Religious Piety or No
3/10/2010
Religious Piety or No
David L Lamon
The religious organization Focus on the Family appears to be going through some major changes to come up to snuff with the times or so says some despite the fact Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not. This church organization has been considered by many a champion of conservative Christian values and they no doubt have on many issues for a long time but that was before the New Age Movement, which is a sponsor of the one-world government and religion came on the scene and had an almost immediate impact on so many Americans and of course throw in a healthy helping of of the Charismatic movement’s prosperity preaching. I know some call it is called Saddleback theology but I call it Brokenback because one simply goes down dry and comes up wet with no real life changing experience. Then came the Emergent Church that once again swept literally millions off their feet with basically a message of “we are all gods” and there are no absolutes meaning sin is whatever you say it is and there are no consequences. But before either of these entities got started the federal government passed laws that threatened the Christian community with the loss of tax exempt status if they participated in election campaigns. As a result, for many years Christians have been made to believe they shouldn’t engage themselves in the political arena and most have bought into this lie. The Apostles and Christians were knee deep in involvement of the political climate of their day and were killed because of their biblical stands against men of corrupt minds but the important part of this is once a survey of all they did is done the end result is it gave us the right to know the truth that will lead unto salvation for all that adhere to it. Our generation should do no less than to see to it our descendents have the same right. The founding fathers understood this and it was never in their vocabulary to impose the now accepted version of separation of church and state. Patrick Henry “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!” John Adams, said, “Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for any other.” Adams went further, declaring, “So great is my veneration of the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it, the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectful members of society.” Besides who is going to stand for the righteousness of God if Christians don’t? Such moral issues as gay marriage and abortion have ended up in the courts but because we have adhered to the separation of church and state principle we have allowed the secular world to have its way. It shouldn’t be too hard to realize which side of the isle this came from since Christians have traditionally been conservative and stood on the side of the moral issues and the Republican Party platform has always stood in opposition to these issues. If you said the Democratic Party you are right for in it is where you find by and large the weirdoes such as the tree huggers, environmental whackos, animals are people too freaks, homosexuals, stem cell proponents and abortion rights advocates. It is from this side of the isle that laws have been crafted that forbids bible reading or any mention of Jesus in the public schools or in the public arena in general while supporting the Muslim religion and witchcraft to the point of allowing it to be taught in our public schools. This should have never happened and wouldn’t have if the Christians had made a strong stand instead putting their priority on saving their tax exempt status or put another way worshipping the creature rather than the creator of the creature. Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. One of the most evil organizations ever created is solidly behind this and that is the ACLU whose founder is a known Communist God hating atheist and today the majority of the lawyers working for this organization are of like-mind. They do this by claiming civil rights but the question has to be civil rights for whom? A recent survey revealed over 80% of Americans say they are of the Christian persuasion so in a Democracy where majority opinion is supposed to rule do you see an injustice here? There is no argument that minorities should be protected but this protection doesn’t mean their ideology takes precedence over the majority opinion.
What I am about to say now will no doubt not be the best way to win friends and influence people but nevertheless after much study of the various religious concepts and there are many in America the main problem with well over 90% of these religious institutions is they have made the word of God what they want it to be. In other words, they have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof. They are as the apostle Paul described them. Romans 10:2-4 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. I think one of the most damaging positions some of these so-called Christian organizations have succumbed is the belief that there are is more than one way to get to heaven other than Jesus. This concept has been kicked into high-gear from New Age teaching and the Emergent Church doctrine both of which are straight out of hell.
Why the Confusion?
