Hallowe'en Hypocrisy

It irritates me to no end the way parents (especially professing Christian parents) outright lie to their children about Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, and the tooth fairy. It is no wonder your children start questioning the things you say to them and stop trusting you when they find out you have been lying to them for however many number of years. Christian parents should know better! As bad as this is, what I find to be the most hypocritical is what parents do once a year.

Parents spend an exorbitant amount of time trying to teach their children not to talk to or take candy from strangers. Yet, once a year, they hypocritically undermine their own authority and teachings by sending their children directly to the strangers' doors in order to beg for candy. What a great way to confuse your children.

"Do not take candy from strangers, Billy! Do you understand me?"

"Okay, Billy, go up to the door of that stranger's house and say 'Trick or treat' so you can get some candy."

If parents were only doing this with the houses of people they knew, whom the children also knew, it would not be so bad. But when you are taking or sending your children to the doors of complete strangers, you merely expose the depth of your own hypocrisy and how nothing out of your mouth can be trusted.

Hallowe’en should not be practiced or participated in by professing Christians anyway. Yes, I am quite aware of the numerous ignorant Christians who will attempt to defend their participation in Hallowe’en, the same way they would ignorantly defend every other wrong deed they have committed in the name of "freedom" or "grace" (such as "witnessing" in a bar or strip club--Apparently they do not realize you can wait outside for people to leave and then witness to them.).

If you do not want your children taking candy from strangers, then have the intelligence to not participate in the stupidity that is Hallowe’en. Otherwise, if you do not care if your children take candy from strangers any other day of the year, then go ahead and send them out on Hallowe’en. Be consistent in what you say and do.

It Is ALL Homosexuality

Pansexual, polysexual, omnisexual, and ambisexual are nothing more than various terms for bisexuality. Why? Because there are only two genders: male and female. These other terms merely exhibit a greater mental confusion than those who claim to be bisexual. Pansexuality is defined as someone with a sexual attraction to (or sexual relation with) people of either gender, regardless of whether they are straight, gay, transgender, androgynous, etc.

The simple reality is this: All of these terms are nothing more than different forms of homosexuality, just as pederasty is. Anyone who has sex with someone of the same gender is committing homosexuality. Homosexuality is not an identity, it is an act a person commits. Anyone who attempts to find an "identity" in sex is a colossal idiot. That is like trying to find your identity in being an adulterer, a fornicator, or a rapist. Absolutely absurd!

Transsexuals, or transgendered individuals, are nothing more than homosexuals, too. Changing your external appearance so you can get away with committing homosexual acts does not change a thing. You were born a man, you have a penis, you are a man, regardless of the physical changes you make to yourself or the changing of your name (Ahem! Bruce Jenner.). You were born a woman, you have a vagina, you are a woman, regardless of the physical changes you make to yourself or the changing of your name. You are not a woman trapped in a man's body or a man trapped in a woman's body. If you think or feel that way, you are in need of severe mental help and ought to commit yourself so that you can receive that help.

Homosexuality is homosexuality is homosexuality. That is what professing homosexuals do not understand. It does not matter how you dress it up or what title you call it, homosexuality is still homosexuality. Whether they called it homosexuality or not back before the word "homosexual" was ever invented does not change the fact it is still homosexuality. Pederasty, bisexuality, pansexuality, polysexuality, omnisexuality, ambisexuality; it is all homosexuality. They are not different genders. Look at any creature on this planet and you will see two different types: male or female. You are either one or the other.

Biology and nature inform us that the penis was created to be inserted into the vagina and the vagina was created to receive the penis. The penis does not belong in the anus. Period! Talk about humiliation and degradation. Falsely slapping the label "love" on it does not make it alright, nor is it loving in the least. It is not even an expression of love. Homosexuality, like fornication, adultery, rape, incest, polygamy, bestiality, necrophilia, and pedophilia, is an expression of lust. Pure and simple. It has nothing to do with love whatsoever. It is truly sad how society has forgotten what love actually is and has associated the act of sex with love (beginning in the 60s).

