ATTENTION CHRISTMAS BASHERS….. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU LED SOMEONE TO JESUS? Are we spending more time and energy Christmas bashing than we are spending ministering the Word of the Gospel?
“Jesus was the greatest gift we have ever received!! Why would we not celebrate Him at all times, everywhere??” Karen Cochran
“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” Titus 1:15
How we choose to view things that are non-essential to salvation.
“Note the marvelous power we possess of viewing things in the light or gloom cast upon them from our own temperament. We see life and the world in a glass colored from within. Oh, that we might possess that pure and untarnished nature that passes through the world like a beam of sunshine, irradiating all but contaminated by none! The true test of the knowledge of God is a holy life. These act and react. The better you know God, the more you will resemble Him; compare Psa_111:1-10; Psa_112:1-10. The more you are like God, the better you will know Him.” FB Meyer
“To the pure – Those whose hearts are purified by faith this we allow. All things are pure – All kinds of meat; the Mosaic distinction between clean and unclean meats being now taken away. But to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure – The apostle joins defiled and unbelieving, to intimate that nothing can be clean without a true faith: for both the understanding and conscience, those leading powers of the soul, are polluted; consequently, so is the man and all he does.” John Wesley
When we honor God we know there is no power greater than Him, right…. unless we give those things power. God’s perfect love in us “casteth out fear” right? (1 John 4:16-18)
In non-essentials such as holidays, if you don’t have faith to do something, don’t do it. And shut your mouth concerning other of Christ’s saints in these things. It’s none of your business. Read Romans 14 and 1 Peter 4:15. Speaking of non-essentials – things NOT essential to salvation – the apostle Paul writes:
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. … 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. … 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 14:22-23
Some are so busy bashing paganism that they have said nothing of the Word, nothing of the Gospel, nothing of the absolute necessity of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. The divine command is to “Preach the word.” (2 Timothy 4:2) No one is going to be saved by the exposing of paganism.
Jesus and His holy apostles didn’t seem to spend a lot of time exposing paganism – which is everywhere, EVERY day of every year in this fallen world. This has been the case since the fall, 6,000 years. No, instead Jesus and His apostles brought the SOUL-ution – the Gospel.
With no apology to anyone, I celebrate Jesus Christ and all that pertains to Him, 24/7/365. No I don’t celebrate “Christmas” in any manner as do the heathen.
Some conflate all the paganism which Christians as if they are saying “Oh, we celebrate the roman cult, tammuz, semiramis, nimrod, etc”. Not. They have no idea about all that and are just spending time with their family and friends and hopefully witnessing to them. Are they going to hell for that? No.
Lynne Parker writes:
“There is no question that “Christmas” is highly commercialized and there are elements attached that are pagan or paganistic. And anyone with two functioning brain cells knows that Dec 25 is not Jesus actual date of birth. But it has been set aside to commemorate his birth. Consider also 1. It is not a sin to give someone a gift. 2. It is not a sin to sing hymns or read scripture concerning his birth (children particularly love that). 3. It is not a sin to gather with family and friends and eat together. 4. It is not a sin to decorate one’s home with beautiful lights and greenery to bring joy to the household. 5. It is not a sin to basically attend a candlelight service that glorifies the Lord and read scripture. 6. It is not a sin to bake cookies. 7. It is not a sin to enjoy a quiet fire with your spouse. 8. It is certainly not a sin to share Christ with people whose hearts may be open or somewhat softened at this time to hear the gospel. If someone is convicted about it they shouldn’t celebrate. But I can say my mom made very sure that I understood what Christmas meant – I remember well attending church before anything else. We live in a society ladened with deception and a professing “church” as well – but the truth remains Jesus Christ was born and he was born to be our redeemer. This is the message that’s important.”
It seems that some are so intent on exposing the obvious that they do no ministering and never mention the absolute cardinal necessity of the virgin birth and first coming of Jesus….. Which was specifically celebrated by many…. Instead of celebrating His birth, they spend their time pouncing on the paganism….. acting as if it’s more powerful that God. They lead no one to Jesus.
If the birth of Jesus means nothing to you, that means His death on the cross for our sins means nothing to you. His first coming, His birth was essential to His propitiatory death on the cross for our sins and His glorious second coming. His birth was the grand fulfillment of prophecy and celebrated by the Holy Ghost, the angels of Heaven, Simeon, Ana the prophetess, wise men, and shepherds. Read Luke 2.
On the calendar of the righteous what day do we hand over to Satan? None. EVERY day is the right, the privilege to celebrate any and all things concerning Christ. No one is going to hell for celebrating Jesus 365 days a year, including on Dec 25. This is a NON-essential to which Romans 14 speaks. We are not to judge other Christians on non-essentials (Romans 14). Sounds like some have handed over Dec 25 to satan as if any day is his day.
Feel free to correct, steer, shed light on this direction, observation …..
What darkness did Jesus and His apostles expose by the light?
