The Christianity Trap

There is a danger that exists when someone grows up in a "Christian home." That danger is "thinking" that you are a Christian when you really are not.

Don't get me wrong. Coming from a Christian home is a wonderful thing. It is a blessing to be sure. The danger comes from the lack of understanding about just what the word "Christian" means.

I grew up in a Christian home. My parents were Sunday school teachers, they sang in the choir, we went to church, I was baptized as a baby, I went to confirmation class and memorized Bible verses. I was a Christian, right? Wrong. I only THOUGHT I was. And that's the trap.

I heard a sermon once about this topic. The pastor said the thing that surprised him most during their baptism services at his church was that most of the people were "saved from Sunday School." He expected that the majority of people would be saved from things like drugs or alcohol. Nope. Most had only THOUGHT they were Christians but admitted in their testimony that they really were not.

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5

So, how do we test ourselves? That's easy. We must read the Bible and then compare our lives with what it says. Are we obeying God's commands? Are we following the teachings of Jesus?

"And He (Jesus) said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3

Did you catch that? Jesus said there must be a change, from what we were to what we are now, in Christ. Have we changed from what we used to be?

And WHEN did we change? Surely, we remember an event like that! What was the cause? The catalyst? If we didn't change, Jesus just said we "will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus actually gives us a one-question quiz a few chapters earlier in Matthew 16.

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” - Matthew 16:15

How we answer that question determines where we spend eternity. Who do we say that Jesus is? Peter gives the perfect answer just one verse later.

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” - Matthew 16:16

Many people can't handle being a Christian. They like to live their secular lives, believing what they want to believe. They don't FOLLOW Him. They cave in on issues like abortion and gay rights. Jesus said this to those who professed to be His followers:

"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you - they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” - John 6:63-69

We need to "believe and know" that Jesus is God, the Holy One. Only then will we be saved. Only then will we be true Christians.

Churchianity

There is a new church in town called the Frisbee-terian church. We will be meeting Sunday mornings at the local disc golf course and learning all about God's creation. This Sunday's sermon is entitled, "Why God put trees where He did."

Just kidding of course, but why are there so many different "brands" of churches? Is one any better that the other? Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Mormon, Scientology. I'm so confused. Well....

All these various "religions" are all man-made, of course. If we don't like our church we leave it. Maybe we even start a new one. These facts alone should be red flags for us all.

Back in the day, when The Church first started, there was just one church. As the disciples spread the Gospel, churches began to spring up in different towns. Ephesus, Philadelphia, Corinth, Laodicea, Rome.

But then the teaching morphed in different directions. Today it is estimated that there are over 45,000 different denominations globally. Why so many? Isn't thete just one God? Isn't there just one truth?

The answer is simple: humans. We're like Burger King. We "like it our way."

There is a term for churches who believe the religion that they practise is the only true church. Only churches that adhere 100% to the Bible are worthy churches. Churches that make up stuff as they go are not worthy.

"For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough." - 2 Corinthians 11:4

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." - Galatians 1:6-9

Churchianity - GotQuestions.org

Word of Faith

Here's the most disgusting thing you will see today. It is taking place in many of today's churches. It's called the Word of Faith movement. 

They call themselves Christians but I wonder. In my opinion, these folks are going straight to hell at The Judgement. But that's just me. See what YOU think.

They believe that they can receive power and financial prosperity simply by 'naming it and claiming it.' All by themselves. Granted, Solomon received power and prosperity, but that came from God, and it was God's idea, not Solomon's.

This "cult" preaches what is called The Prosperity Gospel. But the only ones who actually "prosper" are the television evangelists themselves who prey on their viewers, all in the name of Jesus.

They like to demonstrate their "healing powers" during their church services. Here's a question: If they truly can heal, why do we still have hospitals?

"Sow the seeds!" they say, which really means "send us yo' money!" That is how the leadership of these churches prosper. And that they do.

These false teachers, and their false converts, are in for a big surprise upon the return of our King. Where is their humble submission to the Lord?