"And [Jesus] answered and said, "Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, 'FOR THIS CAUSE A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND SHALL CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE; AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH'? Consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."" Matthew 19:4-6

That verse deals with the fact of two genders (male and female), it deals with the fact of proper sexual conduct (a man and a woman), and it deals with the correct definition of marriage (one man with one woman for life). Homosexuality, regardless of its appearance, is not an appropriate form of sexual conduct (nor is bestiality, necrophilia, or pedophilia), nor is the union of two homosexuals "marriage" by any stretch of the imagination. Homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord our God and it is a perversion of both human and sexual natures.

Christian or Jesus Follower?

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me." John 8:41

Here, Jesus says that the dissimilarity between the Jews and Abraham makes them bastards. Hence, their claim to be the children of Abraham is only a nominal one. Their true father is the devil (see 8:44).

Likewise, this is also true of most people who call themselves Christian, but who bear no evidence in keeping with that name. Their claim to be Christian is only a nominal one because their true father is the devil.

The New Testament scriptures are very clear on what it takes to be a Christian and what a Christian looks like. Someone who claims to be a Christian and does not pursue holiness but revels in the same lifestyle they did prior to their "conversion" is not a Christian in the least. 

Some fools these days refuse to call themselves "Christian" (for a number of illogical arguments) but instead call themselves "Jesus Followers." I am sorry to say, but the two are one in the same. A Christian is a Jesus Follower, and a Jesus Follower is a Christian. Whether you call yourself a "Christian" or a "Jesus Follower," if you do not bear any evidence to support that claim, then your claim is false and you are neither. You do not belong to Jesus or the Father, you are still dead in your sins, your father is the devil, and you will find yourself in Hell when you die. I am sorry, but the Bible is very clear on this. Faith alone will not save you. You need the right kind of faith, and works must proceed from that faith.

Kinds of Faith

1. Intellectual or Historical Faith.
   This apprehends the truth intellectually as a result of education, tradition, rearing, etc. It is human and does not save. Matthew 7:26, Acts 26:27-28, James 2:19
2. Miracle Faith.
   This is faith to perform or have performed a miracle and may or may not be accompanied by salvation. Matthew 8:10-13, 17-20, Acts 14:9
3. Temporary Faith.
   It seems similar to intellectual faith except that there seems to be more personal interest involved. Luke 8:13
4. Saving Faith.
   This is a reliance on the truth of the Gospel as revealed in the Word of God (intellectual, emotional and volitional [act of will] faith).

TO BELIEVE (verb) in the full sense is to rely on, trust in, commit oneself to the object of belief.

People who claim to be "Christians" or "Jesus Followers" get angry when you tell them this stuff because they do not read their Bibles. If they happen to, they sure are not paying any amount of attention to what is being said. When I read the New Testament, I am convicted on every page. The church has been preached a false gospel for so long that Christians and people who think they are Christians believe lies about how they can be. Stop listening only to what some pastor says and open your Bible and read it for yourself! The way to heaven is a narrow road because so much is demanded of you. Why do you think Jesus tells people to count the cost of what it means to follow Him? There is no "Your best life now." There are no promises of "health, wealth, or prosperity."

If you are a Christian, then you are a Jesus Follower. If you are a Jesus Follower, then you are a Christian. Quit being a fool and trying to segregate these terms as if they are completely different from one another. Whether you call yourself a Christian or a Jesus Follower, you had best be a Jesus Imitator, a Jesus Mimicker. If you were on trial for being a Christian or a Jesus Follower, would there be enough evidence to convict you? If you do not bear the evidence the New Testament talks about, then you are not a Christian. Pure and simple.

The Ignorance of Modern Americans

Quite recently, several U.S. Supreme Court judges forcibly legalized same-sex "marriage" in all 52 States. There are several problems with this:

1. Supreme Court judges do not have that kind of authority. They would do well to learn their place and to honour and uphold it correctly.
2. Every State operates independently of every other State. Taxes are different between States. Laws are different between States.
3. The public/people can override the judges' ruling. Remember, the U.S. government is a "government of the people, for the people, by the people."

