More Stuff to Think About

I keep telling you Hillsong is a cult and Carl Lentz is a cult leader. And this is what cult leaders do. His wife also got fired. Some other information says Lentz was unfaithful as early as 2014!

3 Reasons Sunday Is Not the Christian Sabbath. Something from The Gospel Coalition I actually agree with!  But then they also include this article about the need to be Sabbatarians!?!  Sorry, but I have proven conclusively that the Sabbath was only for the nation of Israel.

More Scripture-twisting by LEFTIST so-called “Christians.”

The Catholic Church: sex trafficking and homosexual predation. Has history for them really changed since the days where popes were immersed in sexual debauchery?

A perfect example of all that is wrong with the church. As the author points out, David Platt is guilty of teaching Christians that it is okay to vote Democrat. You cannot honor God as a Democrat. 

It’s disappointing and disheartening to learn that Ravi Zacharias was essentially a con man, even though he had some excellent teachings. I often wondered about his discernment based on who he associated with. Check out the videos on this site.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Here we go with another installment passing along links to articles to educate Christians as to what is going on in the Church, be it good or bad.  Helping with discernment is the reason for this post, as well as this whole blog!

The Good - For Education and/or Edification

Men prefer debt-free virgins without tattoos? I saw the original article and this is a great defense for that article against its attackers.

Why “gay Christianity” is a false gospel.  You really shouldn’t need to be told this.

‘Priscilla didn’t preach, Deborah didn’t dominate, and Esther wasn’t an egalitarian’.

No, religion is not the cause of wars (except for Islam, which has as its primary mission to subjugated the entire world).

An interesting article regarding God’s design for sexual pleasure in regards to procreation, and why it is intended for marriage only.

What was Adam like?

A great site for exposing Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Are divorced pastors qualified?

Are You a Pharisee?

Seven Sabbath Myths Perpetuated by Adventists.

Was the Sabbath created?

An interesting article supporting December 25th as Christmas

For decades I have been saying that “Christian” bookstores are spiritual minefields.

HMMMM—The Bad

This isn’t about false teachers, but it IS about false representation, especially to Christians.  Chick-fil-A has decided to cave in to the LGBTQXYZ mob, and while researching the cave they have been found to already stabbing Christians in the back. Yet here is their claim:  “[We are] based on biblical principles, asking God and pleading with God to give us wisdom on decisions we make about people and the programs and partnerships we have. And He has blessed us.” Check out this excellent commentary.

This is how I fight my battles?
 Enough said.

And the UGLY!

Jory Micah—She doesn’t care what God thinks:

More evidence proving that the ELCA is not a church, but it is a goat pen led by those who would rather follow satan

A good example of why women shouldn’t be preaching?

More Paula White heresy. She gets the false teacher of the year award.

Another example of the apostate nature of the United Methodist Church. Perhaps they should read 1 Cor. 11:27-30.

Quakers and homosexuality.

The Pope and is RCC organization blaspheme God on a daily basis. Marsha West demonstrates that the Pope is considered of all Christians, but to do so the RCC must twist Scripture beyond recognition.

Good, Bad, and Ugly

The month of May was probably the busiest month I’ve had in a very, very long time.  Only a very few days were spent at home the full day.  Doctor visits, dentist appointments, vet appointment, missionary staying with us for a week, band performances, graduation parties, solo gigs, Memorial Day ceremonies, car maintenance, etc!  At least I got a chance to the mow the law, but the weeds in the gardens have taken over!

In the meantime, I try to spend SOME time catching up on the news in the world of the Church, so I’m giving you the benefit of learning from some of the stuff I’ve come across.

The Good:

Do Catholics and Protestants believe in the same Trinity?  Thought provoking.

I’m often told I’m divisive with my apologetics, that I’m “mean” and “unChristlike” when I expose false teachings for what they are.  Well, Christ wasn’t too kind with His words for false teachers!

Are the Miraculous Spiritual Gifts for Today?  NO!

A good article about proper Christian judging of sin.

Don’t let the Jehovah’s Witnesses mislead you by taking Ignatius out of context.

Fred finished part 5 of his review of Hugh Ross’ book, Navigating Genesis.

A good refutation of the teaching of “soul sleep.”

A very interesting article about why the Sabbath Day was not part of creation.  I also pointed out this fact in my article about the Sabbath.

