Category Archives: instruction
Resisting temptation is a part of healing from homosexuality
David Kyle Foster dismantles the ludicrous logic of gay activists who use seriously flawed logic to deny healing from homosexuality and the believer’s obligation to RESIST all temptation. Resisting temptation, no matter what it is, is an act of submissive obedience to the will of God. Watch, listen and be empowered.
Joel Osteen Said What? Mormons are Christians
It very obvious that Pastor Joel Osteen can make millions of dollars selling his feel good motivational books, and his ability to fill up an arena on Wednesday nights and Sunday morning with his church members. However, when it comes to his theological soundness and standing on sound doctrine he is seriously lacking. Back at it again with his inability to stand on sound doctrine, Osteen said that Mormons are Christians in his response about Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney a Mormon not being a Christian. He stated Romney is his Christian brother. I hate to tell you Joel, but Mormons are no closer to being Christians than let’s say a Satanist, Wicca, Shaman, Buddhist, and Hindu. We”re seeing a growing trend of ecumenical dance with prominent Christian personalities such as Osteen’s statements that Mormons are Christians, and Christian television networks such as TBN and Daystar broadcasting Glenn Beck (Mormon) as he endorses Mormonism as just another branch of Christianity. Let’s examine the truth and facts from a biblical perspective that Mormonism isn’t Christianity, and never will be. At gcmwatch we followed Pastor Osteen lack of standing on sound doctrinal issues in the past of years(here, here, here).
Mormonism Occult Origins
The Mormon Church was founded by Joseph Smith who was a 33rd degree freemason. He was heavily involved in the occult arts such as astrology, ritual magic, crystal gazing, seer stones, and divining rods (source).Smith was also into spiritualism in which a person is in contact with the dead and with other spirit entities to obtain information or knowledge through the occult.
Joseph Smith claims that an angel Moroni gave him the revelation for the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine of Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. Supposedly Moroni’s father, Mormon, a Nephite historian-prophet,wrote the history of the Jews/Nephites who came from Jerusalem to ancient America in 600 B.C.-385 A.D. Moroni added his words to the book then hid it. Supposedly in these gold plates, it is written that Jesus appeared in America and spent time with the Nephites after his resurrection. Shortly afterwards, the Nephite people were wiped out in a war against the Lamanites (principal ancestors of the Native Americans). After his death, Moroni was resurrected as an angel. In September 21, 1823 Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith in New York ,gave him gold plates, and instructed him to translate the gold plates into English. This is the origin of the Book of Mormon.
Ironically the name Mormo is is listed in Anton LaVey’s Satanic Bible in the listing page of “Infernal Names.” It states that Mormo is the god of the ghouls, and his followers would be Mormons (source 1/ source).
Mormonism Has Elements of Gnosticism
Mormonism does possess some elements of gnostictism (source/source). In June 8, 1873, while preaching from the pulpit of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah Brigham Young declared:
“The devil told the truth… I do not blame Mother Eve. I would not have had her miss eating the forbidden fruit for anything in the world… They must pass through the same ordeals as the Gods, that they may know good from evil… Through the gift of sin, humanity can achieve godhood (source ; source).”
This is completely contray to what John 8:44 says: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” It calls the devil the father of lies and a murderer. This is because his intent in the Garden of Eden was to spiritually murder both Adam and Eve by getting them to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve died spiritually and that death did not result in them becoming gods as the Devil told them in Genesis 3:5. It was a lie. Brigham Young’s statements and writings regarding the fall of man and the serpent in garden helping Adam and Eve to realize they’re gods mirrors gnosticism. It sees the serpent/Satan as the good guy helping mankind realize the god within themselves (source).
What Mormons Believe
Mormons believe in millions of gods. Mormons long to become a a god. They don’t long to spend eternity with Jesus Christ (source).
Biblical response: Isaiah 45:5-12. G-d said their is no other god, but Him.
