The Wordly Church

What is happening?
I see that there are a few churches (not many) that are holding on to the message of the cross, but for the most part, they are not.
In truth most do not want to listen, I believe it is a condition of a hardened heart, not towards me but rather towards God.
Is any body seeking for purity any more?
Well yes some are, but only few.
Not many are trusting God to confirm his work.
Too much impatience, and not being still and know that he is God.
People are being robbed of intelligence, and discerment, and the leaders of most flocks, are leading people into passive obedience, rather then leading them into being
led of the Spirit, and to do some intelligent worship, and getting to know the truth so as to being not so easily deceived; wolves in sheeps clothing exploit people's
minds, into passive obedience.
It's important to know the words we use in worship, not just singing songs for the sake of singing songs, but knowing what we are singing, and many because of fearing
to offend pastors etc. will just go along with the flow, and when you do that, you are not being honest with yourself, and with God.
It's just tinkling brass, and sounding cymbals.
What ever happened to purity?
Here are a bunch of scriptures on the word pure.
Psalms 18:26
(26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.)
Psalms 24:4
(4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.)
Proverbs 21:8
(8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.)
Matthew 5:8
(8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.)
1 Timothy 1:5
(5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:)
2 Timothy 2:22
(22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.)
Now here is the meaning of the word "pure" in the Greek, concerning 2 Timothy 2:22.
G2513

katharos
kath-ar-os'
Of uncertain affinity; clean (literally or figuratively): - clean, clear, pure.

Now here is the definition of the word "pure", in the Webster's dictionary.
(Webster's dictionary)
(Pure
PURE, a. [L. purus.]
1. Separate from all heterogeneous or extraneous matter; clear; free from mixture;
as pure water; pure clay; pure sand; pure air; pure silver of gold. Pure wine is
very scare.
2. Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt;
undebased by moral turpitude; holy.
3. Genuine; real; true; incorrupt; unadulterated; as pure religion. James 1.
4. Unmixed; separate from any other subject or from every thing foreign; as pure
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mathematics.
5. Free from guilt; guiltless; innocent.)

Purity matters to God, and it's not that we are perfect, or have already attained, but that we allow God to change us and make us pure, in our actions, thoughts, and in
our speech.
We just have to surrender ourselves to God's salvation, to go deeper in the way of the cross, and allow ressurection life to flow in us and through us, what God wants is
surrender.
Here is an awesome verse.
Proverbs 16:17
(17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.)
The worldy church is in bed (spiritually speaking) with the world, and have very little discernment.
They love the ways of this world.
In Purity, there can be no mixture, and a pure heart is an honest heart, honest towards sin, therefore repenting, and walking in repentance, but also honest towards what
is righteousness, walking in the righteousness of Christ, which enables us to obey his word.
Faith reacts to God's word, and Christians have no ideal how free that they truly are, and this only because of what Christ done, thus they have the ability to obey
God's word as a result, when you know it's God, don't hesitate to obey him, for it should be instant obediance of the heart, and his commandments are not griveous,
they are only griveous to them who are fighting against God, or who are walking in the flesh.
The old man does not enjoy the things of God, but God wants us to put off our old man, their is no ressurection ability in the old man, we cannot live for God through
the sinful old man, we need the Holy Ghost, and his ability.
Let us go unto scriptures.
1 John 2:15-16
(15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.)
We should not love the ways of this world, or the system it operates by, or lives through.
It operates through self, self empowerment, self esteem, self motivational, self help, selfishness.
Men without God, can show a certain type of love towards other men, but it is not the love of God, or the type of love that God wants us to show.
The world's love is self empowered, but the love that we get from God, as Christians, is God empowered.
Here's an interesting scripture.
1 Corinthians 13:3
(3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing)
Charity here, refers to the word "love", and I believe the reason the King James people, chose the word "charity" to describe the word "love", is because that charity, is
an action word.
Now it says here that, you can give or bestow all your goods to feed the poor, but have no love!!!!!!!
Wow!!! What a statement.
Now the world, whether through giving things to people etc. etc. etc., operate through self empowerment, why? Because that is what they live through, there is no other
way for them, that is except they repent, and surrender their lives to Jesus, then they can know a new life.
In some Christrian circles, they encourage self esteem, and all that this does is, uplift someone's ego, yes it may make them feel good, because it builds up pride, but
they will never know the power of God, through this means, simply because God does not operate through this means.
He saves us from our sin or sin nature, and saves us from ourselves which could not fulfil the law, and the bible says that whatsoever is not of faith, is sin!!!
Self is not of faith, faith in self will do you no good, for it's faith in God tha moves the mighty mountain!!!
God's grace, gives us empowerment and ability, not us!!!
Our self worth is in Christ, and Christ alone, through his finished work on calvary, the resurection, and his life.
We needed all 3 to happen, that is, his perfectly lived life so to be a perfect sacrifice, his death so to pay the penalty for our sins, and the resurection so to bring us life.
We cannot esteem ourselves in ourselves, we can only esteem ourselves in what Christ done, for it's Christ that makes us saints, it's Christ that makes us joint heirs with
him, it's Christ that makes us an Holy Nation, a Royal Priesthood etc. etc. etc.
It's all Christ!!!
A self empowered church, is a defeated church, and it's not a wise church to be in.
Now let's go back to the 1 John scripture of not loving the world.

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1 John 2:15-16
(15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.)
Now let's focus on this word: "the pride of life".
Now the word pride in the Greek, in 1 John 2:16, means:
G212
alazoneia
al-ad-zon-i'-a
From G213; braggadocio, that is, (by implication) self confidence: - boasting,
pride.

So here is, the actual Greek word used (al-ad-zon-i'-a ), and it goes along with this word called braggadocio, which points to self confidence!!! Boasting!!! Pride!!!
Is this a coincidence?
Surely not, so you see clearly here, that God is against self confidence!!!
Now what about the word life, in this peticular scripture?
G979

bios
bee'-os
A primary word; life, that is, (literally) the present state of existence; by
implication the means of livelihood: - good, life, living.

So the word "life" here means, life, livelihood etc, which points to things pertaining to life, which is not speaking of Christ's life, but rather life in general.
So what is this "Pride of life" that it speaks of in 1 John ? Which God is against?
Well it is talking about the "boastings" , the "pridefulness" , and the "confidences" , of this life.
And now Let us cover each of these 3, one by one.

- The confidences of this life

What is the confidences of this life?
Well let us go to scriptures, and at the same time, give all kinds of examples.
Phillipians 3:3
(3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.)
Obviously, there were some people in the church of Philippi, that were being influenced by others, in having confidence in their flesh to save them, or in their deeds of
salvation (so-called) , to save them, such as the circumcision of the flesh, but God does not want us to have confidence in our own strength to do works, that we think
will save us.
Well the confidences of this life, has confidence in self, has salvation in self, enjoys the luxuries of this life, through a heart that boasts of self accomplishments.
Psalms 118:8
(8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.)
The confidences of this life, has confidence in the ability of gaining money, and some because of being rich, almost think that their riches will never run out.
It's a type of confidence, that often times because of the gain of many goods, relishes in self because of their gain of goods, to were that they are it, noyone can touch
them.
It's just simply confidence that does not rely or have faith in God.
Now let's cover, the pridefulness of this life, which really is very similar.

- The pridefulness of this life

Psalms 10:4
(4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.)

