Three Excuses Answered: Why Americans Arrogantly Turn Their Noses Up At Christianity
1) I love Jesus but hate the church.
2) It's A relationship not a religion.
3) I do not trust Organized Religion.
We live in a time of bumper sticker, or really "Tweets" today, that often strike out at Christian theology and sound Bible doctrine. They go unchecked. Today I am checking them.
1) I Love Jesus But Hate the Church.
Warning to the smug- Christ loved the church so much he died a horrible painful sustitutionary death for her. Forgiving and paying the penalty of sins of her members. Why? So she could become spotless and presentable as his bride. Yes she can be ragged and appear as a hag. But what she is emerging is is awesome.
She is not worthy. he makes her worthy. Read about grace, painful grace in the book of Hosea.
Ephesians 5:25-27
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless."
So you can love someone and hate their body?
1 Corinthians 10:16 (NASB)
"Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?"
He Died For His Body - And You Hate It?
Romans 5:8
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
2) It's A relationship not a religion.
Even so called "Christ followers" spout this unbiblical statement. (Hey super-relevant Christ follower, Acts 11:26 gives us 2,000 years of the biblical tradition of being called Christians. What gave you the idea to trash 2,000 years of tradition?)
James the half brother of Jesus Christ was a late arriving Apostle. Yes it was probably post-Resurrection when James came to the faith. He believed Christianity was a valid religion. It is a family. Your not an only child in Christ. He was a building block of the church. He also strongly believed in practicing the religion of Christianity. Tweet that!
James 1:26 (NASB)
"If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless."
James 1:27 (NASB)
"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
3) I do not trust organized Religion.
Why not? Jesus did.
Yes it is a paradox. Much organized religion has been bad. But the organized by Christ, Body of Christ, is an organizes religion.
Question? What's the track record for unorganized religion?
Jesus worshiped at the temple and synagogues. Hey Adam Sandler -he is the most famous person to ever light a menorah!
Yes, Jesus loved corporate worship.
Luke 4:16
"And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read."
Jesus Lit The Menorah
John 10:22-23 (NASB)
"22 At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; 23 it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon."
Jesus Participated In All The Jewish Feast and Jewish Observances
In fact Jesus organized the most famous Passover observance.
Luke 22:19 (NASB) "And when He had taken some bread and agiven thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
A pretty dedicated Jew named Paul agreed.
1 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB)
"Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our aPassover also has been sacrificed."
That same Passover night, He, Jesus, gave organization and directions to organize the early church.
What is the real reason you will not come to Christ alone for salvation?
Believe the gospel. The hard hearted arrogant person will reject it. The humbled sinner, like me, will leap at the chance to turn from their sins towards Christ for forgiveness of sins, peace with God and citizenship in Heaven.
Do not play games with the King who died for you to join the family. This is a King worthy of worship.
In Christ Alone!
Fletcher Law
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Question about the "Cruel Messenger"
QUESTION RECEIVED: Who or what is the cruel messenger in Proverbs 17:11?
Proverbs 17:11
(KJV)
An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
(NASB)
A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
MY ANSWER:
I read a funny sign this week that said "I hope karma is true so I do not have to feel sorry for the people I have been mean to since they had it coming." Of course karma is a teaching of a false belief system. The law of God (The 10 Commandments)is true. The righteousness of God lasts forever.
Galatians 6:7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap."
King Belshazzar was doomed when he received a cruel message from God through his prophet Daniel. The evil king saw the hand of God deliver a cruel message on his wall.
Daniel 5:25-30 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"25 “Now this is the inscription that was written out: ‘MENĒ, MENĒ, TEKĒL, UPHARSIN.’ 26 This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENĒ’—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it. 27 ‘TEKĒL’—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. 28 ‘PERĒS’—your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.”29 Then Belshazzar gave orders, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a necklace of gold around his neck, and issued a proclamation concerning him that he now had authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.30 That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain."
King David understood this verse (Proverbs 17:11). His son Solomon probably penned this Proverb. The verse is the wisdom given from the Holy Spirit. Though he, David who was Solomon's father, was a man of God he understood he had done evil and even considered once that a commoner cursing his evil deeds in the street should have his life spared by his security forces. Why? It could have been a message from God for evil deeds done. See 2 Samuel 16:5-14.
God is not mocked. As a preacher once said "Pay day someday." God is slow to anger yet sure in judgement. Judgement can come from a man, His Holy Spirit or even use Satan as an agent to carry out His justice.
God by any means He wants is the "cruel messenger"
What may even be more shocking to those pondering this Scripture is that we, humanity are the "rebellious and evil man"
What is the cruel news? Judgement - that leads to death and Hell.
We do not want the cruel message. We want and need the Good News!
The Philippian jailer received a good news message from the formerly bound up and imprisoned Paul. The jailer was about to take his own life when he saw that his jailed prisoners had somehow escaped. Angels sent by God had freed Paul and Silas.
They stopped the jailer from harming himself (suicide), as he was responsible for any escaped prisoners.
