Of Wrong Doctrines and Drugs

What do wrong doctrines and illegal drugs have in common? Both promise happiness but deliver slavery and misery. 

All wrong doctrines are based on lies. This is proven by what Satan said to Eve in Genesis 3:4 and 5 (BBE), "And the snake said, 'Death will not certainly come to you: For God sees that on the day when you take of its fruit, your eyes will be open, and you will be as gods, having knowledge of good and evil."

And which one of us wouldn't daydream about having god-like powers? Some men have even declared themselves to be gods. As 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and 4 (BBE) tells us, "Give no belief to false words: because there will first be a falling away from the faith, and the revelation of the man of sin, the son of destruction, Who puts himself against all authority, lifting himself up over all which is named God or is given worship; so that he takes his seat in the Temple of God, putting himself forward as God."

We also know how Satan twists Psalms 82:6 (BBE) in the Mormon church to mean that we are little gods. "I said, You are gods; all of you are the sons of the Most High:" Of course they don't read the next verse which says those judges will all die like men.

Though the Bible doesn't mention drugs, it does mention intoxicants. As Paul said about food and drink in 1 Corinthians 6:12 (BBE), "I am free to do all things; but not all things are wise. I am free to do all things; but I will not let myself come under the power of any."

When a person is intoxicated, they lose their judgement. That's why Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18 (BBE), "And do not take overmuch wine by which one may be overcome, but be full of the Spirit;"

We whom Christ rescued from the world's debauchery must remain awake and aware. As 1 Peter 1:13 (BBE) exhorts, "So make your minds ready, and keep on the watch, hoping with all your power for the grace which is to come to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

If our Master doesn't return by Thursday, I plan on posting about how we don't grieve like sinners do when a sibling in Christ goes home to be with the Lord.

Saturday Song: The Bee Gees, "Another Cold and Windy Day"

Here's a song you may never have heard before. The Coca-Cola company asked The Bee Gees to record a commercial for them. But none of the Gibb brothers were keen on the idea. They decided to record this song they had handy and add the Coke jingle at the end. The result was perhaps the saddest commercial anybody has heard.

Listen to the song here:

Instead of using this song, Coke hired The Hillside Singers to teach the world to sing. This proves that it is true about those being convinced against their will are of the same opinion still.

We see this happen often with folks who are led to confess Christ without knowing the ramifications of what they're doing.

Jesus gave the example of a seed sower sprinkling seed on four different soil types. Our Lord explained the second type of ground, the one with bedrock under it, in Matthew 13:20 and 21 (BBE). "And that which went on the stones, this is he who, hearing the word, straight away takes it with joy; But having no root in himself, he goes on for a time; and when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, he quickly becomes full of doubts."

Christ also lost many disciples when he taught them that they must spiritually consume him and absorb him into their beings. We read of the crowd's reaction in John 6:66 (BBE). "Because of what he said, a number of the disciples went back and would no longer go with him."

How can it be then that some people seemed saved and then turn away from the Lord? We read the answer to that in 1 John 2:19 (BBE). "They went out from us but they were not of us; if they had been of us they would still be with us: but they went out from us so that it might be made clear that they were not of us."

The way to tell who is saved and who isn't is also given by Jesus in Matthew 7:16 (BBE). "By their fruits you will get knowledge of them. Do men get grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?"

Therefore, the only thing we can do is to wait and see what a person does. Will that one grow in Christ-likeness or quit?

If Christ doesn't return by Monday, I hope to post about the addictive nature of wrong doctrines and illegal drugs.

The Red Letter Edition Error

I've heard that certain Christians believe only the words in red type are important. They naively assume that because Christ said those lines, they matter more than the rest of Holy Scripture. The truth is that every single word in the Bible is important.

Folks who regard those red letters in the Bible as being more important should open their red letter editions and read John 5:39. The Bible in Basic English renders this verse as, "You make search in the holy Writings, in the belief that through them you get eternal life; and it is those Writings which give witness about me."

If the rest of the Bible wasn't as important as the sayings of Jesus, why did he tell the Pharisees that their scriptures spoke of him? Printing Christ's sayings in red ink was just somebody's idea, not the way the scriptures were originally written down.

Then there's Matthew 21:42 (BBE) which says, "Jesus says to them, 'Did you never see in the Writings, "The stone which the builders put on one side, the same has been made the chief stone of the building: this was the Lord's doing, and it is a wonder in our eyes?"'"

In that verse, Christ quoted Psalms 118:22 and 23 (BBE) which reads, "The stone which the builders put on one side has become the chief stone of the building. This is the Lord's doing; it is a wonder in our eyes." If the Old Testament writings weren't as important as Christ's sayings, why then did he quote from them to identify himself?

