Pilgrim’s Corner

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Faith vs Works (Part 1): The introduction.

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

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

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Faith vs Works (Part 2): For it is written, you are saved by grace through faith, not of works.

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 ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

 

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Faith vs Works (Part 3): Warnings for those who rely on the Law and their deeds for salvation.

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 ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

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Faith vs Works (Part 4): The purpose of good works in the life of the believer.

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 ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

 

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Faith vs Works (Part 5): Conclusion.

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 ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

 

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“The Lord spoke to me.”

Jim from Old Truth had the following great story from Steve Camp. I think it’s a fantastic approach to the “I have a word from the Lord for you” crowd. The very crowd I was associated with for several years in my early Christian walk. (Funny how so many of them had “a word” but so few of them read “the Word”). I wish more people would be this discerning.

A young man stood up in the middle of the auditorium and shouted to me, “Brother Steve, I have a word from the Lord for you.” Taken a bit back by his rudeness, but impressed with his courage, I asked him politely, “OK, what Bible verse did you want to share with me?” He said, “Oh no, this is a word directly from God for you personally.”

Steve Camp said back to him: “I know every verse is penned by the Lord–it is all directly from Him to us. So what Bible verse did you want to share with me?” Becoming more and more frustrated at his inability to ‘woo’ me to his words of “divine revelation,” I finally agreed to let him speak with one condition (and believe me, I was being generous in letting it go this far); I told him, “Everything you say must agree perfectly with God’s final revelation in His Word. If anything you say, no matter how trivial, disagrees with Scripture, then I will have to rebuke you in front of all these people and then we will all have to take you outside and stone you to death!” With those ground rules stated, he thought for a moment and then said these profound words, “Maybe it was a feeling I had?” I said, “Good answer man–now sit down.”

To see the whole post, click here.

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Are you a Monergist or Synergist?

Just some food for thought for today: Are you a Monergist or a Synergist?

Some noteworthy monergists include:
 John MacArthur, RC Sproul, John Piper, D. James Kennedy, Charles Spurgeon, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Martin Luther.

Noteworthy synergists include:
Billy Graham, Joel Osteen, Tim Lahaye, Charles Stanley, Jerry Falwell, John Wesley, Charles Finney, Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, and the Catholic church.

Not sure what a Monergist or a Synergist is? Couldn’t identify them if you met them on the street? Well then, check out the explanation by clicking here.
HT: Old Truth.
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A cup of Starbucks coffee, an epiphany, and a new leaf.

coffebrain.jpg Recently, while enjoying a tall, hazelnut, decaf, non-fat, with-whip latte at Starbucks, I read something that caused an epiphany. On the cup was one of their The Way I See It (#290) quotes. This particular quote was from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich:

“On the battlefield of ideas, winning requires moving toward the sound of the guns.”

It took me no time at all to realize that this is not only my nature, but it’s exactly what this blog exists for. There’s a battle for the hearts and minds of mankind.

There is only one way to Heaven, and not only is that way narrow, (Matthew 7:13-14), but few find it; this in spite of what most popular preachers are telling you (which contributes to their popularity).

This blog runs to those gunshots where the battle rages between what is false and damns a man’s soul to Hell, and what is truth and sets a man free. Whether it’s the deception perpetrated by the cults like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons, or the apostasy of modern social Christianity, DefCon is committed to fighting error with truth.

Now with all that said, I have also decided to turn over a new leaf. I’ve decided to strictly limit my comments on a post once I’ve published that post. I’ve come to this conclusion based on:

1). TIME: I find that I spend countless hours debating with Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholics, Atheists, and even professing Christians (who should know better), while other life-duties and responsibilities become neglected.

2). SUFFICIENCY: Anyone who spends time checking out this blog will see all my views over time as I continue to publish posts. Any arguments, insights, and thoughts that I have, will eventually be addressed over time.

3). ARGUMENTATIVE: I find that, more often than not, these debates turn to arguments. There is nothing productive in that. I can’t convince anyone of their error and lead them to the truth, only the Holy Spirit can do that. So I will continue to post and leave the matter at that.

Now this does not mean that I will never comment on anyone’s comments to my post, just that I will be very selective in my comments. Instead I will rely on the readers of this blog to further the discussions the issues with one another (if you’re all up to that challenge). That will afford me more time to publish new posts, and tend to my responsibilities outside of DefCon.

Thanks to everyone who visits this blog.

