“The writers of the Bible believed their writings to be God inspired but in all actuality that just isn’t the case. The Bible is not to be taken literally as God’s Word.”

I heard the above quote recently on a national call in radio program. The caller told the radio hosts that her pastor was responsible for the above quote. The response from the two host pastors of the program was a rousing, in unison” RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!”

Personally I thought that was good advice. That pastor’s statement dismissing the fact that  the Bible is God’s Word reflects where we can place the bulk of the problems in the Christian church today. The quote from that unnamed pastor can be laid at the feet of many pastors in many denominational, as well as non-denominational, churches around the world.

Why is Christ’s church floundering today?

It is because the Bible, the inerrant word of God Almighty, is not taken seriously let alone literally by many of Christianity’s leaders. If we dismiss any portion of God’s Word by implying it was not God breathed—then all of Scripture becomes a bald face lie.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Apparently the above mentioned pastor’s opinion essentially says that we should simply dismiss the entirety of the Bible as Man’s own mythological tales. If we believe Man just made up the words that established the biblical canon of scripture then the Christian Church has no purpose and is meaningless.

Recently I read that approximately 70 percent of the people who attend church services are not born-again. That number, if accurate, is not only depressing but scary. The idea that some pastors are demeaning, disparaging, and dismissing the Bible’s true validity, and giving man the credit for its inception through his imagination, proves that many people no longer believe what the Bible says.

Therefore that 70 percent  figure referring to the unsaved in the church, again if that number is correct and I suspect it is, would be a very good indication of where the Church is headed. Perhaps we’re already there.

Many expositors condemn those who claim we are witnessing the great apostasy of the Church happening today. But I say when legitimate surveys are done which indicate significant numbers of people in Church are remaining in their lost state, how much more proof is needed before those expositors see what many of us have been aware of for quite some time?

Our foundation of faith is based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What will we do for a replacement for the Bible? Will we turn to The Shack as our study guide? What about The Purpose Driven Life, o r better yet, perhaps the Book of Mormon will be our re-enforcing and permanent new foundation for biblical truth?

Don’t let yourself become deceived by people who have no true biblical discernment.

The Bible is our God given tool, a place where we can go to study and learn about our Great God and Savior, Jesus the Christ. But what of the history of the world both past and future? Studying God’s word to obtain greater understanding, discernment, and wisdom is essential for the born again believer in Christ.

But the new mantra from many pastors today is this: “Listen to me, I’ve got the truth, forget that tired, old antiquated nonsense of our forefathers. The Bible is no longer relevant in our new progressive society.” People, this type of teaching is more commonly referred to as cultic. I’ve known for years that many parts of the Bible are looked on as allegorical in most denominational Christian churches, and that fact alone will be a disrupting and divisive influence to Christ’s true Church in the last days.

But a pastor who claims the Bible is not God’s word is certainly fixated on removing Christ as the foundation for our faith. Tragically, this kind of teaching has now seeped into many congregations.

These days, we’re seeing many new pastors, learned men and women (don’t get me stated on women pastors) who’ve come out of seminaries completely void of any real essence of God’s truth. They then proceed to fill the pulpits of our churches and the messages they deliver week in and week out are nothing more than tripe if they believe not in the inerrancy of the scriptures.

Hence the figure of 70 percent of pew sitters who lack any real conversion experience (by the way, in case you’re wondering, that 70 percent figure comes from the Barna Research Group).

The whole concept of dumbing-down the Church by disparaging the inerrant Word of God is fully, unmistakably satanic, and it started way back when Satan had his first conversation with Eve, “…Yea, hath God said…” Genesis 3:1.

That little piece of satanic rubbish caused Eve to doubt God’s Word and from then on it’s been all downhill (spiritually speaking) for humanity. But not for Satan; he and his demonic hoards must be quite satisfied with their more current achievements.

By infiltrating the minds of the professors in the seminaries and Christian collages, who in turn teach the classes and corrupt the vast majority of students with those old antiquated but effectual lies, Satan and his minions of evil have reached new heights in their attempts at destroying the truth of God’s Word. These newly initiated followers of Satan are now intent on disseminating their new god’s doctrine instead of the One true God’s inerrant word.

If people would simply grasp the fact that there are two opposing supernatural forces involved in the lives of every human being on planet earth, one benevolent and the other malevolent, and understand that one is diametrically opposed to the other, there would be many more followers of Christ on planet Earth.

Mankind, for the most part, knows there’s a very basic concept, a completely recognizable   aspect of life which permeates our very existence. It’s the basic premise of good against evil. What most don’t realize is that this “good vs. evil” concept is supernatural, and the malevolent side focuses their attacks on creating the most deadly of consequences.

These two opposing forces waging continual inter-dimensional war are fighting for one purpose and that is for the sole ownership of human souls.

It’s true; these two opposing forces are stuck in a battle which pits supernatural beings against one another. And even though that battle rages on in another dimension, much of the residual from this war ends up in our human dimension in the form of lies, deceit, hatred; the list goes on and on.