They teach that man is a god in embryo, and may attain exaltation to godhood as the heavenly father has(source).
Biblical response: Psalm 51:5. Were born as sinners, not gods.
They believe in an eternal mother who engages in sex with the heavenly father to create human spirits. She is the wife of God (source).
Biblical response: Ezekieal 18:4. G-d is the Creator of all things, all the souls belong to Him.
Mormons believe Jesus was a polygamist who was married to Mary and Martha at the same time. They also believe that God the Father is polygamist (source).
Biblical response: The Bible never states that Jesus was married to Mary and Martha. This is a gnostic doctrine. G-d the Father creates. He does not procreate.
Mormonism holds the belief that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. Both are the elder brothers of heaven and were produced by God through a sexual union (source, source).
Biblical response: John 1:14 and John 3:16. Jesus is the only begotten son of the Father.
Mormons don’t believe in virgin birth of Jesus Christ. They believe Mary had sex with God the Father. They believed Mary was married both to God and Joseph (source).
Biblical response: Matthew 1:23 and Isaiah 7:14. Marry was a virgin that gave birth to Jesus.
They believe God was once a man of flesh and bones and that someday we can become a god over our own universe (source).
Biblical response: John 4:24. G-d is spirit, we must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Mormons believe that some sins are so bad that the blood of Jesus can’t atone for sins. Instead, a person must shed their own blood for atonement (source).
Biblical response: Matthew 26:28. Only Jesus’ blood was shed for remission of all sins and it marks a new covenant.
Baptism of the dead is another doctrine in Mormonism. A Mormon can be baptized in place of their dead ancestors or friends so that these dead friends or family members can become Mormons (source).
Biblical response: Hebrews 9:27. Man is appointed once to die, then the judgment. The Bible doesn’t speak about karma or purgatory.
Study to Show Yourself Approved
The Christian Church of America has to beware of entering into ecumenical movement towards a one world church. If a religious institution does not line up with the overall authority of ”The Word of God,” then flee. Don’t allow yourself to be seduced by evil spirits into false doctrine. And please, don’t make covenants with Mormons.
Sexual sins and bible solutions
Concise and excellent teaching from Grace in Focus writer/teacher Bob Wilkins. Bob lays out five ways the church (and its leadership) can significantly reduce sexual immorality in the body of Christ. Read and discuss.
First, let’s not deny that it is a very significant problem. Recognizing the problem is a key step in dealing with it.
Second, let’s avoid changing the gospel message as a solution. Lordship salvation has a deep concern that believers live holy lives. I share that concern. However, the solution which Lordship salvation offers, adding works to the gospel, is one I cannot adopt. Salvation is a free gift. It is received by faith alone, not by faith plus works.
To tell a person that he or she must stop living with their lover in order to be saved from hell is to contradict the idea of a free gift. If I must give up something (other than self-righteousness and unbelief)–or even be willing to do so–then salvation costs me something. Lordship salvation advocates do not deny this. Dr. James Boice, for example, in his book Christ’s Call to Discipleship (Chicago: Moody, 1987) in a chapter entitled, “Counting the Cost,” asks the question, “What must I pay to be a Christian?” (p. 112). Notice that he is speaking of what we must PAY. We do not pay for gifts. Boice then answers his own question, in part, by noting, “I must pay the price of those sins I now cherish. I must give them up, every one. I cannot cling to a single sin . . .” (pp. 112-13).
Third, let’s avoid changing the basis of assurance. Some pastors preach and counsel that believers engaged in ongoing sexual sin are probably not “true believers” and hence are probably not saved. Sadly this encourages believers to look at their works instead of the Word for assurance. It turns their eyes off of the Savior and onto themselves. The cross goes out of focus. Grace becomes forgotten.1 Such teaching can lead believers to despair, depression, and such an overwhelming sense of frustration that some give up completely their efforts to live for God.
