By Jon Cardwell, pastor of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama
This is a repost of an article that ran on Preaching Christ Crucified

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” —Romans 3:23

From Romans 3:13 to Romans 3:18 the apostle quotes a number of passages from the Hebrew scriptures to reinforce the truth that fallen man is radically corrupt and sinfully depraved apart from the grace of God in Christ Jesus.

“Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips” (Romans 3:13). The apostle quotes Psalms 5:9, “For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue;” and Psalms 140:3, “They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips.”

“Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:14). Here, Paul quotes from Psalms 10:7, “His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.”James 3 presents interesting insights into this passage, particularly form this verse: “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8).

“Their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways”(Romans 3:15-16). Paul also quotes from the prophet, Isaiah, “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths” (Isaiah 59:7). Those desiring abortion-on-demand immediately comes to mind.

“And the way of peace have they not known” (Romans3:17). Again, he quotes from Isaiah, “The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace” (Isaiah 59:8). We hear continually in interviews of celebrities that have “made it” but when all is said and done, they’re empty, unfulfilled, and without peace; neither can they every have peace or fulfillment apart from reconciliation to God through salvation found in Christ alone.

“There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18). Paul quotes Psalms 36:1, “The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.” That is to say that they have no awe, veneration or reverential affection for God whatsoever.

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God” (Romans3:19). Now, Paul is saying here, that having just quoted the very essence of fallen man’s nature  and estate from the Old Testament (what things soever the law saith), that every Jew (them who are under the law) has had it spoken to them so that they know this: that the revelation of man’s condition from the scriptures will end every argument (every mouth may be stopped), and all the world will stand subject to judgment before a holy God.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans3:20). Since the very nature of fallen man has just been cited in quote after quote, then there could be absolutely no form of obedience to the commands of God rendered by sinful man that would ever justify him in God’s sight. In other words, the law of God declares the impossibility of sinful mankind to obey the law apart from the grace of God in found in Christ Jesus.

With regard to“knowledge of sin,” Albert Barnes’ commentary states: “This is the way in which a sinner is converted; and the more closely and faithfully the law is preached, the more will it condemn him, and show him that he needs some other plan of salvation.” Psalms 19:7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference”(Romans 3:21-22). Again, we are brought back to our key verse, Romans 1:17,“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” God’s righteousness has been revealed from initial, imparted, justifying faith in Jesus Christ unto salvation to growing, edifying, and maturing faith in Jesus Christ unto sanctification. For it is Jesus Christ alone who has fulfilled the law, whereas no fallen descendent of Adam could. In Christ’s fulfilling the law, He has magnified it through His righteousness, as it is written, “The LORD is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honourable” (Isaiah 42:21).

The entire Old Testament has been a testimony of justification by faith in God’s anointed One all along; and it would be for all those who believe in Christ Jesus, without distinction, whether Jew or Gentile, because to God, there is no distinction. Why is there no distinction? Paul concludes by bringing it all the way back to what he had said when he began this portion of the discourse in Romans 3:9…

Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned….” This means that, apart from Christ, we can do nothing good, nothing holy, nothing decent, nothing honorable, and nothing righteous, whatsoever. Apart from Christ, everything we do, have done in the past, and ever will do, is vile and wicked before a holy God. Apart from Christ, everything we are, were, and ever will be, is vile and wicked before a holy God. And…

[For all have] “come short of God’s glory…” This means that you and I are devoid, utterly lacking, completely destitute, and absolutely inferior of any heavenly value whatsoever. Apart from Christ, we are so wretched and destitute that we are not only unworthy of being redeemed, but we are not worth a moment of God’s time to consider redeeming us. That’s right! That God saves anyone at all reveals His abounding grace, and He does so for His own glory’s sake.

Romans 3:23 wraps up everything in Paul’s explanation of the corrupt state of the human condition apart from saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Listen to the sermon preached on this text, Romans 3:9-23, “For All Have Sinned,” on September 6, 2009 at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church.

Read the previous article in this series, “Psalms 14 and Man’s Depravity” (Psalms 14:1-3).

The original appears here.

Further reading

• SEPARATION FROM THE UNGODLY WORLD
• OUTWARD APPEARANCES
• UPDATE: RICK WARREN ASKS US TO FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP APOSTATES ELECT THEIR NEW POPE—AND HIS FRIEND JOHN PIPER TWEETS AGREEMENT

As a reader of Apprising Ministries, no doubt you’ll see that I often point you to teachings written by men who lived in the 1800′s of before. There’s a very simple reason; I’m a pastor who adhere’s to Biblical Christianity.

Since the man-centered spiritual Trojan Horse of the neo-liberal cult of the Emerging Church was embraced and unloaded within mainstream evangelicalism circa 1997, you’re hearing less and less about the genuine Christian Faith.

Here’s a classic example in this message from Octavius Winslow. I believe you’ll see it as the polar opposite of way too much of the preaching within apostatizing evangelicalism:

Therefore, come out from them and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

There is not a stronger mark of the Lord’s people than their separation. They are separated from the world, separated from their families, separated from their own righteousness, and often separated from the religious world–a godly people whom the Lord has set apart from all others, that He might set them apart for Himself. Now, it is this distinctive badge ofseparateness the Lord will have His saints retain in all their Christian course. We are very apt to forget it.

