or various other charismatic churches. Dear reader, please understand that I am not against being happy, charismatic, or prosperity. I am only against unsound Biblical teaching which can cause my brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble or fall into error. In the following letter, I will do my best to explain how the flesh (carnal nature) is not something which the believer can 'cast out.' The flesh is neither a demon, nor something which God can 'miracle' out of our lives. Instead, the Bible explains that our flesh is something which must be crucified through adversity, so that we can truly enter into God’s rest.

Throughout the gospels, the Bible contains several great examples of men who know that there really is a cost for following Christ. These men were refined and made whole by enduring the unfavorable and the uncomfortable. The world despised them and did not always welcome them with open arms. It is unfortunate that few (and not enough) Christians have really accepted that fact as being the truth. Because the apostate church has many deceivers in the pulpits as well as in their midst, true sound Biblical discernment has become taboo. Anyone who recognizes and discusses a problem within the apostate church can easily be misunderstood and labeled, “judgmental” and/or “uncooperative.” They may even be labeled as rebellious or unregenerate. In this document, I intend to bring an issue to light in order to expose a huge problem which can hinder the spiritual maturity which every Christian longs for.

Does Cost Free Christianity Exist?

The greatest deception in the apostate church is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit promises everything pleasant, wealthy, easy, and comfortable. Material wealth, perfect health, high standing in the world, a trouble free life, and no sorrows seem to be that warm fuzzy lie: “Drive Thru Christianity,” which thousands flock to see on the popular TV networks. It is a doctrine which “tickles one’s ears,” and it is no doubt what the masses want to hear. My brothers and sisters, this is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, this is the apostate gospel which Paul said would be popular, and welcomed by many in the last days.

“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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:3-5 (KJV)

For those of you who may be offended at this, then I will post what Paul said about his experiences in following and being faithful. You will see that God never promises high standing in the world, nor that we are guaranteed heaven on earth. What the Bible does promise, is that God’s grace is sufficient to get us through difficult times. Examine the ministry of Paul below. Did God give him heaven on earth, high standing in the world, and a life without troubles?

“Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place. And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the off scouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.” 1 Corinthians 4:11-14

Did you see that? Paul had a job on the side to pay for his needs. Did you see a million dollar salary, a gold plated chariot, and a mega church paying for a life of luxurious vacations? What about those 5 star meals, caviar, diamond rings, and expensive speaking engagements? Is this the gospel that you have been exposed to?

Here is some more about the cost of serving the Lord. Again, we will use Paul.

“Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry may not be blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.” 2 Corinthians 6:3-7 (KJV)

What about how the world received Jesus? Did everybody receive him with open arms, a prime time TV show, and a million dollar salary?

“And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.” Luke 22:63-65 (KJV)

The Bible never teaches cost free Christianity. In fact, the Bible says that adversity (fiery trials) can be evidence that we are being molded to the image of Christ. God tries those he loves in order to work on their character. In God’s eyes, a man’s character is worth more than material wealth or worldly standing. It is God’s sovereign right to remove comfort zones in order to keep us from becoming spiritually complacent, ungrateful, or prideful. Throughout our trials, the enemy, Satan, cannot tempt anymore than God will allow. God frequently allows circumstances which we wish he would not.

“The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” Psalms 11:5 (KJV)

And in the following verse, the scriptures will again remind us that walking with God is not always going to be easy. In fact, the scriptures show that we will understand the glory, and mature spiritually because of our experiences. God tries those he loves, because he wants them to be humble, patient, wise, broken, grateful, gentle, and understanding. It is a good thing that it is actually God (not Satan) who has the decisive upper hand on calamities. Satan, the adversary, cannot do anymore than God will allow him to.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice, inasmuch ye are partaker of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (KJV)

God Gives Grace to Get Through Adversity

One of the most common arguments in regard to struggles is that God always wants to 'miracle' the Christian out of unfavorable circumstances. This is definitely not always true. Instead the Bible teaches that in many cases, God frequently allows things which we wish that he wouldn’t just because it may be for our own good. In short, we are commanded to endure things when it is time to endure. Again, we will use Paul as a great example of God demonstrating his sovereignty in the suffering of Paul.