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Pride trust in self, and not in God, and there is a countenance to pride, for that is what it shows, and the countenance is, is of someone who uplifts himself, or exalts
himself, and you can see it in their attitude, their looks, or high looks etc.
Proverbs 8:13
(13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.)
God hates pride, and he hates it when we exalt ourselves and try to steal his glory.
Pride gloats in self, is not humble, as an attitude to it, and produces self confidence and the glorification of someone or something, other than an Holy God.
Pride is opposed to true holiness.
Proverbs 13:10
(10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.)
Wow!!! Its says that only by pride cometh contention, what a strong statement ???
Now what is this meaning ?
Is it meaning, that if any person is contentious against you, that you are acting in pride or are prideful???
Well what about some of Jesus' statements ??? Did not some people get contentious about some of his statements ???
Well let us go to scripture and see.
Luke 4:24-30.
(24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was
throughout all the land;
26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,)
Was Jesus prideful here, in what he said?
By all means no, for Jesus was perfect, and what he did here, was tell them the truth, which they could not accept, and they were the ones that were prideful, and pride
stirs up contentions, for it is not subject to the truth, and always wants to be right for the sake of being right, rather than loving people for the sake of truth.
Well in the so-called church today, if you speak truth , in love, or in any way, often times, if it gets people angry, you will be accused of causing divisions, and being full
of pride or full of yourself, when in reality, it is them stirring up the strife in the assembly, because they do not want to subject themselves to truth.
A worldy church is not concerned about truth, they are just concerned in getting along, rather then walking in purity and honesty.
Compromising the truth is not good.
So that covers, the pridefulness of this life, and now unto the boastings of this life.

- The boastings of this life

Now we will go unto scriptures concerning this area of boastings.
And no, none of us are perfect or have attained, but nevertheless, we must cling to that which is good and not to that which is evil.
The church is in deep bondage today, and part of it is because of lack of discernement, and not wanting to give up our idols.
2 Corinthians 10:16-18
(16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.)
To boast in another man's work is not good, for you are either taking credit for what is done (which you did not do), or you're trying to get a certain association with
the person so to make you look good, either way, it's to boost one self, to make self look good which is based on merrits, and boost's up someone's ego.
God does not wants us to look to self, for there is no salvation in us, but he wants us to be ever dependant upon him, for he is our salvation, and it's the crucifixion of
the flesh, and sin nature that he wants, and not for us to live according to the sin nature.
James 4:14-16
(14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.)
This is someone with a boastful attitude, concerning what they will do on the morrow or even in future days, and they boast in a manner such as: well I will go to the
sunny beaches of California and splurge on the sun, and I will have a great job making 500 thousnad a year etc. etc. etc., and it can be boasting of missionary trips or
other things as well, but we should talk humbly about things, and ought to say "if the Lord will" , for we need his guidance.
D'ont boast of the things of this life, walk humbly before the Lord, for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

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Acts 5:36-37
(36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and
all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were
dispersed.)
Here was a man (Theudas), who exalted himself, boasting himself to be somebody; and one spirit, which is one of the spirits which more often than not, inspires or
brings about the spirit of boasting on the scene, is the spirit of competition.
Think about it, what does competition provoke out of people?
A need to be better than the other person.
Does God in any way shape or form, ever encourage competition?
Well there is not one single scripture that encourages competition, in the whole entire bible!!!
So how then is competition right? Or is it right?
Well let us go unto the book of Galatians.
Galatians 5:19-20
(19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,)
Now one of the works of the flesh, is the word that is called: "emulations".
And here is the Greek definition of the word "Emulations".
(G2205

zlos
dzay'-los
From G2204; properly heat, that is, (figuratively) zeal (in a favorable sense,
ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively of God], or an
enemy, malice): - emulation, envy (-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.)

Now here is the Webster's dictionary, definition, of the word emulations.

(Webster's dictionary)
(Emulation
EMULA'TION, n. The act of attempting to equal or excel in qualities or actions;
rivalry; desire of superiority, attended with effort to attain to it; generally in a good
sense, or an attempt to equal or excel others in that which is praise-worthy,
without the desire of depressing others. Rom 11. In a bad sense, a striving to
equal or do more than others to obtain carnal favors or honors. Val.5.
1. An ardor kindled by the praise-worthy examples of others, inciting to imitate
them, or to equal or excel them. A noble emulation heats your breast.
2. Contest; contention; strife; competition; rivalry accompanied with a desire of
depressing another. Such factious emulations shall arise.)

Now it's right to emulate Christ, but we do so in a way to were we are really becoming like him, because we allow him to conform us to his image, but the emulations
(which is in plural form) mentioned in Galatians, is a work of the flesh, and it is based on a type of negative zeal, jealousy, a type of envy, which provokes wanting to be
better than or trying to equal someone, or trying to be someone your not, that is competition, and competition, truthfully, is a work of the flesh, and not a work that
Christ is producing in us, it is against God's nature.
It is clear here just by the definitions, that competition is wrong, but some might say, well if competition is wrong, then why did armies battle against each other, in the
bible, and why does Paul mention racing in a race or fighting the good fight of faith, if there is no competition?
Well good question, but really the answer is extremely simple.
In the wars of the old testament, when Israel went to battle, and conquered by the hand of God, God always went before them so they could have the victory, it was a
victory already prepared by God, all they had to do is go in faith or believe that God would give them the victory, and when they were faithful, God always led them,
and he always went before them, so it was not a victory dependant upon men, but rather as a result of them trusting God and letting him lead them, he (God) gave them
the victory, God never needed the victory, for who does he need victory over?
And men could not truly get the victory over other armies, especially in a way that would glorify God. It's God that gave the victory to Israel, it was a victory that
needed no competition, for the victory was already gotten even before they went to attack the armies.
This is what the bible says:

