Where is the discernment? Part 1, Written by Me

Where is the discernment? 

Part 1, Written by me, Julie (Part 2 is written by my husband, Mel)

If you call yourself a Christian, you should be outraged by the false messages being taught not only behind the pulpit on Sundays, but also at "religious" conferences and concerts. Yet it seems the farther the messages being taught stray away from the True gospel of Jesus Christ, the larger the audience.  The more entertaining and outrageous the event, the larger the crowd.  The more the message of holiness is preached, the smaller the congregation.  People do not want to be changed from "glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:8) and transformed to imitate the character of Jesus Christ.  No, they want to be gods in their own might, and not acknowledge that they answer to the one and only God in Heaven!

One of the reasons discernment has left the church is because of a rebellious spirit.  People are literally plugging their ears to the wages of sin (Romans 6:23).  What is stated in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 sums up man's rebellion exactly, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Therefore, even when one knows the Truths of the Bible, they refuse to listen to it and walk away because they want to feel good in their sin. They ignore the discernment telling them what the preachers are teaching is wrong. Here is the real Truth, you will find more joy walking upright with the Lord than you ever will wallowing in sin with the devil.

(Hebrews 5: 11-14) Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing... and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

I realize that some people may be new to Christianity and mere babes in the ways of the Lord.  They are still on spiritual milk and have not yet progressed to the meat of understanding the deeper things beyond the basic gospel message.  2 Timothy 2:5 means that we are to do our own studying so we can learn to understand right from wrong, not let someone else tell us their version of right and wrong: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The more we study the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit will make it clear what the false teachers are saying does not align with the holy Word of God.

(Matthew 7:15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

(Jude, Verse 4) There are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is so very true that there are more false teachers than honest ones.  They are intentionally deceiving the masses.  It is an active choice to be wolves and preach a false grace message. The reasons clearly have to do with fame and fortune.  If they tell you the Truth, that you need to repent of your sins, then their offering plates and their church pews would be nearly empty.  However, you and I are not responsible for what other people teach, we are responsible for how we respond. Apart from reading your Bible, every time, and we mean each and every time you attend a church service, a Bible study, a concert, or a conference, you need to pray that the Holy Spirit will give you His discernment to recognize what is false and what is from the Lord. Ask for a supernatural check in your spirit.  If you experience physical symptoms you know are not natural: a tightness in your chest, a headache, nausea, tingling in your hands, earache, etc. these may be signs God is speaking to you to leave the meeting. Sometimes it is a strong feeling to go now! Don't stick around because your family or friends may make fun of you for saying God is speaking to your heart and you need to leave.  They are not the ones you will stand before on judgement day, God is, and He will honor you when you take a stand.   

(Ezekiel 4:23) And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 

It is good that there seems to be a desire to worship God and there are many "worship" groups to choose from.  It all looks good to see the leaders on stage raising their hands before God and singing pretty words.  Yet, it you allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment you will see this is often false fire offered before God. These concerts are more about emotionalism to make you feel good so you will spend money. The lyrics of the songs are often shallow and even more often theologically incorrect.  John 4:24 says, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."  How many are in a spirit of truly examining their hearts and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to them? Or are they just trying to look holy by raising their hands? True worship means being vulnerable to God and allowing Him to convict your heart, not just singing a pretty song (Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24) If you do your research, you will easily discover that the majority of popular "Christian" singing groups are not living Godly lives.  They are sexually immoral, even rapists, drink, smoke, dress provocative, etc.  They are not trying to bring glory to God, but to self.  And if you listen to the Holy Spirit's voice, you can feel their "praise" to God is hitting the ceiling versus listening to true gospel music where you can feel the power of God stir you to yearning to change for Him and grow in His love.   

There was a woman in a documentary we watched that claimed she had an experience where Jesus climbed into bed with her and played with her hair and told her she did not ever need to worry about her sins because He understood her! This is not only utterly depraved to say Jesus would ever act like your boyfriend, but also theologically incorrect. What did Jesus Christ say in Luke 5:32? "I came to call the... sinners to repentance." And in 1 John 1:9 says, "IF WE CONFESS our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus will never say, "You are only human, so it is okay to sin."  There should have been an outcry of discernment from those who say they follow Christ instead of promoting this woman's false story.