The Old Testament also contains references to Christ's crucifixion. Mark 14:49 (BBE) quotes him as saying, "I was with you every day in the Temple teaching, and you did not take me; but this is done so that the Writings may come true."

Then there's Christ's quoting of Psalms 22:1 (BBE) on the Cross. Matthew 27:46 (BBE) reads, "And about the ninth hour Jesus gave a loud cry, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why are you turned away from me?'"

If only the words in red were printed out in order, they wouldn't make much sense. We wouldn't know to whom Christ was saying what he said in most cases. 

On Thursday, if Christ hasn't returned, I plan on posting about a horrendous lie sweeping the African continent.

Saturday Song: Carole King, "So Far Away"

Even with COVID-19 restrictions, we still can communicate with each other in real time. Thanks to apps like Facetime and Zoom, we can get instant contact with our loved ones and friends.

Those things didn't exist back in 1971 when Carole King sang this song about being separated from her lover. People did have corded phones but hearing a voice in an ear piece isn't like face-to-face conversation.

Listen to this poignant song here:

One blessing which twelve men in the first century had was having Christ training them in person. Of course they did try his patience, like the time they couldn't heal a man. Matthew 17:17 (BBE) records, "And Jesus, answering, said, 'O false and foolish generation, how long will I be with you? how long will I put up with you? let him come here to me.'"

In those days, the saints had only letters to communicate to each other while being apart. These were hand-delivered and took months to arrive. We see one example of this in 1 Corinthians 16:5 and 6 (BBE). "But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia, for that is my purpose; But I may be with you for a time, or even for the winter, so that you may see me on my way, wherever I go."

Unlike our personal letters, those letters which we have in our Bibles from the first century were meant for general reading by entire congregations. One example is shown in 1 Peter 1:1 (BBE). "Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the saints who are living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,"

I'm glad though that a day will come when we'll be together with our adored Lord and Master. Christ explained how we would all be gathered at the resurrection in Mark 13:27 (BBE). "And then he will send out the angels, and will get together his saints from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven."

If that doesn't happen by Monday, I hope to post about the red letter error.

Puffed Wheat Christians

I'm sure that most of you have eaten a breakfast cereal called Puffed Wheat. Because each kernel is filled with air pockets, the space it takes up is more than double that of a wheat kernel. So a bowl of Puffed Wheat is equal to less than a half of a bowl of wheat material.

One of the Apostle Paul's warnings to the early churches was the danger of becoming proud for learning spiritual truth. Instead of sharing wisdom with a glad-but-humble heart, some folks thought themselves better than the rest.

The Apostle Paul sure had to deal with a lot of know-it-all believers. He wrote in Colossians 2:18 and 19 (BBE), "Let no man take your reward from you by consciously making little of himself and giving worship to angels; having his thoughts fixed on the things which he has seen, being foolishly lifted up in his natural mind, And not joined to the Head, from whom all the body, being given strength and kept together through its joins and bands, has its growth with the increase of God."

Worse yet, some preachers claim to know secrets and have revelations directly from God. As Paul warned in 1 Corinthians 4:6 (BBE), "My brothers, it is because of you that I have taken Apollos and myself as examples of these things, so that in us you might see that it is not wise to go farther than what is in the holy Writings, so that no one of you may be lifted up against his brother."

Knowledge of itself isn't a bad thing but pride is. That's why Paul also wrote in 1 Corinthians 8:1 and 2 (BBE), "Now about things offered to images: we all seem to ourselves to have knowledge. Knowledge gives pride, but love gives true strength. If anyone seems to himself to have knowledge, so far he has not the right sort of knowledge about anything;"

Peter also addressed the problem of false knowledge masquerading as truth. He wrote in 1 Peter 3:17 and 18 (BBE), "For this reason, my loved ones, having knowledge of these things before they take place, take care that you are not turned away by the error of the uncontrolled, so falling from your true faith. But be increased in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May he have glory now and for ever. So be it."

If our Lord hasn't returned by Saturday, I hope to post about how we long to have face-to-face contact with friends.

Why Are Cessationists hated?

 Cessationism is the doctrine that the miracles and speaking in different languages came to an end when the first-century apostles died. History has shown that no genuine miracles or instances of somebody preaching in an unknown language has happened since those days.

