Our woes began when God was forced out of His central shrine and “things” were allowed to enter. Within the human heart “things” have taken over. Men have now by nature no peace within their hearts, for God is crowned there no longer, but there in the moral dusk stubborn and aggressive usurpers fight among themselves for first place on the throne.
– A.W. Tozer
1897 – 1963
Contemporary Christian Music recording artist Amy Grant is receiving her star on Hollywood’s walk of fame in this clip. But not all is at it seems. Amy Grant utters something that may come as a shock to some (hopefully many).
Skip ahead to 8:00 minutes and begin listening from there. Her comment hits at exactly 8 minutes and 21 seconds. And what’s equally disappointing is the reaction of the crowd.
Amy, did you not care about the children that were in attendance? Did you not care about the influence of your behavior and immodest dress on those who look up to you? Did you not care about the example you set for the Savior that you claim to represent?
Language Warning
Bad doctrine is tolerable; a long sermon most certainly is not. The timing of the benediction is of far more concern to the average churchgoer than the content of the sermon. Sunday dinner and the feeding of our mouths takes precedence over Sunday school and the nourishment of our souls . Long-windeness has become a greater sin than heresy.
– John MacArthur
I was discouraged by the poor response–especially from churches and pastors. Many times it seemed as if my presence threatened them. Where, I wondered, was the fraternal fellowship of working together in the extension of the kingdom? Many days I called on people for hours to get only one or two new sponsors. Pastors and mission committees listened to me and promised to call back, but I never heard from them again. It always seemed as though I was competing against the building fund, new carpets for the fellowship hall or next Sunday night’s Jesus rock concert.
– K.P. Yohannan
A school teacher is punished for showing this video to his students.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
World Net Daily is reporting in this article that the city hall in Bloomington, Indiana has kicked the Ten Commandments to the curb but Buddha is welcome.
Everywhere there is apathy. Nobody cares whether that which is preached is true or false. A sermon is a sermon whatever the subject; only, the shorter it is the better.
– Charles Spurgeon
1834 – 1892
The Symphony of Scripture blog has a post on Mother Teresa that asks, “Was she a lost soul?” Read the whole article by clicking here (PDF).
Here’s two quotes from Mother Teresa that I found to be very telling:
“There are so many religions and each one has its different ways of following God.”
“There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God. I’ve always said we should help a Hinu become a better Hinud, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic.”
The heart is more deceitful than all else and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9
Time to put on your Discernment Caps (similar to Thinking Caps). Can you spot any heresy in the five minute video of Herchurch of San Franciso, California?
For those whose discernment is rusty, I recommend starting with their “goddess rosary” and this poem/song from their website:
We Praise Our God of Many Names
Tune: Tallis’ Canon
Text: Jann Aldredge-Clanton (Adapted)
We praise our God of many names;
Our Great Creatress we proclaim;
Our Mother, Goddess, Friend and Guide
Walks with us always by our side.
The Living Water in us flows,
The Bread of Life helps us to grow;
The Christ-Sophia will abide
Where minds and hearts are open wide.
Our Sister Brother Spirit calls
With words of peace to break the walls;
The Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
Will fill us with abundant Love.
In one of my previous posts we saw how Baptist Minister turned politician Mike Huckabee capitulated when it came to a serious and important issue (maybe not in the eyes of politics but eternally serious for the millions of those trapped in the maze of Mormonism). Well, now I understand why Huckabee back-peddled from the issue. Apparently Mr. Huckabee is cavorting with ilk like Rick Warren, and we all know how Mr. Warren is when it comes to defending the faith. Check out Warren’s comments found on Huckabee’s website by clicking here.
Is 1.3 million dollars too much? Not according to one South Florida church. Check out the ABC news video and article by clicking here.
If God were not just, there would be no demand for His Son to suffer and die. And if God were not loving, there would be no willingness for His Son to suffer and die. But God is both just and loving. Therefore His love is willing to meet the demands of His justice.
– John Piper
The young boy in this picture (age 14) is dead.
And who is to blame? None other than the Watchtower Bible and Tract Association, also known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Read the ABC news article here.