Sincerely,

– The Pilgrim

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Dear pastor, preacher, teacher, evangelist:

You are receiving this because someone cares about you and those sitting under your teaching. Apparently the gospel that you are presenting is one that can be best summed up as a social, ear-tickling gospel that will only produce false converts. Please examine what you are teaching in contrast to the Scriptures. Don’t turn a deaf ear to this plea. You are accountable to the souls that sit under your instruction.

Start with number 1.

1). A SIMPLE TEST

If you remain unmoved, go to #2.

2). AN URGENT PLEA

If you remain unmoved, go to #3.

3). AN OPEN REBUKE

If you remain unmoved, may God have mercy on your soul.

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John MacArthur: Ashamed of the Gospel or The Truth War?

I recently finished A.W. Tozer’s Pursuit of God and am starting John Piper’s The Passion of Jesus Christ (Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came To Die). I am already scheming about which book to sink my teeth into after Piper’s, and am seeking your help.

Pilgrim Radio has been reading John MacArthur’s The Truth War on their weekend edition of Reader’s Choice and what I’ve heard so far has been really intriguing.

So I am asking you guys for your input. If you have read either The Truth War or his earlier Ashamed of the Gospel, I’d like to hear from you. I am interested in reading both and I’d like to hear some reviews from you guys. 

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Why I comment on happenings in the Church but rarely on happenings in the world.

Readers of this blog know that I rarely ever comment on the acts performed and the sins committed by those of the world. Many believers rail against such concerns as gay pride parades, the absence of prayer in public schools, violent video games, etc. However, I choose to steer away from that for one simple reason: It’s the same reason that I don’t blog about fleas and mosquitoes biting people . . . because it’s their nature! In the same way, what’s the point of blogging about and lamenting over what sin the world has committed today? To commit sin is what the worldly do, it’s in their nature. They are the unregenerate so why blog about fish that swim, birds that fly, or the world that sins?

In contrast, I do blog about issues when the Church acts like the world. I do blog about false doctrine being taught from pulpits, lukewarm lifestyles, heretical doctrines of demons being spread by the cults and professing Christians, and so on. We are to be watchman to warn others of the dangers of the wolves that are surrounding the flock. Sadly too many pastors today who are supposed to be the protecting shepherds are preoccupied with filling seats and being popular than they are with keeping the wolves out and preaching sound doctrine. So now, many believers have taken this role upon themselves and are sounding the alarm to warn others

The Church is supposed to be separate from the world, not conformed to this world, and certainly not to be friends with it. Those who violate this do not have the love of the Father in them and they are enemies of God. Not my words, but Thy words!

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Relevance: What a wicked mistress.

Someone e-mailed me the pictures below and it got me thinking about how the world’s standard of what’s in and popular constantly changes. I then reflected on the modern church and its incessant efforts to be cool, hip, and relevant by stooping to the world’s standards to attract people.

As the modern church does everything possible to be cool, hip, and relevant, I thought I’d pose a question: What happens tomorrow when what was cool, hip, and relevant becomes uncool, unpopular, and out of style? What then?

See, God is always relevant. He never goes out of style and doesn’t need man to dream up new schemes to attract people to church.

When you use the world and its gimmicks to make God relevant, you will always have to come up with new gimmicks because what the world says is popular and relevant today will inevitably change tomorrow. When you let the world dictate how the Church should operate, the glory will depart.

To illustrate my point, check out the pictures below from a 1977 JCPenny catalog, and behold for yourself what a wicked mistress “Relevance” can be.

Enjoy your stroll down memory lane:

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Distractions, distractions, distractions.

hell.jpg There are so many causes (distractions) that the Church is involved in today, that we’ve lost sight of our primary calling to the world. I’ve listed below three causes that many in the Church are wrapped up in, and are all distractions. (Please read the entire post before forming an opinion and commenting).

THE DISTRACTIONS:

1).The environment: As you can see from this previous post, the young professing Christians in the video are very concerned about the environment, but something is missing. Something very important.
2). The Poor: A highly commendable cause to be involved in is ending world hunger. Many professing Christians are involved in such secular campaigns as One.org and other anti-hunger organizations.
3). AIDS: Yet another commendable endeavor is fighting the spread of AIDS. Rick Warren heads up a huge conference on AIDS each year in an effort to end this disease.

THE REALITY:

I am a conservationist; I turn off lights when I leave a room, I don’t leave water running, I even reuse napkins when applicable. There’s nothing inherently wrong with being a conservationist or caring for God’s creation. However, when we put an unbalanced overemphasis on saving the environment, inevitably our primary responsibilities become neglected.

