Category: megachurches

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #18

Saturday, September 23, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (verse 21). Though earthly wealth is useful to us in obtaining a variety of favors and possessions from fellow humans, God cannot be bribed and will let no one into His Heaven based on any financial records, tax returns, or charitable contribution receipts. Worldly status means nothing to Him. Either we have trusted His Son’s finished crosswork and acquired His righteousness by faith, or we have not. Those without Jesus Christ had better come to trust Him as their personal Saviour now, and stop depending on uncertain riches for lasting peace and security (either now or later, eternal loss will come).

When a representative of an enormous eminent “Christian” cult was asked how much wealth his church had, he smugly replied, “Only God knows!” Decades later, and now boasting a billion members, the Lord is still keeping track of their finances. We can be absolutely certain He has not overlooked so much as a single penny! Laying up treasure for self, but not rich toward God, these religious leaders will give an account to Him. They too will lose the earthly fortunes they extorted from their gullible parishioners. The grim reality of today’s Scripture is that church leaders and church members alike do not “take it with them” when they leave this world!

If only the professing church (Christendom = Christendumb!)—and even the genuine church (the Body of Christ)—heeded the simple financial advice God the Holy Spirit issued in 1 Timothy 6:3-10,17-19! If only we had listened to the Lord Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:15-21, and Luke 16:13! Our world would have far less debt, bitterness, poverty, disappointment, miserliness (greediness), idolatry, ruthlessness, and even loss of life! Christians would be wise stewards of their material goods, God’s ministry would be fully funded, and Hell would have fewer souls. Think about it, dear friend, and act accordingly!

-FINIS!-

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #17

Friday, September 22, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Loving money instead of loving God is spiritual suicide, especially for church leaders (1 Timothy 6:10). Yet, what about church members? The Holy Spirit through Paul also addressed them in 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; [19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Pastor Timothy was to instruct the materially wealthy not to be “highminded”—haughty or proud (Proverbs 18:23; Proverbs 28:11), particularly toward those less fortunate (see James 2:1-5, for instance). Though they assumed they were financially secure, even the richest people are not exempt from thieves, inflation, debt, recession, depression. Eventually, physical death will snatch “uncertain” material riches away (1 Timothy 6:17; cf. Proverbs 23:4,5), so we  should not put our faith in them. Instead, we should “trust in the living God” (cf. Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13)!

It is not a sin to save money, but it is a sin to go to extremes to keep to it. Rather than hoarding our material wealth, we should “do good, that [we] be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; laying up in store for [ourselves] a good foundation against the time to come, that [we] may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18,19). We should be rich in good works (cf. Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14)! Sound Bible doctrine will motivate us to use our financial resources to fund grace ministries, that the Gospel of God’s Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) be disseminated. Our giving under grace (and the sound Bible doctrine serving as motivation) will result in a spiritual reward in eternity future (serving in an office of Heaven’s government!). With our priorities in order, we enjoy eternal life (God’s life) on Earth.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #16

Thursday, September 21, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

“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). The context is a greedy minister “serving God” (HA!) with the primary goal of, not teaching the truth, but providing himself with earthly gain. Such departure from sound Bible doctrine results in a metaphorical impalement (“pierced themselves through”), with “many sorrows” (numerous long-term distresses/griefs) being the weapon and the materialistic souls being the stabbing victims!

Most regrettably, the professing church has often allowed moneymaking to take precedence over sound Bible doctrine. Consider so-called “Christian” publishing houses marketing all kinds of “Christian” literature. These companie$ offer products covering a wide range of theological persuasions. Only a fraction of this material is actually Christian. The remainder is denominationalism and/or paganism in disguise. Why? Had they restricted their materials to the truth, doctrinal debates would have been settled, and those preferring to maintain their favorite theological errors would not buy from such a “limited, narrowminded” product line!