Fourth, it is vitally important in terms of discipleship that we maintain lives of sexual purity ourselves. All of us are capable of adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, addiction to pornography, etc. To avoid these calamities we need accountability in our families and churches, high standards carefully maintained, and a track record of obedience over time. If we who proclaim his grace and the freeness of the gospel fall into sexual sin, many will point their fingers and say that it was the doctrine which produced the immoral conduct. Sexual sin can destroy lives, ministries, and reputations.
Fifth, in our preaching, teaching, and interacting with other believers, let’s be clear that sexual immorality is a big problem, one which can easily trip us up, and one which has terrible consequences. Rather than occasionally making a reference to adultery, pornography, homosexuality, or premarital sex when we preach or teach, it seems to me that we should address these problems frequently.
If done tactfully, I think that sharing some of the illustrations which Alcorn and other Christian authors provide may have a very beneficial effect. When talking about sexual sin we can discuss the chastising ministry of God, the Judgment Seat of Christ, the ridicule such actions bring to the cause of Christ, and how the powerful motivation of gratitude can transform the lives of those touched by His grace.
We can counter the claim that we give people a license to sin by living godly lives ourselves and by repeatedly calling others to do so. May the grace of God spur us on to live exemplary lives. While the rampant immorality of our day is a terrible thing, it does provide us with even more of an opportunity to stand apart and to let our lights shine before men so that they might see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven.
An Ode to the “black church”
“At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here,
for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, ”Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ’Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Luke 13:31-35
As I read these words from My Savior, I thought of this an appropriate message to “the black church”.
Ode to the black church
When the word of God is taught/preached in a complete and sound method (expository), you will always have those who obfuscate the truth. Meaning they will purposely teach and lead their listeners into confusion and error. They do not present what the bible says with clarity and understanding to bless those who hear it. But again they pose as real God-fearing, bible believing teachers, when in reality they are nothing more than spiritual dung beetles who desire the spotlight. 
One need no more than to look around at the majority of Christian “bible” teachers on the media scene today. Most, (and it saddens me to say this) have no more bible knowledge than a cockroach has lips, yet they are loved and lifted up as the Men of God for today! While those who labor in the word both day and night suffer for righteous sake, are frowned upon, rejected and scorned for their exclusive, non ecumenical, uncompromising message, which is exactly what our Lord and Savior preached.
The only way to fight lies and error?
By boldly presenting, teaching, preaching, and living out the TRUTH (God’s word). But one must first grasp the truth before they can teach it. One must fully know and understand the truth, before attempting to distribute it to others.
So let’s make one thing clear
By the grace of God I know the truth, not to sound boastful, but its true. I know the truth, and it’s because I know the word of God. You can take that statement as you want, but understand that the truth is not my truth. It didn’t originate with me, nor am I its author. The truth comes from God. It belongs to Him, and He gave it to us. When I preach my authority comes from God. For His words are the authority.
Where can we find that truth?
Only one place….His Word. His open letter to us concerning Him, His Righteousness, His Holiness, His Peace, His Salvation, and His Glory. The Autobiography of His Son, The Christ, The Messiah, The Anointed One, The Mighty God and Everlasting Father.
This Truth is the Truth (John 1:1-3). He is both Lord of all and Savior to those who believe.
So why in the world would people (in the church) tolerate a person who comes not in the name of the Lord to bring Him glory, but in His own name with doctrines of demons and lies that lead to hell? Why would the church completely reject sound teaching and doctrine that is taught for their spiritual health and soul salvation? That question is a glaring one, bold and rebellious sitting right in the faces of so-called church leaders who have turned from God and have embraced humanism. Humanism that will never ever be able to save the souls of those who hear it. Humanism that teaches man that they can be good and better people without ever leading them to the only one who is good. GOD! (Mark 10:18)
The wisdom of men will do that to you. The wisdom of men will raise up large religious cults (Jehovah’s Witness, Mormonism, Islam) that fall vastly short in addressing man’s biggest problem. Sin! The wisdom of men will try to change a sinful world by engaging in politics and legislation to change the laws of the land, but never successfully changing the nature of men, thus keeping them dead in their sins.
