The Sound Biblical Doctrine ministry came into being as the Lord purposed it upon my heart to make a directory, especially for those that are new and young in the faith. So that they can be directed to churches and ministries that teach the whole, unleavened, gospel. And that they can learn to quickly discern and identify false doctrine.
My walk with the Lord began 14 years ago, and for the sake of keeping things short, I will just talk about some of the main events.
I got saved as a result of seeing Mel Gibson’s adaptation of The Passion of the Christ and hearing a street preacher deliver the gospel. Having watched the film, and seen what Jesus went through, I believed in my heart that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died and rose again the third day, and that He shed his blood to pay for my sins. And upon hearing the street preacher, I confessed that Jesus was the Lord, and things have never been the same since!
As I grew in the faith the Lord directed me to attend and join a local church (Church of Scotland). I attended the Sunday service every week, and semi regularly attempted to read the scriptures. Although I was put off by not knowing how to read the Bible, where to start, what everything meant etc. However, despite this I did feel an uneasiness that what I read in the Bible was not what I saw when I attended Church. But being new, not understanding the scriptures, and being unwilling to rock the boat, I tried to convince myself that the best way to get close to God was by continuing to attend church.
Not long after deciding upon this I had a chance encounter with a couple of Mormons. They were very zealous and had a much better knowledge of the scriptures than me. And were keen for me to join their church. So initially I attended both churches. Church of Scotland and LDS (Later Day Saints). But as time went on, I felt conviction to pick one, and so I decided upon the Mormon church. Although I wasn’t convinced they were right, I wanted to understand why and figured that if I went all in, I would find out why. Thankfully the Lord had other plans, and via some divine intervention, showed me in no uncertain terms that I should not associate with or attend the Mormon Church. And from that experience I felt God had shown me that if I did not read the scriptures, people that did would easily be able to deceive, misguide and ultimately overcome me.
So I went back to the church I initially attended, but started to read the scriptures each day. Now the feelings of uneasiness were stronger, but I was still reluctant to act upon the scriptures as I did not know where I should go. And again the Lord taught me a hard lesson that you don’t need to know all the steps ahead of time. But rather just to be obedient to God when He communicates to you through His Word.
And so after a time I left this church and attended a local Baptist church. Then the process of getting to know the people and the pastor, started over again. But then after an amount of time, I was faced with a similar situation. Follow the Word of God or continue to attend a church where people don’t believe the full Word of God. I was drawn towards a pentecostal church that was further away, because they believed and preached about God that sounded much more like the God of the Bible. And so I left the Baptist Church and made the journey to attend the pentecostal church.
Soon after I was baptised, and I felt like I was growing and getting closer to God. The pastor encouraged us to fast often, which I embraced. And during one time of fasting I became aware of a teacher on the internet called Dr Scott Johnson. He had a lot of fire about him, I heard him talk about the Mark of the Beast, which I had read in the Bible, but had never heard anyone in Church talk about it. He also was insistent that as Christians we should only read the King James Bible. I listened to several studies on this topic, and being convinced by what I had read and heard, fervently set about getting a copy of the King James Bible.
The change that this made in my walk with the Lord was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Suddenly everything started to become clear, and I felt bolder to ask questions regarding Bible matters. Being unconvinced by the pastors explanation of some of my questions at the pentecostal church, I began to look for an independent King James only church, which I had heard about via some sermons/studies. An online directory led me to one that was within driving distance. There were very few people attending, but they seemed to be much closer to God, and were at peace with their humble surroundings. So I attended regularly, and continued to listen to Scott Johnson. Listening to his studies felt like I had hit a gold mine of biblical knowledge and teachings, and being starved of sound teachings for so long, I made copies of all the online teachings he made and listened to them all the time.
Meanwhile at the independent fundamentalist KJV Church there were a couple of doctrines that were taught that I did not agree with, and so I found some online teachings, and composed a study based on the scriptures and presented them to the pastor. He took them on board and listened to them, but ultimately it did not change his stance. I found it so strange that his response based on the scriptures was so weak, yet he was so determined to hold to these views. Again as time passed by I felt conviction from the Lord to make a decision as to where I was going to go for church/teaching. And so I spoke with the pastor and said that if he was willing to change his doctrinal stance on a couple of issues I would attend, but if not I would not be back. Needless to say, he didn’t change his stance, but he also wanted me to continue to attend. I politely declined, and effectively was in a position where I was not attending a church as such. But I knew this was God’s will, and I felt complete peace with my situation. I also made sure that I unjoined any of the churches that I was previously affiliated with.