Seems Jesus and His holy apostles warned most of false doctrines in the church world, not paganism, which is not of the kingdom of Christ at all.
Paul warns of the false teachers within the church world who would draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:20-32). Jesus warned of the same – people posting as His representatives while being wolves (Matt 7:15; 24:11).
Establishing God’s people in Christ – to be ever more rooted and grounded in Him – seems like a prominent endeavor of Christ and His apostles (Col 2:3-10; Matt 7:19-29, etc.).
If you are going to insist upon exposing paganism, you may wish to do it 24/7/365 because it’s happening at all times, in every place in this fallen world.
Are we more busy cursing the darkness than we are shining the light of Christ straight into the darkness of this fallen world? What did Jesus say in Matthew 5:16?
Just exactly what darkness did Jesus and His apostles expose strategically, most prominently? It was those wolves within – not so much without the professing kingdom. The false leaders within the professing church world (Matthew 23; Acts 20:20-32; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Revelation 2-3, etc.). Revelation 2 and 3 are Jesus’ letters to the CHURCHES, right?
“Go” do what?
Did Jesus ever command His people to “Go ye into all the world and protest paganism”? No. Did Jesus command us to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”? Yes (Mark 16:15). That’s the point, where is our energy being expended? What shall we answer to the LORD on Judgment Day? Surely we know He’s not going to say “well done my good and faithful servant for exposing paganism.” WHO are we planting the seed of the Word of God into? Isn’t that how we were born again? Yes (1 Peter 1:23).
It seems that we get lost in condemning the paganism of Christmas. This completely incapacitates us from doing what Jesus directly commanded us to do – “preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Should we not use every occasion, including the month of December, to redeem the time by ministering to others?
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15
PWT is the apostolic balance – Preach. Warn. Teach. Colossians 1:28.
WHEN did the announcement of the Savior’s birth cease to become “good tidings of great joy … to all people”?
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10
Jesus could never had died for us to bring us back to God if He had not first come to us, been born through a virgin in perfect fulfillment of the prophecies of the prophets of God (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:21-23, etc.).
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” 1 Peter 3:18
God’s People Celebrate King Jesus 24/7/365, not 364 – including December 25th. They don’t celebrate paganism or “Christmas” – they celebrate Christ.
Is celebrating JESUS, not paganism, on December 25th, a sin? Chapters and verses please.
Beware of the false conflation which is commonly done by the self-righteous of our day. Examples ….
You praise Jesus on December 25 and thank Him for coming the first time to die for your sins so you are a pagan because there’s a lot of paganism in Christmas. False.
You voted for trump so that means you worship trump and do not trust God. False.
Hint: You are not a hero for identifying obvious paganism. But that will lead no one to Jesus. What did Jesus say in Matthew 5:13-16? Are you ministering His Gospel to the sinners you scorn?
Read Psalm 1 afresh: IS today the day we repent and get out of “the seat of the scornful”?
If the birth of Jesus means nothing to you, that means His death on the cross for our sins means nothing to you. His first coming, His birth was essential to His propitiatory death on the cross for our sins and His glorious second coming. His birth was the grand fulfillment of prophecy and celebrated by the Holy Ghost, the angels of Heaven, Simeon, Ana the prophetess, wise men, and shepherds. Read Luke 2 for a clue.
In this fallen world who declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on December 25?
“Under Emperor Constantine, the Church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 in 336. Some say the date was chosen to outshine the Sol Invictus and pagan celebrations.”
YET, some put more stake in Constantine, Rome, than they do the Bible. So who’s really owned by Rome? They are – because Rome dictates what they do and when they do it, not the Bible. Instead of going back to the Bible, Luke 2 for example, they live in reaction to Constantine, Rome…. in other words they are owned by these pagan entities. They give themselves to serve in reaction to them instead of serving the bless-ed Savior according to what the final divine authority of His Word states concerning the first coming, the birth of the only begotten Son of God (Luke 2).
Read Luke 2 before you continue in your error. The Bible reveals that the Holy Ghost, the heavenly host, the angels of God, Joseph and Mary, the wise men, Simeon, and “Ana, a prophetess,” all celebrated the first coming, the birth of Jesus – without which there would be no second coming, there would be no salvation. How could Jesus have died for our sins had He not first come to the earth, had He not be born into the world? Read Luke 2 before you consider continuing in your error. Imagine the excitement to see with their very eyes all the prophecies of the Messiah unfolding before their very eyes!
If you can’t deny, and you can’t, that all those above celebrated the long awaited birth of Jesus, then you may wish to consider your approach.
Pagan worship is sin, not celebrating Jesus’ and His first or second coming.
If Jesus hadn’t come the first time, we would not be looking for His soon return. The Bible calls His return “that blessed hope.”
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13
SOME seem to preach more about, against paganism than they do preach the Word, the Gospel.
Did Jesus say “Go ye into all the world and preach against paganism”? OR “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”? See Mark 16:15.
