Unity at all costs?

Most Christians today want unity of believers. What is the criteria to being a believer? I have heard many times that the criteria of being a believer is "the cross." By this they mean they believe that Jesus was on a cross. They believe this and are thus believers, that is, Christians.

Is this true?

Can one imagine Peter calling Simon the Magician brother? See Acts 8:14-24

Can one imagine Polycarp calling Marcion brother?

• But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna, whom I also saw in my early youth, for he tarried [on earth] a very long time, and, when a very old man, gloriously and most nobly suffering martyrdom, departed this life, having always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time, a man who was of much greater weight, and a more stedfast witness of truth, than Valentinus, and Marcion, and the rest of the heretics. He it was who, coming to Rome in the time of Anicetus caused many to turn away from the aforesaid heretics to the Church of God, proclaiming that he had received this one and sole truth from the apostles, that, namely, which is handed down by the Church. There are also those who heard from him that John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe at Ephesus, and perceiving Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bath-house without bathing, exclaiming, "Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within." And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, "Dost thou know me? "I do know thee, the first-born of Satan." Such was the horror which the apostles and their disciples had against holding even verbal communication with any corrupters of the truth; as Paul also says, "A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." There is also a very powerful Epistle of Polycarp written to the Philippians, from which those who choose to do so, and are anxious about their salvation, can learn the character of his faith, and the preaching of the truth. Then, again, the Church in Ephesus, founded by Paul, and having John remaining among them permanently until the times of Trajan, is a true witness of the tradition of the apostles. Source

The Bible, specifically the New Testament, is the truth for the church. Let us read and study that. Further here

Are there prophets today?

Prophets

Today there are many prophets and prophetesses. How do we respond to this?

What is a prophet?

A1 Old Testament

• B1 God gave a message to the prophet/prophetess. This message might be to repent, what to do, what not to do, guidance for someone seeking God's wisdom, a message about the future, or of judgment.


• B2 In our passage here, God gives a message to Ezekiel to tell the leaders of Israel of judgment because of their sins.


• B3 They are confirmed by encouraging the worship of Yahweh only and their words come true (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

A2 New Testament

• B1 The same as the Old Testament except there were apostles to certify that they are true.


• B2 No prophets are mentioned after the last apostle--John.


• B3 The prophets in the New Testament era and dispensation are Agabus and the daughters of Philip.


• B4 The so-called prophets of today are either self certified or confirmed by apostles who are self certified.


• B5 The Bible is the only source of 100% truth and has all that we need.

Some other sources: here and here.

Letter to a friend about The Silence

Greetings

Lighthouse Trails Research is the main source today examining and refuting contemplative prayer, spiritual formation, and mystical rituals. Others are David Cloud, WorldViewWeekend, Roger Oakland, even Calvinists, and many others.

Stan is a promoter of The Silence. Sending information to him will do little good. Still we must be faithful to warn of error.

Teaching The Silence is teaching rebellion against God. God requires an active mind, not a passive mind. In the silence you must do a discipline to reach the silence. The mind must be cleared of our thinking and thoughts. Many in eastern mysticism use Om or “m” sounding words as “I am, etc. Some use Jesus or some other word and repeat it until the silence is achieved. Others teach to concentrate on breathing by listening and controlling the rate of breathing. Listening to the breath go in and go out. Whatever method is used it will result in a mindless state.

Once the mindless state, The Silence, is achieved, then the practitioner is to listen for God’s word, voice, message, presence, etc. It is very real. I have challenged people on how they know this is God’s voice, words, message, etc. They always quote, “My sheep hear my voice. (John 10:27). This doesn’t mean that we have discernment or some voice that guarantees knowing God’s will. It refers to the Gospel. Nevertheless, I challenge, “How do you know this is God speaking? Is it possible that you are wrong? Sometimes they do admit that they can be deceived. Usually they are convinced that they cannot.

Many use passages as Psalm 62:1

• "TRULY my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.” (Psalms 62:1, NKJV)


• "For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.” (Psalms 62:1, ESV2011)


• "I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” (Psalms 62:1, HCSB)

Practitioners of The Silence love this and then misinterpret it. David is saying that he is going to wait and not jump to his solution, but practitioners and promoters interpret it that we are to go into The Silence and listen to God. They use that verse and their faulty misinterpretation to bully others into their heresy.

Lighthouse Trails Research has 175 pages of articles (some seem to be a duplicate) on The Silence. Many more (including links to books, pamphlets, and articles are here.

“In a section of So You Want to Be Like Christ called “Ministry of Silence” (p. 64), Swindoll quotes Henri Nouwen, a Catholic priest who had strong affinity and experience with mysticism. Swindoll quotes Nouwen from his book The Way of the Heart, Nouwen’s primer on contemplative prayer. Swindoll wraps up that section by saying, “I do not believe anyone can ever become a deep person without stillness and silence” (p. 65). Lest you think that Swindoll is referring to going to a quiet place (like sitting beside a stream or turning off the television) when he says silence, he differentiates solitude (outer quietness) and silence (stilling the mind) in his book. He admits that silence is referring to an inner silence of the mind. All contemplatives (and New Age meditators for that matter) know that stilling the mind or putting it in neutral can only be done with some form of mantric-like meditation, breath prayers, or focusing on something to eliminate thought and distractions, thus going into the silence.” [emp—editor]. Link

Teaching others to do the discipline of The Silence is teaching rebellion against the Lord. Jeremiah 28:16.

