Believers For Christ

False Convert?

"Barnes and his Fellow-Prisoners Seeking Forgiveness",
from an 1887 edition of Foxe's Book of Martyrs,
illustrated by Kronheim.

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,

This letter is in regard to the subject of "false conversions" in the church. Several have written on the topic and some consider "false conversions" to be part of an "Epidemic in the Modern Church." This letter approaches the concern from a slightly different angle and offers a reconciled conclusion. Quickly grab a pen and a piece of paper. Let us work through this together in Christ.

CONFESSION ONE: I believe that I have never encountered a "false convert."

Have you?

Can you picture one of the "false converts" that you have met?

Does He or She have a name?

If He or She does have a name, please write it down.

Now, let us consider.

How do you know, for sure (without a shadow of a doubt), that this person was (or is) a "false convert?"

When were they converted? Were you there? Are you witness to their conversion?

What is their personal testimony of salvation?

What made (or makes) them "false" in your eyes?

Is there any hope remaining for them -or- are they doomed to be lost forever?

Please write down your answers to the above questions.

If you were able to answer ALL of the above questions, I would love to hear from you. My email address is mwfoutch@gmail.com, please drop me a note about your experience.

However, I do not expect to hear from many of you on this matter.

Why?

Because many believers don't know that much about each other.

However, before we go too far into our personal experiences, let us consider the following fact...

The term "false convert" does not appear in the Bible.

Selah (pause and think of this).

CONFESSION TWO: I believe that I have encountered all of the following in scripture.

I have encountered carnally-minded believers (1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Romans 8:6-7).

I have encountered believers who, for a moment (or many moments), have taken on the nature of the flesh (Galatians 5).

I have encountered believers (converts) who have fallen into sin (Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15-20).

I have encountered anti-Christ (unbelievers) - unconverted people - who do not believe that Jesus Christ has come "in the flesh" (1 John 4).

I have encountered certain ungodly men that believed not, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4-5).

I have encountered men with an unclean spirits (Mark 5:1-20).

I have encountered the unsaved delusional that believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11).

I have encountered sons of God, who have walked in disobedience (Luke 15:11-32).

I have encountered disorderly believers (2 Thessalonians 3:11-15).

I have encountered believers of all four types of soil (Mark 4).

I have encountered the unprofitable servant - both the good kind (Luke 17:1-10) and the bad kind (Matthew 25:14-30).

I have encountered false prophets, ravening wolves who are recognized by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20).

I have encountered murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (Jude 1:16)

I have encountered many of them! for they have gone in the way of Cain [envy and murder], and ran greedily after the error of Balaam [the love of money] for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core [rebellion against established authorities - insurrectionists] (Jude 1:11).

Yes, all of these cases exist (the carnally-minded, the sinful of the flesh, the anti-Christ, the unclean, the unsaved delusional, the disobedient sons, the disorderly, the four types of soil, the unprofitable servant, the false prophets, the murmurers, the judgmental, the murderers, the money hungry, and the insurrectionist). All of these cases are present in the Bible with solid scriptural understanding. Note that Biblical references are provided for each of the above.

But what about the "false-convert?"

Where is the Biblical example of the "false-convert" in the Bible before or after the cross of Jesus Christ? Who has falsely received the Holy Spirit of God? Who has falsely been changed into a new creation in Christ? Does God change people and then change them back? Or, is the new creation forever changed by God? (ref. 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Selah (pause and think of this).

Note: Some hold up Simon the Sorcerer as an example of a "false-convert" or even "the first false-convert" (Acts 8:9-25). Others explain that Simon was a believer in Christ that was caught up in sin and confronted directly about it - as should be. The ultimate outcome of Simon the Sorcerer is not revealed completely in scripture. Who but Christ Jesus can prove if Simon the Sorcerer was saved or lost forever?

THINK AGAIN: Where is the example of the "false convert" in scripture?

Where does the idea of "false conversion" originate?

Who coined the term?

Since it is not in scripture, where can one find the earliest use of this phrase?

HOLD IT...

Since the idea of "false conversion" doesn't appear in the word of God, what would lead me to think that the idea of "false conversion" is from the mind of Christ?

Selah (pause and think of this).

LET US CONSIDER...

What if the idea of "false conversion" it is a doctrine of man - a work of the flesh according to Galatians 5?

The idea of "false conversion" certainly has the traits and the fruit of the flesh - it implants doubt, it leaves no hope, it condemns, and it divides.

That kind of fruit is rotten to the core.

CONFESSION THREE: As a result of this study, I now believe that the entire idea of "false conversion" it is a doctrine of man - a work of the flesh according to Galatians 5.

