09/01/20 DLG FB NOTE... MY JOURNEY WITH WEST NILE VIRUS 06/20/10

09/01/20 DLG FB NOTE... MY JOURNEY WITH WEST NILE VIRUS 06/20/10

FOR THOSE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED
I thought I would share some of my experience, from when I first contracted West Nile Virus, for those who might be interested. I was about 57, in 2004, when I came down with WNV and because I had been walking 4 to 6 miles a day and working out with weights for at least 45 minutes a day, I was in the best physical shape I had been in since my mid to late 20s.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON WEST NILE VIRUS
West Nile Virus is in the same family as Yellow Fever, and is passed from an infected mosquito to a human. It seems to have originated in Uganda several decades ago, but came to America in 1999. The rate of mortality is somewhere between 5% and 10%, though it may have been higher a few years ago. There are very mild cases and then there are more severe cases that result in encephalitis, meningitis, polio like symptoms or even death. The rate of symptom longevity for survivors is about the same for those with severe or light cases of the sickness.

LIFE IS SO FRAGILE
I got WNV while living on our mountain property in Cumberland County, Tennessee. Mine was a rather severe case, and though I went to the doctors for help, they basically said they could not help. Instead I was told that I would probably die. They were partially right; they did not do anything to help me. The providence of God and the loving care of Martha saw me through the several weeks that I teetered on the brink of life and death. The doctors said that I probably would have died if I had not been in the excellent shape I was in at the time I came down with WNV.

SPECIFICS CONCERNING MY JOURNEY
I believe I actually saw the mosquito that gave me WNV. Incubation period was about 3 or 4 days (possibly bitten on a Monday or Tuesday). I have read that the period can be 3 to 15 days.

I began to experience very severe flu like symptoms on Friday evening. I was experiencing extreme weakness, fatigue, disorientation and crippling nerve damage by Saturday morning.

From that time on, for about a month, I started suffering very high fever, alternating with low fever and near violent chills several times a night. I sweated excessively throughout the nights, sometimes needing to change my soaking wet bed clothes and bedding several times a night.

Since it is a muscle eating sickness, my conditions included extreme muscle weakness and total body fatigue. My body movement was reduced to very slow and labored shuffling at best, sometimes not able to sit up in bed or get out of bed without assistance. I would shuffle a few difficult steps and have to stop to rest. I even needed help eating.

My blood vessels were collapsing and therefore made blood testing difficult.

I experienced loss of appetite and dramatic loss of muscle mass. One week I lost 11 pounds, though I was forcing myself to eat as many as 4 meals a day, to keep from losing all my strength.

I often had severe headaches and soreness of eyes. On 2 occasions I actually went blind in 1 eye for very short periods. I continued to have moments of disorientation and mental lapses.

There were times that it looked like I was about to die. This continued for about a month. It has been several years but I still suffer from residual effects. I believe WNV contributed to other health problems that I have suffered in the past few years. There have been times I just fell asleep. I still suffer with chronic fatigue today.

I KEEP ON KEEPING ON
This has kept me from taking jobs outside of the ministry. Throughout my ministry there have been times that my small, but faithful congregation was unable to meet all of my family needs and the needs of the church ministry as well, therefore I would take jobs to supplement my support. Since my WNV I have not been able to give a full days work to outside employment, so I have not taken on outside jobs.

I work hard at my studies, and my various ministries of outreach. I am able to set my own schedule, so I do not let my condition interfere with my service to God or the ministry. It is not always easy, but at least I can do the work God has called me to do. I study, as I struggle with the fatigue problem and I find it much more difficult to keep my focus.

This is why I push myself so hard in sports events. If I do not drive myself when I can, my condition deteriorates. Regardless of how much or how little energy I expend in sports I still struggle with fatigue. Exercise just makes the quality of life better and lengthens my time of service to Him.

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME; JESUS NEVER FAILS
During those early days of my sickness, and until the present time, I never lost sight of Who God is and I never lost faith in His wisdom, love, mercy and power. I was ready to die, if He was ready to take me.

I praise God for giving me life, for giving me time with my family, for giving me time to serve my congregation, for giving me time to reach the lost. As Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

 As I was reflecting on this phase of my journey, I thought maybe some of you might be interested.

There are other people who suffer much more devastating problems than I have. This is not intended to say, "Woe is me." It is simply a way to let you know a little more about me. Maybe it will help you pray for me, because I really need it.

Love y'all.

09/01/20 DLG FB NOTE... BE CAREFUL HOW YOU JUDGE 09/14/10

09/01/20 DLG FB NOTE... BE CAREFUL HOW YOU JUDGE 09/14/10 

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU JUDGE

GOVERNMENT AND MEDIA APPROVED MINISTRIES
The US Government and the media ridiculed the legitimacy of Jones and his congregation in Florida, based on the size of his group. Since I have not taken the time to investigate Jones and his relationship with God, I don't know what his status is with God or whether his beliefs are Biblical, but smallness does not disqualify anyone. Ask Noah and untold numbers of missionaries throughout Church history. I miss and I would like to pastor a larger church again, but numbers do not validate a ministry or a man. Be careful how you judge. Remember, GOD GIVES THE INCREASE. 

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU BLAME
I do not doubt that some will call this "sour grapes," on my part, since I have a very small church at this time. I am sure there are people who will judge me as either incompetent or disqualified. Fine.

However, there have been in the past and there are presently, many good men and ministries that have not enjoyed numerical growth or have suffered numerical setbacks. In the days ahead we are liable to see more of them than ever before. We should not discount a man or his ministry because of small numbers, any more than we should laud it because it is large.

ADVANTAGES TO LARGER CHURCHES
I have enjoyed flourishing ministries in the past and I have also been pastor of a very small group. I prefer the larger numbers for a couple of reasons, provided there is no difference in the message or faithfulness of the people involved.

First, when a faithful minister, preaching the truth of God in love, has a flourishing ministry, it means that greater numbers of people are getting saved. As an Arminian I believe that sinners are enabled to believe on Christ, rather than the false notion that God unilaterally and unconditionally chooses who will be saved. I like numbers when they represent redeemed Christ followers. The larger church draws more people than the small church. Nothing succeeds like success, they say.

Second, when a ministry has larger numbers, the congregation enjoys greater empowerment to do more work for Christ. They have more money, more spiritual gifts, more workers, more vision, more impact on society. "Many hands make light work" is the old saying.

I AM CONCERNED
I am concerned that Spirit-less ministries get great support, because they LOOK GOOD, and the true work of God sometimes gets ignored or chided because it does not look successful. I am concerned that young ministers gauge their success based on material, carnal, temporal values, such as income, numbers, public popularity.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM PAUL
I believe what Paul said in First Corinthians 4 applies to this subject.

1 Corinthians 4:1-14
(1)  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
(2)  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
(3)  But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
(4)  For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
(5)  Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
(6)  And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
(7)  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
(8)  Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
(9)  For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
(10)  We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised.
(11)  Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place;
(12)  And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
(13)  Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
(14)  I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

WE ARE CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL AND LEAVE THE RESULTS WITH GOD
God calls us to be faithful. Be not weary in doing good, for in due season you shall reap, if you faint not. 

Actually, I did not write this about me; in fact I wrote it in spite of me. I am seeing more people get involved with worldly groups than with Biblical ministries. They give themselves, their money, time, talents, influence and family to the shallow or carnal rather than the serious ministries. They want a "feel good" church rather than a "do right" relationship.

In the days ahead this mentality will basically cause people to despise and attack faithful ministries, making it difficult for people to follow Christ.

08/31/20 POST FROM THE PAST 05/27/19

08/31/20 POST FROM THE PAST
(05/27/19 THOUGHTS ABOUT GRACE)

This is a compilation (from more than 25 of my FB articles since 2010), which addressed various aspects of Grace. I hope you get a blessing from this. It is long (over 14,000 words), so you probably won't read it in a single sitting.

08/31/20 TO HAVE AND TO SHARE

08/31/20 TO HAVE AND TO SHARE

I hope everyone enjoys the message of grace I share.

I hope you share the lessons I post with those who are new in the faith.

08/31/20 PURITY OF HEART REMOVES DOUBLE MINDEDNESS FROM BELIEVERS

08/31/20 PURITY OF HEART REMOVES DOUBLE MINDEDNESS FROM BELIEVERS

God delivers Christians from Double Mindedness i.e. the coexistence of the Divine Nature (mind) and the Carnal Nature (mind).

GOD'S DELIVERANCE FROM ALL SIN
The inner conflict Christians have is a battle between the Old Man (aka Carnal or Sinful Nature, being Carnally Minded), which resulted from Adam's rebellion and is passed to every child of Adam), and the New Man (aka Divine Nature, being Spiritually Minded), which is imparted to a new believer at conversion.
Prior to conversion the person has a Human Nature (the nature to be human) and the Sinful Nature (the nature to be sinful).

