Those Who Point the Way to Jesus

You should be able to recognize the preachers and pastors who point the way to Jesus.
If you have been listening, you know that there are many pastors and preachers who will point you towards "achieving prosperity", but they seldom focus in on Jesus and his message.
In our present culture, who/what gets talked up by the Christian preachers and teachers? Who/what gets the primary bulk of their airtime?

• Do they spend their time instructing you on the power of wealth?

• Do you hear the salvation message or just another message on how to "sow a seed and get wealthy"?

I get annoyed by the ones who wear our ears out by talking up prosperity and the ability to get wealth. These have chosen not to give time toward pointing the way to Jesus and giving glory to him. Instead, they are giving glory to getting rich in this life which is precisely what Jesus said not to do.
Matthew 6:19:

• 19 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.

If Jesus were on the earth today, do you believe he would spend his time instructing you on the fine points of prosperity or would he talk to you about his father in heaven?
Would he tell you about his Mercedes Benz or the love you are to have for your brother?

I cannot see how people are taken in by these smooth talkers, these wolves in sheep's clothing. All we have to do in order to not be deceived by them is to listen to what or who they are giving most of their airtime to.

The preachers and teachers who give you a repeated diatribe on the fine points of prosperity are bogus. They key in on this subject because it is useful to them.
How man times have I heard, "Sow a seed and see all of your loved ones saved and your debts demolished"? And who do you sow your seed to? Why them, of course. How long must we endure these charlatans?

Jesus pointed to his Father God and gave glory to him. He pointed to the Holy Spirit. He pointed to the truth, the word of God.

Are the majority of our television evangelists and teachers following in his footsteps? I think not. It is a sad state of affairs when you seldom see a preacher open his bible but instead he will find the time to read some man's poem he stumbled onto that has inspired him. There is nothing wrong with reading an inspiring poem, but give the word of God priority.

What is in a man's heart will come out of his mouth. He will open his mouth and talk on the things which are most important to him. Take time to listen to those around you who claim to be Christians and carry God's message to mankind.

Rick Warren's Porn Profiting Church Member

I thought I'd heard enough of Rick Warren and his antics when I got an eyeful of his book, "The Purpose-Driven Life" and an earful of his purpose-driven rap, but no such luck.
I recently clicked on a Christian news site and found out that one of his most prominent church members is none other than Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox network. Murdoch is also responsible for building a hard-core porn network of which he is profiting greatly.
Murdoch's pastor is Rick Warren of Saddleback church in California.
Now this is where it gets touchy because Murdoch is the one who published Warren's book, "Purpose Driven Life". You see, Murdoch owns Zondervan Publishing Company.

Folks, you couldn't dream this scenario up in a million years. I've always said that the love of money causes Christians to turn their backs on God and ruin their witness to this world in one fell swoop. Greedy gain has proven to be the downfall of many Christians. They get their eyes off the Lord and his word in favor of focusing on prosperity and financial gain in this life.
Warren is fond of speaking out against pornography and now he finds himself with a church member who profits greatly from televising it! Murdoch himself is responsible for making it possible for men and women to stay steeped in the sin of lust and lasciviousness!

Now keep in mind that Murdoch claims to be a born-again Christian.

What of Warren and this situation he now finds himself in?
Should he treat brother Murdoch any differently than he would another member of his mega-church?
Should he take him aside and set him straight on the fact that born again Christians do not produce and profit off of pornography?

Warren would do well to take Murdoch on a bible tour and the first stop would be to
1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Then he might want to guide him onward to
Galatians 5:19
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Peter 4:1-3
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries

One thing is certain, if or when Warren sets Murdoch straight, we will not hear about it. Personally, I am not holding my breath. I don't think we will hear so much as a peep about open rebuke, confession, and repentance where Murdoch is concerned. Warren is the pastor of his church and is to be the shepherd of the sheep who choose to attend there. He and every other pastor and Christian teacher are given great responsibility and accountability. They are there to oversee and guide those that God has put in their care - their congregations.

I am so sick of these mega-preachers who refuse to stand up for God's word and refuse to rebuke their members openly on outrageous sin issues such as these. Without a doubt, this is one situation in which Warren should do so.

Who Calls Men to Preach?

If you are called by God to preach his word, what man on earth is able to deny you? What man is able to silence you?
For it is not man who has called you in the first place. Another man has no say so over the matter. What man has the right to force you to gain credentials (from his particular denomination) in order to preach God's word which comes by revelation from the Lord Jesus himself?
The things I speak of are forms of control that are not of God.
For God, through his Holy Spirit, is the one who works through man and anoints him to preach his word.

Galatians chapter 1:
1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Notice in the following scripture what Paul the Apostle says about being called of God:
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
So we see that Paul received the gospel not by man, neither was he taught it by man, but he received it by the REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST.

There has been an attempt by Satan and those who do his bidding, to put up obstacles in order that the true word of the Lord will not be sown by the preacher, nor received by the hearer. This is the enemies most important priority, that the preachers of the true word of God would be silenced. What is most sad is that the very ones who do these things are those who are ultimately in charge of our Christian churches!
This has been going on for a long time and there has been an upsurge of obstacles of late.
It can be very distressing for those men and women who KNOW they have been called of God to preach, yet find that the actions and requirements of MEN are hindering them from doing so.
In many churches, one must belong to a particular denomination in order for them to speak to the congregation. Now I understand that denominations have been with us for the longest time. But when a denomination is able to STOP the word of God from going forth to help others, we are in real trouble my friends.
What are those who do such things afraid of? Are they fearful that someone may draw members out of their church or denomination and into another? Is this a fear that any of us should have? Why would we fear anything like this if we have our hearts and minds set upon what God expects of us?
The answer is that most of us have our minds on the things of this earth instead of things that pertain to God and eternity (those spiritual things that are of the utmost importance). We can see this clearly.