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2 Chronicles 20:15
(15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by
reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.)
The battle is not yours !!! The battle is not yours!!! The battle is not yours!!! But God's!!!!!!! Is this really referring to a competition, because the reality of it is, is God
is not at all in competition with Satan, infact Satan even though very much alive, and reeking havoc on earth, is a defeated foe.
It was Satan that was the very first to compete, for he sought to be like the most High, and have his throne set above the stars of God (Isaiah 14:12-14).
He wanted to be God, he was trying to compete with God, for he was jealous of God, but God did not compete with him, for he could have snaped his fingers and
Satan would exist no more, so no God did not compete with Satan, and God's judgment was not set on Lucifer, because God was competing with him, but God had to
do justice because of his holiness, the spirit of competition is nowhere found in God, for he is that he is, he's the great I am, he does not try to defeat people, but rather
he just wanted people to have a relationship with him, and because of sin, man rept what they have sown, and because of God's holiness, God could not contain his
judgment, but I thank God that he sent his son to die for us , and God did so, because he loved us.
How is the spirit of competition found here? Well in truth , competition is non existant in God.
He is that he is, he's the great "I AM".
Does any body really grasp this truth?
He's the creator, he has always existed, always was perfect, always was holy, and always will be existant, holy etc.
If he is that he is, then were is the need for competition? There isn't any.
God is love!!!!!!! And competition is not one of the attributes of love, and if you want proof of this, then read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
Men love their idols.
Now what about Paul mentioning racing in a race, or fighting the good fight of faith, is that referring to competition?
Well let us go to those scriptures.
1 Corinthians 9:23-27
(23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.)
What kind of a race is it talking to us about here?
Is the word race used as an example here?
And if so, then what kind of race is it even talking about here?
Well it's a race that we run with certainty, but in a competitive race, there is no certainty, only one wins the prize, but concerning God's salvation, all you have to do is
not win the race, but rather just finish the race, so this spiritual race is not based on competition, which would require works, and self ability, but rather it is a victorious
race, which has many victors, and they are victors, not because of competition, or self effort, but rather because they just simply believe God, which enables them to
finish the race, they allow God to bring them to their heavenly destiny.
Christ already got the victory of the race for us, and he did so without competing for it, for why would Jesus try to compete with Satan? That just doesn't make any
sense.
Jesus came as a perfect man, he had nothing to gain for himself in perfectly obeying God's law, for Jesus was already perfect, not only a perfect man, but a perfect
God.
Jesus did this for us, and during his ministry, he kept his eyes on the Father, yes Satan was there to tempt him, but even though that is so, Jesus kept his eyes on the
Father, and he was dependant upon the Father, and "we" as imperfect humans beings, need the Father that much more.
We don't compete for salvation, we just receive it, and then we walk in it, well in Jesus' case he never even needed salvation, but rather he obtained salvation for us, by
doing something man could not do for himself.
It was an act of getting victory for man, and not getting victory for himself.
Jesus did something for somebody else (man), rather than for himself.
Competition involves rivalry, to get something for one self, and consists of one defeating the other person, and not already being in a state of victory, or getting victory
for someone else.
And frankly, how can one get victory for someone else? For when you run a physical race, not every one wins, and you cannot get victory for someone else, for it's
either they cross the finish line before you, or you cross the finish line before them, that's the only way it can go.
There is only one that can get victory for someone else in true fashion, and that's God, for with man, it's not possible.
And by the way, God has no rivals, he does nothing to try to obtain for himself, for he does not have any wants, he is self existant, self sufficent, and totally perfect, but
he does require something from man though, and that is man's worship, and man's faith.
He gave us a free gift, and we do not have to compete for it !!!
And remember that no human race (such as a track and field race) is of certainty, but the race of salvation is of certainty, and everyone the crosses the finish line is a
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winner, so there is no selfishness here at all.

So now we go unto 1 Timothy 6:12.
1 Timothy 6:12
(12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.)
What kind of a fight is the good fight of faith?
It is a good fight.
Why is it a good fight, and not a bad fight? For in truth, fights are usually always bad, for someone always gets hurt to some degree or another.
So then, why is this fight good?
Because it is a fight that we fight with confidence, it is a victorious fight, or should be, because we are properly putting our faith in the finished work of Christ.
Christ's work is a fully accomplished work, and we should have confidence in this fight, and we fight against evil spirits, not so to obtain something that is not already
there for us, but rather for us to grow in this faith that he has already given to us, it's to cast out the doubts whom evil spirits use, to get us from stopping to grow in
God's salvation, that's the true fight.
It's not a fight of competition, but rather a fight for us to increase in what Christ has already given, or done for us.
That's the confident, good fight of faith!!!
The reason we lose victories, is because that at that moment in time, your faith was not properly put in the finished work of the cross.
In Christ, there is no such thing as losing victories, for the victory has already been won for us, but self dependance always causes a loss of victory, or being defeated.
There's no victory in the flesh, and there's total victory in Christ, that's the way it goes.
And in truth, at times, we all go into defeat, but don't stay there, just get back up, and continue with Christ.
Isn't God good!!!!!!!
And before I leave this issue about the spirit of competition, I just want to cover it, just a little bit more.
In the church, some will go totally against spiritually competing with one another for the things of God, yet on the other hand, these same people approve of competing
physically in sports against one another, isn't this a contradiction?
Competition no matter how you see it, is still competition, irregardless to a certain facet of life, it's no different spiritually speaking as physically speaking for it is the
same , exact, spirit.
So then Why do people, on one hand reject competition in the spiritual realm, yet accept it in the physical realm?
Well it's simply because they love the spirit of competition, in the way it boost's up their egos, and it's an idol to them.
People love their idols!!!
And it's either they do not want to give it fully up, or their eyes have not yet been open to it yet, but I know that often times, people use excuses.
Almost all the church is caught up into this spirit, yes even the few good preachers that there are out there.
God does not say that bodily competition profiteth little, but rather he says this:
1 Timothy 4:8
(8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.)
So bodily exercise does indeed profit our bodies, and it says here that it does profit a little, but Godliness profits even more.
So the bible does show us that bodily exercise does profit us, but it never ever, not even remotely, mentions how bodily "competition" profits us.
Now what about competition in business?
Well here is an interesting scripture.
1 Corinthians 10:24
(24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.)
We are not to just seek for our own good, or the profit of ourselves, but also to seek out for another man's wealth, or to prosper someone else, and when a business is
in the spirit of competition, they are not seeking for the other business' good, but they are only looking out for themselves.
Competition is very self serving, only looks out for it's own good.
Now yes to make a sell, you need a decent product, but as Christians, if we have a business, our purpose should not to try to out beat another business, but rather it
should be just to try your best to have the product God would have you have, and try to please the customers as much as can be.
But the goal should never be to crush the competition, or even to have faith in your product, but rather you should trust God to prosper your business, and if you have a
chance to help out another business, especially if struggling, then why not, we should lookout for the good of all men, and all men potentially should have the right to
have their own business, if that's the direction they ought to go, but competition, often times can prevent this, and competition is greedy and selfish.
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If God's true love was abounding in this world, people would seek to prosper, one another.
Now if you business does better than another, then so be it.
Romans 13:10
(10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.)
Love does not work ill to anybody, it's seeks not to destroy people, but the spirit of competition is opposite to love, for it destroys, it seeks to reign, it seeks to be the
ultimate best, but does not seek the good of others, but rather it's own good.
Now that's the spirit of competition in a nutshell!!!!!!!
And the spirit of competition, is a very boastful spirit, and that is partly why, I covered it in this section called "the boastings of this life".
So that covers, this section of The confidences of this life, The pridefulness of this life, and The boastings of this life, which is = to : "the pride of life" which is
found in 1 John 2:16.
And in truth, the church is getting more and more worldly as we speak, and is virtually void of discernment.
Now at this moment, I want to deal with an issue that is prevailling in alot of churches today.
This, and similar sayings, is what is being said: "after all, doctrine divides; it's the mission that really unites us." .
And also what I have heard many times is that God won't judge us according to doctrine, for he won't say well done thou good and doctrinal believing saint, but rather
he will say, well done thou good and faithful saint.
Now here is a quote from Rick Warren.
(page 34 of The Purpose Driven Life)
(Warren says: "God won't ask about your religious background or doctrinal
views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you
and did you learn to love and trust him?")

Now these views that I have mentioned above, are very popular, I have heard such similar views many times come out of Christians' mouths, I even talked to my
former pastor (whom I love), and he hears these such sayings constantly.
But do these people really know what they are saying?
First of all, the bible says that we are justified by faith, and how do you get faith?
Romans 10:17
(17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.)
What is the word of God? It is God's doctrine.
Is doctrine important to God?
Well I will quote scriptures so to see.
2 Timothy 4:2
(2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.)
2 Jonn 1:9
(9 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.)
Doctrine, as you can see in these scriptures, is very important to God, and it says that if one transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God!!!
Wow!!! What a strong statement.
And God loves sound doctrine.
Titus 1:9
(9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.)
Sound doctrine, is doctrine which harmonises with the word.
And part of the doctrine of Christ, is found in Romans 10:9 which says:
Romans 10:9
(9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.)
Part of the doctrine of Christ, is the ressurection of Christ, and you have to believe in the doctrine of the ressurection to be saved!!!!
Now the word doctrine, in the Greek, in the case of Titus, means:

8 / 19

G1319

didaskalia
did-as-kal-ee'-ah
From G1320; instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning,
teaching.