When a person is converted, God imparts Divine Nature (the nature to be godly), enabling the new believer to live without willfully sinning against the known will of God.
However, the coexisting presence of the Carnal Nature and the Divine Nature raises inner turmoil for the believer. The human nature (body, soul and spirit) is torn between two opposed desires. This is called Double Mindedness.

God's plan of salvation is to deliver us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a distinctive people, zealous of good works. This is accomplished when (1) the sinner "cleanses his hands" (believes on Christ for forgiveness and justification), and then when the believer "purifies his heart" by faith and total surrender.
Receiving "clean hands" (forgiveness, justification), and a "pure heart," are works of God's grace, obtained through faith and by the miraculous atonement of Christ.

INNER BATTLE
Romans 7:14-23
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

GOD'S PLAN OF DELIVERANCE
Psalms 24:3-6
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

Romans 7:24- 8:17
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
8:1-17
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

James 4:7-8
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

2 Peter 1:2-12
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

08/31/20 IGNORANCE BLINDS THE HEART

08/31/20 IGNORANCE BLINDS THE HEART

TODAY'S NEWS IS DISTURBING, but ignorance of today's dangers is destructive.

Hear, Heed, Herald God's call to salvation.

08/31/20 TURN FROM PATH OF FUTILITY

08/31/20 TURN FROM PATH OF FUTILITY

Don't follow blind family, friend or foe into chaos, corruption, captivity.

Jesus delivers from deception, decadence & death.

08/30/20 WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO WAKE YOU UP?

08/30/20 WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO WAKE YOU UP?

The devil (through Liberals) wants to legalize consensual sex on 5 year old children. Get off the pervert train y'all.

08/30/20 IT WON'T GET EASIER WITH TIME

08/30/20 IT WON'T GET EASIER WITH TIME

The longer you wait to do the right thing (the Biblical thing), the more radical will be your action. STAND NOW.

08/30/20 VOTE FREEDOM, WHILE YOU CAN

08/30/20 VOTE FREEDOM, WHILE YOU CAN

VOTE NO... Legalized Socialism, baby murder, lawlessness, perversion, globalism, Bible burning, pedophilia, Biden.

08/30/20 VIDEO AND DISCUSSION DURING SERVICE

08/30/20 VIDEO AND DISCUSSION DURING SERVICE

A good little video. Not the final word or flawless, but a good starting place. The main point is that so called, "Critical Thinking" is based on anti-Bible concepts.This helps us see the importance of understanding the principles of salvation and justice, I hope to use this to make a point this evening during service.

08/29/20 I'VE BEEN TELLING YOU

 08/29/20 I'VE BEEN TELLING YOU

TEACHER'S UN ION PLEDGE SUPPORT TO DEFUND POLICE...
THAT'S WHAT'S TEACHING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN SCREAMING FOR DECADES

08/29/20 WORTH REPEATING

08/29/20 WORTH REPEATING

I added a comment to my previous post, which included 2 Corinthians 5:21. I want to repeat that verse and my comment as a post. I hope it is helpful to folks.

A re-post...
2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For he hath made him to be sin (*the sin sacrifice) for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

dlg note... The phrase "he made him (to be) sin" is an unfortunate translation, since the same use of the word in the Bible is translated "a sin sacrifice," over 100 times, by the translators. Jesus is the propitiation, satisfaction, appeasement for our sin. Jesus took away our sins and sin as the Sacrifice for sin. He was not punished nor did He pay our penalty. He, as the Sacrificial Lamb of God, atoned for our sins and sin.

I once taught that Jesus actually became our sin, but by studying God's word I came to understand that Jesus could not become filth, rebellion, perversion, which is not simply a repugnant thought, but one that defies the nature and work of Jesus. Jesus did not have to become actual sin in order to deliver us from sin. He became the "sin sacrifice," as the word "sin" is used in the Scriptures. Jesus was the "ransom" (1 Tm. 2:6).

As a ransom, propitiation, satisfaction, sacrifice, atonement, Jesus did not have to become rebellion, guilt, filth, perversion, corruption. Indeed, Jesus could not have become any of those things and remained the Spotless Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.

I realize that some folks will not grasp or accept this view (which view is also held by many reputable Christians and Biblical scholars). You may choose to believe that Jesus became rape, pedophilia, bestiality and every other sinful act or thought. I DO NOT. And I don't have to throw away my Bible in order to hold to the unchanging holiness of Christ. It is Biblical to say that Jesus became the SIN SACRIFICE.

08/29/20 AWAKE FROM YOUR STUPOR

08/29/20 AWAKE FROM YOUR STUPOR

When you find yourself shackled by overwhelming evil, it may be too late to surrender to the LOVE and LIGHT of God and HIS WORD.

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin (*the sin sacrifice) for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

dlg note... The phrase "he made him (to be) sin" is an unfortunate translation, since the same use of the word in the Bible is translated "a sin sacrifice," over 100 times, by the translators. Jesus is the propitiation, satisfaction, appeasement for our sin. Jesus took away our sins and sin as the Sacrifice for sin. He was not punished nor did He pay our penalty. He, as the Sacrificial Lamb of God, atoned for our sins and sin.

I once taught that Jesus actually became our sin, but by studying God's word I came to understand that Jesus could not become filth, rebellion, perversion, which is not simply a repugnant thought, but one that defies the nature and work of Jesus. Jesus did not have to become actual sin in order to deliver us from sin. He became the "sin sacrifice," as the word "sin" is used in the Scriptures. Jesus was the "ransom" (1 Tm. 2:6).

As a ransom, propitiation, satisfaction, sacrifice, atonement, Jesus did not have to become rebellion, guilt, filth, perversion, corruption. Indeed, Jesus could not have become any of those things and remained the Spotless Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.

I realize that some folks will not grasp or accept this view (which view is also held by many reputable Christians and Biblical scholars). You may choose to believe that Jesus became rape, pedophilia, bestiality and every other sinful act or thought. I DO NOT. And I don't have to throw away my Bible in order to hold to the unchanging holiness of Christ. It is Biblical to say that Jesus became the SIN SACRIFICE.

08/29/20 IN NEED OF A TRUE LIBERATOR

08/29/20 IN NEED OF A TRUE LIBERATOR

As long as you doubt the seriousness of the problem and exaggerate the human solution, you will never escape Satan's stronghold.

08/29/20 ALIGNING ALL OF OUR PRIORITIES

08/29/20 ALIGNING ALL OF OUR PRIORITIES

Voting against Socialist, baby killing, Bible hating, family destroyers is good but trusting and following Jesus is essential.

08/28/20 THE REAL MASK WEARERS

08/28/20 THE REAL MASK WEARERS

Folks are supporting BLM because it appears to be support for the Black community, but is really hatred for Christians and whites.

08/28/20 COME OUT, COME OUT, WHEREVER YOU ARE

08/28/20 COME OUT, COME OUT, WHEREVER YOU ARE

Quit sloughing off and hiding from straight shooting preaching.

Getting saved is a call to surrender, sacrifice and service.

08/27/20 FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GO UP

08/27/20 FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GO UP

Mad as hornets, but the wrath of man works not God's righteousness. Time to LOOK up, LINE up, STAND up. It's about to blow up.

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GO UP
No matter how mad you get, no matter how disturbed you are, no matter how violent you respond, acting in the flesh is what got the USA into this mess and it ain't gonna get us out. It will only take us deeper, like struggling against quick sand or running while you are on fire.

God's word tells us about times like these. God's word tells us how we should live in the best of times and in the worst of times. It is now time to confess our sins and submit to King Jesus. He will save us individually from our sins and He will empower us to live righteously in these evil times.

LOOK UP, turn your eyes to God because He is our only hope and our only help.

Luke 21:25-28
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

LINE UP with God's word, will.
LINE UP with God's church, which is God's choice for evangelism and edification. Be part of a Biblical body of believers, supporting each other and encouraging each other as the enemy presses the attack. 

Hebrews 10:19-27
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

STAND UP AGAINST the gates of hell.
STAND UP FOR Jesus and His word, and His way; stand for truth, stand for righteousness.
STAND, DO NOT falter, do not fret, do not fail, do not flee, do not fall. 

Acts 5:18-21
18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought

1 Corinthians 15:1-2
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain

1 Corinthians 16:13
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong

Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Philippians 4:1
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved

1 Thessalonians 3:7-10
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE... GOD SENDS THEM TO US, WE FORWARD THEM TO HELL... 07/12/20

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE... GOD SENDS THEM TO US, WE FORWARD THEM TO HELL... 07/12/20

(I wrote this as an evangelistically active pastor in Myrtle Beach, but the principles are applicable in other places and at other times.)