What is a person to do if they know they are called to preach in these days?
Take courage and add patience to your list of spiritual fruits. Take every opportunity to preach God's truth in good times and bad times. Don't be puffed up, but approach others with humbleness. Preach to them the words of life, which is God's holy word with humbleness and power as well.
Remember, we are not called to please men and women. We are called to preach the gospel. This means that we will NOT be making everyone happy in doing so.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
There is no possible way that we will never have opposition. Roadblocks will be tossed our way and we will have trouble. But Jesus said, do not fear, for he has already overcome the world and is victorious. The truth always lands you on your feet!
In conclusion, I leave you with the following words of our Lord:

John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Church Attendance

Church membership rolls will mean nothing to God when we stand before him. What will matter is what you allowed him to do though you for the betterment of others and for his kingdom.

I've known a variety of church members that hold differing attitudes and opinions on what "attending church" really means.

1.There are the die-hard church-goers who believe that missing church is closely if not definitely linked to willful sin. These people tend to take a mental roll-call among their members when service starts.

2. There are the holiday church goers. These people will attend a service during the Easter or Christmas holidays.

3. There are the regular attendees who never miss a service. When the church door is open - they are there, but these people don't take roll-call.

4. There are the hit and miss church goers. When they are able to attend and want to be there, they will show up.

I would categorize myself as being in the 4th group. If there isn't something pressing and I want to be there, you'll see me.

One of my long held pet peeves is the attitude of the judgmental church-goer of category #1.

These people believe that there is absolutely NO reason to ever miss a church service. If you're a hit or miss member like me, these people will flit around you like butterflies, tossing queries at you at lightning speed on "where you were last Sunday morning"!

Now that is fine, if they are truly interested in knowing where you were or what you were doing. But sadly, many only ask this question to bring it to your attention that you WERE NOT WHERE YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN. - PARKED IN PEW 3. It's enough to cause a person to bail out altogether from attending church. And they believe they're doing you a favor by reminding you of your absence.

Earlier in my walk with the Lord, I took offense at this behavior, but I don't now.

I believe it's because I've grown older and wiser.

I view it like this - The judgmental church-goer wouldn't look down their nose at me - the hit and miss church-goer if they knew what I was doing last Sunday morning like "taking care of my elderly relative" or "nursing a bad case of the flu".

I don't fret because God sees all, especially what the nosy church-goer of category #1 is oblivious to.

Don't be offended by these people. Just let it go and know that God understands it.

What do I believe about Church attendance?
I believe that if you are able to go (there is not something more pressing that keeps you from it), you should go.

But as I've said repeatedly on my site, make sure you go to a church that makes the truth (God's word) it's top priority. If it doesn't, going will be a waste of your time.

What is more important than attending church?

Having a relationship with God everyday of your life. Living your life with God and for God in your home and around those you see everyday.

It's very easy to go to church, sing hymns, smile and says "amen". It's harder but of much more worth and beneficial for you to walk in the truth seven days a week. God would rather you live in truth every day.

I believe that attending church is a good thing, but it is not the only thing.

And it certainly shouldn't be placed above your own personal relationship with god.

I go to the house of God (the local church), to partake of his word and to pray for and encourage fellow members.

I do this because I love God and I love those he has created - my brothers and sisters.

Encouraging one another through the struggles and pitfalls of life is a key reason for us to attend church.

There are personal benefits to this as well. I notice that I have a better outlook and feel better about all situations in my own life when I can encourage another.

Pastor, how many are you running?

In my many years of visiting churches and speaking with pastors, I have repeatedly heard this figure of speech "Pastor, how many are you running"?

Some pastors use this phrase to let others know the number of members they have in their congregations.

I don't like this particular figure of speech and never have. Sounds like we men and women are reduced to a herd of cattle when we are referred to in this way.

But pastors don't seem to get it that this way of speaking is offensive to those being referred to - their congregations.

So I have an idea, why don't you pastors use a better one.

How about, "Pastor, how many souls do you have the over site of?"

We are told in the bible that shepherds (pastors) are those who are given the tremendous task of looking after our souls. I see many references to this in the bible, here are a few:

A charge from Paul to the Elders at Ephesus:

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Peter 5:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

We are men and women, not a herd of cattle.

Ezekiel 34:31:

And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.

And just for the record: The only references to "herd" in the new testament are those pertaining to a "herd" of swine running down a steep place into a lake, and being choked after the evil spirits that were cast out of a possessed man had went into them:

Luke 8:33

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

Now please understand that I didn't say that the pastors are intending to be offensive if they use this term, but nonetheless many don't appreciate hearing it.
I have offered an alternative, at least I am not complaining without offering suggestions.

Latest Deceptions

Latest Deceptions Updated July 11, 2006

Are we to be called to be defenders of the Gospel of Christ?

Read this First!
Anything you read on this page, please do our Lord Jesus, yourself and me a favor and instead of just getting informed, Pray for those you read about. There is surely a strange wind blowing today in some of Christendom, but actually, it is simple to understand.. what we are witnessing today is the falling away of the Christian Church and we were told about it many times in scripture.

Dear friends, in this July 2006 update, I would like to focus on

2. Prophets Prophesying Good Things for the USA.

3. News Update! Purpose-Driven Rapper Blasphemy Revealed

Those who believe that through actions taken by them via political/governmental means, it is possible to usher in the kingdom of Christ are deluded and should not be given the time of day. Now I don't claim to know a whole lot about these groups, but from what I have read some of these groups also believe that many of the prophecies that we as Christians are looking forward to being fulfilled have already occurred!

According to Wikipedia, Dominion Theology is: "derived from the Biblical text where God grants humankind "dominion" over the Earth. It is influenced by postmillennialism, a view of the End Times which believes that godliness will eventually pervade secular society (some so-called "Golden Age postmillennialists" believe the present age will culminate in a literal one-thousand-year period of virtual heaven on earth, a millennium) before Jesus returns in a Second Coming .

According to Wikipedia, Kingdom Now Theology is defined as "a theological belief within the Charismatic movement of Protestant Christianity, mainly in the U.S. This theology begins with the belief that God's control over the world ended when Adam and Eve sinned. Since then, the theology goes, God has been trying to reestablish control over the world by seeking a "Covenant people" who will then spread across the earth. Through these "Covenant people," social institutions (including governments and laws) would be brought under God's authority.