Now what is the word of God? It is Jesus of course, and he is the living word.
Now what is doctrine? It is the teaching, instruction etc. of the word of God, for that is what we teach people, that is what God's doctrine or teaching is, the word of
God, and all of God's word is important to him.
Now we all make errors and mistakes, but nevertheless, that does not make God's word any more or less important, for we go by the word of God and allow the
word of God to change us, conform us, and guide us, and get us out of error.
False doctrine is extremely dangerous!!!
But today, alot of preachers, if you go against one of their doctrines, what they usually do, is harden their hearts, and not look into it, as if they have attained.
No one has attained, and no one is a god unto himself.
I am totally open to the doctrine of Christ, but not to false doctrine, and I do make mistakes in the word at times, but am open to see my errors, and because of this ,
God shows me my errors, and gets me out of it.
I have nothing to prove to anyone, I just go by the word of truth, and if it hurts the pride, so what, infact I hope it hurts, so that Christ humbles me, so I can receive.
We all get chastised now and again, so why all this pride, and fighting against God???
There is not enough honest Christians today and many are being lulled to sleep, and are being brought into passive obediance, which makes the leadership god, rather
than letting God be God.
The bible says this:
Romans 3:4
(4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.)
Just let God be true, trust in God.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
(3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.)
This scripture is actually what is happenning in a great majority of churches today, they want teachers who will preach to their itching ears, who will preach what people
want to hear, rather than what people need to hear.
Today there are alot of "SEEKER SENSITIVE CHURCHES" who will use any tactic they can, just to bring you in, they are flatterers, and are full of deception.
Many are turning away their ears to the message of the cross, many churches mention the cross, but how many are really preaching the message of the cross?
Will you be judged by doctrine?
2 John 1:7-9
(7 For 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.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 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.)
The word abide, is referring to someone who not only has received the doctrine of Christ, but who is continuing in the doctrine of Christ, so if you do not continue in his
doctrine, it says that you hath not God!!!
This scripture was speaking to believers, and in verse 9, it says: "look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought".
So you can see that you can lose the things that pertain to salvation, and whosoever among them (believers), who transgresseth, and does not abide, continue, dwell or
remains in the doctrine of Christ, can and could eventually lose what God has given them, and then no longer be of God.
Wow!!! What a statement, so then we can conclude that there will be a judgment pertaining to doctrine, to were if you do not continue in Christ's doctrine, you can
actually lose your salvation!!! And be declared no longer of God !!!!!!!
So whoever says that doctrine is not important, they obviously do not understand the gospel, and are walking on a thin line.
Titus 2:10
(10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.)
God wants us to adorn the doctrine of Christ, in all things, in all aspects of life.
God wants for us to be free, in all aspects of life!!!!!!!
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Now the next thing that I will show you, is how the newer bible versions, pertaining to the scripture that talks about the works of the flesh, does not include false
doctrine as one of the works of the flesh, and what they are doing is, is watering down the message of Christ, and this gradual watering down, will lead alot of
Christians to accept the ecumenical way, which is not of God, and is of the pit of hell.
Today's New International
Version

New International Version

New American Standard

Bible

Galatians 5:19-21
Galatians 5:19-21
(19 The acts of the sinful nature
are obvious: sexual immorality,
impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of
rage, selfish ambition,
dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness,
orgies, and the like. I warn you,
as I did before, that those who
live like this will not inherit the
kingdom of God.)

King James Version

The Message

Galatians 5:19-21

Galatians 5:19-21

Galatians 5:19-21
(19 The acts of the sinful nature
are obvious: sexual immorality,
impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of
rage, selfish ambition,
dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness,
orgies, and the like. I warn you,
as I did before, that those who
live like this will not inherit the
kingdom of God.)

(19 Now the deeds of the flesh

are evident, which are:
immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities,
strife, jealousy, outbursts of
anger, disputes, dissensions,
factions,
21 envying, drunkenness,
carousing, and things like these,
of which I forewarn you, just as
I have forewarned you, that
those who practice such things
will not inherit the kingdom of
God.)

(19 Now the works of the flesh (19 -21It is obvious what kind
are manifest, which are these; of life develops out of trying to
Adultery, fornication,
get your own way all the time:
uncleanness, lasciviousness,
repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, stinking accumulation of mental
variance, emulations, wrath,
and emotional garbage; frenzied
strife, seditions, heresies,
and joyless grabs for happiness;
21 Envyings, murders,
trinket gods; magic-show
drunkenness, revellings, and
religion; paranoid loneliness;
such like: of the which I tell you cutthroat competition; allbefore, as I have also told you in consuming-yet-never-satisfied
time past, that they which do
wants; a brutal temper; an
such things shall not inherit the impotence to love or be loved;
kingdom of God.)
divided homes and divided lives;
small-minded and lopsided
pursuits; the vicious habit of
depersonalizing everyone into a
rival; uncontrolled and
uncontrollable addictions; ugly
parodies of community. I could
go on. This isn't the first time I
have warned you, you know. If
you use your freedom this way,
you will not inherit God's
kingdom. )

So the T.N.I.V, the N.I.V and the New American Standard bible, all mention the word "factions" as being a work of the flesh.
Now what does the word faction, actually mean?
(World English Dictionary)
(faction
1. a group of people forming a minority within a larger body, esp a dissentious
group
2. strife or dissension within a group)

So a faction is basically a type of dissagreement within a group, but is not specific to what kind of disagreement.
I know that many churches, whether it be scriptural or non scriptural disagreements, to them it does not matter, as long as you keep the unity, whether truth is there or
not.
So the word faction, all by itself, is not discriptive, just talks about disagreements, dissensions etc.
Now what about the word "heresies" which the King James bible uses, what does it mean?
(Easton Dictionary)
(Heresy
From a Greek word signifying
(1.) a choice,
(2.) the opinion chosen, and
(3.) the sect holding the opinion. In the Acts of the Apostles (Act_5:17;
Act_15:5; Act_24:5, Act_24:14; Act_26:5) it denotes a sect, without reference
to its character. Elsewhere, however, in the New Testament it has a different
meaning attached to it. Paul ranks heresies with crimes and seditions
(Gal_5:20). This word also denotes divisions or schisms in the church
(1Co_11:19). In Tit_3:10 a heretical person is one who follows his own selfwilled questions, and who is to be avoided. Heresies thus came to signify selfchosen doctrines not emanating from God (2Pe_2:1). )

Now here it is in the Greek.

G139

hairesis
10 / 19

hah'ee-res-is
From G138; properly a choice, that is, (specifically) a party or (abstractly)
disunion. (heresy is the Greek word itself.): - heresy [which is the Greekord
itself], sect.