We are to keep alert, be alert, be aware, not in The Silence.

• "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; " (1 Peter 1:13, NKJV)


• "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7, NKJV)


• "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV)


• "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; " (Colossians 4:2, NKJV)


• "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints– " (Ephesians 6:18, NKJV)


• "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NKJV)


• “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is." (Mark 13:33, NKJV)

The words watch and be sober are different Greek, as you know.

1. Thayer writes, “ἀγρυπνέω, (ῶ; (ἄγρυπνος eqluiv. to ἄϋπνος); to be sleepless, keep awake, watch (equivalent to γρηγορέω (see below)); (from Theognis down); tropically, to be circumspect, attentive, ready: Mark 13:33; Luke 21:36; εἰς τί, to be intent upon a thing, Ephesians 6:18; ὑπέρ τίνος, to exercise constant vigilance over something (an image drawn from shepherds), Hebrews 13:17. (Synonyms: ἀγρύπνειν, γρηγορεῖν, νήφειν: "ἀγρύπνειν may be taken to express simply ... absence of sleep, and, pointedly, the absence of it when due to nature, and thence a wakeful frame of mind as opposed to listlessness; while γρηγορεῖν (the offspring of ἐγρήγορα) represents a waking state as the effect of some arousing effort ... i. e. a more stirring image than the former. The group of synonyms is completed by νήφειν, which signifies a state untouched by any slumberous or beclouding influences, and thence, one that is guarded against advances of drowsiness or bewilderment. Thus it becomes a term for wariness (cf. νᾶφε καί μέμνασ' ἀπίστειν) against spiritual dangers and beguilements, 1 Peter 5:8, etc." Green, Critical Notes on the N. T. (note on Mark 13:33f).)”


2. γρηγορέω, γρηγόρω; 1 aorist ἐγρηγόρησα; (from ἐγρήγορα, to have been roused from sleep, to be awake, perfect of ἐγείρω; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 118f; Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. ii., p. 158; (Winers Grammar, 26 (25); 92 (88))); to watch;
   
   
   
   • Properly: Matthew 24:43; Matthew 26:38, 40; Mark 13:34; Mark 14:34, 37; Luke 12:37, 39 R G L Tr text WH text As to sleep is often equivalent to to die, so once, 1 Thessalonians 5:10, γρηγορέω means to live, be alive on earth.
   
   
   • Metaphorically, to watch i. e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active: — to take heed lest through remissness and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one, Matthew 24:42; Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:35,(37); Revelation 16:15; or lest one be led to forsake Christ, Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; or lest one fall into sin, 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 3:2f; or be corrupted by errors, Acts 20:31; ἐν τίνι, to be watchful in, employ the most punctilious care in a thing: Colossians 4:2. (the Sept.; (Baruch 2:9; 1 Macc. 12:27; Aristotle, plant. 1, 2, p. 816b, 29, 37); Josephus, Antiquities 11, 3, 4; Achilles Tatius; others) (Synonym: see ἀγρυπνέω. Compare: διαγρηγορέω.)
   
   
   
   


3. νήφω; 1 aorist imperative 2 person plural νήψατε; from Theognis, Sophocles, Xenophon down; to be sober; in the N. T. everywhere tropically, to be calm and collected in spirit; to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect: 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 5:8; εἰς τάς προσευχάς, unto (the offering of) prayer, 1 Peter 4:7. (Synonym: see ἀγρυπνέω; and on the word see Ellicott on Timothy, the passage cited Compare: ἀνανήφω, ἐκνήφω.)

The Silence is passive. We are taught by the Apostles writing under inspiration to be alert. We do not get drunk or use drugs recreationally because they cloud the judgment. The devil would like better than for us to be NOT alert and thus deceive us. These words, voice, and/or Jesus will be real and will supplant the authority of Scripture. Been there; done that.

Len

Discernment

Discernment



This is a picture of the office standard for a meter.

If I have an object in my hand and want to know its length, I need to discern. In order to discern there must be a standard. The official standard is above.

A Christian must also have a standard in order for us to have discernment. Here is an article from Arminian Today on this topic. May we today and every use discernment according to the standard of the Bible.

"Needed: Biblical Discernment

Proverbs 2:3-5 (NKJV) reads:

3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.

Fortification Against Apostasy

 

Fellowship: Fortification against Apostasy

 

 

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Warning against apostasy in our day seems to be akin to alerting Christians to the potential coming of a flood when they are already up to their knees in incoming tidewater. Sadly, for many, not even floating objects (i.e., the very obvious corruptions of Scripture) seem to get their attention. Nevertheless, we keep hoping and praying that the message will reach those who have eyes to see and ears to hear what the Word of God clearly foretells. For those who do acknowledge things happening as the Bible describes, it can be a bittersweet experience. The unhappy part is the recognition of the overwhelming, destructive consequences of the apostasy that is taking place in the world, in the church, and among our friends and loved ones who have succumbed to the increasing deceptions and seductions. Yet, on the other hand, we can rejoice that the Bible is confirming its miraculous prophetic nature, as it is in truth the Word of God! Furthermore, the fact that such events, long ago foretold, are taking place indicates that our blessed hope, the return of our wonderful Savior for His saints, is drawing closer, although no man knows the day and the hour.