This is one of the reasons why reaching the cults is so vitally important. And yet there will still be people (even professing Christians) who will say that you’re not loving if you challenge false teachers and their false doctrines. They’ll even say such ridiculous and Biblically ignorant things like, “Jesus would never challenge their faith.“
If you listen carefully when they say these things you can hear the hiss from their forked tongues.
Also see another senseless death of a mother who refused a blood transfusion after giving birth.
As stated before, DefCon is not interested in delving into the political realm unless the topic is of value to the readers of this blog. This happens to be one of those occasions.
Ordained Southern Baptist minister turned politician (that’s where it all goes wrong) and current presidential candidate Mike Huckabee asked a very good question of Mitt Romney’s faith: “Don’t Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?” (Click here to read more about it, including the LDS spin).
Now this is a great question, but unfortunately–since Huckabee is now a politician–he caved under pressure and apologized. For what? For daring to ask a serious question about one of Mormonism’s many heretical and blasphemous false doctrines. (Read more about Huckabee’s capitulation by clicking here).
I found it interesting that in both articles linked above, the following quote can be found:
“The authoritative Encyclopedia of Mormonism, published in 1992, does not refer to Jesus and Satan as brothers. It speaks of Jesus as the son of God and of Satan as a fallen angel, which is a Biblical account.”
Well of course! Mormonism constantly changes, shuffles, obscures, and hides their true doctrines, and have been doing so for years. So as a public service to the readers of this blog–and those reporters of these articles that apparently don’t know much about Mormonism–I thought I’d share with you some quotes from Mormonism that may clear up the confusion.
The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God.He was called Lucifer, son of the morning.Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this spirit-filled brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of Mankind. Milton R. Hunter, The Gospel Through The Ages, 1945 Edition, Page 15.
Two of our brothers offered to help.Our oldest brother, Jesus Christ . . . said, “Here am I send me” . . . Satan, who was called Lucifer, also came, saying, “Behold, here am I, send me . . .”After hearing both sons speak, Heavenly Father said, “I will send the first” (Abraham 3:27). Gospel Principles, 1997 Edition, Pages 17-18.
“Who will redeem the earth, who will go forth and make the sacrifice for the earth and all things it contains?” The eldest son said: “Here am I;” but he did not say “send me.” But the second one, which was “Lucifer, son of the morning,” said, “Lord, here am I, send me, I will redeem every son and daughter of Adam and Eve that lives on the earth, or that ever goes on the earth.” “But,” says the Father, “that will not answer at all. I give each and every individual his agency; all must use that in order to gain exaltation in my kingdom; inasmuch as they have the power of choice they must exercise that power. Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 13, Page 282.
Faith vs Works (Part 1): The introduction.
I’m in a rather unique position with this blog. I get hit from both sides of the Faith vs Works debate. On the one side are the Catholics, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses who claim that faith itself is insufficient without man working for his salvation (funny how these three groups tend to have so much in common). On the other side are the cheap-grace, easy-believism, lukewarm crowd who love to label me judgmental and a legalist when I say that there is not only a Biblical mandate for the law, holiness, and good works, but that these will be evident in the life of a true Believer.
Scripture is crystal clear on this issue, that we are indeed saved by faith apart from works and the law. This is commonly known as “alone.” To deny Scripture’s clear teaching on Sola Fide takes an unwillingness to part from former presuppositions and religious indoctrination.
With that said, I thought I’d cite numerous texts that deal directly with our salvation being through faith alone (Part 2); what the Bible says about those who rely on the law and their good works for salvation (Part 3); what place the Law and “good works” play in our faith (Part 4); and my conclusion (Part 5).
I am not posting this five-part series in an attempt to win any arguments or even to create more (although some will be inclined to do so). I will let the Scriptures speak for themselves with minimal commentary on my part. If you have reservations about their context, I encourage you to research each one for yourselves.
If I can win 1,000 arguments but not change one mind, heart, and soul, I have done nothing. I am hoping that with the following posts I can put to rest the issue some may be struggling with when it comes to Faith vs Works. Thank you for your faithful readership and as always, your comments are welcome.
(All scriptures are quoted from the New American Standard Bible).
PART ONE
Faith vs Works (Part 2): For it is written, you are saved by grace through faith, not of works.
