The

 

Lukewarm

 

Church

 

 

 

by

 

Thomas S. Gibson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Scripture quoted is from the King James Version

 

 

 

 

The Lukewarm Church is published on the web site by:

 

Thomas S. Gibson

1125 – 6 Ave.

Wainwright, AB T9W 1G2

Canada

 

 

 

The Prophetic Word Web Site: prophetic–word.org

The web site contains the prophecies that God has given me to publish, as well as books and articles.

 

 

Prophecies and teachings available from the web site, The Prophetic Word: prophetic–word.org  Thomas S. Gibson: <tsgibson@telusplanet.net>, 1125 - 6 Ave, Wainwright, AB   T9W 1G2, Canada.

 

 

copyright © 2008 by Thomas S. Gibson. This document is only copyrighted against alterations! You are encouraged to print, copy, or republish it.

 

 

I seek no monies from this or any other work, only that the truth be revealed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1 – Introduction to the Problem

 

Chapter 2 – What is Cold, Hot, and Lukewarm

 

Chapter 3 – In The Beginning There Was Truth

 

Chapter 4 – The Great Salvation Error

 

Chapter 5 – Communion

 

Chapter 6 – The Wrath of God

 

Chapter 7 – Holiness

 

Chapter 8 – Go Ye Into All The World ... With Signs Following

 

Chapter 9 – Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ

 

Chapter 10 – The Fall of the Church

 

Chapter 11 – Who Are Going to Heaven?

 

Chapter 12 – The Restoration Of The Church

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

Introduction to the Problem

 

 

 

 

This is not a comfortable book. If you are looking for an easy read, this is not it! It is a book that will strip away the covering of the many denominations and their constant assertions that they believe in the Bible. If one counts all the various divisions of Christ throughout Canada and the United States of America you will find that there are over 2000: all claiming to believe the same Bible and all differing in their beliefs!

 

There is only one Bible, and therefore there can be only one truth. As I look at this problem I will endeavour to bring forth Scripture to show that the church—and I mean all denominations here—has fallen away from the straight-forward Bible beliefs that once existed in the first century, to a worldly system that mixes in various man-made ideas to the extent that what was once believed has become man-made traditions.

 

The Bible is very clear on what is truth. The problem is that various interpretations have come in from many men over the centuries, resulting in a confusion of ideas.

 

Now where did anyone get the idea that the Holy Scriptures, given by God, needed interpretation by men? That is the crux of the problem: interpretations of passages in the Bible that are very clear in their meaning. The reason for those interpretations? Simply put, the church tradition (of whatever denomination) states something quite different from the Scripture, so an interpretation becomes necessary to show the members that this passage does not mean what it says!

 

Now I worded that passage intentionally strong to show you exactly what an interpretation is, and what it is designed to do. It is, of course, worded in nice religious sounding phrases to cause the listener to believe that they (this particular church, any you wish to choose) really does believe the Bible; and that they can continue to believe whatever they wish, continue to claim Biblical beliefs, and continue to claim that they go to heaven.

 

But is this true? Of course not! As you shall see.

 

This book is not about my interpretation of the Bible. If it was, I would be in the same boat as the various denominations, and therefore, in the same sin! But rather, this book is about showing that the Bible is not some vague writing without clear meaning. It is very clear throughout in what to believe and what not to believe. There is no room for ones own beliefs.

                                                                                                                      

I find that most people who call themselves christians do not read and study the Bible. Rather, they listen to their priest, pastor, or church leader in whatever he or she says. Carefully quoted Scriptures are used to back up what they are saying. But how many of these listeners have really sat down and just read the Bible, especially the New Testament? No guide to tell them what it says. No guide other than prayer and the Holy Spirit. Now that is what I will emphasize in this book. Most would be shocked to find what the Bible says, and what it does not.

 

I began a journey when I was about 18 years of age. It was a commitment to Jesus Christ and all that the Bible had to say. As I began to read and study the Word it quickly became obvious that what I was taught in the many churches I had attended when I was young was being contradicted by what I was now reading. It was not just a few minor points, but major subjects such as how to receive salvation, how to walk as a christian, and how to stand in the power of God. It was almost as if what the various churches believed had no basis in the Word of God. And for the most part, this was true!!

 

At about this time I was called as a prophet. And as such I am called to prophesy and act according to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. On March 21, 2007 I receiving an unmistakeable word to write this book. I was directed only to write when the anointing was upon me to write, and so I have done.

A prophet is called to certain specific duties.

 

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. I Corinthians 14:3

 

Now all of us would agree that we need to be built up (edified) and to be comforted by the Word of God. But then we are also told that we need to be exhorted. So just what does exhortation mean? Most churches tend to say it means to teach. But is this correct?

 

According to Webster's Dictionary, exhort means to incite by argument, to urge strongly, to give warnings, and to make urgent appeals. A good concordance will also show that the Greek word means exactly the same thing. This is what the Old Testament prophets did. They incited, urged strongly, gave warnings, and made urgent appeals whenever there was sin among the people.

 

Today there is a call among the prophets of God (the true prophets!) to call the people of God to repentance. This call is not to the world, which is also in sin, but a call to the church! The organizations that call themselves the churches of God have moved so far away from the call of Biblical salvation and holy living that God is actually sending the prophets to call the “church” to repentance!

 

Hundreds of years ago on October 13, 1517 Luther nailed his 95 thesis to the door of All Saints Church. This is my “95 thesis,” according as the Lord directs me to write. In the 490 years since Luther's statements were placed on that door, I truly believe the church has not changed to conform with the Word of God. It has not changed from its errors, but instead changed from one error to another!

 

A close inspection in the following chapters will show that most of the important points of salvation and holiness are not taught from within the churches today. They have instead taught concepts not found anywhere in the Bible; but rather they are found in popular secular teachings. Sermons quote men of renown, but not the God of all. In other words: the Bible is being replaced by current ideas of man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

What is Hot, Cold and Lukewarm

 

 

 

 

Before I look at what is hot, cold, and lukewarm, I will examine why the church today is not hot, and not walking with the Lord Jesus in the way the first century church did.