We live in the world, mix with the world, hold transactions with the world, and, in some measure, are guided by the conventional habits of the world. Still, we have need to be continually reminded that, though living in the world, and, of necessity, compelled to conform to its proper and lawful customs, we yet are not OF the world. “I have chosen you OUT OF the world,” says the unworldly, loving Savior to His disciples; “therefore the world hates you.” “You are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Now, in what sense, oh my soul, and to what extent, does your loyalty to Christ demand your separation from the world?

The words which suggest the present reflection are, by a slight variation, taken from the prophet Isaiah 52:11, and originally were applied to the captive Jews in Babylon,

“Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the Lord.” Now, Babylon, a city of proud, unclean idolaters, and opposed to God, was an emblem of this ungodly, Babylonish world, in which the saints of the Most High dwell, but from which they are called to come, and from whose inhabitants they are called upon to separate themselves, touching not the unclean thing.

The religion of Christ is not ascetic and monkish. It knows nothing of “nunneries,” or “monasteries,” or “retreats.” These are all opposed to the genius and requirements of Christianity–its divine, social, and spiritual nature. Our blessed Lord, the Divine Founder of our religion, expressly warns His disciples of this perversion of His gospel–“Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold He is in the desert; go not forth–behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not.” It enjoins nothing like this upon its disciples, “for then must you needs go out of the world,” says the apostle.

But it does teach crucifixion to the world, nonconformity to the world, spiritual and marked separation from the world, from its pleasures, its gaieties, its principles, its religion. We are the professed disciples of an unearthly Christ, the followers of an unworldly Savior. “Let us go forth, therefore, unto Him outside the camp” (of the Babylonish world), “bearing His reproach,” keeping our consecrated garments unspotted from the world, touching not the unclean thing. Then will Jesus, our Lord, receive us, and infinitely make amends for all we have lost of power and wealth and honors, for His holy and precious Name.

Let our separation from the world be our closer union and fellowship with the Church of Christ in its every branch, and with Christ Himself, the one Head of the Church. This will tend more strongly to define and sharpen the line of demarcation between us and an ungodly world. Association with the saints will render us a more marked and distinct people. The world will take account of us that we are the Lord’s. O my soul! come away from an unclean and defiling world. “If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Lord! by Your cross may I be crucified to the world, and the world to me!

Octavius Winslow

Further reading

• OUTWARD APPEARANCES
• UPDATE: RICK WARREN ASKS US TO FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP APOSTATES ELECT THEIR NEW POPE—AND HIS FRIEND JOHN PIPER TWEETS AGREEMENT
• ROB BELL RELEASES NEW TRAILER FOR UPCOMING BOOK, COMPARES GOD TO AN OLDSMOBILE

By Jon Cardwell, pastor of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama
This is a repost of an article that ran on Preaching Christ Crucified

“They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” —Psalms 14:3

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Romans 3:10-12).

You may have heard it said that the apostle is quoting this passage from the Greek Septuagint of Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3, but he actually seems to be quoting from the Septuagint passages in Romans 3:12-18; that is, if he is quoting from the Septuagint at all. If we believe that the holy scriptures are the very God-breathed words from God, then Paul was writing under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit to provide us God’s gospel instruction in His word.

In other words, although God has used the means and vehicle of redeemed sinners to convey His holy word, it is God’s holy, inspired, authoritative word, nonetheless, regardless of whether a quote from one language to another is verbatim, reworded or paraphrased.

Keep in mind that the Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures commissioned by Ptolemy Philadelphus (285-247BC).

The Holy Spirit, through the apostle, is giving the reader (that’s the Roman Christians of Paul’s day, as well as to us today) the meaning and sense of Psalms 14:1-3,

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God” (Psalms 14:2). Here, we see that David presents the reader with the poetic illustration of an all-seeing God, examining the hearts of men to determine if any had understanding and were seeking after God. Now Paul, on the other hand, provides us with the result of God’s search: “There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God” (Romans 3:11). Then Paul quotes Psalms 14:3.

The Septuagint of Psalms 14:3 and the New Testament Greek of Romans 3:12are exactly the same, some textual variants notwithstanding. Again, this is not to suggest that the Greek Septuagint was God-breathed. That distinction is reserved only for original language manuscripts of the 66 books contained in the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation; these books alone are the inspired, infallible, and inerrant word of God. The bottom line is that rather than suggesting that the apostle Paul is quoting the Septuagint here, let’s simply say that he is quoting Psalms 14:3and translating the Hebrew under divine inspiration.

Let us take note that Psalm 14 also presents a universal depravity among all men inverse 2, “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men…” This does not single out the Jews; it doesn’t say, “children of Israel,” or “descendents of Jacob,” but instead, “children of men,” or literally, “the sons of Adam.” In other words, this speaks of every sinful descendent from the first fallen man: disobedient Adam.

