Welcome to The Christianity Blog hosted by Pastor Michael Salman. Pastor Michael is a Pastor of the Christian Church. Bible devotions, illustrations and words of wisdom will come through this blog. We pray this will help you grow in Christ.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. In this article I would like to address and discuss the citizens we find in Christendom. Christendom has all kinds of people who believe for one reason or another. Today I want to talk about the 4 types of people inhabiting Christendom. You probably know them and I can only pray that you are the latter.
People are Christians or participate in Christianity because they fit in one of these Categories:
1) For Social Reasons. People are not always tolerated or accepted in certain groups. Some people are considered outcast and unliked by the world. They exhibit certain traits that normal people have either written them off or dislike them. They have found in Christianity a people who are willing to tolerate them, work with them and even accept them. While they themselves have not accepted Christ personally, they like Christianity because it gives them some kind of social life. These people usually go from church to church or event to event trying to accumulate as many friends or acquaintances to feel socially accepted. They do not like to be held accountable to their walk in Christ. Since they are really not in it for the walk only the friendship they barely come to experience true salvation. Some even join a Church to find a spouse or companion. When they find a good man or woman their spouses are shocked to later find out that they do not know who they married but it sure was not a Christian. These people burn a lot of bridges. While there are some who do come to Christ, it is not until they learn that Christianity goes beyond just having friends.
2) For Moral Reasons. Christianity offers the most moral and ethical outlooks to life. It teaches not to steal, kill or commit adultery. While other religions may have some of the same values Christianity is the most widely accepted. It is a great way and place to raise a family and teach them some form of ethics and morals. While people do not look to live at a higher standard, people find that Christianity helps them feel like they are in a higher standard. It offers some form of family and personal security to know that they have some kind of grounding for themselves and family, morally and ethically. While they themselves have never felt a deep sense of conviction the striving to be moral is intellectually right rather than spiritually right. Just the fact that they attend a Church and attend special events like Christmas and Easter is enough to satisfy their Christianity label.
3) For Traditional Reasons. People are in Christianity because their grandfather was, their father was and now they are. Their family have attended the same church for many years and Christianity is a the traditional religion for their family. They feel that going to church is just what they do because it is traditional. Kind of like getting together for Thanksgiving Dinner. Even though there are family you do not like you just do it because it's thanksgiving and that is tradition. They raise their family in the Church because the torch must be passed. Again no true personal commitment has ever been made and the thoughts of those who are in Christianity is entitlement. They feel they are saved because they have always been Christians.
4) TRUE PERSONAL ENCOUNTER. These are people who have encountered the TRUE CHRIST. Not a great church, or great people but a Great God. They may have begun under the first 3 pretenses but they have hit a place in their lives that has broken them and questioned their purpose in this life. They understood the sin that has damned them and understood the Christ that has saved them. Their encounter is personal and they express, show and pour out Christ. Their lives are Holy, their behavior is Holy and their convictions are Holy. They have come to Christ by and through the WORD OF GOD and faith in Christ. These are people who have learned what it means to be Christ like and have learned what it means to be faithful, loyal and saints. These are people who usually attract the other types to want to be part of something larger.
In Conclusion,
Christ is able to touch the lives of many who may come for personal reasons. That is why it is important that we who have encountered True Christianity, show Christ. To let people know that Christianity is more than social, moral and traditional but a relationship with the True and Living God.
If you are in Christianity for the first 3 reasons, it is time that you come to experience more. For no friend, no form of ethics or no family name will bring you into an eternal loving relationship with Christ. It is only through Christ and your personal encounter with Him. Repent of your sins, have faith in God and walk in Christ. Come to Christ.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. In this article I would like to address the
role of Women in the Church. This is a
subject that has been discussed and debated for many years. While this was never a concern in the Early
Church we also do not make a mountain over a mole hill but rather affirm and
confirm the teachings found in scriptures and by the Early Church Fathers,
Apostolic teachings and doctrines.
In order for us
to understand the role of women in the Church it is important to look at all
the scriptures referring to women first and then like a puzzle in the full
counsel of God come to the understanding of the role of women in the
Church. Let us begin:
1 Corinthians 14:34-40 Let your
women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak;
but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the
law. (35) And if they will learn any thing, let them
ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. (36)
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? (37)
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him
acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the
Lord. (38) But if any man be ignorant, let him be
ignorant. (39) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and
forbid not to speak with tongues. (40) Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Timothy 2:11-15 Let the
woman learn in silence with all subjection.
(12) But I suffer not a woman to
teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (13)
For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
(14) And Adam was not deceived,
but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (15)
Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in
faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Titus 2:3-5 The aged
women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not
false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; (4)
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children, (5) To be discreet, chaste, keepers at
home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not
blasphemed.