Here's the scoop - We are acting in arrogance if we believe that actions we take

1.Politically

2. OR by forcing our beliefs upon the world

would perpetuate and quicken the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Politics is one thing that God is not into. I have noticed the past few years that there are more Christians than ever who are trying to push their candidate of choice all in the name of what "God" wants. These people believe they have God's seal of approval in the things they do and the organizations they head.

If there is one thing that we can do for the Kingdom of God, it is to work fervently in order to bring more souls to the Lord. That is where all of our focus must be kept. There are souls yet to be saved. The reason the Lord has delayed his return is because of his great mercy upon us. We should thank God for this mercy. Those who seek to change times and laws in regards to Governmental institutions in the hopes that this will perpetuate Jesus's return have lost their focus.

Jesus didn't say "Go ye into all the world and Force your beliefs upon others", or "Go ye into all the world and push the political candidate of your choice".

He said, Go ye into all the world and PREACH THE GOSPEL".

When are we going to just do what he told us to? We should preach the good news, the gospel message and allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest!

We are men and women who would do well to understand that the time and seasons, we can trust God with. He knows all about it and will have things HIS way. We are to understand and see that the time is short before Christ's return. He is closer to his return than he ever was before.

Prophets Prophesy Good Things for the USA

There is really no need to name them. You have most surely heard their prophecies before. It sort of goes like this: "America, I say there will be financial blessings coming to you". I will restore everything to you, etc.

Now what I don't understand is how anyone could not recognize the tarnished and dilapidated state that the USA is currently in spiritually.

Why are we in this state? Because we will not repent !

We want to regard the things in this world which are important to us without ever regarding the one who GAVE us the things important to us. We pay service to God with our lips, but our hearts are far from him. We are so totally wrapped up in those things which make us feel good and look good but give no thought to the one who fashioned us, our Father God.

Where are our Jeremiah's and Isaiah's? Those prophets who had a fervent desire to tell the truth about the current state of affairs in their nation? Out of love for their God and fellow man, they WARNED nations about their turning away from God and the ramifications if they did not REPENT!

America must be warned that if they do not REPENT and turn back to their God, things in this nation will wax worse and worse NOT better! We must be urged to come back to God in humble repentence for our sinfulness and our turning away from him.

But all we get the majority of the time is smooth things prophesied to us from those who name the name of God.

It's just like the Bible warns us of: The following scriptures are coming to pass big time!

2 Timothy 4:3&4

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Isaiah 30:

That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord:

10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:

13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

July 2006 Latest Deception News Update:

Dear friends, I have warned against the "Purpose Driven" movement for years, read it and weap.

I have listened to the video and even though I was quite prepared for the worst, I had no idea.

Among other blasphemous utterings, here are a few listed for you to read:

"Make the booty drop like the walls of Jericho".

"Do the burning bush".

"Just like Moses we part the red sea".

I am both outraged and speechless at this trash and keep in mind, it was brought to us courtesy of Rick Warren's 2006 Purpose Driven Worship Conference.

The Video is 3.33 minutes long and the link to it is below:

Purpose-Driven Rapper Crosses the Line to Blasphemy By Ingrid Schlueter

Quoting from the above linked content by Ingrid Schlueter: "This video should cause all of us who love our Savior to expose this Purpose Driven blasphemy for what it is. The spirit behind the entire movement is anti-Christ. This video perhaps says it better than anything else. The link is here. Watch and weep for what has happened to the American church:.

April 6, 2006 Latest Deception Update:

Latest Deception: The Gospel of Judas

This latest Gnostic rubbish is only more of the same old heresy we've seen in recent years:

In the article

April 6, 2006: "Gospel of Judas' Surfaces After 1,700 Years"

a few quotes from the above article:

"An early Christian manuscript, including the only known text of what is known as the Gospel of Judas, has surfaced after 1,700 years. The text gives new insights into the relationship of Jesus and the disciple who betrayed him, scholars reported today. In this version, Jesus asked Judas, as a close friend, to sell him out to the authorities, telling Judas he will "exceed" the other disciples by doing so".

This manuscript was written 300 years AFTER the crucifixion of Christ. Quoting from the article:
"The 26-page Judas text is said to be a copy in Coptic, made around A. D. 300, of the original Gospel of Judas, written in Greek the century before".

I believe that it was written by Gnostics, and by the way, there were MANY of them around during that time.

Jesus asked Judas to sell him out? There is not one reference to this ANYWHERE in the Bible.

The devil - not Jesus, convinced Judas to betray Jesus.. see scripture below on this!

The article goes on to say :"You can see how early Christians could say, if Jesus's death was all part of God's plan, then Judas's betrayal was part of God's plan," said Ms. King, the author of several books on the Gospel of Mary. "So what does that make Judas? Is he the betrayer, or the facilitator of salvation, the guy who makes the crucifixion possible?"

Judas was the betrayer, he succumbed to the devil in order to betray Jesus. It was not Jesus who put it into Judas's heart to betray himself! ...Read below scriptures to know who did it.

it is heresy in the most extreme form for anyone to suggest that Judas was the facilitator of salvation, "the guy who makes the crucifixion possible"!

Who convinced Judas to betray Christ?

John 13:2
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

Luke 22:3
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

I plan on writing more on this if I have time, but for now, don't give heed to this Gnostic rubbish. For that is all it is.

Blasphemy News : NBC's upcoming episode of "Will and Grace"

Latest Deception: "The God Who Wasn't There"

an excerpt from their web page : "In this provocative, critically acclaimed documentary, you will discover:
The early founders of Christianity seem wholly unaware of the idea of a human Jesus

The Jesus of the Gospels bears a striking resemblance to other ancient heroes and the figureheads of pagan savior cults

Contemporary Christians are largely ignorant of the origins of their religion

Fundamentalism is as strong today as it ever has been, with an alarming 44% of Americans believing Jesus will return to earth in their lifetimes

And God simply isn't there"

You can purchase these tidbits of deceptive trash in two ways - CD or DVD.

Other Recent Deceptions: The Davinci Code

December 17, 2005 Carlton Pearson - The Price For Preaching Inclusion

"Today Pearson says "90 percent" of his 5,000-member congregation in Tulsa, Okla., has left him. His church, Higher Dimensions Family Church, is in foreclosure. His alma mater, Oral Roberts University, publicly denounced him. When he was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, not one of his preaching buddies bothered to call, he says".