Since the apostle, in his epistle to the Romans (Romans 3:11), provides the results of the LORD’s search, as mentioned previously, the blessed truth revealed in the psalm speaks of Jehovah’s condescending grace because the all-knowing God is well aware of mankind’s fallen estate. Please mark that with great joy! Although both Psalms 14 and 53 express the depravity of man’s fallen condition and his rebellion, filthiness and foolishness with regard to heavenly things, in the midst of this corruption we see God’s condescending grace: “The LORD looked down...” Yes, because God’s gracious redemption through Jesus Christ was His eternal plan before He even said, “Light be.”

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,1 Peter 1:18-20

Finally, when comparing Psalms 14, 53 with Romans 3, one last observation I would like to point out is that, while grace abounds in the midst of the psalms, grace is the blessed climax of Romans 3…

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.Romans 3:24-26

Listen to the sermon preached on this text, Romans 3:9-23, “For All Have Sinned,” on September 6, 2009 at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church.

Read the previous article in this series, “None Righteous, Not One” (Romans 3:10-12).

The original appears here.

Further reading

• OUTWARD APPEARANCES
• UPDATE: RICK WARREN ASKS US TO FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP APOSTATES ELECT THEIR NEW POPE—AND HIS FRIEND JOHN PIPER TWEETS AGREEMENT
• ROB BELL RELEASES NEW TRAILER FOR UPCOMING BOOK, COMPARES GOD TO AN OLDSMOBILE

Apprising Ministries has talked much about growing apostasy within evangelicalism. Yet, that’s certainly not what you’ll hear from Seeker Driven prophet-leaders like Steven Furtick.

We’re witnessing such as these beginning to work together more closely with General of the Seeker Driven Army Rick Warren as I showed you e.g.in Steven Furtuck Grows In Stature And Closer To Word Faith Movement.

In that piece you’ll see an ad for a conference next month where Furtick, along with his “pastor” Craig Groeschel, will be sharing the platform at this Twelve Conference with bothWarren and Bill Hybels, two of the biggest gurus associated with the Church Growth Movement.

We also see John Ortberg, a purveyor of Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism a la Richard Foster and Dallas Willard, along with Brian Houston, pastor of the nefarious WF outfit Hillsong Church with pastrix Bobbie.1

The one thing all of these dreamers have is they’re far more influenced by the propaganda of the Emerging Church than they even know. The EC’s rhetoric fit right in well with the CGM’s man-centered philosophy toward the Christian faith.

So, lately we’ve heard a lot about how Jesus “hung out” with sinners and “partied with them.” This is but a shallow attempt to tell people it’s okay to be in the church while never quite leaving the world. The devotional to follow from Spurgeon below sets this in proper perspective.

Remember, God tells us that as the last days progress we’ll have libertines among us. For example:

For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 4)

And not only do we have to guard against antinomianism, the Bible warns we’ll also have those who wish to do away with the freedom we have in Christ a la the long apostate Roman Catholic Church:

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?

These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (Colossians 2:18-23)

Now Charles Spurgeon will clear up why Jesus came as He did, which many misunderstand and take to unbiblical extremes:

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (Matthew 11:18-19)

Other prophets, when they came, were dressed in rough garments and were austere and solemn in manner. Christ came not so.

He came to be a man amongst men; a feaster with those who feast, an eater of honey with eaters of honey.

He differed from none, and hence he was called a gluttonous man and a wine-bibber. Why did Christ do so?

Why did he so commit himself, as men said, though it was verily a slander? It was because he would have his disciples not regard meats and drinks.

Instead, to ignore false divisions  and live as others do; because this would teach them that it is not that which goes into a man, but that which comes out that defiles him.

It is not what a man eats, with temperance, that does him injury, it is man says and thinks. It is not abstaining meat; it is not the cardinal ordinance of “Touch not, taste not, handle not.”

This isn’t what makes the fundamentals of our religion, albeit it may be wise to consider at times. Butter and honey Christ ate, and butter and honey may his people eat.

Nay, whatsoever God in his providence gives unto them, that is to be the food of the child of Christ.

Charles Spurgeon

Further reading

• UPDATE: RICK WARREN ASKS US TO FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP APOSTATES ELECT THEIR NEW POPE—AND HIS FRIEND JOHN PIPER TWEETS AGREEMENT
• ROB BELL RELEASES NEW TRAILER FOR UPCOMING BOOK, COMPARES GOD TO AN OLDSMOBILE
• A MAJOR PROBLEM CONCERNING FAITH AS EVANGELICAL MEGAPASTORS UNITE WITH WORD FAITH HERETICS

Endnotes

1. http://myhillsong.com/senior-pastors-eldership, accessed 3/14.13.

By Christian Research Network correspondent Mike Ratilff of Possessing the Treasure
This is a repost of an original article on Possessing the Treasure

Last evening my pastor’s Wednesday evening message was an in-depth exposition of Pneumatology or The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. He did a very good job of differentiating the works of the Holy Spirit that so many professing Christians confuse and look at as the same thing or as something that is completely unbiblical.

Not including the works of the Holy Spirit prior to and including Christ’s incarnation he is intimately involved in the salvation and life of believers. For instance, in 2 Peter 1:21 we learn that he inspired all Sacred Scripture. All believers come to Christ because they are first regenerated by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:12; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:11).

