Examining the Question – Are Mormons Christians?
What a furor has been created by identifying the Church of Latter Day Saints as a cult! It is being widely reported that Mitt Romney is under attack because of his Mormon faith. What's going on?
Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church of Dallas identified the Church of Latter Day Saints as a cult and implied that Mormons are not Christians in a recent interview after the Values Voter Summit in Washington. Is he right? Let’s find out…
Let’s begin with the definition of a cult. The website, www.dictionary.com defines a cult as “a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.” Mormonism has long been considered a cult since it’s founding by Joseph Smith in 1830. Mainstream Christian denominations have never been inclusive of the Church of Latter Day Saints because their beliefs conflict with Biblical teaching.
Some background on my personal involvement with Mormons…
My family history tells the story of family members who converted to Mormonism in the early 1800’s. One particular branch lived in England when they were converted by Mormon missionaries. They immigrated to the United States in 1871, eventually making their way to Utah.
During my growing up years, I was somewhat exposed to Mormon beliefs through relatives. Fortunately, my immediate family did not embrace Mormonism because my mother was a Christian, raised in a Baptist church.
In later years, I had the opportunity to talk at length with Mormon missionaries on several occasions. I also researched Mormon beliefs to clarify things I had heard as a child. Through my conversations with Mormon missionaries, it became clear that our beliefs were very different. However, there were things I learned through my devout relatives that were never mentioned by the missionaries.
What’s the problem? Here’s what I discovered in my personal conversations…
Mormons are taught they are Christians, but they do not know that what they are taught is different from commonly held Christian beliefs. A dear Mormon friend who grew up in a devout Mormon family came face to face with the differences when she volunteered for a position in a local non-Mormon church. When the church administration became aware of her religious affiliation, she was let go. Devastated and confused, she turned to me. When I explained the Gospel message from the Bible, she was astounded. She had never heard the true message of salvation.
Mormons use Christian terms and explanations but the meanings are not the same.
For example:
*Christians’ authority is found in the Holy Bible alone. Mormons include the Bible as God’s Word, but they more commonly find their authority in the Book of Mormon and claim it is also God’s Word. They also embrace a book written by Joseph Smith called the “Pearl of Great Price.”
The Bible is complete as it is and has been for centuries. It has been preserved by God through the ages, basically intact. The Mormon Bible has been revised numerous times according to the wind of the times. In the mid-twentieth century, blacks were not allowed to become priests or participate in temple ceremonies, until the president of the church came up with a new revelation.
*Christians believe Jesus is God’s only begotten son, born of a virgin, Mary. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)
Mormons believe Jesus is one of God’s many sons, the offspring of a physical, sexual relationship between Mary and God. When they say they believe Jesus is God’s Son, they do, but not in the same context.
*Mormons believe that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. Christians believe the Bible which says that Lucifer was a created being, an angel who was cast out of Heaven because he aspired to be a god.
*When we use the term “baptism” we mean an individual is immersed in water (some denominations practice infant baptism and sprinkling rather than immersion) after having made a decision to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Baptism is a demonstration of a changed life through faith in Jesus and symbolizes the new spiritual birth.
Mormons are baptized by immersion as well, but they are baptized for themselves and others too. In fact, it is a common practice for Mormons to be baptized for deceased relatives and family members who do not embrace Mormonism in the hope that they will one day experience eternal life.
*When we talk about eternal life, we mean life in God’s Kingdom called Heaven with Jesus, forever worshipping and serving Him. Eternal life for Mormons in good standing is spent populating and ruling planets all over the universe.
*Christians believe in a faith based salvation. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Mormons practice a works based salvation. In the Articles of Faith, it is stated that they believe in salvation through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Which gospel? The Mormon gospel, not the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible.
*Many Mormon practices are not found in the Bible. They believe that marriage can continue into eternity, and practice a rite of sealing spouses to each other for eternity.
The Bible teaches there will be no giving in marriage in Heaven. “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” Matthew 22:28-30
*Christians believe accepting Jesus is the only way to receive salvation and eternal life. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
*Mormons contradict their own beliefs in practice. Mormons say in their Articles of Faith that they believe everyone should worship God as they see fit. In actual practice Mormon missionaries spend a great deal of time trying to convert others to Mormonism.
Confused?
Following are my Statement of Faith as a Christian, the Mormon Articles of Faith, and the Southern Baptist Faith & Message.
Compare the teachings…
First take a look at basic Christian beliefs from my Statement of Faith. Then examine the Mormon 13 Articles of Faith, and finally examine a more comprehensive statement of Christian beliefs from the Baptist Faith & Message.
I believe you will see the differences in beliefs and come to understand the subtle differences underlying the words of the Mormon Articles of Faith.
My Statement of Faith
1. The Bible was written by men, who were divinely inspired by God. The Bible is inerrant and infallible, and is the sole authority for faith and practice.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. God is triune (three persons in one): God the Father, Jesus Christ the Only Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is all loving, all wise, and all powerful. He is the one true, living God. He is the creator of all things.
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, The Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." 1 John 5:7
3. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, born of a virgin, and without sin. He was crucified on a cross and rose from the dead, purchasing, with His shed blood, a place in heaven for all believers and offering forgiveness of sin.