What is the gospel of " Inclusion "?

The date is Sept 4, 2002 and I have just heard Bishop Carlton Pearson with my own ears.
In a local radio interview that I just finished listening to out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, I heard Bishop Carlton Pearson say that you do NOT have to be saved through Jesus Christ to go to heaven. He said much more than this though.. :(
I am very glad now that I recorded it, I had hoped that all this hype was not true, but I will leave you to hear this for yourself...

Click on the button above to hear the audio of the interview.

It is around 13 minutes long.

January 2, 2006

Just an update from me as it's been a while. I watched Kenneth Copeland and he is still preaching the wealth gospel.

I just heard him on television speaking of the "covenant with wealth". What I don't get is why it takes living in a million dollar home or driving luxurious automobiles to preach Christ's gospel to others. We are told repeatedly by these prosperity pushers that it takes money or wealth in order to take God's message to the world. They are correct, but what does that have to do with putting out pleas on their web site to satisfy their OWN desire to own 2 extravagant airplanes?
Surely a less expensive plane would still get the mission accomplished. This is never addressed by those who are peddling the wealth gospel.

July 6, 2004

Updates

First friends, I would like to relay to you what I saw and heard on Sunday, July 4 on Television. A well known preacher was giving his sermon.... While he was talking of the war America is engaged in and how God would give us victory, he tried to back it up with scripture- Here's what he said; "In the bible, God says that if my people who are called by my name will pray, I will heal their land..

I was aghast. He left out much of the scripture he was referring to.. It actually goes something like this:

"If my people, who are called by my name will HUMBLE themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land.

Just another example of those shepherds who will do anything, like picking and choosing which scripture they will use and tossing out the rest that their congregations don't want to hear.

We are to repent, plain and simple

Prophecy Watch (Next update will be July 2006)

In this area, I will post the latest prophecies given by those who claim to be speaking straight from God

July 6, 2004 updates

Radical new translation makes Bible accessible to unchurched -23/6/04

"In other passages the translator John Henson, a retired Baptist minister, renders “demon possession” as “mental illness” and “Son of Man”, the phrase used frequently to refer to Jesus, as “the Complete Person”.
Parables become “riddles” and to baptise, to “dip” in water. Salvation becomes “healing” or “completeness” and Heaven becomes “the world beyond time and space.”

[Faith Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith] Preacher going on trial in autistic boy's death

Heaven on Earth? Find out about the Christian Dominionists or Christian Reconstructionism

Pastor convicted in $1.2 million scam

How the Evangelicals and Catholics Joined Forces

Rabbis Criticize Evangelicals in Israel

Cults reject basic Christian beliefs

Baptist pastor/author examines how faith is used to justify atrocities

Some Articles for you to read!

Bible Version Updates from Watch Unto Prayer
The Apostasy Sweeping Over the Churches
August 17, 1919 by Dr. A.C. Gaebelein, Bible Institute of Los Angeles,
Think you know what "The Message" is?
It's not just another bible translation.. Read Here for Scriptural Differences. Some will shock you! (*page from Watch Unto Prayer)

False Shepherds and Scattered Sheep

Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Try to visualize the scene below:

An open field, with sheep of all sizes freely grazing. The sheep seem comfortable and safe. All of the sudden you notice the shepherd of this fold enter the scene with a whip in his hand. You watch in horror as each sheep is singled out and whipped mercilessly.

This scene is a fictional one, but few realize that this fictional scene is all too reminiscent of the reality being played out in many so-called "Christian" churches in record numbers.

The fictional shepherd in the above illustration would not last long in the business of shepherding if you or I were owners of the fold. But in the real world, this type of Shepherd often abuses and destroys the sheep he has oversight of, all in order to satisfy his selfish and covetous desires.

The false shepherds of today in charge of many Christian churches do not whip the sheep physically, they whip them Spiritually. They have left off following God in order to follow their own selfish agendas.

What is even more unbelievable is that a vast number of sheep that are being abused put up with this abuse. They tolerate the abuse and cruelty of the false shepherds because the shepherd is seen to have a "special place with God".

These false shepherds use fear and intimidation to control their congregations. These are the tools they use to threaten the sheep into submission.

Of course, there are many good shepherds who seek to do God's will and strive to take good care of the sheep God has left in their care. But the idle and false shepherds tell their congregations to submit to God, but what they truly are aiming at is getting the sheep to submit to them. These false shepherds use God's name in vain because in their hearts, they are using his name to gain personal profit and to achieve their own selfish agendas.

Keep in mind who I am referring to here:

I am speaking of violent and control freak shepherds (pastors and those in authority) over many Christian churches in the world today.

And why do they do this?

1 John 2:19 & 2 Peter 1,2, and 3

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

We can see by this verse that it WILL be made known to us exactly who is false and who is holding the truth of God and living by it.

A false shepherd: This is exactly what you must look to for understanding them and their character and what their agenda is:

2 Peter

1 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 *false* words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

We see (because of their covetousness) by using false words, these false shepherds will make merchandise of us. Or rather, they will attempt to make merchandise of us. To me, this means they will view us as a method of gain. Does this sound familiar of some of today's mega preachers and teachers?

The motives of today's Christian teachers and preachers are many times in question. A shepherd who is prideful, covetous and useless will do much to destroy the sheep he is supposed to be protecting.

And what happens to the sheep that are scattered through no fault of their own? Those who are led astray by a foolish and selfish shepherd? Anything and Everything. From their horrible experiences with false and abusive shepherds, many of them are hardened and turn away from the God who truly loves them.

Religion and God's Truth

Jeremiah 23;2

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

These spiritually abused, beaten and abandoned sheep are scattered and vulnerable to every false belief system this world has to offer them

Many of them end up cursing god and man but most of all, religion. Notice how I separated God from religion? The reason is that God is as far from religion (man made rules that hold no cohesiveness with the true gospel of Jesus Christ) as the east is from the west. We are given a definition of pure religion from James.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Compassion that springs forth from our hearts to help others in need, coupled with keeping ourselves unspotted, untainted from this world and the effects of the sin and evil that is loose in this world is what we are to strive for.