The following observations come from 5 years of experience of aggressive witnessing and deliberate street ministry in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (along with 36 years of ministry), and conversing with other people who interact regularly with foreign workers, either as fellow workers, customers, employers or fellow students. This article addresses the status of most, not all, foreign workers. Note also, I am not favoring or condemning nations, but addressing the failure of the Church to Reach this part of The Beach for Jesus.

THE FIELDS ARE FULL...
Myrtle Beach has about 12 million+ tourist a year. South Carolina population is about 4 million+ and Myrtle Beach population is more than 22,000 (Grand Strand metro population is less than 300,000). Local businesses bring in a large workforce from other countries, especially eastern Europe. For the most part, these workers cannot communicate in English, they have little cultural understanding/appreciation for Americans, they are often poor workers and many of them hold the USA in contempt, like most of the world does. Usually when they are engaged in conversation they don't want to tell who they are or where they are from. They are usually rude, even when they are approached in kindness and gentleness. Most of the time these folks respond negatively to simple questions, like, “where are you from” as if they are being interrogated by the KGB. Somebody must be making a ton of money off of this arrangement, because it is mostly a losing proposition and bad for the tourist industry.

OPEN MY EYES...
As in everything else, I try to see the spiritual opportunities available.

Many of these people come from places that do not even have a Biblical witness for Christ, and they come to a very carnally and sin oriented community (the beach), in a very hedonistic and anti-Christian society and culture (pagan, pluralistic, “progressive” America). They live with, work with and party with people who are deliberately antagonistic to the message and life of Christ. Remember, Europe has been anti-Christian for decades and the US is becoming more hostile toward Christianity. These exchange workers actually are exposed to, and learn new levels of wickedness while in so-called “Christian America.” They end up with a skewed view of Christianity.

After 5 months in Myrtle Beach they return to a part of the world that will fall prey to the coming world ruler known as the Beast/Anti-Christ in the Bible. They are returning to countries that will be central to the One World Government, One World Economy and One World Religion, which will be anti-Semitic and anti-Christ. The only good thing they take back to their lost part of the world is US dollars. While there are a few believers trying to reach this transient group of the Christ-less masses, most of the so-called Church and the professing believers in Myrtle Beach either ignore or resent them, I SAY THIS TO THE SHAME OF THE CHURCH IN MYRTLE BEACH.

1 Corinthians 15:34
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

RECENT ENCOUNTER...
A young woman recently served me and brother Wade at a local breakfast bar. It was strange, when I engaged her in conversation she actually volunteered her name and said she was from Moldova. Of course I offered her and her friends the ministry of our church and told her that my wife and I would be glad to transport her to and from church/Bible studies/activities, if she was interested. I gave her my phone number. She should be encountering Christians doing this every day. The church in Myrtle Beach should be on constant patrol, seeking the lost and rescuing the perishing.

RISE UP O MEN/WOMEN OF GOD...
The church in Myrtle Beach should be actively evangelizing this “people group.” I say the church, because there should be a concerted effort by local congregations to witness, invite, incorporate, convert and disciple short term exchange workers/students. Obviously there needs to be individual believers with a vision and desire to reach this people group, but God is not calling us to be Lone Ranger Christians. He has given us local churches and expects us to work with our local congregation, bringing people into a fellowship with other believers. While God sends us into the streets and market places of life, He does not want us to give birth in the streets to new believers, then leave them on the streets. The local church ministry is God's family, God's school, God's plan to win, build up and unify believers.

STRATEGY...
There should be a definite outreach to specific people groups; Russians (which have sub groups as well), Poles, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Romanians as well as to those who come here from Islamic nations and Hispanic cultures.

There should be planned outreach as well as personal outreach. There should be recreational time, Bible time, hang time, fellowship time dedicated to this outreach. There should be transportation, welcoming and follow up programs. There should be English classes provided. There should be communications through wireless (phone, computer) programs.

GIVING TO THOSE WHO WILL GIVE TO OTHERS...
When these people return to their homes overseas, they should take with them a very positive and Christian experience that they will pass on to other people. We should expect new churches to spring up around the world, because of the ministry that takes place in Myrtle Beach.

I realize that we all have different gifts, talents, abilities, but we all have the same job; PUBLISH THE GOOD NEWS TO ALL MEN AND DISCIPLE THE NATIONS. Individuals cannot do it alone, but churches cannot do it without individuals who are committed to doing it.

WORKING TOGETHER...
When I was a young person I went everywhere doing everything. My life was a constant and exciting adventure. Trust me, age does matter; either because it limits your audience or because bad health limits your abilities. I do what I can, but what we need is an army of young men and women who will spend their time, energy and lives trying to Reach the Beach for Jesus. It would not hurt to get some of the money from those who are not able to do the actual work. But some people think God gave them their money for houses, cars, boats or to be given to their children to be spent on stuff that rots, rusts and gets robbed.

If Americans had not been anymore dedicated to charging the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima than we are in Reaching the Beach for Jesus, we would all be worshiping the Emperor or gassing Jews. But of course, who cares if we reach young people from around the world, so long as my life is comfortable. Isn't that what God really wants?

Listen, God is sending the world to America to find Jesus and America is just looking for a better deal on an HD TV. God is sending the world to U.S. to find Jesus, and we are just forwarding them to hell.

GOD SAYS, WHO WILL GO FOR ME?
Archimedes is reputed to have said he could move the earth if he had a lever long enough and a place to stand. I say, if I have a spiritual lever of on-fire believers in Myrtle Beach we can move the earth also.

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE... 501(c)(3) Status... Informative and Important 07/10/10

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE... 501(c)(3) Status... Informative and Important 07/10/10

I hope this article concerning the 501(c)(3) status is informative and helpful. I looked into the IRS 501(c)(3) status for our church ministry around 1979 and decided against it because it gives the State authority over the churches that accept this status, rather than keeping Christ as the Head of the local church.

There are many well intentioned believers who have unknowingly relinquished the Lordship of their local churches into the hands of the State. Thinking that they were doing the right thing, they have actually empowered the State to persecute and/or control local churches and ultimately to make the true Church in America illegal. This article gives info, without attacking those who have fallen victim to this attack on the Church.

I realize everyone will not agree with this NOTE. I am posting this for information purposes, not to attack individuals. I am not interested in defending this NOTE, but if this causes anyone to have honest questions, I will try to respond. This is not intended to be an exhaustive presentation.

The following article was taken from the writings of Jack Kinsella, who is the Publisher and Editor of The Omega Letter.

(DLG... My reference to Kinsella and The Omega Leter relates only to the article on 501c3 status, since I am not familiar with any other issues he addresses.)

By Jack Kinsella
The Omega Letter

On December 16th, 1773, “radicals” from Boston, Massachusetts, members of a secret organization of American Patriots called Sons of Liberty, boarded three East India Company ships and threw into Boston Harbor 342 chests of tea.

In response to the rebellion, the British enacted additional punitive measures, labeled the “Intolerable Acts,” in hopes of suppressing the insurrection. Far from accomplishing that outcome, the Crown's countermeasures led Colonists to convene the First Continental Congress on September 5th, 1774 in Philadelphia.

The Boston Tea Party eventually led to America’s Declaration of Independence which cited the “Laws of Nature and Nature’s God” saying that all men are “endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.”

Certain of the Founders were uncomfortable with the Constitution and demanded extra guarantees that would prevent the federal government from growing too powerful. These extra guarantees are embodied by the first ten Amendments to the Constitution known as the “Bill of Rights.”

They were introduced by James Madison to the First United States Congress in 1789 as a series of articles, and came into effect on December 15, 1791, when they had been ratified by three-fourths of the States.

Briefly, the Bill of Rights guarantees religious freedom by prohibiting Congress from passing laws respecting religion or ‘prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’ The 1st Amendment prohibits the government from licensing or taxing churches and ministers.

The government found a way around that by introducing charitable tax-exempt status to ministries. Ministries that accept that 501(c)(3) status inadvertently surrender much of their 1st Amendment freedoms.

In 1954, churches were added to section501(c)(3)of the tax code, making those who register, tax-exempt. Technically, churches, who were already tax exempt, registered so they could be tax exempt.

According to the IRS, "churches are automatically tax-exempt and tax-deductible" without having to apply for tax-exempt status. A 501(c)(3) classification from the State cannot grant permission to function as a church because the Constitution has already done that.

A 501(c)(3)simply is a legal document that registers the church and brings it under the authority of the State. because when anyone incorporates, they become a creature of the State. The State is sovereign over all corporations and dictates how corporations will conduct business.

By filing corporate papers, the church becomes subordinate with the State. They sign an agreement with the State regarding what they will and will not do or say. The church is allowed to exist so long as it abides by the rulings of the State.