Hello everyone ….. Read Luke 2 … notice the host who celebrated Christ’s birth which included angels from Heaven, the Holy Ghost (GOD), the angels, the wise men, Ana, Simeon, etc. How could Jesus have come to died for us if He wasn’t born into the earth? Isn’t that why He came – to die? And if He didn’t come in fulfillment of prophecy, how could He have died for the sins of the world?
“I’ve noticed that many of the hardliners against Christmas have also fallen prey to the Hebrew Roots/Torah Keeping! They seem to go together much of the time!” Gloria Marshall Sykes | Beware of the Antichrist Judaizing Hebrew Roots Devils
THE VOICE OF HYPOCRISY SAYS “HOW DARE YOU GET SOMEBODY SAVED ON DECEMBER 25TH!!!!!!!” …
“How dare you help someone on the sabbath, on December 25th!!!”
…. when these same pharisees lead no one to Jesus, any day of the year. They can’t lead someone else to Jesus where they themselves are not willing to go.
Healing of a Man on the Sabbath
“He (Jesus) constantly defied the traditions of the scribes and Pharisees. And He did not do so by accident but with great deliberation”. Pagan Christianity
“And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. 2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? 4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; 5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? 6 And they could not answer him again to these things.” Luke 14:1-6
Divine Love Never Ceases its Activities!
“Luke 14:1-6
Healing of a Man with Dropsy (14:1-6)
14:1-3 One Sabbath day, a ruler of the Pharisees invited the Lord to his house for a meal. It was not a sincere gesture of hospitality, but rather an attempt on the part of the religious leaders to find fault with the Son of God. Jesus saw a certain man there who was afflicted with dropsy, that is, swelling caused by the accumulation of water in the tissues. The Savior read the minds of His critics by asking them pointedly whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
14:4-6 Much as they would like to have said that it was not, they could not support their answer, and so they kept silent. Jesus therefore healed the man and let him go. To Him it was a work of mercy, and divine love never ceases its activities, even on the Sabbath (Jhn_5:17). Then turning to the Jews, He reminded them that if one of their animals fell into a pit, they would certainly pull him out on the Sabbath day. It was in their own interests to do so. The animal was worth money to them. In the case of a suffering fellow man, they didn’t care, and they would have condemned the Lord Jesus for helping him. Although they could not answer the reasoning of the Savior, we can be sure that they were all the more incensed at Him.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Did Jesus tell us He ceases His mission of mercy to the lost, to His people who are in need, on December 25? Chapters and verses please.
Note: God will not use us to witness and win others to Him if we are too busying judging, condemning them.
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. … 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:20, 27
“So last night we went to the home and took our Jesus tracts. And sang songs about Jesus! Some would say we were sinning. Not one of them had any family visiting. Those residents lit up with the songs about Jesus! What an absolute delight it was to share the gospel and to worship the Lord with these people. They were clapping and Ted even danced! What a joyous time we had in the Lord. It was a worship of our Lord and Saviour!” Tom and Karen Cochran |
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27
Some seem to seek to be known by what they are against. Yet, what are they for? WHO are they leading to Jesus? No one.
“Get out of yourself today and go help someone else! Bring the message of the cross to someone who is hopeless. Stop worrying about if it is a sin to celebrate Christmas! It’s never a sin to celebrate Jesus and bring His message to the world is a command! Matthew 28:18-20” Tom and Karen Cochran
The Condemnation of the Christmas Bashers
EVEN though some are erroneously claiming others are going to hell for celebrating JESUS on a certain day….
I never said you are going to hell for bashing the paganism in Christmas. What are we choosing to focus on? Since when is Dec 25 the day we take off, we stop shining Christ’s light into this dark world?
This seems to be a matter of maturity in Christ or lack thereof. Read Romans 14.
Wow, think with me for a moment. Let’s peer into eternity past, based on what we know from God’s Word: Just think, imagine with me of where we’d be – you and I, the worst, vilest sinners ever – IF Jesus had looked down from Heaven and acted like many condemners act today….. Just what if Jesus had said “Father, there’s nothing but paganism, sin, going on in the midst of fallen men, in the earth…. so NO Father I am staying here, I am not going into the middle of that darkness to die for any of those pagan sinners.” Wow.
Aren’t you glad God our loving heavenly the Father “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) ????
Are we more busy cursing the darkness than we are shining the light of Christ straight into the darkness of this fallen world? What did Jesus say in Matthew 5:16?
“Just imagine if Jesus had said ‘no I am not going among those pagan people!’ That really nailed it! How can anyone get saved if we are afraid of anything pagan! The whole world is pagan! So we avoid the lost too?” Karen Cochran
As He personally came into this dark pagan world, the light of the world Himself, Jesus commands His own to personally never be guilty of covering His light in us, never lampshade His glorious light (Matthew 5:13-16) …. No, instead, SHINE HIS LIGHT into the darkness of this world. This is a divine command:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
***IS this the year that we finally choose to get a more godly, biblical, mature, winsome, balanced, Christ-like perspective?
