On Biblical Unity

GodThoughtsWired!               Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Evangelizing the Church in the Age of Delusion

on biblical unity

"I (Jesus) in them, and Thou in Me,
that they may be perfected in unity."
-John 17:23a

We must never compromise our beliefs for the sake of unity!  Is unity important? ABSOLUTELY! However, the unity that Jesus desires for His Church is not in conflict with the truth, nor does it come by compromising or minimizing the truth.

Biblical unity is based ON the truth and only those who receive the truth that Jesus offers can be truly "unified" in the way that God desires."

The quest for unity is noble,
but when the cost is
a compromise of the truth,
it becomes fodder for the Devil.-pastor Brad

My concern is that I see, in a large sector of the American church, truth being downplayed for the sake of unity (which, sadly, is a deluded reflection of our culture). And isn't that the case, all too often? The church being influenced by society, rather than the other way around?"

Technically, there is a difference between, "Father, may they be unified," versus, "Father, keep them in Thy name so that they will be unified." The first is praying specifically for unity while the second is praying for the thing that will then result in unity.

For example, if I pray, "Father, I ask that you will bless (husband) and (wife)'s communication with each other, their physical and emotional intimacy, and their mutual care for one another; in-so-doing they will be unified." It might be argued that I just prayed for the two to be unified, but actually, I prayed specificall for three things, 1. communication. 2. intimacy. 3. care, the bi-product of which is unity.

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The Ultimate Lifestyle: The EZRA Principle

GodThoughtsWired!                  Tuesday, October 25, 2011*

An Inspiration for Today...A Resource for a Lifetime!

the ultimate lifestyle!

THE EZRA PRINCIPLE

"For Ezra had set his heart to study
the law of the Lord and to practice it,
and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel."
Ezra 7:10, bold mine

It's not enough to study.  I would suggest that there are no "professional students" in the Kingdom of God.  No, the purpose of study is to become a skilled practitioner.  The Bible tells us that Ezra was "skilled in the law of Moses."  He was a living example of Proverbs 22:29,

"Do you see a man skilled in his work?
  He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men."

Indeed, the Bible says,

"Prove yourselves doers of the word,
and not merely hearers who delude themselves."
-James 1:22

However, there is an additional step, perhaps the greatest step.  And that is to...TEACH.  God blesses us in order that we might become a blessing to others.

STUDY...PRACTICE...TEACH. 

In my opinion, it's the "Ultimate Lifestyle!"

*Originally published June, 2010

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Welcome to GodThoughts!

The GT Ministry is called to "Evangelize the Church in the Age of Delusion."  The era that the Bible refers to as "the birth pangs" is here (see Mark 13:9).  The "Age of Delusion has begun! (see 2 Thessalonians 2:10-15).

False teachers and false gospels are everywhere.  The "angel of light" has become so prevalent in today's "visible church" that even false bibles have made their way into mainstream Christianity (i.e. The Message).

Tens of millions of sincere church-goers are being led astray by celebrity pastors and teachers who present "false gospels of grace & salvation nowhere to be found in scripture.  GodThoughtsWired! exists to make sure that when Jesus says, "Depart from Me, I never knew you," He's not talking to you!

A Purpose Driven Parable...WHOOPS!

GodThoughtsWired!              Thursday, October 20, 2011*

Evangelizing the Church in the Age of Delusion

A purpose driven parable

"Examining the scriptures daily
to see if these things were so."
Acts 17:11

 The book changed his life! He would no longer wander through life aimlessly without a vision. He was now "purpose-driven." He quickly became a devout follower. Now a man of prayer, he would pray multiple times each day.

Service to God became a primary ambition. Worship, one of the five directives of his new lifestyle, became a central focus to his daily routine. It felt good to get his eyes off of himself. So very good to have a "higher call."

"Do not add to His words
or He will reprove you,
and you will be proved a liar."
Proverbs 30:6

It seemed that what most attracted him to the teaching was the covenant and commitment. He had grown weary of his previous pointless existence. He now had purpose and there was something that felt good, very good about such focus. The purposes brought meaning to his life. For the first time, he had a since of fulfillment, and that felt GREAT!