Some of these false teachers are rather obvious - Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland (pictured above) for example. But others are more subtle. Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Jesse Duplantis, Creflo Dollar, on and on.

Here's how you can tell the false teachers from the good shepherds. Read the Bible, and know what it says. Only God has the power to heal others. Not us.

Kenneth Hagin - Word Faith Example

The Goats

This is the look that all of the goats get after the sheep in the barnyard get raptured. "I thought I was a sheep!" they'll say. "Nope," says Jesus.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left." - Matthew 25:31-33

You don't want to be a goat.

Goats are the non-believers and/or people who call themselves Christians but sadly find out that Jesus never knew them. They only THOUGHT they were Christians. Turns out they were goats. So what happens to the goats? Do they get to go some place special? Umm . . .

“Then he will say to those on his left (the goats), ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." - Matthew 25:41

Uh-oh.

I'm making light of this situation. It's really rather terrifying if Jesus deems you to be a goat. It is totally up to Him.

So, how can we make sure we're sheep rather than goats? The Bible is filled with examples.

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” - Matthew 25:45-46

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27

Have you been "polluted by the world'? Has your church?

"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons." - 1 Timothy 4:1

A recent Barna survey revealed some amazingly scary statistics about us Christians. Or should I say us goats?

• 52% of evangelicals reject absolute moral truth.
• 61% of evangelicals do not read the Bible on a daily basis.
• 75% of evangelicals believe that people are basically good.
• 41% of mainline protestants, 43% of evangelicals, and 44% of Pentecostals and charismatics believe that Jesus sinned while He was on earth.

People, people, people! Read the Bible! Satan is fighting extra hard right now because he knows his time is short. Do NOT be a goat.

The following video is excellent. Watch it for more statistics and truth.

Apostacy Will Effect Voting

Camouflage

My wife and I were heading home from vacation yesterday when I glanced to the side at an automobile dealership. That's when I saw this guy parked right on the end of a line of new cars.

Clever. VERY clever. I never even saw him until I was right there. Lucky for me I was going the speed limit. He was in full view yet, because he was in with a bunch of other cars, I could barely detect the difference.

There is a lesson to be learned here. He is using something most hunter's use during hunting season - camouflage. Camouflage is defined as using painted, clothing or some other covering to make you bland in with your surroundings.

There are many things camouflage can be used for. Politicians use it, for example, to get themselves elected. They will tell you what you want to hear and then, if elected, they will do whatever they want to do. Political camouflage.

Have you ever heard the term Camouflage Christians? What would you think those area? It's someone who goes to church, pretends to pray, acts very religious and even says all the right words. But in actuality, they are anything but. Jesus spoke about them in His day and how to recognize them.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:15-20

We can recognize the police officer is we examine his car closely enough or, if we are speeding, he will recognize us! The camouflaged Christian will not bear good fruit. Many "Christians will vote for someone who supports abortion and/or gay marriage. Even though these things are clearly against God's will.

Beware of camouflaged Christians. They are everywhere. Even in the pulpit. They will use any means to deceive you. For example, politicians like to kiss babies prior to elections. Some politicians; however, support the killing babies. We need to pay attention to their fruit. Jesus says this:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but (only) the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23

Take off the camouflage, repent, believe, do God's will, and you will be saved. It's really rather clear.

The Commands of Jesus: Focus

When I was in high school I heard some words that resonated with me. These words encouraged me to be different - to make a stand no matter what and to be willing to try something new.

Those words were written in a poem by Robert Frost. Here they are.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Those words made a difference in my life. Especially when I learned similar words spoken by another influential man in my life - Jesus.

^"13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ¹⁴ Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

These two people were not actually writing or speaking about roads and gates. They are speaking about life and the way we live it.The difference is that Robert Frost is merely relating what he did. Jesus is telling us to do something. Enter. But enter what? And where is this gate? And what makes it narrow?

The gate is not a real gate. It's more of a path and a decision we make. We get a clue from the second half of the first sentence. "Broad is the road that leads to destruction."