We are not to be unavailable to those who are in their darkest hour and need help. We are to be completely THERE for those who have needs. Jesus while in this earth, did not join himself with the RELIGIOUS.

He was, as he still is today, near those who were humble and contrite in spirit. Those who were meek and lowly.

Those who could ADMIT that they were sinful and in need of a shepherd. The Pharisees of Jesus's day would not admit that they needed a shepherd. They saw themselves as the ultimate "leaders" to the people. They were in reality the blind leading the blind.

Religion, in it's form mainly practiced today, is any doctrine comprised of man made rules and obligations, many of which are never commanded by God.

The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is never about man made rules, one is only able to gain the true Gospel of Christ through God's Word.

God's truth to mankind is made known only through the Bible .

To control others is very beneficial to these false shepherds and pastors. Their thoughts are continually resting on the type of force/control that can best be utilized in order to extract gain of some type that would benefit them. Their thoughts are not geared toward the best interests of the sheep.

There is an advantage some sheep have when they come up against a false shepherd. But it relies solely on whether they have knowledge given them by the Word of God. We are told in the Bible how important knowledge is when we read in Hosea 4;6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge

Now if you take a person who lacks knowledge of the truth of God's word, that suffers spiritual abuse at the hand of a false shepherd, the outcome is bleak and severe because he has no base of truth to call upon in order to judge the matter clearly.

That truth will always be God's Word.

God's Word is able to separate lies from truth. Deception can then be shown for what it truly is. There is no other weapon in God's spiritual arsenal like his truth. His word will penetrate every error in doctrine. It will separate a false gospel from the true gospel.

The result of a lack of knowledge when dealing with spiritual affairs is devastating, destructive and dangerous.

You are open prey to those who have a personal agenda.

Many are taking advantage of the spiritually ignorant.

But we have an advantage over those who would try to abuse us spiritually if we have the knowledge that comes from God. Those who have no root of truth in them are continually subjecting themselves to other's views and other's truth, not God's.

Here is what we are to strive for:

Ephesians 4:14

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

His word is light and makes us capable of discerning right from wrong, truth from lies, man's thoughts from God's commands.

But without this weapon, God's truth, we sheep stand defenseless against the ever increasing number of false shepherds and their devices.

On our own, we cannot protect ourselves from the onslaught of deception that comes at us from all sides, every day of our lives. New insights, new theories, new gospels that those who have left God are constantly bombarding us with. This is why it is absolutely necessary to study to show ourselves approved unto God by taking in his truth above any other form of instruction.

The hurting and wounded sheep (those who God calls his own) are surely on God's mind and in his heart in their distress. God says that even HE will seek out all of the scattered hurting and wounded sheep that the false shepherds have scattered!

Ezekiel 34:11&12

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

These false shepherds have fed themselves and not the sheep of God's pasture. They have grown fat and the sheep have grown lean. They have neglected and abused the sheep that Jesus was sacrificed for and loves so, but rest assured that they will be held accountable for their abuse one day.

They are already judged by God

2 Peter 3

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.

The Sin of Judas

The Luster of Gold leads to dimness in the soul

Many do not understand what the sin of Judas was. We are told in the Bible that Judas held the money bag for Jesus and his disciples. He was in charge of the purse. Seeing that Judas was given this duty and important responsibility, we can draw some conclusions

1. Judas most likely had a knowledge of money - making it and keeping it.

2. Would it not be a possibility that he was known as a trustworthy and honest man if he was given the responsibility of holding the money for the group? I would think so.

3. It would seem a moot issue that Jesus himself gave Judas this charge.

We know that one passage in the bible includes a portion about Judas and money. When Mary brought the alabaster box for Jesus's burial, Judas commented "This could have been sold and the money given to the poor", but was Judases concern for the poor genuine? Or was Judases true concern the money which he would be entrusted with should the master agree with him about selling the ointment?

John 12, 3-8

3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.

4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

In verse 6, we see that Judas said this not because he cared for the poor, but rather

1. He was a thief

2. He had the bag *of money*

3. He had control of what was put in that bag *of money*

The strongest evidence of Judases love for money is gathered from the betrayal story in the Bible. Judas met with the chief priests and made a covenant that in exchange money, he would reveal to them where Jesus was staying in order that they could seize him.

Mark 10 and 11

10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Matthew 26;15

And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

What would compel a disciple who had witnessed the love, compassion, miracles, as well as the great ministry of the messiah to betray him for any amount of money? One word friends, GREED.

I am of the personal opinion that Judas was most likely torn between his love of money and his desire to do the will of God as we can readily see from the following scriptural account:

Matthew 27;3

3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders

4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

In the end, Judases lust for money not only led him to betray Jesus, but it also cost him his very life.

And isn't it just like that today? The considerable power of greed will ultimately end in US betraying OUR master and cost us our very lives. Do not flinch at this thought my friends, Jesus is betrayed because of the greed of his children everyday.

There is nothing in scripture that tells us from the get-go that Judas was like this in the beginning, when Jesus chose him as one of the twelve.

I take from this that it is very possible that Judas may have started out well and somewhere along the way allowed greed a place in his heart and from there grew the seed that would flourish into the full blown account of betrayal we read about that took place in the garden of Gethsemane.

Judas, a foreshadow of things to come

If there's any truth to the old adage, "history repeats itself", then the story of Judases greed that culminated in the betrayal of Christ would be one such case.

Today we have those who claim to be Christ's disciples, and though they may have started out well, they are now being driven by Greed and the love of money that has taken up residence in their hearts. Their eyes WERE on the prize, that prize being a crown of righteousness laid up for those who endure to the end, but somewhere along the way their focus shifted from Christ to money and there was the seed that pushed them toward the sin of greed.

Just as Judas betrayed our Lord in the garden with a kiss for thirty pieces of silver, we have those in the Christian Church who betray the Lord at random because in their heart, they care more for money than they do about pleasing God and Christ. These very people should be forsaking all ties that would take the place of Christ in their lives and return to him - their first love while it has not cost them their lives as of yet.

The key sin of Judas? He betrayed the Christ because of his love of money.

What do we have a world full of in these days we live in?