From the Berean Call September newsletter.

Messianic Prophecies and Fulfillment

If you need a list of Messianic Prophecies and their fulfillment. This is the best I've found. The site is shalach.org. Messianic Prophecies link





 

Messianic Prophecies

Separated By Bible Book

Page 1

 

Genesis Prophecies	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah would be born of the "seed" of a woman.	Genesis 3:15a	Luke 1:34-35
The Messiah would successfully defeat Satan.	Genesis 3:15b	1 John 3:8
The Messiah would suffer when redeeming man to God.	Genesis 3:15c	1 Peter 3:18
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Seth.	Genesis 4:25	Luke 3:23-38
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Shem.	Genesis 9:26	Luke 3:23-36
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Abraham.	Genesis 12:3	Matthew 1:1
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Isaac.	Genesis 17:19	Luke 3:23-34
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Abraham.	Genesis 18:17-18a	Matthew 1:1
The Messiah would be the redeemer for all nations.	Genesis 18:17-18b	Acts 3:24-26
The Messiah would come form the lineage of Isaac.	Genesis 21:12	Luke 3:23-34
The Messiah would be God's "Sacrificial Lamb".	Genesis 22:8	John 1:29 Romans 8:3-4 1 Corinthians 5:7
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Abraham.	Genesis 22:18a	Galatians 3:16
The Messiah would be the redeemer for all nations.	Genesis 22:18b	Galatians 3:14
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Isaac.	Genesis 26:4	Luke 3:23-34
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Jacob.	Genesis 28:14a	Luke 3:23-34
The Messiah would be the redeemer for all nations.	Genesis 28:14b	Galatians 3:26-29
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Judah.	Genesis 49:10a	Luke 3:23-33
The Messiah would gather all people before Him.	Genesis 49:10b	Luke 12:1 Mark 1:45
The Messiah would be the "vine" of all living.	Genesis 49:11	John 15:1-5
Exodus Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah's bones would not be broken during crucifixion.	Exodus 12:46	John 19:32-33
Numbers Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah's bones would not be broken during crucifixion.	Numbers 9:12	John 19:32-33
The Messiah would be God's "Star."	Numbers 24:17	Revelation 22:16
Deuteronomy Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah would be a Prophet as man.	Deut. 18:15	Matthew 21:11
The Messiah would be a Prophet as man.	Deut. 18:18a	Matthew 21:11
The Messiah would speak God's "Will and Word."	Deut. 18:18b	John 12:49
The Messiah would become a curse for the redemption of man.	Deut. 21:23	Galatians 3:13
The Messiah would be worshiped by Angels and men at His birth.	Deut. 32:43	Luke 2:13-14
Ruth Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Boaz & Ruth.	Ruth 4:12-17	Luke 3:23-32
1st. Samuel Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah would be exalted by God with power and glory.	1 Samuel 2:10	Matthew 28:18 1 Peter 3:22
2nd. Samuel Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah would come from the lineage of David.	2 Samuel 7:12-13	Matthew 1:1
The Messiah would be the Son of God.	2 Samuel 7:13-14	Matthew 3:16-17
The Messiah would come from the lineage of David.	2 Samuel 7:16	Matthew 1:1
The Messiah would come for all people.	2 Samuel 22:50	Romans 15:8-9
The Messiah would be the "Spiritual Rock."	2 Samuel 23:2-4a	1 Corinthians 10:4
The Messiah would be like the "Light of the Morning."	2 Samuel 23:2-4b	Revelation 22:16
1st. Chronicles Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah would come from the lineage of Judah.	1 Chronicles 5:2	Luke 3:23-33
The Messiah would come from the lineage of David.	1 Chr. 17:11-12a	Luke 3:23-31
The Messiah's kingdom would be eternal.	1 Chr. 17:11-12b	Luke 1:32-33
The Messiah would be the Son of God.	1 Chr. 17:13-14	Matthew 3:16-17 John 12:28-30
Job Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
Yeshua would stand at the latter day upon earth.	Job 19:25-27	John 5:24-29
Psalm Prophecies	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah would also be rejected by Gentiles.	Psalm 2:1	Acts 4:25-28
Political/religious leaders would conspire against the Messiah.	Psalm 2:2	Matthew 26:3-4 Mark 3:6
The Messiah would be King of the Jews.	Psalm 2:6	John 12:12-13 John 18:32
The Messiah would be the Son of God.	Psalm 2:7a	Luke 1:31-35 Matthew 3:16-17 Hebrews 1:5-6
The Messiah would reveal that He was the Son of God.	Psalm 2:7b	John 9:35-37
The Messiah would be raised from the dead and be crowned King.	Psalm 2:7c	Acts 13:30-33 Romans 1:3-4
The Messiah would ask God for His inheritance.	Psalm 2:8a	John 17:4-24
The Messiah would have complete authority over all things.	Psalm 2:8b	Matthew 28:18 Hebrews 1:1-2
The Messiah would not acknowledge those who did not believe in Him.	Psalm 2:12	John 3:36
Infants would give praise to the Messiah.	Psalm 8:2	Matthew 21:15-16
The Messiah would have complete authority over all things.	Psalm 8:6	Matthew 28:18
The Messiah would be resurrected.	Psalm 16:8-10a	Matthew 28:6 Acts 2:25-32
The Messiah's body would not see corruption (natural decay).	Psalm 16:8-10b	Acts 13:35-37
The Messiah would be glorified into the presence of God.	Psalm 16:11	Acts 2:25-33
The Messiah would come for all people.	Psalm 18:49	Ephesians 3:4-6
The Messiah would cry out to God.	Psalm 22:1a	Matthew 27:46
The Messiah would be forsaken by God at His crucifixion.	Psalm 22:1b	Mark 15:34
The Messiah would pray without ceasing before His death.	Psalm 22:2	Matthew 26:38-39
The Messiah would be despised and rejected by His own.	Psalm 22:6	Luke 23:21-23
The Messiah would be made a mockery.	Psalm 22:7	Matthew 27:39
Unbelievers would say to the Messiah, "He trusted in God, let Him now deliver Him."	Psalm 22:8	Matthew 27:41-43
The Messiah would know His Father from childhood.	Psalm 22:9	Luke 2:40