There are many religions in the world. Many Christian denominations as well. And all these preachers on television. Who is right in their teaching? Is ANYBODY right?

My answer is this. Only those teachers preaching the God of the Bible are preaching the truth. Anyone who changes or adjusts the Bibles teaching is a FALSE teaching and a liar. There is only one God. The God of the Bible.

Mormons talk about Jesus and they talk about the Bible. Look closely at their teaching. Different Jesus, different bible. As an example, and this might sound harsh and not politically correct but, those spreading Mormonism are liars and false teachers. Same for Jehovah's Witnesses. Man-made religions peddling a different Jesus.

90% of the preachers you see on television are false teachers. Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, Sarah Young (Jesus Calling), Robert Schuller, Norman Vincent Peale, the list goes on because . . . wide is the gate.

Jesus teaches  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

^"9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." - John 10:9-10

We must be mindful of the road we travel on. If we are not walking next to Jesus, we are lost. Many of these false teachers are out to make money for themselves. They are deceived and therefore deceiving others.

So, how do I know that I am right?

" 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”  - John 10:27-30

Be cautious who you listen to. Be a good Berean (Acts 17). Narrow is the gate and there is only ONE gate. Jesus.


7 False Teachers In The Church Today - Jim Challies
When He Speaks - The McKameys

Be Prepared

They say there are no atheists in fox holes. I think that's generally true. When we are faced with certain death, we are more willing to entertain the possibilities of life through faith. But fox holes during times of war don't have a monopoly on praying for help. Black ice can have a similar effect.

When I got home from work after a particularly scary drive I checked Facebook as I tried to unwind. I read a post from a friend of mine that said he'd been in an accident, totalled his car and he received 12 staples in his head at the E.R.

My friend is a believer so there was no danger of his losing his eternal life but my friend came close to losing his earthly life and that's what I'd like to write about today.

Have you ever had a near-death experience? One in which you could have easily died had things turned out differently? I've had a few. It's amazing how close we get to God when we don't have any control over an earthly outcome.

I think most of us go along through life without really thinking about the possibility of dying. "Not today," we think. "I've got too much to do. Well, one day death WILL come knocking on our door and no busy schedule will stop it from coming in. The question is, "Are we prepared?"

One of my son's high school classmates died this week. It was a surprise. Death usually is. The real question is, are we prepared for it? Most are not. To most, death will occur without them really thinking about it. It will be sudden and swift. No real time to talk about the important things in life. Like Jesus.

Jesus has promised us eternal life, if only we would believe in Him. No offense but that sounds like a pretty good deal to me. The only catch is, Jesus wants to be more than an insurance policy. He wants to be Lord of your life. That's a little more demanding and many refuse to allow it.

I still minister to a few young adults and teens from my youth leader days. Many have "prayed a prayer" and tell me that they "accepted" Jesus into their hearts. That's actually a sure sign that they have NOT been saved, in MY opinion. They continue on with their sinful, pre-prayer lifestyle and keep Jesus in the truck in case of emergency like a spare tire.

Here's a typical conversation with a young adult who says they know Jesus.

Me: "How's your walking with Jesus going?"
Them: "Good."
Me: "Have you been attending church?"
Them: "Well, not really. I haven't really found a church I like."
Me: "Have you been reading your Bible?"
Them: "Not really. I've been really busy."
Me: "What about a Bible study? Are you in a small group?"
Them: No.

There's an old saying that goes, "If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck!" The opposite is true for Christians. If you don't walk like one, serve like one and love like one, you are not a Christian! My friends, that's the most dangerous kind of Christian - the one's who think they are but really are not.

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. ³² All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. ³³ And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ³⁸ When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? ³⁹ Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

⁴⁴ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” - Matthew 35:31-46

When we place our faith in Jesus we become changed. We don't just continue on like nothing ever happened. People should notice a change. WE should notice a change! We should be acting like who we have placed our faith in, not like the world. And that is the problem. We don't want to change, yet change . . . repentance . . . is a prerequisite for eternal life.