For example, corporate law dictates a mandatory governing hierarchy that every 501(c)(3) organization establishes, President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.

A yearly corporate tax is paid to the State, which grants the incorporated church the right to function as a church within the State. All in violation of the Constitution.

Here’s how it all works in practice. Suppose a ministry has enjoyed tax-exempt status for years under IRS rules that forbid 501(c)(3) organizations from making political statements.

Then along comes a politician whose policies are so at odds with their religious conscience that the minister feels compelled to warn those whom God has placed under their authority and for whom God has made them responsible.

Violating IRS rules can result in the revocation of a ministry's tax-exempt charitable status. The revocation of tax-exempt status makes both the minister and the ministry liable for unpaid taxes. Speaking out could spell the end of that ministry and all the other good it might otherwise be capable of doing.

So it isn't that hard to justify self-censorship in order to accomplish the greater good.

The IRS even tells the church how it will perform charitable acts within the community. For example, a 501(c)(3) is allowed to give food, shelter, clothing and emergency services. But 501(c)(3) churches are not allowed to give money directly to someone in need.

A 501(c)(3) church is not allowed to make any cash transactions. Every penny must be recorded. The money trail must be exhaustively documented and reported.

And once a church or ministry has registered with the IRS it is like joining the Mafia. Opting out is not an option. Once in the system, there is no escaping it.

The irony here is found in the fact that the entire 501(c)(3) registration is entirely unnecessary.

In order to be considered for tax-exempt status by the IRS an organization must fill out and submit IRS Form 1023 and 1024. However, note what the IRS says regarding churches and church ministries, in Publication 557:
“Some organizations are not required to file Form 1023. These include: Churches, interchurch organizations of local units of a church, conventions or associations of churches, or integrated auxiliaries of a church, such as a men’s or women’s organization, religious school, mission society, or youth group. These organizations are exempt automatically if they meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3).”
The IRS tax-exemption status is the most powerful tool the federal government has in its arsenal against domestic opponents of its policies. Once it became accepted practice for the federal government to ‘license’ ministry through the IRS in violation of the 1st Amendment, the 1st Amendment began to lose any semblance of its original meaning.

So why would any Christian organization even consider it? In a word, money. Under 501(c)(3) rules, a person can write a check to them instead of the IRS. They have to pay it to somebody - and it feels better to tithe to ministry when one is tithing money that they don't get to keep anyway.

(Mr. Kinsella went on to say,)

I have many friends in ministry that head 501(c)(3) organizations. I don’t fault them for it - for the most part, it is a trap that, as noted earlier, once in, becomes nearly impossible to escape.

They didn’t apply for tax exempt status out of greed or some nefarious ulterior motive. Ministries are expensive to run and most seminaries spend as much time teaching business administration as they do teaching doctrine - including how to maximize their tax-exempt status as a way of expanding their ministry outreach.

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE... WHAT I BELIEVE ABOUT THE END TIMES 05/28/10

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE... WHAT I BELIEVE ABOUT THE END TIMES 05/28/10

WHY I WROTE THIS NOTE...
I have a firm belief that God has clearly communicated many of the events that will take place concerning the second coming of Christ. I hope this is helpful to those who want to know what the Bible says concerning the end times. This is not a Bible study, just a simple overview of what the Bible reveals about the end times (eschatology). This is not an in depth statement.

WHO SHOULD NOT READ THIS NOTE...
Those who already know what you believe (if you are going to want to argue);
Those who don't know what you believe and don't think you can know or don't want to know;
Those who don't think the Bible reveals what is going to happen;
Those who don't think anyone can understand what the Bible does say is going to happen;
Those who don't think I know what I am talking about;
Those who don't care what I am talking about;
Those who think end times is not important;
Those who think eschatology divides the body of Christ, rather than unifies the body of Christ.

There are probably others who should not read this either. If you are one of these people you will just get upset with me or laugh at me or feel sorry for me. The fact is, I have enough people doing those things already. If you don't read this, you won't feel compelled to refute it or challenge me; and to tell you the truth, I am not interested in arguing with you either and I really don't care what you think about me or my beliefs.

If you have an honest question, please let me know. If you want to tell me where I am wrong or argue with me, forget it.

OVERVIEW OF BELIEFS...
Briefly stated, I believe in a literal Second Coming; Rapture; Resurrections of the Righteous and Unrighteous; Tribulation; Restoration of Israel; Return of Christ to the Earth and a 1000 year Reign of Christ over the Earth, from Jerusalem; Believers will reign with Christ; Judgment of the Nations; Judgment Seat of Christ; Satan bound for 1000 years; Satan loosed for short time; Great White Throne Judgment of all the Unrighteous; Final Conflagration; New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem.

MORE SPECIFICALLY...
When a Christian dies, his spirit goes immediately to be with Christ (awaiting the Rapture and His Return) and the spirit of the unsaved goes to hell (awaiting their final judgment).

Christ, Who is presently sitting in His resurrected body, is at the right hand of the Father in heaven, and is going to come to earth again, as a Judge and King, not as a Sacrifice for sin.

The Second Coming of Christ takes place in two main phases; 1- The Rapture (secretly), 2- The Return (visibly).

There are Two Resurrections;
1- The First Resurrection is the resurrection of the saved and
2- The Second Resurrection is the resurrection of the unsaved.

There are Three phases to the First Resurrection;
1- The First Fruits (Christ and those raised from the dead in Jerusalem at time of His resurrection),
2- The Harvest (the resurrection of those who have died with a faith in Christ),
3- The Gleanings (the resurrection of believers after the Tribulation).

The Rapture has Two parts;
1- Raising of the bodies of believers who have died (First Resurrection, Harvest), which will be rejoined with their spirits (already with the Lord).
2- Transforming the bodies of Christians who are alive at the time of the rapture; they will be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.

The Rapture will be the secret snatching away of believers, to join the Lord in the air.
The only ones who will be raptured are those who have a living and active faith in Christ;
Those who are as a chaste virgin;
Those those who are without spot or wrinkle or any such thing;
Those who are holy and without blame;
Those who are unblamable and unreprovable;
Those whose whole body soul and spirit are preserved blameless;
Those who follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord;
Those who are perfect before Christ;
Those who are pure, even as Christ is pure;
Those who have been kept from falling and are faultless.
(There is not a double standard for Christians; holiness and purity is the standard for all Christians).

The Church will cease to exist on earth after the Rapture, but there will still be an elect people.
Though the Holy Spirit will not be active on earth in the same way that He was during the Church Age, He will be active, in a similar way to His Old Testament activity.

Not all children will be taken in the Rapture; only the young children of believing parent(s). All other children will still be here, as were the children of the unsaved during the times of Noah and Lot. God's wrath on the earth does not preclude the redemption of children who die at that time.

Those who heard and rejected the gospel before the Tribulation will not get saved during the Tribulation.

The book of Revelation has imagery, but it is to be understood literally, unless there is internal evidence to the contrary.

There will be at least a Seven Year Period of Judgment on the earth (the Tribulation), subsequent to the rapture of the saints (holy ones).
The Tribulation, the period of God's judgment and wrath, is divided into two parts, the Tribulation and the Great Tribulation (the last 3 ½ years) as is described in the book of Revelation (Seal Judgments, Trumpet Judgments and Bowl Judgments).

There will be people who are saved during the Tribulation;
The Two Witnesses (possibly after rapture);
The 144,000 Jewish men who proclaim the gospel of the kingdom (possibly after the rapture);
The vast majority of the nation of Israel;
A Great Multitude, which no on can number, from every nation, tribe and tongue.

A One World Government, One World Economy and a One World Religion will arise during the first half of the Tribulation. European nations will arise as the pre-eminent political/financial/military power in the world, and a surfacing of the world's most powerful leader (the Anti-Christ or the Beast) and there will arise a Religious Leader (another Beast), who will serve the cause of the Anti-Christ.
The unholy threesome of the end times is Satan, The Beast (Anti-Christ) and the Other Beast (False Prophet).

Israel will enter into a seven year treaty with this revived Roman Empire, but will see the error of its way after 3 ½ years and break its covenant with the Beast, when the Beast enters and defiles the newly built Jewish Temple.
Israel will return go God by trusting Jesus as Messiah.
The Beast will seek to destroy Israel, finally, but God will deliver Israel miraculously.

Those whose names are found in the Lamb's Book of Life will be delivered from the Great White Throne Judgment, since Christ took away their judgment on Calvary.
The spirits of all those who have died in their sins will remain in hell, until the Great White Throne Judgment, when every sinner throughout history will stand before the judgment bar of God and will held accountable for every sin they ever committed (every thought, word and deed). There will be a series of books with all of the information and evidence. After every sinner is judged and sentenced, they will be cast into the Lake of Fire and tormented forever.

There will be a New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem, which will be the eternal domain of God's people.