The freed disciples of Christ told him- Acts 16:31 (NASB)
"31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Hear this saving message. Turn from your sins and repent. Jesus paid for your sins and appeased the wrath of God with His death on the cross. He was resurrected to reign in righteousness. We can be forgiven, have peace with God and receive citizenship in Heaven. Do this if you are not saved by being born again.
Receive the good message or Good News - not the cruel news.
Proverbs 17:11
(KJV)
An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
(NASB)
A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
MY ANSWER:
I read a funny sign this week that said "I hope karma is true so I do not have to feel sorry for the people I have been mean to since they had it coming." Of course karma is a teaching of a false belief system. The law of God (The 10 Commandments)is true. The righteousness of God lasts forever.
Galatians 6:7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap."
King Belshazzar was doomed when he received a cruel message from God through his prophet Daniel. The evil king saw the hand of God deliver a cruel message on his wall.
Daniel 5:25-30 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"25 “Now this is the inscription that was written out: ‘MENĒ, MENĒ, TEKĒL, UPHARSIN.’ 26 This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENĒ’—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it. 27 ‘TEKĒL’—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. 28 ‘PERĒS’—your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.”29 Then Belshazzar gave orders, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a necklace of gold around his neck, and issued a proclamation concerning him that he now had authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.30 That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain."
King David understood this verse (Proverbs 17:11). His son Solomon probably penned this Proverb. The verse is the wisdom given from the Holy Spirit. Though he, David who was Solomon's father, was a man of God he understood he had done evil and even considered once that a commoner cursing his evil deeds in the street should have his life spared by his security forces. Why? It could have been a message from God for evil deeds done. See 2 Samuel 16:5-14.
God is not mocked. As a preacher once said "Pay day someday." God is slow to anger yet sure in judgement. Judgement can come from a man, His Holy Spirit or even use Satan as an agent to carry out His justice.
God by any means He wants is the "cruel messenger"
What may even be more shocking to those pondering this Scripture is that we, humanity are the "rebellious and evil man"
What is the cruel news? Judgement - that leads to death and Hell.
We do not want the cruel message. We want and need the Good News!
The Philippian jailer received a good news message from the formerly bound up and imprisoned Paul. The jailer was about to take his own life when he saw that his jailed prisoners had somehow escaped. Angels sent by God had freed Paul and Silas.
They stopped the jailer from harming himself (suicide), as he was responsible for any escaped prisoners.
The freed disciples of Christ told him- Acts 16:31 (NASB)
"31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Hear this saving message. Turn from your sins and repent. Jesus paid for your sins and appeased the wrath of God with His death on the cross. He was resurrected to reign in righteousness. We can be forgiven, have peace with God and receive citizenship in Heaven. Do this if you are not saved by being born again.
Receive the good message or Good News - not the cruel news.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Can Christians Vote For A Mormon?
This blog has been reserved to glorify Jesus, answer questions about the Christian faith and also sometimes just have some fun. We do not have issues that are about controversy for the sake of attention. Politics and faith do interact. How they do is to be carefully evaluated.
I was approached by a reader Janis Hutchinson about being a guest blogger. She is a former Mormon with a Christian ministry in the American Northwest. She was a Mormon for over thirty-four years. She has a Christian Education media ministry.
A question that has been suggested by the times but not well answered is "Can Christians vote for a Mormon?" All voters need to be informed. I think she gives an excellent prospective on this question with information we need and questions we as voters need to answer for ourselves.
Here is Janis Hutchinson's bio she supplied from her ministry web-site.
"Janis Hutchinson is a former Mormon of thirty-five years. She is an award-winning author and speaker, and was awarded "Writer of the Year" (2008) by the American Christian Writers Association. She has authored six books: The Mormon Missionaries: An inside look at their real message and methods" (Second Edition published Jan. 2012); Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and encouraging ex-cultists; Misioneros Mormones, and a novel, Ultimate Justice. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with an M.A. in Theology, and holds credentials with the Assemblies of God. She has taught classes at both the college and church level and is a frequent guest on Christian TV and radio talk shows. Her website is www.janishutchinson.com. To sign up for her newsletter, send an email to janishutchinson@frontier.com."
Can Christians Support a Mormon Presidential Candidate?
Mitt Romney's run for the Presidency is a hot debate for evangelical Christians. Reservations are mostly centered on Mormon beliefs. But instead, could there be something else to explore?
Could there be another facet to a Mormon's Presidential candidacy that the majority of Americans have never heard about? Yes. Does the LDS Church want you to know about it? No. And that's the way they'd like to keep it.
But first, let's briefly address what Christians presently wrestle with—Mormon beliefs. Here are a few:
• God is not a triune being, but a resurrected man from a previous world who earned his Godhood.
• God is a polygamist; a necessity in order to produce the number of spirit children who come to earth.
• In heaven a Mormon man will become a God, have many wives, and rule over his own planet.
• There is salvation after death, obtained through Jesus Christ plus the endorsement of Joseph Smith.
• Exaltation (a higher form of salvation) is obtained only through the LDS Church and temple rituals.