We had better be sure that we not only know OF Him, but KNOW Him before we venture out on life's highway. Be prepared! When you're spinning out of control, that is not the time to find out you are lacking in the faith department and get set aside with the rest of the goats. Be prepared.

Winter Storm Survival Tips
Prepare Him Room - Northland Church

Somebody's Knocking

Have you ever noticed the behavior of a child when they really want something? They can be relentless!! And they can be super-annoying too!! LOL! But their behavior can sometimes offer us a good lesson when WE are the ones who want something . . . from God.

After this year's family reunion my grand niece Haley really wanted to play Star Wars. She had been given a toy light saber at the reunion and was getting the most out of it to be sure. She enlisted my wife and me to play along with her little Star Wars game and she would NOT take no for an answer.

She gave my wife and me each a remote - one for the television and the other for the satellite dish. Apparently they had suddenly become light sabers. She would raise her toy light saber and we would raise ours. Then she would hide her light saber and we would hide ours. That was it. That was the extent of her game. We played that game for half an hour! Then she got bored and went to find her mother. Only her mother was nowhere to be seen.

She cried out "Mom. Mom! Mom!!" in her best Stewie voice. No answer, so off she went in search of her mother. She called and searched the entire first floor of the house. No mom. Then her grandma said, "Your mom is feeding baby Luke in the bedroom. So my niece went to the closed bedroom door and pounded on it with her open hand, still calling out, "Mom!!!"

Eventually the door opened and in went Hayley. Persistent little kid. In that short little story acted out by my grand niece, my wife and I witnessed several Bible lessons all rolled into one. Here's a few verses to show you what I mean.

"⁴ . . ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, ⁵ yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” - Luke 10:4-5

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-8

^"20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." - Revelation 3:20

Are you beginning to see what I mean? Jesus is telling us in Matthew that there is a door between us and Him. He tell us in Luke that we must be persistent about knocking on that door until it is opened. Then again in Matthew 7 we encouraged to learn that the door WILL be opened for us, IF we knock.

But later on in The Book of Revelation, Jesus is the one doing the knocking. And we are the ones opening the door. What does THAT mean? Well, in Revelation, Jesus is talking to the churches . . . Christians. Why would Jesus be knocking at our door? Because some Christians have allowed the door to their hearts to close. Jesus wants to get back in but the door's locked.

Don't let that happen to you. Keep the door to your heart open to Jesus. Don't make Him knock. Allow Him back in. Open that door and take a look around. I bet He's still there, waiting.

Jesus Stands At The Door And Knocks - One Verse 

Mom Mum Mommy - Stewie, Family Guy
Somebody's Knocking - Eric Clapton

Fast Food Faith?

When our family took a vacation to San Francisco several years ago, my brother insisted we eat at In and Out Burger. "Amazing food, and they serve it really fast!" Hence the name. You are literally "in and out" in a matter of a few minutes.

Before I became a believer I attended church only a few times each year. I dragged my feet when we went and I couldn't wait to leave when the service was over. You could have called me "In and Out Bob" I guess.

Something happens when we first come to believe. According to scripture we "receive" God's Holy Spirit. When that happens, when we receive God's promised Holy Spirit, we become changed. I found that going to church soon became a desirable destination rather than a detestable diversion.

I have no way of knowing of course, but I believe that most churches contain professing Christians who don't actually believe. False converts, deceived, they only think they believe. Why do I think that? Because the phenomenon happened in the early church so we KNOW it happens. And if it happened back when the church was young and vibrant, why not today?

"19 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  - Acts 19:1-2

Did you notice that? Paul found some "disciples," church members, but they weren't really bonafied, true blue, genuine, 100%, I-got-the-spirit-in-me believers. Are we like that? I was. Do we go to church just to go to church, punching the Jesus time clock so we can hurry back home for the football game?

I must confess however that I have been guilty of this very thing I am writing about . . . since being filled with the Holy Spirit . . . since becoming a believer. I go to church early for some fellowship but more often than not I leave right after worship so I can get home to be with my wife. I really should stay and get to know my brothers and sisters more.