MY VIEW...
I believe what the Bible says about end times.
I readily admit my understanding is limited.
I find great comfort and instruction in what I do understand.
I am not ashamed that I know and understand these truths.
I am learning from God's word, and watching, as it comes to fulfillment.

BE CAREFUL...
There is a popular movement that wants to diminish the value of eschatology.
Once we deny Biblical revelation of End Times events (which is such an important and integral part of Divine revelation), it is easier to dismiss other parts of God's word.
Remember, if it wasn't important, God would not have been so persistent and thorough in declaring these thing.
I refuse to let the ignorance, disbelief and skepticism of men turn me against the study and knowledge of end times truth.
Do not read into Scripture what is not there.
Do not base your salvation on your eschatology, but let your eschatology enhance your salvation.
It is all right to not know everything about the Second Coming, in fact, it is not all right to claim we do know everything about the Second Coming.
It is all right to say we don't know or understand parts of Biblical eschatology, but it is not all right to ignore it or dismiss it just because it is difficult, strange or controversial.
Never be turned off of eschatology by those who admit they don't understand it claim that it cannot be understood or those who say it is not important.
It is important, it is revelation, it is inspired, it is comforting, it is encouraging and it is instructional.

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE...GOD'S WORD EDIFIES, MAN'S... 04/17/10

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE...GOD'S WORD EDIFIES, MAN'S WORD STUPEFIES 04/17/10

I. THE WAY OF GOD OR THE WAY OF THE WORLD
A. Speakers load their messages with quotes from famous men.
B. I am constantly challenged to read works by esteemed writers.
C. However, the Bible is the Final Authority concerning God's Truth.
D. The most acclaimed writers and apologists are wrong so often that time is better spent poring over the Bible than filtering through human errors.
E. Most find it is easier to swallow human error than find Divine truth.

II. A CALL TO MEANINGFUL STUDY
This is not a call to ignorance and laziness or a rejection of theological and ministry training. It is a call to;
A. Learn the rules of Biblical interpretation;
B. Master the basics of Biblical studies;
C. Attain a comprehensive grasp of the history of doctrine;
D. Use the tools of language, history, theology and culture in your study of Scripture;
E. Never stop learning;
F. Remain faithful to what the Bible actually says.

III. STEPS TO HIGHER LEARNING...
A. Every local church and every established family should be able to give a minimum of a Bible college education to their young people by high school graduation; if not, they should...
B. Go to a Bible college for basic training as a soldier of the cross.
C. Then, if you need training for some other field, (book keeping, medicine, etc.) go to an appropriate institution.
D. If you are needing deeper training for your ministry than Bible College, pursue ministry graduate studies.
E. Spend a lifetime learning and growing in grace and knowledge of God's word.

But Do Not Become Addicted To The Writings Of Men; They Will Stupefy You.

GOD'S WORDS OF WISDOM...
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

DLG notes...
vs 9... We need wise preachers (mentioned twice) who take the time to impart Biblical knowledge to their people rather than the writings of famous and popular writers. The preacher needs to be a man of disciplined and orderly thinking.
vs 10... The preacher needs to be gifted and committed to honing his communication skills and abilities; he needs to be a literate man and knowledgeable in many disciplines. He needs to be committed to holiness and truth.
vs. 11... The preacher should be a wise man, with a view to building (edifying) his hearers. The preacher should love his hearers as a shepherd loves his sheep.
vs. 12... The preacher needs to focus on God's word, because man's word can stupefy rather than edify.
vs. 13... The truth empowers us to obey God fully.
vs. 14... God will judge every thought of the heart, word of the mouth and deed in the body, whether good or evil.

3

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE... GOD SAVES CHILDREN 04/03/10

 08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE... GOD SAVES CHILDREN 04/03/10

HOW IT STARTED
Years ago, my congregation and I visited a church while they were having their Annual Bible Conference, with churches coming from across the nation. While eating a meal together, one of the pastors asked how I came to know the Lord. I explained that my father, though unsaved, would tell me Bible stories and tell me that Jesus would help me be a good little boy. The Holy Spirit used this and convicted me for having been "ugly" (sinful) and I asked Him into my heart and life. I told the pastor that I was three (3) years old when I got saved and that God called me to the ministry that same year.

TAG TEAM RANTERS
During their sessions it was not unusual for one pastor to stand up and start preaching while another had the floor. They were polite and it was done in an orderly fashion. This could happen several times during one session (sort of like tag-team preaching). At one point a preacher started ranting that young children could not get saved, especially if they were very young children. Apparently my testimony had become fodder for that group of preachers, because several of them attacked me, my experience and the concept of children getting saved at a young age. They pointed out that a young child could not have a legitimate call to the ministry either. They were actually trying to get the people in my congregation to leave our church and join with theirs.

POOR LITTLE FELLOW
At one point they called one of their own small boys (about 6 or 7 years old) to the front of the church, intending to mock childhood salvation. They asked the little boy theological questions, couched in technical terminology. They scoffed the idea that a child could understand enough doctrine in order to get saved. They talked to him about sin, forgiveness, righteousness, confession, repentance and faith. The little boy was obviously shaken by the whole experience.

THIS WAS NOT MY FIRST RODEO
I maintained my composure through their mean spirited tirade and left the building in an orderly fashion at the end of the service.

TIME TO LEAVE
In the yard, in front of the church building I spoke to the pastor and some other "ministers" and told them we were leaving and would not be back. He asked why, and I explained it to him. His fellow pastors wanted to argue, but I told the pastor how disappointed I was in their actions. They continued to rudely interrupt our conversation, viciously attacking me, my doctrines and my salvation..

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE
While we were standing there, a lady interrupted the pastor and told him that he needed to come into the church, because there was a problem at the altar. They had tried to solve it, but they really needed him to come inside. Someone was seeking salvation, and they did not know how to pray with him. The pastor asked what was wrong. Apparently the little boy they had tried to manipulate had gotten under conviction for his sins and was wanting to ask Jesus to come into his heart and life. The pastor headed for the altar, hopefully to lead the little boy to Jesus.

Hahahahahahahahahahaha. Some people preach Christ for the wrong reason, but the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Ro. 1:16). Even if a donkey tells the truth, it is the truth (Nu. 22:28).

Philippians 1:15-18
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE FIRST JOHN, DELIVERANCE FROM ALL SIN OR,,, 03/31/10

08/27/20 DLG FB NOTE FIRST JOHN, DELIVERANCE FROM ALL SIN OR NO DELIVERANCE FROM ALL SIN. 03/31/10

This is something I posted on my FB in February. It is a Bible Study exercise, demonstrating that the overwhelming part of Scripture declares God saves us from sin rather than leaves us in sin. I added this as a note because I wanted to share this with other people.

FEBRUARY 6... TRY THIS... Take a Bible book, like 1 John (below). Categorize all applicable verses into one of two lists concerning Deliverance From Sin Now. One list will have verses that seem to say we cannot be delivered from sin in this life and the other list will have verses that seem to say we can be delivered from sin in this life. Tell me how it goes.

THREE THOUGHTS...
1. You may not agree with all of my choices.
Actually, I have not included all of my choices, because some verses are linked to other verses. I only selected verses that stand alone.
If you have questions about my choices, I will be glad to respond.
2. The seeming contradictions must be answered, since there is no contradictions in the Scripture.
The few verses must be understood in the light of the many verses.
I will be glad to address the verses that seem to deny deliverance.
3. Obviously I do not believe that God is unable to deliver from sin or that He won't deliver us from sin or that He does not expect us to be delivered from all sin.

Example below...
Remember, these are verses that seem, on the surface to fit into one of the two lists. Obviously, both positions cannot be true, therefore we say, "seem" because we do not want to misrepresent God.

CHAPTER ONE... (10 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (1 verse)
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Deliverance From Sin Verses... (4 verses)
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

CHAPTER TWO... (29 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (0 verses)

Deliverance From Sin Verses... (20 verses)
2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
2:5 But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
2:6 He that saith he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
2:7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines.
2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now.
2:10 He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
2:11 But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
2:17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever.
2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

CHAPTER THREE... (24 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (0 verses)

Deliverance From Sin Verses...(15 verses)
3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.
3:4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
3:6 Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins hath not seen him, neither known him.
3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
3:8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.
3:15 Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?
3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
3:24 And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

CHAPTER FOUR... (21 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (0 verses)

Deliverance From Sin Verses...(7 verses)
4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.
4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.
4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.
4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

CHAPTER FIVE... (21 verses)

No Deliverance From Sin Verses... (1 verse)
5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Deliverance From Sin Verses... (7 verses)
5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
5:5 Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not.
5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

(DLG)
First John makes it clear that God delivers His children from all sin in this world.

This exercise demonstrates this truth.