"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:20-21
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures; and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve; after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (written by Paul)
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" Ephesians 1:7
4. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, present in the heart of every believer from the moment of salvation. His presence is God's assurance of salvation to the believer. He is our teacher, guide, and our convictor of sin and righteousness.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26
"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." 1 Corinthians 2:12
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27
5. Man is created by God in His image. Man sinned against God and came under condemnation by God. Man as a result has a sinful nature that is inherited by all generations.
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him." Colossians 1:12-17
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:23-26
"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight" Colossians 1:19-22
"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
6. Salvation is by God's grace not by good works. It is offered as a free gift to all who will confess themselves as sinners, repent, and accept the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross as payment for the penalty of their sin as required by God's law. Salvation restores a personal relationship between man and God through Jesus. Salvation is received through faith.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 10:9-11
Mormon Articles of Faith (from http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith/ )
13 Articles of Faith
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
The Baptist Faith & Message (from http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp)
I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
II. God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
III. Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God's creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.
C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
V. God's Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6, 12, 17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39-12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
VIII. The Lord's Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.
IX. The Kingdom
The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
X. Last Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
Conclusion….
It is clear to many Christians that Mormonism is not Christian. While the terminology may seem the same, the meanings are different. The Church of Latter Day Saints aka Mormons are not following the tenets of the Holy Bible. They cannot be called Christians because they do not believe Jesus is God’s only begotten Son. They are not saved and are not going to spend eternity with Jesus in God’s Kingdom, because they do not believe God when He says Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Unfortunately many people are being deceived into believing they will have a place in God’s eternal kingdom. They have taken up the label that belongs to the people who place their trust in Christ and Christ alone. By using terminology frequently associated with evangelical Christians, they have deceived the ignorant into accepting their beliefs as Christian. Few have taken the time and trouble to check to see if they are in keeping with mainstream evangelical Christian doctrine.
Be careful about aligning yourself with the false teaching of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Remember many people do live out their values based on their religious beliefs and will seek to promote their religious views.
The 3 Colors of Love
The 3 Colors of Love by Christian A. Schwarz
I heard about this booklet from a dear friend. Her church was using this as a church growth tool in a small group setting. After hearing about her experience I became determined to write a review. While the initial concept sounds good and has a measure of truth behind it, there are some red flags that need to be revealed.
About the author…
Christian A. Schwarz is not someone I’m familiar with in Christian circles, but he isn’t a newcomer either. He is the founder and president of the Institute for Natural Church Development in Germany. Interviewed in 2004, by Christianity Today on the topic of natural church development, he explains his approach to church growth in an article called "The Strong Little Church". He says the smaller church has a lot going for it, particularly in the area of providing a quality experience, usually outperforming a larger church in many areas.
Mr. Schwarz is right on target since experts have been trying to predict church growth trends for several years. Fearing perhaps the demise of the mega-church and the mid-size church, research comes down in favor of smaller churches because the younger generations are looking for meaningful relationships.
About the concept…
In “The Strong Little Church,” Mr. Schwarz has identified eight quality characteristics of a healthy church. These are: “empowering leadership, gift-oriented ministry, passionate spirituality, functional structures, inspiring worship services, holistic small groups, need-oriented evangelism, and loving relationships.” His focus is helping churches identify and strengthen their weak areas among the eight quality characteristics of a healthy church. Then individuals do the same.
Consequently, Mr. Schwarz developed a series of discipleship booklets based on these eight quality characteristics. “The 3 Colors of Love” is one of these booklets. It has a companion study resource titled, “How to Implement the 3 Colors of Love in Your World” by Adam Johnstone.
About “The 3 Colors of Love” booklet…
It’s about the “biblical principles of Christian love” and how to apply these principles to develop loving relationships within the church. According to the book synopsis, this booklet “focuses on the three fundamental dimensions of God’s love:” justice, truth, and grace. Mr. Schwarz’s goal in this booklet is to help individuals all over the world “experience the revolutionary power of God’s unconventional love.” Why? Developing our love capability, we will be able to extend love to others, thus providing the relationships outsiders seek.
Does the Bible support the concept?
Mr. Schwarz says God’s love is a combination of justice, truth, and grace. This concept is expressed throughout the Bible. It is specifically demonstrated in the Book of Exodus in the account of the Israelites and their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Evidence of God’s love for the Israelites is demonstrated repeatedly, but is so often misunderstood. Unfortunately we often fail to understand that justice, truth, and grace are essential in expressing love. I explained it to my Sunday School class this way…
We often think God was horrible in asking the Israelites to go into the land promised to Abraham and kill all the inhabitants-men, women, children, and often animals. To our modern thinking minds, we find this to be an atrocity against mankind. What gave them the right to annihilate a people group? The key is in understanding the difference between murder and execution.
In the Biblical account of the Israelites moving into the Promised Land, they were commanded by God to destroy the inhabitants. Some would say this was murder, but I contend that it was justice. These wicked ones had rejected the Lord God Jehovah. It was His decision to destroy them as a demonstration of His justice. We know that without faith it is impossible to please God. These were without faith in God. The Israelites were the executioners-carrying out God’s justice.
These people were wicked and hated the Lord God Jehovah. Many would suggest these people groups never had a chance to accept God, but I contend that as descendents of Noah, the testimonies of Noah and his family were handed down to all generations so they were without excuse. How do we know this? Most people groups have historic knowledge of a flood that destroyed the earth. Secular history bears this out.