 

Jesus gave some specific commands to the church before He was received back into heaven. These commands are not things that can be done by man, but rather they must come through the power of the Holy Spirit, given to christians. One cannot walk in this by the thinking of your mind or the work of your flesh, but only with power from on high.

 

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:15-18

                                                                                                                         

The first part of this is what most churches quote. After all, that is simple enough! Go into all the world and preach the gospel; but they do not prefer to admit that the rest of this passage is even in the Bible. It becomes too strong for them to accept. It is power by the Holy Spirit, and most of them simply do not accept that power in their lives. They do not believe that men can or should have supernatural power from on high!

 

From verse 16 it is clear that believing and being baptized is necessary for salvation. This is covered in great detail in chapter 4 where I go through Jesus’ and the apostle’s teachings to show that the salvation message as preached in almost any church you care to name, is different than what is taught in Scripture. Here I just want to emphasized that throughout the Bible baptism is a requirement for salvation—even though the churches have not preached this.

 

These signs shall follow them that believe. Very strong! First, note that these signs are a requirement for the church today. If they are not present then there is something wrong! It would be a good idea here to stop reading this book and read the entire book of Acts from the Bible. It is full of exactly that: the men of God walking in the powers of the Holy Spirit as listed in this passage of Scripture.

 

It should also be noted that the signs follow you; you do not follow the signs. You should follow Jesus, as the Holy Spirit guides you. If you seek the signs, beware, there is a false accuser—that is, satan—who will be glad to insert many signs from his evil power. Many christians have gone wrong here. They seek the signs (after all we are supposed to walk in them); but you do not seek them, they follow you! You seek Jesus and obedience to the Holy Spirit. More on this in chapter 8.

 

The true church will show forth these signs as they walk with Jesus in holiness, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Anything less and it is not what is seen in the teachings of the Bible, and also found in the first century church of the book of Acts.

 

1 This know also, that  in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection [homosexual], trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent [without self-control], fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady [rash], highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. II Timothy 3:1-5

 

Perilous times have arrived! This is what we are seeing in the world today. The problem is that much of this has slipped into the church! Even if it has not come into all churches, nevertheless many of the leaders are not standing against this in the public eye. Maybe in private within their congregation they will stand up and speak against such sins, but outside of the church, in the world, they are quiet. If they spoke up great criticism would result, and they would lose the respect of the community. This respect is more important to them than standing up for the things of God.

 

But the important point is that these churches are walking only in a form of godliness, denying the power of God that should be working throughout their congregations. As is noted above in Mark 16 these powers, these signs, should be seen in the christian lives. But as we look at the churches today it is rare to see any of this. They are in a form of godliness, but there is no power; and we are commanded in this passage to turn away from this false religion!

 

They are not hot for God. They have slumbered and slipped into religious ideas of man that replace the power of God. They do not condemn the Bible outright, nor condemn God (not cold); but they also do not walk as the Bible clearly states that we must! They are lukewarm!!

 

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:15-22

 

A call to the lukewarm church to open the door to Jesus and repent, come back to Him, and walk again as they ought to have always walked.

 

In verse 17 comes a strong statement. These lukewarm churches have relied on money and goods of this earth. They have all that money can buy; but they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked! And they don’t even know it! They have nothing of God; all they have is of this earth. They believe that they walk in truth, but in fact they do not even know what truth is, for they have left the teachings of the Bible and gone after money and all it has to offer. If Jesus returns when they are at this point they are forever lost! That is a fact. No one can walk in this earth in the love of money, in the trust of the things of this earth, and go to heaven. It is just not possible!

 

Therefore Jesus will spue them out of His mouth. If they were hot they would be in the power of Jesus, humbly serving Him. If they were cold, they would at least know that they are in sin and in need of deliverance! Therefore, they would be open to receive salvation when someone comes and preaches unto them. But they know none of this. They believe that they are in truth when they are in the love of this earth and what it has to offer. They are lukewarm and will be spued out of the mouth of Jesus Christ!!

 

 

 

 

Chapter Three

 

In the Beginning There Was Truth . . .

 

 

 

 

There are those who believe that Christianity is a 2000 year old religion; but this is not true. One can trace the Biblical truth through the Old Testament Judaic law back to creation.

 

God  created a perfect world. But He also created man with a choice to serve the true God, or refuse to serve Him. Adam made a very bad choice. He chose to go his own way. What followed was judgment: and mankind went from a perfect world where he would live forever to living less than 1000 years. The earth began to go downhill from that point.

 

Sin was entering into the world to the place where man was evil continually. So God sent the flood on the earth. After the flood man’s life span dropped quickly to about 120 years. Now there is a pattern here: sin, followed by judgment, which resulted in a less perfect world; more sin, followed by more judgment, followed by an even less perfect world. One can see this pattern throughout the Old Testament. The creation that God made was coming down with every step. A redemption from God was necessary.

 

The law was given to the Jews with the commands of sacrifices to cover sins. This made man acceptable in God’s sight. The perfect sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah was yet to come. But was the law only given to the Jews?

 

6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. Isaiah 42:6-7

 

Even under the Old Covenant—the law—there was a statement that the Jews were for a covenant to the people—all people—and they would be a light to the Gentiles (that is the non-Jews). But more than this, they were also to receive a new covenant, a different covenant.

 

31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord;

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:31-34

 

A New Covenant was coming: that covenant was Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah; and His perfect Sacrifice was what was necessary for the removal of the people’s sins. The old covenant, or testament, could not remove sins so that God would not remember them anymore; it only covered the sins with an imperfect sacrifice. That is why Jesus the Messiah had to come to provide that perfect sacrifice.

 

But when Jesus came He gave warnings about those who were openly religious, but not truly following after God. From the beginning He gave warnings about the religious teachers: the Scribes and the Pharisees.

 

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Matthew 23:23-25

 

A very strong word of condemnation from Jesus. They had changed much of the law by adding their own interpretations. This is also a problem today. Many add their own ideas to Scripture, therefore changing what the Bible actually says. We must not interpret the Word of God, but rather believe it just as it is written.