(Romans 6:1-2 & 6) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

In the same documentary, another woman, also a prominent leader, was shown in several clips repeating the same story so it can be assumed she toured many places with this false testimony.  She said she saw The Holy Spirit as "the genie from [the Disney movie] Aladdin." That He is "blue, silly, and funny."  First, a Christian with discernment and an obedient heart to God should never support Disney.  Almost everything associated with Disney is linked to witchcraft, including the genie who is based off of Arabic folklore that says he is a "magical spirit."  God hates witchcraft, so how dare she link the Holy Spirit with satanism.  Second, the Holy Spirit is not "silly or funny." 1 Corinthians 14:33 says that "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace."  Where is the discernment? Why didn't people walk out of her conferences in huge numbers. Did they never read their Bibles where it says in Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." And also in Luke 12:10, "Unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."?  

Again, please pray for supernatural discernment from God, and obey when He tells you to run away from anyone not preaching the Word of God! As 1 Corinthians 2 tells us, we are to rely only on Holy Spirit of God and never on men!  

(1 Corinthians 2:5 & 12-15) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Where is the discernment? Part 2, Written by my Husband

Where is the discernment? 

Part 2, Written by my Husband, Mel 

There are also many counterfeit revivals going on, where God’s Holy Spirit has been replaced by demonic manifestations. People are laughing uncontrollably, as well as making different animal sounds. They are hissing like snakes, mooing like cows, roaring like lions, howling like wolves, as well as barking like dogs. These same manifestations occur within Kundalini Hinduism, as well as other forms of occultism. In a congregation in Boston, the pastor crawled on his hands and knees like a dog, barking, and his wife led him around on a leash fastened to a dog collar around his neck. The wife then said, “Where he leads, I will follow!”

People also claim to be drunk in the spirit; they display symptoms of physical drunkenness. After leaving one of these revivals in Florida, numerous people were pulled over by law enforcement officers for drunk driving. They all passed their breathalyzer tests, because they were made drunk by an unholy spirit. God’s Word is clear that God hates drunkenness, and no drunkard will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Satan is the lawless one, and he is making a mockery of God, within these revivals. After leaving this flesh fest, people were also seen displaying drunk behavior in local restaurants. They were falling on the floor in the restaurants, laughing hysterically. God is a God of order, and not foolishness. God will not make a person drive drunk or embarrass them in public. Where is the discernment? Why can’t Christians see that an unholy demonic spirit, is at work in their churches?

There are many counterfeit revivals producing demonic manifestations occurring worldwide. The Toronto blessing, Pensacola outpouring, Lakeland revival, Kansas City IHOP, Bethel Church in Redding Ca, Hillsong church etc. are but a few examples. False Ministeries to avoid, Rodney Howard Brown, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Creflo Dollar, Jesse Duplantis, Joyce Meyers, Paula White, as well as all other prosperity gospel preachers, and those that teach the unconditional eternal security doctrine.

In some, so-called Christian rock concerts, many of the young people are going into trances, where they display tribal dancing. These are but a few of the demonic manifestations going on worldwide. The late pastor David Wilkerson warned the church about this invasion of demonic activity, as well as the need to return to holiness preaching, but most will not listen. It is time for the church to start using discernment and realize that something has gone wrong. God is withdrawing his Spirit from many churches, because they will not endure sound doctrine. If the churches will return to teaching and living in holiness once again, then maybe God’s Spirit will return!

Many of the leaders of these false revivals have been caught in adultery, as well as homosexual relations. I believe that in many cases physical perversion is a manifestation of spiritual perversion. A false prophet from Florida who led a well-known revival, has a tattoo of a Japanese goddess on his arm. He claims that this goddess is really an angel by the name of Emma who accompanies him during his kicking sessions at his so-called revival. He claims that Emma has instructed him to hit or kick people in need of healing, as an act of obedience. The revival was shut down when it was revealed that he was having an affair during the entire time of this revival. This wolf in sheep’s clothing, divorced his wife and married his mistress. Now he is back at it again. A false prophet from Kansas City, claims that this same angel Emma came floating into his church to usher in their false revival. His church later removed him from his ministry position due to sexual misconduct with church members. Another false prophet from his church admitted to being a practicing homosexual. I could go on and on with examples of how perverted these revivalists are, but this should suffice.