I believe that the idea of the "false convert" is not a teaching of Christ Jesus.

Why?

The idea of the "false convert" judges and condemns.

Jesus didn't come to condemn the world (John 3:17, John 12:47). He came to save the world.

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
~ Jesus of Nazareth (John 3:17)

"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."
~ Jesus of Nazareth (John 12:47)

The idea of the "false convert" casts doubt, confuses, and removes hope.

Jesus is hope (1 Peter 1:3-6, Matthew 12:21). Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). The Spirit of God is of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Jesus can't deny who He is. Jesus is full of faith, hope, power, love, and is of a completely sound mind.

The idea of the "false convert" casts doubt upon the power of God. It says things like: "You didn't do it right, so it wasn't done."

The idea of the "false convert" denies the Word of God. The idea places more faith in what it sees, than in what it can't see. It places more faith in the actions of man than in the faith of God. The idea of the "false convert" is contrary to the faith in Christ Jesus.

Additional references: 2 Corinthians 5:7, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 10:9-13, Acts 16:31, Mark 16:16

CONFESSION FOUR: As a result of this study, I now believe that there is no such thing as a "false convert" in the body of Christ.

Why?

There is no legitimate (proven) example of a "false convert" in scripture.

There is no legitimate (proven) example of a "false convert" in practice.

The idea of the "false convert" it is a doctrine (an idea) of man that divides the body of Christ.

Jesus did not pray for His body to be divided.

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
~ Jesus of Nazareth (John 17:20-23)

If a person is in the body of Christ, then the person is truly in the body - not "falsely" in the body.

CONFESSION FIVE: I do not expect this letter to be well received by everyone.

Why?

Because it is contrary to the traditional teachings of man.

The following are answers and exhortations in regard to foreseen objections...

It is true that Jesus (the Word) comes with a double-edged sword (ref. Matthew 10:34 and Hebrews 4:12). It is true that The Lord shall divide the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31–46). It is true that The Lord's angels shall separate the wheat from the tares (Matthew 13:24-30 explained in Matthew 13:36-43). It is true that not everyone that says unto Jesus, "Lord, Lord," shall enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

BE CONSIDERATE...

Brothers and sisters in Christ: Let us consider our positions carefully. Let us ask ourselves often. "When did I become an angel of The Lord to separate?" "When did I become The Lord Himself to divide the sheep from the goats?" Let us be mindful of our positions - always. Jesus is the Lord!

"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (1 Corinthians 12:3)

Today, it is the Holy Spirit of God who abides in the believer that comforts and convicts (John 14:26, John 16:7-8).

It is the believer in Christ that plants and waters the good seed ... And God shall bring the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-9).

The Lord God is faithful!

Brothers and sisters in Christ: Make sure that your fruit is of The Holy Spirit (Galatians 5, Matthew 5-7).

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
~ Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 7:20-27)

It is true that judgment should begin in the house of The Lord (1 Peter 4:17).

However, brothers and sisters in Christ: Beware of ministering, living, and preaching out of the flesh. The flesh profits nothing.

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)

"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:6)

Clear instructions are already given the body of Christ in regard to judgment and discipline.

REALITY OF AND PROTOCOL FOR HANDLING SIN - Including RUMORS and the SPREADING OF RUMORS ... GOSSIP and SLANDER ...

For example, exact instructions are given in the word of God for the handling and treatment of a disorderly believer.

"...we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly ... if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him AS A BROTHER." (2 Thessalonians 3:11-15 KJV)

This person, the disorderly, should be treated "AS A BROTHER."

LOVE AND PRAY IN CHRIST - FOR ALL

CONFESSION SIX: I believe that the idea of the "false convert" is a temptation that causes brothers to treat each other not as brothers and even less than neighbors.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these... If ye love me, keep my commandments."
~ Jesus of Nazareth (Mark 12:30-31, John 14:15-31)

CONCLUSION: The idea of the "false convert" is error and it should be found in the mouths of the brethren.

"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT SO TO BE. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." James 3:10-17 KJV

God bless you brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sincerely,

Matthew Foutch (mwfoutch@gmail.com)

LOVE AND PRAY IN CHRIST - FOR ALL

If any doctrine (or idea, or tradition) causes one to suspect or believe that any man or woman is a devil that shouldn't be loved and/or prayed for - that doctrine (or idea, or tradition) is not from Christ Jesus.

For Christ Jesus teaches us even to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us. How much more in Christ are we to love our brother and our neighbor?

