While driving down down road this morning, completing my morning errands, I was presented an opportunity that I normal would not have considered. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted an older lady sitting on the side of a building with a couple of suitcases and a bag. She looked like she may have just woke up from sleeping on the side of the street. I continued on my journey and then I began to wonder if anyone had ever told this lady that there is hope in Christ and asked her if she needed any help. I did not want to think about it anymore since I was kind of in a little hurry to get back to my base. Then something spoke and said, "Why not you?" I immediately knew it was the Holy Spirit and I responded by slowing down and pulling into a plaza to turn around and see how I can help. I pulled to the side of the road (it was a side street so no traffic) and began to talk to this lady. I began by saying, "You look down and out?" She responded with a Yes. I asked her if she had gone to any places for help. She responded with, "it would not do any good, since every where I go my family seems to ruin it for me." My curiosity moved me to wonder why she would say that. She then claimed that I knew her family. Even more curious, I asked her if they were in the news lately or popular and why would I know them. She then began to claim that they sent me. I of course said, I had no idea what she was talking about and told her I was a man of God a servant of Christ here to tell you that there is hope in Christ. She then began to cuss me out and told me to get lost and here is the kicker, she called me "Weirdo." I then said, O.K. well Jesus Loves You. Yeah yeah he loves you too. I left.
As I left I began to talk to the Lord. I said, O.K. God I don't know what that was all about. I heard a small giggle in my heart as if the Spirit was smiling and said, "Son, it is not the success I care about it is the obedience." I then felt had a huge smile appear across my face. It made me truly realize something that I need to remember and remind others.
In this life we are given all kinds of tasks. These tasks vary. Sometimes they are obvious and sometimes not so. From raising children to keeping a job to holding a marriage there are challenges for everyone. Sometimes these tasks and how we do them is measured by whether or not we are successful, using the results. Maybe you are parent and find it hard to raise a child. They are rebellious and do not listen and maybe they are not happy that you require them to go to church, read the bible and to pray. You keep them away from certain friends, you say not to them about certain movies, music and other entertainment and they do not like it. You are only doing your best trying to raise the child in the ways of the Lord but you do not see any success because your child is not happy and it seems like you are only fighting with them all the time over Godly things. While you measure your success by whether or not your child is happy, God measures your success by whether or not you are obedient and raising the child the right way.
Maybe you are in a marriage. As a wife or husband you want to serve the Lord. Maybe your spouse does not. So you go to church, you tithe of your finances, you volunteer and you respect and love your spouse according to the Lord, but your spouse is not happy. You feel like a total failure, but you are not. You see God does not measure your marriage based on someone else's obedience or actions but on your obedience.
If we were to measure Moses based on results, he was not always successful when he went to Pharoah to have the people of God let go. As a matter of fact Pharoah said, "NO!" at least 10 times. Was Moses a failure? NO! He was successful every time. Every time Moses did what God told him to do, no matter what the results were, Moses was successful.
In Conclusion, God measures your success not based on how many people you have in your Church, how many people you brought to Christ, how happy your kids are, how much money you have, how great your marriage is, or any of those outside signs. NO! God measures your success on whether or not you are obedient to Him and do as He tells you despite what the results may be. That is why, "those who are led by the Spirit of God, these are the children of God." Romans 8:14.
Pastor Michael Salman
www.HCFAZ.org
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
The Heresy of Dispensationalism
This article is on the heretical teaching of dispensationalism. Now I understand that there are those who feel that the word heresy may be a little strong for those who believe in dispensationalism, yet I assure you that after this article you can come to understand why I feel that such a teaching is heretical.
Many people in Christianity do not understand the teaching of dispensation and that due to their ignorance they feel that not knowing or being part of a church that teaches such and not knowing makes them safe. This folks is nothing less than an illusion and a safe house to make such a people secure in their ignorance and acceptance of a church that teaches such. Since many people who belong to certain churches do not belong to them because of what they teach but rather because of the people and the sense of community. That is why people remain in Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witness and other churches. That is why people will still go to a church that teaches the rapture, particular judgement, dispensationalism, prosperity gospel and calvinism, even knowing such is wrong, yet will remain due to the people. This is wrong and this is a problem.
The fact is people do not care about doctrine anymore and for me as a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God am not surprised, Christ foretold it. So you as a reader must make a decision also. So let us get to the subject matter.
What is dispensationalism? Here is the definition fond in Wiki-Pedia:
Dispensationalism is an evangelical, futurist, Biblical interpretation that understands God to have related to human beings in different ways under different Biblical covenants in a series of "dispensations," or periods in history.