Many of the television evangelists, as well as mega-church leaders, have also had their share of scandals. A well-known television evangelist, who wears a white suite, and has a healing ministry, has much darkness surrounding him. Channel six news from Orlando featured an expose on this minister. They showed on film a group of men sitting at a table together, and the evangelist handed a bong to his lead singer, as well as another man at the table. Both of these men smoked the bong. One of the men who smoked the bong, died later from a heroin overdose. While this married evangelist was in Rome, he was filmed walking and holding hands with a female television evangelist, who was wearing very short shorts. They both admitted to a friendship when the pictures were released but denied their obvious affair. In spite of this wickedness, their supporters chose to forgive them. If Christians would wake up and stop supporting these apostate ministers, they would shut them down overnight. God’s anointing is not on these reprobates, who use God for dishonest gain. Hell will be full of those who fleece the flock.

Many Christians are afraid of supernatural experiences because of the demonic manifestations. However, we need to allow God’s true gifts to be in operation within the church. It is not good to quench God’s Spirit, or to be afraid of it. For God does give visions, dreams, work miracles, heal the sick etc. (1 Corinthians 12). It is crucial that we pray over experiences, as well as use sound judgment. The reason for this unholy spirit which has invaded the church is a false grace message that promotes loose living, as well as other false doctrines. God gives Grace to those who repent and walk in the light, but NOT to those who love darkness.

Do you accept or reject the love of Jesus?

 If you ever went to church, chances are you have heard and even memorized John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  This is God's love in a teeny tiny nutshell.  God loves us, Jesus loves us, and even the Holy Spirit Loves us.  If you really stop and think this over, it should overwhelm, awe, and inspire you.  The love of the blessed trinity toward us cannot be measured and cannot even fully be explained enough for our finite minds to grasp.

God giving up His beloved Son was a huge sacrifice because He knew how much His Son would suffer when Jesus gave up His peaceful life in paradise.  Would any of us willingly give our child or loved one  over to be brutally beaten and murdered just to save someone else?  For me the person I love most in this world is my husband, Mel, and I selfishly would not give him up.  What makes this even more of a beautiful gift is that God knew His gracious son would be mocked in His ministry not only while He walked the earth but every single day before and after.  Few would believe and receive such an amazing gift.  Yet, even in this foreknowledge, the Father and Son still gave us the death on the cross to save all who would receive it, even though few will (Matthew 22:14 & Romans 9:27).  Salvation is a free gift willingly offered at a bloody price, but we must actively choose to accept it in order to obtain it and we must strive to live holy lives in order not to lose our salvation and fall away from Christ (Luke 8:13, II Thessalonians 2:3, II Peter 3:17, Revelation chapters 2 and 3, to name just a few verses).

Philippians 2 paints us a beautiful picture of Jesus' love for us: 

Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2: 5-8

Even though Jesus allowed Himself to be tortured to death just to save our souls from hell, this un-matchless gift has rarely been fully understood.  And worse yet, has rarely been reciprocated.  Isaiah 53 explains it so perfectly:

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.  Isaiah 53:3 & 6

Yes, we say we love Jesus, we sing pretty songs and call ourselves Christians, we even go to church or stream it online.  We practice good works and treat one another with kindness in the name of Jesus, but showing our love for Jesus is so much more that that. 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

Yes, faith without works is dead (read James chapter 2), but we still need to honor the Lord with morality as well as kindness toward others or our our hearts will be considered far from Jesus. 

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, "This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." Mark 7:6

We say we love the Lord, but we refuse to follow down the paths of righteousness.  No one is capable of being perfect, but few even strive for holiness anymore.  Those who preach holiness are called judgmental and legalistic, even though we preach our messages from Jesus' own words (and from the Books of the Bible directly inspired by the Holy Spirit). 

He that saith, "I know him," and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4

How can we say we love Jesus when we refuse to do what is right?  According to Mark, 1 John and other verses, we are all hypocrites and liars when we actively rebel against the laws of Jesus Christ.

When we can read the list of actions that will keep us out of the Kingdom of God* but pick and choose what we will and will not obey, we are rejecting the most beautiful gift we have ever been given (*these lists will be at the end of this post).  