08/26/20 SOMETIMES IT IS NOT LOCATION

08/26/20 SOMETIMES IT IS NOT LOCATION

A call to ministry, whether leadership or laity, is proven by evangelizing sinners and edifying believers, whether on foreign field or at home.

08/26/20 DLG FB NOTE...MY KAYAK STORY November 2008

08/26/20 DLG FB NOTE...MY KAYAK STORY (a laugh and a lesson) 02/10/10

This happened to me in November of 2008. Since this "Pluff Mud" is like quicksand, I have actually heard of people dying in similar situations. However, I did not know about it until I experienced it for myself. For those of you who have not heard about my little adventure, you may find it entertaining. Enjoy.

Well, I attempted to go out on my kayak on Friday, because it was a beautiful day and I did not have any pressing responsibilities. Wow, it was in the upper 60’s, sunny and calm winds. What an opportunity. I was really looking forward to paddling through the marsh to the mouth of the inlet, and catching some Spotted Sea Trout and Red Drum. I don’t usually catch Spots or Croakers, because I don’t fish for little fish. I would rather try to catch big fish than actually catch several small fish. I like to use live bait, so I bought a $9 Minnow Trap, to add to my bag of tricks.

I was set, except I mis-figured the tide at Morse’s Landing. I was off by about 30 minutes. I knew I would have enough water to get back in on a rising tide, but I had to launch before the tide was too low. I arrived at the landing, downloaded all of my gear and got ready to shove off. As I was walking by a group of people, a man said, “Your going to get cold.” I said, “I hope not.” Actually, I had already taken the wind and temperature into consideration and I had waded in the water, just to make sure.

I climbed aboard my “Sit On Top” kayak and started paddling out of the creek. A little ways out I came upon a small shoal. NO PROBLEM. All I had to do was get off of the kayak and pull it into the deeper water only a couple of yards away. As soon as I stepped onto the mud I began to sink. Now you need to understand, I have sunk in mud before, but nothing like this. My first step took me to my knees and my second step took me to my waist. At first I thought I would be able to get at least a few feet, but soon realized I was in trouble. If I had not had my kayak I may have sunk even more. It was like quicksand. (Of course, if I did not have my kayak, I wouldn’t have gotten into this mess to-begin-with).

I leaned onto my kayak and extracted one leg and then the other. I scootched (scooted) the kayak a few inches toward the shore and repeated my escape plan. I could not believe I had gotten myself into this mess. And boy-howdy (as Heath Barkley and Goober Pyle would say), what a mess. The stinking mud was caked on my legs and swimming trunks, and clung like a heavy slime. I looked up at the parking lot to see if anyone was laughing at this ridiculous display I was making. There was one vehicle with an older couple. While I was struggling to keep from being swallowed by the Mud Monster, they moved their vehicle closer. Part of me hoped they would be available to help, if I got in any more trouble, and part of me hoped they would not pay attention.

I think this is how it is with people before they get saved. They want to be saved, but they don’t want anyone to know that they need to be saved. The couple in the van did not roll their window down and offer me any help. As a matter of fact, I could not tell if they had taken out a pair of binoculars to view the horizon or to get a better look at Mud Man. Or maybe they had a camera, I could not really tell. So, what were they doing with that camera? Were they taking pictures of the beautiful seascape that is found throughout Murrells Inlet or were they planning to make $100,000 with a video of a man being sucked into his muddy grave?

Though all of these thoughts crossed my mind, I did not have time to focus on them, so I got back to my escape plan. I was tiring out. Did I mention that I could not believe I had gotten myself into this mess? This too is how a person feels before he gets saved. He reflects on the wrong decisions that got him mired in a life of sin. He thinks he has everything figured, he makes his plans, he thinks he covers all of his bases, only to find out that Time and Tide Wait for no man. When the tide of life has ebbed too far, there is no way of escape. As the Scripture says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of that way is death.” It also says, He, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

I kept moving toward the shore, inch by inch, hoping for firmer footing. Eventually I was only sinking to my knees and then to my calf and ankles. Finally I was able to sludge my way to the waters edge. Now I had to retrieve my kayak and all of my equipment. I maneuvered everything to a pool of water, left behind by the falling tide. I washed myself off in the nasty water, cutting myself on oyster shells, but at least I was safe. I then had to carry everything back to my Camaro and clean everything enough to load into my car.

FINALLY, I was on my way home. It was not a fun day. As a matter of fact, it was one of the least fun outings I had ever had in my life. But I was not angry or bent-out-of-shape. Even in these passing, but aggravating moments of life, salvation gets us through our troubles without being mired down. If salvation cannot get us through the small things, then there is no hope in the real trials of life. And who knows, maybe we even learn a good lesson in the experience.

 

08/26/20 DLG FB NOTE... CAN BELIEVERS BE DECEIVED?

08/26/20 DLG FB NOTE... CAN BELIEVERS BE DECEIVED? 10/19/09

An Excerpt from my article...
Believers can be deceived into following a false Christ (Mt. 24:3-5, 24; Mk. 13:6, 22; Lk. 21:8)
Believers can be deceived into following false prophets and not enduring (continuing faithful) to the end (Mt. 24:11, 24; Mk. 13:22).
Believers can be deceived into believing that sins do not separate from God (1 Co. 6:9-11).
Believers can be led into bad behavior through bad company (1 Co. 15:33).
Believers can be deceived into believing they will not answer for un-repented sin (Ga. 6:7).
Believers can be seduced into believing and living a life that is against Christ (Ja. 6-8, 12, 14-16, 21-22).
Believers can be deceived to believe they are inherently sinless and not in need of a Savior (1 Jn. 1:8).
Believers (who are righteous) can be deceived into becoming evil unbelievers (1 Jn. 3:7).
Believers can be led into fornication (Re. 2:20).

 

 INTRODUCTION
There are two verses in the New Testament that are occasionally quoted by those who believe in sinning religion, to prove that sin in a Christian’s life does not cause him to lose his salvation. By “sinning religion” I am referring to a belief that Christ forgives our sin, but does not deliver us from the power or pollution of sin. These two verses are only used “occasionally” because a responsible investigation destroys any such application of the two verses. I want to address the possibility of the saved being deceived and the use of these two verses.

These two passages actually refer to “the elect,” while this document refers to “the believer.” I have written another article, which addresses the identity and nature of “the elect.” However, this article is concerned with the possibility that a saved person can be deceived and led away from saving faith. According to the OSAS position, once a person is a believer, he is always a believer, and “a believer” is one of “the elect.” Therefore, if OSAS is correct in saying that a believer is one of the elect, and if the believer can be deceived and led away from saving faith, then the elect can be deceived and led away from saving faith.

First let me mention the two verses.

Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

DLG notes… The argument then follows that the elect, the saved, the born again person, cannot be deceived. After all, say the proponents of sinning religion, these two passages clearly indicate that the elect cannot be deceived.

Notice, these two verses are Matthew’s and Mark’s accounts of the same event. In other words, it was not a foundational statement, upon which a broad doctrine was built. Also notice that the passage does not say that it is “impossible” for the elect to be deceived, it says, “if it were possible,” which is not the same as saying, “it is impossible.” I know that the knee jerk response to my statement is to dispute it, however, I hope you will give me the opportunity to prove my point.

This document is not intended to explain the meaning of these two verses, but rather to show that it is possible for saved people to be deceived. In fact, in this same chapter of Matthew, Jesus warned these same men that they might be deceived (Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.) I may not be able to explain, to your satisfaction, what these two verses mean, but I believe I can demonstrate what these two verses do not mean. These two verses do not mean that it is impossible for believers in Christ to be deceived and to turn from Christ to sin, from light to darkness or from salvation to damnation.

There are three reasons I am sure that these two verses do not mean it is impossible for saved people to be deceived.

The first reason is that the verses do not say “it is impossible.” The second reason is that the New Testament makes it clear that it is possible for Christians to be deceived and turn from God and His salvation, and the third reason is that the idea of sinning religion is totally contrary to the entire Bible.

This document focuses on the second argument, that is, the New Testament makes it clear that it is possible for Christians to be deceived and turn from God and His salvation. I will turn your attention to the words used by Matthew and Mark in these two passages and show how these words are used in other passages in the New Testament. I will also present other words and passages in the New Testament, which indicate that Christians can be deceived.

I. MATTHEW AND MARK SAYS

…if it were possible, they [the false Christs and false prophets] shall DECEIVE the very elect (Mt.24:24).

For false Christs and false prophets shall… SEDUCE, if it were possible, even the elect (Mk. 13:22).

DLG notes… The words we are concerned with are the words “deceive” and “seduce.” These two words are translations of two different Greek words.

A. MATTHEW’S WORD IN 24:24
Let us consider the word, “deceive” in Matthew 24:24. The Greek word is number 4105 in Strong’s concordance. We find this word in several New Testament passages.