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

The Bad:

Another example of the horrendously bad teaching from Seth Barnes at Adventures in Missions:  “Jesus didn’t set the example of settling down and getting a job. So, I followed Jesus’ example and left home and friends. When asked for advice, I suggest others do the same – go on a kingdom journey and dive into a world of possibilities. Become a vagabond for Christ as you practice ministry and discover your identity.”  Really — just be a bum and don’t get a job?!?!   Talk about Scripture-twisting!

The downgrade of the evangelical church.  Very sad to see where we are headed.

How deep in the “rabbit hole” will the New Apostolic Reformation go?

The Ugly:

Charisma Magazine’s Jennifer LeClaire is as whacky un-Christian as it gets.  She even “teases out” new prophecies!!  This woman is not a woman of God.

Black Hebrew Israelites — a cult about which not too many have heard.  Racist group.

More proof that Mark Driscoll has no business being a Christian teacher, let alone a pastor.

Steven Furtick — Need I say more?

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

We often shop at Hobby Lobby for various craft items.  Hobby Lobby is owned by a supposed Christian family, but I have noticed over the years that Hobby Lobby is right there with Family Christian Stores when it comes to propagating heresy and false teachings of every sort.  Books they sell right up by the checkouts are about fake heaven visits, the “Jesus Calling” fraud, books by Beth Moore, T.D. Jakes, et al.  I’ve yet to see anything in their book racks which is orthodox and edifying.  To retailers, even those who claim the name of Christ, money seems to be more important than defending the faith.  Sad.

How to identify false teachers.

Speaking false teachers:  NAR false prophet Shawn Bolz is going after children to brainwash them into his cultic ideology.

And speaking of the NAR, are there really apostles today and is there a need?  Absolutely NOT!  Here is a good study of the claims and a rebuttal to them.

The Assemblies of God denomination seems to be heading in a downward spiral to totally apostasy.

Testimony exposing the behavior of Clayton Jennings.   Followed by another one.  Why he should NEVER be considered for any ministry.

I’ve said many times that sports has become the American idol.

And we think some of the false teachers in OUR country do foolish, dangerous, and insane things!

Beth Moore and Hillsong join forces; two aberrant and heretical peas in a pod.

Just as Jesus told us would happen, many false christs have come.

I’m sorry, Ebony, but this woman shouldn’t have been a pastor to start with.  Judging her sin is exactly what Christians are supposed to do.

What Bill Gothard and his followers still don’t get about grace.

The Sabbath examined.  Similar to my examination.

Mennoknight has posted the last episode in his series on “Generational Curses.”

What you don’t know about the Salvation Army is that they are a weird cult preaching the social gospel at your expense.  I am looking forward to part 2.  (Note — a major part of the problem this author has with S.A. is that they aren’t Calvinists; I agree with S.A. on this point.)

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism — a major religion claiming to be Christian.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Sometimes I wonder if there will ever be a week without too many news items about the state of the Church.  It is really difficult to keep up with it all, which is why it is good that so many apologetics ministries are busy exposing all this stuff.

The big news has been Tony Campolo’s recent statement in support of “committed” same-sex relationships.  I’m really not surprised; after all, he was one of the first false teachers I exposed just a few months after I started this blog, and a few months later exposed his advocacy for homosexuals.  Michael Brown has an excellent open letter to Tony.

Homosexual activists who also claim to be Christians continue to lie about what Bible teaches in regards to homosexuality, which often leads weak/immature Christians astray.  One of their attacks is the Bible’s interpretation of the Greek word, “arsenokoites.”  I actually addressed the origin and meaning of this word in a previous article.  This article does a good job responding to arguments about the word.  Great information for your apologetics file in regard to the cult of homosexuality.

The pope continues promoting Roman Catholic supporters of homosexuality.  I just see this as more proof that he never speaks for God.

I have often said that those “Christians” who promote homosexuality and same-sex fake marriage are preaching another gospel and worshiping another Christ.  One particular blog-trolling false teacher who is 100% behind fake marriage just rails when you suggest he is preaching false gospels and false Christs.  Denny Burk has an excellent article where he cites an Orthodox priest saying essentially the same thing I’ve been saying.

So what excuse can Willow Creek have for engaging an open homosexual, who is an advocate for the homosexual agenda, as a worship leader?!? [link gone by 7/14/18] He claims to be celibate, but then that would mean he isn’t a homosexual, because a homosexual is one who is practicing the behavior; otherwise he is just a man struggling with homosexual desires.  (A thief is no longer a thief if he no longer steals.)  Willow Creek has been in the apostasy of market-driven philosophy for decades.  Now they say their “gay” worship leader is “held to the same standards that we have for everyone in our church.”  Obviously those standards don’t include not being allowed to advocate for false teachers.