The Messiah would be called by God while in the womb.	Psalm 22:10	Luke 1:30-33
The Messiah would be abandoned by His disciples.	Psalm 22:11	Mark 14:50
The Messiah would be encompassed by evil spirits.	Psalm 22:12-13	Colossians 2:15
The Messiah's body would emit blood & water.	Psalm 22:14a	John 19:34
The Messiah would be crucified.	Psalm 22:14b	Matthew 27:35
The Messiah would thirst while dying.	Psalm 22:15a	John 19:28
The Messiah would thirst just prior to His death.	Psalm 22:15b	John 19:30
The Messiah would be observed by Gentiles at His crucifixion.	Psalm 22:16a	Luke 23:36
The Messiah would be observed by Jews at His crucifixion.	Psalm 22:16b	Matthew 27:41-43
Both the Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced.	Psalm 22:16c	Matthew 27:38
The Messiah's bones would not be broken.	Psalm 22:17a	John 19:32-33
The Messiah would be viewed by many during His crucifixion.	Psalm 22:17b	Luke 23:35
The Messiah's garments would be parted among the soldiers.	Psalm 22:18a	John 19:23-24
The soldiers would cast lots for the Messiah's clothes.	Psalm 22:18b	John 19:23-24
The Messiah's atonement would enable believers to receive salvation.	Psalm 22:22	Hebrews 2:10-12 Matthew 12:50 John 20:14
The Messiah's enemies would stumble and fall.	Psalm 27:2	John 18:3-6
The Messiah would be accused by false witnesses.	Psalm 27:12	Matthew 26:59-61
The Messiah would cry out to God "Into thy hands I commend my spirit."	Psalm 31:5	Luke 23:46
There would be many attempts to kill the Messiah.	Psalm 31:13	Matthew 27:1
The Messiah would have no bones broken.	Psalm 34:20	John 19:32-33
The Messiah would be accused by many false witnesses.	Psalm 35:11	Mark 14:55-59
The Messiah would be hated without cause.	Psalm 35:19	John 18:19-23 John 15:24-25
The Messiah would be silent as a lamb before His accusers.	Psalm 38:13-14	Matthew 26:62-63
The Messiah would be God's sacrificial lamb for redemption of all mankind.	Psalm 40:6-8a	Hebrews 10:10-13
The Messiah would reveal that the Hebrew scriptures were written of Him.	Psalm 40:6-8b	Luke 24:44 John 5:39-40
The Messiah would do God's (His Father) will.	Psalm 40:7-8	John 5:30
The Messiah would not conceal His mission from believing people.	Psalm 40:9-10	Luke 4:16-21
The Messiah would be betrayed by one of His own disciples.	Psalm 41:9	Mark 14:17-18
The Messiah would communicate a message of mercy.	Psalm 45:2	Luke 4:22
The Messiah's throne would be eternal.	Psalm 45:6-7a	Luke 1:31-33 Hebrews 1:8-9
The Messiah would be God.	Psalm 45:6-7b	Hebrews 1:8-9
The Messiah would act with righteousness.	Psalm 45:6-7c	John 5:30
The Messiah would be betrayed by one of His own disciples.	Psalm 55:12-14	Luke 22:47-48
The Messiah would ascend back into heaven.	Psalm 68:18a	Luke 24:51 Ephesians 4:8
The Messiah would give good gifts unto believing men.	Psalm 68:18b	Matthew 10:1 Ephesians 4:7-11
The Messiah would be hated and rejected without cause.	Psalm 69:4	Luke 23:13-22 John 15:24-25
The Messiah would be condemned for God's sake.	Psalm 69:7	Mat. 26:65-67
The Messiah would be rejected by the Jews.	Psalm 69:8a	John 1:11
The Messiah's very own brothers would reject Him.	Psalm 69:8b	John 7:3-5
The Messiah would become angry due to unethical practices by the Jews in the temple.	Psalm 69:9a	John 2:13-17
The Messiah would be condemned for God's sake.	Psalm 69:9b	Romans 15:3
The Messiah's heart would be broken.	Psalm 69:20a	John 19:34
The Messiah's disciples would abandon Him just prior to His death.	Psalm 69:20b	Mark 14:33-41
The Messiah would be offered gall mingled with vinegar while dying.	Psalm 69:21a	Matthew 27:34
The Messiah would thirst while dying.	Psalm 69:21b	John 19:28
The potters field would be uninhabited (Field of Blood).	Psalm 69:25	Acts 1:16-20
The Messiah would teach in parables.	Psalm 78:2	Mat.13:34-35
The Messiah would be exalted to the right hand of God.	Psalm 80:17	Acts 5:31
The Messiah would come form the lineage of David.	Psalm 89:3-4	Matthew 1:1
The Messiah would call God His Father.	Psalm 89:26	Matthew 11:27
The Messiah would be God's only "begotten" Son.	Psalm 89:27	Mark 16:6 Colossians 1:18 Revelation 1:5
The Messiah would come from the lineage of David.	Psalm 89:29	Matthew 1:1
The Messiah would come from the lineage of David.	Psalm 89:35-36	Matthew 1:1
The Messiah would be eternal.	Psalm 102:25-27a	Revelation 1:8 Hebrews 1:10-12
The Messiah would be the creator of all things.	Psalm 102:25-27b	John 1:3 Ephesians 3:9 Hebrews 1:10-12
The Messiah would calm the stormy sea.	Psalm 107:28-29	Matthew 8:24-26
The Messiah would be accused by many false witnesses.	Psalm 109:2	John 18:29-30
The Messiah would offer up prayer for His enemies.	Psalm 109:4	Luke 23:34
The Messiah's betrayer (Judas) would have a short life.	Psalm 109:8a	Acts 1:16-18 John 17:12
The Messiah's betrayer would be replaced by another.	Psalm 109:8b	Acts 1:20-26
The Messiah would be mocked by many.	Psalm 109:25	Mark 15:29-30
The Messiah would be Lord and King.	Psalm 110:1a	Mat. 22:41-45
The Messiah would be exalted to the right hand of God.	Psalm 110:1b	Mark 16:19 Mat. 22:41-46
The Messiah would be a Priest after the order of Melchisedec.	Psalm 110:4	Hebrews 6:17-20
The Messiah would be exalted to the right hand of God.	Psalm 110:5	1 Peter 3:21-22
The Messiah would be the "Stone" rejected by the builders (Jews).	Psalm 118:22	Mat.21:42-43
The Messiah would come in the name of the Lord.	Psalm 118:26	Matthew 21:9
The Messiah would come from the lineage of David.	Psalm 132:11	Matthew 1:1
The Messiah would come from the lineage of David.	Psalm 132:17	Matthew 1:1 Luke 1:68-70
Proverb Prophecies:	OT Scripture	NT Fulfillment
The Messiah would be from everlasting to everlasting.	Proverbs 8:22-23	John 17:5
The Messiah would ascend and descend to and from heaven.	Proverbs 30:4a	John 3:13 John 6:38 Mark 16:19
God would have a "begotten" Son.	Proverbs 30:4b	Matthew 3:16-17

