God-Less Grinches in our Midst [radio]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Beware of the self-congratulatory grandstanding of those who establish their identity on what they are against. They are very proud, self-righteous, full of pride and arrogance, and blind. …Soon as you get off that bash-happy bandwagon, you will be the outsider and also under their cult-like attack.

Some base their bashing on historical knowledge. WHY do some give such strength to the catholic church and other devils throughout history? Is this not idolatry? If these people were truly righteous by Christ instead of self-righteous, perhaps they wouldn’t be giving such strength to Tertullian and the phony popes of Rome. It’s like they worship these devils by making THEIR word and evil doings final authority instead of the Word of God (John 8:47).

NEARLY everything in this fallen world is pagan and it doesn’t take a spiritual giant to see this simply truth. So, this season, WHY NOT posture ourselves to simply shine the light into the darkness of men’s hearts and ask God to use us to do what He sent us to do – to win someone to Jesus!? Perspective. Why waste time protesting instead of preaching the Gospel?

From David Taylor:

“Mighty ancient angels, Wise wealthy Pagan magicians, Hebrew Shepherds poor, animals, parents and relatives, were all drawn to this Divinely orchestrated event – the birth of the Messiah into flesh. And even today His truth still sounds, ‘If I shall be lifted up I shall draw all men unto me’. Rejoice!! Our Savior and King is alive forevermore!! Serve Him. Are you and yours ready for His imminent return and judgment? May God continue to bless as you serve the Lord Jesus. In Christ’s love,” David

SOME OF THESE HARANGUING “BULLIES” ARE SO AGAINST DECEMBER 25TH THAT IF SOMEONE GOT UP ON THE MORNING AND READ ABOUT JESUS BEING BORN INTO THE EARTH, THEY’D STONE THAT PERSON! THESE PEOPLE ARE SCARY – MUCH MORE SCARY THAN THOSE WHO SIMPLY DO NOT REALIZE ALL THE PAGANISM SURROUNDING CHRISTMAS. YET, IF THEY ARE INNOCENT OF IT AND THEIR CONSCIENCE IS NOT DEFILED BY IT, IT’S NOT SIN. READ 1 CORINTHIANS 8 AND ROMANS 14 BEFORE YOU DRAW CONCLUSION ON THIS AND GET ON GOD’S PAGE!

The self-righteous christmas bashing zealots are quick and forceful in pointing out “that’s pagan!” …. but Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 ARE BIBLE! Have you studied and do you understand them? OR are you too busy studying Satan’s paganism?

PERSONALLY, I AM NOT GOING TO HAND THE VICTORY TO SATAN/PAGANISM BY NOT CELEBRATING JESUS AND HIS BIRTH/1ST COMING DURING THIS OR ANY SEASON …. YOU KEEP PROTESTING EVERYTHING IF YOU WANT…. I WILL NOT JOIN YOU…. JESUS CAME TO PREACH HIS HOLY LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS OF THIS FALLEN WORLD AND NOT TO WASTE A SECOND CURSING THE DARKNESS WHICH IS FUTILITY. DID HE NOT KNOW ALL THE PAGAN DARKNESS BEFORE HE CAME? GO READ WHAT JESUS SPOKE IN HIS MINISTRY? WAS HE FOCUSED ON THE DARKNESS OR BRINGING THE LIGHT OF TRUTH? DID HE SAY TO HIS CHILDREN, “YE ARE THE DARKNESS OF THE WORLD” OR “YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”? (MATTHEW 5:13-16)

SO BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS ARE SUPPOSED TO STOP WORSHIPING JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE OF WHAT SATAN AND HIS PAWNS HAVE DONE???!!!! Man, some of you false watchmen need to repent and when you truly do, God will give you a kingdom clue! …

“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

Did Jesus say: “Let your light so shine before men EXCEPT DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”??? Yes or no please.

Some people will scorn you for not jumping on their condemnation bandwagon.

So, those who insist upon calling damnation down upon the immature Christians and the heathen during this season, are disqualified from being used of the LORD. God cannot used them to win anyone to Christ because they’ve self-righteously taken up an offense, a cause against obvious paganism and congratulate themselves for doing so in many cases. They have not learned a simple truth, captured profoundly in James 1:20: “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) God never instructed any of His servants to go out and hate sinners. Such would be completely unbefitting to rescued sinners now saved by the mercy of Christ alone (Titus 3:3-7). When Moses did so, when he chose to have unwarranted anger against God’s sinning people, the LORD pulled his rug and Moses was then disqualified to lead God’s people into the promised land, right? The Bible says that “God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalms 7:11) The fact that GOD is angry because HE alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” gives no mere man license to walk around all mad and protesting paganism and sin. To those who insist on being unduly angry, Jesus says “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” Then Jesus informs us “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”(Luke 9:55-56)

This unrighteous, undue reveals a total lack of the cross in such people. When the cross is truly at the center of our lives, self is crucified and the life of Christ lived out. Are you God or are you a mere man? These fail to recognize they they are mere men and that the LORD alone is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Jesus is God and He didn’t act this way toward us “WHILE WE were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8) No, the Son of God didn’t protest our evil but instead He left the glory of His Father and came and died for us. We were already in sin. He came to rescued, to save us (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

WHO do we think we are?! You are no hero for seeing the very very obvious sin and paganism in this fallen world. But what did the ONE you claim to follow do about it? He died to conquer it. He didn’t walk around all upset and mad at the rampant sin in this fallen world…. He conquered it through death (Hebrews 2:14-15) and calls us to do the same – re-enacting His death, burial and resurrection in our daily lives – so that He can reign in and through us (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:10-12, etc.).

He’s coming soon. Who are you personally leading to Him? Notice that it’s “He that WINNETH souls (who?) is wise” in God’s eyes and not those who yell at, unduly condemn, and harshly speak to them…. but the wisdom of God is proven to be in those who actually “WINNETH souls.” (Proverbs 11:30)

Beware of those who Beat Up God’s People

Perhaps Jesus would say to us today …”Shut your mouth, get on your face, lay down your life in this world, die the death, and go win someone to Me!”

