"Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" - Jeremiah 23:29

Showing posts with label Pope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pope. Show all posts

Monday, December 17, 2012

The Twelve Lies Of Christmas Told By The Father Of Christmas

Lie # 1 Jesus was born on Dec. 25

Jesus was not born on December 25, nearly all scholars and historians agree that it could not be possible. I hear September is more likely. So why do some "Christians" say Jesus was born on the 25th? Because the Pope of Rome long ago said he was.  (I guess the current pope has his own story).

Lie #2 Jesus is the reason for the season

Perhaps some people think he is, or like to believe he is. But the reason that the Christmas season is celebrated today is because businesses want to make money, because the pope says it should be, and because it feels good to those who have lost the love of the truth.

Lie #3 Christians celebrate Christmas

Professing Christ and following his teachings is what makes you a Christian. That being said, the question comes to how do we know Christ and his teachings? The Christian who knows Christ and learns his teachings from the Holy Scriptures rather than extra-biblical ideas knows that Christmas is foreign to Christ and his teachings. 

Lie #4 Christmas is in the Bible

No Christmas is not in the Bible. The story of the birth of Christ is in the Bible, so are many other stories. Why have some kept a rather elaborate tradition currently called Christmas? Because once upon a time it was convenient for the Roman Catholic Church.

Lie # 5 We give gifts because the wise men gave gifts to Jesus 

No we give gifts because of the anti christian consumerism driven culture, and because it is an ancient tradition.

Lie # 6 Christmas is good because it is an easier time to get unbelievers to come to church. 

I still remember the last time I went to a Christmas service at a church. It was many years ago now, since I avoid church at that time of the year having yet to find a "Christian" church that has not at least dabbled in Babylonian Pagan Idolatry. 

It was a very sad service, to me only perhaps. True it was that the church was packed with Chreasters and other backsliders. No doubt many who don't normally go to church were there because it is more culturally acceptable that time of the year, perhaps they were getting gifts or a free meal. Why was the service so saddening? Because all these unsaved were in the church and I kept waiting to hear the Gospel or at least enough of it...but nothing. It was all about the precious, helpless Jesus who came to earth and was born in a manger. Here he is...come to earth because God loves people so so much. And that's all the Pastor said...with a multitude of words. I have fear it my heart when I imagine what unrepentant pastors like this face on judgement day. I am no pastor, but this also makes me look at myself and consider; what more can and should I be doing? The service did nothing to save anyone from their sins. It did nothing to transform anyone into the likeness of Christ. But what did it do? It convinced a multitude that whatever they were doing it was alright because God loved them just how they are. It convinced a multitude that they can continue to live in sin, and be at ease and enjoy the holiday traditions. It convinced a multitude that Christ is a helpless babe and nothing but a loving friend. It convinced the multitude that Jesus Christ was not the Jesus Christ described in the Bible. It convinced a multitude that the scriptures are irrelevant to Christianity today.

Lie #7 Jesus Christ is a baby in a manger 

As already discussed Christmas gives a false impression that Jesus is still a helpless baby. Sometimes this is done to get unbelievers to accept a Christ that they feel comfortable with. This way they will join the "church" and pay the pastor, so that everyone can live both physically and psychologically comfortable until they die and are cast into Hell for the Idolatry of worshiping a false Christ.

Lie # 8 The wise men visited baby Jesus about the night he was born

Actually Jesus was a young child by the time the wise men got to see him (Matthew 2:6-12). 

Lie #9 Christmas honors Christ 

Christmas is an Abomination in the sight of God. It disobeys his word in multiple ways. The mixing of Pagan traditions into God's commands is forbidden by God as every Bible believer and reader knows. Often the Israelites were punished for this very thing. "Learn not the way of the heathen" says God.

Lie #10 Christmas trees 

See Jeremiah 10:1-4

Lie #11 Santa clause mythology is a nice little children's story

After deceiving children into believing that Santa is real is it any wonder that they think Jesus is a myth also? What can we say of a people who lie to their children?

Lie # 12 Christmas is too important and too widespread to end.

By exposing the truth of a matter progress against it can move forward. However as the antichrist(s) continue to grow and multiply many will become and remain deceived. But by spreading the truth those who love it will learn and accept it as they seek the will of the Lord. Resistance is not futile. The Christian battle is fought for a cause most glorious.