Did God so LOVE or did He so HATE the world that He gave His only begotten Son? Which of these – love or hatred – characterizes your perspective?
Is today the day we repent afresh and get, be busy about our Father’s business – which was obviously not condemnation because the whole world was and is already condemned in their sin (John 3:16-18). HE gave us Himself as the Solution.
Oh, and by the way, I personally do nothing – zilch – to celebrate “Christmas”, nothing. So bear that in mind as you read this.
“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and FOR THIS CAUSE CAME I INTO THE WORLD, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” John 18:37
Jesus came to die. Jesus could not have died for the sins of this fallen world unless He was first born into this world.
“Thank you for posting this. Excellent biblical explanation. Last year was the first I had heard it was a sin to celebrate Christmas because according to them Jesus wasn’t born on Dec. 25th. And there was so much shaming going on! Just as they did telling people they were in sin because they voted. And I believe the same ones who say in God’s economy you are never to divorce. Somehow they have put themselves above everyone else! Hypocrites.” Karen Cochran | The sin of self-righteousness will damn the soul (Matthew 21:31).
Are We Minding Our Own Business?
Jesus says the self-righteous lost souls “have omitted the weightier matters of the law.” That is, they overemphasize the minors and underemphasize the majors. In other words they condemn others for what THEY not God consider a sin – such as worshipping Jesus 365 days per year including December 25. The fact that Jesus uses the phrase “the WEIGHTIER matters of the law (Word)” makes it clear that some things are more important than others in His divine kingdom. Jesus even cites to us, to all, things that are of higher importance in His kingdom – “judgment, mercy, and faith:” (Matthew 23:23)
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and HAVE OMITTED THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF THE LAW, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” Matthew 23:23-25
The pharisees were experts at condemning others. It’s scary how much this severe warning applies to many of the self-righteous in our midst today:
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20
“5:20 To gain entrance into the kingdom, our righteousness must surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (who were content with religious ceremonies which gave them an outward, ritual cleansing, but which never changed their hearts). Jesus uses hyperbole (exaggeration) to drive home the truth that external righteousness without internal reality will not gain entrance into the kingdom. The only righteousness that God will accept is the perfection that He imputes to those who accept His Son as Savior (2Co_5:21). Of course, where there is true faith in Christ, there will also be the practical righteousness that Jesus describes in the remainder of the Sermon.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Except your righteousness shall exceed – περισσευση, Unless your righteousness abound more – unless it take in, not only the letter, but the spirit and design of the moral and ritual precept; the one directing you how to walk so as to please God; the other pointing out Christ, the great Atonement, through and by which a sinner is enabled to do so – more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, who only attend to the letter of the law, and had indeed made even that of no effect by their traditions – ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. This fully explains the meaning of the preceding verse. The old English word is right-wiseness, i.e. complete, thorough, excellent Wisdom. For a full explanation of this verse, see Luk_18:10, etc.” Adam Clarke
EVERY true disciple of Jesus knows that if God could find and save the WORST sinner ever – themselves – He can find and save anyone!!!! Repent now of all self-righteousness. You are as sure for hell as if you were already there if you are self-righteous (Matthew 21:31, etc.).
The angels and wise men celebrated the coming of Christ. Since when would it be inappropriate to celebrate Heaven’s KING? Just WHAT, second, minute, or year would it be God’s will not to celebrate the bless-ed LORD and Savior who came into this world, was born of a virgin to die for our sins? Is is okay with you if God’s people celebrate JESUS – every aspect of Him, His life – every days except December 25th? WHERE does the Bible say that if one of God’s people celebrate Christ on December 25th, they are going to hell?
Why shouldn’t God’s people insert His truth into everything, at all times? – EVERY day of the year, including December 25! Isn’t that what Jesus meant when He said we are His light and salt in the earth? (Matthew 5:13-16) God is good and God is able! Ask Him to use you during this period of the year!
The prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus the Messiah’s birth! There could be no bigger news except “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Christ could never have died for us, accomplishing redemption, had He not come to the earth. In fact, over 300 prophecies of Christ were given in the Old Testament and several dealt with His first coming, exactly where He would be born (Micah 5:2), that He’d be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), that He’d be divine – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6-7), etc. Did Christ not split time in half when He was born? Oh and what about the joy in Elizabeth, John the Baptist and a whole host of others in the early chapters of Matthew and Luke concerning the birth of the Messiah?
Peter Arciniega Jr. writes:
“Well I didn’t want to have to do this but here you go. Everything this world has to offer is PAGAN except two, Jesus and His Word. That said read Colossians 2 and Romans 14 regarding celebration of this or that!! There are more scriptures you can find.
The Word doesn’t say the world changes. It says you’re clean because of the Word or are you!? If not, it’s you not the world!!
Key is Who are you remembering?
Good Friday, Resurrection Day, Thanksgiving, and CHRISTmas I remember Jesus and the Father and the Work done in them only!
