Don't Exchange the Truth for a Lie (Written by my wife)

 

I have been praying about what God wanted me to write about next.  He gave me two phrases: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil." And "They traded the truth for a lie." God also told me very clearly not to be afraid of anyone who might reject me for my writings because it is important to share the Truth.

 

In January, I wrote a blog called, "Darkness and Light Cannot Coexist" that had to do with the dangers of watching movies/TV shows and reading books that have any form of witchcraft in them. In that blog, I quoted the scripture in Isaiah.

 

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 

Isaiah 5:20 

 

Keep those words in mind as they go along with the theme of this blog.

 

The second phrase God gave me, I knew I had heard before, but could not remember where it was in the bible nor what the context of that scripture was.  I had to look it up.  It is in Romans 1.  Because the context of scripture is long, I will post it at the end of this writing.

 

I realize that a portion of Romans 1 has to do with the sin of homosexuality, but I do not believe that is what God is specifically calling me to write about at this time.  The theme God wants me to focus on is the backsliding of saints. Those that have been taught the Truth and have rejected it.

 

If you have taken the time to read the blog attached to the above link, or if you have read it before, then you know that I am just as guilty of knowing not to watch things God considers evil even though I knew better. 

 

So, if we are taught at an early (or not-so-early) age to avoid witchcraft, drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, etc., then why do we choose to sin?  It is because we have been hurt to the very core and we blame God.  We think He should have intervened and saved us from a miscarriage, a divorce, a death of a loved one, the loss of a home, etc.  We may think we have gotten over the anger towards God, but in all reality, we choose to rebel against the scriptures we have heard for many years, and probably even memorized.  We choose this as a child rebels against a parent they think is being unfair.  In all honesty, I was a good kid.  But, when my parents set a curfew I did not agree with, I simply chose to come home whenever I wanted and suffer the consequences later.  Sound familiar?  Our attitude may sound something like this, "God, I think it was pretty heartless of you to allow my wife to cheat on me, so therefore, I am going to smoke this joint."  or "God, I don't understand why I have lost a child, and since you don't seem to care, neither do I."

 

Satan absolutely loves it when we allow our minds to wander down such paths of what we consider logical rebellion.

 

But, don't be fooled...  God does care!  He does not will bad things to happen to us.  Bad things often happen due to poor choices we make, and God will not save us when we jump off a cliff without a parachute just because we say we have faith.  He expects us to be proactive.  You cannot expect God to heal you of high blood pressure if you continue to pig out on chips and ice cream (note to self).  You cannot expect God to save your marriage if you refuse to put down the sin of pornography.  Or bless your business if you treat your employees unfairly.  We have to take care of our marriages, our bodies, and other people if we want God's blessings.  We cannot hold someone responsible that did not pull the trigger.  Unfortunately, our mistakes can cause others hurt.  If you refuse to have your vehicle serviced on a regular basis and it breaks down on your wife and she gets stranded in the middle of nowhere, that is not God's fault.

 

I am well aware that bad things happen to people who live life as clean as they can.  They are devout in their faith and love God with all their hearts.  Do they have a reason to be mad?  Sure.  In fact, even those that are victims of their own fault have reason to be mad.  The bible says it is okay to be angry as long as we do not sin in anger(Ephesians 4:26)  But don't stay mad; pray that God helps you heal by the power of His Holy Spirit as it is impossible to heal on our own.  We live in a fallen world where man chooses to alienate God.  Therefore, God does not always intervene.  I have very serious asthma to the point where doctors say I could die if it does not improve.  Is that my fault or God's?  No.  Has God chosen to heal me?  No.  But He had lead me to the proper doctor and proper medication and my asthma is improving.  If I was still obsessing over "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and knowingly watching a show that was displeasing to God, I would have no right to even ask God to heal me.  Anymore than you could expect a boss to give you a raise if you are always late to work and have a bad attitude. 

 

I think I'm getting off subject. 

 

Anyway, my point was that we choose to dishonor God with our rebellions because we blame Him for our unfortunate circumstances.  We justify glorifying witchcraft or drinking alcohol because it is fun or makes us feel better.  I have heard people often say, "Oh, I know there's swearing, violence, and sex in that movie, but overall I really loved it."  And they watch it again and again.

 

 

 Verses 20-21: For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

 

This sounds to me like they were well aware of God's power, rebelled, and God was absolutely going to hold them accountable because they knew better.  In fact, I believe God holds us more accountable when we know the Truth and trade it for a lie than when our sins are a little bit more ignorant. 