Can something based on Lies be of God? If you even have to think about that question it shows you are deceived.

We can see that Lies are of the devil. The Father of Christmas is none other than the Devil himself.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. - John 8:44


The above "12 lies of Christmas" is not a comprehensive list.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Mistake of King Saul: To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice

In Jeremiah 10:2 as well as throughout the Holy Bible in many verses we are instructedDo not learn the way of the heathen. This is made very clear in the Old Testament scriptures. The reason why Christmas is so wrong is because all Christmas traditions brought into the “Church” are “ways of the heathen.” Changing the name of something, or the explanation for it does not change what it is. Man does not have the authority to add or to take away from the word of God, and when he attempts to do so, he does so to his own peril (Deuteronomy 12:32, 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19). We are not to do what seems right in our own eyes, we are to do what the scripture teaches (Proverbs 12:15, 14:12, 16:2, 21:2, 2 Timothy 3:15-17). God does not desire to be worshiped by the flesh, that is, by mans ideas, but only in the manner which He has ordained. He desires to be worshiped in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23).

In Leviticus 10:1-2 Nadab and Abihu tried to worship God in a way that he had not commanded. How did God accept their offering? He killed them both. This is a fearful thing.

In 1 Samuel 15:1-28 we learn many principles from King Saul’s mistakes. In verses 1-3 we see that the Lord sent the prophet Samuel to King Saul with the message that King Saul was to “go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not;” we can see in verse 3 that Saul was clearly told to kill all the Amalekites, and all of their animals.

Did King Saul obey the word of the Lord? No he did not. We see in verse 8 and 9 that he took the King of the Amalekites alive and that he spared “the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them.”

Below we can read 1 Samuel 15:10-28

"Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou."

Notice that Saul claimed to have obeyed the Lord even though he did not. Notice that Saul disobeyed the Lord so that he could worship the Lord by offering a sacrifice to him. Notice that Samuel says to Saul “to obey is better than sacrifice” Samuel says that “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” Listen to the excuse Saul gave; “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”

This story in 1 Samuel 15 has many similarities to the way many people respond to Christmas. God has clearly commanded us not to learn heathen practices. He has clearly commanded us to be separate from the world (John 15:19, 1 John 2:15, 2 Corinthians 6:15). Therefore, we cannot celebrate Christmas, because if not for heathen practices, there would be no Christmas to have. It must be realized that Christmas and the scriptural account of the birth of Christ are two entirely different things.

But like Saul some have falsely claimed that they have obeyed the Lord. Like Saul some have disobeyed the Lord claiming that they did so in order to worship God. Like Saul some have rebelled, some have been stubborn, some have an Idol. Like Saul some have transgressed the commandment of the Lord because they feared the people (rather than God) and have obeyed the voice of the people.

Christmas is a teaching of the Roman Catholic Church - an antichrist teaching. Christianity based on Scripture Alone was the cry and teaching of the protestant leaders who led God's people out of bondage from the Great Whore (That Great Whore, which today, as in much of history, is, at the very least, most largely embodied by The Roman Catholic Church).

O How that Romish Church has conquered the former Protestants, tricking them into honoring the wishes of the Pope (and of Satan himself)!

If God would have wanted us to celebrate Christmas he certainly would have told us so. In Matthew 28:19-20 we read “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Notice that Christ never taught us any such thing as that which is commonly called "Christmas." Notice also that the Apostles never left us any such example (Nor did the early church).

In the Holy Bible it does not say anything about celebrating the Birthday of Christ. In fact, the only ones who are mentioned as celebrating birthdays in the Bible are pagans who knew not God (Genesis 40:20, Matthew 14:6, Mark 6:21) .

It is in 1 John 2:21 that we find the phrase “No lie is of the truth.” "Christmas" was created by liars (Satan, Pagans, and the Roman Catholic Church (ultimately Satan)), supported by liars, and exists upon lies (John 8:44). "Christmas" continues in "Christian churches" because of those who fear man, and love tradition, more than they fear God, and love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10, Zechariah 8:19).

Christmas is an unbiblical invention of the Roman Catholic Pope, which Protestants at large formerly shunned. The fact that it is so widespread today only evidences the great influence of the spirit of Antichrist which abounds in this world at the present time.