 

From <http://www.shalach.org/PropheciesTable/prophecieslst1.htm>

NAR

NAR= New Apostolic Reformation



It is a belief that there is a new reformation, a reformation not of a rejection of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope but the restoration of Apostles and Prophets to bring all of mankind into God's Kingdom.

They believe

1. All Christians need to be under the authority of God's Apostles and Prophets.


2. 
   
   Apostles and prophets, but especially prophets, receive their instructions from God directly so. See more here.
   
   
   
   
   1. Apostles (generals) are the highest authority and are the governing position.
   
   
   2. Prophets are primarily those who receive new revelation.
   
   
   3. Thus the Apostles and prophets receive revelation, and the Apostles implement and teach these revelations.
   
   
   
   


3. They are clear in what they want to influence. See here, here, and here.


4. They believe in five offices of the church apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.


5. They believe in the Seven Mountain mandate. They are to have dominion, not just influence over these areas. These are government, media, family, business/finance, education, church/religion, and arts/entertainment. See here, here, here, and here.


6. 
   
   The Gospel
   
   
   
   
   1. Of the Kingdom is that Jesus in His death and resurrection has instructed the church to take dominion over the world.
   
   
   2. Of salvation is repentance and faith in Jesus for salvation.
   
   
   3. Both are necessary.
   
   
   
   


7. They believe in dominion which is taking authority over the world and society in every aspect to prepare it for the return of Jesus. This is done in many ways by primarily by the signs and wonders done by the apostles, prophets, and their followers. Dominionism is not just influencing the world and society but being in charge of society. See here. See also here. Contra: here, here,


8. Most believe in Spiritual Warfare, which is to cast out demons, territorial spirits, who control some city, state, or country. See here, and here.


9. Many believe at the end there will be a great transfer of money from unbelievers to believers.


10. Many believe there will be a great revival at the time of the end. Many, many people will believe in Jesus and be saved.


11. The Manifest Sons-of-God. These believe that over the years of many prophecies which they have given will transform them eventually to be a superman being with increased power to overcome sickness and death. They will accomplish God's will on earth.

These are the main distinctives.

A long list of articles at Deception in the Church will help you see their errors Biblically.

This leads me to the main point of my article.

Holly has written on her blog, Spirit of Error, an article about "The Response SC."

She writes,

On Saturday, June 13, thousands of Christians are expected to gather at a coliseum in South Carolina for a prayer rally called "The Response SC." Many seem unaware that this event is about much more than simply praying and fasting on behalf of the nation. It's organized by leaders of the controversial New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement and has–as a pivotal part its agenda–a revolution of church and civil government led by NAR apostles and prophets.

This is preaching the Dominionism theology. How many people there at that rally know this?

She adds,

Read the guide for yourself to see the multiple statements alluding to the necessity of apostolic government, including a statement urging individuals to "Repent and receive God's forgiveness for walking outside of God's established government and leadership both within the church and within society." Pause and think about that last statement. In other words, failure to submit to apostle-led church government is a sin requiring repentance. Some of the statements even seem to suggest that apostolic government should extend its rule beyond the church to civil government.

The approach of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is subtle and dangerous. Avoid it.

An apostle

1. The word in Greek has not only the idea of messenger but an official representative.


2. The Lord Jesus choose 12 men to be an Apostle. Matthew 10:1-4


3. He commissioned them for a job. Matthew 10:5-15, Acts 1:2


4. They were witnesses of all did and taught. Acts 1:22-23


5. They had been with Jesus from the first. Acts 1:22-23


6. They had seen, touched, and heard Jesus throughout His ministry. 1 John 1:1


7. There are also Apostles of the Churches (see 2 Corinthians 8:23, some translations have messengers but the word is apostles). Paul was one (Romans 1:1) though some feel that he should have been the replacement for Judas Iscariot. Paul was not chosen by Jesus at the start of His ministry but was chosen by God (Acts 9:15). Paul states that he was the last of the apostles to see Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:8). The Apostles in Jerusalem approved of him (Galatians 2:7-8). Barnabas was called an apostle (Acts 14:14). These were apostles because the living Apostles of Christ were able to examine and approve them. The Apostles of Christ do not live on earth anymore, so there is no one to approve someone who calls himself/herself an apostle today.


8. 
   
   2 Corinthians 11:13 states another type of apostle—a false apostle. This type is really an apostle of satan who pretend to be Apostles of Christ. Interesting that both are mentioned in this one verse. These false apostles are
   
   
   
   
   1. Deceitful
   
   
   2. Pretenders (pretending to be the Apostles of Christ). They talk and act like real apostles but have subtle lies and actions to lead astray from God's truth.
   
   
   3. Compare Revelation 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Romans 16:17-18, 2 Peter 2:1, and Mark 13:22.
   
   
   
   

Concerning the belief that there are apostles and prophets today see here, here, and here.

The safest position is the Bible is the only 100% source of truth. We need to read it, study it, believe it, and live it. There are no apostles today. Those who claim this are leading people astray.

"I know your works, and your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you tested those who say that they are apostles and they are not, and you found them to be false; " (Revelation 2:2, EMTV)

Scientific Truth?

A new post at the Discovery Institute's Evolution News deals with the total nonreality of some evolutionists and the warping of truth or ignorance of it. Consider:

We are often told that "nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." The statement was first made in 1973 by neo-Darwinist Theodosius Dobzhansky. (Neo-Darwinism is the view that evolution is due to the natural selection of variations that originate as gene mutations.) Dobzhansky's statement is false. Nevertheless, it has become the majority opinion ("consensus") of the scientific establishment. Sometimes, it is carried to absurd extremes.

For example, in a blog post last week defending that reliability of "scientific consensus," theoretical astrophysicist Ethan Siegel wrote:

[E]volution was the consensus position that led to the discovery of genetics...

What a hoot! The truth is that Gregor Mendel discovered genetics with no help from evolution. Mendel published his theory…

For too many people truth is "what I say," as if they are the final authority in life. What people believe to be true, and what is reality are two different things.

1. Truth corresponds to reality. This would be seen when a cashier hands you the wrong change. Immediately people will say, "Wait a minute. This is not the correct change." No theories allowed here; it is reality.


2. Truth is fact. An example of this would be 1+1=2. No theory really needed. Someone may explain it away, but 1 $(USA) plus 1 $(USA) does equal 2 $(USA).

An article on truth.

Christian and non-Christians understand this.

1. "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." Mark Twain


2. "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." Aldous Huxley, Complete Essays 2, 1926-29


3. "In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act." George Orwell


4. "Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions." G. K. Chesterton


5. "The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion, but, on the contrary, of its liberality and humanity. It is shorter to state the things forbidden than the things permitted: precisely because most things are permitted, and only a few things are forbidden." G. K. Chesterton


6. "Never speak against the truth, but be ashamed of your ignorance." (Sirach 4:25 NRSVA)


7. "A reliable witness always tells the truth, but an unreliable one tells nothing but lies." (Proverbs 14:5 GNB)

The above article explores what is true. It is a good read for sure. Check out the facts before you believe something.