 

 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away,to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.  Hebrews 6:4-6

 

 Verse 22 states that, Professing to be wise, they became fools.  To me, this sounds like they knew better and justified their actions with false logic, and therefore, became foolish.   

 

But there is good news for those that have rebelled and chosen to backslide.  I see a lot of people who choose to do wrong still going to church, calling themselves Christians, and reading their bibles.  The hope lies in prayers. We can pray this all sinks in once and for all.  That God will ultimately open their eyes, or re-open as the case may be.  Or if it is us that has fallen away, we need to repent and start over.

 

I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.  Revelation 2:4-5

 

Please prayerfully consider all I have said.  Remember my goal is never to condemn anyone, but if the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and convicts you, please listen and obey.

 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;  being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,  backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.  Romans 1:18-32

Don't Expect to be Popular (Written by Mel and Julie)

Written by Mel and Julie

We try to never shy away from writing about controversial subjects.  But why are they so controversial?  The topics God calls us to write about are directly from the bible.  The reason why these subjects often become heated is because people have been taught wrong for so long.  Or not taught at all.  We speak out against things that make people angry and we have received backlash and have ultimately lost friends.  We have even had people among our own church, and even at a Christian tent revival meeting, turn their backs on us.

If you are a regular reader of either of our blogs, then you know our topics range anywhere from the dangers of so-called Christian entertainment, our belief in a post-tribulation rapture, dressing modestly, the evils of pornography, and the list goes on.  The last time Julie put a link on her Facebook page to her blog speaking out against Christians watching/reading anything with witchcraft in it, she received very negative feedback from a friend.  We have both lost likes off our Facebook pages whenever we have posted anything "controversial." 

Here is what we have been trying to remind ourselves:

1) Don't take it personally.  After all, our posts are never directed toward one specific person, they are a direct result of something God has placed on our hearts to write about.  Therefore, when someone gets angry, they are not angry at us.  It is their conscience at war within them that is being poked.  And they don't like it!  They take their confusion and guilt out on us. 

Also, we must remember that most people have been taught only one way their entire lives.  For example, we are both preacher's kids.  We were taught to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture.  That's nothing against our wonderful, Godly fathers because they were teaching what they had been taught as well.  We both love to study our bibles and came to the conclusion on our own (years apart) that Christ says He will return after the tribulation.  But speak about this issue with most people, and they get angry and walk away.  It is because they feel you are attacking them, but we are not attacking anyone - on this or any other subject.  And they are not directly angry with us.  They just don't like rethinking something they have been taught their whole lives.

The good news is that sometimes they may even come back with questions and we can point them to further scriptures to explain why we believe the way we do.

2) Don't stop preaching!  Whenever one of us loses a like on Facebook or gets a negative comment, it is tempting to shut it all down.  It is easy to feel discouraged.  That is exactly what Satan would love for us to do.  But don't stop being obedient to the ministry God has called you to.
 
3) We are not called to be men-pleasers, but God-pleasers.
 
Most people will judge a person by their appearance, intelligence, or personality, but that is not true with God. God looks upon the heart of the individual, and he chooses the humble ones to be vessels in which he may show forth his attributes. I Corinthians 1:26-29 states that God has chosen the foolish, weak, base, as well as despised ones for his work, so that no person may take glory in their flesh. The mighty of this world are normally very arrogant and will not give honor to their creator. Many of the Apostles that Christ chose were simple, uneducated fisherman, but they learned from Christ himself.  Acts 4:13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." The Lord is looking for humble vessels that he may work through. The seminaries of man-made doctrines are producing pastors that are void of God's Spirit and quite often help to shut people out of the Kingdom of Heaven. Popularity with the world, and in some cases the church, is enmity with God. God is looking for selfless individuals who are willing to put the needs of others before their own. The apostles Paul, Luke, and Matthew were examples of educated, humble men, who gave up the riches of the world, and even endured torture, and imprisonment for the cause of Christ. But not many of the rich and powerful are like these men.

 Many people are looking for ways to find themselves. They feel the need to be important, or achieve goals that give them a sense of self worth. They will strive at sports, or for a university degree, or a certain career to find that self worth. But we need to find our self worth in Christ, and identify with him. Christ said, to deny ourselves daily and take up our cross and follow him. There is no greater work than that of the Kingdom of God, and we should pursue his work according to what we have been given. Christ said that if you want to be great in his kingdom, then you need to become a servant. Although Christ was God in the flesh, he became a servant and even washed the feet of his disciples as an example for us to follow. We are not above our master, since Christ was an example of humble servant hood, we should do likewise.
 