During the last 130 years, over 200 modern English Bible translations have been produced. This diversity is a bu$ine$$ model. Selling just King James Bibles would be meager proceeds. Now, if a company retails a dozen different translations, the consumer has many “final authorities” from which to choose. Do not forget: “the love of money” (profit$!) prompts the company to offer this assortment of translations in the first place! To attract crowds, megachurches cannot offend anyone, so their teaching is shallow and able to accommodate various positions. Church attendance and funding are thus maximized. Neither can denominations afford to support sound Bible doctrine, for their revenue would also vanish. Preachers and professors often decline to take a stand for the King James Bible and dispensational Bible study because it would mean losing pensions and retirement funds, and becoming outcasts at their colleges and churches. If you doubt, ask them!

Friends, we are left with one final caution from Paul to Timothy about earthly wealth, so let us hear it well and believe it….

God’s Business, Not Our Business

Thursday, June 30, 2022

“And he [the Lord Jesus Christ] said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49 KJV).

In the secular world, one fundamental business principle is as follows: learn precisely what customers want and then experiment to find the most efficient way to give it to them. Of course, problems arise when we begin treating God’s ministry in the same fashion.

Once we take up God’s Book, whose narrow teachings are offensive to mankind in general, we have already inadvertently chosen to limit the size of our audience. Knowing this, professional church operators will compromise: they rely partly on Scripture and derive the rest of their material from other sources. Popular psychology, world religions, philosophy, and other cultural “supplements” are used with the Bible instead of the Bible alone. The implementation of this wide variety of information affords the opportunity to appeal to myriads upon myriads, thereby increasing and maximizing attendance and merchandise sales. This humanistic approach has driven the megachurch movement for decades. It has also been the standard practice of numerous “Christian” publishing houses.

We need not be theological geniuses to recognize that the more universal the teaching is, the greater the likelihood it will be a well-received medium. Such establishments can be likened unto a restaurant that has broadened its menu, a college that has expanded its selection of available courses, or a brick-and-mortar store converting to an online presence. Customers will gather and profits will surge—but there are inherent risks (which should never be unnoticed but often are). If we try to create Bible groups using nonbiblical or unbiblical beliefs and practices, we will seem successful to the world. However, in the grand scheme of things, our efforts will not pass Almighty God’s inspection.

In today’s Scripture, young Jesus (only age 12!) knew He was about His Heavenly Father’s business by imparting spiritual light to the ignorant religious leaders of His nation, Israel. “And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (verse 47). In short, there is no substitute whatsoever for sound Bible study—not what people want but what they need!

Our latest Bible Q&As: “What does ‘amiss’ mean?” and “What does ‘albeit’ mean?”

Doubletongued

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

“Likewise must the deacons be… not doubletongued” (1 Timothy 3:8 KJV).

One sinful tongue is bad enough—but having two is even worse!

When today’s Scripture references a “doubletongued” man, we understand that to be figurative instead of literal. The tongue symbolizes our ability to talk. (We are using common sense here, are we not?) To have two tongues is to communicate two different messages, the man using one tongue to speak one idea to one party but utilizing a second tongue to express a second thought to a second group. In fact, the Greek word is “dilogos”—literally, “two words/sayings.” One of the qualifications of the “deacon,” or the bishop’s male helper in the local assembly, is that he be void of duplicity or deceit. He says what he means, and he means what he says. His words are not hypocritical. He does not tell “half-truths” either. Why would someone want to be “doubletongued” anyway?

Firstly, when we remember this is a church setting, the threat is obvious. False teachers seek to infiltrate the assemblies of God’s people. By spreading their misinformation, they further their agenda, theological system, and denomination—but they are so covert they often go undetected! Secondly, the “doubletongued” person may be seeking to be a “menpleaser” (Colossians 3:22). As long as one’s doctrine is general and never settled in specifics, he or she will attract people of all kinds of persuasions (hence, larger crowds, more books $old, et cetera!). You cannot pinpoint exactly what they believe and teach because they deliberately vary their content from setting to setting.