Also, over time, our  "relationship status" can change from "on fire" to "lukewarm." We must guard against that.

So, how do we KNOW for sure we have God's Holy Spirit in us? Well, first, there should have been a dramatic change in us. We should have become obviously different than we used to be. That's the Holy Spirit. Back to that passage from Acts for the evidence.

"4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying." - Acts 19:1-6

Secondly, there is a hunger for knowledge about God. We desire Him and to know more about Him. Psalm 119 is filled with the Psalmist's desire to know God more.

"10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!" - Psalm 119:10-12

Third, we enjoy going to worship. We tend to come early and stay late. Hour and a half service? Not a problem. Two services? Absolutely! We become obsessed. And, quite honestly, I think that's how we're supposed to be.

"And you shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALLyour soul and with ALL your mind and with ALL your strength." - Mark 12:30

If you have never been changed, if you have never surrendered yourself and allowed Jesus to become Lord of your life, please, examine yourself today. If you find your self lacking, repent of your sins, turn away from your former self and embrace your new life in Christ.

Time is getting short. The signs are all around us that the return of Christ is imminent. And it seems as if only those who have God's Holy Spirit living within them can see these things.

Come, Lord Jesus, come. :)

Holy Spirit - Francesca Battistelli

The Best Laid Plans

I tried planting some seeds this year - tomatoes, chives and beans. I was so happy to see them pop up out of their little indoor seed pots. I watched them grow taller each day. I watered them, took care of them and nurtured them as they grew. Those were happy days.

When the time came to transplant them outdoors I was excited for them. They would be growing tall, producing fruit, and contributing to our family's well being. Yeah, well, that didn't happen.

Most of them didn't make it through the transplantation process. Why? Because I waited too long to transplant them. They spent too much of their early days stretching themselves, trying to find a light source. My mistake.

I went outside to check on them yesterday. Some animal had dug up all but a few of the little tomato seedlings, pieces were everywhere. Then, as if that weren't enough, it dropped below freezing last night. This morning, everything is frozen! One bean made it. Everything else is mush.

I look at the youth of today and I see many similarities. The church tries to get them to pray a prayer, thinking once they do that they have saved someone from eternal hell. If that's ALL they did . . . pray a prayer . . . they very well could be on their way to the very place we were trying to save them from.

The world it a tough place. Why we throw new believers into it without adequate preparation . . . no discipleship? It's like placing a plant out in the elements before it is totally ready. When a sudden frost hits they die . . . they are lost.

Jesus didn't tell His followers to "go and make converts." He told them to make disciples. There are many "Christians" walking around today that believe with all their heart they are saved because they prayed a prayer or because they think they are good enough.

Two things are often missing from the false convert - repentance and submission.

We all know people who say they are Christians, yet their lifestyle tells us something else. Are they saved because THEY believe they are or because Jesus knows they are?

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23

Encourage one another to turn from the ways of this world. If "the world" is in us we have no part in Christ. We must submit to God's will. We cannot continue to live as if Christ has not changed. If we live like the world we are still part of it.

Repent . . . submit . . . and live. It's that simple. Yet we seldom teach that to our children. Who is to blame then? I think it's us.

God wishes than none should perish. Let us spread that news! Then let's tell people what they must do to be saved. It is NOT praying the sinner's prayer! It is truthful repentance, willing submission and surrendering to the will of God that saves us. And this "saving" is not of ourselves, so we could boast (Ephesians 2:9).

It is ALL God.

Why "Accepting Jesus Into Your Heart" is Superstitious & Unbiblical - David Platt

Back Paddle!!

Forty years ago my best friend Chris and I did a lot of white water canoeing in northern Wisconsin. Those were the days. Not a care in he world. The only thing we had to worry about was how to get the tent set up without being eaten alive by mosquitoes!

We always searched for the more dangerous sections of the rivers to run. I'm not sure why. Seems like kind of a stupid thing to do, looking back on it from the downhill side of 60 years of age. But that was us, young and invincible.