All believers are baptized into the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 6:3-4; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5) and from this we learn of his permanent indwelling of all genuine believers. In the lives of all genuine believers, before they are saved and afterwards as they are drawn into walks of repentance, the Holy Spirit convicts (John 16:8).

He sanctifies all believers (2 Thessalonians 2:13). He is the “helper” sent by Christ to all believers (John 14:16; 1 John 2:1; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:1; Romans 8:26). Lastly we come to the filling of the Holy Spirit. All believers are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not the same thing as being baptized by the Holy Spirit. I wrote the following post August 29, 2010, but I believe it is just as vital for us to grasp now as it was then. – Mike Ratliff

Are You Being Filled With the Spirit or Something Else?

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-21 ESV)

In Ephesians 5:18 Paul commands, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit!“ At first glance that may read or sound like Paul is saying, “instead of getting drunk, do these religious things,” which he lists in vv19-21. However, as we know, the proper way to interpret Sacred Scripture is by keeping what we are studying in context foremost. Here, the context tells us that the Apostle Paul is making a contrast that the Ephesians would have understood perfectly. Let’s go deeper.

Here is the Greek for v18, “καὶ μὴ μεθύσκεσθε οἴνῳ, ἐν ᾧ ἐστιν ἀσωτία, ἀλλὰ πληροῦσθε ἐν Πνεύματι”. Here is my translation, “And not be drunk in wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled in spirit.” That’s pretty straightforward. The words translated in the ESV as “not get drunk” and by me as “not be drunk” are μὴ μεθύσκεσθε. The word μὴ or mē is used here to make this a negative command to not do something. The word translated here as “be drunk” or “get drunk” is  μεθύσκεσθε which is the present tense, imperative mood, passive voice form of μεθύσκω or methuskō, which literally means to soak something to make it more elastic.

This term came to mean becoming drunk to the point of being controlled by alcohol. The present,imperative passive form, in this context, would be talking about a way of life. Since Paul was telling the Ephesians not to do this then this is a command to not pattern ones life according to this. Paul’s contrast here was referring to a form of drunkeness he called ἀσωτία or asōtia. While μεθύσκω does refer to becoming drunk to the point of being controlled by alcohol, ἀσωτία, which the ESV translated here as “debauchery” I translated as “dissipation.” What is this?

The root of ἀσωτία is, of course, σωτία, which is derived from the the word σώζω or sōzō, which means “to save, deliver, make, whole, preserve safe from danger, loss, [and] destruction.” Since the alpha-negative is added to the beginning of σωτία to make ἀσωτία what we have here is the exact opposite. Therefore whatever is ἀσωτία has the properties of “no safety or deliverance, having no preservation from danger, loss, and destruction.” Do you see that Paul was referring to something much deeper than simply drinking too much wine?

The Ephesians would have understood because in the ancient Greek culture they worshiped the god Dionysus via frenzied orgies that were associated with intoxication. The use of phallic symbols, the tearing of wild animals to pieces, the eating of raw flesh, and savage dancing were also practiced. Why did they do this? They were supposed to induce some ecstatic communion with deities. In 1 Corinthians 10:19,20 Paul referred to this as the “cup of demons. In our time, in the visible church, there is a growing apostasy called Contemplative Prayer and Spiritual Formation that, instead of drunken orgies and such, utilize forms of transcendental meditation to achieve this higher level of spiritual ecstasy as my friend Ken Silva shows us in this fine post.

So, what is the contrast? What is Paul commanding Christians to do instead of this? He says, “πληροῦσθε ἐν Πνεύματι” or “be filled in spirit.” Let us never forget that true communion with God is never induced outside of the means of Grace, which is by the Holy Spirit. All believers have the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9) and are baptized by Christ with the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation (1 Corinthians 12:13). The command, πληροῦσθε or plērousthe is the present imperative form of πληρόω or plēroō. It means to fill as a net with fish, but the present imperative form tells us that this is a command to pattern our lives to being filled with the spirit which leads to self control along with the other fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23).

I do not think we are too far off to point to those who want to “go beyond” what the Bible teaches to “go higher” as being guilty of ἀσωτία because they are placing themselves under the control of wickedness. They are essentially losing control, but those who are filled with the spirit are actually practicing self control. While the natural man may look at that and see what I just said as a paradox, we do not because to be filled with the spirit is to be in the perfect place, the place where we are where we know what the will of God and is and we are in it. On the other hand, those who are seeking what is “outside of the box” will find out very quickly that ἀσωτία will only lead them to an ever slipperier slope where there can be no escape.

Are You Being Filled With the Spirit or Something Else?

Soli Deo Gloria!

The original appears here.