Christmas is highly esteemed in the eyes of men, and no wonder; "For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."- Luke 16:15


See the links below for more information on the idolatry named "Christmas".



Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Cult Whose Name Is A Misnomer

Part II: The Arguments

Christ is Jehovah

Old testament prophesies such as Zechariah 12:1-10 and Jeremiah 23:5-6 equate Jehovah to Christ. We see that Isaiah 53:12 is fulfilled in Luke 22:37 - here we see that Christ was numbered among the transgressors, though he himself was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ, being God even had the power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2). We see Psalm 78:1-2 fulfilled in Matthew 13:34-35, in this example Jehovah God is also equated to Christ.

In Isaiah 43:11 and Hosea 13:4 we can see Jehovah declaring that beside him there is no Saviour. In John 4:42 and 1 John 4:14 we see that Christ Jesus is declared to be the Saviour. This is quite clear. The prophets said that there was no Saviour but God, yet the scriptures declare Christ as the only Saviour of the world, therefore Christ is God according to the Holy Scriptures.

If Christ was not God, he could not have been without sin, and he would not have been worthy to be a sacrifice for us (1 Peter 1:19).

In 1 Peter 1:21 we see that God raised Jesus from the dead, and in John 10:17-18 we see Jesus declaring that he will raise himself from the dead. This is not a contradiction, but it attests to the fact that Christ was God in the flesh. Again, if Christ was a liar he could not have done what he did.

In Exodus 3:13-15 we see that “I AM” and “Jehovah” are the same individual. In John 8:58 Jesus identified himself as “I AM.”

Psalm 34:8 is quoted in 1 Peter 2:3 - “Taste that the Lord is good.” Here again Christ is equated to Jehovah, because in Psalm 34:8 the LORD is Jehovah, and in 1 Peter 2:3 the Lord is Christ.

In Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 1:8-18, especially verses 17-18 we can see that both Jehovah and Jesus Christ are one in the same. For they both say “I am the first, and I am the last.”

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” - Isaiah 44:6

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs werewhite like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance wasas the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” - Revelation 1:8-18

In John 5:22-23 we read - “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which sent him.” (also see John 9:36-38)

In John 10:30 the Lord Jesus said “I and my Father are one.”

In Isaiah 9:6-7 we see that some names for God the Son - Jesus Christ - are the same as those used for God the Father (such as “mighty God” and “everlasting Father”).

Regarding the Holy Ghost - we can see that he is also described as God in Acts 5:3-4, as well as in Matthew 28:19, 1 John 5:7, 2 Corinthians 13:14, etcetera.

A god?

In Exodus 20:3-5, 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24, etcetera, we can see clearly that God is a jealous God. He does not tolerate any other who claims to be God. If Jesus was not God in the flesh as he claimed and as the scriptures teach, then he could not have done what he did, nor wrought the Salvation upon us by his death as he has done.

“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” - Isaiah 42:8

In the beginning of John chapter 1 we can see that Christ was with the Father in the beginning, and that it was by Christ that the earth and that which is therein was created (also see Colossians 1:16-17). This is why God said “let us make man in our image…” - “our” refers to the Godhead or Trinity (Genesis 1:26).

Another belief that these particular (and I suppose all) JW’s espoused is that there are many gods. This is perhaps best exampled by their corrupt Bible translation which reads the “Word was a god” in John 1:1 instead of the “Word was God.” The “Word” in John chapter one clearly refers to and is the Lord Jesus Christ, as can be seen by reading the whole of John chapter one (as well as 1 John 5:7, John 8:12, 9:5 and other verses). Since JW’s worship idols (a god of their imagination), it is fitting that they believe in many gods. However, as Christians there are two portions of scripture which help to make this clear.

In 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 we can see that many have idols who are their gods. We also see that to us there is but one God.