What is the penalty for unbelief? Death. Let me say again, they were not murdered, but executed. Since God is just, He must carry out the tenets of His law. His law requires that sin be punished. His Law is truth because it exposes sin i.e. the wickedness of man’s heart.
What is the first commandment? It’s written in Exodus 20:3, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (KJV) Matthew 22:37-38 expresses it a little more succinctly: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
Grace was expressed when God sent His Son Jesus to be the propitiation for our sin. Jesus was without sin, yet He died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sin. Then He rose from the grave, forever settling the question of life after death. All who will accept Him as their personal Savior and Lord will be with Him for eternity.
Justice, truth, and grace are the elements of love. Without truth, there can be no justice. Justice without grace is surely not just. The three must go together to be genuine love.
Teaching the concept…
Mr. Schwarz introduces his concept using a trinitarian compass consisting of three colors on a color wheel to demonstrate the positive (justice, truth, and grace) and the negative side (deception, mercilessness, and injustice). He uses James, John, and Paul as examples, assigning one aspect of the color wheel to each. James is a model for justice, John for truth, and Paul models grace.
First he lays the foundation of his theoretical paradigm by defining love, the light and darkness, and the fruits of the spirit. These are used to explain how God’s love can be expressed in three ways.
Next comes a discussion on how to reflect God’s love, culminating with the “Fruit of the Spirit Test” to determine areas of weakness and strength. Based on the test results, participants are encouraged to study the areas where they are weakest. This was actually very helpful. I took the test and found it to be right on in identifying strengths and weaknesses.
Practical exercises found in the last chapters in the booklet provide opportunities to strengthen the weak areas so the individual can more effectively reflect God’s light and love to others. Why is this important? Mr. Schwarz favors a gift-oriented ministry where individuals exercise their specific spiritual gifts to others thus becoming the Christian God intended which allows people to find their God-given identity.
My thoughts…
It took me several reads through the first chapter to understand what he was talking about. His ideas are based on assumptions about people from all over the world. Are his assumptions correct? Is it man’s responsibility to make himself an acceptable receptacle of God’s love? Think about it… God’s Word does not support the concept. If it were true, then why would we need Jesus? Man is unable to make himself a suitable vessel from which God’s love can be reflected. Only when God changes the heart is this possible.
I believe that man must come to the place in life where he sees himself as God sees him in light of God’s Law. Remember the Law exposes sin. I believe that man is unable to change himself from being the sinner he is by nature. We cannot change our nature. God changes us when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord by sending the indwelling Holy Spirit to bring about conviction and repentance.
We learn new behaviors through our obedience to God’s Word. However, our original sin nature is still present within each of us. We continually war against it, struggling to do the righteous deeds of the spirit rather than the unrighteous deeds of the sin nature. We must be in constant vigilance to put off the old nature. Consider these words from Paul, the model for grace:
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5
“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 8:15-20
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19
“If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:20-24
Red Flags…
My problem with Mr. Schwarz is rooted in his understanding of who God is, his terminology, his implementation, and his global world view.
Problem #1: Mr. Schwarz believes God’s nature is love based on 1 John 4:8.
My thoughts: I disagree. Love is a characteristic of God as explained in 1 John, but God’s nature is spirit. God is three (triune): God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Problem #2: Early in the booklet, Mr. Schwarz shares his belief that believers are to become “open channels for the love of God”.
My thoughts: Channels? Does God need channels in which to express his love? I don’t think so. In this context, it comes across as the task of believers to be love or to exhibit love on behalf of God. God doesn’t need us in order to express His love. He already demonstrated His love for us by sacrificing His Son Jesus so that believers could have eternal life. Check out Romans 5:8:
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
The message we are to carry to the world is not that God loves us (yes, He does), but we are to tell the message that God has reconciled us to Himself through His Son Jesus.
Problem #3:
Mr. Schwarz would like the three main areas of the world to find balance with each other. Let me explain his concept…he has decided the three main areas of the world (the western world, the eastern world, and the southern world) all have specific cultural tendencies. These are:
- The tendency to imperialism and truth in the western world (North America, Europe, and Australia)
- The tendency to hypocrisy and grace in the Eastern world (mostly Asia)
- The tendency to anarchy and justice in the Southern world (mostly Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia).
Of course, he stresses all three tendencies are evident in some way in each world zone.
The idea in identifying each zone’s tendency is to recognize each as a strength, but at the same time to realize the other two tendencies are lacking. He advocates achieving some sort of balance between the three identified tendencies in order to reflect God’s love and character to others.
My thoughts: In cross cultural ministry it is obvious there are differences. To label these differences with stereotypical behaviors is offensive. He is right in saying all hold true of each to some degree, but I would hardly say anarchy and hypocrisy and imperialism are positive strengths.
The concept of being different but alike smacks of a one world religious view concept. Each has a piece of the puzzle, put together, they become one. He says all of us have a different starting point and a different path to follow. Again his concept of all roads lead to the same place is false.
The Bible says Jesus is the only way of salvation (John 1). Jesus reflects God’s love perfectly; we cannot be a true reflection of God’s love no matter how much effort we put into it because we are imperfect. The Bible says we are all sinners (Romans 3:23). We cannot work enough to make ourselves good enough. We cannot demonstrate God’s love perfectly, no matter how hard we try. Instead we are to point others to God and to His love. There is a difference here.