Saints, we are not heroes or highly enlightened to recognize the evil around us – 24/7/365!

Again, in case some seek to say that I am justifying my own participation in Christmas, be informed that I do not participate….. yet worship Him, thank God for the gift of the eternal Word, and choose to ask Jesus to shine His light in and through His vessels during this and all seasons of the year (Matthew 5:16). Did Jesus or His holy apostles walk around all mad, with no divine joy, because of the myriad of paganism that was all around them as they walked the earth? Yes or not please. The Bible speaks of the great joy Jesus had (Psalms 45:7; John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9). Protesting paganism is going to lead not one lost soul to Jesus and is actually preventing them from being saved through the lives of those who are too immature to simply winsomely minister to them.

This topic brings out the legalism that still resides in many among us and their lack of being established in the grace of God (Hebrews 13:9). …. Is this an essential? Will those Christians who put up a tree be damned for such? No. That means this is a NON-essential. Putting up a tree, especially having no intention to worship that inanimate object, is on not one of the many lists of sins in the New Testament. Please study Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

SOME are saying that trees are evil because during this season people decorate them. So, they judge those who have Christmas trees today. Yet, do you know anyone who worships that tree? I don’t. No, I don’t have a Christmas tree. Just attempting to make a point. ……. To attempt to demonize ANY part of God’s creation – what He purposely created for His own purposes – is treading on thin ice. the MIS-use of anything by mere humans in no way negates the purpose for which God created the thing being misused. The misuse of any part of the LORD’s creation does not make that something evil. Only Satan, fallen angels, and the hearts of men can be evil because they are created being with choice, free moral agency. Inanimate objects cannot possibly be evil. They have no breath of life in them and therefore have no free will to exercise themselves for or against the Maker of all things. …. WE must truly submit ourselves afresh to the LORD, crying out to Him for His understanding and wisdom and to establish our hearts with His grace (Hebrews 13:9). See 1 Corinthians 8.

Jeremiah 10

Jesus and His apostles came around LONG after trees were used to perform idol worship (Jeremiah 10)…. Did Christ or even one of His holy apostles ever mention, much less call out this sin? chapters and verses please

What’s God getting at in Jeremiah 10? Notice that “the way of the heathen” He is addressing involves WORSHIPPING the inanimate object of a tree, not the tree itself. The LORD created trees and had Noah use them to build the ark and allow them to be used to crucify the LORD of glory. The LORD makes clear in this passage that trees have no free will and therefore cannot sin. Only man was created in His holy image and has the ability to worship Him or rebel against Him.

“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Jer 10:3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jer 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Jer 10:5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Jer 10:6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

Jer 10:7 Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.

Jer 10:8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.” Jeremiah 10:2-8

FOR THE RECORD, to further denigrate the modern pharisees, this believer does not celebrate Christmas, does not have a tree or any associated decor. Yet will those who do be damned for it? This disciples DOES, with no apology ever to any mere man or devil, celebrate Jesus 24/7/365 …. and is defending the God-given liberties for each and every Christian in the way they worship, as long as it’s not an essential – which this is not. There is no hint or attempt to justify paganism and yet, if a person’s heart is not deliberately worshiping another god (false god), they’re not committing a soul damning sin. Read Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:7-22

NO AMOUNT OF ATTENTION PAID AND SPENT ON DIGGING UP THE EVIL OF PAGANISM NEGATES WHAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT CHRIST AND HIS FIRST COMING BY WAY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND A VIRGIN.

Think for a minute about the focus of those who insist on digging up the paganism in this season – something most Christians do not participate with in the first place. Where did they get that from? They got this from the SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) and JW (Jehovah Witness) cults. Those people are not saved.

So, their focus is not on Christ but rather they relish in paganism. In fact, they do not ever mention or acknowledge the Son of God who was born of the Holy Spirit through a virgin in fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2, etc.). These people shun Scripture which clearly, irrefutably reveals that the shepherds, angels of God, wise, men, and John the Baptist all celebrated the first coming of the eternal, divine Word of God (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; John 1, etc.). Seems to me that “the spirit of antichrist” (x-ing out Christ) is behind these people. After all, just stand back and watch them …. they are not preaching Christ.

Is it pure idolatry to celebrate Christmas or birthdays? Does that not depend on the person’s heart as in all these non-essential matters? So if someone participates in some sort of Christmas celebration, does that mean they are not saved? Hardly. It’s a non-essential on either one of these and that’s the point. Read Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8.

Ryan Dudley wisely writes: “Ignorance isn’t having a , ignorance is thinking a Jesus worshipper worships a .”

Ryan Dudley makes a good point saints. No, a tree won’t send anyone to hell so please get over that legalism. Idolatry is sin and ask yourself: Have you ever met a person who worships their christmas tree? I don’t even know any that is a lost soul who does such.

Was Jesus born on December 25th? No. …. “I don’t wanna be bound to a day for Christ Jesus being born, but everyday knowing that He was born into this world to save the sinners. Amen.” Jason Cherry

Personally, I don’t celebrate or protest either actually and yet and blessed that these holiday occasions present times for people to come together and for Christ’s love to be shown.

“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. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:23-26　

Here Jesus makes it clear that pharisees over emphasize minors and under emphasize majors.

THE REAL SINNERS …. ARE THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS, BLIND, PHARISEES WHO MAKE A BIG ISSUE OUT OF 1) CELEBRATING ANY PART OF CHRIST, OR 2) SINNING BY JUDGING OTHER CHRISTIANS ON SOMETHING THAT IS NON-ESSENTIAL. AFTER ALL, WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO IS BOWING DOWN AND WORSHIPING A CHRISTMAS TREE? I DIDN’T DO THAT BEFORE I WAS SAVED, DID YOU?

SO YOU have more faith in Satan and his paganism than you do JESUS CHRIST? Wow! Is that not the sin of idolatry? If you are so discerning and so holy, why not preach Christ instead of dwelling on His enemy and paganism?

