False Teachers Uncovered

The book of 2 Peter chapter 2 was written because of Peter’s concern about the influence of false teachers in the churches. He descriptively described the characteristics of false teachers so that God’s people could recognize them when they saw them. Although we know false teachers readily in denominations, it’s imperative for us to know that false teachers have and will continue to attack the church from within. Acts 20:28-31

Take a look these characteristics of False Teachers:

1. They bring in their doctrine privately.  What they preach from the pulpit is ambiguous. They dodge specific questions, and often say, “You misunderstood me”. Meanwhile, these men work secretly among the weakest members, spreading their damnable heresies from house to house. Tit 1:11 Once they gain preeminence, they take over the church, and the members they converted become twofold more the child of hell than they are. Mt 23:15

2. Their doctrines appeal to the flesh.  Peter reminds us that false doctrine has an appeal to the flesh, and not the spirit. They preach a doctrine which allows social drinking, gambling, divorce and remarriage for any reason, and church sponsored recreation, etc. They “tickle the ears” that Paul warned a young Timothy against. Eventually, weak members will heap to themselves the kind of false teachers who allow them more worldliness, and less godliness. 2 Tim 4:3,4

3. They Love Money.The false teachers accommodate their message to the audience – preaching what the audience wants to hear rather than what they need to hear. Because of their love for wealth, they preach a non-offensive message. They will argue and debate over words, not for knowledge, but to the subverting of the hearer in order to gain profit from them. Oddly enough, the false prophet is a synonym for why they preach for: PROFIT. 1 Tim 6:3-10; 2 Tim 2:14

A true sincere teacher would be seeking to help the less fortunate, and not trying to add to their own wallet. Paul resigned himself not to take money from the church because it hindered the Word. 1 Cor 9:18; 2 Thess 3:7.8 A false teacher not only seeks out money from the church, but often from many churches, and naive brethren who are willing to send them money. They leave one church to go to another who is willing to pay them more money. They are like the ones Micah spoke of who lead, teach, and prophesy for monetary gain. Mic 3:11 They are like the ones Jeremiah spoke of who bear rule by their means. Jer. 5:30,31 True gospel preachers are well deserving to be paid, but the focus of their ministry should never be about earthly gain, but rather heavenly gain. 1 Cor 9:14

4. They despise authority. Peter said that false teachers “despise government.” They manifest a disrespect for authority and those in positions of authority (such as elders, and deacons in the church). They have no respect for elders who govern the church. They often seek to destroy the leadership of a church, and if the church seeks elders they seek to dispel the notion that the church needs such. This they do so that they can rule the church from the pulpit, and maintain their dominion to teach falsely with no opposition.

They are not afraid to speak evil of dignities, though angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

These are the ones who socially are critical against those in government. They speak evil against presidents, congressmen, prime minister, kings and queens as though they had anything to do to place them there. Rom 13:1-7 Those who seek less government in society are the ones who have much, and seek to keep it by having to pay less taxes for programs that assist the poor, the disabled, the aged, and less fortunate. This they do in favor of the rich, who the scriptures said oppress you, who take you before courts, and condemn and kill the just. Jam 2:1-7; Jam 5:5

5. They use flattering speeches(2:18). They “speak evil of things they understand not” (2:10) and use “great swelling words of vanity” (2:18). They flatter brethren to feed their own belly. Rom 16:17,18 They sound good to the ear, and often look good to the eye. Their soft words, and fair speeches draw many into believing this is the way to grow the church in great number. What they fail to realize is that the truth of God doesn’t attract great numbers, but few will find it. Mt 7:13,14

6. They promise liberty.  False teachers have always operated under the banner of freedom and liberty. The abortion leaders call themselves “pro-choice”; the homosexuals promote “gay liberation”; those who are redefining the role of women describe their movement as the “women’s liberation movement.”

What they fail to tell their listeners is that they want to “free” God’s people from apostolic doctrine and the doctrine of Christ. Acts 2:42; 2 Jn 9  While promising their followers liberty, these false teachers lead brethren into damnable heresy, into doctrines of devils. 1 Tim 4:1,2

What Happens to False Teachers?