Now here is a scripture, that describes the word "Heresies" a bit better, which has the same Greek word.
2 Peter 2:1
(1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the
Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.)
So you can see in 2 Peter that, heresies was talking about something specific, which was false doctrine, that's why it says about these false teachers and prophets that
they shall bring in damnable heresies, which one of them is denying the Lord that bought them.
So heresies (plural for there are many), refers to a type of disunion, which is brought about through shisms, divisions, which brings about sectarianism, but the type of
disunion it's speaking about, is a specific type, it's not shisms in general, but rather shisms that are based on a different mind set, than that of our Lord's mindset.
It's referring to false doctrine!!! So this is much more specific than a mere faction, because factions can happened in many kinds of ways, but false doctrine, specifies
something specific, which is directly going against the Lord himself, and not just people!!!!!!!
Paul says this about the scriptures.
Galatians 1:8
(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.)
So the onus is not on us, nor was it on Paul, for the authority is the scriptures themselves, for that is our authority.
Paul was even disqualifying himself if he preached another gospel, which he showed us what the true authority was, which is the bible.
It seems that alot of people seem to love heresy.
And the ecumenical movement is leading alot of Christians into many types of heresies, such as self esteem, the doctrine of "positive thinking", faith in self, faith in words
etc. etc. etc.
They are leading many people into "Passive Obedience" , and they are messing around with man's "conscience" but not only man's conscience, but man's
"subconscience" !!!!!!!
This is extremely dangerous !!!!!!!
It's "Mind Control" !!!!!!!!
They will say, "doctrine divides, let's just put our differences asside", but what they are truly saying by this message, is this: "just listen to me, I know all the answers".
That is what you are really saying, when the authority is not the scriptures.
They would never say this, but that's what they are practising, for they are god's unto themselves.
Follow me, or else you will get kicked out of the assembly, or you will be ignored etc. , is some of the things these false teachers will do.
And most of these groups, use all kinds of gimmicks, in order to try to win converts.
And here are some quotes, concerning one of the false teachers, promoting alot of this manure.
(Rick Warren, SuperConference 2003, at Liberty University)
(Theres no such thing as Christian music. There are just Christian lyrics. To insist
that all good music came from Europe 200 years ago; theres a name for that racism.)

(Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church, page 62)

("How do you define faithfulness? Are you being faithful to God's Word if you
insist on communicating it in an outdated style?)

(Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Church, p. 256)

("The point Paul is making is that we must be willing to adjust our worship
practices when unbelievers are present (1 Corinthians 14:23). God tells us to be
sensitive to the hang-ups of unbelievers in our services. Although Paul never used
the term 'Seeker Sensitive,' he definitely pioneered the idea.")

I have heard many people in the Christian world make similar claims, such as: "the music doesn't matter, it's just the words that matter" .
And at this moment, I want to deal with this peticular issue of music, and later, we will probably get to the other quotes.
11 / 19

Does music, all by itself, matter to God?

Well let us go unto the scriptures.
1 Samuel 16:22-23
(22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the
evil spirit departed from him.)
It may be that, the reason it says "an evil spirit from God" here, is because that God gave Saul over to this evil spirit, because of Saul's rebellion, and therefore in this
way it came from God, but nevertheless, what happened was that Saul had sumonned for David to come and play the harp before him, and through just the playing of
the harp, no evidence of singing at all, the evil spirit left Saul.
So here it shows that there is power in just playing music with an instrument, that is as long as the spirit of God is in it.
What David did, was just simply play the harp, and as a result, an evil spirit left Saul, Wow!!!
Which goes to show that music itself, is important to God, and trust me, most music that is made today, whether through just playing an instrument, or through music
and lyrics, will not cause an evil spirit to flee, which obviously shows that there is a difference in music.
Most music, to tell you the truth, boost's up man's flesh, pride or ego, it can also arouse sexual thoughts, or even self pity.
So this view, which is a popular view, of there being no such thing as Christian music, or music itself not being important, is actually false.
And the reason why people like Rick Warren, say such comments as there not being any such thing as Christian music, is because they believe in using any type of
music, just as long as there are Christian lyrics to it.
Now what is Christian music? Well I will ask another question, what is worldly music?
Is there a spirit to this world?
1 Corinthians 2:12
(12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.)
Yes there is, for it mentions it, right here, which it calls it "The spirit of the world".
When we received Christ, we did not receive the spirit of the world, but rather the spirit which is of God.
And the spirit which is of God, is different from the spirit which is of the world.
What is contained in the spirit of the world?
Well the ways of this world, which goes by the works of the flesh.
What are the works of the flesh?
Galatians 5:19-21
(19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not
inherit the kingdom of God.)
Now one of the works of the flesh, is the word: "revellings".
What does the word revellings mean?
Well here is the Greek definition of it.
G2970

kmos
ko'-mos
From G2749; a carousal (as if a letting loose): - revelling, rioting.

Now here is the definition, in the Webster's dictionary.

(Webster's dictionary)
(Reveling REV'ELING, ppr.
Feasting with noisy merriment; carousing.
REV'ELING, n.

12 / 19

A feasting with noisy merriment; revelry. Gal 5. 1 Pet 4.)

And finally, here is a definition of it, in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
(International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
(Revellings
revel-ingz (, kmos): The word is found both in the King James Version
and in the Revised Version (British and American) in The Wisdom of Solomon
14:23 (the Revised Version (British and American) revels, orgiastic heathen
worship is in point); 2 Macc 6:4; Gal_5:21; 1Pe_4:3. In Gal_5:21 it is classed
with fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, etc., as one of the works of the flesh.
In 1Pe_4:3 it is spoken of the Gentiles and is classcd with drunkenness and
carousings and such like. In Rom_13:13 the Revised Version has revelling
instead of the King James Version rioting, and in 2Pe_2:13, revel replaces
riot. Similarly in Amo_6:7, revelry replaces banquet. The obvious meaning
of the word is excessive and boisterous intemperance and lustful indulgence.)

Now what does the word "boisterous" mean?

(Collins English Dictionary)
(boisterous [bstrs -strs] adj
1. noisy and lively; unrestrained or unruly
2. (of the wind, sea, etc.) turbulent or stormy)

So you can see that, the word revellings, covers alot of ground, and this type of attitude can bring people into riots, but does not always do so.
This type of attitude is loud, and has a party hardy attitude to it, it is boisterous, and cries out loud noises of boisterous flesh.
Some have fleshy whitles to it, and this type of attitude does not glorify God, but rather the flesh.
This type of attitude makes people feel good, but not feeling good because of the Spirit of God, but rather feeling good, because they are boasting in their flesh, and this
fleshy attitude as some type of worship towards some man or woman, and it can be towards an object, or even music.
In this attitude, you are glorifying the thing rather than the creator, and often times people in the world, just sing songs for the sake of singing songs, rather than even
knowing what they are singing.
Some people in the world might listen to the words, and might forsake songs with bad words, but alot do not even pay attention to the words, and just pay attention to
the beat.
And irregardless to this, they all (worldly people) sing songs, that will please them in some form, but never for the real sake, of glorifying God, just for selfish reasons.
So revellings is a type of unrestrained, party hardy attitude, which produces hardened faces, prideful hearts, lustful ambitions, worship towards the music, rather than
using music to worship God, and also it produces worship towards a man or woman.
It gives a feeling of a type of elevation towards another human being, because of their good looks, their nice voice, their nice apparel, and in truth, that is what goes on
in most of what you call Christian concerts, it is no different than the world.
And often times you hear those fleshy whitles, and boisterous flesh, and they may sing songs with the word Jesus in it, but did you know that you can actually be
mentioning the name of Jesus, and be taking his name in vain???
Now can we be loud in true worship towards God? Well of course we can, but this loudness will not be based on boisterous flesh, but will be based on just being so
happy in the Lord, that you just have to shout his praises, it is what is called, the joy of the Lord.
Right now, I want to do, a comparison between God's music, and it's fruits, and the world's music and it's fruits.
God's Music