While every religion and cult on the planet teaches a works-based salvation (with assurance of salvation for none), Christianity is the only belief that is faith-based, trusting God at His Word when He says that we are saved by grace through faith, not of works. Praise God for His mercy, grace, and loving kindness.
Let us now turn to the Scriptures, for it is written:
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ . . . (Romans 5:1)
. . . a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But The Righteous Man Shall Live By Faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being made justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7)
Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24)
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through Faith. (Romans 3:21-25)
For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. (Romans 3:28)
. . . for “Whoever Will Call Upon The Name Of The Lord Will Be Saved.” (Romans 10:13).
But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Romans 4:5)
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:4)
So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law or by hearing with faith? Even so, Abraham Believed God And It Was Reckoned To Him As Righteousness. (Galatians 3:5-6)
The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham . . . (Galatians 3:8)
. . . not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith . . . (Philippians 3:9)
Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if the law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. (Galatians 3:21)
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound . . . (Romans 7:6)
Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for “The Righteous Man Shall Live By Faith.” (Galatians 3:11)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. – Jesus Christ (John 3:16)
PART TWO
Faith vs Works (Part 3): Warnings for those who rely on the Law and their deeds for salvation.
As we saw in part two of this four-part series, the Scriptures teach that we are saved by grace through faith . . . apart from deeds or works of the Law! There is nothing we can add to that miracle of salvation that God alone hasn’t already provided for all those who trust in Him. Our sin was already paid for and nailed to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14) Christ did not say from the cross that it had just begun, He declared from that cross that “It is finished!” (John 19:30)
But what about those who ignore the clear doctrine of justification by faith and think a gift is actually something you earn? What about those who choose to hold to their view that they have something of value and worth to offer God that His Son did not or could not pay for? What about those who put their eternal destiny in their own hands, believing that they can accomplish by deeds and the Law what the Scriptures say they cannot?
I fear for those who think they could possibly add to the greatest sacrifice ever offered because the Bible has warnings for those who still put their faith in the Law and strive to be justified by it. Take heed, for it is written:
You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. (Galatians 5:4)
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. (Galatians 2:21)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us . . . (Galatians 3:13)
But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24)
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. (James 2:10)
For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the law but under grace. (Romans 6:14)
For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment. (Isaiah 64:6)
Those who believe that it’s works that saves them or even faith and works that saves them are relying on the very thing that God said cannot and will not save you. Furthermore, you are rejecting the sacrifice of Jesus by virtue of your belief that the shedding of God’s own blood (Acts 20:28) was an insufficient payment for sin, necessitating that you need to add something to it by good deeds or observance of the Law.
Where people get tripped up is in the book of James. James only leaves us two options: either he contradicts the rest of Scripture (and if so, then the entire Bible cannot be trusted), or James is making the point that works will always follow a true and living faith whereas the absence of works will always follow a false and dead faith. In context—reading the entire letter of James—one can see that his purpose was to differentiate between true and false professors of the Faith.
The “fruit” we produce isn’t good until after we become regenerated (born again) believers in Christ, not before. And those “fruits” don’t contribute to our salvation, they are a product of our salvation.
Therefore my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4
Let me ask a question of those who still rely on themselves for their own salvation. What exactly are the good works in your life that you think (by themselves or along with faith) are good enough for God? There is no one who does good, not even one! (Psalm 53:3) and what you consider to be good works are nothing but filthy garments (Isaiah 64:6). It’s not a matter of what we think is a fine and acceptable sacrifice, it’s what the one receiving this offering considers acceptable. Remember, Cain believed that what he brought before God was good in His sight. Sadly many today ignore what Scripture says is required and they replace it with what they think He requires.
Those who choose to focus on a few verses of James at the exclusion of the complete text of that letter and the entirety of the Bible, fail to realize that each sentence of the Scriptures needs to be translated in light of each paragraph. And each paragraph in light of each chapter. And each chapter in light of each book. And each book in light of the collection of the 66 books of the Bible. To ignore all the clear teachings that the Law and good works saves NO ONE is irresponsible at best, and self-deceptive at worst.