But for you having something to say…
You have a problem with those mentioned above but you go to quinces, birthday parties, gender reveal parties most of the time even when they’re not married, house warming parties, company parties, parades, all sport events. You affirm the LGBTQ life styles. You support pastors that lie to you using scripture. You’re a KC, Mason, kawana, and any other secret or private club. You’re in a biker, car, jeep, lowrider and so on club. I could go on and on but I won’t.
You have Colossians 3:23, Romans 14:23, 2 Timothy 1:7
Scriptures to live for the Lord Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:11, John 3:16, John 16:33, Romans 15:13, Isaiah 40:31, Matthew 11:28,
If your mind takes you places you shouldn’t go then stay in your house. But if you’re a new creature IN Christ you will have peace about being light among darkness.
We ought to be glad that even though the anti-christ won’t say it, they know what we’re doing, we are thinking about Jesus!!
If you live in Christ then everything you think and do will be led and driven by Christ!! I just saw one to many post complaining about CHRISTmas!”
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DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR FALSE TEACHERS? The Answer May Surprise You.
DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR OR DOES IT MANDATE THAT WE EXPOSE FALSE TEACHERS?
No, it’s not a sin to pray for the deceived. Yet, isn’t it time we obeying the command of God and stopped giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the LORD and cease caring for them more than the many they are deceiving?
A DIVINE COMMAND: “Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
Wolf worshippers are first and foremost self-worshipping counterfeits who could care less how many souls their celebrity wolf is leading to hell. All they care about is the sensual thrill they feel in worshipping their demon-possessed false prophet who tells them what they like to hear!
NEVER apologize for exposing false teachings and false teachers. You do such in obedience to the LORD and it results in the protection of the Great Shepherd’s sheep for whom He died (Matthew 10; Hebrews 13:20).
Did Jesus or His apostles ever pray for a wolf? No.
To the false leaders of his day, Jesus says this:
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (snakes), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33
Do nothing to “bid God speed” to the enemies of the LORD lest you be judged with those enemies of God (2 John 10-11). Bidding God speed means to condone, to support, or in any way to further the cause of the enemies of God, namely human agents who are teaching contrary to the Scripture.
So he’s not calling out the wolves and you still sit under that devil? You want to go to hell with him? (2 John 10-11) Repent and run now! (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3, etc.)
Of the false teachers at Galatia, Paul says he wishes they, the false prophets, were “cut off.” Make not mistake, this is violent language.
“I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Galatians 5:12
To “cut off” means to castrate, to mutilate, to amputate and so Paul is either saying that his God fearing desire is for false teachers to be castrated or taken out completely. There’s no getting around this appropriately violent language. It’s fitting for this situation because the eternal souls of men, the sheep of Christ’s pasture are at stake.
Many self-deceived people today have more compassion for Satan’s hell bound false leaders than they do for the beloved sheep who are being being misled by those wolves in sheep’s clothing! Repent now.
Beware of misplaced compassion. Compassion without discernment, compassion while ignorant, is dangerous.
The the false prophet Elymas, the apostle says:
“And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” Acts 13:10
Can anyone find in this Acts 13 text where Christ’s apostle Paul pray for this Elymas, this named false prophet? I’m sorry, perhaps I missed something here.
There seems to be no end to the novices, perhaps well meaning, who argue out of their own ignorance to defend wolves who are devouring Jesus’ sheep. They come off as if they are highly superior in approaching, dealing with wolves with “love” and accuse those who expose as not doing so. Let’s take a look at who’s walking in true love, and who isn’t.
“Open rebuke is better than secret (hidden, concealed) love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6
Hebrew word for “secret” …..
סָתַר
sâthar
saw-thar’
A primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively: – be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, X surely.
As you will see below, it seems accurate to observe that we’ve never seen “love” like the love of prey for the wolf that’s tickled their ears and told them what their unrepentant hearts wish to hear (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Most wolf protecting enemies of Christ simply don’t know and don’t want to know what God says about this topic. They are under the control of Satan himself, covering for his agents and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). God doesn’t like cowards (1 Corinthians 16:13; Revelation 21:8). The “fearful” are the first class listed as going to the lake of fire.
Those who defend Jesus’ enemy’s will be judged, damned with them (2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Jn 10-11).
TYPICAL DEFENSE OF A WOLF BY HIS PREY:
“But wait, he’s led many thousands to the Lord!”
REPLY:
Jesus saves all by Himself, even using wolves at times. That is a front, intentionally taught to you by the wolf to cover, to keep himself from being detected, like sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). After witnessing the “ministry” of this false teacher for years, I highly doubt most of those people truly were saved. He doesn’t even speak of the chasm their sin has caused so how can they truly be convicted and repent? They can’t in most cases. Luke 13:3…. If God truly did save some of them, it was in spite of White, not because of him.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I do applaud your zeal for truth! I personally just think it is wise exercising prudence about knowing the hearts of men or women, only God knows. He will separate the wheat from the chaff.”
