Category: sin

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #117

Saturday, September 19, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Once, I asked a local religious leader about an infamous clergyman in his denomination who had recently cheated parishioners out of millions of dollars. He had enjoyed a life of opulence in a mansion and was now under investigation for personally spending that money meant for charity. The local religious leader with whom I was conversing expressed no disapproval or disgust (perhaps he was guilty of the same?!), but retorted sarcastically, “I wish ___ would give up his mansion!” He named a notorious false teacher whom he had wrongly assumed I supported, so, imagine his utter shock and absolute silence once he heard my sudden answer: “I wish he would, too!” Beloved, let it be distinctly understood that pointing fingers at one extortionist in no way diminishes or pardons the transgressions of another. Both are avaricious charlatans, and, one day, both will stand before Almighty God to account for every last penny they embezzled “in the name of Jesus.”

Early in my ministry, a young preacher related an interesting story to me. Several years before, he had grown up in a church where their pastor had been involved in underhanded bookkeeping just before retiring and moving far away. Incidentally, a few years later, I went to a Bible conference at that same building—and the retired pastor was a guest speaker. Walking in the parking lot, I noticed he was driving a very expensive vehicle. My mind wondered if that high-priced car had been purchased with the money he was accused of pilfering! After listening to his sermons and reading his books, I realized he should have spent more time studying and believing sound Bible doctrine than indulging in the sins of the flesh. He had taken some extremely bizarre positions, and deceived me for a short time.

When preaching on giving, a pastor friend of mine mentioned how there were people in the room who wanted to give to God’s work, but could not because they were too much in debt (having spent all their money on sin/Satan). Of course, at the other extreme is people who can give but give nothing because of worldly-mindedness. Frankly, in light of eternity, both categories are most foolish….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #116

Friday, September 18, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Like the tiny Book of Jude, the epistle of 2 Peter is devoted almost exclusively to exposing false teachers (those who communicate bad or untruthful information, chiefly in the religious realm). Their various characteristics are enumerated so those interested in the truth can be competent in identifying these participants of the Antichrist’s campaign (yet future, when Satan’s lie program reaches its apex). How the Devil interacted with God’s people Israel in time past will be repeated in the ages to come; there is a looping effect, large-scale events having been previewed or rehearsed on a smaller scale as far back as centuries or millennia prior.

In Numbers chapter 22, Balaam was a quasi-false prophet whom Moabite King Balak had hired to curse Israel (Balak feared Israel would defeat him militarily, so he resorted to this underhanded tactic to destroy them). However, the LORD prevented Balaam from saying what sinful words he had been paid/rewarded to speak. Prophetically, standing for the Antichrist is Balak, and representing the False Prophet is Balaam (cf. Revelation 2:12-14,20-24 [cf. Numbers 25:1-3]; Revelation 13:1-18). While all the details of these phenomena are beyond the scope of this study, suffice it to say that—again—there is an appetite for gain (money, fame, whatever). Take Peter’s commentary first: “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” (2 Peter 2:15,16). Draw your attention to “loved the wages of unrighteousness,” as in delighted to receive compensation for committing sin. Now, compare that to Jude’s statements: “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core” (Jude 11). Did you see “greedily” and “reward?”

Like back then, and what will be again, business-minded men are using religion to worship and promote self (and all sorts of other idols too). For the sake of our own spiritual health, we ought to be on the alert even in mystery….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #115

Thursday, September 17, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Micah 3:11, circa 700 B.C.: “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.” Ancient Israel’s political and religious leaders were more concerned with receiving bribes and monetary gain than upholding and preaching the truth. Roughly 1100 B.C., the Scriptures relate: “And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre [money, profit], and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Samuel 8:1-3).

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [sneakily] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious [destructive] ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned [insincere] words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:1-3). The sense of “make merchandise of you” is “use you to make a profit” (gaining your money, attention, trust, and so on—having first “coveted” [2 Peter 2:14]); it is the Greek “emporeuomai,” from whence English derived “emporium.”

In Acts 8:9-25, Simon the sorcerer had so captivated the Samaritans with “miracles” that they assumed this servant of Satan was a servant of God! (His “witchcraft ministry” actually previews the Antichrist.) When Simon noticed how Apostles Peter and John imparted the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands, he offered them money to “buy” that power from them. It is a reasonable inference that Simon had extorted much wealth from the Samaritans, so he had plenty to give Peter and John (who nevertheless declined)!