(1) They deny the Lord that bought them (2:1)
(2) They are under judgment of God (2:3)
(3) They shall perish (2:12)
(4) They are cursed children (2:14)
(5) The mist of darkness is reserved for them (2:17)
(6) They are in worse condition than the alien sinner (2:20-22).
(7) Hence, these false teachers are lost, and doomed to everlasting hell.

The Threat to Our Soul

Peter was concerned that many would follow after their damnable heresies. He knew that false teachers beguile unstable souls and allure through the lusts of the flesh. He was concerned, not only for the souls of the false teachers, but also for those who might be influenced by them. As John and Paul warned us: Beware of false teachers, and try them, even as the Bereans did by comparing their doctrine by the Word. Col 2:8; 1 Jn 4:1; Acts 17:11 When we put on the whole armor of God, and are set for the defense of the gospel we are protecting the church from false teachers. Eph 6:11-17; Philip 1:15-17 When we place strong elders in place, we are defending the church from these grievous wolves. Acts 20:28-31

Heard A Good Sermon Lately?

Heard a good sermon lately? How often a gospel preacher will prepare a great sermon for his congregation, but his words go unheard. Listening is a fine art that too often keeps us from learning God’s Word. It was by the means of preaching we receive the gospel. Rom 10:14 However, if our ears our closed, the gospel is of no effect to us.

Its said that 60% of our learning comes from sight and 30% from listening. That being said, many preachers will use visual aids to attract his congregation, but too often their eyes are closed, and so are their ears. Have we become like those Jesus spoke about in Matthew 13:15 “This people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing and their eyes they have closed, unless they see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.”

Jesus told us to take care what we hear, and to take care how we hear. Mk 4:24; Lk 8:18 How is it that we can listen to music, and quote back the lyrics like a parrot, but hardly anyone is willing to listen to the Word of God, and memorize God’s Word. How often we can listen to a dirty joke, and remember to tell it at a party, or among friends, but we can’t remember one word the preacher said 10 minutes after we leave church services? We can listen to lying, and scheming politicians spin their political dogmas, but find it hard to listen to the unadulterated truth of God. The problem is not with our ears or our understanding. No! The problem is with our desire to hear the sincere milk of the Word. 1 Pet 2:1,2

We are told to be swift to hear, but slow to speak and wrath, and we’re told not only to be hearers of the Word, but doers as well. Jam 1:19,22 However, if we aren’t able to listen to God’s Word and learn of it, how can we be expected to be doers, and even if we are doers, how can we be expected to be doing what is right in the sight of God when we won’t listen to the Word?

It’s more probable that those who love to study, and learn of God’s Word are more likely to want to listen to God’s Word being preached. Remember, the greatest sermon ever preached is worthless if it falls on deaf ears. As Jesus said, “Who has ears to hear, let them hear.”  Perhaps we all will listen better come the day of judgment when we stand before God. Perhaps the threat of hell and damnation will get our attention a lot better then than it does now. The only trouble, then it will be too late to make our self into a better Christian by just simply listening to God’s Holy Word.

The Bible Speaks for Itself

The Bible must speak for itself in all things that pertain to life and godliness. How often mankind reads into the Bible what they want it to say, as opposed to what it actually said. There can’t be reading between the lines in a successful effort to study the Word of God. We must take God at his word, and be willing to take the truth exactly as God has stated it, without any additions. or subtractions. Reading into the Bible what is not ‘there results always in our being led away from the truth. The Bible never changes from one generation to the next, or from one situation to the next. In all things the Bible remains the same.

1. The Bible Is It’s Own Interpreter

The same passage of scripture isn’t susceptible of conflicting interpretations. 2 Cor 1:18 God has spoken in definite and obvious terms that are plain enough for a 10 year old child to understand.