Well we have brother going against brother, all because of the love of money.

We have lawyers being retained by people from all walks of life who are looking for the slightest injustice to be done to them so that they might sue and recover big bucks.

We have spouses hiring hit men to knock of their spouse because they've grown tired of them and can collect on a big life insurance policy.

We have police, judges and political officials gladly accepting financial bribes from those who can benefit from having them in their pocket.

1 Timothy 6;10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

We've been blown away by the winds of a strange doctrine

The sooner we realize that we've replaced God's truth in favor of man's knowledge and spiritual fantasies, the sooner we can return to God's pure doctrine that gives life and truth to all.

Ephesians 4:14

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

It was in 1990 that I first noticed large numbers of fundamentalist Christians and others slowly moving away from the true gospel of Christ in favor of another. The result of this shift was spiritual foolishness, superstitious nonsense, none of which could be validated by scripture.

I plan to give you first hand accounts of the nonsense I witnessed during those years when I observed this "takeover". The best way to describe this move: It was as if Christians had closed their bibles and decided to center on their own feelings and trust their own imaginations rather than the word of God.

Since that time, I have staggered upon the topic of "Gnosticism" and now believe that if I had to apply a name to this strange new man centered doctrine invading many Christian churches, I would call it "Christian Gnosticism". This is only my personal opinion.

A Gnostic believes in knowledge all right, they believe in "Self" knowledge over and above the knowledge one can acquire from God's Truth.

GNOSTICISM

A religious orientation advocating gnosis (knowledge) as the way to release a person's spiritual element; considered heresy by Christian churches

the thought and practice especially of various cults of late pre-Christian and early Christian centuries distinguished by the conviction that matter is evil and that emancipation comes through gnosis (knowledge)or *knowing*

GNOSIS: Greek gnOsis, literally, knowledge

Gnostics rely on gnosis, (knowledge) rather than faith. Gnosticism has been around for 1000'S of years. However, It has experienced a renewal of sorts in the past twenty years. Some elements of gnosticism pre date Christianity.

Man's Fascination with all things Spiritual

Man is at all times thirsty for things spiritual. There is evidence of this by the staggering profits made by those offering spiritual books, manuals and conferences of every kind imaginable. Yet there will never be a substitution for real truth, which can be gained only from God's truth combined with the leading of the Holy Spirit. We as humans, created by God, and in the image of God, have a side of our nature that is empty if not filled with the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. This same Holy Spirit was sent by God the Father when Jesus ascended to heaven after rising from the dead. This same Holy Spirit was meant to dwell in us and to bring us into all truth and knowledge of who we are in Christ Jesus.

Who dwells in us?

Now IF we do not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we have given a place for any or all deceptive influences to dwell within us.

Although in life there is usually no black and white, but shades of gray at times, There is an EXCEPTION here. We know by scripture that the question of who dwells in us IS a black or white issue!

Either the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you OR he is not. If he is not, you are without God, full of SELF (man centered spirit), and you are in rebellion toward God and His spirit. Hence, the emptiness will be ripe for deception.

Note the following scripture:
The Return of the Unclean Spirit - Jesus spoke the following:

Matthew 12: 43-45

43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

The emptiness Jesus spoke of is that same emptiness I refer to when I said that IF the Holy Spirit of God is not present in you, then that leaves PLACE for spirits of deception.

Notice that the last state of the man Jesus says, is WORSE than at the first.

Another Doctrine: Strange Winds Blowing

Over the past 10 years or so, I have witnessed everything from Christian preachers seldom opening their bibles when giving a sermon, to giving outright questionable if not blatant false prophecies. When the bible isn't opened, what is replacing God's word and commentary on it during a sermon? MANS KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCES.

Experience in a man or woman's life does hold certain credibility, yet not above the credibility of God's word. When a pastor, one who is in authority in a church is not following God in his own life, he cannot be counted on to benefit and direct his congregation. When God is not sought after, our focus is ALWAYS going to be dimmed spiritually and the result is self - that's all that is left. Self rises up and God is thrust down. Sadly, because of man centered doctrine and the grip it's had on the multitudes in the Christian Church, the fruits of Christ are not grown but are rather absent from the branches altogether.

Red Flags and Warning Signs

I have talked with people who have quit their churches because of the adherence the church had to strange doctrines. Many pastors and congregations fall into "Shepherding" type movements.

One red flag that should go up is when members have to go through a type of "chain of command" in order to ever speak with a pastor or those close to the pastor. This may seem outrageous, but nonetheless is true.

Another red flag? Little or No Bible.

Another red flag? Churches that exalt prophesy above all. In many churches, bibles which represent God's leading and direction, are passed over in favor of prophesying and prophetic utterances. This is wrong and churches that allow this are in strong error.

Another Flag? The overwhelming preoccupation and emphasis on Prosperity Teachings. I have seen many churches and movements that would not mention Jesus's name, yet "prosperity" was key in all of their meetings. This is placing man's desires of achieving "wealth" above all. Anyone who would suggest otherwise has already been deceived and it will be very hard to reach them no matter what you say.

What to Do?

I have said repeatedly that if you attend a church in which the BIBLE is not held as the final authoritative word on all matters of life, GET OUT OF IT! LEAVE IT NOW!. I have had to do this. I know what I am talking about. It is essential that you leave that place soon because the lack of truth quickly breeds chaos, confusion and all manner of dark deceptive works. It is far better to stay home on a Sabbath day than to walk into a church that doesn't defend and uphold the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. I've heard it said that we can never hope for a "perfect church" because there are none. But what I'm speaking of is a church that does NOT adhere to the teachings and commands given to us in the HOLY BIBLE. There are no perfect churches, but EVERY church that is known as a "Christian Church" must not compromise the truth of the Gospel, if it does it is a fraud, it is darkness portraying itself as light. It is error calling itself truth.