Many Christians feel that Mormon theology should be the criteria in determining how they vote. But consider this question: Would any of those beliefs actually affect a president's decisions in the White House? I suggest they would not. How would believing that God is a resurrected man have any bearing on governmental decision-making, war, or foreign policy? None. Nevertheless, a Mormon's beliefs are important to 41% of Evangelicals; although there are others, like Rev. Franklin Graham, who say they can allow for a Mormon's beliefs if he is the most qualified to get our country back on track. The following are thoughts to consider.
What you may not know
The LDS Church has a private agenda that could have tie-ins with a Mormon's candidacy for President. Church leaders, of course, won't acknowledge this agenda, and would be quick to remind one that the LDS Church believes in separation of church and state. But those who understand the deeper mindset of the Mormon vision know better. And yes, the LDS Church does believe in separation of church and state; but what the public doesn't know, is about the church's long-time secretive organization called the "Government of God," a political organization separate from the church, but directed by the Mormon priesthood.
The Mormon Church's behind-the-scene organization
First, a little history is necessary. Joseph Smith set up two organizations:
1. A public one. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (originally, "The Church of Christ"), with its familiar theology.
2. A secret one. An organization called the "Government of God" (also called the Kingdom of God), a political entity separate from the church, but directed by the priesthood and ruled by a Council of Fifty, all of whom were sworn to secrecy about its existence under penalty of death. All Presidents of the church were to also be the President of the Council. Its aim was to gradually turn America into a Mormon Theocracy. Why? In order to have a Mormon-run government already in place at the Second Coming when Jesus acknowledges the LDS Church as the only true church. The Council was to encourage as many Mormons into political office as they could. While the priesthood-run Council was free to involve themselves in political matters, the Church, a separate construct, was not.
Is the Government of God still in existence today?
It would be difficult to prove because of its secrecy. However, Jerald and Sandra Tanner, in their book, Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? said they contacted a Mormon who claimed to have spoken with LDS Apostle, B.H. Roberts (who died in 1933), “in which Roberts claimed that the Council of Fifty was established by revelation and would always be a part of the church.” Historian, Klaus Hansen, in Quest for Empire, stated that since “world government was one of the Council’s primary missions.” modern-day Church leaders are not going to do away with it. (p. 65) Drs. John Heinerman and Anson Shupe, in The Mormon Corporate Empire, state that as late as 1945 the Council of Fifty still operated within Mormonism. (p. 20)
Assuming it is still in existence, here's an example of how double-speak can be used by church leaders to deny any involvement with a presidential candidate. When the First Presidency of the church issues a public statement saying that the LDS Church does not endorse political candidates or attempt to direct or dictate to a governmental leader, they are stating the truth, for they are speaking about the "church." Their statement does not apply to the "Government of God" or its Council of Fifty. Therefore, the Government of God, of which the LDS Church President is president, can be free to direct or dictate to a governmental leader.
However, even if the Council no longer exists, it makes no difference. The principles are still believed by those at the head of the Church. Whoever runs for political office is important to them. The LDS Church's Political Manifesto of 1896 (quoted in Tanner's book, p. 423), states that men wanting to run for office, who hold high church positions (this lets out Huntsman), must first obtain the approval and permission of those who preside over them. Mitt Romney, therefore, had to receive approval from the First Presidency to run for President. He would probably not admit to this. It is also unknown if his approval came from the First Presidency acting for the Church, or acting in their capacity as the Council of Fifty's Government of God. Whichever the case, the candidate would, understandably, be subject to them. This subjection suggests that once a Presidential candidate acquires office, LDS leaders may try to persuade him on issues. Are there any examples of this ever happening before? Yes.
In 1965, President David O. McKay and his two counselors tried to influence eight LDS congressmen and three senators. They asked them to vote to repeal Section 14B of the Taft Hartley Act. One Congressman said he would, but only because he already felt so inclined. Five signed a letter saying they would not. Whether Pres. McKay and his counselors were acting in behalf of the Government of God or the LDS Church is difficult to determine.
Would Romney succumb to influence?
No one can say for sure. With his strong ties to the church, it would seem that regardless of what he states publicly, he would. Why? Because he believes President Thomas S. Monson is God's mouthpiece on earth. What faithful Mormon would ignore that? On the other hand, knowing the high standards that the Mormon Church holds, perhaps any attempted persuasion by leaders would merely consist of pushing ideal American values. But if the Government of God's Council of Fifty still exists, LDS leaders, acting in that capacity, could attempt to use their influence to achieve its political agenda of a theocracy, perhaps promote certain Mormons to positions. There are those who believe this agenda is very real as with the following authors:
Heinerman and Shupe ask: "Will the church be successful in gaining its political objective?" Their answer . . . "Their success [will be] directly related to general public ignorance about their methods and ends." (p. 28)
Conclusion
Whether the Government of God still exist today or not, LDS leaders still retain the church's long-held vision of America becoming a theocracy and would like to see a Mormon majority in political positions. This is not because they are power-hungry in an evil sense, but because they honestly believe that their church is the only one God endorses, and they want to see God's government already in place by the time Jesus ushers in the Millennium.