As a system, dispensationalism is expounded in the writings of John Nelson Darby (1800–82) and the Plymouth Brethren movement,[1]:10 and propagated through works such as Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. The theology of dispensationalism consists of a distinctive eschatological end times perspective, as all dispensationalists hold to premillennialism and most hold to a pretribulation rapture. Dispensationalists believe that the nation of Israel is distinct from the Christian Church,[2]:322 and that God has yet to fulfill his promises to national Israel. These promises include the land promises, which in the future world to come result in a millennial kingdom and Third Temple where Christ, upon his return, will rule the world from Jerusalem[3] for a thousand years. In other areas of theology, dispensationalists hold to a wide range of beliefs within the evangelical and fundamentalist spectrum
There is a lot of things wrong with such a teaching and yet so many churches throughout the world teach this false doctrine. Note that this was not taught by the Early Church. This teaching began as late as 1800's. How can a teaching that is less than 200 years old find its way in 80% of churches in America? It is just amazing and yet so many people are taught this.
So what makes this teaching heretical? Well, the eschatology of this doctrine or any doctrine is not the main problem here. While it is a problem it is not THEE problem. Many people can assume what is going to happen at the end but it does not make them a heretic. The problem with this doctrine is the issue of the "Nation of Israel is distinct from the Christian Church." and I would like to add, EQUAL.
People like John Hagee and others have taken dispensationalism to the extreme. Even some claiming that the Jews do not need Jesus Christ to be saved. That the Jews are the people of God. That Jews are our brothers and that Rabbi's are our teachers. While I love all people including the Jewish people I believe that such teachings are false.
Dispensationalist believe that God has 2 covenants. One with the Church and the other with Israel. That these two covenants are currently in operation and they are both honored by God presently. They believe that the Church is the people of God and that the Jews are the people of God. That God works with these two entities in two separate ways. This is where the problem occurs.
The Bible makes it very clear that when Christ came to the earth and died on the cross something happened. Not only were our sins washed away but the way Christ saw the earth and people became different. Everything that God had spoken to the prophets was being fulfilled in Christ life, death, burial and resurrection. These include but not limited to the prophesies given to Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Jeremiah, Isaiah and more.
Further, it is very clear that in the bible the prophesies being fulfilled was explained in Romans 2 (A Jew is one who has been circumcised inwardly.), Romans 10 (Jews who do not have faith in Christ have missed righteousness), Romans 11 (Those who did not believe in Christ have been Broken off), Book of Hebrews (There is a NEW COVENANT and the old has been done away with) (The Only Sacrifice is that in Christ). Ephesians (There is only 1 body and that is in Christ) (The wall that made 2 -Jew and Gentile has been removed and now there is one new man, those in Christ) Galatians (Those who have faith in Christ are the children of Abraham) and much much more.
Those who believe in dispensationalism take everything that God has done and said on the matter and unwind it and undo the work of the cross. For me to believe that God still deals with the Jews and the Church differently is heresy. That the Jews are saved because of their covenant with God is heresy. That God still seeks and desire an earthly Israel Nation is preposterous. When Christ came to the earth He made it very clear, my Kingdom is not of this world. Why now after he was crucified, buried and resurrected should we assume otherwise? The work of the cross can not be undone and believing otherwise takes what God has said and teaches otherwise.
Some may ask, How do I know if I belong to a Church that teaches dispensationalism? Here are some clues.
1) The pre-trib rapture doctrine, also a James Darby Doctrine, is taught in the church.
2) There is an Israeli flag in the Sanctuary.
3) The church believes that supporting Israeli they also will be blessed.
4) They use a lot of Old Testament to explain the Nation of Israel and its role now.
5) They call Rabbi's and Jews, brothers or teachers of God's word.
It is important to point that while I do not believe in dispensationalism, I do believe that God will and has a work among the Jewish people. This work is no different than that among any other people. God is patient wanting no one to perish. It is also very important to note, that I do not believe that the Jews killed Jesus, Jesus laid down His life and the only blame for Jesus's death is our sins. So in no way am I antisemitic.
What I believe is in Covenant Theology. That the Law and the Call of the Jewish Nation was fulfilled in Christ Jesus. That a Jew and Israel is not an earthly but a Spiritual people. That while there is an earthly nation that has a role in history, it is not as the dispensationalist believe. That there is only ONE covenant which is in Christ Jesus only. There is no Jew or Gentile
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) 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.
There are a lot more resources out there that if included in this post will only be redundant. Please take time to view the following for further study:
Romans 2, 10 & 11
Ephesians 2
Book of Hebrews
Galatians 3 & 4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_theology
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Bishop Michael Salman
Many people in Christianity do not understand the teaching of dispensation and that due to their ignorance they feel that not knowing or being part of a church that teaches such and not knowing makes them safe. This folks is nothing less than an illusion and a safe house to make such a people secure in their ignorance and acceptance of a church that teaches such. Since many people who belong to certain churches do not belong to them because of what they teach but rather because of the people and the sense of community. That is why people remain in Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witness and other churches. That is why people will still go to a church that teaches the rapture, particular judgement, dispensationalism, prosperity gospel and calvinism, even knowing such is wrong, yet will remain due to the people. This is wrong and this is a problem.