1 Corinthians 11:1-9 Be ye
followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (2)
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep
the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. (3)
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the
head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (4)
Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered,
dishonoureth his head. (5) But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth
with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one
as if she were shaven. (6) For if the woman be not covered, let her also
be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be
covered. (7) For a man indeed ought not to cover his
head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory
of the man. (8) For the man is not of the woman; but the
woman of the man. (9) Neither was the man created for the woman;
but the woman for the man.
At first glance we come to the conclusion
that women are to take a silent role in the Church. That they are not allowed to speak and not
even to ask questions in Church. That is
the conclusion you would have to come to if you were to take the face value of
a text without applying other text that apply to the subject at hand. Since we are able to apply other text it is
obvious that this text is not sole and separate. For example there are times when a woman is
permitted to speak. 1) When she teaches or talks to other women. Titus
2:4 That they may teach the young women
to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, and 2) When she is given permission by an
authority above her to prophesy. 1
Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that
prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head:
for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
There are also a lot of examples where
women take a leadership role but only under the authority of a man. For example:
The office of Deacon is an office of authority and teaching and yet a
woman named Phebe is called a deacon by the Apostle Paul:
Romans 16:1-2 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is
a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
(2) That ye receive her in the Lord,
as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need
of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Philip who was one of the Deacons of the
Church had 4 daughters who prophesied:
Acts 21:8-9 And the next day
we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered
into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and
abode with him. (9) And the same man had four daughters, virgins,
which did prophesy.
Notice how the Apostle mentions
that the daughters were VIRGINS. In other
words their Father was their head covering and authority over them giving them
the right to prophesy.
There are other instances in which women
take a teaching role, not as in the role
of a Pastor but rather a minister. For example there are circumstances in which
it is recorded that Aquila and his wife Priscilla are involved in a home church
and in teaching people. Whenever it is
mentioned it is mentioned as Aquila and his wife Priscilla If Priscilla was not active in the Church why
mention her. The women were not silent
only submissive. They understood their
place in the Church.
We cannot come to the literal conclusion
that women are to be silent in the Church.
What we can come to the conclusion is that women are not to have
authority over man and take the teaching authority over man in the Church. In other words, women are not to take the
role of Senior Pastor or any Pastorship over man. Instead a woman may prophesy, teach and
preach under the authority of the Senior Pastor and by her husband or father.
The role of women is very vital and
important in the Church. While women may
not take a leadership role in the Church, women are leaders in the Church. Women lead many of the minor administrative
works, organization of social events and other minor roles. Any form of leadership or lead by women is always conducted under the authority of the Church and it's Pastor's.
If you are a reader who takes the text
hyper literal then under rules of theology you must make it absolute. In other words, the Word of God says that a
woman is not to usurp authority over man but does not just say in Church
Only. Also a woman is be silent and
should not ask questions means any and all questions. There are churches who take this role, but
not in this Church.
Here are other women that are mentioned by
the Apostle by name because of their work and labor in the Gospel. These mentioned tell a different story than one found in a hyper-literal interpretation of a silent woman who does not speak in Church:
Romans 16:1-27 I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is
at Cenchrea: (2) That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh
saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for
she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. (3) Greet Priscilla and Aquila my
helpers in Christ Jesus: (4) Who have for my life laid down their own
necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. (5)
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my
wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
(6) Greet Mary, who
bestowed much labour on us. (7) Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and
my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ
before me……….(12) Salute Tryphena and
Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute
the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. ……. (15) Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the
saints which are with them. ….Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by
Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
In this article I would like to briefly discuss the cause of why people are leaving the Church. I center this problem on two causes. There may be many causes to the reason but As a Pastor and Minister I have been able by my experience narrowed it down to TWO reasons.
The Reason people are leaving the Church is - Church Theology.
People are no longer dumb. In our modern age we are in a Multi-Media and Multi Information Age. In this age we can get any information we want whenever we want it. Thanks to Google and other search engines our networking is unlimited. Our Universities and our Children are graduating much more smarter than they were 10 years ago. The problem is while the world is getting smarter and more technical we are not. We are not feeding our children strong biblical truths anymore. We are stuck on Adam and Eve eating an Apple. A talking snake. Noah's Ark and Such. Even though there is some great studies and teachers, the churches have decided to take the dumb side of things. We no longer can explain, Why bad things happen to good people? Why is there evil in the world? and other things that people need real answers to. Our answers are very fairytaleish and our explanations are no longer based on common sense but solely on Faith. While there is nothing wrong with Faith, it is important that we as a Church are able to put substance to what we are saying rather than just saying: JUST BELIEVE. Schools are presenting evidence and scientific proof to what they are saying, no matter how questionable such evidence is, they still are. While Church Pastors and Teachers are not taking the time to refute evolution and other things that contradict the Bible. We are not giving the people of God the ammunition they need to be able to believe what they believe. We are avoiding confrontation and being judgmental. While the world has no problem confronting faith and putting our people in the corner, we are cowards and refusing to tell our people that evolution is a lie from Hell. We are refusing to fight for what we believe. We are refusing to go face to face and teach our people how to go face to face against such heresies and falsehoods and call them what they are, WRONG. Instead in love we tolerate and some cases accept their lies.