Christians, faced with the dilemma of supporting a Mormon Presidential candidate, need to consider these questions:
• If Mitt Romney (or any Mormon) becomes President, will he succumb to the private bidding of LDS leaders, or be his own man?
• Would that bidding by leaders merely consist of pushing for ideal American values, or would it have more political ramifications?
• Could a Mormon's election as President and his subsequent appointment of other Mormons to positions possibly have a long range goal of a Mormon take-over?
• Since America was established as a Christian nation, does supporting a Mormon candidate conflict with that?
• Should the theology of a Mormon Presidential candidate be inconsequential so long as he lives a Christian lifestyle and has America's best interest at heart?
• Considering the serious economical and debt crisis of America, would it be permissible to vote for a Mormon because he may have expertise in that area? A few Christian leaders think so.
Electing a president is a heavy responsibility, and no one can tell another how to vote. The only advice one can give is to consider everything, pray to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and then vote how you are led.
#
For a more in-depth presentation of this subject, go to www.janishutchinson.com. Click on Newsletter Archives, then "Mormons in Politics."
I was approached by a reader Janis Hutchinson about being a guest blogger. She is a former Mormon with a Christian ministry in the American Northwest. She was a Mormon for over thirty-four years. She has a Christian Education media ministry.
A question that has been suggested by the times but not well answered is "Can Christians vote for a Mormon?" All voters need to be informed. I think she gives an excellent prospective on this question with information we need and questions we as voters need to answer for ourselves.
Here is Janis Hutchinson's bio she supplied from her ministry web-site.
"Janis Hutchinson is a former Mormon of thirty-five years. She is an award-winning author and speaker, and was awarded "Writer of the Year" (2008) by the American Christian Writers Association. She has authored six books: The Mormon Missionaries: An inside look at their real message and methods" (Second Edition published Jan. 2012); Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and encouraging ex-cultists; Misioneros Mormones, and a novel, Ultimate Justice. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with an M.A. in Theology, and holds credentials with the Assemblies of God. She has taught classes at both the college and church level and is a frequent guest on Christian TV and radio talk shows. Her website is www.janishutchinson.com. To sign up for her newsletter, send an email to janishutchinson@frontier.com."
Can Christians Support a Mormon Presidential Candidate?
Mitt Romney's run for the Presidency is a hot debate for evangelical Christians. Reservations are mostly centered on Mormon beliefs. But instead, could there be something else to explore?
Could there be another facet to a Mormon's Presidential candidacy that the majority of Americans have never heard about? Yes. Does the LDS Church want you to know about it? No. And that's the way they'd like to keep it.
But first, let's briefly address what Christians presently wrestle with—Mormon beliefs. Here are a few:
• God is not a triune being, but a resurrected man from a previous world who earned his Godhood.
• God is a polygamist; a necessity in order to produce the number of spirit children who come to earth.
• In heaven a Mormon man will become a God, have many wives, and rule over his own planet.
• There is salvation after death, obtained through Jesus Christ plus the endorsement of Joseph Smith.
• Exaltation (a higher form of salvation) is obtained only through the LDS Church and temple rituals.
Many Christians feel that Mormon theology should be the criteria in determining how they vote. But consider this question: Would any of those beliefs actually affect a president's decisions in the White House? I suggest they would not. How would believing that God is a resurrected man have any bearing on governmental decision-making, war, or foreign policy? None. Nevertheless, a Mormon's beliefs are important to 41% of Evangelicals; although there are others, like Rev. Franklin Graham, who say they can allow for a Mormon's beliefs if he is the most qualified to get our country back on track. The following are thoughts to consider.
What you may not know
The LDS Church has a private agenda that could have tie-ins with a Mormon's candidacy for President. Church leaders, of course, won't acknowledge this agenda, and would be quick to remind one that the LDS Church believes in separation of church and state. But those who understand the deeper mindset of the Mormon vision know better. And yes, the LDS Church does believe in separation of church and state; but what the public doesn't know, is about the church's long-time secretive organization called the "Government of God," a political organization separate from the church, but directed by the Mormon priesthood.
The Mormon Church's behind-the-scene organization
First, a little history is necessary. Joseph Smith set up two organizations:
1. A public one. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (originally, "The Church of Christ"), with its familiar theology.
2. A secret one. An organization called the "Government of God" (also called the Kingdom of God), a political entity separate from the church, but directed by the priesthood and ruled by a Council of Fifty, all of whom were sworn to secrecy about its existence under penalty of death. All Presidents of the church were to also be the President of the Council. Its aim was to gradually turn America into a Mormon Theocracy. Why? In order to have a Mormon-run government already in place at the Second Coming when Jesus acknowledges the LDS Church as the only true church. The Council was to encourage as many Mormons into political office as they could. While the priesthood-run Council was free to involve themselves in political matters, the Church, a separate construct, was not.
Is the Government of God still in existence today?