Peter makes it very clear when he said, “If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” 1 Pet 4:11 The bible is consistent, and doesn’t attempt to mislead a sincere seeker of the Word. The psalmist David wrote that the sum of God’s Word is truth. Ps 119:160 When we read, and study God’s Word we won’t find any contradictions within it. We won’t find one apostolic doctrine saying sing and make melody in the heart to the Lord, and another saying sing with instruments in praise to God. Eph 5:19; Col 316

The scriptures were scattered, and often out of context. One only needs to read the prophesies of Christ to understand this fact. This was done to confound the wicked, and was prophesied as such by the prophet Isaiah. Isa 28:10-13; Mt 13:13-15 This is why sincere seekers must take the time to seek, and search the scriptures as did the Bereans did in Acts 17:11. We must honestly love the Word of God, less God send strong delusions to us to believe a lie. 2 Thess 2:10-12

Rightly dividing the Word of truth simply means for us to take all the scriptures in consideration, and to rightly apply it. 2 Tim 2:15 It doesn’t mean for us to bid one scripture against another, as if the writers were at odds with one another, in order to do something the bible didn’t command or prohibited. We are not to assume God’s Word changes with the times, but rather to acknowledge that it remains the same for all generations.

2. Proper Context of the Scriptures:

How often to we hear the words said: “That was written for them, and not for us”. This is true in certain situations. For instance: God commanded Noah to build an ark, not us. God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son. God commanded Israel to cross the Red Sea and to march around Jericho, but not us.

However, it’s also understood, all laws governing the old testament was for them, and not for us specifically. Although there are principles, and examples we can glean from in each case. Rom 15:4 In the New Testament we must understand that Jesus gave his disciples gifts and abilities of miracles which were not for us. We must understand that until the Word of God was written, early day Christians had the power of tongues, prophesy, and knowledge from on high, but we don’t. 1 Cor 13:8

Having said that, we must also keep in mind that the apostolic doctrine was specifically for us. In other words, what they commanded, or gave us an example to do, we MUST DO IT. Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:1 They commanded belief-confession-repentance-baptism-faithfulness for salvation. Rom 10:10; Acts 2:38; Rev 2;10 This we must do. They commanded singing, praying, preaching, giving, taking of the Lord’s supper and meeting on Sunday. 1 Cor 14:15; 2 Tim 4:2-5; 1 Cor 16:1,2; 1 Cor 11:24-26; Acts 20:7  These they did by commandment and example, and apply to us today. We are bound by the laws of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Mt 19:9; 1 Cor 7 We are bound by all the laws of sin which were prohibited for us to commit. Gal 5;19-21 1 Cor 6 We are bound by the laws of loving our neighbor, and brethren, and even our enemies, yes and all mankind. Gal 6:10

3. The Silence of The Scriptures

Many teach if the bible didn’t say not to, then we can. Others say we are at liberty to do anything God didn’t expressively prohibit. Really?

Nadab and Abihu were condemned to death because they did not act according to the authority of God (Lev. 10:1,2). They used a strange fire which the Lord “had not commanded them” (v. 1).  Maybe they thought, “But God didn’t say not to.” Even if they had good intentions, the fact remains that they acted presumptuously, without authority, and were judged accordingly.

We need to learn that what God has said can’t be properly respected unless we respect God’s silence. John tells us that to respect God’s silence, or to expect to pay the consequences of God’s wrath. Rev 22:18,19  Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they were not to go beyond that which was written 1 Cor 4:6  We should be satisfied with what God has spoken, and abide within the Word He has given.  No act of worship, or good deed we do is accounted to us for good unless God commanded for us to do it. God requires nothing more than our strict adherence to his Word, and will accept nothing less.

How Does Mankind Subvert The Truth?

There are several ways man has attempted to subvert the truth of God. In the old testament, one king actually cut the Word of God in pieces and threw it into the fire, but God restored the Word the very next day. Jer 36 Everyone who has ever read the bible in sincerity, and in truth has all come to the same conclusion: Josh 24:14 The bible emanated from one source and that source was God. 2 Tim 3:16 They also know that God’s Word is truth. Jn 17:17 They know that no truth is of a lie, for it’s impossible for God to lie. 1 Jn 2:21; Heb 6:18 So to circumvent the truth here are some things mankind has contrived:

1. They Write Their Own Bible. The Catholics (Douay-Rheims CB, TEV, plus many more), Mormons (Book of Mormon) , Baptist (HCSB, NKJV, plus more) , and Seventh Day Adventist (All Books of Ellen White; The Clear Word) have all written their own version of the bible. When they couldn’t find a version that agreed with them, they wrote one that did. Many religions today have followed this pattern in order to deceive its members, and prove their beliefs.