Further reading

• UPDATE: RICK WARREN ASKS US TO FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP APOSTATES ELECT THEIR NEW POPE—AND HIS FRIEND JOHN PIPER TWEETS AGREEMENT
• ROB BELL RELEASES NEW TRAILER FOR UPCOMING BOOK, COMPARES GOD TO AN OLDSMOBILE
• A MAJOR PROBLEM CONCERNING FAITH AS EVANGELICAL MEGAPASTORS UNITE WITH WORD FAITH HERETICS

The Third Eye

There has to be a MANIFESTATION of your IMAGE – your prophetic word. What has God shown you about yourself that is NOT manifesting yet? Write it down.
(Kim Clement, The Elijah List, 10/12/12)

God created us in His divine image, so we possess the power to create. The decisions we make, the places we go, the things we say create images in our subconscious. First, we think a thought; then we rehearse it until it begins to formulate an image. Finally, our words speak things into existence and our actions set dynamics into motion. We are to present and display the Kingdom of God that dwells within us, releasing it in powerful demonstrations. We are not called to simply exist, but to be conduits that manifest a flow of God’s presence and power onto every scene and into every circumstance.
(Barbara Breathitt, TheElijahList, 12/2/12)

By Dr. Orrel Steinkamp

Imagination is the ability of the human mind to create mental images and sensations that do not come from the the five senses. Consequently It is not surprising that self proclaimed prophets claim visions and dreams that have their source in their vivid and well trained human imaginations. Currently The Elijah List on the Int ernet presents thousands upon thousands of these mental pictures, suggesting that these pictures have their origin in God. But these imaginary words and pictures on Elijah List have a very short shelf life. They are posted and soon forgotten as new more appealing prophetic images replace them. In fact many of these prophesies can easily be demonstrated as contradictory. Here is an example of an ElijahList article titled “Creative Imagination and the Ingenious Truth”:

Nothing exists in the natural realm until we are able to connect through observation, and the words we speak paint a positive or a negative picture in the mind’s eye. “The mind’s eye can be defined as: the human ability for visual perception, imagination, visualization, and memory. In other words, the mind’s eye is one’s ability to see things with the mind. Because many dreams are symbolic mysteries, God’s guidance is necessary to uncover their hidden meanings. God intended that we get to know Him better through this process of discovering the meaning of our dreams. Our image center is a vehicle that the Holy Spirit can access if we are open to Him. The Holy Spirit will give us dreams in the night or streams of thought during the day to bring revelation and direction to our lives.”…When positive verbal seeds are planted in a soul, they grow the fruit of productive images in the imagination….

…Spoken words produce our future. When a constructive future is presented, agree with it. Liberate your inspired imagination to take it to a higher level. Observe the powerful picture as it is formed. When the vision is complete, allow it to imprint on your heart. Once it is imprinted on your heart, it becomes part of your spiritual DNA. This visual roadmap will lead you to destiny. (Barbara Breathitt, TheElijahList, 12/2/12)

Prior to the fall of Jerusalem (587 BC) the true biblical prophet Jeremiah complained that the false prophets of his day uttered false prophecies that he identifies as products of the human imagination.“They [false prophets] speak visions of their own minds,  not from the mouth of the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:16, ESV). Jeremiah further states: “Behold, I am against these who prophesy lying dreams declares the Lord and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness , when I did not send them or charge them. So they do not profit this people at all, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23: 32, ESV).

Imagination is intoxicating. It is seductive. It can easily become addictive. It can also easily be tied to idolatry. This is one reason why God’s word warns that there is such a thing as “the imagination of an evil heart” that can lead one astray. (Jeremiah 18:12). You imagine what you desire. You will what you imagine, and at last you createwhat you will.Well do I remember visiting the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City 50 years ago. The tour guide presented his pitch for Mormonism. His total point was that God did not stop giving revelation with the first century apostles. This tour guide suggested that in the Latter Days God further revealed himself to Joseph Smith. It was a plea for “continuing revelation.” Just a few weeks ago I had a conversation with two Mormon missionaries. Their planned appeal was still the same. Their question to me was “has God ever spoken to you?” If I had said yes their retort would have been simply that God also spoke to Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith’s account of his original vision is that of God the Father and Jesus the Son simultaneously appearing in human flesh with a further revelation for Latter Day Saints. Surely this was an imaginary experience, pure and simple.

It turns out that it is imagination that is the engine of false revelation. Imagination becomes the stage for continuing revelation.

So It is not surprising that prophetic imagination is alive and well today. In fact without doubt there are many more false imagination prophecies today than existed in Jeremiah’s time. Todd Bentley, who himself practices false prophecy, actually admitted recently that imagination is the key to prophecy when he stated that: “90% or more of all visions and revelations happen in the eye of our hearts, in our imagination.” (Lakeland Revival Blogspot). Bentley also stated: “The first thing you must do is sanctify your imagination” (Identity Network, “Open Heavens,” Todd Bentley)So I decided to pursue  the term “sanctified imagination” in a Google search. I found that “sanctified imagination” has become a specificin-house term used repeatedly on the Internet by imaginary prophetstoday. Craig Kinsley, writing on TheElijahList states: “When we set our sanctified imagination on God, his will is made known to us and the imagination is the place where God most often speaks to us. We often call that our ‘sanctified imagination’…  The  place we often begin to see in the realm of the spirit is our imagination. The place where we day dream.” (“Sanctifying the Imagination,” May 7, 2006)