Speaking of the market-driven/seeker-sensitive heresy, Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church is seeking $71million for another expansion!  I guess he needs a larger goat pen.

A great article about Creflo Dollar’s new expensive jet.

A thought-provoking article about who restrains the Holy Spirit.

OH NO!  Another Roma Downey show to promote more of her false teachings.  The comment section on the article is also quite interesting.

A blogger recently emailed me this link to a very well done article in regards to one of my blog posts about the Sabbath.  He is an ex-Seventh-day Adventist.

I never realized just how widespread some of Bill Gothard’s teachings have reached.  One particular insidious teaching is the claim that Christians have no rights.  I was directed to an excellent article examining the foolishness of such a claim, and the dangers this teaching presents.

So, knowing the great harm brought into the Church by false teachers, should we love them?

Are Christians Required to Keep the Sabbath?

I thought about this post because I have fairly recently been engaged in this discussion with a Seventh-day Adventist, then later with my brother, and then this past week I saw a comment posted on another blog charging Christians with not keeping the Sabbath. So this is my analysis of the issue.

Before the Law of Moses there was no Sabbath. When God made the seventh day holy in Genesis, that's all we know about it - He made it holy. God doesn't say what the day was going to be for, just that it was made holy, meaning "set apart." Set apart for what? We aren't told. The very first time the word Sabbath is mentioned is Exodus 16:23-30 when God gives it to Israel as a day of rest - not as a day of worship since they were to worship God daily.

Okay, now with that prelude, let me digress to the connection between the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath.

Let me first point out that the Law of Moses (hereafter referred to as the “Law”) was only for Israel and no other nation. The Gentiles did not have the Law, nor were they ever to be given it or mandated to follow it. (For biblical references see: Deut. 4:7-8; Lev. 27:34; Ps.147:19-20; Neh. 9:14; Mal. 4:4; Acts 15: 5, 24; Rom. 2:14; 2 Cor. 3:7-8, 11, 14; Gal. 3:25; Heb. 7:12, 18.)

So then, does that mean the Gentiles had no moral law? Of course not. Romans 2:14-15 says the moral law is written on the hearts of all people.

Now, as to the Ten Commandments - which are part of the Law and not given to anyone but Israel - notice how they do indeed sum up the moral law which is on everyone's heart, with the exception of the command about the Sabbath because there is no moral issue there. Using the Ten Commandment list, here is what the moral law sums up as and why:

1. No other God: Implicit because God is the only true God and He is the creator. To worship any other is fraudulent worship. Adam & Eve would have known this.

2. Do not misuse the name of God. Again, implicit - if He is your creator, you don't abuse Him in any way. Again, Adam & Eve would have known this.

3. Sabbath day. Did not come into play until God gave it to Israel under Moses as a sign of a covenant between God and Israel.  It is not a moral law.

4. Honor your father & mother: This is implied because they are the ones who brought you into the world, who nourished you until you were able to function on your own and provided you with training to go into the world. You are also the result of God's command to the parents to be fruitful and multiply.

5. Do not murder. Originally implicit because Cain knew he did wrong by killing Abel. When Noah stepped off the Ark he was told capital punishment would be the consequences for murder (Genesis 9:6). Noah was the federal head of all civilization to follow.

6. Do not commit adultery. Implicit in the institution of marriage where God said the TWO shall be one, which means anyone coming between them violates that oneness.

7. Do not steal. This is certainly a moral code that God would plant in everyone. In no other way could there be peace and love between people.

8. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor. If Adam and Eve didn't have this one planted in them, they quickly learned the consequences when the serpent (Satan) was punished for bearing false witness against God.

9 and 10 are disputed as to how they split but they both deal with coveting something that is not yours to have. Again, if this was not implanted in Adam's and Eve's hearts then they immediately recognized the penalty for coveting when they coveted and ate of the fruit which was not theirs to have.