We got to the point where we didn't have to talk with one another when running through the rapids. Chris would pick which side of the rock to go around and I would steer the tail end of the canoe around to comply. We were a team. We watched out for each other.

There was a time when we were very confident of our abilities - OVER confident in fact. That overconfidence came to an end one spring day on a snow-melt, swollen #3 rapid in the Namekogan River.

Obviously we survived. My canoe, however, did not.

The point of my telling you that story is to ask you to never take your faith for granted. I have seen too many people profess a faith in Christ, get baptized, and then slowly fade away. They become overconfident, not only with their salvation, but with God's forgiveness of sin.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you can lose your salvation if you truly believe. I am asking the opposite. If you continue to sin after professing a faith in Christ, do you truly believe?

I'd like you to read this passage from Paul's letter to the Colossians . . .

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

"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. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." - Colossians 3:1-10

When we place our faith in Christ the old self is supposed to die. We should no longer be living like we did before we were saved. God has rules. The Bibles is full of them! And as much as we might like to change some of the rules we cannot do that. That would make US God and that is idolatry and blasphemy all rolled into one.

Back-sliding is a very real problem in the church. It happens slowly, then the next day we sin a little more. Out post-redemption life is a constant battle. We sin, we repent and we are forgiven. There is no forgiveness without repentance and the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

"4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned." - Hebrews 6:4-8

If we continue to sin after "believing" did we really believe in the first place. And if we didn't, don't we need to "believe again? And make it stick this time!!

I believe that Jesus died for our sins - past, present and future. But that does not give us license to still sin, thinking "I'm forgiven any way." No! We need to repent of all sins we commit in our walk with Jesus. If we don't we will grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

We are Christians! We should be living like it. Living any other way is a mockery of the Cross. Don't let yourself fade away from what you once were. Live for Christ! Let Him be your every thought. Make no decisions without consulting Him in prayer. Confess all of your sins, even as you commit them. Become refined through trials and be transformed into the image of Jesus so that we can continue to learn and grow in grace, mercy and love. Beware of the slow fade and back paddle when you encounter it. We are here to shine a light, not to grow dim.

"19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent." - Revelation 3:19

Slow Fade - Casting Crowns

Knowing

"24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” - John 20:24-29

We are so much like "doubting" Thomas in this world. Unless we can see something with our own eyes we often refuse to believe it. I have encountered many "Christians" this past year who claim the faith but are hesitant to discuss the topic. Personally, I am so excited about Jesus I could talk about Him all day. Why aren't other believers as excited? I am not judging here. I am simply wondering.

When I came to believe and the scales fell from my eyes I was beyond excited. I think that excitement about one's faith is a spiritual fruit. Just my opinion here. My opinion has no scriptural basis. But if the God of the universe sacrificed Himself for you, wouldn't you be JUST a LITTLE joyous?

Actually, it is quite simple for true believers to recognize their brothers and sisters . . to know. We might as well have a signs stamped on our foreheads. And one day we will. We will be sealed, and therefore protected.

"They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads." - Revelation 9:4

But what about now? Are we sealed? How can we KNOW for sure? God's Word tells us.

"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." - Ephesians 1:13–14

Knowing that we are saved is a wonderful thing. There have been some people I have been introduced to and have instantly felt a bond with them. I KNOW that our conversations will be all about God. It's awesome! Look at things this way.

When we walk through an orchard and look at all the fruit hanging on the trees it is easy to tell one type of tree from another.

"That's an apple tree! There is a pear tree!" As Jesus said, we can tell the tree by the fruit it bears . . .

"15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them." - Matthew 7:15-20

We Christians are suppose to bear good fruit. Jesus is telling us in this text to examine other people's fruit to see whether or not they are part of His kingdom. But what do we do if we see someone who professes to be a Christian yet they have no fruit?

First, we as believers must be VERY careful about what we say or do. People get very defensive when we tell them they might be doing something wrong. Yet the loving thing to do is to tell them. It's a very tricky situation.

