TRUTH
This is sadly, a very controversial word. To be able to make that statement, is a very sad damning of society today. Nonetheless, it is true in both cases. America is being rapidly destroyed by evil forces the likes of which this country has never experienced in all of her history. The civil war was obviously a terrible time wrought with evil, but that evil was bound up in matters of opinion over slavery. The contention was right on one side and evil on the other. But today’s evil is absolutely wrong in every manner. This evil is such that truth has been ignored completely by a certain percentage of the population. Today’s perpetrators of this evil come up with words like ‘disinformation’ or misinformation’ to cover their total disregard for truth. If something is not to their liking or negates their narrative, it automatically become mis or dis information or conspiracy theory, regardless of the truth or whether it is reckless or even dangerous to society. I heard Joe Biden speak on national TV today assuring everybody that he inherited a stagnant economy and he had been improving the state of the economy since his inauguration. There were other things that everyone knew were absolutely untrue as well. I forget just what they were, but you get the picture.
These lies have been coming out of the mouths of Democrats in Biden’s administration and their allies in the lame-stream media. The news has just been broken that Michael Sussman has been acquitted for lying to the FBI. We all know how that went down, don’t we? Once it was known that this court case was to be held in Washington City, we knew the verdict would be ‘not guilty.’ If you have a single ounce of common sense, you will know that any country cannot possibly remain legitimate with this stuff going on daily. But to see it happening in the United States of America is just heart-breaking to say the least.
In the early eighteen hundreds America was highly respected and even admired around the world. Citizens of other countries held the USA in awe for how such a fledgling nation could have advanced so rapidly in almost every area of society, business, science, infrastructure, transportation, engineering and the list goes on. The French Government sent a historian/philosopher to the USA to find out how she had become so great in such a short time. After attending courts, school-rooms, boards of corporations, and sessions of congress he still had not detected any reason why America could be so great. Then someone suggested he should attend some church services. Being an open-minded fellow, her did just that, and returned to France with this report. America is great because Americans are good, and if Americans ever cease being good America will cease to be great. He said that the pulpits were aflame with righteousness.
I lived in the USA from 1992 to 2011, researching Christianity. My wife and I lived in several states, and were members/attendees of lots of different denominations, and break-away groups during that time. We consistently heard from pulpits that we are all sinners and nobody could be perfect. A common phrase we heard was, ‘we all have our demons.’ I could suggest that such ‘truths’ would never have been heard back in 1831 when Alexis de Tocqueville visited the churches. One pastor spoke to me of being stressed, and I told him that I was never stressed because I trusted God with everything, and He allowed me to remain calm no matter the circumstances. He assured me that he had never heard of anyone being able to do that, so he had to believe it was impossible. He obviously meant he did not believe me either. I asked him if he got his doctrine from the status quo or from God’s word, and he couldn’t answer me. What has happened over time is that the truth of God’s message has been watered down to suit the time. I am so glad I was not living in America in 1861 when I would have been conscripted into the war. All those righteous church attendees were forced to take up arms and shoot to kill those in different uniforms or be killed by them. They all knew that was not the ‘right thing’ to do, which would negate their righteousness, but what choice did they have? They knew that God accepts those who ‘do what is right’ as righteous folks.
Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? Rom. 6:16
"I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." Acts. 10:34-35
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Gen. 4:7
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Rom. 2:13
Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Rom. 10:4 [remember what ‘believe’ means]
If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. 1 Jn. 2:29
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 1 Jn 3:7
God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Rom. 2:6-7
The word ‘believe’ in the New Testament comes from a Greek word ‘pisteuo’ which literally means to have faith in, believe, and trust, with the implication that actions based on that faith, belief, and trust will follow. So, we see that we have to do something in order for God to accept us as righteous. I know that Paul used some words in Romans three through five that have given Satan great glee as preachers have twisted the meaning of these words to tell a lie. Most of these occasions can be cleared up simply by understanding what the word ‘believe’ really means when Paul used it. Peter actually warned us of Paul’s use of language and told us that if we just accepted what Paul said [as written in our bible] we would do so to our destruction, being ignorant and unstable people for doing so. Let me give you that passage.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.