Mr. Schwarz is trying to address the issue of unfriendly and unloving churches. We can certainly extend friendship and perform all the acts of love and have the feelings of agape love, but we will never be substitutes for God’s love.
Problem #4
The entire purpose behind Mr. Schwarz’s discipleship resources, including the 3 Colors of Love is to correct the problems of the church that keeps people away. That correction is to identify the failures of the church by identifying the failures of the individuals. He makes the assumption that lost people will be willing to come to church if the church would just make itself more appealing. If church people would learn to be more loving, people would experience that love and would want to join in.
My thoughts: There is a terrible fallacy floating among church growth experts today. That is the idea that the church should be geared to the lost-those without Jesus as their Savior and Lord. I’ve studied church growth principles for years and experienced many sizes of churches, from the mega-church to the smallest of church congregations. These popular approaches work for a time, but the church still has a revolving door.
Why? First of all many churches promote an easy believe-ism concept that requires nothing but assent to accepting Jesus and praying. Unfortunately, many new “converts” demonstrate their lack of understanding and lack of faith by refusing to obey His commands, by a distinct worldliness, no repentance, and a desire to be pleased, just to name a few characteristics I have witnessed. We label them “carnal” Christians.
I do not believe in the concept of “carnal Christians”. I used to, and was taught that concept in churches I have attended. Yet, I have found the concept of being a “carnal” Christian does not line up with Scripture. Consider these verses as evidence that condemns the behavior of a “carnal” Christian:
John 10:27-29 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.”
John 13:35 says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
John 14:15 says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:21 says, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
Matthew12:50 says, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
You might also read Matthew 13 about the parable of the sower to understand how easily some will want to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, but ultimately do not. If one has received Jesus as Savior and Lord, it stands to reason there would be a true desire to repent and turn away from sin, not a half-hearted attempt. Sin would be grievous, not something to shrug off. Obeying God’s commands would be foremost in thought, not looking for a loophole to excuse disobedience.
The next aspect to this problem is the idea that God’s Word is insufficient to hold people’s attention. They need worldly entertainment, fun things to do, and opportunities for fellowship to get them inside a church. We are called to be a holy and separated people according to 1 Peter 2:9-10, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
The church is for the Believers. Believers are to go out and witness to the lost the message of Christ. Discipleship follows through a mentoring relationship within the church. Didn’t Jesus command the disciples to go out? Consider the words of the great commission: “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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
I remember how popular bus ministries were years ago. Buses would travel the neighborhoods around the church to pick up kids and take them to church. On Saturdays, workers would go out door to door to invite the kids to come with promises of fun. Candy was distributed freely. It was the latest method to win the lost at that time.
The hope was for parents to become interested and come too, but parents enjoyed the free babysitting. In the meantime without adult supervision, the kids were unruly and disruptive in the mainstream worship service. So children’s church was established to be a training ground for bus kids, so they could be assimilated into mainstream church worship. It never worked. Instead children’s church became the place for all kids from babies to 6th grade to go during worship service. Then when they were teens, they chose not to attend, and we lost them. What should have happened is for children to be included in worship service under their parents’ supervision. Lessons would have been reinforced at home. By the way, more and more families are opting for a family style worship time.
Problem #5
I have a difficult time with Mr. Schwarz’s terminology. It smacks of New Age philosophy and Emergent church mysticism. I’m not sure of his doctrinal stand on these issues, but he has certainly embraced some of the buzz words.
I also had a difficult time with the “How to Implement” booklet by Adam Johnstone. He uses a variety of techniques to engage the student. These include visualization, prayer, discussion, daily readings, Scripture verses, an Implementation guide, a mutual mentoring partner, and exercises consisting of questions and answers to name a few. This booklet takes the concepts outlined in 3 Colors of Love to another level by identifying a growth cycle as a spiral. Individuals can find their own starting point on the spiral as they progress in their continual growth process. The process itself is likened to breathing in and breathing out. On the inside cover is a picture of the growth cycle as it relates to the 3 colors of love. Also is a short explanation of the growth cycle:
“God is love, and created the world to grow in countless cycles that surround us. While the cycle remains unchanged, it will take you to a different place in your life with every revolution. Start where you are and return any time you ever stray on the journey. Feel the breath of love from God and others fill your soul, and watch your world change as you breathe it out again. So, will the passing of time just make you older, or more loving as well?”
My thoughts: The concept about the growth cycle is clearly unbiblical. A cycle of growth is reasonable, but this again has an undertone of man in control versus God in control. It leads one to believe we have the power to free ourselves from our sin. If that were true, why did Jesus die on a cross?
This book fosters the idea that man can identify what he needs to become more like God. The Biblical understanding is that the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin which leads to repentance on the part of man. God is in control of personal growth; we have only to obey His commands. He makes them plain to us. I find the concepts to be in direct opposition to Biblical wisdom.
Conclusion…
I do not recommend this book, and in fact, I find it to contain false teaching according to my perspective and understanding of God’s Word. I do not believe these concepts are solidly based on God’s Word. The booklets contain too much of man’s wisdom.
Folks, read the Bible before you attempt to read any self-help books, church growth books, etc. Know what God says first. Know God’s word so well, you can see the fallacy behind much of what is written today.
I personally encourage you to be selective in your reading and Bible study materials. Make sure they line up with God’s Word. Do not be deceived.
Thoughts on Independence Day…
I used to take the annual celebration of the 4th of July for granted. It never occurred to me that the United States of America might one day be lost.