The number one way this fight effects humanity is that the malevolent forces are constantly bombarding us with their lies. Their darkest agenda is to disrupt, disparage, confuse, corrupt, and ultimately destroy the truth of its opponent, the benevolent ones. Which means the truthfulness of the Bible will be continually attacked.

Sadly, many people grasp the enemy’s lies as truth and they become so blinded by these lies that they become adamant in their quest to do the enemy’s biding by re-distributing those lies to others.

The Bible is not only a faithful representation of God’s precepts for the instruction of His children, but it is also a historical document used by many to learn of humanity’s past. The Smithsonian Institute of History, for example, uses the Holy Bible to reference people and places of antiquity.

Even though the people the Bible focuses on are the Jews, archeologists have used the Bible for years in their research to determine the placement of cities, buildings, as well as lost civilizations other than the Israelites. God’s word has been an invaluable tool even for the secular segments of our society.

For the believer in Christ there can be no doubting the Holy Bible is the inerrant word of God. That fact alone should say something about those who stand behind the pulpits of the Christian Churches and claim the Bible to be nothing more than man’s great ability at writing fiction.

We can’t look at God’s word and call it false and then with a straight face claim to be born again. Calling God a liar is certainly not a term of endearment. Going about the routine of pastoring a Christian church while placing doubt in the very word that is to be proclaimed from the pulpit, has and will continue to lead those congregations into unbelief. Certainly, pastors who teach the Bible to be fallible man’s own creation will only add to keeping a Church of lost folks lost. That 70 percent figure will undoubtedly increase exponentially if this type of teaching continues.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:13-15)

Jesus refers to those who lead others astray as ravening wolves. “Ravening” signifies rapacious in the Greek. Pastors, or Church leaders for that matter, who would rather believe Satan over God when it comes to the inerrancy of scriptures are rapacious in their determination to lead  their flocks away from God. Jesus was applying a metaphor by using the word “wolves” in this context as He describes cruel, greedy, rapacious, destructive men and women intent on leading their flocks astray.

If the majority of folks occupying Church pews these days are indeed unsaved sinners, then it becomes even more understandable as to how and why the great apostasy will occur in the end times. Jesus tells us the path that leads to destruction is very wide and many will follow that destructive path.

If a pastor doesn’t believe the Bible he’s not going to preach on salvation through Jesus Christ, and Him alone. He’ll undoubtedly preach on all the different roads that lead to Heaven to placate all the diversity in the pews even though, in truth, he’ll be leading them to hell.

There are, of course, many ways to authenticate the Bible as being the inerrant word of God, but there’s one truth that always comes screaming back to me at times like these. It’s the following verse in which the apostle Paul tell us:

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

There are a lot of natural men and women out there pretending to be faithful shepherds of their assigned flocks. If we don’t believe the Bible then we are no different than the natural man spoken of by Paul.

As a matter of fact, we are just as lost and condemned as that natural man. For those of you whose pastor teaches the same message of the pastor spoken of earlier discrediting the Bible, then my suggestion to you is the same as the statement made by the two radio hosts I wrote    about at  the beginning of this commentary, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

God bless you all,

Ron Graham

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Human beings commit the aforementioned abominations all the time. They are nothing new, neither to Man nor to God. The writer of the proverb above makes it abundantly clear that God  is not at all pleased with these seven weaknesses attributed to us humans. Quite matter-of-factly we’re told God hates them.

Strong word, hate, especially when attributed to a loving and merciful God. We might be confused after reading such an account about God our Savior; it just doesn’t seem to fit who He is. God hates? I’m perplexed. Yet, most Christians know that God’s Word is true, and as such we can, and should, realize He does hate all He considers abominations.

Equally—for the non-believer, that is, is a reaction of hate or even borderline hate from a follower of Jesus Christ. The analysis of a Christian’s hateful attitude by nonbelievers whenever they encounter said hateful Christian would be one that would most assuredly condemn the whole of Christendom.

Christians should also find all that God refers to as abominations just as offensive even admitting to “hating” all that God abhors. But never are we to hate the people whose lives are consumed with committing these abominations. An attitude of hate displayed by a believer in Christ would certainly be offensive to God.

Was there ever a time during Jesus’ ministry when He exhibited hatred toward another person? What about Jesus’ enemies?

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him…Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…’” (Luke 23:33a-34a).

Jesus, during His ministry, was intent on leading everyone He could into an understanding of what the kingdom of God was all about. During His ministry Jesus encountered hate everywhere, but since He is God He never displayed the slightest hint of hate. He was adamant about forgiveness even to those who nailed Him to that cross.

What then should we do when people display hatred toward us?

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 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.” (Matthew 5:43-44)

If Christian’s haven’t learned this simple truth by the time they are off milk and have moved on to the meat of the Word then they had better go back and start again. The command to “love thy enemy” is one of the foundational tenets of our Christian faith. It’s one of the first things we learn as a new believer in Christ, never to be forgotten or half-heartedly adhered to.

We don’t go around murdering abortion doctors because they are murdering babies in the womb, that would be repaying evil for evil. We should pray for them and ask God to convict and change their hearts.

