Month: September 2023

Avoiding Cults and Heresy

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10: 1 – 5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

This world is teaming with false prophets and evil men intent on leading people astray. Yet every sheep who calls Christ their master is protected from the influences of false doctrine. They know the truth so well that any pernicious lies are easily recognized. A robust familiarity with the words and teachings of Jesus Christ is a blueprint for the destruction of cult leaders, and the twisted beliefs they interject into the faith. Know the words of the Lord and you will never be deceived by the false pronouncements of unholy men.

Joseph Smith, famous cult leader and founder of the Mormon religion, claimed he had received divine revelations from God. However, his heretical teachings are easily discerned in the light of Christ’s words. For instance, one of the foundations of Mormonism includes the construction of temples; buildings that are considered holy places where only the most sacred of rituals can be performed. These structures however are an abomination to the Lord. We know this because in John chapter 4, a Samaritan woman asks Jesus where the proper place to worship God is (at the temple in Samaria, or at the temple in Jerusalem?] Jesus responded, saying, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know, we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.” [This signaled the end of temple worship.] We are later informed by Peter that, “you also as living stones, are being built up, a spiritual house, a Holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” The Church is a gathering of believers, rather than the buildings in which they meet.

Any teachings that include the construction and use of sacred temples and holy structures are heretical and inconsistent with the voice, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ. The only way to understand what is evil and avoid being led astray, is to possess an intimate knowledge of the Lord. We must know His teachings and recognize His voice, that we may follow Him exclusively, as obedient sheep.

“Lord Father, Lord God in Heaven, we desire to remain in You, and to follow the teachings and example of our Shepherd, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and bring to our remembrance the words of our Messiah. May we know Him completely, and never be led astray by those who seek the destruction of what is good. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Overcoming Trials and Tribulations

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JESUS SPEAKING

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, in this world, every Christian will experience adversity. Although Godly living leads to greater peace, Faith in Christ doesn’t exempt anyone from enduring trials and tribulations. And yet Christians are endowed with the Spirit of the Living God; a source of eternal strength that enables them to overcome any obstacle with joy. This display of supernatural peace in the midst of trials is baffling to those who are beaten down and afflicted by despair. As the struggles of life burn away our defects, a more perfect image of Jesus Christ is revealed.

The cocoon of the Emperor Moth is flask-shaped. In order for the perfect insect to emerge it must force its way through the neck of the cocoon in hours of intense struggling. Many believe that the pressure to which the moth’s body is subjected to during this process is a product of God’s design, which forces the juices into the vessels of the wings. It is said that if an individual intervenes, and prematurely cuts away the cocoon, the moth will emerge with shriveled wings, rendering it incapable of flight. In this case, it seems the struggle is necessary for proper development.

In much the same way, the trials and tribulations that Christians endure in this life are occasions for growth and opportunities for evangelism. Although believers are not exempt from adversity, we are free from despair, immune to destruction, and devoid of hopelessness. When we remain faithful, no matter our circumstances, others will see God in us. Thus in the midst of our worst moments, God can receive His greatest glory.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength to endure and overcome any adversity. In the midst of our trials may we exemplify a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. As we faithfully endure difficulties, help us to grow strong, and to become a more accurate reflection of Your Son. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Accomplishing God’s Will

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JESUS SPEAKING

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6: 38 – 40)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Accomplishing the perfect will of God was always Christ’s primary purpose. Every word He spoke, every miracle He performed, and every message He preached, were all precise manifestations of God’s desires. For those who have accepted the gospel and have been reborn, an overwhelming hunger to fulfill God’s wishes in the present time will become paramount.

As individuals grow older they begin contemplating how their assets might be passed down to their children. Many will record a ‘last will and testament;’ a written document that outlines exactly how they want their valuables to be distributed. If an individual suspects their children might argue or fight over their inheritance, they may choose to appoint a trusted person to be the ‘executor’ of their will. In this case, someone still living is given the task of making sure the will is followed to the letter. If anyone contests the will, an executor will appear in court on behalf of the deceased and make certain that their will is carried out.

Like any good ‘executor,’ those who follow Christ are tasked with carrying out the will of God in this world. We must never deviate from the accomplishment of His desires. We must speak only His truth, no matter how challenging the circumstances might become. If we are committed to spreading the pure gospel, without alteration or compromise, then we will endure persecution, hatred and contempt.

“Lord Heavenly Father may we always do what is pleasing to You. May we spread Your gospel message without changing it in any way. May all of our words and deeds be accurate reflections of Your perfect will. Fill us with your Holy Spirit Lord, that we might be strengthened and prepared for the ministry. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.” God bless all of you!