Let's face it, we have all been there and nobody likes to love and not be loved in return.  Yet whether that person is the object of infatuation or a family member, the feeling of rejection cannot even come close to comparing how God must feel when we willingly slap Him in the face by saying we will not humble ourselves and bow our will to His own.  If you say you love your spouse you would never, ever cheat on him/her.  Yet when we say we love Jesus but we let our souls rot in front of ungodly television shows, go to bars, watch pornography, lie, cheat, steal, etc., then our love is every bit as tainted as the person who actively cheats on their spouse.

Today is the day to choose to accept the love of the Lord by honoring Him with your life style.  It is never too late to give your life to Christ and ask for forgiveness of your sins either for the first time or to rededicate your life to the Lord and repeat your first works of salvation (see Revelation 2:5).  

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15    

Jesus is waiting with arms open wide, please won't you accept His precious gift of salvation and eternal life?

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

Hinds' Feet on High Places

 

Whatever you are going through in your life right now, beyond the Bible, I would like to suggest reading this book. I don't recommend books too often, but of all the hundreds of books I have read, "Hinds' Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard is my favorite. I have actually only read through the entire book once (read parts of it many times), but I have decided to listen to the audio book for the first time (I use my local library a lot for on-line books and audio books).

I have considered writing a commentary on this novel but know I could never capture the richness and depth of the story. It is best if you read it for yourself and let the beautiful story seep into every area of your heart and soul.

The last time I read this book I read it aloud with my husband in 2017 or 2018, and it greatly helped me heal from the worst heart break in my life I had experienced in 2014. The Bible is still my number one source of strength, but this book really helped me see how I hard I had held onto fear, pride, and bitterness. And how God had mightily used sorrow and suffering to help me grow. For the first time in my life, I learned to accept the hard times with joy!

Since I have read the book 6-7 years ago, I have experienced several more difficult blows. It was not why I had chosen to listen to this book now, but I am so glad it came back to my mind to do so. I feel like I can now relate even more to Much-Afraid in terms of physical disability than ever before and this book is again helping me heal some deep wounds emotionally and spiritually.

Thank you, Jesus for bringing this book to my heart to read again and thank you for being my precious Shepherd King!

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? (Video Version)

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

A short historical account of the origins of Halloween as well as Bible verses for you to decide whether or not Christians should celebrate Halloween.

The video won't load to blogger, but you can view it on the Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/juliesbiblejourney/

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? (Written Version)

I want to make it very clear that I do not post about this subject every October to be antagonistic or purposefully controversial.  Nor am I judgmental or self-righteous.  All of my postings on all subjects are written based on what I feel the Holy Spirit is prompting me to address. Trust me, I know I am not a perfect Christian; I have my own issues that need mending, but I allow the gentle chastising of God to continually mold and change me.  I take a stand against the things Jesus hates and Satan loves because I know from experience the bondages that come attached to evil items.  Because I opened up my heart to God and got rid of celebrating Halloween and occultic movies/books, God set me free. Therefore, I want the same joy for all of you. Please prayerfully consider all I share.

Although there are many videos on YouTube you can find created by ex-witches/ex-warlocks exposing the very real Truths about Halloween, please use caution when watching them. Some can bring demons into your home (even when that is not the intent) so pray for spiritual discernment and that the blood of Jesus Christ will protect anyone watching.  There are also a lot of videos from other Christians (some are real believers, while others seem less sincere) speaking about Halloween but since so few will tell you the Truth, I have made my own video on the subject that includes even more scriptures than listed below. I will also explain the history of Halloween.  I will share that video in a day or two.

Halloween is a Satanic holiday, and it is not innocent. No matter how you choose to celebrate, it is all about witchcraft.  God has given me a burden for speaking out against all things associated with the occult, be it movies, books, or Halloween. I am not trying to make anyone angry, but I also will not back down just to be accepted by the world.  These are not my theories, but the holy words of God.  