Strong Definition: plan-ah’-o From G4106; to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.

Thayer Definition: 1) to cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way 1a) to go astray, wander, roam about 2) metaphorically 2a) to lead away from the truth, to lead into error, to deceive 2b) to be led into error 2c) to be led aside from the path of virtue, to go astray, sin 2d) to sever or fall away from the truth 2d1) of heretics 2e) to be led away into error and sin. Part of Speech: verb

1) Matthew 24:3-5
(3) And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
(4) And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man DECEIVE you.
(5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall DECEIVE many.

DLG notes… Jesus was speaking to His disciples, His followers, the men who would become the apostles (Mt. 24:3, 4). Jesus was telling these men that they could be deceived.

2) Matthew 24:11-13
(11) And many false prophets shall rise, and shall DECEIVE many.
(12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
(13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

DLG notes… Jesus was speaking to His disciples, His followers, the men who would become the apostles (Mt 24:3; 4). Jesus was telling these men that they could be deceived. Jesus pointed out that it possible for a believer to not endure to the end and therefore not be saved.

3) Mark 13:3-6
(3) And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
(4) Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
(5) And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man DECEIVE you:
(6) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall DECEIVE many.

DLG notes… Jesus was speaking to Peter, James, John and Andrew, men who would become the apostles (Mk. 13:3). In fact, Peter James and John became three of the leaders in the early church. Jesus was telling these men that they must be watchful or they could be deceived.

4) Luke 21:8
And he [Jesus] said, Take heed that ye be not DECEIVED: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

5) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
(9) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not DECEIVED: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
(10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

DLG notes… Paul was addressing believers. These were people who had been washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God (vs. 11). These people were warned not to be deceived.

6) 1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not DECEIVED: evil communications corrupt good manners.

DLG notes… In the first verse of chapter 15 Paul directs his comments to “brethren,” indicating that they were Christians and therefore Christians can be deceived.

7) Galatians 6:7
Be not DECEIVED; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

DLG notes… Not only is the book addressed to Galatian Christians, the context calls them “brethren” and addresses issues that are strictly Christian. The Galatian Christians were warned about being deceived. It is not faith when a person allows sin to remain in his life, thinking it is covered by grace. It is presumption and it will incur the wrath of God.

8 ) James 1:16
Do not ERR, my beloved brethren.

DLG notes… James is explaining the origin of sin to believers and then tells them to not be deceived concerning the result of sinning. In fact, this means, do not be led astray. James said, “Do not be led astray, my beloved brethren.”

9) James 5:19-20
(19) Brethren, if any of you do ERR from the truth, and one convert him;
(20) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

DLG notes… In this passage, James said that it is possible for a person who is a Christian (brethren) to err from the truth (be deceived and led astray). He goes on to say that the person who converts the one who errs (Strong’s 4105) from the error of his way (Strong’s 4106) saves his soul from death and hides a multitude of sins. It is obvious that a believer can be deceived and lose his soul.

In James chapter 1, we are warned against wavering (vss. 6-7), and being double minded (vs. 8). James calls Christians to endure temptation if they want to receive the crown of life (vs. 12). James warns Christians that yielding to temptation leads to death, for every man (vs. 14-15). James warns Christians not to be deceived to believe any doctrine contrary to these truths (vs. 16). James tells believers that they are to lay aside all spiritual filthiness and overflow of wickedness (vs. 21). James tells believers to be doers of the word and not simply hearers, deceiving themselves (vs. 22).

10) 1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we DECEIVE ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

DLG notes… Not only is it possible to be deceived by others, it is possible for a believer to deceive himself into thinking that he is independently righteous and has no need of the blood of Christ.

Though this verse seems like an open and shut argument against holiness of heart and life, in this present world, it is not, and I will be glad to respond to any questions.

11) 1 John 2:26
These things have I written unto you concerning them that SEDUCE you.

DLG notes… John said the reason he wrote this letter was to keep believers from being deceived. Remember, John has been warning his readers that there are people who are teaching anti-Christ doctrines and he is warning them not to fall prey to these false prophets.

12) 1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man DECEIVE you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

DLG notes… John warned Christians not to let anyone deceive them. The Biblical fact is, he who does righteousness is righteous, even as God is righteous.

13) Revelation 2:20
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to SEDUCE my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

DLG notes… SUMMARY OF WORD USED IN MATTHEW 24:24

Believers can be deceived into following a false Christ (Mt. 24:3-5, 24; Mk. 13:6, 22; Lk. 21:8)
Believers can be deceived into following false prophets and not enduring (continuing faithful) to the end (Mt. 24:11, 24; Mk. 13:22).
Believers can be deceived into believing that sins do not separate from God (1 Co. 6:9-11).
Believers can be led into bad behavior through bad company (1 Co. 15:33).
Believers can be deceived into believing they will not answer for un-repented sin (Ga. 6:7).
Believers to be seduced into believing and living a life that is against Christ (Ja. 6-8, 12, 14-16, 21-22).
Believers can be deceived to believe they are inherently sinless and not in need of a Savior (1 Jn. 1:8).
Believers (who are righteous) can be deceived into becoming evil unbelievers (1 Jn. 3:7).
Believers can be led into fornication (Re. 2:20).

B. MARK’S WORD IN 13:22
Let us consider the word, “deceive” in Mark. The Greek word is number 635 in Strong’s concordance, but it is related to 4105 and 4106.

Strong Definition: apoplanaō From G635; From G575 and G4105; to lead astray (figuratively); passively to stray (from truth): - err, seduce.

Thayer Definition: 1) to cause to go astray 2) to lead away from the truth to error 3) to go astray, stray away from. Part of Speech: verb

DLG notes… We find this word in one other New Testament passage.

1) 1 Timothy 6:6-11
(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
(8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
(10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have ERRED from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

DLG notes… Paul makes it totally clear that he is addressing Christians. He also made it clear that believers can be led away from the faith by coveting after money. Paul tells men of God to flee these things that cause people to be deceived and led astray.

II. OTHER NEW TESTAMENT WORDS

I will give other words in the New Testament, which state that Christians can be deceived. I will list them according to Strong’s numbering system, which is according to the Greek alphabet. I include both Strong’s and Thayer’s definitions.

A. STRONGS 538
Strong Definition 538: apataō… Of uncertain derivation; to cheat, that is, delude: - deceive.

Thayer Definition: 1) to cheat, beguile, deceive. Part of Speech: verb

1) Ephesians 5:6
Let no man DECEIVE you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

DLG notes… Again, this passage is calling Christians to a life of Christ likeness (vss. 1-2), and therefore Paul warns the believers not be allow themselves to get involved with various sins (3-4). Paul points out that falling back into sin will result in the loss of eternal life (5-7).

Though a person calls himself a son of God, if he is living in sin, he is a son of disobedience.

2) James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but DECEIVETH his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

DLG notes… James is clearly speaking to Christians about Christian living and points out that the person who does not bring his words under the rule of Christ has only the appearance of piety and his faith and practices are worthless. But do not miss the fact that James is addressing believers. Notice all of the first part of the first chapter and then in this verse he said, “if any among you…” referring to the believers.

B. STRONGS 539
Strong Definition 539: apatē… From G538; delusion: - deceit (-ful, -fulness), deceivableness (-ving).

Thayer Definition: 1) deceit, deceitfulness. Part of Speech: noun feminine

1) Matthew 13:22 (Mk. 4:19)
(22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the DECEITFULNESS of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

DLG notes… Jesus clearly said that the “soil” who heard and received (actively and deliberately took) the seed was led astray by riches and became unfruitful. The soil (person) had actually taken the word of God, but did not reach full fruition because he was intimidated by the cares of this world and frightened by the deceitfulness of riches.

2) Colossians 2:6-8
(6) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
(7) Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
(8) Beware lest any man SPOIL you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

DLG notes… Paul told the Colossian Christians to take care not to be deceived. These people had received Christ, they were walking in Christ, rooted and built up in Christ, established in the faith, abounding in these traits. Yet they were warned not to let any man spoil them.
In fact the word “spoil” is the translation of a word that means to lead or carry away as booty (as we might say a pirate would do with his booty, whether treasure or pleasure).
It is also translated as, “rob or plunder, as in war.”

The picture is that Christians can be taken captive, by the enemy of their soul, through deceitfulness. Notice, the verse does not say that their goods can be spoiled (plundered), but rather that they, themselves can be plundered. Remember, Paul said, 1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

God warns us that Christians can fall.
They can fall away from Christ (Lk. 8:13).
They can fall from grace (Ga. 5:4).
They can fall into the same condemnation as the devil (1 Ti. 3:6).
They can fall into destruction and perdition (1 Ti. 6:9).
They can fall into unbelief (He. 4:11).
They can fall away from salvation (He. 6:4-6).
They can fall into sin (2 Pe. 3:17).
Choose your poison.