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:28-31). Would you want someone like this leading your local assembly? Then, dear friend, your church had better think long and hard before appointing any deacons!

Believing Unbelievers #4

Saturday, March 26, 2022

“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:23-25 KJV).

Is it possible to be a believing unbeliever? According to today’s Scripture, YES!

Imagine being in today’s Scripture. To watch the Lord heal the sick, cast out devils, and do other mighty miracles would have truly been a sight to behold! It is beyond our comprehension. Yet, He was not seeking to entertain anyone—and He knew who was present just for amusement, to experience a spiritual high or adrenaline rush.

Consider modern Christendom. We notice many people walking aisles, making professions of faith, kneeling and bawling uncontrollably at “altars,” dancing and lifting hands to “praise and worship” music, packing stadium “sanctuaries,” sitting in confessional booths, being water baptized, reciting the “sinner’s prayer,” teaching Sunday School classes, preaching fervent sermons, knocking on doors, passing out tracts and Bibles, joining faculties of prestigious seminaries, sitting on Bible translation committees, talking about “Jesus” and “the Holy Ghost,” writing “Christian” study “aids,” memorizing creeds and confessions, organizing missions trips, travelling and setting up “healing tents,” and a host of other activities. The average person cannot help but remark, “Look at all these ‘Christians!’”

One brother in Christ observed: “God did not give the Scriptures for the purpose of scholarly intellectual exercise.” Yet, as he pointed out, innumerable people have used them—are using them—for just that. Textual critics study Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and Aramaic. They pore over ancient manuscripts, teach theology and church history classes, and debate “Christian” philosophy, but is there any personal heart faith in the Bible itself? How many of them are actually Bible-believing Christians? Who are members of the Church the Body of Christ, and who are simply members of manmade denominations? Do they know what the Gospel of Grace even is? Could they show us verses for victorious Christian living?

Intellectual assent is no substitute for heart faith….

Bible Q&A #935: “What are ‘victuals?’”

Placebo #2

Friday, October 8, 2021

“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:” (Isaiah 30:9,10 KJV).

What is a “placebo?” Can we find it in the spiritual realm?

Today’s Scripture in context: “[8] Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: [9] That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: [10] Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: [11] Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.”

Verse 8 is the promise of Bible preservation. The LORD directed the Prophet Isaiah to write His words, so those words would be “for ever and ever.” (For us as English-speaking people, this is the King James Bible!) What is Isaiah’s message preserved even now? Ancient Israel was just like any other group of sinners, opposing God’s will for them and doing what they wanted to do: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6). “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:25).

Friend, draw your attention to today’s Scripture: “…rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD.” They were not interested in learning the LORD’S words, especially the Law of Moses, the covenant that laid out the conduct of their daily lives. “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:….” They refused to hear from God’s messengers or spokesmen, for such words convicted them of their sin. Instead of “right things,” they wanted to hear “smooth things… deceits,” a pleasing or complimentary message….

Placebo #1

Thursday, October 7, 2021

“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:” (Isaiah 30:9,10 KJV).

What is a “placebo?” Can we find it in the spiritual realm?

A celebrated megachurch pastor just released his new book—a mere 130 pages. In it, three verses were clearly marked with a reference (“Psalm 139,” for example, along with two other verses from Psalms). Of course, these were shallow, basic passages even a Sunday School child knows. While the preacher alluded to or quoted additional verses throughout his book, no actual references were ever given (even in footnotes, marginal notes, or endnotes). It makes it difficult to double-check him. Is he quoting a verse correctly, and within its context? Maybe he is simply paraphrasing? Or, is it a mere fabrication he attributes to “God?”

Dear friends, if we are not quoting and citing Bible verses in our written studies or audible messages, we are doing nothing more than sharing our own opinions. The Christian life will not operate on the basis of human viewpoint, man’s speculations, but this is usually all believers ever have—and now we see why poor testimonies and even no testimonies abound! Just as long as it is inspirational, or motivational, that is all Christians have been trained to think about today. If it makes them feel good, and the name of “God” or “Jesus” is attached to it, then surely it is something reliable, right?! Unfortunately, the “Christian” publishing houses are running bu$ine$$e$ (what authors and topics can bring in the largest profit?) rather than teaching sound Bible doctrine (what does the God of Scripture want us to believe and do?).