A few years ago I felt conviction from the Lord to clarify with Scott Johnson what his stance was regarding salvation. And it transpired that he is once saved always saved, although like most people who hold this doctrinal stance, their understanding of the subject is not complete and their doctrine has a lot of holes in it.
So I stopped listening to him, and for a while I only read the scriptures for guidance.
I have been in this position now for a number of years, but thank the Lord, I have a brother in Christ nearby. So we can enjoy fellowship together and via the internet, are able to listen to sound biblical teachings.
During this time the Lord has shown me there are many other Christians throughout the earth, who are also in this position. And although they are free of the bondage of false doctrine. They have found that there stance on what the Word of God actually says, has isolated them to the point that they are either on their own, or very few in number.
Personally I believe, this is a necessary stance that the Lord has told many Christians to take, and I am sure many, myself included, can testify that this time of isolation has been incredible for increasing their faith in The Word of God.
However, when we study the scriptures regarding the End Times/Latter Days, we are not shown, or lead to the conclusion, that individual isolation is The Lords ideal stance for His Church leading up to and during the tribulation period.
In fact it is quite the opposite. During the End Times the Church will be strong. And we will be united and longingly waiting for the appearing of Jesus Christ at the battle of Armageddon.
But let us consult the scriptures, and study them to confirm if what I have written is the truth?
Is there any scriptural evidence that foretells of this, or are there patterns in the Bible that repeat?
Consider the exodus of Israel from Egypt. They were in bondage and God called them out so that they could inherit the promised land that He had prepared for them.
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
Exodus 3:7-9
However, they did not transition directly from Egypt to the promised land. Rather they had to spend a time in the wilderness before they reached the promised land. And during this time, those that were disobedient and unbelieving were destroyed that they might not receive of God’s promise.
For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
Joshua 5:6
They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;
Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:
But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.
Psalm 106:21-25
So like the promised land in the Old Testament, we are told in the book of Daniel that God will establish His Kingdom on earth, DURING the days of the 10 kings (of the Antichrist Kingdom)
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Daniel 2:44
We also know that during the tribulation period, God has prepared a place in the wilderness for Israel to flee to.
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Revelation 12:6
And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Revelation 12:14
And it makes sense that God will use the church to prepare this place for Israel.
Of course God, in His infinite power, could speak this place into existence without the work of men.
But typically God calls His people to build these structures. Consider Noah’s Ark, Solomon’s temple etc.
And so I believe that God is trying many of us just now, so that we will be fit for His purpose.
Consider the scriptures regarding purification of silver, gold and the Word of God
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Psalm 12:6-7
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
Proverbs 17:3
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
Proverbs 25:4
And very aptly, how the church of Laodecia is counseled to buy gold tried in the fire. For purification.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Revelation 3:18
Purification is not the purpose for the silver or gold. Rather it is a necessary process they must go through to be fit for the Masters purpose.
So for many of us, this time of isolation is part of a purifying work that God is doing in our lives. So that we are prepared for what He next has in store for us.
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:3-4
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2:19-21
In a like manner, the Word of God also speaks of us as clay in the potters hand.
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Isaiah 64:8
So we, as Christians, should be ready to moulded by the Word of God.
However, today, as we approach the end times and tribulation period, many Christians are not fit for the Lords purpose. Many Christians are weak and in bondage; and incredibly, the source of these chains is from the very place where they should be experiencing, hearing and learning about freedom the most. The modern day apostate church.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32
It is so bad that these churches cant even claim to be like the wilderness
And when you consider that it is written:
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Proverbs 21:19
If you apply this proverb to the modern day apostate church, it is further confirmation that true believers should come out from among her.
Many churches are so watered down and lacking any kind of discernment that they don’t believe the End Times and tribulation period are real and WILL happen!
A sad state of affairs, especially as we are called to be salt and light
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
Can anyone honestly say that the church as a whole is like salt and light on the earth?
So why is this? Why is the mainstream church so weak? Why are they so ignorant of the times?
The reason is simple. They are deceived. The pastors are deceived, the elders are deceived and so are the vast majority of the congregation.
But how is it possible for so many people to be deceived? And does the Bible foretell of such a deception?