Beni Johnson, Bill Johnson’s wife from Bethel Church, Redding CA. apparently has a vivid imagination with which she claims to see angels frolicking on a hillside. Bentley and seer prophet Bob Jones of Kansas City Prophets fame are well known for their  many purported trips to the third heaven. Bentley states: “If we want to see in the spirit, we must use the powerful key of sanctified imagination to unlock visions and dreams…. I have helped bring so many people into the heavenly realm by teaching them to look with their spiritual eye and stop asking, ‘Where is it? Where is the angel? Where? I don’t see him – where?’ We have to begin to see with our ‘third eye’ – the eye on the inside, in our imagination.” (Manna, “Living Under An Open Heaven,”Todd Bentley)

Mark Batterson, seeker-sensitive pastor, has apparently also discovered the imagination. He states: “I think He [God] wants us to live ‘out of imagination.’ I am convinced that our potential lies in a ‘sanctified imagination.’” (“Sanctified Imaginations,” May 5, 2005, bold in original)

In the prophetic movement today the professionals have designated certain imaginary prophets as “seer” prophets. These seer prophets attest to seeing things and the things they see in their imagination is played out upon the stage of their trained imaginations. These imaginations become better trained with repeated imaginary episodes. Seer prophet, Bob Jones boasts of many imaginary trips into the heavenlies every night. Apparently, Jones ability to see with his imagination failed him when he counseled a woman in Kansas City some years ago and asked her to disrobe to enable him to receive special revelation for her. He was sidelined to a backstage ministry for a time before being quickly restored. Currently he retains his lofty status as a seer prophet. Recently I viewed him on the the Internet (YouTube) as he attended the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry graduation at the Bethel church in Redding CA. Graduating students lined up to have a prophetic encounter with  Jones the seer prophet of renown  and bowed before him to honor him and perchance receive words of prophecy. Jones, and the myriads of others claiming these imaginary revelations, are totally dependent on their human imaginations, self generated in their human brains.

These mental images become highly sought after as revelations from God. For those who are addicted to these imaginary revelations, these imaginations become for them and their followers supposed revelations directly from God. These imaginary revelations of course fit well into the current postmodern world view so prevalent in modern culture. As Pastor Ken Silva has warned, “The whole Word Faith idea of positive confession aka ’name it and claim it’ is rooted in the idea that the material world is largely illusion and that our spoken words actually have creative spiritual power over it.” (“Joel Osteen Declares Human Words Have Creative Power,” 9/18/12,Apprising.org)In the occult world, this type of imagination is sometimes known as “The Third Eye,” as illustrated by the graphic image at the top of this page. Note what it says on Wikipedia:

The third eye (also known as the inner eye) is a mystical and esoteric concept referring to a speculative invisible eye which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. In certain dharmic spiritual traditions such as Hinduism, the third eye refers to the ajna, or brow, chakra. In Theosophy it is related to the pineal gland. The third eye refers to the gate that leads to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. In New Age spirituality, the third eye often symbolizes a state of enlightenment or the evocation of mental images having deeply personal spiritual or psychological significance. The third eye is often associated with religious visions,clairvoyance, the ability to observe chakras and auras, precognition, and out-of-body experiences. People who are claimed to have the capacity to utilize their third eyes are sometimes known as seers.

All of this is further enhanced as Hollywood produces a continual stream of fantasy movies. This only enhances an increasing appetite for fantasy and myth. And our youth  are devouring it. Current fantasy movies are the hot the topic of conversation among our youth today. Just take the time to overhear their conversations and you will agree. Our Christian youth get totally  animated rehearsing the plots of the latest fantasy movies. It is something they pursue with reckless abandon. Hollywood  knows this only too well. The Hollywood producers appeal to the youth because they know they have a waiting audience. Our youth workers chime in attempting to take these imaginary fantasies and tie them loosely to biblical concepts. But then it is that these fantasies and imaginations become a sort of surrogate world view for thousands of our Christian  young people. Our Christian young people then are set up for the latest imaginary prophets and what they are claiming. This becomes familiar normal operating procedure. The  Scripture then becomes sublimated to fantasy. Without planning it, their faith becomes in part an imaginary world view. The imaginary prophets have a ready made waiting audience already predisposed to the imaginary realm.

Berit Kjos describes it well:

“The invasion of monsters began decades ago, and it quickly transformed the world of entertainment. With little resistance, an army of cute-ugly creatures swept into toy stores, television and movies. They now adorn children’s clothes, bedding, wallpaper, lunchboxes and books. And many have pushed their way into children’s hearts on the backs of seductive myths that mold their thoughts and manipulate their imagination.Some of these monsters are crude and cool like Stitch, Shrek and the serpentine aliens of Men in Black. Others appear wise and honorable like Yoda in Star Wars. But the creatures that win the prize for thrills and chills are the dark and deadly ones like Darth Maul, Tolkien’s Orcs and the ominous aliens in Signs.”They all serve a set of strategic social and spiritual goals: They entertain. They shift a person’s attention from the real world to a more titillating realm created by those who write the myths and steer the imagination. They tempt Christian fans to re-imagine both God and themselves in the new context – thus bending the old realities to fit the new myths. They desensitize their fans to mystical images and symbols of evil. And they stir a craving for more intense excitement of the same kind.”Eventually the real world of nature, families, work and Biblical truth becomes too boring to be enjoyed. Who cares about truth and facts when myths and fantasies seem far more exiting?” (Cited by Herescope)