Those who are “weak IN the faith” are still God’s children and we should be praying for and feeding them and helping grow in grace and not wasting our time bashing obvious paganism. Mature Christians do not participate in blatant paganism and yet, they also help those believers who are “weak in the faith” learn and grow. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom. 14:1)

IF IN FACT this is Satan’s busiest time of year (December), why not preach Christ – the light of the world – into the midst of it? … WHILE pretending to be “holy,” the self-righteous, self-serving legalist is so weak that he fears that doing a neutral activity will cause him to backslide and so he seeks to impose restrictions on others instead of minding his own business and working out his own salvation with fear and trembling, allowing God to work in himself and others. Philippians 2:12-13; Psalms 138:8

These people who come out viciously concerning all the paganism they study about in Christmas are consumed with self-righteousness which is sin. It’s like all they can think of and worship is the paganism they dig up and focus on …. “An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.” Prov 16:27

So you are saying someone who gets a Christmas tree is going to hell? Chapter and verses please?

The word “heretick” concerns causing unnecessary divisions. Titus 3:10 Such are to be rejected.

Let’s get a clue saints: The world was covered in darkness for 4,000 years when Jesus fulfilled prophecy and came into this world. The world – every human being – was fallen, guilty before God and separated from Him. So why did Jesus say He came? Did He come to condemn? No, the world – all of us – were ALREADY condemned!

There is no Scripture that forbids Christians from celebrating Jesus on any of the 365 days He made …. the rebuke is biblical and is to those who seek to infringe upon the God given liberty of each believer in NON-essentials. Read Romans 14 please.

Memorize this truth and it will change your life:

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17

Shine the light of truth saints! Show and communicate God’s love for those around you by ministering He who is “the light of the world” and sent you to be His “light” and “salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

These devilish pawns who run around pounding paganism have never led anyone to CHRIST! Do we not begin to see their darkness now? Who would want the false “jesus” they have anyway? No one. Prudes don’t know Christ who “was anointed with gladness (joy) ABOVE all his fellows.” (Hebrews 1:9) “The JOY of the LORD is your strength” to make Him known! (Nehemiah 8:10) When a person truly abides in Jesus, the Bible says they will have “the fruit of the Spirit” which is “Love, JOY, peace …” (Matthew 5:22-23) Do you have the joy of Jesus? (John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9, etc.)

“Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

SO MANY people hear some half cocked novice preacher say something and live by that message for years – never stopping to compare it to the whole counsel of God’s Word. For example, I’ve heard 10 people say lately things like: “We are not to celebrate Christ’s birth, only His death.”

Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus … His incarnation into flesh as He came to redeem us (John 1:14).

Jesus Christ is divine and had no beginning or end as such … yet He did have a day in which we were blessed beyond measure to have Him born into this world – to save us. THAT’s what Christians celebrate 24/7/365. We don’t know what exact day that was and so we magnify the Lamb of God every single day!

The Shepherds and the Angels

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11

Though we don’t know nor need to know the exact day Jesus was born into this earth, there was a certain day He was born into this world to redeem us as is indicated by verse 11 above – “this day.”

First let me say that we are to make no mistake that ANY and all attempts to draw attention away from Christ are coming from an antichrist who is under “the spirit of antichrist” who is Satan himself (1 John 4:1-3).

Beware of the Sinful, Savior-Denying Scrooges! Is there EVER a Time Not to Worship Jesus Christ? That is a Yes or No question please….. WHAT spirit is behind the protesting of Christ’s birth? It’s certainly not the Holy Spirit because that would contradict His own Word – where angels and His people greatly celebrated the first coming of Jesus, without which He could never have died for the sins of the world (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2).

Some who are self-appointed watchmen preach paganism. That is obviously their focus. They refuse to state or deal with SCRIPTURE concerning the birth of the Messiah into the earth – from Old and New Testaments. They set the very Word of God aside while claiming to be zealous for God! Wow, then they call everyone else pagan and sinful who refuse to join in. These angry, self-centered people come out of the woodworks every December to make this an issue of paganism – because THAT is their focus. Have you noticed? The true body of Christ simply takes this season and all seasons to celebrate Christ!

Want to test that Doctrine? Want to see if we are only to celebrate Jesus’ death?

Throw the first chapters of the Gospels away and the prophets and their prophetic utterances. They greatly glorified God for the long awaited Messiah. They certainly, incontrovertibly celebrated the very Word God becoming flesh to dwell among us and die for our sins (John 1:14).

One sister writes:

“No matter what time of the year it is, just thinking about the birth of Jesus is enough to put a smile on everyone’s face… His birth is as important as His death… From the throne room to the manger to the cross, Christ came so that in Him we might pass from bondage to freedom, from death to life. Thank God for His Son–His gift too wonderful for words. Most important for us is that the Son of God did come. He that made man was made man… And on that fact hangs our life. Christ came at the Father’s bidding to release us from the death-grip of sin. How He accomplished this is the story of the cross. Isn’t it that Christ first advent is a wonderful gift for us to celebrate?”

Throw the whole Old Testament away and all the prophecies of the Messiah away if you are going to vainly attempt to diminish aught from celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth. By audaciously attempting such, you are taking away from the Word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). When we read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2, we see among others, the following divinely authenticated created beings celebrating the birth of the eternal Word Himself, Jesus Christ:

The angels
“a multitude of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13)
The wise men
Mary
John the Baptist

So, you herald JESUS at His death but not His birth? Really? Wouldn’t a true Jesus worshiper not glorify the Son of God in every aspect of His pre-incarnate, the beginning of His incarnation (virgin birth), life, ministry, mission, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection? After all, all of it is in God’s Word, right?

It doesn’t matter exactly WHAT DAY He was born into His earth … it’s not a sin for any individual Christian to celebrate Jesus and any part of His life on any and all days. So are you going to rebuke a born again believer because he chooses to celebrate Jesus during this season? WHO even mentioned trees, ornaments or nimrod? What do they have to do with this?