He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Pet. 3:14-18
Obviously, if we are totally unaware that Paul wrote something that has been mistranslated or whatever, we would most likely end up in hell. This is just one example of how essential it is for each of us to study God’s word seriously so as we will not be conned into believing some nonsense that we hear from a pulpit. Extremely few pew-warmers ever do that. I would suggest that extremely few preachers ever do that as well. I got to know many of them, so I can tell you that without any sense of guilt.
James was aware of Paul’s difficult language in Romans three through five as well, and cleared much of it up for us.
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
You see that a person is considered righteous [justified] by what they do and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Js. 2:14-26
The gospel that has been taught ever since the civil war has been absolutely false. It has been all about Jesus and the cross. Words from Paul have been used wrongly to accommodate this false gospel, in spite of Peter’s warning and James’ correction. We have been assured that all who ‘believe in Jesus’ are made righteous by God. We have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. You can see that God tells us something quite different. Paul told us that once we are ‘in Christ’ we are clothed in His righteousness. This false gospel assures us that when we think or even speak those words: I believe in Jesus, or I trust Jesus, or I have faith in Jesus, or even I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, we are born again, justified, redeemed and will spend eternity in heaven, regardless of sin being present in our lives. They tell us that Jesus dealt with all sin on the cross, washing us in His blood, so we are never held accountable for sins any longer. We simply have to accept all of this by faith. That is nothing other than semantics at best, and voodooism or hypnosis at worst.
So, what we end up with is millions of deceived folks using Jesus as a crutch, desperately trying to prove that they are living godly lives. This allows different denominations to alter some things to suit their narrative. Some assure us that we must be baptized and come up out of the water speaking in some strange tongue. Others assure us that we must not do a single thing because God has a secret list of elite sinners who He has chosen to be His kids, and has ‘saved them by grace.’ They use Eph. 2:8-9 to prove this doctrine.
Pauls tells us in this teaching on love, mercy and grace, that it is due to God’s grace [and love and mercy] that we have the opportunity to be saved through faith, and we cannot do anything to deserve or gain His grace, love or mercy because it’s free to all. But as we have seen, faith is dead and useless in the absence of works, actions, conduct, behavior, etc. So, Paul assures us in this teaching that we have to do something to gain salvation.
When one studies God’s inerrant word, one sees that God’s kids in the New Testament were referred to as being, ‘in Christ.’ Today’s gospel uses that terminology as well, but wrongly. They assure all those who say those words or think them, about Jesus, are ‘in Christ.’ The teaching of God’s word has something different to say about that. The clearest teaching on this is found in John’s first letter.
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.
But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.
No one who lives in him sins. No one who sins has either seen him or known him.
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
No one who is born of God will sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot sin, because they have been born of God.
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. 1 Jn. 3:4-10 NIV
I have left out the words that were added to this passage by men who compiled the modern versions of the bible. By adding them, preachers have been able to twist the truth of this passage to mean something quite different. The KJV has it correct, albeit in sixteenth century English.
Please note that those who live ‘in Christ’ not only do not sin, but cannot sin. This is quite logical because there cannot be sin in Christ. In Him is no sin and no darkness. Scripture makes that very clear
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jn. 8:12.
Speaking of truth, this is what Jesus told us:
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jn 8:21-22
This agrees with what we call the Great Commission.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mat. 28:19-20
Obeying everything Jesus commanded us is essential for salvation [being a disciple/follower of Jesus].
The modern gospel does not mention this when they assure us that Salvation is all about Jesus and the cross. Jesus commanded us to be perfect as His Father is perfect.
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Mat. 5:48
He commanded us to be afraid of God.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Mat. 10:28
He commanded us to stop sinning.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Jn. 8:34-36
Paul assures us that God’s kids cannot be slaves to sin. Read Romans six to find some clear teaching about how a Christian must live.