Let us not be led away by "experts," government, salespeople, or someone we know.

Some problems for evolution

Evolution teaches that everything that exists comes from blind, unguided chance.



 

The worm, C. elegans, has had its DNA totally mapped. Its development from a single egg to each functioning cell has also be documented. This article, To Build a Worm: Where Undirected Evolution Runs into Severe Difficulties, shows us one such problem that cannot be solved by pure, unguided chance.

Thus, if we want to explain the origin of the adult form of C. elegans, we need first to explain the origin of the developmental pathway that constructs the worm. And this is where undirected evolution runs into severe difficulties.

The origin of the earliest stages of the pathway (shown in Figure 1 in previous post), where the major cell lineages start (which will eventually divide and give rise to the various structures and tissues of the adult worm), cannot be explained by natural selection -- because there is no selective advantage to those stages existing until the adult worm has been constructed.

But those later stages, especially reproductive capability (a necessary condition of natural selection), cannot themselves exist…

Faith and Science

An article on evolution news refers to an interview of Dr. Francis Collins. After this article appeared, Jerry Coyne, an evangelistic atheist responded.



I have much respect for Dr. Collins and his scientific achievements, but I don't respect his view of Christianity. This article, however, points out some of the faulty thinking of the atheist, or at least Coyne.

National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins, who is a devout Christian, did an interview recently with National Geographic about his faith and his science. Predictably, Jerry Coyne, an atheist biologist from the University of Chicago, took exception to some of Collins's answers about the compatibility of faith in God and science.

Collins:

[Question asked of Collins] Are science and religion compatible?

I am privileged to be somebody who tries to understand nature using the tools of science. But it is also clear that there are some really important questions that science cannot really answer, such as: Why is there something instead of nothing? Why are we here? In those domains I have found that faith provides a better path to answers. I find it oddly anachronistic that in today's culture there seems to be a widespread presumption that scientific and spiritual views are incompatible.

Coyne:

Here he's espousing the NOMA (non-overlapping magisteria) reconciliation rather than the "god-of-the-gaps" reconciliation (but see below), but note that what he's saying is that science and religion are not compatible but complementary. I hate having to address this issue yet again, but I have no choice.

First, science can answer, at least in principle, those hard questions; it's just that Collins and his fellow believers don't like the answers. Why are we here? Because of the Big Bang, the laws of physics, and evolution.

Coyne misunderstands the…

Truly an interesting article to read not only for the points brought out in the article but also some insight in the overzealous, misinformed thinking of an atheist.

Contradiction Galatians 6:2 and 6:5?

Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, EMTV)

For each one shall bear his own load. (Galatians 6:5, EMTV)

Is there a contradiction?

The Skeptics Annotated Bible says "yes."

When I am faced with a problem, I am not to seek people to tell them my problems. You know, seek lots and lots of people—spread the news. We are to bear our own problems.

Yet, when if someone sees me and thinks that I am burdened, then they are to step up and listen, help, or encourage me.

Adam Clarke's comment on this verse:

" Verse 5. Every man shall bear his own burden.] All must answer for themselves, not for their neighbours. And every man must expect to be dealt with by the Divine Judge, as his character and conduct have been. The greater offences of another will not excuse thy smaller crimes. Every man must give account of himself to God."

 

College Press's comment on this verse:

""Burdens" (baros—BAR oss). At first glance there seems to be a contradiction between Gal. 6:2 and Gal. 6:5. First we are to "bear one another's burden," and then, each man is to "bear his own burden." The solution lies in the two different Greek words for "burden." The burden of Gal. 6:2 which must be shared is baros, which means "heavy, having great weight." The burden of Gal. 6:5 which each one must carry for himself is phortion (for TEE on), which is a common word for freight or cargo.

Thus, we must all help one another in the oppressive burdens of life, but we also each have certain things for which we alone are responsible.

Thus the first would deal with sympathy and the other responsibility. We need to help each other, yet we cannot pass the blame or excuse ourselves to others.

The Pedestal

People have a tendency to elevate individuals to practically god-like status in which everything they say or teach is the truth.

Many popular preachers of all stripes have their own unappointed apologists. When one popular preacher's teaching was criticized there were comments defending him strongly. Phrases as "he is the man" and "everything he teaches is true," "I've never heard anything scripturally wrong come from him," etc. They follow that preachers teaching, buying their books, listening to their podcasts, and attending their meetings. It seems that their favorite teacher cannot do or teach anything that is wrong.

Some problems

1. They have lost their first love as what happened in Ephesus. Jesus has been demoted. Jesus is THE teacher. "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love." (Revelation 2:4, EMTV).