It’s absurd to say it’s un-biblical to celebrate ANY part of the pre-incarnate, birth in the flesh, life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah. Have you read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 to see all the biblical characters who celebrated His birth into the earth? Angels, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, etc. Seems like you are letting paganism neglect the LORD and the myriad of Scriptures – prophetic and the fulfillment of His first coming without which He could not have died for our sins…..

“Come now let us REASON together” (Isaiah 1:18) It’s simply unreasonable to judge others for using this season to thank God for the first coming of Christ – the eternal, divine Word made flesh to die for our sins.

IT’S LIKE SOME ACT AS IF GOD TAKES A VACATIONS DURING DECEMBER. THEY’D HAVE YOU THINK JESUS DOESN’T WANT TO DRAW IN AND SAVE SOULS THAT MONTH BECAUSE THIS THING CALLED PAGANISM IF BIGGER THAN GOD IS HAHA

Let’s stop passing on things that do not pass the test of the whole testimony of God’s Word. After all, let’s forget trying to find a Scripture in all of the Bible that forbids (calls a sin) celebrating the birth of the LORD Jesus Christ, Heaven’s King.

We are simply observing the Bible’s testimony of worship Jesus Christ every hour of every day of every year and also defending the God-given liberty for each and every believer to worship as he or she wishes in non-essentials. Those who infringe upon the personal liberties of other believers are in sin. Read Romans 14 and repent.

SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE HUNG UP ON CHRISTMAS TREES THAN THEY ARE ON JESUS! WOW THEY BASH THE PAGANISM OF CHRISTMAS TREES MORE THAN THEY PREACH CHRIST. DOES SOMETHING SEEM AMISS? ARE THEY NOT ACTING AS IF A CHRISTMAS TREE IS A SOUL DAMNING SIN? ARE THEY NOT ELEVATING A CHRISTMAS TREE ABOVE CHRIST HIMSELF?

Could it be the spirit of antichrist behind those who in the guise of protesting paganism get Christians not to appreciate and celebrate the very coming of the Messiah? …. as did the shepherds, angels, wise men, John the Baptist, and others (Matt. 1-2; Luke 1-2).

Seems to me that it could only be Satan who would draw attention away from Christ and people celebrating His 1st coming. …. All in the name of paganism. These people who protest the celebration of Christ’s birth seem to know all the facts about Satan’s paganism while completely ignoring the numerous Scripture passage in Old and New Testaments about the 1st coming of the Messiah and the many who celebrated it. In fact, such people must be under the control of “the spirit of antichrist.” 1 John 4:1-3

Allen Penner writes: “1) Celebrating Christmas is NOT a pagan tradition; its a celebration of our Lord and Savior’s birth. Let us not attribute to Satan the greatest gift of God. 2) What did the three wise men do immediately upon finding Jesus in a manger? They GAVE GIFTS! There is no evil in blessing others with giving and reflecting the character of Christ/act of God’s giving the gift of Jesus. 3) The true evil, is when one disregards the true nature and meaning of Christmas…to celebrate the birth of the perfect sacrifice. It is neither “wrong” nor unbiblical to follow the pattern and do acts of love, and kindness; selflessness and giving; or to create a festive atmosphere in celebration of Christ. 4) The secondary evil…is exhibited in those who choose not to reflect the type of love God displayed in Christ; instead choosing to hate, bash, belittle, and condemn others. Does Romans 8:1 not say: ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’?? Then how is it we rashly and harshly condemn others for celebrating Jesus’ birth in a different way? Did Paul not insist that we as believers not belittle or judge others for their different method of worship? ( 1 Cor. chapters 8 & 10) In the end folks…calling Christmas evil is akin to calling Christ evil; since it is celebrating the birth of our only source of justification. Evil does not come from a “day,” nor from a “label” of what it is called…but from the enemy through the darkened hearts of those who choose to hate, to hurt, to belittle/bash, to demean/deny Christ, and to return condemnation for the grace we received in Christ. Christmas cannot be evil, yet one’s heart…greed….pride…bitterness…envy…. quickness to condemn are. The Pharisees also were condemned by Christ Himself for their legalism, lack of the greater elements of love/mercy, grace and forgiveness. They also chose to condemn mankind based on their own presumptions of a person’s faithfulness. Let us at the very least…intentionally choose to love, forgive, edify, and encourage…but ultimately, worship God for the birth of Christ. So long as this is our intention…no amount of decoration, shiny lights, fancy wrapped gifts….can be an instrument of evil.“

Brother Brandon Elliott testifies to this following sanctifying work of Christ in His life:

“I used to get on my family even others about this. until the Lord opened my eyes about it. so much of the world wants to and tries to take God out of everything schools government and now we have Christians being seduced and ” watchman ” wanting to take Christ out of Christmas . while there is much paganism and as you mentioned the 25th isn’t the actual birthdate there is nothing wrong with celebrating the birth of Christ. we now have Christians wanting to take God out of things due to there endless continuous search of digging up evil . the enemy has cleverly and strategically distracted many to focus on non essential issues and the Gospel is neglected in that search and digging up of evil. the bible says a ungodlyman digs up evil. and its sad so many go out of their way to dig and search. and in that love waxes cold. its a painful process but needed. painful to see how wrong I was about certain things. being broken again is sometimes what it takes. for me I am in that being broken again process. I recently made a new facebook and closed the one I have had since 2010. I got caught up in these watchman sects legalism non essentials. at the time I didn’t see I was teaching but needed again to be taught. So with that being said please lift me in prayer because it is a battle daily I’m being fought against by the enemy of truth. I see now I wasn’t always living in liberty the freedom we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. I was bound by fear even compromised at times for fear of what these sects would say. but thanks be to God healing has began and freedom is winning because there is victory in repentance.”

IDOLATRY AND PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE:

IN LIGHT OF THE FOLLOWING BIBLE PASSAGE, IS A PERSON WHO SETS UP A CHRISTMAS TREE AUTOMATICALLY COMMITTING IDOLATRY? ARE THEY GOING TO HELL? THAT IS A YES OR NO QUESTION PLEASE.