“For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” - 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

In Isaiah 43:10 we read this verse which I also shared with those JW’s who came to my door -

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”

The false prophets and their false prophesies

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” - Matthew 12:37

The words of scripture themselves are enough to know that the JW’s are a antichristian organization. However, further insights, as to how deceived they really are, can be gained by judging the words of there own mouth according to the Holy Scriptures. Old copies of the Watchtower magazine are filled with clear and damning evidence, and they are a clear witness to all men of the fallaciousness of this cult which calls itself by a Christian name. I am not going to go into detail on every example, but will merely point out some references for those who seek proof of that which I speak. In the Watchtower Magazine, April 1, 1972, p197 it is claimed that Jehovah’s Witnesses are prophets - and it is true, they are prophets - false prophets. An example of their false prophecies can be seen in the works of their false prophets such as Joseph F. Rutherford and Charles Taze Russell. For example see page 101 of “The Time is at Hand” (1888) by Charles Russell, see page 485 of “The Finished Mystery” (1917) by Joseph Rutherford, also see his book “Millions now living will never die” (1920), see the old magazines published and copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. See the Watchtower magazines of the 1920’s, and see page 23 of the “Awake” magazine of October 8, 1968 which is copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, see page 226 of the “Zion’s Watchtower” magazine from July 15, 1894, see the old issues of the “Golden Age” the “Consolation” and the “Awake” magazines which are copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. There could be more listed, but a review of the above will show plainly the false prophesies supported by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and those who call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The New World Translation: A Corrupt Bible

Perhaps the biggest mistakes in the New World Translation stem from the fact that the Greek text primarily used for its translation of the New Testament is “The New Testament in the Original Greek” published by Westcott and Hort.* This is the same problem with nearly all modern Bible translations. It is really a wonder that so many are deceived into believing that the Westcott and Hort Greek has any accuracy whatsoever. To make a long story short Westcott and Hort were supporters of the Roman Catholic Church, and neither of them believed in the inspiration of scripture. This can be seen by those who have eyes to see upon reading the following books; “Life and Letters of Fenton John Anthony Hort” Volume I by Anthony Hort, published by Macmillan and Co. LTD. 1896, and “Life and Letters of Brooke Foss Westcott” Volume I by Arthur Westcott, published by Macmillan and Co. LTD. 1903. Upon reading these books and discovering who Westcott and Hort were, it is almost unbelievable, that in the present day, so many professing Christians are still deceived by them. This can only be evidence of the spirit of antichrist at work today.

The other, perhaps larger evidence of the corruption of the Westcott and Hort text, can be known by carefully comparing the Bibles translated from their text with Bibles translated from the preserved text (such as the KJV and the Geneva). Ask these questions; Which Bible gives more glory to God? Which Bible supports Christian doctrine?

For example, Westcott and Hort remove 1 John 5:7. Jehovah’s Witnesses are benefited by this fact, for without 1 John 5:7 it is much easier for them to deny Christ, and negate him to a position lower than that which the scriptures teach.

Antichrists

Seeing then that Jehovah’s Witnesses are antichrists it is important to remember what the scriptures say of them in 2 John 1:7-11. Furthermore, we can see that without Papist supporters (Westcott and Hort), of that Romish Whore, that the Jehovah’s Witnesses cult would be much less supported. Is it any wonder that these antichrists are supported by a greater antichrist, The Pope and his false church, which has shed the blood of the saints of God, and continues to deceive the world and to ensnare men with false teachings and pleasant words, entrapping them with damnation?

But Let Us Trust In Christ Alone, For He Is The Victory That Overcomes The World!

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” – 1 John 5:4-5

Faith Is The Victory

In Christ Alone

Also see a related Post > The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

*According to the introduction of the New World Translation, 1984 edition, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, INC., International Bible Students Association, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

**Note that there are many other errors in the Jehovah's Witnesses theology that are not even mentioned here. For more info see the links below.

Jehovah's Witnesses Cult

http://www.chick.com/information/religions/jw/

Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Cult Whose Name Is A Misnomer

Part I: The Story

One Tuesday in the late morning I returned home from running some errands. Shortly thereafter, there was someone at my door, two middle aged ladies. I opened the door and stood in the doorway as I talked with them. I suspected right away that they were Jehovah’s Witnesses, or so they call themselves, but it is really a misnomer since they do not even know who Jehovah is, seeing that they deny his own words. I quickly saw that they were carrying a New World Translation of the Bible, confirming my suspicions. I thought “O what a great opportunity to witness, God brought these people to my door.”

Before they could say much I first pointed out something upon which we agreed - that neither of us celebrates the unbiblical pagan holidays. I then said that the biggest problem I have with JW’s is that they don’t believe in the deity of Christ (or of the Holy Ghost). I pointed out Isaiah 40:3 and I said that I believe that this is a prophecy of Christ’s coming. The one lady said she agreed that it was, and I told her that Christ is Jehovah. (In the Greek, as well as in the New World Translation, the word LORD in the KJV is actually “Jehovah”) Here she disagreed, but we know that Christ is Jehovah because this prophecy was fulfilled by Christ in Matthew 3:3. John the Baptist was the one preparing the way for Jehovah. John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. We then discussed some other verses as well.