Again, let us be wise about money matters….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #113

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Materialism and covetousness are so widespread in countless churches and “Christian” schools that people wonder if they should fund the preacher’s/teacher’s lavish lifestyle or pay their own bills. They suppose they can add another “0” to their donation so as to avert God’s disfavor. Or, consider the man who gave $10,000 (!) a (!) month (!) to his megachurch. He told his Christian stepmother that he had to give it to get to Heaven (what was he learning at that “church?!”). She tried in vain to convince him otherwise. As far as we know, he died in his sins… just as lost as the poorest pauper in Adam!

It is nobody’s business what amount we give to God’s ministry. Nevertheless, denominational boards have presumptuously reviewed personal financial/tax records to see who is giving what—and to reprimand contributors who fall short of that anticipated precious 10%! A man once explained how he, in frustration, stopped attending his feel-good megachurch. They had just constructed a 3,000-seat auditorium, so the preacher constantly begged for tithes and offerings to pay it off. A dear Christian friend informed me that his denominational church (which he has since left) placed the names of large financial donors on a sign for everyone to notice. If the praise of men is our incentive to give to God’s ministry, beloved, we should not give a single penny. A gift donated with that attitude—even if billions of dollars—will be absolutely worthless at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Are they really upholding sound Bible doctrine when they refer to “raising money” for “ministry” and “missions?” Or, are they just seeking funds for the proselytization of people so their denominations can increase membership (which individuals are still unsaved!). We should always cheerfully give of our resources to support God’s ministry, but let us be sure that we are backing God’s work rather than the Devil’s! It should be a legitimate grace ministry, teaching the Word of God rightly divided and clearly preaching the Message of Grace. If not, we ought not waste one cent giving there or one second going there….

God’s Offer to the Nations

Friday, September 11, 2026

“…[T]hat God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s offer to all the nations of the world today.

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our nation forever. It was the worst terrorist attack in our two-century national history. Afterward, many Americans began to talk about “God Bless America” and “God Save the United States.” These phrases are not as commonplace as they used to be.

In the 25 years that have passed since that awful day, it is a sad commentary that “God” is now the least of our nation’s concerns. With the redefining of marriage, controversial political arena, moral decay, skyrocketing national debt, and the uncertainty as to what constitutes a human life and what does not, obviously, the God of the Bible has been largely pushed out… until we need His help, and then we cry out to Him. Unless we need Him, we rather not think about anything He has to say.

While many argue that God is judging America today for its sins, the Bible does not support such an idea. Certainly, God dealt with Israel in that manner—“Do good and I will bless, but disobey and I will curse” (Leviticus chapter 26; Deuteronomy chapter 28)—but we have no relation to that Old Covenant of Law.

For the last 20 centuries, God has offered His grace to all the world’s nations, to have a right standing before Him by trusting Jesus Christ. People still die and go to hell, but today’s Scripture says that God is not judging nations for their sins. Through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, God offers reconciliation to sinners, whether here or around the world. However, that grace is exhaustible, and one day, it will be replaced with His wrath (Romans 2:1-16). Still, we believers are not appointed to God’s wrath; we are saved from all wrath through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

The only hope for America—yea, for any nation—is faith in Jesus Christ alone!

*You can also see our 2011 Bible study commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It can be watched here or read here.

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #102

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The Holy Spirit requires the bishop (overseer, leader) and the deacons (his assistants) of the local church to be men “not greedy of filthy lucre” (1 Timothy 3:3,8) and “not given to filthy lucre” (Titus 1:7); Peter stated how the elders of believing Israel in 1 Peter 5:2 were to serve “not for filthy lucre.” Read Titus 1:10,11: “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision [Jews]: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”

“Lucre” (think, “lucrative”) is “gain” (money); “filthy” means “ill-gotten,” wealth obtained immorally or dishonestly (thievery). “Greedy of” and “given [inclined, disposed] to” intensify the action, rendering it synonymous with covetousness. Men in ministry are described and cautioned thusly in 1 Timothy 6:6-10: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 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.” (The “all evil” of verse 10 is the various false teachings in verses 3-5, views adopted to broaden one’s audience and thereby maximize profits! Recall Titus 1:10,11.)

To be blunt, denominations are money-making schemes. There is no better way to make a scam sound more convincing than if a Bible verse is cited, and passages about tithing are quoted continuously in religious settings. We do not doubt for even a millisecond that tithing is Scriptural. Howbeit, what matters is: Is tithing dispensational? To answer this question, we have to remove any denominational eyeglasses we might be wearing, for they distort our vision and cause us to see things not there. What is tithing? What is it not? As we stay silent, the Bible speaks and has preeminence….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #93

Monday, August 24, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Confession (admission) of sins in 1 John 1:9 is required for forgiveness, “cleansed from all unrighteousness” under the Law of Moses. However, we are under Grace (Romans 6:14,15; Galatians 5:18). As our Apostle Paul writes, God has already forgiven us in Christ of all sins, free and forever, without such confession. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;…” (Ephesians 1:7). “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:…” (Colossians 1:14). “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;…” (Colossians 2:13). “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13). We admitted our sin problem when we placed our faith in Jesus Christ to save us from those sins!