1 Corinthians 8

“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

One saint writes: “The Lord used trees to adorn His sanctuary. If I use ornamental trees to adorn my yard, does that make me a pagan and idol worshiper? If I string lights on those trees, am I paying homage to it? You see the logic? I am a gardener, so I love plants, trees, shrubs, flowers etc. It doesn’t make me a pagan.”

“The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.” Isaiah 60:13　

Abiding

10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]

The wise virgin saints are keeping their lamps full of divine oil, they are taking personal responsibility for their own spiritual state with Christ the great and soon coming Bridegroom. Read Matthew 25:1-13.

“The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold”

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:10-14

Did you notice in verse 14 that those who hot for Jesus are participating in the preaching of His Word to the end of the earth (Mark 16:15).

Anyone not devouring God’s Word daily is falling away, is not enduring to the end, is choosing the let their love for Jesus wax cold, and on the wrong, the losing end of this prophecy Jesus gave here on record in Matthew 24:10-14.

“I will spue (vomit, reject) thee out of my mouth”

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:16-17

Praying God will help you love Him more (Matthew 22:37-40). It really all boils down to WHO we love most. THAT is exactly who we are serving (Romans 6:16).

Loving God is everything as far as what’s in our control – because it’s a choice, daily, and will determine if one remains in Christ to the end.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

“Thou hast left thy first love”

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

1. When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in prayer each and every morning… When you are choosing not to spend quality time with God in His Word each and every morning (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Chronicles 16:11).

2. When your love for God’s people is being reduced instead of increased (Philippians 2:12-13; 1 John 5:1) Marks of the True Christian …. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (Romans 12:9-11) See John 13:35.

“And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Luke 8:20-21

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 today will refresh your heart and mind on the divine importance placed upon LOVE.

3. You are not denying self and not taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23-24; 19:27; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.).

4. You aren’t communicating the light of truth to others because you no longer seek or fear the LORD and so His divine virtue isn’t teeming in and flowing out of you. Your cup no longer runs over but instead is running empty (Psalms 23). You have a lampshade over the light and are not letting His light shine in and through your life and words… “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)

5. You live in fear instead of faith and the joy of being with Jesus (Luke 21:28; 1 John 4:16-18; Proverbs 28:1; Psalms 2:11).

6. You preach promises and not conditions…following the apostate modern church and you don’t preach the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel which we are commanded to “earnest contend for.” (Jude 3) You begin meditating on and living by trends instead of truth (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:1-2).

7. You have little or no true fellowship with other born- again Bible believing disciples of Jesus as is defined in God’s Word and not by the modern church world (Acts 2:42).

The Word of God is to run rich, to be abundant among God’s people … “In all wisdom” and “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” … “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

8. You know you are backsliding when your main thrust and identity become politics, not the work of the Gospel. YOU are a blood bought disciple of Jesus, not a conservative. You are a Bible believing follower of Christ (Luke 9:62; Galatians 6:14).

9. When you love this world…..When you spend more time and money on hobbies and the things of this fleeting world than you do on attending to knowing, walking with the LORD and preparing to be used of Him (Mark 4:17-19; 1 John 2:15; James 4:4).

10. When you spend more money on trash and trinkets then helping the work of the One you claim to love and the poor. You know you are backslidden when you are not obeying God with what He’s placing in your temporal possession. He shall bring you into full account for this.

Regrettably, people will give their money to any and every pleasure under the sun but make excuses when the opportunity to support the work of the One they claim to love and serve. The Holy Spirit foretold that in the final days before the return of Jesus, there would be those with a mere “form of godliness”, “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,” and “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) According to the LORD, one of the main ways to measure our true love for Him or lack thereof, is by peering into our personal stewardship of the resources He’s placed into our temporary possession. Luke 12 and 16 offer a plethora of divine wisdom and warning concerning the judgment to come, the judgment we shall endure in giving account for our stewardship in this life.

The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24

To underscore the importance of stewardship, we should realize that 16 of our LORD’s 38 parables involved stewardship. Those who now do not wish to face and confront this truth, are apparently those who are in the most need of hearing it.

PRAYER: Father I come to You now in the name of Jesus Christ. Please cause my conscience to be super sensitive to Your conviction, Your leading, and to evade all that defiles me in Your holy eyes, sin. Here and now I submit my life afresh to You dear LORD. You must increase but I must decrease. I am crucified with Christ and thank You for conforming me to His holy image. I am all Yours LORD and thank You that You are all mine. I love You Jesus. Please make me one with You and the Father and with Your beloved body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fresh Start with God

You can Have a … Jesus is the Great Shepherd of His Sheep (Heb. 13:20; Lk. 15) A FRESH START WITH GOD (First, if you are not certain that you are genuinely born again, please go here first) Let’s get something straight…. the disciple, the mere man writing this message is more in need of JESUS than anyone who ever lived! No one needs Jesus more than I do and yet, we must do things HIS way, not our own (Ephesians 3:8). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs […]

Dollar Dialogue [podcast]

Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] Curing the Dilemma of Diminishing Returns. If we want to see Heaven’s floodgates opened, we must examine what compliance, what agreement, what obedience the LORD may be leading us to render. The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast] (below) YOUR own bank statement tells you exactly who you are. Matt 6:21 A financial investor takes your money and multiplies it for your last few years in this temporal life, right? In contrast, laborers for Christ take your support and multiply it for Christ and themselves for all eternity. In Christ’s eternal kingdom […]

The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold [podcast]

If someone’s love toward God’s people has waxed cold, it’s only because their love for the LORD first waxed cold (Matthew 24:10-14). Today is the best day to repent and return to the LORD. “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all […]

Articles

More Good News! Mission Mexico Part 42

IF YOU SAINTS WEREN’T SO FAITHFUL TO JESUS, NONE OF THIS WOULD BE HAPPENING…..