REPLY:
Jesus commanded us to “KNOW (Gr. discern) by their fruits” and told us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 15-16, 20; 12:34) ALL men are known by the fruit of what they teach – either sound or false doctrine (Titus 2:1). Why would the Son of God told us to “KNOW” people by the fruit of their lives if He didn’t want us to discern, to “Judge righteous judgment”? (John 7:24)
God knows all men’s hearts yes and yet GOD commanded us to know people also. How? Jesus says to “know (discern) them BY THEIR FRUITS” and thereby we know that anyone teaching “another gospel” is “accursed” and is the very enemy of Christ and to be “earnestly” contended against and marked, scoped out and identified – so as to protect the body of Christ (Matthew 7:16, 20; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 3-4).
HOW DID JESUS tell us to know/discern others? The FRUIT of their lives (Matt 7:16,20) THE FACT that JESUS told us to “know” (discern) people means He wants us to do so! (Matt 7:16,20) Same chapter as “judge not” v1-5 When Jesus taught us to “judge not” He is speaking in that context of hypocritical judgment and wrongly assigned condemnation. The JUDGE has spoken in a book called THE BIBLE. He’s calling us to pay attention when we read it. His written WORD records for us HIS judgments – the judgments of the Judge. So when a man preaches the Word, he is preaching GOD’s judgments, warnings, and not his own.
MESSAGE TO ME FROM A MAN ATTEMPTING TO CURTAIL THE MARKING OF A KNOWN WOLF:
“Dear Lord Jesus Please show Todd White your Holy Truth. May Todd White find peace and assurance in your wisdom and may he become a light upon a hill guiding others to Christ. Help him to leave behind his old self and ignite in him a desire to unashamedly make known Your Truth and disown and depart from the untruths he has held onto. In Jesus Mighty name we ask, Amen. Matthew chapter 5 verse 44’ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
REPLY:
Can you give chapters and verses where Jesus or His holy apostles specifically prayed for a wolf? Ever read Matthew 23?
Interesting that you seem to hate all those precious many souls Todd White is misleading. Interesting. Why don’t all those precious souls matter to you? If you aren’t defending Todd White, why do you seem to care more for him than those many people he’s misleading?
How intense was Jesus’ apostle Paul about protecting Christ’s flock?
“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 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. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Acts 20:27-31
In Matthew 5:38-45 Christ is speaking of not retaliating against OUR enemies. Jesus is speaking of how we are to react to OUR ENEMIES, not HIS enemies in Matt 5:44. HIS enemies in specific are those who are misleading HIS people, the sheep for which HE bled to save on that cross. You are misguided and taking Scripture out of context. What did He mandate that His disciple do?
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
GOD TOLD YOU TO “MARK THEM” – WOLVES – AND NOT DEFEND THEM! (ROMANS 16:17-18) YOU GOING TO OBEY GOD OR REBEL?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
Todd White is being marked, scoped out (Gr. skopeo) and named, identified as an enemy of Christ, a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15) so His people can be aware and escape being deceived…. no different than warning your children not to go near the street. Danger.
MESSAGE FROM WOLF JUSTIFIER:
“I believe we can still learn from (false) preachers and pastors biblical teaching, but we must test the spirits. Bring what is taught back to the word. Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon all preachers. Even today’s motivational speakers. I use what the Holy Spirit blessed me with, discernment, knowledge, wisdom.”
REPLY:
Good morning. Yes and yet, the LORD mandates that we separate ourselves from His enemies who pose as His ministers yet Paul says they are actually the ministers of Satan (2 Cor 11:12-15). Jude 3; Rom 16:17-18 …. we know all men, beginning with ourselves by the fruit…. false doctrine is bad fruit which means the root and tree is cursed. Matt 7:15-21; 12:33
Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon are all calvinist heretics. Everything they say, teach is poisoned with this calvinistic system, a doctrine of devils.
The Holy Spirit blessed you with the Word and so why do you need to even listen to known false teachers? Why would you? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.)
How would you feel if your own husband communed with a sworn enemy of yours? How does Jesus feel by what you’ve just said?
SETTING THE BIBLICAL RECORD STRAIGHT
Jesus commanded HIS people to “JUDGE righteous judgment” (John 7:24) And, He commanded us to know/discern others “BY THEIR FRUITS” and that’s exactly what we’re doing under the command of KING JESUS (Matthew 7:16, 20). Dare you interfere with HIS work and become His enemy? You are bidding Godspeed to evil doers, satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing, and you will be judged with those enemies of Christ if you don’t repent (2 John 10-11).
Jesus and each of His apostles on record in the New Testament canon warned the flock of wolves who would devour! There is no instance where they prayed for an enemy of Christ, a wolf who was misleading the flock of God.