Our people have lost their Judeo-Christian foundation, thus opening the door to an extreme makeover that would leave us under the domination of philosophies that would destroy our American and Christian heritage.
Over the last several years, the horrifying changes that have taken place in the land of the free have moved us ever closer to a land dominated by evil.
So on this Independence Day, I think it is important to remember where we came from…
Excerpt of the Mayflower Compact, November 11, 1620
“In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and the honour of our King and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politick, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”
Excerpt of The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
(Unanimously approved by the thirteen United States of America which consisted of New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts-Bay, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia, and New Jersey.)
“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present Kind of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states.”
These serve to remind us that we as a people have come out of bondage into the precious tenets of liberty. These people had experienced bondage, and chose another way. They chose to unite as a republic.
What is a republic?
It is characterized by a government of the people, rather than a monarch or hereditary head of state. The people have the supreme rule over the land exercised by their vote and through their elected representatives.
Excerpt of the Constitution of the United States
“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Our independence came at great cost. People were willing to stand for this just cause and to ensure its perpetuation to this time.
Will our generation be the one to allow our liberty to slip away? This is a question each generation must decide.
The Least of These My Brothers
(Originally titled, "The Printer of Udell" by Harold Bell Wright, this book is a newer edited and updated version by Michael R. Phillips.)
In these economic hard times, it is relatively easy to identify with the level of desperation of the newly homeless, unemployed, and desperate masses. This is a really good read about a young man named Richard Falkner and a young minister who advocates beginning a program of assistance for these desperate ones.
Writers are always told “show me” rather than “tell me”. In this case, the idea of helping the down and out is illustrated through the story of Dick Falkner. A young man on his own since his poor mother died from a beating administered by his drunken father, Dick knows what it feels like to have nothing, at the mercy of the charitable, and the brunt of the jokes of the arrogant and comfortable.
Taken for a tramp and a drunk, Dick searches for work in the town of Boyd City in an unnamed mid-western state. Finally George Udell, owner of the local print shop, gives him a job and a place to stay.
Revealed in his search throughout the town for a place of employment is the callous attitude of the local churches. These do not wish to associate with this lowly young man. Judging him to be unworthy of their aid, they turn their backs upon Dick and all the needy in their town.
A new pastor in town, Reverend James Cameron, fervently preaches to his comfortable and well-off congregation about the need to live the gospel message. Soon conflict arises as the deacons and wealthy supporters disdain his views. Simply put, they don’t want to be bothered by the needs of the masses, nor do they want their church soiled with the lowliest of the low.
Rev. Cameron takes his call to the Young People’s Society members who embrace his ideas for service with enthusiasm. Dick is pulled in and soon becomes their official spokesman. The story follows Dick’s life and the lives of some of the young people through the trials and tests they face. Ultimately Reverend Cameron’s dream of ministering the gospel through practical application comes to fruition. The message of salvation changes hearts and minds and delivers from temptation.
This is an excellent message! This is more than another social gospel program, but an implementation of Matthew 25:40:
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (KJV)
Thankfully it doesn’t take the idea of a social gospel to the extreme we are witnessing today with Christ and the traditions of the church being discarded for a more seeker friendly worship experience.
Church history reveals that eventually in the early 20th century, evangelism and salvation began to be forgotten while ministry to the physical body took precedence. History is repeating itself today. The ways of Christ are being exchanged for worldliness, so the lost will be drawn into our churches.
Is it possible to combine the ideas of a social gospel with evangelism?
I believe it must be so. But we must be careful not to allow our desire to help the needy to compromise the message of salvation. Evangelism must be the dominating issue. A godly change within the heart and mind cannot happen apart from Jesus. We must avoid the dangers of ecumenicalism and the lure to compromise the truth of the Word. We must minister under the direction and leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The message of salvation is becoming less tolerated among the masses. This is nothing new, for the Gospel messengers of old have always fought the battle of rejection, persecution, and intolerance.
Believers, our main goal must always be to tell the message of the cross. Mankind is condemned and without hope, apart from Jesus.
There is hope for those without Christ because the Bible says:
*Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”
*Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death;
*Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
*Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
*Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
*Romans 10:9-10,”That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
*Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Jesus, God’s Son, came to die on a cross so that those who will accept Him can be forgiven of their sins and have a place in Heaven with Him. Change is possible through Jesus.
Copyright © 2011 by Linda Hull, Words of Encouragement
Heaven is for Real
A good friend recently loaned me her copy of the New York Times #1 Bestseller: “Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. I have to admit to a certain amount of skepticism. There are lots of stories about Heaven out there, and frankly, I’m not a believer.
However, while I don’t particularly believe these near death experiences, this was a good read. It was engrossing, and a story well told by Pastor Todd Burpo, Colton’s Dad.
Colton is a delightful 3 year old when he is suddenly struck with a mysterious illness. Vomiting endlessly, listless, and in pain, the little guy is barely alive when Doctors discover that his appendix had burst a week ago. Now his little body is filled with toxins that are killing him. While on the operating table, his parents are praying for a miracle. God heard their prayers, and restored their son to good health.
Only later, bits and pieces at a time over a period of several years, did Pastor Todd and his wife Sonja come to learn what happened to Colton while he was undergoing life saving surgery. Colton went to Heaven and met Jesus, visited with deceased family members, and saw into the future. Colton's parents were constantly astounded by his new knowledge of things he could not have known.