2. They discredit the authors of the bible. If religions don’t want to obey the doctrine of Christ, the next best thing to do is to say that authors like Peter and Paul were not inspired writers of the bible. Some say Christ is not to be believed because he preached only to the Jews, and not the gentiles. Some even say we are not under any law whatsoever except the law of liberty, which to them means do whatever you please as long as we believe, and/or baptized. Some will say that despite the bible saying all scriptures were inspired of God, that actually this means that each writer wrote their own opinions. Paul to them was a single man who hated women, and shouldn’t be believed.

3. They combine the old testament with the new testament. Most religions have used this one for many years. They believe the 10 commandments are still binding. They believe in such things as tithing, the Sabbath, instrumental music, and women leaders based on the old law. They believe prophets exists today, and that they have the right to add new additions to the Word of God. Despite all the contradictions between the new and the old law, many have their doctrinal roots embedded in both laws.

4. They don’t believe the New Testament is from God. The Jews are foremost in this doctrine. They have disregarded the entire new testament as books that didn’t emanate from God. They believe Jesus to be no more than a prophet, but not the Messiah. Oddly enough, many protestant religions have in part or whole are leaning to this doctrine.

5. They Edit the bible. Many religions actually use Greek and Hebrew lexicons to redefine key words in the bible to make the scripture appear to condone their doctrine. They will proceed from one bible version to the next in order to show that their religious beliefs are heaven sent. They will use man’s logic, to discredit what the bible actually said. They will say the bible is not to be taken literally, but figuratively is order to deceive their followers. Basically, they don’t trust the Bible for truth.

6. They don’t believe the entire bible whatsoever. This doctrine is believed by atheists, agnostics, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. Actually, if one doesn’t want to adhere to the Word of God, this is the best way to achieve it. Just cast it aside as if it’s a work of fiction.

There are many ways to abide in the darkness of sin, but there is still only one way to abide in the righteousness of God, and that is to come to the light of His Word. Rom 13:12 Believe It, 1 Thess 2:13 Trust it, Prov 30:5 Study It, 2 Tim 2:15 and Obey It, Jn 14:15 and when we are judged, be Saved by It. Jn 12:48

If You Knew Christ Was Coming TODAY…

Some people scoff today at the idea that Christ is to return for his people. Many others (unfortunately brethren included) can only think of his coming as being sometime in the very distant future. Peter warned of just such an attitude when he wrote: “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying where is the promise of his coming? For since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Pet. 3:34).

While it is true that no one knows when Christ will come again, except the Father (Mk. 13:32), there is a real possibility that he could come soon. If you knew that Christ was coming today wouldn’t you want the following things to be true?

For YOU To Be A Zealous Christian

Those who are Christians at Christ’s coming are the ones on whom blessings will be pronounced. Jesus shall say unto them: “come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34). Those who are not Christians have no hope and will hear those terrible words: “depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:23). Yes, many mock those who are Christians now, but there is not a person will stand in judgment that will not wish that they were a Christian then.

For Our Loved Ones To Be Christian

If Christ were to come today we would want our loved ones to be Christians. We would want our children, parents, and other loved ones to be sharers of the “peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7), so that they might also receive the “better and enduring substance” (Heb. 10:34) that “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away” (1 Pet. 1:4). We would be more aware of the danger that our loved ones are in who have yet to obey the gospel of Christ..

Unity In the Church

We would want to make sure that we had every little differences and disagreements among our brethren. Matt. 18:1-47. We would not be sitting around brooding and pouting over the injuries we had received in the past. Neither would we be constantly picking at old wounds and never letting them heal through prayer and forgiveness. We would want to make sure that the church was without spot or blemish on our part. We would subdue the spirit within us that brings about wars and fightings among us” so that we might have the same care one for another. We would want UNITY in God’s Word not to be a goal for the future, but an achievement for today. 1 Cor 1:10

Have Scriptural Authority

We would want to be sure that we had scriptural authority for all that we are engaged in. We would not be satisfied to blindly follow anyone, but would search the scriptures to see if what was taught, and practiced were so. Acts 17:11 We would demand book, chapter and verse (something that is being practiced less and less) for all that the church is engaged in. 1 Thess 5:21