 In addition, he was now a part of a community. A community of believers. A community of individuals highly committed to each other, and the unity that the book espoused. A life surrendered to the 5-fold purposes of God. A surrender so complete that he was now willing to die, if necessary, for his beliefs.

 "The sum of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous
ordinances is everlasting."
Psalm 119:160

 

Ok, ok, have you guessed yet, the book that I am referring to? It's one of the most popular books of our time! In fact, it's behind the fastest growing movement of the 21st century! Have you figured out yet the "5 Purposes" to which I refer?

Well, just to make sure you aren't mistaken:

The book: The Qur'an.

The 5 Purposes: The 5 Pillars of Islam.

The Man: A devout Muslim.

WHOOPS!

 *Originally published November, 2011

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GodThoughtsWired!         Wednesday, October 19, 2011*

An Inspiration for Today...A Resource for a Lifetime!

looking to the reward!

"Considering the reproach of Christ
greater riches than the treasures of Egypt;
for he (Moses) was looking to the reward."Hebrews 11:26, bold mine

God is a "rewarder of those who seek Him " (Hebrews 11:6).  The theology of "rewards" is significant in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).  "Misthos," translated, "reward," is found in nearly half (thirteen) of the books of the New Testament writings.  Jesus first used this term in Matthew 5:12 by promising "great reward" in Heaven for those who are persecuted for His sake.

And then in the book of Revelation Jesus proclaims, "My reward is with Me" (Revelation 22:12) in reference to restituition for the works of His children done on earth. 

Additionally, Paul makes it crystal clear that each Christian will be rewarded according to their individual labor for the Lord.  "Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor" (1 Corinthians 3:8).

Therefore, do not throw
away your confidence,
which has great reward."-Hebrews 10:35, bold mine

*Originally published November 24, 2010

The Secret of Contentment

GodThoughtsWired!             Tuesday, October 18, 2011

An Inspiration for Today...A Resource for a Lifetime!

the secret of contentment

"I have learned to be content
in whatever circumstances I am."Philippians 4:11

Isn't that AMAZING?!  C'mon!  I mean, really?  Contentment regardless?  What a place to be!  What a thing to "learn!"  And do you know where the guy was who said that?  Paul was writing from a prison cell!

-The Bible tells us tht Abraham, "He died at a ripe old age, satisfied with life" (Genesis 25:7).

-Incredibly, when all was said and done in Job's life the Bible declares,

"And Job died,
an old man and full of days."Job 42:17, bold mine

This phrase, "full of days" might best be understood as, "super-satisfied with life, completely fulfilled."  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!  Job died super-satisfied with life?!  Do you have any idea what Job had to go through?!

In light of all that Paul and Abraham and Job had to live through, I find these testimonies pretty remakable, don't you?  "Content in whatever circumstance."

"The secret of the Lord
is for those who fear Him."Psalm 25:14

Yes, the Lord keeps secrets.  And some of those secrets are reserved only for those who "fear"* Him.

So, have you learned the secret? 

The answer is perfectly described in a single verse somewhere in the book of Proverbs.  I'll give a FREE COPY OF MY LATEST BOOK, The Bible Says, Volume 1, to the first 10 people to email me the correct answer.

*In this verse, the word "fear" means "to reverence," or "treat with great respect."

INTERESTED IN FURTHER STUDY?  Listen to pastor Brad talk live.  Just click on The Prosperity of the Soul.