 

1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Hebrews 2:1

                                                                                           

Man so easily likes to add to what is seen in the Bible. Today, with so many denominations (divisions of Christ), we have literally thousands of interpretations. But there is still only one truth, one God, and one Saviour. There is a strong need to heed the warnings about leaving the true gospel.

 

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-9

                                                                

The gospel, the truth from the Bible, must not be changed in any way. We must go back and look at the Bible for all truth. There must not be any change from that Word to what we preach today. We cannot leave the Word of truth for another “gospel.”

 

But there are many who do just that. They have put their own interpretations on the Bible and formed a denomination around that. To this they add an upper level of management—somewhat like a big corporation—who then oversee the people and keep them believing what their doctrinal statement states! They use such phrases as “what we believe is...” and then encourage the people to go with whatever their specific belief is on that subject.

 

Where are the churches who will study the Bible and believe whatever you will find there? And how many christians actually read and study that Bible, carefully comparing what they find to what is being taught from the pulpits?

 

Herein is the problem: christians only know what their priest, pastor, reverend, or leader states. To actually know what the Bible says is rare among christians. Certainly you have those who have memorized various passages, but those Scriptures are picked carefully by their denomination to avoid areas that contradict their beliefs. To know the whole Bible and its message is very rare indeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

 

The Great Salvation Error

 

 

 

 

The salvation message, as given throughout the New Testament, has been lost to the church today. Some churches say you must join them and confess to a priest—can’t find that in the Bible anywhere! Others say you must come to the front and say a prayer—can’t find that in the Bible either!! Still others say you must ask Jesus into your heart—also not in the Bible!!!

 

What is going on here? What the churches are preaching is simply not found in Scripture. They have taken various ideas of man and pounded them into the brains and heart of those in their congregations to the point that these people actually believe what is being said from the pulpit is in the Bible. But it is not!

 

The various leaders do actually believe what they say. They have been carefully taught in Bible Schools, Religious Seminaries, and the like. Few want to study the Bible for themselves. Now in New Testament times how many went to Bible School, to Seminaries? The fact is, no one did.

 

Paul, called to be an apostle, learned from the existing Word of God and from the teachings of the Holy Spirit. That is what is needed today. He did not go to school and learn from man!

                                                                                                                                           

So if the churches are getting the salvation message wrong, what is the message from the Bible? How did people in the first century church become saved? What did Jesus teach was necessary for salvation?

 

First, Jesus’ message. There are several points to Jesus’ teachings. Points that needed to be addressed in a person’s life to receive eternal life in heaven.

 

 

Give Up Your Life and Desires for Jesus

 

34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?        

38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark 8:34-38

 

In no way can one expect to receive salvation and then just go on with your life. You must give all of your life, all of your desires, all of your wants and goals to Jesus. There is no other way. Many try and make out that they can be saved and then continue with their old life. This cannot be! Without taking up one’s cross for Jesus, giving up everything for Him, you cannot be saved. It just is not possible!

 

Verses such as these, which are the backbone of Jesus’ teachings, are generally avoided by many preachers, who themselves do not want to give up their lives for Him above. The disciples of Jesus walked away from their own personal lives and desires.

                                                                                     

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? Matthew 19:27

 

These followers of Jesus had forsaken, or left, all. They had left jobs and family behind to follow Him. Their own life was not important, but what Jesus wanted was all important. Take the time to read through the gospels and see how they did not even know where their next meal would come from; or where they would sleep. You see them sleeping in the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37); or eating as they walked through the fields (Matthew 12:1). They had given up all for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

 

Baptism in Water and Spirit

 

Jesus preached that you must be born again. Today, it still is a focal point of evangelical teaching.

 

However, most evangelicals change the meaning of “born again” to “ask Jesus into your heart,” or “say this pray with me,” or “ask Jesus into your life to make you a better person.” How many of these are found in Scripture? The answer: none, not one is in the Bible! Jesus never talked about these concepts of salvation. The apostles never mentioned them. Throughout the entire Bible you cannot find even one time when a person received salvation in this way. It is a complete invention of the modern church—the lukewarm church!

 

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:3-6

                                                                                       

Being born again is to be born of water and born of the Spirit. This is the foundational teaching of salvation throughout the New Testament. You even find it in John the Baptist’s teaching; for he taught to be baptized in water. Jesus again spoke of this after His resurrection and before he left for heaven.

 

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:15-16

 

You need to believe and be baptized. This was clear from Jesus’ statement. But Jesus also taught about the Holy Spirit, or Comforter.

 

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto  you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. John 16:7-16

 

So after Jesus departs from this earth He will send the Holy Spirit unto us. This occurred on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples who were waiting in prayer (Acts 1:6-14) for this occurrence.

 

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:2-4

 

Now when all of these disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in languages they did not understand, they went out into the street where everyone heard them. And Peter preached a sermon on how Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was for the salvation of the people (Acts 2:14-36). When those who heard Peter were convicted of their sin they asked what they should do.

 

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

                                                                                                

The message Peter preached was the same as Jesus had given. Be baptized in water, and be baptized in the Spirit. Throughout the New Testament it is the only way to salvation that can be found. Many have preached a different way, such as asking Jesus into your heart. This has even been emphasized in some churches to the place where people truly believe it is in the Bible. The fact still remains that the only way given in the Bible is by baptism in water and receiving of the Holy Spirit.

 

Even Paul, when he spoke of his conversion, stated that he was baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins.

 

16 And why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

 

As above in Acts 2:38, he was baptized in water is for the remission or forgiveness of sins. Here in Acts 22 it is stated stronger: to “wash away thy sins.” This was the teaching of the New Testament church.

 

There are two more points that should be made here. In Acts 22:12 we learn that it was Annanias that baptized Paul. Now according to this Scripture he was a devout believer, but not a leader, pastor, or anything special in the church—just a believer! Whenever someone repented of their sins they were baptized by whoever was available. There were no baptismal certificates, no special services for this to occur; it was simply the way to salvation. You were baptized in water and you received the Holy Spirit.

 

33. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts 16:33

 

Straightway: immediately. They were even baptized in the middle of the night, not waiting for morning; because baptism was for the forgiveness of their sins, and this needed to be done without delay.