2. They have made a human to be nearly infallible. "By no means! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar, just as it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, and You may prevail when You are judged." (Romans 3:4, EMTV)


3. They feel that you cannot criticize THEIR teacher. "He/she is a great teacher, you have no right to criticize." Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm." (Psalms 105:15, NKJV). "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isaiah 8:20, NKJV). "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; (Revelation 2:2, NKJV)


4. "I've never heard anything scripturally wrong come from him." "But test all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21, EMTV)


5. These teachers like that attention that comes from being a "great" teacher. "They love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have people call them 'Teacher.' You must not be called 'Teacher,' because you are all equal and have only one Teacher." (Matthew 23:7-8, GNB92)


6. What is truth is being decided by the individual. This is wrong; it is to be decided only by Scripture. The Bible is the only source of 100% truth. The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever. (Psalms 119:160, HCSB). Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (Proverbs 30:5, HCSB). All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16, EMTV).


7. If the teacher apostatizes, their followers probably will too. They have put so much trust into their teacher that they will not question what they teacher. "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." (Proverbs 30:5, NKJV). Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. (Jeremiah 17:5-7, NKJV)

Every teacher, every time should be compared to the teachings of Scripture. We must read the Bible, study the Bible, believe the Bible, and pray.

We need a little skepticism.

Let us never put a teacher on a pedestal.

Are You an Easy Prey for False Prophets?

False prophets abound. Jesus warned us

Holly Pivec writes in the Spirit of Error blog:

Are You Easy Prey for False Prophets?

The Bible is clear: false prophets are wolves that devour unsuspecting sheep.

Jesus said:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

And the apostle Paul had this to say about false teachers.

"I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them." (Acts 20:29-30).

Despite these clear warnings from an apostle and even Jesus himself, many people are still naive to the threat. So, my question for you is, "Are you easy prey for false prophets?"

The answer is yes if any of the following statements–drawn from Scripture–describe you.

You think God won't...

More about false prophets.

1. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it like this. But what will you do at the end of it? (Jeremiah 5:31, HCSB)
   
2. For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is making profit dishonestly. From prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. (Jeremiah 6:13, HCSB)
   
3. But the LORD said to me, "These prophets are prophesying a lie in My name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, worthless divination, the deceit of their own minds. (Jeremiah 14:14, HCSB)
   
4. Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. (Matthew 24:11, HCSB)
   
5. Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for this is the way their ancestors used to treat the false prophets. (Luke 6:26, HCSB)
   
6. But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. (2 Peter 2:1, HCSB)
   

Knowing who is a false prophet is serious. False prophets by the Bible standard fail in morality, truth, false predictions, covetousness, and leading to false teaching about God (e. g. denying the Trinity).

1. "If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, "and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods'–which you have not known–'and let us serve them,' "you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. "But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst. "If your brother, the son of your mother, your son or your daughter, the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, secretly entices you, saying, 'Let us go and serve other gods,' which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers, (Deuteronomy 13:1-6, NKJV)
   
2. 'But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.' "And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?'– "when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22, NKJV)
   
3. They know Christian terms and language. "But beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15, EMTV)
   
4. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15, NKJV)
   

A little skepticism, a lot of prayer, Bible study, and knowing doctrine will go a long ways to protect us from all these wolves.

 

 

 

God Repents. What?

The Lord's Repentance


Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them." But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:5-8, NKJV)


The word for repentance here conveys the idea of heavy breathing as in panting or sighing. It depends on the context. If it is to be understood as something good, then it will be translated comfort, etc. If the context is something negative, then it will be translated as being sorry, change the mind, etc.


In a good sense:

1. 1 Chronicles 7:22
   


2. Isaiah 40:1
   


3. Zechariah 1:17
   

In a bad sense:

1. Genesis 6:6
   


2. Job 42:6
   


3. Jeremiah 20:16
   

The basic sense, again, is an emotional change of mind, thus comfort, repent, be sorry for, etc.


So God did not commit a sin that He needed to repent, that is, change of character, rather it was an emotion of seeing things good and happy about it to seeing this evil and being sad about it.


K&D has "The force of יִנָּחֵם (nâcham), "it repented the Lord," may be gathered from the explanatory יִתְעַצֵּב` (atsab), "it grieved Him at His heart." This shows that the repentance of God does not presuppose any variableness in His nature of His purposes. In this sense God never repents of anything (1 Samuel 15:29), "quia nihil illi inopinatum vel non praevisum accidit" (Calvin). The repentance of God is an anthropomorphic expression for the pain of the divine love at the sin of man, and signifies that "God is hurt no less by the atrocious sins of men than if they pierced His heart with mortal anguish" (Calvin). The destruction of all, "from man unto beast," etc., is to be explained on the ground of the sovereignty of man upon the earth, the irrational creatures being created for him, and therefore involved in his fall. This destruction, however, was not to bring the human race to an end. "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." In these words mercy is seen in the midst of wrath, pledging the preservation and restoration of humanity." Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament on Genesis 6:6.


 

Another comment: "A peculiarly strong anthropathic expression, which, however, presents the truth that God, in consistency with his immutability, assumes a changed position in respect to changed man" (Lange). That he had made man on the earth. i.e. that he had created man at all, and in particular that he had settled him on the earth. And it grieved him at his heart. A touching indication that God did not hate man, and a clear proof that, though the Divine purpose is immutable, the Divine nature is not impassible." Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 6:6.