My prayer for you

My prayer for you is that you flee such a place as if you're escaping a burning house! And consider yourself extremely blessed of God in that you have enough truth and discernment in you to recognize it for what it is and to leave it quickly! You have no idea how many people are living in deep deception to this day because they had none of God's truth to alert them of churches overtaken with deception. These people had man's truth but none of God's truth, therefore they were deceived and led astray very easily. We have to be bold in our faith in these last days. Lies, deceit and deception is rampant and seems to be engulfing many like never before. However, there is still a remnant that will have the ability to know Jesus's voice, and a stranger, this remnant will NOT follow after. They will respond only to the voice of that great shepherd of the sheep - JESUS CHRIST- and his infallible truth, The Word of God.

Ecclesiastes 7;29

Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

The Message

In comparing the King James version of the new testament with the new testament book of "The Message" by Eugene H. Patterson, it is difficult to discern which verses are which since they are not numbered, but it can be done. I've took some time in distinguishing these verses, but it wasn't easy.
I have never seen the adding to and taking away from scripture that I've witnessed since studying ,"The Message". I have underlined at some points, the differences and omitted areas and where original scripture has been added to.
I bought "The Message" out of curiosity after I had heard a pastor read from it, knowing that I would need it to start this page with. If one opens up "The Message", they will immediately notice vast differences. No need to take a lot of time in finding the error.

Contents, (Quotes) on the back cover of "The Message" Bible:
"It is commonly assumed that a book dealing with a Holy God should sound elevated, stately, and ceremonial. If this is how you've always viewed the New Testament, you're about to make a surprising discovery.
One of the most striking features of the New Testament is that it was written in the street language of the day. The idiom of the playground and marketplace---- not the formal lofty language of government decrees and historical documents. Written in the rhythms and idiom of contemporary language---the way you'd talk with friends, write a letter, or discuss politics--- The Message brings out the expressive, earthly flavor of the New Testament. Which means that, whether you've been reading the Bible for years or are exploring it for the first time, The Message will startle and surprise you, And it will allow you to experience firsthand the same power and directness that motivated it's original readers to change the course of history many centuries ago." (End of Quote)

I do know that some if not many in evangelical circles have touted The Message lately.

On Jesus, The Light of the World: John Chapter 1 verse 4&5
The Message:
4: What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.
King James:
4: In Him was Life; and the life was the light of men.
The Message:
5: the Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out.
King James:
5: And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

On Faith and Power to Become the Sons of God: John Chapter 1 Verse 12
The Message:
But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves.
King James:
But as many a received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
*Note- This one stumped me as their "child of God selves" seems strange rather than stated plainly, "sons of God" in the King James...

On Jesus Christ's Revelation to John in Chapter 1 Verse 8 of Revelation:

The Message:
The Master declares, "I'm A to Z. I'm the God who is, the God who was, and the God about to arrive. I'm the Sovereign-Strong."
King James:
I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Paul addressing women speaking in the church, etc:
1 Corinthians;14:36-40
Verse 36:
The Message:
Do You--Both women and men--imagine that you're a sacred oracle determining what's right and wrong? Do you think everything revolves around you?
King James:
What? Came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

Verse 37-39:
The Message:
37: If any one of you thinks God has something for you to say or has inspired you to do something, pay close attention to what I have written. This is the way the Master wants it. If you won't play by these rules, God can't use you. Sorry.
King James:
Verse 37: If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Note *
Notice the passage in verse 37 of "The Message", "God can't use you. Sorry". Nothing like this is stated in that verse in the King James, Paul is simply reminding the church that if they think themselves to be spiritual and if they are spiritual at all, they will know that what he states is the commandments of the Lord

Verse 38:
The Message:
38-40: Three things then, to sum this up: When you speak forth God's truth, speak your heart out. Don't tell people how they should or shouldn't pray when they're praying in tongues that you don't understand. 40: Be courteous and considerate in everything.
King James:
38: But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39: Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40: Let all things be done decently and in order.

Paul addressing God's faithfulness and nature: 2 Timothy 2:12&13
The Message:
12:If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him. If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us.
King James:
12: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. if we deny him, he also will deny us:
The Message:
13: If we give up on him, he does not give up--for there is no way he can be false to himself.
King James:
13: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

On Food sacrificed to idols and consideration of other's beliefs:
1 Corinthians 10:33:
The Message:
I try my best to be considerate of everyone's feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.
King James:
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

All those that know the truth and love the truth: 2 John 1: Verse 1
The Message:
My dear congregation, I your pastor, love you in very truth. And I'm not alone--everyone who knows the truth that has taken up permanent residence in us loves us.
King James:
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth:

Confirmation of the prophetic word : 2 Peter 1 Verse 19:
The Message:
We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard--God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. Its the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts.
King James:
We also have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Note*
Morning star in The message, and day star in the King James version...

On Loving Your Enemies: Matthew 5; 42
The Message:
No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
King James:
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away.

Loving your enemies, praying for your enemies: Matthew 5: 44&45
The Message:
*I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time,respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves.
King James:
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you. do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despite fully use you, and persecute you:
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

*Puzzling*

Apostles and Prophets and the Mystery of the Ages: Ephesians 3: 5
The Message:
None of our Ancestors understood this, Only in our time has it been made clear by God's spirit through his holy apostles and prophets of this new order.
King James:
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

Faith and Healing: Matthew 9;29
The Message:
He touched their eyes and said, "Become what you believe."
King James:
Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Some may believe these to be trivial additions to the Word of God and shouldn't be addressed. I believe otherwise. I take it to heart when our Lord says in Revelation 22, verse 18&19:

18) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Updated on September 17, 2004

Decided to do a little search to see how many times certain (and very important) keywords were omitted from "The Message" version

A little comparison with the King James Version... NEW TESTAMENT ONLY OF BOTH THE MESSAGE AND KING JAMES VERSION BIBLE.

The results so far are as follows:

Search for exact word: "Gospel"

MESSAGE- 1

KJV- 91

Search for exact word: "Doctrine"

MESSAGE- 2

KJV- 40

Search for exact word: "Holy Spirit"

MESSAGE- 91

KJV- 4

Search for exact word: "Sprit"

MESSAGE- 298

KJV- 287

Search for exact word: "Truth"

MESSAGE- 125

KJV- 182

Search for exact word: "Abide"

MESSAGE- 0

KJV- 45

Search for exact word: "Comforter"

MESSAGE- 0

KJV- 4

Search for exact word: "Sex"

MESSAGE- 18

KJV- 0

Search for exact word: "Pride"

MESSAGE- 7

KJV- 46

I will leave you with this. This is a direct warning from God and as it appears KJV in the 21st chapter of Revelation

KJV: 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Read more in depth about The Message from Watch Unto Prayer

Accountability in the Church

Is there to be accountability in the Body of Christ? Does the doctrine of Christ according to the truth in the Word of God need to be defended? Well, the Apostle Paul said that it did.