We need to change. We need to teach our people that it is not wrong to stand your ground. To fight for what you believe it. That it is not wrong to say THEY ARE WRONG. That it is O.k. to believe in what you believe in, even if it makes you sound arrogant, hard headed or close minded.
THE SECOND reason people are leaving the Church is- WE have Created a God that We CAN NOT even Follow.
Churches are teaching that God is absolute love. That love is about God and that church and Christians are full of love and that a true Christian has love. The problem is there is so much love in the air that those who go to church and are hearing all this preaching are wondering "WHERE IS THIS LOVE?" While in Church many are practicing such a doctrine, at home they are not. The God that is being preached is a fairy tale. Christians are growing up looking at what we have created and are wondering where is this One we believe in. Someone once said, that the greatest cause of atheism is Christians professing what they believe but not living it. This is what they find unbelievable. The God that is created is not the God of the Bible. It is not a God who turned tables, rebuked the Pharisee and Sadducee or even the God who is in the Book of Revelation. The God we have created is impossible to follow and impossible to be like. Who can be like Him unless you are a monk?
We need to teach that God is in control of all things. That the Gospel is about saving us from the judgment of sin and damnation. That God is love but not all love is God. That anger without sin and righteous indignation is proper, allowed and in some cases obligated. That God is real and not a 60's Hippie running around placing daisies in guns. That the greatest enemy to God is Man and the only reason God has not eliminated man is because of His mercy and patience but one day He will. We need to teach people a God that we can follow and a God that is real.
In conclusion,
Folks we serve a real God. We need to be real. We need to teach a real doctrine centered around real truth. We need to teach our people to live Holy and to separate from this world while living in the world. Even if the World treats us like outcasts. We need to learn to Love good and HATE evil. That it is O.K. to go against the grain and to be passionate for what you believe in. It is O.K. to ask tough questions and to teach tough things. When we ground the people of God in the truth there is no lie, falsehood or worldly philosophy that will ever take them away. We serve an awesome God. When we teach the truth there is no persecution, trial or tribulation that will ever shake us. Thank you Jesus.
BONUS:
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Notice what it means to be set FREE. One must BELIEVE IN HIM, CONTINUE IN HIS WORD AND BE HIS DISCIPLE. Once we begin here, we will know the TRUTH and the TRUTH WILL MAKE us FREE. Once a person has tasted Freedom they will never want to be entangled again.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. In this article I would like to address a subject that may be offensive to some. So before I begin let me begin with this text:
Galatians 2:11-14 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. (12) For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. (13) And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. (14) But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
This article is going to address a movement that had started a long time ago but has now been accepted by many Churches. This article as the text has stated will "Withstand in some peoples face." What I will do is expose by history and doctrine the movements false theology,doctrines and dogmas. Such that create an evident sign that they are no different than the Judiazers of the Paul's times. The movement I am talking about is what we call the "Messianic Jew." This term originated in the 1960's. EXCERPT FROM WIKIPEDIA * "Messianic Judaism is a syncretic[1]religious movement that arose in the 1960s and 70s.[9] It blends evangelical Christian theology with elements of religious Jewish practice and terminology.[14] Messianic Judaism generally holds that Jesus is both the Jewish Messiah and "God the Son" (one person of the Trinity),[18] though some within the movement do not hold to Trinitarian beliefs.[19] With few exceptions, both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament are believed to be authoritative and divinely inspired scripture.
Some adherents of Messianic Judaism are ethnically Jewish,[2][21] and many of them argue that the movement is a sect of Judaism.[29] Jewish organizations, and the Supreme Court of Israel in cases related to the Law of Return, have rejected this claim, and instead consider Messianic Judaism to be a form of Christianity.[22][30] From 2003 to 2007, the movement grew from 150 Messianic houses of worship in the United States to as many as 438, with over 100 in Israel and more worldwide; congregations are often affiliated with larger Messianic organizations or alliances.[31][32] In 2008, the movement was reported to have between 6,000 and 15,000 members in Israel[33] and 250,000 in the United States.[
* WHILE WE MAY NOT DEEM ALL INFORMATION FROM WIKIPEDIA ACCURATE MUCH IS RELIABLE.