Both I and the one lady did a fair amount of talking, perhaps she more, I tried to give them a copy of “The Crisis” by Jack T. Chick but she would not take it. I did say that I admired the fact that they went door to door (it’s a Biblical way to get converts). I basically said that I was not prepared to talk to them anymore because I did not have any other Bible references ready to discuss. I think she thought she was getting to me with her false teachings, and so she invited herself back, and we agreed to begin again next Tuesday morning sometime between 11:00 and 11:30.

The next Tuesday morning I woke up shortly after 6:00 and put together three pages of notes, mostly verses, and dug up lots of information on the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Westcott and Hort of whose Greek version of the New Testament the JW’s used for their Bible Translation. I also compared some verses between their Bible and ours.

I just knew they were going to come early, and so I gathered all my materials together, my Bible, their Bible, printouts of embarrassing (to them) pages from old watchtower magazines, and my three pages of notes.

I walked out on the porch at 10:45 and planned to wait for them, but no waiting did I. Nearly as soon as I walked out they came, and we began. This time the lead lady brought a different sidekick - an elderly woman. Perhaps I’m a suspicious person, but I believe here that I’m dealing with the devil, and we know his subtle tricks. She came early in an effort to catch me unawares, and she brought with her an old lady to calm my demeanor and arouse sympathy. After all, who would dare criticize a sweet old lady?

Now it is very important to speak gently and recognize verbally when they are correct. Most likely these ladies were well meaning. However, this cannot hold you back from speaking the truth, because Hell is a reality which we can’t suppose men avoid by any means other than that described in and by the word of God. They were pleased to see my copy of their Bible. I did complement on a few of the good features it has, because, after all God’s name is Jehovah, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with translating it for what it is. Before they could say much we immediately got into sharing verses which prove the deity of Christ, and of the Holy Ghost (not what she wanted to talk about). When I mentioned John 10:30 she says “Yes, but what kind of oneness is that?” Very tricky indeed she is. At one point I said “Did you know that the people who write the Watchtower magazine claim to be prophets?” She said “No they don’t.” I said “O really?” I then walked over to the porch step, lifted up the NWT Bible I had setting there and pulled out a copy of an old watchtower magazine and said that in this watchtower issue from 1972 they claim just that. She wrote down the issue date and page and said she would look it up to check it out. I also pointed out that if you read the old watchtower magazines from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s that there are a lot of prophesies that never came true, and that the whole Jehovah’s Witness movement, if you will allow me to call it that, was began by false prophets. I pointed out that the Bible defines false prophets as those who make predictions which fail to come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). She agreed that that was the right definition of a false prophet. She also made this strange statement; she said that they (JW’s) do not consider those who are “spirit anointed to be divinely inspired.” So I said “So first you say that they do not claim to be prophets, and then when I show you that they do you say that those who are spirit anointed are not considered divinely inspired, it sounds to me like you are saying that the divinely inspired are not divinely inspired, as if they cannot be held accountable for what they say?” She did not have much of a response to that.

Then I finally got around to 1 John 5:7. I said that “I think part of the problem here is your translation.” I said “I know this verse isn’t in your Bible but I’m going to read it for you anyhow.” She says “I know what it says.” Then I read it “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” She said “That’s a spurious verse.” I said “O really, do you know anything about how your Bible was translated?” She said “well it was translated from the best copies of the originals.” I said “well that’s what you’ve been told.” I said “do you know what Greek text was primarily used for the translation of your Bible’s New Testament?” She did not know. I said that “the Greek text used was the one put together by Westcott and Hort, do you know who they were?” She did not know. I said “they supported the Roman Catholic Church.” She said “well everyone did, but there were those who knew the truth.” I said “did you know that these people did not even believe that the scripture was inspired, and you trust them to put a text together?” I said “did you know that these people based their text off two or three percent of the copies of scripture that were in existence?* And that they disregarded the majority of scripture. Just because the copies they chose may have been older, it does not mean that they were original.”