First John 1:9 mentions cleansing from “all unrighteousness.” How many times can we be cleansed from all unrighteousness? Someone would say, “You are forgiven up until you trust Christ, then you must keep ‘short accounts,’ asking God for forgiveness daily.” This is not what 1 John 1:9 teaches, and whatever it does teach is not to or about us! Paul wrote, “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (Romans 4:6-8). Either we have forgiveness (believers), or we do not (unbelievers). There is no partial forgiveness here! If God holds even one sin against us, Romans 4:6-8 becomes a lie, and we are headed for Hell! God cannot “impute” (apply, reckon) sin to us in Christ. Confessing sins directly to God, to a priest, or to anyone else, is completely unnecessary today. It is shocking, but it is true.

Now, we tackle another “hot topic”….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #92

Sunday, August 23, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The Book of 1 John addresses Israel (cf. Galatians 2:9; Matthew 10:2,5-7): “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. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:6-10).

John understands there is believing Israel and there is unbelieving Israel. Read 1 John 2:12: “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.” Even in 1 John, 1 John 1:9 is not a daily practice of believers, but an expression of moving from unbelief to faith. First John 1:9 is an appeal to lost Jews, Jews so self-righteous they suppose they have no sins to confess (cf. Luke 7:29,30; cf. Matthew 3:6,9; Mark 1:4,5; Luke 3:3,8). The Apostle John writes 1 John 1:9 to unsaved Jews, for believing Jews have already confessed their sins under John the Baptist’s ministry and now possess forgiveness (1 John 2:12).

Today, it is assumed we need to confess our sins to obtain forgiveness. Here, the “Our Father” Prayer is quoted: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors…. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:12,14,15). To repeat, this is part of Israel’s national Kingdom restoration (Leviticus 26:40-42), confession of sins an admission they need the New Covenant (cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34) because they can never measure up to the demands of the Old Covenant (cf. Ezra 9:1–10:1; Daniel 9:3-20; Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5)….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #91

Saturday, August 22, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

First John 1:9 explains, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Alas, this has been so mindlessly repeated and misused in religious circles for centuries that it means practically nothing now. Not only should we believe the verse, we should also believe the context.

Confession of sins is in perfect accordance with the Law of Moses, which directed disobedient Israel suffering punishment to confess (admit) their national sin of violating the Old Covenant: “If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land” (Leviticus 26:40-42). Israel’s national restoration to the LORD God involves confession of sins.

Firstly, Ezra confessed sins in Ezra 9:1-15: “Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore” (Ezra 10:1). Secondly, Daniel did it in Daniel 9:3-19: “And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;…” (Daniel 9:20). Finally, John the Baptist’s converts did the same. “And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:6). “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mark 1:5). John the Baptist made ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17), and the Apostle John is doing likewise in 1 John 1:9….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #90

Friday, August 21, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Frankly, the Corinthian church was nothing but spiritual babies excited about having a “good time” at a spiritual amusement park. Fun! Fun! Fun! In other words, pleasure meant more than correctness. To them, if it felt good, it was good—and this is exactly how Satan lured and imprisoned them as touching spiritual gifts and various other issues. Of course, this was their fault because they had left the Pauline/grace doctrine they heard. Such could be said of almost every denomination, local congregation, or “Christian” school now. It is next to impossible for them to give up the lies they have grown so accustomed to hearing, reading, and believing. They ought to be able to recognize how truth should take precedence over tradition. Alas, they seek to have a good standing with their preacher/church/denomination, for, this is what they equate to being in a good standing before God Himself. However, it is a most foolish position to take—especially when we think critically about Bible verses in their dispensational settings.

If sound doctrine unites, it necessarily means that false doctrine divides. Confession of sins is yet another point of contention amongst church members, the countless denominations arguing about its purpose, its method, its audience, and so on. Somewhere in all that disagreement and deception is the truth, but we cannot differentiate it unless we are spiritually mature (and most people are not!). For many years, I was just another churchgoer mixed up about confession of sins. One day, with the help of dear preachers who sought to make me a grown-up believer, I finally made a confession: “I am so (!) pitifully (!) ignorant about confession of sins, but now I know and understand the Bible verses that will set me straight!” What a day never to be forgotten, when I was delivered from satanic darkness and blindness, freed at last from my denominational shackles!

Passing on from the misuse of spiritual gifts in our churches, we must also be sure to keep our mouths shut by not teaching false doctrine about confession of sins either….