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

I Corinthians 1:26  For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. ²⁷ But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; ²⁸ and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, ²⁹ that no flesh should glory in His presence.

Do Works Matter?

Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ²⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ²⁶ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ²⁷ For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Matt 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.


Many churches today downplay the significance of good works in the Christian walk. They refer to holiness as works salvation, and they are leading many astray with their unsound doctrine. The truth of God's Word is not popular with most people today, because most people want a feel good message that does not require moral accountability. The Bible has quite a few verses about the necessity of good works in the Christian lifestyle, but the churches have demonized the word according to the great deceiver's plan. Matthew 16:27 states that when the Lord returns he will reward each person according to his works. Also, at the great white throne judgment the books will be open and each person will be judged according to his works. Christ said that any tree which does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. When we come to Christ by faith, we must repent of our sins and become born again in order to be saved. If a person is truly born again, then good fruit, accompanied by good works will be the natural result. If you have faith, but there is no evidence of a transformed life, then you are not truly born again.


 Many people get confused by a few of  Paul's verses that many take out of context. Paul said, that we are justified by faith, not by the works of keeping the Law of Moses, that anyone should boast. Paul was addressing Christians who felt obligated to keep the mosaic law, in addition to having faith in Christ, to be saved. Paul went to great length  to teach the new converts that we are now living under a new covenant, but Paul also taught that if we continue in sin, we know not God, or his Son. Paul also said, to come out from among them and be ye separate saith God, and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you, 2 Cor 6:17. James the brother of Christ, was the leader of the Christian Church at Jerusalem, and he taught that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). He makes the point that even the demons believe and tremble. James states that if we see our brother or sister, naked or destitute and without food, and refuse to give them what they need, then our faith is dead. Christ also taught that if we don't feed and clothe our brother in need, that we have denied the faith and will be cast into hell. It is very clear that our works do matter, and without them our faith is dead.
 

God's Word teaches that without holiness no man shall see the Father. We are called to be a holy, righteous, set apart (sanctified) people, but this doesn't mean that we are perfect. This means that we are obedient to the teachings of Christ and are bearing good fruit (Galatians 5). The work of the Holy Spirit is to purify or sanctify us, and this is a lifelong process that begins when we are born again. When we sin, we have an advocate (attorney) to the Father and he is Jesus Christ. Christ's atonement upon the cross wiped out all of our sins when we repented of them at our conversion, he paid our debt in full. But God's Word also teaches that we are not to continue in sin, but we are to become a new creation in Christ. Habitual sins, like pornography or alcoholism, are known as spiritual bondages and they will lead to spiritual death, unless a person repents and turns from them. Christ's blood is applied to sins that we repent of, or commit in ignorance, but it is not automatic. Christ said multiple times, that those who endure unto the end shall be saved. The Apostle Paul also said that even he, after preaching to others, could be disqualified from the race if he doesn't keep his flesh in subjection. In other words, if  Paul did not endure unto the end and cross the finish line, he could lose his salvation. 1 Cor 9:24    Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.


In Revelation chapters two and three, we read of Christ's warnings to the seven churches. Christ both praises the churches, as well as brings correction to them. Christ says repeatedly, that he knows their works.  Christ tells the church at Pergamos, to  repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. To the church at Thyatira, Christ said that he will give to each one of you according to your works. To the church at Ephesus, Christ said, in Rev 2:  ⁵ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. And to the church of the Laodiceans he tells them that because they are lukewarm, he will vomit them out. As I have pointed out, it is very clear that we will all be judged according to our works. 

 

Faith Without Works Is Dead

James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! ²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?  ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.


The Church At Ephesus

 Rev 2:2    “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. ⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

The Compromising Church

Rev 2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: ¹³ “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. ¹⁴ But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. ¹⁵ Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. ¹⁶ Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

The Corrupt Church

Rev 2:18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,
‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: ¹⁹ “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. ²⁰ Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. ²¹ And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.  ²² Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. ²³ I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

The Dead Church

Rev 3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. ² Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. ³ Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. ⁴ You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. ⁵ He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

 

The Lukewarm Church

 Rev 3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ¹⁵ “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
 

 

 2 Cor 6:17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

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.
 

John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 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. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 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.
 

1 Timothy 6: 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 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 Cor 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 Cor 6: 9 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, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 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.