When the Charismatic revival began at the beginning of the twentieth century, Many Christians thought it was a reawakening of the spiritual gifts of tongues and prophecy. Teachers of that doctrine assumed that Joel 2:28 (BBE) applied to twentieth-century believers. "And after that, it will come about, says the Lord, that I will send my spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will be prophets, your old men will have dreams, your young men will see visions:"

But Peter explained in Acts 2:16 and 17 (BBE) that what just happened at Pentecost fulfilled the prophecy. "But this is the thing which was said by the prophet Joel; 'And it will come about, in the last days, says God, that I will send out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will be prophets, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams:'"

But bear in mind that all sixty-six Bible books were written to those to whom they were sent and not us today.

After Peter spoke to the crowd about the resurrection of Christ, he said this in Acts 2:33 (BBE). "And so, being lifted up to the right hand of God, and having the Father's word that the Holy Spirit would come, he has sent this thing, which now you see and have knowledge of."

We, who study the scriptures faithfully, also know that the apostles and disciples expected Christ's return any day. One example is written in Hebrews 10:25 (BBE). "Not giving up our meetings, as is the way of some, but keeping one another strong in faith; and all the more because you see the day coming near." "This day" means Christ's return.

I know that many Charismatic Christians, of whom I was one,  feel hatred toward cessationism because it exposes the lies they've adopted as truth. In my own experience, I remember feeling superior to cessationists because I thought they were ignorant. Now I realize I was the ignorant one.

I know that it's still true that Christ will return. If he hasn't come by Thursday, I hope to post about Puffed Wheat Christians.

What a touching song this is. The love of a good father is a precious gift to children.

The British band Badfinger recorded this song in 1974 but it's still relevant today.

Listen to this song here.

I feel sad for folks who had cruel or absentee fathers. Because of this lack in their lives, they figure God must be like that too. Consequently, they reject him and his beloved son. What joy and bliss these folks miss when they do that.

Scripture has much to say about God being a father to his people. For example, Psalms 68:5 (BBE) calls him, "A father to those who have no father, a judge of the widows, is God in his holy place."

Another verse which tells of God's fatherly love is Psalms 103:13 (BBE) which reads, "As a father has pity on his children, so the Lord has pity on his worshippers."

And because our heavenly Father doesn't want us to turn into spoiled brats, he punishes us when we rebel. Proverbs 3:12 (BBE) reminds us, "For to those who are dear to him the Lord says sharp words, and makes the son in whom he has delight undergo pain."

Though the Lord punishes his adopted children, he isn't a sadist as some atheists think. Luke 11:11-13 (BBE) is Christ's parable about us praying for material needs. "And which of you, being a father, will give a stone to his son, who makes request for bread? or for a fish, will give him a snake? Or for an egg, will give him a scorpion?" If, then, you who are evil are able to give good things to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who make request to him?"

Certain people think God is a child abuser but they forget John 3:16 (BBE) which is Christ's mission statement. "For God had such love for the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to destruction but have eternal life."

If our Lord doesn't come by Monday, I hope to post about Christians who hate folks who say that tongues and miracles ended in the first century.

Put Away Childish Things

Was your childhood fun? Mine wasn't but I did have some enjoyable experiences. And as time passed, I learned how to make smart decisions regarding my life as well as spiritual things

I was a babe in Christ when I joined a charismatic house church congregation. Nobody there explained aspects of the Godhead, such as sovereignty and grace. Like children, those folks were fixated on flashy signs and wonders.

The Apostle Paul certainly realized that those miracles would soon end. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:8 (BBE) that, "Though the prophet's word may come to an end, tongues come to nothing, and knowledge have no more value, love has no end."

A few verses later, Paul used the process of physically growing up as a template for spiritual maturity. As he wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:11 (BBE), "When I was a child, I made use of a child's language, I had a child's feelings and a child's thoughts: now that I am a man, I have put away the things of a child."

Paul also wasn't able to give some believers advanced truth due to their spiritual immaturity. As he wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (BBE), "And the teaching I gave you, my brothers, was such as I was able to give, not to those who have the Spirit, but to those who are still in the flesh, even to children in Christ. I gave you milk and not meat, because you were, then, unable to take it, and even now you are not able; Because you are still in the flesh: for when there is envy and division among you, are you not still walking after the way of the flesh, even as natural men?"

It wasn't only the Corinthian church that was immature. Hebrew believers also were retarded in their growth in Christ. Hebrews 5:12 (BBE) reads, "And though by this time it would be right for you to be teachers, you still have need of someone to give you teaching about the first simple rules of God's revelation; you have become like babies who have need of milk, and not of solid food."

Once I left that false church, I began the long process of correcting the lies I was taught through the help of good Bible teachers. Thanks to them, I grew up in Christ so I can share what I learned with you.

Provided Christ hasn't returned by Saturday, I hope to post about a father's love for his rascally son.

