…….Because you are lukewarm…….Rev.3:16
I’ve known some men, evangelists mostly, who were spiritually hot, filled with the Holy Spirit,
preaching boldly Jesus Christ, even in the face of disapproval from men and society.
Then they got cushy Church jobs with regular paychecks, a title & a nice office, settled down and cooled off.
War, killing and the one world religion for world peace.
Satan is the ‘master-mind’ behind the powers that be (people) who are working against Christ. They have assigned the players and created the conflict. They are programming the masses in how they should believe about it all, and what the solutions to the conflicts should be. But we are not listening to their lies or instructions.
We have the mind OF CHRIST.
The people behind these events (what is happening now in the geo-political-religious-foreign-international realm) are working to get the American public in general but Christians especially to respond in certain ways:
1. Hate and fear the Muslims /Arabs/Egyptians/Persians, and want to go to war and blow them away (kill them with weapons) and “let god sort em out”.
2. Become so frustrated and discouraged with religious conflict and war that they eventually agree to the planned spiritual synthesis: an enforced satanic antichrist law-based one world religion for “permanent world peace”.
This is all satan’s work. How do we respond? We listen to Jesus and follow HIM, and do what HE tells us. Not to the god of this world, who is telling lies and telling you to do the exact opposite of what Jesus Christ said. Satan speaks across the airwaves on internet, TV, radio and yes, even Churches and Christian books and Christian conferences and Christian talk radio stations.
Here are basic instructions to us all, from the scriptures. See Him for your own personal instructions.
1. We obey Jesus Christ. We love the Muslims and ALL the peoples (ethnic groups) of the world. We love our neighbor, as we love ourselves. We love our enemies, those who hate us. We are merciful to them, as God showed us mercy. We love them as God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… we bless those who curse us, we forgive those who kill us. Though 1000s fall beside us to believing the lie that they should go to war and kill “the enemy”, we as His witnesses, remain in the truth, have love for those who hate us, and we bring the gospel to them. In love and faith and obedience to Christ. In love and obedience we entrust our souls to our faithful Creator in faithfully obeying Jesus, whatever the repercussions.
2. We believe Jesus Christ, that Jesus is the way, the truth, the life, that no man comes to the Father, but by Him. We remain in the truth with simple childlike faith in Jesus Christ. Though 1000s fall beside us into the lie of global, law based, merciless, “rule of god” style, faux-moral, final solution, Jesus Christ-less spiritual global oneness. In love and faith and we entrust our souls to our faithful Creator in faithfully believing Jesus, whatever the results.
Quote:
“If you wonder why the first century church turned the world upside down and why we do not, it is because they preached the gospel, and we do not. ” ~ quote from “Hearts for the Lost”.
The gospel that was preached in the first century offended the establishment Political Leaders (Rome) and the establishment Religious Leaders (of Jerusalem).
One result from their preaching (aside from people converting to faith in Jesus Christ) was that these followers of the Way (Christians) who preached the gospel, were labeled “traitors, treasonous and sacrilegious” by the State and, “heretics, law breakers and insubordinate” by the Religious Leaders. There was a price to pay for preaching this message.
Their preaching was not State Custom compliant (the custom of worshiping Caesar and the gods) nor was it Religious Tradition compliant (the tradition of loveless legalistic dead ritualistic rote religion).
Their preaching of JESUS IS THE WAY THE TRUTH THE LIFE and REPENT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND and SALVATION ONLY IN CHRIST JESUS THE LORD actually offended the government and the religion! (“The State” and “The Church”, we would say today.) Their gospel threatened the State’s power and control over everyone as they forced allegiance to the gods and to Caesar as lord. Their gospel threatened the Religious Establishment’s power and control over everyone as they forced allegiance to the Religious Establishment and Leaders and Traditions and Rules.
The first century gospel turned the world upside down! What does that mean? The State flipped out when the Christians preached Jesus as Lord and they declared their allegiance to Him alone! (and not to the State or their System!) The Religious Establishment flipped out when the Christians preached Jesus as Lord and declared their allegiance to Him alone! (and not to the Religious Leaders or their System of manmade rules!)
The people flipped out when they heard that Jesus is the Way– NOT Rome or Caesar’s decrees, NOT the Temple in Jerusalem or the Pharisees’ traditions. JESUS IS THE WAY! Many believed and followed Jesus Christ THE WAY.