We would examine everything the church does, and say if the scriptures doesn’t say do it, then we won’t. We would say if the scriptures doesn’t mention it, neither do we. We would let God’s Word be true, and us a liar. Rom 3:4 We would say what God didn’t command for us, isn’t for us, and that which the apostles didn’t do, isn’t necessary for our salvation. We would speak only the oracles of God, and never speak in the silence of God. 1 Pet 4:11; 1 Cor 4:6

If we would want all these things to be true if Christ were to come today, why would we not want them to be true if his coming is delayed? All will have to face HIM in judgment whether we are alive at his coming or if we have been dead for years. Why not prepare our life as if Jesus were coming today, and in that way you need not fear if he should come tomorrow? 1 Thess 5:1-9

God Inspired It, Only God Can Define It

Who are we dependent upon for doctrine in the churches of Christ? Would any preacher depend upon men like Billy Graham, or the Pope for word definitions? I think not! Yet, so many will quote authors like Joseph Henry Thayer who was a member of the Congregational Church. James Strong was a Methodist. William E. Vine was a member of the Manvers Hall Church…etc. Each of these were “Greek Scholars” that so many rely upon as if they were divinely inspired.

Jesus I know, Paul I know, Peter I know, John I know, James I know, Luke I know, Matthew I know, and Mark I know, but such men as these God won’t even know come the day of judgment. Mt 7:23

Paul stated it clearly that we are to follow after him who also followed after Christ. 1 Cor 11:1; 2 Tim 2:2 All Christians are to abide by the apostolic doctrine. Acts 2:42; 2 Thess 2:15 Peter stated that the scriptures are all sufficient. 2 Pet 1:3 We are commanded to prove all things, but not by the wisdom of men, but by the power of God’s Word. 1 Cor 2:4,5

No wonder why the church has deviated from the doctrine of Christ to speak where the bible speaks, and be silent where the bible is silent. Rev 22:18,19; 1 Pet 4:11; 1 Cor 4:6 No wonder why so many are living in open adultery. No wonder why so many had rather call a member of the body of Christ a legalist, or a Pharisee than to abide by what the bible actually says. As many members of denominational church practice: If you don’t believe it, just redefine it.

Let us trust God’s Word to define God’s message to us. It was God who told us what FAITH is. In Hebrews11:1 it’s stated that faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen.

Strong defined it this way: “pistis (pis’-tis); from NT:3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.”

Thayer defined it this way: “1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it 1a) relating to God 1a1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ 1b) relating to Christ 1b1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God 1c) the religious beliefs of Christians 1d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same 2) fidelity, faithfulness 2a) the character of one who can be relied on.”

Vine’s defined it this way: “pistis (NT:4102), primarily, “firm persuasion,” a conviction based upon hearing (akin to peitho, “to persuade”), is used in the NT always of “faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual.”

Is there any wonder why there are so many divisions among us when so many are going to such extremes to not believe the bible right in front of them? There are a few reputable bible versions which have already stood the test of time for validity, and accuracy. God requires us to have FAITH in HIM, Jn 8:24 FAITH in HIS WORD, Jn 12:48, FAITH that HE DOESN’T LIE, Heb 6:18 and FAITH the GOD keeps His PROMISES 2 Pet 3:9. Until we trust in God, and have Faith in Him, the rest of our acts are worthless. FAITH comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD. Rom 10:17 FAITH does NOT comes by hearing the WORDs of MEN!  1 Thess 2:13 God INSPIRED IT, and only God can DEFINE IT. 2 Tim 3:16,17  The bible can only saves us if we take God’s Word literally, and take God’s Word that He keeps His promises. 1 Thess 5:24; Tit 1:2 All that is left for us do is OBEY IT. Jn 14:15; 1 Jn 5:3

Only ONE ROAD Leads to HEAVEN

Multitudes of sincere religious people believe that there are many highways that lead to heaven. Have you heard it said that going to heaven is like entering into a large city? “There are many different routes, but all lead to the same destination.”