Let me ask you this: Do you take as passionate a stand for the things of God as you do when you defend Halloween? Do you cast away friends and family when they take the Lord's name in vain or openly mock God and Christians in other ways? Or do you only reject those who Biblically prove to you that God hates witchcraft? Do your loyalties lie with Jesus, who willingly died for your sins and wants you to live with Him in Paradise?  (For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16) Or are you loyal to Satan, the one who wants you to fail so he can torture you in hell? (Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8) 

I can give you quite a few scripture verses telling you that witchcraft is wrong.  The ones I have listed below are not even all I have found, just a sample. Can you give me just one where God says it is okay? 

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain SORCERER... whose name was Barjesus... But Elymas the SORCERER (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, THOU CHILD OF THE DEVIL, THOU ENEMY OF ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS, wilt thou not cease to PERVERT THE RIGHT WAYS OF THE LORD? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13:6-12

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel [DEMONICALLY] POSSESSED with a SPIRIT OF DIVINATION met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Acts 16:16 & 18

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, WITCHCRAFT, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and SORCERERS, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used WITCHCRAFT, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. II Chronicles 33:6

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices WITCHCRAFT, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a SORCERER. Deuteronomy 18:10

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used DIVINATION AND ENCHANTMENTS, and sold themselves to do EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, to provoke him to anger. 2 Kings 17:17

"And I will cut off WITCHCRAFTS out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more SOOTHSAYERS [PALM READERS, FORTUNE TELLERS, TARO CARD READERS]." Micah 5:12

"And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the SORCERERS, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers... and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:5

Is Halloween pure or lovely? No, it is dark and wicked! God does not want us dwelling on such things or participating in them. But to focus on Godly activities that bring glory to God.
 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Is Halloween unclean? Definitely!  Touch not the things promoted by Satanists, and God will bless you! God does not want us associating with the dark things of this world. We are called to be His temple and walk in His Light!

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 & 7:1

True Grace, False Grace, and Legalism, Written by my Husband

True Grace, False Grace, and Legalism

Written  by my Husband Mel

Grace is defined as unmerited favor. You cannot earn your salvation through trying to be a good or honest person, nor can you transform yourself into the model Christian through the strivings of the flesh. Salvation is a free gift provided by God. God is a holy God who cannot look upon sin. Mankind was separated from God because of sin, so the Father paid the ransom for mankind by giving his only son upon the cross. Christ paid our debts (sins) in full and made peace between the Father and mankind by bridging the great divide through his cross. Redemption and salvation come only through the blood of Christ. The works of the Law, as well as our own works were not enough to bring salvation, so the Father bestowed his love upon us through the gift of his son.  

 

 Salvation begins with repentance of sins. Repentance is a change of mind and heart in regard to the old sinful lifestyle, as well as a desire to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. To be truly saved, you must hunger and thirst for righteousness and turn away from the old rebellious life you once knew.  When you repent and put your faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross you are saved from perdition (damnation) and have been given eternal life. We are justified by faith alone and saved by grace alone (unmerited favor). Christ will wash you clean and remove all of your sins and grant you a clean slate. Because of Christ's atonement made upon the cross you walk perfectly before him as long as you remain in the light. God gives us grace to grow in him. We come to him as babes on milk and learn to walk by taking baby steps.

 Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are transformed from the inside out. If you are truly saved, then you are clean as long as you remain in Christ. You do not need to repent over and over because bankruptcy court has already occurred, and you have been declared debt free! Yield to the Holy Spirit and give him the reins of your life. Make him the governor of your life and he will produce good fruit. You cannot produce good fruit apart from the vine of Jesus Christ (John 15). The love of Jesus will be poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to walk by faith and walk away from sin.

True Grace is for those who walk in the light and Not for those who love darkness and are apathetic toward righteousness. Many profess to know Christ but refuse to give up the darkness in their lives. There is no grace for the majority of television shows and movies that people watch, God himself spoke this to me more than once. Television shows, pornography, adultery, fornication, substance abuse, homosexuality, lying etc. are examples of darkness that will lead to damnation. However, God will forgive these sins if you repent and turn away from them. Cheap grace or greasy grace is a term to describe the junk food gospel being taught in many churches today. The unconditional eternal security doctrine teaches that a saved believer cannot lose their salvation. This doctrine is contrary to scripture and leads many people to Hell. Heb 10:38-39 states that a believer can drawback unto perdition (Hell) if they do not remain in the faith. There are Christians who have lost their faith and died as atheists, Buddhists, agnostics etc. these will not enter the Kingdom of God. 