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
~ Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 5:44-45 KJV)

Who is it you know that isn't your brother, or isn't you neighbor, or isn't your enemy?

That list surely includes everyone who you will ever encounter in your life.

LOVE AND PRAY IN CHRIST - FOR ALL

Now we have rulers, authorities, laws, forces, and prisons to deal with people who are a danger to one another. People who are dangerous and/or abusive should be dealt with according to the authorities. There is no argument about that according to Romans 13.

However, notice also in the text of Romans 13 that it says: "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8 KJV).

JESUS IS PERFECTLY CLEAR IN HIS WORD - IN HIS COMMANDMENT - TO LOVE

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
~Jesus of Nazareth (John 13:34-35 KJV)

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
(Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." ~Jesus of Nazareth (John 14:15 KJV)

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." ~ Jesus of Nazareth (John 14:21 KJV)

Love and pray for your brother, your neighbor, and your enemy. Love and pray for ALL.

Contend for the faith! Don't allow any doctrine (or idea, or tradition) to separate you from the love and will and commandment of Christ Jesus.

"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you [only] love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same... But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful."
~ Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 6:31-36 AMP)

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:23 KJV)

What doctrine (or idea, or tradition) is greater than the love of Christ Jesus?

LOVE AND PRAY IN CHRIST - FOR ALL

Notice, however, that loving and praying for all is different than receiving all. For example, it would be foolish for a woman with children to receive a deceiver to stay in her house. There is at least one specific warning about this in scripture...

"... unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth ... many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds ..." (2 John 1:1-13)

Loving and praying for all does not at all mean to submit to all. Loving and praying for all does not at all mean to partake with all. This is wisdom that is made clear in the full counsel of God which includes (Romans 13:1-14 and 2 John 1:1-13). God has given us authorities for a good reason. God has given us wisdom for a good reason.

Remember this: God changes people through prayer.

In a most perfect example, first, Jesus Christ taught his disciples to "pray for them who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44-45). Then along came Saul of Tarsus, persecuting the disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 7:58-60, 1 Corinthians 15:9). Stephen, a disciple of Christ Jesus, (Acts 6:1-7) was the first to be persecuted to death in the sight of Saul. It is written that Stephen prayed for his persecutors when he was stoned (Acts 7:58-60) and it is written that Jesus witnessed this act and the prayers of his disciple Stephen (Acts 7:55-56). Yes. "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3). God saw that Saul was among the group of those persecutors that received Stephen's prayers (Acts 7:58-60). But Saul's behavior didn't change exactly at that moment. Saul continued to persecute. "Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison" (Acts 8:3). But Stephen, remembering the teachings of Jesus, had prayed for Saul and the persecutors; "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). It is likely also that other disciples, remembering the words of Jesus, prayed for Saul who persecuted them.

Did prayer make a difference with Saul?

"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:1-6)

Yes! God heard and answered the prayer of His faithful, the way of prayer that He Himself taught, to change Saul of Tarsus (a persecutor of Christ) into Paul the Apostle. Then Jesus taught Paul the Apostle as the rest of his disciples to "pray for them who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44-45). Paul, as a disciple of Jesus, writes that "... prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made FOR ALL MEN ..." (1 Timothy 2:1-15).

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
~ Paul the Apostle - formerly Saul of Tarsus - forever changed by Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:1-6)

Prayer Changes People’s Wills

All things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).

LOVE AND PRAY IN CHRIST - FOR ALL

Does God Ever Heal?

Does God Ever Heal?
By John G. Lake

The New Testament records forty-one cases of healing by Jesus, Himself. In nine of these instances not only were the individuals healed, but multitudes, and in three instances it especially say “great multitudes.”

With the growth of His life’s work, the demand for extension was imperative, and in Luke 9, we read:

“Jesus called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases, and he sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”

When they in turn were overwhelmed with work we read in Luke 10, that Jesus appointed Seventy others also, and sent them into the cities round about, saying, “Heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of god is come night unto you.

If there were any foundation whatever for the foolish belief that only Jesus and the apostles healed, the appointment of these Seventy should settle it. When the Seventy returned from their evangelistic tour, they rejoiced saying, “Master, even the demons were subject to thy name.”

In addition to the Seventy we read that the disciples complained to Jesus, saying: W saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.” And Jesus replied, “Forbid him not: for no man shall do a miracle in my name that can lightly speak evil of me. He that is not against us is for us.”

This then makes a New Testament record of eighty-for persons who healed during the life-time of Jesus. Jesus, the twelve apostles, seventy others, and the man who “followeth not with us.”