If we, as Christians do not stand up, voice our concerns, and allow the light of the gospel of Christ to shine in the darkness, what will become of the world we live in? The darkness will get darker, and the light of God's truth will be quenched further. We must allow the light of truth to be spread on deceptive and false teachings, or we can all count on one thing, all will be affected by these deceptions in one way or another. In the end, we will be lucky if the current spiritual deceptions that are being taught do not spread in a most uncontrollable way.

Having wanted so badly to be able to approach the subject of accountability concerning the Church of Jesus Christ, I now sit at my computer, struggling for words that would best convey to you my deep feelings on this subject. What am I thinking right now? I am thinking of the changes that I have witnessed in the body of Christ in the past few years. And yes, accountability by those in authority in the church is one of those changes.

What are they teaching? What do they base their beliefs on, in whom do they place their trust anymore?

At one time, there were numerous pastors that would instill in their congregation the fact that the bible is the final authority, but the number of pastors and teachers doing this have been dwindling. Now, it is easy to notice that the verse, "Let God be true and every man a liar", is not mentioned much anymore.

It seems to me that million-dollar ministries, fancy talking preachers or evangelists, and the latest "who's who" of the Christian top 100 is utmost in many Christian's minds. Don't get me wrong, I love nothing better than listening to a good sermon that is rooted in the Word of God alone. But really, I must say that times are changing. Also, I am thinking about the fact that there are many times when one can hear questionable and unbiblical doctrine and would dare to voice an opinion, yet what happens when we do? We are met most times with opposition usually in this manner:

"Do not judge, lest ye be judged". I agree with the Word of God, we are not to judge, but the word is the word! We cannot turn ourselves around, ignore, or bury our heads in the sand any longer. The reason why is simple! It is not biblical.

What are we told from the bible concerning false doctrine? I can go ahead now and tell you of instances in which the Apostle Paul instructed us as Christians to use discernment when faced with ANY doctrine.

First, let us pick apart this issue and start at Galatians 1: Verse 6-12 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Now, we see that there are those who definitely have, would and do pervert the Gospel of Christ as Paul told the Church at Galatia.

But what do we do knowing that there are those that ARE indeed perverting the gospel?

We are to count such as would pervert or change the Gospel as if they were cursed! That is what Paul said. Now, we all know that there are true prophets of God and there are many false prophets.

There are so many false prophets today that it is frightening. It seems that some even view prophets of God as having the final say, that words of prophets are never to be questioned, even when that prophet would dare to prophesy something that is contrary to the Word of God. So what are we to do? Just take the Prophet's Word over and above what our Bible tells us?

No, a thousand times no. I know you're with me on this brothers and sisters in Christ. We must speak out before this foolishness totally engulfs every facet of Christianity.

These days it seems that EVERYONE has a "word" from the Lord. Many prophets speak more often than we have recorded prophesies in the Word of God! Do you agree with this?

What was it that Jesus said about False Prophets?

Matthew 7:15-20

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

I would like to accentuate the word "fruit" in the above scripture. We shall know them by their "fruit" Jesus said. Why would Jesus see the need to tell the disciples, the disciples then relay it to us, if we are not to know these things?
And here again, we have Jesus telling us of what it will be like for us in the last days when he warns once again of the false prophets: Mark 13:21-23

21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Here Jesus tells us that false prophets and false christs will rise and will show signs and wonders.

Why? To seduce you, that's why. They seek to lead you away from the truth.

Jesus says that if it were possible, even the elect would be seduced! That is something to give a second thought to friends.

The fact is, that Jesus as well as Paul, as well as Timothy, Jude and many others felt the need to let us know that there would be false shepherds, false prophets, false teachers.

Here is a scripture in which Peter is warning us about dealing with the false teachers:

2 Peter 2:1-2

1 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.

Example? The Doctrine of Inclusion, preached and touted now by Carlton Pearson These are but a few warnings in the bible that deal with false teachers and false prophets, etc. I could go on and on. And also, I have given you portions only out of the New Testament.

So what do we do about the accountability issue?

People will do as they please. We are each born with free will and we can live our lives in any way we choose. But teachers of the Gospel are given a very unique gift and a special responsibility.

This gift and responsibility does however come with a price. Those that are put in charge of preaching the Gospel are going to give an account to God himself for what they have taught. We who are not teachers or those that are in a position of leadership in the church also have responsibility to those in leadership.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Question about those who have the rule over us:

Are their hearts and their spirits crying out to God on their flock's behalf and are they watching over our souls? I know that there are many shepherds that do care for their flock (their congregation), but there are many more I believe that are not doing so.

It is sad and it is a shame.

1 Peter 5:1-4

1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

We cannot get around it, the plain truth is that many of the Christian leaders today are not feeding the flock, but are rather being fed by the flock, monetarily that is. Now, please, before I go any further, let me say that it does take money to get the gospel out. I just don't understand when I see multi-million dollar mansions owned by preachers and a very luxurious car or two, (or three perhaps) parked in the driveway. Doesn't make sense to me and actually, it hurts me.

There are now conferences that pastors, evangelists, even church secretaries can attend for a registration fee, and they can learn how to help their ministry make more off of tithes, offerings, etc. How do I know this? Charisma Magazine. I recently picked up a copy of Charisma magazine, was thumbing through it and found the two page advertisement for the conference to which I am referring to.

They (the leaders of the church of Jesus Christ) are to be ensamples, or examples to the flock. I for one have decided that when I witness unbiblical teaching that is being touted as truth when in reality it is against what the Word tells us, I will speak up. I will write about it. I will let all Christian brothers and sisters of mine know about the deception that is rampant, and then they can decide who they will believe.

Who will hold them accountable?
God will.
But until then, I personally am using discernment that God alone can give.