Category: religious tradition

Doctrines of Devils

Thursday, April 12, 2012

“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 conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats…” (1 Timothy 4:1,2 KJV).

Today’s Scripture describes modern-day lukewarm Christendom, especially its leadership. Many church leaders are “speaking lies in hypocrisy.” They appear as sincere and godly men, but they covet your trust… as to acquire your wallet!

Exactly what are “doctrines of devils?” Dabbling in the occult? Frequenting clubs and bars? Illegal activities? A doctrine of devils is any teaching that is contrary to the King James Bible rightly divided. Denominational teaching, church tradition, and human viewpoint are doctrines of devils.

God commanded Israel to observe the Sabbath, get water baptized, tithe, tongue talk, work miracles, eat kosher foods, and keep the Mosaic Law. If anyone tells you that you have to do those things—and much of Christendom does—they are teaching you doctrines of devils. God is not administering Israel’s program today; these activities do not belong in our dispensation.

These are Israel’s commandments and ordinances, not ours! God does not demand these activities from you. If someone wants to put you under the Mosaic Law, that is a doctrine of devils (Romans 6:14,15). If they tell you to work for your salvation instead of relying on Jesus Christ’s finished cross work, that too is a doctrine of devils (Galatians 1:6-9).

Satan is sneaky. A doctrine of devils may even use the name “Jesus,” “Gospel,” or “Spirit,” but Paul warns us of “another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:3,4; Galatians 1:6-9).

One of the last things Paul wrote was, “This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me” (2 Timothy 1:15). If a departure from God’s Word through Paul’s ministry existed 2,000 years ago, how much worse has that apostasy gotten! Since Paul’s time, 38,000-plus (!) “Christian” denominations have sprung up. There has been such an explosion of false teaching that it is unbelievable.

Beware of the doctrines of devils… in church circles.

What Does God Want Me to Do? #6

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God’s will according to religion and God’s will according to the Bible are contradictory—only one can be right. If you want to know and do God’s will, look to the Bible, which is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

Religion causes us to have a superstitious understanding of God’s will. Does God want me to work here, or work there? Marry this person or that person? Buy this house, or that house? Attend school here, or there? Drive this vehicle, or that vehicle? Eat this, or that? Go here, or there? Beloved, God has given us doctrine to make those decisions, but ultimately, He has given us free will. God has not preselected our house, vehicle, spouse, or job: these are decisions we must make—God does not want robots (religion does!).

God’s will—His “eternal purpose” (Ephesians 3:11)—is to exalt Jesus Christ in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:9,10). Whenever faced with a decision, you need to ask yourself, “What decision will hinder God’s eternal purpose?” (Avoid that choice.) “What choice will accomplish God’s eternal purpose?” (Choose that alternative.) God’s will is “to have all men saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). God wants to use you to lead others to Jesus Christ and to use you to share sound Bible doctrine (dispensational Bible study) with others. Your purpose as a member of the Church the Body of Christ is to let Christ live His life in and through you, where you are now (your job, home, marriage, et cetera). That is God’s will for your life!

When you study and believe God’s Word dispensationally (understanding that Paul is your apostle, and our Dispensation of Grace is not associated with Israel’s Dispensation of Law), God the Holy Spirit will work in you, and fulfill His will in you (today’s Scripture), enabling you to make wise choices to prove/demonstrate God’s will—to glorify Christ (Romans 12:1,2).

What Does God Want Me to Do? #5

Monday, April 2, 2012

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God gave us the Bible so that we could learn what He is doing. We do not have to grope in spiritual darkness—although religion hopes that we do! Do you want to do God’s will? Find out what God is doing today, and then, by faith, GO DO THAT!

When we “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), we understand that the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a giant timeline. God has divided, or segmented, His Word into dispensations, bodies of truth applicable during separate and distinct time periods when He deals with mankind differently. Never confuse the dispensations, or combine directions given in one dispensation with information given in another dispensation.

For instance, millions of church members have been taught that God wants them to “keep the Mosaic Law.” While God strictly commanded Israel to obey the Mosaic Law or suffer divine chastisement (Exodus 15:26; Leviticus 26:1-46; Deuteronomy 28:1-68), Paul writes to us in the Dispensation of Grace, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). God has replaced Israel’s performance-based acceptance system (legalism, Judaism) with His grace-based acceptance system.