We must assume that, even though we don't see any fruit, we cannot KNOW whether they believe or not. That is something only Jesus knows. We must assume they are Christians if they say so.

The next thing we need to remember is that we are ALL sinners. All of us.There's not one of us who is sinless. That creates credibility issues if we tell someone they aren't bearing any fruit when OUR OWN fruit doesn't smell to good.

What I usually do at this point is pray. There isn't really anything I can do about any given situation but God can if He has a mind to. Knowing that should be very calming.

To know we have been set apart (hadiadzo) by God is a tremendously wonderful thing. It bring new meaning to the phrase, "to know Him is to love Him." Remove any doubts you may have about your salvation by trusting in the Lord. Even if you have surrendered yourself to Him already, do it again. It is a good reminder of who we are and WHOSE we are.

To Know Him Is To Love Him - Amy Winehouse

Frustrated

This morning I find myself feeling frustrated. Have you ever felt that way? Some days it seems like absolutely nothing can go right. But today, for some reason, I feel especially frustrated. I actually woke UP feeling frustrated. And what's really frustrating is . . . I'm not sure why. Frustrating!!

It's easy to get frustrated in today's world. Just turn on the news. The economy, although it seems like we are making a comeback of sorts, is still shaky. Our government is still printing money it has nothing to back it up with. The U.S. dollar is losing respect around the world. More and more countries are switching to the petrocurrency, rather than relying on the U.S. dollar as their common standard.

Muslim extremists frustrate me too. They are VERY frustrating. There is nothing like blowing up random people to show the stupidity of their actions . . . and, if I may say, their "faith." I listened to a recent sermon by Pastor John MacArthur the other day and he laid out who he felt the Antichrist was. Guess who. It's Muhammad. You can listen to his message here. It's excellent.

Another thing that gets me frustrated is television. I've written about that before. Nothing gets me frustrated like wasting time. To me anyway, television's whole purpose seems to be occupying our time - as much of it as they can get. TV networks will do anything, stretch any envelope possible to get more people to waste their time watching their shows over someone other network. Frustrating.

Political correctness? Don't get me started.

But the one thing that frustrates me the most are churches that don't preach the gospel. Whether it is during "normal" worship services or during Wednesday night youth groups. It is frustrating to me that people are walking out of the doors of their church without the complete truth.

I've written about Joel Osteen before. That guy has the biggest "church" in the country and he is probably responsible for send more "Christians" to hell than anyone. He preaches an incomplete Gospel. He refuses to talk about sin and repentance. He can't even find the words to agree with Jesus when our God said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one come to the Father except through me." Listen to this interview with Larry King.

False Teacher Joel Osteen on Larry King

The caller has more knowledge of the Gospel than Mr. Osteen, yet he is the one leading America's largest church. Frustrating!

I see so many people walking around saying the same things these false teachers are saying - that all roads lead to heaven, that there is no hell. They will find out soon enough I guess. But what can be done in the meantime? Like I ask the youth in our church - "What are you going to do about it?" This is what I would recommend.

1. Pray. Take all the frustrations and place them at the foot of the cross.
2. Read. Spend time reading the Bible. The best defense is a good offense. Increase your knowledge about what God says so that when someone else tells you differently you can discern truth from lies.
3. Pray. Pray for opportunities to speak to others about Jesus. Pray for boldness to jump into conversations when you hear something "not quite right." Our silence can easily be construed as agreement.
4. Speak. Get the words out about the lies that are being taught by some of these wolves in sheep's clothing.
5. Pray. Pray that these false teachers would repent and follow Jesus. That they would then lead the flocks they shepherd to the promised land, just like Moses led God's people, Israel.

When I hear false teaching the first thing I do is shake my head, followed closely by prayer. There is really nothing I can do BUT pray. Pray for people's eyes to be opened, including the eyes of these pastors. Pray for the sheep, blinded by false teaching, that they might awaken from their slumber and follow THE ONLY TRUE WAY to heaven, Jesus, the Christ.