The people flipped out when they heard that the KINGDOM OF GOD is here and it is NOT the rule of Government’s Caesar in Rome and it is NOT the rule of the Religious Pharisees in Jerusalem. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS the rule of JESUS CHRIST! In the hearts of His people! Many believed and entered the KINGDOM OF GOD.
The people flipped out when they heard that salvation is NOT through the State (Government) and it is NOT through the “Temple in Jerusalem” (the “Church”) (Established Religion). SALVATION IS IN JESUS CHRIST! Many believed and received SALVATION IN CHRIST ALONE.
Why is it different today? Why are not the Christians turning the world upside down today as in the first century?(I speak primarily of Western Christians.) Because the Christians have forsaken exclusive marriage TO CHRIST and have entered adulterous relationship with The Establishment State, with all its idolatry and false pagan gods. They are not opposing it, not separating from it, but joining it and fornicating with it. They make The State part of the way in their hearts. They make the State part of their salvation in their hearts. They make The State the kingdom of God in their hearts.
The Christians have forsaken exclusive marriage TO CHRIST and have entered adulterous relationship with The Establishment Church with all its pagan idolatry and false doctrines, traditions, rituals and idols, not opposing these things, not separating from these things but joining it and fornicating with it. They make The Church part of the way to God in their hearts. They make The visible institutional Church, the Kingdom of God in their hearts. They make The Church a major factor in their salvation in their hearts.
The gospel that is preached now is weak because it leaves out the fact that “JESUS IS THE WAY” means that State Government and Religion are NOT the way.
The gospel that is preached now is weak because it leaves out the fact that “THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND” means that USA, the world, the government, the presidents, politics, political leaders, parties, laws, constitutions, nations and The Institutional Church is NOT the Kingdom.
The gospel that is preached now is weak because it leaves out the fact that “SALVATION IS ONLY IN CHRIST JESUS” means that it is NOT in Government or politics and it is NOT in Church or Religion or Traditions.
One reason the preachers of the modern gospel do not want to say these things is because they do not believe the truth that the first century believers believed. The other reason is that preaching the truth as the first century believers did, would jeopardize their standing in the world, ie, the Establishment: politics, government, the State, The Church, religion, “important people”….all that is the Establishment of the world system and society. Thus allegiance is given to The State and to The Church, and not exclusively to Christ. And the true gospel is not preached.
The early believers preached in such a way that all hearers knew that their allegiance was ONLY TO CHRIST and that they were not giving any to the state or to the establishment religion. They had left “fear of man” in all its cowering and obedience to State and Religion, to follow Christ. They had faith, courage and boldness to preach the real gospel and were not afraid to declare this truth and declare their exclusive allegiance to Christ. The underlying foundation for their allegiance to Christ alone and their preaching is they had love for Jesus Christ that superseded everything. Their love for Christ superseded their desire for acceptance in the Church and State of the day. They feared not: being labeled “traitor” or “heretic”. They feared not: losing approval, family, friends, job, position, titles, income, benefits, social standing, acceptance, greetings in the marketplace, status, or their very lives.
The World System as it is now is overseen by the god of this world. The World System is that Establishment State and Establishment Religion. These World Systems are “business as usual” in the kingdom of darkness. Jesus was offered “all the kingdoms of the world” if He would bow down and worship the devil. He refused. The World System was humming along when Jesus Christ rose from the dead, appeared to His followers, ascended to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to fill and empower His people. Their allegiance was to Christ alone. Their gospel was “Christ alone”. Their preaching messed with that world system as people were transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God’s Beloved Son. Their preaching upset the world system. They turned the world upside down.
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These that have turned the world upside down Acts17:6
Year 202 AD.
Roman State Official: “Declare your allegiance to Caesar! Say, ‘Caesar is lord’ and burn your incense on the altar to the gods of Rome!”
Christian: “No! I refuse. Jesus is Lord!” (declared with joy)
Roman Official: “Die Christian scum! You are guilty of sacrilege and treason against the Empire!”
Christ followers 202 AD: willing to die.
Year 2012 AD.
Roman State Official: “You have been approved. Sign here on the dotted line for your 501c3 State Incorporation Contract so you can have limited liability, financial gain and State permission and oversight.”
Pastor: “Yes sir!” (submissively)
Roman State Official: “Congratulations! Welcome to the Corporation. You are now duly incorporated with the State. By the power vested in me by the State, I pronounce you a Government Incorporated registered Church. Here is your manual of obligations, rules, regulations, requirements, and restrictions. Have a nice day!”