God’s will for you is that you not “resurrect” the Mosaic Law, which was nailed to Calvary’s cross and crucified with Christ (Colossians 2:14; cf. Romans 3:21,22; Romans 7:4-6). Today, God’s grace, not the Mosaic Law, teaches us to live “soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:11,12). Grace shows us that we Christians have died with Christ, so sin is not who we are anymore (Romans 6:6-23; Romans 8:12-14; Romans 12:1,2; et al.).

If you want to let God “work in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (today’s Scripture), do not place yourself under religious bondage (legalism, performing religious duties to get God to accept or bless you). Your Christian life operates on the basis of God’s grace, Jesus Christ working and living in and through you (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21), not you striving to keep God happy (law-keeping).

What Does God Want Me to Do? #4

Sunday, April 1, 2012

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

Today is April Fools’ Day, but our world abounds with fools year-round. According to God’s Word, who is foolish?

Reigning from 1050–1010 B.C., Saul was Israel’s first king. Mostly a bad king, he repeatedly attempted to kill righteous David (1 Samuel 18:29–19:24, for instance) and Saul even consulted a witch (1 Samuel 28:7-25). But there was one instance of evil (foolishness) that cost Saul his throne: “And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept [obeyed] the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever” (1 Samuel 13:13).

The prophet Samuel told Saul to wait for him to offer a burnt offering (1 Samuel 13:8-12), but Saul proceeded to perform the offering without Samuel. God told Saul through Samuel, “Thou hast done foolishly.” Saul wanted to do his own thing (sin); he did not care what God’s spokesman said. Later on, Saul again ignored and disobeyed God’s Word (1 Samuel 15:2-35).

Sadly, lost people and most Christians are just as rebellious towards God’s Word as King Saul was. God’s spokesman to us Gentiles is the Apostle Paul (Romans 11:13; Romans 15:16; 2 Timothy 1:11), but few people know and most do not care to know. These people are just as foolish as Saul was because they ignore God’s Word to them. They follow God’s will for Israel (Old Testament, Four Gospel Records, Acts, Hebrews through Revelation).

If you want to know God’s will for you (today’s Scripture), you must go to Bible books which document God’s current dealings with man, Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon. Paul wrote, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37).

When you ignore Paul’s letters, you ignore the commandments of God to us, and by doing so, “thou hast done foolishly!”

What Does God Want Me to Do? #3

Saturday, March 31, 2012

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

To find God’s will for your life, you need not “endure” Hebrew and Greek. If you can read sixth-grade English (the King James Bible), then you can discover (and thereby appreciate) God’s overall plan for creation, thus learning God’s will for you.

The Bible says that God’s “eternal purpose”—His overall will for creation—is to exalt Jesus Christ in the heaven and in the earth (Ephesians 1:9,10; Ephesians 3:9-11; Colossians 1:16-20). While we are on earth, our lives should bring Jesus Christ glory and honor: it is God’s “good pleasure” to work in us to accomplish this (today’s Scripture). However, we are members of the Church the Body of Christ, so God’s primary goal is to one day take us to heaven and bring Him glory there (Ephesians 2:6,7).

People have utilized religious tradition to greatly confuse and complicate God’s will. Sadly, the average Christian never grasps exactly what God expects of them; what they are to believe and how their daily lives are to operate. No wonder the Body of Christ is so ineffective in reaching the lost!

God’s will is not as specific as religion teaches. Rather than trying to “discern” God’s will for your life through subjective means (hunches, weather, actions of others, religion, et cetera), you need to discover God’s will using objective means—the written, permanent, inerrant Word of God (the King James Bible).

What would God have you to do, fellow Christian? God’s Word points us to salvation in Christ and educates us regarding life’s situations. Paul is our apostle (Romans 11:13; Romans 15:16; 2 Timothy 1:11); consult his epistles first regarding all matters/situations. If Romans through Philemon are silent about the matter, then, and ONLY THEN, seek counsel from the remaining Bible books. In the event these books are silent about the issue, then, and ONLY THEN, should you seek outside (extra-Biblical) advice, bearing in mind that this extra-Biblical advice should not contradict the Bible (especially Paul’s epistles).