The U.S. government is not a dictatorship, despite Muslim President Barack Obama's attempts at otherwise. However, the sad reality of modern day America is that most people have rolled over and relinquished their rights. They need to wake up and realize the above three facts.

Homosexuals account for less than 2% of the American population. How is it that a less than 2% population is manipulating and controlling the other 98% population, forcing them to do and/or accept what 100% of the population knows intrinsically to be unnatural; a perversion of both human and sexual natures?

As this law was forcibly passed illegally, other perverts have begun to fight for their "rights." Pedophiles and Zoophiliacs have been arguing that they cannot help the way they are—that they were born that way. By these arguments, we were all born helpless to our vices. Murderers cannot help themselves, they were born with those tendencies. Rapists cannot help themselves, they were born with those tendencies. Adulterers cannot help themselves, they were born with those tendencies. Fornicators cannot help themselves, they were born with those tendencies. Thieves cannot help themselves, they were born with those tendencies. Liars cannot help themselves, they were born with those tendencies.

We all know the above arguments are unsound and nothing more than a crock of dung. It is an attempt at excusing and justifying one's sins. Homosexuals are merely paving the road for other perverts to follow. The simple fact is, what is happening in the U.S. today is both the cause of and result of God's judgment. Read Romans 1 and you will see it. Study the history of past civilizations such as Rome, Greece, Babylon, and Sodom and Gomorrah, and you will see it. Unless people smarten up and start standing up for the truth, being a "government of the people, for the people, by the people" the way it was intended, things are only going to get worse.

Muslims and homosexuals have one major thing in common—both attack Christians with the ultimatum, "Convert, or lose everything!"

Feeding Sheep, or Amusing Goats?

by Charles Spurgeon

An evil is in the 'professed' camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence, that the most short-sighted Christian can hardly fail to notice it. During the past few years this evil has developed at an alarming rate. It has worked like leaven, until the whole lump ferments!

The devil has seldom done a more clever thing, than hinting to the Church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them. From speaking out the gospel, the Church has gradually toned down her testimony—then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses!

My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the Church. If it is a Christian work, then why did not Christ speak of it? "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature—and provide amusement for those who do not relish the gospel."

No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to Him. Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people—or because they confronted them? The 'concert' has no martyr roll.

Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all His apostles. What was the attitude of the apostolic Church to the world? "You are the salt of the world"—not the sugar candy; something the world will spit out—not swallow.

Had Jesus introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into His teaching, He would have been more popular. When "many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him," I do not hear Him say: "Run after these people, Peter, and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow; something short and attractive with little preaching. We will have a pleasant evening for the people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it! Be quick, Peter, we must get the people somehow!"

No! Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them—but never sought to amuse them!

In vain will the epistles be searched to find any trace of the 'gospel of amusement.' Their message is, "Therefore, come out from them and separate yourselves from them... Don't touch their filthy things..." Anything approaching amusement is conspicuous by its absence. They had boundless confidence in the gospel, and employed no other weapon.

After Peter and John were locked up for preaching, the Church had a prayer meeting, but they did not pray, "Lord, grant unto your servants that by a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show these people how happy we are!"

No! They did not cease from preaching Christ. They had no time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by persecution, they went everywhere preaching the gospel. They turned the world upside down—that is the only difference from today's church.

Lastly, amusement fails to effect the end desired. Let the heavy-laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment had been God's link in the chain of their conversion, stand up! There are none to answer! The mission of amusement produces no converts!

The need of the hour for today's ministry is earnest spirituality joined with Biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that it sets men on fire.

Lord, clear the Church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her, and bring us back to apostolic methods!

The God of This Generation

by Arthur Pink

"Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases!" Psalm 115:3

Ah, my reader, the God of Scripture is no make-believe monarch, no mere imaginary sovereign; but King of kings, and Lord of lords! To countless thousands, even among those professing to be Christians, the God of the Scriptures is quite unknown.

The god of this generation no more resembles the Supreme Sovereign of Holy Writ, than does the dim flickering of a candle, the glory of the midday sun!