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE 21ST CENTURY "CHURCH

GodThoughtsWired!                Friday, October 14, 2011 Evangelizing the Church in the Age of Delusion

You are subscribed as %%emailaddress%% AN OPEN LETTER TO THE 21ST CENTURY "CHURCH* Stop It! "The trademark of these end times is widespread religious delusion...in the Church!" -pastor Brad, quoting Jesus STOP IT!  Stop professing to know Jesus while your actions DENY HIM!  STOP IT!  Stop calling yourself a Christian while reveling in the ways of the world. STOP IT!  All of  you "lukewarm," "half-baked"hypocrites who praise His name on Sunday and profane His name on Monday.   STOP IT!  You are hurting the Savior you claim to serve.  Keep your mouth shut unless you are willing toalign your behavior and actions with that of biblical Christianity!  God would rather you keep your mouth shut, than for you to claim you are in the Light, yet you willfully walk in the darkness. And to the myriads of "church leaders"... STOP IT!  Your compromise for the sake of wordly gain is the reason the "bride of Christ" has become a whore!  Jesus is not coming back for an unholy harlot.  He will only return when "His bride has made herself ready!" The New Covenant doesn't change the fact that"friendship with the world is hostility toward God"...THAT IS THE NEW COVENANT! STOP IT!  You "Christian leaders" who partner with unbelievers under the guise of unity: "What does Mormonism have in common with biblical Christianity, Joel Osteen?" NOTHING! "What does the lust for money have in common with biblical Christianity, Benny Hinn?" NOTHING! "What does the Isa of Islam have in common with the Jesus of the Bible, Rick Warren?" NOTHING! "What does your gospel have in common with the biblical gospel, Rob Bell?" NOTHING! "What does 'your word' have in common with the 'God's Word,' Eugene Peterson?" NOTHING! Beware the judgement that awaits all false teachers. The time has come for the true spokesmen of God torise up!  The day has come for the real "prophets of God" to CHALLENGE those who "profit from the business of God." Dear God, In Jesus name we lay claim to Psalm 75:7.  We ask you Lord, watch over your word to perform it.  Cause the voice of Your authority to be heard.  Angels of God, go to work!  Demons of hell be bound!  Heavenly Father...begin to prepare Your Son's Bride for His return. In Jesus name, So be it! *Originally published March 21, 2011 For more information about the GodThoughts Ministry, clickhere. For more information about the author of GodThoughts, clickhere. PLEASE prayerfully consider supporting the GodThoughts Ministry (click on "donate" button below). The cost to provide this FREEMinistry world-wide in 2010 was $40,700.00 (see Annual Report for full details).

Setting the Record Straight!

GodThoughtsWired!                Thursday, October 13, 2011*

Evangelizing the Church in the Age of Delusion

Setting the record straight!

"...Because they did not receive
the love of the truth
so as to be saved.  For this reason
God will send upon them
a deluding influence
so that they will believe what is false."2 Thessalonians 2:10-11, bold mine

DELUSION:  "a fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact."

The age of delusion is harsh!  "Many...will mislead many...Many...will mislead many...so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect" (see Matthew 24:5,11,24).

The truth is (which is another way of saying, the Bible clearly teaches), there is no such thing as salvation without a changed life.

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creature;
the old things passed away;
behold, new things have come."
-2 Corinthians 5:17, bold mine

Do you see it?  Everyone who is truly saved is a new creature...everyone!  One of the "new things" to come is the Holy Spirit, along with His power to enable us to "walk by the Spirit and not carry out the desires of the flesh" (see Galatians 5:16).

"And we are witnesses of these things;
and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God
has given to those who obey Him."-Acts 5:32, bold mine

Tragically, and ridiculously, more and more teachers are teaching a false gospel that says you can become a Christian without being a disciple.  It's like saying, "You can be a follower of Jesus Christ without following Him."

And my response?

DELUSION:  "A fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact."

*Originally published March 15, 2011

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The Christian's 'Built in' Job Description

GodThoughtsWired!                  Wednesday, October 11, 2011

Evangelizing the Church in the Age of Delusion

"The Christian's 'Built in'
Job Description"

SOME OF MY NOTES

JOHN 3:13-21

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent
in the wilderness, even so must the
 Son of Man be lifted up; that whoever
 believes may in Him have eternal life."
-John 3:14-15

Hupsoo:  "To exalt, to raise high, to lift up."  (used figuratively by Jesus to indicate the manner of His death.  In the Roman era "to be lifted up" was a reference to crucifixion.  -see also John 8:28; 12:32-34).