“To keep me from being conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (KJV)

Now ask yourself. Could God have removed the thorn if he had wanted? Of course, but he didn’t. Paul explains why God didn’t remove the thorn in verse 7. Paul explains that the thorn was still there to keep him from being conceited. In plain English, it was there to keep Paul from giving himself credit for the revelations, and from becoming prideful. It was also there because it helped Paul deny himself and learn to accept that God is sovereign in all affairs –whether they are bad or good. Paul certainly learned that God is not someone we can take to court when things don’t go the way we want them to. Our mighty humble Lord is a molder of men who knows how to strip men of their pride.

God is a Sword Smith

One of the best illustrations in regard to God’s sovereignty is the fact that God demonstrates his sovereignty like a sword smith. A sword smith is someone who is an expert in making swords. In the process of molding the blade, the sword smith will expose the metal blade to heat in order to create a better sword. If the metal is exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time, then the blade is more malleable. It is then easier for the sword smith to work with the metal so that he can mold it to whatever image he chooses. Without any heat, the sword cannot be molded. This principle applies to every believer in the body of Christ.

“Like a good soldier of Christ Jesus, share in the hard times with us. A soldier does not take part in things that don’t have anything to do with the army. He wants to please his commanding officer. In the same way, anyone who takes part in a sport doesn’t receive the winner’s crown unless he plays by the rules. The farmer who works hard should be the first to receive a share of the crops. “2 Timothy 2:4-6 (NIRV)

Have you ever noticed that when things get difficult, we tend to seek God with an earnest heart? The Bible says that we will find God in the valley. We will not always find him on the mountaintop. God still does his fighting in the valley. Unfortunately, the apostate gospel implies that under the blood of Christ, we will never have to experience the valley. Let us see what God says about those who are misled into the lie.

“My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.” Jeremiah 50:6 (KJV)

Paul Calls the Believer to Judge Right from Wrong

In our daily experiences, we can be subjected to some really bad things in life. In this world, we will encounter things or people which we should avoid. Because this world is not perfect nor is it always that safe, God has given us the ability and the responsibility to judge right from wrong. Along with that responsibility, we must not be afraid to exercise that right: whether it is for our benefit, our protection from violent people and bad situations, or for the sake of protecting someone that we love. (Especially if we desire to stand firm, and live a life which is holy and pleasing to God!). If we exercise righteous judgment in our daily lives, then we can protect ourselves from corruption. Let us look at a few more verses, and what Paul says about exercising that right in our daily lives.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 -16 (KJV)

Did you know that God loves it when we judge right from wrong?

“It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” Proverb 21:15 (KJV)

“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverb 21:3 (KJV)

It is our responsibility to decide who we associate with, and what kind of life we live. If we cannot properly discern what is just or good, then how can we guard our hearts from corruption, wickedness, dangerous people or unbiblical teaching? We cannot belong to the world and God at the same time. We are in the world, but not of it.

“Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:3-4 (KJV)

Is the world and those around us our example, or is Jesus Christ our example?

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 (KJV)

God’s Word is there for us to put things to the test and examine them. It is not there for us to use as an extra curricular activity, nor just if we are bored and have some time to spare. It is an instruction manual for how we should interact, and how we make decisions in our daily lives.

Summary

God is calling us to come out of the world. It is our responsibility to separate ourselves from the false gospel as well. If you are a member of Word-Faith, then I want to encourage you to seek the true gospel. God is indebted to no one, and he cannot be taken to court if he doesn’t make you rich. He will give a man what is according to his will, even though your will may not always be the same as his. For this very reason, we should not always assume that what we want is always what he wants. God can (and will) deny a man of what he desires if those desires are not according to his sovereign will. In every case, God knows what is best for you more than you do, so I would not question his judgment. And even though the molding process may be uncomfortable and sometimes difficult, at least you will be more of what God wants you to be instead of what you think that you should be.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14 (KJV)

God still blesses and redeems, no doubt. He can even surprise you out of no where. Those who know God, and have been walking with him for quite some time, know that he is also a 'last minute' God. Sometimes he purposely waits to show up in the very end in difficult situations in order to strengthen our faith, teach perseverance, instill patience, and to learn respect for him. All of these are demonstrations of God’s sovereignty which must be understood in order to mature spiritually. God is certainly not a genie in a bottle who answers to men’s beck and call.

"Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” Proverb 30:8-9 (KJV)

By Mike Ratliff                                      www.mikeratliff.wordpress.com