It would be difficult to prove because of its secrecy. However, Jerald and Sandra Tanner, in their book, Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? said they contacted a Mormon who claimed to have spoken with LDS Apostle, B.H. Roberts (who died in 1933), “in which Roberts claimed that the Council of Fifty was established by revelation and would always be a part of the church.” Historian, Klaus Hansen, in Quest for Empire, stated that since “world government was one of the Council’s primary missions.” modern-day Church leaders are not going to do away with it. (p. 65) Drs. John Heinerman and Anson Shupe, in The Mormon Corporate Empire, state that as late as 1945 the Council of Fifty still operated within Mormonism. (p. 20)
Assuming it is still in existence, here's an example of how double-speak can be used by church leaders to deny any involvement with a presidential candidate. When the First Presidency of the church issues a public statement saying that the LDS Church does not endorse political candidates or attempt to direct or dictate to a governmental leader, they are stating the truth, for they are speaking about the "church." Their statement does not apply to the "Government of God" or its Council of Fifty. Therefore, the Government of God, of which the LDS Church President is president, can be free to direct or dictate to a governmental leader.
However, even if the Council no longer exists, it makes no difference. The principles are still believed by those at the head of the Church. Whoever runs for political office is important to them. The LDS Church's Political Manifesto of 1896 (quoted in Tanner's book, p. 423), states that men wanting to run for office, who hold high church positions (this lets out Huntsman), must first obtain the approval and permission of those who preside over them. Mitt Romney, therefore, had to receive approval from the First Presidency to run for President. He would probably not admit to this. It is also unknown if his approval came from the First Presidency acting for the Church, or acting in their capacity as the Council of Fifty's Government of God. Whichever the case, the candidate would, understandably, be subject to them. This subjection suggests that once a Presidential candidate acquires office, LDS leaders may try to persuade him on issues. Are there any examples of this ever happening before? Yes.
In 1965, President David O. McKay and his two counselors tried to influence eight LDS congressmen and three senators. They asked them to vote to repeal Section 14B of the Taft Hartley Act. One Congressman said he would, but only because he already felt so inclined. Five signed a letter saying they would not. Whether Pres. McKay and his counselors were acting in behalf of the Government of God or the LDS Church is difficult to determine.
Would Romney succumb to influence?
No one can say for sure. With his strong ties to the church, it would seem that regardless of what he states publicly, he would. Why? Because he believes President Thomas S. Monson is God's mouthpiece on earth. What faithful Mormon would ignore that? On the other hand, knowing the high standards that the Mormon Church holds, perhaps any attempted persuasion by leaders would merely consist of pushing ideal American values. But if the Government of God's Council of Fifty still exists, LDS leaders, acting in that capacity, could attempt to use their influence to achieve its political agenda of a theocracy, perhaps promote certain Mormons to positions. There are those who believe this agenda is very real as with the following authors:
Heinerman and Shupe ask: "Will the church be successful in gaining its political objective?" Their answer . . . "Their success [will be] directly related to general public ignorance about their methods and ends." (p. 28)
Conclusion
Whether the Government of God still exist today or not, LDS leaders still retain the church's long-held vision of America becoming a theocracy and would like to see a Mormon majority in political positions. This is not because they are power-hungry in an evil sense, but because they honestly believe that their church is the only one God endorses, and they want to see God's government already in place by the time Jesus ushers in the Millennium.
Christians, faced with the dilemma of supporting a Mormon Presidential candidate, need to consider these questions:
• If Mitt Romney (or any Mormon) becomes President, will he succumb to the private bidding of LDS leaders, or be his own man?
• Would that bidding by leaders merely consist of pushing for ideal American values, or would it have more political ramifications?
• Could a Mormon's election as President and his subsequent appointment of other Mormons to positions possibly have a long range goal of a Mormon take-over?
• Since America was established as a Christian nation, does supporting a Mormon candidate conflict with that?
• Should the theology of a Mormon Presidential candidate be inconsequential so long as he lives a Christian lifestyle and has America's best interest at heart?
• Considering the serious economical and debt crisis of America, would it be permissible to vote for a Mormon because he may have expertise in that area? A few Christian leaders think so.
Electing a president is a heavy responsibility, and no one can tell another how to vote. The only advice one can give is to consider everything, pray to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and then vote how you are led.
#
For a more in-depth presentation of this subject, go to www.janishutchinson.com. Click on Newsletter Archives, then "Mormons in Politics."
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
When Is It Time To Leave The Church
QUESTION RECEIVED:
I am trying to make a decision on leaving my church and joining another one. I don't feel like I belong at my church anymore and that I can't grow there because the members for the most part do not want to learn they are stuck on tradition. The only reason I still go is because I am the Sunday school teacher after that I leave and go to the church I am thinking about joining where I feel like I get what I need in my spiritual growth. How do I ask God to help and show me what His will is for me? What Scriptures do I study. My church is currently without a Pastor. Thank you and thank God for you. I'm currently learning about false doctrines on your website.
MY ANSWER:
Jesus Christ has a relationship and mission for the church. Yes you know he cares for any churches individually and as the total body.
From Revelation Chapter 1:4-9 (NIV)
"John,
To the seven churches in the province of Asia:
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
So shall it be! Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
So what does this personal message from Jesus tell us? "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever!"