The question is did Colton actually visit Heaven? Or did he have a vision or beautiful dream? While the story is good, from a Biblical viewpoint, it is disturbing.
*For instance, Colton didn’t know his mother had miscarried and lost a baby. Colton met the little girl in Heaven. The family didn't even know the baby was a girl.
*Then there was the encounter with his deceased grandfather as a much younger man. Shown a more recent picture of his grandfather, he didn’t recognize him, but coming across a photo of him as a young man, Colton knew him.
*His prophecy about the End Times was interesting. He told of a battle fought with swords, most likely an Armageddon type of battle. It would be a big battle and his father would be fighting too.
*Colton met Jesus face to face. He remembered Jesus’ eyes. Everyone has longed to know what Jesus looks like, but no one has seen Him. Pastor Todd and Sonja would present pictures depicting Jesus to ask if this one was correct. It was always “no” until he was shown a picture of Jesus done by the child prodigy, Akiane.
*He talks about the angel wings his grandfather had. From his description it did sound like he had wings, and was not mistaking what he saw.
Here’s why these areas are of concern for me…
First of all the book of Revelation says the revelation is complete in chapter 22, verse 18-19. We are not to add to it. Armageddon is only mentioned in the Bible by name once, in Revelation 16:16. This is the battle that comes at the end of the world. For those who are pre-trib in their views, believing that Believers in Jesus will be raptured (see 1 Corinthians 15:51-58) from the earth long before this battle, it makes little sense that Todd Burpo will be fighting in this battle because he will have been raptured. The same goes for those who consider themselves mid-trib etc.
Remembering what Jesus looks like is a concern too. No one in our lifetime has seen Jesus, and there are no accounts in the Bible about his appearance. Colton mentions seeing the wounds Jesus received from His crucifixion and His eyes. Is it possible? We have no way of knowing. The picture painted by Akiane portrays Jesus as a handsome young man, but the Bible says in Isaiah 53:2:
"For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him." (KJV)
My last thought is the fact that angels are a different created being from humans. We do not get wings, at least as far as I can tell from reading the Scripture. In Chapter 28 of 1 Samuel, King Saul consults a woman with a familiar spirit. He wants her to conjure up the prophet Samuel because he no longer has God’s counsel. Samuel arrives covered in a mantle or cloak. No mention of wings in this description of Samuel, and I imagine they would be pretty hard to hide under a cloak.
If Colton’s account of Heaven is accurate, there should be no discrepancies in his story. From my Bible knowledge, I believe there are some troubling areas. I have to admit, his account is interesting.
The story was delightful and thought provoking, but it is just a story. People who read it have to consider if they will one day be spending eternity in Heaven with Jesus. I know I have had a conversation with someone because of this book.
Sadly, the book has been turned into a DVD Bible study about Heaven. Featured prominently is a video by Todd and Sonja and Colton telling again about his experience and why it changed their lives. They explore what the Bible says about Heaven. The problem I have with this is that they are including their testimony of what Colton thinks he experienced. The Bible doesn't need to be supported by Colton's story. You can just study the Bible only to learn much about Heaven.
A pamphlet called "What Do You Believe About Heaven" is supposed to be a witnessing tool I guess, but it falls far short. The pamphlet is all about what Colton saw in Heaven with a short paragraph about contacting Pastor Burpo's church to find out more about knowing Jesus, accepting his love and forgiveness, and last, being certain of a place in Heaven. This pamphlet should have highly emphasized the personal relationship with Jesus available to all who will believe, and played down the book. Sad.
They're even on Facebook, asking the question: "Why do you believe in Heaven?" Plus, Colton, now much older, has another book for kids told by Colton, complete with a parents guide, illustrations, and Scriptures. Not a good idea in my humble opinion.
Folks, we need to teach our kids the truth as it is found in the Bible. It doesn't need dressing up to make it more palatable or interesting. I read the Bible to my kids in its entirety, and they loved it!
If you are wondering if you will have a place in Heaven for all eternity, contact me. I believe everyone can know for sure where they will spend eternity.
Copyright © 2011 by Linda Hull, Words of Encouragement
The Name of Jesus is a Strong Tower
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10
As we celebrate Memorial Day, let us remember the name of Jesus, the rallying cry for salvation and forgiveness of sin.
Our Lord’s name is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to redeem His people. David pays tribute to God in 2 Samuel 22 with a memorial song. These words sound his praises for God:
“For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him. For who is God, save the Lord? And who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.” 2 Samuel 22:29-38
It is Jesus who has the power to save and to change hearts and minds. We are merely His vessels. David attributes His salvation to the Lord. A disconnect here? No, Jesus is God’s Son, and part of the triune God. Think about it…God came down in human form in the person of Jesus. That’s how much He loves us. Then He demonstrated His love through miracles of healing, feeding of thousands, and by His very nature. We crucified Him, but He allowed it so we might be saved through the redemption He purchased by His shed blood. All may receive salvation by calling upon the name of Jesus. Tell Him your woes and ask Him to save you. He will, and will gift you with the third part of the triune God, the Holy Spirit. No one is too bad to be saved, but you must open the door of your heart so that He can come in.
*When the world is falling apart, you can call upon the name of Jesus. He is a strong tower of refuge in the midst of chaos and confusion.
“Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: my goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.” Psalm 144:1-2
*When you don’t know where to turn for help, you can call upon the name of Jesus. He listens and acts upon our prayers.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
*When you run out of money and resources, you can call upon the name of Jesus. He will supply your need.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
*When you are ready to quit, you can call upon the name of Jesus. He will bolster you up and keep you going.
“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13
How do I know this? Because He has done it for me. He is my Savior and Lord.
Memorial Day is the day we remember our heroes. Jesus is my hero and I hope He will be yours as well.
Copyright © 2011 by Linda Hull
In Memory of Jesus
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25(KJV)
Memorial Day is a day in which we remember and honor those brave men and women who gave their lives for our nation. However, there is someone else we also need to remember and honor on this day and His name is Jesus. He didn’t die for just our nation; He died for every person in the world.
Not only should we remember and honor Jesus on Memorial Day, we should also remember and honor Him every day of our life for the sacrifice that He made for you and for me. He died for our sins on a cross of horror and suffered excruciating pain for us.
No one has ever been abused, ridiculed, rejected, criticized, cursed and treated as badly as Jesus was treated. Yet, in spite of all the horrible things He endured for us, He still loves us. What kind of love is this that comes from the heart of Jesus? It is a tender compassionate and giving love beyond compare.
The next time we start feeling sorry for ourselves, and this includes me, because we have been criticized, rejected and ridiculed, we need to remember all that Jesus suffered for us and just as He loves those who hurt Him, we should also love those who hurt us.
Copyright May 30, 2011 by Joanne Lowe
www.joanne-ourprecioussaviour.blogspot.com
Used by permission.
What to Look for in a Church Home
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
I've been in a lot of churches because I've moved around a lot. With each move, it has been our family’s practice to find a new church home with each new location. It sometimes seems like a daunting task with so many choices, but there have been times where the choices were few. Regardless, we’ve sought a God honoring church family. For the inexperienced there are some tell-tail signs we look for to determine if a church is a candidate for our new church home. I’ve also included some good ideas to make your church a place where people want to be.
The first thing we notice is the appearance of a church. A clean church demonstrates good stewardship of resources and pride in offering God their best efforts. Churches needing repair and showing signs of a lack of care often mean that funds are limited because the people aren’t tithing or the number of people in the church cannot meet the financial needs of the church. Neglect is usually not a good sign.
Friendliness is another critical feature. It is difficult to walk into a new congregation, particularly a small one where newcomers have a high visibility. Having someone meet you with a smile and handshake is critical. Hopefully that person knows how to make a little small talk without being overwhelming with too many questions. We don’t mind if you don’t remember our names, but please remember our faces.
We often attend Sunday School right away, but in a new church, we don’t know where to go. It is helpful when a congregation has stationed someone near the door to help direct visitors to the correct classes. To save time, a handout listing the classes and their offerings can be scanned so choices can be made quickly. Too many offerings lead to confusion and too much discussion usually makes us late. No one wants to walk in after the class starts. I’m always relieved when classes have a five-ten minute fellowship time at the beginning of their class time, so we visitors can get in before the lesson starts and not cause a disruption. Please have empty chairs near the back so we don’t have to crawl over people in case we are late.
Children often are a little shy when walking into an unknown environment. Sometimes people have no idea how difficult it can be to leave resistant children. Please calm our fears by not turning our kids loose to fend for themselves at the end of the Sunday School hour or church hour. We need to know they are being supervised. If you have paperwork you need us to fill out, we’d be happy to do that, but we’ll be missing our class. Can you keep it simple so we can give you the immediate “need to knows” and complete the rest when church is over?
Kids don’t like being the only one in the class. Two teachers (preferably over 18 yrs.) in the classroom are necessary to maintain accountability and blamelessness for the church. Please have glass doors or windows in the classroom doors so we can check on our kids if we must. Dumbed down Sunday School lessons will bore our kids. They need to have solid teaching about the Bible and they need to be taught its relevance for their day to day life. We as parents will bear the responsibility for teaching them at home, but we want them to develop a love for worshipping and learning the Bible at church. Have some fun, but don’t make having fun the crux of the hour.
The worship service is usually the key element in our decision. We want a God focused worship experience that points us to Christ, but sometimes it may be difficult to know what we mean. Here’s a comparison:
Signs of a God-oriented Worship Service:
*Pleasing to God
*Believer oriented
*Feeds the heart
*Fosters brokenness and repentance
*Founded on the truths of God’s Word
*Encourages personal and corporate evangelism
Signs of a Self-oriented Worship
*People pleasing
*Unbeliever oriented
*Feeds the flesh
*Builds up the ego
*Founded on political correctness, tolerance, ecumenical
*Promotes a social gospel
The Bible tells us to be separate from the practices of the unbelievers. Therefore we would not want worldly look-a-likes with a Christian flavor. We want a definite distinction between church and world. We want holiness and godliness.
I remember being in a church where the message was based on the Daily Bread. In fact, I thought the message was familiar when the Pastor began to speak, then realized it was almost verbatim what I had read earlier that day. We want to hear God’s Word, not man’s interpretation or commentary. It is the hearing of the Word that brings faith and repentance and salvation.
When church is over, we hope we will be contacted at home by a person, not just a letter. A home contact makes us feel wanted. It helps break the ice for our next visit, and gives us a point of contact when we arrive. Making new friends is one of our goals.