Not accounting the definition found in Wikipedia or other sources, we find that the Messianic Jewish Movement or Denomination however you may see it to be nothing less than Modern Day Judiazers and I will prove that. I do not write this article in any prejudice, racist or spirit of antisemitism but to warn the Church and believers to beware from falling into such heresy. Don't get me wrong, I believe many who are Jewish by ethnicity have come to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and many have a sincere faith, as did many of those who opposed Paul and Peter. The Judiazers in the time of Paul were so called Christians who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His deity but they also believed in the practice and continuance of the identification of their religious beliefs and festivals. They preached to Jews and Gentiles alike persuading them to observe the Jewish customs and that if a Gentile was to be a Christian they must be a Jew first and become circumcised and follow such traditions. Paul in rebuking such a teaching stated:
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" ...... FURTHER SAYING: ...." Galatians 4:9-10 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (10) Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years."
The Judiazers were trying to keep the days and festivals of the Lord as a form of religious worship. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying for celebration of these festivals is not bad, but the celebration of them as a continuance of religious worship is wrong. The Early Church did not understand the error of their ways and were being persuaded by certain Judiazers to continue to follow the Law and traditions. The following text shows that even those who were pillars in the Church were led in this hypocrisy:
Acts 21:18-24 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. (19) And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. (20) And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: (21) And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. (22) What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. (23) Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; (24) Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
Later the Apostle Paul understands the errors of his way by saying:
Galatians 2:4-6 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: (5) To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. (6) But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
These people who were Jews had come to Christ and were compelling other Christians who were Jews to follow the ways of the Judaism. They were trying to hold on to the traditions, laws and other Jewish beliefs. There is no doubt that there is a lot of symbolism in the Jewish culture that point to Jesus yet for us to continue holding onto the religion of it after the truth has come is vanity.
Today we have the same people who are doing the same thing. The Messianic Jewish Movement has reached beyond the Jews and has reached the churches. We have Gentiles (those who are not Jews were considered Gentiles) who are currently following the Messianic Jewish Movement who are observing days, months, years and festivals. They even go so far as saying Shalom (which means Peace in Hebrew) and calling Jesus "Yahshua" which is the Hebrew name for Jesus. Everything in their worship and religious practice centers on keeping to the old Jewish Traditions and Values. Even though the Jewish religion is contrary to Christianity they still continue in the label.
It is a FACT that those who are Jewish say, "That a person can not be a Jew and a Christian." To a Jew it is a contradiction in terms. They are RIGHT. It is no different than saying you are a Muslim Christian or a Catholic Christian or a Buddhist Christian. You are either one or the other. Those who claim to be a Messianic Jew are contradicting themselves.
What is the point of placing the word, "Jew" or "Messianic" in your name other than to keep the identity of being a Jew by religion? We are not American Christians, African Christians, Canadian Christians or Mexican Christians. The Modern Day Judiazers do not want to lose their identity or give up any form of Jewish or religious practice. Instead they find pride in being a Jew who believes in Christ and such pride creates a spirit of Prejudicy and Entitlement. Those who are in the Messianic Jewish Movement or have been in the Messianic Jewish Movement have mentioned to me that there resides a spirit of arrogance. Jesus is not Jesus but rather Yahshua and God is not God but Yahweh, Yahovah, or Elohim. Prayers are recited in the Hebrew language and such. Even Gentiles are being pushed and persuaded to speak Hebrew and say things that are Jewish. They believe that there is power in speaking certain words or saying certain things in the Hebrew Language that invokes God to hear and so answer the prayers. Yes, there are exceptions to what I am saying but they are very far and few in between.
What the Messianic Jew fails to understand is that the Middle Wall that separates the Jewish Religion from the world, has been tore down. That even though there is a Jewish Religion it is not valid in the sight of God. The old covenant, the law and the traditions have been fulfilled in Christ.
Ephesians 2:14-16 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
He took 2 people, Jew and Gentile and made them 1. A New Man. So then why are people building the wall back up and creating another, the Jewish Christian? The word says:
Galatians 3:27-29 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
AND AGAIN,
Colossians 3:10-11 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Obviously the apostle is not saying there are no Jews and there are no Gentiles but rather in Christ, there are No Jew or Gentile. In Christ there is ONE. So then how can I then be a Jewish Christian? If there are Jewish Christians then there must be another. Gentile Christian? While those who claim to be Jewish Christians will never call anyone else a Gentile Christian, they by default must. If I am not a Christian Jew, than what am I? Just a Christian? If so why can't they be Just Christians?
The Messianic Jew claims that they keep the word Messianic in their name so that they can reach Jews. Yet, any Messianic Jew will tell you that those who are Jews and believe in Christ are rejected in the Jewish Community. They are considered traitors and outcasts. While they claim evangelism to the Jews they mostly proselytize other Christians and Non-Believers who are not Jewish. A majority of the Messianic Jewish Churches are filled with Gentiles practicing as the Jews. Doing exactly what Jews would do with a Christian Twist. Even raising the banner of Israel over their own country and waving it as if the flag was a center of worship and creating the attention of God. Are they truly lifting Christ or are they lifting their heritage?