The god who is now . . .

    talked about in the average pulpit,

    spoken of in the ordinary Sunday School,

    mentioned in much of the religious literature of the day,

    and preached in most of the so-called Bible Conferences—

is the figment of human imagination, an invention of mushy sentimentality!

The heathen outside of the pale of Christendom form gods out of wood and stone, while the millions of heathen inside Christendom manufacture a god out of their own carnal mind! In reality, they are but atheists, for there is no other possible alternative between an absolutely supreme God and no God at all. A god whose will is resisted, whose designs are frustrated, whose purpose is checkmated, possesses no title to Deity—and so far from being a fit object of worship, merits nothing but contempt!

"I know that You can do anything, and no plan of Yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2

"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!" Revelation 19:6

Who Does He Think He Is?

by Frank Hall

"Is it not lawful for Me to do what I wish with what is My own?" Matthew 20:15

How dare people walk their pets on leashes to control them!
How dare parents force their children to obey their rules!
How dare employers insist that their employees do their jobs!
How dare governors rule over the people!
How dare policemen take criminals to jail without their permission!

How dare God have His way with His creatures!
How dare the Potter make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor!
How dare God love and hate whom He will!
How dare God the Father choose to save whom He will!
How dare God the Son die for whom He will!
How dare God the Spirit call whom He will!
How dare the Almighty have His way with all men, in all places, at all times!
How dare God save and damn whom He will!
How dare God judge us!
How dare God call us into question!
How dare the indisputable Sovereign of the universe do . . .
    what He pleases,
    when He pleases,
    where He pleases,
    how He pleases, and
    with whom He pleases!

Who does He think He is—God?!?

"Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases!" Psalm 115:3

"I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths!" Psalm 135:5-6

"All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: What have You done?" Daniel 4:35

By Faith Alone? I Don't Think So!

Sola fide. By faith alone. The teaching that justification is received by faith alone without the need for works. If this concept originates with Martin Luther, it is easy to understand why. Martin Luther had no affinity for the book of James. In fact, he did not even believe it should be part of Scripture. Martin Luther, like many other professing Christians today, failed to realize that Paul and James were on the exact same page regarding faith and works. Paul was basically saying that works alone will not save you, while James was basically saying that faith alone will not save you. Both have to be working in tandem. A person is not saved because of their works; their works are the result of their salvation.

Let us see precisely what James had to say:

What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works, when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:14-26

As you can see from what James writes, it is not sola fide—by faith alone. Faith without works is dead. Without the evidence that demonstrates true faith, faith is merely an empty and vain profession. If justification is received by faith alone without the need for works on the part of the individual, then why does James declare otherwise? "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected... You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone." Our theology says that we are justified by faith alone, but the Bible, God's holy Word, says we are "justified by works, and not by faith alone." The two must be working in tandem. You cannot have one without the other. "Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." Works without faith are dead, and faith without works is dead. Our works are the result of our salvation; they do not earn us salvation. If we have true faith, good works will follow. If we have a false faith, we will cling to either works only (like the Catholics and many other cults) or faith only (like many false converts in the church today who think salvation begins and ends with faith in Jesus and nothing more—no repentance, no changed life, no living in holiness, etc.).

Genuine faith will be reflected through outward action.

Addendum 01/16/2016:
James quotes the exact same passage that Paul uses to support justification by faith (Rom. 4:3), but he uses it entirely differently. Before quoting the passage, James tells us, "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected." After quoting the passage, James informs us, "You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone." Twice, he tells us that Abraham was justified by his works. That fact cannot be escaped or ignored.

If you look through the entire Old and New Testaments where someone appears to be justified by faith alone, if you take a closer look at the story, you will see that they are also being justified by their works. Take the woman with the issue of blood, for example (Matt. 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48). On the surface, all most people see is her faith. They then attempt to build their presumptuous conclusion off Jesus' words: "Your faith has saved you." But take a closer look at the story. What do you see? You see her works saving her as well, just as James points out with regard to Abraham: "You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected." She reached out and touched his garments (works) while believing that doing so would heal her (faith). If she had merely said to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I will be saved," believing it wholeheartedly, and then turned and went home having done nothing, would she have been healed? Think about it. "Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." The two were working in tandem. You will find the same with every story in Scripture.