 

The receiving of the Holy Spirit was also most important.

 

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8: 14-17

 

Here they had received Jesus, being baptized into water for the forgiveness of their sins; but no one had laid hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit; therefore they had not received. For some reason those who preached the Word in this place did not pray and lay hands on them to receive the Spirit, and so the apostles had to come down from Jerusalem to correct the problem. It was not acceptable to be saved without receiving the Holy Spirit. Jesus had stated that to be saved you needed to be born again: born of water and of the Spirit. So this is what must happen in each case.

 

Romans chapters 6 through 8 expand on this. Chapter 6 is the teaching of baptism in water: that we are baptized into Jesus death. Chapter 7: that we are no longer under the law; and chapter 8 that we are now under the Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit which is to guide and lead us day by day, and even moment by moment.

 

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:1-6

                                                                                        

Jesus died for us that we might be delivered from sin! We are baptized into Jesus death, raised up in the likeness of His resurrection; we have become a new man, for our old man was crucified that we should no longer be serving sin. This is the basics of baptism: that we are not only delivered from sin but that we are also a new man in Jesus. This is why baptism is necessary, not at some point, but immediately when a person repents and believes in Jesus. For salvation is being buried with Jesus so that we may walk in newness of life!

 

6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 7:6

 

The New Covenant, or New Testament, provides that we are no longer are under the law: a set of rules that we follow using our minds, that is, our flesh. Under the New Testament we are living under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

 

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:1-14

 

True christians are to be led by the Spirit of God: the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:38 quoted earlier in this chapter, it states that christians are to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Here in Romans it is stated even stronger. Verse 9, that we must have the Spirit of Christ or we are not His, is most strong; but verse 14 clearly states that those who are the sons of God, that is, those who are saved, are led by the Spirit of God. Without this leading we are not walking in New Testament salvation, but rather we are walking in our own flesh, and if so, we are not saved.

 

Salvation must be by believing in Jesus, His salvation on the cross; and receiving this salvation by baptism in water and in the Spirit! This is what Jesus taught in John 3, and what the apostles taught in Acts 2 (not to mention throughout the New Testament), and what I read here in Romans. There is no other passage in the Bible, but that it agrees with these statements about salvation.

 

The church today has changed this message: either you are “saved” by confessing to a priest, or you are “saved” by asking Jesus into your heart, or you are “saved” by asking Jesus to make you a better person, or by whatever modern method they come up with. But the fact remains that these things are not found in the Bible. The most important message in Scripture has been altered to the point that what is now preached is totally wrong!

 

 

Complete Change

 

True salvation produces a true christian; one that is changed by the Holy Spirit.

 

17 Therefore is any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17

 

When one receives this great salvation, one is changed. The Holy Spirit brings about a new creature: you become a new creation in Jesus. Your old desires fade away, your interests are now on Jesus, a holy life, a service to God. No longer do you find an interest in the things that the world chases after: money, power, reaching personal goals, etc. Now your interests are on Jesus and a life with Him. You recognize that you are here on this earth only a short while. You will spend eternity with Him above. Only what you do for Jesus will count. What you collect in this life you will leave behind. What you do for Jesus will last forever.

 

This complete change is a sign of a complete christian: one that is dedicated to God above and not to the earth beneath.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Five

 

Communion

 

 

 

 

Communion is a commandment of the Lord Jesus to all christians everywhere. Jesus first talked about this in John chapter 6 when He prophesied and spoke of its importance. He called Himself the living bread which came down from heaven:

 

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

48 I am that bread of life.

49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

56 He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. John 6:47-59

 

It is a requirement, from what Jesus stated, that every christian eat of His flesh and drink of His blood. Many churches have tried to get around this Scripture by stating that there is a symbolism in communion. But as you look at this passage of the Bible you cannot see any symbolism here, rather, a very strongly stated fact that eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking His blood is a must at communion.

 

But Jesus went further than that. In verse 53 He states that except you eat of His flesh and drink of His blood “you have no life in you.” The life He spoke about is the eternal life of salvation. Look at that verse again. If you do not eat of His flesh and drink of His blood you have no life–no salvation–in you. Those who deny the flesh and blood of communion are denying their own salvation! That is what it states. Later in this chapter, I cover this in more detail from I Corinthians chapter 11.

                                                                                               

Many find the eating of Jesus’ flesh and the drinking of His blood hard to accept. So did His disciple at the time:

 

60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them. Doth this offend you?

62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the Living God. John 6:60-69

 

So not only did many of His disciples stumble at this, many actually left Him and went back to their former life. Those who stayed with Him believed in Him, and believed that He was the Son of the Living God.

 

It is important to realize that this is a foundation of the salvation plan. Communion is not optional. It is a requirement to those that believe. Jesus, after prophesying of the communion in John 6, taught His disciples how to partake of it:

 

19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood which is shed for you. Luke 22:19-20

                                                                                     

Jesus showed His disciples exactly how to eat of His flesh and drink of His blood. That day they ate of Jesus’ flesh and drank of His blood as He had told them was required.

 

This communion is for believer’s who believe in the body and blood of our Lord, not for unbeliever’s, or those who will not accept the body and the blood:

 

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep [are dead].

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:23-32

 

Very strong words here. Those who eat and drink, not discerning the Lord’s body (verse 29) are eating and drinking damnation to themselves!! Therefore they are weak and sick, and yes, some have even died! Clearly we must believe and have received salvation to partake of this communion, but also we must not deny the body and blood of the Lord that is in communion! Those that deny the  body and blood are denying the Lord Jesus within the bread and cup; they are not discerning or accepting the true communion and therefore receiving damnation because of this.

 

We are not to be fearful of partaking. Communion to the believer is the recognition of Jesus’ death for us, into which we were baptized. It is a blessing to a true believer. We should partake regularly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

 

The Wrath of God

 

 

 

 

There is a concept within the churches today that God is somehow different in these New Testament times, that He no longer punishes as He once did throughout the Old Testament. But does this stand up to scrutiny of the Scriptures? Does the Wrath of God still exist today? Does God change?