The Messianic Jewish Movement has even infiltrated the Christian Community and Churches. Churches are now holding and waving the Israeli Flag in the Church. They believe this flag is the Flag approved by God but it is NOT. It is a flag not endorsed by the Church and is considered a Zionist Flag.
"Theflag of Israel(Hebrew: דגל ישראלDegel Yisrael,Arabic: علم إسرائيل'Alam Isra'īl) was adopted on October 28, 1948, five months after the country's establishment. It depicts a bluehexagramon a white background, between two horizontal blue stripes.
Thebluecolour is mandated only as "dark sky-blue",[1]and varies from flag to flag, ranging from ahueof pure blue, sometimesshadedalmost as dark asnavy blue, to hues about 75% toward purecyanand shades as light as very light blue.[2]The flag was designed for theZionist Movementin 1891. The basic design recalls theAshkenaziTallit, the Jewish prayer shawl, which is white with blue stripes. The symbol in the centre represents theMagen David("Star of David"), a Jewish symbol dating from late medieval Prague, which was adopted by theFirst Zionist Congressin 1897.[1] "
Zionist have one thing in mind, the Jewish people. They believe in separation and segregation. They believe that all Jews should be in Israel and that any Jew living anywhere should not assimilate with any other society. They also are against Antisemitism. So what they are saying is, "It is O.K. for us not be part of you because we are not who you are and you are not who we are. But it is not O.K. if you do not want us to be part of your society." I am sorry but it does not take a rocket scientist to know there is a problem with that.
Zionism (Hebrew: ציונות, Tsiyonut; Arabic: صهيونية, Șahyouniyyah) is a form of nationalism of Jews and Jewish culture that supports a Jewish nation state in the territory defined as the Land of Israel.[1] Zionism supports Jews upholding their Jewish identity, opposes the assimilation of Jews into other societies and has advocated the return of Jews to Israel as a means for Jews to be a majority in their own nation, and to be liberated from antisemitic discrimination, exclusion, and persecution that had historically occurred in the diaspora.[1] Zionism emerged in the late 19th century in central and eastern Europe as a national revival movement, and soon after this most leaders of the movement associated the main goal with creating the desired state in Palestine, then an area controlled by the Ottoman Empire.[2][3][4] Since the establishment of the State of Israel, the Zionist movement continues primarily to advocate on behalf of the Jewish state and address threats to its continued existence and security. In a less common usage, the term may also refer to non-political, cultural Zionism, founded and represented most prominently by Ahad Ha'am; and political support for the State of Israel by non-Jews, as in Christian Zionism.
Not only are such beliefs adopted and taught by Messianic Churches but also other Christian Churches are adopting the same things. Churches are carrying the same flag in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Flag that builds walls and mocks what Christianity is about.
Who are we fooling here? Churches are now claiming that those who bless Israel will be blessed due to the promise given to Abraham, Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you." Have they not read that we are the Children of Abraham and Heirs to the promise?
Here are excerpts of John Hagee and the teachings that are taught in many churches:
"I believe that every Jewish person who lives in the light of the Torah, which is the word of God, has a relationship with God and will come to redemption" (Houston Chronicle, April 30, 1988).
The Houston Chronicle newspaper then quoted Hagee's own shocking words...
"I'm not trying to convert the Jewish people to the Christian faith... In fact, trying to convert Jews is a waste of time. Jews already have a covenant with God and that has never been replaced by Christianity." (Houston Chronicle, April 30, 1988, sec, 6, pg. 1).
Beware of people who teach and preach such heresy and remove yourself from it. God is not pleased with the doctrine that the Messianic Jewish Movement carries. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your heritage and your race but there becomes a problem when such contradict the cross and the work of Christ.
HERE ARE SOME SIGNS TO LOOK FOR IN CHURCHES THAT SUPPORT SUCH MOVEMENT:
1) They have a Flag of Israel, the Zionist Flag, in The Church.
2) They say things like Shalom, Yahshua and other Hebrew Words even though they are not Jewish.
3) They have a Rabbi or Endorse Rabbi's.
4) They separate the Nation of Israel from the Church. Sometimes exalting Israel and Jerusalem above the Church.
5) The Gospel they preach and the teaching they give are all centered around Israel and the Jews.
6) They are closely connected with the Charismatic Movement.
7) Even though Israel is secular they fight and support the Nation of Israel. They believe they are blessed when they do so.
*NOT ALL ETHNICITY JEWS WHO BELIEVE IN CHRIST CALL THEMSELVES MESSIANIC JEWS. NOT ALL JEWS ARE RELIGIOUS. A MAJORITY OF MESSIANIC JEWS ARE ZIONIST.
Notice the Comments: I would never be called a Christian and other Anti-Christian Statements.