Think of it like this: I am hanging mid-air from whatever (cliff, roof, tree), about to fall and hurt myself severely. You are standing below and you tell me, "Let go and I will catch you." I can earnestly and wholeheartedly believe that you will catch me with every fiber of my being, but if I do not let go, all that belief counts for nothing. It is dead faith. By letting go, my works (letting go) perfect my faith (believing that you will indeed catch me). What we truly believe is always verified by what we do, regardless of what our mouths speak.

John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles preached repentance (works) and belief (faith). If you preached the Gospel to me and I wholeheartedly believed every word of it, but that was it, nothing changed in the way I live, then I am still dead in my trespasses and sins and I will go to hell. If I truly believed the Gospel preached to me (faith), there will be repentance at the same time (works). If my faith in the Gospel is genuine, I will no longer do many of the things I used to once do. The evidence that I truly believed (faith) would be seen in my repentance (works), which perfects that faith. Otherwise, faith alone is dead! Other good works will inevitably follow, but there is always an initial work present with faith in order to perfect that faith, just as James said: "as a result of [Abraham's] works, [his] faith was perfected." It is never one or the other by itself. If we are justified by faith alone, then all I have to do is believe, without repentance, without any following works, without any kind of demonstration of that faith. Sadly, this is what most professing "Christians" in the church today believe. "All I need is faith. I just need to believe. I don't have to repent. I don't need to do any kind of good works. All I need to do is believe and keep that belief to myself, never letting it show."

It does not matter what traditions we hold to, it does not matter what system of theology we follow, it does not matter what denomination we belong to, we must compare all teachings with the Scriptures and hold the Scriptures as the only authority. I agree with most of Reformed theology, the doctrines of grace, and the five solas, but where they do not agree with Scripture, we need to reject tradition and conform our beliefs to the Word of God. Reformed theology, the doctrines of grace, and the five solas are not infallible. Any true student of the Word, a Berean at heart, understands this and will subject these, and all systems of theology, to the scrutiny of the Word of God. How we were raised, what we were taught, and what we believe must conform to Scripture. Otherwise we are blind, ignorant, disobedient, rebellious fools.

Saving Faith: The Mark of a True Christian

So... You call yourself a Christian, do you? If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? No? Then by what self-deceptive means do you profess to be a Christian? A person is not a Christian in name only, but 'Christian' defines their entire character; from their talk to their walk, from Sunday to Saturday, from morning to night, in public or in private. No, this is not legalism; it is holiness. Try cracking your Bible open some time and reading what it actually has to say about being a Christian.

"You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." James 2:19

You see, claiming that you believe in Jesus carries absolutely no weight with it whatsoever. Even the demons believe in Jesus. Does that mean they are saved? Born again? Going to heaven? Not on your life! Do you know what your profession is worth? Absolutely nothing!

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'" Matthew 7:21-23

In case you are not aware, the key statement in that passage is this: "He who does the will of My Father who is in heaven [will enter the kingdom of heaven]." This accords perfectly with what James had said: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). There is a very grave reason why Jesus warned us to "Count the cost." It is because "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). Following Jesus is a hard path. There is nothing easy about it. As Arthur Pink once said, "A dead fish can float with the stream, but only a living one can swim against it. Just so, the unregenerate mechanically follow [the broad road], for there is nothing in them to resist the law of gravity. The going is smooth and easy—because it is all downhill!" "For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it" (Matthew 7:14).

So... Where is your evidence to support your claim of being a Christian?

"What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? ... Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, 'You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.' ... But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? ... You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone. ...  For just as the body without [the] spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." James 2:14, 17-18, 20, 24, 26

Not all kinds of faith will save a person. Most will condemn a person right where they stand. So... You need to ask yourself what kind of faith you actually possess, because if it is not saving faith, no matter how much you profess Jesus as Saviour, you will find yourself in hell for all eternity.