Well let us do as instructed in Hebrews 12:2. And look to the warnings of Jesus Christ whilst he was here on earth. (in the flesh)
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
JESUS’ END TIME WARNING REGARDING DECEPTION
Regarding the End Times, what was the first warning Jesus gave? And what warning did he repeat throughout the gospels? DO NOT BE DECEIVED!
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:3-5
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
Mark 13:3-5
And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Luke 21:8
And regarding the End Times, this same warning is echoed later on in the new testament.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
In the same chapter it is also written:
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-12
So here we can see, that not only will men be deceiving each other. God is going to send a strong delusion so that those who take pleasure in sin rather than the truth, will believe it, and perish in Hell. That should get your attention!!
HOW NOT TO BE DECEIVED
So now, using these, and other scriptures, we will establish how the Bible teaches us not to be deceived.
First up, we are told that the strong delusion is for those that don’t love the truth. So it stands to reason that if we don’t want to be deceived, we must love the truth. What other scriptures are there that confirm this?
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
Zecharia 8:19
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 1:1-3
The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:1-4
So here we see scriptures admonishing us to love the truth, and giving us examples of those that do so. And even goes on to speak of those that walk in the truth.
So that leads us to the next question. What is truth? And further how can you walk in the truth? Lets study these one at a time. Firstly, what is truth? And rather than using the dictionary, we will let the Bible tell us what truth is, and we will start with Jesus.
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
The Bible also gives us another definition of truth.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17
So if we compare the 2 scriptures we can see that Jesus is the truth. And the Word (of God) is the truth. Therefore it is logical to assume that Jesus and the Word of God are one and the same. Is this principle confirmed anywhere else in the scriptures?
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John 1:14-15
So the answer is yes. And incidentally, what is the source of truth? Or the Word of God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:1-5
So the truth comes to us directly from God the Father.
And therefore it stands to reason, that if we love the truth, we will love the words spoken to us by God.
Further it is by keeping the words AND commandments that God gives us, that we walk in the truth.
!!!NOTICE FOR ALL APOSTATE/LUKEWARM/PSEUDO CHRISTIANS OUT THERE!!!
!!!THERE IS NO PICK AND MIX CLAUSE INSERTED HERE!!!!
But again, don’t take my word for it. Let the Word of God be the final authority
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
2 John 1:4-6
How clear can it be!!! But lets gather more scriptures that establish how we walk in truth
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
Psalm 86:11
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:5-7
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:2-4
And so if we receive the Words of God and His commandments and follow them. God receives this as love.
But don’t take my word for it. Let us look to Jesus and see if this is so.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15
Can’t be clearer than that.
Any more?
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.
John 14:21
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:10
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
1 John 5:2-3
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk
in it.
2 John 1:6
So this is absolutely crystal clear. That if we love the truth, we obey Gods words and keep His commandments.
Further God calls us to love him in such a manner, rather than by lip service.
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18
And the Bible also tells us that being in the truth is a necessary component of worship towards Him.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth
John 4:23-24
This is one part of ensuring we are not deceived. What about the other part? Identifying deceivers.
IDENTFYING DECEIVERS
The Bible lists several types of deceivers, and ways we can be deceived. And yes, we are meant to know about these. As it is written
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11
So what are these traits. Let us examine the scriptures regarding deceivers
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2 John 1:7
This principle is further repeated
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1 John 4:1-3
1st characteristic. If someone does not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, they have a spirit of antichrist. So identify that in someone EARLY! And once identified you should expect to hear them say & do things contrary to the Word of God.
Whereas on the contrary, if a spirit confesses that Jesus is come in the flesh that spirit is of God, and if a man can say that Jesus is the Lord, he must have the Holy Ghost.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 12:3
Getting back to deceivers, what other characteristics to they possess?
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
Titus 1:10
Here we can see that deceivers are grouped together with vain talkers and unruly. So we should expect to see them associated with such people. And another of their attributes is that they will seek to teach things which overthrow the foundation of the scriptures, and their motivation will be money.
Just to clarify, although the words unruly, vain, subvert & lucre do occur in other parts of the scriptures, often the dictionary gives the most succinct definition. And so these have below listed below. (NB searching for these words in the bible, will help give you a fuller understanding of their meaning, and the contexts in which they are used.)
Unruly
UNRU’LY, a.
1. Disregarding restraint; licentious; disposed to violate laws; turbulent; ungovernable; as an unruly youth.
The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil. James 4.
2. Accustomed to break over fences and escape from inclosures; apt to break or leap fences; as an unruly ox.
The owner of the unruly ox paid a sum of money, as a civil penalty for the ransom of his life.