When did we lose sight of what truth is?
How have we (the church) fallen so far away from the very thing that was given to us to lead us into the truth? Why is it that churches no longer preach the gospel message? Preferring instead to lure in the sinners with music concerts, kids jams, raffles, and free gas offers. Why have we left the gospel? Don’t we understand the gospel is the power of God that changed our lives? (Romans 1:16) Don’t we remember the dread, the anguish, and condemnation that pressed heavily upon our hearts sending us into hopelessness when we found out that our sin totally separated us from God, and exposed us as hell bound sinners deserving of every ounce of wrath that God would pour upon us? Don’t we remember the sweet and loving peace that fell over us when we finally understood that Jesus Christ died for that very sin, He drank the wrath of God, to save us from that awesome and terrible day?
How dare we rob people of the same conversion! How dare we look at God in the face and tell Him His message in out of date no longer needed to save the lost!
Who do we think we are?
That’s our problem. We are what the world tells us. We are great and special and somebody. And even if we don’t feel that way the world tells us to embrace it anyways. We reject what the bible says about us being hell bound sinners in need of a savior. No, we would rather hear how diverse and unique we are. How we should be ourselves and embrace ourselves not knowing that as we do that, we are embracing the very disease (SIN) that God hates, and sent His Son to die for so that those who believe might be saved.
In other words man has an identity crisis.
Is there any hope?
I’ll echo the words Paul Washer uttered to a man who asked Him if He could be saved: “I don’t know….”
If the church, who claims to know God and His Son Jesus Christ, will repent and turn back to Him. If…
New Book: Queer Things Happening to America
In this case, queer is never a good thing.
Charlotte based Coalition of Conscience founder Dr. Michael Brown appeared on Sid Roth’s television program, “It’s Supernatural” to talk about his new book “A Queer Thing Happened to America.” During the interview Brown revealed that no Christian publisher wanted to touch his book because of the fear that the homosexual community would come down on them hard and virtually cause them economic loss. One literary agent told him to change the title of the book because a publisher believed the title was to controversial. This eventually caused Brown to self- publish the book. It has been one of amazon.com’s top selling…and most controversial. Based on some of the comments from the customer review section this book definitely has edge.
In the interview, Dr. Brown touches on the subject that the homosexual agenda has impacted all facets of America life and driving American society more tolerant and accepting to homosexuality. Sadly, the church is following the lead of culture and not the Word of God.
In April, just a month after Dr. Brown interviewed with Sid Roth, the California Senate passed Senate Bill 58. This legislation would require California public schools to add gay history to its already overcrowded curriculm. This bill is now waiting to be approved by the California State Assembly. A Queer Thing is Always Happening in California that is for sure ( here, here, here). This is further confirmation of what Dr. Michael Brown has spoken in his interview and written about in his book. Please take out the time and view Dr. Michael Brown’s interview with Sid Roth.
The First Church of God on Sodom Street Pt 2
In part one of this article, I talked about how far too many Christians have shifted their positions on morality and perhaps have moved it to the bottom of their contemporary concerns. But what could have contributed to that?
Recently, I heard a pastor state that it was his intention to be “culturally relevant” in these last days so that the church can become the center for evangelism, community driven and to be intriguing for sinners to come to church and get saved. Sounds good, but it’s wrong.
Since the past few years I’ve heard many Pastors, youth leaders, Christian entertainers and Christian laypeople state this same rhetoric, that in order to win the world, we must become relevant enough to get their attention so that we can give them Jesus. But are we?
I do not doubt for one moment the sincerity of these people, I honestly believe that they believe they are doing what they think is best to win the lost, to garner more attendance, to satisfy the great commission for their cause. But the problem persists that as more and more churches declare this agenda, they are merging on the edge of losing their identity simply to appease the world.