Churchianity 2012: willing to compromise
Justin at P4CM uses a little humor to teach us something about Biblical witnessing.
I found this while blog surfing:
What Do You Expect?
By Paul Pilgrim
What do you expect when you minister or preach Jesus Christ to others? We were taught early on that we must witness our faith and commitment to Jesus Christ to the “un-saved”, or lost. This is not only what the apostles did, but they were also commanded of Jesus Christ himself to do so. We take the apostles mission and do the same thing because we want to see those who live in darkness to come to the light of Jesus Christ in their lives too.
But what are your expectations when you witness the light? Do you expect that others will respond and turn to Jesus Christ as savior and Lord? What do you do when they don’t, and does that shake your faith? Why don’t we see more brave people openly preaching Jesus Christ on the street corners, and in public places? Why do so many “Christians” not speak of Jesus Christ to anyone except when they get inside of a safe church building?
I think it is because of wrong expectations, that’s why. As long as what we say and preach is accepted by friends, family, and those we meet, then we are good with it, but that is hardly ever the case, and most people cannot bear being rejected by all for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Are you willing to preach, speak, and live according to your convictions, and the leading of the Holy Spirit? If you say yes, be prepared to be alone, for very few in this day can bear witness of the truth and light. If you still say yes, I will ask again what are your expectations?
You may be asking right now, ok Pilgrim, what should we expect?
Expect nothing, if you can. This way you will not be shaken, or tossed by what people may say or do. You should be obedient to God in your mission, and care not the reactions of people. We are witnesses of truth and light, which is Jesus Christ. We are to remain steadfast in our post, and there is no room for discouragement. Discouragement comes when our expectations are not met. Do not let the enemy gain a stronghold your life through loss of expectation.
We do the job God gave us, no matter if anyone ever believes us, or follows the light with us. In this wicked and evil generation in which we live, where faith in Jesus Christ is all but lost, except by a few, we should be evermore steadfast in our resolve to being a witness of the light.
Witness to the Religious Establishment and the kings of the earth.
Paul must witness at Jerusalem (to the Religious Establishment) and to the Roman Government (the kings of the earth). The Jews (Synagogue of Satan) conspire under solemn oath to kill Paul (a plot!). Tertullus, hired by and representing the Religious Establishment, acknowledges to the governor the many benefits provided to them by the Roman government which they have enjoyed! Tertullus then falsely accuses Paul of working to help foment a political revolution or insurrection against the government. We note the bond and agreement of cooperation between the Religious Establishment and the world government system. (Does any of this look familiar in our current time?)
Paul speaks to the Roman governor about sin, righteousness, the judgment to come, and faith in Christ Jesus. Felix becomes frightened as he is convicted of his sin. To Agrippa the Jewish king, he boldly and humbly declares what Jesus said, what God has commanded men to do and how prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus.
for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” Acts23:11
The witness of The Persecuted
And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts8:1
Therefore those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Acts8:4
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. Acts11:21
Witness to the Religious Establishment
The Religious Establishment wanted Stephen to shut up! They did not want to hear God’s Word or Truth. They could not stand the wisdom and Spirit with which he was speaking. They stirred up the people, elders and scribes against him; they came and seized him and brought him before the council. Stephen was required to give an account to them. They saw that he was full of the Holy Spirit as he preached God’s Word! He declared what God has said, and what He did. Remember, he was preaching to the religious establishment: to professed believers in God- not professed atheists. These professed God, yet they were not born from above. They were not at all regenerate nor in the Kingdom; they were not circumcised in heart. He told them the truth regarding their unbelief, sin and disobedience! He accused them of resisting the Holy Spirit and persecuting and killing God’s people whom they had betrayed and murdered. The religious leaders were enraged! Stephen continued to honor and glorify Christ! The only way they could shut him up was to kill him, but Stephen was faithful to Jesus until the end.
“You men who are stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who had previously announced the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become…”Acts7:51-52
The Religious Establishment wanted the apostles to shut up! But having beheld the resurrected Christ and also receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, they could not do anything other than proclaim Christ with confidence and courage!
Witness to the Religious Establishment and Rulers
And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” Acts4:18-20
And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. and the high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts5:27-32
Witnessing Encouragement 