So the church is about kingdom work in giving honor and glory in serving God. Jesus in the great commission in Matthew 28 :18-20 said " 18 Then Jesus came to them and said,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In kingdom work we are making disciples, baptizing believers, teaching Christ.
I do not see the biblical grounds that this is an apostate church from what you have said. In fact, from what you have written, they need your help in teaching the gospel.
What about when we are in a church that has lost it's gospel mission?
Every church is flawed. I believe most people join a church trusting their church will teach true Bible doctrine. Obviously all fail from small to a great degree. When the Bible is not regarded as truth and Jesus is not regarded as our only hope in Salvation, I can tell you then to flee.
In my experience with churches, once churches get worried with nonessential issues (Non-gospel related issues) they cannot balance that with an inerrant view of the Bible. Their are big differences in Christian churches, denominations and traditions. Baptism is a big issue in a church and you have to decide about, infant or believer's baptism by immersion tells a lot of what is believed about salvation. Can we have differences with others and all still be Christians? Yes. Again no church is perfect.
In my personal observations of individual churches and denominations, once wrong doctrinal is adopted and leadership adopts the wrong position, theological and biblical problems are almost impossible to correct. If you stay these big problems you listed will not go away. Will you give in to these positions? Would compromising help you or that church? You do not need to be ugly about departing. You can be loving, but from Scripture, you can share your Biblical concerns.
Yes, your local church fellowship shapes you and you help shape it. If these violated biblical principles bother you, you need to find a church who you can follow and serve the Lord with out violating biblical principals.
The early church had splits but it was due to a passion to evangelize and the separation was profitable for the gospel. Their hearts were the same. In the book of Acts zeal for the gospel to spread is why believers separated.
I believe there are few reasons to switch churches like-
1. You have to move.
2. The church is apostate.
3. You are going for a new ministry as a layman or clergy.
Pray about this and read the book of Acts.
Do not let personal feelings be interpreted as the Lord speaking.
I am trying to make a decision on leaving my church and joining another one. I don't feel like I belong at my church anymore and that I can't grow there because the members for the most part do not want to learn they are stuck on tradition. The only reason I still go is because I am the Sunday school teacher after that I leave and go to the church I am thinking about joining where I feel like I get what I need in my spiritual growth. How do I ask God to help and show me what His will is for me? What Scriptures do I study. My church is currently without a Pastor. Thank you and thank God for you. I'm currently learning about false doctrines on your website.
MY ANSWER:
Jesus Christ has a relationship and mission for the church. Yes you know he cares for any churches individually and as the total body.
From Revelation Chapter 1:4-9 (NIV)
"John,
To the seven churches in the province of Asia:
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
So shall it be! Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
So what does this personal message from Jesus tell us? "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever!"
So the church is about kingdom work in giving honor and glory in serving God. Jesus in the great commission in Matthew 28 :18-20 said " 18 Then Jesus came to them and said,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In kingdom work we are making disciples, baptizing believers, teaching Christ.
I do not see the biblical grounds that this is an apostate church from what you have said. In fact, from what you have written, they need your help in teaching the gospel.
What about when we are in a church that has lost it's gospel mission?
Every church is flawed. I believe most people join a church trusting their church will teach true Bible doctrine. Obviously all fail from small to a great degree. When the Bible is not regarded as truth and Jesus is not regarded as our only hope in Salvation, I can tell you then to flee.
In my experience with churches, once churches get worried with nonessential issues (Non-gospel related issues) they cannot balance that with an inerrant view of the Bible. Their are big differences in Christian churches, denominations and traditions. Baptism is a big issue in a church and you have to decide about, infant or believer's baptism by immersion tells a lot of what is believed about salvation. Can we have differences with others and all still be Christians? Yes. Again no church is perfect.
In my personal observations of individual churches and denominations, once wrong doctrinal is adopted and leadership adopts the wrong position, theological and biblical problems are almost impossible to correct. If you stay these big problems you listed will not go away. Will you give in to these positions? Would compromising help you or that church? You do not need to be ugly about departing. You can be loving, but from Scripture, you can share your Biblical concerns.
Yes, your local church fellowship shapes you and you help shape it. If these violated biblical principles bother you, you need to find a church who you can follow and serve the Lord with out violating biblical principals.
The early church had splits but it was due to a passion to evangelize and the separation was profitable for the gospel. Their hearts were the same. In the book of Acts zeal for the gospel to spread is why believers separated.
I believe there are few reasons to switch churches like-
1. You have to move.
2. The church is apostate.
3. You are going for a new ministry as a layman or clergy.
Pray about this and read the book of Acts.
Do not let personal feelings be interpreted as the Lord speaking.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Tebow Haters -gotta love/laugh at them
Tebow Haters Do Not Understand Why So Many Folks Like Him
Here is why-
1. He is a pro athlete who always gives maximum effort.
2. He plays the game not in the scripted robotic way of the many teams not in the playoffs, who all have the "right/same" playbook of most NFL teams .
3. He is not the cookie cutter combine throwing quarterback who has the right specs and no performance in games.
4. He displays character and praises God win or lose. Christ is still more important than football.
5. It is fun to hear hear the know-it-all haters who despite Tebow's National Championships [2], the Heisman, being a first round draft pick, and a leader who wills his team to many pro victories; just know he is no good despite the facts of his success.