Legalism is trying to obtain salvation through works or religious observances. Legalism sows doubt in regard to salvation and annuls faith in the power of the blood of Christ to atone for sins. Legalism proclaims that the blood of Christ is not enough to save you, and religious works must be added. Legalism is contrary to faith and is a stronghold of Satan that often leads to damnation. Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Jehovah Witness, as well as many Christian churches are bound by legalism. 

(Romans 10:9-13) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(1 Timothy 6: 11-12) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

(2 Corinthians 7:10) For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

(Luke 15:7) I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

(1 Peter 4:7-8) But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 

(Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

(John 15:1-4) “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

(Hebrews 10:38-39) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. 

(Galatians 5:4 NKJV) You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

 (Romans 7:4-6 NKJV) Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

Who are you following?

 

In December 2018 we adopted a six-year-old German Shepherd from the pound. We named him Dresden. In May 2020 we purchased two puppies to keep him company. We named them Sierra and Jubilee. Since day one, the three of them have been a tightly bonded trio, and the puppies took to Dresden as their surrogate father.  For the past four years the "puppies" follow Dresden's examples in deciding when to eat, when to go outside, when to come back in, where they sleep, etc.  This morning, as I watched them imitating their leader's behaviors, the idea for this blog came to me.  I started thinking about how the puppies emulate all Dresden does because of their great love for him and his love, gentleness, and care for them.  They even respect his discipline, and never show anger when he "scolds" them but continue to show him love. The puppies respect Dresden as the leader of their small pack and have never tried to usurp his role as alpha and honor him as their leader. 

How many of us can say the same for the One we claim to be the leader of our souls?  Do we fight for dominance over the will of Jesus and refuse to respect and honor the rules of the Bible? Do we get angry when He tells us we need to change a certain behavior?  Or do we do our best to emulate the person Jesus is (Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile [slyness or deception] found in his mouth. 2 Peter 2:21-22) and strive for holiness for a God that is ever-present (But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16)?

Your primary leaders should be Jesus, God, The Holy Spirit, and the Bible. Yet, it is okay to have human spiritual leaders as well.  That's why God raised up bold and moral people like Paul and Peter from the Bible, the late holiness preachers such as David Wilkerson and Leonard Ravenhill, and current people of faith like my husband, Mel. We need people we can see and hear and be an example to follow and show us the ways to righteousness and encourage us in our walks with the Lord (Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17.).

However, we need to be so very careful who we choose to lead us. While this seems like an obvious statement, too many people fall into the trap of never or rarely opening their Bible, but instead take their pastor's, family members', friends', or even the corrupt Hollywood's words and examples for what the Bible says on issues of sin. This does not make you any less accountable for doing something that goes against the Word of God.  If you have access to a Bible, you have no excuse for not obeying what it says. As any police officer will tell you, "Ignorance of the law is no excuse." The below scripture, said by Jesus, says it all.  When you follow the wrong ways of an ignorant or immoral leader, you will follow him/her straight to hell.

They be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matthew 15:14   

I am not so arrogant as to call myself a leader or to say you should follow me, with the one exception when I apply this verse to my life:

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

I am so very far from perfect, but I do my best to follow Christ, so in areas of reading my Bible, trusting God in all circumstances, spending time in prayer and praise, doing my absolute utmost best to follow the rules of Jesus Christ, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me, yes, please follow my example. Again, these are the only areas in my life I would dare claim such a thing. I would like to emphasize, NOT I, BUT CHRIST IN ME!  (I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20) For apart from Jesus, I would be living and walking in darkness! (Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4-5)

I want to encourage you all to be so very, very careful who you imitate. Anyone can say they are followers of Jesus, but if he/she is not a living example of the Bible, they are a liar (He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4). 

Ask yourself these questions to determine if you should be following the person you consider your spiritual leader. Does he/she: watch or read ungodly entertainment, dress provocative, go to bars, get drunk/take drugs, listen to/dance to worldly music, have no problem with witchcraft/the occult/new age practices, swear, steal, lie, cheat, flirt with someone other than their spouse, bully people, backbite, gossip, love money, have sex outside marriage, look at pornography, think homosexuality is acceptable, or abuse people/animals?       