So while going to bring a good supply of food and household essentials to Clara and her boys, by divine ordination I tracked and spoke God’s Word to a Holy Spirit filled sister in Christ. Her name is Maria La Luz. She eagerly took about 100 or more JESUS tracts with her to distribute!!!! That’s how Mexican people are – If they have something good to give, they give it!

Boom. Oh, and Maria LaLuz are in touch by phone so she will be letting me know when she needs more. Thank you for continuing to pray as Jesus instructed in Matthew 9:35-38 – that the Father would send forth labourers into the harvest!

Working with, supporting, equipping, fueling, and supply indigenous missionaries in key to exponential kingdom momentum in the spread of Christ’s Gospel in this beautiful nation.

Just think if this kingdom operation can be duplicated throughout Mexico and Latin America! (Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20) Do we think God has a plan? Yes He does!

Because you care, prayed, and gave, another sister who was just saved recently, was given (purchased) a brand new study Bible (Life in the Spirit Study Bible) KJB. She is elated and devouring God’s Word and growing daily! (2 Peter 3:18)

Also, once again Clara was elated that you prayed and gave. She just now texted me the following after receiving your gifts today:

“Seriously, thank you very much for helping me, it means a lot to me that you help me because I have not been able to find a good job and with this we survived a few days my children and I but just like if you have work do not hesitate to send me a message and I will also go it would be very helpful since the day comes when I have to pay my rent. And again, thank you very much, you are an angel that our Lord sent me, thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏🏻” Clara

Okay now get this…. Clara has been ministered to directly and she has read the JESUS tract. I don’t think she’s saved yet. She has seen your love for Christ in action by your prayers and giving. At first I didn’t know how she was receiving the Gospel but now, from above, it’s obvious that she is being ministered to by our LORD. Perhaps she’s already saved. I don’t know due to the language barrier. But we do know God is showing her His love and power! (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)

Here’s some of the food you purchased for this single mother today! See pic.

*More than half the 10,000 JESUS tracts are already passed out or in the hands of Christ’s witnesses!!! Yes more than half in just 2 weeks.

God is hearing your prayers and honoring your giving to Him!

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

In Christ

Todd

Mission Mexico Updates

Ever feel like just hitting the eject button and leaving the USA? If so, why not consider a town in Mexico? Pray. Ask God where HE wants you on His planet. Rest.

Also, perhaps begin research Mexico or Latin America on youtube.

A few days ago ….. WHEN we first arrived to refresh and minister to our LORD servant Maria, she was not her usual self, not overflowing with joy. Then when the body of Christ ministered to her, including replenishing her supply of JESUS tracts, there was a notable difference. See if you agree. Your prayers and support make this possible. | Mission Mexico Updates

“Wow!! I think of Jesus when he marveled at the faith of the centurions faith! Luke 7:9. I marvel at all the Lord is doing among the Mexican people! And now He is raising up Labourers into the harvest who emanate the joy of the Lord and His fruits! Some are crying when receiving these Jesus tracts and some are actually kissing the picture. Actually kissing the son (Psalm 2:12). Fills my heart with so much joy and I am not even there! But I am part of Team Jesus!” Karen Cochran | Mission Mexico

The meeting fellowships with Juan and Maria the evangelists continue. They are both, for the time being, stocked up on their supply of JESUS tracts and distributing them daily!

Over breakfast, when I brought the first shipment of the Spanish Bibles to Juan, he asked me if he could give them away to people who are not in prison. Of course I said “Yes” and that these Bibles are for him to be used of God to give wherever he wishes, as he ministers.

Juan is a man who is filled with God’s Word. He speaks verbatim Scripture in Spanish perpetually. The reason I know that is that when we sit down to talk at length he speaks and it’s translated into English and is pure Scripture. He has volumes of Holy Scripture memorized.

Here is Juan ministering to a dear lady. And remember, most Mexicans it seems, do not have a Bible in their home. They greatly treasure God’s Word.

“PRICELESS, LIKE OUR SAVIOR!!! She reminds me of my Great Grandma…she glowed with God’s love. It was written all over her face. She brightened the room, and you KNEW she loved you! It wasn’t till I knew the Lord, that I realized where that glow and love came from. This little light of mine, I’m a gonna let it shine… The tragedy is when that light goes out, and you can see and feel that also. VERY SAD. It’s like shutting off a light switch…from light to darkness. And they can’t see it?! So, I thank God for those who are sharing that light of God’s love, and sharing with them. Will keep praying for Maria, you, your ministry, and the family of God. Felipe, Mark, all the brethren. I keep wondering about Paul and Carol Galloway–will keep praying. God knows. May the LORD bless you Brother Todd….What a wonderful first E-mail of the day! GOD’S JOY.” Crystal

Message from brother Juan on the Spanish communications group (WA whatsapp).

“There are many injustices in life; the Word of God says so. Many receive no visitors. God works in us both to will and to act according to His good pleasure. We are called to be doers of God’s Word. And knowing the good we ought to do, yet failing to do it, is sin. To Him be all glory and honor.” Brother Juan

RECENTLY: Immediately upon beginning to hear God’s Word spoken to him in Spanish, this man began to weep and to profusely thank God, to call out to Jesus, to kiss the Jesus tract he was given, to kiss my hand and cheek. Need I state the obvious, of how hungry these beloved people are to hear and believe Jesus’ bless-ed Gospel? …. Beloved Filipe was given the Gospel of Christ and instructed to go home and repent and receive Christ for the forgiveness of his sins and that only Jesus can forgive him and that it’s not about religion but relationship. Like the vast majority of Mexicans (99%), Filipe had never heard the Gospel of Jesus till today. Please lift beloved Filipe and the Mission Mexico heavenly operation in prayer. Thank you.

WHERE does God want you in this last hour – doing HIS will, being about the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) Are you surrendered and therefore crying out to the LORD to put you on HIS EARTH exactly where you can please Him the most? | Mission Mexico

It’s all because of God’s love in Christ and your prayers and support…. This homeless man received God’s love in the form of the spoken Word, a JESUS track in Spanish, and a warm breakfast and hot coffee! Jesus is moving!