Paul and Barnabas were not apostles during the lifetime of Jesus, but we read in the Acts, of their healing many. Paul himself was healed through the ministry of Ananias, an aged disciple, who was sent to him through a vision from the Lord.

Philip was one of the evangelists who preached at Samaria, and under his ministry there were remarkable signs and wonders.

Under the ministry of the Apostle Paul, the sick were not only healed, and the dead raised, but handkerchiefs were brought to the apostle, that they might contact his person. When laid upon the sick, the disease disappeared and the “demon’ departed from them.

The Book of James gives final and positive instructions of what to do in case of sickness.

Commanding that if sick, one shall send for the elders of the Church. Concerning their prayer of faith the Word says:

“The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him.”

The great number of medieval miracles, deserve respectful treatment and the cumulative evidence of so much concurrent testimony by distinguished and upright men makes it impossible to think that they were all deluded and mistaken.

Ministry of Dr. John Alexander Dowie

During the life of John Alexander Dowie, and before his mentality was affected through overwork, he established a city in the state of Illinois, forty miles north of Chicago, on the lake shore, known as Zion City. The city was established in 1901. In twelve months it had a population of 4000. In three years the population was estimated at ten thousand. The city Council passed by-laws banishing drugs, medicine, and the use of swine’s flesh. None of these are used by his followers if they wish to remain in good standing. Their vital statistics reveal their death rate is lower than that of other cities of the same population. Insurance companies were afraid to insure the Zion people because of the well-known fact that they would not employ physicians or medicine. But at present, insurance companies are seeking their business. They are recognized to be among the healthiest people in the United States.

On an occasion at the Chicago Auditorium, persons from all parts of the world who had been healed through his ministry, were invited to send testimonies on a card 2&1/2 by 4&1/2 inches. It required five bushel baskets to hold these cards. They numbered sixty thousand. Ten thousand in the audience rose to their feet testifying to their own personal healing by the power of God, making grand total of Seventy thousand testimonies.

In South Africa, Divine Healing holds such sway among both black and white, that army officers estimated that in the recent war, twenty out of every hundred refused medical aid, and trusted God only. This necessitated in the army the establishment of a Diving Healing Corps, which ministered healing by the Spirit of God.

Among prominent physicians who have not only been healed of God, but have adopted the ministry of healing through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are: Phneas D. Yoakum of Los Angeles, head of the Pisgah Institution, whose blessed ministry of healing is recognized by Christians everywhere. Dr. William To, Gentry of Chicago, who was not only prominent in his profession as physician, but as the author of Materia Medica in twenty volumes, to be found in every first-class medical library. His publisher sold over 100,000 copies of this work.

To this I add my personal testimony, after twenty-five years in the ministry of healing, that hundreds of thousands of sick have been healed of the Lord, during this period, through churches and missionary societies founded on the pattern of the Primitive Church, finding God’s equipment of power from on high.

With this weight of testimony before us, it seems childish to continue debating the ability or willingness of God to heal the sick. Let us rather with open minds and heart receive the Lord Jesus Christ, as Saviour and Healer, and trust Him with our bodies as we trust Him with our souls.

"Almighty Dollar?" NO - THE DOLLAR IS NOT ALMIGHTY

"Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; THERE IS NO OTHER."
(Deuteronomy 4:39 NKJV)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, THE ALMIGHTY.”
(Revelation 1:8 NKJV)

"Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; HE REMOVES KINGS AND RAISES UP KINGS; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him. “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”
(Daniel 2:20-23 NKJV)

Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me UNLESS IT HAD BEEN GIVEN YOU FROM ABOVE. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”
(John 19:10-12 NKJV)

Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius [money - like into the dollar of today] that I may see it.” So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “RENDER TO CAESER THE THINGS THAT ARE CAESER'S, AND TO GOD THE THINGS THAT ARE GOD'S." And they marveled at Him.
(Mark 12:13-17 NKJV)

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. FOR THERE IS NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT FROM GOD, and the authorities that exist ARE APPOINTED BY GOD. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is GOD'S MINISTER to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is GOD'S MINISTER, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are GOD'S MINISTERS attending continually to this very thing. RENDER THEREFORE TO ALL THEIR DUE: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
(Romans 13:1-8 NKJV)

We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son JESUS CHRIST. THIS IS THE TRUE GOD and eternal life. LITTLE CHILDREN, KEEP YOURSELVES FROM IDOLS. Amen.
(1 John 5:18-21 NKJV)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I AM ALMIGHTY GOD; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”
(Genesis 17:1-2 )

THERE IS ONLY ONE ALMIGHTY - HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST - KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
(Revelation 19:11-16 NKJV)

"Almighty Dollar?" NO - THE DOLLAR IS NOT ALMIGHTY.

