Religious Theology vs. God’s Word
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5
Man’s apostate theology seeks to project that God’s love and grace functions on an entirely different plane than the inspired laws of God’s Word. Thus, the inclusion of that which is unlawful, such as the ordaining of homosexuals, etc. The idea that God really works in other dimensions outside of His laws, is what Satan beguiled Eve with, i.e., what God knows and does is really different than the way His law reads. (cp Genesis 2:17 with Genesis 3:4-5)
This has opened a flood gate of religious error, where people are now emphasizing all the “good things” that exist and go on outside the context of God’s laws. But (cp Matthew 7:21-23) Jesus rebuked every religious position that maintains that God has an operation that includes anything on the outside of God’s written Word. In Matthew 5:19, He indicted the error of breaking the least of God’s commandments and teaching others to do so, as that which will demote even a saved person to the lowest position in God’s kingdom.
There is to be no inclusion of anything outside of God’s commandments in a New Testament Church, which is rather commissioned to teach people to observe all things that are commanded, Matthew 28:19-20.
The idea that Christians are no longer to follow the principles set forth in God’s laws, because of a private interpretation of the Biblical statement concerning redemption from being held under the law, “we’re not under the law”, there is now a wholesale sellout of God’s Word taking place. People now are sold out to doing things that are contrary to the way God’s Word is written, as if these things are now good. To say that Christianity now includes ways that differ with the way that “all scripture” reads, is to say that God is no longer the God of His Word, and is to deny that God will judge according to His Word. In spite of this apostasy, true Christianity still abides with: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Any teaching or position that is not according to the principles set forth in all scripture, does not pass the test of being correct New Testament doctrine.
The term, “we’re not under the law”, has to do with the fact of being redeemed from all the demands of the law upon our soul, since that in Christ, all the demands of the law are fulfilled through the offering of Christ’s Divine righteousness in our stead. Jesus fulfilled all the ceremonial laws! Jesus fulfilled all the types projected through the Old Testament system. Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us–through His death, we are dead to the law, it can never condemn us again! But GOD FORBIDS those who are made free, to live in transgression of His law, which is sin! (Romans 6 and 1 John 3:4) Rather, “the law is holy, just, good, and spiritual.” Romans 7:12,14
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Wisdom
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7
KNOWLEDGE is the act, fact, or state of knowing something. UNDERSTANDING is to get or perceive the meaning of. WISDOM is the power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action.
God says wisdom is the PRINCIPAL thing = that which is of the greatest importance:
–King Saul had knowledge and understanding. But because he did not apply wisdom to his choices and decisions, the day came when he cried out, “I have played the fool.”
–By knowledge and understanding, one can become a mastermind at crime. But due to the lack of wisdom, one becomes a criminal.
–Abraham and Sarah had knowledge and understanding regarding the need of an heir to inherit the covenant promises. But due to a lack of wisdom, Ishmael was born of the bondwoman, Hagar.
–One can have the proper understanding and wisdom essential to being a safe driver. But that will avail nothing, unless they use wisdom when they are behind the wheel.
–A Christian can have an outstanding knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. But apart from using wisdom to both discern and do God’s will, their knowledge and understanding will just be a wall that isolates them from being involved with God’s work.
–A church member can have knowledge and understanding regarding church membership. But apart from seeking and walking according to Godly wisdom, the sacredness and honor of being a member of Christ’s body is no longer perceived nor cherished.
–People can have knowledge and understanding regarding love and marriage. But apart from waiting upon God’s wisdom and leadership, the essentials for a sound marriage will be overlooked and missed.
While knowledge and understanding may supply the want and the will, only wisdom can put things in their proper order for success. Without wisdom, any success one may have will just be by accident.
“WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING; THEREFORE GET WISDOM.”
SHARINGWhat Did They Die For?
**A letter to the editor of a Lubbock, Texas, newspaper from Michael Ivanchak, Jr., of Lubbock, Texas.
“At 92 and a World War II Army sergeant major, I did not agree entirely with all that was said on Memorial Day in honor of our soldiers.
Speaking for the dead, We did not fight and die for what America has become today; to have God, who has blessed our country richly and prayers which He answered at Valley Forge and on other battlefields since, prohibited from being mentioned in our schools and public institutions.
We did not die to see abortion and gay marriages legalized and teenage pregnancies, drug addiction, school shootings, divorce, crime, child and spousal abuse ravish our once God loving nation. Nor see freedom of speech used as an excuse to pollute our TV and computer networks, movies, our minds, hearts and national character with profanity, adultery, scams, pornography, idolatry, sadism and greed, and have perverted rock stars become role models for our children.
We did not die to see evolution replace God as the creator of the universe and the Christian foundations of our nation and Constitution ridiculed.
We did not die to have a draft dodger and then eight years later someone become president and commander-in-chief who turned his back on our dying and wounded soldiers in Landstuhl while denouncing America, whom they defended, to cheering Europeans and Muslims worldwide.
On Memorial Day, we should have also grieved for what we have become and prayed for real change.
Recalling Reagan’s unforgettable words, We died for decency, freedom, equality, justice and God to bless us.”
SHARINGThe Declaration Of Independence
“WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
At the close of the solemn pledge to our flag, there is a small and simple phrase. Its words are often stated without much thought, but these words run deep into the founding and forging of our nation. This phrase is “…one nation under God.”
It is hard for us today, living in our routine and organized society, to imagine the struggle and sacrifices our forefathers made. A driving force that compelled them to carry on was their deep faith in God and the close ties of their families.
As we look back to the first settlers of the continent, we find the basic principles of liberty brought over with them. These simple people pulled up their roots and journeyed to an unknown land to escape the oppression of their government. Their reason was to be able to worship their God as they wished. Even their first contract of government, the Mayflower Compact, was signed, “In the name of God, Amen.”
As we follow the development of our nation, we see this spirit maintained throughout many trials. Even in revolution, our faith was never broken, for the Declaration of Independence was concluded, “with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine providence.”
America’s prosperity can be attributed to the hand of God. The greatest strength of American democracy lies not in its economics, but in the morals and ethics of her people. John Hancock stated before signing the Constitution– “The powers reserved by the people (under the Constitution) render them secure, and until they themselves become corrupt, they will always have able and upright leaders.” –adapted
SHARINGStanding Our Ground
What we are up against: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
Basically, we can expect to see every worldly institution, every worldly policy, and every worldly mindset embrace the policies that are promoted by the spirit of anti-christ, that are against God’s principles and authority. This should not astound us, in view of the fact that the world reached solidarity on the position to “…give us Barabbas and crucify Christ.”
Christians are ambassadors for Christ to our lost world: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as thought God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 An ambassador’s authority and mission is not to change the country to whom he is sent, but to represent the country which sent him to the country to whom he is sent. Unless people accept Christ for themselves, there is no other way to translate them into the Kingdom of God.
In being Christ’s ambassadors, the important matter of being in Christ’s stead, is to be reconciled with God. We are not to seek to be and/or do what is relevant to our world, but rather maintain our identity with the Kingdom of God that is set forth in God’s Word: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
We are to stand our ground on the sound doctrines of God’s Word in the New Testament Church: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 This seems to be holy ground that many have forsaken, as they break ranks with all scripture for doctrine, chanting, “We’re not under the law.”
To forsake God’s laws under the guise of this being liberty, is to sanction the transgression of God’s law: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4 God’s law is to be the ground upon which we stand.
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