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

Mission Mexico

https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/

Issidro asked for prayer. He’s catholic but he’s open, a little bit. He received an abundance of truth from God’s Word today and a JESUS tract in Spanish. Thank you for lifting these precious souls in prayer saints.

“Praise the Lord ! She is shining for Jesus! Overflowing Joy! It’s a blessing to see how God is moving in the ministry, Mexico for Jesus, Glory to God!!” Darlene

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options

Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Articles

Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible

MESSAGE GIVEN:

“I’m reading the apocrypha now and you can tell it’s definitely from the Bible and seems like it should be in there. I guess that is why God said in revelation if anyone changes or removes or adds anything to this Holy book all the plagues in it will come on them, cos he knew that it would happen.” V.

REPLY:

You are missapplying Revelation 22:18-19. God oversaw the canon of His Word, just as He promised to do in Ps 12:6-7. It’s exactly how He desired, ordained it to be in the King James Bible. To say God checked out, was negligent, is a lie, is bearing false witness, and is an indictment against the Almighty (Psalms 121:4; Daniel 4:32, etc.). There were specific reasons those apocryphal books were not included in the real Bible, as opposed to the catholic “bible.”

Roman Catholics may tell you, “You Protestants are missing part of the Bible. We have the rest of it.” [Note: These people’s leaders (popes, priests, etc.) have led them astray to this wrong belief.] This comment about missing books can throw people off, but it no longer has to. These popish additions to the Bible are commonly called the Apocrypha or sometimes the Deuterocanonical books. This is a short treatise on WHY these books are not in the Bible.

What is the Apocrypha anyway?

The Apocrypha is a collection of uninspired, spurious books written by various individuals. The Catholic religion considers these books as scripture just like a Bible-believer believes that the 66 books in the 1611 Authorized Version of the Bible are the Word of God, i.e., Genesis to Revelation. We are going to examine some verses from the Apocrypha later in our discussion.

At the Council of Trent (1546) the Roman Catholic institution pronounced the following apocryphal books sacred. They asserted that the apocryphal books together with unwritten tradition are of God and are to be received and venerated as the Word of God. So now you have the Bible, the Apocrypha and Catholic Tradition as co-equal sources of truth for the Catholic. In reality, it seems obvious that the Bible is the last source of truth for Catholics. Roman Catholic doctrine comes primarily from tradition stuck together with a few Bible names. In my reading of Catholic materials, I find notes like this: “You have to keep the Bible in perspective.” Catholics have been deceived into not believing that the Bible is God’s complete revelation for man [but they can come out of these deceptions in an instant if they will only believe the Bible as it is written].

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC APOCRYPHA

Tobit
Judith
Wisdom
Ecclesiasticus
Baruch
First and Second Maccabees
Additions to Esther and Daniel

Apocryphal Books Rejected by the Catholic Religion:

First and Second Esdras
Prayer of Manasses
Susanna*

*A reader says: “Susanna is in the Roman Catholic canon. It is Daniel 13.”

Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible.

Not one of the apocryphal books is written in the Hebrew language (the Old Testament was written in Hebrew). All Apocryphal books are in Greek, except one which is extant only in Latin.

None of the apocryphal writers laid claim to inspiration.

The apocryphal books were never acknowledged as sacred scriptures by the Jews, custodians of the Hebrew scriptures (the apocrypha was written prior to the New Testament). In fact, the Jewish people rejected and destroyed the apocrypha after the overthow of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

The apocryphal books were not permitted among the sacred books during the first four centuries of the real Christian church (I’m certainly not talking about the Catholic religion. The Roman Catholic “Church” is not Christian).

The Apocrypha contains fabulous statements which not only contradict the “canonical” scriptures but themselves. For example, in the two Books of Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes is made to die three different deaths in three different places.

The Apocrypha includes doctrines in variance with the Bible, such as prayers for the dead and sinless perfection. The following verses are taken from the Apocrypha translation by Ronald Knox dated 1954:

Basis for the doctrine of purgatory:

2 Maccabees 12:43-45, 2.000 pieces of silver were sent to Jerusalem for a sin-offering…Whereupon he made reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.

Salvation by works:

Ecclesiasticus 3:30, Water will quench a flaming fire, and alms maketh atonement for sin.

Tobit 12:8-9, 17, It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.

Magic:

Tobit 6:5-8, If the Devil, or an evil spirit troubles anyone, they can be driven away by making a smoke of the heart, liver, and gall of a fish…and the Devil will smell it, and flee away, and never come again anymore.

Mary was born sinless (immaculate conception):

Wisdom 8:19-20, And I was a witty child and had received a good soul. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body undefiled.

It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assassination and magical incantation.

No apocryphal book is referred to in the New Testament whereas the Old Testament is referred to hundreds of times.

Because of these and other reasons, the apocryphal books are only valuable as ancient documents illustrative of the manners, language, opinions and history of the East.

Wasn’t the Apocrypha in the King James Bible?

The King James translators never considered the Apocrypha the word of God. As books of some historical value (e.g., details of the Maccabean revolt), the Apocrypha was sandwiched between the Old and New Testaments as an appendix of reference material. This followed the format that Luther had used. Luther prefaced the Apocrypha with a statement:

“APOCRYPHA–THAT IS, BOOKS WHICH ARE NOT REGARDED AS EQUAL TO THE HOLY SCRIPUTRES, AND YET ARE PROFITABLE AND GOOD TO READ.” KING JAMES VERSION DEFENDED, PAGE 98.

In 1599, TWELVE YEARS BEFORE the King James Bible was published, King James himself said this about the Apocrypha:

“AS TO THE APOCRIPHE BOOKES, I OMIT THEM BECAUSE I AM NO PAPIST (AS I SAID BEFORE)…” KING JAMES CHARLES STEWART BASILICON DORON, PAGE 13

In his, “A Premonition to All Most Mightie Monarches,”–found in his Workes (a collection of the king’s writings)–King James said this–

“…IS IT A SMALL CORRUPTING OF THE SCRIPTURES TO MAKE ALL, OR THE MOST PART OF THE APOCRYPHA OF EQUALL FAITH WITH THE CANONICALL SCRIPTURES…?”