Finding a perfect church is not our goal. Humans aren’t perfect, but we do look for a fellowship of believers who clearly love the Lord with all of their heart, soul, and mind and love their neighbor as themselves. Our church family will hold a special place in our lives, often substituting for the family members who are far-away or out of touch.
If you already have a church family, keep in mind how a visitor feels. Maybe you need to make some adjustments to help visitors feel welcome and want to join you in worship and service to the Lord.
Copyright © 2011 by Linda Hull, Words of Encouragement
Rapture on May 21st? I Don’t Think So!
I’ve been thinking about the people who believe in Harold Camping’s prediction of the rapture on May 21, 2011. They are certain that Harold Camping has inside knowledge of God’s plan for the rapture. I am equally as certain they are wrong, because Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 no one but God the Father knows the day and hour.
Let’s reason this out… Why would God enable Harold Camping to discover the day and hour of the rapture, but not our Savior and Lord? Let’s be clear, Mr. Camping is a false prophet. Prophecies he has made in times past have proven false.
The Bible provides the answers we seek. Harold Camping thinks so too. He used a mathematical formula of some kind to come up with his rapture date. The Bible tells us that false prophets were taken seriously. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 tells us the dire consequences: “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, how shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
News reports tell us that the Harold Camping followers are making preparations for their imminent departure. Some have sold their homes and possessions, given away pets, etc. It is clear that his followers believe in him, but they do not believe in the teachings of the Bible. What Biblical understanding they may have had has been snatched from them, distorted into an unrecognizable mishmash.
It seems to me their lack of faith in God’s provision for the “end time” has caused them to embrace a false doctrine of salvation. They are not trusting in Jesus Christ. Salvation is in Jesus, not in the hope of rapture.
Our beliefs drive our actions. IF we truly believe the words of the Bible and we truly have accepted Jesus as our Savior, then we can trust God to have perfect timing. We don’t have to try to pinpoint the time. It’s enough that He knows and is able to act on our behalf in time.
Harold Camping has done people a huge disservice. He has caused them to leave their churches, and confused their understanding of Biblical truths. They have been led away by their fear of the end times to embrace false doctrine. Matthew 24:11 tells us in the last days many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. Harold Camping fits the bill.
The aftermath of a failed rapture is sad. Hope is dashed and fear grows. Now these must wonder if they are even saved. I’m sure Harold will come up with some new reasoning to explain why he was wrong. By the way, Harold Camping is not a Christian.
Beware of the Dangerous Use of Influence
Years ago I worked in a military environment with men and women of varying rank. Since my job involved a service, it was necessary for me to take appointments so that each could benefit from my work. One day the new commanding officer’s secretary called to make an appointment. Unfortunately no openings were available. I offered to schedule an appointment on another day, but I was rudely told to bump someone. Hmmm…I could have done that, but then I would have been breaking my commitment to those who counted on me. My clients would never have been able to depend on me to keep my word again. The dangerous use of influence sanctioned by the commanding officer could have cost me my integrity.
How disheartening it is when the powerful use their influence to further their personal agenda or to garner rewards for themselves or others. Think about all the manipulative ways used to influence a vote or swing opinions. From the boardroom to the playground, people learn to use tactics meant to entice or coerce people to do their bidding. When all else fails, some will offer a gift that makes the receiver feel indebted.
Beware, for God cautioned the Israelites against this very dangerous practice:
“And thou shalt take no gift for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.” Exodus 23:8, KJV
“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.” Deuteronomy 16:19
Good words of wisdom can be found in the Bible. When God was establishing rules of conduct for the judges and priests, the Levites, He used the word “gift”. Strong’s Concordance says the Hebrew word used here means “a donation (venal or redemptive): bribe, gift, present, reward.” The meaning is clear. A gift can be used to wrongly influence, leading to a state of indebtedness that can result in a perversion of justice.
What’s wrong with a little manipulation and gift giving?
*Demonstrates a lack of faith in God to work through a situation in accordance with His will.
*Demonstrates an unwillingness to wait upon the Lord.
*Demonstrates dishonesty.
*Demonstrates a controlling nature.
Gifts are most often used to exploit a weakness or a point of need in another in order to gain a favor. For example, someone who is hungry is most likely to accept a gift to do a deed that is against their belief system. One who has a need or a great desire is more likely to accept a gift to meet that need, not realizing they may have sold away their right to say “no” in the future.
We must not give in to the manipulator’s tactics. This is a form of abuse that can be quite demoralizing and victimizing. Consider these words of warning from Peter:
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19
These habitually covert and aggressive tactics are clearly displeasing to the Lord. We are not to use our influence to intimidate people or to force people to do our bidding. Let us be warned to avoid those who do.
Instead let us follow after righteousness…
*Let us consider others as better than ourselves:
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
*Let us give good gifts with no expectation of reward:
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
*Let us position ourselves as servants of our Lord, aiding and encouraging others. We have the example of Jesus who took upon Himself the role of the lowest servant, washing away the dust and debris of filth from the feet of His disciples:
“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself. After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.” John 13:3-5
“So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, He said unto them, know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am . If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” John 13:12-16
If our attitude and desire is to be a servant to others, then we will be able to overcome the dangerous use of influence in our own lives. We will be able to recognize it when it is being used on us and will be able to overcome its dangerous use against us.
Copyright © 2011 by Linda Hull, Words of Encouragement