Here is the list of the 8 evil doers the great apostle was divinely inspired to justifiably identify by name in 2 Timothy – in order to protect God’s people:
1) Phygellus 1:15
2) Hermogenes 1:15
3) Hymenaeus 2:17
4) Philetus 2:17
5) Jannes 3:8
6) Jambres 3:8
7) Demas 4:10 (apostate)
8) Alexander the coppersmith 4:14
Read the book of 2 Timothy and underline these deceivers that the apostle was marking.
How to Pray Effectively for Your Friends and Family! [podcast]
Someone has wisely stated that “We are never more like Jesus than when we are praying for others.” Which of God’s people are on your prayer list? No greater way to serve another than to lift them up to the Father in the name of Jesus! “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5 […]
"Warn them from Me": The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God's People [podcast]
The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast] Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4). PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach “Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in […]
SATAN'S SEMINARIANS [podcast]
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Spiritual Formation—A Dangerous Substitute for the Life of Christ [podcast]
Sometimes we think of spiritual formation as formation by the Holy Spirit. Once again. That’s essential. . . . But now I have to say something that may be challenging for you to think about: Spiritual formation is not all by the Holy Spirit. . . . We have to recognize that spiritual formation in us is something that is also done to us by those around us, by ourselves, and by activities which we voluntarily undertake . . .There has to be method.1—Dallas Willard
Aside from the fact that Spiritual Formation incorporates mystical practices into its infrastructure (remove the contemplative aspect and you don’t have “Spiritual Formation” anymore), Spiritual Formation is a works-based substitute for biblical Christianity. Let us explain.
When one becomes born again (“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), having given his or her life and heart over to Christ as Savior, Jesus Christ says He will come in and live in that surrendered heart:
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11; emphasis added)
When God, through Jesus Christ, is living in us, He begins to do a transforming work in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18). Not only does He change us, He also communes with us. In other words, we have fellowship with Him, and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
This life of God in the believer’s heart is not something we need to conjure up through meditative practices. But if a person does not have this relationship with the Lord, he may seek out ways to feel close to God. This is where Spiritual Formation comes into play. Rather than a surrendered life to Christ (through repentance and faith), the seeking person begins practicing the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, good works, etc.) with the promise that if he practices these disciplines, he will become more Christ-like.
But merely doing these acts fails to make one feel close to God—something is still missing. And thus, he begins practicing the discipline of silence (or solitude), and now in these altered states of silence, he finally feels connected to God. He now feels complete. What he does not understand is that he has substituted the indwelling of Christ in his heart for a works-based methodology that endangers his spiritual life. Dangerous because these mystical experiences he now engages in appear to be good because they make him feel close to God, but in reality he is being drawn into demonic realms no different than what happens to someone who is practicing transcendental meditation or eastern meditation. Even mystics themselves acknowledge that the contemplative realm is no different than the realm reached by occultists. To understand this more fully, please read Ray Yungen’s book A Time of Departing.
Bottom line, it is not possible to be truly Christ-like without having Christ inside of us because it is His righteousness that is able to change our hearts—we cannot do it without Him. It is His righteousness we need:
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. (Romans 3:22)
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)
It is interesting to note that virtually every contemplative teacher has a common theme—they feel dry and empty and want to go “deeper” with God or “become more intimate” with God. But if we have Christ living in us, how can we go any deeper than that? How can we become more intimate than that? And if going deeper and becoming intimate were so important, why is it that none of the disciples or Jesus Himself ever told us to do this? As Larry DeBruyn states:
Why are Christians seeking a divine presence that Jesus promised would abundantly flow in them? . . . Why do they need another voice, another visitation, or another vision? Why are some people unthankfully desirous of “something more” than what God has already given to us? Why is it that some Christians, in the depth of their souls, are not seemingly at rest?2
Is There a “Good” Spiritual Formation?
One of the most common arguments we hear defending Spiritual Formation is that there is a “good” Spiritual Formation done without contemplative prayer. To that we say, we have never yet seen a Spiritual Formation program in a school or a church that doesn’t in some way point people to the contemplative mystics. It might be indirectly, but in every case, if you follow the trail, it will lead you right into the arms of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and other contemplative teachers.
Think about this common scenario: A Christian college decides to begin a Spiritual Formation course. The instructor has heard some negative things about Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Brennan Manning, and he figures he will teach the class “good Spiritual Formation” and leave those teachers completely out. But he’s going to need a textbook. He turns to a respected institution, Dallas Theological Seminary, and finds a book written by Paul Pettit, Professor in Pastoral and Education Ministries. The book is titled Foundations of Spiritual Formation. The instructor who has found this book to use in his own class may never mention Richard Foster or Dallas Willard, but the textbook he is using does. Within the pages of Pettit’s book is Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Thomas Aquinas, Lectio Divina, Ayn Rand, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, J.P. Moreland, Klaus Issler, Bruce Demarerst, Jim Burns, Kenneth Boa and Brother Lawrence’s “practicing God’s presence.” You may not have heard of all these names, but they are all associated with the mystical contemplative prayer movement and the emerging church.