The World's Music

It's fruits

It's fruits

- produces humility
- reverence towards God
- greatfulness
- purity
- selflessness
- dependence
- godly love
- honesty
- the joy of the Lord
- tears of reverence and adoration
- people being set free of bondages
- pure thoughts
- peace
- a longing for more of God
- a heart felt worship
- freedom rather than anxiety or worry

- selfish motives
- uplifts prideful self esteem
- worships self, man or things
- self pleasing
- pridefulness and boastfulness
- boasterous
- worldy sorrow
- sexual thoughts
- lustful ambitions
- party hardy attitude
- head banging
- cool dude attitude, which is truly
based on selfishness
- self importance, to were you are it
- empowers self within self
- a who cares attitude
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- a change which produces love for

one's neighbour, and a deeper love for
God
- caring
- uplifts God
- you get uplifted in God, and not in self

- rebelious attitude
- rebelion even in some cases towards
authority
- rebellion towards God
- anxiety and worry
- doubt, dissapointment

Wow!!! The world's music as absolutely no good benefits at all!!!

And the music of the world, is truly mainly based on entertainment, rather than worshipfulness towards God.
It (the world's music) is there to please the flesh.
And trust me, it does not motivate you to holiness!!!
And in God, you have a good life, a life of holiness and caring for people.
Now yes wordly people will show a type of care for others, but it is done through self empowerment, rather than God empowerment.
Here are some of the types of wordly music, and what they tend to produce.
Country music: Tends to produce, sometimes wordly sorrow, usually because of lyrics, also it can produce, depending on type of beat, or the way the instruments are
played,
sexual arousement, selfish ambition, and a type of boogie woogie attitude.
It provokes to dancing, either slow dancing, upbeat dancing such as a hodown, and sexually aroused dancing to some degree etc.
Also it can get people happy but in a selfish way, and also depressed, usually because of lyrics.
It's all based on pleasing self, or arousing the flesh in some way, and even at times self pity.
Rap music: It can produce sexual arousement, a type of rebellious attitude, caused by some of the lyrics and even the types of beats.
In a big way it produces a type of cool dude attitude, which is based on a selfish attitude, making the person the important one or the guy that is it.
It even at times, produces a type of attitude of anger towards the world.
Heavy Metal: It produces a rebellious attitude, an angry attitude, a prideful attitude.
It produces head banging, which truly if someone is honest, does not show a humbleness, but rather a type of chaotic state.
It gets people to even be haywire, lack of self control.
Produces a heavily rebellious attitude, and in some even a phychotic attitude.
Rock & Roll: Produces , in many ways sexual arousement. Often produces a fast kind of dancing, a get up and move type, which arouses or pleases the flesh, but
never produces humbleness, greatfulness, but rather selfishness or selfish flesh.
Does produce a type of rebellious attitude, maybe not as extreme as heavy metal, but nevertheless rebelious.
Produces a egotistically aroused attitude.
And how do I know that these types or styles of music produce these things?
Well I used to listen to these types of music, which was especially rock and heavy metal, but also a bit of rap and country music.
You can say, I've been there, I've done that, but thank God, that God saved me and set me free from these things.
All of these kinds of music, are there for entertainment, and are there to motivate the flesh in a certain direction, which stirs up a kind of lust, whether sexual or not.
Well these days, these types of music are rampant in the church, for today there is Christian country (usually called country gospel) music, Christian rap, Christian rock,
Christian heavy metal etc. etc. etc.
Now the argument is this, is that the style of music does not matter, it's just the lyrics, oh ya!!!
Well if that is true than why does a peticular style of music, arouse certain types of lusts in people? And it can do this without lyrics???
Also then, why did David's music, without the need of lyrics, cause an evil spirit to flee? Rock and Roll surely does not do this, why?
Because it's not made for this purpose, but rather it was made to get people to get up and move to the beat, to the music, and arouses all kinds of thoughts that are
against God's thoughts, so really evil spirits would delight in this kind of music, for it brings about the works of the flesh, or another way you can say it is, the lusts of the
flesh.
And these styles are rapamt in the church, and the fruits are clearly seen.
Now I have been told of how that, in certain churches, they even have dances, to were a man dances with another man's wife, and they have each other's hands on
each other's hips or they have each other's hands around each other's necks, well I must ask, what are you trying to arouse when dancing with another man's wife???
It's sickening what's happening in the church today, the church as a whole is blind!!!
And no, it's not innocent, it's lustful!!! LUSTFULLY AROUSED FLESH!!!
And also another thing that worldy music can produce, is a type of "agitation" within a person's mind.
Now the holy bible says this:
Romans 12:2
(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.)
The bible says to "not" be conformed to this world or to it's image.

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Were not suppose to be like the world, were suppose to be different.

Were not suppose to copy the ways of this world, and conform it to our lives.
Now what does God say that we should sing?
Ephesians 5:19
(19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;)
Here it talks of speaking to ourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, and we can speak to one another's hearts, these things through a spoken form, or
through a singing form.
Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs are songs, and when you do sing these songs, it ought to be in a way to were your making melody in your heart unto the Lord.
So God clearly shows here, what type of songs that he likes, which is psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
What is a spiritual song? Just simply a scripturally sound song, that God has laid upon your heart, plain and simple.
And in what way, form or spirit should we sing these songs?
In the way, form, or spirit of worship.
This is what God says to do.
Psalms 29:2
(2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.)
Does it say, worship God in the lustfulness of your flesh? Or does it say, worship God in the beauty of holiness?
Well it's quite obvious what it says.
Now let's quote a few more scriptures.
Psalms 66:4
(4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.)
It's says to worship here, and one way to do so, is through singing with your voice.
Psalms 150:4
(4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.)
Another way to worship God is through praising him with instruments, and it also says here to praise him with dance, but this is not referring to worldly dancing, but
rather to being jubilant or happy in the Lord, and as a result of this, the Spirit of God might stir you up to dancing before him, simply because your happy in him, and
not because your dancing with somebody else's wife.
It's a personal dance of happiness, between you towards God, it's an expression of praise, which is totally motivated differently, than the world's dancing.
So we can praise God with our voices and instruments, so music is important to God.
And God's music is pure, and brings about good fruits, and no God's music is not country music, it's not rock and roll , it's not rap, nor is it heavy metal, why?
Because God's music is not based upon worldly music, it's music that God stirs up in a person's heart, and it comes out, in a way, that is worship towards God.
Now what is Christian music? Simply put, it's pure music, that is coming out of a Christian's heart.
And this music comes out, in the form of worship.
This music is not a copy of worldly music, nor should it be, for the music should not be the focus, for if a music style is the focus, then the motivation for the music is in
the wrong place, for then it is the music that is being elevated or glorified, rather than God, but the focus should be worship, and being in tune with the Holy Spirit, while
playing music, and then it will be God being glorified, and not the music.
And when you play an instrument, while being submitted to God first, then it becomes true worship, and true Godly music.
Now there may be sometimes to were some worship music may sound similar to country music or even lite rock & roll, but in reality, if it's true worship, it will not be at
all country music, nor lite rock & roll, why?
Well it cannot be, because God's music cannot be conformed to this world's music, and God's music is pure, God does not mix the pure with the unpure.
And you will be able to feel the difference in the music, because it will produce something different than the spirit of country, or the spirit of rock & roll, and it will be
different.
How will it be different? In the way things are played, in the focus things are played in, and in the things it produces.
So no, there is no such thing as Christian rock, Christian rap, or Christian country, there is only Christian worship!!!
And I find it appaling, for people to call God's music country gospel, why would you associate God's holy music, with a man made, worldly "country" music???
Isn't this an abomination to God, to associate the unholy, with the holy?