Notice how all but one of these commands were either implicit, or given before Abraham, meaning they were given to the entire world, which is why these are the ones continually mentioned in the New Testament as being in force for all mankind. But the Sabbath wasn't before Moses and was not for anyone but Israel, which is why Paul, in Col. 2:16-17, said to let no one judge you in regards to a Sabbath. It may also tell us why Jesus made a point to say that man was not made for the Sabbath but the Sabbath was made for man (Mark. 2:27). Notice also how commands 1 & 2 are about our relationship with God, while 4-10 are about our relationship with each other. Number 3, the Sabbath, is not about either one; it is about a sign of a covenant between Israel and God.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Sabbath. As pointed out above, the very first time the word Sabbath is mentioned is Exodus 16:23-30 when God gives it to Israel as a day of rest. The next time Sabbath is mentioned is in the Ten Commandments; it is here that God explains why He chose the 7th day as a Sabbath for Israel; because God rested from His creative work on the 7th day. (This use of the 7th day of creation is given as the reason for the choice of that day, not to say that a Sabbath day existed prior to the Mosaic Law.)

So then, just what is the Sabbath? It is called a sign of the covenant between God and Israel in Exod. 31:12-17 You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy....The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever. In Deut. 5:15 we are given the reason for this covenant: Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.  No one else was brought out of Egypt so this cannot refer to anyone but Israel. Nehemiah 9:14 says, You made known to them [Israel] your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses. Who did Nehemiah say God gave the Sabbath and laws to? ISRAEL!  Ezekiel 20:12 says, Also I gave them [Israel] my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy. Go 8 verses farther and He says, Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us.

Scripture makes it very clear that the Sabbath is a sign of a covenant between God and Israel. No one else has that covenant that God has with Israel, His chosen people whose job it was to tell the world about the one true God (Exod. 15; Is.42:6; Acts 13:47; Rom. 2:17-20, 3:2).

What about the Sabbath for the Christian? Since it was not known before the Law, and since it is part of the Law, and since the Law was given only to Israel, this would mean the Christian, or any Gentile, was never under command to keep the Sabbath. And since it is a sign between God and the nation of Israel, and Christians are not Israel, Christians are not part of the covenant which the Sabbath signifies. (An analogy would be my wedding ring being a sign of a covenant between me and my wife - no other woman could wear my wife’s ring because another woman would not be a part of our covenant.)

Is Sunday the Christian “Sabbath”? Absolutely not. The Christian has no Sabbath except the Sabbath rest in Jesus (Heb. 4). Sunday was set aside by the first Church as a day of worship and remembering Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week (which began sundown Saturday, and which is most likely when Jesus rose - Saturday evening, not Sunday morning - since He was already gone when the disciples arrived at the tomb that morning). The Bible never said this day of fellowship, breaking the bread and worship, was a Christian “Sabbath.”

The meeting on the 1st day of the week was also Saturday evening originally as shown by Acts 20:7-12. Tradition led to meetings on Sunday morning (most likely during the early 4th century under Constantine), but Scripture does not designate any specific day to meet. Heb. 10:24-25 just says not to forsake the meeting, it never says how often to meet or what days to meet. Although tradition has set Sunday for the most part, any day of the week is fine by Scripture. It is a Romans 14 issue.

Jesus came to perfectly fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic Law and, by doing so, He made them inoperative/not in effect (Rom. 7:1-6). In fact, Romans and Galatians both go into discussions about the Mosaic Law being null and void. Being part of the Law, this voids the Ten Commandments, per se, which would include the command to remember the Sabbath. This does not render the law written on our hearts (what could be called a moral law) ineffective because all the moral laws - not the Sabbath law - outlined in the Decalogue are reiterated in the New Testament teachings. (And remember, Paul specifically states that no one is to be judged in regards to a Sabbath Day.)

The Sabbath was to be kept as a day of remembrance by doing no work on it. It was not a day of worship, which is where so many Sabbath-followers make their biggest mistake. There has never been any command by God to choose any day for worship because we are to worship him every day. God said to ISRAEL to remember the Sabbath because it was a sign of the covenant which showed they were set apart for His service - made holy - because He brought them out of Egypt.

One final note for those who claim we must keep the Sabbath: if you demand this, then keep it from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday and obey all the laws laid down for the Jew in relation to the Sabbath. If you claim Sunday is the new Sabbath, then you still need to obey the laws of the Sabbath. Since there are no denominations who do all the requirements of the Sabbath, then anyone demanding Sabbath-keeping who doesn’t keep the letter of the Law, is being hypocritical from the “git-go.”

Christians have their Sabbath in Christ (as do the Jews, but they don’t know it).

UPDATE 9/2/21: A friend pointed me to an excellent article regarding this topic: Is the Sabbath Still Required For Christians? by Justin Taylor, written a few months after my article.