Another example of this is Donald Whitney’s book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney is former Associate Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While his book does not promote contemplative mysticism, he says that Richard Foster has “done much good”3 in the area of Christian spirituality (which we believe is blatantly untrue).
Our point is that even if there is a sincere attempt to teach Spiritual Formation and stay away from the mystical side, we contend that it cannot be successfully accomplished because it will always lead back to the ones who have brought it to the church in the first place.
Spiritual formation is sweeping throughout Christianity today. It’s no wonder when the majority of Christian leaders have either endorsed the movement or given it a silent pass. For instance, in Chuck Swindoll’s book So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There, Swindoll favorably quotes Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Swindoll calls Celebration of Discipline a “meaningful work”4 and Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines “excellent work.”5 In chapter three, ”Silence and Solitude,” Swindoll talks about “digging for secrets . . . that will deepen our intimacy with God.”6 Quoting the contemplative poster-verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Swindoll says the verse is a call to the “discipline of silence.”7 As other contemplative proponents have done, he has taken this verse very much out of context.
Roger Oakland sums it up:
The Spiritual Formation movement . . . teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and truly hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with longstanding reputations of teaching God’s word seem to be succumbing. . . .
We are reconciled to God only through his “death” (the atonement for sin), and we are presented “holy and unblameable and unreproveable” when we belong to Him through rebirth. It has nothing to do with works, rituals, or mystical experiences. It is Christ’s life in the converted believer that transforms him.8
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10
What Christians need is not a method or program or ritual or practice that will supposedly connect them to God. What we need is to be “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and Christ in us. And He has promised His Spirit “will guide [us] into all truth” (John 16:13).
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30
In Colossians 1:9, the apostle Paul tells the saints that he was praying for them that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” He was praying that they would have discernment (“spiritual understanding”). He said that God, the Father, has made us “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (vs 12) and had “delivered us from the power of darkness [i.e., power of deception]” (vs. 13). But what was the key to having this wisdom and spiritual understanding and being delivered from the power of darkness? Paul tells us in that same chapter. He calls it “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (vs. 26). What is that mystery? Verse 27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (emphasis added).
For those wanting to get involved with the Spiritual Formation movement (i.e., contemplative, spiritual direction), consider the “direction” you will actually be going.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10)
This article is an extract from the Lighthouse Trails booklet, Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why They Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
Endnotes:
1. Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done” (https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done).
2. Larry DeBruyn, “God’s Present of His Presence” (https://www.guardinghisflock.org/gods-present-of-his-presence/ ).
3. Donald Whitney, “Doctrine and Devotion: A Reunion Devoutly to be Desired” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080828052145/http://biblicalspirituality.org/devotion.html).
4. Chuck Swindoll, So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There (Nashville, TN:W Publishing Group, a div. of Thomas Nelson, 2005), p. 15.
5. Ibid., p. 13.
6. Ibid., p. 55.
7. Ibid.
8. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone (Eureka, MT: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2007), pp. 91-92.
This has been an extract from our booklet Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why It Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines
The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines A Critique of Dallas Willard and The Spirit of the Disciplines by Bob DeWaayPractices called “spiritual disciplines” that are deemed necessary for “spiritual formation” have entered evangelicalism. Recent encounters with this teaching narrated to me by friends caused me to investigate these practices. The first experience involved my friend and co-worker Ryan Habbena who went back to seminary to finish his masters degree. Here is his experience in his own words: I recently took a seminary course on the book of Luke. It was a summer intensive and was one of only […]
SHOCKING List of Spiritual Formation Ministries
More Catholic Witchcraft Infiltrating the Apostate Seminaries, Ministries, and Churches “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; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 WHAT is spiritual formation / contemplative prayer or centering prayer? Spiritual formation/contemplative prayer/spirituality is just another self-centered, Christ-denying, self-righteous, works-based, occultic, pagan lie from hell! Seminaries teach it and now many churches today are practicing new age witchcraft called contemplative prayer, or centering Prayer which is part of spiritual formation. […]
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4
Holiness comes by the Savior in self denial (death and burial – the cross), not by self will or effort. Surrender is the cross – “NOT my will but thine be done” (Lk. 22:42) and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). We surrender to Christ by saying “Not my will but thine be done” dear Lord, by Your grace and the deliberate act of my own will I submit to the cross, the crucified life – where You alone reign supreme in this vessel (Luke 22:42; Galatians 2:20, etc.). I love You LORD Jesus! You must increase but I must decrease! (John 3:30)
Holiness, not happiness, is the divine command, the chief purpose and end of Christ’s salvation.
Of holiness, one disciple writes:
“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man thru the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature thru the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom 7:5; 5:20; Gal 3:21). They are enemies of the cross!”
Holiness comes by way of the cross, not by way of the flesh. Just as sin was conquered by the cross of Christ, so sin in the life of the saint is conquered by the daily cross – the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). It’s time to stop trying harder and to simply die deeper.
NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:
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