Why Study The Old Testament?

As I wrote on Thursday, we are no longer bound by the types and shadows of the Old Testament. But this leads to the error in some folks minds that we don't need that part of the Bible anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Old Testament has much to teach us. Referring to strengthening weak believers, Paul wrote this explanation in Romans 15:4 (BBE). "Now those things which were put down in writing before our time were for our learning, so that through quiet waiting and through the comfort of the holy Writings we might have hope."

We also need to study The Old Testament for wisdom. Proverbs 9:9 (BBE) explains why. "Give teaching to a wise man, and he will become wiser; give training to an upright man, and his learning will be increased."

Certainly Jesus valued the scriptures and quoted them often. After his resurrection, he appeared to two disheartened disciples. Feigning ignorance, he asked them why they were so downcast. Luke 24:25-27 (BBE) tells how Christ showed why he had to die from prophesies in the Old Testament scriptures. "And he said, 'O foolish men! how slow you are to give belief to what the prophets have said. Was it not necessary for the Christ to go through these things, and to come into his glory?' And he made clear to them all the things in the Writings, from Moses and from all the prophets, which had to do with himself."

We also read where Luke commended those folks who studied the scriptures, what we call The Old Testament, and called them more noble. Acts 17:10 and 11 recall, "And the brothers straight away sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea: and they, when they came there, went to the Synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble than the Jews of Thessalonica, for they gave serious attention to the word, searching in the holy Writings every day, to see if these things were so."

I could point out many more verses which show the importance of the holy scriptures. It's one reason which wise believers resist cunningly-devised fables and lies from Satan while others become snared.

In the event that Christ doesn't return by Thursday, I hope to post about spiritual maturity.

Saturday Song: Krokodil, "School Days"

Were your school days cool days? For some of us, it was the happiest time of our lives. We met new friends and had fun playing sports. Many of us still know some of the people we befriended back then.

While unemployed in 1978, I often checked out records at the public library in Edmonton. One of those LPs was by a German band called Krokodil. Hearing these hippies playing blues sounded odd to me but I fell in love with the band's sound. "School Days" is my favourite track on the album because of the synthesizer and the nostalgic lyrics.

Hear "School Days" here.

Some folks might be amazed to learn that God's plan of salvation has been like a school. The descendents of Abraham were given the law through Moses to teach them about the messiah who was promised way back in Genesis. The Apostle Paul demonstrated that truth in Galatians 3:24-25 (KJV). "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster."

I pity people who think we must obey the types and shadows given before Christ came to do his salvific work for the Father. They're missing out on the awesome benefits of God's grace. It's as foolish as somebody who insists on making mortgage payments on a house given to that person.

If you liked this song and what I wrote, why not leave a comment? But if you're busy, have a wonderful weekend anyway.

Our Former Schoolmaster

 

Mrs Patrick was my grade three teacher and what a teacher she was. She made me feel like I was worth teaching. She doubtless gave the other children the same feeling. As far as I remember, nobody was kicked out of class for being bad. Better still, she made learning fun.

But it would be wrong for anybody to want to stay in the same grade. The same holds true in spiritual matters. As Paul mentioned in Galatians 3:24-26 (BBE) about the Law given to Israel by Moses, "So the law has been a servant to take us to Christ, so that we might have righteousness by faith. But now that faith is come, we are no longer under a servant. Because you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

The Galatian church, as some Christian denominations today, wanted to go back to the types and shadows of the spirituality fulfilled in Christ. That's why Hebrews 10:1 and 2 (BBE) explains, "For the law, being only a poor copy of the future good things, and not the true image of those things, is never able to make the people who come to the altar every year with the same offerings completely clean. For if this had been possible, would there not have been an end of those offerings, because the worshippers would have been made completely clean and would have been no longer conscious of sins?"

Thanks to Christ being our sacrifice for sins, we no longer need to worry about the customs of ancient Israel, God-given though they were. As Paul wrote in Colossians 2:16 and 17 (BBE), "For this reason let no man be your judge in any question of food or drink or feast days or new moons or Sabbaths: For these are an image of the things which are to come; but the body is Christ's."

And as Paul also noted in Colossians 2:23 (BBE), religious people think neglecting their bodies somehow makes them holy. "These things seem to have a sort of wisdom in self-ordered worship and making little of oneself, and being cruel to the body, not honouring it by giving it its natural use."

It's a shame for those naming the name of Christ to want to discard his awe-inspiring grace for the misery of the Law. We ought to rejoice in the freedom from sin bought by our Lord rather than delighting in the past.

Provided Christ doesn't return on Saturday, I plan to post about school days and the good memories from them.