The next point to make starts with a question, why are there so many different variations of explanations to the word of God? How many times have you personally heard it said, “it depends on how an individual interprets it”? Followed by that is not what is important it is what is in your heart that counts. While there is some truth to that statement overall it is a “copout” of sorts because this really means people do not 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth and because they don’t study they don’t realize the eternal danger to their souls because the bible clearly states Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. People don’t humble themselves and pray seeking not their will but that of the father so they can learn what is right in the sight of God so they can found pleasing in his sight. Proverbs 3:4-7 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. How is this accomplished? It starts with the understanding, Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. This brings me to the point that all of us can identify if we are truly honest with ourselves, which is another component necessary to be pleasing to God because if we can’t be honest with ourselves we can’t be honest with God and that is understanding the fact that John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. We as humans have to deal with the fact we are made up of spirit and flesh, which are contrary one to the other. For those of you that do pray no doubt you have experienced many times that getting into a sincere fervent prayer mode can be difficult. This is because the flesh does not want to pray. It is for this reason the apostle Paul made it a point to teach us something very important. Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. So what is the answer to this? 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Romans 8:4-8 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Next understanding the nature of God as spirit we now understand how the flesh fights against the spirit so that is why Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. This humbling of ourselves is bringing the flesh into subjection to the spirit makes it possible to have communion with God. 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas. And since God is spirit, he has given us one primary means of communication with him. Matthew 6:6-7 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. One such example would be the Pharisee and the publican; Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. The benefit of sincere fervent prayer is as follows. James 5:13-16 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. To summarize this subject; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Unfortunately, as a result there is so much confusion about the various avenues to salvation a person truly feeling the call to repentance doesn’t know which way is up and many just give up. Literally thousands upon thousands stay home not realizing they are in disobedience to what the scripture teaches about this. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. One thing you will never hear from these television ministries is go to church because they want people to stay home and support their ministries. I am not saying there is no good to come from listening to TV preachers because there is with some of them. Nearly all that are called Christian religions have some truths and insight that are beneficial but they will never be an acceptable substitute for the local body of Christ as the scriptures above reveals. Many more stay in a state in this state of confusion. The apostle Paul warned us Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. This trick of Satan has been highly successful and if we don’t realize what is happening in the church world the following will not be realized. Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The saddest part of all this is if one considers the fact that in America for over 200 years we have had the uninterrupted freedom to seek the truth of God and his word but because of the different confusing doctrines the majority of people living in a free land will spend their eternity in the lake of fire which burns forever. Although it is in the bible as a warning to us, this freedom we have had to search out all the truths of God has in a way been abused severely and again as a result. 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. Weak meaning in one respect unlearned or ignorant of the truth or sheep that must rely on a shepherd. After all, the scripture teaches us 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
The Answer
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. With all the confusion about which is right and wrong it is necessary for everyone to take it upon themselves to seek the right way going into it with the attitude that what grandma, grandpa, mother or dad did will not be a factor. In other words, one of the most crippling road blocks to finding truth and opens wide the dangerous gate to destruction is Mark 7:6-9 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. And we are cautioned, Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
The Right Way
As has been stated above, God is spirit and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth so it follows that to do this man must be spiritual as well. The majority of religious institutions in America have abandoned the teaching of Acts 2:38 citing this is no longer for us today since we have the bible. For the benefit of those that don’t know Acts 2:38 is the foundational teaching upon which the church was founded from the beginning. Acts 2:37-39 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. The 39th verse is simply saying in essence until the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ this is the plan of salvation for man. Of course once he comes back we will have no need of the gifts of the spirit. These ministers cite 1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away taking the verse totally out of context by saying this is referring to the bible. First of all, Jesus said, John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (Holy Ghost). 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter (scripture), but of the spirit (Holy Ghost): for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come (Holy Ghost), he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. And to nail it down, Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. To prove once and for this scripture was talking about Jesus and not the bible take a look at this comparison. The words “that which” they say is the bible is also used Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. After seeing this one has to ask, did Mary have a bible or a baby boy named Jesus Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
A man can go only so far in the knowledge and wisdom of God without being filled with the Holy Ghost and are described as follows. Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. it makes sense to me at least one cannot discern rightfully the spirits unless he has the spirit of God dwelling within him. Let’s face it Satan cannot cast out Satan can he? (Mark 3:23) The same applies to us as it did Jesus. John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. So it follows; John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. One such danger especially for our time is 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.
You can see from these last few verses that Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God by not 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Ephesians 6:17-18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Conclusion
Whether sincerely or not when people pick and choose what they want the scripture to mean (Romans 10:2-4, Proverbs 3:4-7) the result is, in the end an added confusion for the lost attempting to answer a call by God. Instead of seeking God’s understanding to his word and seeking their own we have about every imaginable religion there is here in America and yet God has only one way contrary to much popular teaching. This liberty God was gracious to us ward has been used abused deceitfully and has led many astray. This is what he meant when he foretold us Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Since no new plan of salvation ever replaced after Acts 2:38 everyone must be obedient to this plan of salvation or they are simply not in the will of God and are not going to heaven. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water (baptism in Jesus name) and of the Spirit (Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking tongues Isaiah 28:11, Joel 2:28, Acts 2:4, 10:44-48, 19:5, 6), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Suggestion: Take a close look at the churches in Revelation and examine them in detail for an overview of what we see in the churches of America today.
Thought to Grow On
Prostituting the Gospel Message
Do not depart from the words of my mouth. Remove your way far from her (worldly professions of faith) and do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your honor to others and your years to the cruel one. Lest aliens be filled with your wealth and your labors go to the house of a foreigner. And you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed, and say: How I have hated instruction and my heart despised correction! I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! I was on the verge of total ruin, In the midst of the assembly and congregation.”
Psalms 34:15-19
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
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