In medical science, a “placebo” (from Latin, “I shall be acceptable or pleasing”) is “a harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for any physiological effect.” That is to say, the sick patient believes it is therapeutic, possessing healing properties, but there is no profit for the physical body in it! Such was the case with “feel-good” “Judaism” of old (today’s Scripture), and with “feel-good” “Christianity” of late….

Separated!

Thursday, July 1, 2021

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV).

Disgusted with local assemblies he has visited these last 30 years, a dear Christian brother voiced his frustration: “I am finished with churches!” In the future, such disgust just might cause him to embrace dispensational Bible study that he has bitterly opposed this past decade. Like an increasing number of church members from various denominations, he sees Christendom is hopelessly incorrigible.

To wholly purge every group of sectarian bias is impractical in this life; it will only be accomplished once Christ returns to deliver genuine believers (now in Heaven, thus no longer confused) and comes to punish unbelievers (Earth finally rid of false doctrine, pagan religion, philosophy). Until then, brethren, if we are to serve Jesus Christ, we must separate from organized religion (if we have not already done so). Denominations, sects, and cults are all polluted with man’s opinions to varying degrees. There is no perfect church, that we freely confess; rather, we seek a pure church.

If we cannot find a pure local church to attend, then we should start one ourselves in our home. The day is coming—and, whether we want to admit it or not, it is true—when the Christian church even in the United States of America will have to go “underground.” Governmental agencies will attack the most prominent groups: megachurches will be disbanded and shuttered, yet, that will not be detrimental, for sound Bible doctrine has survived without them anyway. What will remain is innumerable home grace churches, whose focus all along was sound teaching instead of formalism-upholding… institution-building… theological system-forming… edifice-constructing… social club-joining… bu$ine$$-managing.

Bible Q&As #854 and #855: “What does ‘brutish’ mean?” and “Is ‘should’ a mistranslation in Romans 6:4?”

Not Made Perfect by the Flesh #5

Friday, October 30, 2020

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV).

Can “the flesh” add anything to the Holy Spirit’s work? Nay, it cannot!

“I will be like the most High,” Lucifer boasted (Isaiah 14:14). As he told Christ, he desires worship: “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9). Employing whatever sneaky means necessary, Satan accomplishes his goal. If he can counterfeit God’s actions, then people will be deceived and credit God. By attributing Satan’s work to God, man unwittingly worships Satan. It is an ingenious strategy, one seldom perceived!

Emotions mislead because the human heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). While something may “feel” right, it may not actually be right. Feelings are fickle, changing with our circumstances. Therefore, we cannot use them to gauge truth and error. Adrenaline rushes come and go, so never should we confuse them with the permanent Holy Spirit. If we are externalists or formalists, we run the risk of faking at some point. For instance, if we observe people raising hands or dancing, peer pressure urges us to mimic them. The Holy Spirit is thus quenched and our flesh—namely, the fear of being “left out”—motivates the behavior. Satan smiles. Except for the rare Berean Bible student, no one is able to notice the error.

So-called “Christian revivals” are being held where protests, riots, lootings, and shootings have occurred. It is claimed, “The Devil is active, but God is moving!” Online videos show musicians hosting “Christian rock” concerts. Crowds—mainly young adults—raise their hands, jump, run, sing, sob, and pray. Supposedly, they are “coming to Jesus;” yet, a clear Gospel message is absent. When we compare their activities with the Scriptures, what is allegedly “God’s work” turns out to be a mockery of Jesus Christ. Remember, we are not made perfect by the flesh!

Bible Q&As #779 and #780: “Should Christians observe All Saints’ Day?” and “Should Christians observe All Souls’ Day?”