Also notice the close observances to the Law and Arrogance that such movement portrays.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. In this article I would like to talk about the Charismatic Pentecostal Movement that continues to influence and infiltrate churches throughout the world. There will be people who will be upset after reading this article. There also will be people who will understand the point and heed the warnings that accompany this article. Either way this article is not intended to attack any one particular church or churches, but the intention is that the reader may be able to identify the actions and behavior of a movement that has wrecked havoc on the Church today.
INTRO:
The Church is made up of many people who have come to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. These people have identified themselves as Christians. They belong to or have belonged to a group of believers. These people are people like you and I who have thought that there had to be a better way to life than the one they were living. They knew that if they continued in the path they were on they would end up in Hell, if not already living in one. While this should be the motivation to accept Christ it is not always the fact. There are those who have not come to a true revelation and understanding of Christ but rather have been brought in by another Gospel. They have been persuaded not to repent but to join a group that promises life, peace, joy and prosperity. This group has caused havoc on the Gospel and though they create such a wonderful show of religion, in reality they are nothing less than Satanist with a Christian twist. Contrary to popular and general belief, Satanist are not worshipers of Satan but rather worshipers of self. Though they do worship demons and such, the true intentions and motives is to fulfill and indulge themselves. So it is with this movement. Even the worship and message is centered around self. The popularity of the Church is based on how one feels when they leave the Church rather than the seriousness of the message and the impact it has created on them. Worship is not based on true worship but rather on the feel good holy goose bumps. It is all about one's self rather than on Christ and His calling on a life. While I am a believer that one should have some form of emotional connection to worship and the message, the intellect must be just as involved if not dominant in such. That is TRUE WORSHIP in SPIRIT and in TRUTH. John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)
My prayer as a Pastor and Apologist is that you the believer will be able to understand and identify the trend that is effecting and polluting the orthodoxy of Christianity and that you will be able to understand what is truly from God and avoid such idle worship.
IN THE BEGINNING
For lack of time and space I will not get too in depth to the beginning of the movement. (There are a lot of resources on the web that will more than satisfy your curiosity.) Many dispute who the founders are and where they began but everyone seems to use and have the consensus that the Azusa Street Revival is the starting point of Pentecostalism. There the Pentecostal Movement finds its foundation. I have a lot of friends who are part of Churches who find their foundation in the Azusa Street Revival and even in conversations with them in the basic issues I have against the movement they all seem to agree with me. Please understand I am praying and seeking the Lord's face even as I write this. They have seen the same things that I have seen and encounter the same issues that are encountered in other Charismatic Churches. Such activity is universal and common in such churches. These issues deal with the believers who are shallow and only think of themselves and not on Christ. They exhibit a form of love and worship but it is not in Holiness. Contentions, church splits and such accompany these churches. People are refusing to read and study their bibles. They can curse someone, live in fornication and continue to live a life of sin and yet are assured in Church that they are alright and that Jesus loves them just the way they are. People are not called to the urgency to repent or to live holy and to live properly. These problems are caused by the doctrines that are being taught in churches today based on the exposure to the Charismatic Movement.
IS THE THIS FROM GOD?
I believe the number one question one must ask themselves in reference to what is going on in Churches today is, "Is this from God?" When we look at the Modern Day Church history it is not that difficult to have reservations on this question. The Pentecostal movement started in and around the 1900's, during that time the Church began to evolve and change. Despite the prohibition found in scripture, women were being ordained as Pastors, Speaking in tongues were done openly and without interpretation, worship and preaching styles became more emotional than spiritual and much more. During the time of 1920-1970's the Church was at it's peak. People were so on fire and so filled with the Holy Spirit that the Church in America began to grow in tremendous number. Denominations and groups were forming out of nothing. This had to be God, so many thought. Every denomination from Baptist to Church of God started to put the Pentecostal label on themselves so that their Church could grow. While the Church is so engulfed in and of itself, in the background Abortion was being legalized (1973), prayer was taken out of schools (1963), the bible was removed from the classroom (1963) including other things that have changed and effect our world today. The problem is while people say that what was going on was from the Holy Spirit, biblical history teaches us differently. In the Scriptures when the Holy Spirit is truly moving in the Church the civil government begins to change or is at least confronted. Peter and John were considered those who were turning the world UPSIDE DOWN because of the Gospel. Instead what we have encountered during the Charismatic movement is the world is being turned inside out. It seems that this movement that we call "from God" had made our world worse and has lullabied the Church into some "Holy Trance". The Church has truly been Slain but it is not from the Holy Spirit. Don't get me wrong I believe the Gates of Hell SHALL NOT prevail against the Church but we are not talking about that now, since the Church is not dead and never will die.
THEOLOGY AND THE CHURCH
What happened? As a theologian and prolific blogger, I can assure you that the Church has become illiterate. It does not take a rocket scientist to know that. If we were to pull church goers aside and ask them basic questions about their faith, we will find that the majority have not studied the bible. Their Christianity is not based on what they read but rather on what they are told and what they have watched or heard. This is why we have an apostate Church being so successful. It dwells on the fact that people do not read their bible. Instead devotionals, books and inserts are created for people to read so that scripture can be understood the way they wanted it to be interpreted. The Charismatic Church Movement while giving the illusion of studying the bible does not promote it. As a matter of fact those who claim doctrinal truths are called religious. Theologians and Bible Teachers are called Pharisees and "out of touch" to the Spirit. When theologians confront and expose these false practices using scriptures they become witch hunters and agents of Satan. While the movement claims some study and teaching of the bible such teachings are shallow and does not center on the text but rather on a few certain words that only show benefit the reader or the preacher. Think about it. How can a Church that believes and reads the Bible accept teachings such as Homosexuality, the Prosperity Gospel, Ordination of Women as Senior Pastors, Speaking in Tongues without interpretation and such? The fact is they do not read the bible. They have no Theology or Biblical Foundation based on the Holy Word of God. Even those who have studied the Bible have by what they call "New Revelation", twisted the meaning and understanding of text.
THE VOL ITAL NATURE
There is such a vol-ital nature to the Charismatic Churches of today. There is nothing wrong about being excited for Jesus. We get excited for Jesus and we get excited in our prayer life and preaching and teaching. Yet, there is a problem when such excitement begins to violate scripture or is not based on any scripture text. These days the shunning of any religion is evident in Churches today. When you walk into certain Churches these days there is no difference between walking into a conference center or a Sanctuary. The cross and any religious memorabilia is removed. There are no pew bibles anymore but they are replaced with announcements, church activity sheets and offering envelopes. I do believe people should bring their bibles with them however they also should be available. Sermons are replaced with highly colorful media presentations. The only thing that is different between a rock concert and worship is the lyrics. Flashing lights, hard music and sometimes even fog is presented on stage. The Pastor is no longer the Pastor but rather Brother "John" and everyone is the same. Some may even taken a different view and exalt their positions using apostle, prophet and such. Going to Church is like going to the park or the mall. The dress is no different for many and is never discussed or confronted. People come to Christ in these Churches as gangsters, bikers, and such only to become Christian Gangsters, Christian Bikers and Such, with no difference only the label of Christian in front. You may be asking at this time what does this have to do with the Pentecostal or Charismatic Movement? Much - you see what the Charismatic Movement has taught churches today is that God does not care how you look or act, only that you are filled with the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the only importance to them. That is why there are people who are "Holy Spirit filled" but their private life is a disaster. They are the true Pharisee. They look all good on the outside but inside they are dead bones. I am sure that many will call those of us who has seen the damage of the Charismatic Church and speaking against it as Pharisees but the proof is in the pudding as they always say. These Churches have opened peoples lives to demonic spirits and eastern mysticism type of worship. People are put into trances by long and repetitive worship words and such. While they exhibit a powerful move of God they are opening doors for demonic works. The worship is not based on repentance or growth but rather a "give me more" attitude. Even though they may live in a life of sin they exhibit a spirit of entitlement. The so called Spirit in these churches is so unpredictable you do not know what is going to happen or how. This is called being open to the the Spirit. They exhibit the same condemnation as the Church in Corinth when Pauls says, 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying........1 Corinthians 14:32-33 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. (33) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
THE PRACTICE
As a Pastor I have been influenced and have been touched by the Charismatic Movement myself. Wanting to seek a closer walk with God I sought the emotional high rather than His Word. I felt if I prayed more, sang more or worshiped more I would grow closer to Him. While all these things are good and well, that was not going to draw me closer to God. I found that it was when I got into the word of God it brought me closer. Even as I type this, the expression of drawing closer and such provide a hint of Charismatic-ism.
The dangers of the Charismatic Movement while declaring a closer relationship with God is the disregard to scripture in its pursuits. It leaves in its wake the common instructions and declarative truths of the scripture. The Charismatic Movement has adopted things such as being Slain in the Spirit, this is where someone has been hit by the Holy Spirit that they fall on the ground as if dead or may be twitching or convulsing on the ground uncontrollably. Drunk in the Spirit, this is where someone walks around as in a drunken stuper. Speaking in tongues openly, this is where people have prayer in tongues without interpretation. In this case the Pastor or Leader will tell everyone to speak in their heavenly language. Holy laughter, this is where people will start to laugh uncontrollably. Holy Fire Baptism, this is where a leader will yell, "Fire" or something and the whole crowd will fall. There will be those who shake, shiver and convulse uncontrollably for no apparent reason. There are many other things such as animal sounds, barking, yelling and screaming that can be heard during these exhibits of worship. I believe that such worship is not only forbidden in the scripture but is demonic in nature. I say this with a clear and clean heart for God. They do not exhibit order and they do not edify the Church in anyway, only oneself.
Through and by the Charismatic Movement certain theologies and doctrines crept into the Church. These are doctrines such as the "Name it and claim it," this is the doctrine in which one professes what they want and claims they are going to get it. There is no seeking God's will, just name it and claim it. The Prosperity Doctrine is also taught which says that God wants to make you materially wealthy and that if you are wealthy you have God's blessing. They teach that prosperity in this life is God's goal in your life. Their teaching centers not on suffering or persevering but rather YOU. Any type of suffering or trials is based on YOUR lack of faith.
When such teachers or practitioners are confronted on these issues, the only response is to blame their doing on the Holy Spirit. Yet, I find it hard to believe that the Holy Spirit will violate scripture. God is not a liar or the author of confusion. These false teachers and preachers do not teach the bible but rather their own agenda based on satisfying the flesh.
CONVERSIONS
As a Pastor I have struggled with the age old question of, "What about all those conversions?" What about the Gospel being preached and all the work these churches are doing? My answer is: What about it? Are these conversions benefiting the world? All those Christians and all those who are coming to Christ by the Charismatic Movement are not effecting the world for Christ. While they may exhibit good works as do other religions, the faith is superficial and shallow and does not call people into a Holy and Sober life with God. While God is able to use people in all faiths for His purpose, the Gospel that they have believed in is empty. When Christianity came to America by the puritans the Gospel was preached in holiness and sanctity. The founding fathers protected the rights of Christians and America was founded. Since the founding of Pentecostalism and the Charismatic Movement, Christianity has been on a moral decline and the world is growing more wicked. During the 1960's the Charismatic Movement was at full force and yet the 1960's exhibited the most godlessness. Again they exhibit forms of Godliness but no power. How can a Church that is so filled with the Holy Spirit not impact a world that is so wicked?
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
AND
2 Timothy 3:5-7 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The cause is due to the fact that the Charismatic Church has made the Gospel an easy Gospel. Just believe and repeat these words and everything will be fine. There is no call of repentance or seeking of the Lord. Altar calls are followed and accompanied with nice soothing music to entice the emotions of people. People are coming to Christ because they want to have joy and peace in their life and never confront the sin in their life. The Charismatic Church Movement has influenced Churches to believe that a person who repeats these words is saved and is left to the Holy Spirit to do the rest. While I believe that the Holy Spirit has a very active role in the believer, the one who comes to believe in Christ must understand what they are believing and what is required. Repent and Believe and be Baptized in the name of the Lord for the Remission of your sins.
WHAT IS THE TRUTH?
There are a lot of things that happen in the Spiritual world. Things that I can not explain. Whether they are from God or not, I can not tell unless I use the Bible. For me to wonder if it is God, based on my experience would be dangerous. How can I as a Christian dispute and say something is not from God, unless I can prove it in the Bible? A person sees an image of Mary appear that tells them to worship and pray to her. Is that from God? No, of course not. We are confident by that because the Bible tells us that no one is to be worshiped or prayed to except Christ. So the Charismatic Movement comes into the scene and changes things based on Visions and Prophesies and Personal Revelations that someone has. Despite the fact that they are contrary to scripture, people still believe it and get excited about it. Why, because there is no theology. There is no bible. There is no knowledge of truth. These people can be drawn in to such heresies because they refuse to open the bible. Next time you see such a church notice that a majority of the audience, do not have or read a bible.
Are there speaking in tongues? Yes. Are there Miracles? Yes. Are there Healings? Yes. Are the gifts of the Spirit still present today? Yes. Should these gifts be used contrary to scripture? No. Yet, may account their flagrant violation of scripture to the Holy Spirit. To excuse ones style of worship that contradicts scripture to the Holy Spirit is both useless and blasphemous.
The truth is there is no problem with getting excited for Christ. There is no problem with speaking in tongues according to 1 Corinthians 14 and there is no problem with Prophesy when done according to scripture. After all that has been said and done there is a truth. This truth is not based on a drwam or a vision someone had, but based on the Word of God. It is this word that must be taught and believed on.
So it is O.K. to shout, scream and yell to the Lord. It is O.K. to dance and raise your hands and bow your knees. It is O.K. to preach loud and hard and motivate the people and to be motivated. Yet in all these things they must be done with order and purity. The heart must be right and scripture must be followed. One must control themselves even in excitement and should not be persuaded to accept or compromise the word of God. Do not open yourself up to any other Spirit.
IN CONCLUSION,
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. While I am not God, I know there is one and He has revealed his truth in His word. I am just a man but the truths that are expressed here are not based on man's opinions but inspired by what God has shown in His word. I do not judge and forbid anyone to judge an individuals heart. It is up to the believer to withdraw oneself from the influences that are spoken here. While only God knows the heart, those who sit under the false teachings of such churches fall under the same condemnation and are without excuse.
For sake of example I have provided below links and videos for you to view. You can see the consequences of the influences of such a movement. Please feel free to share and discuss these videos. If you have any questions you may contact me.