While I write this, I am feeling compelled to tell you to do even better than try to find someone Godly to follow.  Instead, quit being followers and start being the one who leads others to Jesus. Pray the Holy Spirit gives you the courage to be bold and take a stand for the Truth, even when no one listens or follows your example. And even when you are rejected by others.  Study to know what the Bible says so you can be the light and show others the way and so you never lead them astray. (Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15) 

As always, there is so much more I could say on this subject, but I will leave you with these verses from Ephesians.  If you just read these verses, they should be enough to convince you not to follow the wrong leader, and/or to choose to be the right leader.

 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:1-20

Hope for The Backslider

You and I know that God's salvation is a free gift that we do not have to earn, but too often, God's beautiful gift of grace is abused, and people do not think they need to be responsible for their actions. However, God's Word is very clear that grace is not an excuse to sin.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:1, 2, & 6

When one uses grace as a reason not to live a Holy life, they are in danger of backsliding away from their salvation. Not every mistake we make automatically causes us to lose our salvation, of course, but living in habitual sins we refuse to get rid of and repent from, will risk losing our place in paradise with God. It is open rebellion that keeps us separated from a Holy God.

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Revelation 20:12 & 21:8

There are many verses in the Bible that speak of the backsliding Christian, and also many verses that offer hope for those who have fallen away from the Truths of Jesus Christ. I am going to let the Holy Word of God tell you the story with just a few of these scriptures.

The verses in Hosea were written for Israel, but we can all apply it to our lives. The hope here is that God will heal all who have backslidden away from Him and wants them return to His ways of holiness.

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him... His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree... [they] shall say, "What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found." Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. Hosea 14:4-9

Both 2 Peter 2 and Hebrews 6 give great picturesque examples of what it means to backslide. It is a very devastating thing when one has known the Truth of the Bible and even lived according to the ways of Jesus Christ, but for whatever reason, be it peer pressure or blaming God for the bad things that happen, they have chosen to give up on God and backslide back to the world, to do those things they know go against Biblical principles. Peter described it so boldly by saying when we choose to turn away from God and go back to the world, we are like a dog eating his own vomit!

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:20-22

Hebrews 6:6 should be a huge eye opener for a reason not to go backwards in our walk with the Lord. I know that verse shakes me to the core!

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:6

Our hope is in 1 John 1, notice the first 5 words. God is so very gracious to always respond to our sincere prayers of contrition.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

You can find more hope for the backslider in Jeremiah 3. Again, notice that one must first acknowledge their sins. It is a beautiful passage of scripture that let's us know that God wants so deeply for us to return to him ( The Lord... is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.2 Peter 3:9).

"Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God... and ye have not obeyed my voice," saith the Lord. "Turn, O backsliding children," saith the Lord; "for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family... And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:13-15

Finally, let's look at God's words to the church in Ephesus,

"Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Revelation 2:4-5

Without a change of heart and allowing yourself to become and stay a new creation in Christ (Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17) we absolutely risk losing our salvation, having our "candlestick" removed from "out of his place" if we refuse to do what we know is right in the eyes of God.

I will leave you with more hope and good news:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh [destroys sin] will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7

In other words, true repentance of sins will lead to eternal life with the Holy Trinity in Heaven!

(You can read more on this subject in a blog written by my husband that I posted on July 7, 2024: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/07/backsliding-unto-perdition-written-by.html )

From my Other blog: Week 39: Talk & Television

Here is an excerpt from my other blog, "The ABCs of a Joyful Marriage" (I am just sharing the paragraphs on television.) https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/

Week 39: Talk & Television 

Television (and Movies):  Mel and I got rid of our television and gave up movies in 2015 due to the over-sexualized nature, the constant use of God's name in vain as well as other swear words, the justification of violence, occultism, and the LGBTQ agenda. However, we do watch the news, some documentaries, Christian concerts, and sermons from holiness preachers on YouTube. We tried to limit ourselves to "Christian" movies but even many of them are full of scantily clad women and swearing and have very watered-down messages.  Moreover, the “Biblical” movies are excessively violent and not accurate; they just confuse those not familiar with what the Bible truly says.  Truthfully, since 2015, we have considered several times since returning to TV/movies as long as we stuck with "innocent" or "spiritual" programs, but God ALWAYS speaks to one or both of us whenever we have chosen to go backwards and makes it very clear to get rid of Hollywood yet again. We know without any doubt that God is calling us to separate ourselves from this form of entertainment.  It really is not difficult when you think of it this way: would you still be watching your favorite programs if Jesus was sitting next to you? 