The following is a video by one of my favorite bands. They too are rather frustrated and "sick of it." Their solution is the same one I offered in  - to "raise your hands" to the only one who has the answer. Watch what happens in the video when people get frustrated to the point where they search to help. They "raise those hands" and turn to God.

Sick Of It - Skillet

Nic

My real world job is that of an architectural draftsman. I draw plans for buildings so other people can get an idea of how to build them. One of the phrases I use when I label things is N.I.C. which stands for Not In Contract. That way when people see things on the plans I create they will know that that particular object is not included in the job they are about to perform. They know what it is but they don't have to do anything with it. That's one example of NIC.

Nic is also a name. I have a few people in my life named Nic. One hiked the Appalachian Trail last year. The other is going to be marrying one of the coolest young ladies I know this summer. Her name is Meghan . . . and you spell his "Nic" with a 'K' at the end of it. There is Saint Nick, Nicholas Cage, Nick Nolte, Nicholas Sparks, Tsar Nicholas . . . both the First (I) and the Second (II). There are lots of Nic's in this world . . . whether they are included in the contract or not. But today I'd like to write about and another Nic - Nic O. Demus - and the topic of false converts.

First of all, false converts are those people who consider themselves "religious." They go to church, they put money in the offering plate . . . or not. They SAY they know God or Jesus but they really don't. It's like they know OF Him but their lives do not reflect a true belief.

I'd like to show you an example of a false convert in the Bible, Nicodemus, and how an encounter with Jesus changed his life and change his false beliefs for the truth.

Nicodemus was one of the religious chief priests, scribes and religious rulers; the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin as they were called. He was very much about following the law of Moses, sticking to the rules. In other words, he went to church, he knew about God, he did everything right in terms of what he believed. But then he heard about this man Jesus and his teachings so he went to investigate for himself.

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
 
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony." - John 3:1-11

At this point, "Nic" had heard about Jesus but was still living in a religion he had believed all of his life. "I've always had faith in my life," he might have said. But now Nic was asking questions. He went right to the source and asked Jesus about what He (Jesus) was saying. And Jesus delivered The Gospel. This third chapter of John is where we hear John 3:16, the most famous verse ever spoken, the "Bible in a single verse."

“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

At this point Nicodemus is without excuse. He has heard the Gospel message right from the source! Now he must wrestle - this new message vs. his current lifestyle and belief system. What will he do? Later on in scripture we get a hint. He's still playing it safe, but he's beginning to come around.

"45 Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

46 “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied.

47 “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. 48 “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.”

50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51 “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?”

52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.” - John 7:45-52

Nicodemus "kind of" came to Jesus' defense but still clung to his position as a religious leader. All that was about to change. After the crucifixion, the body of Jesus had to be removed from the cross. Who did it? Most people remember Joseph of Arimathea. But Joesph was not alone that day.

"38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” – John 19

Let me ask you a question. Do you think that Nicodemus was born again? Verse 38 said that Joseph was secretly a disciple of Jesus. It also said that his status was "secret" because he feared the Jewish leaders. Well, if he feared the Jewish leaders so much, what was he doing there with Nicodemus - one of the Jewish leaders!?!? It HAD to have been because Joseph trusted Nicodemus not to betray him and his faith in Christ. That trust could only have existed because Nicodemus was also a disciple. A brother, in Christ.

This Nic, a religious leader of his day, was a false convert who placed his entire faith in the law. But then he became born again and lives a life devoted to Christ. I look forward one day to hearing the testimony of Nic and how specifically things happened. I wonder how many self-professing Christians of today are like Nicodemus was. Trying to live a life under the law, trying to do their best, going to church . . . religiously. Doing this, doing that. That's all worked based. The faith of a Christian is NOT ABOUT WORKS! It's a about grace through faith.

As we remember the death of our King on the cross - a death required because of OUR sin - let us offer our lives back to Jesus for the price he paid. Joseph of Arimathea did, so did Nicodemus. They both faced potential persecution, even death, for their beliefs and faith. Still, they both made the conscious decision to follow Christ . . no matter what. The question of the day is . . . have you?

Were you there?