Here is why-
1. He is a pro athlete who always gives maximum effort.
2. He plays the game not in the scripted robotic way of the many teams not in the playoffs, who all have the "right/same" playbook of most NFL teams .
3. He is not the cookie cutter combine throwing quarterback who has the right specs and no performance in games.
4. He displays character and praises God win or lose. Christ is still more important than football.
5. It is fun to hear hear the know-it-all haters who despite Tebow's National Championships [2], the Heisman, being a first round draft pick, and a leader who wills his team to many pro victories; just know he is no good despite the facts of his success.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Christianity's Cancer - In our Church and Gospel Presentation
(From 7-25-11 with amendments)
Christianity has a horridly deadly great problem. It is not some intramural snit concerning worship practices. It is not Calvinist vs. Armenians. It is not about spiritual gifts or women in ministry. The problem is that the church has a cancer in it called Universalism, or the belief that salvation will happen for all people, no sins need forgiven, no judgement, no Hell. Sometimes this is just implied by good meaning Christians that just do not like to think about people in hell and are scared to share that we need "to flee the wrath to come" as told by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:7. Often Universalism comes from somewhat honest liberal "Christians" who then wonder why a gospel that does not save (or apparently does not even need to save)is so poorly responded to. The wrath of God is the bad news that unrepentant sinners receive. The Good News is that through the love of Christ, sinners will flee from the wrath of God, be forgiven, be saved from God's wrath by God through Jesus Christ crucified, have peace with God and become citizens of Heaven. Universalist of all kinds refute and trash the Christian's "Great Commission" of Matthew 28:16-20. Therefore, the cross of Jesus Christ is even called by some Universalist as "divine child abuse" as it served no purpose. So their so called good news is that this is really as good as it gets.
People are then left in their filth and destruction by these religious people.
When we look at the church, "The Body of Christ", "The Kingdom", "The House of God", "The Family of God", we must love her because God declared her, and us, to be worthy
for Jesus Christ to die and
Christianity has a horridly deadly great problem. It is not some intramural snit concerning worship practices. It is not Calvinist vs. Armenians. It is not about spiritual gifts or women in ministry. The problem is that the church has a cancer in it called Universalism, or the belief that salvation will happen for all people, no sins need forgiven, no judgement, no Hell. Sometimes this is just implied by good meaning Christians that just do not like to think about people in hell and are scared to share that we need "to flee the wrath to come" as told by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:7. Often Universalism comes from somewhat honest liberal "Christians" who then wonder why a gospel that does not save (or apparently does not even need to save)is so poorly responded to. The wrath of God is the bad news that unrepentant sinners receive. The Good News is that through the love of Christ, sinners will flee from the wrath of God, be forgiven, be saved from God's wrath by God through Jesus Christ crucified, have peace with God and become citizens of Heaven. Universalist of all kinds refute and trash the Christian's "Great Commission" of Matthew 28:16-20. Therefore, the cross of Jesus Christ is even called by some Universalist as "divine child abuse" as it served no purpose. So their so called good news is that this is really as good as it gets.
People are then left in their filth and destruction by these religious people.
When we look at the church, "The Body of Christ", "The Kingdom", "The House of God", "The Family of God", we must love her because God declared her, and us, to be worthy
for Jesus Christ to die and
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Salvation For Sinners? How?
QUESTION RECEIVED:
It's from a GotQuestions.org reader. Male 18-30 Africa
"What do you think about the Bible viewpoint of salvation? Does obeying the law (Moses) guarantee your salvation?
MY ANSWER:
Does obeying the law, you ask, guarantee salvation? NO!
Depending on the law for justification or salvation is a recipe for damnation eternally and a horribly frustrating time while you are on Earth.
In fact you can not do it, fully obey the law. The law is not salvation. Only condemnation is found in the law when you look for salvation in it.
The law was sent by the grace of God to deter us and to prompt us to seek salvation.
The law, or ten commandments, found in Exodus chapter 20, is not intended to allow us to parade our righteousness, no not at all. The purpose is for us to know we all have sinned and we need to seek the Savior.
What does the Bible say about the purpose of the law?
Galatians 3:24 King James Version (KJV)
"24Wherefore ***the law*** was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
The law's purpose was to show every person that they have sinned.
This should convict people to look for the Savior.
What is the Bible's, not man's, definition of sin?
Here it is.
1 John 3:4 English Standard Version (ESV) "4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; ***sin*** is lawlessness."
People do not understand that our holy God hates sin. One day He will not tolerate sin any longer. The wrath of God will be poured out on unsaved sinners. This wrath is from God not Satan.
John the Baptist warned the people before Jesus started his earthly ministry.
Matthew 3:7(ESV) "7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
This wrath will be pored out on sinners in Hell by God.
Why is there a Hell? It is where God sends those to suffer his wrath from law breaking. Matthew 25:41 (ESV) 41 "... ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
The wrath is from God.
Romans 1:18(ESV) "18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."