You have been warned that those who rely on the Law for justification have fallen from grace and are severed from Christ! (Galatians 5:4). The Law produces a curse, and Christ paid for that, having become a curse for us. (Galatians 3:13). If you choose to trust in that Law for salvation, whether solely or partly, you have put the curse of the Law upon yourself and you better have never stumbled in just one area or you’re guilty of all the Law (James 2:10). Those are frightening words.
PART THREE
Faith vs Works (Part 4): The purpose of good works in the life of the believer.
As we saw in part three of this five-part series, the Law cannot save anyone. If you rely on keeping the whole Law but stumble in one area, you are guilty of it all. And the “good works” that we offer God thinking that it appeases Him (like pagans who offer fruits to an idol) are called “filthy garments.” So now we come to the question “what role does the Law and good works play in the life of the Believer?” Does this mean that we have completely done away with the Law, that our faith in Christ gives us license to sin? Certainly not!
. . . because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)
Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)
This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. (Titus 3:8)
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. – Jesus Christ (John 14:15)
Why do you call Me. “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? – Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46)
If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth . . . (1 John 1:6)
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. ( 1 John 3:18)
But prove yourself doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (James 1:22)
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:27)
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (James 2:17)
But someone may well say, You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the alter? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham Believed God, And It Was Reckoned To Him As Righteousness,” and he was a friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:18-24)
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)
For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! (Romans 6:14-15)
. . . If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. – Jesus Christ (John 8:31-32)
He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me . . . – Jesus Christ (John 14:21)
By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him . . . (1 John 2:3-4)
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. – Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:19)
James made sure that those who claim to have a faith in Christ will also have fruits of that faith evidenced by their lifestyles and deeds (the letter of 1 John also makes this point rather soundly and I strongly encourage you to read it). The Christianity so many people practice today in Churches all across America can be summed up in this couplet of circular reasoning: I go to church because I’m a Christian. I’m a Christian because I go to church.
Works will be the clear evidence of our faith. Where there is no works that faith is a dead faith. Many today consider church attendance their proof of faith. Their lives remain unchanged, their hearts remain dark, and their sin remains unrepented of, but they hold onto a hope that sometime long ago they said a prayer. Jesus will tell those who claim to be His, but lived their own way, “I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” As Paul Washer says, Jesus is essentially saying here, depart from Me all of you who claim to be My disciples but lived as though I never gave you a law to obey.
God’s grace is not to be trampled under your feet. The price He paid to redeem us was priceless. It was God’s own blood (Acts 20:28).
For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26-27)
True Believers follow the Law and produce good works because of their obedience to the Savior whom they love. To proclaim in your erroneous understanding that “salvation is by grace through faith” which means that we can “live as thou wilt,” is not only wrong, but it will lead you to Hell.
PART FOUR
Faith vs Works (Part 5): Conclusion.
Those who still believe salvation comes by works and observance of the Law, I have a final question. Based on your belief that it’s the good works you add to your faith that makes you justified, what good works did the thief on the cross perform? What about the man who genuinely puts trust in Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior (faith) for the first time in his life, only to be struck and killed by a bus before he has the opportunity to be baptized, take communion, go to church, partake of the sacraments, perform any good deeds (or whatever else you require of a man for salvation)? Where does that man stand before the very God that he just put his trust in?
If you say that there are exceptions to the rule, then that would mean that God is not just and He’d be a respecter of man—giving one man exceptions to rules, laws, and ordinances that He’d hold another man to.
In the Scriptures a question is posed to Paul and Silas in relation to what a man must do to gain eternal life. The jailer asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
What do you think Paul and Silas said? Observe the law? Do good? Get baptized? Partake of the sacraments? No! They answered him with the simplicity that is found in salvation, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)
God offers you salvation as a free gift (Ephesians2:8-9). How do you earn a gift? If you could earn a gift, then it would make that gift a wage, and thus, it would no longer be a gift; negating the very essence and definition of what a gift is. Those who continue to hold to the belief that we are saved by works, and continue in vain to add to a sacrifice that they can never add to, you must understand that you are putting faith in your own works which can never save you. You have severed yourself from Christ and have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). Please let these words echo in your ears now–leading to repentance–rather than ringing in your ears in Hell when it’s too late.
PART FIVE
Christ Alone Wyoming 