What Does God Want Me to Do? #2

Friday, March 30, 2012

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

Although not impossible, discerning God’s will for one’s life is oftentimes very difficult. Many times, denominational hierarchies tell you their will for your life, leading you to believe it is “God’s will” for you. Be not fooled, beloved—only Paul can tell us God’s will for us!

Today’s Scripture says God wants to work in us Christians “to will and to do of his good pleasure.” According to Ephesians 1:9,10, “[God] having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him;” Colossians 1:16-20 says “all things” refers to offices of government. Paul explains that God has revealed His will to us: He wants to use us Christians in the ages to come to rule in heaven for His glory!

Before we Christians can attain these heavenly offices (places of leadership), which we will do in eternity (Ephesians 2:6,7), God must educate us now (in this life) to understand His doctrine for this the Dispensation of Grace (Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon). These 13 Bible books alone tell us that God is currently forming the Church the Body of Christ, an entity He will use to bring Him glory in heaven. In Paul’s epistles alone, we find our doctrine, duty, walk, and destiny. We study all of the Bible, but the doctrine of Paul’s epistles is God’s Word to and about us (the Body of Christ).

Study Paul’s epistles, and then, by faith, let that doctrine work in you (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Christ Jesus wants to fill your life with His life, to work in and through you so that He can use you to reach this lost, dying world for His glory. Will you, by faith, allow Him to do of His “good pleasure” in and through you?

333’s 300th: Studies Find Religious Tradition Linked to Spiritual Malnutrition

Monday, March 26, 2012

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 KJV).

(Bible) Studies find religious tradition is linked to spiritual malnutrition. Religion is spiritual “junk food:” it tastes good to our flesh, but it stunts our Christian growth.

God desires spiritually healthy and mature (“perfected”) saints, for only they have learned His will (via proper, daily Bible study), and they alone can cooperate with Him by faith (Ephesians 4:12-16). Most Christians with whom I have spoken have attended church for decades; disturbingly, they know almost nothing about God’s current program (the Dispensation of Grace). Why?

Satan has sabotaged their Christian growth with spiritual junk food! Church never taught them proper (dispensational) Bible study; like me, they were simply taught vain religious tradition (mimicking Israel’s program, for instance). They heard very little from Paul’s epistles (God’s message to us in this Dispensation of Grace). Shame—yea, SHAME—on their pastors!!!!

Sound Bible teaching (dispensational Bible study) is the only way we will grow spiritually; Satan knows that, so he distracts us using religious tradition that deceives, confuses, and troubles us, ultimately “overthrowing” our faith (2 Timothy 2:17,18; cf. Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:4,8; 2 Thessalonians 2:2). We do not want spiritual destruction for you!!!!! According to Jesus Christ, just as your physical body needs food for sustenance, your spiritual body (soul) needs a daily intake of God’s Word (today’s Scripture). Devotionals greatly help in that regard.

We have purposed these past 300 days to provide clear and concise daily studies from the King James Bible rightly divided, hoping to reduce the abounding Bible confusion and grow you spiritually. God’s will is to have lost people come to salvation in Christ alone, and to spiritually enlighten the saints (1 Timothy 2:3,4). Rejoice with us—the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ accomplished both here!

We are eternally thankful to Thee, O Lord, Who hast rightfully warned us that religious tradition is linked to spiritual malnutrition. We took heed to Thy Word rightly divided, and shall never regret doing so….

Saints, as we reach another milestone, we are reminded to give thanks to and for you; your fellowship in the gospel has been uplifting, and your prayers have been greatly appreciated. We ask for your continued prayer if we are to make #400! 🙂

Read the King James Bible on Your Own #3

March, 25, 2012

“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:3,4 KJV).

God encourages us to read His preserved Word in English, the King James Bible, on our own. Notice how Paul, in today’s Scripture, instructed the Ephesians (and us) to read what the Holy Ghost moved him to write. God gave His written Word, the Bible, to mankind so we could read it and learn His will, especially so we could discover what He is doing today in this the Dispensation of God (“the mystery of Christ”). Alas, wicked man has other plans!

Church hierarchies often restrict pure King James Bible reading. Other times they forbid you from reading any “Bible.” If they do allow you to do any Bible reading on your own, they offer a modern, “more scholastic” (read that “corrupt”) “bible.”