Vain
VAIN, a. [L. vanus; Eng. wan, wane, want.]
1. Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance. 1 Pet 1.
To your vain answer will you have recourse.
Every man walketh in a vain show. Psa 39.
Why do the people imagine a vain thing? Psa 2.
2. Fruitless; ineffectual. All attempts, all efforts were vain.
Vain is the force of man.
3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; elated with a high opinion of one’s own accomplishments, or with things more showy than valuable; conceited.
The minstrels play’d on every side, vain of their art –
4. Empty; unreal; as a vain chimers.
5. Showy; ostentatious.
Load some vain church with old theatric state.
6. Light; inconstant; worthless. Prov 12.
7. Empty; unsatisfying. The pleasures of life are vain.
8. False; deceitful; not genuine; spurious. James 1.
9. Not effectual; having no efficacy
Bring no more vain oblations. Isa 1.
In vain, to no purpose; without effect; ineffectual.
In vain they do worship me. Mat 15.
To take the name of God in vain, to use the name of God with levity or profaneness.
Subvert
SUBVERT’, v.t. [L. subverto; sub and verto, to turn.]
1. To overthrow from the foundation; to overturn; to ruin utterly. The northern nations of Europe subverted the Roman empire. He is the worst enemy of man, who endeavors to subvert the christian religion. The elevation of corrupt men to office will slowly, but surely, subvert a republican government.
This would subvert the principles of all knowledge.
2. To corrupt; to confound; to pervert the mind, and turn it from the truth. 2 Tim 2.
Lucre
LU’CRE, n. lu’ker. [L. lucrum.] Gain in money or goods; profit; usually in an ill sense, or with the sense of something base or unworthy.
The lust of lucre, and the dread of death.
A bishop must be blameless – not given to filthy lucre. Titus 1
2nd characteristic. Deceivers will be grouped with people who like to break laws & disobey commandments. And with people who talk empty words that profit nothing. They will seek to destroy the foundation of your faith and corrupt you. And their motivation is money.
And you should know that it is written:
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:10
What else do the scriptures say regarding deceivers.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Ephesians 5:6
3rd characteristic. Here we see again the principle that men will use empty words to deceive. i.e. words that have no biblical foundation. And this causes the wrath of God to come upon those that disobey his words.
Also, it is not just other men that can deceive us. We can deceived ourselves
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8
So we must remain humble, especially when exposing deceivers, as we ourselves have sin in our mortal flesh.
But balance this with the following scriptures.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:7-8
So yes, we have sin inside of us. But we should not be obeying it or following its desires.
4th characteristic. People that do righteousness are righteous. And those that embrace sin are of the devil. So when we recognise people openly sinning, we should expect them to teach and embrace beliefs contrary to the scriptures. So be on guard, and don’t take heed to their words regarding faith, and anything they say contrary to the Bible.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2 Timothy 3:13
5th characteristic. Deceiving is a tactic used by evil people and those that try to seduce. So learn to recognise people that seek to persuade or promise you things if you follow them. And we should expect to see those that are such grow in this lifestyle, as they themselves have been overcome with deception and seek to do the same to others. The fact that they grow in their wickedness is not a sign of success.
Many of you are aware of what a seducer is, but just to be clear here is the definition.
Seducer
SEDU’CER, n.
1. One that seduces; one that by temptation or arts, entices another to depart from the path of rectitude and duty; pre-eminently, one that by flattery, promises or falsehood, persuades a female to surrender her chastity. The seducer of a female is little less criminal than the murderer.
2. That which leads astray; that which entices to evil.
He whose firm faith no reason could remove,
Will mest before that soft seducer, love. Dryden.
So hopefully we are clear that in these times, you can expect there to be a lot of deception, and an increasing amount as we move closer to The Lord’s return. And you understand that fundamentally, you must love the truth, and recognise that there are people in the world who are going to deceive you in order to turn you away from serving Jesus.
ENSURING YOU ARE NOT DECEIVED BY A CHURCH – IDENTIFYING FALSE DOCTRINE
However, if you do not want to be deceived or taken up with the strong delusion, how can you ensure that you are not deceived?
Spiritually….
All of those types of deceivers above fit the profile of worldly people. i.e. the unsaved or not belonging to the church.
Yes, of course there will be people within churches who are like that. But how do you recognise, QUICKLY, someone within a church hierarchy who is seeking to deceive you. (knowingly or unknowingly!)