That is what Satan would have us believe, but it is not what God has clearly declared in His word, the Bible. Please note the word SIN in SINcerity, and the word LIE in beLIEf. One can strongly believe a lie and be wrong, even though they are very sincere (2 Thess. 2:10-12) The only accepted way to serve God is in SINCERITY and in TRUTH. (Josh 24:14)

It’s true that one can reach most cities by more than one road. However, a careful study of any road map will show that all roads do not lead to the same destination. The same is true of heaven. Jesus said He was the one and only WAY that leads to the Father. (Jn. 14:6).

A man traveling in unfamiliar territory came to a place where he had to cross some high mountains. Knowing it would be difficult, he looked for a qualified guide. When one man offered his services, the tourist asked, “Have you ever been to the village where I want to go?” “No,” he replied, “but I’ve been part of the way, and have been told how to proceed from there.” The traveler answered, “I’m sorry, but you won’t do.” Another was asked the same question by the traveler and replied, “Yes, I know the way. The village where you are going is my home!” The traveler knew immediately that this was the guide he needed. When Jesus said, “I am the way,” we can trust Him to lead us to the eternal city, because that is His home!

Jesus said the way that leads to destruction is wide and broad, but the way that leads to eternal life is strait and narrow.  (Matt. 7:13-14). Many will follow the road that leads to destruction because it’s easy to find and follow, but few will find the road that leads to eternal life because it’s  hard to find, and harder to bear. Notice that both the broad and narrow ways are one way streets!

The road to salvation comes one step at a time that is the same for one as it is for all: The first step is to HEAR the gospel of Christ. (1 Cor 15:1-4)  The second step which requires BELIEF that Jesus is the Christ (Jn 8:24) The third step requires the step of CONFESSION that Jesus is the Christ. (Rom. 10:9-10); The fourth step requires the step of REPENTANCE of our sins. Acts 17:30 The fifth step requires the step of BAPTISM into Christ’s death. (Mk. 16:15-16; Rom. 6:3-4). The sixth step requires  FAITHFULNESS until death. Rev 2:10 The last step is the hardest, and longest step we must take because it requires us being tried by persecutions and temptations, and enduring the chastening of the Lord. 2 Tim 3:12; Jam 1:12; Rev 3:19 CAUTION! The road to heaven does NOT have a sign saying, “Once SAVED, always SAVED!” or FAITH ONLY SAVES! If you are on this road, you are absolutely on the WRONG ROAD!

If you are not certain you are traveling the “right road” to heaven, make sure by stopping where you are, and consulting the Divine Road Map, the BIBLE. Remember that men draw the maps which lead into the various cities, but God gave us the Map to Heaven, and His MAP says there is only ONE ROAD that leads to life eternal. It comes by obeying, and being faithful to the gospel of Christ.

Who Is A Christian

We hear the name used frivolously every day when people self proclaim themselves a Christian. However, who really is a Christian, and who is just fooling themselves?

To become a Christian one has to first believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and confess this belief before men. Rom 10:10 They must then repent of their sins, and be baptized (immersed). Acts 2:38 Then Christ adds them to His church. Acts 2:47 And then they must remain faithful until death. Rev 2:10

The name of this church bears the name of the Lord. In the new testament it’s called by these names: churches of Christ, church of God, church of the firstborn, and the church of the living God. Rom 16:16; Acts 20:28; Heb 12:23; 1 Tim 3:15

The doctrine of the Lord’s church is the doctrine of Christ, or the apostolic doctrine, which are one and the same. Acts 2:42 This doctrine contains only the things the apostles and Christ instituted. Any other addition or subtraction to this doctrine is called the doctrine of men, or doctrines of devils which are one and the same, and should NOT be obeyed or followed in any way, shape, or form. Mt 15:7-9; 1 Tim 4:1

All Christians meet faithfully on the first day of the week to: Acts 20:7; Heb 10:25
A) Take the communion 1 Cor 11:24-26
B) Give their means for the Saints. 1 Cor 16:1,2
C) Hear the Word of God preached 2 Tim 4:2-5
D) Sing and make melody in the heart Eph 5:19
E) Pray with the spirit and understanding 1 Cor 14:15

Any doctrine that doesn’t derive from Christ, or his blessed apostles separates us from Christ, and God the Father. 2 Jn 9 So, who is a Christian? All who obey the gospel of Christ, and abide by the doctrine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ_This is a CHRISTIAN!