The fact is people do not care about doctrine anymore and for me as a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God am not surprised, Christ foretold it. So you as a reader must make a decision also. So let us get to the subject matter.
What is dispensationalism? Here is the definition fond in Wiki-Pedia:
Dispensationalism is an evangelical, futurist, Biblical interpretation that understands God to have related to human beings in different ways under different Biblical covenants in a series of "dispensations," or periods in history.
As a system, dispensationalism is expounded in the writings of John Nelson Darby (1800–82) and the Plymouth Brethren movement,[1]:10 and propagated through works such as Cyrus Scofield's Scofield Reference Bible. The theology of dispensationalism consists of a distinctive eschatological end times perspective, as all dispensationalists hold to premillennialism and most hold to a pretribulation rapture. Dispensationalists believe that the nation of Israel is distinct from the Christian Church,[2]:322 and that God has yet to fulfill his promises to national Israel. These promises include the land promises, which in the future world to come result in a millennial kingdom and Third Temple where Christ, upon his return, will rule the world from Jerusalem[3] for a thousand years. In other areas of theology, dispensationalists hold to a wide range of beliefs within the evangelical and fundamentalist spectrum
There is a lot of things wrong with such a teaching and yet so many churches throughout the world teach this false doctrine. Note that this was not taught by the Early Church. This teaching began as late as 1800's. How can a teaching that is less than 200 years old find its way in 80% of churches in America? It is just amazing and yet so many people are taught this.
So what makes this teaching heretical? Well, the eschatology of this doctrine or any doctrine is not the main problem here. While it is a problem it is not THEE problem. Many people can assume what is going to happen at the end but it does not make them a heretic. The problem with this doctrine is the issue of the "Nation of Israel is distinct from the Christian Church." and I would like to add, EQUAL.
People like John Hagee and others have taken dispensationalism to the extreme. Even some claiming that the Jews do not need Jesus Christ to be saved. That the Jews are the people of God. That Jews are our brothers and that Rabbi's are our teachers. While I love all people including the Jewish people I believe that such teachings are false.
Dispensationalist believe that God has 2 covenants. One with the Church and the other with Israel. That these two covenants are currently in operation and they are both honored by God presently. They believe that the Church is the people of God and that the Jews are the people of God. That God works with these two entities in two separate ways. This is where the problem occurs.
The Bible makes it very clear that when Christ came to the earth and died on the cross something happened. Not only were our sins washed away but the way Christ saw the earth and people became different. Everything that God had spoken to the prophets was being fulfilled in Christ life, death, burial and resurrection. These include but not limited to the prophesies given to Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Jeremiah, Isaiah and more.
Further, it is very clear that in the bible the prophesies being fulfilled was explained in Romans 2 (A Jew is one who has been circumcised inwardly.), Romans 10 (Jews who do not have faith in Christ have missed righteousness), Romans 11 (Those who did not believe in Christ have been Broken off), Book of Hebrews (There is a NEW COVENANT and the old has been done away with) (The Only Sacrifice is that in Christ). Ephesians (There is only 1 body and that is in Christ) (The wall that made 2 -Jew and Gentile has been removed and now there is one new man, those in Christ) Galatians (Those who have faith in Christ are the children of Abraham) and much much more.
Those who believe in dispensationalism take everything that God has done and said on the matter and unwind it and undo the work of the cross. For me to believe that God still deals with the Jews and the Church differently is heresy. That the Jews are saved because of their covenant with God is heresy. That God still seeks and desire an earthly Israel Nation is preposterous. When Christ came to the earth He made it very clear, my Kingdom is not of this world. Why now after he was crucified, buried and resurrected should we assume otherwise? The work of the cross can not be undone and believing otherwise takes what God has said and teaches otherwise.
Some may ask, How do I know if I belong to a Church that teaches dispensationalism? Here are some clues.
1) The pre-trib rapture doctrine, also a James Darby Doctrine, is taught in the church.
2) There is an Israeli flag in the Sanctuary.
3) The church believes that supporting Israeli they also will be blessed.
4) They use a lot of Old Testament to explain the Nation of Israel and its role now.
5) They call Rabbi's and Jews, brothers or teachers of God's word.
It is important to point that while I do not believe in dispensationalism, I do believe that God will and has a work among the Jewish people. This work is no different than that among any other people. God is patient wanting no one to perish. It is also very important to note, that I do not believe that the Jews killed Jesus, Jesus laid down His life and the only blame for Jesus's death is our sins. So in no way am I antisemitic.