In conclusion, Herescope wrote several months ago:

The Christian, more so than other individual, is called upon by Scripture to have a restrained imagination. The Bible calls this being “sober minded.” (Titus 2:6) In fact, being “sober” is directly connected to being on “watch” in the last days, the end times as described in the Bible alone without any fantasy or mythology added to it:

• Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thess 5:6)
• But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.(1 Peter 4:7)
• Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)
• Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)

Given these verses, it seems even more important for Christians who have an interest in the last days to be well-grounded in reality, in the truth of Scripture, and to be “sober minded,” and not to live in a fantasy world made up of a mixture of myths.  Yet we live in an era when mystical imageries, imaginations and fantasies are coming into the church like a flood.

Further reading

• UPDATE: RICK WARREN ASKS US TO FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP APOSTATES ELECT THEIR NEW POPE—AND HIS FRIEND JOHN PIPER TWEETS AGREEMENT
• ROB BELL RELEASES NEW TRAILER FOR UPCOMING BOOK, COMPARES GOD TO AN OLDSMOBILE
• A MAJOR PROBLEM CONCERNING FAITH AS EVANGELICAL MEGAPASTORS UNITE WITH WORD FAITH HERETICS

By Jon Cardwell, pastor of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama
This is a repost of an article that ran on Preaching Christ Crucified

“Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” —Psalms 30:4

We should certainly enjoy the Word of God for the joy it brings to our souls through the comfort and everlasting goodness of God’s holy presence; yet, we must also give earnest diligence to cutting straight furrows in the field of scripture for our fruitful understanding.

It is written, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV).

Our Christian faith is an intellectual faith, a knowledgeable faith, and a reasonable faith, to be sure. The LORD God, in fact, tells us through His prophet, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 1:18).

God is not inviting His people to barter or negotiate with Him in terms of what is acceptable or may be permitted within His law. The LORD tells His people to come to their senses concerning true reason found in His prophetic word, because His prophet, Isaiah, is speaking His word to them.

In this case, the LORD tells them what is reasonable in the rest of the verse, “…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” God proclaims His amazing and abounding grace.

In our last article in Romans, we examined for a moment the benefit that came to the Jews through the oracles of God (Romans 3:1, 2). God had entrusted to Israel with the holy scriptures that contained the written record of God’s gracious plan of salvation that would come by Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of God’s elect.

Those ancient scrolls, preserved by God’s providence through men, revealed the greatest manifestation of God’s Word by the incarnate Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus said,“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39).

When the soul saved by God’s grace has his understanding of the Scriptures enlightened by the illuminating assistance of the Holy Spirit, that soul embraces the blessed doctrines of grace, faith, justification, regeneration, imputation, repentance, sanctification, sovereignty, &etc.

As we grow in grace, we grow in understanding and are strengthened in faith; and as we read the blessed truths recorded in scripture we give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). A magnificent and tremendous benefit of the law of God is the revelation of who God is and what He has done, and is doing.

The more that is understood of those truths, the more magnificently blessed we are; and the more blessed in that knowledge and understanding, the more grateful we become. How could we not but give thanks when these truths, exciting truths, exalted truths, well up in our souls? It cannot be restrained; it will spring forth in spontaneous praise.

This is one of the most marvelous benefits we receive from the scriptures: the revelation of Jesus Christ unto eternal gratitude.

Listen to the sermon preached on this text, Romans 3:1-8, “The Essence and Benefit of the Law,” on August 30, 2009 at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church.

Read the previous article in this series, “Benefit of the Law” (Romans 3:1-8).

The original appears here.

Further reading

• UPDATE: RICK WARREN ASKS US TO FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP APOSTATES ELECT THEIR NEW POPE—AND HIS FRIEND JOHN PIPER TWEETS AGREEMENT
• ROB BELL RELEASES NEW TRAILER FOR UPCOMING BOOK, COMPARES GOD TO AN OLDSMOBILE
• A MAJOR PROBLEM CONCERNING FAITH AS EVANGELICAL MEGAPASTORS UNITE WITH WORD FAITH HERETICS

Unfortunately, as an apologetics and discernment ministry Apprising Ministries often I have to report a lot of negative information as apostasy spreads.

Here’s something ApologetiX has put together, which should make you smile, reminding us as Christians that Jesus is our great shepherd and we are lambs of God:

Further reading

• UPDATE: RICK WARREN ASKS US TO FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP APOSTATES ELECT THEIR NEW POPE—AND HIS FRIEND JOHN PIPER TWEETS AGREEMENT
• ROB BELL RELEASES NEW TRAILER FOR UPCOMING BOOK, COMPARES GOD TO AN OLDSMOBILE
• A MAJOR PROBLEM CONCERNING FAITH AS EVANGELICAL MEGAPASTORS UNITE WITH WORD FAITH HERETICS

Apprising Ministries brought you this foolish tweet earlier from the sinfully ecumenical Rick Warren earlier in Rick Warren Asks Us To Fast And Pray For God To Help Apostates Elect Their New Pope:

(source)

Now at Christian News Network in Warren’s Ecumenical Call to Fast, Pray for Cardinals Seeking New Pope Called ‘Real Tragedy’ Heather Clark brings us a proper Christian response from my friend Mike Gendron:

Mike Gendron of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries of Dallas, Texas told Christian News Network that he was particularly disappointed in Warren’s comments.