Remember, if you are new to the faith, they (church leaders) will have probably read the bible more than you. Or at least know parts that they can direct you to that will likely cause you to stumble. They are very experienced at deceiving. Especially if you are a recent convert
For someone that has just been saved, modern day Christianity is an absolutely minefield!
Recall when you first got saved. How did you know who was for real, and who is trying to deceive you? Yes, we have the Holy Spirit. And I am in no way limiting what God can teach you through the Spirit. But for me, my experience of deceivers within the church was that I couldn’t get peace around them. When I looked at them or spoke with them or even thought about them, I knew something wasn’t right, but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. God was obviously convicting me. But I lacked the biblical knowledge to be able to expose them.
After all, they are experience at deceiving, and although they are corrupt, they will still have a better knowledge of the scriptures than a baby Christian.
And so the Lord convicted me to read the scriptures, and more importantly to follow them. And this was when I began to understand doctrine and learned to identify how it was these “pastors” were able to deceive people.
Specifically with regards to their doctrine.
Before I go any further, let me say I am not perfect, and obviously there have been many times in my life when I have been deceived and followed/done things that are contrary to the Word of God.
But I know that if you follow the Word of God, you will not be deceived. And that if you can discern that which is false/a lie, you wont be deceived.
So regarding the seven doctrines which are covered by Sound Biblical Doctrine. The Word of God is 100% clear on these issues. And if you follow these teachings, YOU WILL NOT BE DECEIVED on these issues. And if you want to oppose what The Word of God clearly teaches. You are wrong. And its simple as that. And if you persist in opposing what the Bible clearly teaches then you should know the consequences for being wrong, are far from trivial.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Romans 13:2
Like I said, I recognise that I am not perfect, and if I got what I deserved I would be dead, in Hell, and ultimately have the Lake of Fire as my eternal destination. However I do recognise that Jesus Christ is perfect, and that through Him, as a saved believer, I have the promise of eternal life. And as long as I stay in Christ, I can look forward to being in Heaven, with God. And that Heaven will be my place of eternal rest.
On this basis, we as believers should follow what Jesus Christ says (through his Word). Not what we think or believe individually, not what someone else says or believes, not what a group of people believe or say, not what a spirit tells us, not what a multitude of spirits say. And not what some ET or interplanetary being might say.
Because it can be guaranteed that in what ever form he appears, Satan’s agenda is the same now as it has always been. First to make you doubt the Word of God, and second, to cause you to reject The Word of God in exchange for a lie.
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Genesis 3:1-5
Let me ask you, have you ever lied? Have you ever been deceived? Hopefully you can answer these honestly.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Isaiah 64:6
Obviously the answer is yes
Now answer this, has God ever lied? Has God ever been deceived?
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Hebrews 6:17-18
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Romans 3:4
Obviously the answer is no.
So then as believers, we should put all our trust and confidence in God.
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Jeremiah 17:5
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 14:26
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Psalm 118:8
For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:26
And if we genuinely do this, then it can be said with 100% certainty that we will not be deceived.
Now let us consider Jesus’ ministry when he was here on earth. How did he teach his disciples to recognise false teachers/workers of iniquity/wolves in sheep’s clothing?
Three ways:
Firstly, by their doctrine.
And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Matthew 16:5-12
Secondly. That they were hypocrites
And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
Mark 8:15
In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Luke 12:1
And thirdly. By their fruits.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:15-20
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Matthew 12:33-35
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Luke 6:43-45
The purpose of this series of studies is to concentrate on doctrines that are being taught. Or in the case of many churches, false doctrine. Predominantly because false doctrine can be established early and from a distance. For hypocrisy and fruit, you generally have to be around people a certain amount of time before you can establish this.
Also doctrine is like bad seed that gives rise to bad fruit. And because the churches are teaching false doctrine, their congregations will not be properly judging themselves. This will give rise to hypocrisy and therefore a lack of good fruit. (This does not mean that people who go to an apostate church can’t do any good whatsoever. But if they are embracing false doctrine, they are likely not ready for what is coming. And as a result, they will not be in a position to bring forth good fruit come the end times.)
Incidentally, I am not saying I am currently producing as much good fruit as I would like to be producing. But when I see people getting overcome by false teachers and false prophets who are feeding them false doctrine and trying to shipwreck their faith, it angers me. And I want to do something about it. So if I am able to help Christians out there to discern what is sound biblical doctrine, I want to do it. And I believe that if you can establish this early you will be well grounded and ready for what is coming. And be able to bring forth good fruit in a time when people need it the most.