We should also be concerned for those in the world who suffer from poverty and AIDS (many times they go hand in hand). Jesus took pity on and had compassion for those who suffered. Likewise as Christians we should do the same (although many times we’re more concerned with keeping up with our neighbors than caring for our neighbors).

Where I differ from many of these idealists is here: In so many instances the Christians championing these causes have lost sight of the most important aspect of our dual purpose here on earth: To glorify God and to preach the Gospel. Jesus commanded us to make disciples, not save the environment, end world hunger, or fight AIDS.

Anyone who disagrees with that either has no concept of Hell or has chosen to dismiss the reality of Hell. Why do I say this? Because those who grasp the reality of Heaven and Hell understand that this life is temporal and the next life is eternal. There will be many in Hell who would have rather died of hunger or of infection knowing Jesus Christ, than to have been preserved on this planet a little while longer (only to die later like everyone else), and spend an eternity in Hell because they died without Christ.

Regarding the planet, the Bible tells us that in the end times there will be cataclysmic happenings in the environment. It’s going to happen no matter how many things you do–or don’t do–to preserve the environment. Those who worry about this need to spend some valuable time away from the recycling centers and in the study of the Scriptures. An honest review of the Scriptures will reveal to you that God is still in control and will continue to be in control. He is not wringing His hands wondering what to do because he didn’t foresee problems in the environment. The environment should never be the primary focus of the Christian. Leave the earth worship to the pagans, Wiccans, and New Agers. As a Christian your hope is not in this earth, but in the life to come, and your mission is to spread the Gospel.

Regarding poverty, Jesus told us that we will always have the poor with us (Mark 14:7) and there will be famines (Matthew 24:7). This is a sobering reminder that no matter how much effort we exert in ending world hunger, it will never cease to exist.

If you really want to know how to make a dent in world hunger you must consider this: The majority of the causes of poverty in the world is corrupt government. If we change the hearts of the people with the Gospel, we change the governments. If we change the governments, we do great things in the cause of world hunger. However, any true student of the Bible knows that as the end draws nigh, things will only get worse. With that said, we should still do what we can for the poor, but like the environment, this should not be our primary focus. Our main concern should not be their physical needs, but their spiritual needs.

Regarding AIDS, remember that Jesus told us there will be pestilences (Luke 24:11). It’s not like diseases, and especially AIDS, has taken God by surprise. Theses are things that will take place no matter what we try to do to stem them. Again, where is our focus? If it’s first and foremost to share the Gospel with the sick and dying, then we’re fulfilling the Great Commission. If it’s anything else first and foremost, then we’re feeding our own desires to feel good about ourselves for doing something which just so happens to be the acceptable and politically correct thing to do.

AIDS is primarily a behavioral disease. Again, change the hearts of man with the Gospel (not a government or social program) and you impact the AIDS epidemic considerably. But, will this happen? No, because mankind is fallen and corrupt and we will always sin and there will always be consequences for that sin.

Thus my point of this post: We’re spinning our wheels trying to fix heart problems with social programs that we already know (by God’s Word) will not work.

In every cause that we take up, it’s rather easy to determine what it is that is driving us. First, ask yourself, “What is my primary purpose? Is it the social cause or the Gospel of Jesus Christ? ” Don’t simply pay lip service to this, genuinely ask yourself this. Then review whether or not your actions reflect what you believe.

Secondly, do you compromise the Gospel or your faith in any degree for these causes? When Compassion International, for example, sends out their packets and the majority of their work is presented as making life more comfortable for people rather than the sharing of the Gospel, I have concern. When they team up with Rick Warren for his AIDS summit, I have REAL concern. By doing this, Compassion International has just compromised the true Gospel and aligned itself with the social gospel which does not save.

At last year’s conference, Rick Warren invited pro-homosexual, pro-abortion presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama to speak. Now before you get in a tizzy because you’re happy with what the AIDS summit accomplished on the surface, I recommend you check out this podcast from the show Cross Talk in which reporters who attended the conference revealed what really took place there in comparison to Biblical Christianity. You can also watch the video below of Rick Warren justifying his philosophy on compromise.

And finally, for those who say something like, “We need to set our differences aside and come together for such worthy causes,” you have already shown that your priority is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ and you’ve already compromised the very faith you claim to represent.

If you truly believed the doctrine of Hell and the wrath of God that will befall those who die without Christ, then you would be compelled to make sharing that Gospel your first and highest priority.