Not only this, but the sixth article of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England (1571 edition. The Church of England published the Authorized King James Version) states that

(1) the Old and New Testaments are the Bible–

IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY, WE DO VNDERSTANDE THOSE CANONICAL BOOKES OF THE OLDE AND NEWE TESTAMENT, OF WHOSE AUTHORITIE WAS NEVER ANY DOUBT IN THE CHURCHE…

(2) the apocrypha is not the Bible–

AND THE OTHER BOOKES, (AS HIEROME SAYETH), THE CHURCHE DOTH READE FOR EXAMPLE OF LIFE AND INSTRUCTION OF MANNERS: BUT YET DOTH IT NOT APPLIE THEM TO ESTABLISH ANY DOCTRENE. PHILIP SCHAFF, CREEDS OF CHRISTENDOM. GRAND RAPIDS: BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1977, VOL. III, PP. 489-491.

The Hampton Court Document came as a result of the famous Hampton Court Conference of 1604 when King James specially commanded the translation of the Bible that would one day bear his name. Concerning the apocrypha and the Church of England, it states–

THE APOCRYPHA, THAT HATH SOME REPUGNANCY TO THE CANONICAL SCRIPTURES, SHALL NOT BE READ…

Select Statutes and Other Constitutional Documents Illustrative of the Reigns of Elizabeth and James I, edited by G.W. Prothero, Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, 1894, p. 416

The Apocrypha began to be omitted from the Authorized Version in 1629. Puritans and Presbyterians lobbied for the complete removal of the Apocrypha from the Bible and in 1825 the British and Foreign Bible Society agreed. From that time on, the Apocrypha has been eliminated from practically all English Bibles–Catholic Bibles and some pulpit Bibles excepted.

Not even all Catholic “Church Fathers” believed the Apocrypha was scripture.

Not that this really means anything. The truth is not validated by the false. Nevertheless, this may be of interest to some… Jerome (340-420) rejected the Apocrypha:

“AS THE CHURCH READS THE BOOKS OF JUDITH AND TOBIT AND MACCABEES BUT DOES NOT RECEIVE THEM AMONG THE CANONICAL SCRIPTURES, SO ALSO IT READS WISDOM AND ECCLESIASTICUS FOR THE EDIFICATION OF THE PEOPLE, NOT FOR THE AUTHORITATIVE CONFIRMATION OF DOCTRINE.” JEROME, JEROME’S PREFACE TO THE BOOKS OF SOLOMON

According to Edward Hills in The King James Version Defended p. 98 other famous Catholics with this viewpoint include Augustine (354-430 who at first defended the Apocrypha as canonical), Pope Gregory the Great (540-604), Cardinal Ximenes, and Cardinal Cajetan.

There are other spurious books.

These include the Pseudepigrapha which contains Enoch, Michael the Archangel, and Jannes and Jambres. Many spurious books falsely claim to have been written by various Old Testament patriarchs. They were composed between 200 B.C. and 100 A.D. There are lots of these spurious books like The Assumption of Moses, Apocalypse of Elijah, and Ascension of Isaiah.

Concerning the Dead Sea Scrolls, there may be some information in them that parallels the Masoretic Text, but there are fables in them, too. I went to see the scrolls a few years ago with great expectation but found a bunch of fables. The best defense against error in any form (unauthorized Bibles and religions) is a solid knowledge of the AUTHORIZED (King James) Version of 1611 of the Bible. If you read it, forgeries become readily apparent.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

King James VI & I Page

The Workes of the Most High and Mightie Prince Iames [James], By the Grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c.

Translators Revived, Alexander McClure, p. 142

Bible Believing Study, Edward F. Hills, p. 15

The King James Version Defended, Edward F. Hills, p. 96, 97, 98

God Wrote Only One Bible, Jasper James Ray, p. 90

An Understandable History of the Bible, Dr. Samuel Gipp, p. 245

Why Did the 1611 KJV Include the Apocrypha?

Why Did the 1611 KJV Include the Apocrypha? QUESTION: Didn’t the King James Bible when first printed contain the Apocrypha? ANSWER: Yes. EXPLANATION: Many critics of the perfect Bible like to point out that the original King James had the Apocrypha in it as though that fact compromises its integrity. But several things must be examined to get the factual picture. First, in the days in which our Bible was translated, the Apocrypha was accepted reading based on its historical value, though not accepted as Scripture by anyone outside of the Catholic church. The King James translators therefore placed it between the Old and New Testaments for […]

God’s Word is Inspired and Preserved

Divinely Inspired and Preserved Many things establish that the King James Bible is the preserved Word of God for the English speaking peoples. Here’s one of those indicators. “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7 See the fulfillment of this prophecy? 1. Tyndale Bible (1525) 2. Coverdale Bible (1535) 3. Matthews Bible (1537) 4. Great Bible (1538) 5. Geneva Bible (1560) 6. Bishop’s Bible (1568) 7. King James Bible (1611) […]

LIST OF CATHOLIC HERESIES And HUMAN TRADITIONS

LIST OF CATHOLIC HERESIES And HUMAN TRADITIONS ADOPTED and PERPETUATED by the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE COURSE OF 1600 YEARS (Compiled by Rev. Stephen L. Testa) “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” —Jesus in John 8:32Notice: These dates are in many cases approximate. Many of these heresies had been current in the Church years before, but only when they were officially adopted by a Church council and proclaimed by the pope as dogma of faith, did they become binding on Catholics. And doctrine to be true must conform to the Word of God. “To the […]

Why Did God Give Us His Word? [podcast]

The 4 Pillar Purposes for the Holy Scriptures There are 4 reasons detailed in 2 Timothy 3:16 for the Holy Scriptures being given to us by God. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the apostle Paul wrote: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 According to this verse, the Bible, God’s very Word, has been given to the people of God for 4 reasons: Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Let us take a brief look at these 4 reasons for […]