3) Hebrews 3:12-14
(12) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
(13) But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the DECEITFULNESS of sin.
(14) FOR WE ARE MADE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST, IF WE HOLD THE BEGINNING OF OUR CONFIDENCE STEADFAST UNTO THE END;

DLG notes… This passage clearly says that Christians (brethren, vs. 13) must guard against an evil heart of unbelief, which will lead them away from God. It also teaches that Christians must exhort one another not to be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. It also tells us that we are only partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.

How dangerous is it that preachers and others actually rant against the truth of this passage.

C. STRONGS 1818
Strong Definition: G1818… exapataō ex-ap-at-ah’-o From G1537 and G538; to seduce wholly: - beguile, deceive.

Thayer Definition: 1) to deceive. Part of Speech: verb

1) 2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent BEGUILED Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

DLG notes… Not only was Satan able to beguile, deceive, Eve, who was without any sin or inherent moral weakness, he is able to do the same to us, resulting in our corruption. The word Paul uses here is a compound, which means that Satan is able to deceive completely. Being deceived leads to being corrupted, destroyed, spoiled or ruined.

Paul “feared” that Christians might be led away from the truth of Christ.

The Word “CORRUPT”

Paul was concerned that the believers should have their “minds corrupted.” The word “corrupted” is the translation of another Greek word.

Strong Definition: 5351… phtheirō fthi’-ro. Probably strengthened from φθίω phthiō (to pine or waste): properly to shrivel or wither, that is, to spoil (by any process) or (genitive) to ruin (especially figuratively by moral influences, to deprave): - corrupt (self), defile, destroy.

Thayer Definition: 1) to corrupt, to destroy 1a) in the opinion of the Jews, the temple was corrupted or “destroyed” when anyone defiled or in the slightest degree damaged anything in it, or if its guardians neglected their duties 1b) to lead away a Christian church from that state of knowledge and holiness in which it ought to abide 1c) to be destroyed, to perish 1d) in an ethical sense, to corrupt, deprave. Part of Speech: verb

DLG notes… Barnes says that the believers minds could be perverted and the heart alienated.

The simplicity Paul refers to is not that of naivety or stupidity, but singleness of mind. Satan moves believers from their single minded commitment to Christ and honest openness to God’s word. This corruption comes through the preaching of another Jesus, another Spirit and another Gospel, rather than the truth found in Scripture. Paul points out that it is possible for believers to be deceived into accepting, receiving, taking the false instead of the true.

2) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
(1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
(2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
(3) Let no man DECEIVE you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

DLG notes… Paul entreated the believers to not be shaken or deceived. Paul was concerned that a deceiver would toss believers about like a boat on a stormy sea. They could be shaken (intellectually) and troubled (emotionally) by deceivers. Believers can be convinced by argument or trickery, into following a false teaching or teacher.

D. STRONGS 3884
Strong Definition 3884: paralogizomai… par-al-og-id’-zom-ahee. From G3844 and G3049; to misreckon, that is, delude: - beguile, deceive.

Thayer Definition: 1) to reckon wrong, miscount 2) to cheat by false reckoning 2a) to deceive by false reasoning 3) to deceive, delude, circumvent. Part of Speech: verb

1) Colossians 2:4
And this I say, lest any man should BEGUILE you with enticing words.

DLG notes… Paul was concerned that someone should “beguile” or “delude” or “cheat” the believers, with “enticing words.” Christians are often led astray by plausible arguments of human reason. Carnal men rely on “probable” arguments rather than simple and clear revelation. Paul was not only concerned that the believer might be fooled in their thinking, but also in their convictions, commitments and conduct.

2) James 1:21-22
(21) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
(22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, DECEIVING your own selves.

DLG notes… James told believers to put away wickedness and take hold of the word of God, which is able to save their souls. If they did not do obey the word of God, they were simply hearers who were being deceived. Remember, this was spoken to believers. Believers can be deceived and lose their souls.

E. STRONGS 4106
Strong Definition 4106: planē… plan’-ay. Feminine of G4108 (as abstraction); objectively fraudulence; subjectively a straying from orthodoxy or piety: - deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.

Thayer Definition: 1) a wandering, a straying about 1a) one led astray from the right way, roams hither and thither 2) metaphorically 2a) mental straying 2a1) error, wrong opinion relative to morals or religion 2b) error which shows itself in action, a wrong mode of acting 2c) error, that which leads into error, deceit or fraud Part of Speech: noun feminine

1) 2 Peter 2:18-21
(18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in ERROR.
(19) While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
(20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
(21) For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

DLG notes… This is a very interesting passage. It clearly says those who have escaped the corruptions of the world can be entangled again. Those who espouse sinning religion go to great lengths to explain away the obvious meaning of this passage. If you have specific questions about this passage, please let me know.

The word that brought us to this passage is the word, “error” at the end of verse 18. The context tells us that there are deceivers, like Baalam, who set snares for the people of God. Verse 18 tells us that these deceivers allure their victims through lusts of the flesh and much wantonness. Peter says that the ones who are allured into sin are the very ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. The victim is a backslider. He was once delivered from sin and is now entangled again. The victim was originally a victim, who became a victor through Christ, but has gone back into sin.

Only those who have been saved can properly be said to have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

These same people are “again” entangled.” It is worse for a person to have known the way of truth and then fall away than it is for a person who never knew the way of truth at all.

This person is said to have known the way of righteousness, which can only be said of a saved person. Only those who are walking in the holy commandments of God can turn from them.

We are also told that theses deceivers had forsaken, or had left the right way, the true way, the straight way, and had gone astray (vs. 15). Simple, clear, language requires simple, clear understanding. This passage needs no fancy footwork theology, it only needs acceptance.

F. STRONGS 4108
Strong Definition: 4108: planos… plan’-os. Of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), that is, (by implication) an impostor or misleader: - deceiver, seducing.

Thayer Definition: planos… 1) wandering, roving 2) misleading, leading into error 2a) a vagabond, “tramp”, imposter 2b) corrupter, deceiver. Part of Speech: adjective

1) 1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to SEDUCING spirits, and doctrines of devils;

DLG notes… Paul told Timothy that people would depart from the faith. The same idea is expressed in other passages in terms, such as, “forsake” and “fall away.” “Giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” results in “departing”, not simply “avoiding” the gospel, as some try to explain it. Later, in verse 6, Paul specifically said if Christians observed these truths they would be good ministers, nourished on good doctrine.

I have shown that the same word, which is found in Matthew 24:24 is found in at least 13 other passages, all of which indicate that believers can be deceived.

I have shown that there are at least 26 other passages in the New Testament that indicates believers can be deceived. Many of those verses actually indicating that those who become deceived are in jeopardy of losing their souls.

I have demonstrated that there are at least 8 Greek words which are translated into English words meaning deceive or seduce, indicating that believers can be led astray.

Matthew 24:24 and Mark 13:22 do not prove that believers cannot be deceived or be lost in sin.

If someone wants to refute my findings, I am eager to hear from them. If anyone is interested in discussing these issues further, I am available.

III. THE WORD “IF” IN THE BIBLE DOES NOT PRECLUDE AN OPTION

Here is something else to notice about the argument for sinning religion. It says that the elect, the saved person, the born again person, cannot be deceived, because the passages in question say,

…if it were possible, they [the false Christs and false prophets] shall deceive the very elect (Mt.24:24).

For false Christs and false prophets shall…seduce, if it were possible, even the elect (Mk. 13:22).

From this, some people assume that it is impossible for a saved person to be deceived or seduced spiritually. But the passages do not say any such thing.

Let us look at some other passages, which are similar in construction, and apply the same principle.

Acts 20:16
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

DLG notes… Does this passage mean that it was impossible for Paul to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost? Obviously not. In fact, this passage indicates that it was difficult, but possible.

Acts 27:39
And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

DLG notes… Does this passage mean that it was impossible for them to launch the boat? Obviously not. In fact, this passage indicates that it was difficult, but possible.

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

DLG notes… Does this passage mean that it was impossible for anyone to live peaceably with another person? Obviously not. In fact, this passage indicates that it was difficult, but possible.

Galatians 4:15
Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

DLG notes… Does this passage mean that it was impossible for them to pluck out their eyes, in order to benefit Paul? Probably. Of course, today it could be done through transplants. However, in Paul’s day, they could not have done it. However, Paul was pointing out that they would do it if they could. Paul’s emphasis was their willingness to sacrifice for Paul’s well being.

The possibility of deceiving and seducing saved people is established many times with the collateral passages in our study. Therefore, I believe the statements allow for the possibility of the elect being deceived and I know that the collateral evidence from the New Testament substantiates the possibility of believers being deceived.