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And frankly, God never called his music "country", and that alone should give you an hint to why you should not be calling it "country" music.
How flipant, and irrevential we are with God and his things!!!
Remember that God is an Holy God, and we cannot bring an Holy God down to the lustfulness of man's flesh.
Right now, I want to quote a quote from a certain website article.
(http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=6224)
(Fishermen attract fish with bait, and we used music to draw the young people,
but we were there to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christian bands
popular with teens played all during the afternoon and evening in a festive, openair setting.)

This statement, is actually from Billy Graham's website itself, which was talking about this event, his son Franklin, holds for the youth, which is called "Rock the
River".
What they do is invite so-called Christian rock bands, Christian rap bands, Christian heavy metal bands, which is usually based more on Christian rock or hard rock.
Now the next article, is an article to were Franklin Graham answers a question, about the "Rock the River" events.
Which the title of this article is 'Franklin Graham ready to Rock Canada'.
(http://www.canadianchristianity.com/nationalupdates/100408franklin.html)
(Franklin Graham (answering a question):..."Now, music is something that we all
love. I like music, I've got an iPhone -- and what I love about an iPhone, is that I
can download the songs I like. I don't have to buy the whole stinkin' CD for one
song. I think everybody likes music, and we've got these bands that kids like -and I use these bands as a magnet to draw kids."...)

This article is from a Christian website with the title of "canadianchristianity.com" Your National Christian news & ministry source.
So Franklin says that they've got these bands that kids like -- and he uses these bands as a magnet to draw kids.
And in truth, what these "rock the river " concerts are really all about, is using the world's music, but adding Christian lyrics to it (though truthfully not every song even
has Christian lyrics to it, which some of these Christian lyrics are sometimes pretty vague).
Now I heard from some people that there might have been a little bit of truthfully worshipful songs, but whether the case or not, most of it, is all about the use of worldly
music, and blending it in with Christian lyrics.
The purpose is not really worship, but rather giving the teens what they want, rather than what they need, it's appealling to the youth's lusts, and culture, by worldly
means.
Because in truth, alot of youth that do come to these concerts, would not normally come if it was just, truly pure worship music, why? Because it does not appeal to
their flesh, and they want something that will entertain them, and fit their lifestyle, rather than purity of heart, which goes against their lifestyle.
Now can you get youth, to go to a youth conference, which has genuine worship music? Yes you can, and proof of this, is found in the ministry of Gabriel Swaggart.
And a good chunk of youth that go to these types of Youth ministry events, are youth that often times are truly seeking or searching for God.
It's youth, that in general, are more open to God.
Now the majority (there obviously are certain exceptions) that go to the Rock-god concerts, are usually teens who like to get their flesh aroused.
Now there may be exceptions of course, but I can tell you, that it won't profit them.
I do not care what the claims are, of the things that they proclaim happen at these rock music centered youth rallies, if it's not scriptural, then it's not scriptural, and that's
it.
I can say without fear of judgment from God, that these "Rock the River" events, were not brought forth, nor directed by God, but it was brought forth in manipulation.
Now I did listen a bit to one of the "Rock the River" events, and I was appaled.
Now I do not know how much times their may be a good message from Franklin Graham, or a bad message from Franklin Graham, at these events, but just say that
he were to give a good message to the teens, what kind of message would he really be telling them in the end, when using the ways of this world to bring the teens in,
and then give them the message after the concert is finished?
It's like this, give them what they want to get them in, still give them what they want to keep them there, and then give them what they need, at the end of the concert.
You're not suppose to appeal to man's flesh, you're not suppose to give them what they want, but rather give them what they need, or what is good for them, at all
times.
And really, in a certtain degree, the message that is being portrayed, through "Rock the River" , is a message that says: 'ya you can receive Christ' , but you can have
the world also, don't need to change, because you can sing your rock music after your saved!!!
It's a messgae of manipulation, lying to them to get them in, lying to them to keep them in, and then giving them a bit of truth.
You know that's how Satan operates!!!
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I praise God for the pastors that are open to the word, but it seems more and more, that preachers (not all, but most) are hardening their hearts more and more
towards the gospel, and they are creating their own religion.
Here is a severe warning.
Hosea 4:6
(6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast
forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.)
And the reason these people were destroyed for lack of knowledge, was not because they had not heard the truth, but rather because they refused to retain the truth in
their hearts, for they were rejectors of knowledge.
Well these days, even though there may be some pastors that are open, most pastors fit under the categorie of being a rejector of knowledge.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
(3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.)
Most preachers today cannot stand the truth, and if you tell them the truth, a whole lot of them get extremely offended.
And that's not a good sign.
But thank God for the preachers who are truly called of God, who speak truth, and are open to the truth.
Now no, no church is perfect, but then again, every church should be striving towards perfection, towards maturing in Christ.
Now even though there is no perfect church, often times this saying of "there being no perfect church", is used in a manipulative way, which is used to control the flock,
and to make standing on truth, not important.
All of God's truth is important!!!
Now before I leave this study, I just want to cover one more thing.
It concerns the word "preaching".
Today the word "preaching" is being taken, more and more so, as a negative word in alot of churches today.
It has to do with this type of "seeker sensitive" gospel, the world is turned off by preaching, so let's change our tactics.
They think that God's way (they won't say this word for word, but practice this) is not sufficent, but this is what God says:
2 Timothy 4:2
(2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.)
God says to preach the word, so obviously, it's not a negative thing to do.
Also the bible says this:
1 Corinthians 1:21
(21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.)
It's by the foolishness of preaching, that God chose to save men, which men must respond through believing.
But alot of the church is really caught up in a phycology gospel, and truthfully, the next scripture I will quote, describes their gospel.
1 Corinthians 2:4
(4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:)
The part that describes them is, the part that says: "enticing words of man's wisdom", for that is what they use, they try to figure out what makes a man tick, and try to
find a phycholical way to convince the hearer, and also they to try to figure out, through strategies, how to win the world.
This will never produce the power of God in someone's life, and all it will do, is maybe convince a mind, but were here to convince a heart!!!
It's faith in God, that moves the mighty mountain, and not faith in man's wisdom.
Here is another scripture.
Galatians 5:18B
(18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.)
We continuously need the leading of the Spirit (Holy Ghost), but these church leaders who put a negative spin to the word preaching, are actually leading their flock, to
be under the law, which brings man to self dependence, rather than God dependence.
Preaching is not a negative thing, but there are they who preach Christ out of a critical spirit, or a bad type of angered spirit, in this I do not rejoice, but if it is done
through the love of God, then praise God, and in love, sometimes their is righteous anger, which is a right type of anger, which cares about the state of the person, but is
not happy about the sin.