Basically, because this is what I would want done for me.
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12
So at Sound Biblical Doctrine we will not be concentrating on hypocrisy or fruit of false teachers. But rather we will focus on doctrine.
So now, let us establish more scriptures that deal with identifying false doctrine.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Romans 16:17-18
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Peter 2:1-3
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
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 2:12-19
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:9
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables
2 Titus 4:2-4
So we have clear instruction to mark those that teach false doctrine and avoid them. We mark them so that we can warn other people about them. As it is important that there is separation between those that believe and embrace sound doctrine and those that do not. As those workers of iniquity within the church not only seek to destroy the congregation, but project a bad image of how the church should be. And thus cause people of the world to speak evil of those that seek to follow the truth. The Lord considers it a very serious thing and warns that embracing false doctrine will put a man in bondage. And we have a warning that in the latter days people will not follow sound doctrine and will turn from the truth to lies.
We also see from the following that dis-fellowship from a brother is a biblical principle. Although we should seek to restore such an one first.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Matthew 18:15-17
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
We can see that if the brother does not receive our help we are to reject him, but in a gentle manner, so that he may seek repentance and be renewed.
However those that teach false doctrine and heresies we are to avoid! So cut all ties and shun them.
And in the following scriptures, those that embrace this lovey dovey come one, come all, it is all acceptable in the church mindset (i.e. disorder) are rebuked.
Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
1 Corinthians 11:17-22
Now does this mean that you could never get saved or learn anything edifying under a minister who is teaching false doctrine? No. Many people unknowingly attend corrupt churches and embrace false doctrine that they teach. However, in all humility, we as believers must recognise that this is not a good situation to be in.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:1-2
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:12-14
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
Proverbs 24:9
It may be that God has grace and mercy on you when you attend one of these places, however, upon revelation of the areas of false doctrine being taught, it should be very clear to the believer that if the pastor/deacon/bishop is not prepared to repent and get in line with what the word of God says. Then the time has now arrived for you to leave that church.
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Titus 3:10-11
Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
Isaiah 1:5
Exactly where to? That is very often not revealed until you make the move to leave. After all, are we not a people of faith?
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Job 28:28
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Proverbs 3:7
However, it is my desire and prayer before the Lord, that when we leave such a church it is on to a better place. A church where the Word of God is the final authority. And not what a stubborn man decrees. Seminary educated or not!
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
1 Samuel 15:23
Consider the Catholics; for all their insistence that they are following Jesus Christ. The reality is that when the teachings of the pope or the catechism are opposed to the Bible, they (Catholics) always follow the pope and the catechism. Not the Word of God, which is Jesus Christ.
You can ask a catholic this, they don’t deny it. They may try to give you a reason, but the black and white is. They follow the pope and the catechism (Or Tradition as they call it). End of.
The same can be said of Mormons, Jehovahs’ Witnesses and many other pseudo Christian religions. They follow the man that is the leader of their “church”, and their extra biblical teachings. Not the Word of God.
Now does that mean that there are no Christians within the Catholic/Mormon/Jehovahs Witnesses churches? No
This is why God said:
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2 Colossians 6:17
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Revelation 18:4
But what about fellowship? Are we not meant to fellowship with other believers?
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
So yes is the answer. But it does not mean that we are to join them in bondage in the hope that we can reach them.
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Psalm 11:3
Our foundation as Christians should be Jesus Christ, His Words and the doctrine that He taught.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Matthew 7:24-27
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Luke 6:46-49
And if we are joining up with churches that teach corrupt doctrine, then we are forsaking our solid foundations. Which bears no good fruit.
We should desire to walk in a manner that is pleasing to God, not men.
LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Psalm 15:1-5
And thus be established and made unmovable.
And if there are churches that don’t want to do this, then distance from such a church is required.
This may seem like a hard thing to do. But consider who it is we serve. To not do as the Lord commands is disobedience. And to any God fearing man or woman, the alternative is the chastening of the Lord, or worse…
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
Isaiah 51:1
For many of us when we first got saved, it wasn’t an enjoyable experience. However, God knows best. And the bottom line is we are not our own, we belong to the Lord: and we as believers should be aiming to reach the stage that when God speaks, we do as we are told.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
Hebrews 10:31-33
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
1 Corinthians 7:23
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Matthew 8:5-10
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Luke 7:1-9
Further, not doing as the Lord commands puts us in a weak position, and we should have a desire to be strong in the faith. Not wishy-washy & lukewarm.
Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.
1 Samuel 4:9
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8
Consider this. Do you think any of the apostles had a problem marking people? Including teachers of false doctrine?
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;
Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
2 Timothy 4:10
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2 Timothy 4:14
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
2 Timothy 2:16-18
Yes, we are meant to walk peaceably with all men, if possible.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18
But you will find that those who embrace false doctrine don’t hide it. Nay, they teach it!
And as believers we are called to expose this.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Ephesians 5:11-13
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 3:20-21
And also consider this. Do you think there were doctrinal differences between the apostles? Or do you think they were all teaching the pure Word of God in truth and righteousness?
Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 1:12-14
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:40-47
And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Acts 16:4-5
There were times when they disagreed.
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts 15:36-41
But NEVER with regards to doctrine!
EMBRACING FALSE DOCTRINE WEAKENS THE CHURCH
Let us consider these words that Jesus spoke.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
John 14:12
Are you doing greater and mightier works than Jesus? Is your pastor? I am not, but Jesus Christ said it, so it must be true. And therefore there must be a reason why this isn’t happening.
And yes there are occasions when people receive healing, but this is usually because the recipient believes, and therefore God blesses the person administering with a gift of healing on that occasion.
Consider Laban. He recognised that God blessed him because of Jacob.
And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.
Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
Genesis 30:25-27
And Jesus commended those that came to him for healing; saying their faith had made them whole.
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Matthew 9:20-22
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Matthew 15:22-28
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Mark 10:46-52
Now obviously Jesus had the gift of healing. As he healed multitudes of people. And more importantly, he is God in the flesh. So there is nothing He can not do.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37
But God in his infinite grace, can use whoever he wants to bless somebody. But that doesn’t mean that person whom He uses will be a continual source of blessing.
God used Saul to bless David after he slew goliath. But then Saul became jealous of him. And it got to the point where he sought opportunity to kill him!
And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
1 Samuel 18:5-9
My point is the healing and the miracles that Jesus, the apostles and the early church did, isn’t going on today.
Many people will say that the miracles were for a certain time. Well I would say where is the scripture for that?
If you are going to teach me a biblical principle then show me from the Word of God how you arrived at this conclusion. And if not, then for your sake, it would be better for you to hold your peace and say nothing. Or at least clarify that it is only your opinion.
When you read the scriptures, especially the new testament. You will notice that there are spiritual gifts.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
And further that we are encouraged to desire them.
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:31
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:1
However, if a Christian is walking in error or embracing false doctrine, do you believe that the Lord is going to bestow these gifts upon such an one?
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40
Think about it. Would a righteous father reward a disobedient child with gifts?
Our sin separates us from God. And it is through the Lord Jesus Christ that we are restored. However, any honest believer must recognise that repenting is necessary to get closer to God
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Hebrews 12:5-11
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:8
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Revelation 3:19
And the black and white is that false doctrine is bondage and needs to be repented of.
Regarding the end times, it is written that God will pour out his spirit upon all flesh.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Acts 2:17-21
And concerning the Lords return Jesus told us a parable.
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Luke 12:42-48
So although one of the servants was cast away, and two suffered severity, yet were saved nonetheless. There was a faithful servant whom the Lord was pleased with upon His return.
And as Christians, we should desire to be like this servant.
Consider the book or revelation. In chapters 2 & 3 it outlines the seven spirits of the churches. Five were rebuked and two were commended.
Read Revelation 2 & 3.
GOING INTO THE END TIMES, THE CHURCH NEEDS TO BECOME STRONG
So to be most effective for the Lord and for the cause of Christ, we should desire to be like those of the churches of Smyrna & Philadelphia!
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 2:8-11
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation 3:7-12
The time is coming when God will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh, and we should be getting prepared ,so that we are fit for the Lords purpose
We should be like the Bereans
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Acts 17:10-12
And follow the words that John the baptist spoke
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30
Because although the prophecies of the Bible warn us the end times will be the most horrific time period on earth. It does not say that all believers will be cowering in a corner and counting down the days down until the Lords return.
It says the exact opposite.
And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
Daniel 11:32
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Daniel 12:10
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:1-3
And you can guarantee that those that are strong, did as the bible instructed, and earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 1:3
So could you have more faith? Yes, each believer has a different amount of faith,
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Romans 12:3
But it says here: as God hath DEALT.