Who is A Gospel Preacher?

When a gospel preacher preaches, man will dull their ears, close their eyes, and callus their understanding, nevertheless, he is bound to preach and teach the unadulterated truth of God. Mt 13:15 He won’t change it, rearrange it, soften it, or deviate from it. Isa 30:10 He refuses to compromise it, and is prepared to prove it. 1 Thess 5:21 He won’t turn to the right or to the left, but preaches the strait and narrow way. Prov 4:27; Mt 7:13,14 At the risk of being hated, defamed, or even persecuted, He must preach the Word in season, and out of season. 2 Tim 4:2-5 He doesn’t preach the truth because He knows it all,  but rather He preaches the truth because God knows it all. Acts 15:18 It’s true, he isn’t perfect, but his imperfection doesn’t mean that God’s Word is imperfect. Ps 18:30 He may become your enemy because He tells you the truth, but the truth He must speak in order to set you free from sin. Gal 4:16; Jn 8:32

Just as Elijah faced Jezebels 450 false prophets, so he also set for the defense of the gospel. Whether it be face to face as Paul withstood Peter, or as John the baptist warned Herod, he is compelled to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with God’s Word. He speaks the truth in love, with compassion, and with the determination to seek and save the lost. 1 Tim 1:13; Lk 19:10 He doesn’t preach for any earthly gain, or the praises of men, but rather to seek a heavenly gain for himself, and for all them that may hear. Jn 12:43 Yes, woe unto him if he preaches not the gospel, and woe unto all who hear it, and reject it. 1 Cor 9:16; Jn 12:48

Who is a gospel preacher? He is the voice of one crying in the wilderness. He is the one who was made for this hour to preach the Word of God to all the world, to every creature, and in every nation under the sun. Mt 28:18,20 Who is a gospel preacher?  He is a Christian, a servant of God, and bound to the Word of God.

It’s Not About “WHY”

We are to obey God whether we understand the “why” of the commandment, or whether it even  makes sense to us or not. Gods secrets (including the whys) still belong to him (Deut. 29:29). What has been commanded demands our obedience (Heb. 5:9). And that, even if we don’t understand the why of the command.

I do not know why God said to his people of long ago: “The woman shall not wear that which pertains unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.” But I do understand “what” God said to them (Deut. 22: 5). And I know his people then were expected to obey what he said. Just why God wanted the different sex to dress differently I can’t say. But he knew. To them THE WHY wasn’t necessary. To them what counted was THE COMMANDMENT God gave.

I do not know why today, that God wants a “woman’s hair to be longer than a mans hair,” but that is what he wants, and we should not tolerate it any other way. (Cor. 11:14-15). It would be a sin any other way. It would be a “shame” (dishonor) to a man to be otherwise.

I can’t tell you why God allowed only men to divorce their wives for any reason, and not women under the law of Moses. I can’t tell you why God prohibited homosexuality, and called them an abomination. In a modern society, that has women equal to men, and homosexuals deemed normal,  it seems so unreasonable for God to be a sexist, and a homophobic. I can’t tell you why, but he did.

I don’t know why God commanded mankind to obey the gospel in order to be saved. I can’t tell you why God chose us to believe, and be immersed. I can’t tell you why He uses the foolishness of preaching to save the lost. I can’t tell you why, but He did.

Mankind has often used the EXCUSE of WHY to disobey God, even when His commandments are so plainly stated, and couldn’t be misunderstood. On the contrary! If God had made His Word hard to understand, man could turn to God at judgment and say, “I didn’t understand Your WORD.” Yet God’s Word is on the level of most 12 year old children. We verily might be ignorant of God’s Word because we have never read it or heard it preached, but not because it’s too hard to understand it. Our ignorance is never an excuse, and our disobedience can never be justified by us ASKING WHY. Acts 17:30

God isn’t devious! God isn’t a liar! God hasn’t hid His Word from us! Don’t mistake God for Satan. Jn 8:44 Take God’s Word for it, the bible is to be taken literally, and it says what it means, and means what it says. All this despite the fact we might not know WHY, but we sure do know WHAT is written. Ours is not to question why, but ours is to perform. Jn 14:15; 1 Jn 5:3