 

6 For I am the Lord, I change not; Malachi 3:6a

 

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

 

So if God does not change, and this is clearly spelled out here, then is there still judgment in New Testament times? Can we find examples of such judgment?

 

2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Matthew 24:2

 

 

This prophecy against the temple was fulfilled in A.D. 70. It was at that time the Romans attacked Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. A New Testament judgment!

 

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

6 And the young men arose, and wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to temp the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Acts 5:1-11

           

Again, judgment in the New Testament, and right in front of all who were gathered there. Lying to the Holy Spirit could not be tolerated! And God judged accordingly.

 

The churches within the evangelical movement today almost always paint the God of the New Testament as a God of love (He is!). However, He is not the God of love to the extent that He will never judge sin. The New Testament is filled with examples of such judgments. The church today has systematically erased judgment from the ways of God, eliminated the fear of God (which I will comment on later in this chapter), and left us with a God that blesses us and allows us to continue in sin. Since when is the God of all creation a God of sin? It should be obvious to all that this teaching of a wrath-less God is false.

 

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy unto two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the son of God, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:26-31

 

 

Certainly once we have received salvation, it is not acceptable to turn again unto sin. Now this passage states in verse 26 “if we sin wilfully.” This is not discussing an unwillful sin, such as when a carpenter hits his thumb and out comes a swear word without his thinking about it. That is an involuntary action brought about from our once being sinners and our still living in a very sinful world. It is a “wilful sin” which will lead us into judgment: an action that we take by choice and by design.

 

Nowhere in this passage does it state that this judgment causes a loss of salvation. That is not what is said at all. It talks only of judgment on the saved after they have made a choice to commit some sin.

 

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:31-32

 

 

It is always important to realize that a judgment of a christian is not the same as a judgment of an unbeliever. The christian is not judged to be sent to hell, but rather, to be saved from it. The Lord Jesus is trying to straighten us out, to correct us, to bring us back into righteousness.

 

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Hebrew 12:5-15

 

Chastening or discipline is part of a normal christian life. None of us are perfect, but by the discipline of the Lord He will perfect us unto a holy life.

 

Note verses 13 through 15. Watch constantly in your life for any aspect of sin that might enter in. Watch constantly to keep that sin out. Watch constantly to rebuke any temptation that will come, for satan will always try and tempt us. Before we were saved such temptation was not, for we were in sin and satan loved it. But now that we are saved, satan will seek to tempt us to draw us away from our Lord and Saviour, and into sin.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

Holiness

 

 

 

 

While the wrath of God can come on us for unrepentant sin, correcting and bringing us back into the will of God, one must remember that God’s basic desire is for us to continue in holiness. It is His desire that we stay away from sin. We are to shun it and seek the will of God at all times.

 

14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. John 5:14

                                                               

This man was healed by Jesus. But later Jesus made a comment to him that is most revealing: that sin brought about his sickness. That is not always the case, but it was the case with this person. Even more important: that if he went back into sin a worse thing would come upon him. Clearly sin not is a commandment from the Bible and a teaching from Jesus.

 

We must keep our minds and hearts from sin. For we sin when we are drawn away from holiness by allowing ourselves to think evil thoughts. When we keep our mind on Jesus we keep ourselves in His will.

 

Jesus died for us, not just to forgive and remove sin from us, but to bring us to a place of holiness, a place where we will not move outside of the perfect will of our Lord.

 

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

                                    

As we follow the Holy Spirit we are to be renewed in our minds. We are to conform to the will of God, to learn the perfect will of God.

 

There is a good will of God, an acceptable will of God, and a perfect will of God. Most christians never realize that to walk in an acceptable will of God is not enough. It will get them to heaven, but they are missing out on the treasures they could be storing up for themselves in heaven by that perfect will; treasures that only come when they are willing to give up their life for God’s will. If they have sought to make decisions that are based on personal agendas and personal goals they have not sought God’s will. Many christian’s fall into the trap of seeking jobs based on income rather than on where God would want them. They seek to improve themselves by this world’s ideas, and in this world’s eyes. They are not willing to look bad in this world for Jesus’ sake. They are trying to save their lives—by the world’s standards—and therefore, risk losing that life. They have yet to realize that He has a perfect will in their lives and that the only way to this perfect will is to give up their own life for Him.

 

There must come into every christian’s life a time when they realize that nothing in this world is of the remotest importance. Only His will from above will count as we stand before Him to be judged on that judgment day. Our minds must be on holy things, not on the sinful things of this earth.

 

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:1-2

                                                      

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. Romans 6:6-8

 

Jesus has freed us from sin. We are crucified with Him (in baptism), and therefore we are alive to serve Him in holiness. It is not by our power that we walk without sin, but rather, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Is it then the case that every christian is without sin? For sure that is God’s will; but the flesh is still here, tempting us at every turn. This world is also full of sin, always seeking to pull our minds away from Christ toward sin. Aside from this, satan and his demons are tempting every christian, seeking an opportunity to pull them away from Godliness and into sin. For this reason it is most important that we keep our minds on Jesus, holiness, and the Holy Spirit. It is by this that we keep sin away from us.

 

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 But whoso keepeth his word in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him,

6 He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. I John 1:6 – 2:6

 

While it is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit to walk a sinless life, it is doubtful that any christian could successfully keep himself in that perfection at all times. We are constantly tempted and pulled away from God by satan and this world. That is why it is so important to keep our minds on Christ. As long as we do this we cannot by pulled away from Him and toward sin. It is only when we think on things of this world that we can become tempted and may fall into sin.

 

If and when we do sin we have an advocate with the Father (verse 2:1). A slip into sin is not necessarily condemnation; but rather, quick repentance brings about the love of Jesus to forgive us of our sin (verse 1:9).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

Go Ye Into All the Word ...

With Signs Following

 

 

 

 

In the teachings of Jesus there are specific commands that one should go preaching the Word with signs following; that is, with signs or miracles occurring in your ministry. Now it needs to be stated here that a ministry is not a big organization with people on a payroll. Indeed, there is no such example in all of the Bible. Biblical ministry is simply a person being used of God for His glory. Almost always it is one or two people, not a large organization.