We also discussed John chapter 1 which their Bible badly mistranslates, as well as some other verses. I noticed her looking at her watch. She tried to get onto another subject, but I would not let her, and then I mentioned the fact that she was denying Christ for her failure to accept his divinity. She again tried to move onto another subject and I said “Well it is time for you to go,” and I motioned and pointed with my hand toward their van. She said “Hans you did this on purpose!” She tried to talk some more and I said “We have nothing else to talk about, because you deny Christ." I pointed to her van and said “You can leave now.” She said “well you read such and such a verse.” And I said “and you can read 2 John 1:7-11, and then you’ll know why I don’t let you in the house.” As they began to walk away I said “I pray you repent.” And I spent some time praying for them shortly thereafter.

Some explanations of this account

There were more details to our discussion/debate than I have written above, since writing every detail would be too time consuming. I have also written it as I remember, and it is possible that some of it is out of order or paraphrased. You can read Part II (the meat of the argument), which includes references for the facts shared in this account, as well as more arguments against the Jehovah’s Witness cult. When she said “Hans you did this on purpose!” I assume she was referring to the fact that I had planned for them to come back so that I could witness to them, and to the fact that I never let her get on to any other subject but that Glorious subject of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that it would have been an insult to God to let her speak a word after failing to recognize Christ in such a way as she did. Further, if she could not recognize Christ, I found it doubtful that she would be able to recognize anything else. You can't move on in Christian theology with people who do not even believe in something so basic as our Lord Jesus Christ.

Also see a related Post > The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Delivered Unto Satan: Proving Whose Child We Are

How is 1 Corinthians 5:5 meant to be understood?

“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” - 1 Corinthians 5:5

There is a man whom I consider to be a prophet and evangelist, or at the very least a man who has done much for God. He told a story of his experience which is recorded below the way I remember it and with the meaning I got from it.

He shared that his one daughter came to visit him one day. He had been praying for her for seven years because she was raised as a Christian, but had been living in disobedience to the scripture, both by her lifestyle and the way she dressed. He told her that he just could not pray for her anymore, but that he prayed for God to remove the hedge of protection from her. He desired her to see trouble in the flesh so that she might repent and be saved (or perhaps to repent and revive Christ as the center of her life). That her trouble in the flesh may wake her up from her spiritual slumber. She thought he did not love her when he told her that he prays for God to take his protection away from her. He told her that it is because he loves her that he prayed in that manner. He also said that if he did not pray that way that it would just kill him. He could not bear to grieve over her any longer. Finally, after hearing him share that with her she repented, and changed her life.

When I heard this story I immediately thought of 1 Corinthians 5:5 and 1 Timothy 1:20. I believe that this is the same approach which the apostle Paul took with certain believers(?) when he used the phrase “delivered unto Satan.”

There are also two other portions of scripture (in Job and in Luke) which come to mind, which may be useful to bring into our consideration on this subject (also perhaps Psalms 109:6 and Acts 26:18).

Below we can read Job 2:3-7 and see how God allowed Job to be delivered unto Satan, with the stipulation that his life was not entirely destroyed. However, the life which he knew was destroyed. His own body was diseased and pained, and he lost all of his worldly wealth and much of his family. And yet he remained faithful to God and received by his life’s end more than he formerly had (Job 42:1-17). By this example we see what the experience and result of being delivered unto Satan may be. It is to prove whether we be a child of God or a child of the devil (1 John 3:10, 4:4, John 8:44, Romans 8:14-17, Romans 9:11, 26-27).

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.” - Job 2:3-7

In a sense this is also what we see happening to Peter in Luke 22:31-34.

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”

Here Peter is tested, and he fails the test. But realizing his mistake he repents, and is only then finally converted into a more faithful disciple.

Another thought echoed by many commentators is that “delivered unto Satan” simply means to cast out of the church fellowship - to excommunicate. Since one is casting them out of God’s Kingdom and into Satan’s. I object to this idea, as it infers that men have power to say who is and who is not in God’s Kingdom. I do not believe any man has that power. I see that power as belonging to Christ alone (Romans 8:34). Though I am sure the Pope of Rome would claim that power since he claims to be the vicar of Christ (the substitute for Christ). Also, that would not fit Paul’s description of the flesh being destroyed in order for the spirit to be saved. The idea of someone reentering Christ’s Kingdom after being cast out of Christ’s kingdom is most absurd (Hebrews 6:4-8). This opinion falsely equates the institutional churches to the true church (the bride of Christ). It should be obvious that the institutional churches are not the same as God‘s true church. There have been, are, and will continue to be saints shunned by the institutional churches, as well as children of the devil who are accepted by (and perhaps leading) the institutional churches.