Kinds of Faith

1. Intellectual or Historical Faith.
   This apprehends the truth intellectually as a result of education, tradition, rearing, etc. It is human and does not save. Matthew 7:26, Acts 26:27-28, James 2:19
2. Miracle Faith.
   This is faith to perform or have performed a miracle and may or may not be accompanied by salvation. Matthew 8:10-13, 17-20, Acts 14:9
3. Temporary Faith.
   It seems similar to intellectual faith except that there seems to be more personal interest involved. Luke 8:13
4. Saving Faith.
   This is a reliance on the truth of the Gospel as revealed in the Word of God (intellectual, emotional and volitional [act of will] faith).

TO BELIEVE (verb) in the full sense is to rely on, trust in, commit oneself to the object of belief.

Charles Spurgeon once said:

When we hear of men living in sin and yet claiming to be Christians, we are disgusted with their pretenses—but we are not deceived by their professions.

In the same manner, we care little for those who are orthodox Christians in creed if it is clear that they are heterodox in life. He who believes the truth, should himself be true. How can we expect others to receive our religion if it leaves us foul, false, malicious, and selfish?

We sicken at the sight of a dirty dish, and refuse even good food when it is placed thereon. So pure and holy is the doctrine of the cross, that . . .

     he who hears it aright will have his ear cleansed,

     he who believes it will have his mind and heart purged,

     he who preaches it should have his tongue purified.

Woe unto that man who brings reproach upon the gospel by an unholy walk and life!

The person who claims to be a Christian and goes to church on Sunday, but conducts their business affairs dishonestly from Monday through Friday is living a heterodox life. The evidence of their walk contradicts the profession of their talk. Likewise, the person who claims to be a Christian and goes to church on Sunday, saying "Amen" after everything the preacher says, but as soon as he leaves the church and for the rest of the week lives as though he did not hear a single word the preacher said, is living a heterodox life. Again, the evidence of their walk contradicts the profession of their talk. As Spurgeon said, "He who believes the truth, should himself be true."

"They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed." Titus 1:16

"Holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power." 2 Timothy 3:5

Disciple means… learner.

A Disciple Is…

…under Jesus’ authority in every area.

…actively seeking to learn His teachings.

…actively seeking to do what He does.

Being With and Like Jesus Involves…

…talking with Him in prayer.

…listening to Him in the Bible.

…reaching out to those He wants to touch.

…sharing your life with His other disciples.

…entrusting your life (every area of it) to His guidance.

Is any of this true of your life? If you are a babe in Christ (a recent convert), it will take some time for this to develop in your life. Nevertheless, it will develop. If it has not, or it never does, then you may want to follow Paul's advice and "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!" (2 Corinthians 13:5). If you are truly a genuine born-again believer who has received salvation, then be sure to "bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance" (Matthew 3:8). Your walk should evidence your talk. Your works—doing the will of the Father—are the result of saving faith and bear witness to your saving faith. They are the evidence and testimony of your saving faith.

If your walk does not reflect Romans 6:11 and 8:13, then you can be sure you do not belong to Jesus and that you are not in the least a Christian.

For those of you who walked away from the faith and claim to have once been a "Christian," I suggest you pay attention to what Scripture says because you were never a child of God! "They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, in order that it might be shown that they are not all of us" (1 John 2:19).

Orthodox In Creed—But Heterodox In Life

by Charles Spurgeon

When we hear of men living in sin and yet claiming to be Christians, we are disgusted with their pretenses—but we are not deceived by their professions.

In the same manner, we care little for those who are orthodox Christians in creed if it is clear that they are heterodox in life. He who believes the truth, should himself be true. How can we expect others to receive our religion if it leaves us foul, false, malicious, and selfish?

We sicken at the sight of a dirty dish, and refuse even good food when it is placed thereon. So pure and holy is the doctrine of the cross, that . . .

     he who hears it aright will have his ear cleansed,

     he who believes it will have his mind and heart purged,

     he who preaches it should have his tongue purified.

Woe unto that man who brings reproach upon the gospel by an unholy walk and life!

Lord, evermore make us vessels fit for your own use, and then fill us with the pure juice of the grapes of sound doctrine and wholesome instruction. Do not allow us to be such foul cups as to be only fit for the wine of Sodom!