“I’m very concerned because what this does is it confuses the average evangelical,” he said. “Right now, the Body of Christ doesn’t know whether to evangelize Roman Catholics or to join hands with them to go out and evangelize the world, [and] it’s because of people like Rick Warrren who either don’t know how exclusive the Gospel of grace is, or he’s not aware of the false and fatal Gospel of the Roman Catholic religion.”

Gendron, a former Roman Catholic, stated that Warren’s Tweet is harmful in two ways.

“Rick Warren is doing a disservice to the Roman Catholic Church because he is putting the Gospel off limits to the the Body of Christ for evangelizing Roman Catholics,” he explained. “And so, if they don’t hear the Gospel, they have no hope in ever being saved.”

“Ultimately, it’s a real tragedy,” he said before delving into his second point. “It’s unfortunate because we have a ministry that is dedicated to equipping and encouraging the Body of Christ to reach out to Roman Catholics, and it’s because of people like Rick Warren and other highly visible evangelicals that are signing unity accords with Roman Catholics … that we are getting friendly fire from the evangelical Church.”

Gendron opined that many evangelicals are wrongfully being led to believe that Roman Catholicism is “a valid expression of Christianity.” He advised that it is also unBiblical for Warren to assert that it is “God’s will” that there be a pope in the first place.

“It goes against the Bible. It goes against Scriptural authority,” Gendron outlined. “In Matthew, Jesus said [not to] be like the Gentiles, which have a hierarchical structure to rule over people, and when you look at the Bible, the authority is Christ and His word.”

“Every evangelical church is to submit to the authority of Christ and His word, and the leadership of each church is made up of deacons and elders,” he continued. “In fact, Peter, who Catholics believe to be the first pope, declared himself to be a fellow elder. He never once  referred to himself as the head of the church, nor did he ever in Scripture have the authority to rule over anybody. He submitted to the Scriptures.”

Gendron urged Christians to use this time when attention is being turned to the Vatican as an evangelistic opportunity.

“I would encourage [readers] to use this as a platform to engage Catholics with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said. “There is much confusion among Roman Catholics now. They’ve lost their leader. There are scandals that are spread wide throughout the world — not only the sex scandals, but also the Vatican bank scandal. … Catholics are fed up with what’s going on and they’re looking for other options.”

“I would encourage Christians to [reach out to] Roman Catholics and point them to the true head of the Church — the Lord Jesus Christ,” Gendron concluded. “Catholics must repent of everything they’re doing to save themselves, and put all of their hope and all of their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is sufficient to save sinners completely and forever.” (source)

Further reading

• SOUTHERN BAPTISTS ASSIST THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH TO INFILTRATE EVANGELICALISM
• RICK WARREN AND TEACHINGS OF DEMONS
• DID GOD GIVE BETH MOORE THIS VISION?

Earlier Apprising Ministries brought you another vivid illustration of an evangelical who is either disingenuous or ignorant of the damnable differences between Rome and the Protestant Reformation in Rick Warren Asks Us To Fast And Pray For God To Help Apostates Elect Their New Pope.

Such as these like Warren and SBC-promoted quasi-pastrix Beth Moore will tell you our differences have lessened through the years. But as you’ll hear below from Dr. R.C. Sproul, though we don’t necessarily agree with all he teaches, is actually those differences are even worse now.

In the promo video below for his book on the subject you’ll hear Sproul state emphatically:

The Roman Catholic Church has changed since the 16th century; there’s no doubt about it. And the differences we had in the 16th century, have changed. They’re far greater now than they were in the 16th century.

Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism

Summary

In recent years, some evangelical Protestant leaders have signed statements pledging themselves to joint social action with Roman Catholics. Others have refused to participate, declaring that, in their view, the statements went too far, touching on the gospel, which remains a point of disagreement between Protestants and Roman Catholics. Many evangelical Christians have found themselves confused by the different directions taken by their leaders.

In Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism, Dr. R.C. Sproul takes his stand for the cardinal doctrines of Protestantism in opposition to the errors of the Roman Catholic Church. Sproul, a passionate defender of the gospel of justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, cites the historic statements of the Protestant Reformers and the Roman Catholic authorities, then references modern doctrinal statements to show that the Roman Catholic Church has not altered its official positions. In light of this continuing gap, he writes, efforts by some in the evangelical camp to find common ground with Rome on matters at the heart of the gospel are nothing short of untrue to biblical teaching. In Sproul’s estimation, the Reformation remains relevant.

Are We Together? is a clarion call to evangelicals to stand firm for the gospel, the precious good news of salvation as it is set forth in Scripture alone. (source)

Further reading

• SOUTHERN BAPTISTS ASSIST THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH TO INFILTRATE EVANGELICALISM
• RICK WARREN AND TEACHINGS OF DEMONS
• DID GOD GIVE BETH MOORE THIS VISION?