Also, they offer “denominational eyeglasses” which cause you see the Bible according to their view (not according to God’s view; dispensationally). Many churches do not use God’s Word, God’s way. They ignore Paul’s special ministry to us; instead, they instruct you to “follow Jesus” in the Four Gospel Records. They cause you to follow God’s program for Israel—you thereby completely miss the program God is operating today (grace/non-works religion)!

How many billions of sincere church members blindly follow the teachings of their church leaders… leading either to spiritual immaturity or eternal damnation (Matthew 15:14)! Precious lost souls, upon departing this world, finally realize that their church lied to them. By following their church in ignoring the sufficiency of Christ’s crosswork, they now face an eternity of isolation, wrath, and punishment in hellfire. Sadly, instead of relying on God’s Word, they believed their clergy’s admonition, “Rely on the church for your salvation!”

In addition, many Christians will be disappointed when they learn their denomination misled them with religious tradition. Heed the warning! Beloved, read and believe the King James Bible, God’s Word, rightly divided (dispensationally), on your own. NEVER base your eternal destiny (salvation) and spiritual health on the teachings of fallible man.

Read the King James Bible on Your Own #2

Saturday, March 24, 2012

“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)”  (Ephesians 3:3,4 KJV).

The most dangerous spiritual mistake is to rely on the mere claims of pastors, priests, theologians, and teachers. Many appear “spiritual” and sound “godly,” but did God’s Word really say what they claim it says? Or, did they simply make something up to further their preconceived (denominational) conclusion? Check church leaders against the King James Bible rightly divided. You will find most of them flunk doctrinally!! They are not God’s servants.

Recently, a minister quoted six Bible verses; however, his message was bogus and unscriptural. Despite his allusions (illusions!) to the Scripture, he taught pagan idolatry and superstition. Sadly, most of his readers will never know that because they took his word for it (they will never consult the Bible). “Why should I question him? He attended seminary (Bible cemetery)—he must know his Bible!” Israel’s religious leaders studied the Old Testament, yet Jesus told them: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures” (Matthew 22:29). These “seminarians” knew nothing about God’s Word.

Ignoring a church’s “interpretation” and reading and believing the Bible as is is not a sin; Paul in today’s Scripture encouraged the Ephesians to read the Bible and learn God’s Word (without a church teaching body or seminary degree!). Isaiah 34:16; John 5:39; Acts 17:10,11; 2 Timothy 2:7,15; 2 Timothy 3:15-17 say people read the Bible.

Eventually, everyone will appear before Jesus Christ. The lost (unsaved) world will stand before Him at the Great White Throne Judgment to receive their punishment for rejecting God’s Word, the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Members of the Church the Body of Christ, however, will stand before Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ to give account of their Christian lives (the quality of the Bible doctrine they believed, practiced, et cetera; Romans 14:10,11; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

In those days, “My pastor/priest told me…” will not be a valid excuse for Bible ignorance.

Read the King James Bible on Your Own #1

Friday, March 23, 2012

“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:3,4 KJV).

Does your local church forbid you to read the Bible on your own? Some groups (cults) want to keep their members in spiritual darkness, so they forbid them to read the Scriptures. These dear members are told they cannot understand the Bible on their own. They are reassured to rely on the “education” of the pastor/priest/pope and trust in his (or her!!) interpretation of the Bible. My, oh my, this is the most dangerous spiritual mistake of all!!!

The Apostle Paul, led by the Holy Ghost, instructed the Ephesians in today’s Scripture. If they would read God’s Word, the Bible, they would gain just as much knowledge about God and His will for this Dispensation of Grace as much as he (Paul) had: “when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.” They were not to depend on Paul the man; they were to depend on God’s Word. Never, EVER rely on the word of someone—including me—without consulting God’s Word and studying it yourself.

Scripture does not say much about Berea, but it does say this town was the home of saints who “searched the scriptures daily, whether these things [the things Paul preached] were so” (Acts 17:10,11). They were reading and understanding the Bible without a priest or preacher’s “interpretation.”

You need not a decade of seminary (the Bible “cemetery!”) to understand God’s Word. Trust in Christ Jesus alone as your personal Saviour and then allow God the Holy Ghost to teach you His Word (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). Get a King James Bible (God’s preserved Word and words), and study and believe it dispensationally: Paul’s epistles (Romans through Philemon) are God’s Word to us, the rest of the Bible concerns Israel. Never take anyone else’s word or mine regarding the Bible. Take God’s Word and read it on your own to see if what was said or written is so!