Before I get into this subject a little deeper, I want to give you an assignment that will go beyond this week.  Keep a television and movie viewing journal and record how you feel each time a sexy woman is on the screen.  Wives, do you feel ugly and inadequate? Men, are you titillated (remember Matthew 5:28)? Do sex scenes and nudity make you feel dirty or stir up unhealthy temptations to cheat?  How about when a violent scene is depicted.  Are you experiencing unexplained bouts of anger or depression?  What about programs that reverse gender roles?  Do you experience dissention in your home?  What about the shows glorifying witches, wizards, vampires, and other demons/false gods?  Is anyone in your home having nightmares?  Are you or your children in rebellion?  Feel like your prayers are blocked?  Record it all.  By the end of two weeks (or even go a full thirty days), read this week again, and you will see where I am coming from.

I am speaking out of experience.  I too was once obsessed with television and movies (and books), filled with the occult, violence, and carnality.  I was plagued with bad dreams, bad moods, and bad decisions.  We also let go of a large number of books along with television and movies. 

The below portion was written by my husband, Mel in 2014:

"The Lord has been dealing me on the issue of television. I felt that if I were careful to what programs I watched, everything would be okay. I became aware that television was an idol to me, as well as a compromise to my Christian faith. Television is filled with extreme violence, fornication, adultery, occultism, profanity, swearing, etc. I was filling my eye gates and ear gates with the trash that Hollywood produces. For the eyes and the ears are gates to the soul. Should Christians be filling their souls up with darkness?

"Even commercials have become X-rated. How much of this are we going to tolerate as Christians? Also, consider the heavy metal music played in the background of movies, shows, and commercials. Many claim that they would never allow this type of music to be played within their homes, but they are allowing it in their homes through television. After watching a show, how many times have you gone to bed and had undesirable music playing in your head? It has happened to me many times.

"Also, consider how the family structure is perverted by Hollywood. The children are always fussing or cussing at their parents. Women are always in charge of their husbands and belittling them. Men are always cheating on their wives. The homosexual agenda has really taken over as well as many shows feature gay parents raising children. In an effort to desensitize the American public, homosexuals are featured in most programs today (even gay children are depicted). And this type of brainwashing is working. 

"Also, consider the occultism within television and movies today. Witchcraft, Satanism, Buddhism, New Ageism, Hinduism, yoga, channeling, ghosts, reincarnation, Ouija boards, etc. are all being promoted. Even children's cartoons are filled with occultism.

"The Lord gave me some dreams, as well as words concerning television that reflects how serious this issue is to the Lord. The Lord said that I was cut off from Him due to compromise by watching television. The Lord showed me that watching television would prevent him from healing and blessing his children, as well as hinder a person's relationship with him. This is a very serious issue to the Lord.  The Lord showed me that even supposedly innocent shows were still wicked to him because they are produced by Hollywood. Everything from Hollywood is accursed to God.

"In a day and age when most people have television, these words may seem hard to believe, as they were for me at first. However, when God destroyed the earth with a flood, only Noah was found righteous in his eyes. So just because everybody else does it, does not make it right in God's eyes. God's standards do not change with our culture. God is still the Ancient of Days.”

Marriage-Enhancing Ideas for the Week:

Television (and Movies):  I know there will be resistance here but take the week off from television and movies. You can catch the news on the radio or Internet as I mentioned we do.  But do not use the Internet as a substitute for television to get your worldly fix.  

Art Project Option: Instead of an art project, I would like to see both of you continue keeping the journal I mentioned above.  After a week with no Hollywood connection, reevaluate how you feel.  Now that you have been television and movie-free for seven days, are you hearing God’s Voice more clearly?  Connecting to your mate and kids better?  Feeling more attractive now that the unnatural-looking women have been removed from your living room? After you realize you have not disintegrated from lack of immoral entertainment and realize how much better you feel emotionally and especially spiritually, prayerfully consider letting television and movies go for good!