God's plan of salvation, from the beginning of time, centered on Jesus Christ taking the wrath of God on Himself for believers. Believers are saved on the fact that Christ Jesus paid the price for our sins. It is the work of Christ Alone. That is why we are saved through the grace of God.
Salvation is from God.
The work of Christ was to saved those of us or all of us who do not deserve it. That is why we call it grace. Here Jesus describes His saving work.
Matthew 20:28(ESV) "28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Do not be confused. Humanity is doomed due to it's inability to keep the law. We are sinners. Adam our ancestor infused sin in our lives. Christ the "last Adam" brought our only solution. 1 Corinthians 15:45 (ESV) "45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit."
Christ is our champion over the law.
Colossians 3:5-7(ESV) "5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them."
Jesus Christ IS the plan of salvation.
John 3:36(ESV) "36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
Then we are made right with God, forgiven, and are at peace with God, we are saved from His wrath. We receive His grace.
Romans 5:9 (ESV) "9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God that Jesus took for us on the cross."
Hebrews 10:31(ESV) "31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Wow!, Christ took our place in suffering the wrath of God. This is why it is called substitutionary atonement. We are saved from God by God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) "21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
We are saved and justified by the work of Christ on the cross.
Romans 4:25 (ESV) "25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification."
Why or how could God sacrifice His only Son for sinners like us. Pure LOVE!
1 John 4:10 (ESV) "10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
The cross was the finished work of God's plan of salvation. Jesus declared complete victory on the cross.
John 19:30 (ESV) "30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and fgave up his spirit."
Friend, know Christ died for your sins. He planned it. It is not a way of salvation. It is The way of salvation.
Know we must repent, turn from our sins and believe the gospel that Jesus Christ is Lord. He is our salvation.
It's from a GotQuestions.org reader. Male 18-30 Africa
"What do you think about the Bible viewpoint of salvation? Does obeying the law (Moses) guarantee your salvation?
MY ANSWER:
Does obeying the law, you ask, guarantee salvation? NO!
Depending on the law for justification or salvation is a recipe for damnation eternally and a horribly frustrating time while you are on Earth.
In fact you can not do it, fully obey the law. The law is not salvation. Only condemnation is found in the law when you look for salvation in it.
The law was sent by the grace of God to deter us and to prompt us to seek salvation.
The law, or ten commandments, found in Exodus chapter 20, is not intended to allow us to parade our righteousness, no not at all. The purpose is for us to know we all have sinned and we need to seek the Savior.
What does the Bible say about the purpose of the law?
Galatians 3:24 King James Version (KJV)
"24Wherefore ***the law*** was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
The law's purpose was to show every person that they have sinned.
This should convict people to look for the Savior.
What is the Bible's, not man's, definition of sin?
Here it is.
1 John 3:4 English Standard Version (ESV) "4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; ***sin*** is lawlessness."
People do not understand that our holy God hates sin. One day He will not tolerate sin any longer. The wrath of God will be poured out on unsaved sinners. This wrath is from God not Satan.
John the Baptist warned the people before Jesus started his earthly ministry.
Matthew 3:7(ESV) "7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
This wrath will be pored out on sinners in Hell by God.
Why is there a Hell? It is where God sends those to suffer his wrath from law breaking. Matthew 25:41 (ESV) 41 "... ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
The wrath is from God.
Romans 1:18(ESV) "18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."
God's plan of salvation, from the beginning of time, centered on Jesus Christ taking the wrath of God on Himself for believers. Believers are saved on the fact that Christ Jesus paid the price for our sins. It is the work of Christ Alone. That is why we are saved through the grace of God.
Salvation is from God.
The work of Christ was to saved those of us or all of us who do not deserve it. That is why we call it grace. Here Jesus describes His saving work.
Matthew 20:28(ESV) "28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Do not be confused. Humanity is doomed due to it's inability to keep the law. We are sinners. Adam our ancestor infused sin in our lives. Christ the "last Adam" brought our only solution. 1 Corinthians 15:45 (ESV) "45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit."
Christ is our champion over the law.
Colossians 3:5-7(ESV) "5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them."
Jesus Christ IS the plan of salvation.
John 3:36(ESV) "36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
Then we are made right with God, forgiven, and are at peace with God, we are saved from His wrath. We receive His grace.
Romans 5:9 (ESV) "9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God that Jesus took for us on the cross."
Hebrews 10:31(ESV) "31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Wow!, Christ took our place in suffering the wrath of God. This is why it is called substitutionary atonement. We are saved from God by God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) "21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
We are saved and justified by the work of Christ on the cross.
Romans 4:25 (ESV) "25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification."
Why or how could God sacrifice His only Son for sinners like us. Pure LOVE!
1 John 4:10 (ESV) "10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
The cross was the finished work of God's plan of salvation. Jesus declared complete victory on the cross.
John 19:30 (ESV) "30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and fgave up his spirit."
Friend, know Christ died for your sins. He planned it. It is not a way of salvation. It is The way of salvation.
Know we must repent, turn from our sins and believe the gospel that Jesus Christ is Lord. He is our salvation.
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