Jesus told us that we cannot be His disciple if we don’t give up everything we have. Lk 14:33
I have never heard any of these commandments mentioned while listening to an ‘evangelical gospel message.’ And believe me, I have heard hundreds, if not thousands of them. I mentioned the importance of fearing God to a priest one day and he looked at me as if I had just arrived from mars. He assured me that it is preposterous to think that anyone would be afraid of God. He had been ‘preaching the gospel’ for decades. God’s word teaches us a lot about fearing Him. Psalms and Proverbs deal with this a lot. Even the disciples taught the necessity of fearing God for salvation. Here are just a few examples of teaching about the fear of God.
Through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. Prov. 16:6
Humility and the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Prov. 22:4
The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Prov. 19:23
Moses said to the people, do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of the Lord will be with you to keep you from sinning. Ex. 20:20
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Acts 9:31
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. Acts 10:34-35
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 2 Cor. 5:11
I hear a lot of calls to prayer today, both from the TV news programs and Twitter. I have attempted to assure those who do so on Twitter that they are wasting their time because God never hears their prayers. But they keep up their nonsense. I am guessing they never look at their notifications. God makes it very clear that He never hears prayers from sinners.
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 7:14
If I had been aware of sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; Ps. 66:18
If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable Prov. 28:9
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. Jn. 9:31
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my face from you. Even if you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Is. 1:15-16
He said to me, “Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a trivial matter for the people of America to do the detestable things they are doing here? Must they also fill the land with violence and continually provoke me to anger? Look at them thumbing their noses at me.
Therefore, I will deal with them in anger; I will not look on them with pity or spare them. Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them.” Ezek. 8:17-18
Since I have got to know God, I have learned that it is very logical that He should not waste His time listening to those who never obey Him, or don’t believe what He says to them. He cannot be in the presence of sin, or cohabit with a sinner, so why should He listen to their wish lists or demands? God deported Lucifer and a third of the angels from heaven once they tried to overthrow God’s throne. God broke off relationship with Adam and Eve once they disobeyed Him. He told the children of Israel that He could not visit their camp if there was sin present. God and sin cannot mix. It’s as simple as that. Jesus gave up His divinity when He came to this planet so He could mix with sinners. He is now in the same position as God, and can no longer do so.
I trust you have seen that today’s gospel is not the truth from God’s inerrant word. Let me summarise God’s message of salvation for you.
Getting to know God is essential.
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Jn. 17:3
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might. 2 Thes. 1:8-9
Learning to fear Him is essential as well. You saw that above. Fearing God brings life, which means abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven.
Repent. Turn away from all sin. You will not be able to do that until you know and fear Him. You also saw that above.
Repentance brings forgiveness of sin, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is essential for godly living, in Christ.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
Once you have the Holy Spirit you will not have to ever ask, ‘what would Jesus do?’ Or any stupid thing like that. He will lead and guide you in the pathway that God has planned for you. Romans eight and Ezek. 36:26-27 deal with that. Never believe anyone who tells you that Romans seven is Paul’s testimony of his life in Christ. He was simply using hypothesis to show us what the life of a Jew was like before Jesus came. You must understand that the teaching from all the writers of the letters in the New Testament assure us that sin is something that must not be part of the life of a child of God, and that was all well after Jesus had died on the cross. What Jesus did was make the final sacrifice for all future sin so nobody ever has to take an animal to a temple and sacrifice it on an altar. He was demolishing the Old Covenant and ushering in the New Covenant. To be forgiven now we simply must repent which Ezekiel described clearly:
Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’
Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ Ez. 33:11-16
I have heard many descriptions of repentance from pulpits, and none of them were anywhere near the truth.
The old saying that the truth will set you free came from God’s word, and is the greatest truth of all.
I trust and pray [and God does hear my prayers] that you will seriously consider what I have offered you here, and reject the lies that you have heard and start seeking God with all your heart. I have an article on my Substack page: ‘KNOWING GOD’ which will help you understand that.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity Jer. 29:11-14.
If you sin, you are under the captivity of Satan.
I also have written a book entitled ‘A Nation Broken’ which gives you God’s true gospel and my testimony. Amazon and B & N have it.
America will never enjoy healing if there is not a massive spiritual awakening and total reformation of the doctrine of the Church.
I pray that you will develop the determination and passion that you require to get to know and learn to fear Him.