So then, regarding the interpretation of the phrase “delivered unto Satan” I agree with John Chrysostom as can be evidenced by reading his homily (sermon) on 1 Timothy 1:20, and with the comments of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown regarding 1 Corinthians 5:5. Further, I believe that there are faithful servants of God in this present day who have the power through the Holy Ghost to deliver men unto Satan. As faithful men (I mean mankind) in service to God they will know God's will in particular matters and be instruments of God to declare his will and to put in effect His judgment, just as the Apostle Paul did. The gifts of the Spirit are in God’s people just as they have always been. The Holy scriptures to not teach otherwise. If you doubt this consider John 14:12, and how that after Christ went to the Father the Holy Ghost was sent to earth to be with us until Christ’s return. This is plainly known by all who know the scriptures.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christmas Conversation

The following is part of an account of a conversation.

But I first presented him with the Christmas article and prefaced it with a statement about how some people look forward to Christmas because without it their winter is too depressing. I noted that this was idolatry because Christ should be more than enough to bring Christians Joy throughout the year.

He read part of the article and said something like,

“I just wanted to worship Christ I did not want to know all this“, So I said

“but now you do know“. But he had know a lot of it before, some I had told him before. So we talked about it and he said something like...

“if we have to have a Christmas tree or Christmas cookies in order for it to be Christmas in our heart than it is idolatry“. So I said

“So you are saying it is idolatry, because if you take away all those things there is no Christmas.” He came to agree that for many people it is idolatry. So I said

“So for many people it is idolatry and you still want to celebrate it and support that?”

I said how that when we are children it is especially an idol because all we look forward to is the presents, we don’t really care at that young age whether Christ was born or not.

He said something to the effect that it is actually even worse when we are older because it becomes ingrained in people as adults. And with that statement he was right, I was just assuming that we learn better when we get older. He also said...

“well what is wrong if a Christmas tree helps me worship Christ?” So I said...

“isn’t Christ great enough? Why do we need something to help us worship him?” And he quickly said

“well it creates a change.”

Then he said something about how that “well don’t you think Christmas was put together by God?” So I said

“well not unless you believe the Pope is infallible!?”

But then he said how he meant the birth of Christ, and the story in the Gospel of Luke. So I said well yes of course the birth of Christ was God’s work, But not Christmas.

Then he said well, don’t you think God can use Christmas to witness to others? So I said "well God can use anything, but he does not want us to use Christmas."

And then he said well even in the old testament they had festivals and celebrations.

So I said well yes, but God specifically gave them those celebrations and told them exactly how to do it, but he did not give us Christmas, he did not tell us when Christ was born, and if he wanted us to know, or wanted us to celebrate it he would have told us so.

Then he said something about how Christmas had been going on for so long, so what are we supposed to do?, so I said something like “just drop it” (drop the celebration of Christmas that is).

Then he kept coming back to the fact that what matters is what is in our heart, “as long as we are worshiping Jesus on Christmas.”

So I said “But are You?”

So we again came back to the fact that for many people Christmas was an idol, but then he said something to the effect that we can’t just tell people that, they have to see if for themselves.

So I said “so they can’t be held accountable for it just because they don’t see it for themselves?”

Then he said something about having to be patient and just show love and not being judgmental.

So I said something about how some people will never know unless we tell them.

He seemed sure that, we can’t just tell people that they are doing something wrong. So I asked him...

“So it’s enough just to accept Christ and stop there? And he said

“well no we have to accept all that goes with it” And he said that how when people are baptized he tells them how it is just the beginning and how they should continue to grow.

So I said that “it does not seem like anyone is growing much“, he agreed with that.

He said he enjoyed the talk though, and I know it was good.

It was a calm conversation we had, but at least once I raised my voice, I think it was when I said

“So for many people it is idolatry and you still want to celebrate it and support that!?”



Do not be deceived: idolaters shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9)


See "Christmas Compared to the Birth of Christ"

See "Is Christmas Idolatry?"