 

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8

 

-----

 

15 And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:15-18

 

Here there are signs or miracles occurring. The first important point is that all are called to be a witness to those around them. Many are called to specifically to preach the Word, but all are called to be a witness, and to have signs follow them.

 

Now it says, “signs shall follow them,” not that you should follow the signs. That is most important! Throughout the Bible we are commanded to follow God and His commandments. In the New Testament it is stated that we are to follow Jesus. Our whole purpose is to follow our Saviour.

 

Many christians seek signs. Nothing in this passage, or for that matter elsewhere in the Bible, states that we should be following after the signs—running here and there seeking where miracles are occurring. We are not to follow the signs, we are to follow Jesus, the signs will follow us!

 

In the previous chapter I emphasized holiness. I firmly believe that without holiness it is impossible to have miracles in your life! That commitment to Godly living is a must in a christians life. If it does not exist miracles will be few and far between, if they occur at all!

 

But throughout the New Testament there is also a commitment to prayer. The apostles, who had many miracles occurring in their ministries, gave themselves to prayer on a regular basis.

 

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:3-4

                            

Here the widows in the church were not being taken care of properly. The apostles in charge had men appointed to take care of the situation. It was important that they give themselves unto prayer. They operated by prayer, the study of the Word, and ministry to the body of Christ. It is by this commitment that they were able to be so close to the Lord that miracles were common in their work.

 

That is what is sorely lacking in the church today. The emphasis on prayer today amounts to short, quick prayers that are over in just a matter of minutes; but Jesus did not pray this way.

 

12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12

                               

This was Jesus’ habit. He prayed long prayers. Now it needs to be mentioned that not all praying is out loud with words. Much prayer is from the heart quietly before God, in tongues, or groanings from the Spirit as the Spirit leads.

 

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26

 

Most important  prayer is done in a place alone, a place of quietness.

 

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and the Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matthew 6:6-7

 

Prayer should be a time of quietness before the Lord, a time of closeness to Him, a time of a secret place alone with Jesus, a time when the Spirit is allowed to speak through you to God, and a time when you block all other things out of your life and listen what the Spirit is saying to you.

 

This time with the Lord in prayer is what is missing, very much missing, in the lives of christians. This allows—by that lack of prayer—a time when satan can wedge into your life temptations that you might pay attention to.

 

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:21

 

Here was a situation when the disciples could not cast out a demon. Previously they had not had a time when they failed at such an event. Here Jesus shows what is necessary when you are weak in the Spirit, or when you run into strong spiritual opposition. Fasting must be added to prayer.

 

When a christian’s life is full of prayer, and yes, even fasting, that life is full of Godliness. When this occurs there is a closeness to God, and a reliance on the power of the Spirit of God that is necessary to see signs and wonders—miracles—in ones life!

 

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

                                                                                                                                   

7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell of from his hands. Acts 12:5,7

 

Here prayer was made all night for Peter’s release. Prayer was made without ceasing. They had prayed into the night, and would have prayed as long as he was in prison. They were committed to prayer for his release.

 

3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:3

 

Miracles are by the hand of God. As long as it is not against God’s will we can pray through and receive a miracle. But we must be careful not to pray for things that are against His will. As long as we observe this precaution I believe that miracles are not only for today, but should be part of a christian’s life.

 

 

 

 

Chapter Nine

 

Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ

 

 

 

 

I have been surprised by the number of christians—and yes, even pastors—who seem to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.

 

When it comes to standing up against sin and for the Word of God, they will be bold in church and among other christians, but once outside of this circle of friends they do not wish to stand up for the Gospel and the Bible. At least this is my experience within my area of Canada, which is my country. It may not apply to other areas or countries, such as the United States or Europe.

 

I have seen both pastors, and christians in general, talk about christianity, standing up for the gospel and against some of the sins they see around them; but this free speaking is among themselves. When “others” are around they become quiet on christian subjects. It is as if they will respect non-biblical views, and have come to realize that others will not respect their views. So, in order to maintain the people’s opinion of them, they have learnt to be quiet and to listen to worldly views, without defending the Word of God.

 

This has resulted, among the people of this world, in a view of christianity that allows such sins as homosexuality, adultery, and the like. Most people just do not know that the Bible speaks against these things. No one has told them. So a misunderstanding of christianity takes place, including the gospel not being understood or preached to those around us.

                                      

1 This know also,  that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection [homosexuals], trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent [rash], fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady [without self-control], highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. II Timothy 3:1-5

 

We must no longer be ashamed of what the Bible says. We must stand up for, and declare the truth, preaching that those in such sins can be delivered by the Hand of God! We must not be ashamed of what we believe.

 

Recently in Canada (my country) a bill came before Parliament to legalize same sex marriage. I would have expected an outcry from among evangelicals, and more so, from evangelical pastors concerning this. But very little was said. Even in church only a few remote comments were made that I heard. But outside of the church building there was almost nothing said by most pastors or christians. It was shocking!

 

The catch phrase for those who opposed this bill was “I support the traditional definition of marriage.” But what does this really mean? It was a bland comment that does not call sin, sin. It makes it sound as if there are two views and either one of them is okay. BUT NOT IN MY BIBLE!!

 

Even in church very little was said that called sin, sin! It was as if they were scared of criticism from the media; scared that somehow their comments, within the four walls of the church, would be heard and publicized to the world around them.

 

And that was exactly the case. They were petrified that someone would report what they said. Now the media in Canada is very much left wing—that is, very much against conservative, christian values.

 

So let me say this: same sex “marriage” is an abomination to God, it is perversion from the pit of hell. Now I suppose someone will report this to the media and I could be blasted! But so be it. I will not be ashamed of what the Bible says. God designed things a certain way, and that is the way it should be!

 

As a result of this fear of criticism and fear of man, that bill passed easily through the House of Parliament and became law. We (Canada) are now like Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

Why was it such a problem to not only say such things in the church, but also to go outside and say it to the media: that same sex “marriage” is a perversion of satan? Simply put: they were in the fear of man, not in the fear of God. They feared what man thought of them, but had no care what God thought of their words. This is not the christianity of the Bible!