Because of this style of evangelism which is found in many churches, it’s leading many into an open area of compromise and sin. This is why the number of fallen Pastors has risen sharply in the last few years. Because of this new concept to become current with the world, we have allowed the world’s ideas and beliefs within the church itself. Hence, why so many believers are now struggling with sexual sin and immorality like never before. We are getting sick from the disease we once had an immunity to.
The argument for this philosophical nugget is that if we can become more appealing to those in the world who are already engaging in behavior that is both sinful and ultimately harmful, then we can draw them away from that style of entertainment or lifestyle with something identical yet spiritually enriching. I call it the “New Coke” syndrome.
Back in the early 90′s Coca-Cola decided to create a new Coke, something better, something people would want that would replace the old Coke. What they discovered was that although ideal, it was a marketing nightmare. People tasted the “new stuff” and realized that the old was a lot better than the new. Soon, people demanded the original, they wanted to good stuff! They couldn’t stomach the new formula for taste and I’m sure stock holders couldn’t stomach the drop in revenue.
Reinvention or Revival?
What was the problem? They tried to re-invent a tried and true formula for success and it didn’t work. It’s the same with the church today. I see more and more preachers today trying new ideas, new concepts, new messages, new songs; it looks good, it sounds good, but when you taste it then you are left with something that is not genuine, it’s an imitation of the original. The church today is trying it’s hardest to replace a tried and true formula, something that has worked for over a thousand years and that is the basic message of the cross.
In a day when the church is trying to look as much as possible like the world, where we dress like the world, talk like the world, are entertained by the world, how can we even begin to fulfill the great commission? The very idea of being holy, separate, and pure, is counter to the real goal of “reaching the world”. Yet, we are doing it trying to be relevant at the cost of our very identity of a holy ghost filled church. It simply won’t work!
This is why our young people are giving in to the lie of alternative lifestyles, bi-sexuality and homosexuality, because we changed the purpose of the great commission and we didn’t stay true to the core message of the cross.
God has one method to win the world – just one. It’s the gospel through the preaching of the word. That’s it! Uno tournaments, Christian rock concerts, seminars, community activism, none of it can never or will ever become the tried and true formula that God has placed into position to win the world, it’s still the preaching of the word and nothing more.
The problem is, when we start going to bed with the world to win the world, you wake up with contamination, a spiritual STD. This is why the church today has virtually no power it once had, all because it tried to be like the world in almost every way, yet God said over and over to be less like the world and more like him. Until we realize this, the less of an impact we will have on society and the world. And God knows we need to be an impact on the world today!
When the message is about loving ourselves, there’s something wrong. When leadership begins to fall morally, there’s something wrong. When a Pastor can write a book and state that Hell no longer exists, there’s something wrong.
We must begin to shake ourselves as Samson did and realize that the enemy is all around us, we’ve slept in the lap of Delilah for too long and it’s time to wake up and loose the bindings on us. The world is in chaos, the world is hurting, it’s looking for something that is true, tested, sure and not been re-invented. It’s looking for the gospel.
We must return to a faithful prayer life. Give ourselves over to fasting at times as well as getting back into the word of God. A faithful dedication to reading our Bibles, studying the scriptures daily, is the only true means of success the church can assure a positive and healthy life.
We must be willing to denounce our sins, our pride and arrogance which has brought us false teachings and corrupt ideas. When we remove the leaven in our lives, we’ll begin to see God’s healing within us.
I believe in the coming years God is going to wake his church and then the greatest revival of evangelism will occur, but we need to start preparing and part of that is going back to what is true and good, the old paths, the old ways.
I’ve tried the new Coke and you can have it, give me that old stuff, the good stuff. It might sound cliche’ but that old time religion was good enough for my parents, it’s good enough for me.