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And there are times, through righteous anger, that there are sharp rebukes done, especially against self righteous, religious leaders.
And what these people, who put a negative spin on the word "preach", are saying, is basically that they do not believe that God's way works, so they have to find a
different way, and what there sins are, is this, unbelief towards God and his ways, and impatience for God to bring in the increase.
There may be other factors also, but these are some of the major ones.
Also what's going on in the churches today, is that there is this movement growing within them, which is called the Alpha course.
Some churches seem to be using this as a form of evangelism, which really is seeking to replace God's way of doing things, and it's not about preaching the message of
the cross, but rather about a "seeker sensitive" attitude in bringing people in.
There is a certain church that I know of, which is going to implement the "Alpha course" in their services, at least for 11 weeks.
Now the main architect of the Alpha course, of the the way it now is, is Nicky Gumbel, and in their services, they have a hole bunch of tables set up for banqueting, and
at each table, their is a leader of that table, and what they do is have their feast, (which seems to be during the service ) then sometime later, they have some so-called
sermon from Gumbel, and then have discusions on things.
Now the way a certain assembly that I know, will implement it, is by having a banquet, maybe just one song in the service, listen to a dvd by Gumbel, then have a
discusion.
Their replacing their services by this!!!
I was very appaled at this, and heard what Gumbel said, and it was a bunch of junk, it was very seeker sensitive, almost no scriptures, and you could easily tell that the
Spirit was not flowing in that place, it was no better than a secular seminar, on a universty campus, it was dead, no life to his words.
And even by looking at the audience, you could see that it was all phycallogical, there was no freedom seen in them, which you see in someone when they are touched
with the Holy Ghost, and the joy of the Lord was not there, it was all just a ritual, it was dry, it was dead, it was fake.
What was said is that people would not go to his services, until he changed the format of it, to a type of drawing the people through a banquet.
First of all, yes there is a time were someone can go to a banquet, but banquets should not be the means of bringing people in, and when we have a service, we are
having a service as unto the Lord, and not for our selfish pleasures, and shouldn't we give God a time of total devotion?
The service is a time for us to worship the Lord with the fruits of our lips, and to get built up in the most holy faith, and yes people can get saved (and do get saved) in
services, and I can tell you one thing, if the Spirit of God is on the scene, in a service, life will be flowing, it will touch hearts, and this life can touch an unbeliever's heart,
and it can convict them of their sin, and people need conviction of sin, we need the presence of the Holy Spirit in our services, and we need to do things God's way,
and not our way.
And in the next quotation, I will show forth that how, the banquet is actually part of the alpha course service.
(http://renewalfellowship.presbyterian.ca/channels/r98141-4.html)
("Alpha" originated in Holy Trinity (Brompton) Anglican Church in London, England, as an evangelistic tool to reach the non-churched community. Alpha quickly
outgrew Holy Trinity Church with people coming from all over England to take this practical and relevant course. In 1993, Nicky Gumbel published a book, Questions
of Life, with a study guide that covered the material and made it more readily accessible to other churches for their use. In 1994, the videotaped teaching sessions were
added and it now became possible for local churches around the world to hold Alpha. Since that time, Alpha has spread around the world with thousands of churches
using this course. There are fifteen sessions in the course of study. At St. Andrew's, we divided these sessions into four components.
1. An Invitational Banquet
Session One: "Christianity, Boring, Untrue, and Irrelevant?" is an introductory session that offers people an opportunity to hear Nicky Gumbel and find out what Alpha
is all about. We hold this introductory session as an invitational banquet. Some former participants in Alpha share their experience of the course. The introductory video
is then played and opportunity is given at the close of the evening for people to sign up for the next series to start in about two week's time. Other churches have held
this introductory session as a wine and cheese party or an evening of fellowship in a person's home. )
Now this website, speaks positively, concerning the Alpha course, and yes the banquet is part of the Alpha course service, and it's not seperate from the service
(though not all churches put it as part of their services).
Now it can happen from time to time that, you have a breakfast before the service, and then clear the area, so to have a service as unto God, but their banquet is part
of the service.
Well this is what the word says, concerning food being in the sanctuary, while having a service as unto the Lord:
1 Corinthians 11:17-22
(17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this?
I praise you not.)
Now in the bible, it shows that, we who are believers are the church (Col 1:24, 1Co 12:27), but in this peticular scripture, it mentions a phrase which says: " when ye
come together 'in the church' ".
Now if we are the church, then how can we be in the church?
Well the reason it says the words coming together in the church, is because even though you are always the church, doesn't mean you're always "in the church",
because being in the church, is referring to the church gathering together as one, so to have a service unto the Lord, which is the action of being in the church.
It's not that we are going to church, for we cannot, for we are the church, but rather it is gathering with the church, with the intent of having a service unto the Lord,
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which makes us being in the church.

So these peticular Corinthians were gathered with brothers and sisters in Christ, in the church, which obviously was for the intent of having a service unto the Lord, but
they gathered in the service, not for the better, but for the worse.
And it seems that some had brought their own supper's with them, which may have been (in some cases) partly bread and grape juice, but it was not for the sake of
partaking of the Lord's supper, and Paul told them: "don't you have houses to eat in or drink in? Or shame ye that have not?".
So obviously, there had to be poor people among them that had not, but the intention of partaking of the grape juice, and bread, in the service, is for the sake of
partaking of the Lord's supper, and not for the sake of eating such things for your supper.
When your in the church, it's not a time of eating your supper in front of every one, but rather it's a time of worshipping the Lord, adoring him, a time of getting fed
spiritually, and even of partaking of the Lord's supper, which is done in remembrance of what Christ has done, and that's partly why Paul said: "don't you have houses
to eat in?"
There is time for eating, there is a time for fellowshipping with the brethren and eating a meal together, but the church service, is totally for God.
And frankly, how can we not reserve a special time for God, don't we reverance him anymore???????
Is our Christianity more about us? Or more about God?
So now we get to the Alpha course part, is the Alpha course more about pleasing God? Or more about appeasing man's flesh? Or being "SEEKER SENSITIVE" ?
I think we clearly have the answer.
God's gospel changes lives, and we need to allow his presence to flow through us, God wants the word to be alive in us, and he wants it to flow through us.
Man's wisdom, or man's strategies, cannot bring life to the word of God, only the Holy Spirit can, and the word says that it is impossible to please God, without faith!!!
God does not want self dependance, but rather God dependance, faith in him, faith in his finished work.
Church come back to the cross, let God change you, crucify the old man, renew your mind, don't lust after how you can make things happen, or how to figure out how
to bring souls to God, all we are, are the water boys sort of speak, but it is God that brings the increase, and we must trust him to bring the increase, I know it's not
always easy to go against the old man, or the temptations of the devil, but you have to refuse to letting yourself to be given to these ways, and victory can only come
one way, and it's through surrendering yourself to what Christ has done for us, and trusting what he has done, believing it with all your heart, but not as a work of
merrits, but rather because it is, it's a fact, it is finish, it's all there for us to take.
Just let patience have her perfect work in your life, and God's patience, is not as men's patience, for in men's patience, there is a certain amount of patience, but then it
runs out, but God's patience never runs out, and letting patience having her perfect work, is rather a lifestyle, rather than having enough of it, and then running out of it,
you just got to let it work in your life, and then it will bring you to place of peace and rest, and it's not a type of patience that will not cause you to action (putting faith
into action), but rather it is a type of patience that will get you away from anxiety and frustration, unto peace and rest in Christ Jesus, for in God's patience, there is no
anxiety, for your conitnuously putting your faith in God, irregardless to circumstances.
It's just wow!!!
And yummy!!! God loves you, and I do to.

Amen.

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