Shedding of innocent blood can certainly be referring to the wholesale murder of babies in the womb. Just imagine how this atrocity must grieve God; followers of Jesus Christ should be just as incensed at this evil. We should hate this atrocity and be involved in movements that are trying, through peaceful means, to stop such action.

But we should never take such desperate action against a fellow human being as to kill them for their participation in these atrocities. Such an extreme response would mean we were allowing hate (Satan) to have authority over our minds and bodies instead of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

Hate is ugly, it’s an ugly word and it’s an ugly reaction. Hate will permeate the body of a believer and destroy his or her very soul if it’s allowed to fester like an open sore. Many people hate Christians—nothing new in that statement. But how should a Christian react to hatred when it is aimed explicitly at them? The knee jerk worldly reaction is to strike back with everything we have as we defend ourselves.

As believers, if we are being physically harmed or attacked we should defend ourselves and our families; we would be remiss if we didn’t. Even if we find ourselves capable of outwitting an antagonist who uses hateful words, love for that person should be expressed through whatever actions we display. Nothing good can be accomplished through an attitude that even remotely resembles hate.

God watched as mankind beat, spit upon, humiliated, and then murdered His only begotten Son. Most humans would retaliate against those who participated in that horror of hate, but not God. God doesn’t hate His creation, He loves us. People who promote hate toward others are not of God.

As a matter of fact they can’t possibly even have read and understood God’s Word and still spew hatred. It’s not possible for born again believers to follow God’s precepts and hate anyone. To love our enemies is a commandment not a suggestion.

Some people hate for no reason, others have a ton of reasons, yet none of them are valid in God’s eyes. If God tells you to love those who hate and persecute you, then love must be the key. Have you ever tried to hate someone you love? It’s not possible.

Yes, you can have argument— even lengthy disagreements; you can become discouraged and even get mad and frustrated with a loved one, but you can’t hate that person. God knew that simple truth and that’s why He commands us to love our enemies. Hate cannot grow or even survive in an atmosphere of love.

“Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.” Psalm 34:21. God is our defender and protector and as the verse above states, God will take appropriate action against those who hate us. There can be no continual blessings from God for those who hate the righteous. If they hate us they must also hate God. Imagine the horrible eternal punishment they will receive if they stay in that mindset until death. They need our prayers not hate.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven:…” (Luke 6:22-23)

Here, Jesus tells us it’s a blessing to be hated for His name sake. Rejoice and leap for joy? How is that possible? By knowing your reward is great in Heaven. God Almighty promises you and me great rewards when we get to heaven. That should be worth enduring all the hate people can throw at us.

“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” (1 John 3:13)

The apostle John is basically saying it should come as no surprise that the world hates those who belong to Christ. Why do they hate us so? Because they hate being convicted of sin and just hearing the Word Christian or Jesus Christ—convicts them. People want to be able to wallow in the muck and the mire of sin without any consequences. They especially don’t want to be told they are doing something against God.

Without a doubt, Christians are being killed every day for one reason: Many people hate Jesus the Messiah so much that they need a release for that hatred, and Jesus’ followers are the perfect target. Until they come to realize Satan is behind their hatred, manipulating their actions, they will remain in that murderous mode.

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:17-18.

Love and hate make impossible bedfellows. Hate in a Christians heart will nullify the precious Gospel of Christ. Get rid of hate before it festers. Christians are to live peaceably with all men. How is that possible if we allow hatred toward our fellow man to rule our hearts? Besides that the enemy will build his stronghold in a Christians life where hated is allowed to dwell.

My dad had a great way of contending with people who displayed hatred toward him. I would say “Dad are you going to let that guy get away with that remark?” My dad’s response was always “Just consider the source and forget it Ron.” Great advice but I would go a step further. Consider that the person is probably not saved and pray for them.

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” (Romans 12:20)

In other words, by loving your enemy you might just help bring him to the Lord. It’s all about loving others the way God loves us—unconditionally. People, for the most part that is, will respond to loving kindness with kindness. What’s that old adage? “You can attract a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

Recompensing evil for evil is contrary to God’s Word. A believer’s life is to be filled with a loving and caring attitude toward our fellow man, evil hateful attitudes are worldly. True believers have been born from above, from God and are no longer of the world.

Is there such a thing as Christian hate? Should there be hate in a Christian’s heart? As I’ve just laid out, hate disrupts lives and destroys the love we hold for one another, even that of our enemies. My answer then is, no. If you are a Christian today and you have hate in your heart, repent and ask the Lord for His help in removing that hate. It is God’s good pleasure to fill you with His love and joy, and in doing so He promises you peace; a much greater possession, in lieu of hate.

My final thought is this: Even using that offensive word (hate) to describe something that you detest should be discouraged. Jokingly proclaiming, “I hate this or I hate that can give rise to an attitude of condoning instead of condemnation of a more severe and less jokingly hateful attitude. There are plenty of other ways to express one’s self without using that particular offensive word. For example, I love this and I love that. Allow love run supreme in your vocabulary.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham