The Simplicity of Fellowship that Exalts and Glorifies Christ
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ” Acts 2:42
MANY today peddle the importance of fellowship because they hear it from their pastors on a regular basis. Yet, much more important than man to man fellowship is God to man, and man to God fellowship. This is little spoken of. And, what passes and is pawned off as “fellowship” today doesn’t fit the biblical description, the prescription for fellowship (Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16, etc.). It’s not even a faint resemblance.
Jesus sums up the divine order of priority for and in the lives of all who will know Him and the Father.
“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
WHAT’s more important 1. Fellowship with God, or 2. Fellowship with man? God! (Read Matthew 22:37-40.) In fact, your fellowship with man will only be according to your fellowship with our Maker.
The goal here is not to diminish the importance of fellowship with other members of Christ’s body but to ascertain the priorities of God and set them in their biblical order.
“Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.” Jeremiah 12:10
Pastors today (many of whom went to long-time apostate seminaries), are building a business instead of building the kingdom of Christ in the heart of those for whom He came and died. When Jesus said “I will build my church” He was speaking about building His kingdom in the hearts of His beloved people (Matthew 16:18).
Sister Nelline writes:
“I’ve recently left the organized church, couldn’t take it anymore. The pastor there used those tactics about coming to church and how you shouldn’t miss. Even threatened to stop the live stream because he felt people would rather stay home to watch instead of attend. But the one that really got me is, after I had been out sick a few weeks when I returned his first words to me were.. ‘How far back have you backslid?’ I told him I hadn’t backslid at all and added that I listen to preaching all the time. He said, it isn’t the same. Had to bite my lip from saying YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!”
Their prayer and goal and work does not center around Christ Jesus and seeing His people grow to know Him yet more and more and be established ever more deeply in His grace (Colossians 2:6-10). No, they seek to use any manipulating method they can to vest their prey in their ministry busine$$. They’ve turned the house of God, the place that is supposed to be for the worship of the LORD alone, into a den of thieves, and they are the thieves (Matthew 21:15-17).
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:1-3
“We Would See Jesus.” John 12:21
We are looking for, seeking Christ, not a church or a Christian “hero” or type of evangelical “pope.”
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22
Fellowship Priority
Yes, we fellowship with one another as Christ’s saints and yet by order of divine priority, “truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3
Many in ministry, building their own church business empire, put more emphasis on your fellowship with THEM rather than God. Beware.
The sobering reality is that the vast majority of church gatherings once a week are simply businesses with a paid conductor and volunteer staff.
In today’s church world we do not witness people who live a life of prayer fueling a life filled with Gospel action as we see of the earliest believers beginning in the book of Acts. “There is no new thing under the sun,” and this is how it’s always been among those who profess, who pretend to know God. Zephaniah the prophet exposed the circus conductor leaders of his day and ours.
“Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.” Zephaniah 3:4
Rather we see that “Christianity” today consists of merely attending church, being part of a club that meets weekly to mull over felt needs instead of knowing Jesus, true repentance, personal holiness, a denial of self, the crucified life, and getting into the Word. Christianity has been reduced to attending a one hour circus on Sunday morning, hearing a few stories and a few verses from a cotton candy fake “bible” and a psychology laced sermonette. The fruit of the lives of of its adherents tells the story.
Sad Sunday Saps
“‘Church’ fellowship is kind of a joke these days. I’ve observed nothing more than a networking event in some cases where realtors and other entrepreneurs are just looking for business leads while hanging out at the church coffee bar.” Jennifer
May the truth of God blast us out of the sink holes, the quick sand that has absorbed us downward.
Is that what our lives, your life has come to? Is this all there is…. a stale, mundane country club membership in a mutual admiration society where overcoming sin is mocked at, the cross of Christ and crucified life are never heard from the Word and by the power of the Holy Ghost? Where’s the life of Christ truly in our daily lives? What kind of Gospel action is transpiring in your personal daily life?
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4
In the New Testament canon we don’t see any such “Christianity” as we witness today and hence the use of the word “churchianity” where the extent of “Christianity” is reduced to church membership and attendance.
Deep is calling unto deep beloved…. God is speaking to the hearts of His people to cry out to Him, to come unto Him with tears of repentance, asking Him to do something deeper, to rescue them from the pit, the muck-laden miry clay of religiosity, a mere “form of godliness,” and to establish them in a genuine walk and life of His authentic disciple. The Holy Ghost via Paul prophesied of this very day which is upon us (2 Timothy 3:1-7-13). Instead of being about Christ and His people, it’s all about the self-absorbed, self-idolatrous, entertainment of the prey.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
Scripture reveals that true fellowship is essential, not faithfulness to a certain group that meets in a certain building once or more weekly.
When told about good preaching at a certain local church, one disciple responded this way (sobering and true):
“So did my pastor preach the whole truth but nothing ever stuck, no revival meeting or guest ‘evangelist’ ever taught me anything that made any significant change in me. It was only when I invested my time and money into knowing what’s between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21 that I really began to know my Bible. It all started with Proverbs 8:17 where I took God at His word and held Him accountable for keeping his end of the bargain as I kept my end.”
Saints, many have been sold the bill of goods concerning “church” attendance and membership. Like trained monkeys they’ve been indoctrinated to be faithful to the local church, not Christ. The whole scam is set up to benefit the frauds who designed and who perpetrate it. They push people to be loyal to the system, not the Savior. Run.
THERE are so many who will be shocked to be separated from Christ in the end and it’s because they were told all their lives and believed that being faithful to their local church and pastor meant they were being loyal to God. In most cases, faithful church members are wasting their energy, heart affections, and money as they have pushed Christ aside to serve their wolf pastor and that local church and its agenda.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
“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 16:18
One follower of the KING writes:
“So many in the ‘church’ world have no idea what it means to truly follow Jesus. I know that I fall short all the time too and yet am blessed to repent daily and do my best to be obedient to His Word as well as share His truth with others. I long to know Jesus and His Word even more daily.”
The biblical definition of “Official” would grossly differ from the commercialization of the den of thieves many call “church” today. Jesus is calling His remnant to “come out of her” or be consumed with her (2 Cor 6:17; Rev 18:4-5). I don’t know even one regular “church” attender of the modern church who is on fire for Jesus, who is winning souls, who is in the Word daily, fervently, who is prayed and fasted up, who is feeding Christ’s sheep. And those false churches don’t even use the real Bible, the King James Bible, they use fake “bibles,” lame.
Monetizing the Ministry
False leaders have long ago used their position over the people for their own self-serving benefit. They gather the people to garner their funds. They push for the people to gather, getting them to become a member, and yet are not fulfilling the ordained role of an overseer – to feed the flock and watch for their souls – yet received pay for such (Hebrews 13:7, 17). See Isaiah 56:8-12; Jeremiah 12:10; 23; Ezekiel 34; Zephaniah 3:4; Matthew 24:4-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3. Misuse of funds. Misappropriation.
Jesus exposed them…. by showing how they put on a big show to rob the people:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” Matthew 23:4-5
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?….. 10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.” Ezekiel 34:1, 20
TRUE NEW TESTAMENT FELLOWSHIP DOES NOT EQUAL GOING TO A “CHURCH BUILDING” ON SUNDAY MORNING – SPECIFICALLY IF THAT GATHERING IS NOT CHRIST-CENTERED, FIERCELY BIBLICAL, AND FULL OF GOD’S LOVE AND STRICT ADHERENCE TO HIS HOLY, WRITTEN WORD.
When you are seeking Christ daily, you don’t need a Sunday morning pep rally.
Looking for the church means simply looking for other true members of Christ’s body! WE are HIS church – called out ones. Amen Jesus. Fellowship, Gatherings
Do the 4 simple elements seen in Acts 2:42 exist in the fellowship you attend? Also, what’s been added?
The WORD will always be front and center and not salaried frauds pretending to be true elders of the remnant body of Christ (Colossians 3:16).
As He did twice when He walked the earth, if Jesus were here today in the flesh, He would be flipping 99% of “churches” who’ve made the place of worship a den of thieves – to rob the people of their pure worship of God, of their time, of their money, of their place with God, etc. (Matthew 21; John 2). He’s still doing it through His servants who fearlessly preach His Word (Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 2; Jude 3-4; etc.).
Connie Hatten
“Our church went Purpose Driven too! I remember noticing THAT’S when it all changed for the worst. Rick Warren used MULTIPLE modern Bible perversions, and his online ‘network’ of resources can be accessed by pastors to download Sermons, etc! What happened to studying God’s Word and going to the HOLY SPIRIT?!”
Barbara H Kuks
“I noticed a change in the Bible study classes. I heard the church Pastor and staff actually went to visit Warren’s church back then. It was kept quiet but the changes were obvious. No more time or room for the Holy Spirit or words of knowledge in the services. They started television the Sunday morning service and limiting time etc. Became very theatrical and not spontaneous at all.”
“Since leaving church 9 months ago, I have grown by leaps and bounds in my faith. And in the knowledge of his word. Bless you brother!” C.
“Okay, sharing one of my biggest mistakes. We had family devotions when the kids were young. My sister and her husband and kids lived with us and we all took part in family worship. Then . . . my husband always liked this Pentecostal church near us and decided we would go there. They had something almost every night and that was the mantra, ‘Be in church whenever the doors were open.’ Our family devotions were so GOOD, but we dropped it for being in church, not realizing at the time that it was a bad decision.” Arlean
“I been out of “organized religion“ for many years now and I am closer to God than ever before.“ Tracy Parker
Not all fellowships and yet….. organized religion can many times seduce us AWAY from Christ and not endear us to Him. See Colossians 2:18-19.
Sharon Matthews writes:
“The modern church keeps their flock dependent on them. They also keep them busy doing different things instead of giving them the Word of God regarding becoming a disciple of Jesus. Following Jesus will cost them their way of life. Obedience is a byword, not a reality for most. It’s easier to go somewhere to listen to men instead of searching the Scriptures for real life in Christ. Many fill their mind with Scripture but don’t care to act on it—give up their own life in exchange for the life of Christ in them. Sloppy grace is everywhere! Churches (not all) don’t want to lose people, or teach children God’s Word, they might get offended and leave. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He said, come follow Me.”
The Bible truth is assembling to fellowship (Acts 2:42; Heb 10:25). As was the case when Jesus got here, the organized church was completely apostate. We have virtually (at least) the same today. There were no church buildings in the early church. Not a penny was collected to build a physical building either – especially not to build the real estate property for a man or men to use as their headquarters to make merchandise of the people, turning the house of prayer into a den of thieves (2 Peter 2:1-3; Matthew 21:12-17, etc.).
Jon Crane writes:
“I think the day the church sold itself to the state was when it became a 501c3. That very act of treason yoked them to mammon and divorced them from Christ. Just something I have been thinking about when I look at how God had to chasten Israel many times in the Old Testament. It always happened when they would forget God and chase after the things of this world. If I behaved this way in my marriage…well, I’m pretty sure I would get served. Yet, so many believe that God is okay with them cheating, as if they can force Jesus to bring the filthiness of their sin into His holy presence!
To the godly, seeing Jesus face to face in heaven will be the greatest joy, but I dare say; to never have to see my sin again will be a close second!”
All organized religion is false. Jesus and His apostles did not start any organization nor did they collect a penny to build a so-called “church” building – such is usually the work of wolves who exist to make “merchandise of you” (2 Peter 2:1-3). The Son of God and His holy apostles and the early church operated autonomously and were led and empowered by the Word and Holy Spirit of God. 501(C)(3) “churches” are stated owned, totally compromised, apostate. Run. Denounce. The Savior never sent anyone to sign up with the state to get permission to do His work.
“My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I got out of the apostate “church” about 3 or 4 years ago now. Can’t fellowship with any of those people now.” D.
REPLY:
This is the direction of Christ for His remnant. 2 Cor 6:17; Rev 18:4-5
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“The church comprises born again believers not a building. There are some great churches. DL Moody was used by God in a church in Chicago and in many churches in America and the UK. I have never been to a church that is controlled by the state. You can not say all churches are comprised many ARE but been to many that preach the Word without comprise and state control. I have heard many who preach repentance and hell. Attended a church, before his message the preacher got on his knees and prayed and ended every prayer to preach in the power of the Holy Spirit, that Sinners would not go to a place called hell. The Methodist recently had a split and came out from the United Methodist that are very comprised. Now they are independent Methodist.” Paul
REPLY:
You err here: I didn’t say all churches are controlled by the state but rather all 501C3 churches ARE. And that’s 100% truth. They signed a contract, they signed allegiance to the gov’t of mere men. Did Jesus, the prophets, or the apostle do such? No. You bear false witness as you state: “I have never been to a church that is controlled by the state.” EVERY church you’ve been to that is under a 501 C3 is state controlled without exception. For example, name even one of the churches you’ve been to that didn’t conform to the demonic, God-despising mask and 6 foot rule…. waiting. Yeah, I thought so – zero.
Whatever Wesley and Moody were, is all long gone. Moody institute was long ago taken over by the Vatican and I’ve got lots of personal experience with that. The UMC is also ecumenical, totally false, apostate.
——————–
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“This is called catastrophising. There’s a fair amount of truth in what you say, but you are making absolute statements that can’t be be absolutely true.
The biblical standard for absolute truth is that it must be absolutely true and your post just isn’t. Sorry.
I’ve been in churches for most of my six decades of walking with the Lord and I agree with much of what you say, but I draw the line at making this kind of sweeping generalisation and then implicitly condemning anyone and everyone who is part of a church. That is not biblical.
Go read what God said to Elijah on Mt Horeb, about how many people in Israel God had reserved for a remnant.
You mustn’t condemn people en masse this way. And you must not make absolute statements that don’t match the biblical standard of absolute truth. That is a sin.” Alan Heron
REPLY:
Apparently, there are no absolutes in your faulty thinking. There’s a spiritual undercurrent to your influences…. and such is not going unnoticed. Again, you err. Notice, contrary to your false statement alleging that I condemned people en masse, notice that the original post stated that all ORGANIZED RELIGION, not people, is false. Did this post say all groups who assemble are false OR that all who minister are false? That is a yes or a no. Waiting. Let me help you: No, it said all organized religion, all that is religiously organized 501c3 etc… is false and I stand on that as the truth. Your years of serving God as you allege, have nothing to do with the truth, so you may wish to leave such out next time.
Jezebel’s Table – ORGANIZED RELIGION – compromised, took the bribe to be paid, receive a salary, are under contract to tickled ears, to dodge, to purposely evade the hard truths of Scripture…. ALL false.
The 7,000 God speaks of were all like JTB and Christ and His apostles and prophets… independent of the entanglements, the corporatized conspiracies (Ezek. 22:25-27) of mere men and “there is no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Remember how early in this chapter (1 Kings 18), the beloved Obadiah fed the non-corporatized 100 true prophets who refused to come under the fraud banner of state religion? They refused to organize with the fraud religious leaders who tucked their feet under jezebel’s table which means they were bought and paid for by the state, the religion of the 501 C3 type contract of their day. The 100 true prophets were independent, autonomous, more safe from the heard mentality and conformity – just like Jesus, the prophets, and apostles.
“Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal (ALL the organized religionists did bow!), and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 1 Kings 19:18
“Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at JEZEBEL’S TABLE.” 1Ki_18:19
Arlean Benedict Kelley
“Yes. I’ve been to many state conventions and it’s like going to a business conference. Which church has added the most members, etc. But they are trying to do good with the best they know, I think.”
Elton Mishoe writes:
“I pastored 12 years in a “church” of 200. Tried to teach that every service. Higher ups couldn’t stand me. Lol. Finally gave a 10 year lease on that brick and mortar to another ministry and let them have it. Brick and mortar will perish and is only a meeting place. Church is where 2 or 3 are gathered in his name. Want to know the truth? go to the pastors, the higher ups in a denomination and ask to see salaries and benefits lol. Almost impossible to get the truth. Get involved with pastor meetings and watch them talk about nothing but ways to get more money into the church. I’ve Been there done it.
Most organized religion is 100% business and if a pastor bucks the system he is blackballed until he finally leaves or they get something to try to charge him with.
YES there are some pastors that give their life for the calling because they don’t consider it a job. But to most it’s a job. They use churches as stepping stones to get to the next bigger paying church. But it’s also the people’s fault they want all the bells and whistles and programs and the prestige of a huge church.
Worthy Pastors with no other income should be taken care of that’s biblical. Church of God is crooked as crooked gets, this one I know for a fact (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc.). Others are the same I’m sure. Want a good church? Good luck.”
One disciple of Jesus writes:
“At the last church I attended the pastor frequently said something like, “if you were a real Christian you would want to be in church every time the doors were open.” Goodness! that laid a huge guilt trip on me and others!
Being “in church” all the time took me away from learning about my God and Savior.
When I measured the time spent getting dressed and ready for church, driving to church, being in church, driving home from church, stopping at the store on my way from church and changing clothes after being in church I found that “church” consumed more of my time than Bible study.
I’m so thankful the Lord put an end to that for me and my husband. We now spend a LOT more time studying and getting to know our heavenly Father better than ever before. We have a home Bible study where we reach folks who would never “go” to a church but still love God, or one sister who thought she was being a good Christian and doing what God expected of her only to realize how far off base she’s been all these years. Hallelujah!”
Clare R. Watts writes:
“Standing in the garage doesn’t make you a car. Hiding in the pantry doesn’t make you a jar of pickles, either. Going to church doesn’t save you, let alone make you a Believer! Surrendering to the Lord, obeying, trusting and following Jesus does.”
Jenny Douglas writes:
“Sadly with the rise of apostasy, false teaching, losing freedoms, etc., more and more of the remnant may have ‘church’ as the early followers did, from house to house. I see it coming.”
House of Prayer - TABLE-FLIPPING SAVIOR! [podcast]
As an eternal memorial for His holiness, and His requirement for His people to be holy, the LORD Jesus cleansed the temple twice and these are book ends with great significance … Jesus says that God’s people are a praying people! 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 […]
The Biblical Case for Home Fellowship Groups
The rich blessing of fellowship together DIRECTLY reading God’s Word – which is “the apostle’s doctrine” which they received from our LORD (Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). What is the true “church”? What does “church” really mean? What is true fellowship and what’s not? What does the Assembling of Yourselves Together Mean? “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 Is there anything in the above verse about a physical church building called “church”? No. As […]
Church Membership, Manipulation, and Money [podcast]
Is there a connection between church membership and money? “Her princes (leaders) in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.” Ezekiel 22:27 There is no evidence in the New Testament of what we see today perpetrated as “church membership.” Church membership is merely a tool in the arsenal of modern pastors to capture the souls and the money of those ensnared by it. “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24 In […]
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
“I know so many who are so deceived by this book!! The author is a woman and she makes Jesus sound like your boyfriend who is so in love with you he can’t bare a minute without you! It is sickening! Plus she says the Bible was not enough for her. She needed more. This author died and if she did repent of her blasphemy against a holy God she is burning in hell as we speak. There are not two Jesus’s! This book presents a weak, tolerant of all your sin, pathetic, spineless ‘Jesus.’ This false ‘Jesus’ just sits in heaven google-eyed over you and how much He can’t live one minute without you in His presence! This is opposite of the fierce Christ who calls out sin and hypocrisy, who took a whip to the money changers and flipped over tables in righteous anger! Mathew 23 shows us some of the most severe rebukes in all the New Testament. This is the Jesus true disciples chose to follow! May this new documentary open the eyes of many so-called Christians to how demonic and evil this book is.” Karen Cochran
BEWARE of the Jesus Calling devotional book which is written by a full blown heretic, Sarah Young. This book continually assures things to lost souls (catholics, etc.) reserved only for the true Christian. It promises salvation, assurance, grace, mercy, the glory of God, etc to lost hell bound idolatrous sinners. Like antichrist Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life book, Jesus Calling never calls sinners to repent which is a Gospel essential and without which God will never save any soul from sin and hell (Luke 13:3, 5). You will never hear Jesus’ born again commanded or command to repent in this heretical devotional book title Jesus Calling. This monstrosity simply confirms sinners in their sin, sealing their doom in the lake of fire (Jeremiah 23:17; Lamentations 2:14, etc.).
Sarah Young is just another self-willed false prophet who does “ministry” her way, not God’s, in order to sell books and to mislead eternal souls into eternal damnation.
The blessings of God in Christ’s salvation are reserved only for those born again “in Christ,” and never for hell bound religious idolaters (John 15:7; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:1-4, etc.).
Stacy Strother writes:
“Her subtly, deceptive, doctrinally corrupt fairy tale version of what she calls bible studies for all the different ages of people, including children’s bible studies, teen and other, are found in the book stores—shelves filled full.
She is deceived, a false witness, False bible teacher, and has not heard from our Jesus—the Christ, Son of the living God, of which, is the very Word of God.
She hears from demons. Period! She needs to REPENT, and be born again! Please Lord Jesus, help her see her own demise!”
About That Jesus Calling – 10 Things You Might Not Know
ARE you seeking to experience God OR to KNOW HIM? (John 17:3)
“People want a word from God instead of the Word OF God.” Warren Smith
by Lighthouse Trails Editors
1. Did you know that Sarah Young says she had been inspired by the “Jesus” of a book called God Calling?
2. Did you know that Christian publisher Harvest House’s book TheEncyclopedia of New Age Beliefs says that God Calling is an example of a channeled New Age book “replete with denials of biblical teaching”?1
3. Did you know that the “Jesus” of God Calling teaches that God is “in” everyone?
4. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling contradicts the Jesus of the Bible?
5. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling rejects the Jesus of the Bible’s warnings about the future and tells us to “laugh” at the future?
6. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling frequently flatters his followers, which contrasts the way Jesus Christ spoke to people?
7. Did you know that Sarah Young’s “Jesus” revises the night that Jesus Christ was born and calls it a “dark night” in a “filthy stable” in “appalling conditions” even though the Bible says the shepherds rejoiced in all that they had seen that night? 2
8. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling revises the accounts of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph of the Bible?
9. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling encourages his followers to practice contemplative “listening” prayer and to have a “buffer zone of silence” with no warning about seducing spirits?3
10. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling emphasizes New Age terms and concepts throughout the book?
The 10 points above have been taken from Warren B. Smith’s new book, “Another Jesus” Calling. This book provides valuable information that can help you warn your family and friends how the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling contradicts the biblical Jesus.
Notes:
1. John Ankerberg & John Weldon, Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1996), p. 103.
2. Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, p. 376.
3. Jesus Calling, June 15th entry
FEEDBACK:
“Solid Biblical refutation of the “New Age ” nonsense passing itself off as the latest thing God is doing. In our area a number of Churches have embraced this and other similar material with no discernment to the un-biblical nature of this drivel. Thank God for Warren B. Smith and others who provide an inestimable service to the Body of Christ as “watchmen on the wall.” Pastor Tom, West Harrison NY”
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4 Chapter 1-16 Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience […]
How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]
Only God knows the future. Law of probability and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies: Odds of the 332 prophecies of the prophets concerning the coming Messiah, given hundreds of years prior to His arrival coming true are: 8,749,002,899,132,046,697,490,008,908,470,485,461,412,622,723,572,849,745,… 703,082,425,425,639,811,996,797,503,692,894,052,708,092,215,296 to 1 Fact: Only the Almighty could know the future and forthtell it in specific detail, long before it ever happened. THIS is how we know that the Bible is truly the Word of the one true God and that all other so-called “holy books” are frauds. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark […]
Jesus vs The Pope, Muhammad, Joseph Smith, and Ellen White [podcast]
*CORRECTION: Ellen White was the false prophet of the SDA (Seventh Day Adventists) and not the JW (Jehovah’s Witness) cult. Both the Seventh-day Adventists and the Jehovah’s Witnesses grew out of the Adventist movement of the 19th century, the Seventh-day Adventists specifically through the Millerites. Both still cults. Jesus Christ founded the Christian faith. The kingdom of Christ is revealed in the Bible which is the only divinely inspired holy Book on the planet and we know that because only God could know “the end from the beginning” which is something He declares and demonstrates in His Word (Isaiah 46:9-10). […]
Billy Graham Promoted and Sent People to Go Join the Catholic Church
“One of the most troubling problems within the church today is the unwavering loyalty to a ‘christian’ personality rather than to Christ and His Word. The unwillingness to test every man’s teaching with God’s Word, coupled with a stubborn lack of discernment, produces fertile ground for deception to flourish.” Evangeline DiChristi
from Chick Publications
Billy Graham Still Sending Converts Back to the Pope
Billy Graham. We know that his messages are solid gospel. Few in or out of the Christian World have not heard of him. Since 1949 he has held the spotlight as the most prominent evangelist in Christendom. He has just finished his 416th crusade in Pasadena, California that drew over 300,000 people in four days. 13,000+ responded to his altar calls. Graham is now 86 years old and has one more crusade scheduled in New York City next year, health permitting.
The Pasadena crusade was on the anniversary of his first Los Angeles revival 55 years ago. It was after that meeting that Graham was “kissed by William Randolph Hearst” according to Dr Cathy Burns in her book, Billy Graham and His Friends. This meant that Hearst had decided to promote Graham’s ministry in his nationwide chain of newspapers.
Immediately, reporters and photographers were crawling all over the Graham meetings. Front page articles began to appear in the leading local papers wherever Graham held meetings. One reporter was assigned full time to travel with Graham’s team.
In 1991, Graham claimed that this sudden attention remained a mystery. Burns describes a more complex scenario. Regardless, the publicity propelled Graham into the national, if not international, limelight.
Jesus warned, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you.” Over the years, Graham became the friend of presidents and kings, a beloved “America’s Pastor.”
But the fame came with a price. In his book, Smokescreens, written in 1983, Jack Chick describes how Roman Catholic leaders viewed and used Graham as a key player in their ecumenical plans. As early as 1965, he was a guest speaker at Catholic Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina where he received an honorary doctor’s degree. A college official’s letter describes Graham’s address as “theologically sound” as may have been given by “any other Catholic preacher.” The letter further states, “I would state that he could bring Catholics and Protestants together in a healthy ecumenic spirit.” Graham was also speaking at several other Catholic colleges at that time.
This prediction was fully realized. In Smokescreens, Chick shows various illustrations. In 1971 Graham is shown meeting with Oakland, California, Catholic Bishop Floyd Begin who lauded Graham’s ministry. In 1972 he received a Franciscan Friars’ award for true ecumenism. In 1979 Graham praised the pope as a “moral and spiritual leader that believes in something.”
In 1981 he was closeted for almost two hours with Pope John Paul II. After the 1982 New England crusade, thousands of those who went forward for salvation were turned over to Catholic clergy for follow-up.
And this hasn’t changed. Before the Pasadena crusade this year, The Tidings, official newspaper for the Los Angeles diocese, reported that Cardinal Mahony had written to parish priests to encourage their members to attend the crusade.
Crusade officials bragged that they had “a marvelous agreement” with Graham to give all registration cards to the diocese, of the inquirers who identified themselves as Catholic. The object was to “reincorporate Catholic Crusade participants back into full sacramental life in the Catholic Church.” “This is ecumenicity at it finest,” said Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the archdiocese.
There is no doubt that hundreds of thousands have been swept into the kingdom during the Graham crusades. But how tragic that so many who responded to Graham’s call to salvation were then sent back to the spiritual bondage and pagan rituals of the pope’s prostitute church?
Jack Chick concludes the Smokescreens chapter: “Yes, beloved. Billy Graham, as much as I love him and hate to say it, I believe was cleverly used as a smokescreen and as a pied piper for the whore of Revelation.”
In Graham’s 1952 Pittsburgh crusade, the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph reported that Graham said:
“Many of the people who reach a decision for Christ at our meetings have joined the Catholic Church and we have received commendations from Catholic publications for the revived interest in their Church following our campaigns. This happened both in Boston and Washington. After all, one of our prime purposes is to help the churches in a community. If after we move on, the local (sic) churches do not feel the efforts of these meetings in increased membership and attendance, then our crusade would have to be considered a failure.” [Emphasis in the original.]
Did you notice that Graham was only interested in a church’s increased membership-but nothing was said about a person receiving Christ as his or her personal Lord and Savior. This is what is important-not church membership! Church membership could increase a 1000-fold but if people are not being saved, then all is in vain.
Graham also gave a boost to the Catholic Church (in 1952) when he added that he “hoped to hear Bishop Fulton J. Sheen at one of the masses at St. Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow. ” [Emphasis in the original.]
“In 1968, Graham was in a meeting in San Antonio, Texas. He said that the Roman Church had given ‘tremendous cooperation’ in areas where he had held crusades. He added, ‘A great part of our support today comes from Catholics. We never hold a crusade without priests and nuns being much in evidence in the audience.”
By 1973 nuns were singing in the choir at Graham’s crusades.
Continuing on with Graham’s ecumenical outlook, the June 10, 1966 issue of Time said that volunteers “will tactfully receive those stepping forward to make a decision for Christ, [and] steer them to the nearest church of their chosen denomination….”
In Poland in 1978, “Graham taught nuns and priests how to evangelize. A picture taken at the famous Polish Shrine of the Black Madonna shows Graham welcoming pilgrims to the worship of their Virgin.”
Historical List of Atrocities of the Popes [video]
Peter was not the first so-called “pope” because there’s no such thing in Christ’s kingdom. Not one mention in the Bible and such would actually blaspheme the only Head of HIS truth believers, the nail scarred risen Savior Him, “the blessed and only Potentate (Supreme Ruler), the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (1 Timothy 6:15) Therefore we rightly conclude that the pope is the head of a false church. 1 Timothy 2:5 Historical List of Atrocities of the Popes Speaking of things not found in God’s Word ….. Can anyone please show us where there is a novena […]
Paul Washer Exposed: Pope Connection Exposed! [video]
IF we want to see who the antichrists are among us, just look at the frauds who get their picture with the pope. By doing so they told you with shameless impunity that they are antichrists. Should we be quoting this guy? NO. …. Watch the demons manifest when one of the puppet idols of Satan is exposed. Those who’ve put their trust in these false prophets garnered to themselves demons which manifest when these dark agents of hell are exposed. … We already know that Paul Washer is a Calvinist which alone makes him a diabolical heretic. WANT to […]
Did Mary Die for Our Sins? [podcast]
Mary is just one of millions of people who have obeyed their Maker. That doesn’t make the immaculate conception heresy correct, that doesn’t make her anything other than a sinner, which she admitted (Luke 1:47). If Mary had refused to obey God, He would have simply replaced her (Esther 4:14). Did Mary walk on water? Did Mary tell anyone to pray to her? Is there even one prayer in the Bible to Mary? No. Did Mary raise the dead, open blinded eyes, heal the lepers, or die for anyone’s sins? No. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHES THAT MARY IS THE MEDIATRIX/co-redeemer: […]
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.
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 […]
by Lighthouse Trails Editors
The 10 points above have been taken from Warren B. Smith’s new book, “Another Jesus” Calling. This book provides valuable information that can help you warn your family and friends how the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling contradicts the biblical Jesus.