Practically however, there is an additional meaning for us.  Please note: Jesus MUST be lifted up.  Not could...or should...MUST!  By who?  Those who consider themselves to be Christians!  Those who claim to be followers of Christ.  Those who profess to know Jesus have a "built in job description."  Namely,

EXALT JESUS IN EVERY AREA OF LIFE.

How?  "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness."

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.” And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived.-Numbers 21:8-9, bold mine

The illustration is clear.  Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness that all who looked upon it would live physically, all who now look upon Jesus  will live spiritually and eternally.

That said, the question that Paul asked two thousand years ago remains,

"How then will they call on Him in
 whom they have not believed?
How will they believe in Him
whom they have not heard? And how
 will they hear without a preacher?
 How will they preach unless they are sent?"
-Romans 10:14-15

Jesus MUST be "lifted up" in every area of the Christian's life.  Marriage, work, family, church, sport, leisure...

It's the "Built In Job Description" for every follower of Christ.

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An Inspiration for Today...A Resource for a Lifetime!

GodThoughtsWired!                  Friday, October 7, 2011 An Inspiration for Today...A Resource for a Lifetime!

You are subscribed as %%emailaddress%% "Worshipping Demons" SOME OF MY NOTES JOHN 3:13-21 "And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil."-John 3:19 From the garden of Eden until now, Biblical Christianity is the story of God's pursuit of Man.  In fact, I believe that the entire Old Testament can be summed up in the three words that God spoke to Adam after the fall, "Where are you?" -Genesis 3:9 God is with you when you are with Him. -see 2 Chronicles 15:2.  When you draw near to God, He will ALWAYS draw near to you! -see James 4:8.  And if you sincerely seek God, He will always reveal Himself to you.  Always. -see Jeremiah 29:13. In fact, I have both seen and experienced on numerous occaisions, that when an individual or church takes one small step toward God...He comes running toward them!  And this is what makes the truth of John 3:19 (see above) so tragic.  The ignorant, arrogance of Man that rejects the loving invitation of God. And did you know what the earth will look like in the last of these last days? "A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues...The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk..." -Revelation 9:18-20, bold mine Incredible!  Everybody worshipping demons!  But here's what I really wonder. How many of those who are worshipping demons... will sincerely think they are Christians? For more information about the GodThoughts Ministry, clickhere. For more information about the author of GodThoughts, clickhere. Please follow us on: Twitter Facebook Youtube Fanbase PLEASE prayerfully consider supporting the GodThoughts Ministry (click on "donate" button below). The cost to provide this FREEMinistry world-wide in 2011 is $59,100.00 (see Annual Report for full details).

The Divinity of Jesus Christ

GodThoughtsWired!                Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Evangelizing the Church in the Age of Delusion

the divinity of jesus christ

SOME OF MY NOTES:

JOHN 3:13-21

"No one has ascended into heaven,
but He who descended from heaven:
the Son of Man."
-John 3:13

The fact that Jesus claimed to be God is irrefutable.*  The one question that every individual needs to answer for themselves is, "Do you believe the Bible to be the divine word of God?" (for further study, click on:  The Bible Says Series, The Bible).

In this passage, John 3:13-21, Jesus refers to Himself as both Son of Man and Son of God.  He also calls Himself the "only begotten Son of God" (see verses 16, 18).  In context, there is absolutely no question that Jesus is equating Himself with God.  He says as much in 1:18, "the only begotten God."

So here in chapter 3, the fact that Jesus claimed divinity is without question:  "the only begotten Son of God" is synonymous with "the only begotten God."

And in verse 13 (see above), we have an additional declaration of divinity:  Jesus reveals that the Son of Man, Himself, "descended from heaven."


"Now, Father, glorify Me together
with Yourself, with the glory which
I had with You before the world was."
-John 17:5


Here is yet another of the myriad examples of why other religions (i.e. Mormonism, Islam) that include the Bible as a part of their "holy books" is the epitomy of ignorance!**

*Click here for further study.

**For those who are not familiar with Mormonism (click here) or Islam (click here), both clearly, and undeniably refute what the Bible teaches about Jesus.

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