We have spoken a number of times about the “Prosperity Gospel” as well the “Feel Good Gospel” but there are areas that have been missed entirely. Let’s take a look at ourselves and ask the question, what are we listening to?
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we are told, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The Bible does not say that we should be working against the church of Jesus Christ. Instead we should working together within the church of Jesus Christ. We must be supporting those who are in Jesus Christ, not tearing them down. “A house built against itself will not stand.” I see and read about so many people who are focusing their attention on anything that meets their fancy. “Well…the Lord impressed upon my heart…” Then the question is, “Are you truly sure that is what is really happened?” Or could it be your own hopes and desires for all things around you or concerning you? Let me say this: If it is NOT of the Bible─God’s holy Word to us─then that thought or idea needs to be looked at again, only this time through the lens of God’s Word.
Let me assure you, I will get hate mail for this. I understand the world loves to deal with speculation. Look at our gas prices and you will know this is truth. It’s more like gambling in a Las Vegas casino, in deep contrast is the Bible! The Word of God is exacting─without error─which is an attribute that very few will ever understand. Many like to say, “Well we are dealing with ‘subjective’ interests, or the ‘variable interpretations’ by any one individual! Therefore, there is no singular viewpoint to be had, when reading the Bible.”
WRONG! On so many levels that it isn’t even funny!
Introduction of the gray area:
“Well…I just don’t understand why Israel is being so stubborn, with all those poor Palestinians starving like they are!”
“We need to be more ‘tolerant’ of those with less education, they need our support! We need to reach out and help them because they simply don’t understand.”
“We see that Israel is standing in the way of ‘progress’ for these people.”
The list of similar declarations continues on and on seemingly without end. The problem is that these statements are being made primarily by: evangelicals! Let me put it to this way:
Israel is God’s chosen nation. The Jews are God’s chosen people; this is not my own conjecture, God Himself said this!
Replacement Theology doctrine is spreading into and throughout the church. This is what is taught:
God’s people are those who follow Jesus Christ! Therefore, since the Jews do not consider Jesus Christ to be the Son of God─the One and only Savior for this world, the Jews are not God’s chosen people!
Again, this is so WRONG on so many levels that it boggles the mind.
“Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:13-21, emphasis added).
There it is in black and white, for all to see and read and understand. There is NO Replacement Theology! The Jews are God’s chosen people because the Lord God Almighty said so and that should be enough for everyone!
Let’s pause for a moment and think. This is not idle interpretation or anything that needs man’s innate speculative abilities. It is written in the Bible in such a manner as to never be misunderstood. We are not discussing gasoline here — we are talking about what the Bible says about the Jews and the Gentiles. Having said that and now looking through the lens of God’s holy Word, the Jews are still God’s people and that will never change!
If you are willing to research the Jews throughout history you will note they had a very difficult time…just being Jews. Why is that? Because they have been in rebellion to God! This should give you pause. When you are in rebellion to God…life gets really tough. In other words, don’t go down that path, otherwise you will inherit the same reactions in life from others, including God. Again, this is not rocket science.
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:15-17, emphasis added).
Again my friends, there it is in black and white! Let’s get rid of the speculative efforts as far as the Bible is concerned and read it for exactly what it is─the holy Word of God! This is simply the easiest way to think of it, from “God’s mouth to your ears! Can you imagine for a moment what this world would be like if every leader in the world read the Bible, Gods light shining through us and providing light to a darkened world? Reading and accepting the Bible divides us from the rest in this world. It sets us apart and provides a hope that the rest of the world will never know. What is then even more unique, it is a choice we make!
In the Bible we read words that say we are either dead in our trespasses and SIN or we are alive unto righteousness through Jesus Christ. A mesmerizing statement beyond belief! We then understand our failure and why it is more important than ever to follow Jesus Christ. The Bible─Gods holy Word─then provides a sure path to everlasting joy in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God is the same today as yesterday and into tomorrow!