 

This is but one example of how christians, and more specifically church leaders, have become ashamed of the Gospel.

 

32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

 

We are in danger of denying Jesus—or at least, we are in danger of denying the Word of God, and the commandments of God given in the Bible; just because of the fear of man. The church has become so lukewarm in this regard that it is truly shocking. How can those who claim christianity be so ashamed of it?

 

Who knows: someone could repent and be saved if they would hear an uncompromising statement by a true christian. The truth must not be hid. It must be proclaimed no matter how it is received by some of this world.

 

Christians must stand up for the Word. They must be a light to the world, not a light hidden by themselves and their ashamedness of the truth!

 

Jesus was not ashamed to speak out against the religious leaders of the day (Matthew 23). He spoke the truth no matter how badly it was received by those around. Many times spiritual leaders sought to silence Him, even by death! Should not we be so motivated to speak out?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 10

 

The Fall of the Church

 

 

 

 

The above chapter name states a lot! Most of this book is about the fall of the church in one way or another. Today’s church simply does not compare to what we read in the book of Acts, or for that matter, in any of the books of the New Testament. The church in those days humbled itself to a complete—or at least mostly complete—obedience to the Holy Spirit.

 

But when did the change occur? How did the church come to the place where it is now: a place where man is in control of the various denominations and rarely even seeks the direction of the Holy Spirit, let alone to totally submit to Him, allowing Him complete reign.

 

Today’s church is split and re-split. The power that is found in the book of Act, the first century church as the Lord created it, is simple is no longer there. It has even come to the place where the church no longer believes in truth.

 

1 This know also, that  in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection [homosexual], trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent [without self-control], fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady [rash], highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. II Timothy 3:1-5

 

This accurately describes the church today! Much about godliness, but no power of God to go with it. Even in the church at Corinth, Paul by the Holy Spirit, spoke a warning to the divisions which were begin to show at that time.

 

10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas, and I of Christ.

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I Corinthians 1:10-13

 

So problems began to occur even in the early church. However, for the most part divisions were stopped quickly before becoming a serious problem. Today, divisions are out of control with there being somewhere above 2000 separate divisions or denominations of churches within the United States and Canada.

 

In the early days the church remained mostly intact. And while some problems were occurring in the late second and third century’s, it still was not the serious problem that we see today.

 

The serious trouble began in the late third, and into the fourth century. The church was being persecuted heavily during this time. Then an appearance of light came: appearance because it was to be a great deception!

 

The Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, began reigning in 306. By 313 A.D. he gave the edict of Milan which provided for freedom of all religions. A break from the persecution was beginning to immerge. But more was to come.

 

In 321 A.D. Emperor Constantine made Christianity the state religion. All persecution was over. Things appeared to be better, but the deception had begun. Constantine had never declared himself a christian and against all other religions: indeed, he was a sun worshipper until the day of his death. Supposedly on his death bed he converted to Christianity, but one could question such a death bed confession.

 

After Christianity became the state religion the first cathedrals were built. This had never been before in the church. The early church worshipped mostly in houses. While some church buildings did exist, they were largely houses joined together to facilitate larger congregations. Now they had a building that rose above all else, complete with steeples. Pride in ones buildings (cathedrals) now arose. But there was much more here than pride.

 

These were rising idols. Something the people could look up to. Something they could worship—outside of the Lord Jesus Christ! Christianity was becoming an organization complete with an order of authority from the top down. This was not the way it used to be! Before this Jesus was the head, and those whom He anointed were speaking and directing the church by the Holy Spirit. But now the Holy Spirit was no longer needed. They had an organization with which to debate and decide what they wanted to do and believe.

 

Then things got worse. In 324 A.D. conversion, or attempted conversion, to Judaism was banned. Now came full scale discrimination against the Jews.

                                                       

In 325 A.D. Constantine presided over the first great ecumenical council of the Christian Church in Nicaea. It was here that the Nicene Creed was written. Three hundred bishops attended. No elders, apostles or prophets were there. Those people who were led of the Holy Spirit in directing and guiding the church were no longer welcome. Man was now totally in control of the church. The Holy Spirit was pushed out.

 

Now remember that Constantine was still a sun worshipper during this time. It had come to the place where a non-christian was presiding over church affairs.

 

He also took pagan temples, left some of the idols there, took pagan priests and called them christian priests, converting the pagan temples to “churches.” Remember that priests did not exist in the New Testament church until this time.

 

Sometime during these years, and I cannot locate the exact year, the worship day for christianity was changed from the Sabbath (the 7^th day) to the 1^st day of the week: Sunday, the day of the worship of the sun.

 

Things had pretty well bottomed out. Constantine kept watch over “his” church. Cathedrals—large idols—had been built. Men were firmly in the places of power within the “church.” The Holy Spirit was still among some of the faithful, but they were few, as the large organization that had been created, pushed forward. As time went on this organization became what we now call the Roman Catholic Church.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eleven

 

Who Are Going to Heaven?

 

 

 

 

First, I want to make it clear I cannot know who is truly saved and who is not. Only God can see into the hearts of man to see if they are truly serving the Lord Jesus or if they are serving the world with just a form of religion.

 

But there are passages of Scripture that show us the changes and beliefs that are necessary for salvation.

 

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  John 3:15-18

 

So then, if we believe on the Lord Jesus we are saved. But what exactly does this mean? To just believe that there was a man named Jesus that lived 2000 years ago is not enough. There are many Jesus’ in this religious world.

 

There are those who believe that Jesus was a good person and one should do your best to follow Him. But that is not the Jesus of the Bible.

 

There are those who believe that Jesus’ teachings will improve your life. But that is not the Jesus of the Bible, either.

                                                      

Even from the passage above it is obvious that we must believe that He is the only Son of God, that he died for ours sins, and that this death is for our salvation. But this passage in the Bible is after Jesus’ teaching: “We must be born again;” and He went further and stated that this means: “born of water and of the Spirit.”

 

To believe on the Lord Jesus means that we must believe in what He did, and what He taught. Otherwise we are not believing in the Jesus of the Bible.