So that’s what you were given to begin with. It doesn’t say anywhere in the scriptures that you can’t get more faith. The APOSTLES asked for more!
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Luke 17:10
And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Mark 11:12-14
And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mark 11:20-24
So here we can see principles regarding faith that Jesus is establishing. Firstly the great miracles you could do if your faith was like that of a grain of mustard seed. And notice how in the 3rd scripture we see Jesus say, and shall not doubt in his heart. This is vitally important. Because it is the key to unlocking why Jesus spoke about the servant in the latter part of the first passage.
Jesus is establishing that we must have a solid foundation of servitude towards God. So that we do as we are told, and are not looking for praise or thanks from Him, for merely being obedient. Then, when God decides, our faith will be such that we can do great works and miracles with no doubt in our hearts.
Consider the parable of the mustard seed.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Matthew 13:31-32
It didn’t just become the greatest herb in a day. It began as the smallest. And grew.
In a like manner God wants us to be humble and obedient.
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1 Peter 5:5-6
So that He can exalt us.
So if your faith is small now, take comfort; so was the mustard seed to begin with.
But pray to God to start increasing your faith!
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Hebrews 11:1
Start reading and listening to the bible more
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.Romans 10:17
Pray and fast. (Jesus told us that there were certain devils, which due to the disciples unbelief could not be cast out but by prayer and fasting)
And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17:18-21
Because you can’t please God without faith.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
Because going into the End times you want your faith to be MAXIMUM. No longer a seed. But a fully grown tree!
So if our faith is not yet full, we should desire to get to this point of maturity. Having confidence from the scriptures that it is possible!
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Acts 6:5-8
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Acts 11:22-24
Because during the End Times things are going to get supernatural!
The two witnesses will be here upon earth, and they will be mighty overcomer’s and do incredible things.
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
Revelation 11:3-6
There will also be the army of 144,000 Jewish virgins.
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Revelation 14:1-5
Exactly what there role is, I am not sure. But whatever it is they are doing, it will be good! And they will be against Satan, the antichrist & the false prophet.
And we as believers, should be likewise, and recognise that we are in a battle. With the head of the opposition being Satan. And know that he is preparing his army for the End Times.
We also have to recognise that this battle and the enemy, are a lot closer to us than they should be.
Consider the following scriptures
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Corinthians 11: 1-15
And recognise that even the scriptures tell us that it is within the modern day church, that Satan is doing so much of his damage.
When you consider the general state of the modern day church, especially in the west, you have to say that it is a disgrace.
It is not doing what it should be doing. And there is a reason why.
Because of Satan’s social engineering agenda to prepare the way for the antichirst, many churches have made wrong choices that have left them spiritually gelded. And as a result the congregations bear no semblance or likeness to what a real Christian should be.
In my experience, church goers are some the are the most biblically ignorant people that could be imagined. Yet they’ve been going to church for years!
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Hosea 4:6
A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
Jeremiah 5:30-31
I am sure many of you can recall times when you tell church goers what the bible actually says, and it makes zero difference to them. Where is the fear of God in these peoples lives? Does what God actually says not mean anything to them? And more bewildering, how can these people claim to be Christians; i.e. followers of Christ, when they hear what He actually has to say, they reject it?
Truly the Word of God foretold this
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Timothy 4:1-2
However, although this is the majority. It is not all.
And although the Word of God foretells that there will be a falling away. It also foretells that there will be a multitude of people saved during the tribulation that cannot be numbered.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Thessalonians 2:3
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Revelation 7:9-17
However, if people are going to be prepared to have their heads chopped off rather than take the mark of the beast.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Revelation 20:4
There must come a time when the Word of God is proclaimed throughout the earth.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 24:14
And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Mark 13:10
That the Church becomes strong. And that one of the most fundamental teachings of the scriptures is made known abroad!
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone; where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever
Revelation 20:10
Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
Ezekiel 28:17-19
That the Devil’s fate has already been determined by God. That he, and all his army, will be defeated forever. And that we as believers are on the winning team!!
Because Jesus Christ is the one seated at the right hand of God, and that the Spirit is ever making intercessions for the saints!
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Luke 22:69
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
So all glory be to God for this victory! And until His return it is our duty to proclaim this victory to the world!
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
And one of the primary ways we have to do this, is by having a strong church.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:7-16
And in order for that to happen, we must expose Satan’s lies that have permeated the church, and establish what the Bible actually says.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1 Peter 4:17