God bless you!

Reconciled Theology - Proper Direction and Purpose

THE PROPER DIRECTION AND PURPOSE OF RECONCILED THEOLOGY

Properly directed theology is fully reconciled to God.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

Properly directed theology is for the edification (the building up) of the body of Christ.

"And he gave some... teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ..." (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Edification educates, enlightens, inspires, and nurtures.

By nature, Reconciled Theology always edifies (builds up) the body of Christ.

In contrast, improperly directed theology confuses, perplexes, puzzles, clouds, darkens, and obscures. If anything about Reconciled Theology does this, it is not Reconciled Theology.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:17-18)

THE PROPER DIRECTION AND PURPOSE OF RECONCILED THEOLOGY is:
"again to make friendly the study of God" for the edifying of the body of Christ.

IN CHRIST

ONCE FAR-AWAY, NOW NEAR

ONCE LIVING DEAD, NOW LIVING ALIVE

NOW

TOGETHER WITH CHRIST

SAVED AND RAISED

RECONCILED TO GOD

ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF CHRIST

HE IS OUR PEACE

AND

WE ARE HIS WORK

CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS

BEING BUILT TOGETHER — EDIFIED

BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD

INTO A DWELLING PLACE FOR GOD

NOW

HAVING ACCESS TO THE FATHER

BY GRACE, THROUGH FAITH

IN CHRIST

“And you were dead by reason of your trespasses and sins, in which you once lived according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the realm of the air, of the spirit that is now energizing the sons of disobedience. Among them we also all once lived in the passions of our flesh, gratifying the desires and impulses of the flesh, and were by nature children of wrath, just like everyone else. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even though we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, to demonstrate in the ages to come the incomparable riches of his grace in kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not of works, so that no one may boast.

For we are His work, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance that we should do them. So remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the uncircumcision by those called the circumcision — made in the flesh by hands — remember that at that time you were apart from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were at that time far away have come near through the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down the dividing wall, having abolished in His flesh the hostility, the law of commandments and regulations, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and to reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, having put the hostility to death in Himself. And He came and preached the good news of peace to you who were far off and of peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have access by the one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus Himself, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

(Ephesians 2:1-22 MOUNCE)

IN CHRIST (Ephesians 2:1-22)

IN CHRIST

ONCE FAR-AWAY, NOW NEAR

ONCE LIVING DEAD, NOW LIVING ALIVE

NOW

TOGETHER WITH CHRIST

SAVED AND RAISED

RECONCILED TO GOD

ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF CHRIST

HE IS OUR PEACE

AND

WE ARE HIS WORK

CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS

BEING BUILT TOGETHER — EDIFIED

BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD

INTO A DWELLING PLACE FOR GOD

NOW

HAVING ACCESS TO THE FATHER

BY GRACE, THROUGH FAITH

IN CHRIST

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not of works, so that no one may boast.

(Ephesians 2:1-22 MOUNCE)

Photo Credit: The Narrow Road

The Way of Cain, The Error of Balaam, The Gainsaying of Core

Today at lunchtime I was struck with an overwhelming feeling of sadness to the point of nausea. Since I was feeling sick to my stomach, I went on to my prayer spot. While driving there, I became brightly aware of the sin of charging money for ministry (pay to pray). Realization of the disgusting nature of this practice caused my nausea to turn into tears. I thought of the times where I had been asked to speak at church services and how it was customary for people to be paid a small fee to share The Word of God. First, I pledged to The Lord not to accept money for ministry - instead always freely to give as I have to give. This is my current calling. (Others have different callings - I understand this, and I also understand that callings can change.) Then, I prayed for those who had done this - for those who have ministered outside of their calling. I prayed for those who have ministered for financial gain. And finally, I prayed for the victims of this practice. All sin has victims. After prayer, the nausea lifted and the tears turned into joy. I write this now for a purpose and will allow The Word of God to speak for itself.

Ministers, Brothers, Sisters... Make sure that you do not go the way of Cain, and run greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perish in the gainsaying of Core.

IN FULL CONTEXT: "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
(Jude 1:1-25 KJV)

Let us believers think clearly and soberly according to The Word of God and not according to the traditions of men.

Make sure that you are doing things for the right reasons.

Make sure that you are doing what you are called to do.

Pay attention and remember what I have said here. Please, friends, never let me become a "Likewise also..." according to Jude 1:8 KJV.

Thank you. God bless you!