What I believe is in Covenant Theology. That the Law and the Call of the Jewish Nation was fulfilled in Christ Jesus. That a Jew and Israel is not an earthly but a Spiritual people. That while there is an earthly nation that has a role in history, it is not as the dispensationalist believe. That there is only ONE covenant which is in Christ Jesus only. There is no Jew or Gentile
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) 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.
There are a lot more resources out there that if included in this post will only be redundant. Please take time to view the following for further study:
Romans 2, 10 & 11
Ephesians 2
Book of Hebrews
Galatians 3 & 4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_theology
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Bishop Michael Salman
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Ken Ham and Bill Nye Debate Creation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. I thought I would take the time to write on the debate that aired on February 4th, 2014 with Ken Ham and Bill Nye. I watched the debate from beginning to end. I first of all commend Ken Ham for his courage to stand against those who claim that there is no God. While I do not exactly believe as Ken Ham does in all matters there are a few things that I would note. As I watched the debate, I found Ken Ham's speech a little too fast and hard to understand. All through out the time that I was listening to him I was wishing with all my heart that Kent Hovind was up there instead. Dr. Kent Hovind would have ran circles around Bill Nye. Not to take away any credit from Ken Ham but public speaking as I well know can be difficult. Nonetheless, the debate went very well and I believe Ken Ham made as many points that can be made clear enough.
Now for Pat Robertson. Pat Robertson complained about the debate telling Ken Ham to stop with this 6000 year old world issue. (SEE VIDEO BELOW) Claiming that we look stupid when we debate a 6000 year old world. Yet, what Pat Robertson is failing to remember is that the debate was not only the 6000 year old creation but in various times Bill Nye mocked the flood. Which if you are a Christian know that the mocking of the flood is a sign of perdition.
2 Peter 3:3-6 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (5) For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: (6) Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
Those who mock the creation story more than likely mock the flood story. What I want to ask Pat Robertson is, does he believe in a world wide flood that killed all of life except those on the boat? Bill Nye claims that such a story is ridiculous. He claims there is no way unskilled boat makers could have made such a boat. That there is no way the 16 million species we have now could have come from only 7000 from the boat. So with all of creation aside Pat Robertson, what do you say about Noah's Ark?
As a Bishop of the Church I can assure you there is clear explanations that clarify in Scripture all of creation, the flood and any questions found in geological finds. So here is what the scripture clearly teach.
1) The Lord formed the earth in 6 days. The sign of the sun and moon are clear indications of that. "There was morning and there was evening the first day."
2) The dating of 6000 years from Adams years are correct. It does not take a mathematician to add the years found in the bible to say that from Adam to now is about 6000 years.
3) The world being many of years old is also correct. What we fail to remember is a few things.
A. God created the heavens and the earth and the spirit hovered over the waters. The earth was created and laid under the waters. What we do not know is for how long was it like that before God said LET THERE BE LIGHT. Remember the scriptures say Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Thousands, Millions, Billions???
B. God created Adam first and then Male and Female and then Eve. Adam and Eve and all of man dwelt on the earth for a long time. While we have Adam's Earthly Years what we do not know is how long did Adam and Eve live prior to being kicked out of the garden to die? What we seem to think is that Adam and Eve were created and immediately they sinned. I believe it was not for many of years before they sinned. The age of Adam was not his pre-fallen age but his post fallen age.
4) The story of Noah is accurate. Everything on the earth died except for 7000 or so kind. What people fail to remember is that after the flood there was nothing stopping God from creating again. Yes, he could have created 11 new species every day. This is the same God who created a Fish large enough to swallow Jonah without notice. Further while Noah may have been an unskilled boat maker with God's help anything is possible, even the impossible. We are also talking about a God who split the Red Sea and freed 2 million + Israelite s from the grasps of a super world power using a man named Moses and a Rod.
In Conclusion, I found this debate to be very enlightening. To understand that the world, the earth and all of creation to have been around for thousands, millions or even billions of years is not a denial of faith. God can use whatever He wants to use to make whatever He wants to make. I leave you with a lasting story to understand the concept.
Bill wanted a bike. So instead of purchasing one he decide to go to yard sales and find the bike that he wanted. During that time he could not find the perfect one so instead decided to build one from old bike parts. He found tires, forks, a frame, handle bars, cranks and other accessories and he put the bike together. Finally he had the perfect bike. Jim his friend saw Bill riding the bike and asked him when did he get that. He said just recently. Jim then began to say that Bill has a new Bike. Bill will even claim he has a new bike. Chris on the other hand is a bike expert and after looking at Bill's bike claims that there is no way that is a new bike because the forks that are on that bike are 5 years old and the seat which they do not make anymore is an antique over 30 years old. Chris will claim that the bike has to be at least 30 years old. Can Bill have a NEW BIKE made up of OLD PARTS?
There is nothing impossible with God.
Bishop Michael Salman
Alethian Christian Church
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