 

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5

 

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to very creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:15-16

 

So if we believe in Jesus—believe in what He taught—then we must believe that the only way to salvation is to believe in: “born of water and of the Spirit.” That is what Jesus taught, and that is what the apostles taught in the first century church; and it is what we find throughout the book of Acts, and also throughout the New Testament.

 

One cannot change the teachings of Jesus and then claim that they believe in Him!

 

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

                                                                               

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts 16:31-33

 

16 And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

 

These are three passages on baptism for salvation. However, one could go through the Bible and continue to quote one passage after another. To do a thorough study on this it is necessary to get a hold of a complete concordance and look up the words: baptism(s), baptize(d), baptizing, in the New Testament.

 

There can be no doubt about the need to be born or baptized into water and into the Spirit. This was the salvation message of Jesus, and the salvation message of the original, first century church.

 

Once a person has the Holy Spirit in his/her life there will come a change. The power of God will bring a change that must show outwardly. The old person of sin is now gone; the new person of the Holy Spirit is now present. There is no longer a desire to fit into the world; now there is a desire to fit into the Holiness of God.

 

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17

 

A new creature is born, born again of the Spirit of God. Now the Holy Spirit will guide and lead that new creature, that born again person.

 

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

 

This is born again christianity from the Bible. But where is it preached in the churches? A few, yes, a very few—but so very few. In all my life (at 53) I have heard only one church preach this. The salvation message as found in the Bible is missing from the churches—from almost all of them!! This cannot be acceptable to us or to God. Is it even possible to have saved people in the church? Yes, just possible. There are those who will simply believe the Bible no matter what may be preached from the pulpits. But these are not the norms; they are the exceptions.

 

I have come to the conclusion, no matter how shocking it may be, that there are very, very few in the modern churches who saved. It is just not possible to have many saved if the message that is preached contradicts the Bible, contradicts what Jesus taught, and contradicts what the first century church preached. There needs to be a change and a repentance on the part of the church, a return to the Biblical teachings that were once the mainstay of christianity.

 

What is taught today is not Scriptural. It must change, or the lukewarm church is headed into hell!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twelve

 

The Restoration of the Church

 

 

 

 

The existing churches today have boards, elders, or other people in charge of day to day events. Such people are generally elected by man, answerable to man, and are responsible to those who are higher in authority in that denomination. But this is not the church of the New Testament. It is a democratic system. Man is answerable to man; and no one is answerable to God.

 

Throughout the New Testament there are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers over the entire church. Locally there are elders—appointed through apostles by the direction of the Holy Spirit—who are in charge of the church. Such people are full of the Holy Spirit—that is, their lives are completely led of the Spirit: no part of their life is without the Spirit’s direction.

 

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:3-4

 

These leaders are not only led of the Spirit, they are only responsible to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. There is no one answerable to man, they are answerable only to God. That’s what is required if the church today is to be led of God, and not of man. [For more on this subject read my book: “What’s Wrong With the Church,” on my web site: prophetic-word.org]

 

Now I am not saying that there are absolutely no directions from the Holy Spirit in the churches. Indeed, from time to time—mostly on rare occasions—the power of the Spirit does shine through someone and generally the people listen to this. So at certain times there will be a little power of God available. But this is not what is necessary! What is necessary is a total commitment to Jesus, such as is found among the disciples of the New Testament.

 

34 And when he had called the people unto him with is disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. Mark 8:34-35

                                                                                            

This is what is necessary throughout the entire church today if there is to be a restoration. Without that complete dedication to Jesus as is seen here in these verses, there can be no true restoration. If the leaders are not completely led of the Holy Spirit, how can they be leading the church?

 

As long as there is a desire to have man in charge of God’s church there will be no possibility of any type of restoration. Man has built a system of checks and balances to gain control of God’s church. It is exactly as we see in Revelation: Jesus is outside of the church knocking on the door, asking to be allowed back into His Church!

 

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to but of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:15-20

 

It is desirable to be hot for Jesus; that is the best situation. But if one were cold, not knowing the truth and bound by sin, you would at least recognize that you need something to save you from this situation. If you will recognize that, you are a step away from the saving grace of Jesus Christ. All that is necessary is for someone to preach the truth to you, and you will be open to receive. That is why cold is acceptable here. But to be lukewarm: to be without the saving grace of Jesus, and to think you have it, to think you need nothing else: that is a miserable life without Jesus. You think you have Him, but you do not: this will lead you straight to hell! Not only this, but you will lead others to hell with you!!

 

Jesus is standing at the door, asking anyone who will listen to repent and allow Him back in. Notice that it is not Jesus that opens this door, it is man. If he will open the door, Jesus will come in. Also important to note, it is Jesus standing outside of the lukewarm church—formerly His church. This church has backsliden to the point where Jesus is no longer part of it. They have sought after money and the goods of this earth (verse 17); they have left Jesus for this earth. They are in charge, Jesus is not!

 

But even though they have fallen backward Jesus still offers that if they will open the door, He will come back in, and restore them to Himself.

 

But will the church today really do this? They have set up a system of the control of man, avoiding the control of the Holy Spirit. To those who will consider it, there is a restoration possible.

 

However, as I look out on the churches today I see a complete iron clad control of man. They have woven a system of man-controlled churches. To give that up is highly unlikely!

 

Therefore, I must conclude that in almost all cases—I fear to think that it may be all cases—the church system today is rigged to the control man, and restoration is just not possible.

 

What will then have to happen is that there must be a leaving of this existing system and a complete starting again, with only the Holy Spirit to guide us. Not only this, but also I believe there must be a tearing down of these man-made, man-controlled structures; not by us, but by the Hand of God.

 

And I believe that this is what is happening, and will continue to happen. God will judge the existing “church” system that is so dedicate to man’s control. A new system of truly submitting in all that we do to Jesus and the Holy Spirit is what must come about. There will be no need for expensive buildings with high steeples—idols really!—but rather we will meet wherever it is convenient, seeking to serve the Lord Jesus in all that we do.

 

No longer will there have to be a control of man, as each one of us seeks the control of the Holy Spirit in our own lives—that is the true church!!